Electric connector

Abstract

The invention provides an electric connector capable of reliably ensuring contact pressure applied to a counterpart connector. In the socket connector (2), a space surrounded by a first leg part (13), a first connecting part (14) and a second leg part (15) and a space surrounded by a third leg part (17), a third connecting part (18) and a fourth leg part (19) of a terminal (10) are filled by a housing (30), and when a terminal (50) of a plug connector (3) is inserted into a fitting recess (10a), the housing (30) is inserted into the fitting recess (10a). The first leg part, the first connecting part, the second leg part and the shell (30) in the space surrounded by the first leg part, the first connecting part, the second leg part and the shell (30) are integrated and can move in the width direction (X), and the third leg part, the third connecting part, the fourth leg part and the shell (30) in the space surrounded by the third leg part, the third connecting part and the fourth leg part are integrated and can move in the width direction (X). The terminal is provided with a width changing portion (17b) in the third leg portion, the width changing portion (17b) changing in the length direction (Y), and the width changing portion (17b) is exposed from the housing (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric connector having a terminal and a housing for holding the terminal. Background Art

[0002] In the past, various technologies related to an electrical connector having a terminal and a housing for connecting a printed wiring board, a flexible flat cable, etc. are known. For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-69133) discloses an electrical connector having: a housing having a terminal receiving portion that opens upward in the up-down direction (mating direction) and a bottom located below the terminal receiving portion; and a terminal having: a base embedded in and held in the bottom of the housing, a spring portion that extends upward from the base and is elastically deformable and received in the terminal receiving portion, and a contact portion supported by the spring portion.

[0003] In the electrical connector disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the terminal of the other connector is inserted into the terminal receiving portion, the terminal of the other connector contacts the contact portion of the terminal of the electrical connector, and the spring portion supporting the contact portion elastically deforms in the width direction, thereby applying elastic force (equivalent to contact pressure) to the terminal of the other connector. Thus, the spring portion of the electrical connector holds the terminal of the other connector to ensure electrical connection between the terminals of the two connectors.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-69133

[0005] However, in recent years, due to the miniaturization and high performance of electronic devices such as smart phones and portable terminals, the high-density mounting of electronic components mounted on printed wiring boards is developing, and with this, the miniaturization of the electrical connector itself is also required. If the electrical connector is miniaturized, the terminal and the housing will also become very small.

[0006] Here, if the electrical connector described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 is miniaturized, the spring portion of the terminal will also become very small (thin) along with the miniaturization of the terminal. As a result, the elastic force of the spring portion of the terminal becomes smaller, making it difficult to apply sufficient contact pressure (in other words, contact pressure) to the terminal of the other connector. As a result, for example, when the electrical connector is repeatedly disassembled, the electrical connection between the terminals may not be ensured. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector capable of reliably ensuring the contact pressure applied to a mating connector.

[0008] 14. The electrical connector of claim 13, wherein the first leg is a first leg portion, a second leg portion, a third leg portion, and a fourth leg portion, each of which extends along a mating direction with a mating connector and is sequentially and separately arranged along a lateral direction orthogonal to the mating direction; an extension portion, which is connected to an end portion of the first leg portion located in one direction of the mating direction, namely, on the first mating direction side, and extends in the lateral direction; a first connecting portion, which extends in the lateral direction, connecting an end portion of the first leg portion located in a second mating direction side opposite to the first mating direction and an end portion of the second leg portion located in the second mating direction side; a second connecting portion, which extends in the lateral direction, connecting an end portion of the second leg portion located in the first mating direction side and an end portion of the third leg portion located in the first mating direction side; and a third connecting portion, which extends in the lateral direction, connecting an end portion of the third leg portion located in the second mating direction side and an end portion of the fourth leg portion located in the second mating direction side. The terminal has an installation portion installed on the outer surface of the extension portion on the first mating direction side, and the shell fills the space surrounded by the first leg, the first connecting portion and the second leg of the terminal, and fills the space surrounded by the third leg, the third connecting portion and the fourth leg of the terminal. The terminal forms a mating recess for receiving the terminal of the other connector through the space surrounded by the second leg, the second connecting portion and the third leg. When the terminal of the other connector is inserted into the mating recess, the terminal contacts the second leg and the third leg. The first leg, the first connecting portion, the second leg and the shell filled in the space surrounded by them are integrated and configured to be able to move laterally, and the third leg, the third connecting portion, the fourth leg and the shell filled in the space surrounded by them are integrated and configured to be able to move laterally, and the terminal includes a width change portion in which the width changes in the longitudinal direction orthogonal to the mating direction and the transverse direction on at least one of the second leg and the third leg, and the width change portion is exposed from the shell.

[0009] According to the electrical connector of the present invention, it is possible to reliably ensure the contact pressure applied to the mating connector. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention in a state before mating.

[0011] Figure 2 It is a top view of the receptacle connector according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view of the receptacle connector according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 4 (a) is a perspective view of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention in a state of being held in a housing, Figure 4 (b) is a side view of one terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention in a state of being held in a housing.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of one terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 6 (a) is a perspective view of another terminal of an embodiment of the present invention in a state of being held in a housing, Figure 6 (b) is a side view of another terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention in a state of being held in a housing.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of another terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 8 It is a side view of the connector assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention in a state before mating.

[0018] Fig. 9 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed along line IX-IX in FIG.

[0019] Fig.10 It is along Figure 8 A partial three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the socket connector according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed along line IX-IX in FIG.

[0020] Fig.11 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed along line XI-XI in FIG.

[0021] Fig.12 It is along Figure 8 A partial three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the socket connector according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed along line XI-XI in FIG.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals: 1…connector assembly; 2…receptacle connector (electrical connector); 3…plug connector; 10…terminal; 10a…fitting recess; 11…mounting portion; 12…extension portion; 13…first leg; 14…first connecting portion; 15…second leg; 16…second connecting portion; 17…third leg; 17b…width changing portion; 18…third connecting portion; 19…fourth leg; 20…terminal; 20a… Mating recess; 21…installation portion; 22…extension portion; 23…first leg portion; 24…first connecting portion; 25…second leg portion; 25b…width changing portion; 26…second connecting portion; 27…third leg portion; 28…third connecting portion; 29…fourth leg portion; 30…housing; 31~36…long side wall portion; 31a~36a…slit portion; 38…short side wall portion; X…width direction; Y…length direction; Z…mating direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in principle, the same reference numerals are given to the same components in all the drawings for describing the embodiment, and their repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0024] [Connector assembly and structure of electrical connector]

[0025] First, refer to Figure 1 , the structure of the connector assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention is described. Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the connector assembly according to the present embodiment in a non-mated state.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, the connector assembly 1 of the present embodiment has a socket connector 2 and a plug connector 3, and is configured so that these socket connector 2 and plug connector 3 can be mated. Hereinafter, when the socket connector 2 and the plug connector 3 are not distinguished, they are referred to as "connectors 2, 3" or simply "connectors". The connectors 2, 3 are mounted on a substrate (not shown) such as a printed wiring board as an object to be mounted for electrical connection. Figure 1 In the figure, both the socket connector 2 and the plug connector 3 are shown in a state where the mating side (mating surface) is the front side and the side mounted on the substrate is the back side. In addition, the connectors 2 and 3 can be used as internal components in small electronic devices such as mobile phones, smart phones, digital cameras, and notebook computers. In addition, the socket connector 2 is an example of an "electrical connector" in the present invention. In addition to the above-mentioned substrate, the socket connector 2 can also be installed on various objects such as flexible flat cables, but the following lists an example of installing the socket connector 2 on a substrate.

[0027] Here, in Figure 1In the figure (the same applies to other figures), the width direction (width direction) of the connector is recorded as "X" (equivalent to the "lateral direction" in the present invention), the length direction (depth direction) of the connector is recorded as "Y" (equivalent to the "longitudinal direction" in the present invention), and the mating direction (up and down direction) of the connector is recorded as "Z". In other words, the axis along the width direction is defined as the X-axis, the axis along the length direction is defined as the Y-axis, and the axis along the mating direction is defined as the Z-axis. In addition, in this specification, one direction in the width direction X is referred to as the "first width direction X1", and the direction opposite to the first width direction X1 in the width direction X is referred to as the "second width direction X2". In addition, in this specification, with respect to a certain connector, in the mating direction Z, the side that receives the other connector is defined as the "upper" or "front", and the side installed on the substrate is defined as the "lower" or "back". Specifically, in the receptacle connector 2, the direction indicated by "Z1" in the mating direction Z (equivalent to the "second mating direction" in the present invention) corresponds to the "upward direction", and the direction indicated by "Z2" in the mating direction Z (equivalent to the "first mating direction" in the present invention) corresponds to the "downward direction". Figure 1 In the figure, for the sake of convenience, the plug connector 3 is shown in a state in which it is turned upside down from the state in which it is fitted with the receptacle connector 2. Therefore, in reality (i.e., when it is in a state in which it is fitted with the receptacle connector 2), the direction indicated by "Z2" corresponds to the "upward direction" and the direction indicated by "Z1" corresponds to the "downward direction" (also refer to the following Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.11 ).

[0028] like Figure 1As shown, the socket connector 2 mainly includes a plurality of terminals 10 and a plurality of terminals 20 as signal terminals, a reinforcing metal part 40, and a housing 30 for holding the terminals 10, 20 and the reinforcing metal part 40. Although described in detail later, the terminals 10, 20 are configured to have similar shapes. The housing 30 has long side walls 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36 extending along the length direction Y in sequence along the width direction X (particularly in sequence toward the second width direction X2). The long side walls 31 and 32 are connected, the long side wall 31 is located on the first width direction X1 side and the long side wall 32 is located on the second width direction X2 side, the long side walls 33 and 34 are connected, the long side wall 33 is located on the first width direction X1 side and the long side wall 34 is located on the second width direction X2 side, and the long side walls 35 and 36 are connected, the long side wall 35 is located on the first width direction X1 side and the long side wall 36 is located on the second width direction X2 side. In addition, the connected long side walls 31 and 32 are separated from the connected long side walls 33 and 34 in the width direction X, and the connected long side walls 33 and 34 are separated from the connected long side walls 35 and 36 in the width direction X. The long side walls 33 and 34 are located at the center of the receptacle connector 2 in the width direction X, while the long side walls 31 and 32 are located at the ends on the first width direction X1 side in the width direction X of the receptacle connector 2, and the long side walls 35 and 36 are located at the ends on the second width direction X2 side in the width direction X of the receptacle connector 2.

[0029] In addition, the long side walls 31 and 32 are provided with a plurality of terminals 10 and 20 arranged at equal intervals along the length direction Y, the long side walls 33 and 34 are provided with a plurality of terminals 10 arranged at equal intervals along the length direction Y, and the long side walls 35 and 36 are provided with a plurality of terminals 10 and 20 arranged at equal intervals along the length direction Y. In this case, the total number of the plurality of terminals 10 and 20 provided in the long side walls 31 and 32, the total number of the plurality of terminals 10 provided in the long side walls 33 and 34, and the total number of the plurality of terminals 10 and 20 provided in the long side walls 35 and 36 are respectively equal. In particular, the plurality of terminals 10 and 20 provided in the long side walls 31 and 32, the plurality of terminals 10 provided in the long side walls 33 and 34, and the plurality of terminals 10 and 20 provided in the long side walls 35 and 36 are respectively arranged at corresponding identical positions in the length direction Y. In addition, the terminals 10 are arranged continuously in the long side walls 33 and 34 along the length direction Y, and the terminals 10 and the terminals 20 are arranged alternately in the long side walls 31 and 32 and the long side walls 35 and 36 along the length direction Y. In addition, the long side walls 31 and 32, the long side walls 33 and 34 and the long side walls 35 and 36 correspond to the "first wall portion", the "second wall portion" and the "third wall portion" in the present invention, respectively.

[0030] On the other hand, the plug connector 3 mainly includes a plurality of terminals 50 and a plurality of terminals 60 as signal terminals, a reinforcing metal part 80, and a housing 70 that holds the terminals 50, 60 and the reinforcing metal part 80. Although described in detail later, the terminals 50 and 60 are configured to have similar shapes, and the terminal 50 is fitted with the terminal 10 and the terminal 60 is fitted with the terminal 20. The housing 70 includes long side wall portions 71, 72, and 73 that are sequentially arranged along the width direction X, extend along the length direction Y, and are separated from each other in the width direction X. The long side wall portion 72 is located at the center of the plug connector 3 in the width direction X, and the long side wall portions 71 and 73 are located at the ends of the plug connector 3 in the width direction X.

[0031] In addition, the long side wall portion 71 is provided with a plurality of terminals 50 and 60 arranged at equal intervals along the length direction Y, the long side wall portion 72 is provided with a plurality of terminals 50 arranged at equal intervals along the length direction Y, and the long side wall portion 73 is provided with terminals 50 and 60 arranged at equal intervals along the length direction Y. In this case, the total number of the plurality of terminals 50 and 60 provided on the long side wall portion 71, the total number of the plurality of terminals 50 and 60 provided on the long side wall portion 72, and the total number of the plurality of terminals 50 and 60 provided on the long side wall portion 73 are respectively equal. In particular, the plurality of terminals 50 and 60 provided on the long side wall portion 71, the plurality of terminals 50 and 60 provided on the long side wall portion 72, and the plurality of terminals 50 and 60 provided on the long side wall portion 73 are respectively arranged at corresponding identical positions in the length direction Y. In addition, in the long side wall portion 72 , the Y terminals 50 are continuously arranged along the longitudinal direction, and in the long side wall portion 71 and the long side wall portion 73 , the terminals 50 and the terminals 60 are alternately arranged along the longitudinal direction Y.

[0032] The receptacle connector 2 is manufactured by integral molding using a conductive member such as a copper alloy forming the terminals 10, 20 and the reinforcing metal parts 40 and a resin such as a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) forming the housing 30. Typically, the terminals 10, 20 and the reinforcing metal parts 40 are insert-molded relative to the housing 30. The plug connector 3 is also manufactured by integral molding using a conductive member such as a copper alloy forming the terminals 50, 60 and the reinforcing metal parts 80 and a resin such as a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) forming the housing 70. Typically, the terminals 50, 60 and the reinforcing metal parts 80 are insert-molded relative to the housing 70.

[0033] Next, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the socket connector 2 of this embodiment is described in detail. Figure 2 2 is a top view of the socket connector 2 according to the present embodiment as viewed from above. Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view of the receptacle connector 2 according to the present embodiment.

[0034] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, as described above, in the socket connector 2, a plurality of terminals 10, 20 are alternately arranged on the long side walls 31, 32 of the housing 30, a plurality of terminals 10 are continuously arranged on the long side walls 33, 34 of the housing 30, and a plurality of terminals 10, 20 are alternately arranged on the long side walls 35, 36 of the housing 30. These plurality of terminals 10, 20 are respectively mounted on the substrate at mounting portions 11, 21 provided at the ends in the width direction X. The mounting portions 11, 21 are portions for connecting the terminals 10, 20 to the substrate by soldering.

[0035] Specifically, the plurality of terminals 10, 20 provided on the long side walls 31, 32 are arranged in such a manner that the mounting portions 11, 21 of the terminals 10, 20 adjacent in the length direction Y are alternately located on the first width direction X1 side and the second width direction X2 side. In this case, the mounting portions 11 of each of the plurality of terminals 10 are located on the first width direction X1 side (i.e., positioned in a manner facing the outside of the receptacle connector 2), and the mounting portions 21 of each of the plurality of terminals 20 are located on the second width direction X2 side (i.e., positioned in a manner facing the long side walls 33, 34). In addition, the plurality of terminals 10 provided on the long side walls 33, 34 are arranged in such a manner that the mounting portions 11 of the terminals 10 adjacent in the length direction Y are alternately located on the first width direction X1 side and the second width direction X2 side. In this case, the plurality of terminals 10 are arranged on the long side walls 33, 34 so that the terminals 10 adjacent in the length direction Y are in a relationship in which the first width direction X1 side and the second width direction X2 side are reversed (specifically, reversed on the axis along the mating direction Z). In addition, the plurality of terminals 10, 20 provided on the long side walls 35, 36 are arranged in such a manner that the mounting portions 11, 21 of the terminals 10, 20 adjacent to each other in the length direction Y are alternately located on the first width direction X1 side and the second width direction X2 side. In this case, the mounting portion 11 of each of the plurality of terminals 10 is located on the second width direction X2 side (i.e., positioned toward the outside of the socket connector 2), and the mounting portion 21 of each of the plurality of terminals 20 is located on the first width direction X1 side (i.e., positioned toward the long side walls 33, 34).

[0036] In addition, when the plurality of terminals 10, 20 provided in the long side walls 31, 32, the plurality of terminals 10 provided in the long side walls 33, 34, and the plurality of terminals 10, 20 provided in the long side walls 35, 36 are cut by the XZ plane at a position in a certain longitudinal direction Y, three terminals 10, 20 arranged along the width direction X appear, but they are arranged in a configuration relationship in which the terminal 10 (the terminal 10 provided in the long side walls 33, 34) located in the center in the width direction X is clamped by both the terminal 10 and the terminal 20. That is, in the long side walls 33, 34, the terminals 10 are arranged continuously along the longitudinal direction Y, and in the long side walls 31, 32 and the long side walls 35, 36, the terminals 10 and the terminals 20 are arranged alternately along the longitudinal direction Y, so that in the long side walls 33, 34 and the long side walls 35, 36, the terminals 10, 20 arranged at the corresponding same positions in the longitudinal direction Y are different (i.e., different from each other).

[0037] Here, when the multiple terminals 10 arranged on the long side walls 31 and 32 are set to "1 column" (first column), the multiple terminals 20 arranged on the long side walls 31 and 32 are set to "1 column" (second column), the multiple terminals 10 arranged on the long side walls 33 and 34 whose mounting portions 11 are located on the first width direction X1 side are set to "1 column" (third column), the multiple terminals 10 arranged on the long side walls 33 and 34 whose mounting portions 11 are located on the second width direction X2 side are set to "1 column" (fourth column), the multiple terminals 20 arranged on the long side walls 35 and 36 are set to "1 column" (fifth column), and the multiple terminals 10 arranged on the long side walls 35 and 36 are set to "1 column" (sixth column), it can be said that the socket connector 2 has the multiple terminals 10, 20 arranged in "6 columns" in the width direction X.

[0038] In addition, if Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the socket connector 2 has a pair of reinforcing metal parts 40 provided at both ends of the length direction Y thereof and extending in the width direction X. The pair of reinforcing metal parts 40 are provided separately across the terminals 10, 20 and the long side walls 31 to 36 of the housing 30, and are held in the housing 30 as a pair of short side walls 38 extending in the width direction X and facing each other in the length direction Y. In addition, the pair of reinforcing metal parts 40 each have two terminals 41 provided near the end portion on the first width direction X1 side and near the end portion on the second width direction X2 side, respectively. These terminals 41 are used as power terminals, for example.

[0039] Next, refer to Figure 4 (a), (b) to Figure 7 , the terminals 10 and 20 of the receptacle connector 2 of the present embodiment will be described in detail. Figure 4(a) is a perspective view showing the terminal 10 held in the housing 30. Figure 4 (b) is a side view of the terminal 10 in a state of being held in the housing 30, as viewed along the length direction Y. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of only the terminal 10. Figure 6 (a) is a perspective view of the terminal 20 in a state of being held in the housing 30. Figure 6 (b) is a side view of the terminal 20 held in the housing 30 along the length direction Y. Figure 7 It is a perspective view of only the terminal 20 .

[0040] in addition, Figure 4 (a), (b) and Figure 6 (a) and (b) show drawings in which only a portion of the housing 30 surrounding one terminal 10 or 20 is extracted and represented. In particular, Figure 4 (a), (b) and Figure 6 The housing 30 shown in (a) and (b) corresponds to the long side walls 31, 32, the long side walls 33, 34, and a part of the long side walls 35, 36. Figure 1 , Figure 2 ), the terminal 10 is arranged on each of the long side walls 31, 32, the long side walls 33, 34 and the long side walls 35, 36, and the terminal 20 is arranged on each of the long side walls 31, 32 and the long side walls 35, 36.

[0041] like Figure 4 (a) Figure 4 (b) and Figure 5 As shown (especially Figure 5), the terminal 10 comprises: a first leg 13, a second leg 15, a third leg 17 and a fourth leg 19, which extend respectively along the mating direction Z and are arranged in sequence and separately along the width direction X; an extension portion 12, which is connected to the end of the first leg 13 on the lower direction Z2 side and extends along the width direction X; a first connecting portion 14, which extends along the width direction X and connects the end of the first leg 13 on the upper direction Z1 side and the end of the second leg 15 on the upper direction Z1 side; a second connecting portion 16, which extends along the width direction X and connects the end of the second leg 15 on the lower direction Z2 side and the end of the third leg 17 on the lower direction Z2 side; and a third connecting portion 18, which extends along the width direction X and connects the end of the third leg 17 on the upper direction Z1 side and the end of the fourth leg 19 on the upper direction Z1 side. The connected first leg 13, the first connecting portion 14 and the second leg 15 are configured to form a substantially inverted U shape, and the connected third leg 17, the third connecting portion 18 and the fourth leg 19 are configured to form a substantially inverted U shape. These first leg 13, the second leg 15, the third leg 17 and the fourth leg 19 include not only a portion extending straight along the mating direction Z, but also a portion (i.e., a bent portion) extending at an angle relative to the mating direction Z. In addition, the terminal 10 has the above-mentioned mounting portion 11 mounted on the substrate on the outer surface (bottom surface) of the extension portion 12 on the lower direction Z2 side.

[0042] In addition, the terminal 10 forms a fitting recess 10a capable of receiving a terminal 50 (not shown) of the plug connector 3 through a space surrounded by the second leg 15, the second connecting portion 16, and the third leg 17. When the terminal 50 is inserted into the fitting recess 10a, the terminal 50 contacts the second leg 15 and the third leg 17. Thus, the first leg 13, the first connecting portion 14, and the second leg 15, which form a substantially inverted U shape, are integrated and displaced in the width direction X, and the third leg 17, the third connecting portion 18, and the fourth leg 19, which form a substantially inverted U shape, are integrated and displaced in the width direction X. In this case, the second leg 15 contacts the terminal 50 at the contact portion 15a located on the outer wall surface facing the fitting recess 10a, and the third leg 17 contacts the terminal 50 at the contact portion 17a located on the outer wall surface facing the fitting recess 10a.

[0043] Specifically, the contact portion 15a is located at the curved portion of the second leg portion 15 protruding toward the fitting recess 10a side, and the contact portion 17a is located at the curved portion of the third leg portion 17 protruding toward the fitting recess 10a side. More specifically, the curved portion of the third leg portion 17 including the contact portion 17a protrudes more toward the fitting recess 10a side than the curved portion of the second leg portion 15 including the contact portion 15a, that is, the protrusion amount toward the fitting recess 10a side is larger. Therefore, the contact portion 17a tends to have a larger contact amount (interference amount) with the terminal 50 than the contact portion 15a, so the contact portion 17a of the third leg portion 17 constitutes a main contact with the terminal 50, and the contact portion 15a of the second leg portion 15 constitutes an auxiliary contact with the terminal 50.

[0044] In addition, the terminal 10 has a width variation portion 17b in the third leg portion 17, in which the width varies in the longitudinal direction Y, and the width variation portion 17b is exposed from the housing 30 ( Figure 4 (a) Figure 4 In this case, the width of the terminal 10 in the longitudinal direction Y varies between W11 and W12 (W11>W12) with the width variation portion 17b as the boundary. Figure 5 ). In addition, the second leg portion 15 and the third leg portion 17 are each configured such that a portion 15c, 17c of a pair of side surfaces facing each other in the longitudinal direction Y is exposed from the housing 30 ( Figure 4 (b)). The width change portion 17b and the side portions 15c, 17c of the terminal 10 exposed from the housing 30 are used to press the terminal 10 with a mold when insert molding the socket connector 2. Specifically, the width change portion 17b is used to push the mold in the mating direction Z, and the side portions 15c, 17c are used to push the mold in the length direction Y.

[0045] Then, if Figure 6 (a) Figure 6 (b) and Figure 7 As shown (especially Figure 7), the terminal 20 comprises: a first leg 23, a second leg 25, a third leg 27 and a fourth leg 29, which extend in the mating direction Z respectively and are arranged in sequence and separately along the width direction X; an extension portion 22, which is connected to the end of the first leg 23 on the lower direction Z2 side and extends in the width direction X; a first connecting portion 24, which extends in the width direction X and connects the end of the first leg 23 on the upper direction Z1 side and the end of the second leg 25 on the upper direction Z1 side; a second connecting portion 26, which extends in the width direction X and connects the end of the second leg 25 on the lower direction Z2 side and the end of the third leg 27 on the lower direction Z2 side; a third connecting portion 28, which extends in the width direction X and connects the end of the third leg 27 on the upper direction Z1 side and the end of the fourth leg 29 on the upper direction Z1 side; and an extension portion 29a, which is connected to the end of the fourth leg 29 on the lower direction Z2 side and extends in the width direction X. The terminal 20 is different from the above-mentioned terminal 10 in that it has an extension portion 29a. The connected first leg portion 23, the first connecting portion 24 and the second leg portion 25 are configured to form a roughly inverted U shape, and the connected third leg portion 27, the third connecting portion 28 and the fourth leg portion 29 are configured to form a roughly inverted U shape. These first leg portion 23, the second leg portion 25, the third leg portion 27 and the fourth leg portion 29 include not only a portion extending straight along the mating direction Z, but also a portion extending at an angle relative to the mating direction Z (i.e., a bent portion). In addition, the terminal 20 has the above-mentioned mounting portion 21 mounted on the substrate on the outer surface (bottom surface) of the extension portion 22 on the lower direction Z2 side.

[0046] In addition, the terminal 20 forms a fitting recess 20a capable of receiving a terminal 60 (not shown) of the plug connector 3 through a space surrounded by the second leg 25, the second connecting portion 26, and the third leg 27. When the terminal 60 is inserted into the fitting recess 20a, the terminal 60 contacts the second leg 25 and the third leg 27. Thus, the first leg 23, the first connecting portion 24, and the second leg 25, which form a substantially inverted U shape, are integrated and displaced in the width direction X, and the third leg 27, the third connecting portion 28, and the fourth leg 29, which form a substantially inverted U shape, are integrated and displaced in the width direction X. In this case, the second leg 25 contacts the terminal 60 at the contact portion 25a located on the outer wall surface facing the fitting recess 20a, and the third leg 27 contacts the terminal 60 at the contact portion 27a located on the outer wall surface facing the fitting recess 20a.

[0047] Specifically, the contact portion 25a is located at the curved portion of the second leg portion 25 protruding toward the fitting recess 20a side, and the contact portion 27a is located at the curved portion of the third leg portion 27 protruding toward the fitting recess 20a side. More specifically, the curved portion of the second leg portion 25 including the contact portion 25a protrudes more toward the fitting recess 20a side than the curved portion of the third leg portion 27 including the contact portion 27a, that is, the protrusion amount toward the fitting recess 20a side is larger. Therefore, the contact portion 25a tends to have a larger contact amount (interference amount) with the terminal 60 than the contact portion 27a, so the contact portion 25a of the second leg portion 25 constitutes a main contact with the terminal 60, and the contact portion 27a of the third leg portion 27 constitutes an auxiliary contact with the terminal 60. In the terminal 10, the main contact is not formed by the contact portion 15a of the second leg 15 but by the contact portion 17a of the third leg 17. Therefore, the terminal 20 is also different from the terminal 10 in this respect. In particular, it can be said that in the terminal 10, the third leg 17 far from the mounting portion 11 of the second leg 15 and the third leg 17 has the main contact, whereas in the terminal 20, the second leg 25 close to the mounting portion 21 of the second leg 25 and the third leg 27 has the main contact.

[0048] In addition, the terminal 20 has a width variation portion 25b in the second leg portion 25, in which the width varies in the length direction Y, and the width variation portion 25b is exposed from the housing 30 ( Figure 6 (a) Figure 6 In this case, the width of the terminal 20 in the longitudinal direction Y varies between W21 and W22 (W21>W22) with the width variation portion 25b as the boundary. Figure 7 ). In the terminal 10, the width change portion 17b is not provided in the second leg portion 15 but in the third leg portion 17. Therefore, the terminal 20 is also different from the terminal 10 in this respect. In addition, each of the second leg portion 25 and the third leg portion 27 is configured so that a portion 25c and 27c of a pair of side surfaces facing each other in the longitudinal direction Y is exposed from the housing 30 ( Figure 6 (b)). The width change portion 25b and the side portions 25c and 27c of the terminal 20 exposed from the housing 30 are used to press the terminal 20 with a mold when insert molding the socket connector 2. Specifically, the width change portion 25b is used to push the mold in the mating direction Z, and the side portions 25c and 27c are used to push the mold in the length direction Y.

[0049] Next, refer to Figures 8 to 12 Specific cross-sectional structures of the receptacle connector 2 and the plug connector 3 according to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 8 This is a side view of the connector assembly 1 according to the present embodiment, as viewed along the width direction X (particularly, the second width direction X2 ), in a state before mating. Fig. 9 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly 1 of the present embodiment observed along the line IX-IX in FIG. Fig.10 It is along Figure 8 A perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of the receptacle connector 2 according to the present embodiment, taken along line IX-IX in FIG. Fig.11 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly 1 of the present embodiment observed along the XI-XI line in FIG. Fig.12 It is along Figure 8 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a portion of the socket connector 2 of the present embodiment observed along the XI-XI line. Figure 8 Each of the IX-IX line and the XI-XI line in the connector 2 and the connector 3 is a cutting line positioned so as to cut off a group of terminals ( 10 , 20 , 50 , 60 ) adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction Y.

[0050] Here, regarding terminals 10 and 20, when the reference Figure 4 (a), (b) to Figure 7 When explaining structures other than narrative structures, such as Figures 9 to 12 As shown, in the terminal 10, the space surrounded by the first leg 13, the first connecting part 14 and the second leg 15 is filled with resin (housing 30), and the space surrounded by the third leg 17, the third connecting part 18 and the fourth leg 19 is filled with resin. In addition, in the terminal 20, the space surrounded by the first leg 23, the first connecting part 24 and the second leg 25 is filled with resin, and the space surrounded by the third leg 27, the third connecting part 28 and the fourth leg 29 is filled with resin. In such a terminal 10, when the terminal 50 is inserted into the fitting recess 10a, the first leg 13, the first connecting portion 14, the second leg 15, and the resin filled in the space surrounded by them are integrated and displaced in the width direction X, and the third leg 17, the third connecting portion 18, the fourth leg 19, and the resin filled in the space surrounded by them are integrated and displaced in the width direction X. In addition, in such a terminal 20, when the terminal 60 is inserted into the fitting recess 20a, the first leg 23, the first connecting portion 24, the second leg 25, and the resin filled in the space surrounded by them are integrated and displaced in the width direction X, and the third leg 27, the third connecting portion 28, the fourth leg 29, and the resin filled in the space surrounded by them are integrated and displaced in the width direction X. In addition, basically, the filling of the resin into the space of the terminals 10 and 20 is completed by insert molding.

[0051] More specifically, in Fig. 9In the terminal 20 provided in the long side walls 31 and 32, the space surrounded by the first leg 23, the first connecting portion 24 and the second leg 25 is filled with the resin of the long side wall 32, and the space surrounded by the third leg 27, the third connecting portion 28 and the fourth leg 29 is filled with the resin of the long side wall 31. Fig.11 In the terminal 10 provided on the long side walls 31 and 32, the space surrounded by the first leg 13, the first connecting portion 14 and the second leg 15 is filled with the resin of the long side wall 31, and the space surrounded by the third leg 17, the third connecting portion 18 and the fourth leg 19 is filled with the resin of the long side wall 32. Fig. 9 In the terminal 10 provided in the long side walls 33 and 34, the space surrounded by the first leg 13, the first connecting portion 14 and the second leg 15 is filled with the resin of the long side wall 34, and the space surrounded by the third leg 17, the third connecting portion 18 and the fourth leg 19 is filled with the resin of the long side wall 33. Fig.11 The terminals 10 (which are arranged on the long side walls 33 and 34) are shown Fig. 9 In the terminal 10 shown in the figure, which is formed by inverting the terminal 10 provided on the long side walls 33 and 34 along the axis corresponding to the mating direction Z (i.e., inverting left and right), the space surrounded by the first leg 13, the first connecting portion 14, and the second leg 15 is filled with the resin of the long side wall 33, and the space surrounded by the third leg 17, the third connecting portion 18, and the fourth leg 19 is filled with the resin of the long side wall 34. Next, Fig. 9 In the terminal 10 provided in the long side walls 35 and 36, the space surrounded by the first leg 13, the first connecting portion 14 and the second leg 15 is filled with the resin of the long side wall 36, and the space surrounded by the third leg 17, the third connecting portion 18 and the fourth leg 19 is filled with the resin of the long side wall 35. Fig.11 In the terminal 20 shown in the long side wall portions 35 and 36, the space surrounded by the first leg portion 23, the first connecting portion 24 and the second leg portion 25 is filled with the resin of the long side wall portion 35, and the space surrounded by the third leg portion 27, the third connecting portion 28 and the fourth leg portion 29 is filled with the resin of the long side wall portion 36.

[0052] In addition, if Fig.10 and Fig.12 As shown, in the long side wall portion 31, a slit portion 31a extending along the fitting direction Z and the width direction X is formed between each of the plurality of terminals 10 and 20 arranged along the length direction Y (see also Figure 8), in the long side wall portion 32, slit portions 32a extending along the mating direction Z and the width direction X are formed between each of the plurality of terminals 10, 20 arranged along the length direction Y. Similarly, in the long side walls 33, 34, slit portions 33a, 34a extending along the mating direction Z and the width direction X are formed between each of the plurality of terminals 10, respectively, and in addition, in the long side walls 35, 36, slit portions 35a, 36a extending along the mating direction Z and the width direction X are formed between each of the plurality of terminals 10, 20, respectively.

[0053] Next, the terminals 50 and 60 of the plug connector 3 will be described. Fig. 9 and Fig.11 As shown, the terminal 50 comprises: a first leg 53 and a second leg 55, which extend respectively along the mating direction Z and are separately arranged along the width direction X; an extension portion 52, which is connected to the end of the first leg 53 on the lower direction Z1 side, extends along the width direction X, and includes a mounting portion 51; a connecting portion 54, which extends along the width direction X, connects the end of the first leg 53 on the upper direction Z2 side and the end of the second leg 55 on the upper direction Z2 side; and an extension portion 56, which is connected to the end of the second leg 55 on the lower direction Z1 side and extends along the width direction X. In addition, the terminal 60 has: a first leg 63 and a second leg 65, which extend along the mating direction Z respectively and are separately arranged along the width direction X; an extension portion 62, which is connected to the end of the first leg 63 on the lower direction Z1 side, extends along the width direction X, and includes a mounting portion 61; and a connecting portion 64, which extends along the width direction X and connects the end of the first leg 63 on the upper direction Z2 side and the end of the second leg 65 on the upper direction Z2 side.

[0054] In the terminal 50, the first leg 53, the connecting portion 54, and the second leg 55 are connected so that the space surrounded by them is filled with the resin of the housing 70 and form a substantially U-shape, and the substantially U-shaped portion is inserted into the fitting recess 10a of the terminal 10 of the receptacle connector 2. In the terminal 60, the first leg 63, the connecting portion 64, and the second leg 65 are connected so that the space surrounded by them is filled with the resin of the housing 70 and form a substantially U-shape, and the substantially U-shaped portion is inserted into the fitting recess 20a of the terminal 20 of the receptacle connector 2.

[0055] Next, the arrangement of the terminals 10 and 20 in the receptacle connector 2 will be described. Fig. 9 and Fig.11 For comparison (see also Figure 2), the plurality of terminals 10, 20 provided on the long side walls 31, 32 are arranged in such a manner that the mounting portions 11, 21 of the terminals 10, 20 adjacent in the length direction Y are alternately located on the first width direction X1 side and the second width direction X2 side. In addition, the plurality of terminals 10 provided on the long side walls 33, 34 are arranged in such a manner that the mounting portions 11 of the terminals 10 adjacent in the length direction Y are alternately located on the first width direction X1 side and the second width direction X2 side (in this case, the adjacent terminals 10 are in a relationship of being reversed (i.e., reversed left and right) along the axis corresponding to the mating direction Z). In addition, the plurality of terminals 10, 20 provided on the long side walls 35, 36 are arranged in such a manner that the mounting portions 11, 21 of the terminals 10, 20 adjacent in the length direction Y are alternately located on the first width direction X1 side and the second width direction X2 side.

[0056] Then, if Fig. 9 and Fig.11 As shown, when the terminals 10, 20 provided on the long side walls 31, 32, the terminals 10 provided on the long side walls 33, 34, and the terminals 10, 20 provided on the long side walls 35, 36 are cut by the XZ plane at a position in the length direction Y, three terminals 10, 20 arranged along the width direction X appear, but they are not clamped only by the terminal 10 or only by the terminal 20, but the terminal 10 (the terminal 10 provided on the long side walls 33, 34) located in the center in the width direction X is clamped by both the terminal 10 and the terminal 20. This is because the terminals 10, 20 arranged at the corresponding same positions in the length direction Y in the long side walls 33, 34 and the long side walls 35, 36 are different. In addition, among the three terminals 10, 20 arranged along the width direction X as described above, Fig. 9 and Fig.11 As can be seen from each of the above, the mounting portion 11 and the mounting portion 21 are located on the same side in the width direction X (in Fig. 9 Located on the second width direction X2 side, Fig.11 In addition, for the terminals 50 and 60 of the plug connector 3, when the three terminals 50 and 60 arranged along the width direction X are observed, the mounting portion 51 and the mounting portion 61 are also located on the same side in the width direction X.

[0057] Then, if Fig. 9 and Fig.11As shown, among the plurality of terminals 10 and 20 alternately arranged on the long side walls 31 and 32, the contact portion 17a of the third leg portion 17 as the main contact of the terminal 10 and the contact portion 25a of the second leg portion 25 as the main contact of the terminal 20 are located on the same side of the width direction X, specifically, on the second width direction X2 side. Similarly, among the plurality of terminals 10 and 20 alternately arranged on the long side walls 35 and 36, the contact portion 17a of the third leg portion 17 as the main contact of the terminal 10 and the contact portion 25a of the second leg portion 25 as the main contact of the terminal 20 are also located on the same side of the width direction X, specifically, on the first width direction X1 side. In contrast, among the plurality of terminals 10 continuously arranged on the long side walls 33 and 34, the contact portion 17a of the third leg portion 17 as the main contact is alternately located on the first width direction X1 side and the second width direction X2 side in the terminals 10 adjacent in the length direction Y. This is because, among the plurality of terminals 10 provided in the long-side walls 33 and 34 , adjacent terminals 10 are in a relationship of being reversed along an axis corresponding to the mating direction Z (ie, reversed left and right).

[0058] [Function and Effect]

[0059] Next, the operation and effects of the receptacle connector 2 according to the present embodiment described above will be described.

[0060] In the socket connector 2 of the present embodiment, the terminal 10 comprises: a first leg portion 13, a second leg portion 15, a third leg portion 17 and a fourth leg portion 19, which extend along the mating direction Z for mating with the plug connector 3, and are sequentially arranged separately along the width direction X; an extension portion 12, which is connected to the end portion of the first leg portion 13 on the lower direction Z2 side and extends along the width direction X; a first connecting portion 14, which extends along the width direction X and connects the end portion of the first leg portion 13 on the upper direction Z1 side and the end portion of the second leg portion 15 on the upper direction Z1 side; The second connecting portion 16 extends along the width direction X, connecting the end of the second leg 15 on the lower direction Z2 side and the end of the third leg 17 on the lower direction Z2 side; and the third connecting portion 18 extends along the width direction X, connecting the end of the third leg 17 on the upper direction Z1 side and the end of the fourth leg 19 on the upper direction Z1 side. The terminal 10 has a mounting portion 11 mounted on the substrate on the outer surface of the extension portion 12 on the lower direction Z2 side. The housing 30 fills the space surrounded by the first leg 13, the first connecting portion 14 and the second leg 15, and The space surrounded by the third leg 17, the third connecting portion 18 and the fourth leg 19 is filled, and the terminal 10 forms a fitting recess 10a for receiving the terminal 50 of the plug connector 3 through the space surrounded by the second leg 15, the second connecting portion 16 and the third leg 17. When the terminal 50 is inserted into the fitting recess 10a, the terminal 50 contacts the second leg 15 and the third leg 17, and the first leg 13, the first connecting portion 14, the second leg 15 and the housing 30 filled in the space surrounded by them are integrated and configured to be able to The terminal 10 has a width change portion 17b in which the width in the longitudinal direction Y changes, and the width change portion 17b is exposed from the shell 30.

[0061] According to such a socket connector 2, when the terminal 50 is inserted into the fitting recess 10a of the terminal 10, the first displacement portion and the second displacement portion in the terminal 10 are elastically deformed, so that elastic force is generated by both the first displacement portion and the second displacement portion, thereby being able to apply sufficient contact pressure to the terminal 50 of the plug connector 3, in other words, being able to strengthen the contact pressure applied. Therefore, even if the socket connector 2 is miniaturized, the contact pressure applied to the terminal 50 of the plug connector 3 can be reliably ensured. Therefore, for example, even if the connectors 2 and 3 are repeatedly attached and detached, it is possible to continue to apply sufficient contact pressure, and the electrical connection between the terminals 10 and 50 of the connectors 2 and 3 can be ensured. In addition, in the present embodiment, since the width change portion 17b of the terminal 10, in which the width changes in the longitudinal direction Y, is exposed from the housing 30, it is possible to push the mold in the width change portion 17b relative to the terminal 10 in the fitting direction Z, and the socket connector 2 can be reliably insert-molded.

[0062] In addition, in the above description, the functions and effects of the present embodiment are described with respect to the terminal 10 of the socket connector 2, but the socket connector 2 has not only the terminal 10 but also the terminal 20, and the terminal 20 also has the same structure as the terminal 10. Therefore, the functions and effects of the terminal 10 as described above can also be obtained from the terminal 20. Here, in order to avoid repeated description, the description of the functions and effects of the terminal 20 is omitted.

[0063] Similarly, the following description will be made using the terminal 10 as a representative for the common structure, function, and effect of the terminals 10 and 20. However, the description will be made with reference to the terminal 10 or the terminal 20 for the structure, function, and effect specific to either terminal 10 or the terminal 20.

[0064] In addition, in the present embodiment, in particular, in the terminal 20, the second leg 25 is configured to be arranged closer to the mounting portion 21 than the third leg 27, and to protrude more toward the fitting recess 20a side than the third leg 27. That is, the terminal 20 has a main contact point at the second leg 25 near the mounting portion 21 among the second leg 25 and the third leg 27. Thus, the fixed mounting portion 21 is located near the second leg 25, so that the elastic force of the portion including the second leg 25 can be strengthened, and the contact pressure at the main contact point located at the second leg 25 can be reliably ensured.

[0065] In addition, in the present embodiment, the socket connector 2 has a plurality of terminals 10 arranged along the longitudinal direction Y, and the housing 30 has long side walls 31 to 36 for holding the plurality of terminals 10, and the long side walls 31 to 36 have slits 31a to 36a extending along the fitting direction Z and the width direction X formed between the plurality of terminals 10. By providing the slits 31a to 36a in the long side walls 31 to 36, it is possible to reliably achieve the desired contact pressure using the long side walls 31 to 36. In this case, the size and shape of the slits 31a to 36a can be designed to achieve the desired contact pressure (i.e., elastic force).

[0066] In addition, in the present embodiment, the socket connector 2 has a plurality of terminals 10 arranged along the length direction Y, and the plurality of terminals 10 are arranged in such a manner that the mounting portions 11 of adjacent terminals 10 among the plurality of terminals 10 are alternately located on the first width direction X1 side and the second width direction X2 side. Thus, the plurality of mounting portions 11 arranged along the length direction Y can be located at different positions on the first width direction X1 side and the second width direction X2 side. Therefore, the distance between the adjacent mounting portions 11 in the length direction Y can be ensured, and each of the plurality of mounting portions 11 can be reliably soldered.

[0067] In addition, in the present embodiment, the socket connector 2 has a plurality of terminals 10, 20 arranged along the width direction X, and the plurality of terminals 10, 20 are arranged in such a manner that the mounting portions 11, 21 of adjacent terminals among the plurality of terminals 10, 20 are located on the same side in the width direction X. Thus, it is possible to suppress the mounting portions 11, 21 arranged along the width direction X from being positioned opposite to each other (in other words, being located at opposite positions). Therefore, the distance between the mounting portions 11, 21 adjacent to each other in the width direction X can be ensured, and each of the plurality of mounting portions 11, 21 can be reliably soldered.

[0068] In addition, in the present embodiment, the socket connector 2 has a plurality of terminals 10, 20 arranged along the longitudinal direction Y, and the plurality of terminals 10, 20 are arranged in such a manner that the legs of the second leg portions 15, 25 and the third leg portions 17, 27 of each of the plurality of terminals 10, 20 that protrude more toward the fitting recessed portions 10a, 20a are located on the same side in the width direction X. Thus, in the plurality of terminals 10, 20 arranged along the longitudinal direction Y, the respective main contacts can be located on the same side in the width direction X.

[0069] In addition, in the present embodiment, the socket connector 2 has a plurality of terminals 10 arranged along the longitudinal direction Y, and the plurality of terminals 10 are arranged in such a manner that the leg portions of the second leg portions 15 and the third leg portions 17 that protrude more toward the fitting recess 10a side in each of the plurality of terminals 10 are alternately located on the first width direction X1 side and the second width direction X2 side in the terminals 10 adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction Y. Thus, in the plurality of terminals 10 arranged along the longitudinal direction Y, the respective main contacts can be located at different positions on the first width direction X1 side and the second width direction X2 side.

[0070] In addition, in the present embodiment, each of the second leg portion 15 and the third leg portion 17 is configured so that a portion 15c, 17c of a pair of side surfaces facing each other in the longitudinal direction Y is exposed from the housing 30. Thus, the mold can be pressed against the terminal 10 in the longitudinal direction Y in the portion 15c, 17c of these side surfaces, and the receptacle connector 2 can be reliably insert-molded.

[0071] The above-described embodiments are examples for explaining the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0072] Industrial Applicability

[0073] The electrical connector of the present invention can be used for purposes such as connecting substrates via a flat cable in electronic devices such as smart phones and mobile phones that perform high-speed transmission of electrical signals.

Claims

1. An electrical connector, comprising a terminal and a housing for holding the terminal, and mounted relative to an object to be electrically connected, characterized in that: The terminal has: The first leg, the second leg, the third leg and the fourth leg are respectively extended along a mating direction for mating with the other connector and are sequentially separated and arranged along a lateral direction orthogonal to the mating direction; an extension portion connected to an end portion of the first leg portion located in one direction of the mating direction, namely, on the first mating direction side, and extending along the lateral direction; a first connecting portion extending in the lateral direction and connecting an end portion of the first leg portion located on a second fitting direction side opposite to the first fitting direction and an end portion of the second leg portion located on the second fitting direction side; a second connecting portion extending in the lateral direction and connecting an end portion of the second leg portion located on the first mating direction side with an end portion of the third leg portion located on the first mating direction side; as well as a third connecting portion extending in the lateral direction and connecting an end portion of the third leg portion located on the second fitting direction side with an end portion of the fourth leg portion located on the second fitting direction side, The terminal has a mounting portion mounted on the mounted object on the outer surface of the extension portion on the first mating direction side. The housing fills a space surrounded by the first leg, the first connecting portion, and the second leg of the terminal, and fills a space surrounded by the third leg, the third connecting portion, and the fourth leg of the terminal. The terminal forms a fitting recess for receiving the terminal of the other connector through a space surrounded by the second leg, the second connecting portion, and the third leg. When the terminal of the other connector is inserted into the fitting recess, the terminal contacts the second leg and the third leg. The first leg, the first connecting portion, the second leg, and the shell filled in the space surrounded by them are integrated and configured to be displaceable in the lateral direction. The third leg, the third connecting portion, the fourth leg, and the shell filled in the space surrounded by them are integrated and configured to be displaceable in the lateral direction. The terminal includes a width variation portion in at least one of the second leg portion and the third leg portion, wherein a width in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the mating direction and the transverse direction varies, and the width variation portion is exposed from the housing.

2. The electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second leg portion is arranged at a position closer to the mounting portion than the third leg portion, and is configured to protrude toward the fitting recessed portion by a greater amount than the third leg portion.

3. The electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrical connector has a plurality of terminals arranged along the longitudinal direction. The housing has a wall portion extending in the longitudinal direction and holding the plurality of terminals, and the wall portion has slit portions extending in the fitting direction and the lateral direction formed between the plurality of terminals.

4. The electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrical connector has a plurality of terminals arranged along the longitudinal direction. The plurality of terminals are arranged such that the mounting portions of adjacent terminals among the plurality of terminals are alternately located on one side in the lateral direction and on the side opposite thereto.

5. The electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrical connector has a plurality of terminals arranged along the transverse direction. The plurality of terminals are arranged such that the mounting portions of adjacent terminals among the plurality of terminals are located on the same side in the lateral direction.

6. The electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrical connector has a plurality of terminals arranged along the longitudinal direction. The plurality of terminals are arranged such that, in each of the plurality of terminals, a leg portion of the second leg portion and the third leg portion that protrudes more toward the fitting recess is located on the same side in the lateral direction.

7. The electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrical connector has a plurality of terminals arranged along the longitudinal direction. The plurality of terminals are arranged in such a manner that the legs of the second leg and the third leg that protrude more toward the mating recess in each of the plurality of terminals are alternately located on one side of the lateral direction and on the opposite side thereof in the terminals adjacent in the longitudinal direction.

8. The electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second leg portion and the third leg portion are each configured such that a portion of a pair of side surfaces facing each other in the longitudinal direction is exposed from the housing.

9. An electrical connector, characterized in that: have: A housing including a first wall portion, a second wall portion, and a third wall portion, each extending in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to a mating direction with a mating connector and arranged in sequence and separately in a transverse direction perpendicular to the mating direction and the longitudinal direction; and a plurality of terminals, which have mounting portions at the ends of the lateral direction for electrically connecting to the mounted object, and are respectively held on each of the first wall portion, the second wall portion, and the third wall portion of the housing, and are separately arranged along the longitudinal direction, The terminal comprises: two legs extending in the mating direction and separately arranged in the lateral direction and respectively held in the housing; and a connecting portion extending in the lateral direction in a manner of connecting the ends of the two legs. The terminal forms a fitting recessed portion for receiving a terminal of the counterpart connector through a space surrounded by the two leg portions and the connecting portion. When the terminal of the mating connector is inserted into the mating recess, one of the two legs and the part of the housing holding the leg are integrated and configured to be displaceable in the lateral direction, and the other of the two legs and the part of the housing holding the leg are integrated and configured to be displaceable in the lateral direction, The electrical connector comprises: a first column, in which a plurality of terminals having the mounting portion on a first lateral side of the lateral direction are arranged on the first wall portion along the longitudinal direction; a second column, in which a plurality of terminals having the mounting portion on a second lateral side opposite to the first lateral direction are arranged on the first wall portion along the longitudinal direction; a third column, in which a plurality of terminals having the mounting portion on the first lateral side are arranged on the second wall portion along the longitudinal direction; a fourth column, in which a plurality of terminals having the mounting portion on the second lateral side are arranged on the second wall portion along the longitudinal direction; a fifth column, in which a plurality of terminals having the mounting portion on the first lateral side are arranged on the third wall portion along the longitudinal direction; and a sixth column, in which a plurality of terminals having the mounting portion on the second lateral side are arranged on the third wall portion along the longitudinal direction, The plurality of terminals respectively provided on the first wall portion, the second wall portion, and the third wall portion are arranged in such a manner that the mounting portions of the terminals adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction are alternately located on the first lateral side and the second lateral side.

10. A connector assembly, characterized in that: have: The electrical connector according to claim 1 or 9 is also the first connector; and a second connector configured to be engageable with the first connector, The second connector has a terminal which is inserted into the fitting recess formed in the terminal of the first connector and is electrically connected to the terminal.

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