Patent Publication Number: US-8535094-B2

Title: Elastic member and shielded connector assembly having the same

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a National Stage Patent Application of International Patent Application No. PCT/KR2009/001662 (filed on Apr. 1, 2009) under 35 U.S.C. §371, which claims priority to Korean Patent Application Nos. 10-2008-0030297 (filed on Apr. 1, 2008), 10-2008-0030298 (filed on Apr. 1, 2008), and 10-2008-0030317 (filed on Apr. 1, 2008), which are all hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to an elastic member and a shielded connector assembly having the same, and in particular, to an elastic member that is installed outside of a terminal contact portion where a male shielded connector is connected to a female shielded connector, and consequently prevents metal powder generated due to its friction with the male or female shielded connector from intruding into the terminal contact portion, and permits easy connection and detachment of the male shielded connector to/from the female shielded connector and stably maintains the connection between the male shielded connector and the female shielded connector, and a shielded connector assembly having the same. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Recently, vehicles are automatized by a plurality of electronic components and sensors. The electronic component and sensor are electrically connected to a controller, an operating system or a power source through a cable or a cable connector coupled to the cable, and transmit control signals or power. At this time, an irregular electromagnetic wave is generated by an electrical signal, so that malfunction occurs to the electronic component or the sensor controlled by a fine signal, resulting in a traffic accident. 
     Generally, signal transmission between the electronic component and the controller is made by a harness for connecting the electronic component to the controller. The harness has a plurality cables, and connectors installed at one end or both ends of the cables. The plural cables are bundled into one bunch by a bundling member. The connector of the harness is connected to a connector directly attached to an electronic equipment unit such as the electronic component, the controller and the operating system. 
     The cable and connector of the harness and the connector attached to the electronic equipment unit should be protected from external electrical interference so as to prevent distortion of a signal transmitted therethrough. In the case that signal distortion occurs due to indirect/direct electrical interference from an external source, a driver may get into danger due to malfunction of the controller and so on. Therefore, it needs to protect the cable and connector of the harness and the connector attached to the electronic equipment unit from external electrical interference. 
     A method for protecting the cable of the harness from external electrical interference is largely divided into individual shielding and bunch shielding. The individual shielding method installs a shield member within each cable, and the bunch shielding method forms a woven layer or installs a shield member around the outside of a cable bunch to simultaneously shield external electrical interference. 
     The connector of the harness or the connector attached to the electronic equipment unit is formed as a shielded connector for shielding external electrical interference. That is, a female shielded connector of the harness is electrically connected to a male shielded connector of the electronic equipment unit to form a shield structure that prevents malfunction caused by an electromagnetic wave. For example, the shield structure is formed by connecting the male shielded connector to the female shielded connector with bolts. 
     However, the bolt used to connect the male shielded connector to the female shielded connector invites the increased size of products, and makes it difficult to connect and detach the male shielded connector to/from the female shielded connector. And, the bolt and the male and female shielded connectors coupled to the bolt are worn away or the bolt gets loose under various conditions of vehicle jolting where a shielded connector assembly (comprising the male shielded connector and the female shielded connector) is placed. Further, metal powder is generated due to wear and tear of the bolt and the male and female shielded connectors coupled to the bolt, and intrudes into a terminal contact portion between the male shielded connector and the female shielded connector, resulting in short circuit and arc. 
     Meanwhile, as vehicles are provided with a plurality of electronic equipment units for function improvement, an installation space for a shielded connector assembly is insufficient. For example, conventionally male and female shielded connectors were formed in the shape of a line, and they were linearly arranged and assembled in a shielded connector assembly. For this reason, it was difficult to install the shielded connector assembly in a small or angled space. To overcome the drawback, studies have been made to efficiently install the shielded connector assembly. 
     DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
     To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides an elastic member that is easy to install at a male or female shielded connector, permits easy assembly and disassembly of a shielded connector assembly, has a simple structure and easy manufacture, and can prevent wear and tear of the male and female shielded connectors and its plastic deformation caused by its excessive contact. 
     And, the present invention provides an elastic member that improves connection reliability between a male shielded connector and a female shielded connector, and is installed outside of a terminal contact portion where the male shielded connector is connected to the female shielded connector, and consequently can prevent metal powder generated due to its friction with the male or female shielded connector from intruding into the terminal contact portion, and a shielded connector assembly having the same. 
     Further, the present invention provides an elastic member that provides efficient utilization of an installation space for a shielded connector assembly, and a shielded connector assembly having the same. 
     Technical Solution 
     In order to achieve the objects of the present invention, the present invention provides an elastic member that is mounted in a securing part formed at a male shielded connector or a female shielded connector and that is configured to establish an electrical connection between the male shielded connector and the female shielded connector when the male shielded connector and the female shielded connector are assembled. The elastic member includes a plate spring having a predetermined length; an elastic piece being elastically deformable and formed by bending a portion of one or both sides of the plate spring in the lengthwise direction of the plate spring; and a fixing member formed on the plate spring and configured to prevent the elastic member from separating from the male shielded connector or the female shielded connector when the male shielded connector and the female shielded connector are disassembled. When the male shielded connector and the female shielded connector are assembled, the elastic member is elastically biased to come in contact with the male shielded connector and the female shielded connector, thereby electrically connecting the male shielded connector to the female shielded connector. 
     Preferably, the elastic piece is curved to have one highest point and one lowest point along the lengthwise direction of the plate spring from a bending portion where the plate spring is bent, and a protrusion is formed on the highest point of the elastic piece and protrudes in the direction away from the securing part. 
     Preferably, a support is provided to maintain a predetermined interval between a lower surface of the highest point of the elastic piece and the plate spring to prevent excessive deformation of the elastic piece. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, a shielded connector assembly comprises a male shielded connector for receiving a connection pin therein; a female shielded connector for receiving a connection terminal connected to the connection pin and a portion of a cable electrically coupled to the connection terminal therein, the female shielded connector being connected to the male shielded connector; and an elastic member mounted in the male shielded connector or the female shielded connector, and when the male shielded connector and the female shielded connector are assembled, being elastically biased to come in contact with the male shielded connector and the female shielded connector, thereby electrically connecting the male shielded connector to the female shielded connector, wherein the shielded connector assembly is configured such that, when the male shielded connector and the female shielded connector are assembled, metal powder generated due to contact between the elastic member and the male shielded connector or the female shielded connector is prevented from intruding into a terminal contact portion where the connection terminal is electrically connected to the connection pin. 
     Preferably, the male shielded connector includes a male inner housing for receiving the connection pin therein; and a male outer housing for surrounding the male inner housing while being spaced a predetermined interval from the male inner housing, and the shielded connector assembly is configured such that the connection pin is received in the male inner housing and the elastic member is installed outside of the male inner housing, so that the metal powder is prevented from intruding into the terminal contact portion. 
     More preferably, a sealing member is provided between a connection terminal portion and a terminal cover of the female shielded connector, and when the male shielded connector and the female shielded connector are assembled, is contacted with the male inner housing inserted between the connection terminal portion and the terminal cover, so that the metal powder is prevented from intruding into the terminal contact portion, wherein the terminal cover surrounds the connection terminal portion while being spaced a predetermined interval from the connection terminal. 
     Preferably, the connection pin has a shape of ‘ ’, and includes a first connection port electrically connected to the connection terminal and a second connection portion electrically coupled to an electronic equipment unit, and the male shielded connector has a shape corresponding to the connection pin to receive the connection pin therein, and permits easy installation of the shielded connector assembly in an angled space. 
     Preferably, the female shielded connector includes a female inner housing for receiving the connection terminal and a portion of a cable electrically coupled to the connection terminal therein; and a female outer housing for surrounding the female inner housing while being spaced a predetermined interval from the female inner housing, and a pair of sealing members are provided along an outer periphery of the female inner housing at a predetermined interval therebetween and the elastic member is installed between the pair of sealing members, so that the metal powder is prevented from intruding into the terminal contact portion. 
     Preferably, the elastic member includes a plate spring having a predetermined length; an elastic piece being elastically deformable and formed by bending a portion of one or both sides of the plate spring in the lengthwise direction of the plate spring; and a fixing member formed on the plate spring and configured to prevent the elastic member from separating from the male shielded connector or the female shielded connector when the male shielded connector and the female shielded connector are disassembled. 
     Preferably, the elastic piece is curved to have one highest point and one lowest point along the lengthwise direction of the plate spring from a bending portion where the plate spring is bent, and a support is provided to maintain a predetermined interval between a lower surface of the highest point of the elastic piece and the plate spring to prevent excessive deformation of the elastic piece. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects, and advantages of preferred embodiments of the present invention will be more fully described in the following detailed description, taken accompanying drawings. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a shielded connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view showing that a male shielded connector and a female shielded connector of the shielded connector assembly of  FIG. 1  are disassembled. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the male shielded connector of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a connection pin of the male shielded connector of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of the female shielded connector of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6  is a partially enlarged view of a securing part of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an elastic member according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of a shielded connector assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is an assembled perspective view of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a female inner housing of a female shielded connector of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an elastic member according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view showing that an elastic member is installed at the female inner housing of the female shielded connector of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 9 . 
     
    
    
     BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to the description, it should be understood that the terms used in the specification and the appended claims should not be construed as limited to general and dictionary meanings, but interpreted based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to technical aspects of the present invention on the basis of the principle that the inventor is allowed to define terms appropriately for the best explanation. Therefore, the description proposed herein is just a preferable example for the purpose of illustrations only, not intended to limit the scope of the invention, so it should be understood that other equivalents and modifications could be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     A shielded connector assembly according to the present invention is configured such that, when a male shielded connector and a female shielded connector are assembled, metal powder generated due to contact between an elastic member and the male or female shielded connector is prevented from intruding into a terminal contact portion where a connection terminal is electrically connected to a connection pin. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a shielded connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view showing that a male shielded connector and a female shielded connector of the shielded connector assembly of  FIG. 1  are disassembled. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the shielded connector assembly  100  according to the present invention includes a male shielded connector  200  installed in an electronic equipment unit (not shown), a female shielded connector  300  connected to the male shielded connector  200 , and an elastic member  400  installed at the male shielded connector  200  or the female shielded connector  300  to establish an electrical connection between the male shielded connector  200  and the female shielded connector  300 . Here, description is made on the basis that the elastic member  400  is installed at the male shielded connector  200 . 
     The male shielded connector  200  includes a male inner housing  210  receiving a connection pin  230  therein, and a male outer housing  220  connected to the male inner housing  210  and having a securing part  225 . The connection pin  230  is connected to a connection terminal  318  received in the female shielded connector  300 . 
     At this time, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the connection pin  230  includes a first connection portion  231  electrically connected to the connection terminal ( 318  of  FIG. 5 ), and a second connection portion  232  electrically coupled to the electronic equipment unit (not shown). The connection pin  230  is formed in the shape of ‘ ’. The male shielded connector  200  receiving a plurality of connection pins  230  is not formed in the shape of a line, but in the shape of ‘ ’, which results in improved efficiency of an installation space. 
     The first connection portion  231  of the connection pin  230  is inserted into a slot  312  of a connection terminal portion  311  of the female shielded connector  300  shown in  FIG. 5  and is electrically connected to the connection terminal  318 . The second connection portion  232  of the connection pin  230  is electrically coupled to the electronic equipment unit (not shown). 
     The male inner housing  210  is made of an electrical insulator. More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the male inner housing  210  includes a first housing  211  configured to receive the first connection portion  231  of the connection pin  230  therein, and a second housing  212  extending from the first housing  211  to receive the second connection portion  232  of the connection pin  230  therein. 
     The first housing  211  and the second housing  212  of the male inner housing  210  are configured to receive the connection pin  230  therein, and is formed in the shape of ‘ ’, as a whole. At this time, take an assumption that the formation direction of the first connection portion  231  is an X-axis, and the formation direction of the second connection portion  232  is a Y-axis, relative to the first connection portion  231  and the second connection portion  232 . 
     Meanwhile, a connection protrusion  214  is formed at the top of the first housing  211 . The connection protrusion  214  is engaged with a locking member  317  of the female shielded connector  300  to be described later, so that a close connection is established between the male shielded connector  200  and the female shielded connector  300  and cannot be easily released from external shocks. Engagement of the connection protrusion  214  with the locking member  317  is described below. 
     A guide rod  215  may be further provided on the inner surface of the first housing  211  in the direction of X-axis. The guide rod  215  serves as a guide for a stable connection between the connection pin  230  and the connection terminal  318 . Accordingly, a guide groove  315 , into which the guide rod  215  is inserted, is formed at a location corresponding to the guide rod  215  on the connection terminal  318  connected to the connection pin  230 . 
     The male outer housing  220  is made of a conductive material, and as shown in  FIG. 3 , includes a first receiving portion  221  having an insertion hole  223 , through which the first housing  211  is inserted, and a second receiving portion  222  extending from the first receiving portion  221  to partially receive the second housing  212 . 
     The first receiving portion  221  has an open top, and when the first housing  211  is inserted through the insertion hole  223 , the first receiving portion  221  surrounds a lower surface and opposite side surfaces of the first housing  211 . At this time, the first receiving portion  221  is spaced a predetermined interval from the first housing  211 . 
     The second receiving portion  222  has a receiving groove  224  for partially receiving the second housing  212 . The receiving groove  224  is preferably formed at a side of the insertion direction of the second housing  212 . That is, as the first housing  211  is inserted into the first receiving portion  221 , the second housing  212  is inserted into the receiving groove  224  of the second receiving portion  222  and is supported by the receiving groove  224 . Thus, after the male inner housing  210  is completely installed in the male outer housing  220 , the male inner housing  210  is prevented from moving in the directions of X-axis and Y-axis. 
     Meanwhile, the securing part  225  is formed on the first receiving portion  221  of the male outer housing  220 . More specifically, the securing part  225 , into which the elastic member  400  is inserted, is formed at the upper and inner side of the first receiving portion  221 . The securing part  225  has a fixing hole  226  for fixing the elastic member  400 . The securing part  225  is described below in detail. 
     The reference numeral  242  is a coupling unit for coupling the male outer housing  220  to the electronic equipment unit (not shown) using a bolt  241 . 
     Meanwhile, metal powder generated due to wear and tear of the elastic member  400  is prevented from intruding into the terminal contact portion between the connection terminal ( 318  of  FIG. 5 ) and the connection pin  230  by receiving the connection pin  230  in the male inner housing  210  and installing the elastic member  400  outside of the male inner housing  210 . That is, as the male inner housing  210  is located between the elastic member  400  and the connection pin  230 , metal powder is prevented from intruding into the connection pin  230 . As a result, the terminal contact portion avoids short circuit and arc, and connection between the male shielded connector  200  and the female shielded connector  300  can be stably maintained. 
       FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of the female shielded connector. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  5 , the female shielded connector  300  includes a female inner housing  310  for receiving the connection terminal  318  and a portion of a cable  319  therein, and a female outer housing  320  connected to the female inner housing  310  and made of a conductive material. 
     The female inner housing  310  includes the connection terminal portion  311  for receiving the connection terminal  318  and a portion of the cable  319  electrically connected to the connection terminal  318 , and a terminal cover  316  surrounding the connection terminal portion  311  while being spaced a predetermined interval from the connection terminal portion  311 . 
     The connection terminal portion  311  has, at one side, the slot  312 , into which the connection pin  230  is inserted, and at the other side, an insertion portion  313 , into which a portion of the cable  319  is inserted. The insertion portion  313  has a protrusion  314  to be inserted into an insertion groove  324  of the female outer housing  320 . That is, the insertion portion  313  is inserted into and connected to the female outer housing  320 . As described above, the connection terminal portion  311  has the guide groove  315 , into which the guide rod  215  is inserted. 
     Meanwhile, each sealing member  330  is provided between an outer periphery of the insertion portion  313  and the connection terminal portion  311  and between the outer periphery of the insertion portion  313  and the terminal cover  316 , so that the female inner housing  310  is closely connected to the female outer housing  320  to prevent moisture or impurities from intruding into the terminal contact portion between the connection pin  230  and the connection terminal portion  311 . 
     The terminal cover  316  is configured to protect the connection terminal portion  311 , and has the locking member  317  at the upper and inner side thereof. The locking member  317  is engaged with the connection protrusion  214  of the first housing  211  to prevent an unintentional release of connection between the male shielded connector  200  and the female shielded connector  300 . The locking member  317  may have any structure if it can be engaged with the connection protrusion  214 . For example, the locking member  317  may be located at the upper and inner side of the terminal cover  316 , make a see-saw movement and has a wedge, with which the connection protrusion  214  is engaged. Alternatively, the locking member  317  may include an elastic deformative plate, and a hole formed on the elastic deformative plate and which the protrusion  214  is inserted into. 
     The female outer housing  320  has the insertion groove  324 , into which the protrusion  314  of the insertion portion  313  is inserted, and surrounds an upper surface of the terminal cover  316 . At this time, because the female outer housing  320  surrounds only the upper surface of the terminal cover  316 , a lower surface and opposite side surfaces of the terminal cover  316  are exposed to the external environment. The female outer housing  320  is made of a conductive material, and contacts the elastic member  400  when the male shielded connector  200  and the female shielded connector  300  are assembled. 
     The elastic member  400  of the above-mentioned configuration for electrically connecting the male shielded connector  200  to the female shielded connector  300  is shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  6  and  7 , the elastic member  400  includes a plate spring  410  having a predetermined length, an elastic piece  420  formed by bending a portion of one side of the plate spring  410 , and a fixing member formed on the plate spring  410  for preventing the elastic member  400  from separating from the male shielded connector  200  when the male shielded connector  200  and the female shielded connector  300  are disassembled. 
     The plate spring  410  is inserted into the securing part  225 , and preferably has a shape corresponding to the securing part  225   
     The elastic piece  420  is formed by bending a portion of one side of the plate spring  410 , and is elastically deformable. More specifically, the elastic piece  420  is curved to have one highest point and one lowest point along the lengthwise direction of the plate spring  410  from a bending portion  422  where the plate spring  410  is bent. At this time, a protrusion  424  is formed on the highest point of the elastic piece  420  and protrudes in the direction away from the securing part  225 . If the elastic member  400  is used for a long time, elastic restitution of the elastic piece  420  may reduce, and in this case, a stable contact between the elastic piece  420  and the female shielded connector  300  may not be guaranteed. The protrusion  424  prevents the elastic piece  420  from losing its elastic restitution due to a long-time use of the elastic member  400 , thereby ensuring a stable contact between the elastic piece  420  and the female outer housing  320 . 
     Further, a support  414  is preferably provided on the plate spring  410  to prevent an excessive deformation of the elastic piece  420 . The support  414  is configured to maintain a predetermined interval between a lower surface of the highest point of the elastic piece  420  and the plate spring  410 . When the elastic piece  420  is contacted with the female outer housing  320 , the support  414  supports the elastic piece  420  to prevent the elastic piece  420  from being pressed down beyond a predetermined range. 
     The fixing member is configured to fix the elastic member  400  in the securing part  225 , and may have a shape corresponding to the securing part  225 . 
     For example, in the case that a fixing hole  226  is formed on the securing part  225 , the fixing member is a fixing portion  430  inserted into the fixing hole  226 . More specifically, the fixing portion  430  extends from one side of a hole  432  formed on the plate spring  410 . The fixing portion  430  is formed at a predetermined angle, and is elastically deformed to be inserted into the fixing hole  226  of the securing part  225 . 
     Meanwhile, although this embodiment shows that the elastic member  400  is installed at the male shielded connector  200 , the present invention is not limited in this regard. The elastic member  400  may be installed at the female outer housing  320  of the female shielded connector  300  and contacted with the male outer housing  220  of the male shielded connector  200 . 
     The elastic member  400  of the above-mentioned configuration is mounted in the securing part  225  such that the plate spring  410  is inserted into the securing part  225 , and then the male shielded connector  200  is electrically connected to the female shielded connector  300 . And, insertion of the fixing portion  430  into the fixing hole  226  prevents the elastic member  400  from separating from the male shielded connector  200  when the male shielded connector  200  and the female shielded connector  300  are disassembled. The elastic member  400  is easy to install, permits easy assembly and disassembly of the male shielded connector  200  and the female shielded connector  300 , and improves connection reliability between the male shielded connector  200  and the female shielded connector  300 , compared with a bolt used to mechanically and electrically connect a male shielded connector to a female shielded connector in the art. 
     The shielded connector assembly  100  is completed by inserting the connection pin  230  into the slot  312  of the connection terminal portion  311  and engaging the connection protrusion  214  with the locking member  317 . More specifically, the male shielded connector  200  having the elastic member  400  is installed in the electronic equipment unit (not shown), and the female shielded connector  300  coupled to a harness is connected to the male shielded connector  200 . When the male shielded connector  200  and the female shielded connector  300  are assembled, the connection pin  230  received in the male shielded connector  200  is inserted into the slot  312  of the connection terminal portion  311  of the female inner housing  310 , and at the same time, the connection terminal portion  311  is inserted into the first housing  211  of the male shielded connector  200 . And, the female outer housing  320  and the terminal cover  316  are inserted between the first housing  211  and the first receiving portion  221  of the male shielded connector  200 . At this time, the connection protrusion  214  formed at the top of the first housing  211  is engaged with the locking member  317  formed at the upper side of the terminal cover  316 . Accordingly, the elastic member  400  installed in the first receiving portion  221  of the male outer housing  220  is contacted with the female outer housing  320  of the female shielded connector  300 , so that the male shielded connector  200  is electrically connected to the female shielded connector  300 . 
     Meanwhile, the male shielded connector  200  has a shape of ‘ ’, and thus is easy to install in a small or angled space. 
       FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of a shielded connector assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 9  is an assembled perspective view of  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a female inner housing of a female shielded connector of  FIG. 8 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 to 10 , the shielded connector assembly  500  according to the present invention includes a female shielded connector  600  for receiving a connection terminal (not shown) and a portion of a cable  619  electrically coupled to the connection terminal, a male shielded connector  700  for receiving a connection pin  730  connected to the connection terminal therein, installed in an electronic equipment unit (not shown) and connected to the female shielded connector  600 , and an elastic member  800  installed at the male shielded connector  700  or the female shielded connector  600  for electrically connecting the male shielded connector  700  to the female shielded connector  600 . Here, description is made on the basis that the elastic member  800  is installed at the female shielded connector  600 . 
     The female shielded connector  600  includes a female inner housing  610 , and a female outer housing  620  connected to the female inner housing  610  and surrounding the female inner housing  610  while being spaced a predetermined interval from the female inner housing  610 . 
     The female inner housing  610  includes a connection terminal portion  611  for receiving the connection terminal (not shown) and a portion of the cable  619  electrically coupled to the connection terminal, and a metal housing  616  connected to the connection terminal portion  611  and having a securing part  615 . 
     The connection terminal portion  611  has a slot  612 , into which the connection pin  730  of the male shielded connector  700  is inserted, and is made of an electrical insulator. 
     The metal housing  616  is configured to receive a portion of the connection terminal portion  611 , and is connected to the connection terminal portion  611 . At this time, each securing part  615 , in which the elastic member  800  is installed, is formed at both sides of the metal housing  616 . The metal housing  616  is made of a conductive material, and thus is electrically connected to the male shielded connector  700  by the elastic member  800  when the male shielded connector  700  and the female shielded connector  600  are assembled. 
     Meanwhile, a sealing member  630  is provided along an outer periphery of the metal housing  616 . Preferably, each sealing member  630  is installed at the front and rear of the metal housing  616  having the securing part  615 . That is, the sealing members  630  are located at both sides of the securing part  615 . The sealing member  630  prevents moisture or impurities from intruding into a terminal contact portion where the connection pin  730  is electrically connected to the connection terminal (not shown). 
     The securing part  615 , into which the elastic member  800  is inserted, has a fixing protrusion  613  for fixing the elastic member  800 . The securing part  615  is described in detail below. 
     Meanwhile, metal powder generated due to wear and tear of the elastic member  800  is prevented from intruding into the terminal contact portion between the connection terminal and the connection pin  730  by providing the pair of sealing members  630  along the outer periphery of the female inner housing  610  at a predetermined interval therebetween and installing the elastic member  800  between the pair of sealing members  630 . That is, the pair of sealing members  630  are, respectively, located in front and rear of the elastic members  800  installed at both sides of the metal housing  616 , and prevent metal powder from intruding into the terminal contact portion. Accordingly, the terminal contact portion avoids short circuit and arc, and a connection between the male shielded connector  700  and the female shielded connector  800  can be stably maintained. 
     The female outer housing  620  surrounds the female inner housing  610 , is made of a conductive material, and thus serves as an electromagnetic shield. Preferably, the entire of the female outer housing  620  is made of a conductive material. However, only an inner surface of the female outer housing  620  may be made of a conductive material. 
     Hereinafter, the elastic member  800  and installation of the elastic member  800  in the securing groove  615  is described with reference to  FIGS. 11 to 13 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11 to 13 , the elastic member  800  includes a plate spring  810  having a predetermined length, an elastic piece  820  formed by bending a portion of the opposite sides of the plate spring  810 , and a fixing member formed on the plate spring  810  for fixing the elastic member  800 . 
     The plate spring  810  is inserted into the securing part  615 , and preferably has a shape corresponding to the securing part  615 . 
     The elastic piece  820  is formed by bending a portion of the opposite sides of the plate spring  810  toward the center of the plate spring  810 , and is elastically deformable. More specifically, each elastic piece  820  is curved to have one highest point and one lowest point along the lengthwise direction of the plate spring  810  from a bending portion  822  where the plate spring  810  is bent. At this time, a protrusion  824  is formed on the highest point of the elastic piece  820  and protrudes in the direction away from the securing part  615 . If the elastic member  800  is used for a long time, elastic restitution of the elastic piece  820  may reduce, and in this case, a stable contact between the elastic piece  820  and the male shielded connector  700  may not be guaranteed. The protrusion  824  prevents the elastic piece  820  from losing its elastic restitution due to a long-time use of the elastic member  800 , thereby ensuring a stable contact between the elastic piece  820  and the male shielded connector  700 . 
     Further, a support (not shown) may be provided on the plate spring  810  to prevent an excessive deformation of the elastic piece  820 . The support is configured to maintain a predetermined interval between a lower surface of the highest point of the elastic piece  820  and the plate spring  810 . When the elastic piece  820  is contacted with the male shielded connector  700 , the support supports the elastic piece  820  to prevent the elastic piece  820  from being pressed down beyond a predetermined range. 
     The fixing member is configured to fix the elastic member  800  in the securing part  615 , and may have a shape corresponding to the securing part  615 . 
     For example, in the case that a fixing protrusion  613  is formed on the securing part  615 , the fixing member is a fixing groove  830 , into which the fixing protrusion  613  is inserted. More specifically, the fixing groove  830  is located at the center of the plate spring  810 . The fixing groove  830  has a shape corresponding to the fixing protrusion  613  to receive the fixing protrusion  613  therein. 
     Meanwhile, although the above-mentioned embodiment shows that the elastic member  800  is installed at the metal housing  616  of the female shielded connector  600 , the present invention is not limited in this regard. The elastic member  800  may be installed at an inner side of the male shielded connector  700  and contacted with the metal housing  616  of the female shielded connector  600 . 
     When the elastic member  800  of the above-mentioned configuration is mounted in the securing part  615 , the plate spring  810  is inserted into the securing part  615 , and then the male shielded connector  700  is electrically connected to the female shielded connector  600 . At this time, the fixing protrusion  613  is inserted into the fixing groove  630 , so that the elastic member  800  is prevented from separating from the female shielded connector  600  when the male shielded connector  700  and the female shielded connector  600  are disassembled. 
     The shielded connector assembly  500  of the above-mentioned configuration is completed by inserting the connection pin  730  into the slot  612  of the connection terminal portion  611 . More specifically, the male shielded connector  700  is inserted between the female inner housing  610  and the female outer housing  620  of the female shielded connector  600 , and then the male shielded connector  700  is electrically connected to the female shielded connector  600 . At this time, the inner surface of the male shielded connector  700  is contacted with the elastic member  800 . Accordingly, an electrical connection is established between the male shielded connector  700  and the female shielded connector  600  by the elastic member  800 . 
     As such, a stable electrical connection of the shielded connector assemblies  100  and  500  is achieved by the elastic member  400  and  800 , respectively. At this time, if the male shielded connectors  200  and  700  and the female shielded connectors  300  and  600  are repetitively assembled and disassembled, a contact surface with the elastic members  400  and  800  wears away, results in generation of metal powder. However, according to the shielded connector assemblies  100  and  500  of the present invention, the elastic members  400  and  800  are installed outside of terminal contact portions where the connection pins  230  and  730  are electrically connected to the connection terminals, respectively. Therefore, the present invention can prevent metal powder from intruding into the terminal contact portions, ensure a stable connection between the male shielded connectors  200  and  700  and the female shielded connectors  300  and  600 , and improve the life of products. Further, the present invention includes the sealing members  330  and  630  adjacent to the terminal contact portions, that prevent metal powers and moisture or external impurities from intruding into the terminal contacts portions. 
     Described above are the preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. 
     Industrial Applicability 
     As mentioned above, an elastic member to the present invention and a shielded connector assembly having the same have the following effects. 
     First, the elastic member is installed outside of a terminal contact portion where a male shielded connector is electrically connected to a female shielded connector. Thus, it prevents metal powder generated due to friction between the elastic member and the male or female shielded connector from intruding into the terminal contact portion, thereby stably maintaining the connection between the male shielded connector and the female shielded connector. 
     Secondly, it permits easy assembly and disassembly of the male shielded connector and the female shielded connector, and enables a firm connection between the male and female shielded connectors. 
     Thirdly, it provides efficient utilization of an installation space for a shielded connector assembly. 
     Fourthly, the elastic member has a simple structure and easy manufacture. Thus, it is easy to mount and separate the elastic member at/from the male or female shielded connector. 
     Fifthly, it can prevent wear and tear of the elastic member and the male and female shielded connectors caused by excessive vibration and contact. Thus, it ensures a long-term durability of the elastic member and the male and female shielded connectors. 
     Sixthly, it prevents plastic deformation of the elastic member, thereby stably maintaining a connection between the male shielded connector and the female shielded connector. 
     Seventhly, it prevents permeation of moisture from the external environment into a terminal contact portion between a connection pin and a connection terminal.