Connector, connector set, and mating connector

Abstract

In the present invention, a housing (1) has a protruding wall (12) that protrudes upward from a bottom wall (11) and extends in a front-rear direction. A first terminal (201) is disposed on the left side of the protruding wall (12). A second terminal (202) is disposed on the right side of the protruding wall (12). An inner shield (41) is disposed between the first terminal (201) and the second terminal (202). A metal fitting (3) has an end covering part (32) that covers at least a portion of a front end (125) of the protruding wall (12). The end covering part (32) has a first opening (320) that opens to the front. The inner shield (41) has a shield end part (410) at a front end thereof. When viewed from the front of a connector (C1), the shield end part (410) is located in the first opening (320). At least a portion of the shield end part (410) is positioned in front of an opening edge (320a) of the first opening (320) of the end covering part (32).

Description

Connectors, connector sets, and mating connectors

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a connector, a connector set, and a mating connector. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a connector that connects to a mating connector, a connector set including the connector and the mating connector, and a mating connector used in the connector set.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electrical connector (connector set) that includes a socket and a plug that fits into the socket.

[0003] The socket has a connector housing, a plurality of rows of connection terminals, and a ground connection fitting.

[0004] The connector housing is made of synthetic resin and is injection molded to have a concave upper surface and a generally flat lower surface. The multiple connection terminal rows are arranged coplanarly (on substantially the same plane) in the connector housing. The ground connection fittings extend between the multiple connection terminal rows in the direction of the connection terminal rows.

[0005] The socket further includes a conductive brace extending along the connector housing.

[0006] The ground connection fitting has a ground connection portion exposed on the board-facing surface (bottom surface) of the socket connector housing, and a reinforcing fitting connection portion that is connected to the reinforcing fitting in a partially inserted state on the outer side of the multiple rows of connection terminals in the row direction of the connection terminal rows.

[0007] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-21697

[0008] There is a demand for improved strength in connectors.

[0009] A connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a connector that is connected to a mating connector so that the mating connector is positioned above, and the connector comprises a housing having a bottom wall and a protruding wall that protrudes upward from the bottom wall and extends in a front-to-rear direction, a first terminal that is held by the housing and positioned to the left of the protruding wall, a second terminal that is held by the housing and positioned to the right of the protruding wall, an inner shield that is positioned between the first and second terminals and held by the housing, and a metal fitting having an end covering portion that covers at least a portion of the front end of the protruding wall, wherein the end covering portion has a first opening that opens forward, and the inner shield has a shield end at its front end, and when viewed from the front of the connector, the shield end is located within the first opening, and at least a portion of the shield end is located forward of the opening edge of the first opening of the end covering portion.

[0010] A connector set according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises the connector and the mating connector, wherein the mating connector includes a first mating terminal that contacts the first terminal, a second mating terminal that contacts the second terminal, a mating housing that holds the first mating terminal and the second mating terminal, and a mating fitting that is arranged at the front end of the mating connector.

[0011] A mating connector according to one aspect of the present disclosure is used in the connector set.

[0012] A connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a connector that is connected to a mating connector and is positioned below the mating connector, and the connector comprises a housing having a bottom wall, a protruding wall that protrudes upward from the bottom wall and extends in a front-to-back direction, a peripheral wall that protrudes upward from the periphery of the bottom wall, and a recess provided between the protruding wall and the peripheral wall, a plurality of first terminals that are held by the housing and positioned on the left side of the protruding wall, a plurality of second terminals that are held by the housing and positioned on the right side of the protruding wall, and an inner shield that is held by the housing and positioned between the plurality of first terminals and the plurality of second terminals, wherein a rearwardly recessed positioning recess is provided at the front end of the protruding wall, and the inner shield has a shield end at its front end, which is not in contact with the housing and is flexible in the front-to-back direction, and when viewed from the front of the connector, the shield end overlaps the space within the positioning recess.

[0013] According to the present disclosure, there is an advantage that it is possible to improve the strength of the connector.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector set including a connector and a mating connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from above. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the connector. FIG. 3 is a top view of the connector. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the connector. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the connector perpendicular to the Z axis. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the mating connector as viewed from below. FIG. 8 is a top view of the connector set in a connected state in which the connector and the mating connector are connected. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in FIG. 8, showing a state in which the connector and the mating connector are being connected. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in FIG. 8. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. 8, showing a state in which the connector and the mating connector are being connected. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. 8. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a portion corresponding to line XIV-XIV in Fig. 8 in a state where the connector and mating connector are in the middle of being connected. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in Fig. 8. Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the connector of Modification 1 from above. Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the connector of Modification 1. Fig. 17 is a top view of the connector of Modification 1. Fig. 18 is a bottom view of the connector of Modification 1. Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the mating connector of Modification 1 from below. Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the X-axis of the connector set in a connected state where the connector of Modification 1 and the mating connector are connected. Fig. 21 is a perspective view of the connector of Modification 2 from above. Fig. 22 is a bottom view of the connector of Modification 1. Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the connector of Modification 3 from above. Fig. 24 is a bottom view of the connector of Modification 1.

[0015] A connector, a mating connector, and a connector set according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiment described below is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment described below can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Furthermore, each diagram described in the embodiment described below is a schematic diagram, and the ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of the components in the diagram do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0016] (1) Embodiment (1.1) Connector Set As shown in FIG. 1, a connector set C10 of this embodiment includes a connector C1 (socket) and a mating connector C2 (header) connected to the connector C1.

[0017] The connector set C10 is used, for example, to electrically connect multiple boards mounted on a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. The connector C1 is attached, for example, to a circuit board. The mating connector C2 is attached, for example, to a mating circuit board. The connector set C10 mechanically and electrically connects the circuit board and the mating circuit board by connecting the connector C1 and the mating connector C2 to each other. The connector set C10 may also be used in electronic devices other than mobile terminals, such as a camera module. Furthermore, the connector set C10 is not limited to applications for electrically connecting multiple boards, and may also be used for applications for electrically connecting multiple components, such as between a board and a display, or between a board and a battery.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 1, the connector C1 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped having a width, length, and thickness. The mating connector C2 is also a substantially rectangular parallelepiped having a width, length, and thickness. As shown in Fig. 1, the connector C1 is connected to the mating connector C2 from one side in one direction. In the connected state where the connector C1 and the mating connector C2 are connected, the connector set C10 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped having a width, length, and thickness.

[0019] For convenience, the following description will define three axes (X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis) of a right-handed three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system for the connector set C10 as follows. Specifically, the Z-axis direction is the direction in which the connector C1 and the mating connector C2 face each other when they are connected, and is the direction along the thickness of the connector set C10. The X-axis direction is the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and along the length of the connector set C10. The Y-axis direction is the direction perpendicular to both the X-axis and Z-axis directions and along the width of the connector set C10. For convenience, the Z-axis direction is the up-down direction, and the side on which the mating connector C2 is located relative to the connector C1 (the positive direction of the Z-axis) is referred to as "up," and the opposite side is referred to as "down." The X-axis direction is the front-to-back direction, and the positive direction of the X-axis is referred to as "front," and the opposite side is referred to as "rear." The Y-axis direction is the left-to-right direction, and the positive direction of the Y-axis is referred to as "left," and the opposite side is referred to as "right." However, the definitions of axes and directions in this disclosure merely indicate the relative positional relationships between the components of the connector set C10, and do not limit the orientation of the connector set C10 when in use, etc.

[0020] The connector set C10 has a shape that is two-fold rotationally symmetric about an axis that passes through the center of the connector set C10 and runs in the vertical direction. Therefore, in the connector set C10 (as well as the connector C1 and the mating connector C2), whether one is the "front" or the other is the "rear" and there is no substantial difference between them.

[0021] (1.2) Connector As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the connector C1 includes a housing 1, terminals 2, metal fittings 3, and a shield 4.

[0022] (1.2.1) Housing The housing 1 is made of an insulating resin material and has a flat, generally rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the front-rear direction. The housing 1 holds the terminals 2, the metal fittings 3, and the shield 4.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 1 integrally includes a bottom wall 11, a protruding wall 12, and a peripheral wall 13.

[0024] The bottom wall 11 has a plate-like shape with its thickness extending in the vertical direction. The bottom wall 11 has a rectangular plate-like shape when viewed from above.

[0025] The protruding wall 12 protrudes upward from the bottom wall 11. The protruding wall 12 is a wall extending in the front-rear direction. The protruding wall 12 protrudes from the center of the bottom wall 11.

[0026] 2 and 3 , a plurality of recesses 121 (here, six on the left side and six on the right side, a total of 12) are provided lined up in the front-to-rear direction on the left and right side surfaces of the protruding wall 12. The recesses 121 penetrate the protruding wall 12 in the up-down direction. In addition, a plurality of (here, 12) through holes 111 are formed in the bottom wall 11 so as to penetrate the bottom wall 11 in the up-down direction and connect to the plurality of recesses 121 of the protruding wall 12, respectively. A pair of one corresponding recess 121 and one corresponding through hole 111 forms one through hole that penetrates the housing 1 in the up-down direction.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, a mounting recess 122 recessed rearward is formed in the front end 125 of the protruding wall 12. Similarly, a mounting recess 122 recessed forward is formed in the rear end of the protruding wall 12. The mounting recess 122 penetrates the protruding wall 12 in the up-down direction. Furthermore, through holes 112 (see Figure 4) are formed in the bottom wall 11 at the front and rear of the protruding wall 12, penetrating the bottom wall 11 in the up-down direction so as to connect to the mounting recesses 122 of the protruding wall 12. The pair of the front mounting recess 122 and the front through hole 112 forms a single through hole penetrating the housing 1 in the up-down direction. The same is true on the rear side.

[0028] The peripheral wall 13 protrudes upward from the peripheral edge of the bottom wall 11. Here, the peripheral wall 13 is in the shape of a rectangular frame and protrudes upward from the entire periphery of the bottom wall 11. The peripheral wall 13 has a pair of end walls 131 (front end wall and rear end wall) extending in the left-right direction along the front and rear edges of the bottom wall 11, and a pair of side walls 132 (left side wall and right side wall) extending in the front-rear direction along the left and right edges of the bottom wall 11.

[0029] In the housing 1, a recess 19 is formed between the protruding wall 12 and the peripheral wall 13. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the recess 19 has a rectangular frame shape when viewed from above, and is surrounded by the bottom wall 11, the protruding wall 12, and the peripheral wall 13. As shown in Figure 12, in a connected state in which the connector C1 and the mating connector C2 are connected, the mating connector C2 is disposed in the recess 19.

[0030] (1.2.2) Terminals As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the connector C1 has a plurality of (here, 12) terminals 2. The terminals 2 are made of metal. When the connector C1 and the mating connector C2 are connected, the plurality of terminals 2 are electrically connected to a plurality of mating terminals 6 of the mating connector C2.

[0031] The plurality of terminals 2 are held in the housing 1. The terminals 2 are fixed to the housing 1 by, for example, forming the housing 1 by insert molding using the terminals 2 as insert components. The plurality of (12) terminals 2 are held in equal numbers (six each) on a pair of side walls 132 of the peripheral wall 13.

[0032] 1 and 2 , the multiple terminals 2 include a first terminal 201 and a second terminal 202. The first terminal 201 and the second terminal 202 are any terminals 2 among the multiple terminals 2 that are arranged on both sides of the protruding wall 12 in the left-right direction. For example, the first terminal 201 is the terminal 2 that is located most forward among the six terminals 2 held by the right side wall 132, and the second terminal 202 is the terminal 2 that is located most forward among the six terminals 2 held by the left side wall 132. The first terminal 201 and the second terminal 202 face each other in the left-right direction with the protruding wall 12 in between.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal 2 integrally includes a first contact portion 21, a second contact portion 22, a board connecting portion 23, a first connecting portion 24, and a second connecting portion 25.

[0034] The first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 are portions of the terminal 2 that come into contact with the mating terminal 6 of the mating connector C2 when the connector C1 and the mating connector C2 are connected. The first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

[0035] The first contact portion 21 has a plate-like shape with a thickness extending in the left-right direction. The first contact portion 21 has a flat plate-like shape. A recess 211 is formed on the inner surface of the first contact portion 21 (the surface facing the second contact portion 22).

[0036] The second contact portion 22 is a plate-like member with a thickness that extends in the left-right direction. The second contact portion 22 is curved in a C-shape. The second contact portion 22 has a protrusion 221 (the apex of the C) that protrudes outward (toward the first contact portion 21).

[0037] The board connection portion 23 is configured to be connected to the circuit board 8 (see FIG. 20 ). The board connection portion 23 is a flat plate with its thickness extending in the vertical direction. The board connection portion 23 is fixed to and electrically connected to the pattern conductor of the circuit board 8 (see FIG. 20 ) by, for example, soldering.

[0038] The first connecting portion 24 connects the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22. The first connecting portion 24 is plate-shaped and connects the lower end of the first contact portion 21 and the lower end of the second contact portion 22. The front-rear width of the first connecting portion 24 is smaller than the front-rear width of the first contact portion 21. The front-rear width of the first connecting portion 24 is larger than the front-rear width of the second contact portion 22.

[0039] The second connecting portion 25 connects the first contact portion 21 and the board connection portion 23. The second connecting portion 25 is a J-shaped plate that connects the upper end of the first contact portion 21 and the board connection portion 23. The front-to-rear width of the second connecting portion 25 is smaller than the front-to-rear width of the first contact portion 21. The front-to-rear width of the second connecting portion 25 is the same as the front-to-rear width of the board connection portion 23.

[0040] 2 and 3 , the first contact portion 21 and the second connecting portion 25 are fixed to the side wall 132 of the peripheral wall 13 of the housing 1. The inner surface of the first contact portion 21 (the surface on which the recess 211 is formed) is exposed to the recess 19 from the side wall 132 of the housing 1. At least a portion (inner portion) of the first connecting portion 24 and the second contact portion 22 are disposed within the space formed by the through hole 111 in the bottom wall 11 of the housing 1 and the recess 121 in the protruding wall 12. The second contact portion 22 is movable (flexible) in the left-right direction within the space of the recess 121.

[0041] 2 and 4 , the bottom surface of the board connection portion 23 is exposed from the housing 1. The board connection portion 23 protrudes outward in the left-right direction beyond the side surfaces of the housing 1 (the left and right side surfaces of the peripheral wall 13).

[0042] (1.2.3) Metal Fittings As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the connector C1 includes two metal fittings 3. The metal fittings 3 contain metal as the main material or as a material such as plating that forms the surface. Here, as an example, the metal fittings 3 are formed with metal as the main material.

[0043] The two metal fittings 3 are held by the housing 1. The metal fittings 3 are fixed to the housing 1 by, for example, forming the housing 1 by insert molding using the metal fittings 3 as insert parts. The two metal fittings 3 are arranged at the front and rear portions of the housing 1, respectively.

[0044] The following description focuses on the front metal fitting 3 of the two metal fittings 3. The rear metal fitting 3 has the same shape and structure as the front metal fitting 3, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the metal fitting 3 has a main body portion 31 , an end covering portion 32 , and a connecting portion 33 .

[0046] The main body 31 is disposed on the peripheral wall 13 of the housing 1. The main body 31 is C-shaped when viewed from above. The main body 31 has an end piece 311 disposed on the front end wall 131 of the peripheral wall 13, and a pair of side pieces 312 disposed on the front ends of the pair of side walls 132. Each of the end piece 311 and the side pieces 312 integrally includes an inner piece covering the upper end of the inner surface of the peripheral wall 13, an upper piece covering the upper surface of the peripheral wall 13, an outer piece covering the outer surface of the peripheral wall 13, and a flange extending outward from the lower end of the outer piece. The inner piece and the outer piece are connected via the upper piece.

[0047] The main body 31 is formed by, for example, drawing, so that the joints between the end pieces 311 and the side pieces 312 of the main body 31 are seamless.

[0048] The end covering portion 32 covers at least a part of the front end portion 125 of the projecting wall 12 of the housing 1. The end covering portion 32 protects the front end portion 125 of the projecting wall 12.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the end covering portion 32 has an upper surface portion 321 , an end surface portion (front surface portion) 322 , and a pair of side surface portions 323 .

[0050] The upper surface portion 321 covers the upper surface of the front end portion 125 of the projecting wall 12. The upper surface portion 321 can protect the upper surface of the front end portion 125 of the projecting wall 12, and the occurrence of defects such as breakage of the front end portion 125 of the projecting wall 12 is suppressed.

[0051] The end surface portion 322 covers the front surface (front-rear end surface) of the front end portion 125 of the projecting wall 12. The end surface portion 322 is connected to the front end of the upper surface portion 321, and extends while curving downward from the front end of the upper surface portion 321. The end surface portion 322 can protect the front surface (front-rear end surface) of the front end portion 125 of the projecting wall 12, and suppresses the occurrence of defects such as breakage of the front end portion 125 of the projecting wall 12.

[0052] A slit is formed in the end surface portion 322 along the vertical direction. The slit is formed over the entire length of the end surface portion 322 in the vertical direction. The slit penetrates the end surface portion 322 in the front-rear direction. The slit divides the end surface portion 322 into two parts. A notch is also formed in the center in the left-right direction at the front end of the top surface portion 321. The notch penetrates the top surface portion 321 in the vertical direction. The front end of the notch in the top surface portion 321 is connected to the slit in the end surface portion 322. The notch in the top surface portion 321 overlaps in the vertical direction with the arrangement recess 122 formed in the front end portion 125 of the protruding wall 12.

[0053] As described above, the end covering portion 32 has a first opening 320 (a slit in the end surface portion 322) that opens forward. The first opening 320 (slit) is formed in at least the end surface portion 322. When viewed from the front, the first opening 320 of the end covering portion 32 overlaps with at least a portion of the placement recess 122 of the protruding wall 12. Here, the first opening 320 is formed across the end surface portion 322 and the top surface portion 321 (the slit in the end surface portion 322 and the notch in the top surface portion 321), and also penetrates in the vertical direction. When viewed from above, the first opening 320 of the end covering portion 32 overlaps with at least a portion of the space within the placement recess 122 of the protruding wall 12.

[0054] The pair of side surface portions 323 respectively cover the left and right surfaces (side surfaces in the left-right direction) of the front end portion 125 of the protruding wall 12. The pair of side surface portions 323 are connected to the left and right side edges of the top surface portion 321, and extend while curving downward from the left and right side edges of the top surface portion 321. The upper ends of the side surface portions 323 are connected to the upper ends of the end surface portions 322 via the top surface portion 321. In other words, the upper ends of the end surface portions 322 and the upper ends of the side surface portions 323 are connected. The side surface portions 323 can protect the side surfaces (side surfaces in the left-right direction) of the front end portion 125 of the protruding wall 12, and suppress the occurrence of defects such as breakage of the front end portion 125 of the protruding wall 12.

[0055] As shown in Figure 2, the end covering portion 32 further has a connecting portion 324. The connecting portion 324 connects the lower end of the end face portion 322 to the lower end of the side face portion 323. The connecting portion 324 is in the shape of a plate that curves along the corner portion of the front end portion 125 of the protruding wall 12. The strength of the end covering portion 32 is improved by connecting the end face portion 322 to the side face portion 323 by the connecting portion 324.

[0056] 2 , in the end covering portion 32, a corner opening 329 is formed so as to be surrounded by the end face portion 322, the side face portion 323, and the connecting portion 324. In other words, the end covering portion 32 has the corner opening 329 surrounded by the end face portion 322, the side face portion 323, and the connecting portion 324.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 3 , the corner 123 of the front end 125 of the projecting wall 12 is exposed through the corner opening 329 of the end covering portion 32. Here, at least a portion of the end face 322, the side face 323, and the side face of the connecting portion 324 (the side face on the corner opening 329 side) are covered by the corner 123 of the front end 125 of the projecting wall 12. In other words, it is preferable that at least a portion of the end face 322, the side face 323, and the side face of the connecting portion 324 are embedded in the corner 123 of the front end 125 of the projecting wall 12. As a result, even if an external force acts to separate the end covering portion 32 from the projecting wall 12, further movement is restricted by being held by the corner 123, thereby preventing the end covering portion 32 from collapsing. From the perspective of preventing the end covering portion 32 from collapsing, more than half of the side face of each of the end face 322, the side face 323, and the connecting portion 324 may be embedded in the corner 123.

[0058] 1, 2, 6, and 11, the end surface portion 322, the side surface portion 323, and the connecting portion 324 are each embedded in the protruding wall 12 so that the outer surfaces of the end surface 322, the side surface portion 323, and the connecting portion 324 are exposed, with a portion of the upper end of the side surface on the corner opening 329 side being exposed. The side surface of the side surface portion 323 and the connecting portion 324 opposite the corner opening 329 side is embedded deeper in the protruding wall 12 than the side surface on the corner opening 329 side. This makes it possible to prevent damage to the front end portion 125 of the protruding wall 12 when connecting the connector C1 and the mating connector C2.

[0059] 1 to 3, the corner 123 of the front end 125 of the projecting wall 12 is formed in a convex shape so as to be curved outward at the corner opening 329 of the end covering part 32. Instead of being convex, the corner 123 of the front end 125 of the projecting wall 12 may have a flat surface or may have a concave portion recessed inward.

[0060] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the connecting portion 33 connects the main body portion 31 and the end covering portion 32. The connecting portion 33 is plate-shaped and has a thickness in the vertical direction. The front end of the connecting portion 33 is connected to the lower end of the inner piece of the end piece 311 of the main body portion 31. The rear end of the connecting portion 33 is connected to the lower end of the end face portion 322 of the end covering portion 32. The connecting portion 33 is disposed within the through-hole 112 in the bottom wall 11 of the housing 1. The connecting portion 33 electrically and mechanically connects the main body portion 31 and the end covering portion 32. Connecting the end covering portion 32 to the main body portion 31 by the connecting portion 33 suppresses collapse of the end covering portion 32 (collapse in the front-rear direction), improving the strength of the metal fitting 3.

[0061] The connecting portion 33 has a second opening 330. The second opening 330 is formed at the rear end of the connecting portion 33. The second opening 330 passes through the connecting portion 33 in the up-down direction and communicates with the first opening 320 (the slit in the end surface portion 322). The first opening 320 and the second opening 330 form a single opening.

[0062] (1.2.4) Shield As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the shield 4 includes an inner shield 41 and a pair of outer shields 42.

[0063] (1.2.4.1) Inner Shield The inner shield 41 contains a metal as a main material or a material such as plating that forms the surface. Here, as an example, the inner shield 41 is formed with a metal as a main material.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 2 , the inner shield 41 is plate-shaped and extends in the front-rear direction and has a thickness in the left-right direction. The inner shield 41 is held by the housing 1. More specifically, the inner shield 41 is held by the protruding wall 12 of the housing 1. The inner shield 41 is disposed between the first terminal 201 and the second terminal 202. This allows the inner shield 41 to prevent interference between the first terminal 201 and the second terminal 202 (e.g., electromagnetic noise generated by a signal flowing through the first terminal 201 from affecting a signal flowing through the second terminal). As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 , the inner shield 41 is disposed between a row of multiple terminals 2 aligned in the front-rear direction, including the first terminal 201, and a row of multiple terminals 2 aligned in the front-rear direction, including the second terminal 202. The inner shield 41 has shield ends 410 at its front and rear ends.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 2 , the inner shield 41 has a base portion 411 , a first extension portion 412 , and a second extension portion 413 .

[0066] The base 411 extends in the front-rear direction. A plurality of (four in this example) recesses 419 that are recessed upward are formed on the underside of the base 411 and aligned in the front-rear direction.

[0067] The base 411 is held by the protruding wall 12 of the housing 1. The base 411 is also fixed to the circuit board 8 (see FIG. 20). The base 411 is fixed, for example, to the ground pattern of the circuit board 8 (see FIG. 20). For example, a portion of the underside of the base 411 between the front-end recess 419 and the rear-end recess 419 is fixed to the circuit board 8 (see FIG. 20) by soldering or the like. Therefore, the portion of the base 411 forward of the front-end recess 419 can bend in the vertical direction. The portion of the base 411 rearward of the rear-end recess 419 can bend in the vertical direction.

[0068] 2, the first extensions 412 extend upward from the base 411. The inner shield 41 has a pair of first extensions 412. The pair of first extensions 412 extend upward from the front end and rear end of the base 411. The first extensions 412 can move (flex) in the front-to-rear direction when the end (front end or rear end) of the base 411 flexes.

[0069] The first extension portion 412 includes the shield end portion 410. In the connector C1 of this embodiment, the first extension portion 412 forms the shield end portion 410.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 3, at least a portion of the first extension portion 412 (shield end portion 410) is disposed within the first opening 320 of the end covering portion 32 of the metal fitting 3. When viewed from the front, the front first extension portion 412 (shield end portion 410) is located within the first opening 320 in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the first extension portion 412 (shield end portion 410) overlaps with the end surface portion 322 of the end covering portion 32 when viewed along the left-right direction. The first extension portion 412 (shield end portion 410) is movable back and forth within the first opening 320.

[0071] As shown in Figure 5, the shield end 410 (first extension 412) is not in contact with the opening edge 320a (see Figure 15) of the first opening 320 in the end covering part 32 of the metal fitting 3. This allows the shield end 410 to move in the front-to-rear direction without being restricted by the end covering part 32. In particular, the first opening 320 is formed not only on the end surface part 322 of the end covering part 32 but also on the top surface part 321, which increases the range of movement of the shield end 410. Furthermore, the metal fitting 3 has not only the first opening 320 but also the second opening 330, which increases the range of movement of the shield end 410.

[0072] A protrusion that protrudes forward is formed at the upper end of the front first extension portion 412. As shown in FIG. 3 , the protrusion of the front first extension portion 412 protrudes forward further than the front surface of the end face portion 322 of the end covering portion 32 of the front metal fitting 3. In this way, at least a portion of the shield end portion 410 (the front end of the front first extension portion 412) is located forward of the opening edge 320a of the first opening 320 in the end covering portion 32. In addition, a protrusion that protrudes rearward is formed at the upper end of the rear first extension portion 412. The protrusion of the rear first extension portion 412 protrudes rearward further than the rear surface of the end face portion 322 of the rear end covering portion 32.

[0073] Furthermore, at least a portion of the shield end 410 (the rear end of the front-side first extension portion 412) is disposed in the space within the arrangement recess 122 of the front end 125 of the protruding wall 12. When viewed from above, at least a portion of the shield end 410 is located in the space within the arrangement recess 122. By disposing at least a portion of the shield end 410 within the arrangement recess 122, the amount of protrusion of the shield end 410 from the protruding wall 12 in the front-to-rear direction can be reduced, allowing for a more compact connector C1. Furthermore, by positioning the shield end 410 within the protruding wall 12 without extending the inner shield to the peripheral wall portion of the housing, the dimension of the housing 1 in the front-to-rear direction can be reduced, allowing for a further compact connector C1.

[0074] 5 , the shield end 410 (first extension 412) is not in contact with the projecting wall 12 (the inner surface of the arrangement recess 122 in the projecting wall 12). This allows the shield end 410 to move in the front-rear direction without being obstructed by the housing 1.

[0075] 2, the second extension portion 413 extends upward from the base portion 411. The inner shield 41 has a plurality of second extension portions 413 (three in this example). The plurality of second extension portions 413 are located between the front first extension portion 412 and the rear first extension portion 412 in the front-rear direction. The plurality of second extension portions 413 are provided on the upper end of the base portion 411 and lined up in the front-rear direction.

[0076] In the front-rear direction, there is a gap G1 between the front-end first extension portion 412 and the front-end second extension portion 413. In the front-rear direction, there is a gap G1 between the rear-end first extension portion 412 and the rear-end second extension portion 413. In the front-rear direction, there is a gap G2 between two adjacent second extension portions 413 among the multiple second extension portions 413.

[0077] As described above, the inner shield 41 is held by the protruding wall 12 of the housing 1. Here, the inner shield 41 is press-fitted from below into a slit-shaped hole formed in the underside of the protruding wall 12. The base 411 and second extension 413 of the inner shield 41 are positioned and held in the insertion hole of the protruding wall 12. Because the connecting portion 33 of the metal fitting 3 has the second opening 330, the shield end 410 is less likely to come into contact with the metal fitting 3 when attaching the shield end 410 to the housing 1, facilitating assembly of the connector C1.

[0078] 3, each second extension 413 is located between two terminals 2 that face each other (are adjacent) in the left-right direction. That is, the second extension 413 is located between the first terminal 201 and the second terminal 202. This improves the electromagnetic shielding between the two terminals 2 that face each other in the left-right direction.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 3 , each terminal 2 does not entirely face the second extension 413 in the left-right direction, but only a portion faces the second extension 413 in the left-right direction. That is, at least a portion of the right surface of the second contact portion 22 of the terminal 2 located in the left column does not face the second extension 413 in the left-right direction, but preferably faces the gap G1 or G2 (see FIG. 2 ). Similarly, at least a portion of the left surface of the second contact portion 22 of the terminal 2 located in the right column does not face the second extension 413 in the left-right direction, but preferably faces the gap G1 or G2 in the left-right direction. This reduces the facing area between the terminal 2 and the inner shield 41 (second extension 413), thereby reducing the capacitance component generated between the terminal 2 and the inner shield 41 (second extension 413). The reduced capacitance component enables impedance matching while increasing the design freedom of the shape of the terminal 2 through which signals flow. As a result, high-frequency performance is improved.

[0080] (1.2.4.2) Outer Shields As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the connector C1 includes a pair of outer shields 42. The outer shields 42 contain metal as a main material or as a material such as plating that forms the surface. Here, as an example, the outer shields 42 are formed primarily from metal.

[0081] The pair of outer shields 42 are respectively disposed on a pair of side walls 132 of the peripheral wall 13 of the housing 1. In this way, the pair of outer shields 42 are disposed on both sides in the left-right direction of the protruding wall 12 of the housing 1. The plurality of terminals 2 including the first terminal 201 and the second terminal 202 are disposed between the pair of outer shields 42. The outer shields 42 improve electromagnetic shielding performance.

[0082] 2, the outer shield 42 integrally includes a base 421 extending in the front-rear direction and a pair of fixing portions 422 for fixing the outer shield 42 to the housing 1. The pair of fixing portions 422 are connected to both front and rear ends of the base 421, respectively. The fixing portions 422 are inverted U-shaped.

[0083] The fixing portion 422 has an outer piece 423 connected to the base portion 421 and covering the outer surface of the side wall 132 of the housing 1, an upper piece 424 connected to the upper end of the outer piece 423 and covering the upper surface of the side wall 132, and a curved piece 425 connected to the tip of the upper piece 424 and covering the inner surface of the side wall 132. The curved piece 425 curves and extends downward from the tip of the upper piece 424 toward the inside of the connector C1. As shown in FIG. 2 , a protrusion 426 is formed on the side surface of the extended portion of the curved piece 425. The outer shield 42 is fixed to the housing 1 by fixing the protrusions 426 of the pair of fixing portions 422 to the side wall 132 of the housing 1.

[0084] The outer shield 42 is arranged alongside the side piece 312 of the main body 31 of the metal fitting 3 in the front-to-rear direction. As shown in Figure 3, a gap G10 is formed between the metal fitting 3 and the outer shield 42, and the metal fitting 3 is not in contact with the outer shield 42 in the front-to-rear direction. In other words, the outer shield 42 is a separate body (separate part) from the metal fitting 3. This makes it possible to easily manufacture connectors C1 with different lengths in the front-to-rear direction.

[0085] 2 and 3 , the base 421 faces the multiple terminals 2 in the left-right direction. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 6 , the base 421 of one of the pair of outer shields 42 (the right outer shield 42) faces the first terminal 201 in the left-right direction in a cross section perpendicular to the up-down direction. Furthermore, the base 421 of the other of the pair of outer shields 42 (the left outer shield 42) faces the second terminal 202 in the left-right direction in the same cross section. This improves the electromagnetic shielding performance of the connector C1.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 6 , the left-right position of the base 421 differs from the left-right position of the outer pieces of the side pieces 312 of the main body 31 of the metal fitting 3. That is, in the cross section shown above, the left-right position of the inner surface of the base 421 differs from the left-right position of the inner surface of the main body 31 of the metal fitting 3. More specifically, the base 421 is positioned further outward in the left-right direction than the outer pieces of the side pieces 312 of the main body 31 of the metal fitting 3. This increases the distance between the terminal 2 and the outer shield 42 (base 421), thereby reducing the capacitance component generated between the terminal 2 and the outer shield 42 (base 421). Therefore, the reduced capacitance component enables impedance matching while increasing the design freedom of the shape of the terminal 2 through which signals flow. As a result, high-frequency performance is improved.

[0087] As described above, the fixing portion 422 of the outer shield 42 is fixed to the housing 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the curved pieces 425 of each of the pair of outer shields 42 are arranged on both sides of the end covering portion 32 of the metal fitting 3 in the left-right direction. This improves electromagnetic shielding performance.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 3 , the curved pieces 425 of the pair of outer shields 42 are arranged adjacent to the first terminal 201 and the second terminal 202 in the front-rear direction. At least a portion of the curved piece 425 protrudes further inward into the connector C1 than the adjacent one of the first terminal 201 and the second terminal 202 (more specifically, the first contact portion 21 of the terminal 2). In other words, the curved piece 425 of each of the pair of outer shields 42 has a portion that protrudes further inward into the connector C1 than the adjacent one of the first terminal 201 and the second terminal 202. This makes it easier for components of the mating connector C2 to come into contact with the curved piece 425 before the terminal 2, for example, when connecting the connector C1 to the mating connector C2. This makes it possible to protect the terminal 2 (the first terminal 201 and the second terminal 202) when connecting the connector C1 to the mating connector C2.

[0089] 2, a step is formed in the curved piece 425, with the lower side recessed more than the upper side. This step forms a locking protrusion 429 that comes into contact with the mating metal fitting 7 of the mating connector C2 when the connector C1 and the mating connector C2 are connected (see FIG. 12).

[0090] 4, the lower end of the fixing portion 422 (the lower end surface of the outer piece 423 and the lower end surface of the curved piece 425) is exposed from the lower surface of the housing 1. The lower end of the fixing portion 422 is fixed to the ground pattern of the circuit board 8 (see FIG. 20) by, for example, soldering or the like.

[0091] (1.3) Mating Connector As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the mating connector C2 includes a mating housing 5, mating terminals 6, and a mating metal fitting 7.

[0092] (1.3.1) Mating Housing The mating housing 5 is made of an insulating resin material and is formed into a flat, generally rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the front-to-rear direction as shown in Figure 7. The mating housing 5 holds the mating terminals 6 and the mating metal fittings 7.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 7, the mating housing 5 integrally includes a mating bottom wall 51 and a mating peripheral wall 52 .

[0094] The mating bottom wall 51 has a plate-like shape with a thickness extending in the up-down direction. The mating bottom wall 51 has a rectangular plate-like shape when viewed from below.

[0095] The mating peripheral wall 52 protrudes downward from at least a portion of the periphery of the mating bottom wall 51. Here, the mating peripheral wall 52 has a rectangular frame shape and protrudes downward from the entire periphery of the mating bottom wall 51. The mating peripheral wall 52 has a pair of mating end walls 521 (front end wall and rear end wall) extending in the left-right direction along the front and rear edges of the mating bottom wall 51, and a pair of mating side walls 522 (left side wall and right side wall) extending in the front-rear direction along the left and right edges of the mating bottom wall 51. In this way, the mating housing 5 has the mating end wall 521 protruding from the front end of the mating bottom wall 51 toward the connector C1, and a pair of mating side walls 522 connected to both left and right sides of the mating end wall 521.

[0096] The mating housing 5 has a mating recess 59 that is surrounded by the mating peripheral wall 52. The mating recess 59 has a rectangular shape when viewed from below, as shown in FIG.

[0097] (1.3.2) Mating Terminals As shown in Figures 1 and 7, the mating connector C2 has a plurality (here, 12) of mating terminals 6. The mating terminals 6 are made of metal. When the connector C1 and the mating connector C2 are connected, the plurality of mating terminals 6 are electrically connected to the plurality of terminals 2 of the connector C1.

[0098] The plurality of mating terminals 6 are held in the mating housing 5. The mating terminals 6 are fixed to the mating housing 5, for example, by forming the mating housing 5 by insert molding using the mating terminals 6 as insert components. The plurality (12) of mating terminals 6 are held in equal numbers (six each) by a pair of mating side walls 522 of the mating peripheral wall 52.

[0099] 7 , the plurality of mating terminals 6 include a first mating terminal 601 and a second mating terminal 602. The first mating terminal 601 and the second mating terminal 602 are two mating terminals 6 among the plurality of mating terminals 6 that come into contact with the first terminal 201 and the second terminal 202 of the connector C1, respectively. The first mating terminal 601 and the second mating terminal 602 are arranged on a pair of mating side walls 522, respectively.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 7, the mating terminal 6 integrally includes a first mating contact portion 61, a second mating contact portion 62, a mating board connecting portion 63, and a mating linking portion 64.

[0101] The first mating contact portion 61 and the second mating contact portion 62 are portions of the mating terminal 6 that come into contact with the terminal 2 of the connector C1 in a connected state in which the connector C1 and the mating connector C2 are connected.

[0102] The first mating contact portion 61 is a plate-like member whose thickness direction is along the left-right direction. The first mating contact portion 61 comes into contact with the first contact portion 21 of the terminal 2. The first mating contact portion 61 has a protrusion 611 that fits into the recess 211 of the first contact portion 21.

[0103] The second mating contact portion 62 is plate-shaped with its thickness extending in the left-right direction. The second mating contact portion 62 comes into contact with the second contact portion 22 of the terminal 2. The second mating contact portion 62 has a groove 621 into which the protrusion 221 of the second contact portion 22 fits. The width of the second mating contact portion 62 in the front-rear direction is greater than the width of the first mating contact portion 61 in the front-rear direction.

[0104] The mating board connection portion 63 is configured to be connected to a mating circuit board. The mating board connection portion 63 is a flat plate with its thickness direction aligned in the vertical direction. The mating board connection portion 63 is fixed to and electrically connected to a pattern conductor of the mating circuit board, for example, by soldering. The mating board connection portion 63 is connected to the upper end of the first mating contact portion 61 via a curved portion.

[0105] The mating connecting portion 64 connects the first mating contact portion 61 and the second mating contact portion 62. The mating connecting portion 64 is a U-shaped plate that connects the lower end of the first mating contact portion 61 and the lower end of the second mating contact portion 62.

[0106] The upper surface of the mating board connecting portion 63 is exposed from the mating housing 5. The mating board connecting portion 63 protrudes outward in the left-right direction beyond the side surfaces of the mating housing 5 (the left and right side surfaces of the mating peripheral wall 52).

[0107] (1.3.3) Mating Metal Fittings As shown in Fig. 7, the mating connector C2 includes two mating metal fittings 7. The mating metal fittings 7 contain metal as the main material or as a material such as plating that forms the surface. Here, as an example, the mating metal fittings 7 are formed primarily from metal.

[0108] The two mating metal fittings 7 are held in the mating housing 5. The mating metal fittings 7 are fixed to the mating housing 5 by, for example, press fitting or insert molding. The two mating metal fittings 7 are arranged at the front end and rear end of the mating housing 5, respectively.

[0109] The following description focuses on the front mating metal fitting 7 of the two mating metal fittings 7. The rear mating metal fitting 7 has the same shape and structure as the front mating metal fitting 7, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0110] 7, the mating metal fitting 7 is C-shaped when viewed from below. The mating metal fitting 7 has a mating end piece 71 that is disposed on the front mating end wall 521 of the mating peripheral wall 52, and a pair of mating side pieces 72 that are disposed on the front ends of the pair of mating side walls 522 and connected to both sides of the mating end piece 71.

[0111] The mating end piece 71 integrally comprises a mating inner piece 711 that covers the inner surface of the mating end wall 521, a mating upper piece 712 that covers the top surface of the mating end wall 521, and a mating outer piece 713 that covers the outer surface of the mating end wall 521. The mating inner piece 711 and the mating outer piece 713 are connected via the mating upper piece 712. The mating inner piece 711 is positioned more inward than the mating outer piece 713 with the mating end wall 521 in between. The mating inner piece 711 covers the central portion of the inner surface of the mating end wall 521 in the left-right direction. An outwardly recessed mating recess 710 is formed on the upper end side of the mating inner piece 711 (towards the mating bottom wall 51).

[0112] The mating piece 72 integrally includes a mating upper piece that covers the upper surface of the mating wall 522, a mating outer piece that covers the outer surface of the mating wall 522, and a mating flange that extends outward from the upper end of the mating outer piece. A protrusion extending in the front-to-rear direction is formed at the rear end portion (the end farther from the mating end piece 71) of the outer surface of the mating outer piece of the mating piece 72. This protrusion constitutes a mating lock protrusion 721 that comes into contact with the outer shield 42 (more specifically, the curved piece 425) of the connector C1 when the connector C1 and the mating connector C2 are connected (see FIG. 12 ).

[0113] (1.4) Connecting Operation Between Connector and Mating Connector The connecting operation for connecting the connector C1 and the mating connector C2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 8 to 14. FIG. 8 is a top view of the connector set C10 in a connected state in which the connector C1 and the mating connector C2 are connected. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in FIG. 8 in the connected state. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. 8 in the connected state. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG. 8 in the connected state. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in FIG. 8 in a partially connected state in which the connector C1 and the mating connector C2 are being connected. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. 8 in a partially connected state. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG. 8 in a partially connected state.

[0114] When connecting a connector C1 and a mating connector C2, for example, as shown in FIG. 1 , the connector C1 is positioned below the mating connector C2. Then, by moving the connector C1 upward relative to the mating connector C2 and / or moving the mating connector C2 downward relative to the mating connector C1, the connectors C1 and C2 are brought closer to each other as shown in FIGS. 9 , 11 , and 13 (the state in which the connectors C1 and C2 are in the middle of connecting). In this state, the rectangular frame-shaped mating peripheral wall 52 of the mating connector C2 is guided into the rectangular frame-shaped recess 19 of the connector C1. In particular, the pair of outer shields 42 of the connector C1 have pairs of curved pieces 425 (i.e., a total of four curved pieces 425 at the four corners of the recess 19), which makes it easier to guide the mating peripheral wall 52 of the mating connector C2 into the recess 19 of the connector C1.

[0115] In the connector C1 of this embodiment, the metal fitting 3 has an end covering portion 32 that covers at least a portion of the front end portion 125 of the protruding wall 12 of the housing 1. This makes it less likely that the front end portion 125 of the protruding wall 12 will come into contact with the mating connector C2 (e.g., the mating metal fitting 7) during the connecting operation of connecting the connector C1 and the mating connector C2. This prevents problems such as the protruding wall 12 being scraped during the connecting operation, and prevents damage to the housing 1. In short, the end covering portion 32 has a protective function of protecting the front end portion 125 of the protruding wall 12.

[0116] In the connector set C10 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the terminal 2 of the connector C1 has the second contact portion 22 that is elastically deformable in the left-right direction.

[0117] 11, in the connector set C10 of this embodiment, the curved piece 425 of the outer shield 42 of the connector C1 has a locking protrusion 429, and the mating fitting 7 of the mating connector C2 has a mating locking protrusion 721. This makes it possible to generate a so-called clicking sensation when connecting the connector C1 and the mating connector C2.

[0118] 13, in the connector set C10 of this embodiment, the inner shield 41 of the connector C1 has a shield end portion 410 that is flexible in the front-to-rear direction. Also, the mating fitting 7 of the mating connector C2 has a mating recess 710. This allows a so-called clicking sensation to be generated during the connecting operation of connecting the connector C1 and the mating connector C2.

[0119] Furthermore, during the connecting operation, the shield end 410 is pushed by the mating metal fitting 7 and bends in the front-to-rear direction, but the presence of the end covering portion 32 around it prevents excessive deformation of the shield end 410. In short, the end covering portion 32 has a protective function of protecting the shield end 410.

[0120] (1.5) Connected State In the connected state in which the connector C1 and the mating connector C2 are connected, as shown in Fig. 10, the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 of the terminal 2 of the connector C1 come into contact with the first mating contact portion 61 and the second mating contact portion 62 of the mating terminal 6 of the mating connector C2, respectively. This allows signals to be transmitted via the terminal 2 and the mating terminal 6 between the circuit board 8 (see Fig. 20) on which the connector C1 is mounted and the mating circuit board on which the mating connector C2 is mounted.

[0121] For example, for multiple terminals 2 adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction, terminals 2 for transmitting signals (signal terminals) and terminals 2 connected to ground (ground terminals) may be arranged alternately, with one ground terminal sandwiched between two signal terminals, which allows the ground terminal to function as an electromagnetic shield and prevents interference between the two signal terminals.

[0122] 12, in the connected state, the curved pieces 425 of the pair of outer shields 42 are in contact with the mating metal fitting 7. This enhances the function as an electromagnetic shield between the pair of outer shields 42 and the mating metal fitting 7, thereby improving the electromagnetic shielding performance.

[0123] 12, in the connected state, the mating locking protrusion 721 of the mating connector C2 is positioned lower than the locking protrusion 429 of the connector C1. Therefore, even if the mating connector C2 attempts to move upward, the mating locking protrusion 721 comes into contact with the locking protrusion 429, preventing the upward movement of the mating connector C2. This increases the mating force between the connector C1 and the mating connector C2. For example, this prevents the mating connector C2 from coming off the connector C1 when an excessive external force is applied to the connected connectors.

[0124] 14 , in the connected state, the protrusion at the upper end of the first extension 412 of the inner shield 41 of the connector C1 contacts the mating metal fitting 7. That is, the shield end 410 has a contact portion 414 (the protrusion at the upper end of the first extension 412) configured to contact the mating connector C2 in the connected state in which the connector C1 and the mating connector C2 are connected. In addition, in the connected state, the mating inner piece 711 of the mating end piece 71 of the mating metal fitting 7 contacts the shield end 410 of the inner shield 41 of the connector C1. This improves the electromagnetic shielding function between the inner shield 41 and the mating metal fitting 7, thereby improving electromagnetic shielding performance.

[0125] As described above, in the connector C1, the shield end 410, which is flexible in the front-rear direction, is disposed in the space within the arrangement recess 122 of the front end 125 of the protruding wall 12, and at least a portion of the shield end 410 (contact portion 414) is located forward of the opening edge 320a of the first opening 320 in the end covering portion 32. As a result, in the connected state, the shield end 410 elastically contacts the mating end piece 71 (see FIG. 14 ). This allows the shield end 410 to reliably contact the mating metal fitting 7 in the connected state.

[0126] 14, in the connected state, the contact portion 414 is located within the mating recess 710. Therefore, even if the mating connector C2 attempts to move upward, the contact portion 414 comes into contact with the step in the mating recess 710, preventing the upward movement of the mating connector C2. This increases the mating force between the connector C1 and the mating connector C2. For example, this prevents the mating connector C2 from coming off the connector C1 when an excessive external force is applied to the connected connectors.

[0127] (2) Modifications The above embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Modifications of the embodiment are listed below. The above embodiment and the modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

[0128] (2.1) Modification 1 A connector set C10 of this modification will be described with reference to Figures 15 to 20. In the connector set C10 of this modification, the description of the same configuration as in the above embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0129] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a connector C1 of this modified example.

[0130] In the connector C1 of this modified example, the end covering portion 32 of the metal fitting 3 does not have the connecting portion 324 (see FIG. 2 ). On the other hand, in the connector C1 of this modified example, the end covering portion 32 has a downward extension portion 325, as shown in FIG. 16 . The downward extension portion 325 is connected to the side surface portion 323. Here, the downward extension portion 325 is connected to the lower end of the side surface portion 323.

[0131] 18 , the downward extension 325 is exposed from the bottom surface of the housing 1. The downward extension 325 is configured so as to be mountable on the circuit board 8 (see FIG. 20 ). The presence of the downward extension 325 in the end covering portion 32 makes it possible to fix the end covering portion 32 to the circuit board 8 (see FIG. 20 ) by soldering or the like, which prevents the end covering portion 32 from collapsing and improves the strength of the metal fitting 3.

[0132] Here, as shown in FIG. 16 , the downward extension 325 extends forward from the lower end of the side surface portion 323. That is, the downward extension 325 extends in a curved manner from the lower end of the side surface portion 323, away from the terminal 2. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 , the front end of the downward extension 325 is located further forward than the front end of the side surface portion 323. This positions the portion of the metal fitting 3 connected to the circuit board 8 (see FIG. 20 ) (the downward extension 325) farther from the terminal 2 (particularly, the board connection portion 23). As a result, the distance between the pattern conductor connected to the downward extension 325 and the pattern conductor connected to the terminal 2 (the board connection portion 23) on the circuit board 8 (see FIG. 20 ) can be increased, thereby increasing the insulation distance between the metal fitting 3 and the terminal 2. This also reduces problems such as short-circuiting between the metal fitting 3 and the terminal 2 during soldering.

[0133] Furthermore, a notch 326 may be formed at the lower end of the rear end of the downward extension 325. The notch 326 is formed so as to cut out the rear end and the lower end of the downward extension 325. The notch 326 can reduce problems such as a short circuit between the metal fitting 3 and the terminal 2 during soldering.

[0134] In addition, in the connector C1 of this modified example, as shown in FIG. 16, the left and right surfaces of the upper end of the first extension portion 412 of the inner shield 41 have tapered portions 415 that taper upward.

[0135] 16 and 17, in the connector C1 of this modified example, the curved piece 425 of the outer shield 42 is located more inward of the connector C1 than the inner piece of the side piece 312 of the main body 31 of the fitting 3. This makes it easier to guide the mating peripheral wall 52 of the mating connector C2 into the recess 19 during the connecting operation of connecting the connector C1 and the mating connector C2.

[0136] As shown in FIG. 19 , in the mating connector C2 of this modified example, the mating piece 72 of the mating fitting 7 does not have a protrusion (mating locking protrusion 721; see FIG. 7 ), but instead has a recess (mating locking recess 722). As shown in FIG. 20 , in the connected state, the locking protrusion 429 of the connector C1 enters the mating locking recess 722 of the mating connector C2 and contacts the bottom surface of the mating locking recess 722. Like the mating locking protrusion 721, the mating locking recess 722 can also generate a clicking sensation during the connecting operation. Furthermore, the mating force between the connector C1 and the mating connector C2 can be increased. For example, this can prevent the mating connector C2 from coming off the connector C1 when excessive external force is applied in the connected state.

[0137] 19 , in the mating connector C2 of this modified example, the mating housing 5 further has a mating retention flange 53. The lower ends of the first mating contact portions 61 of the plurality of mating terminals 6 are embedded in the mating retention flange 53, and the plurality of mating terminals 6 are held in the mating housing 5.

[0138] In addition, the connector C1 of the above embodiment may be used to connect with the mating connector C2 of this modified example (thereby forming the connector set C10), or the connector C1 of this modified example may be used to connect with the mating connector C2 of the above embodiment.

[0139] (2.2) Modification 2 The connector C1 of the connector set C10 of this modification will be described with reference to Figures 21 and 22. Description of the same configuration of the connector C1 of this modification as that of the above-mentioned modification 1 will be omitted as appropriate. Note that the connector C1 of this modification may be used to connect to the mating connector C2 of the above-mentioned embodiment, or may be used to connect to the mating connector C2 of modification 1.

[0140] 21 and 22 , in the connector C1 of this modified example, the bottom wall 11 of the housing 1 has a through-hole 113 that penetrates in the vertical direction. The through-hole 113 is adjacent to the lower end of the downward extension 325, and an outer surface 3251 of the downward extension 325 is exposed within the through-hole 113. In detail, the outer surface 3251 of the downward extension 325 is exposed from the upper opening of the through-hole 113 to the lower opening.

[0141] The lower opening of the through portion 113 is formed to be larger than the lower end surface of the downward extension portion 325. Furthermore, the lower end surface of the downward extension portion 325 is exposed downward.

[0142] In this modification, the through portion 113 is connected to the curved piece 425 of the fixing portion 422 of the outer shield 42. The outer surface of the lower end of the curved piece 425 is exposed inside the through portion 113. In detail, the outer surface of the lower end of the curved piece 425 is exposed from the upper opening to the lower opening of the through portion 113. The lower end of the curved piece 425 is configured to be solderable.

[0143] In the connector C1 of this modification, the through-hole 113 makes it easier to form a solder fillet when soldering the downward extension 325 to the circuit board 8 (see FIG. 20 ). This prevents the end covering portion 32 from collapsing, and improves the strength of the metal fitting 3.

[0144] Instead of the through-hole 113, a recess that opens downward may be formed in the lower surface of the bottom wall 11 without penetrating the bottom wall 11. The opening of the recess is formed to be larger than the lower end surface of the downward extension 325, and the lower end surface of the downward extension 325 is exposed downward.

[0145] (2.3) Modification 3 The connector C1 of the connector set C10 of this modification will be described with reference to Figures 23 and 24. The description of the same configuration of the connector C1 of this modification as that of the above-described modification 1 will be omitted as appropriate. The connector C1 of this modification may be used to connect to the mating connector C2 of the above-described embodiment, or may be used to connect to the mating connector C2 of modification 1.

[0146] In the connector C1 of this modified example, the end covering portion 32 also has a downward extension portion 325 that is connected to the side surface portion 323 and is configured to be mountable on the circuit board 8 (see FIG. 20 ), as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 . In the connector C1 of this modified example, the end covering portion 32 further has a connecting portion 324, as shown in FIG. 23 . The connecting portion 324 connects the lower end of the end surface portion 322 to the lower end of the side surface portion 323. The connecting portion 324 is plate-shaped and curved along the corner portion of the front end portion 125 of the protruding wall 12. In other words, the end covering portion 32 has both the connecting portion 324 and the downward extension portion 325.

[0147] In the connector C1 of this modified example, the connecting portion 324 can improve the strength of the end covering portion 32, and the downward extension portion 325 prevents the end covering portion 32 from collapsing, etc., thereby improving the strength of the metal fittings 3.

[0148] (2.4) Other Modifications In one modification, the end covering portion 32 may be connected to the side piece 312 of the main body portion 31. That is, the metal fitting 3 may have a connecting portion connecting the end covering portion 32 and the side piece 312 instead of or in addition to the connecting portion 33 connecting the end covering portion 32 and the end piece 311.

[0149] In one variation, the end covering portion 32 may have a top surface portion 321 and a side surface portion 323 but may not have an end surface portion 322. In this case, the side surface portion 323 may be connected to the side piece 312 of the main body portion 31 by a connecting portion that connects the side surface portion 323 to the side piece 312. Furthermore, the first opening 320 may be formed so as to be surrounded by the side surface portion 323, the connecting portion, and the main body portion 31 (end piece 311 and side piece 312).

[0150] In one variant, the peripheral wall 13 of the housing 1 does not have to be formed around the entire periphery of the bottom wall 11 .

[0151] In one variant, the two terminals 2 (the first terminal 201 and the second terminal 202) facing each other in the left-right direction may be a combination of a ground terminal and a signal terminal, a combination of a signal terminal and a signal terminal, or a combination of a ground terminal and a ground terminal.

[0152] In one modified example, in the connected state, the metal fitting 3 (main body 31 and end covering portion 32) of the connector C1 may or may not be in contact with the mating metal fitting 7 of the mating connector C2. If the metal fitting 3 and the mating metal fitting 7 are not in contact in the connected state, it is easy to get a clicking sensation, for example, between the outer shield 42 and the mating metal fitting 7. However, this is not a limitation, and the metal fitting 3 and the mating metal fitting 7 may be in at least partial contact in the connected state.

[0153] (3) Aspects As can be seen from the above-described embodiments and modifications, the present specification discloses the following aspects.

[0154] A connector (C1) of a first aspect is connected to a mating connector (C2) so that the mating connector (C2) is positioned above. The connector (C1) includes a housing (1), a first terminal (201), a second terminal (202), an inner shield (41), and a metal fitting (3). The housing (1) has a bottom wall (11) and a protruding wall (12) that protrudes upward from the bottom wall (11) and extends in the front-to-rear direction. The first terminal (201) is held by the housing (1) and is located on the left side of the protruding wall (12). The second terminal (202) is held by the housing (1) and is located on the right side of the protruding wall (12). The inner shield (41) is located between the first terminal (201) and the second terminal (202) and is held by the housing (1). The metal fitting (3) has an end covering portion (32) that covers at least a portion of the front end (125) of the protruding wall (12). The end covering portion (32) has a first opening (320) that opens forward. The inner shield (41) has a shield end portion (410) at its front end. When viewed from the front of the connector (C1), the shield end portion (410) is located within the first opening portion (320). At least a portion of the shield end portion (410) is located forward of the opening edge (320a) of the first opening portion (320) of the end covering portion (32).

[0155] According to this aspect, the front end portion (125) of the projecting wall (12) can be protected by the end covering portion (32), and the strength of the connector (C1) can be improved.

[0156] In the connector (C1) of the second embodiment, in the first embodiment, the shield end (410) is not in contact with the opening edge (320a) of the first opening (320) of the end covering portion (32).

[0157] According to this embodiment, the shield end (410) can move in the front-rear direction.

[0158] In the connector (C1) of the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, a rearwardly recessed arrangement recess (122) is provided in the front end (125) of the protruding wall (12). When viewed from the front of the connector (C1), the first opening (320) of the end covering portion (32) overlaps at least a portion of the arrangement recess (122) of the protruding wall (12). At least a portion of the shield end (410) is disposed in the space within the arrangement recess (122).

[0159] According to this aspect, the amount of protrusion of the shield end (410) from the protruding wall (12) in the front-rear direction can be reduced, and the connector (C1) can be made smaller.

[0160] In the connector (C1) of the fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the end covering portion (32) has an upper surface portion (321) and an end surface portion (322). The upper surface portion (321) covers the upper surface of the front end portion (125) of the protruding wall (12). The end surface portion (322) covers the front end surface of the front end portion (125) of the protruding wall (12). The first opening (320) is provided across the end surface portion (322) and the upper surface portion (321) and penetrates in the vertical direction.

[0161] According to this aspect, the front end (125) of the protruding wall (12) can be protected by the end covering portion (32), thereby improving the strength of the connector (C1). In addition, since the first opening (320) is formed in the end face portion (322) and the top face portion (321) of the end covering portion (32), the movable range of the shield end (410) can be increased.

[0162] In the connector (C1) of the fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the end covering portion (32) has an end face portion (322) and a side face portion (323). The end face portion (322) covers the front end surface of the front end portion (125) of the projecting wall (12). The side face portion (323) covers the left and right side surfaces of the front end portion (125) of the projecting wall (12). The upper end of the end face portion (322) and the upper end of the side face portion (323) are connected. At least a portion of the first opening (320) is provided in the end face portion (322).

[0163] According to this aspect, the front end portion (125) of the projecting wall (12) can be protected by the end covering portion (32), and the strength of the connector (C1) can be improved.

[0164] In the connector (C1) of the sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, the end covering portion (32) further has a connecting portion (324). The connecting portion (324) connects the lower end of the end surface portion (322) to the lower end of the side surface portion (323). The end covering portion (32) has a corner opening (329) surrounded by the end surface portion (322), the side surface portion (323), and the connecting portion (324).

[0165] According to this aspect, the strength of the end covering portion (32) is improved.

[0166] In the connector (C1) of the seventh aspect, in the fifth or sixth aspect, the end covering portion (32) further has a downward extension portion (325). The downward extension portion (325) is connected to the side portion (323) and is exposed from the lower surface of the housing (1).

[0167] According to this embodiment, the strength of the metal fitting (3) is improved.

[0168] In the connector (C1) of the eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect, the downward extension portion (325) extends forward from the lower end of the side portion (323).

[0169] According to this embodiment, the downward extension (325) can be located away from the terminal (2), and the insulating distance between the metal fitting (3) and the terminal (2) can be increased.

[0170] In the connector (C1) of the ninth aspect, in the seventh or eighth aspect, the downward extension portion (325) is configured to be mountable on a substrate (circuit board 8).

[0171] According to this embodiment, the strength of the metal fitting (3) is improved.

[0172] In the connector (C1) of the tenth aspect, the bottom wall (11) of the housing (1) of the ninth aspect has a through-hole (113) penetrating in the vertical direction. The outer surface (3251) of the downward extension (325) is exposed within the through-hole (113).

[0173] According to this embodiment, the strength of the metal fitting (3) is improved.

[0174] In the connector (C1) of an eleventh aspect, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, the housing (1) further has a peripheral wall (13). The peripheral wall (13) protrudes upward from the peripheral edge of the bottom wall (11) and provides a recess (19) between the peripheral wall (13) and the protruding wall (12). The metal fitting (3) further has a main body portion (31) and a connecting portion (33). The main body portion (31) is disposed on the peripheral wall (13). The connecting portion (33) connects the main body portion (31) and the end covering portion (32).

[0175] According to this embodiment, the strength of the metal fitting (3) is improved.

[0176] In the connector (C1) of the twelfth aspect, in the eleventh aspect, the connecting portion (33) has a second opening (330) that communicates with the first opening (320) and penetrates in the vertical direction.

[0177] According to this embodiment, the movable range of the shield end portion (410) can be increased. Also, the shield end portion (410) of the inner shield (41) is less likely to come into contact with the metal fitting (3), making it easier to assemble the connector (C1).

[0178] In the connector (C1) of the thirteenth aspect, in any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the inner shield (41) has a base (411) extending in the front-to-rear direction and a first extension (412) extending upward from the base (411). The first extension (412) includes the shield end (410).

[0179] According to this aspect, the shield end portion can easily come into contact with the mating connector (C2), improving the electromagnetic shielding performance.

[0180] In the connector (C1) of the fourteenth aspect, in any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, the shield end (410) has a contact portion (414). The contact portion (414) is configured to come into contact with the mating connector (C2) in a connected state in which the connector (C1) and the mating connector (C2) are connected.

[0181] According to this embodiment, the electromagnetic shielding performance is improved by the inner shield (41) and the mating connector (C2).

[0182] In the connector (C1) of the 15th aspect, in any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, the connector (C1) further comprises a pair of outer shields (42), one of the pair of outer shields (42) being arranged on the left side of the protruding wall (12) and the other of the pair of outer shields (42) being arranged on the right side of the protruding wall (12), and the first terminal (201) and the second terminal (202) being arranged between the pair of outer shields (42).

[0183] According to this aspect, the outer shield (42) improves the electromagnetic shielding performance.

[0184] In a connector (C1) of a sixteenth aspect, in the fifteenth aspect, the housing (1) further includes a peripheral wall (13). The peripheral wall (13) protrudes upward from the periphery of the bottom wall (11) and defines a recess (19) between the peripheral wall (13) and the protruding wall (12). The metal fitting (3) includes a main body portion (31) and a connecting portion (33). The main body portion (31) is disposed on the peripheral wall (13). The connecting portion (33) connects the main body portion (31) and the end covering portion (32). In the front-rear direction, the metal fitting (3) is out of contact with the pair of outer shields (42).

[0185] According to this aspect, it is possible to easily manufacture connectors (C1) having different lengths in the front-rear direction.

[0186] In the connector (C1) of the seventeenth aspect, in the fifteenth or sixteenth aspect, one outer shield (42) has a first curved piece (curved piece 425) that curves toward the inside of the connector (C1). The other outer shield (42) has a second curved piece (curved piece 425) that curves toward the inside of the connector (C1). The first curved piece (curved piece 425) of one outer shield (42) is arranged on the left side of the end covering portion (32). The second curved piece (curved piece 425) of the other outer shield (42) is arranged on the right side of the end covering portion (32).

[0187] According to this aspect, the electromagnetic shielding performance is improved.

[0188] In the connector (C1) of the eighteenth aspect, in the seventeenth aspect, the first terminal (201) is arranged adjacent to the first curved piece (curved piece 425) of one outer shield (42) in the front-to-rear direction. The second terminal (202) is arranged adjacent to the second curved piece (curved piece 425) of the other outer shield (42) in the front-to-rear direction. The first curved piece (curved piece 425) of one outer shield (42) has a portion that protrudes further inward from the connector (C1) than the first terminal (201). The second curved piece (curved piece 425) of the other outer shield (42) has a portion that protrudes further inward from the connector (C1) than the second terminal (202).

[0189] According to this aspect, it is possible to protect the terminals (first terminal (201) and second terminal (202)) when connecting the connector (C1) and the mating connector (C2).

[0190] In a connector (C1) of a 19th aspect, in any one of the 15th to 18th aspects, one outer shield (42) has a first base (base 421). The first base (base 421) faces the first terminal (201) in the left-right direction. The other outer shield (42) has a second base (base 421). The second base (base 421) faces the second terminal (202) in the left-right direction. In a cross section perpendicular to the up-down direction, the positions of the inner surfaces of the first base (base 421) and the second base (base 421) are different in the left-right direction from the position of the inner surface of the main body (31) of the metal fitting (3).

[0191] According to this aspect, high frequency performance is improved.

[0192] A connector set (C10) of a twentieth aspect includes the connector (C1) of any one of the first to nineteenth aspects and a mating connector (C2). The mating connector (C2) includes a first mating terminal (601), a second mating terminal (602), a mating housing (5), and a mating fitting (7). The first mating terminal (601) contacts the first terminal (201). The second mating terminal (602) contacts the second terminal (202). The mating housing (5) holds the first mating terminal (601) and the second mating terminal (602). The mating fitting (7) is disposed at a front end (125) of the mating connector (C2).

[0193] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the strength of the connector (C1).

[0194] In the connector set (C10) of the 21st aspect, in the 20th aspect, the mating housing (5) is located above the connector (C1), and the mating housing (5) has a mating bottom wall (51), a mating end wall (521), a first mating side wall (522), and a second mating side wall (522). The mating end wall (521) protrudes downward from the front end of the mating bottom wall (51). The first mating side wall (522) is connected to the right side of the mating end wall (521), and a first mating terminal (601) is disposed thereon, and the second mating side wall (522) is connected to the left side of the mating end wall (521), and a second mating terminal (602) is disposed thereon. The mating fitting (7) has a mating end piece (71), a first mating side piece (mating side piece 72), and a second mating side piece (mating side piece 72). The mating end piece (71) is arranged on the mating end wall (521). The first mating side piece (mating side piece 72) is arranged on the first mating side wall (mating side wall 522) and is connected to the left side of the mating end piece (71). The second mating side piece (mating side piece 72) is arranged on the second mating side wall (mating side wall 522) and is connected to the right side of the mating end piece (71). The mating end piece (71) has a mating outer side piece (713) and a mating inner side piece (711). The mating inner side piece (711) is arranged more inward than the mating outer side piece (713) across the mating end wall (521). In a connected state in which the connector (C1) and the mating connector (C2) are connected, the mating inner piece (711) comes into contact with the shield end (410) of the inner shield (41) of the connector (C1).

[0195] According to this embodiment, the electromagnetic shielding performance is improved by the inner shield (41) and the mating metal fitting (7).

[0196] In the connector set (C10) of the 22nd aspect, in the 20th or 21st aspect, the connector (C1) further includes a pair of outer shields (42) that are not in contact with the metal fitting (3). One of the pair of outer shields (42) is disposed on the left side of the protruding wall (12), and the other of the pair of outer shields (42) is disposed on the right side of the protruding wall (12). Each of the pair of outer shields (42) has a curved piece (425) that curves inward of the connector (C1). The curved piece (425) of each of the pair of outer shields (42) contacts the mating metal fitting (7) when the connector (C1) and the mating connector (C2) are connected.

[0197] According to this aspect, the electromagnetic shielding performance is improved by the pair of outer shields (42) and mating metal fittings (7).

[0198] In the connector set (C10) of the 23rd aspect, in the 22nd aspect, each curved piece (425) of the pair of outer shields (42) has a locking protrusion (429). The locking protrusion (429) comes into contact with the mating metal fitting (7) of the mating connector (C2) in a connected state in which the connector (C1) and the mating connector (C2) are connected.

[0199] According to this aspect, a so-called clicking sensation can be generated during the connecting operation of connecting the connector (C1) and the mating connector (C2), and the mating force between the mating connector (C2) and the connector (C1) can be increased.

[0200] The mating connector (C2) of the 24th aspect is used in the connector set (C10) of any one of the 21st to 23rd aspects.

[0201] A connector (C1) of a 25th aspect is connected to a mating connector (C2) and positioned below the mating connector. The connector (C1) includes a housing (1), first terminals (201), second terminals (202), and an inner shield (41). The housing (1) has a bottom wall (11), a protruding wall (12) protruding upward from the bottom wall (11) and extending in the front-to-rear direction, a peripheral wall (13) protruding upward from the periphery of the bottom wall (11), and a recess (19) provided between the protruding wall (12) and the peripheral wall (13). A plurality of first terminals (201) and a plurality of second terminals (202) are held in the housing (1). The plurality of first terminals (201) are arranged on the left side of the protruding wall (12). The plurality of second terminals (202) are arranged on the right side of the protruding wall (12). The inner shield (41) is disposed between the plurality of first terminals (201) and the plurality of second terminals (202) and is held by the housing (1). A rearwardly recessed arrangement recess (122) is provided at the front end (125) of the protruding wall (12). The inner shield (41) has a shield end (410) at its front end. The shield end (410) is not in contact with the housing (1) and is flexible in the front-to-rear direction. When viewed from the front of the connector (C1), the shield end (410) overlaps with the space within the arrangement recess (122).

[0202] According to this aspect, in the connected state, the shield end (410) can be reliably brought into contact with the mating metal fitting (7).

[0203] C10 Connector set C1 Connector C2 Mating connector 1 Housing 11 Bottom wall 113 Penetration portion 12 Projecting wall 122 Arrangement recess 125 Front end portion 13 Peripheral wall 19 Recess 201 First terminal 202 Second terminal 3 Metal fitting 31 Main body portion 32 End covering portion 320 First opening 320a Opening edge 321 Top surface portion 322 End surface portion 323 Side surface portion 324 Connecting portion 325 Downward extension portion 3251 Outer surface 329 Corner opening 33 Connecting portion 330 Second opening 41 Inner shield 410 Shield end portion 411 Base portion 412 First extension portion 414 Contact portion 42 Outer shield 421 Base portion 425 Curved piece 429 Locking protrusion 5 Mating housing 51 Mating bottom wall 521 Mating end wall 522 Mating side wall 601 First mating terminal 602 Second mating terminal 7 Mating metal fitting 71 Mating end piece 711 Mating inner piece 713 Mating outer piece 72 Mating side piece 8 Circuit board (board)

Claims

1. A connector that is connected to a mating connector so that the mating connector is positioned above, the connector comprising: a housing having a bottom wall and a protruding wall that protrudes upward from the bottom wall and extends in a front-to-rear direction; a first terminal that is held by the housing and is positioned on the left side of the protruding wall; a second terminal that is held by the housing and is positioned on the right side of the protruding wall; an inner shield that is positioned between the first and second terminals and is held by the housing; and a metal fitting having an end covering portion that covers at least a part of the front end of the protruding wall, the end covering portion having a first opening that opens to the front, the inner shield having a shield end at its front end, the shield end being located within the first opening when viewed from the front of the connector, and at least a part of the shield end being located forward of the opening edge of the first opening of the end covering portion.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the shield end is not in contact with the opening edge of the first opening of the end covering portion.

3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the front end of the protruding wall is provided with a rearwardly recessed arrangement recess, and when viewed from the front of the connector, the first opening of the end covering part overlaps with at least a part of the arrangement recess of the protruding wall, and at least a part of the shield end is arranged in the space within the arrangement recess.

4. A connector as described in claim 1, wherein the end covering portion has an upper surface portion covering the upper surface of the front end portion of the protruding wall, and an end surface portion covering the front end surface of the front end portion of the protruding wall, and the first opening portion is provided across the end surface portion and the upper surface portion and penetrates in the vertical direction.

5. A connector as described in claim 1, wherein the end covering portion has an end face portion covering the front end surface at the front end of the protruding wall and a side face portion covering the left and right side faces at the front end of the protruding wall, the upper ends of the end face portion and the upper ends of the side faces being connected, and at least a portion of the first opening is provided in the end face portion.

6. The connector according to claim 5, wherein the end covering portion further has a connecting portion that connects the lower end of the end face portion to the lower end of the side face portion, and the end covering portion has a corner opening that is surrounded by the end face portion, the side face portion, and the connecting portion.

7. The connector according to claim 5, wherein the end covering portion (32) further has a downward extension (325) connected to the side portion and exposed from the lower surface of the housing.

8. The connector according to claim 7, wherein the downward extension portion extends forward from the lower end of the side portion.

9. The connector according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the downward extension is configured to be mountable on a board.

10. The connector according to claim 9, wherein the bottom wall of the housing has a through-hole penetrating in the vertical direction, and the outer surface of the downward extension is exposed within the through-hole.

11. A connector as described in claim 1, wherein the housing further has a peripheral wall that protrudes upward from the periphery of the bottom wall and has a recess between it and the protruding wall, and the metal fitting further has a main body portion disposed on the peripheral wall, and a connecting portion that connects the main body portion and the end covering portion.

12. The connector according to claim 11, wherein the connecting portion has a second opening that communicates with the first opening and penetrates in the vertical direction.

13. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the inner shield has a base extending in the front-to-rear direction and a first extension extending upward from the base, and the first extension includes the shield end.

14. A connector as described in claim 1 or claim 13, wherein the shield end has a contact portion configured to come into contact with the mating connector when the connector and the mating connector are connected.

15. The connector according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of outer shields, one of the pair of outer shields being positioned on the left side of the protruding wall, the other of the pair of outer shields being positioned on the right side of the protruding wall, and the first terminal and the second terminal being positioned between the pair of outer shields.

16. A connector as described in claim 15, wherein the housing further has a peripheral wall that protrudes upward from the periphery of the bottom wall and has a recess between it and the protruding wall, and the metal fittings have a main body portion arranged on the peripheral wall and a connecting portion that connects the main body portion and the end covering portion, and the metal fittings are not in contact with the pair of outer shields in the front-to-rear direction.

17. A connector as described in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein one of the outer shields has a first curved piece that curves toward the inside of the connector, and the other outer shield has a second curved piece that curves toward the inside of the connector, the first curved piece of the one outer shield is positioned on the left side of the end covering portion, and the second curved piece of the other outer shield is positioned on the right side of the end covering portion.

18. A connector as described in claim 17, wherein the first terminal is arranged side by side in the front-to-rear direction with the first curved piece of one of the outer shields, the second terminal is arranged side by side in the front-to-rear direction with the second curved piece of the other outer shield, the first curved piece of the one outer shield has a portion that protrudes more toward the inside of the connector than the first terminal, and the second curved piece of the other outer shield has a portion that protrudes more toward the inside of the connector than the second terminal.

19. A connector as described in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein one of the outer shields has a first base portion that faces the first terminal in the left-right direction, and the other outer shield has a second base portion that faces the second terminal in the left-right direction, and in a cross section perpendicular to the up-down direction, the position of the inner surface of the first base and the position of the inner surface of the second base each differ in the left-right direction from the position of the inner surface of the main body of the metal fitting.

20. A connector set comprising the connector according to claim 1 and the mating connector, wherein the mating connector includes: a first mating terminal that contacts the first terminal; a second mating terminal that contacts the second terminal; a mating housing that holds the first mating terminal and the second mating terminal; and a mating metal fitting that is disposed at the front end of the mating connector.

21. A connector set as claimed in claim 20, wherein the mating housing is located above the connector, the mating housing having: a mating bottom wall; a mating end wall protruding downward from a front end of the mating bottom wall; a first mating side wall connected to the left side of the mating end wall and on which the first mating terminal is arranged; and a second mating side wall connected to the right side of the mating end wall and on which the second mating terminal is arranged; the mating fitting has: a mating end piece arranged on the mating end wall; a first mating side piece arranged on the first mating side wall and connected to the left side of the mating end piece; and a second mating side piece arranged on the second mating side wall and connected to the right side of the mating end piece; the mating end piece has: a mating outer piece; and a mating inner piece arranged more inward than the mating outer piece with the mating end wall in between; and when the connector and the mating connector are connected in a connected state, the mating inner piece comes into contact with the shield end of the inner shield of the connector.

22. A connector set as claimed in claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the connector further has a pair of outer shields that are not in contact with the metal fittings, one of the pair of outer shields being positioned on the left side of the protruding wall and the other of the pair of outer shields being positioned on the right side of the protruding wall, each of the pair of outer shields having a curved piece that curves inwardly of the connector, and the curved piece of each of the pair of outer shields coming into contact with the mating metal fittings when the connector and the mating connector are connected.

23. A connector set as described in claim 22, wherein the curved piece of each of the pair of outer shields has a locking protrusion that comes into contact with the mating metal fitting of the mating connector when the connector and the mating connector are connected.

24. A mating connector used in the connector set according to claim 21.

25. A connector to be connected to a mating connector and positioned below the mating connector, the connector comprising: a housing having a bottom wall, a protruding wall protruding upward from the bottom wall and extending in the front-to-rear direction, a peripheral wall protruding upward from the periphery of the bottom wall, and a recess provided between the protruding wall and the peripheral wall; a plurality of first terminals held by the housing and positioned on the left side of the protruding wall; a plurality of second terminals held by the housing and positioned on the right side of the protruding wall; and an inner shield positioned between the plurality of first terminals and the plurality of second terminals and held by the housing, wherein a positioning recess recessed rearward is provided at the front end of the protruding wall, and the inner shield has a shield end at its front end, the shield end is not in contact with the housing and is flexible in the front-to-rear direction, and when viewed from the front of the connector, the shield end overlaps the space within the positioning recess.

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