Assembly and connector

Abstract

To provide an assembly that reduces insertion force required to fit a first connector and a second connector to each other, and secures connection reliability as a first terminal and a second terminal come into two-point contact with each other.SOLUTION: An assembly 10 comprises a first connector 100 and a second connector 500. The first connector 100 comprises a plurality of first terminals 300 and a first holding member 200. The respective first terminals 300 have two pressed contacts 312, 322 and insertion end parts 315, 325. The second connector 500 comprises a plurality of second terminals 700 and a second holding member 600. With the first connector 100 and second connector 500 fitted to each other, pressing contacts 712, 722 of the second terminal 700 press pressed contacts 312, 322 of the corresponding first terminal 300 in a width direction, respectively. Here, S1≠S2 holds for a first size S1 (=Sa-D1) and a second size S2 (=Sb-D2).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an assembly including a first connector and a second connector.

Background Art

[0002] Referring to FIG. 72, Patent Document 1 discloses this type of assembly 900. The assembly 900 includes a first connector 910 and a second connector 950. The first connector 910 is capable of fitting with the second connector 950 in the Z direction. The first connector 910 includes a plurality of first terminals 912 and a first holding member 918. The first terminals 912 are held by the first holding member 918. Each of the first terminals 912 has two pressed contact points 913. The pressed contact points 913 are located apart from each other in the X direction. The pressed contact points 913 face in different orientations in the X direction. The second connector 950 includes a plurality of second terminals 952 and a second holding member 958. The second terminals 952 respectively correspond to the first terminals 912. The second terminals 952 are held by the second holding member 958. Each of the second terminals 952 has two pressing contact points 953. In the non-fitted state before the second connector 950 fits with the first connector 910, the pressing contact points 953 are located apart from each other and face each other in the X direction. In the state where the first connector 910 and the second connector 950 are fitted, the pressing contact points 953 of the second terminals 952 respectively press the pressed contact points 913 of the corresponding first terminals 912 in the X direction. That is, in the state where the first connector 910 and the second connector 950 are fitted, the first terminals 912 are in contact with the corresponding second terminals 952 at two points.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In an assembly like the one described in Patent Document 1 (assembly 900), increasing the number of first and second terminals increases the insertion force required to mate the first and second connectors. Consequently, in such an assembly, there is a risk that mating between the first and second connectors may not be completed, or that the first or second connector may be damaged during mating.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an assembly in which the required insertion force is reduced when mating the first connector and the second connector, and in which connection reliability is ensured by two-point contact between the first terminal and the second terminal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention provides, as a first assembly, An assembly comprising a first connector and a second connector, The first connector is matable with the second connector in the vertical direction. The first connector comprises a plurality of first terminals and a first retaining member. The first terminal is held by the first retaining member, Each of the aforementioned first terminals has two pressure-sensitive contacts and an insertion end. Each of the aforementioned contacts to be pressed is located away from the insertion end in the vertical direction. The contacts to be pressed are located apart from each other in the width direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The contacts to be pressed are oriented in different directions in the width direction, The first terminal includes at least one first type first terminal and at least one second type first terminal. The first terminal of the first type has a first type pressed size Sa as the maximum size in the width direction in the region from the insertion end to the pressed contact, The aforementioned second type first terminal has a second type pressed size Sb as the maximum size in the width direction in the region from the insertion end to the pressed contact, The aforementioned second connector comprises a plurality of second terminals and a second retaining member. The second terminal corresponds to the first terminal, The second terminal is held by the second retaining member, Each of the two terminals described above has two pressure contacts, In the unmated state before the second connector is mated with the first connector, the pressing contacts are positioned apart from each other and facing each other in the width direction. When the first connector and the second connector are mated, the pressing contact of the second terminal presses the corresponding pressed contact of the first terminal in the width direction. The aforementioned second terminal includes a first-type second terminal and a second-type second terminal. The aforementioned Type 1 second terminal corresponds to the aforementioned Type 1 first terminal, The aforementioned Type 2 second terminal corresponds to the aforementioned Type 2 first terminal. In the aforementioned un-mated state, the pressing contacts of the first type second terminal are separated from each other by a first type pressing distance D1 in the width direction. In the aforementioned un-mated state, the pressing contacts of the second type second terminal are separated from each other by a second type pressing distance D2 in the width direction. The first size S1 (=Sa-D1) and the second size S2 (=Sb-D2) satisfy the condition S1≠S2. We provide an assembly.

[0007] Furthermore, the present invention provides a second assembly, which is the first assembly, At least some of the first terminals constitute a single terminal row arranged in a pitch direction perpendicular to both the vertical direction and the width direction, The aforementioned terminal array includes the first type first terminal and the second type first terminal. We provide an assembly.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention also includes a third assembly which is the first or second assembly, The first connector has two first terminal rows that are spaced apart in the width direction, Each of the first terminal rows is composed of first terminals arranged in a pitch direction perpendicular to both the vertical direction and the width direction, The at least one first type first terminal includes a plurality of first type first terminals, The at least one first terminal of type 2 includes a plurality of the first terminals of type 2, Each of the first terminal rows includes the first type first terminal and the second type first terminal, The first type first terminals of the two first terminal rows are arranged in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, with rotational symmetry of two rotations. The second type first terminals of the two first terminal rows are arranged in a two-fold rotationally symmetrical manner in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. We provide an assembly.

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention also includes a fourth assembly, which is the first assembly, The first terminal of type 1 and the first terminal of type 2 are separated from each other in the width direction. We provide an assembly.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention also includes a fifth assembly, which is the fourth assembly, The first connector has two rows of terminals that are spaced apart in the width direction, Each of the aforementioned terminal rows is composed of the first terminals arranged in a pitch direction perpendicular to both the vertical direction and the width direction. The at least one first type first terminal includes a plurality of first type first terminals, The at least one first terminal of type 2 includes a plurality of the first terminals of type 2, One of the terminal arrays is composed only of the first type first terminal, The terminal row of the other party is composed only of the second type of first terminal. Provide an assembly.

[0011] Further, the present invention provides, as a sixth assembly, any one of the assemblies from the first to the fifth, Sa≠Sb Provide an assembly.

[0012] Further, the present invention provides, as a seventh assembly, the sixth assembly, The pressed contacts of the second type of first terminal are separated from each other by a predetermined distance PD in the width direction, Sb = PD Provide an assembly.

[0013] Further, the present invention provides, as an eighth assembly, any one of the assemblies from the first to the seventh, D1≠D2 Provide an assembly.

[0014] Further, the present invention provides, as a ninth assembly, the first assembly, The second connector can be mounted on an object, There are a plurality of the second type of second terminals, Each of the second type of second terminals has a support portion, a held portion, and a fixed portion, The support portion elastically supports the two pressed contacts, The held portion is press-fitted into the second holding member, The fixed portion is fixed to the object when the second connector is mounted on the object, One opening is provided in the second holding member, When the second connector is viewed along the vertical direction, the fixed portions of the plurality of second type of second terminals are visible through the opening. Provide an assembly.

[0015] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a connector that can be used as a first connector, any of the first to ninth first connectors, Sa ≠ Sb We provide connectors.

[0016] That is, the present invention relates to a first connector that can be mated with a second connector in the vertical direction, The first connector comprises a plurality of first terminals and a first retaining member. The first terminal is held by the first retaining member, Each of the aforementioned first terminals has two pressure-sensitive contacts and an insertion end. Each of the aforementioned contacts to be pressed is located away from the insertion end in the vertical direction. The contacts to be pressed are located apart from each other in the width direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The contacts to be pressed are oriented in different directions in the width direction, The first terminal includes at least one first type first terminal and at least one second type first terminal. The first terminal of the first type has a first type pressed size Sa as the maximum size in the width direction in the region from the insertion end to the pressed contact, The aforementioned second type first terminal has a second type pressed size Sb as the maximum size in the width direction in the region from the insertion end to the pressed contact, Sa ≠ Sb A first connector is provided.

[0017] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a connector that can be used as a second connector, which is one of the first to ninth second connectors. D1 ≠ D2 We provide connectors.

[0018] That is, the present invention relates to a second connector that can be mated with a first connector in the vertical direction, The aforementioned second connector comprises a plurality of second terminals and a second retaining member. The second terminal is held by the second retaining member, Each of the two terminals described above has two pressure contacts, In the unmated state before the second connector is mated with the first connector, the pressing contacts are positioned apart from each other and facing each other in the width direction. The aforementioned second terminal includes a first-type second terminal and a second-type second terminal. In the aforementioned un-mated state, the pressing contacts of the first type second terminal are separated from each other by a first type pressing distance D1 in the width direction. In the aforementioned un-mated state, the pressing contacts of the second type second terminal are separated from each other by a second type pressing distance D2 in the width direction. D1 ≠ D2 A second connector is provided.

[0019] Furthermore, the present invention provides a third connector, A second connector that can be mounted on an object and can be mated with the first connector in the vertical direction, The aforementioned second connector comprises a plurality of second terminals and a second retaining member. The second terminal is held by the second retaining member, Each of the two terminals described above has two pressure contacts, In the unmated state before the second connector is mated with the first connector, the pressing contacts are positioned apart from each other and facing each other in the width direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. Each of the second terminals has a support portion, a holding portion, and a fixing portion. The support portion elastically supports the two pressing contacts, The portion to be held is press-fitted into the second holding member. The fixed portion is fixed to the object when the second connector is mounted on the object, The second retaining member is provided with one opening, When the second connector is viewed along the vertical direction, at least two or more of the fixed portions of the second terminals are visible through the opening. A second connector is provided.

[0020] Furthermore, the present invention also includes a fourth connector, which is a third connector, The second connector has two second terminal rows that are spaced apart in the width direction, Each of the second terminal rows is composed of the second terminals arranged in a pitch direction perpendicular to both the vertical direction and the width direction, Each of the second terminal rows includes a plurality of first-type second terminals and a plurality of second-type second terminals. The fixed portion of the first type second terminal is at least partially located on the outer side in the width direction of the second holding member, The fixed portion of the second terminal of the second type is at least partially located within the opening of the second holding member. A second connector is provided.

[0021] Furthermore, the present invention also includes a fifth connector, which is a fourth connector, In each of the second terminal rows, the first type second terminal and the second type second terminal are arranged alternately in the pitch direction. A second connector is provided.

[0022] Furthermore, the present invention provides a sixth connector, which is a fifth connector, The first type second terminals of the two second terminal rows are arranged in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, with rotational symmetry of two rotations. The second type of second terminals of the two second terminal rows are arranged in a two-fold rotationally symmetrical manner in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. A second connector is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] The assembly of the present invention is configured as follows: When the first connector and the second connector are mated, the pressing contact of the second terminal presses the corresponding pressed contact of the first terminal in the width direction; the first size S1 (=Sa-D1) and the second size S2 (=Sb-D2) satisfy S1≠S2. As a result, in the assembly of the present invention, the insertion force required when mating the first connector and the second connector is reduced, and connection reliability is ensured by two-point contact between the first terminal and the second terminal. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0024] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the first connector and the second connector are not mated together. [Figure 2] This is a side view showing the assembly in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly along line AA. [Figure 4] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the assembly along line BB. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the assembly shown in Figure 1. In the figure, the first connector and the second connector are mated together. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a side view showing the assembled structure. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly along the CC line. [Figure 8] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the assembly along the DD line. [Figure 9] This is a bottom view showing the first connector included in the assembly shown in Figure 1. [Figure 10] This is a top view showing the second connector included in the assembly in Figure 1. [Figure 11] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the first terminal of type 1 included in the first connector. [Figure 12] This is a side view showing the first terminal of type 1 in Figure 11. [Figure 13] This is another perspective view showing the first terminal of type 1 in Figure 11. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view showing the first terminal of type 2 included in the first connector of Figure 9. [Figure 15] This is a side view showing the first terminal of type 2 in Figure 14. [Figure 16] This is another perspective view showing the first terminal of type 2 in Figure 14. [Figure 17] This is a side view showing the Type 1 second terminal included in the second connector of Figure 10. [Figure 18] This is a side view showing the second terminal of type 2 included in the second connector of Figure 10. [Figure 19] This is a perspective view showing the second retaining member included in the second connector of Figure 10. [Figure 20] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the second retaining member along the EE line. [Figure 21] This is a perspective view showing the intermediate part of the second terminal row used when fixing the second terminal of the second type to the second retaining member. [Figure 22] This is another diagram showing the second terminal array intermediate in Figure 21. [Figure 23] Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view showing the second terminal row intermediate along the FF line. [Figure 24] This is a perspective view showing the first intermediate body obtained by press-fitting the second terminal row intermediate body shown in Figure 21 into the second holding member shown in Figure 19. [Figure 25] Figure 24 is a front view showing the first intermediate. [Figure 26] Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view showing the first intermediate along the GG line. [Figure 27] This is a perspective view showing the second intermediate obtained by removing the carrier from the first intermediate in Figure 24. [Figure 28] Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view showing the second intermediate along the HH line. [Figure 29] This is a perspective view showing a first modified example of the assembly in Figure 1. In the figure, the first connector and the second connector are not mated together. [Figure 30] Figure 29 is a side view showing the assembled structure. [Figure 31] Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view showing the assembly along line II. [Figure 32] Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view showing the assembly along the JJ line. [Figure 33] This is a side view showing the assembly in Figure 29. In the figure, the first connector and the second connector are mated together. [Figure 34] Figure 33 is a cross-sectional view showing the assembly along the KK line. [Figure 35] Figure 33 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly along line LL. [Figure 36] Figure 29 is a perspective view showing the first terminal of type 2 included in the first connector of the assembly. [Figure 37] This is a side view showing the first terminal of type 2 in Figure 36. [Figure 38] This is another perspective view showing the first terminal of type 2 in Figure 36. [Figure 39] This is a side view showing the second terminal of type 2 included in the second connector of the assembly in Figure 29. [Figure 40] This is a perspective view showing a second modified example of the assembly in Figure 1. In the figure, the first connector and the second connector are not mated together. [Figure 41] Figure 40 is a side view showing the assembled structure. [Figure 42] Figure 41 is a cross-sectional view showing the assembly along the MM line. [Figure 43] Figure 41 is a cross-sectional view showing the assembly along the NN line. [Figure 44] Figure 40 is a side view showing the assembly. In the figure, the first connector and the second connector are mated together. [Figure 45] Figure 44 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly along the line O-O. [Figure 46] Figure 44 is a cross-sectional view showing the assembly along the PP line. [Figure 47] Figure 40 is a perspective view showing the first terminal of type 2 included in the first connector of the assembly. [Figure 48] This is a side view showing the first terminal of type 2 in Figure 47. [Figure 49] This is another perspective view showing the first terminal of type 2 in Figure 47. [Figure 50] This is a side view showing the second terminal of type 2 included in the second connector of the assembly in Figure 40. [Figure 51] This is a perspective view showing a modified example of the first terminal of type 1 shown in Figure 11. [Figure 52] This is a side view showing the first terminal of type 1 in Figure 51. [Figure 53] This is another perspective view showing the first terminal of type 1 in Figure 51. [Figure 54] This is a perspective view showing a modified example of the Type 2 First Terminal in Figure 14. [Figure 55] This is a side view showing the first terminal of type 2 in Figure 54. [Figure 56] This is another perspective view showing the first terminal of type 2 in Figure 54. [Figure 57] This is a perspective view showing an assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the first connector and the second connector are not mated together. [Figure 58] Figure 57 is a side view showing the assembled structure. [Figure 59] Figure 58 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly along the QQ line. [Figure 60] Figure 58 is a cross-sectional view showing the assembly along the RR line. [Figure 61] Figure 57 is a side view showing the assembly. In the figure, the first connector and the second connector are mated together. [Figure 62] Figure 61 is a cross-sectional view showing the assembly along the SS line. [Figure 63] Figure 61 is a cross-sectional view showing the assembly along the TT line. [Figure 64] This is a bottom view showing the first connector included in the assembly shown in Figure 57. [Figure 65] This is a top view showing the second connector included in the assembly of Figure 57. [Figure 66] This is a perspective view showing the first terminal of type 1 included in the first connector of Figure 64. [Figure 67] This is a side view showing the first terminal of type 1 in Figure 66. [Figure 68]This is a perspective view showing the first terminal of type 2 included in the first connector of Figure 64. [Figure 69] This is a side view showing the first terminal of type 2 in Figure 68. [Figure 70] This is a side view showing the Type 1 second terminal included in the second connector of Figure 65. [Figure 71] This is a side view showing the second terminal of type 2 included in the second connector of Figure 65. [Figure 72] This is a cross-sectional view showing the assembly of Patent Document 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] (First Embodiment) As shown in Figure 1, the assembly 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a first connector 100 and a second connector 500.

[0026] As can be seen from Figures 1 and 5, the first connector 100 of this embodiment is matable with the second connector 500 in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the vertical direction is the Z direction. Also, upward is the +Z direction and downward is the -Z direction. The first connector 100 can be mounted on a substrate (not shown).

[0027] As shown in Figure 9, the first connector 100 comprises a plurality of first terminals 300 and a first retaining member 200. The first terminals 300 are made of metal. The first retaining member 200 is made of an insulator.

[0028] As shown in Figure 9, the first connector 100 has two first terminal rows 250 that are spaced apart in the width direction. In this embodiment, the width direction is the X direction. The width direction is also the front-to-back direction. Here, the front is defined as the +X direction and the rear as the -X direction. That is, the two first terminal rows 250 are spaced apart in the front-to-back direction. The first terminal rows 250 are also referred to as terminal row 250. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number of terminal rows 250 may be one.

[0029] As shown in Figure 9, each of the first terminal rows 250 is composed of first terminals 300 arranged in a pitch direction perpendicular to both the vertical and width directions. In this embodiment, the pitch direction is the Y direction.

[0030] As shown in Figure 9, the first terminal 300 of this embodiment is held by the first holding member 200. The first terminal 300 is composed of a plurality of first type first terminals 310 and a plurality of second type first terminals 320. That is, each of the first terminal rows 250 contains a plurality of first type first terminals 310 and a plurality of second type first terminals 320. The first type first terminals 310 are adjacent to the second type first terminals 320 in the pitch direction. More specifically, in each of the first terminal rows 250, the first type first terminals 310 and the second type first terminals 320 are arranged alternately in the pitch direction. In this embodiment, the number of first type first terminals 310 and the number of second type first terminals 320 are the same. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and each of the first terminal rows 250 may include at least one first type first terminal 310 and at least one second type first terminal 320. That is, a first terminal 300 may include at least one first type first terminal 310 and at least one second type first terminal 320. Also, if there is only one terminal row 250, at least some of the first terminals 300 may constitute one terminal row 250 arranged in a pitch direction perpendicular to both the vertical and width directions, and the single terminal row 250 may include both a first type first terminal 310 and a second type first terminal 320.

[0031] Referring to Figures 3, 4, and 9, the first type first terminals 310 of the two first terminal rows 250 are arranged in a 2-fold rotationally symmetrical manner in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The first type first terminals 310 of the two first terminal rows 250 are arranged in a staggered pattern.

[0032] As shown in Figure 12, each of the first type first terminals 310 in this embodiment has two pressure-sensitive contacts 312, an insertion end 315, an inclined portion 316, a locking portion 317, a fixed portion 318, and a connecting portion 319.

[0033] As shown in Figure 12, each of the pressure-receiving contacts 312 is located away from the insertion end 315 in the vertical direction. Each of the pressure-receiving contacts 312 is located above the insertion end 315 in the vertical direction. The pressure-receiving contacts 312 are located apart from each other in the width direction, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction. The pressure-receiving contacts 312 are oriented in different directions in the width direction.

[0034] As shown in Figure 12, the pressure-receiving contact 312 is composed of an outer pressure-receiving contact 313 and an inner pressure-receiving contact 314.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, the outer pressure contact 313 of this embodiment faces outward in the width direction. The outer pressure contact 313 is located outside the inner pressure contact 314 in the width direction. Referring to Figures 3 and 9, the outer pressure contact 313 of the first type first terminal 310 of the front first terminal row 250 faces forward in the front-rear direction. Referring to Figures 4 and 9, the outer pressure contact 313 of the first type first terminal 310 of the rear first terminal row 250 faces rearward in the front-rear direction.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the inner pressure contact 314 of this embodiment faces inward in the width direction. The inner pressure contact 314 is located inside the outer pressure contact 313 in the width direction. Referring to Figures 3 and 9, the inner pressure contact 314 of the first type first terminal 310 of the front first terminal row 250 faces rearward in the front-rear direction. Referring to Figures 4 and 9, the inner pressure contact 314 of the first type first terminal 310 of the rear first terminal row 250 faces forward in the front-rear direction. The inner pressure contact 314 defines the inner end of the first type first terminal 310 in the width direction.

[0037] As shown in Figure 3, the insertion end 315 of this embodiment has a substantially U-shaped cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the pitch direction. As shown in Figure 12, the insertion end 315 is located below the pressed contact 312 in the vertical direction. That is, the insertion end 315 is located below the outer pressed contact 313 in the vertical direction. The insertion end 315 is located below the inner pressed contact 314 in the vertical direction. The insertion end 315 is located below the locking portion 317 in the vertical direction. The insertion end 315 is located below the connecting portion 319 in the vertical direction. The insertion end 315 is located below the fixed portion 318 in the vertical direction. The insertion end 315 defines the lower end of the first type first terminal 310 in the vertical direction.

[0038] As shown in Figure 12, the inclined portion 316 of this embodiment extends upward and outward in the width direction from the outer pressure contact 313. The inclined portion 316 is oblique to both the vertical and width directions. The inclined portion 316 is located between the outer pressure contact 313 and the connecting portion 319 in the vertical direction. The inclined portion 316 is located above the outer pressure contact 313 in the vertical direction. The inclined portion 316 is located below the connecting portion 319 in the vertical direction.

[0039] As shown in Figure 12, the locking portion 317 of this embodiment is located between the press-to-press contact 312 and the insertion end 315 in the vertical direction. The locking portion 317 is located below the press-to-press contact 312 in the vertical direction. That is, the locking portion 317 is located below the outer press-to-press contact 313 in the vertical direction. The locking portion 317 is located above the insertion end 315 in the vertical direction. The locking portion 317 is located below the connecting portion 319 in the vertical direction. The locking portion 317 is located below the fixed portion 318 in the vertical direction. The locking portion 317 is located outside the press-to-press contact 312 in the width direction. The locking portion 317 extends outward in the width direction from the outer press-to-press contact 313. The locking portion 317 is located inside the fixed portion 318 in the width direction.

[0040] Referring to Figure 3, the fixed portion 318 of this embodiment is soldered to a pad (not shown) on the substrate when the first connector 100 is mounted on the substrate. The fixed portion 318 defines the upper end of the first type first terminal 310 in the vertical direction. The fixed portion 318 defines the outer end of the first type first terminal 310 in the width direction. Referring to Figures 3 and 9, the fixed portion 318 of the first type first terminal 310 of the front first terminal row 250 defines the front end in the front-rear direction. Referring to Figures 4 and 9, the fixed portion 318 of the first type first terminal 310 of the rear first terminal row 250 defines the rear end in the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 12, the fixed portion 318 extends outward in the width direction from the connecting portion 319. Referring to Figures 3, 9, and 12, the fixed portion 318 of the first type first terminal 310 of the front first terminal row 250 extends forward in the front-rear direction from the connecting portion 319. Referring to Figures 4, 9, and 12, the fixed portion 318 of the first type first terminal 310 of the rear first terminal row 250 extends rearward in the front-rear direction from the connecting portion 319.

[0041] As shown in Figure 12, the connecting portion 319 of this embodiment connects the outer pressure-receiving contact 313 and the fixed portion 318. The connecting portion 319 is located between the outer pressure-receiving contact 313 and the fixed portion 318 in the vertical direction. The connecting portion 319 is located above the outer pressure-receiving contact 313 in the vertical direction. The connecting portion 319 is located below the fixed portion 318 in the vertical direction.

[0042] As shown in Figure 12, the first terminal 310 of the first type has a first type pressed size Sa as the maximum size in the width direction in the region from the insertion end 315 to the pressed contact 312. In this embodiment, the first type pressed size Sa is equal to the distance between the inner pressed contact 314 and the outer end in the width direction of the locking portion 317.

[0043] Referring to Figures 3, 4, and 9, the second type first terminals 320 of the two first terminal rows 250 are arranged in a 2-fold rotationally symmetrical manner in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The second type first terminals 320 of the two first terminal rows 250 are arranged in a staggered pattern.

[0044] As described above, in the two first terminal rows 250, the first type first terminal 310 is arranged with two rotational symmetries in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the second type first terminal 320 is arranged with two rotational symmetries in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. This makes it possible to reduce the distance between the first terminals 300 in the pitch direction in each of the first terminal rows 250.

[0045] As shown in Figure 15, each of the Type 2 First Terminals 320 has two pressable contacts 322, an insertion end 325, an inclined portion 326, a fixed portion 328, and a connecting portion 329. In other words, unlike the Type 1 First Terminal 310, the Type 2 First Terminal 320 does not have a locking portion.

[0046] As shown in Figure 15, each of the pressure-receiving contacts 322 is located away from the insertion end 325 in the vertical direction. Each of the pressure-receiving contacts 322 is located above the insertion end 325 in the vertical direction. The pressure-receiving contacts 322 are located apart from each other in the width direction, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction. The pressure-receiving contacts 322 are oriented in different directions in the width direction.

[0047] As shown in Figure 15, the pressure-receiving contact 322 is composed of an outer pressure-receiving contact 323 and an inner pressure-receiving contact 324.

[0048] As shown in Figure 4, the outer pressure contact 323 of this embodiment faces outward in the width direction. The outer pressure contact 323 is located outside the inner pressure contact 314 in the width direction. Referring to Figures 4 and 9, the outer pressure contact 323 of the second type first terminal 320 of the front first terminal row 250 faces forward in the front-rear direction. Referring to Figures 3 and 9, the outer pressure contact 323 of the second type first terminal 320 of the rear first terminal row 250 faces rearward in the front-rear direction.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4, the inner pressure contact 324 of this embodiment faces inward in the width direction. The inner pressure contact 324 is located inside the outer pressure contact 323 in the width direction. Referring to Figures 4 and 9, the inner pressure contact 324 of the second type first terminal 320 of the front first terminal row 250 faces rearward in the front-rear direction. Referring to Figures 3 and 9, the inner pressure contact 324 of the second type first terminal 320 of the rear first terminal row 250 faces forward in the front-rear direction.

[0050] As shown in Figure 4, the insertion end 325 of this embodiment has a substantially U-shaped cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the pitch direction. The insertion end 325 is located below the pressed contact 322 in the vertical direction. That is, the insertion end 325 is located below the outer pressed contact 323 in the vertical direction. The insertion end 325 is located below the inner pressed contact 324 in the vertical direction. The insertion end 325 is located below the fixed portion 328 in the vertical direction. The insertion end 325 defines the lower end of the second type first terminal 320 in the vertical direction.

[0051] Referring to Figure 15, the inclined portion 326 of this embodiment extends upward and inward in the width direction from the inner pressure contact 324. The inclined portion 326 is oblique to both the vertical and width directions. The inclined portion 326 is located between the inner pressure contact 324 and the connecting portion 329 in the vertical direction. The inclined portion 326 is located above the inner pressure contact 324 in the vertical direction. The inclined portion 326 is located below the connecting portion 329 in the vertical direction.

[0052] Referring to Figure 4, the fixed portion 328 in this embodiment is soldered to a pad (not shown) on the substrate when the first connector 100 is mounted on the substrate. The fixed portion 328 defines the upper end of the second type first terminal 320 in the vertical direction. The fixed portion 328 defines the inner end of the second type first terminal 320 in the width direction. Referring to Figures 4 and 9, the fixed portion 328 of the second type first terminal 320 of the front first terminal row 250 defines the rear end in the front-rear direction. Referring to Figures 3 and 9, the fixed portion 328 of the second type first terminal 320 of the rear first terminal row 250 defines the front end in the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 15, the fixed portion 328 extends outward in the width direction from the connecting portion 329. Referring to Figures 4, 9, and 15, the fixed portion 328 of the second type first terminal 320 of the front first terminal row 250 extends forward in the front-rear direction from the connecting portion 329. Referring to Figures 3, 9, and 15, the fixed portion 328 of the second type first terminal 320 of the rear first terminal row 250 extends rearward in the front-rear direction from the connecting portion 329.

[0053] As shown in Figure 15, the connecting portion 329 of this embodiment connects the inner pressure-receiving contact 324 and the fixed portion 328. The connecting portion 329 is located between the inner pressure-receiving contact 324 and the fixed portion 328 in the vertical direction. The connecting portion 329 is located above the inner pressure-receiving contact 324 in the vertical direction. The connecting portion 329 is located below the fixed portion 328 in the vertical direction.

[0054] As shown in Figure 15, the second type first terminal 320 has a second type pressed size Sb as the maximum size in the width direction in the region from the insertion end 325 to the pressed contact 322. In this embodiment, the second type pressed size Sb is equal to the distance PD between the outer pressed contact 323 and the inner pressed contact 324 in the width direction. That is, the pressed contacts 322 of the second type first terminal 320 are separated from each other by a predetermined distance PD in the width direction, and Sb = PD.

[0055] Referring to Figure 3, the second type of pressed size Sb is not equal to the first type of pressed size Sa. That is, Sa ≠ Sb. More specifically, in this embodiment, the second type of pressed size Sb is smaller than the first type of pressed size Sa. That is, Sb <Saである。

[0056] As described above, each of the first type first terminals 310 has two pressure-receiving contacts 312 and an insertion end 315, and each of the second type first terminals 320 has two pressure-receiving contacts 322 and an insertion end 325. That is, each of the first terminals 300 has two pressure-receiving contacts 312, 322 and insertion ends 315, 325.

[0057] Referring to Figure 3, the second connector 500 of this embodiment is mountable on a substrate (not shown) which is the object. The second connector 500 comprises a plurality of second terminals 700 and a second retaining member 600. The second terminals 700 are made of metal. The second retaining member 600 is made of an insulator. The second retaining member 600 is provided with one opening 605. The opening 605 penetrates the second retaining member 600 in the vertical direction. The opening 605 is located in the center of the second retaining member 600 in the width direction. The second retaining member 600 has a plurality of first retaining parts 610 and a plurality of second retaining parts 620.

[0058] As shown in Figure 10, the second connector 500 has two second terminal rows 650 that are spaced apart in the width direction. That is, the two second terminal rows 650 are spaced apart in the front-to-back direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number of second terminal rows 650 may be one.

[0059] As shown in Figure 10, each of the second terminal rows 650 is composed of second terminals 700 arranged in a pitch direction perpendicular to both the vertical and width directions.

[0060] As shown in Figure 10, the second terminal 700 in this embodiment is held by the second holding member 600. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the second terminal 700 corresponds to the first terminal 300, respectively. The second terminal 700 is composed of a plurality of first-type second terminals 710 and a plurality of second-type second terminals 720. Referring to Figures 3, 4 and 10, each of the second terminal rows 650 includes a plurality of first-type second terminals 710 and a plurality of second-type second terminals 720. The first-type second terminals 710 are adjacent to the second-type second terminals 720 in the pitch direction. More specifically, in each of the second terminal rows 650, the first-type second terminals 710 and the second-type second terminals 720 are arranged alternately in the pitch direction. In this embodiment, the number of first-type second terminals 710 and the number of second-type second terminals 720 are the same. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and each of the second terminal rows 650 may include a first type second terminal 710 and a second type second terminal 720. That is, a second terminal 700 may include a first type second terminal 710 and a second type second terminal 720. Furthermore, if there is only one second terminal row 650, at least some of the second terminals 700 may constitute one second terminal row 650 arranged in a pitch direction perpendicular to both the vertical and width directions, and this one second terminal row 650 may include a first type second terminal 710 and a second type second terminal 720.

[0061] Referring to Figures 3, 4, and 10, the first type second terminals 710 of the two second terminal rows 650 are arranged in a 2-fold rotationally symmetrical manner in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The first type second terminals 710 of the two second terminal rows 650 are arranged in a staggered pattern. The first type second terminals 710 correspond to the first type first terminals 310.

[0062] As shown in Figure 17, each of the first type second terminals 710 in this embodiment has two pressing contacts 712, a support portion 715, a held portion 716, and a fixed portion 718.

[0063] As shown in Figure 3, in the unmated state before the second connector 500 is mated with the first connector 100, the pressure contacts 712 are positioned apart from each other and facing each other in the width direction. In the unmated state, the pressure contacts 712 of the first type second terminal 710 are separated from each other by a first type pressing distance D1 in the width direction. As shown in Figure 7, in the mated state after the first connector 100 and the second connector 500 are mated, the pressure contacts 712 of the first type second terminal 710 each press against the corresponding press-to-press contact 312 of the first type first terminal 310 in the width direction.

[0064] As shown in Figure 17, the pressure contact 712 is composed of an outer pressure contact 713 and an inner pressure contact 714.

[0065] As shown in Figure 3, the outer pressure contact 713 in this embodiment faces inward in the width direction. The outer pressure contact 713 is located outside the inner pressure contact 714 in the width direction. Referring to Figures 3 and 10, the outer pressure contact 713 of the first type second terminal 710 of the front second terminal row 650 faces rearward in the front-rear direction. Referring to Figures 4 and 10, the outer pressure contact 713 of the first type second terminal 710 of the rear second terminal row 650 faces forward in the front-rear direction.

[0066] As shown in Figure 3, the inner pressure contact 714 of this embodiment faces outward in the width direction. The inner pressure contact 714 is located inside the outer pressure contact 713 in the width direction. Referring to Figures 3 and 10, the inner pressure contact 714 of the first type second terminal 710 of the front second terminal row 650 faces forward in the front-rear direction. Referring to Figures 4 and 10, the inner pressure contact 714 of the first type second terminal 710 of the rear second terminal row 650 faces rearward in the front-rear direction.

[0067] As shown in Figure 3, in the un-mated state, the outer pressure contact 713 and the inner pressure contact 714 are positioned apart from each other and facing each other in the width direction. In the un-mated state, the outer pressure contact 713 and the inner pressure contact 714 are separated from each other by a first-type pressure distance D1 in the width direction. As shown in Figure 7, in the mated state, the outer pressure contact 713 of the first-type second terminal 710 presses the outer pressure-receiving contact 313 of the corresponding first-type first terminal 310 in the width direction. Also, in the mated state, the inner pressure contact 714 of the first-type second terminal 710 presses the inner pressure-receiving contact 314 of the corresponding first-type first terminal 310 in the width direction.

[0068] As shown in Figure 17, the support portion 715 in this embodiment elastically supports the two pressing contacts 712. The support portion 715 extends from the upper end of the held portion 716.

[0069] Referring to Figures 3 and 17, the retained portion 716 in this embodiment is held by the second retaining member 600. The retained portion 716 is press-fitted into the second retaining member 600. More specifically, the retained portion 716 is press-fitted into the first retaining portion 610. As shown in Figure 17, the retained portion 716 is located in the width direction between the support portion 715 and the fixed portion 718. The retained portion 716 extends downward in the vertical direction from the outer end in the width direction of the support portion 715. The retained portion 716 extends upward in the vertical direction from the inner end in the width direction of the fixed portion 718.

[0070] Referring to Figure 3, the fixed portion 718 of this embodiment is fixed to the object when the second connector 500 is mounted on the object. Specifically, the fixed portion 718 is soldered to a pad (not shown) on the substrate when the second connector 500 is mounted on the substrate. As shown in Figure 17, the fixed portion 718 defines the lower end of the first type second terminal 710 in the vertical direction. The fixed portion 718 defines the outer end of the first type second terminal 710 in the width direction. The fixed portion 718 extends outward in the width direction from the lower end of the retained portion 716. As shown in Figure 10, the fixed portion 718 of the first type second terminal 710 is at least partially located on the outside in the width direction of the second retaining member 600.

[0071] Referring to Figures 3, 4, and 10, the second type second terminals 720 of the two second terminal rows 650 are arranged in a 2-fold rotationally symmetrical manner in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The second type second terminals 720 of the two second terminal rows 650 are arranged in a staggered pattern. Details of the fixing process of the second type second terminals 720 to the second retaining member 600 will be described later. The second type second terminals 720 correspond to the first type second terminals 320.

[0072] As shown in Figure 18, each of the second type second terminals 720 in this embodiment has two pressing contacts 722, a support portion 725, a held portion 726, and a fixed portion 728.

[0073] As shown in Figure 3, in the unmated state before the second connector 500 is mated with the first connector 100, the pressure contacts 722 are positioned apart from each other and facing each other in the width direction. In the unmated state, the pressure contacts 722 of the second type second terminal 720 are separated from each other by a second type pressing distance D2 in the width direction. As shown in Figure 8, in the mated state after the first connector 100 and the second connector 500 are mated, the pressure contacts 722 of the second type second terminal 720 each press against the corresponding press-to-press contacts 322 of the second type first terminal 320 in the width direction.

[0074] As shown in Figure 18, the pressure contact 722 is composed of an outer pressure contact 723 and an inner pressure contact 724.

[0075] As shown in Figure 4, the outer pressure contact 723 in this embodiment faces inward in the width direction. The outer pressure contact 723 is located outside the inner pressure contact 724 in the width direction. Referring to Figures 4 and 10, the outer pressure contact 723 of the second type second terminal 720 of the front second terminal row 650 faces rearward in the front-rear direction. Referring to Figures 3 and 10, the outer pressure contact 723 of the second type second terminal 720 of the rear second terminal row 650 faces forward in the front-rear direction.

[0076] As shown in Figure 4, the inner pressure contact 724 in this embodiment faces outward in the width direction. The inner pressure contact 724 is located inside the outer pressure contact 723 in the width direction. Referring to Figures 4 and 10, the inner pressure contact 724 of the second type second terminal 720 of the front second terminal row 650 faces forward in the front-rear direction. Referring to Figures 3 and 10, the inner pressure contact 724 of the second type second terminal 720 of the rear second terminal row 650 faces rearward in the front-rear direction.

[0077] As shown in Figure 3, in the un-mated state, the outer pressure contact 723 and the inner pressure contact 724 are positioned apart from each other and facing each other in the width direction. In the un-mated state, the outer pressure contact 723 and the inner pressure contact 724 are separated from each other by a second-type pressure distance D2 in the width direction. As shown in Figure 8, in the mated state, the outer pressure contact 723 of the second-type second terminal 720 presses the outer pressure-receiving contact 323 of the corresponding second-type first terminal 320 in the width direction. Also, in the mated state, the inner pressure contact 724 of the second-type second terminal 720 presses the inner pressure-receiving contact 324 of the corresponding second-type first terminal 320 in the width direction.

[0078] Referring to Figure 3, the second type of pressing distance D2 is not equal to the first type of pressing distance D1. That is, D1 ≠ D2. More specifically, in this embodiment, the second type of pressing distance D2 is greater than the first type of pressing distance D1. That is, D2 > D1.

[0079] As shown in Figure 18, the support portion 725 in this embodiment elastically supports the two pressing contacts 722. The support portion 725 extends from the upper end of the held portion 726.

[0080] Referring to Figures 4 and 18, the retained portion 726 in this embodiment is retained by the second retaining member 600. The retained portion 726 is press-fitted into the second retaining member 600. More specifically, the retained portion 726 is press-fitted into the second retaining portion 620. As shown in Figure 18, the retained portion 726 is located in the width direction between the support portion 725 and the fixed portion 728. The retained portion 726 extends downward in the vertical direction from the inner end in the width direction of the support portion 725. The retained portion 726 extends upward in the vertical direction from the outer end in the width direction of the fixed portion 728.

[0081] Referring to Figure 4, the fixed portion 728 of this embodiment is fixed to the object when the second connector 500 is mounted on the object. Specifically, the fixed portion 728 is soldered to a pad (not shown) on the substrate when the second connector 500 is mounted on the substrate. As shown in Figure 18, the fixed portion 728 defines the lower end of the second type second terminal 720 in the vertical direction. The fixed portion 728 defines the inner end of the second type second terminal 720 in the width direction. The fixed portion 728 extends inward in the width direction from the lower end of the retained portion 726. As shown in Figure 10, the fixed portion 728 of the second type second terminal 720 is at least partially located within the opening 605 of the second retaining member 600. When the second connector 500 is viewed along the vertical direction, all of the fixed portions 728 of the second type second terminal 720 are visible through the opening 605. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and when the second connector 500 is viewed along the vertical direction, it is sufficient that the fixed portions 728 of the second type second terminals 720 of at least two or more second terminals 700 are visible through the opening 605.

[0082] As described above, the fixed portion 728 is soldered to the pads on the circuit board when the second connector 500 is mounted on the circuit board, so it is necessary to ensure sufficient spacing between adjacent fixed portions 728 and between the pads to which they are soldered. If the second type second terminals 720 of two second terminal rows 650 are arranged rotationally asymmetrically in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, the second type second terminals 720 of the front second terminal row 650 and the second type second terminals 720 of the rear second terminal row 650 will be arranged facing each other in the front-to-back direction. However, in this case, sufficient spacing cannot be ensured between the fixed portion 728 of the second type second terminal 720 of the front second terminal row 650 and the fixed portion 728 of the second type second terminal 720 of the rear second terminal row 650. On the other hand, in the second connector 500 of this embodiment, as described above, the second type second terminals 720 of the two second terminal rows 650 are arranged in a way that is rotationally symmetrical twice in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. Therefore, the second type second terminals 720 of the front second terminal row 650 and the second type second terminals 720 of the rear second terminal row 650 are not arranged facing each other in the front-to-back direction, and sufficient spacing can be secured between adjacent fixed parts 728 and between the pads to which they are soldered.

[0083] As described above, each of the first type second terminals 710 has two pressure contacts 712, and each of the second type second terminals 720 has two pressure contacts 722. That is, each of the second terminals 700 has two pressure contacts 712, 722.

[0084] Referring to Figure 3, if we define the first size S1 as the first type pressure size Sa minus the first type pressure distance D1, and the second size S2 as the second type pressure size Sb minus the second type pressure distance D2, then the first size S1 is different from the second size S2. That is, the first size S1 (=Sa-D1) and the second size S2 (=Sb-D2) satisfy S1≠S2.

[0085] As described above, in the assembly 10 of the present embodiment, in the state where the first connector 100 and the second connector 500 are fitted, the pressing contacts 712 and 722 of the second terminal 700 press the corresponding pressed contacts 312 and 322 of the first terminal 300 in the width direction, and the first size S1 and the second size S2 satisfy S1≠S2. Thereby, in the assembly 10 of the present embodiment, when the first connector 100 and the second connector 500 are fitted, the required insertion force is reduced, and the first terminal 300 and the second terminal 700 are in two-point contact to ensure connection reliability.

[0086] Particularly, in the present embodiment, the second size S2 is smaller than the first size S1. That is, S2 < S1. Thereby, in the assembly 10 of the present embodiment, when the first connector 100 and the second connector 500 are fitted, the force received by the second type first terminal 320 from the second type second terminal 720 is smaller than the force received by the first type first terminal 310 from the first type second terminal 710. That is, in the assembly 10 of the present embodiment, when the first connector 100 and the second connector 500 are fitted, the reduction of the required insertion force is surely achieved.

[0087] The fixing operation of the second type second terminal 720 to the second holding member 600 will be described in detail below.

[0088] First, prepare two sets of second terminal row intermediates 800 each composed of a plurality of blanks 820 connected to a carrier 810 via a connecting portion 812, and arrange them as shown in FIG. 21. In this state, the blanks 820 are arranged in two-fold rotational symmetry in a plane orthogonal to the vertical direction. More specifically, in this state, the blanks 820 are arranged in a staggered pattern. Also, in this state, the carriers 810 of the two sets of second terminal row intermediates 800 are located on both sides in the front-rear direction sandwiching the blanks 820.

[0089] Next, referring to Figures 20, 23, and 26, the blank 820 is press-fitted into the second holding member 600 from below. Specifically, the held portion 826 of the blank 820 is press-fitted into the second holding portion 620 of the second holding member 600 from below. This yields the first intermediate body 850 shown in Figures 24 to 26.

[0090] Subsequently, referring to Figures 24 and 26, a cutting blade (not shown) is inserted from above the opening 605 to simultaneously sever the connecting portion 812 between the front carrier 810 and the blank 820, and the connecting portion 812 between the rear carrier 810 and the blank 820. This yields the second intermediate body 880 shown in Figures 27 and 28. As a result, the blank 820 becomes a second type second terminal 720, and the fixing of the second type second terminal 720 to the second holding member 600 is completed. The end of the blank 820 that is created by the severing of the connecting portion 812 becomes the fixed portion 728 of the second type second terminal 720.

[0091] The second connector 500 of this embodiment has an opening 605. As a result, in the process of fixing the second type second terminal 720 of the second connector 500 of this embodiment to the second retaining member 600, as described above, the front carrier 810 and blank 820 can be separated at the same time by inserting a cutting blade into the opening 605, and the rear carrier 810 and blank 820 can also be separated at the same time. Therefore, the second connector 500 of this embodiment simplifies the manufacturing process and can be manufactured at a lower cost.

[0092] Up to this point, a first embodiment of the present invention has been described, but this embodiment may be modified as follows.

[0093] (First variation) As shown in Figure 29, the assembly 10A according to the first modified example comprises a first connector 100A and a second connector 500A.

[0094] As shown in Figure 31, the first connector 100A of this modified example comprises a plurality of first terminals 300A and a first retaining member 200. The first terminals 300A are made of metal. The first retaining member 200 of this modified example has the same structure as the first retaining member 200 of the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0095] As shown in Figure 29, the first connector 100A has two first terminal rows 250A that are spaced apart in the width direction. That is, the two terminal rows 250A are spaced apart in the front-to-back direction. The first terminal row 250A is also called terminal row 250A. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number of terminal rows 250A may be one.

[0096] As shown in Figure 29, each of the first terminal rows 250A is composed of first terminals 300A arranged in a pitch direction perpendicular to both the vertical and width directions.

[0097] As shown in Figure 29, the first terminal 300A in this modified example is held by the first holding member 200. The first terminal 300A is composed of a plurality of first type first terminals 310 and a plurality of second type first terminals 320A. That is, each of the first terminal rows 250A contains a plurality of first type first terminals 310 and a plurality of second type first terminals 320A. The first type first terminals 310 are adjacent to the second type first terminals 320A in the pitch direction. More specifically, in each of the first terminal rows 250A, the first type first terminals 310 and the second type first terminals 320A are arranged alternately in the pitch direction. In this modified example, the number of first type first terminals 310 and the number of second type first terminals 320A are the same. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and each of the first terminal rows 250A may include at least one first type first terminal 310 and at least one second type first terminal 320A. That is, a first terminal 300A may include at least one first type first terminal 310 and at least one second type first terminal 320A. Also, if there is only one terminal row 250A, at least some of the first terminals 300A may constitute one terminal row 250A arranged in a pitch direction perpendicular to both the vertical and width directions, and the single terminal row 250A may include a first type first terminal 310 and a second type first terminal 320A. The first type first terminal 310 in this modified example has the same structure as the first type first terminal 310 in the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0098] Referring to Figures 29, 31, and 32, the second type first terminals 320A of the two first terminal rows 250A are arranged in a 2-fold rotationally symmetrical manner in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The second type first terminals 320A of the two first terminal rows 250A are arranged in a staggered pattern.

[0099] As shown in Figure 37, each of the second type first terminals 320A has two pressable contacts 322A, an insertion end 325A, a fixed portion 328, and a connecting portion 329. That is, unlike the second type first terminal 320 of the above-described embodiment, the second type first terminal 320A of this modified example does not have an inclined portion 326. Furthermore, the insertion end 325A, fixed portion 328, and connecting portion 329 of this modified example have the same structure as the insertion end 325, fixed portion 328, and connecting portion 329 of the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0100] As shown in Figure 37, each of the pressure-receiving contacts 322A is located away from the insertion end 325A in the vertical direction. Each of the pressure-receiving contacts 322A is located above the insertion end 325A in the vertical direction. The pressure-receiving contacts 322A are located apart from each other in the width direction, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction. The pressure-receiving contacts 322A are oriented in different directions in the width direction.

[0101] As shown in Figure 37, the pressure-sensitive contact 322A is composed of an outer pressure-sensitive contact 323A and an inner pressure-sensitive contact 324A. The outer pressure-sensitive contact 323A and the inner pressure-sensitive contact 324A in this modified example have the same structure as the outer pressure-sensitive contact 323 and the inner pressure-sensitive contact 324 in the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0102] As shown in Figure 37, the second type first terminal 320A has a second type pressed size Sb as the maximum size in the width direction in the region from the insertion end 325A to the pressed contact 322A. In this modified example, the second type pressed size Sb is equal to the distance PD between the outer pressed contact 323A and the inner pressed contact 324A in the width direction. That is, the pressed contacts 322A of the second type first terminal 320A are separated from each other by a predetermined distance PD in the width direction, and Sb = PD.

[0103] Referring to Figure 31, in this modified example, the second type of pressed size Sb is equal to the first type of pressed size Sa. That is, Sa = Sb.

[0104] Referring to Figure 29, the second connector 500A of this modified example comprises a plurality of second terminals 700A and a second retaining member 600. The second terminals 700A are made of metal. The second retaining member 600 of this modified example has the same structure as the second retaining member 600 of the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0105] As shown in Figure 29, the second connector 500A has two second terminal rows 650A that are spaced apart in the width direction. That is, the two second terminal rows 650A are spaced apart in the front-to-back direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of second terminal rows 650A may be one.

[0106] As shown in Figure 29, each of the second terminal rows 650A is composed of second terminals 700A arranged in a pitch direction perpendicular to both the vertical and width directions.

[0107] As shown in Figure 31, the second terminal 700A of this modified example is held by the second holding member 600. Referring to Figures 31 and 32, the second terminal 700A corresponds to the first terminal 300A, respectively. As shown in Figure 29, the second terminal 700A is composed of a plurality of first-type second terminals 710 and a plurality of second-type second terminals 720A. That is, each of the second terminal rows 650A contains a plurality of first-type second terminals 710 and a plurality of second-type second terminals 720A. The first-type second terminals 710 are adjacent to the second-type second terminals 720A in the pitch direction. More specifically, in each of the second terminal rows 650A, the first-type second terminals 710 and the second-type second terminals 720A are arranged alternately in the pitch direction. In this modified example, the number of first-type second terminals 710 and the number of second-type second terminals 720A are the same. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and each of the second terminal rows 650A may include both first-type second terminals 710 and second-type second terminals 720A. That is, a second terminal 700A may include both first-type second terminals 710 and second-type second terminals 720A. Furthermore, if there is only one second terminal row 650A, at least some of the second terminals 700A may constitute one second terminal row 650A arranged in a pitch direction perpendicular to both the vertical and width directions, and this one second terminal row 650A may include both first-type second terminals 710 and second-type second terminals 720A. Since the first type second terminal 710 in this modified example has the same structure as the first type second terminal 710 in the first embodiment, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0108] Referring to Figures 29, 31, and 32, the second type second terminals 720A of the two second terminal rows 650A are arranged in a 2-fold rotationally symmetrical manner in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The second type second terminals 720A of the two second terminal rows 650A are arranged in a staggered pattern. The fixing operation of the second type second terminals 720A to the second retaining member 600 can be carried out in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above. The second type second terminals 720A correspond to the first type first terminals 320A.

[0109] As shown in Figure 39, each of the second type second terminals 720A in this embodiment has two pressing contacts 722A, a support portion 725A, a held portion 726, and a fixed portion 728. The held portion 726 and the fixed portion 728 in this modified example have the same structure as the held portion 726 and the fixed portion 728 in the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0110] As shown in Figure 31, in the unmated state before the second connector 500A is mated with the first connector 100A, the pressure contacts 722A are positioned apart from each other and facing each other in the width direction. In the unmated state, the pressure contacts 722A of the second type second terminal 720A are separated from each other by the second type pressing distance D2 in the width direction. As shown in Figure 35, in the mated state after the first connector 100A and the second connector 500A are mated, the pressure contacts 722A of the second type second terminal 720A each press against the corresponding press-to-press contacts 322A of the second type first terminal 320A in the width direction.

[0111] As shown in Figure 39, the pressure contact 722A is composed of an outer pressure contact 723A and an inner pressure contact 724A. The outer pressure contact 723A and inner pressure contact 724A in this modified example have the same structure as the outer pressure contact 723 and inner pressure contact 724 of the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0112] Referring to Figure 31, the second type of pressing distance D2 is not equal to the first type of pressing distance D1. That is, D1 ≠ D2. More specifically, in this embodiment, the second type of pressing distance D2 is greater than the first type of pressing distance D1. That is, D2 > D1.

[0113] As shown in Figure 39, the support portion 725A in this embodiment elastically supports the two pressing contacts 722A. The support portion 725A extends from the upper end of the held portion 726.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 31, when the first pressed size S1 is obtained by subtracting the first pressing distance D1 from the first pressed size Sa, and the second pressed size S2 is obtained by subtracting the second pressing distance D2 from the second pressed size Sb, the first size S1 is different from the second size S2. That is, the first size S1 (= Sa - D1) and the second size S2 (= Sb - D2) satisfy S1 ≠ S2.

[0115] As described above, in the assembly 10A of this modified example, when the first connector 100A and the second connector 500A are fitted, the pressing contacts 712 and 722A of the second terminal 700A respectively press the corresponding pressed contacts 312 and 322A of the first terminal 300A in the width direction, and the first size S1 and the second size S2 satisfy S1 ≠ S2. Thereby, in the assembly 10A of this modified example, when the first connector 100A and the second connector 500A are fitted, the required insertion force is reduced, and the first terminal 300A and the second terminal 700A are in two-point contact to ensure connection reliability.

[0116] Particularly, in this modified example, the second size S2 is smaller than the first size S1. That is, S2 < S1. Thereby, in the assembly 10A of this modified example, when the first connector 100A and the second connector 500A are fitted, the force received by the second type first terminal 320A from the second type second terminal 720A is smaller than the force received by the first type first terminal 310 from the first type second terminal 710. That is, in the assembly 10A of this modified example, when the first connector 100A and the second connector 500A are fitted, the reduction of the required insertion force is surely achieved.

[0117] (Second Modified Example) As shown in FIG. 40, the assembly 10B according to the second modified example includes a first connector 100B and a second connector 500B.

[0118] As shown in Figure 42, the first connector 100B of this modified example comprises a plurality of first terminals 300B and a first retaining member 200. The first terminals 300B are made of metal. The first retaining member 200 of this modified example has the same structure as the first retaining member 200 of the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0119] As shown in Figure 40, the first connector 100B has two first terminal rows 250B that are spaced apart in the width direction. That is, the two terminal rows 250B are spaced apart in the front-to-back direction. The first terminal row 250B is also called terminal row 250B. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number of terminal rows 250B may be one.

[0120] As shown in Figure 40, each of the first terminal rows 250B is composed of first terminals 300B arranged in a pitch direction perpendicular to both the vertical and width directions.

[0121] As shown in Figure 40, the first terminal 300B of this modified example is held by the first holding member 200. The first terminal 300B is composed of a plurality of first type first terminals 310 and a plurality of second type first terminals 320B. That is, each of the first terminal rows 250B contains a plurality of first type first terminals 310 and a plurality of second type first terminals 320B. The first type first terminals 310 are adjacent to the second type first terminals 320B in the pitch direction. More specifically, in each of the first terminal rows 250B, the first type first terminals 310 and the second type first terminals 320B are arranged alternately in the pitch direction. In this modified example, the number of first type first terminals 310 and the number of second type first terminals 320B are the same. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and each of the first terminal rows 250B may include at least one first type first terminal 310 and at least one second type first terminal 320B. That is, a first terminal 300B may include at least one first type first terminal 310 and at least one second type first terminal 320B. Also, if there is only one terminal row 250B, at least some of the first terminals 300B may constitute one terminal row 250B arranged in a pitch direction perpendicular to both the vertical and width directions, and the single terminal row 250B may include a first type first terminal 310 and a second type first terminal 320B. The first type first terminal 310 in this modified example has the same structure as the first type first terminal 310 in the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0122] Referring to Figures 40, 42, and 43, the second type first terminals 320B of the two first terminal rows 250B are arranged in a 2-fold rotationally symmetrical manner in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The second type first terminals 320B of the two first terminal rows 250B are arranged in a staggered pattern.

[0123] As shown in Figure 48, each of the second type first terminals 320B has two pressable contacts 322B, an insertion end 325B, an inclined portion 326B, a locking portion 327, a fixed portion 328, and a connecting portion 329. That is, the second type first terminal 320B of this modified example differs from the second type first terminal 320 of the above-described embodiment in that it has a locking portion 327. The insertion end 325B, fixed portion 328, and connecting portion 329 of this modified example have the same structure as the insertion end 325, fixed portion 328, and connecting portion 329 of the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0124] As shown in Figure 48, each of the pressure-receiving contacts 322B is located away from the insertion end 325B in the vertical direction. Each of the pressure-receiving contacts 322B is located above the insertion end 325B in the vertical direction. The pressure-receiving contacts 322B are located apart from each other in the width direction, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction. The pressure-receiving contacts 322B are oriented in different directions in the width direction.

[0125] As shown in Figure 48, the pressure-sensitive contact 322B is composed of an outer pressure-sensitive contact 323B and an inner pressure-sensitive contact 324B. The outer pressure-sensitive contact 323B and the inner pressure-sensitive contact 324B in this modified example have the same structure as the outer pressure-sensitive contact 323 and the inner pressure-sensitive contact 324 in the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0126] Referring to Figure 48, the inclined portion 326B of this modified example extends upward and inward in the width direction from the inner pressure contact 324B. The inclined portion 326B is oblique in both the vertical and width directions. The inclined portion 326B is located between the inner pressure contact 324B and the connecting portion 329 in the vertical direction. The inclined portion 326B is located above the inner pressure contact 324B in the vertical direction. The inclined portion 326B is located below the connecting portion 329 in the vertical direction. The inclined portion 326B of this modified example is smaller in the width direction than the inclined portion 326 of the first embodiment. Also, the inclined portion 326B of this modified example is smaller in the vertical direction than the inclined portion 326 of the first embodiment.

[0127] As shown in Figure 48, in this modified example, the locking portion 327 is located between the press-to-contact 322B and the insertion end 325B in the vertical direction. The locking portion 327 is located below the press-to-contact 322B in the vertical direction. That is, the locking portion 327 is located below the inner press-to-contact 324B in the vertical direction. The locking portion 327 is located above the insertion end 325B in the vertical direction. The locking portion 327 is located below the fixed portion 328 in the vertical direction. The locking portion 327 is located inside the press-to-contact 322B in the width direction. The locking portion 327 extends inward in the width direction from the inner press-to-contact 324B.

[0128] As shown in Figure 48, the second type first terminal 320B has a second type pressed size Sb as the maximum size in the width direction in the region from the insertion end 325B to the pressed contact 322B. In this modified example, the second type pressed size Sb is not equal to the distance PD between the outer pressed contact 323B and the inner pressed contact 324B in the width direction. That is, the pressed contacts 322B of the second type first terminal 320B are separated from each other by a predetermined distance PD in the width direction, and Sb ≠ PD. More specifically, in this modified example, the second type pressed size Sb is greater than the distance PD between the outer pressed contact 323B and the inner pressed contact 324B in the width direction. That is, Sb > PD.

[0129] Referring to Figure 42, in this modified example, the second type of pressed size Sb is equal to the first type of pressed size Sa. That is, Sa = Sb.

[0130] Referring to Figure 40, the second connector 500B of this modified example comprises a plurality of second terminals 700B and a second retaining member 600. The second terminals 700B are made of metal. The second retaining member 600 of this modified example has the same structure as the second retaining member 600 of the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0131] As shown in Figure 40, the second connector 500B has two second terminal rows 650B that are spaced apart in the width direction. That is, the two second terminal rows 650B are spaced apart in the front-to-back direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number of second terminal rows 650B may be one.

[0132] As shown in Figure 40, each of the second terminal rows 650B is composed of second terminals 700B arranged in a pitch direction perpendicular to both the vertical and width directions.

[0133] As shown in Figure 42, the second terminal 700B of this modified example is held by the second retaining member 600. Referring to Figures 42 and 43, the second terminal 700B corresponds to the first terminal 300B, respectively. As shown in Figure 40, the second terminal 700B is composed of a plurality of first-type second terminals 710 and a plurality of second-type second terminals 720B. That is, each of the second terminal rows 650B contains a plurality of first-type second terminals 710 and a plurality of second-type second terminals 720B. The first-type second terminals 710 are adjacent to the second-type second terminals 720B in the pitch direction. More specifically, in each of the second terminal rows 650B, the first-type second terminals 710 and the second-type second terminals 720B are arranged alternately in the pitch direction. In this modified example, the number of first-type second terminals 710 and the number of second-type second terminals 720B are the same. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and each of the second terminal rows 650B may include both first-type second terminals 710 and second-type second terminals 720B. That is, a second terminal 700B may include both first-type second terminals 710 and second-type second terminals 720B. Furthermore, if there is only one second terminal row 650B, at least some of the second terminals 700B may constitute one second terminal row 650B arranged in a pitch direction perpendicular to both the vertical and width directions, and this one second terminal row 650B may include both first-type second terminals 710 and second-type second terminals 720B. Since the first type second terminal 710 in this modified example has the same structure as the first type second terminal 710 in the first embodiment, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0134] Referring to Figures 40, 42, and 43, the second type second terminals 720B of the two second terminal rows 650B are arranged in a 2-fold rotationally symmetrical manner in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The second type second terminals 720B of the two second terminal rows 650B are arranged in a staggered pattern. The fixing operation of the second type second terminals 720B to the second retaining member 600 can be carried out in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above. The second type second terminals 720B correspond to the second type first terminals 320B.

[0135] As shown in Figure 50, each of the second type second terminals 720B in this embodiment has two pressing contacts 722B, a support portion 725B, a held portion 726, and a fixed portion 728. The held portion 726 and the fixed portion 728 in this modified example have the same structure as the held portion 726 and the fixed portion 728 in the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0136] As shown in Figure 42, in the unmated state before the second connector 500B is mated with the first connector 100B, the pressure contacts 722B are positioned apart from each other and facing each other in the width direction. In the unmated state, the pressure contacts 722B of the second type second terminal 720B are separated from each other by a second type pressing distance D2 in the width direction. As shown in Figure 46, in the mated state after the first connector 100B and the second connector 500B are mated, the pressure contacts 722B of the second type second terminal 720B each press against the corresponding pressed contacts 322B of the second type first terminal 320B in the width direction.

[0137] As shown in Figure 50, the pressure contact 722B is composed of an outer pressure contact 723B and an inner pressure contact 724B. The outer pressure contact 723B and inner pressure contact 724B in this modified example have the same structure as the outer pressure contact 723 and inner pressure contact 724 in the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0138] Referring to Figure 42, the second type of pressing distance D2 is not equal to the first type of pressing distance D1. That is, D1 ≠ D2. More specifically, in this embodiment, the second type of pressing distance D2 is greater than the first type of pressing distance D1. That is, D2 > D1.

[0139] As shown in Figure 50, the support portion 725B in this embodiment elastically supports the two pressing contacts 722B. The support portion 725B extends from the upper end of the held portion 726.

[0140] Referring to Figure 42, if we define the first size S1 as the first type pressure size Sa minus the first type pressure distance D1, and the second size S2 as the second type pressure size Sb minus the second type pressure distance D2, then the first size S1 is different from the second size S2. That is, the first size S1 (=Sa-D1) and the second size S2 (=Sb-D2) satisfy S1≠S2.

[0141] As described above, in the modified assembly 10B, when the first connector 100B and the second connector 500B are mated, the pressing contacts 712 and 722B of the second terminal 700B press against the corresponding pressed contacts 312 and 322B of the first terminal 300B in the width direction, and the first size S1 and the second size S2 satisfy S1 ≠ S2. As a result, in the modified assembly 10B, the required insertion force when mating the first connector 100B and the second connector 500B is reduced, and connection reliability is ensured by two-point contact between the first terminal 300B and the second terminal 700B.

[0142] In particular, in this modification, the second size S2 is smaller than the first size S1. That is, S2 < S1. Thereby, in the assembly 10B of this modification, when the first connector 100B and the second connector 500B are fitted, the force received by the second type first terminal 320B from the second type second terminal 720B is smaller than the force received by the first type first terminal 310 from the first type second terminal 710. That is, in the assembly 10B of this modification, when the first connector 100B and the second connector 500B are fitted, a reduction in the required insertion force is surely achieved.

[0143] The first connectors 100, 100A, 100B of the above-described embodiments and modifications included the first type first terminals 310, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As long as the first size S1 (= Sa - D1) is different from the second size S2 (= Sb - D2), the first connectors 100, 100A, 100B may include the first type first terminal 310C shown in FIGS. 51 to 53 instead of the first type first terminal 310. The first type first terminal 310C has two pressed contact points 312C, an insertion end portion 315C, a lock portion 317C, a fixed portion 318C, and a connecting portion 319C, and has the same structure as the first type first terminal 310D (see FIG. 66) described later.

[0144] The first connectors 100, 100A, 100B of the above-described embodiments and modifications included the second type first terminals 320, 320A, 320B, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As long as the first size S1 (= Sa - D1) is different from the second size S2 (= Sb - D2), the first connectors 100, 100A, 100B may include the second type first terminal 320C shown in FIGS. 54 to 56 instead of the second type first terminals 320, 320A, 320B. The second type first terminal 320C has an inverted J shape when viewed in the pitch direction, and has two pressed contact points 322C, an insertion end portion 325C, an inclined portion 326C, a lock portion 327C, a fixed portion 328C, and a connecting portion 329C.

[0145] (Second Embodiment) As shown in Figure 57, the assembly 10D according to the second embodiment of the present invention comprises a first connector 100D and a second connector 500D.

[0146] As can be seen from Figures 59 and 62, the first connector 100D of this embodiment is matable with the second connector 500D in the vertical direction. The orientation and direction in this embodiment will be expressed in the same way as in the first embodiment below. The first connector 100D is mountable on a substrate (not shown).

[0147] As shown in Figure 64, the first connector 100D comprises a plurality of first terminals 300D and a first retaining member 200D. The first terminals 300D are made of metal. The first retaining member 200D is made of an insulator.

[0148] As shown in Figure 64, the first connector 100D has two first terminal rows 250D that are spaced apart in the width direction. That is, the two terminal rows 250D are spaced apart in the front-to-back direction.

[0149] As shown in Figure 64, each of the first terminal rows 250D is composed of first terminals 300D arranged in a pitch direction perpendicular to both the vertical and width directions.

[0150] As shown in Figure 64, the first terminal 300D of this embodiment is held by the first holding member 200D. The first terminal 300D is composed of a plurality of first type first terminals 310D and a plurality of second type first terminals 320D. In this embodiment, the number of first type first terminals 310D and the number of second type first terminals 320D are the same. The first type first terminals 310D and the second type first terminals 320D are spaced apart from each other in the width direction. One terminal row 250D is composed only of a plurality of first type first terminals 310D, and the other terminal row 250D is composed only of a plurality of second type first terminals 320D. More specifically, the front terminal row 250D is composed only of a plurality of first type first terminals 310D, and the rear terminal row 250D is composed only of a plurality of second type first terminals 320D. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number of first type first terminals 310D may be one, or the number of second type first terminals 320D may be one.

[0151] As shown in Figure 67, each of the first type first terminals 310D in this embodiment has two pressable contacts 312D, an insertion end 315D, a locking portion 317D, a fixed portion 318D, and a connecting portion 319D.

[0152] As shown in Figure 67, each of the pressure-receiving contacts 312D is located away from the insertion end 315D in the vertical direction. Each of the pressure-receiving contacts 312D is located above the insertion end 315D in the vertical direction. The pressure-receiving contacts 312D are located apart from each other in the width direction, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction. The pressure-receiving contacts 312D are oriented in different directions in the width direction.

[0153] As shown in Figure 67, the pressure-sensitive contact 312D is composed of an outer pressure-sensitive contact 313D and an inner pressure-sensitive contact 314D.

[0154] As shown in Figure 59, the outer pressure contact 313D of this embodiment is oriented outward in the width direction. The outer pressure contact 313D is located outside the inner pressure contact 314D in the width direction. More specifically, the outer pressure contact 313D is oriented forward in the front-rear direction. The outer pressure contact 313D is located in front of the inner pressure contact 314D in the front-rear direction.

[0155] As shown in Figure 59, the inner pressure contact 314D of this embodiment is oriented inward in the width direction. The inner pressure contact 314D is located inside the outer pressure contact 313D in the width direction. More specifically, the inner pressure contact 314D is oriented rearward in the front-rear direction. The inner pressure contact 314D is located behind the outer pressure contact 313D in the front-rear direction. The inner pressure contact 314D defines the width direction inner end of the first terminal 310D of type 1. That is, the inner pressure contact 314D defines the rear end of the first terminal 310D of type 1 in the front-rear direction.

[0156] As shown in Figure 59, the insertion end 315D of this embodiment has a substantially U-shaped cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the pitch direction. As shown in Figure 67, the insertion end 315D is located below the pressed contact 312D in the vertical direction. That is, the insertion end 315D is located below the outer pressed contact 313D in the vertical direction. The insertion end 315D is located below the inner pressed contact 314D in the vertical direction. The insertion end 315D is located below the locking portion 317D in the vertical direction. The insertion end 315D is located below the fixed portion 318D in the vertical direction. The insertion end 315D is located below the connecting portion 319D in the vertical direction. The insertion end 315D defines the lower end of the first terminal 310D of the first type in the vertical direction.

[0157] As shown in Figure 67, the locking portion 317D of this embodiment is located between the press-to-press contact 312D and the insertion end 315D in the vertical direction. The locking portion 317D is located below the press-to-press contact 312D in the vertical direction. That is, the locking portion 317D is located below the outer press-to-press contact 313D in the vertical direction. The locking portion 317D is located above the insertion end 315D in the vertical direction. The locking portion 317D is located below the fixed portion 318D in the vertical direction. The locking portion 317D is located below the connecting portion 319D in the vertical direction. The locking portion 317D is located outside the press-to-press contact 312D in the width direction. The locking portion 317D extends outward in the width direction from the outer press-to-press contact 313D. More specifically, the locking portion 317D extends forward in the front-rear direction from the outer pressure contact 313D.

[0158] Referring to Figure 59, the fixed portion 318D of this embodiment is soldered to a pad (not shown) on the substrate when the first connector 100D is mounted on the substrate. The fixed portion 318D defines the upper end of the first terminal 310D of the first type in the vertical direction. The fixed portion 318D defines the outer end of the first terminal 310D of the first type in the width direction. More specifically, the fixed portion 318D defines the front end in the front-rear direction.

[0159] As shown in Figure 67, the connecting portion 319D of this embodiment connects the inner pressure-receiving contact 314D and the fixed portion 318D. The connecting portion 319D is located between the inner pressure-receiving contact 314D and the fixed portion 318D in the vertical direction. The connecting portion 319D is located above the inner pressure-receiving contact 314D in the vertical direction. The connecting portion 319D is located below the fixed portion 318D in the vertical direction.

[0160] As shown in Figure 67, the first type terminal 310D has a first type pressed size Sa as the maximum size in the width direction in the region from the insertion end 315D to the pressed contact 312D. In this embodiment, the first type pressed size Sa is equal to the distance between the inner pressed contact 314D and the front end of the locking portion 317D.

[0161] As shown in Figure 69, each of the Type 2 first terminals 320D has two pressable contacts 322D, an insertion end 325D, a fixed portion 328D, and a connecting portion 329D. Unlike the Type 1 first terminal 310D, the Type 2 first terminal 320D does not have a locking portion.

[0162] As shown in Figure 69, each of the pressure-receiving contacts 322D is located away from the insertion end 325D in the vertical direction. Each of the pressure-receiving contacts 322D is located above the insertion end 325D in the vertical direction. The pressure-receiving contacts 322D are located apart from each other in the width direction, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction. The pressure-receiving contacts 322D are oriented in different directions in the width direction.

[0163] As shown in Figure 69, the pressure-sensitive contact 322D is composed of an outer pressure-sensitive contact 323D and an inner pressure-sensitive contact 324D.

[0164] As shown in Figure 59, the outer pressure contact 323D of this embodiment is oriented outward in the width direction. The outer pressure contact 323D is located outside the inner pressure contact 314D in the width direction. More specifically, the outer pressure contact 323D is oriented rearward in the front-rear direction. The outer pressure contact 323D is located behind the inner pressure contact 324D in the front-rear direction.

[0165] As shown in Figure 59, the inner pressure contact 324D of this embodiment is oriented inward in the width direction. The inner pressure contact 324D is located inside the outer pressure contact 323D in the width direction. More specifically, the inner pressure contact 324D is oriented forward in the front-rear direction. The inner pressure contact 324D is located in front of the outer pressure contact 323D in the front-rear direction. The inner pressure contact 324D defines the width direction inner end of the second type first terminal 320D. That is, the inner pressure contact 324D defines the front end of the second type first terminal 320D in the front-rear direction.

[0166] As shown in Figure 59, the insertion end 325D of this embodiment has a substantially U-shaped cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the pitch direction. As shown in Figure 69, the insertion end 325D is located below the pressed contact 322D in the vertical direction. That is, the insertion end 325D is located below the outer pressed contact 323D in the vertical direction. The insertion end 325D is located below the inner pressed contact 324D in the vertical direction. The insertion end 325D is located below the fixed portion 328D in the vertical direction. The insertion end 325D is located below the connecting portion 329D in the vertical direction. The insertion end 325D defines the lower end of the second type first terminal 320D in the vertical direction.

[0167] Referring to Figure 59, the fixed portion 328D of this embodiment is soldered to a pad (not shown) on the substrate when the first connector 100D is mounted on the substrate. The fixed portion 328D defines the upper end of the second type first terminal 320D in the vertical direction. The fixed portion 328D defines the outer end of the second type first terminal 320D in the width direction. That is, the fixed portion 328D defines the rear end of the second type first terminal 320D in the front-rear direction.

[0168] As shown in Figure 69, the connecting portion 329D of this embodiment connects the inner pressure-receiving contact 324D and the fixed portion 328D. The connecting portion 329D is located between the inner pressure-receiving contact 324D and the fixed portion 328D in the vertical direction. The connecting portion 329D is located above the inner pressure-receiving contact 324D in the vertical direction. The connecting portion 329D is located below the fixed portion 328D in the vertical direction.

[0169] As shown in Figure 69, the second type first terminal 320D has a second type pressed size Sb as the maximum size in the width direction in the region from the insertion end 325D to the pressed contact 322D. In this embodiment, the second type pressed size Sb is equal to the distance PD between the outer pressed contact 323D and the inner pressed contact 324D in the width direction. That is, the pressed contacts 322D of the second type first terminal 320D are separated from each other by a predetermined distance PD in the width direction, and Sb = PD.

[0170] Referring to Figure 59, the second type of pressure size Sb is equal to the first type of pressure size Sa. That is, Sa = Sb.

[0171] As described above, each of the first type first terminals 310D has two pressable contacts 312D and an insertion end 315D, and each of the second type first terminals 320D has two pressable contacts 322D and an insertion end 325D. That is, each of the first terminals 300D has two pressable contacts 312D, 322D and insertion ends 315D, 325D.

[0172] Referring to Figure 57, the second connector 500D of this embodiment is mountable on a substrate (not shown). The second connector 500D comprises a plurality of second terminals 700D and a second retaining member 600D. The second terminals 700D are made of metal. The second retaining member 600D is made of an insulator.

[0173] As shown in Figure 65, the second connector 500D has two second terminal rows 650D that are spaced apart in the width direction. That is, the two second terminal rows 650D are spaced apart in the front-to-back direction.

[0174] As shown in Figure 65, each of the second terminal rows 650D is composed of second terminals 700D arranged in a pitch direction perpendicular to both the vertical and width directions.

[0175] As shown in Figure 65, the second terminal 700D in this embodiment is held by the second retaining member 600D. Referring to Figures 59 and 60, the second terminal 700D corresponds to the first terminal 300D, respectively. Referring to Figures 59, 60, and 65, the second terminal 700D is composed of a plurality of first-type second terminals 710D and a plurality of second-type second terminals 720D. In this embodiment, the number of first-type second terminals 710D and the number of second-type second terminals 720D are the same. One second terminal row 650D is composed only of a plurality of first-type second terminals 710D, while the other second terminal row 650D is composed only of a plurality of second-type second terminals 720D. More specifically, the front second terminal row 650D is composed only of a plurality of first type second terminals 710D, and the rear second terminal row 650D is composed only of a plurality of second type second terminals 720D. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number of first type second terminals 710D may be one, and the number of second type second terminals 720D may be one.

[0176] As shown in Figure 70, each of the first type second terminals 710D in this embodiment has two pressing contacts 712D, a support portion 715D, a held portion 716D, and a fixed portion 718D. The support portion 715D, held portion 716D, and fixed portion 718D in this embodiment have the same structure as the support portion 715, held portion 716, and fixed portion 718 of the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0177] As shown in Figure 59, in the unmated state before the second connector 500D is mated with the first connector 100D, the pressure contacts 712D are positioned apart from each other and facing each other in the width direction. In the unmated state, the pressure contacts 712D of the first type second terminal 710D are separated from each other by a first type pressing distance D1 in the width direction. As shown in Figure 62, in the mated state after the first connector 100D and the second connector 500D are mated, the pressure contacts 712D of the first type second terminal 710D each press against the corresponding pressed contacts 312D of the first type first terminal 310D in the width direction.

[0178] As shown in Figure 70, the pressure contact 712D is composed of an outer pressure contact 713D and an inner pressure contact 714D. The outer pressure contact 713D and the inner pressure contact 714D in this embodiment have the same structure as the outer pressure contact 713 and the inner pressure contact 714 in the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0179] As shown in Figure 71, each of the second type second terminals 720D in this embodiment has two pressing contacts 722D, a support portion 725D, a held portion 726D, and a fixed portion 728D.

[0180] As shown in Figure 59, in the unmated state before the second connector 500D is mated with the first connector 100D, the pressure contacts 722D are positioned apart from each other and facing each other in the width direction. In the unmated state, the pressure contacts 722D of the second type second terminal 720D are separated from each other by a second type pressing distance D2 in the width direction. As shown in Figure 62, in the mated state when the first connector 100D and the second connector 500D are mated, the pressure contacts 722D of the second type second terminal 720D each press against the corresponding pressed contacts 322D of the second type first terminal 320D in the width direction.

[0181] As shown in Figure 71, the pressure contact 722D is composed of an outer pressure contact 723D and an inner pressure contact 724D.

[0182] As shown in Figure 59, the outer pressure contact 723D of this embodiment is oriented inward in the width direction. The outer pressure contact 723D is located outside the inner pressure contact 724D in the width direction. The outer pressure contact 723D is oriented forward in the front-rear direction.

[0183] As shown in Figure 59, the inner pressure contact 724D of this embodiment is oriented outward in the width direction. The inner pressure contact 724D is located inside the outer pressure contact 723D in the width direction. The inner pressure contact 724D is oriented rearward in the front-rear direction.

[0184] As shown in Figure 59, in the un-mated state, the outer pressure contact 723D and the inner pressure contact 724D are positioned apart from each other and facing each other in the width direction. In the un-mated state, the outer pressure contact 723D and the inner pressure contact 724D are separated from each other by a second-type pressure distance D2 in the width direction. As shown in Figure 62, in the mated state, the outer pressure contact 723D of the second-type second terminal 720D presses the outer pressure-receiving contact 323D of the corresponding second-type first terminal 320D in the width direction. Also, in the mated state, the inner pressure contact 724D of the second-type second terminal 720D presses the inner pressure-receiving contact 324D of the corresponding second-type first terminal 320D in the width direction.

[0185] Referring to Figure 59, the second type pressing distance D2 is not equal to the first type pressing distance D1. That is, D1 ≠ D2. More specifically, in this embodiment, the second type pressing distance D2 is smaller than the first type pressing distance D1. That is, D2 <D1である。

[0186] As shown in Figure 71, the support portion 725D in this embodiment elastically supports the two pressing contacts 722D. The support portion 725D extends from the upper end of the held portion 726D.

[0187] Referring to Figures 59 and 71, the retained portion 726D in this embodiment is held by the second retaining member 600D. As shown in Figure 71, the retained portion 726D is located between the support portion 725D and the fixed portion 728D in the width direction. The retained portion 726D extends downward in the vertical direction from the outer end in the width direction of the support portion 725D. The retained portion 726D extends upward in the vertical direction from the inner end in the width direction of the fixed portion 728D.

[0188] Referring to Figure 59, the fixed portion 728D in this embodiment is soldered to a pad (not shown) on the substrate when the second connector 500D is mounted on the substrate. As shown in Figure 71, the fixed portion 728D defines the lower end of the second type second terminal 720D in the vertical direction. The fixed portion 728D defines the outer end of the second type second terminal 720D in the width direction. The fixed portion 728D extends outward in the width direction from the lower end of the retained portion 726D.

[0189] As described above, each of the first type second terminals 710D has two pressure contacts 712D, and each of the second type second terminals 720D has two pressure contacts 722D. That is, each of the second terminals 700D has two pressure contacts 712D and 722D.

[0190] Referring to Figure 59, if we define the first size S1 as the first type pressure size Sa minus the first type pressure distance D1, and the second size S2 as the second type pressure size Sb minus the second type pressure distance D2, then the first size S1 is different from the second size S2. That is, the first size S1 (=Sa-D1) and the second size S2 (=Sb-D2) satisfy S1≠S2.

[0191] As described above, in the assembly 10D of this embodiment, when the first connector 100D and the second connector 500D are mated, the pressing contacts 712D and 722D of the second terminal 700D press the corresponding pressed contacts 312D and 322D of the first terminal 300D in the width direction, and the first size S1 and the second size S2 satisfy S1 ≠ S2. As a result, in the assembly 10D of this embodiment, the insertion force required when mating the first connector 100D and the second connector 500D is reduced, and connection reliability is ensured by two-point contact between the first terminal 300D and the second terminal 700D.

[0192] Particularly, in the present embodiment, the first size S1 is smaller than the second size S2. That is, S1 < S2. Thereby, in the assembly 10D of the present embodiment, when the first connector 100D and the second connector 500D are fitted, the force received by the first type first terminal 310D from the first type second terminal 710D is smaller than the force received by the second type first terminal 320D from the second type second terminal 720D. That is, in the assembly 10D of the present embodiment, when the first connector 100D and the second connector 500D are fitted, a reduction in the required insertion force is surely achieved.

[0193] As described above, the present invention has been specifically described with reference to the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications are possible. Also, a plurality of the above embodiments and modification examples may be combined.

[0194] In the above-described embodiments and modification examples, the second type pressing distance D2 is not equal to the first type pressing distance D1. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As long as the first size S1 (= Sa - D1) is different from the second size S2 (= Sb - D2), the second type pressing distance D2 may be equal to the first type pressing distance D1. That is, the assemblies 10, 10A, 10B, 10D may satisfy D1 = D2 and S1 ≠ S2.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0195] 10, 10A, 10B, 10D Assembly 100, 100A, 100B, 100D First Connector 200, 200D First Holding Member 250, 250A, 250B, 250D First Terminal Row (Terminal Row) 300, 300A, 300B, 300D First Terminal 310, 310C, 310D First Type First Terminal 312, 312C, 312D Pressed Contact Point 313, 313D Outer Pressed Contact Point 314, 314D Inner Pressed Contact Point 315, 315C, 315D Insertion End 316 Inclined portion 317, 317C, 317D Locking portion 318, 318C, 318D Fixed portion 319, 319C, 319D Connecting portion 320, 320A, 320B, 320C, 320D Second - type first terminal 322, 322A, 322B, 322C, 322D Pressed contact 323, 323A, 323B, 323D Outer pressed contact 324, 324A, 324B, 324D Inner pressed contact 325, 325A, 325B, 325C, 325D Insertion end 326, 326B, 326C Inclined portion 327, 327C Locking portion 328, 328C, 328D Fixed portion 329, 329C, 329D Connecting portion 500, 500A, 500B, 500D Second connector 600, 600D Second holding member 605 Opening 610 First holding portion 620 Second holding portion 650, 650A, 650B, 650D Second terminal row 700, 700A, 700B, 700D Second terminal 710, 710D First - type second terminal 712, 712D Pressed contact 713, 713D Outer pressed contact 714, 714D Inner pressed contact 715, 715D Support portion 716, 716D Held portion 718, 718D Fixed portion 720, 720A, 720B, 720D Second - type second terminal 722, 722A, 722B, 722D Pressed contact 723, 723A, 723B, 723D Outer pressed contact 724, 724A, 724B, 724D Inner pressed contact 725, 725A, 725B, 725D Support portion 726,726D Holding part 728,728D Fixed part 800 Second terminal row intermediate body 810 Carrier 812 Connecting part 820 Blank 826 Holding part 850 First intermediate body 880 Second intermediate body D1 First type pressing distance D2 Second type pressing distance PD Predetermined distance (distance) S1 First size S2 Second size Sa First type pressed size Sb Second type pressed size

Claims

1. An assembly comprising a first connector and a second connector, the first connector is connectable with the second connector in the up-down direction, the first connector includes a plurality of first terminals and a first holding member; the first terminal is held by the first holding member, Each of the first terminals has two pressure-receiving contacts and an insertion end, Each of the pressed contacts is located away from the insertion end in the vertical direction, The pressed contacts are spaced apart from each other in a width direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, The pressed contacts are oriented in different directions in the width direction, the first terminals include at least one first-type first terminal and at least one second-type first terminal; the first-type first terminal has a first-type pressed size Sa as a maximum size in the width direction in a region from the insertion end to the pressed contact point, the second-type first terminal has a second-type pressed size Sb as a maximum size in the width direction in a region from the insertion end to the pressed contact point, the second connector includes a plurality of second terminals and a second holding member; the second terminals correspond to the first terminals, the second terminal is held by the second holding member, Each of the second terminals has two pressure contacts; In an unmated state before the second connector is mated with the first connector, the pressure contacts are spaced apart from each other and face each other in the width direction, When the first connector and the second connector are mated, the pressing contacts of the second terminals press the corresponding pressed contacts of the first terminals in the width direction, the second terminals include a first-type second terminal and a second-type second terminal, the first-type second terminal corresponds to the first-type first terminal, the second-type second terminal corresponds to the second-type first terminal, In the unmated state, the pressure contacts of the first-type second terminals are spaced apart from each other by a first-type pressure distance D1 in the width direction, In the unmated state, the pressure contacts of the second type second terminals are spaced apart from each other by a second type pressure distance D2 in the width direction, The first size S1 (= Sa - D1) and the second size S2 (= Sb - D2) satisfy the relationship S1 ≠ S2. assembly.

2. 2. The assembly of claim 1, At least some of the first terminals form a terminal row arranged in a pitch direction perpendicular to both the vertical direction and the width direction, The one terminal row includes the first type first terminals and the second type first terminals. assembly.

3. 2. The assembly of claim 1, the first connector has two first terminal rows spaced apart in the width direction, each of the first terminal rows is configured with the first terminals arranged in a pitch direction perpendicular to both the vertical direction and the width direction; the at least one first-type first terminal includes a plurality of the first-type first terminals, the at least one second-type first terminal includes a plurality of the second-type first terminals, each of the first terminal rows includes the first type first terminal and the second type first terminal; the first type first terminals of the two first terminal rows are arranged with two-fold rotational symmetry in a plane orthogonal to the up-down direction, The second-type first terminals of the two first terminal rows are arranged in two-fold rotational symmetry in a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction. assembly.

4. 2. The assembly of claim 1, The first type first terminals and the second type first terminals are spaced apart from each other in the width direction. assembly.

5. 5. The assembly of claim 4, the first connector has two terminal rows spaced apart in the width direction, Each of the terminal rows is configured with the first terminals arranged in a pitch direction perpendicular to both the vertical direction and the width direction, the at least one first-type first terminal includes a plurality of the first-type first terminals, the at least one second-type first terminal includes a plurality of the second-type first terminals, One of the terminal rows is composed of only the first type first terminals, The other terminal row is composed of only the second-type first terminals. assembly.

6. 2. The assembly of claim 1, Sa≠Sb assembly.

7. 7. The assembly of claim 6, the pressed contacts of the second-type first terminals are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance PD in the width direction, Sb=PD assembly.

8. 2. The assembly of claim 1, D1≠D2 assembly.

9. 2. The assembly of claim 1, the second connector is mountable to an object; There are a plurality of second-type second terminals, Each of the second-type second terminals has a supporting portion, a held portion, and a fixed portion, the support portion elastically supports the two pressure contacts, the held portion is press-fitted into the second holding member, the fixed portion is fixed to the object when the second connector is mounted on the object, The second holding member has one opening, When the second connector is viewed in the up-down direction, the fixed portions of the plurality of second-type second terminals are visible through the opening. assembly.

10. A connector that can be used as the first connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9, Sa≠Sb connector.

11. A connector that can be used as the second connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9, D1≠D2 connector.

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