Shielded connector having a shell with integral latch arms

Claim 1

A shielded connector for being connected to a matinq connector responsive to a motion in a first direction, said connector including an insulator, a plurality of conductive contact members held to said insulator to be arranged in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction, and a shell made of a metal plate and held to said insulator, said shell comprising: a shielding portion coverinq said insulator to electromaqnetically shield said contact members, said shielding portion having a principal portion extendinq in said first and said second directions; and a coupling portion formed inteqrally with said shielding portion for being mechanically coupled to said mating connector by acting in said first direction, said coupling portion being movable in substantially a third direction perpendicular to said first and said second directions; said coupling portion comprising: a spring portion extending from said principal portion in said first direction to provide a spring-extended end, said spring portion being elastically bendable in a first plane extending in said first direction and a third direction which is perpendicular to said first and said second directions; and an engaging portion formed integrally with said spring-extended end for being brought into engagement with said mating connector responsive to motion in said first direction; said engaging portion comprising: an arm portion extending from said spring-extended end in said second direction to have an arm-extended end; a hook portion extending from said arm-extended end in said first direction; and an engaging nail protruded form said hook portion in said third direction.