Abstract:
A floating connector that utilizes multiple cables or ribbon cable is described, the connector has two termination ends, each with a housing and conductive terminals. The housings have a stepped configuration having at least two different levels on which free ends of the cables are terminated to the terminals of the housing. The terminals extend from the steps to terminating faces that are mate with opposing receptacle connectors. The two housing are flexibly interconnected so that they may deflect relative to each other.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a floating connector. 
     Conventionally, in order to connect a pair of parallel circuit boards to each other, a cable connector is used (for example, refer to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication (Kokai) No. 7-326443). The cable connector mentioned above connects a pair of circuit boards arranged side by side in the same plane by cables. 
       FIG. 14  is a side elevational view of a conventional cable connector. 
     In the drawing  901  denotes a plug connector mounted on one substrate  891 , which has a plug housing  911 , and a plurality of plug modules  950  attached to the plug housing  911 . In this case, a plurality of terminals  951  connected to conductive traces (not shown) of the substrate  891  are attached to each of the plug modules  950 . The plug terminals  951  extend vertically direction to the substrate  891 . 
       801  denotes a jack connector fitted to the plug connector  901 , which has a plurality of L-shaped jack modules  821 . In this case, a plurality of jack terminals  851  engage the plug terminals  951  and are attached to each of the jack modules  821 . The jack terminals  851  are L-shaped form in the same manner as the jack modules  821 , and one end of each cable  861  is connected to portions extending in a direction parallel to the substrate  891 . 
     In this case, the other ends (not shown) of the cables  861  are connected to jack terminals  851  attached to jack modules  821  of another jack connector  801 , in the same manner. Further, another jack connector  801  is fitted to another plug connector  901  mounted to another substrate  891  (not shown). Accordingly, since the jack terminals  851  of the another jack connector  801  are engaged with the plug terminals  951  of the another plug connector  901 , both the substrates  891  are connected to each other via the plug connector  901 , the jack connector  801  and the cables  861 . 
     If a displacement is generated between both the substrates  891  when connecting to each other by the connectors mentioned above, each cable  861  acts separately and is flexible and can be easily deflected. Accordingly, it is possible to suitably absorb the displacement. 
     However, in this conventional connector it is necessary to solder the cables  861  one by one to the jack terminals  851 . This takes a lot of effort and time to connect the cables  861  and the cost becomes high. A ribbon cable or the like may be used. However, because it is necessary to individually position each cable  861  and its core wire with respect to each jack terminal  851 , it takes a lot of effort and time to connect the cables  861  and the cost becomes high. 
     Further, since the jack modules  821  are used, the number of parts is increased and the structure becomes complicated. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An object, therefore, of the present invention is to provide a floating connector which solves the conventional problems mentioned above, and one that can connect a plurality of sets of cables in an overlapping state by forming a plurality of rows of terminals having a crank shape, arranging the terminals so as to generate a height difference between the rows, forming a plurality of rows of concave portions supporting coating members of the respective cables so as to be adjacent to the terminals, and arranging the concave portions so as to generate a height difference between the rows, can collectively position a plurality of cables in each of the sets so as to connect to the corresponding terminals, can connect the cables easily and for a short time, can form a simple structure by a reduced number of parts, and has a low cost and a high reliability. 
     Accordingly, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a floating connector comprising: a pair of housings, each a set of terminals and which are adapted to be fitted to a counterpart connector. There is a plurality of cables that connect the terminals of one housing to the terminals of the other housing, and a connector holder, flexibly coupling the two housings together wherein each terminal includes a contact portion that contacts with a counterpart terminal provided in the counterpart connector, a connection portion having one end connected to an upper end of the contact portion to which a wire of the cable is connected, and a rising portion having a lower end connected to the other end of the connection portion and against which a leading end of the core wire is brought into abutment, the terminals of each set are aligned widthwise of the housing, the connection portions of the terminals of the adjacent sets have a height difference formed there between; the housing includes a plurality of sets of cable support portions formed at positions adjacent to the connection portions of the terminals of the respective sets, and a plurality of concave portions formed on upper surfaces of the cable support portions of each set, aligned in the width direction of the housing, and accommodating the coating members of the cables; and the cable includes a portion in a predetermined length range from an end of the cable in which the coating member is removed and the core wire is exposed, the cables of each set are aligned in the width direction of the housing, the cables of the adjacent sets are arranged at vertically different positions, portions of the coating members adjacent to the core wires of the exposed portions are accommodated in the concave portions and positioned in the width direction of the housing, the leading ends of the core wires of the exposed portions are brought into abutment against the rising portion and positioned in an axial direction, and the core wires of the exposed portions are connected to the connection portions. 
     In another floating connector in accordance with the present invention, the housing includes a rising wall portion formed in an upper end thereof, and a plurality of positioning concave portions formed in the rising wall portion, the rising portion of each of the terminals is accommodated in the positioning concave portion and supported by the rising wall portion, and the leading end of the core wire of each of the cables is accommodated in the positioning concave portion and positioned in the width direction of the housing. 
     In a further floating connector in accordance with the present invention the cables include a ribbon cable in which the adjacent cables in the set are connected to each other. 
     In a further floating connector in accordance with the present invention, each terminal set is arranged such that the positions of the adjacent sets are different in the axial direction of the cable. 
     In a still further floating connector in accordance with the present invention, the connector holder includes a first top plate portion covering an upper side of the one housing, a second top plate portion separated from the first top plate portion and covering an upper side of the other housing, coupling side wall portions connected at their ends to distal ends of the first top plate portion and the second top plate portion, and holding lug portions connected to proximal ends of the first top plate portion and the second top plate portion and holding the housing. 
     In a still further floating connector in accordance with the present invention, the housings are provided holding wall portions formed in both sides in the width direction, and holding projections formed in the holding wall portions, the connector holder is provided with an engagement openings formed in the holding lug portions, the holding lug portions sandwich the holding wall portions, and the engagement openings are engaged with the holding projection. 
     In accordance with the present invention, the floating connector is structured such that a plurality of rows of terminals having a crank or a “stepped” shape are formed and arranged so as to have a height difference between the rows, and a plurality of rows of concave portions supporting the coating members of the respective cables are formed adjacent to the respective terminals and are arranged so as to have a height difference between the rows. Accordingly, it is possible to connect a plurality of sets of cables in the overlapping state, it is possible to collectively position a plurality of cables in each of the sets so as to connect to the corresponding terminals, it is possible to easily connect the cables for a short time, it is possible to reduce the cost, and it is possible to improve the reliability. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a floating connector constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the floating connector of  FIG. 1 , taken along line A-A thereof; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the floating connector of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the floating connector of  FIG. 1  with the connector holder is removed; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the floating connector of  FIG. 1  and a counterpart connector before they are fitted together; 
         FIG. 6  is the same view of  FIG. 1  but with the two connectors fitted together; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross sectional view of the two connectors of  FIG. 6 , taken along line B-B thereof; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross sectional view of the connector assembly of  FIG. 7 , taken along line C-C in  FIG. 7 ; thereof; 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged perspective view of a main portion of the connector housing in the state before the terminals are attached; 
         FIG. 10  is a first enlarged perspective view of the main portion of the connector, illustrating the operation for connecting the cables; 
         FIG. 11  is a second, sequential view of  FIG. 10 , illustrating the orienting of the cables; 
         FIG. 12  is a third, sequential view of  FIG. 10 , illustrating the orienting of a second row of cables; 
         FIG. 13  is a fourth, sequential view of  FIG. 10 , illustrating the operation for connecting of the second row of cables; and 
         FIG. 14  is a side elevational view of a conventional cable connector. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     In the drawings, reference numeral  1  denotes a floating connector in accordance with the present embodiment. The floating connector  1  has a first housing  11 A and a second housing  11 B formed by an insulating material such as a synthetic resin or the like, has a connector holder  41  holding the first housing  11 A and the second housing  11 B, and can electrically connect a first substrate  91 A and a second substrate  91 B which are mentioned below, by fitting the first housing  11 A and the second housing  11 B to a first counterpart connector  101 A and a second counterpart connector  1018  which are respectively mounted on the first substrate  91 A and the second substrate  91 B. 
     The connector holder  41  includes a rectangular plate-like member formed by an insulating material, and has a first top plate portion  42 A covering the upper side of the first housing  11 A, a second top plate portion  42 B covering the upper side of the second housing  11 B, and a pair of coupling side wall portions  44  extending in the longitudinal direction of the connector holder  41  and coupling the first top plate portion  42 A and the second top plate portion  42 B. Further, the first top plate portion  42 A and the second top plate portion  42 B have holding lug portions  45  integrally connected thereto, the holding lug portions  45  having engagement openings  46  formed there through for engaging with holding projections  17   a  provided in the first housing  11 A and the second housing  11 B for holding them. The holding lug portions  45  are connected to the first top plate portion  42 A and the second top plate portion  42 B at proximal ends of the first top plate portion  42 A and the second top plate portion  42 B, that is, ends thereof close to the center of the connector holder  41  in the longitudinal direction in such a manner that they extend downward from both side edges of the first top plate portion  42 A and the second top plate portion  42 B. 
     In this case, the first top plate portion  42 A and the second top plate portion  42 B are separated from each other by a slit-like separation groove  43  passing through the plate-like member in the thickness direction (vertical direction in  FIGS. 1 and 3 ). Further, the separation groove  43  extends longitudinally in the connector holder  41  along both sides of the first top plate portion  42 A and the second top plate portion  42 B, and separates the first and second top plate portions  42 A and  42 B and the coupling side wall portions  44  positioned on both sides of the first and second top plate portions  42 A and  42 B from each other. Further, the separation groove  43  terminates at positions near both ends of the connector holder  41  in the longitudinal direction, whereby the first top plate portion  42 A and the second top plate portion  42 B are connected, at the end portions of the connector holder  41  i.e., to both end portions of the coupling side wall portion  44  in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the first top plate portion  42 A and the second top plate portion  42 B are coupled to each other by a pair of elongated coupling side wall portions  44  so that both side edges of the first top plate portion  42 A and the second top plate portion  42 B are connected to, both longitudinal ends of the connector holder  41  and to both ends of the coupling side wall portions  44 . 
     The connector holder  41  achieves a certain degree of flexibility by being provided with the shape mentioned above. Particularly, since the distance of a portion connecting the holding lug portions  45  connected to the first top plate portion  42 A and the holding lug portions  45  connected to the second top plate portion  42 B becomes longer, an allowable amount of a relative displacement between the holding lug portions  45  connected to the first top plate portion  42 A and the holding lug portions  45  connected to the second top plate portion  42 B is enlarged. Accordingly, since the allowable a relative displacement between the first housing  11 A held by the holding lug portions  45  connected to the first top plate portion  42 A, and the second housing  11 B held by the holding lug portions  45  connected to the second top plate portion  42 B is enlarged, it is possible to maintain connection between the first and second housings  11 A and  11 B and first and second counterpart connectors  101 A and  101 B even if the displacement between the first substrate  91 A and the second substrate  91 B increases. 
     In this case, in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , a part of the coupling side wall portion  44  positioned on the near side in the drawing is removed for clarity for viewing the shape of the holding lug portions  45 , and this part is not cut away actually in the invention. 
     Terminals  51  are aligned and loaded in the first housing  11 A and the second housing  11 B in such a manner as to form a row extending in the width direction. In this case, a plurality of rows of the terminals  51  are provided, and the description will be given of the present embodiment on the assumption that two rows of terminals are provided. Further, the terminals  51  forming the inner row in the first housing  11 A and the second housing  11 B which are arranged in parallel to each other correspond to first terminals  51 A, and the terminals  51  forming the outer row correspond to second terminals  51 B. In this case, since the numbers of the first terminals  51 A and the second terminals  51 B are large, several terminals in the actual first terminals  51 A and second terminals  51 B are drawn, and the others are omitted, as a matter of convenience for illustration in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 . Further, the first terminal  51 A and the second terminal  51 B are described as the terminal  51  in the case of being described in an integrative manner. 
     Further, the first terminals  51 A of the first housing  11 A and the first terminals  51 A of the second housing  11 B are connected to each other via first cables  61 A, and the second terminals  51 B of the first housing  11 A and the second terminals  51 B of the second housing  11 B are connected to each other via second cables  61 B. The first cable  61 A and the second cable  61 B are constituted by a so-called lead wire obtained by coating a coating member  62  made of an insulating material such as synthetic resin or the like around a core wire  63  made of a conductive metal or the like, and the coating member  62  is removed in such a manner that the core wire  63  is exposed at a predetermined length range. In this case, the first cable  61 A and the second cable  61 B are arranged so that the cables are parallel, and the adjacent cables are connected to each other as in a so-called ribbon cable. In this case, the first cable  61 A and the second cable  61 B have substantially the same structure, and are described generally as a cable  61 . 
     The first terminal  51 A and the second terminal  51 B are constituted by an elongated rod-like member made of the conductive metal or the like, and are formed in such a manner as to be formed in a crank-shaped form as a whole, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . Further, each of the first terminal  51 A and the second terminal  51 B are provided with a contact portion  52  extending in a vertical direction, a connection portion  53  connected, at its one end, to the upper end of the contact portion  52  and extending in a direction orthogonal to the contact portion  52 , and a rising portion  54  connected, at its lower end, to the other end of the connection portion  53  and extending in the vertical direction. Further, a plurality of fixing projections  55  are formed in the contact portion  52 . In this case, the structures of the first and second terminals  51 A,  51 B are approximately the same, but are different in that the length of the contact portion  52  of the second terminal  51 B is longer, and that the direction in which the fixing projections  55  protrude is different between the first and second terminals  51 A,  51 B. 
     The housing  11  is provided with a first outer wall portion  12 A and a second outer wall portion  12 B extending widthwise, an intermediate wall portion  21  extending widthwise, and a pair of side wall portions  13  arranged in both ends widthwise, and integrally connected to end portions of the first and second outer wall portions  12 A,  12 B and the intermediate wall portion  21 . The first and second outer wall portions  12 A,  12 B oppose each other, and are structured so that the intermediate wall portion  21  is sandwiched there between. In this case, the lower end edge of the first outer wall portion  12 A and the lower end edge of the second outer wall portion  12 B are positioned at the same height. However, the lower end edge of the intermediate wall portion  21  exists at a higher elevation than the lower end edges of the first outer wall portion  12 A and the second outer wall portion  12 B. Accordingly, a fitting concave portion  28  serving as a concave portion sandwiched by the first outer wall portion  12 A and the second outer wall portion  12 B is formed on the lower side of the intermediate wall portion  21 . In this case, the lower end edges of the side wall portions  13  on both sides exist at a lower position than the lower end edges of the first outer wall portion  12 A and the second outer wall portion  12 B. 
     Further, a first canopy top portion  18 A extending toward the inner side is connected to the upper end edge of the first outer wall portion  12 A, and a first cable support portion  23 A supporting end portions of portions covered by the coating members  62  of the first cables  61 A is formed in the upper surface of the first canopy top portion  18 A. Further, a second canopy top portion  18 B extending toward the outer side is connected to the upper end edge of the second outer wall portion  12 B, the upper surface of the second canopy top portion  18 B serves as a second terminal support portion  24 B supporting the connection portions  53  of the second terminals  51 B, and a second rising wall portion  27 B supporting the rising portion  54  of the second terminal  51 B is formed in the outer end of the upper surface of the second canopy top portion  18 B. In this case, the upper end edge of the second outer wall portion  12 B exists at a higher position than the upper end edge of the first outer wall portion  12 A. Accordingly, a height difference is generated between the upper surface of the first canopy top portion  18 A and the upper surface of the second canopy top portion  18 B, the upper surface of the first canopy top portion  18 A is positioned in the lower stage, and the upper surface of the second canopy top portion  18 B is positioned in the upper stage. 
     Further, in the upper end of the intermediate wall portion  21 , a height difference corresponding to the height difference between the upper surface of the first canopy top portion  18 A and the upper surface of the second canopy top portion  18 B is formed. In the upper end of the intermediate wall portion  21 , the upper surface of the portion close to the inner side, that is, close to the first canopy top portion  18 A exists at a height close to the upper surface of the first canopy top portion  18 A, that is, the first cable support portion  23 A, and serves as a first terminal support portion  24 A supporting the connection portions  53  of the first terminals  51 A. Further, the upper surface of the portion close to the outer side, that is, close to the second canopy top portion  18 B exists at a height close to the upper surface of the second canopy top portion  18 B, that is, the second terminal support portion  24 B, and a second cable support portion  23 B supporting the end portions of the portions covered by the coating members  62  of the second cables  61 B is formed. Further, a height difference portion (vertical portion) in the boundary between the upper surface of the portion close to the first canopy top portion  18 A and the upper surface of the portion close to the second canopy top portion  18 B serves as a first rising wall portion  27 A supporting the rising portions  54  of the first terminals  51 A. 
     Further, a first loading opening  22 A extends vertically and is formed in the boundary between the first outer wall portion  12 A and the intermediate wall portion  21 , and a second loading opening  22 B extend vertically and is formed in the boundary between the second outer wall portion  12 B and the intermediate wall portion  21 . The first loading opening  22 A is formed to extend from the upper end of the intermediate wall portion  21  to the lower end, and the contact portion  52  of the first terminal  51 A is inserted to be fixed. In this case, the fixing projection  55  formed in the contact portion  52  skives into the inner side wall of the first loading opening  22 A, whereby the contact portion  52  is fixed. Further, the second loading opening  22 B is formed to extend from the upper end of the intermediate wall portion  21  to the lower end, and the contact portion  52  of the second terminal  51 B is inserted to be fixed. Further, the fixing projection  55  formed in the contact portion  52  skives into the inner side wall of the second loading opening  22 B, whereby the contact portion  52  is fixed. 
     In this case regard, each of the first and second loading openings  22 A,  22 B are formed as an elongated slit-shaped continuous single opening extending in the width direction of the housing  11 . However, they may be divided into a plurality of sections in widthwise in the housing  11 . Each of the first and second loading openings  22 A,  22 B may be structured such that a plurality of small independent openings are formed in correspondence to every one of the first terminals  51 A and the second terminals  51 B, or may be structured such that a plurality of comparatively large openings are formed so as to insert a group constituted by a plurality of first terminals  51 A and second terminals  51 B thereto. 
     Further, in the first terminal  51 A, the contact portion  52  is inserted to the first loading opening  22 A from the upper side, and the lower surface of the connection portion  53  is brought into contact with the first terminal support portion  24 A so as to be supported. In this case, the outer surface of the rising portion  54  is brought into contact with the first rising wall portion  27 A so as to be supported, and the inner side surface of the contact portion  52  is brought into contact with the first outer wall portion  12 A so as to be supported. Further, the position of the lower end of the contact portion  52  comes to approximately the same height as the lower end edge of the first outer wall portion  12 A, and the lower portion than the lower end edge of the intermediate wall portion  21  of the contact portion  52  is exposed into the fitting concave portion  28 , and comes into contact with a counterpart contact portion  152  of a counterpart terminal  151  mentioned below provided in the counterpart connector  101 . In this case, in the first rising wall portion  27 A, there is formed a first core wire positioning concave portion  25 A serving as a positioning concave portion in which a leading end of the core wire  63  of the first cable  61 A is accommodated, and the rising portion  54  of each of the first terminals  51 A is accommodated within the first core wire positioning concave portion  25 A. 
     Further, in the second terminal  51 B, the contact portion  52  is inserted to the second loading opening  22 B from the upper side, and the lower surface of the connection portion  53  is brought into contact with the second terminal support portion  24 B so as to be supported. In this case, the outer side surface of the rising portion  54  is brought into contact with the second rising wall portion  27 B so as to be supported, and the outer side surface of the contact portion  52  is brought into contact with the second outer wall portion  12 B so as to be supported. Further, the position of the lower end of the contact portion  52  is approximately at the same height as the lower end edge of the second outer wall portion  12 B, and the lower portion than the lower end edge of the intermediate wall portion  21  of the contact portion  52  is exposed into the fitting concave portion  28 , and comes into contact with the counterpart contact portion  152  of the counterpart terminal  151  mentioned below provided in the counterpart connector  101 . In this case, in the second rising wall portion  27 B, there is formed a second core wire positioning concave portion  25 B serving as a positioning concave portion in which a leading end of a core wire  63  of the second cable  61 B is accommodated, and the rising portion  54  of each of the second terminals  51 B is accommodated within the second core wire positioning concave portion  25 B. 
     Both ends of the first cable  61 A are connected to the connection portions  53  of the corresponding first terminals  51 A. In this case, in both ends of the first cable  61 A, the core wire  63  in which the coating member  62  is removed so as to be exposed is mounted to the connection portion  53 , and is firmly fixed to the connection portion  53  by a fixing means such as a soldering or the like so as to be connected. In this case, the coating of the core wire  63  is removed so as to be exposed at the same length as a flat portion of the connection portion  53  or somewhat longer. 
     Further, an end portion of the portion covered by the coating member  62 , that is, an adjacent portion of the exposed core wire  63  is mounted on the first cable support portion  23 A, and is supported by the first cable support portion  23 A. In this case, first coating positioning concave portions  26 A mentioned below are formed in the first cable support portion  23 A, and the end portion of the portion covered by the coating member  62  is accommodated within the first coating positioning concave portion  26 A, whereby the first cable  61 A is positioned with respect to the width direction of the housing  11 . Further, the first cable  61 A is positioned with respect to the axial direction by bringing the leading end of the core wire  63  into abutment against the rising portion  54 . Further, the leading end of the core wire  63  is accommodated within the first core wire positioning concave portion  25 A, whereby the first cable  61 A is positioned with respect to the width direction of the housing  11 . 
     In the same manner, both ends of the second cable  61 B are connected to the connection portions  53  of the corresponding second terminals  51 B. In this case, in both ends of the second cable  61 B, the core wire  63  in which the coating member  62  is removed so as to be exposed, is mounted on the connection portion  53 , and is firmly fixed to the connection portion  53  by the fixing means such as the soldering or the like so as to be connected. In this case, the coating of the core wire  63  is removed to expose the same length of wire as a flat portion of the connection portion  53  or somewhat longer. 
     The end of the portion covered by the coating member  62 , that is, the adjacent portion of the exposed core wire  63  is mounted on the second cable support portion  23 B, and is supported by it. In this case, second coating positioning concave portions  26 B mentioned below are formed in the second cable support portion  23 B, and the end portion of the portion covered by the coating member  62  is accommodated within the second coating positioning concave portion  26 B, whereby the second cable  61 B is positioned widthwise on the housing  11 . The second cable  61 B is positioned axially by bringing the leading end of the core wire  63  into abutment against the rising portion  54 . Further, the leading end of the core wire  63  is accommodated within the second core wire positioning concave portion  25 B, whereby the second cable  61 B is positioned widthwise in the housing  11 . 
     Since the leading end of the core wire  63  is secured accommodated within the first and second core wire positioning concave portions  25 A and  25 B by bringing the leading end thereof into abutment against the rising portion  54 , the core wire  63  does not come into contact with the adjacent core wire  63  even in the leading end portion which tends to be comparatively dispersed its position. 
     If both the ends of the first cable  61 A are connected to the connection portions  53  of the first terminals  51 A, and both the ends of the second cable  61 B are connected to the connection portions  53  of the second terminals  51 B, the height difference exists in the upper end of the housing  11 , the connection portion  53  of the first terminal  51 A is positioned in the lower stage, and the connection portion  53  of the second terminal  51 B is positioned in the upper stage. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the first cable  61 A and the second cable  61 B are separated into upper and lower stages, and are not interfered with each other. Therefore, it is possible to divide many cables  61  into the upper and lower stages, and it is possible to reduce the width of the housing  11  so as to narrow a private area of the floating connector  1 . 
     Further, a holding wall portion  17  (to be held) extending toward the center of the connector holder  41  in the longitudinal direction is integrally connected to the upper end of the side wall portion  13 . The holding projection  17   a  protruding toward the outer side of the housing  11  in the width direction is integrally formed near the leading end of the holding wall portion  17 , and the holding projection  17   a  is engaged with the engagement opening  46  formed in the holding lug portion  45  of the connector holder  41 . In this case, the holding wall portions  17  positioned on both sides of the housing  11  in the width direction are sandwiched from the outer side by the holding lug portions  45  of the connector holder  41 , and the holding projections  17   a  are engaged in the engagement openings  46 , whereby the housing  11  is securely held by the connector holder  41 . 
     Further, the respectively independent first and second housings  11 A,  11 B are held by the connector holder  41 , thereby coming to a state of being coupled to each other. Accordingly, since the interval between the first housing  11 A and the second housing  11 B is held constant, the first cables  61 A and the second cables  61 B in which both ends are connected to the first terminals  51 A and the second terminals  51 B of the first housing  11 A and the second housing  11 B are not exposed to a tensile force caused by an expansion of the interval between the first housing  11 A and the second housing  11 B. Further, since it is possible to integrally handle a whole of the floating connector  1 , it is possible to easily execute an operation by a finger or a hand of an operator at a time of fitting the first housing  11 A and the second housing  11 B to the first counterpart connector  101 A and the second counterpart connector  101 B respectively mounted to the first substrate  91 A and the second substrate  91 B. 
     Further, since the upper side of the terminals  51  and the core wire  63  of the cables  61  is covered by the top plate portion  42 , impurities such as dusts or the like in the air do not come down to be attached to the terminal  51  or the core wire  63 . Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a short circuit between the adjacent terminals  51  and core wires  63  caused by the attachment of the impurities. 
     Further, a pair of handling portions  14  protruding outward in the width direction of the housing  11  are integrally formed in each of the holding wall portions  17 . The handling portion  14  is a member which the operator grips and operates by the finger, the hand or the like at a time of fitting the housing  11  to the counterpart connector  101 , and protrudes to the outer side than the connector holder  41 . 
     Further, lock operation portions  15  which are movable with respect to the handling portions  14  is arranged between a pair of handling portions  14 . The lock operation portion  15  is a member which the operator operates by the finger, the hand or the like for canceling the lock at a time of detaching the housing  11  from the counterpart connector  101 , and the upper end of the lock member  16  extending in the vertical direction is integrally connected. The lock member  16  is a plate-like member formed in such a manner that the lower end thereof is integrally connected to the lower portion of the side wall portion  13  so as to cover the side surface of the side wall portion  13 , and a lock projection  16   a  protruding to the outer side is integrally formed on the outer surface thereof. The lock projection  16   a  is engaged with a counterpart lock protruding portion  113   a  mentioned below of the counterpart connector  101 , locks the housing  11  with respect to the counterpart connector  101 , and prevents the housing  11  fitted to the counterpart connector  101  from breaking away from the counterpart connector  101 . 
     The lock member  16  is a cantilever-like member having a fixed lower end, and is elastically deformed, whereby the upper end corresponding to a free end displaces so as to come close to the upper end of the side wall portion  13 . Accordingly, at a time of canceling the lock, it is possible to displace the lock projection  16   a  toward the center in the width direction of the housing  11  so as to cancel the engagement with the counterpart lock protruding portion  113   a , by displacing the lock operation portion  15  connected to the upper end of the lock member  16  so as to come close to the upper end of the side wall portion  13 , that is, toward the center in the width direction of the housing  11 , by the finger, the hand or the like of the operator. 
     Next, the description will be given of the operation for fitting the housing  11  to the counterpart connector  101 . 
     The first substrate  91 A and the second substrate  91 B are printed circuit boards. In this case, the first counterpart connector  101 A and the second counterpart connector  101 B respectively mounted on the first substrate  91 A and the second substrate  91 B have the same structure with each other, and are described as the counterpart connector  101  in the case of being described in an integrative manner. 
     The counterpart connector  101  is constituted by a receptacle connector, and has a counterpart housing  111  integrally formed by an insulating material such as synthetic resin or the like, and nails  161  serving as mounting auxiliary brackets attached to both ends of the counterpart housing  111  in the width direction. Further, the counterpart housing  111  has an insertion opening  126  for inserting the housing  11  of the floating connector  1  from the upper side. A plurality of elongated counterpart terminals  151  made of conductive metal or the like are loaded in the insertion opening  126  in correspondence to the layout of the first terminals  51 A and the second terminals  51 B of the housing  11 . In this case, a tail portion  153  of the counterpart terminal  151  is exposed to the lower side of the counterpart housing  111 . 
     The counterpart housing  111  is provided with a first counterpart outer wall portion  112 A and a second counterpart outer wall portion  112 B extending in the width direction thereof, a fitting convex portion  121  extending in the width direction, and a pair of counterpart side wall portions  113  arranged in both ends in the width direction, and integrally connected to end portions of the first counterpart outer wall portion  112 A and the second counterpart outer wall portion  112 B. The first counterpart outer wall portion  112 A and the second counterpart outer wall portion  112 B oppose to each other, the counterpart side wall portions  113  in both sides oppose to each other, the periphery of the insertion opening  126  is defined by the first counterpart outer wall portion  112 A, the second counterpart outer wall portion  112 B and the counterpart side wall portions  113 , and the fitting convex portion  121  is positioned within the insertion opening  126 . 
     Further, the space between the first counterpart outer wall portion  112 A and the fitting convex portion  121  serves as a first outer wall portion accommodating concave portion  122 A to which the first outer wall portion  12 A of the housing  11  is inserted. Further, the space between the second counterpart outer wall portion  112 B and the fitting convex portion  121  serves as a second outer wall portion accommodating concave portion  122 B to which the second outer wall portion  12 B of the housing  11  is inserted. Further, the space between the counterpart side wall portions  113  in both sides and the fitting convex portion  121  serves as a side wall portion accommodating concave portion  115  to which the side wall portion  13  of the housing  11  is inserted. 
     Further, a plurality of terminal accommodating grooves  123  extending in the vertical direction are formed in the surface opposing to the first counterpart outer wall portion  112 A and the surface opposing to the second counterpart outer wall portion  112 B in the fitting convex portion  121 . The terminal accommodating grooves  123  are formed corresponding to the arrangement of the first and second terminals  51 A,  51 B in the housing  11 , and a body portion  154  of each of the counterpart terminals  151  is accommodated and fixed within each of the terminal accommodating grooves  123 . The counterpart contact portion  152  connected to the upper end of the body portion  154  is inclined with respect to the body portion  154 , and a leading end, that is, a free end thereof protrudes from the terminal accommodating groove  123  toward the first counterpart outer wall portion  112 A and the second counterpart outer wall portion  112 B. Accordingly, on the basis of a spring characteristic provided in the counterpart terminal  151  itself, the counterpart contact portions  152  are pressed against the contact portions  52  of the first terminal  51 A and the second terminal  51 B, and securely comes into contact. 
     In this case, the tail portions  153  connected to the upper ends of the body portions  154  are exposed to the lower side of the counterpart housing  111 , and the lower surfaces thereof are connected to connection pads, a conductive trace or the like which are formed on the surfaces of the first substrate  91 A and the second substrate  91 B and are not illustrated, by a fixing means such as the soldering or the like. Further, the lower surface of the nail  161  is also connected to the connection pad or the like (not shown) formed on the surfaces of the first substrate  91 A and the second substrate  91 B by the fixing means such as the soldering or the like. Accordingly, the first counterpart connector  101 A and the second counterpart connector  101 B are securely fixed to the surfaces of the first substrate  91 A and the second substrate  91 B. 
     Further, the counterpart lock protruding portion  113   a  is formed in the surface opposing to the fitting convex portion  121  of the counterpart side wall portion  113 . The counterpart lock protruding portion  113   a  is engaged with the lock projection  16   a  of the housing  11 , locks the housing  11  with respect to the counterpart connector  101 , and prevents the housing  11  fitted to the counterpart connector  101  from breaking away from the counterpart connector  101 . 
     In the case of fitting the housing  11  of the floating connector  1  to the counterpart connector  101 , the operator first grips the floating connector  1  by the finger, the hand or the like, as shown in  FIG. 5 , and positions above the first substrate  91 A and the second substrate  91 B. In this case, the position of the floating connector  1  is controlled in such a manner that each of the housings  11  is positioned just above the corresponding counterpart connector  101 . In this case, since the first and second housing  11 A, 11 B are provided with the same structure with each other, and the first counterpart connector  101 A and the second counterpart connector  101 B are provided with the same structure with each other, it is possible to fit the first housing  11 A in the second counterpart connector  101 B, and the second housing  11 B in the first counterpart connector  101 A, however, in this case, the description will be given of the case that the first housing  11 A is fitted in the first counterpart connector  101 A, and the second housing  11 B is fitted in the second counterpart connector  101 B. 
     Subsequently, the floating connector  1  is moved down, the first housing  11 A is fitted in the first counterpart connector  101 A, and the second housing  11 B is fitted in the second counterpart connector  101 B. In this case, the first outer wall portion  12 A of the housing  11  is inserted into the first outer wall portion accommodating concave portion  122 A of the counterpart connector  101 , the second outer wall portion  12 B of the housing  11  is inserted into the second outer wall portion accommodating concave portion  122 B of the counterpart connector  101 , and the side wall portions  13  of the housing  11  is inserted into the side wall portion accommodating concave portion  115  of the counterpart connector  101 . 
     As mentioned above, since a pair of housings  11  are held and coupled by the connector holder  41  at a time of fitting the housing  11  of the floating connector  1  to the counterpart connector  101 , it is possible to integrally handle a whole of the floating connector  1 . Accordingly, the operator can easily execute the operation for fitting the housing  11  to the counterpart connector  101  by the finger, the hand or the like. 
     Further, if the fitting of the housing  11  to the counterpart connector  101  is finished, a state shown in  FIGS. 6 to 8  is achieved. In other words, there is achieved a state in which the fitting convex portion  121  of the counterpart connector  101  is accommodated within the fitting concave portion  28  of the housing  11 , the first outer wall portion  12 A of the housing  11  enters the first outer wall portion accommodating concave portion  122 A of the counterpart connector  101 , the second outer wall portion  12 B of the housing  11  enters the second outer wall portion accommodating concave portion  122 B of the counterpart connector  101 , and the side wall portions  13  of the housing  11  enter the side wall portion accommodating concave portion  115  of the counterpart connector  101 . 
     Accordingly, the contact portion  52  of the first terminal  51 A brought into contact with the first outer wall portion  12 A so as to be supported comes into contact with the counterpart contact portion  152  of the counterpart terminal  151  within the first outer wall portion accommodating concave portion  122 A. Further, the contact portion  52  of the second terminal  51 B brought into contact with the second outer wall portion  12 B so as to be supported comes into contact with the counterpart contact portion  152  of the counterpart terminal  151  within the second outer wall portion accommodating concave portion  122 B. In this case, since the counterpart contact portion  152  is pressed against the contact portion  52  on the basis of the spring characteristic provided in the counterpart terminal  151  itself, the contact portion  52  and the counterpart contact portion  152  are securely in contact, and it is possible to securely maintain an electric connection state between the terminal  51  and the corresponding counterpart terminal  151 . 
     Further, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the lock member  16  of the housing  11  enters the side wall portion accommodating concave portion  115  of the counterpart connector  101  together with the side wall portion  13 , and the lock projection  16   a  is engaged with the counterpart lock protruding portion  113   a  in a state of being positioned in a lower side of the counterpart lock protruding portion  113   a  of the counterpart side wall portion  113 . Accordingly, the housing  11  comes to a state of being locked with respect to the counterpart connector  101 , and it is possible to prevent the lock member  16  from moving up with respect to the counterpart side wall portion  113 , that is, prevent the housing  11  from breaking away from the counterpart connector  101 . 
     In the case of detaching the housing  11  from the counterpart connector  101 , it is possible to cancel the lock by operating the lock operation portion  15  by the operator&#39;s finger, hand or the like. The lock member  16  is constituted by the cantilever-shaped elastically deformable member having the fixed lower end, and is tilted so as to move away from the counterpart side wall portion  113  by displacing the lock operation portion  15  connected to the upper end toward the center in the width direction of the housing  11 . Accordingly, the lock projection  16   a  formed in the lock member  16  moves away from the counterpart side wall portion  113 , and the engagement with the counterpart lock protruding portion  113   a  is canceled. Accordingly, if the operator grips the housing  11  by hand so as to sandwich both the lock operation portions  15  from both sides, the lock is canceled, and it is possible to move up the housing  11  as it is so as to detach from the counterpart connector  101 . 
     Further, the connector holder  41  is provided with the flexibility, and an allowable amount of a relative displacement is large between the first housing  11 A held by the holding lug portions  45  connected to the first top plate portion  42 A, and the second housing  11 B held by the holding lug portions  45  connected to the second top plate portion  42 B. Accordingly, even if the first substrate  91 A and the second substrate  91 B are not in a flush state, but is relatively inclined or different in the relative height, or even if the first counterpart connector  101 A and the second counterpart connector  101 B mounted to the first substrate  91 A and the second substrate  91 B are not in parallel to each other, it is possible to fit the first housing  11 A and the second housing  11 B in the first counterpart connector  101 A and the second counterpart connector  101 B. 
     Next, the description will be given of the operation for connecting the cables  61  to the housing  11 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the first coating positioning concave portions  26 A as a plurality of concave portions are formed in the first cable support portion  23 A at a pitch corresponding to the pitch of the first cables  61 A forming the ribbon cables, so as to be arranged in the width direction of the housing  11 . In the same manner, the second coating positioning concave portions  26 B as a plurality of concave portions are formed in the second cable support portion  23 B at a pitch corresponding to the pitch of the second cables  61 B forming the ribbon cables, so as to be arranged in the width direction of the housing  11 . 
     Further, the first core wire positioning concave portions  25 A formed from the first terminal support portion  24 A over the first rising wall portion  27 A are arranged at the pitch corresponding to the pitch of the first cables  61 A in the width direction of the housing  11 . In this case, each of the first core wire positioning concave portions  25 A is an approximately L-shaped concave portion opening toward upward and inward (near side in  FIG. 9 ) from the first terminal support portion  24 A over the first rising wall portion  27 A and having an approximately L-shaped form, which is formed by L-shaped ribs  31 A formed so as to protrude at the pitch of the first cables  61 A. In the same manner, the second core wire positioning concave portions  25 B formed in the second rising wall portion  27 B are arranged in the width direction of the housing  11  at the pitch corresponding to the pitch of the second cables  61 B. In this case, each of the second core wire positioning concave portions  25 B is constituted by a concave portion opening toward upward and inward and having an approximately L-shaped form, which is formed by ribs  31 B. 
     Further, the second terminal  51 B is positioned in the width direction of the housing  11 , as shown in  FIG. 9 , by inserting the rising portion  54  into the second core wire positioning concave portion  25 B from above, when the contact portion  52  is inserted into the second loading opening  22 B from above. In detail, projections  54   a  protruding on both sides of the rising portion  54  are press fitted in a wide portion  29 B formed along the second rising wall portion  27   b  at the back side of the second core wire positioning concave portion  25 B, and is fixed and positioned in the width direction of the housing  11 . In this case, in  FIG. 9 , the first terminal  51 A (not shown) is also fixed and positioned in the width direction of the housing  11 , in the same manner, by inserting the rising portion  54  into the first core wire positioning concave portion  25 A from above and press fitting projections  54   a  in a wide portion  29 A, when the contact portion  52  is inserted into the first loading opening  22 A from above. 
     In accordance with the structure mentioned above, even in the case that the first and second loading openings  22 A and  22 B are not provided per the terminal, but are constituted by a continuous slit, it is possible to supplement the fixing in the width direction of the contact portion  52  of the first and second terminals  51 A and  51 B by the fixing projection  55  so as to secure the fixing of the terminal to the housing. 
     Further, the connection portion  53  of the terminal  51  is provided with projections  53   a  formed on both sides in the width direction. The projections  53   a  position the connection portion  53  with respect to the width direction of the housing  11  by the end portions of the ribs  31 A protruding from the first terminal support portion  24 A, increases a connection area in the pitch direction when the core wire  63  is connected to the connection portion  53 , and can stabilize the connection. 
     In the case of connecting the cables  61  to the housing  11 , first, as shown in  FIG. 10 , one ends of the first cables  61 A forming the ribbon cable are positioned above the first cable support portion  23 A and the first terminal support portion  24 A. In this case, since the number of the first cables  61 A is large, several cables of the actual first cables  61 A are drawn, and the others are omitted, as a matter of convenience for illustration, in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 10 to 13 . 
     Subsequently, the first cables  61 A are moved down, as shown in  FIG. 11 , and in the end portions of the first cables  61 A, the core wires  63  in which the coating members  62  are removed so as to be exposed are mounted to the connection portions  53  of the first terminals  51 A on the first terminal support portion  24 A, and the end portions of the portions covered by the coating members  62 , that is, the adjacent portions of the exposed core wires  63  are mounted to the first cable support portion  23 A. In this case, since the leading end of the core wire  63  is accommodated in the first core wire positioning concave portion  25 A, and the end portion of the portion covered by the coating member  62  is accommodated in the first coating positioning concave portion  26 A, it is possible to easily and securely position the first cable  61 A with respect to the width direction of the housing  11 . Further, the positioning of the first cable  61 A with respect to the axial direction is executed by moving the first cable  61 A toward the outer side (back side in  FIG. 11 ), and bringing the leading end of the core wire  63  into abutment against the rising portion  54 . 
     The positioning mentioned above can be simultaneously executed in all the first cables  61 A by integrally handling the whole of the first cables  61 A forming the ribbon cable. Accordingly, the operator can easily and accurately position all the first cables  61 A by using the finger, the hand and the like of the single hand. 
     Further, since the leading end portions of the core wires  63  enter between the ribs  31 A and the ribs  31 B, that is, into the first core wire positioning concave portions  25 A and second core wire positioning concave portions  25 B, respectively, it is possible to securely prevent the short circuit between the adjacent core wires. 
     Subsequently, the core wire  63  of the first cable  61 A is firmly fixed and connected to the connection portion  53  by the fixing means such as the soldering or the like. In this case, it is possible to solder the core wire  63  to the connection portion  53 , for example, by previously coating the solder around the core wire  63 , bringing a heating member such as a heater or the like into contact with the core wire  63  mounted on the connection portion  53 , and pressing the core wire  63  while heating. In this case, the heating member is desirably structured such that the portion brought into contact with the core wire  63  is formed in an elongated band-like shape extending in the width direction of the housing  11  and is provided with such a dimension as to be simultaneously brought into contact with all the arranged core wires  63  without coming into contact with the first rising wall portion  27 A and the coating members  62 . Accordingly, it is possible to simultaneously solder all the core wires  63  to the connection portions  53 . Further, since all the first cables  61 A are positioned in the width direction and the axial direction of the housing  11 , and come to a state of being aligned with the connection portions  53 , the first rising wall portion  27 A and the coating members  62  can be prevented from coming into contact with the heating member so as to be molten, by bringing the heating member into contact with the core wire  63  in a state of positioning the heating member with respect to the connection portion  53  arranged in the width direction of the housing  11 . Further, since the operator can position all the first cables  61 A by the single hand, it is possible to easily and accurately execute the soldering work by keeping the first cable  61 A in the positioned state by one hand and operating the heating member by the other hand. 
     In this manner, when the core wires  63  of the first cables  61 A are connected to the connection portions  53 , and the connection of the first cables  61 A to the housing  11  is finished, as mentioned above, the second cables  61 B are subsequently connected to the housing  11 . 
     In this case, as shown in  FIG. 12 , one ends of the second cables  61 B forming the ribbon cable are positioned above the second cable support portion  23 B and the second terminal support portion  24 B. In this case, since the number of the second cables  61 B is large, several cables of the actual second cables  61 B are drawn and the other cables are omitted, as a matter of convenience for illustration, in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . 
     Subsequently, the second cables  61 B are moved down, as shown in  FIG. 13 , and in the end portions of the second cables  61 B, the core wires  63  in which the coating members  62  are removed so as to be exposed are mounted to the connection portions  53  of the second terminal  51 B on the second terminal support portion  24 B, and the end portions of the portions covered by the coating members  62 , that is, the adjacent portions of the exposed core wires  63  are mounted to the second cable support portion  23 B. In this case, since the leading end of the core wire  63  is accommodated in the second core wire positioning concave portion  25 B, and the end portion of the portion covered by the coating member  62  is accommodated in the second coating positioning concave portion  26 B, it is possible to easily and securely position the second cable  61 B with respect to the width direction of the housing  11 . Further, the positioning of the second cable  61 B with respect to the axial direction is executed by moving the second cable  61 B toward the outer side (the back side in  FIG. 13 ), and bringing the leading end of the core wire  63  into abutment against the rising portion  54 . 
     The positioning mentioned above can be simultaneously executed in all the second cables  61 B by integrally handling the whole of the second cables  61 B forming the ribbon cable, in the same manner as the case of the first cable  61 A. Accordingly, the operator can easily and accurately position all the second cables  61 B by using the finger, the hand and the like of the single hand. 
     Subsequently, the core wires  63  of the second cables  61 B are firmly fixed and connected to the connection portions  53  by the fixing means such as the soldering or the like. In this case, it is possible to easily and accurately execute the soldering work by applying the same manner as the case of the first cables  61 A. As mentioned above, the core wires  63  of the second cables  61 B are connected to the connection portions  53 , and the connection of the second cables  61 B to the housing  11  is finished. 
     As mentioned above, in the present embodiment, the connection portions  53  of the first terminal  51 A and the second terminal  51 B are arranged so as to generate height difference, the first coating positioning concave portions  26 A and the second coating positioning concave portions  26 B are formed in the upper surfaces of the first cable support portion  23 A and the second cable support portion  23 B formed at the positions adjacent to the connection portions  53 , the end portions of the first cables  61 A and the second cables  61 B covered by the coating members  62  are accommodated in the first coating positioning concave portions  26 A and the second coating positioning concave portions  26 B so as to be positioned in the width direction of the housing  11 , and the positioning with respect to the axial direction is executed by bringing the leading ends of the core wires  63  into abutment against the rising portions  54  of the first terminals  51 A and the second terminals  51 B. 
     Accordingly, it is possible to integrally handle all of the first cables  61 A and all of the second cables  61 B forming the ribbon cables, and simultaneously position all the first cables  61 A and the second cables  61 B. Accordingly, it is possible to easily and accurately position all the first cable  61 A and the second cable  61 B. Further, since the leading ends of the core wires  63  are protected by the rising portions  54 , the leading ends of the core wires  63  will not be deformed or wind due to an application of the external force. 
     Further, the housing  11  is provided with the first core wire positioning concave portions  25 A and the second core wire positioning concave portions  25 B, the rising portions  54  of the first terminals  51 A and the second terminals  51 B are accommodated in the first core wire positioning concave portions  25 A and the second core wire positioning concave portions  25 B so as to be supported to the first rising wall portion  27 A and the second rising wall portion  27 B, and the leading ends of the core wires  63  are accommodated in the first core wire positioning concave portions  25 A and the second core wire positioning concave portions  25 B so as to be positioned in the width direction of the housing  11 . Accordingly, it is possible to easily and accurately position the first terminals  51 A and the second terminals  51 B. Further, even if the leading ends of the core wires  63  are brought into abutment against the rising portions  54 , the rising portions  54  do not deform. Further, since the leading ends of the core wires  63  are positioned, it is possible to more accurately position the first cables  61 A and the second cables  61 B. 
     In this case, in the present embodiment, the description is given of the case that the cables  61  are constituted by two sets, that is, the first cables  61 A and the second cables  61 B, and the terminals  51  are constituted by two set, that is, the first terminals  51 A and the second terminals  51 B, however, the number of the sets of the cables  61  and the terminals  51  may employ any number as far as it is plural numbers, and may be set to three sets or more. In this case, the sets of the rising wall portions  27 , the core wire positioning concave portions  25 , the coating positioning concave portions  26  and the like are set to the same number as the set of the cable  61  and the set of the terminal  51 . 
     The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be changed in various ways based on the gist of the present invention, and these changes are not eliminated from the scope of the present invention.