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 having improved EMC characteristics is provided. The main body (100a) is at least partially accommodated in the housing main body (310a) of the connector part (FC1), and the main body (100b) is at least partially accommodated in the housing main body (310b) of the connector part (FC2). An elastically deformable portion (230) of the relay terminal (200) is elastically deformable in a direction including a component in at least one of a Z-Z 'direction, an X-X' direction, and a Y-Y 'direction, the elastic deformation of the elastically deformable portion (230) displacing the connector portion (FC2) with respect to the connector portion (FC1). A shield body (810) of the shield (800) at least partially covers the connector portion (FC1), the connector portion (FC2), and the elastically deformable portion (230) from at least the Y '-direction side, and a shield body (910) of the shield (900) at least partially covers the elastically deformable portion (230) from the Y-direction side between the connector portion (FC1) and the connector portion (FC2).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a floating connector and a connection structure of connectors. BACKGROUND

[0002] JP2015-185421 describes a conventional connector. The connector includes a housing, a plurality of first terminals, and a plurality of second terminals. The housing includes a insertion port that is substantially rectangular in plan view, a mating chamber that is a cuboid shape, a plurality of first accommodation portions, and a plurality of second accommodation portions. The mating chamber is provided below the insertion port and communicates with the insertion port. The first accommodation portions are provided in a first inner wall on one side in a lateral direction of the mating chamber, and the second accommodation portions are provided in a second inner wall on the other side in the lateral direction of the mating chamber, and the first accommodation portions and the second accommodation portions communicate with the mating chamber.

[0003] The plurality of first terminals each include a base, a circuit board connecting portion, a first elastic arm, a first contact portion, a second elastic arm, and a second contact portion. The base is securely accommodated in the first accommodation portion of the housing. The circuit board connecting portion extends from the base to one side in the lateral direction, and a distal end portion of the circuit board connecting portion is located outside the housing and is connectable to a circuit board. The first elastic arm extends upward from the base. The second elastic arm is provided inside with respect to the first elastic arm and extends upward from the base. The second elastic arm is shorter in length than the first elastic arm. The first contact portion is provided at a distal end portion of the first elastic arm and protrudes from the first accommodation portion to the other side in the lateral direction to be disposed inside the mating chamber. The second contact portion is provided at a distal end portion of the second elastic arm, is disposed below and spaced apart from the first contact portion, and protrudes from the first accommodation portion to the other side in the lateral direction to be disposed inside the mating chamber.

[0004] The plurality of second terminals each include a base, a circuit board connecting portion, a first elastic arm, a first contact portion, a second elastic arm, and a second contact portion. The base is securely accommodated in the second accommodation portion of the housing. The circuit board connecting portion extends from the base to the other side in the lateral direction, and a distal end portion of the circuit board connecting portion is located outside the housing and is connectable to a circuit board. The first elastic arm extends upward from the base. The second elastic arm is provided inside with respect to the first elastic arm and extends upward from the base. The second elastic arm is shorter in length than the first elastic arm. The first contact portion is provided at a distal end portion of the first elastic arm and protrudes from the second accommodation portion to one side in the lateral direction to be disposed inside the mating chamber. The second contact portion is provided at a distal end portion of the second elastic arm, is disposed below and spaced apart from the first contact portion, and protrudes from the second accommodation portion to one side in the lateral direction to be disposed inside the mating chamber.

[0005] When the relay circuit board is inserted into the mating chamber through the connector's insertion port, the first and second contact portions of multiple first terminals elastically contact the relay circuit board from one side in the lateral direction, and the first and second contact portions of multiple second terminals elastically contact the relay circuit board from the other side in the lateral direction. Therefore, the relay circuit board is electrically connected to the connector and is held in a position to tilt in the lateral direction. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] The connector described above does not have any housing, shielding, or other components covering the casing. Therefore, the effects of electromagnetic waves emitted from the connector on peripheral devices or the effects of electromagnetic waves from peripheral devices on the connector are not taken into account. In other words, the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) characteristics of conventional connectors are not considered.

[0008] This invention provides a floating connector and a connector connection structure with improved electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) characteristics.

[0009] Solution to the problem

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, a floating connector includes a first connector portion, a second connector portion, a first shielding member having conductivity, and a second shielding member having conductivity.

[0011] The first connector portion includes a conductive first housing and a first body made of insulating material. The first housing includes a first housing body, which is generally annular or generally U-shaped in cross-sectional view along a first direction and a second direction. The first housing body extends in a third direction. The second direction is substantially orthogonal to the first direction. The third direction is substantially orthogonal to both the first and second directions. The third direction includes one side of the third direction and the other side of the third direction.

[0012] The second connector portion is disposed spaced apart from the first connector portion and located on one side in a first direction relative to the first connector portion. The second connector portion includes a conductive second housing and a second body made of insulating material. The second housing includes a second housing body, which is generally annular or generally U-shaped in cross-sectional view along the first and second directions. The second housing body extends upward in a third direction. The second body is disposed spaced apart from the first body and located on one side in the first direction relative to the first body, and is at least partially housed within the second housing body.

[0013] The floating connector may also include at least one relay terminal.

[0014] The first connector portion may further include a first retainable portion of at least one relay terminal and a first contact portion of at least one relay terminal. The first retainable portion of at least one relay terminal may be retained in the first body. The first contact portion of at least one relay terminal may extend from the first retainable portion of at least one relay terminal to a third-party side and may at least partially protrude from or be exposed from the first body.

[0015] The second connector portion may further include a second retainable portion of at least one relay terminal and a second contact portion of at least one relay terminal. The second retainable portion of at least one relay terminal may be retained in the second body. The second contact portion of at least one relay terminal may extend from the second retainable portion of at least one relay terminal to a third-party side and may at least partially protrude from or be exposed from the second body.

[0016] At least one relay terminal may further include an elastically deformable portion. The elastically deformable portion of the at least one relay terminal may be disposed between a first retainable portion and a second retainable portion. The elastically deformable portion of the at least one relay terminal may elastically deform in a direction including at least one component of a first direction, a second direction, or a third direction, and the elastic deformation of the elastically deformable portion may cause the second connector portion to shift relative to the first connector portion in a direction including at least one component of the first direction.

[0017] The first shielding member includes a first shielding member body. The first shielding member body may at least partially cover the resiliently deformable portion of the first connector portion, the second connector portion, and at least one relay terminal from at least a third-party upward side. The second shielding member may include a second shielding member body, and the second shielding member body may be disposed between the first connector portion and the second connector portion in a first direction, and may at least partially cover the resiliently deformable portion of at least one relay terminal from at least a third-party upward side.

[0018] The second shield can be electrically connected to the first shield.

[0019] According to one aspect of the present invention, the connector connection structure (assembly) includes: a floating connector according to the above aspect; 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 being connectable 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 being connectable to a second connector portion of the floating connector from a third direction side.

[0020] The first mating connector includes a conductive first housing and a first body made of insulating material. The first housing of the first mating connector includes a first housing body, which has a generally annular or generally U-shaped shape in a cross-sectional view along a first and a second direction. The first housing body extends upward in a third direction and at least partially accommodates the first body of the first mating connector. When the first connector portion of the floating connector is connected to the first mating connector, the first housing of the floating connector is electrically connected to the first housing of the first mating connector.

[0021] The second mating connector includes a second body made of insulating material and a conductive second housing. The second housing of the second mating connector includes a second housing body, which has a generally annular or generally U-shaped shape in a cross-sectional view along a first and a second direction. The second housing body extends upward in a third direction and at least partially accommodates the second body of the second mating connector. When the second connector portion of the floating connector is connected to the second mating connector, the second housing of the floating connector is electrically connected to the second housing of the second mating connector.

[0022] The first mating connector may also include at least one first terminal made of conductive material.

[0023] At least one first terminal may include a first retainable portion, a first contact portion, and a first pin portion. The first retainable portion of the at least one first terminal may be retained within the first body of the first mating connector. The first contact portion of the at least one first terminal may extend to the opposite side in a third direction and may at least partially protrude from or be exposed from the first body of the first mating connector. The first pin portion of the at least one first terminal may be disposed relative to the first body of the first mating connector on one side in a third direction, one side in a first direction, or the opposite side of the first direction, 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 portion of at least one relay terminal of the floating connector may contact the first contact portion of at least one first terminal of the first mating connector.

[0024] The second mating connector may further include at least one second terminal made of a conductive material. The at least one second terminal may include a second retainable portion, a second contact portion, and a second pin portion. The second retainable portion of the at least one second terminal may be retained within the second body of the second mating connector. The second contact portion of the at least one second terminal may extend to the opposite side in a third direction and at least partially protrude from or be exposed from the second body of the second mating connector. The second pin portion of the at least one second terminal may be disposed relative to the second body of the second mating connector on one side in a third direction, one side in a first direction, or the opposite 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 at least one relay terminal of the floating connector may contact the second contact portion of at least one second terminal of the second mating connector.

[0025] Beneficial effects of the invention

[0026] In the floating connector described above, a first body of the first connector portion is at least partially housed within a first housing body of a first housing, a second body of the second connector portion is at least partially housed within a second housing body of a second housing, a first shielding body of the first shielding member at least partially covers the resiliently deformable portions of the first connector portion, the second connector portion, and at least one relay terminal from a third-party direction, and a second shielding body of the second shielding member is disposed between the first connector portion and the second connector portion, and at least partially covers the resiliently deformable portion of at least one relay terminal from a third-party direction. These configurations improve the EMC characteristics of the floating connector. Because the connection structure described above includes a floating connector, it provides the same technical features and effects as the floating connector itself. Attached Figure Description

[0027] FIG. 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.

[0028] FIG. 1B This is a perspective view of the front, bottom, and left side of the floating connector in the first embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 1C This is a perspective view of the rear, top, and right sides of the floating connector of the first embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 1D This is a perspective view of the rear, bottom, and left side of the floating connector of the first embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 2A It is along FIG. 1AThe first embodiment of the floating connector is shown in a cross-sectional view taken from line 2A-2A.

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

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

[0034] FIG. 2D It is along FIG. 1A A 2D-2D cut-out of the line in the first embodiment of the floating connector is shown in the cross-sectional view.

[0035] FIG. 2E It is along FIG. 1A The first embodiment of the floating connector is shown in a cross-sectional view taken from line 2E-2E.

[0036] FIG. 2F It is along FIG. 1A The first embodiment of the floating connector is shown in a cross-sectional view taken from line 2F-2F.

[0037] FIG. 2G It is along FIG. 1A The first embodiment of the floating connector is shown in a cross-sectional view taken from line 2G-2G.

[0038] FIG. 3A This is an exploded perspective view of the front, top, and right sides of the floating connector of the first embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 3B This is an exploded perspective view of the rear, bottom, and left sides of the floating connector of the first embodiment.

[0040] FIG. 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.

[0041] FIG. 4B This 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.

[0042] FIG. 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.

[0043] FIG. 5BThis 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.

[0044] FIG. 6A It is along FIG. 5B The first embodiment of the connection structure is shown in a cross-sectional view taken by line 6A-6A.

[0045] FIG. 6B It is along FIG. 5B The first embodiment of the connection structure is shown in a cross-sectional view taken by line 6B-6B.

[0046] FIG. 6C It is along FIG. 5B The first embodiment of the connection structure is shown in a cross-sectional view taken by line 6C-6C.

[0047] FIG. 6D It is along FIG. 5B A cross-sectional view of the connection structure of the first embodiment, taken by line 6D-6D.

[0048] FIG. 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.

[0049] FIG. 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.

[0050] FIG. 8A This is a perspective view of the rear, top, and left sides of the first and second mating connectors in the first embodiment.

[0051] FIG. 8B This is a perspective view of the rear, bottom, and right sides of the first and second mating connectors in the first embodiment.

[0052] FIG. 8C This is a perspective view of the front, top, and left sides of the first and second mating connectors in the first embodiment.

[0053] FIG. 8D This is a perspective view of the front, bottom, and right sides of the first and second mating connectors in the first embodiment.

[0054] FIG. 9A It is alongFIG. 8A The first mating connector and the second mating connector of the first embodiment are cut by lines 9A-9A.

[0055] FIG. 9B It is along FIG. 8A The first mating connector and the second mating connector of the first embodiment are cut by line 9B-9B.

[0056] FIG. 9C It is along FIG. 8A The first mating connector and the second mating connector of the first embodiment are cut from line 9C-9C.

[0057] FIG. 9D It is along FIG. 8A The first mating connector and the second mating connector of the first embodiment are cut by line 9D-9D.

[0058] FIG. 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.

[0059] FIG. 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.

[0060] FIG. 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.

[0061] FIG. 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.

[0062] List of reference numerals

[0063] FC: Floating Connector

[0064] FC1: First Connector Section

[0065] 100a: First Subject

[0066] 110a: First main body; 120a: First partition; 130a: Plate; 140a: Side wall

[0067] 210a: First contact portion; 220a: First retainable portion; 240a: First connecting portion

[0068] 300a: First outer casing

[0069] 310a: First outer shell body

[0070] FC2: Second Connector Section

[0071] 100b: Second Subject

[0072] 110b: Second main body; 120b: Second partition; 130b: Plate; 140b: Side wall

[0073] 210b: Second contact portion; 220b: Second retainable portion; 240b: Second connecting portion

[0074] 300b: Second shell

[0075] 310b: Second outer shell body

[0076] 400: Second housing

[0077] 410: Second housing body; 420: First guideable portion, second guideable portion

[0078] 200: Relay terminal

[0079] 230: Elastically deformable part

[0080] 500a: First Holder

[0081] 500b: Second Holder

[0082] 600: Rotating rod

[0083] 610: Rod body; 620: Screw or pin

[0084] 700: First casing

[0085] 710: First shell body

[0086] 711: Part One; 712: Part Two; 713: Part Three

[0087] 720: Maintain part

[0088] 730: Guide

[0089] 740: Separator

[0090] 800: First shielding component

[0091] 810: Main body of the first shielding component

[0092] 811: First shielding component; 812: Second shielding component; 813: Third shielding component

[0093] 900: Second shielding component

[0094] 910: Main body of the second shielding component

[0095] 920a: First connecting part; 920b: Second connecting part; 930: Third connecting part

[0096] MC1: First mating connector; MC2: Second mating connector

[0097] 10: First subject, second subject

[0098] 11: Base; 12: Protrusion; 13: Tubular portion; 14: Abutment portion; 15: Joint protrusion

[0099] 20: First terminal, second terminal

[0100] 21: First contact part, second contact part

[0101] 22: First retainable part, second retainable part

[0102] 23: First pin section, second pin section

[0103] 24: First connecting part, second connecting part

[0104] 30: First outer shell, second outer shell

[0105] 31: First outer shell body, second outer shell body

[0106] 32: First cover, second cover

[0107] 33: First leg, second leg

[0108] B1: First Circuit Board

[0109] B2: Second circuit board Detailed Implementation

[0110] 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.

[0111] First Embodiment

[0112] Now refer to FIGS. 1A-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). FIGS. 1A-4B The connector FC of the first embodiment is shown.

[0113] FIGS. 1A-2C andFIGS. 3A-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). FIGS. 1A-1D and FIGS. 2B-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). FIGS. 1A-2A and FIGS. 2D-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).

[0114] The connector FC includes a first connector portion FC1, a second connector portion FC2, and at least one relay terminal 200 (which may be simply referred to as "at least one terminal 200"). The second connector portion FC2 is disposed at a distance from the first connector portion FC1 and is located on the Z-direction side relative to the first connector portion FC1.

[0115] At least one terminal 200 can be a single terminal 200 or multiple terminals 200. For ease of illustration, at least one terminal 200 is described as multiple terminals 200. However, even when a single terminal 200 is provided, the terminal 200 can be constructed similarly to each terminal 200.

[0116] Each terminal 200 is made of a 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.

[0117] The first retainable portion 220a can be made of a plate extending in the Y-Y' direction (see...). FIG. 2A and FIGS. 3A-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.

[0118] 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...). FIG. 2A and FIGS. 3A-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.

[0119] 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). FIG. 2A and FIGS. 3A-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).

[0120] 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). FIG. 2A and FIGS. 3A-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).

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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). FIG. 2A and FIGS. 3A-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). FIG. 2A and FIGS. 3A-4B It consists of a rod or a bar (not shown).

[0123] 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.

[0124] (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.

[0125] (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...). FIG. 4A and FIG. 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.

[0126] 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...). FIG. 4A and FIG. 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). FIG. 4A and FIG. 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]). FIG. 2A and FIG. 2A ).

[0127] 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).

[0128] 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). FIGS. 2A-3B and FIGS. 2A-3B 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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).

[0131] 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.

[0132] 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).

[0133] (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). FIGS. 1A-3B It is composed of a hexagonal prism (not shown), a cylinder (not shown), etc. The frustum 110a2 of the main body 110a (see reference) FIGS. 2A-3B It extends in the Y' direction from the block 110a1 of the main body 110a.

[0134] 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.

[0135] (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.

[0136] (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.

[0137] (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.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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.

[0141] The connector FC also includes 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 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...)). FIGS. 1A-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. In other words, the first housing body 310a can accommodate the entire first body 100a, or alternatively, can accommodate a portion of the first body 100a, wherein the remaining portion of the first body 100a protrudes from the first housing body 310a in the Y direction and / or Y' direction. The first contact portion 210a and the first retainable portion 220a of the plurality of terminals 200 are at least partially disposed inside the first housing body 310a. In other words, the entire first contact portion 210a and the entire first retainable portion 220a can be disposed inside the first housing body 310a; alternatively, the corresponding portion of the first contact portion 210a on the Y' direction side and the entire first retainable portion 220a can be disposed inside the first housing body 310a, wherein the corresponding portion of the first contact portion 210a on the Y direction side protrudes from the first housing body 310a in the Y direction; alternatively, the corresponding portion of the entire first contact portion 210a and the corresponding portion of the first retainable portion 220a on the Y direction side are disposed inside the first housing body 310a. Internally, a corresponding portion of the first retainable portion 220a on the Y' direction side protrudes from the first housing body 310a in the Y' direction; or alternatively, a corresponding portion of the first contact portion 210a on the Y' direction side and a corresponding portion of the first retainable portion 220a on the Y' direction side may be disposed inside the first housing body 310a, wherein a corresponding portion of the first contact portion 210a on the Y' direction side protrudes from the first housing body 310a in the Y direction, and a corresponding portion of the first retainable portion 220a on the Y' direction side protrudes from the first housing body 310a in the Y' direction. The dimension of the first housing body 310a in the Y-Y' direction may be larger than the dimension of the first body 100a in the Y-Y' direction. The portion of the first housing body 310a located on the Y direction side relative to the first body 100a 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.

[0142] 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.

[0143] The connector FC also includes a second connector portion FC2. 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.

[0144] 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).

[0145] 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]). FIG. 2A Alternatively, 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.

[0146] 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).

[0147] (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.

[0148] (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.

[0149] (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).

[0150] (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).

[0151] 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.

[0152] 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.

[0153] The second body 100b may or may not include the plate 130b and / or a pair of sidewalls 140b.

[0154] The second connector portion FC2 also includes 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]). FIG. 2GAlternatively, 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.

[0155] 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...) FIGS. 1A-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. In other words, the second housing body 310b may accommodate the entire second body 100b, or alternatively, may accommodate a portion of the second body 100b, wherein the remaining portion of the second body 100b protrudes from the second housing body 310b in the Y direction and / or Y' direction. The second contact portion 210b and the second retainable portion 220b of the plurality of terminals 200 are at least partially disposed within the second housing body 310b. In other words, the entire second contact portion 210b and the entire second retainable portion 220b can be disposed within the second housing body 310b; alternatively, the corresponding portion of the second contact portion 210b on the Y' direction side and the entire second retainable portion 220b can be disposed within the second housing body 310b, wherein the corresponding portion of the second contact portion 210b on the Y direction side protrudes from the second housing body 310b in the Y direction; alternatively, the entire second contact portion 210b and the corresponding portion of the second retainable portion 220b on the Y direction side can be disposed within the second housing body 310b. Within 0b, a corresponding portion of the second retainable portion 220b on the Y' direction side protrudes from the second housing body 310b in the Y' direction; or alternatively, a portion of the second contact portion 210b on the Y' direction side and a portion of the second retainable portion 220b on the Y' direction side may be disposed within the second housing body 310b, wherein a corresponding portion of the second contact portion 210b on the Y' direction side protrudes from the second housing body 310b in the Y direction, and a corresponding portion of the second retainable portion 220b on the Y' direction side protrudes from the second housing body 310b in the Y' direction. The dimension of the second housing body 310b in the Y-Y' direction may be larger than the dimension of the second body 100b in the Y-Y' direction. The portion of the second housing body 310b located on the Y direction side relative to the second body 100b defines a second connection space. Note that 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 in the second connection space of the second housing body 310b.

[0156] 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.

[0157] 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.

[0158] 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...). FIGS. 1A-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.

[0159] 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.

[0160] 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...). FIG. 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...). FIG. 2FThe 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.

[0161] 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.

[0162] 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.

[0163] 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.

[0164] 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.

[0165] 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...). FIGS. 1A-3B ).

[0166] 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.

[0167] 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.

[0168] 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.

[0169] 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.

[0170] 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.

[0171] 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.

[0172] 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.

[0173] 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.

[0174] 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...). FIG. 2B 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.

[0175] 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.

[0176] 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...). FIG. 2G 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). FIGS. 1A-3BThe 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.

[0177] 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.

[0178] 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...). FIGS. 1A-3B ).

[0179] 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.

[0180] 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...). FIGS. 1A-3B and FIGS. 1A-3BTherefore, 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.

[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 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.

[0182] 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.

[0183] 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.

[0184] 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.

[0185] 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.

[0186] 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.

[0187] 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.

[0188] 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.

[0189] The first housing 700 may further 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.

[0190] 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.

[0191] The first housing 700 itself can be omitted.

[0192] 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.

[0193] The connector FC also includes 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), or may include an insulating material (e.g., an insulating resin) 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. The first shielding element body 810 includes a first shielding element portion 811. The first shielding element body 810 may also include a second shielding element portion 812 and a third shielding element portion 813. When the first shielding element body 810 includes the first shielding element portion 811, the second shielding element portion 812, and the third shielding element portion 813, the first shielding element body 810 has a generally U-shaped profile in cross-sectional views along the X-X' and Y-Y' directions.

[0194] 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 at least partially 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. In other words, the first shielding portion 811 can cover the entire first portion 711 of the first housing 700, the entire first connector portion FC1, the entire second connector portion FC2, and the entire elastically deformable portion 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 from the Y' direction side; alternatively, the first shielding portion 811 can cover a portion of the first portion 711 of the first housing 700, a portion of the first connector portion FC1, a portion of the second connector portion FC2, and corresponding portions of the elastically deformable portions 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 from the Y' direction side; or alternatively, the first shielding portion 811 can cover the entirety of at least one of the first portion 711 of the first housing 700, the first connector portion FC1, the second connector portion FC2, or the elastically deformable portions 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 from the Y' direction side, but may not cover a portion of the remaining at least one of them. In the absence of a first housing 700, the first shielding portion 811 is configured to at least partially 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. In other words, the first shielding portion 811 may cover the entire first connector portion FC1, the entire second connector portion FC2, and the entire elastically deformable portion 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 from the Y' direction side; alternatively, the first shielding portion 811 may cover a portion of the first connector portion FC1, a portion of the second connector portion FC2, and corresponding portions of the elastically deformable portions 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 from the Y' direction side; or alternatively, the first shielding portion 811 may cover the entirety of at least one of the first connector portion FC1, the second connector portion FC2, or the elastically deformable portions 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 from the Y' direction side, but may not cover a portion of the remaining at least one of them from the Y' direction side.

[0195] 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 at least partially 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. In other words, the second shielding portion 812 can cover the entire second portion 712 of the first housing 700, the entire first connector portion FC1, the entire second connector portion FC2, and the entire elastically deformable portion 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 from the X-direction side; alternatively, the second shielding portion 812 can cover a portion of the second portion 712 of the first housing 700, a portion of the first connector portion FC1, a portion of the second connector portion FC2, and corresponding portions of the elastically deformable portions 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 from the X-direction side; or alternatively, the second shielding portion 812 can cover the entirety of at least one of the second portion 712 of the first housing 700, the first connector portion FC1, the second connector portion FC2, or the elastically deformable portions 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 from the X-direction side, but may not cover a portion of the remaining at least one of them from the X-direction side. In the absence of a first housing 700, the second shielding portion 812 is configured to at least partially 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. In other words, the second shielding portion 812 may cover the entire first connector portion FC1, the entire second connector portion FC2, and the entire elastically deformable portion 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 from the X-direction side; alternatively, the second shielding portion 812 may cover a portion of the first connector portion FC1, a portion of the second connector portion FC2, and a corresponding portion of the elastically deformable portion 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 from the X-direction side; or alternatively, the second shielding portion 812 may cover the entirety of at least one of the first connector portion FC1, the second connector portion FC2, or the elastically deformable portion 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 from the X-direction side, but may not cover a portion of the remaining at least one of them from the X-direction side.

[0196] 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 at least partially 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. In other words, the third shielding portion 813 may cover the entire third portion 713 of the first housing 700, the entire first connector portion FC1, the entire second connector portion FC2, and the entire elastically deformable portion 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 from the X' direction side; alternatively, the third shielding portion 813 may cover a portion of the third portion 713 of the first housing 700, a portion of the first connector portion FC1, a portion of the second connector portion FC2, and a corresponding portion of the elastically deformable portion 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 from the X' direction side; or alternatively, the third shielding portion 813 may cover the entirety of at least one of the third portion 713 of the first housing 700, the first connector portion FC1, the second connector portion FC2, or the elastically deformable portion 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 from the X' direction side, but may not cover a portion of the remaining at least one of them from the X' direction side. Without the first housing 700, the third shielding portion 813 is configured to at least partially 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. In other words, the third shielding portion 813 can cover the entire first connector portion FC1, the entire second connector portion FC2, and the entire elastically deformable portions 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 from the X' direction side; alternatively, the third shielding portion 813 can cover a portion of the first connector portion FC1, a portion of the second connector portion FC2, and corresponding portions of the elastically deformable portions 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 from the X' direction side; or alternatively, the third shielding portion 813 can cover the entirety of at least one of the first connector portion FC1, the second connector portion FC2, or the elastically deformable portions 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 from the X' direction side, but may not cover a portion of the remaining at least one of them from the X' direction side.

[0197] Note that the second shielding part 812 and / or the third shielding part 813 may be omitted.

[0198] 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.

[0199] 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. FIGS. 1A-3B The 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.

[0200] 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. FIGS. 1A-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.

[0201] Each third locking member 840 is a generally L-shaped bend located 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. FIGS. 1A-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.

[0202] 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. FIG. 3AThe 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.

[0203] Note that multiple locking components can be omitted.

[0204] The connector FC also includes 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 or may not be electrically connected to the first shield 800 (if provided).

[0205] The second shielding member 900 includes a second shielding member body 910 having 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 at least partially covers the elastically deformable portions 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 from the Y-direction side. The second shielding member body 910 may cover the entire elastically deformable portion 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 from the Y-direction side, or may cover a specific portion of the elastically deformable portion 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.

[0206] With at least one second wall 320b provided with the second housing 300b, and the second connector portion FC2 in its normal position, the second shielding body 910 can be positioned relative to at least one second wall 320b on the Y-direction side, and at a predetermined distance (a predetermined straight-line distance in the Y-Y' direction) from at least one second wall 320b. The second connector portion FC2 is displaced by the predetermined distance in the Y-direction such that at least one second wall 320b abuts against the second shielding body 910. Therefore, the displacement of the second connector portion FC2 in the Y-direction side is limited to the predetermined distance. Note that the second shielding body 910 can be positioned at a distance greater than the predetermined distance from at least one second wall 320b.

[0207] 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.

[0208] At least one first connecting portion 920a may be, for example, at least one spring extending from at least one shielding member to the first housing 300a and being elastically deformable, and may be in elastic contact with the first housing 300a.

[0209] In the case where at least one first connection portion 920a is located at the second shield 900 (see...) FIG. 3A 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 elastically deformable in the X-X' direction, and may elastically 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 the X' direction side. At least one first connecting portion 920a may be bent such that it, in whole or in part (e.g., the distal portion on the Y' direction side), has a generally V-shape, which protrudes 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 such that it, in whole or in part (e.g., the distal portion on the Y' direction side), has a generally arcuate shape, which protrudes toward at least one first wall 320a (if provided) or first housing body 310a of the first housing 300a.

[0210] 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.

[0211] 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 elastically deformable in the X-X' direction, 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.

[0212] 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.

[0213] Regardless of whether at least one first connecting portion 920a is provided 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 includes 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. At least one first connecting portion 920a may be omitted.

[0214] 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.

[0215] At least one second connection portion 920b may be, for example, at least one spring extending from at least one shielding member to the second housing 300b and being elastically deformable, and may be in elastic contact with the second housing 300b.

[0216] In the case where at least one second connection portion 920b is disposed in the second shield 900 (see...) FIG. 3A 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 elastically deformable in the X-X' direction, and may elastically 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. At least one second connecting portion 920b may be bent such that it, in whole or in part (e.g., the distal portion on the Y' direction side), has a generally V-shape, which protrudes 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 such that it, in whole or in part (e.g., the distal portion on the Y' direction side), has a generally arcuate shape, which protrudes toward at least one second wall 320b (if provided) or second housing body 310b of the second housing 300b.

[0217] 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.

[0218] When at least one second connecting portion 920b is provided 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 elastically deformable in the X-X' direction, and may elastically 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. 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 provided) 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 provided) 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.

[0219] 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.

[0220] 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.

[0221] 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.

[0222] At least one third connection portion 930 is, for example, at least one spring member extending from at least one shielding member and elastically deformable, and in elastic contact with another shielding member.

[0223] In the case where at least one third connection portion 930 is provided at the second shield 900 (see...) FIGS. 1A-11BAt least one third connecting portion 930 may be at least one spring member extending from the second shield body 910 in the Y' direction and elastically deformable in the X-X' direction, and may elastically contact the first shield body 810 of the first shield 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 shield body 810 of the first shield 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 shield body 810 of the first shield 800.

[0224] 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.

[0225] The second shielding portion 812 of the first shielding body 810 may be provided with a protrusion 812a protruding in the X' direction (see...). FIGS. 5A-7BThe 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 FIGS. 5A-11BThe 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.

[0226] The third shielding portion 813 of the first shielding body 810 may be provided with a protrusion 813a protruding in the X direction (see reference). FIGS. 5A-6DThe 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 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.

[0227] 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.

[0228] 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.

[0229] 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 that extends from the first shield body 810 to the second shield body 910 and is elastically deformable, 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.

[0230] 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.

[0231] 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.

[0232] 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.

[0233] 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.

[0234] After assembling multiple terminals 200 to the first body 100a, the first housing 300a is prepared.

[0235] 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.

[0236] 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.

[0237] This assembly includes the first connector section FC1.

[0238] 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.

[0239] 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.

[0240] After assembling the plurality of terminals 200 to the second body 100b as described above, the second housing 300b is prepared.

[0241] 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.

[0242] 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.

[0243] 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.

[0244] 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.

[0245] 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.

[0246] 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.

[0247] 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.

[0248] 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.

[0249] With a first housing 700 provided, the first housing 700 is prepared. A first shielding member 800 is prepared. With a plurality of first locking members 820 provided in the first shielding member 800, 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 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 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 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.

[0250] 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.

[0251] 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.

[0252] 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.

[0253] 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.

[0254] 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.

[0255] 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 at least partially 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 at least partially 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 at least partially 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.

[0256] 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.

[0257] 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.

[0258] Prepare a second shield 900. 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 at least partially covers the elastically deformable portions 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 from the Y direction side.

[0259] 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.

[0260] 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.

[0261] 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).

[0262] 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.

[0263] 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.

[0264] 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.

[0265] If the second shielding element 900 is omitted, the steps related to the second shielding element 900 are omitted.

[0266] The non-limiting connector FC is manufactured as described above.

[0267] In the case of the floating connector FC as described above, the following technical features and effects (1) to (5) are obtained.

[0268] Technical Features and Effects (1): The connector FC described above has improved EMC characteristics for the following reasons. The first body 100a of the first connector portion FC1, the first contact portion 210a of at least one terminal 200, and the first retainable portion 220a are at least partially housed in the first housing body 310a of the first housing 300a. The second body 100b of the second connector portion FC2, the second contact portion 210b of at least one terminal 200, and the second retainable portion 220b are at least partially housed in the second housing body 310b of the second housing 300b. The first shielding body 810 of the first shielding member 800 at least partially covers the first connector portion FC1, the second connector portion FC2, and the elastically deformable portion 230 of at least one terminal 200 from at least the Y' direction side. The second shielding body 910 of the second shielding member 900 disposed between the first connector portion FC1 and the second connector portion FC2 covers the first connector portion FC1, the second connector portion FC2, and the elastically deformable portion 230 of at least one terminal 200 from the Y direction side. These constructions improve the EMC characteristics of the connector FC.

[0269] When the first shield 800 and the second shield 900 are electrically connected to each other, the connector FC has further improved EMC characteristics. Furthermore, when at least one of the first shield 800 or the second shield 900 includes at least one third connecting portion 930, the at least one third connecting portion 930 is electrically connected to the other shield. This facilitates the electrical connection between the first shield 800 and the second shield 900. Moreover, when at least one third connecting portion 930 is at least one spring member extending from the second shield body 910, the electrical connection between the first shield 800 and the second shield 900 can be easily established by making at least one third connecting portion 930 elastically contact the first shield body 810 of the first shield 800. When at least one third connecting portion 930 is at least one spring member extending from the first shield body 810, the electrical connection between the first shield 800 and the second shield 900 can be easily established by making at least one third connecting portion 930 elastically contact the second shield body 910.

[0270] When at least one of the first shielding members 800 or the second shielding member 900 includes at least one first connecting portion 920a, at least one shielding member is electrically connected to the first housing 300a via at least one first connecting portion 920a. When the first shielding member 800 and the second shielding member 900 are electrically connected to each other, not only one shielding member but also the other shielding member is electrically connected to the first housing 300a. These configurations further improve the EMC characteristics of the connector FC. Furthermore, when at least one first connecting portion 920a is a spring member extending from the second shielding member body 910, the second shielding member 900 can be electrically connected to the first housing 300a simply by making at least one first connecting portion 920a resiliently contact at least one first wall 320a (if provided) or the first housing body 310a of the first housing 300a. In the case where at least one first connecting portion 920a is at least one spring member extending from the first shield body 810, the first shield 800 can be electrically connected to the first housing 300a simply by making at least one first connecting portion 920a resiliently contact at least one first wall 320a (if provided) or the first housing body 310a.

[0271] When at least one of the first shielding members 800 or the second shielding member 900 includes at least one second connecting portion 920b, at least one shielding member is electrically connected to the second housing 300b via at least one second connecting portion 920b. When the first shielding member 800 and the second shielding member 900 are electrically connected to each other, not only one shielding member but also the other shielding member is electrically connected to the second housing 300b. These configurations further improve the EMC characteristics of the connector FC. Furthermore, when at least one second connecting portion 920b is at least one spring member extending from the second shielding member body 910, the second shielding member 900 can be electrically connected to the second housing 300b simply by making at least one second connecting portion 920b resiliently contact at least one second wall 320b (if provided) or the second housing body 310b of the second housing 300b. In the case that at least one second connecting portion 920b is at least one spring member extending from the first shield body 810, the first shield 800 can be electrically connected to the second housing 300b simply by making at least one second connecting portion 920b resiliently contact at least one second wall 320b (if provided) or the second housing body 310b of the second housing 300b.

[0272] Technical features and effects (2): When the floating connector FC is arranged such that the second connection portion 920b on the X direction side is in elastic contact with the second wall 320b on the X direction side (if provided) or with the second housing body 310b, and the second connection portion 920b on the X' direction side is in elastic contact with the second wall 320b on the X' direction side (if provided) or with the second housing body 310b, even when the second connector portion FC2 is displaced from its normal position in a direction including at least one of the at least one of the directions, the arrangement maintains at least one of the second connection portion 920b on the X direction side or the second connection portion 920b on the X' direction side in elastic contact (electrical connection) with the second housing 300b.

[0273] More specifically, when the second connector portion FC2 shifts from its normal position in a direction including the X-direction component, the second connecting portion 920b on the X-direction side further elastically deforms in the X-direction direction, thereby maintaining elastic contact with the second wall 320b (if provided) or the second housing body 310b on the X-direction side, and the second connecting portion 920b on the X'-direction side moves back in the X-direction direction, thereby maintaining elastic contact with the second wall 320b (if provided) or the second housing body 310b on the X'-direction side. When the second connector portion FC2 shifts from its normal position in a direction including the X'-direction component, the second connecting portion 920b on the X'-direction side further elastically deforms in the X'-direction direction, thereby maintaining elastic contact with the second wall 320b (if provided) or the second housing body 310b on the X'-direction side, and the second connecting portion 920b on the X-direction side moves back in the X'-direction direction, thereby maintaining elastic contact with the second wall 320b (if provided) or the second housing body 310b on the X'-direction side.

[0274] When the second connector portion FC2 is displaced from its normal position in a direction including the Z-direction or Z'-direction component, the second connecting portion 920b on the X-direction side is in elastic contact with the second wall 320b (if provided) or the second housing body 310b on the X-direction side, and the second wall 320b (if provided) or the second housing body 310b on the X'-direction side is displaced in a direction including the Z-direction or Z'-direction component. Furthermore, when the second connecting portion 920b on the X'-direction side is in elastic contact with the second wall 320b (if provided) or the second housing body 310b on the X'-direction side, the second wall 320b (if provided) or the second housing body 310b on the X'-direction side is displaced in a direction including the Z-direction or Z'-direction component. Therefore, the second connecting portion 920b on the X' direction side remains in elastic contact with the second wall 320b (if provided) or the second housing body 310b on the X' direction side, and the second connecting portion 920b on the X direction side remains in elastic contact with the second wall 320b (if provided) or the second housing body 310b on the X direction side.

[0275] When the second connector portion FC2 is displaced from its normal position in a direction including the Y direction or the Y' direction component, the second connecting portion 920b on the X direction side is in elastic contact with the second wall 320b (if provided) or the second housing body 310b on the X direction side, and the second wall 320b (if provided) or the second housing body 310b on the X' direction side is displaced in a direction including the Y direction or the Y' direction component. Therefore, the second connecting portion 920b on the X' direction side remains in elastic contact with the second wall 320b (if provided) or the second housing body 310b on the X' direction side, and the second connecting portion 920b on the X direction side remains in elastic contact with the second wall 320b (if provided) or the second housing body 310b on the X direction side.

[0276] In addition, the second connecting portion 920b on the X-direction side and the second connecting portion 920b on the X'-direction side provide a retaining force to prevent the displacement of the second connector portion FC2 relative to the first connector portion FC1 from exceeding a predetermined range of movement in the X-X' direction, at least in the direction including the X-X'-direction component.

[0277] Technical Features and Effects (3): When the second connector portion FC2 is movable relative to the first connector portion FC1 in at least a direction including the Y-Y' direction component, in the state where the second connector portion FC2 is in its normal position, the second shielding body 910 is disposed on the Y-direction side relative to at least one second wall 320b of the second housing 300b, and is at a predetermined distance from at least one second wall 320b of the second housing 300b. When the second connector portion FC2 is displaced a predetermined distance in the Y direction, at least one second wall 320b thereby abuts against the second shielding body 910. This configuration prevents the displacement of the second connector portion FC2 relative to the first connector portion FC1 in the Y-Y' direction from exceeding the predetermined distance.

[0278] Technical features and effects (4): When the second shielding member 900 includes a pair of third connecting portions 930 and the pair of third connecting portions 930 includes corresponding windows 940, the pair of third connecting portions 930 can be inserted into the receiving grooves 712a of the second portion 712 and the receiving grooves 713a of the third portion 713 of the first housing 700 by pressing the end face of the window 940 on the Y' direction side with a clamp. This facilitates the operation of inserting the pair of third connecting portions 930 into the receiving grooves 712a and 713a. Furthermore, when the pair of third connecting portions 930 are locked in the receiving grooves 712a and 713a, the operation of inserting the pair of third connecting portions 930 into the receiving grooves 712a and 713a is further facilitated.

[0279] Technical features and effects (5): When the second shield 900 includes a pair of third connecting portions 930 and the second shield portion 812 and the third shield portion 813 of the first shield 800 are respectively provided with protrusions 812a and 813a, from the moment the pair of third connecting portions 930 are inserted into the receiving grooves 712a of the second portion 712 and the receiving grooves 713a of the third portion 713 until they are fully received or locked in the receiving grooves 712a and 713a, the distal ends of the pair of third connecting portions 930 The second shield portion 812 and the third shield portion 813 of the first shield body 810 move partially in the Y' direction without contacting the second shield portion 812 and the third shield portion 813, or slide in the Y' direction on the second shield portion 812 and the third shield portion 813; and when the pair of third connecting portions 930 are fully received or locked in the receiving grooves 712a and 713a, the distal portions of the pair of third connecting portions 930 elastically contact the protrusions 812a of the second shield portion 812 and the protrusions 813a of the third shield portion 813. This arrangement ensures that when the pair of third connecting portions 930 are fully received or locked in the receiving grooves 712a and 713a, the pair of third connecting portions 930 elastically contact the second shield portion 812 and the third shield portion 813 of the first shield body 810 with a predetermined contact pressure.

[0280] Now refer to FIGS. 5A-6B The connection structure (combination) of the connector is described according to several embodiments (including the first embodiment of the present invention and its variations). FIGS. 7A-9A The connection structure of the connector according to the first embodiment is shown.

[0281] 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. FIGS. 9D-11B The first mating connector MC1 and the second mating connector MC2 of the connection structure of the first embodiment are shown. FIGS. 5A-5BThe first circuit board B1 and the second circuit board B2 of the connection structure of the first embodiment are shown.

[0282] FIGS. 6B-6D , FIGS. 7A-8D and FIGS. 9B-11B The Z-Z' direction is shown. FIGS. 5A-6A , FIG. 6C , FIG. 6D and FIGS. 7A-8D The X-X' direction is shown. FIGS. 9A-9C , FIGS. 10A-11B , FIGS. 9A-9D , FIGS. 8A-10B , FIGS. 8A-10B and FIG. 6A The Y-Y' direction is shown.

[0283] 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.

[0284] 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.

[0285] 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.

[0286] 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.

[0287] Protrusion 12 is made of a polygonal prism (e.g., a tetrahedral prism (see also...) FIG. 6B 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.

[0288] 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.

[0289] 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.

[0290] 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...). FIG. 7A 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]). FIG. 7B The 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.

[0291] The first and second sidewalls of the tubular portion 13 may be provided with a first slit 13a and a second slit 13a, respectively.

[0292] 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.

[0293] 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.

[0294] 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.

[0295] 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.

[0296] The first mating connector MC1 also includes at least a first terminal 20. The at least one first terminal 20 can be a single first terminal 20 or a plurality of first terminals 20. For ease of description, at least one first terminal 20 is described as a plurality of first terminals 20. However, in the case of a single first terminal 20, the first terminal 20 can be constructed in the same manner as each of the first terminals 20.

[0297] 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.

[0298] Each first terminal 20 includes a first contact portion 21, a first retainable portion 22, and a first pin portion 23. Each first terminal 20 may also include a first connection portion 24.

[0299] 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.

[0300] 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). FIGS. 9A-11B and FIG. 7A , FIG. 7B and FIG. 11A as well as FIG. 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.

[0301] 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.

[0302] 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.

[0303] 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.

[0304] 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...), FIGS. 1A-3B , FIG. 6B , FIGS. 8A-10B and FIGS. 8A-10BEach 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.

[0305] 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).

[0306] 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).

[0307] 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.

[0308] 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.

[0309] The first mating connector MC1 also includes a conductive first housing 30. 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.

[0310] 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 outer shell body 31 are exposed to the interior of the first outer shell body 31 from the first slit 13a and the second slit 13a, respectively.

[0311] 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.

[0312] 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.

[0313] 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.

[0314] 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.

[0315] 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.

[0316] A first housing (which is either the first housing 300a of the first connector portion FC1 or the first housing 30 of the first mating connector MC1) may include at least one first connecting portion 330a. In the first connected state described above, at least one first connecting portion 330a of one first housing is in elastic contact with the first housing body of the other first housing.

[0317] In the case where the first housing 300a of the first connector portion FC1 includes at least one first connecting portion 330a, the at least one first connecting portion 330a can be formed by cutting out a portion of the first housing body 310a and bending that portion outward (e.g., to the X-direction side, X'-direction side, or Z'-direction side) of the first housing body 310a. Alternatively, the at least one first connecting portion 330a can extend from the end of the first housing body 310a on the Y-direction side and fold in the Y' direction. In any of these configurations, the at least one first connecting portion 330a functions as an elastically deformable spring. Note that... FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B 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 the X-X' direction in a direction that approaches each other. The X-direction side first connecting portion 330a 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 X-direction side first connecting portion 330a can be guided in the guide groove of the sidewall 722 to move in the Y-Y' direction. 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 in the guide groove of the sidewall 723 to move in the Y-Y' direction.

[0318] 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 are respectively received in the first slot 13a and the second slot 13a of the first body 10 of the first mating connector MC1, and are in elastic contact with the first side plate and the second side plate of the first housing body 31 of the first mating connector MC1, respectively. If the tubular portion 13 is omitted, 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 are in elastic contact with the first side plate and the second side plate of the first housing body 31 of the first mating connector MC1, respectively. In any case, in the first connected state, the first housing 300a of the first connector portion FC1 is electrically connected to the first housing 30 of the first mating connector MC1.

[0319] In cases where the first housing 30 of the first mating connector MC1 includes at least one first connecting portion 330a, the at least one first connecting portion 330a can be formed by cutting out a portion of the first housing body 31 and bending that portion toward the inside of the first housing body 31 (e.g., the X-direction side, the X'-direction side, or the Z-direction side). Alternatively, the at least one first connecting portion 330a can extend from the end of the first housing body 31 on the Y'-direction side and be folded in the Y-direction. In any of these configurations, the at least one first connecting portion 330a serves as an elastically deformable spring.

[0320] At least one first connecting portion 330a 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 first side plate of the first housing body 31 and folds towards the X' and Y' directions. The X'-direction side first connecting portion 330a extends from the Y'-direction side end of the second side plate of the first housing body 31 and folds towards the X and Y' directions. In this case, the X-direction side first connecting portion 330a and the X'-direction side first connecting portion 330a of the first housing 30 are respectively received in the first slot 13a and the second slot 13a of the first body 10.

[0321] In the first connected state, the first connecting portion 330a on the X-direction side of the first housing 30 of the first mating connector MC1 extends through the slot in the side wall 722 of the retaining portion 720 of the first connector portion FC1 and elastically contacts the wall on the X-direction side of the first housing body 310a of the first connector portion FC1. The first connecting portion 330a on the X'-direction side of the first housing 30 of the first mating connector MC1 extends through the slot in the side wall 723 of the retaining portion 720 of the first connector portion FC1 and elastically contacts the wall on the X'-direction side of the first housing body 310a of the first connector portion FC1. When the retaining portion 720 is omitted, in the first connected state, the first connecting portion 330a on the X-direction side of the first housing 30 of the first mating connector MC1 elastically contacts the wall on the X-direction side of the first housing body 310a of the first connector portion FC1, and the first connecting portion 330a on the X'-direction side of the first housing 30 of the first mating connector MC1 elastically contacts the wall on the X'-direction side of the first housing body 310a of the first connector portion FC1. In either case, in the first connection state, the first housing 30 of the first mating connector MC1 is electrically connected to the first housing 300a of the first connector part FC1.

[0322] At least one first connecting portion 330a may be omitted. In this case, the tubular portion 13 of the first body 10 may also be omitted. In the first connected state, the distal portion of the first housing body 310a of the first housing 300a of the first connector portion FC1 engages in the first insertion space and contacts the first housing body 31 of the first mating connector MC1. In the first connected state, the first housing 30 of the first mating connector MC1 is electrically connected to the first housing 300a of the first connector portion FC1.

[0323] 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.

[0324] 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.

[0325] 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]). FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B 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.

[0326] 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.

[0327] 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]). FIG. 6A 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.

[0328] 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.

[0329] 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.

[0330] The second mating connector MC2 includes at least one second terminal 20, which can be a single second terminal 20 or multiple second terminals 20. For ease of description, at least one second terminal 20 is described as multiple second terminals 20. However, if a single second terminal 20 is provided, the second terminal 20 can be constructed in the same way as each other.

[0331] 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]). FIG. 6B , FIG. 7A , FIG. 7B and FIGS. 9A-11BAlternatively, 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.

[0332] 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.

[0333] 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). FIG. 7A , FIG. 7B , FIG. 11A , FIG. 11B as well as FIGS. 5A-6D 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.

[0334] 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.

[0335] 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.

[0336] 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...), FIGS. 8A-10B , FIGS. 1A-3B , FIG. 6B and FIG. 7B Each 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.

[0337] 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).

[0338] 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).

[0339] 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.

[0340] 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.

[0341] 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]). FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B 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.

[0342] 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.

[0343] 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 outer shell body 31 are exposed to the interior of the second outer shell body 31 from the first slit 13a and the second slit 13a, respectively.

[0344] 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.

[0345] The second cover 32 of the second housing 30 is a plate continuous with the end of the top plate of the second housing body 31 on the Y-direction side, and at least partially covers the second body 10 from the Y-direction side. The second cover 32 may be omitted.

[0346] 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.

[0347] 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.

[0348] 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.

[0349] A second housing (which is either the second housing 300b of the second connector portion FC2 or the second housing 30 of the second mating connector MC2) may include at least one second connecting portion 330b. In the second connected state described above, at least one second connecting portion 330b of one second housing is in elastic contact with the second housing body of the other second housing.

[0350] In the case where the second housing 300b of the second connector portion FC2 includes at least one second connecting portion 330b, the at least one second connecting portion 330b can be formed by cutting out a portion of the second housing body 310b and bending said portion outwards from the second housing body 310b (e.g., the X-direction side, the X'-direction side, or the Z'-direction side). Alternatively, at least one second connecting portion 330b can extend from the end of the second housing body 310b on the Y-direction side and fold in the Y' direction. In any of these configurations, at least one second connecting portion 330b serves as an elastically deformable spring. Note that... FIG. 7B and FIG. 11A At least one second connecting portion 330b shown includes an X-direction side second connecting portion 330b and an X'-direction side second connecting portion 330b. The X-direction side second connecting portion 330b extends from the Y-direction side end of the X-direction side wall of the second housing body 310b and folds towards the X-direction side and the Y'-direction side. The X'-direction side second connecting portion 330b extends from the Y-direction side end of the X'-direction side wall of the second housing body 310b and folds towards the X'-direction side and the Y'-direction side. The X-direction side second connecting portion 330b and the X'-direction side second connecting portion 330b are elastically deformable in the X-X' direction in a direction approaching each other. The X-direction side second connecting portion 330b 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 X-direction side second connecting portion 330b can be guided in a guide groove of the sidewall 412 to move in the Y-Y' direction. 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 side wall 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 in the guide groove of the side wall 413 to move in the Y-Y' direction.

[0351] In the second connected state, the second connecting portions 330b on the X-direction side and the second connecting portions 330b on the X'-direction side of the second housing 300b of the second connector portion FC2 are respectively received in the first slot 13a and the second slot 13a of the second body 10 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 mating connector MC2. If 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 engages in the second insertion space and contacts the second housing body 31. In either case, in the second connected state, the second housing 300b of the second connector portion FC2 is electrically connected to the second housing 30 of the second mating connector MC2.

[0352] In cases where the second housing 30 of the second mating connector MC2 includes at least one second connecting portion 330b, the at least one second connecting portion 330b can be formed by cutting out a portion of the second housing body 31 and bending said portion toward the inside of the second housing body 310b (e.g., the X-direction side, the X'-direction side, or the Z-direction side). Alternatively, at least one second connecting portion 330b can extend from the end of the second housing body 31 on the Y'-direction side and fold in the Y-direction. In any of these configurations, at least one second connecting portion 330b serves as an elastically deformable spring.

[0353] At least one second connecting portion 330b 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 end of the first side plate of the second housing body 31 on the Y'-direction side and folds towards the X'-direction side and the Y'-direction side. The second connecting portion 330b on the X'-direction side extends from the end of the second side plate of the second housing body 31 on the Y'-direction side and folds towards the X-direction side and the Y'-direction side. In this case, 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 30 are received in the first seam 13a and the second seam 13a of the second body 10.

[0354] In the second connection state, the second connecting portion 330b on the X-direction side of the second housing 30 of the second mating connector MC2 extends through the slot in the side wall 412 of the second housing 400 of the second connector portion FC2 and elastically contacts the wall on the X-direction side of the second housing body 310b of the second connector portion FC2. Similarly, the second connecting portion 330b on the X'-direction side of the second housing 30 of the second mating connector MC2 extends through the slot in the side wall 413 of the second housing 400 of the second connector portion FC2 and elastically contacts the wall on the X'-direction side of the second housing body 310b of the second connector portion FC2. When the second housing 400 is omitted, in the second connection state, the second connecting portion 330b on the X-direction side of the second housing 30 of the second mating connector MC2 elastically contacts the wall on the X-direction side of the second housing body 310b of the second connector portion FC2, and the second connecting portion 330b on the X'-direction side of the second housing 30 of the second mating connector MC2 elastically contacts the wall on the X'-direction side of the second housing body 310b of the second connector portion FC2. In either case, in the second connection state, the second housing 30 of the second mating connector MC2 is electrically connected to the second housing 300b of the second connector part FC2.

[0355] At least one second connecting portion 330b may be omitted. In this case, the tubular portion 13 of the second body 10 may also be omitted. In the second connected state, the distal portion of the second housing body 310b of the second housing 300b of the second connector portion FC2 engages in the second insertion space and contacts the second housing body 31 of the second mating connector MC2. In the same manner, in the second connected state, the second housing 30 of the second mating connector MC2 is electrically connected to the second housing 300b of the second connector portion FC2.

[0356] 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.

[0357] 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.

[0358] 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.

[0359] 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.

[0360] 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), FIG. 11B , ​ and ​ 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.

[0361] When the first housing 300a of the first connector portion FC1 is provided with a first connecting portion 330a on the X-direction side and a first connecting portion 330a on the X'-direction side, and 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 make elastic contact with 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.

[0362] 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.

[0363] 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.

[0364] 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.

[0365] 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.

[0366] 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.

[0367] 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), ​ , ​ and ​ 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.

[0368] When the second housing 300b of the second connector portion FC2 is provided with a second connecting portion 330b on the X-direction side and a second connecting portion 330b on the X'-direction side, and 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 portions 330b on the X-direction side and the second connecting portions 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 make elastic contact with 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.

[0369] 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 predetermined 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 of the second connector portion FC2 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 mentioned above. This allows the second mating connector MC2 to be easily connected to the second connector portion FC2.

[0370] 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.

[0371] The connection structure including the aforementioned connector FC provides technical features and effects similar to those of the aforementioned connector FC.

[0372] This connection structure also provides the following technical features and effects.

[0373] Technical features and effects (1): In the first connection state described above, the first housing 30 of the first mating connector MC1 is electrically connected to the first housing 300a of the first connector portion FC1 of the connector FC, and in the second connection state described above, the second housing 30 of the second mating connector MC2 is electrically connected to the second housing 300b of the second connector portion FC2 of the connector FC. Therefore, at least the first housing 30 of the first mating connector MC1, the second housing 30 of the second mating connector MC2, the first housing 300a of the first connector portion FC1, and the second housing 300b of the second connector portion FC2 are electrically connected to the ground of the first circuit board B1 and the second circuit board B2. Furthermore, when the first shield 800 and the second shield 900 of connector FC are electrically connected to the first housing 300a of the first connector portion FC1 of connector FC via at least one first connecting portion 910a and / or when the first shield 800 and the second shield 900 of connector FC are electrically connected to the second housing 300b of the second connector portion FC2 of connector FC via at least one second connecting portion 920b, the first shield 800 and the second shield 900 of connector FC are also electrically connected to the ground of the first circuit board B1 and the second circuit board B2 via the first housing 300a of the first connector portion FC1 and / or the second housing 300b of the second connector portion FC2. Therefore, the above-described connection structure has improved EMC characteristics.

[0374] Technical features and effects (2): In the first connection state described above, when at least one first connection portion 330a of one first housing is in elastic contact with the first housing body of another first housing, an electrical connection is easily established between one first housing and another first housing. In the second connection state described above, when at least one second connection portion 330b of one second housing is in elastic contact with the second housing body of another second housing, an electrical connection is easily established between one second housing and another second housing.

[0375] 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.

[0376] The first retainable portion 220a of at least one terminal 200 only needs to be retained in the first body 100a. For example, the first retainable portion 220a of at least one terminal 200 can be inserted into and retained by the first body 100a. The first retainable portion 22 of at least one first terminal 20 of the first mating connector MC1 also only needs to be retained in the first body 10, and can be inserted into and retained by the first body 10.

[0377] The second retainable portion 220b of at least one terminal 200 only needs to be retained within the second body 100b. For example, the second retainable portion 220b of at least one terminal 200 can be inserted into and retained by the second body 100b. The second retainable portion 22 of at least one second terminal 20 of the second mating connector MC2 also only needs to be retained within the second body 10, and can be inserted into and retained by the second body 10.

[0378] The first contact portion 210a of at least one terminal 200 only needs to protrude or be exposed from the first body 100a. The first contact portion 210a of at least one terminal 200 can be accommodated in at least one first receiving groove (not shown) of the first body 100a, and can be exposed or protruding from at least one first receiving groove in the Z' direction, making it visible from the Y direction side. At least one first receiving groove is provided in the first body 100a and opens in the Z' direction. The first contact portion 21 of at least one first terminal 20 of the first mating connector MC1 only needs to protrude or be exposed from the first body 10. The first contact portion 21 of at least one first terminal 20 can be accommodated in at least one first receiving groove (not shown) of the first body 10, and can be exposed or protruding from at least one first receiving groove in the Z direction, making it visible from the Y' direction side. At least one first receiving groove is provided in the first body 10 and opens in the Z direction.

[0379] The second contact portion 210b of at least one terminal 200 only needs to protrude or be exposed from the second body 100b. The second contact portion 210b of at least one terminal 200 can be accommodated in at least one second receiving groove (not shown) of the second body 100b, and can protrude or be exposed from at least one second receiving groove in the Z' direction, making it visible from the Y direction side. At least one second receiving groove is provided in the second body 100b and is open in the Z' direction. The second contact portion 21 of at least one second terminal 20 of the second mating connector MC2 only needs to protrude or be exposed from the second body 10. The second contact portion 21 of at least one second terminal 20 can be accommodated in at least one second receiving groove (not shown) of the second body 10, and can protrude or be exposed from at least one second receiving groove in the Z direction, making it visible from the Y' direction side. At least one second receiving groove is provided in the second body 10 and is open in the Z direction.

[0380] 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 portion 23 of at least one first terminal 20 of the first mating connector MC1 can extend from the first retainable portion 22 in the Y direction, disposed on the Y direction side relative to the first body 10, and connected to at least one first electrode 1 of the first circuit board B1, the first electrode 1 being a surface electrode; or alternatively, it can extend from the first retainable portion 22 in the Z direction, disposed on the Z direction side relative to the first body 10, and connected to at least one 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.

[0381] 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. In this orientation, the second pin portion 23 of at least one second terminal 20 of the second mating connector MC2 can extend in the Y direction from the corresponding second retainable portion 22, disposed on the Y direction side relative to the second body 10, and connected to at least one second electrode 1 of the second circuit board B2, the second electrode 1 being a surface electrode; or alternatively, it can extend in the Z direction from the second retainable portion 22, disposed on the Z direction side relative to the second body 10, and connected to at least one 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.

[0382] The number of the plurality of first terminals 20 of the first mating connector MC1 and / or the number of the plurality of second terminals 20 of the second mating connector MC2 may differ from the number of at least one terminal 200 of the connector FC. Alternatively, the number of at least one first terminal 20 of the first mating connector MC1 and / or the number of at least one second terminal 20 of the second mating connector MC2 may differ from the number of at least one terminal 200 of the connector FC.

[0383] The connector FC may also include a support member in place of at least one relay terminal 200. The first connector portion FC1, the second connector portion FC2 and the support member may be modified as described below, and in other respects, the connector FC may be constructed as described above.

[0384] 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 and a first contact portion. The first retainable portion of the at least one first terminal is constructed similarly to the first retainable portion 220a of the at least one relay terminal 200 and is retained within the first body 100a of the first connector portion FC1. The first contact portion of the at least one first terminal (which is constructed similarly to the first contact portion 210a of the at least one relay terminal 200) protrudes or is exposed from the first body 100a. The at least one first terminal may also include a first pin portion. If the first connector portion FC1 can be mounted on a first circuit board, the first pin portion can be connected to the first circuit board. If the first connector portion FC1 can be connected to a first cable, the first pin portion can be connected to the first cable.

[0385] 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 and a second contact portion. The second retainable portion of the at least one second terminal is constructed similarly to the second retainable portion 220b of the at least one relay terminal 200 and is retained within the second body 100b of the second connector portion FC2. The second contact portion of the at least one second terminal (which is constructed similarly to the second contact portion 210b of the at least one relay terminal 200) protrudes or is exposed from the second body 100b. The at least one second terminal may also include a second pin portion. If the second connector portion FC2 can be mounted on a second circuit board, the second pin portion can be connected to the second circuit board. If the second connector portion FC2 can be connected to a second cable, the second pin portion can be connected to the second cable.

[0386] The support member is located between the first connector portion FC1 and the second connector portion FC2, or alternatively, between the first circuit board on which the first connector portion FC1 is mounted and the second circuit board on which the second connector portion FC2 is mounted. The support member is made of an elastic body (such as a leaf spring, other types of springs, or rubber components) to support the second connector portion FC2 in a manner that allows the second connector portion FC2 to move 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; At least one relay terminal, said at least one relay terminal being made of conductive material; A first shielding element that is conductive; as well as A second shielding element that is conductive, wherein, The first connector portion includes: A first outer casing, the first outer casing being conductive and comprising a first outer casing body, the first outer casing body being annular or U-shaped in a cross-sectional view along the first and second directions, the first outer casing body extending upward in a third direction, wherein the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction, and The third direction is orthogonal to both the first direction and the second direction; A first body, the first body being made of insulating material and at least partially housed within the first outer shell body; The first retainable portion of the at least one relay terminal, the first retainable portion being held within the first body; and The first contact portion of the at least one relay terminal extends from the first retainable portion of the at least one relay terminal toward the third-direction side and at least partially protrudes or is exposed from the first body. The second connector portion includes: The second housing is conductive and includes a second housing body, which is annular or U-shaped in a cross-sectional view along the first and second directions, and extends upward in the third direction. The second body, which is made of insulating material, is disposed in a relationship spaced apart from the first body and located on the side of the first direction relative to the first body, and is at least partially housed in the second outer shell body; The second retainable portion of the at least one relay terminal, the second retainable portion being held within the second body; and The second contact portion of the at least one relay terminal extends from the second retainable portion of the at least one relay terminal toward the third-direction side and at least partially protrudes or is exposed from the second body. The at least one relay terminal also includes an elastically deformable portion located between the first retainable portion and the second retainable portion. The elastically deformable portion of the at least one relay terminal is capable of elastic deformation in a direction including a component of 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 component of the at least one direction. The first shielding member includes a first shielding member body, and the first shielding member body at least partially covers the first connector portion, the second connector portion, and the elastically deformable portion of the at least one relay terminal from at least one side in the direction of the third party. The second shielding member includes a second shielding member body, which is disposed between the first connector portion and the second connector portion in the first direction, and at least partially covers the elastically deformable portion of the at least one relay terminal from the third direction.

2. The floating connector according to claim 1, wherein, The first shielding component body includes: The first shielding portion at least partially covers the first connector portion, the second connector portion, and the elastically deformable portion of the at least one relay terminal from the third side; The second shielding portion, from one side in the second direction, at least partially covers the first connector portion, the second connector portion, and the elastically deformable portion of the at least one relay terminal; and The third shielding portion at least partially covers the first connector portion, the second connector portion, and the elastically deformable portion of the at least one relay terminal from the other side of the second direction.

3. The floating connector according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the first shielding member or the second shielding member further includes at least one first connection portion electrically connected to the first housing, and At least one of the first shielding member or the second shielding member further includes at least one second connection portion electrically connected to the second housing.

4. The floating connector according to claim 3, wherein, The at least one first connecting portion is at least one spring member extending from at least one of the first shielding body or the second shielding body to the first housing and in elastic contact with the first housing, and The at least one second connecting portion is at least one spring member that extends from at least one of the first shielding body or the second shielding body to the second housing and is in elastic contact with the second housing.

5. The floating connector according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The at least one second connecting portion includes a pair of second connecting portions, the pair of second connecting portions including a main second connecting portion and a sub-second connecting portion, and The main second connecting portion elastically contacts the second housing from one side of the second direction, and the secondary second connecting portion elastically contacts the second housing from the other side of the second direction.

6. The floating connector according to claim 5, wherein, The second housing also includes a pair of second walls extending from the second housing body to the other side in the first direction, the pair of second walls including a main second wall and a secondary second wall, and The main second connecting portion is in elastic contact with the main second wall from one side of the second direction, and the secondary second connecting portion is in elastic contact with the secondary second wall from the other side of the second direction.

7. The floating connector according to claim 1, wherein, The elastically deformable portion of the at least one relay terminal is capable of elastic deformation in a direction including at least the third-party component, 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 at least the third-party component. The second housing also includes at least one second wall extending from the second housing body to the other side in the first direction. The second shielding member body is disposed on the other side of the third direction relative to the at least one second wall and is at a predetermined distance from the at least one second wall. The second connector portion is shifted a predetermined distance relative to the first connector portion in the direction including at least the third-direction component, such that the at least one second wall of the second housing abuts against the second shielding body.

8. The floating connector according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the first shielding member or the second shielding member further includes at least one third connection portion electrically connected to the other shielding member.

9. The floating connector of claim 8, further comprising a first housing made of insulating material, wherein, The first housing includes: The first housing body includes a first part, a second part, and a third part; A retaining portion, the retaining portion being used to retain the first connector portion; and A guide member that guides the second connector portion in such a way that the second connector portion can move in a direction including a component of the at least one direction. The first shielding component body includes: A first shielding portion, wherein the first shielding portion at least partially covers the first portion of the first housing body from the third party to the other side; The second shielding portion, which at least partially covers the second portion of the first housing body from one side in the second direction; and The third shielding portion, which at least partially covers the third portion of the first housing body from the other side of the second direction, The second shielding member includes the at least one third connecting portion, and the at least one third connecting portion includes a pair of third connecting portions, the pair of third connecting portions including a main third connecting portion and a secondary third connecting portion. The main third connecting portion is a spring member extending from the second shielding body towards the third direction on one side, and elastically contacts the second shielding portion of the first shielding member from the other side or the first side in the second direction. The third connecting portion is a spring member extending from the second shielding body to the third direction on one side, and elastically contacts the third shielding portion of the first shielding member from the second direction on one side or the other side.

10. The floating connector according to claim 9, wherein, The second connector portion also includes a second housing, which is made of insulating material and holds the second outer shell. The guide of the first housing is configured to guide the second housing in such a way that the second housing can move in the direction including the component of the at least one direction.

11. The floating connector according to claim 9, wherein, The second portion of the first housing body includes a side surface on one side in the second direction, and the side surface on that side in the second direction is provided with a receiving groove extending upward from the third side. The third portion of the first housing body includes a side surface on the other side in the second direction, and the side surface on the other side in the second direction is provided with a receiving groove extending upward from the third side. The main third connecting portion is at least partially received in the receiving groove of the second portion from the third side, and includes a bent portion that bends at 90 degrees relative to the second shielding body, and the bent portion of the main third connecting portion is provided with a window formed through the bent portion of the main third connecting portion. The sub-third connecting portion is at least partially accommodated in the receiving groove of the third portion from the third side, and includes a bent portion that bends 90 degrees relative to the second shielding body, and the bent portion of the sub-third connecting portion is provided with a window formed through the bent portion of the sub-third connecting portion.

12. The floating connector according to claim 9, wherein, The second portion of the first housing body includes a side surface on one side in the second direction, and the side surface on that side in the second direction is provided with a receiving groove extending upward from the third side. The third portion of the first housing body includes a side surface on the other side in the second direction, and the side surface on the other side in the second direction is provided with a receiving groove extending upward from the third side. The second shielding portion of the first shielding component body is provided with a protrusion, the protrusion of the second shielding component portion protruding to the other side in the second direction and located in the receiving groove of the second portion. The third shielding portion of the first shielding component body is provided with a protrusion, the protrusion of the third shielding component portion protruding towards one side in the second direction and located in the receiving groove of the third portion. With the main third connecting portion accommodated and locked in the receiving groove of the second portion, the main third connecting portion elastically contacts the protrusion of the second shielding portion from the other side in the second direction, and With the sub-third connecting portion accommodated and locked in the receiving groove of the third portion, the sub-third connecting portion elastically contacts the protrusion of the third shielding portion from the side in the second direction.

13. A connector connection structure, the connection structure comprising: The floating connector according to claim 1 or 2; First circuit board; The second circuit board is arranged at a distance from the first circuit board and is located on one side in a first direction relative to the first circuit board; A first mating connector is mounted on the first circuit board and can be connected to the first connector portion of the floating connector from a third-party side. 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: A first housing, the first housing being conductive and comprising a first housing body extending upward in the third party, and having an annular or U-shaped shape in a cross-sectional view along the first and second directions; A first body, the first body being made of insulating material and at least partially housed within the first outer shell body; and At least one first terminal, said at least one first terminal being made of a conductive material and comprising: A first retainable portion is retained within the first body of the first mating connector; The first contact portion extends toward the other side in the direction of the third party, and At least partially protruding or exposed from the first body of the first mating connector; and A first pin portion, wherein the first pin portion 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. With the first connector portion of the floating connector connected to the first mating connector, the first housing of the floating connector is electrically connected to the first housing of the first mating connector, and the first contact portion of the at least one relay terminal of the floating connector is in contact with the first contact portion of the at least one first terminal of the first mating connector. The second mating connector includes: The second housing is conductive and includes a second housing body that extends upward in the third direction and has an annular or U-shaped shape in a cross-sectional view along the first and second directions. The second body, which is made of insulating material and is at least partially housed within the second outer casing body; and At least one second terminal, said at least one second terminal being made of a conductive material and comprising: The second retainable portion is retained in the second body of the second mating connector; The second contact portion extends toward the other side in the direction of the third party. And at least partially protruding from or exposed from the second body of the second mating connector; and The second pin portion, which is disposed on one side of the second body of the second mating connector in the third direction, on one side of the first direction, or on 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 housing of the floating connector is electrically connected to the second housing of the second mating connector, and the second contact portion of the at least one relay terminal of the floating connector contacts the second contact portion of the at least one second terminal of the second mating connector.

14. The connection structure according to claim 13, wherein, The first housing of the floating connector or one of the first housings of the first mating connector further includes at least one first connecting portion. With the first connector portion of the floating connector connected to the first mating connector, at least one first connecting portion of one first housing is in elastic contact with the first housing body of the other first housing. The second housing of the floating connector or the second housing of the second mating connector includes at least one second connecting portion, and When the second connector portion of the floating connector is connected to the second mating connector, at least one second connecting portion of the one second housing is in elastic contact with the second housing body of the other second housing.

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