Floating connector

Abstract

To provide a floating connector that comprises a structure capable of actualizing a large floating amount.SOLUTION: A floating connector 100 comprises a fixed housing 200, a fixed shell 300, a terminal 400, a movable housing 500, a movable shell 600, and a restriction part. The fixed shell 300 is provided with a first shell contact part. The movable shell 600 is fitted to the movable housing 500. The movable shell 600 is provided with a second shell contact part. At least one of the first shell contact part and second shell contact part has elasticity. The first shell contact part and second shell contact part contact each other in a vertical direction by the use of elasticity of at least one of them. The restriction part restricts the second shell contact part from moving to leave the first shell contact part in the vertical direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a floating connector provided with a movable shell.

Background Art

[0002] Referring to FIGS. 22 to 24, Patent Document 1 discloses a floating connector 900 of this type. The floating connector 900 includes a fixed housing 910, a first shield (fixed shell) 920, terminals 930, a movable housing 940, and a second shield (movable shell) 950. The fixed shell 920 is attached to the fixed housing 910 and partially covers the fixed housing 910. The fixed shell 920 has a fixed-side held portion 922. The terminals 930 have a fixed-side held portion (first held portion) 931, a movable-side held portion (second held portion) 932, an intermediate elastic portion (connecting portion) 933, a tip elastic portion (support portion) 934, and a contact portion (contact point) 935. The first held portion 931 is held by the fixed housing 910. The second held portion 932 is held by the movable housing 940. The connecting portion 933 is elastically deformable and connects the first held portion 931 and the second held portion 932. The support portion 934 extends from the second held portion 932 and supports the contact point 935. The movable housing 940 is movable with respect to the fixed housing 910 by utilizing the elastic deformation of the connecting portion 933. The movable shell 950 is manufactured by punching and bending a plate material. The movable shell 950 is attached to the movable housing 940 and partially covers the movable housing 940. The movable shell 950 has a movable-side shield portion 951, an elastic support portion 952, and a second-side contact portion 954 formed at the tip of the elastic support portion 952. The second-side contact portion 954 elastically contacts the fixed-side held portion 922 from the inner side in the X direction. Thereby, the movable shell 950 and the fixed shell 920 are electrically connected.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-93250 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] In the floating connector 900 of Patent Document 1, increasing the amount of floating of the movable housing 940 requires increasing the amount of elastic displacement of the elastic support portion 952 of the movable shell 950. On the other hand, as mentioned above, since the movable shell 950 is manufactured by punching and bending sheet metal, the movable side shield portion 951 and the elastic support portion 952 inevitably have the same thickness. In order to ensure the strength of the movable side shield portion 951, the thickness of the sheet metal must be ensured to a certain extent, and there is naturally a limit to how much the thickness of the elastic support portion 952 can be reduced. Therefore, in order to increase the amount of elastic displacement of the elastic support portion 952 in a movable shell 950 manufactured from sheet metal, the spring length of the elastic support portion 952 must be increased. However, increasing the spring length of the elastic support portion 952 leads to an increase in the size of the floating connector 900, which is undesirable. In other words, in the configuration of the floating connector 900 of Patent Document 1, it is not possible to increase the amount of floating of the movable housing 940.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a floating connector that has a structure capable of achieving a large amount of floating. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention provides a first floating connector, A floating connector that is mounted on a circuit board and can be mated with a mating connector in the vertical direction, The floating connector comprises a fixed housing, a fixed shell, terminals, a movable housing, a movable shell, and a restricting portion. The aforementioned fixed shell is fixed to the substrate when the floating connector is mounted on the substrate. The fixed shell is attached to the fixed housing and covers the fixed housing at least partially in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The aforementioned fixed shell is provided with a first shell contact portion. The terminal has a first retained portion, a second retained portion, a connecting portion, a support portion, and a contact point. The first retained portion is held in the fixed housing, The second retained portion is held by the movable housing, The connecting portion is elastically deformable and connects the first held portion and the second held portion. The support portion extends from the second held portion and supports the contact, The movable housing is movable relative to the fixed housing, at least within the horizontal plane, by utilizing the elastic deformation of the connecting portion. The movable shell is attached to the movable housing and covers the movable housing at least partially in the horizontal plane. The movable shell is provided with a second shell contact portion. At least one of the first shell contact portion and the second shell contact portion is elastic, The first shell contact portion and the second shell contact portion are in contact with each other in the vertical direction by utilizing the elasticity of at least one of them. The restricting portion restricts the second shell contact portion from moving away from the first shell contact portion in the vertical direction. We provide floating connectors.

[0007] Furthermore, the present invention provides a second floating connector, which is a first floating connector, Within the movable range of the movable housing, the first shell contact portion and the second shell contact portion are always in contact with each other. We provide floating connectors.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention provides a third floating connector, which is a first or second floating connector, The regulating portion is part of the fixed housing. We provide floating connectors.

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention provides a fourth floating connector, which is any of the first to third floating connectors, The restricting portion restricts the vertical movement of the movable housing, thereby restricting the movement of the second shell contact portion. We provide floating connectors.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention provides a fifth floating connector, which is any of the first to fourth floating connectors, The aforementioned fixed shell has a first flat plate portion, The first shell contact portion is provided on the first flat plate portion, The movable shell has a second flat plate portion, The second flat plate portion faces the first flat plate portion in the vertical direction. The second shell contact portion is provided on the second flat plate portion. We provide floating connectors.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention also includes a sixth floating connector, which is a fifth floating connector, The first flat plate portion is located above the terminal in the vertical direction. The second flat plate portion is located above the first flat plate portion in the vertical direction. We provide floating connectors.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention also includes a sixth floating connector as a seventh floating connector, The aforementioned fixed housing has a housing section, The housing portion at least partially houses the movable housing and the movable shell respectively. The fixed shell further has an additional first flat plate portion. Each of the first flat plate portion and the additional first flat plate portion is located outside the housing portion in the horizontal plane. The movable shell further has an additional second flat plate portion. Each of the second flat plate portion and the additional second flat plate portion is located outside the housing portion in the horizontal plane. The additional second flat plate portion is located above the additional first flat plate portion in the vertical direction and faces the additional first flat plate portion. Provide a floating connector.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] The floating connector of the present invention is configured as follows: a first shell contact portion is provided on the fixed shell; a second shell contact portion is provided on the movable shell; at least one of the first shell contact portion and the second shell contact portion has elasticity; the first shell contact portion and the second shell contact portion are in contact with each other in the vertical direction by utilizing the elasticity of at least one of the first shell contact portion and the second shell contact portion. Thus, different from the floating connector 900 in Patent Document 1, the floating amount of the movable housing of the floating connector of the present invention does not depend on the contact structure between the fixed shell and the movable shell. That is, the floating connector of the present invention has a structure capable of realizing a large floating amount.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing an assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a top view showing the assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a front view showing the assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 4]Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly along line AA. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the floating connector included in the assembly. [Figure 6] This is another perspective view showing the floating connector in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 5 is a top view showing the floating connector. In the figure, the first flat plate portion and the first shell contact portion are indicated by dotted lines. [Figure 8] Figure 5 is a front view showing the floating connector. In the figure, a portion of the floating connector is shown in enlargement. [Figure 9] This is a side view showing the floating connector in Figure 5. [Figure 10] This is a bottom view showing the floating connector in Figure 5. [Figure 11] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the floating connector along the BB line. [Figure 12] This is a magnified cross-sectional view of the area enclosed by the dashed line D of the floating connector in Figure 11. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view showing a magnified view of the area enclosed by the dashed line E of the floating connector in Figure 11. [Figure 14] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the floating connector along the CC line. [Figure 15] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the floating connector. In the figure, the fixed shell is attached to the fixed housing, but the movable shell is not attached to the movable housing. [Figure 16] Figure 15 is another exploded perspective view showing the floating connector. [Figure 17] Figure 15 is a top view showing the fixed shell and fixed housing included in the floating connector. [Figure 18] Figure 17 is a bottom view showing the fixed shell and fixed housing. [Figure 19] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the mating connector included in the assembly. [Figure 20] Figure 19 is a front view showing the mating connector. [Figure 21] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the mating connector along the FF line. [Figure 22] This is a cross-sectional view showing the floating connector of Patent Document 1. [Figure 23] This is another cross-sectional view showing the floating connector in Figure 22. [Figure 24] Figure 22 is a perspective view showing the second shield included in the floating connector. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, the assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a floating connector 100 and a mating connector 700.

[0016] As shown in Figure 4, the mating connector 700 of this embodiment is matable with the floating connector 100 in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the vertical direction is the Z direction. Here, upward is defined as the +Z direction and downward is defined as the -Z direction. The mating connector 700 is mounted on a circuit board (not shown). As shown in Figure 19, the mating connector 700 comprises a mating housing 710, a plurality of mating terminals 750, and a mating shell 720.

[0017] Referring to Figure 21, the mating housing 710 in this embodiment is made of an insulator. The mating housing 710 has a projection receiving portion 712.

[0018] As shown in Figure 21, the projection receiving portion 712 of this embodiment is recessed upward in the vertical direction.

[0019] Referring to Figure 21, each of the mating terminals 750 in this embodiment is made of metal. The mating terminals 750 are held in the mating housing 710. Each of the mating terminals 750 has a mating contact portion 752.

[0020] As shown in Figure 21, the mating contact portion 752 in this embodiment extends in the vertical direction. The mating contact portion 752 is exposed within the protruding portion receiving portion 712.

[0021] Referring to Figure 21, the mating shell 720 in this embodiment is made of metal. The mating shell 720 is held in the mating housing 710. The mating shell 720 partially covers the mating housing 710 in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction is the XY plane.

[0022] Referring to Figure 11, the floating connector 100 of this embodiment is mounted on a circuit board (not shown). Referring to Figure 4, the floating connector 100 can be mated with the mating connector 700 in the vertical direction.

[0023] As shown in Figures 11 and 14, the floating connector 100 comprises a mating connector receiving portion 150, a fixed housing 200, a restricting portion 210, a movable housing 500, a terminal 400, a fixed shell 300, and a movable shell 600.

[0024] As shown in Figure 11, the mating connector receiving portion 150 in this embodiment has an opening at the top in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 4, the mating connector receiving portion 150 receives a part of the mating connector 700 when the floating connector 100 and the mating connector 700 are mated together.

[0025] Referring to Figure 17, the fixed housing 200 in this embodiment is made of an insulator. The fixed housing 200 has a housing portion 220.

[0026] As shown in Figure 17, the housing section 220 in this embodiment is open upward in the vertical direction. Referring to Figures 16 and 17, the housing section 220 is open downward in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 11, the housing section 220 houses at least partially the movable housing 500 and the movable shell 600, respectively.

[0027] As shown in Figure 18, the fixed housing 200 has a plurality of first retaining portions 230.

[0028] Referring to Figure 11, the first retaining portion 230 in this embodiment corresponds to each terminal 400. Each of the first retaining portions 230 is located near the rear end of the fixed housing 200 in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the front-rear direction is the X direction. Also, the front is the +X direction and the rear is the -X direction.

[0029] As shown in Figure 18, the number of restricting portions 210 in this embodiment is two. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of restricting portions 210 may be one. The restricting portions 210 are located at both ends of the fixed housing 200 in the pitch direction. In this embodiment, the pitch direction is the Y direction. The pitch direction is also the left-right direction. Here, the right side is the +Y direction and the left side is the -Y direction. As shown in Figure 16, each of the restricting portions 210 is a plane facing downward in the vertical direction. The restricting portions 210 are part of the fixed housing 200.

[0030] Referring to Figure 15, the movable housing 500 in this embodiment is made of an insulator. The movable housing 500 has a base portion 505 and a protruding portion 520.

[0031] As shown in Figure 11, the base 505 of this embodiment defines the lower end of the movable housing 500 in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 10, the base 505 defines the outer end of the movable housing 500 in the pitch direction. Referring to Figures 11 and 15, the base 505 has two restricted portions 510 and a plurality of second holding portions 5052.

[0032] As shown in Figure 15, the restricted portion 510 in this embodiment is located at both ends of the base portion 505 in the pitch direction. The restricted portion 510 is a plane facing upward in the vertical direction.

[0033] Referring to Figure 11, the second holding portion 5052 in this embodiment corresponds to each terminal 400. Each of the second holding portions 5052 is located near the center in the front-rear direction of the movable housing 500.

[0034] As shown in Figure 11, the projection 520 in this embodiment extends upward in the vertical direction from the base 505. As shown in Figure 4, when the floating connector 100 and the mating connector 700 are mated, the projection 520 is housed in the projection receiving portion 712. As shown in Figure 6, the projection 520 has a plurality of terminal housing portions 521.

[0035] As shown in Figure 11, each of the terminal housing sections 521 in this embodiment is a space that extends in the vertical direction. Each terminal housing section 521 corresponds to a terminal 400. Each terminal housing section 521 houses a portion of the corresponding terminal 400.

[0036] Referring to Figure 15, each of the terminals 400 in this embodiment is made of metal. The terminals 400 have the same shape as each other. The terminals 400 are arranged in the pitch direction. In this embodiment, the arrangement of the terminals 400 is in one row. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the terminals 400 may be arranged in two rows in the front-to-back direction.

[0037] As shown in Figure 11, the terminal 400 has a fixed portion 405, a first held portion 410, a second held portion 420, a connecting portion 430, a support portion 440, a contact 450, and a guide portion 460.

[0038] Referring to Figure 11, the fixed portion 405 of this embodiment is fixed to the substrate by soldering or the like when the floating connector 100 is mounted on the substrate. The fixed portion 405 extends outward in the front-rear direction from the first retained portion 410. That is, the fixed portion 405 extends rearward in the front-rear direction from the first retained portion 410. The fixed portion 405 defines the rear end of the terminal 400 in the front-rear direction. The fixed portion 405 defines the lower end of the terminal 400 in the vertical direction. Referring to Figures 11 and 14, the restricting portion 210 is located above the fixed portion 405 in the vertical direction. The restricting portion 510 is located above the fixed portion 405 in the vertical direction.

[0039] As shown in Figure 11, the first retained portion 410 in this embodiment extends upward in the vertical direction from the fixed portion 405. The first retained portion 410 is held by the fixed housing 200. The first retained portion 410 is held by the first retaining portion 230. More specifically, the first retained portion 410 is press-fitted into the first retaining portion 230.

[0040] As shown in Figure 11, the second retained portion 420 in this embodiment extends upward in the vertical direction from the connecting portion 430. The second retained portion 420 is held by the movable housing 500. The second retained portion 420 is held by the second retaining portion 5052. More specifically, the second retained portion 420 is press-fitted into the second retaining portion 5052.

[0041] As shown in Figure 11, the connecting portion 430 of this embodiment extends forward in the front-rear direction from the first held portion 410. The connecting portion 430 extends rearward in the front-rear direction from the second held portion 420. The connecting portion 430 connects the first held portion 410 and the second held portion 420. The connecting portion 430 is elastically deformable. The movable housing 500 is movable relative to the fixed housing 200, at least in the horizontal plane, by utilizing the elastic deformation of the connecting portion 430. For more details, refer to Figures 10, 11 and 18. The movable housing 500 is movable relative to the fixed housing 200, at least in the horizontal plane, by utilizing the elastic deformation of the connecting portion 430. ru It is capable of movement within the range of motion of the MA (Mobile Armor).

[0042] As shown in Figure 11, the support portion 440 of this embodiment extends from the second retained portion 420. More specifically, the support portion 440 extends upward and forward from the second retained portion 420. The support portion 440 is elastically deformable. The support portion 440 is located within the housing portion 220. The support portion 440 is located within the mating connector receiving portion 150. A portion of the support portion 440 is located within the terminal housing portion 521. The support portion 440 is located above the base portion 505 in the vertical direction. The support portion 440 supports the contact 450. That is, the support portion 440 elastically supports the contact 450.

[0043] As shown in Figure 4, the contact 450 in this embodiment contacts the mating terminal 750 when the floating connector 100 is mated with the mating connector 700. More specifically, when the floating connector 100 is mated with the mating connector 700, the contact 450 contacts the mating contact portion 752. As shown in Figure 11, the contact 450 is located within the housing portion 220. The contact 450 is located within the mating connector receiving portion 150. The contact 450 is located outside the terminal housing portion 521. More specifically, the contact 450 is located in front of the terminal housing portion 521. The contact 450 is supported by the support portion 440. As described above, because the support portion 440 is elastically deformable, the contact 450 is movable in the front-rear direction. The contact 450 faces forward in the front-rear direction. Referring to Figures 11 and 14, the restricting portion 210 is located below the contact 450 in the vertical direction. The restricted portion 510 is located below the contact 450 in the vertical direction.

[0044] Referring to Figure 4, the guide portion 460 in this embodiment guides the mating terminal 750 when the floating connector 100 is mated with the mating connector 700. As shown in Figure 11, the guide portion 460 extends from the contact 450. That is, the guide portion 460 extends upward and backward from the contact 450. The guide portion 460 defines the upper end of the terminal 400 in the vertical direction. The upper end of the guide portion 460 is a free end. The upper end of the guide portion 460 is located within the terminal housing portion 521.

[0045] Referring to Figure 15, the fixed shell 300 in this embodiment is made of metal. The fixed shell 300 is fixed to the substrate when the floating connector 100 is mounted on the substrate. The fixed shell 300 is attached to the fixed housing 200. The fixed shell 300 covers the fixed housing 200 at least partially in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The fixed shell 300 defines the outer end of the floating connector 100 in the front-rear direction.

[0046] As shown in Figures 8 and 15, the fixed shell 300 has a front plate portion 330, a rear plate portion 340, and a plurality of first flat plate portions 310.

[0047] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the front plate portion 330 of this embodiment has a flat plate shape perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The front plate portion 330 is located in front of the rear plate portion 340 in the front-rear direction. The front plate portion 330 defines the front end of the floating connector 100 in the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 11, the front plate portion 330 is located in front of the fixed housing 200 in the front-rear direction. The front plate portion 330 is located in front of the movable housing 500 in the front-rear direction. The front plate portion 330 is located in front of the housing portion 220 in the front-rear direction.

[0048] As shown in Figure 8, the front plate portion 330 has two front fixed portions 332.

[0049] As shown in Figure 11, the front fixed portion 332 defines the lower end of the front plate portion 330 in the vertical direction. The front fixed portion 332 defines the lower end of the fixed shell 300 in the vertical direction. The front fixed portion 332 is located below the fixed housing 200 in the vertical direction. The front fixed portion 332 is located below the movable housing 500 in the vertical direction. The front fixed portion 332 defines the lower end of the floating connector 100 in the vertical direction. Each of the front fixed portions 332 is fixed to the substrate when the floating connector 100 is mounted on the substrate.

[0050] As shown in Figure 15, the rear plate portion 340 of this embodiment has a flat plate shape perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The rear plate portion 340 defines the rear end of the floating connector 100 in the front-rear direction. The rear plate portion 340 is located behind any of the first flat plate portions 310 in the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 11, the rear plate portion 340 is located behind the front plate portion 330 in the front-rear direction. The rear plate portion 340 is located behind the fixed housing 200 in the front-rear direction. The rear plate portion 340 is located behind the movable housing 500 in the front-rear direction. The rear plate portion 340 is located behind the housing portion 220 in the front-rear direction.

[0051] As shown in Figure 16, the rear plate portion 340 has two rear fixed portions 342.

[0052] As shown in Figure 11, the rear fixing portion 342 defines the lower end of the rear plate portion 340 in the vertical direction. The rear fixing portion 342 defines the lower end of the fixed shell 300 in the vertical direction. The rear fixing portion 342 is located below the fixed housing 200 in the vertical direction. The rear fixing portion 342 is located below the movable housing 500 in the vertical direction. The rear fixing portion 342 defines the lower end of the floating connector 100 in the vertical direction. Each of the rear fixing portions 342 is fixed to the substrate when the floating connector 100 is mounted on the substrate.

[0053] As shown in Figure 17, the number of first flat plate sections 310 in this embodiment is two. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of first flat plate sections 310 may be one. The first flat plate sections 310 are arranged in the front-rear direction. The housing section 220 is located between the two first flat plate sections 310 in the front-rear direction. Each of the first flat plate sections 310 is located outside the housing section 220 in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. Each of the first flat plate sections 310 is located outside the housing section 220 in the front-rear direction. In the pitch direction, the position of each of the first flat plate sections 310 overlaps with the position of the housing section 220. Referring to Figures 17 and 18, each of the first flat plate sections 310 is located between the two restricting sections 210 in the pitch direction. Figures 12 and 13 As shown, the first flat plate portions 310 are located at the same position relative to each other in the vertical direction. Each of the first flat plate portions 310 is located above the fixed housing 200 in the vertical direction. Each of the first flat plate portions 310 is located above the movable housing 500 in the vertical direction. Each of the first flat plate portions 310 is located above the terminal 400 in the vertical direction. More specifically, each of the first flat plate portions 310 is located above the upper end of the guide portion 460 in the vertical direction. Referring to Figure 15, each of the first flat plate portions 310 is located between the two restricted portions 510 in the pitch direction.

[0054] As shown in Figure 17, each of the first flat plate portions 310 is provided with two first shell contact portions 312. That is, the fixed shell 300 is provided with four first shell contact portions 312. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient if the fixed shell 300 is provided with one first shell contact portion 312. Referring to Figures 12 and 13, each of the first shell contact portions 312 is elastic. Each of the first shell contact portions 312 is elastically deformable in the vertical direction. Each of the first shell contact portions 312 protrudes upward in the vertical direction.

[0055] As shown in Figure 17, the first flat plate portion 310 includes a front first flat plate portion 3102 and a rear first flat plate portion 3104.

[0056] As shown in Figure 11, the front first flat plate portion 3102 of this embodiment is located at the same position as the rear first flat plate portion 3104 in the vertical direction. The front first flat plate portion 3102 is located above the fixed housing 200 in the vertical direction. The front first flat plate portion 3102 is located above the movable housing 500 in the vertical direction. The front first flat plate portion 3102 is located above the terminal 400 in the vertical direction. The front first flat plate portion 3102 is located above the upper end of the guide portion 460 in the vertical direction. The front first flat plate portion 3102 is located in front of the housing portion 220 in the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 17, in the pitch direction, the position of the front first flat plate portion 3102 overlaps with the position of the housing portion 220. The front first flat plate portion 3102 and the rear first flat plate portion 3104 are located at the same position in the pitch direction.

[0057] As shown in Figure 15, the rear first flat plate portion 3104 of this embodiment extends forward in the front-rear direction from the rear plate portion 340. Figure 11 See also Figure 13. The rear first flat plate portion 3104 is located above the fixed housing 200 in the vertical direction. The rear first flat plate portion 3104 is located above the movable housing 500 in the vertical direction. The rear first flat plate portion 3104 is located above the terminal 400 in the vertical direction. The rear first flat plate portion 3104 is located above the upper end of the guide portion 460 in the vertical direction. The rear first flat plate portion 3104 is located behind the housing portion 220 in the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 17, in the pitch direction, the position of the rear first flat plate portion 3104 overlaps with the position of the housing portion 220.

[0058] As shown in Figure 17, the first shell contact portion 312 includes two front first shell contact portions 3122 and two rear first shell contact portions 3124.

[0059] As shown in Figure 17, each of the front first shell contact portions 3122 is provided on the front first flat plate portion 3102. Referring to Figure 12, each of the front first shell contact portions 3122 is elastic. Each of the front first shell contact portions 3122 is elastically deformable in the vertical direction. Each of the front first shell contact portions 3122 protrudes upward in the vertical direction.

[0060] As shown in Figure 17, each of the rear first shell contact portions 3124 is provided on the rear first flat plate portion 3104. Referring to Figure 13, each of the rear first shell contact portions 3124 is elastic. Each of the rear first shell contact portions 3124 is elastically deformable in the vertical direction. Each of the rear first shell contact portions 3124 protrudes upward in the vertical direction.

[0061] As shown in Figure 17, the fixed shell 300 further has a plurality of additional first flat plate portions 320.

[0062] Referring to Figure 15, each of the additional first flat plate portions 320 in this embodiment has a flat plate shape perpendicular to the vertical direction. In this embodiment, there are two additional first flat plate portions 320. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and there may be one additional first flat plate portion 320. The additional first flat plate portions 320 are arranged in the pitch direction. The housing portion 220 is located between the two additional first flat plate portions 320 in the pitch direction. As shown in Figure 8, the two additional first flat plate portions 320 are located at the same position in the vertical direction. The first flat plate portion 310 and the additional first flat plate portion 320 are located at the same position in the vertical direction. Referring to Figures 8 and 14, each of the additional first flat plate portions 320 is located above the fixed housing 200 in the vertical direction. Referring to Figures 11 and 14, each additional first plate portion 320 is located above the movable housing 500 in the vertical direction. Each additional first plate portion 320 is located above the terminal 400 in the vertical direction. Each additional first plate portion 320 is located above the upper end of the guide portion 460 in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 17, each additional first plate portion 320 is located outside the housing portion 220 in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. Each additional first plate portion 320 is located outside the housing portion 220 in the pitch direction. In the front-rear direction, the position of each additional first plate portion 320 overlaps with the position of the housing portion 220. Referring to Figures 17 and 18, each additional first plate portion 320 corresponds to the regulating portion 210. Each of the additional first flat plate portions 320 is located above the corresponding restricting portion 210 in the vertical direction. Referring to Figures 14 and 15, each of the additional first flat plate portions 320 corresponds to a restricted portion 510. Each of the additional first flat plate portions 320 is located above the corresponding restricted portion 510 in the vertical direction.

[0063] As shown in Figure 17, the additional first plate portion 320 includes a right first plate portion 3202 and a left first plate portion 3204.

[0064] As shown in Figure 8, the right first flat plate portion 3202 in this embodiment is located at the same position as the left first flat plate portion 3204 in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 17, the right first flat plate portion 3202 defines the right end of the fixed shell 300 in the left-right direction. The right first flat plate portion 3202 is located to the right of the housing portion 220 in the left-right direction. In the front-rear direction, the position of the right first flat plate portion 3202 overlaps with the position of the housing portion 220. The right first flat plate portion 3202 and the left first flat plate portion 3204 are located at the same position in the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 9, the right first flat plate portion 3202 connects the front plate portion 330 and the rear plate portion 340 to each other. As shown in Figure 14, the right first flat plate portion 3202 is located above the fixed housing 200 in the vertical direction. Referring to Figures 11 and 14, the right first flat plate portion 3202 is located above the movable housing 500 in the vertical direction. The right first flat plate portion 3202 is located above the terminal 400 in the vertical direction. The right first flat plate portion 3202 is located above the upper end of the guide portion 460 in the vertical direction.

[0065] As shown in Figure 17, the left first flat plate portion 3204 in this embodiment defines the left end of the fixed shell 300 in the left-right direction. The left first flat plate portion 3204 is located to the left of the housing portion 220 in the left-right direction. In the front-rear direction, the position of the left first flat plate portion 3204 overlaps with the position of the housing portion 220. Referring to Figures 6 and 15, the left first flat plate portion 3204 connects the front plate portion 330 and the rear plate portion 340 to each other. As shown in Figure 15, the left first flat plate portion 3204 is located above the fixed housing 200 in the vertical direction. Referring to Figures 11 and 15, the left first flat plate portion 3204 is located above the movable housing 500 in the vertical direction. The left first flat plate portion 3204 is located above the terminal 400 in the vertical direction. The left-side first flat plate portion 3204 is located above the upper end of the guide portion 460 in the vertical direction.

[0066] Referring to Figure 15, the movable shell 600 in this embodiment is made of metal. As shown in Figure 11, the movable shell 600 is attached to the movable housing 500. The movable shell 600 covers the movable housing 500 at least partially in the horizontal plane. The movable shell 600 covers the protrusion 520 in the horizontal plane.

[0067] As shown in Figure 15, the movable shell 600 has a peripheral plate portion 630, a press-fit portion 650, and a plurality of second flat plate portions 610.

[0068] figure As shown in Figure 6, the peripheral plate portion 630 is located outside the projection portion 520 in the horizontal plane. The peripheral plate portion 630 surrounds the projection portion 520 in the horizontal plane. As shown in Figure 11, the peripheral plate portion 630 is located within the housing portion 220. The peripheral plate portion 630 defines the outer edge of the mating connector receiving portion 150 in the horizontal plane.

[0069] As shown in Figures 7 and 15, the peripheral plate portion 630 is provided with a plurality of contact portions 640. In this embodiment, there are six contact portions 640. Each contact portion 640 is elastic. Each contact portion 640 is elastically deformable in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 7, each contact portion 640 protrudes into the mating connector receiving portion 150. Referring to Figures 4 and 11, when the floating connector 100 and the mating connector 700 are mated, each contact portion 640 contacts the mating shell 720.

[0070] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the peripheral plate portion 630 of this embodiment has a front portion 632, a rear portion 634, a right portion 636, and a left portion 638.

[0071] As shown in Figure 11, the front portion 632 of this embodiment extends in the vertical direction. The front portion 632 defines the front end of the peripheral plate portion 630 in the front-rear direction. The front portion 632 is located in front of the projection 520 in the front-rear direction. Referring to Figures 11 to 13, the front portion 632 is located between the two first flat plate portions 310 in the front-rear direction. The front portion 632 is located behind the front first flat plate portion 3102 in the front-rear direction. The front portion 632 is located in front of the rear first flat plate portion 3104 in the front-rear direction. Referring to Figures 15 and 16, the front portion 632 connects the right portion 636 and the left portion 638 to each other in the left-right direction.

[0072] As shown in Figure 11, the rear portion 634 of this embodiment extends in the vertical direction. The rear portion 634 defines the rear end of the peripheral plate portion 630 in the longitudinal direction. The rear portion 634 is located behind the projection 520 in the longitudinal direction. Referring to Figures 11 to 13, the rear portion 634 is located between the two first flat plate portions 310 in the longitudinal direction. The rear portion 634 is located behind the front first flat plate portion 3102 in the longitudinal direction. The rear portion 634 is located in front of the rear first flat plate portion 3104 in the longitudinal direction. The projection 520 is located between the front portion 632 and the rear portion 634 in the longitudinal direction. Referring to Figures 15 and 16, the rear portion 634 connects the right portion 636 and the left portion 638 to each other in the left-right direction.

[0073] As shown in Figure 16, the right portion 636 of this embodiment extends in the vertical direction. The right portion 636 defines the right end of the peripheral plate portion 630 in the left-right direction. In the front-rear direction, the right portion 636 connects the front portion 632 and the rear portion 634 to each other. The right portion 636 and the left portion 638 are located at the same position in the front-rear direction.

[0074] As shown in Figure 15, the left portion 638 of this embodiment extends in the vertical direction. The left portion 638 defines the left end of the peripheral plate portion 630 in the left-right direction. In the front-rear direction, the left portion 638 connects the front portion 632 and the rear portion 634 to each other.

[0075] As shown in Figure 7, the contact portion 640 consists of two front contact portions 642 and two rear contact portions 644 It includes a right-side contact portion 646 and a left-side contact portion 648.

[0076] As shown in Figure 15, each of the front contact portions 642 is provided on the front portion 632. Each of the front contact portions 642 is elastic. Referring to Figure 11, each of the front contact portions 642 is elastically deformable in the front-rear direction. Each of the front contact portions 642 protrudes rearward in the front-rear direction. Referring to Figures 4 and 11, when the floating connector 100 and the mating connector 700 are mated, the front contact portions 642 contact the mating shell 720 from the front.

[0077] Referring to Figure 11, each of the rear contact portions 644 is provided on the rear portion 634. Each of the rear contact portions 644 is elastic. Each of the rear contact portions 644 is elastically deformable in the front-rear direction. Each of the rear contact portions 644 protrudes forward in the front-rear direction. Referring to Figures 4 and 11, when the floating connector 100 and the mating connector 700 are mated, the rear contact portions 644 contact the mating shell 720 from the rear.

[0078] Referring to Figures 7 and 16, the right-side contact portion 646 is provided on the right side 636. The right-side contact portion 646 is elastic. The right-side contact portion 646 is elastically deformable in the left-right direction. The right-side contact portion 646 protrudes to the left in the left-right direction. Referring to Figures 2, 7, and 19, when the floating connector 100 and the mating connector 700 are mated, the right-side contact portion 646 contacts the mating shell 720 from the right.

[0079] Referring to Figures 7 and 15, the left contact portion 648 is provided on the left portion 638. The left contact portion 648 is elastic. The left contact portion 648 is elastically deformable in the left-right direction. The left contact portion 648 protrudes to the right in the left-right direction. Referring to Figures 2, 7 and 19, when the floating connector 100 and the mating connector 700 are mated, the left contact portion 648 contacts the mating shell 720 from the left.

[0080] As shown in Figure 15, each of the press-fit portions 650 in this embodiment protrudes downward from the lower end of the peripheral plate portion 630. Each of the press-fit portions 650 is press-fitted into and held in the base portion 505. In this way, the movable shell 600 is held in the movable housing 500. Note that the method of holding the movable shell 600 in the movable housing 500 is not limited to the method described above.

[0081] As shown in Figure 7, the number of second flat plate portions 610 in this embodiment is 3 There are two. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number of second flat plate portions 610 may be one. Each of the second flat plate portions 610 is located outside the housing portion 220 in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. Each of the second flat plate portions 610 is located outside the housing portion 220 in the front-rear direction. In the pitch direction, the position of each of the second flat plate portions 610 overlaps with the position of the housing portion 220. Referring to Figures 7 and 18, each of the second flat plate portions 610 is located between the two restricting portions 210 in the pitch direction. Referring to Figures 7 and 15, each of the second flat plate portions 610 is located between the two restricted portions 510 in the pitch direction. As shown in Figure 11, each of the second flat plate portions 610 has a flat plate shape perpendicular to the vertical direction. 3Each of the second flat plate portions 610 is located at the same position in the vertical direction. Each of the second flat plate portions 610 is located above the fixed housing 200 in the vertical direction. Each of the second flat plate portions 610 is located above the movable housing 500 in the vertical direction. Each of the second flat plate portions 610 is located above the terminal 400 in the vertical direction. Each of the second flat plate portions 610 is located above the contact 450 in the vertical direction. More specifically, each of the second flat plate portions 610 is located above the upper end of the guide portion 460 in the vertical direction. The second flat plate portion 610 faces the first flat plate portion 310 in the vertical direction. The second flat plate portion 610 is located above the first flat plate portion 310 in the vertical direction. Each of the second flat plate portions 610 is located above the peripheral plate portion 630 in the vertical direction.

[0082] As shown in Figure 11, each of the second flat plate portions 610 is provided with a second shell contact portion 612. More specifically, the movable shell 600 is provided with four second shell contact portions 612. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient for the movable shell 600 to be provided with one second shell contact portion 612. Each of the second shell contact portions 612 faces downward in the vertical direction. Each of the second shell contact portions 612 is a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The second shell contact portions 612 are located above the first shell contact portions 312 in the vertical direction. More specifically, each of the second shell contact portions 612 corresponds to each of the first shell contact portions 312, and each of the second shell contact portions 612 is located above the corresponding first shell contact portion 312.

[0083] Referring to Figures 10, 11, and 18, within the movable range MA of the movable housing 500, the first shell contact portion 312 and the second shell contact portion 612 are always in contact with each other.

[0084] As described above, the second shell contact portion 612, which contacts the first shell contact portion 312 in the vertical direction, is provided on the second flat plate portion 610, which has a flat plate shape perpendicular to the vertical direction. As a result, in the floating connector 100 of this embodiment, contact between the first shell contact portion 312 and the second shell contact portion 612 can be achieved while allowing horizontal movement of the movable housing 500 within the movable range MA.

[0085] As described above, the first flat plate portion 310 on which the first shell contact portion 312 is provided and the second flat plate portion 610 on which the second shell contact portion 612 is provided are located above the terminal 400. That is, in the floating connector 100 of this embodiment, contact between the first shell contact portion 312 and the second shell contact portion 612 is made above the terminal 400. This makes it relatively easy to reduce the height of the floating connector 100 without hindering the elastic deformation of the terminal 400.

[0086] Referring to Figures 11 to 14, the restricting portion 210 restricts the movement of the second shell contact portion 612 away from the first shell contact portion 312 in the vertical direction. Specifically, the restricting portion 210 restricts the vertical movement of the movable housing 500, thereby restricting the aforementioned movement of the second shell contact portion 612. More specifically, when the movable housing 500 attempts to move upward in the vertical direction, the restricted portion 510 of the movable housing 500 abuts against the restricting portion 210 from below, restricting the upward movement of the movable housing 500. Here, since the movable shell 600 is attached to the movable housing 500, when the upward movement of the movable housing 500 is restricted, the upward movement of the second shell contact portion 612 of the movable shell 600 is also restricted. As a result, when the movable housing 500 moves within the movable range MA, the second shell contact portion 612 does not move upward, preventing the contact between the first shell contact portion 312 and the second shell contact portion 612 from being broken.

[0087] As shown in Figure 7, the second flat plate portion 610 includes two front second flat plate portions 6102 and a rear second flat plate portion 6104.

[0088] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, each of the front second flat plate portions 6102 in this embodiment extends forward in the front-rear direction from the front portion 632. Each of the front second flat plate portions 6102 is located above the fixed housing 200 in the vertical direction. Each of the front second flat plate portions 6102 is located above the movable housing 500 in the vertical direction. Each of the front second flat plate portions 6102 is located above the terminal 400 in the vertical direction. Each of the front second flat plate portions 6102 is located above the upper end of the guide portion 460 in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 12, each of the front second flat plate portions 6102 is located above the front first flat plate portion 3102 in the vertical direction. Each of the front second flat plate portions 6102 faces the front first flat plate portion 3102 in the vertical direction. Referring to Figures 5 and 8, the two front second flat plate portions 6102 are located at the same position in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 7, the two front second flat plate portions 6102 are spaced apart in the pitch direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the two front second flat plate portions 6102 may be connected in the pitch direction to form a single member. The two front second flat plate portions 6102 are located at the same position in the front-rear direction. Each of the front second flat plate portions 6102 is located in front of the housing portion 220 in the front-rear direction. Each of the front second flat plate portions 6102 is located in front of the mating connector receiving portion 150 in the front-rear direction. In the pitch direction, the positions of each of the front second flat plate portions 6102 overlap with the position of the housing portion 220.

[0089] As shown in Figures 11 and 13, the rear second flat plate portion 6104 of this embodiment extends rearward in the front-rear direction from the rear portion 634. The rear second flat plate portion 6104 is located above the fixed housing 200 in the vertical direction. The rear second flat plate portion 6104 is located above the movable housing 500 in the vertical direction. The rear second flat plate portion 6104 is located above the terminal 400 in the vertical direction. The rear second flat plate portion 6104 is located above the upper end of the guide portion 460 in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 13, the rear second flat plate portion 6104 is located above the rear first flat plate portion 3104 in the vertical direction. The rear second flat plate portion 6104 faces the rear first flat plate portion 3104 in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 7, the rear second flat plate portion 6104 is located behind the housing portion 220 in the front-rear direction. The rear second flat plate portion 6104 is located behind the mating connector receiving portion 150 in the front-rear direction. In the pitch direction, the position of the rear second flat plate portion 6104 overlaps with the position of the housing portion 220.

[0090] Referring to Figures 8 and 16, the second shell contact portion 612 includes two front second shell contact portions 6122 and two rear second shell contact portions 6124.

[0091] Referring to Figure 8, the front second shell contact portion 6122 is provided on the front second flat plate portion 6102. Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the front second shell contact portion 6122 corresponds to the front first shell contact portion 3122. Referring to Figures 7, 12 and 18, within the movable range MA of the movable housing 500, the front first shell contact portion 3122 and , and the corresponding front second shell contact portion 6122 teeth, They are constantly in contact with each other.

[0092] As shown in Figure 16, each of the rear second shell contact portions 6124 is provided on the rear second flat plate portion 6104. Referring to Figures 7 and 16, the rear second shell contact portion 6124 corresponds to the rear first shell contact portion 3124, respectively. Referring to Figures 7, 13 and 18, within the movable range MA of the movable housing 500, the rear first shell contact portion 3124 and , and the corresponding rear second shell contact portion 6124 teeth, They are constantly in contact with each other.

[0093] As shown in Figure 15, the movable shell 600 further has a plurality of additional second flat plate portions 620.

[0094] As shown in Figure 15, each of the additional second flat plate portions 620 in this embodiment has a flat plate shape perpendicular to the vertical direction. In this embodiment, there are two additional second flat plate portions 620. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and there may be one additional second flat plate portion 620. As shown in Figure 7, the additional second flat plate portions 620 are arranged in the pitch direction. Each of the additional second flat plate portions 620 is located outside the housing portion 220 in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. Each of the additional second flat plate portions 620 is located outside the housing portion 220 in the pitch direction. In the front-rear direction, the position of each additional second flat plate portion 620 overlaps with the position of the housing portion 220. The housing portion 220 is located between the two additional second flat plate portions 620 in the pitch direction. As shown in Figure 8, the two additional second flat plate sections 620 are located at the same position in the vertical direction. The second flat plate section 610 and the additional second flat plate section 620 are located at the same position in the vertical direction. Referring to Figure 14, each of the additional second flat plate sections 620 is located above the fixed housing 200 in the vertical direction. Referring to Figures 11 and 14, each of the additional second flat plate sections 620 is located above the movable housing 500 in the vertical direction. Each of the additional second flat plate sections 620 is located above the terminal 400 in the vertical direction. Each of the additional second flat plate sections 620 is located above the upper end of the guide section 460 in the vertical direction. Referring to Figure 16, each of the additional second flat plate sections 620 corresponds to the restricting section 210. Referring to Figures 14 and 16, each additional second plate portion 620 is located above its corresponding restricting portion 210 in the vertical direction. Referring to Figures 14 and 15, each additional second plate portion 620 corresponds to a restricted portion 510. Each additional second plate portion 620 is located above its corresponding restricted portion 510 in the vertical direction.

[0095] As shown in Figure 14, the additional second plate portion 620 is located above the additional first plate portion 320 in the vertical direction. The additional second plate portion 620 faces the additional first plate portion 320 in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 7, the additional second plate portion 620 corresponds to each additional first plate portion 320. Each additional second plate portion 620 is located above its corresponding additional first plate portion 320 in the vertical direction. Each additional second plate portion 620 faces its corresponding additional first plate portion 320 in the vertical direction. The present invention is not limited thereto, and an additional second shell contact portion may be provided on the additional second flat plate portion 620, and an additional first shell contact portion may be provided on the corresponding additional first flat plate portion 320, and the additional second shell contact portion and the additional first shell contact portion may be configured to contact each other in the vertical direction. Referring to Figures 7 and 18, the additional second flat plate portion 620 and the corresponding additional first flat plate portion 320 guide the movement of the movable shell 600 when the movable housing 500 moves horizontally within the movable range MA. As described above, since the movable shell 600 is attached to the movable housing 500, when the movable housing 500 moves horizontally within the movable range MA, the additional second flat plate portion 620 and the corresponding additional first flat plate portion 320 also guide the movement of the movable housing 500 via the movable shell 600.

[0096] As shown in Figure 7, the additional second plate portion 620 includes a right-side second plate portion 6202 and a left-side second plate portion 6204.

[0097] As shown in Figure 7, the right second flat plate portion 6202 in this embodiment defines the right end of the movable shell 600 in the left-right direction. The right second flat plate portion 6202 is located to the right of the housing portion 220 in the left-right direction. The right second flat plate portion 6202 is located to the right of the mating connector receiving portion 150 in the left-right direction. In the front-rear direction, the position of the right second flat plate portion 6202 overlaps with the position of the housing portion 220. The right second flat plate portion 6202 and the left second flat plate portion 6204 are located at the same position in the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 8, the right second flat plate portion 6202 and the left second flat plate portion 6204 are located at the same position in the up-down direction. As shown in Figure 14, the right second flat plate portion 6202 is located above the fixed housing 200 in the up-down direction. The right-side second flat plate portion 6202 is located above the right-side first flat plate portion 3202 in the vertical direction. The right-side second flat plate portion 6202 faces the right-side first flat plate portion 3202 in the vertical direction. Referring to Figures 11 and 14, the right-side second flat plate portion 6202 is located above the movable housing 500 in the vertical direction. The right-side second flat plate portion 6202 is located above the terminal 400 in the vertical direction. The right-side second flat plate portion 6202 is located above the upper end of the guide portion 460 in the vertical direction.

[0098] As shown in Figure 7, the left second flat plate portion 6204 in this embodiment defines the left end of the movable shell 600 in the left-right direction. The left second flat plate portion 6204 is located to the left of the housing portion 220 in the left-right direction. The left second flat plate portion 6204 is located to the left of the mating connector receiving portion 150 in the left-right direction. In the front-rear direction, the position of the left second flat plate portion 6204 overlaps with the position of the housing portion 220. Referring to Figures 7 and 11, the left second flat plate portion 6204 is located above the fixed housing 200 in the vertical direction. The left second flat plate portion 6204 is located above the movable housing 500 in the vertical direction. The left second flat plate portion 6204 is located above the terminal 400 in the vertical direction. The left second flat plate portion 6204 is located above the upper end of the guide portion 460 in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 8, the left second flat plate portion 6204 is located above the left first flat plate portion 3204 in the vertical direction. The left second flat plate portion 6204 faces the left first flat plate portion 3204 in the vertical direction.

[0099] Although the present invention has been specifically described above with reference to embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible. Furthermore, multiple embodiments and modifications described above may be combined.

[0100] In the floating connector 100 of the above-described embodiment, the second shell contact portion 612 was planar and the first shell contact portion 312 was elastic. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first shell contact portion 312 may be planar and the second shell contact portion 612 may be elastic. That is, it is sufficient that at least one of the first shell contact portion 312 and the second shell contact portion 612 is elastic. In this case, the first shell contact portion 312 and the second shell contact portion 612 will contact each other in the vertical direction by utilizing the elasticity of at least one of them.

[0101] In the above-described embodiment, the second shell contact portion 612 is located above the first shell contact portion 312, and the restricting portion 210 restricts the upward movement of the movable housing 500, thereby restricting the upward movement of the second shell contact portion 612. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the floating connector 100 may be configured such that the second shell contact portion 612 is located below the first shell contact portion 312, and the restricting portion 210 restricts the downward movement of the movable housing 500, thereby restricting the downward movement of the second shell contact portion 612. Even with such a floating connector 100 configuration, the same effects as the floating connector 100 of this embodiment can be enjoyed.

[0102] In the above-described embodiment, the restricting unit 210 restricts the upward movement of the second shell contact portion 612 of the movable shell 600 attached to the movable housing 500 by restricting the upward movement of the movable housing 500. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the restricting unit 210 may restrict the upward movement of the second shell contact portion 612 by directly restricting the upward movement of the movable shell 600.

[0103] In the above-described embodiment, the restricting portion 210 was part of the fixed housing 200, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the restricting portion 210 may be part of the fixed shell 300. In this case as well, the restricting portion 210 must restrict the movement of the second shell contact portion 612 away from the first shell contact portion 312 in the vertical direction.

[0104] In the above-described embodiment, the restricting portion 210 was located at both ends of the fixed housing 200 in the pitch direction, and the restricted portion 510 was located at both ends of the base portion 505 in the pitch direction, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The restricting portion 210 and the restricted portion 510 may be positioned at any location on the fixed housing 200 and the base portion 505, as long as the upward movement of the movable housing 500 is restricted.

[0105] In the above-described embodiment, each of the second flat plate portions 610 was located above both the contact 450 and the peripheral plate portion 630 in the vertical direction, but the present invention is not limited thereto. If it is necessary to have a large distance between the substrate on which the floating connector 100 and the mating connector 700 are mounted, the peripheral plate portion 630 and the contact 450 may be positioned above the second flat plate portion 610. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 10 assembly 100 Floating Connectors 150 Receiving part of the mating connector 200 Fixed Housing 210 Regulatory Department 220 storage units 230 1st holding part 300 Fixed Shell 310 1st flat plate section 3102 Front first flat plate part 3104 Rear side first flat plate part 312 First shell contact portion 3122 Front first shell contact portion 3124 Rear first shell contact area 320 Additional first plate portion 3202 Right side first flat plate part 3204 Left side 1st flat plate section 330 Front plate part 332 Front fixed part 340 Rear plate part 342 Rear fixed part 400 terminals 405 Fixed part 410 First held part 420 Second held part 430 Connection section 440 Support part 450 contacts 460 Guide Section 500 movable housing 505 base 5052 Second holding part 510 Regulated part 520 Protrusion 521 Terminal housing section 600 movable shells 610 2nd flat plate section 6102 Front 2nd flat plate part 6104 Second flat plate part on rear side 612 Second shell contact area 6122 Front second shell contact area 6124 Rear second shell contact area 620 Additional second plate section 6202 Right side second flat plate part 6204 Left side 2nd flat plate part 630 Circumferential plate part 632 front 634 Rear 636 Right part 638 Left side 640 Contact area 642 Front contact part 644 Rear contact area 646 Right side contact part 648 Left side contact part 650 Press-fit section 700 Mating connector 710 Other side housing 712 Protruding part receiving part 720 Opponent's shell 750 Mating terminal 752 Opposing contact area MA range of motion

Claims

1. A floating connector that is mounted on a circuit board and can be mated with a mating connector in the vertical direction, The floating connector comprises a fixed housing, a fixed shell, terminals, a movable housing, a movable shell, and a restricting portion. The aforementioned fixed shell is fixed to the substrate when the floating connector is mounted on the substrate. The fixed shell is attached to the fixed housing and covers the fixed housing at least partially in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The aforementioned fixed shell is provided with a first shell contact portion. The terminal has a first retained portion, a second retained portion, a connecting portion, a support portion, and a contact point. The first retained portion is held by the fixed housing, The second retained portion is held by the movable housing, The connecting portion is elastically deformable and connects the first held portion and the second held portion. The support portion extends from the second held portion and supports the contact, The movable housing is movable relative to the fixed housing, at least within the horizontal plane, by utilizing the elastic deformation of the connecting portion. The movable shell is attached to the movable housing and covers the movable housing at least partially in the horizontal plane. The movable shell is provided with a second shell contact portion. At least one of the first shell contact portion and the second shell contact portion is elastic, The first shell contact portion and the second shell contact portion are in contact with each other in the vertical direction by utilizing the elasticity of at least one of them. The restricting portion restricts the second shell contact portion from moving away from the first shell contact portion in the vertical direction. The aforementioned fixed shell has a first flat plate portion, The first shell contact portion is provided on the first flat plate portion, The movable shell has a second flat plate portion, The second flat plate portion faces the first flat plate portion in the vertical direction. The second shell contact portion is provided on the second flat plate portion, The first flat plate portion is located above the terminal in the vertical direction. The second flat plate portion is located above the first flat plate portion in the vertical direction. Floating connector.

2. A floating connector according to claim 1, Within the movable range of the movable housing, the first shell contact portion and the second shell contact portion are always in contact with each other. Floating connector.

3. A floating connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, The regulating portion is part of the fixed housing. Floating connector.

4. A floating connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The restricting portion restricts the vertical movement of the movable housing, thereby restricting the movement of the second shell contact portion. Floating connector.

5. A floating connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The aforementioned fixed housing has a housing section, The housing section houses at least partially the movable housing and the movable shell, The aforementioned fixed shell further comprises an additional first flat plate portion, The first flat plate portion and the additional first flat plate portion are located outside the housing portion in the horizontal plane. The aforementioned movable shell further comprises an additional second flat plate portion. The second plate portion and the additional second plate portion are located outside the housing portion in the horizontal plane. The additional second plate portion is located above the additional first plate portion in the vertical direction and faces the additional first plate portion. Floating connector.

Images