Patent Publication Number: US-9905965-B2

Title: Connector and connector assembly

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Japanese Patent Application No. JP2015-190812 filed Sep. 29, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a connector having a female screw. In addition, this invention relates to a connector assembly comprising the aforementioned connector and a mating connector having a male screw member. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 67 and 68 , a connector  900  of JPU 3113056 (Patent Document 1) comprises contacts  910 , a holding member  920  and a shell  930 . Specifically, the holding member  920  holds the contacts  910 , and the shell  930  covers the holding member  920 . The shell  930  is provided with three plate-like portions  940 . Each of the plate-like portions  940  is formed with a female screw portion  950 . 
     When the connector  900  is actually used, the connector  900  having the female screw portions  950  is arranged in a housing of an electronic equipment. In the actual use of the connector  900 , foreign bodies might enter into the housing from the female screw portions  950 . 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a connector which has a female screw portion and which can prevent foreign bodies from entering into a housing when the connector is actually used. 
     One aspect (first aspect) of the present invention provides a connector mountable on a mount object in an up-down direction and connectable with a mating connector along a predetermined direction perpendicular to the up-down direction. The mating connector comprises a mating fitting portion and a male screw member. The mating fitting portion has a mating contact. The connector comprises a fitting portion and a screw end accommodation portion. The fitting portion is mateable with the mating fitting portion. The fitting portion has a contact which is brought into contact with the mating contact when the fitting portion is mated with the mating fitting portion. The male screw member has an end in the predetermined direction. The screw end accommodation portion defines an accommodation space which accommodates the end of the male screw member when the connector is connected with the mating connector. The screw end accommodation portion has at least a front surface portion, an upper surface portion, a rear surface portion and an outer surface portion. The front surface portion is provided with a female screw portion which is connectable with the male screw member. The rear surface portion faces the front surface portion in the predetermined direction. The accommodation space is positioned between the front surface portion and the rear surface portion in the predetermined direction. The upper surface portion faces an upper side of the accommodation space in the up-down direction. The outer surface portion faces outward in a lateral direction perpendicular to both the predetermined direction and the up-down direction. 
     Another aspect (second aspect) of the present invention provides a connector assembly comprising the connector of the first aspect and the mating connector. The front surface portion of the screw end accommodation portion functions as a female screw seat. In the predetermined direction, the mating connector is connectable with the connector along a first predetermined orientation and is removable from the connector along a second predetermined orientation opposite to the first predetermined orientation. The mating connector comprises a mating connector main, a male screw member and a screw holding member. The mating connector main is mateable with the fitting portion along the first predetermined orientation. The mating connector main has a mating contact which is brought into contact with the contact when the connector and the mating connector are connected with each other. The screw holding member holds the male screw member. The screw holding member has a male screw seat which is brought into contact with the female screw seat when the male screw member is connected with the female screw portion. The male screw seat faces in the first predetermined orientation. The screw holding member is attached to the mating connector main. The screw holding member is relatively movable with respect to the mating connector main in the predetermined direction. 
     The connector of the present invention comprises the screw end accommodation portion which accommodates the end of the male screw member when the male screw member is connected with the female screw portion. The screw end accommodation portion has the front surface portion, the rear surface portion and the outer surface portion. In addition, the screw end accommodation portion is positioned above the mount object such as a circuit board, or above a shell. In other words, either of the mount object and the shell is positioned below the screw end accommodation portion. Accordingly, foreign bodies can be prevented from entering into a housing through the female screw portion. 
     An appreciation of the objectives of the present invention and a more complete understanding of its structure may be had by studying the following description of the preferred embodiment and by referring to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top, perspective view showing a connector assembly which comprises a connector and a mating connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated connector and the illustrated mating connector are not connected with each other. 
         FIG. 2  is another top, perspective view showing the connector assembly of  FIG. 1 . The illustrated connector and the illustrated mating connector are connected with each other. 
         FIG. 3  is a front, perspective view showing the connector of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a rear, perspective view showing the connector of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a front view showing the connector of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded view showing the connector of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 7  is a view showing a state where the connector of  FIG. 3  is arranged in a housing. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view showing the state of  FIG. 7 , taken along line A-A. 
         FIG. 9  is a top, perspective view showing the mating connector of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  is a front view showing the mating connector of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded, perspective view showing the mating connector of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 12  is a top, perspective view showing the mating connector of  FIG. 9  and an alternative connecting object (alternative connector). The illustrated mating connector is connected with the alternative connector. 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view showing the mating connector and the alternative connecting object of  FIG. 12 . In order to easily recognize outlines of the mating connector and the alternative connecting object, detailed illustration is omitted in the figure. 
         FIG. 14  is a top view showing the alternative connecting object of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view showing the alternative connecting object of  FIG. 14 . In order to easily recognize the outline of the alternative connecting object, detailed illustration is omitted in the figure. 
         FIG. 16  is a bottom, perspective view showing the mating connector of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 17  is another top, perspective view showing the mating connector of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 18  is yet another top, perspective view showing the mating connector of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 19  is still another top, perspective view showing the mating connector of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 20  is a bottom, perspective view showing a mating connector main which is included in the mating connector of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 21  is a view showing a positional relationship among each of first recesses, each of second recesses and each of positioning projections which are included in the mating connector of  FIG. 9 . The positioning projections are accommodated in the first recesses, respectively. 
         FIG. 22  is a view showing another positional relationship among each of the first recesses, each of the second recesses and each of the positioning projections which are included in the mating connector of  FIG. 9 . The positioning projections are accommodated in the second recesses, respectively. 
         FIG. 23  is a cross-sectional, perspective view showing a screw accommodation member which is included in the mating connector of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 24  is a view showing a positional relationship between a male screw member and the screw accommodation member which are included in the mating connector of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 25  is a view showing another positional relationship between the male screw member and the screw accommodation member which are included in the mating connector of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 26  is a top, perspective view showing a mating connector according to a first modification. 
         FIG. 27  is a bottom, perspective view showing the mating connector of  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 28  is a front view showing the mating connector of  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 29  is an exploded, perspective view showing the mating connector of  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 30  is another top, perspective view showing the mating connector of  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 31  is a view showing a positional relationship among each of first recesses, each of second recesses and each of positioning projections which are included in the mating connector of  FIG. 30 . The positioning projections are accommodated in the first recesses, respectively. 
         FIG. 32  is yet another top, perspective view showing the mating connector of  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 33  is a view showing another positional relationship among each of the first recesses, each of the second recesses and each of the positioning projections which are included in the mating connector of  FIG. 32 . The positioning projections are accommodated in the second recesses, respectively. 
         FIG. 34  is still another top, perspective view showing the mating connector of  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 35  is a top, perspective view showing a mating connector according to a second modification. 
         FIG. 36  is a top, perspective view showing the mating connector of  FIG. 35 . 
         FIG. 37  is a front view showing the mating connector of  FIG. 36 . 
         FIG. 38  is an exploded, top, perspective view showing the mating connector of  FIG. 35 . 
         FIG. 39  is an exploded, bottom, perspective view showing the mating connector of  FIG. 35 . 
         FIG. 40  is a view showing a positional relationship between a positioning projection and a positioning recess which are included in the mating connector of FIG.  35 . 
         FIG. 41  is another top, perspective view showing the mating connector of  FIG. 35 . 
         FIG. 42  is a view showing another positional relationship between the positioning projection and the positioning recess which are included in the mating connector of  FIG. 41 . 
         FIG. 43  is a top, perspective view showing a connector assembly which comprises a connector and a mating connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated connector and the illustrated mating connector are connected with each other. 
         FIG. 44  is another top, perspective view showing the connector assembly of  FIG. 43 . The connector and the mating connector are not connected with each other. 
         FIG. 45  is a front, perspective view showing the connector of  FIG. 43 . 
         FIG. 46  is a rear, perspective view showing the connector of  FIG. 45 . 
         FIG. 47  is a front view showing the connector of  FIG. 45 . 
         FIG. 48  is a rear view showing the connector of  FIG. 45 . 
         FIG. 49  is a cross-sectional view showing the connector of  FIG. 45 . 
         FIG. 50  is an exploded, perspective view showing the connector of  FIG. 45 . 
         FIG. 51  is a top, perspective view showing the mating connector of  FIG. 43 . 
         FIG. 52  is a front view showing the mating connector of  FIG. 51 . 
         FIG. 53  is an exploded, perspective view showing the mating connector of  FIG. 51 . 
         FIG. 54  is a bottom, perspective view showing an upper part of a hood which is included in the mating connector of  FIG. 51 . 
         FIG. 55  is a bottom, perspective view showing a screw holding member which is included in the connector of  FIG. 51 . 
         FIG. 56  is a bottom, perspective view showing the upper part of the hood of FIG.  54  and the screw holding member of  FIG. 55 . 
         FIG. 57  is another bottom, perspective view showing the upper part of the hood of  FIG. 54  and the screw holding member of  FIG. 55 . 
         FIG. 58  is a top, perspective view showing a mating connector according to a third modification. 
         FIG. 59  is a front view showing the mating connector of  FIG. 58 . 
         FIG. 60  is an exploded, perspective view showing the mating connector of  FIG. 58 . 
         FIG. 61  is another top, perspective views showing the mating connector of  FIG. 58 . 
         FIG. 62  is a view showing a positional relationship between each of positioning projections and each of positioned portions which are included in the mating connector of  FIG. 58 . 
         FIG. 63  is a view showing another positional relationship between each of the positioning projections and each of the positioned portions which are included in the mating connector of  FIG. 58 . 
         FIG. 64  is a top, perspective view showing a connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 65  is another top, perspective view showing the connector of  FIG. 64 . 
         FIG. 66  is a front view showing the connector of  FIG. 64 . 
         FIG. 67  is a front, perspective view showing a receptacle of Patent Document 1. 
         FIG. 68  is an exploded, rear, perspective view showing the receptacle of  FIG. 66 . 
     
    
    
     While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     (First Embodiment) 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a connector assembly  100  according to a first embodiment of the present invention comprises a connector  200  and a mating connector  400 . The connector  200  is a receptacle in accordance with a USB (Universal Serial Bus) Type-C standard. When the connector  200  is used, the connector  200  is mounted on a circuit board  850  as a mount object in an up-down direction. In the present embodiment, the up-down direction is a Z-direction. Specifically, a positive Z-direction is upward, and a negative Z-direction is downward. The mating connector  400  is a plug in accordance with the USB Type-C standard. As described later, the mating connector  400  comprises a mating fitting portion and male screw members  450 , and the mating fitting portion has mating contacts  440 . The mating fitting portion is described later. The mating connector  400  is connectable with the connector  200  along a first predetermined orientation in a predetermined direction perpendicular to the up-down direction. In addition, the mating connector  400  is removable from the connector  200  along a second predetermined orientation opposite to the first predetermined orientation in the predetermined direction. In the present embodiment, the predetermined direction is an X-direction. Specifically, the first predetermined orientation is a positive X-direction, and the second predetermined orientation is a negative X-direction. Furthermore, the positive X-direction is rearward of the connector  200 , and the negative X-direction is forward of the connector  200 . In other words, the first predetermined orientation is rearward of the connector  200 , and the second predetermined orientation is forward of the connector  200 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the connector  200  comprises contacts  240 , a holding member  242 , a shell  244  and a screw fixing member  300 . The contacts  240 , the holding member  242  and the shell  244  form a fitting portion  210  which is mateable with the mating fitting portion. In other words, the connector  200  comprises the fitting portion  210 . The fitting portion  210  of the present embodiment has a receiving portion  220  which receives the mating fitting portion in the predetermined direction. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the receiving portion  220  has an inner wall  230  in the predetermined direction. When the connector  200  is connected with the mating connector  400 , the contacts  240  are brought into contact with the mating contacts  440 , respectively. Specifically, when the fitting portion  210  is mated with the mating fitting portion, each of the contacts  240  is brought into contact with the corresponding mating contacts  440 . The holding member  242  holds the contacts  240 . The shell  244  surrounds the holding member  242  in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the screw fixing member  300  of the present embodiment is distinct and separated from the shell  244 . The screw fixing member  300  of the present embodiment comprises two screw end accommodation portions  310  and a coupling portion  330 . In other words, each of the screw end accommodation portions  310  of the present embodiment is formed as a part of the screw fixing member  300 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Each of the screw end accommodation portions  310  may be formed as a part of the shell  244 . The aforementioned fitting portion  210  is positioned between the two screw end accommodation portions  310  in a lateral direction perpendicular to both the up-down direction and the predetermined direction. In the present embodiment, the lateral direction is a Y-direction. 
     As understood from  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the screw end accommodation portions  310  define accommodation spaces  320  which accommodate ends of the male screw members  450 , respectively, when the connector  200  is connected with the mating connector  400 . As understood from  FIGS. 3 to 8 , each of the screw end accommodation portions  310  has a front surface portion  340 , an upper surface portion  344 , a rear surface portion  342 , an outer surface portion  346 , an inner surface portion  348 , a rear upper bent portion  360 , a front outside bent portion  362  and a front inside bent portion  364 . 
     As understood from  FIGS. 3, 5, 6 and 8 , the front surface portion  340  is provided with a female screw portion  380  which is connectable with the male screw member  450 . The front surface portion  340  functions as a female screw seat when the connector  200  and the mating connector  400  are connected with each other. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the rear surface portion  342  faces the front surface portion  340  in the predetermined direction. The rear surface portion  342  has a fixed portion  370  which is soldered to be fixed to the circuit board  850  when the connector  200  is mounted on the circuit board  850 . The accommodation space  320  is positioned between the front surface portion  340  and the rear surface portion  342  in the predetermined direction. 
     The upper surface portion  344  is positioned above the accommodation space  320  in the up-down direction. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the upper surface portion  344  is connected with the rear surface portion  342  by the rear upper bent portion  360 . In the predetermined direction, a front edge  345  of the upper surface portion  344  faces the front surface portion  340  and is positioned slightly away from the front surface portion  340 . Accordingly, when a force is applied to the front surface portion  340 , the upper surface portion  344  can receive the force. In other words, the upper surface portion  344  reinforces the front surface portion  340 . In addition, the rear surface portion  342 , which is connected with the upper surface portion  344 , is fixed to the circuit board  850  by the fixed portion  370 . Thus, the front surface portion  340  is rigidly reinforced by the upper surface portion  344 . 
     As understood from  FIGS. 3, 6 and 8 , the outer surface portion  346  is positioned outside the accommodation space  320  in the lateral direction and faces outward in the lateral direction. The front outside bent portion  362  connects the front surface portion  340  and the outer surface portion  346  with each other. In the up-down direction, the front outside bent portion  362  has a size same as a size of the front surface portion  340 . Accordingly, the front outside bent portion  362  has a resistance to a force which rotates the outer surface portion  346  in a plane perpendicular to the lateral direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the up-down direction, the front outside bent portion  362  may have a size same as a size of the outer surface portion  346  instead of having a size same as the size of the front surface portion  340 . 
     The inner surface portion  348  is positioned outside the accommodation space  320  in the lateral direction and faces the outer surface portion  346  in the lateral direction. The front inside bent portion  364  connects the inner surface portion  348  and the front surface portion  340  with each other. In the up-down direction, the front inside bent portion  364  has a size same as a size of the front surface portion  340 . Accordingly, the front inside bent portion  364  has a resistance to a force which rotates the inner surface portion  348  in a plane perpendicular to the lateral direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the up-down direction, the front inside bent portion  364  may have a size same as a size of the inner surface portion  348  instead of having a size same as the size of the front surface portion  340 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3, 4 and 6 , the coupling portion  330  is positioned above the shell  244  in the up-down direction and couples the screw end accommodation portions  310  with each other in the lateral direction. Specifically, the coupling portion  330  of the present embodiment couples upper ends of the inner surface portions  348  with each other in the lateral direction. 
     As described above, the accommodation space  320  shown in  FIG. 8  is surrounded by the screw end accommodation portion  310  except for a lower part thereof. In addition, under a state where the connector  200  is mounted on the circuit board  850 , the circuit board  850  is partially positioned below each of the accommodation spaces  320 . Accordingly, even if foreign bodies enter into the connector  200  from the female screw portions  380  under a state where the connector  200  is not connected with the mating connector  400 , the foreign bodies have high probability to stay in the accommodation spaces  320 . Thus, foreign bodies can be prevented from entering into an inside of a housing  150  of an electronic equipment (not shown) in which the connector  200  is installed. 
     As understood from  FIGS. 1, 2, 12 and 13 , the mating connector  400  of the present embodiment is connectable not only with the connector  200  of the present embodiment but also with a connecting object having a connector which does not have the female screw portions  380 . Hereinafter, the connecting object is referred to as “alternative connecting object  700 ”. Specifically, the alternative connecting object  700  is configured that an alternative connector  720  which corresponds to the connector  200  is arranged in a housing  710  of an electronic equipment (not shown). The alternative connector  720  is a receptacle which is in accordance with the USB Type-C standard and which does not have the female screw portion  380 . As shown in  FIGS. 13 to 15 , the alternative connector  720  comprises an alternative fitting portion  730  having a structure which corresponds to the fitting portion  210  of the connector  200 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , the alternative fitting portion  730  has a receiving portion  740  which has an inner wall  750  in the predetermined direction. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9 to 11 , the mating connector  400  comprises a mating connector main  410 , two male screw members  450  and a screw holding member  460 . The mating connector main  410  functions as the mating fitting portion as described above. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the mating connector main  410  of the present embodiment is positioned between the two male screw members  450  in the lateral direction. The mating connector main  410  comprises mating contacts  440 , a mating holding member  442 , a mating shell  444  and a hood  446 . As understood from  FIGS. 5 and 10 , when the mating connector  400  and the connector  200  are connected with each other, the mating contacts  440  are brought into contact with the contacts  240 , respectively. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the mating holding member  442  holds the mating contacts  440 . The mating shell  444  surrounds the mating holding member  442 . As understood from  FIG. 9 , an end of the mating shell  444  in the second predetermined orientation is positioned inside the hood  446 . A relay board (not shown) or the like, which connects a cable  800  with the mating contacts  440 , is accommodated in the hood  446 . The cable  800 , which is connected to the relay board (not shown), extends from the hood  446  in the second predetermined orientation. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , an end  412  of the mating connector main  410  forms an end portion  402  of the mating connector  400  in the first predetermined orientation. As understood from  FIGS. 1, 12 and 14 , the mating connector main  410  is selectively mateable with any of the fitting portion  210  and the alternative fitting portion  730  along the predetermined direction. As understood from  FIG. 1 , when the mating connector  400  is connected with the connector  200 , the mating connector main  410  is partially received in the receiving portion  220  of the fitting portion  210 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 20 , each of an upper surface  414  and a lower surface  416  of the mating connector main  410  is provided with a slide surface  418 , a first facing portion (facing portion)  420  and a second facing portion  422 . The first facing portion  420  is positioned beyond the second facing portion  422  in the first predetermined orientation. The second facing portion  422  is positioned beyond the first facing portion  420  in the second predetermined orientation. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The slide surface  418 , the first facing portion  420  and the second facing portion  422  may be provided on only one of the upper surface  414  and the lower surface  416  of the mating connector main  410 . The slide surface  418  is positioned between the first facing portion  420  and the second facing portion  422  in the predetermined direction. The first facing portion  420  is a wall which is positioned at a side of the slide surface  418  in the first predetermined orientation and which stands in the up-down direction. The second facing portion  422  is a wall which is positioned at another side of the slide surface  418  in the second predetermined orientation and which stands in the up-down direction. In the present embodiment, each of the slide surfaces  418 , the first facing portions  420  and the second facing portions  422  is formed on the hood  446 . In addition, each of the first facing portions  420  functions as a regulated portion as described later. 
     Each of the upper surface  414  and the lower surface  416  of the mating connector main  410  is provided with a first recess  430  and a second recess  432  which are positioned away from each other in the predetermined direction. The first recess  430  is positioned beyond the second recess  432  in the first predetermined orientation. The second recess  432  is positioned beyond the first recess  430  in the second predetermined orientation. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The first recess  430  and the second recess  432  may be provided on only one of the upper surface  414  and the lower surface  416  of the mating connector main  410 . In the present embodiment, the first recesses  430  and the second recesses  432  are formed on the slide surfaces  418 , respectively, of the hood  446 . 
     As understood from  FIGS. 9 and 11 , the screw holding member  460  is attached to the mating connector main  410 . As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 16 to 19 , the screw holding member  460  is relatively movable with respect to the mating connector main  410  along the predetermined direction between a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position. The first predetermined position is positioned beyond the second predetermined position in the first predetermined orientation. The second predetermined position is positioned beyond the first predetermined position in the second predetermined orientation. 
     In detail, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the screw holding member  460  of the present embodiment comprises two screw accommodation members  470 , an upper movable member  480  and a lower movable member  490 . As understood from  FIGS. 9 and 11 , each of the upper movable member  480  and the lower movable member  490  couples the two screw accommodation members  470  with each other in the lateral direction. Each of the upper movable member  480  and the lower movable member  490  of the present embodiment principally has a plate-like shape. The upper movable member  480  of the present embodiment is provided with press-fit pieces  482  at opposite ends thereof in the lateral direction. The lower movable member  490  of the present embodiment is provided with press-fit pieces  492  at opposite ends thereof in the lateral direction. Each of the screw accommodation members  470  is provided with press-fit ditches  478 . The press-fit pieces  482 ,  492  are press-fit into the press-fit ditches  478 , respectively. Accordingly, the two screw accommodation members  470  are coupled by each of the upper movable member  480  and the lower movable member  490 . As understood from  FIGS. 1 and 16 , the upper movable member  480  and the lower movable member  490  sandwich the mating connector main  410  in the up-down direction. The upper movable member  480  is movable on the upper surface  414  of the mating connector main  410  in the predetermined direction. The lower movable member  490  is movable on the lower surface  416  of the mating connector main  410  in the predetermined direction. As understood from  FIGS. 9, 11, 16 and 20 , specifically, the upper movable member  480  is slidable in the predetermined direction on the slide surface  418  which is positioned on an upper side of the mating connector main  410  in the up-down direction, and the lower movable member  490  is slidable in the predetermined direction on the slide surface  418  which is positioned on a lower side of the mating connector main  410  in the up-down direction. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , each of the upper movable member  480  and the lower movable member  490  has a first abutment portion (abutment portion)  500  and a second abutment portion  510 . The first abutment portion  500  is positioned beyond the second abutment portion  510  in the first predetermined orientation. The second abutment portion  510  is positioned beyond the first abutment portion  500  in the second predetermined orientation. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The first abutment portion (abutment portion)  500  and the second abutment portion  510  may be provided on only one of the upper movable member  480  and the lower movable member  490 . As understood from  FIGS. 9 and 16 to 19 , in the present embodiment, the first abutment portions (abutment portions)  500  face the first facing portions  420 , respectively, in the predetermined direction. Each of the first abutment portions (abutment portions)  500  is positioned beyond the corresponding first facing portion  420  in the second predetermined orientation. The second abutment portions  510  face the second facing portions  422 , respectively, in the predetermined direction. Each of the second abutment portions  510  is positioned beyond the corresponding second facing portion  422  in the first predetermined orientation. Accordingly, each of the first facing portions  420  regulates a movement of the corresponding first abutment portion (abutment portion)  500  beyond the first facing portion  420  in the first predetermined orientation of the predetermined direction. Similarly, each of the second facing portions  422  regulates a movement of the corresponding second abutment portion  510  beyond the second facing portion  422  in the second predetermined orientation of the predetermined direction. 
     As understood from above, the first abutment portions (abutment portions)  500  of the present embodiment function as regulating portions which correspond to the first facing portions (regulated portions)  420 , respectively. In detail, each of the first abutment portions (abutment portions)  500  is arranged to be positioned beyond the corresponding first facing portion (regulated portion)  420  in the second predetermined orientation and faces the corresponding first facing portion (regulated portion)  420  in the predetermined direction. Accordingly, each of the first abutment portions (abutment portions)  500  regulates a movement of the corresponding first facing portion (regulated portion)  420  beyond the regulating portion in the second predetermined orientation of the predetermined direction. In other words, the screw holding member  460  of the present embodiment is provided with the regulating portions each of which is arranged to be positioned beyond the corresponding regulated portion in the second predetermined orientation of the predetermined direction and each of which faces the corresponding regulated portion in the predetermined direction. Each of the regulating portions regulates a movement of the corresponding regulated portion beyond the regulating portion in the second predetermined orientation of the predetermined direction. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , each of the upper movable member  480  and the lower movable member  490  has a spring portion  525  and a positioning projection  520 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto. the spring portion  525  and the positioning projection  520  may be provided on only one of the upper movable member  480  and the lower movable member  490 . The spring portion  525  is resiliently deformable and supports the positioning projection  520 . The positioning projection  520  projects inward in the up-down direction. The positioning projection  520  is movable in the up-down direction by using resilience of the spring portion  525 . As understood from  FIGS. 21 and 22 , the positioning projections  520  correspond to the first recesses  430  and the second recesses  432 , respectively, and each of the positioning projections  520  of the present embodiment rides over a section between the corresponding first recess  430  and the corresponding second recess  432  by using resilience of the spring portion  525  to be accommodated in any of the corresponding first recess  430  and the corresponding second recess  432 . Accordingly, each of the positioning projections  520  relatively positions the screw holding member  460  with respect to the mating connector main  410  in the predetermined direction. 
     As understood from  FIGS. 9, 16, 17 and 21 , in the present embodiment, when the screw holding member  460  is positioned at the first predetermined position, each of the first abutment portions (abutment portions)  500  abuts against the corresponding first facing portion  420  while each of the positioning projections  520  is accommodated in the corresponding first recess  430 . In other words, pairs, each consisting of the first abutment portion (abutment portion)  500  and the first facing portion  420 , and pairs each consisting of the positioning projection  520  and the first recess  430  define the first predetermined position. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The first predetermined position may be defined only by the pairs of the first abutment portion (abutment portion)  500  and the first facing portion  420 . In addition the first predetermined position may be defined only by the pairs of the positioning projection  520  and the first recess  430 . Furthermore, the first predetermined position may be defined by other means. 
     As understood from  FIGS. 18, 19 and 22 , in the present embodiment, when the screw holding member  460  is positioned at the second predetermined position, each of the second abutment portions  510  abuts against the corresponding second facing portion  422  while each of the positioning projections  520  is accommodated in the corresponding second recess  432 . In other words, pairs, each consisting of the second abutment portion  510  and the second facing portion  422 , and pairs each consisting of the positioning projection  520  and the second recess  432  define the second predetermined position. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The second predetermined position may be defined only by the pairs of the second abutment portion  510  and the second facing portion  422 . In addition, the second predetermined position may be defined only by the pairs of the positioning projection  520  and the second recess  432 . Furthermore, the second predetermined position may be defined by other means. 
     As understood from  FIGS. 9, 11, 24 and 25 , the screw accommodation members  470  partially accommodate the male screw members  450 , respectively, and each of the screw accommodation members  470  holds the corresponding male screw member  450 . As shown in  FIG. 23 , in detail, each of the screw accommodation members  470  is provided with a male screw seat  472 , an accommodation portion  474  and a projection  476 . As understood from  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the male screw seat  472  is a surface which is brought into contact with the female screw seat when the male screw member  450  is connected with the female screw portion  380 . As shown in  FIG. 23 , each of the male screw seats  472  of the present embodiment is an end surface of the screw holding member  460  which faces in the first predetermined orientation. The accommodation portion  474  extends in the predetermined direction and partially accommodates the male screw member  450 . The projection  476  projects into the accommodation portion  474  in a plane perpendicular to the predetermined direction. 
     As understood from  FIGS. 9 and 17 , in the present embodiment, each of the male screw members  450  is relatively movable with respect to the screw holding member  460  along the predetermined direction. As shown in  FIG. 11 , in detail, each of the male screw members  450  is formed with a recess  452  which is recessed in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction. As shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 , the projection  476  is accommodated in the recess  452  under a state where the male screw member  450  is partially accommodated in the accommodation portion  474 . In the predetermined direction, the recess  452  has a size far greater than a size of the projection  476 . Accordingly, as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 17 , each of the male screw members  450  is relatively movable with respect to the screw holding member  460  along the predetermined direction. Thus, a distance by which the male screw member  450  is movable can be totally increased. 
     In the present embodiment, the first predetermined position and the second predetermined position are arranged to satisfy the following conditions: [condition  1 ] when the screw holding member  460  is positioned at the first predetermined position, the end  412  of the mating connector main  410  faces the inner wall  230  of the fitting portion  210  of the connector  200  but does not reach the inner wall  230  under a state where the male screw member  450  is connected with the female screw portion  380  and where the male screw seat  472  is brought into contact with the female screw seat; and [condition  2 ] when the screw holding member  460  is positioned at the second predetermined position, the end  412  of the mating connector main  410  is able to reach the inner wall  750  of the alternative fitting portion  730  under a state where the mating connector  400  is connected with the alternative connecting object  700 . In other words, when the end  412  of the mating connector main  410  reaches the inner wall  750  of the alternative fitting portion  730  under the state where the mating connector  400  is connected with the alternative connecting object  700 , the screw holding member  460  may be positioned at the second predetermined position or may be positioned beyond the second predetermined position in the first predetermined orientation while not reaching the second predetermined position. 
     Under the condition  1 , a distance between the end  412  of the mating connector main  410  and the inner wall  230  of the fitting portion  210  of the connector  200  is arranged so that the end  412  of the mating connector main  410  does not just reach the inner wall  230  of the fitting portion  210  of the connector  200  under a state where each of the mating connector  400  and the connector  200  has maximum tolerance. Accordingly, even if each of the mating connector  400  and the connector  200  has maximum tolerance, the end  412  of the mating connector main  410  can be prevented from applying unnecessary stress to the inner wall  230  of the fitting portion  210  of the connector  200 . 
     The condition  2  enables the end  412  of the mating connector main  410  to securely reach the inner wall  750  of the alternative fitting portion  730 . In other words, the mating connector  400  and the alternative connector (receptacle)  720  which is included in the alternative connecting object  700  can be properly connected with each other. 
     As described above, the mating connector  400  of the present embodiment is provided with the regulating portions and the regulated portions. Accordingly, even if the cable  800  connected to the mating connector  400  is pulled in the second predetermined orientation under a state where the male screw members  450  are connected with the female screw portions  380 , respectively, the mating connector main  410  can be prevented from being removed from the screw holding member  460 . 
     The structure of the mating connector  400  is not limited thereto. For example, the mating connector  400  can be modified as described below. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 26 to 30 , the mating connector  400 A according to a first modification comprises a mating connector main  410 A, two male screw members  450 A and a screw holding member  460 A. The mating connector main  410 A of the present modification is positioned between the two male screw members  450 A in the lateral direction. As shown in  FIG. 28 , the mating connector main  410 A comprises mating contacts  440 A, a mating holding member  442 A, a mating shell  444 A and a hood  446 A similar to the first embodiment. Specifically, the mating holding member  442 A holds the mating contacts  440 A, and the mating shell  444 A covers the mating holding member  442 A. Explanation about those components is omitted. 
     As understood from  FIGS. 29, 31 and 33 , each of an upper surface  414 A and a lower surface  416 A of the mating connector main  410 A is provided with a first facing portion  420 A and second facing portions  422 A. The first facing portion  420 A is positioned beyond the second facing portions  422 A in the first predetermined orientation. Each of the second facing portions  422 A is positioned beyond the first facing portion  420 A in the second predetermined orientation. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The first facing portion  420 A and the second facing portions  422 A may be provided on only one of the upper surface  414 A and the lower surface  416 A of the mating connector main  410 A. In the present modification, each of the first facing portions  420 A and the second facing portions  422 A is formed on the hood  446 A. In the present embodiment, each of the first facing portions  420 A is a wall which is positioned at a side of the hood  446 A in the first predetermined orientation and which stands in the up-down direction, and each of the second facing portions  422 A is a projection which projects in the up-down direction. Each of the first facing portions  420 A functions as a regulated portion as described later. 
     Furthermore, each of the upper surface  414 A and the lower surface  416 A of the mating connector main  410 A is provided with a first recess  430 A and a second recess  432 A which are positioned away from each other in the predetermined direction. The first recess  430 A is positioned beyond the second recess  432 A in the first predetermined orientation, and the second recess  432 A is positioned beyond the first recess  430 A in the second predetermined orientation. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The first recess  430 A and the second recess  432 A may be provided on only one of the upper surface  414 A and the lower surface  416 A of the mating connector main  410 A. In the present modification, each of the first recesses  430 A and the second recesses  432 A is formed on the hood  446 A. 
     The screw holding member  460 A is attached to the mating connector main  410 A and is relatively movable with respect to the mating connector main  410 A along the predetermined direction between a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position. The first predetermined position is positioned beyond the second predetermined position in the first predetermined orientation, and the second predetermined position is positioned beyond the first predetermined position in the second predetermined orientation. 
     As shown in  FIG. 29 , in detail, the screw holding member  460 A of the present modification is formed with two side accommodation portions  470 A and a center accommodation portion  480 A. Each of the side accommodation portions  470 A and the center accommodation portion  480 A pierces the screw holding member  460 A in the predetermined direction. As shown in  FIG. 26 , each of the side accommodation portions  470 A is provided with a male screw seat  472 A. As understood from  FIGS. 1, 2 and 26 , the male screw seat  472 A is a surface which is brought into contact with the female screw seat when the male screw member  450 A is connected with the female screw portion  380 . As shown in  FIG. 26 , the male screw seat  472 A of the present embodiment is an end surface of the screw holding member  460 A which faces in the first predetermined orientation. As understood from  FIGS. 26 and 29 , the side accommodation portions  470 A partially accommodate the male screw members  450 A, respectively. Each of the side accommodation portions  470 A accommodates the corresponding male screw member  450 A in a manner similar to a manner in which the screw accommodation member  470  of the aforementioned first embodiment accommodates the male screw member  450 . The center accommodation portion  480 A is positioned between the side accommodation portions  470 A in the lateral direction and partially accommodates the mating connector main  410 A so as to be movable in the predetermined direction. 
     As understood from  FIGS. 29, 31 and 33 , the screw holding member  460 A is provided with two pairs each consisting of the first abutment portion (abutment portion)  500 A and the second abutment portion  510 A. Each of the first abutment portions  500 A is positioned beyond the second abutment portion  510 A paired therewith in the first predetermined orientation, and each of the second abutment portions  510 A is positioned beyond the first abutment portion  500 A paired therewith in the second predetermined orientation. The first abutment portion (abutment portion)  500 A and the second abutment portion  510 A of each pair are edge portions of the center accommodation portion  480 A. The first abutment portion (abutment portion)  500 A of each pair is an edge portion of the screw holding member  460 A in the first predetermined orientation. The second abutment portion  510 A of each pair is another edge portion of the screw holding member  460 A in the second predetermined orientation. The first abutment portions (abutment portions)  500 A are positioned at opposite sides, respectively, of the screw holding member  460 A in the up-down direction. The second abutment portions  510 A are positioned at opposite sides, respectively, of the screw holding member  460 A in the up-down direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The first abutment portion (abutment portion)  500 A and the second abutment portion  510 A may be provided on only one of an upper side and a lower side of the center accommodation portion  480 A. The first abutment portions (abutment portions)  500 A face the first facing portions  420 A, respectively, in the predetermined direction. Each of the first abutment portions (abutment portions)  500 A is positioned beyond the corresponding first facing portion  420 A in the second predetermined orientation. The second abutment portions  510 A face the second facing portions  422 A, respectively, in the predetermined direction. Each of the second abutment portions  510 A is positioned beyond the corresponding second facing portion  422 A in the first predetermined orientation. Accordingly, each of the first facing portions  420 A regulates a movement of the corresponding first abutment portion  500 A in the first predetermined orientation of the predetermined direction beyond the first facing portion  420 A, and each of the second facing portions  422  A regulates a movement of the corresponding second abutment portion  510 A beyond the second facing portion  422 A in the second predetermined orientation of the predetermined direction. As understood from above, the first abutment portions (abutment portions)  500 A of the present modification function as regulating portions which correspond to the first facing portions (regulated portions)  420 A, respectively. 
     Furthermore, the screw holding member  460 A has two pairs each consisting of a spring portion  525 A and a positioning projection  520 A. The two pairs of the spring portion  525  and the positioning projection  520 A are formed on opposite sides, respectively, of the screw holding member  460 A in the up-down direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The spring portion  525 A and the positioning projection  520 A may be provided on only one of an upper side and a lower side of the screw holding member  460 A. Each of the spring portions  525 A is resiliently deformable and supports the positioning projection  520 A paired therewith. Each of the positioning projections  520 A projects inside the center accommodation portion  480 A in the up-down direction. Each of the positioning projections  520 A is movable in the up-down direction by using resilience of the spring portion  525 A paired therewith. The positioning projections  520 A correspond to the first recesses  430 A and the second recesses  432 A, respectively. Each of the positioning projections  520 A of the present modification rides over a section between the corresponding first recess  430 A and the corresponding second recess  432 A by using resilience of the spring portion  525 A paired therewith to be accommodated in any of the corresponding first recess  430 A and the corresponding second recess  432 A. Accordingly, each of the positioning projections  520 A relatively positions the screw holding member  460 A with respect to the mating connector main  410 A in the predetermined direction. 
     As understood from  FIGS. 26, 27, 30 and 31 , in the present modification, when the screw holding member  460 A is positioned at the first predetermined position, each of the first abutment portions (abutment portions)  500 A abuts against the corresponding first facing portion  420 A while each of the positioning projections  520 A is accommodated in the corresponding first recess  430 A. In other words, pairs, each consisting of the first abutment portion (abutment portion)  500 A and the first facing portion  420 A, and pairs each consisting of the positioning projection  520 A and the first recess  430 A define the first predetermined position. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The first predetermined position may be defined only by the pairs of the first abutment portion (abutment portion)  500 A and the first facing portion  420 A. In addition, the first predetermined position may be defined only by the pairs of the positioning projection  520 A and the first recess  430 A. Furthermore, the first predetermined position may be defined by other means. 
     As understood from  FIGS. 32 to 34 , in the present modification, when the screw holding member  460 A is positioned at the second predetermined position, each of the second abutment portions  510 A abuts against the corresponding second facing portion  422 A while each of the positioning projections  520 A is accommodated in the corresponding second recess  432 A. In other words, pairs, each consisting of the second abutment portion  510 A and the second facing portion  422 A, and pairs each consisting of the positioning projection  520 A and the second recess  432 A define the second predetermined position. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The second predetermined position may be defined only by the pairs each consisting of the second abutment portion  510 A and the second facing portion  422 A. In addition, the second predetermined position may be defined only by the pairs each consisting of the positioning projection  520 A and the second recess  432 A. Furthermore, the second predetermined position may be defined by other means. 
     In the present modification, the first predetermined position is arranged to satisfy the condition  1  described in the first embodiment, and the second predetermined position is arranged to satisfy the condition  2  described in the first embodiment. Accordingly, the connector assembly  100  of the present modification also has an effect similar to that of the first embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 35 to 39 and 41 , a mating connector  400 B according to a second modification comprises a mating connector main  410 B, two male screw members  450 B and a screw holding member  460 B. The mating connector main  410 B of the present modification is positioned between the two male screw members  450 B in the lateral direction. As shown in  FIGS. 36 and 37 , the mating connector main  410 B comprises mating contacts  440 B, a mating holding member  442 B, a mating shell  444 B and a hood  446 B similar to the first embodiment. Specifically, the mating holding member  442 B holds the mating contacts  440 B, and the mating shell  444 B covers the mating holding member  442 B. Explanation about those components is omitted. 
     As understood from  FIGS. 35, 36, 38 and 39 , the mating connector main  410 B is provided with two guide portions  530 B, two facing wall portions  540 B, an operation portion (lever)  550 B and a positioning recess  558 B. The positioning recess  558 B is formed on a lower surface of the hood  446 B. 
     Each of the guide portions  530 B extends in the predetermined direction. The guide portions  530 B are positioned at opposite ends, respectively, of the mating connector main  410 B in the lateral direction. In other words, the guide portions  530 B are positioned away from each other in the lateral direction. The facing wall portions  540 B correspond to the guide portions  530 B, respectively. Each of the facing wall portions  540 B is positioned beyond the corresponding guide portion  530 B in the first predetermined orientation of the predetermined direction. The facing wall portions  540 B are positioned away from each other in the lateral direction. Each of the facing wall portions  540 B is formed with a through hole  542 B which pierces the facing wall portion  540 B in the predetermined direction. Each of the facing wall portions  540 B functions as a regulated portion as described later. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 35 to 38 , the operation portion  550 B extends upward from a vicinity of an end of the hood  446 B in the first predetermined orientation. As shown in  FIG. 38 , the operation portion  550 B of the mating connector main  410 B is formed with a broad portion  552 B and a narrow portion  554 B. Specifically, the broad portion  552 B extends from the vicinity of the end of the hood  446 B in the first predetermined orientation, and the narrow portion  554 B extends from the broad portion  552 B. In the lateral direction, the narrow portion  554 B has a size smaller than a size of the broad portion  552 B. A boundary portion between the broad portion  552 B and the narrow portion  554 B is formed with stopped portions  556 B. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 35 and 36 , the screw holding member  460 B is attached to the mating connector main  410 B and is relatively movable with respect to the mating connector main  410 B along the predetermined direction between a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position. The first predetermined position is positioned beyond the second predetermined position in the first predetermined orientation, and the second predetermined position is positioned beyond the first predetermined position in the second predetermined orientation. 
     As shown in  FIG. 38 , the screw holding member  460 B of the present modification is formed with two side accommodation portions  470 B and a center accommodation portion  480 B. Each of the side accommodation portions  470 B and the center accommodation portion  480 B pierces the screw holding member  460 B in the predetermined direction. As understood from  FIGS. 35, 36 and 38 , the side accommodation portions  470 B partially accommodate the male screw members  450 B, respectively. Each of the side accommodation portions  470 B accommodates the corresponding male screw member  450 B in a manner similar to a manner in which the screw accommodation member  470  of the aforementioned first embodiment accommodates the male screw member  450 . As shown in  FIG. 38 , the center accommodation portion  480 B is positioned between the side accommodation portions  470 B in the lateral direction. As shown in  FIGS. 40 and 42 , the center accommodation portion  480 B partially accommodates the mating connector main  410 B so as to be movable in the predetermined direction. 
     As shown in  FIG. 38 , in detail, the screw holding member  460 B of the present modification is provided with a main portion  560 B and two arm portions  570 B. The center accommodation portion  480 B is provided on the main portion  560 B. 
     As understood from  FIGS. 39, 40 and 42 , the main portion  560 B is provided with a positioning projection  562 B which is positioned at a lower side thereof and which projects inward of the center accommodation portion  480 B. The positioning projection  562 B is accommodated in the positioning recess  558 B of the mating connector main  410 B. In the predetermined direction, the positioning recess  558 B has a size greater than a size of the positioning projection  562 B. Accordingly, the positioning projection  562 B is movable within the positioning recess  558 B. Meanwhile, the positioning projection  562 B cannot be moved beyond the positioning recess  558 B in the second predetermined orientation. In other words, the positioning recess  558 B regulates a movement of the positioning projection  562 B beyond the positioning recess  558 B in the second predetermined orientation of the predetermined direction. 
     As shown in  FIG. 38 , the main portion  560 B of the screw holding member  460 B is provided with stopping portions  564 B and a slot  566 B. Specifically, the slot  566 B extends from the stopping portions  564 B in the second predetermined orientation of the predetermined direction. As understood from  FIGS. 35, 36 and 41 , the slot  566 B partially accommodates the narrow portion  554 B of the operation portion  550 B. 
     As shown in  FIG. 38 , under a state where the operation portion  550 B is not operated, the stopped portions  556 B are positioned beyond the stopping portions  564 B, respectively, in the first predetermined orientation and regulate a movement of the screw holding member  460 B in the first predetermined orientation. As understood from  FIGS. 35, 36 and 41 , when the operation portion  550 B is operated so that the stopped portions  556 B are moved in the up-down direction, each of the stopping portions  564 B is released from the corresponding stopped portion  556 B so that the screw holding member  460 B is movable in the first predetermined orientation. 
     As shown in  FIG. 38 , the arm portions  570 B are positioned away from each other in the lateral direction. Each of the arm portions  570 B extends from the main portion  560 B in the first predetermined orientation of the predetermined direction. The side accommodation portions  470 B correspond to the arm portions  570 B, respectively. Each of the side accommodation portions  470 B is formed to continuously extend between the corresponding arm portion  570 B and the main portion  560 B. 
     Each of the arm portions  570 B has a guided portion  572 B and a projecting portion  574 B which extends from the guided portion  572 B in the first predetermined orientation. Specifically, a part of each of the side accommodation portions  470 B is positioned in the corresponding projecting portion  574 B. The guided portions  572 B are received in the guide portions  530 B, respectively, of the mating connector main  410 , and each of the guided portions  572 B is guided by the corresponding guide portion  530 B during its movement along the predetermined direction. A boundary portion between the guided portion  572 B and the projecting portion  574 B is provided with an abutment portion  578 B which faces in the first predetermined orientation of the predetermined direction. Specifically, the abutment portion  578 B is positioned around an end of the projecting portion  574 B in the second predetermined orientation. An end of the projecting portion  574 B in the first predetermined orientation functions as a male screw seat  576 B. 
     As understood from  FIGS. 35 and 36 , the projecting portions  574 B are projectable in the first predetermined orientation through the through holes  542 B, respectively, by a relative movement of the screw holding member  460 B with respect to the mating connector main  410 B. As understood from  FIGS. 35 and 38 , the abutment portions  578 B face the facing wall portions  540 B, respectively, in the predetermined direction, and each of the abutment portions  578 B is positioned beyond the corresponding facing wall portion  540 B in the second predetermined orientation. As shown in  FIGS. 36 and 41 , a maximum amount of projection of each of the projecting portions  574 B from the corresponding facing wall portion  540 B is defined by each of the abutment portions  578 B abutting against the corresponding facing wall portion  540 B. As understood form above, the abutment portions  578 B of the present modification function as regulating portions which correspond to the facing wall portions (regulated portions)  540 B, respectively. 
     As understood from  FIGS. 36, 41 and 42 , in the present modification, when the screw holding member  460 B is positioned at the first predetermined position, each of the abutment portions  578 B abuts against the corresponding facing wall portion  540 B. In other words, the abutment portions  578 B and the facing wall portions  540 B define the first predetermined position. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The first predetermined position may be defined by other means. 
     As understood from  FIGS. 35 and 40 , in the present modification, when the screw holding member  460 B is positioned at the second predetermined position, each of the stopped portions  556 B is positioned beyond the corresponding stopping portion  564 B in the first predetermined orientation while the positioning projection  562 B is positioned within the positioning recess  558 B. In other words, pairs, each consisting of the stopping portion  564 B and the stopped portion  556 B, and a pair consisting of the positioning projection  562 B and the positioning recess  558 B define the second predetermined position. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The second predetermined position may be defined by other means. 
     In the present modification, the first predetermined position is arranged to satisfy the condition  1  described in the first embodiment, and the second predetermined position is arranged to satisfy the condition  2  described in the first embodiment. Accordingly, the connector assembly  100  of the present modification also has an effect similar to that of the first embodiment. 
     (Second Embodiment) 
     As shown in  FIGS. 43 and 44 , a connector assembly  100 C according to a second embodiment of the present invention comprises a connector  200 C and a mating connector  400 C. The connector  200 C is a receptacle in accordance with the USB Type-C standard. When the connector  200 C is used, the connector  200 C is mounted on a circuit board  850 C as a mount object in an up-down direction. The mating connector  400  is a plug in accordance with the USB Type-C standard. As described later, the mating connector  400 C comprises a mating fitting portion and a male screw member  450 C, and the mating fitting portion has mating contacts  440 C. The mating connector  400 C is connectable with the connector  200 C along a first predetermined orientation in a predetermined direction perpendicular to the up-down direction. In addition, the mating connector  400 C is removable from the connector  200 C along a second predetermined orientation opposite to the first predetermined orientation in the predetermined direction. Also in the present embodiment, the up-down direction is the Z-direction. Specifically, the positive Z-direction is upward, and the negative Z-direction is downward. Furthermore, the predetermined direction is the X-direction. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the first predetermined orientation is the positive X-direction, and the second predetermined orientation is the negative X-direction. The positive X-direction is rearward of the connector  200 C, and the negative X-direction is forward of the connector  200 C. In other words, the first predetermined orientation is rearward of the connector  200 C, and the second predetermined orientation is forward of the connector  200 C. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 47 and 50 , the connector  200 C comprises contacts  240 C, a holding member  242 C, a shell  244 C and a screw fixing member  300 C. The contacts  240 C, the holding member  242 C and the shell  244 C are same as those of the aforementioned first embodiment and form a fitting portion  210 C which is mateable with the mating fitting portion. In particular, as shown in  FIG. 49 , the receiving portion  220 C has an inner wall  230 C in the predetermined direction. 
     As shown in  FIG. 50 , the screw fixing member  300 C of the present embodiment is distinct and separated from the shell  244 C. The screw fixing member  300 C of the present embodiment comprises a single screw end accommodation portion  310 C. In other words, the screw end accommodation portion  310 C of the present embodiment is formed as a part of the screw fixing member  300 C. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The screw end accommodation portion  310 C may be formed as a part of the shell  244 C. The screw end accommodation portion  310 C is positioned above the fitting portion  210 C in the up-down direction. 
     As understood from  FIGS. 43 and 49 , the screw end accommodation portion  310 C defines an accommodation space  320 C which accommodates an end of the male screw member  450 C when the connector  200 C is connected with the mating connector  400 C. As understood from  FIGS. 45 to 50 , the screw end accommodation portion  310 C has a front surface portion  340 C, an upper surface portion  344 C, a rear surface portion  342 C, two outer surface portions  346 C, two reinforcing portions  350 C and a bottom surface portion  352 C. 
     As understood from  FIGS. 45, 47, 49 and 50 , the front surface portion  340 C is provided with a female screw portion  380 C which is connectable with the male screw member  450 C. The front surface portion  340 C functions as a female screw seat when the connector  200 C is connected with the mating connector  400 C. 
     As understood from  FIGS. 46, 48 and 49 , the rear surface portion  342 C faces the front surface portion  340 C in the predetermined direction. In particular, as shown in  FIG. 49 , the accommodation space  320 C is positioned between the front surface portion  340 C and the rear surface portion  342 C in the predetermined direction. 
     As shown in  FIG. 49 , the upper surface portion  344 C is positioned above the accommodation space  320 C in the up-down direction. The upper surface portion  344 C connects the front surface portion  340 C and the rear surface portion  342 C with each other at their upper sides in the up-down direction. 
     As understood from  FIGS. 45, 48 and 49 , each of the outer surface portions  346 C is positioned outward of the accommodation space  320 C in a lateral direction and faces outward in a lateral direction. Also in the present embodiment, the lateral direction is the Y-direction. The outer surface portions  346   c  face each other in the lateral direction. As shown in  FIGS. 45 and 47 , each of the outer surface portions  346 C is connected with the front surface portion  340 C by a side front bent portion  362 C. In the up-down direction, each of the side front bent portions  362 C has a size same as a size of the front surface portion  340 C. Accordingly, the side front bent portion  362 C has a resistance to a force which rotates the outer surface portion  346 C in a plane perpendicular to the lateral direction. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 45 and 46 , each of the outer surface portions  346 C has a fixed portion  370 C which is soldered to be fixed to the circuit board  850 C when the connector  200 C is mounted on the circuit board  850 C. Each of the fixed portions  370 C has a size in the predetermined direction and another size in the lateral direction. The size of the fixed portion  370 C in the predetermined direction is greater than the size of the fixed portion  370 C in the lateral direction. Since each of the outer surface portions  346 C is fixed to the circuit board  850 C through the aforementioned fixed portion  370 C, each of the outer surface portions  346 C has a resistance to a force along the predetermined direction. 
     As understood from  FIGS. 45, 46, 48 to 50 , the reinforcing portions  350 C correspond to the outer surface portions  346 C, respectively. Each of the reinforcing portions  350 C extends inward in the lateral direction from the corresponding outer surface portion  346 C. As shown in  FIG. 49 , each of the reinforcing portions  350 C is positioned below the upper surface portion  344 C in the up-down direction and is positioned between the front surface portion  340 C and the rear surface portion  342 C in the predetermined direction. The aforementioned structure enables the reinforcing portions  350 C to reinforce the front surface portion  340 C from a rear side of the front surface portion  340 C. 
     As understood from  FIGS. 46 and 49 , the bottom surface portion  352 C extends rearward in the predetermined direction from a lower end of the front surface portion  340 C. The bottom surface portion  352 C is connected with an upper part of the shell  244 C. Specifically, the bottom surface portion  352 C is fixed to the upper part of the shell  244 C by laser welding. 
     As described above, the accommodation space  320 C shown in  FIG. 49  is surrounded by the screw end accommodation portion  310 C. Accordingly, even if foreign bodies enter into the connector  200 C from the female screw portion  380 C under a state where the connector  200 C is not connected with the mating connector  400 C, the foreign bodies have high probability to stay in the accommodation space  320 C. Thus, foreign bodies can be prevented from entering into an inside of a housing (not shown) of an electronic equipment (not shown) in which the connector  200 C is installed. 
     Similar to the mating connector  400  of the first embodiment, the mating connector  400 C of the present embodiment is connectable not only with the connector  200 C of the present embodiment but also with the alternative connecting object  700 . Detailed explanation about the alternative connecting object  700  is omitted. 
     As understood from  FIGS. 51 to 53 , the mating connector  400 C of the present embodiment comprises a mating connector main  410 C, a single male screw member  450 C and a screw holding member  460 C. The male screw member  450 C is positioned above the mating connector main  410 C in the up-down direction. 
     As shown in  FIG. 52 , the mating connector main  410 C comprises mating contacts  440 C, a mating holding member  442 C, a mating shell  444 C and a hood  446 C similar to the first embodiment. Specifically, the mating holding member  442 C holds the mating contacts  440 C, and the mating shell  444 C covers the mating holding member  442 C. Explanation about the mating contacts  440 C, the mating holding member  442 C and the mating shell  444 C is omitted. 
     As shown in  FIG. 51 , an end  412 C of the mating connector main  410 C forms an end portion  402 C of the mating connector  400 C in the first predetermined orientation. The mating connector main  410 C is selectively mateable with any of the fitting portion  210 C of  FIG. 45  and the alternative fitting portion  730  along the predetermined direction. As understood from  FIGS. 43 and 44 , when the connector  200 C is connected with the mating connector  400 C, the mating connector main  410 C is partially received in the receiving portion  220 C of the fitting portion  210 C. 
     As shown in  FIG. 53 , the illustrated hood  446 C consists of two parts of an upper part and a lower part. The upper part of the hood  446 C is formed with a slot  448 C. The slot  448 C has an edge portion  449 C in the second predetermined orientation. As shown in  FIG. 54 , the upper part of the hood  446 C is formed with first facing portion  420 C which is positioned to extend over lateral sides of an end of the slot  448 C in the first predetermined orientation. In addition, the upper part of the hood  446 C is formed with a second facing portion  422 C which is positioned in the vicinity of the edge portion  449 C of the slot  448 C. In other words, the first facing portion  420 C is positioned beyond the second facing portion  422 C in the first predetermined orientation, and the second facing portion  422 C is positioned beyond the first facing portion  420 C in the second predetermined orientation. Each of the first facing portion  420 C and the second facing portion  422 C of the present embodiment is provided inside the hood  446 C. In other words, each of the first facing portion  420 C and the second facing portion  422 C of the present embodiment is provided inside the mating connector main  410 C. 
     As understood from  FIGS. 51 to 53 , the screw holding member  460 C of the present embodiment is attached to the mating connector main  410 C so that the screw holding member  460 C is partially accommodated in the mating connector main  410 C. As understood from  FIGS. 43, 44 and 51 , the screw holding member  460 C is relatively movable with respect to the mating connector main  410 C along the predetermined direction between a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position. The first predetermined position is positioned beyond the second predetermined position in the first predetermined orientation, and the second predetermined position is positioned beyond the first predetermined position in the second predetermined orientation. 
     As understood from  FIGS. 53 and 55 , in detail, the screw holding member  460 C of the present embodiment has an upper accommodation portion  470 C and a movable portion  480 C. The movable portion  480 C and the upper accommodation portion  470 C of the present embodiment are formed integrally with each other. As shown in  FIG. 51 , the upper accommodation portion  470 C is provided with a male screw seat  473 C. As understood from  FIGS. 43, 44 and 51 , the male screw seat  473 C is a surface which is brought into contact with the female screw seat when the male screw member  450 C is connected with the female screw portion  380 C. As shown in  FIG. 51 , the male screw seat  473 C of the present embodiment is an end surface of the upper accommodation portion  470 C which faces in the first predetermined orientation. As understood from  FIGS. 51 and 53 , the movable portion  480 C is accommodated in the mating connector main  410 C so as to be movable in the predetermined direction. As shown in  FIGS. 53 and 55 , the movable portion  480 C is provided with a first abutment portion (abutment portion)  500 C and a second abutment portion  510 C. In the present embodiment, the first abutment portion  500 C is an edge portion of the movable portion  480 C in the first predetermined orientation, and the second abutment portion  510 C is another edge portion of the movable portion  480 C in the second predetermined orientation. As shown in  FIGS. 56 and 57 , the first abutment portion  500 C is positioned beyond the second abutment portion  510 C in the first predetermined orientation, and the second abutment portion  510 C is positioned beyond the first abutment portion  500 C in the second predetermined orientation. The first abutment portion  500 C (abutment portion) faces the first facing portion  420 C in the predetermine direction and is positioned beyond the first facing portion  420 C in the second predetermined orientation. The second abutment portion  510 C faces the second facing portion  422 C in the predetermine direction and is positioned beyond the second facing portion  422 C in the first predetermined orientation. Accordingly, the first facing portion  420 C regulates a movement of the first abutment portion (abutment portion)  500 C beyond the first facing portion  420 C in the first predetermined orientation of the predetermined direction. Similarly, the second facing portion  422 C regulates a movement of the second abutment portion  510 C beyond the second facing portion  422 C in the second predetermined orientation of the predetermined direction. As understood from above, the first abutment portion (abutment portion)  500 C of the present embodiment functions as a regulating portion which corresponds to the first facing portion (regulated portion)  420 C. 
     As understood from  FIGS. 51 and 53 , the upper accommodation portion  470 C is provided on the movable portion  480 C and is exposed outside the mating connector main  410 C through the slot  448 C. Accordingly, the upper accommodation portion  470 C is positioned above the mating connector main  410 C. The upper accommodation portion  470 C partially accommodates the male screw member  450 C. The upper accommodation portion  470 C accommodates the male screw member  450 C in a manner similar to a manner in which the screw accommodation member  470  of the aforementioned first embodiment accommodates the male screw member  450 . As shown in  FIGS. 53 and 55 , the upper accommodation portion  470 C has an end portion  472 C in the second predetermined orientation. As understood from  FIGS. 43 and 53 , the edge portion  449 C of the slot  448 C faces the end portion  472 C of the upper accommodation portion  470 C in the predetermined direction and is positioned beyond the end portion  472 C in the second predetermined orientation. Accordingly, the edge portion  449 C of the slot  448 C regulates a movement of the end portion  472 C of the upper accommodation portion  470 C beyond the edge portion  449 C of the slot  448 C in the second predetermined orientation. 
     As understood from  FIG. 56 , in the present modification, the first abutment portion (abutment portion)  500 C abuts against the first facing portion  420 C when the screw holding member  460 C is positioned at the first predetermined position. In other words, the first abutment portion  500 C and the first facing portion  420 C define the first predetermined position. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The first predetermined position may be defined by other means. 
     As understood from  FIG. 57 , in the present modification, the second abutment portion  510 C abuts against the second facing portion  422 C when the screw holding member  460 C is positioned at the second predetermined position. At that time, as understood from  FIGS. 43 and 51 , the end portion  472 C of the upper accommodation portion  470 C abuts against the edge portion  449 C of the slot  448 C. In other words, as understood from  FIGS. 43 and 57 , a pair of the second abutment portion  510 C and the second facing portion  422 C and a pair of the end portion  472 C of the upper accommodation portion  470 C and the edge portion  449 C of the slot  448 C define the second predetermined position. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The second predetermined position may be defined only by the pair of the second abutment portion  510 C and the second facing portion  422 C. In addition, the second predetermined position may be defined only by the pair of the end portion  472 C of the upper accommodation portion  470 C and the edge portion  449 C of the slot  448 C. Furthermore, the second predetermined position may be defined by other means. 
     In the present modification, the first predetermined position is arranged to satisfy the condition  1  described in the first embodiment, and the second predetermined position is arranged to satisfy the condition  2  described in the first embodiment. Accordingly, the connector assembly  100 C of the present modification also has an effect similar to that of the first embodiment. 
     The structure of the mating connector  400 C is not limited thereto. For example, the mating connector  400 C can be modified as described below. 
     As shown in  FIG. 58 , a mating connector  400 D according to a third modification comprises a mating connector main  410 D, a single male screw member  450 D and a screw holding member  460 D. The male screw member  450 D is positioned above the mating connector main  410 D in the up-down direction. 
     As shown in  FIG. 59 , the mating connector main  410 D comprises mating contacts  440 D, a mating holding member  442 D, a mating shell  444 D and a hood  446 D similar to the first embodiment. Specifically, the mating holding member  442 D holds the mating contacts  440 D, and the mating shell  444 D covers the mating holding member  442 D. Explanation about those components is omitted. 
     As shown in  FIG. 60 , an upper surface  414 D of the mating connector main  410 D is provided with two slide surfaces  418 D and two pairs each of which consists of a first facing portion  420 D and a second facing portion  422 D. The two slide surfaces  418 D correspond to the two pairs, respectively, of the first facing portion  420 D and the second facing portion  422 D. In other words, the upper surface  414 D is provided with two sets of the slide surface  418 D, the first facing portion  420 D and the second facing portion  422 D. The first facing portion  420 D is positioned beyond the second facing portion  422 D in the first predetermined orientation, and the second facing portion  422 D is positioned beyond the first facing portion  420 D in the second predetermined orientation. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The upper surface  414 D of the mating connector main  410 D may be provided only with the single slide surface  418 D and a single pair of the first facing portion  420 D and the second facing portion  422 D. Each of the slide surfaces  418 D is positioned between the first facing portion  420 D and the second facing portion  422 D of the corresponding pair in the predetermined direction. Each of the first facing portions  420 D is a wall which is positioned at a side of the corresponding slide surface  418 D in the first predetermined orientation and which stands in the up-down direction. Each of the second facing portions  422  is a wall which is positioned at another side of the corresponding slide surface  418  in the second predetermined orientation and which stands in the up-down direction. In the present modification, each of the slide surfaces  418 D, the first facing portions  420 D and the second facing portions  422 D is formed on the hood  446 D. Each of the first facing portions  420 D functions as a regulated portion as described later. 
     As understood from  FIGS. 60, 62 and 63 , the mating connector main  410 D has two pairs, each of which consists of two ditches  424 D, a pair of two spring portions  436 D and a pair of two positioning projections  434 D. Each of the ditches  424 D extends in the predetermined direction. The two spring portions  436 D correspond to the two positioning projections  434 D, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The mating connector main  410 D may only have a single pair of the two ditches  424 D, the pair of the two spring portions  436 D and the pair of the two positioning projections  434 D. The two spring portions  436 D are provided in the two ditches  424 D, respectively, which are positioned in the first predetermined orientation. Each of the spring portions  436 D is resiliently deformable and supports the corresponding positioning projection  434 D. Each of the positioning projections  434 D projects into the corresponding ditch  424 D in the lateral direction. Each of the positioning projections  434 D is movable in the lateral direction by using resilience of the corresponding spring portion  436 D. In the present modification, the ditches  424 D and the positioning projections  434 D are formed on the hood  446 D. 
     As understood from  FIGS. 58 and 61 , the screw holding member  460 D is attached to the mating connector main  410 D and is relatively movable with respect to the mating connector main  410 D along the predetermined direction between a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position. The first predetermined position is positioned beyond the second predetermined position in the first predetermined orientation, and the second predetermined position is positioned beyond the first predetermined position beyond the second predetermined orientation. 
     As shown in  FIG. 60 , in detail, the screw holding member  460 D of the present modification comprises an upper accommodation member  470 D, two movable members  480 D and a lower plate  490 D. As shown in  FIG. 58 , the upper accommodation member  470 D is provided with a male screw seat  473 D. As understood from  FIGS. 43, 44 and 58 , the male screw seat  473 D is a surface which is brought into contact with the female screw seat when the male screw member  450 D is connected with the female screw portion  380 C. As shown in  FIG. 58 , the male screw seat  473 D of the present embodiment is an end surface of the upper accommodation member  470 D which faces in the first predetermined orientation. As shown in  FIGS. 62 and 63 , the movable members  480 D correspond to the two pairs, respectively, of the aforementioned ditches  424 D, and one of the movable members  480 D corresponds to the pair of the positioning projections  434 D. The screw holding member  460 D may have the single movable member  480 D. As understood from  FIGS. 58 to 60 , the upper accommodation member  470 D is positioned above the mating connector main  410 D and partially accommodates the male screw member  450 D. The upper accommodation member  470 D accommodates the male screw member  450 D in a manner similar to a manner in which the screw accommodation member  470  of the aforementioned first embodiment accommodates the male screw member  450 . 
     As understood from  FIGS. 60, 62 and 63 , each of the movable members  480 D is held by the mating connector main  410 D so as to be movable in the predetermined direction. As shown in  FIG. 60 , each of the movable members  480 D has an upper portion  482 D and side portions  486 D. Specifically, the upper portion  482 D is attached to the upper accommodation member  470 D, and each of the side portions  486 D extends downward in the up-down direction from the upper portion  482 D. In the present modification, the upper portion  482 D is formed with projections  484 D, and the upper accommodation member  470 D is formed with holes  472 D. As understood from  FIGS. 58 and 60 , the projections  484 D of the upper portion  482 D of one of the movable members  480 D are inserted into two of the holes  472 D of the upper accommodation member  470 D and are then crimped thereon. The projections  484 D of the upper portion  482 D of a remaining one of the movable members  480 D are inserted into remaining two of the holes  472 D of the upper accommodation member  470 D and are then crimped thereon. Thus, the upper accommodation member  470 D is fixed to the movable members  480 D. 
     As understood from  FIGS. 58, 60 and 61 , the upper portions  482 D of the movable members  480 D are slidable on the slide surfaces  418 D, respectively. As shown in  FIG. 60 , each of the movable members  480 D has a first abutment portion (abutment portion)  500 D and a second abutment portion  510 D. In the present modification, the first abutment portion  500 D is an edge portion of the upper portion  482 D in the first predetermined orientation, and the second abutment portion  510 D is an edge portion of the upper portion  482 D in the second predetermined orientation. As shown in  FIGS. 58, 60 and 61 , the first abutment portion  500 D is positioned beyond the second abutment portion  510 D in the first predetermined orientation, and the second abutment portion  510 D is positioned beyond the first abutment portion  500 D in the second predetermined orientation. Each of the first abutment portions (abutment portion)  500 D faces the corresponding first facing portion  420 D in the predetermine direction and is positioned beyond the corresponding first facing portion  420 D in the second predetermined orientation. Each of the second abutment portions  510 D faces the corresponding second facing portion  422 D in the predetermine direction and is positioned beyond the corresponding second facing portion  422 D in the first predetermined orientation. Accordingly, each of the first facing portions  420 D regulates a movement of the corresponding first abutment portion (abutment portion)  500 D beyond the first facing portion  420 D in the first predetermined orientation of the predetermined direction. Similarly, each of the second facing portions  422 D regulates a movement of the corresponding second abutment portion  510 D beyond the second facing portion  422 D in the second predetermined orientation of the predetermined direction. 
     As understood from above, the first abutment portion (abutment portion)  500 D of the present modification functions as a regulating portion which corresponds to the first facing portion (regulated portion)  420 D. The regulating portion regulates a movement of the regulated portion beyond the regulating portion in the second predetermined orientation of the predetermined direction. 
     The side portions  486 D of each of the movable members  480 D are, at least in part, accommodated by the ditches  424 D of the mating connector main  410 D. A lower end of each of the side portions  486 D projects downward of the mating connector main  410 D, and the lower ends of the side portions  486 D are coupled with each other by the lower plate  490 D. 
     As shown in  FIG. 60 , each of the side portions  486 D is provided with a positioned portion  488 D. As understood from  FIGS. 62 and 63 , when the movable member  480 D is moved along the predetermined direction, the positioned portions  488 D ride over the positioning projections  434 D which are supported by the spring portions  436 D, respectively. The movable member  480 D is positioned in the predetermined direction by positioning each of the positioned portions  488 D beyond the corresponding positioning projection  434 D in the first predetermined orientation or in the second predetermined orientation. 
     As understood from  FIGS. 58, 60 and 62 , in the present modification, when the screw holding member  460 D is positioned at the first predetermined position, each of the first abutment portions (abutment portions)  500 D abuts against the corresponding first facing portion  420 D while each of the positioning projections  434 D is positioned beyond the corresponding positioned portion  488 D in the second predetermined orientation. In other words, pairs, each of which consists of the first abutment portion (abutment portion)  500 D and the first facing portion  420 D, and pairs each of which consists of the positioning projection  434 D and the positioned portion  488 D define the first predetermined position. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The first predetermined position may be defined only by the pairs of the first abutment portion (abutment portion)  500 D and the first facing portion  420 D. In addition, the first predetermined position may be defined only by the pairs of the positioning projection  434 D and the positioned portion  488 D. Furthermore, the first predetermined position may be defined by other means. 
     As understood from  FIGS. 60, 61 and 63 , in the present modification, when the screw holding member  460 D is positioned at the second predetermined position, each of the second abutment portions  510 D abuts against the corresponding second facing portion  422 D while each of the positioning projections  434 D is positioned beyond the corresponding positioned portion  488 D in the first predetermined orientation. In other words, the pairs of the second abutment portion  510 D and the second facing portion  422 D and the pairs of the positioning projection  434 D and the positioned portion  488 D define the second predetermined position. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The second predetermined position may be defined only by the pairs of the second abutment portion  510 D and the second facing portion  422 D. In addition, the second predetermined position may be defined only by the pairs of the positioning projection  434 D and the positioned portion  488 D. Furthermore, the second predetermined position may be defined by other means. 
     In the present modification, the first predetermined position is arranged to satisfy the condition  1  described in the first embodiment, and the second predetermined position is arranged to satisfy the condition  2  described in the first embodiment. Accordingly, the connector assembly  100 C of the present modification also has an effect similar to that of the first embodiment. 
     (Third Embodiment) 
     Referring to  FIG. 64 , a connector  200 E of a connector assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention is a modification of the connector  200  of the first embodiment of  FIG. 3  as described above. Specifically, similar to the connector  200  of the first embodiment, the connector  200 E is connectable with the mating connector  400  along a predetermined direction. Specifically, when the connector  200 E is used, the connector  200 E is mounted on a circuit board  850 E as a mount object in an up-down direction. Accordingly, explanation about the mating connector  400  and its modifications is omitted. Also in the present embodiment, the up-down direction is the Z-direction. Specifically, the positive Z-direction is upward, the negative Z-direction is downward. Furthermore, the predetermined direction is the X-direction. The positive X-direction is rearward of the connector  200 E, and the negative X-direction is forward of the connector  200 E. 
     As understood from  FIGS. 64 to 66 , the connector  200 E comprises contacts  240 E, a holding member  242 E, a shell  244 E and a screw fixing member  300 E. The contacts  240 E, the holding member  242 E and the shell  244 E are same as those of the aforementioned first embodiment and form a fitting portion  210 E which is mateable with the mating fitting portion. 
     The screw fixing member  300 E of the present embodiment is distinct and separated from the shell  244 E. The screw fixing member  300 E comprises two screw end accommodation portions  310 E and a coupling portion  330 E. In other words, each of the screw end accommodation portions  310 E of the present embodiment is formed as a part of the screw fixing member  300 E. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Each of the screw end accommodation portions  310 E may be formed as a part of the shell  244 E. The aforementioned fitting portion  210 E is positioned between the two screw end accommodation portions  310 E in a lateral direction. Also in the present embodiment, the lateral direction is the Y-direction. 
     As understood from  FIGS. 1, 3 and 64 , the screw end accommodation portions  310 E define accommodation spaces  320 E which accommodate ends of the male screw members  450 , respectively, when the connector  200 E is connected with the mating connector  400 . In other words, the connector  200 E of the present embodiment defines the accommodation spaces  320 E each similar to the accommodation space  320  of  FIG. 8 . As understood from  FIGS. 64 and 65 , each of the screw end accommodation portions  310 E has a front surface portion  340 E, an upper surface portion  344 E, a rear surface portion  342 E, an outer surface portion  346 E, an upper front bent portion  366 E and an upper outside bent portion  368 E. 
     The front surface portion  340 E is provided with a female screw portion  380 E which is connectable with the male screw member  450 . As understood from  FIGS. 1, 3 and 64 , the front surface portion  340 E functions as a female screw seat when the connector  200 E is connected with the mating connector  400 . As shown in  FIG. 66 , the front surface portion  340 E of the present embodiment is formed with a projection portion  390 E. The projection portion  390 E projects inward in the lateral direction. The projection portion  390 E has a shape which corresponds to a shape of an opening, or a roughly elliptical shape, of the shell  244 E. The projection portion  390 E coves a gap which might be formed between the shell  244 E and the front surface portion  340 E. 
     As understood from  FIG. 65 , the rear surface portion  342 E faces the front surface portion  340 E in the predetermined direction. As understood from  FIGS. 8 and 65 , the accommodation space  320 E is positioned between the front surface portion  340 E and the rear surface portion  342 E in the predetermined direction. 
     As understood from  FIGS. 8 and 64 , the upper surface portion  344 E is positioned above the accommodation space  320 E in the up-down direction. As shown in  FIG. 64 , the upper surface portion  344 E is connected with the front surface portion  340 E by the upper front bent portion  366 E. 
     As understood from  FIGS. 8, 64 and 65 , the outer surface portion  346 E is positioned outward of the accommodation space  320 E in the lateral direction and faces outward in the lateral direction. As shown in  FIGS. 64 and 65 , the outer surface portion  346 E is connected with the upper surface portion  344 E by the upper outside bent portion  368 E. A front edge  347 E of the outer surface portion  346 E faces the front surface portion  340 E in the predetermined direction and is positioned slightly away from the front surface portion  340 E. Accordingly, when a force is applied to the front surface portion  340 E, the outer surface portion  346 E can receive the force. In other words, the outer surface portion  346 E reinforces the front surface portion  340 E. 
     In addition, the outer surface portion  346 E is provided with a fixed portion  370 E which is soldered to be fixed to the circuit board  850 E when the connector  200 E is mounted on the circuit board  850 E. Accordingly, the outer surface portion  346 E is fixed to the circuit board  850 E by the fixed portion  370 E. Thus, the front surface portion  340 E is rigidly reinforced by the outer surface portion  346 E. 
     Each of the fixed portions  370 E has a size in the predetermined direction and another size in the lateral direction. In particular, the size of the fixed portion  370 E in the predetermined direction is greater than the size of the fixed portion  370 E in the lateral direction. Since the outer surface portion  346 E is fixed to the circuit board  850 E through the aforementioned fixed portion  370 E, the outer surface portion  346 E has a resistance to a force along the predetermined direction. Accordingly, the front surface portion  340 E is more rigidly reinforced by the outer surface portion  346 E. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 64 and 65 , the coupling portion  330 E is positioned above the shell  244 E in the up-down direction and couples the screw end accommodation portions  310 E with each other in the lateral direction. Specifically, the coupling portion  330 E of the present embodiment couples the upper surface portions  344 E with each other. 
     As understood from  FIGS. 8 and 64 , the accommodation space  320 E is surrounded by the screw end accommodation portion  310 E except for its lower part and its inside part in the lateral direction. As understood from  FIGS. 8, 64 and 66 , the shell  244 E is positioned inward beyond the accommodation space  320 E in the lateral direction. In addition, under a state where the connector  200 E is mounted on the circuit board  850 E, the circuit board  850 E is partially positioned below each of the accommodation spaces  320 E. Accordingly, even if foreign bodies enter into the connector  200 E from the female screw portions  380 E under a state where the connector  200 E is not connected with the mating connector  400 , the foreign bodies have high probability to stay in the accommodation spaces  320 E. Thus, foreign bodies can be prevented from entering into an inside of a housing (not shown) of an electronic equipment (not shown) in which the connector  200 E is installed. 
     While the present invention has been described with specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments. For example, although the screw holding member  460 ,  460 A,  460 B,  460 C,  460 D is relatively movable along the predetermined direction with respect to the mating connector main  410 ,  410 A,  410 B,  410 C,  410 D, the screw holding member  460 ,  460 A,  460 B,  460 C,  460 D may be fixed to the mating connector main  410 ,  410 A,  4108 ,  410 C,  410 D. 
     While there has been described what is believed to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such embodiments that fall within the true scope of the invention.