connector

Abstract

To provide a novel connector having a structure which can reduce insertion force in fitting and removal force in removing.SOLUTION: A connector 10 comprises a housing 20 and a terminal 40. The housing 20 has a housing part 34. The terminal 40 has an arm part 44 and a contact part 50. The arm part 44 movably supports the contact part 50. The contact part 50 is housed in the housing part 34, and the entirety of the contact part 50 is movable. The contact part 50 has a first contact 53, a second contact 55, a first support part 56, and a second support part 58. The first contact 53 is supported by the first support part 56. The second contact 55 is supported by the second support part 58. With the connector 10 fitted to a mating connector 60, a mating terminal 64 of the mating connector 60 is sandwiched between the first contact 53 and the second contact 55.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector that can be mated with a mating connector. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses this type of connector.

[0003] Referring to FIG. 48, Patent Document 1 discloses a connector 90 that can be mated with a mating connector 98. The mating connector 98 includes a mating terminal 982. The connector 90 includes a housing 94 and a terminal 96. The terminal 96 includes a first contact 962, a second contact 964, a predetermined portion 966, and a fixed portion 968. The fixed portion 968 is attached to a substrate (not shown). In a mated state in which the connector 90 is mated with the mating connector 98, the mating terminal 982 is sandwiched between the first contact 962 and the second contact 964 of the terminal 96, whereby the connector 90 is electrically connected to the mating connector 98. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-016897 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Referring to FIG. 48, the first contact 962 of the terminal 96 of Patent Document 1 is supported movably by a portion having high spring properties (i.e., a soft spring). On the other hand, the movement of the predetermined portion 966 of the terminal 96 is restricted by the housing 94. The second contact 964 is supported by a portion that extends slightly from the upper end of the predetermined portion 966. That is, the second contact 964 is supported by a hard spring and can hardly move. For example, if the mating terminal 982 is positioned biased toward the second contact 964 due to tolerance, the mating terminal 982 is strongly pressed against the second contact 964. In such a case, the insertion force when the mating connector 98 is fitted into the connector 92 and the removal force when the mating connector 98 is removed from the connector 92 tend to be large. If the insertion force or removal force becomes excessively large, the terminal 96 may be plastically deformed. In addition, the fixed portion 968 and other portions of the terminal 96 may be damaged.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE An object of the present invention is to provide a new connector having a structure capable of reducing the insertion force required for mating and the removal force required for removal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a first connector, A connector that can be fitted in a vertical direction with a mating connector having a mating terminal, The connector includes a housing and a terminal. The housing has a holding portion and a receiving portion, The terminal has a held portion, an arm portion, and a contact portion, The held portion is held by the holding portion, the arm portion connects the held portion and the contact portion to each other and movably supports the contact portion, At least a portion of the arm is elastically deformable, The contact portion is accommodated in the accommodation portion, and the entire contact portion is movable; the contact portion has a bottom portion, a first support portion, a second support portion, a first contact point, and a second contact point; each of the first support portion and the second support portion extends upward from the bottom portion; the first contact is supported by the first support portion, the second contact is supported by the second support portion, the second contact is located between the first contact and the held portion in a first horizontal direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, When the contact portion is viewed along a second horizontal direction perpendicular to both the up-down direction and the first horizontal direction, the first contact and the second contact are spaced apart from each other, In a mated state in which the connector is mated with the mating connector, the mating terminal is sandwiched between the first contact and the second contact. Provide a connector.

[0008] The present invention provides a first connector as a second connector, The arm portion is connected to at least one of the bottom portion and the first support portion. Provide a connector.

[0009] The present invention provides a third connector, which is the first or second connector, The arm portion has a main portion and a connecting portion, At least a portion of the main portion is elastically deformable; The connecting portion connects the main portion and the contact portion to each other in the second horizontal direction. Provide a connector.

[0010] The present invention provides a fourth connector, which is any one of the first to third connectors, The terminal has a gap formed therein, the arm portion and the contact portion are partially aligned in the second horizontal direction, The gap is located between the arm portion and the contact portion in the second horizontal direction. Provide a connector.

[0011] The present invention provides a fifth connector, which is any one of the first to fourth connectors, At least a portion of the arm portion is located below the second contact and is connected to the contact portion. Provide a connector.

[0012] The present invention provides a sixth connector, which is any one of the first to fifth connectors, Each of the first support portion and the second support portion is elastically deformable, The first contact and the second contact are movable independently of each other. Provide a connector.

[0013] The present invention provides a seventh connector, which is any one of the first to sixth connectors, The storage portion is open downwardly of the housing, When the connector is viewed from below along the up-down direction, the bottom portion is visible. Provide a connector.

[0014] The present invention provides an eighth connector, which is any one of the first to seventh connectors, The bottom portion has a flat plate shape. Provide a connector.

[0015] The present invention provides a ninth connector, which is any one of the first to eighth connectors, The arm portion is connected to the bottom portion. Provide a connector.

[0016] The present invention provides a tenth connector, which is any one of the first to eighth connectors, The arm portion has a base portion and a rising portion, The base portion extends along the first horizontal direction, The rising portion extends upward from the base portion and is connected to the first support portion. Provide a connector.

[0017] The present invention provides an eleventh connector, which is the tenth connector, When the terminal is viewed along the second horizontal direction, the rising portion overlaps with the first support portion. Provide a connector.

[0018] The present invention provides a twelfth connector, which is the tenth connector, When the terminal is viewed along the second horizontal direction, the rising portion is spaced apart from the first support portion. Provide a connector.

[0019] The present invention provides a thirteenth connector, which is any one of the first to ninth connectors, The arm has two branches, Each of the branch portions is connected to the contact portion, The second support portion is located between the two branch portions in the second horizontal direction. Provide a connector.

[0020] The present invention provides a fourteenth connector, which is any one of the first to eighth connectors, The arm portion has a base portion and a support portion, The support portion extends upward from the base portion and is elastically deformable; An upper end of the support portion supports the contact portion, The contact portion is accommodated in the accommodation portion together with the support portion, and the entire contact portion is movable. Provide a connector.

[0021] The present invention provides a fifteenth connector, which is any one of the first to fourteenth connectors, The first support portion extends upward from the bottom portion without inclining in the second horizontal direction. Provide a connector.

[0022] The present invention provides a sixteenth connector, which is any one of the first to fourteenth connectors, The first support portion extends upward from the bottom portion while being inclined in the second horizontal direction. Provide a connector.

[0023] The present invention provides a seventeenth connector, which is any one of the first to sixteenth connectors, The connector is attached to an object to be connected when in use, The terminal has a connected portion, The connected portion is connected to the connection object when the connector is attached to the connection object. Provide a connector.

[0024] The present invention provides an eighteenth connector, which is the seventeenth connector, The held portion is located between the contact portion and the connected portion. Provide a connector.

[0025] The present invention provides a 19th connector, which is any one of the 1st to 18th connectors, The first contact and the second contact are electrically connected to each other. Provide a connector. Effect of the Invention

[0026] In a mated state, the terminal of the present invention contacts the mating terminal of the mating connector at two contacts, a first contact and a second contact, provided on the contact portion. The contact portion is supported by an elastically deformable arm portion, and the entire contact portion is movable. In addition, the first contact is supported by a first support portion, and the second contact is supported by a second support portion. With this structure, the first contact and the second contact can be supported by soft springs with long spring lengths, and the insertion force during mating and the removal force during removal can be reduced. In other words, according to the present invention, a new connector can be provided that has a structure that can reduce the insertion force during mating and the removal force during removal. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention together with a mating connector, the connector being attached to a circuit board, the mating connector being attached to a base member, and the connector and the mating connector being in a separated state from each other. [Diagram 2] 2 is another perspective view showing the connector and the mating connector of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the connector and the mating connector of Fig. 2. The connector and the mating connector are in a mated state. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector and the mating connector taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 1. A part of the connector (a part surrounded by a dashed line) is drawn in an enlarged manner. [Diagram 5] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector and the mating connector of Fig. 3 taken along line IV-IV of Fig. 1. A part (encircled by a dashed line) of the connector and the mating connector is drawn on an enlarged scale. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a top view showing the connector of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the connector of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing the connector of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a housing of the connector of FIG. 6. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the housing of FIG. [Figure 11] 7 is a perspective view showing the terminal of the connector of FIG 6. The boundary of the connection part is drawn with a dashed line. A modified example of the part surrounded by a dashed line is drawn. [Figure 12] 12 is another perspective view showing the terminal of FIG. 11, with the boundary of the connecting portion being drawn with a dashed line. [Figure 13] 12 is a top view showing the terminal of FIG. 11, with the boundary of the connection portion being drawn with a dashed line. [Figure 14] FIG. 12 is a side view showing the terminal of FIG. [Figure 15]12 is a perspective view showing a first modified example of the terminal of FIG 11. The boundary of the connecting portion is drawn by a dashed line. [Figure 16] 16 is another perspective view showing the terminal of FIG. 15. [Figure 17] 16 is a top view showing the terminal of FIG. 15. The boundary of the connection portion is drawn by a dashed line. [Figure 18] FIG. 16 is a side view showing the terminal of FIG. [Figure 19] 12 is a perspective view showing a second modified example of the terminal of FIG 11. The boundary of the connecting portion is drawn by a dashed line. [Figure 20] 20 is another perspective view showing the terminal of FIG. 19. The boundary of the connecting portion is drawn with a dashed line. [Figure 21] 20 is a top view showing the terminal of FIG. 19. The boundary of the connection portion is drawn with a dashed line. [Figure 22] FIG. 20 is a side view showing the terminal of FIG. 19. [Diagram 23] 12 is a perspective view showing a third modified example of the terminal of FIG 11. The boundary of the connecting portion is drawn by a dashed line. [Figure 24] 24 is another perspective view showing the terminal of FIG. 23, with the boundary of the connecting portion being drawn with a dashed line. [Diagram 25] 24 is a top view showing the terminal of FIG. 23. The boundary of the connection portion is drawn with a dashed line. [Figure 26] FIG. 24 is a side view showing the terminal of FIG. 23. [Figure 27] 12 is a perspective view showing a fourth modified example of the terminal of FIG 11. The boundary of the connecting portion is drawn by a dashed line. [Figure 28] 28 is another perspective view showing the terminal of FIG. 27. The boundary of the connecting portion is drawn with a dashed line. [Figure 29] 28 is a top view showing the terminal of FIG. 27. The boundary of the connection portion is drawn with a dashed line. [Diagram 30] FIG. 28 is a side view showing the terminal of FIG. 27. [Diagram 31] 12 is a perspective view showing a fifth modified example of the terminal of FIG 11. The boundary of the connecting portion is drawn by a dashed line. [Diagram 32] 32 is another perspective view showing the terminal of FIG. 31. [Diagram 33] 32 is a top view showing the terminal of FIG 31. The boundary of the connection portion is drawn with a dashed line. [Diagram 34] FIG. 32 is a side view showing the terminal of FIG. 31. [Diagram 35] 12 is a perspective view showing a sixth modified example of the terminal of FIG 11. The boundary of the connecting portion is drawn by a dashed line. [Diagram 36] FIG. 36 is another perspective view of the terminal of FIG. 35. [Figure 37] FIG. 36 is a top view showing the terminal of FIG. 35. [Figure 38] FIG. 36 is a side view showing the terminal of FIG. 35. [Figure 39] 11. FIG 12 is a perspective view showing a modification of the connector of FIG 6. The connector includes a seventh modification of the terminal of FIG 11. [Diagram 40] FIG. 40 is another perspective view of the connector of FIG. 39. [Diagram 41] FIG. 40 is a perspective view showing the connector of FIG. 39 with a part cut away. [Diagram 42] A cross-sectional view showing the connector of Figure 41. A part of the connector (a part surrounded by a dashed line) is drawn on an enlarged scale. A part of the outline of the circuit board and a part of the outline of the mating terminal of the mating connector in the middle of mating are drawn by a dashed line. [Diagram 43] FIG. 40 is a perspective view showing a housing of the connector of FIG. 39. [Diagram 44] 40 is a perspective view showing a terminal of the connector of FIG. 39. [Diagram 45] FIG. 45 is another perspective view of the terminal of FIG. 44. [Diagram 46] FIG. 45 is a top view showing the terminal of FIG. 44. [Figure 47] FIG. 45 is a side view showing the terminal of FIG. 44. [Figure 48] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector and the mating connector of Patent Document 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] 1 to 3, a connector 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be mated with a mating connector 60 located below in the vertical direction along the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the vertical direction is the Z direction. In this embodiment and its variations, "upward" means the +Z direction, and "downward" means the -Z direction.

[0029] 2, the mating connector 60 of this embodiment is attached to a flexible sheet member 82 and a base member 88 such as clothing. The sheet member 82 and the base member 88 each extend along a horizontal plane (XY plane) perpendicular to the up-down direction. A plurality of conductive patterns 84 are formed on the upper surface of the sheet member 82. The base member 88 is layered on the sheet member 82.

[0030] The mating connector 60 of this embodiment includes a mating housing 62 made of an insulator and a plurality of mating terminals 64 made of a conductor. The mating housing 62 holds the mating terminals 64. Each of the mating terminals 64 is a member for electrically connecting the mating connector 60 to the connector 10. The mating terminals 64 have the same shape. The mating terminals 64 are divided into two rows in a first horizontal direction (X direction) perpendicular to the vertical direction. The mating terminals 64 in each row are arranged in a second horizontal direction (Y direction) perpendicular to both the vertical direction and the first horizontal direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the mating terminals 64 may be arranged along an imaginary circle.

[0031] The mating connector 60 of this embodiment includes only the above-mentioned components. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the arrangement of the mating terminal 64 is not particularly limited. The mating connector 60 may include only one mating terminal 64. Furthermore, the mating connector 60 may further include other components in addition to the above-mentioned components.

[0032] With reference to FIG. 4, each of the mating terminals 64 of the present embodiment has a mating connected portion 642 and a mating contact portion 644.

[0033] The mating terminals 64 are provided corresponding to the conductive patterns 84, respectively. The mating connected portions 642 are connected to the corresponding conductive patterns 84, respectively. The mating contact portions 644 each have a U-shape in a vertical plane (XZ plane) perpendicular to the second horizontal direction (Y direction). The mating contact portions 644 are attached to the mating housing 62 so as to sandwich a part of the mating housing 62 in the first horizontal direction (X direction). In other words, the mating contact portions 644 are fixed to the mating housing 62 so as not to move relative to the mating housing 62.

[0034] Each of the mating contact portions 644 arranged as described above can come into contact with other members on both sides in the first horizontal direction. Each of the mating contact portions 644 in this embodiment can be electrically connected to other members on both sides in the first horizontal direction (X direction). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one of the two sides in the first horizontal direction (X direction) of each of the mating contact portions 644 may be covered with an insulator.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, the connector 10 of this embodiment is a so-called board connector. The connector 10 is attached to a connection object 70 when in use. The connection object 70 of this embodiment is a circuit board 70, which is mounted on an electronic device (not shown). Referring to FIG. 5, the electronic device operates in a mated state in which the connector 10 is mated with the mating connector 60. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to various connectors 10. For example, the mating connector 60 may be a board connector mounted on a mating circuit board (not shown). In this case, the connector 10 may be a board connector, or may be attached to a sheet member 82 and a base member 88. That is, the connection object 70 may be the sheet member 82 and the base member 88.

[0036] The connector 10 of this embodiment will now be described.

[0037] 6 to 8, the connector 10 of the present embodiment includes a housing 20 made of an insulator and a plurality of terminals 40 made of a conductor. The housing 20 of the present embodiment is a single member. That is, the connector 10 is not a so-called floating connector. The housing 20 holds the terminals 40. The terminals 40 of the present embodiment have the same shape. The terminals 40 are divided into two rows in a first horizontal direction (X direction). The terminals 40 in each row are aligned in a second horizontal direction (Y direction). Each of the terminals 40 in one row is arranged in an opposite direction in the first horizontal direction with respect to each of the terminals 40 in the other row. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the terminals 40 may be arranged along an imaginary circle.

[0038] The connector 10 of the present embodiment includes only the above-mentioned members. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the housing 20 may be formed by combining a plurality of members. The terminals 40 may have different shapes. The number of the terminals 40 may be one. Furthermore, the connector 10 may further include other members in addition to the above-mentioned members.

[0039] 5, each of the terminals 40 in this embodiment is a member for electrically connecting the connector 10 to the mating connector 60. The terminals 40 in this embodiment are provided corresponding to each of the mating terminals 64. In the mated state, each of the terminals 40 contacts the corresponding mating terminal 64 by sandwiching the corresponding mating terminal 64 in the first horizontal direction (X direction). As a result, in the mated state, the connector 10 is electrically connected to the mating connector 60.

[0040] The housing 20 of this embodiment will now be described.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 9, the housing 20 of this embodiment has an outer wall portion 22, a bottom wall portion 24, a central protrusion portion 26, and two side protrusion portions 28. The bottom wall portion 24 is located at the lower end of the housing 20 and extends along the XY plane. The outer wall portion 22 is located on the outer periphery of the housing 20 in the XY plane and surrounds the bottom wall portion 24 in the XY plane. The central protrusion portion 26 and the side protrusion portions 28 each protrude upward from the bottom wall portion 24. The central protrusion portion 26 is located at the middle of the bottom wall portion 24 in the first horizontal direction (X direction) and extends along the second horizontal direction (Y direction). The two side protrusion portions 28 are located on both sides of the central protrusion portion 26 at a distance from the central protrusion portion 26 in the first horizontal direction. Each of the side protrusion portions 28 extends along the second horizontal direction.

[0042] The housing 20 is formed with an outer peripheral recess 23 and two receiving portions 27. The outer peripheral recess 23 is a space located inside the outer wall portion 22 in the XY plane. The outer peripheral recess 23 extends along the outer wall portion 22. The two receiving portions 27 are formed corresponding to the two side protrusions 28, respectively. Each of the receiving portions 27 is a space located between the corresponding side protrusion 28 and the central protrusion 26 in the first horizontal direction (X direction). Each of the receiving portions 27 extends along the second horizontal direction (Y direction) and is connected to the outer peripheral recess 23 at both ends in the second horizontal direction. Referring to FIG. 5, in the mated state, each of the mating contact portions 644 of the mating terminal 64 is received in one of the receiving portions 27 and contacts the corresponding terminal 40.

[0043] The housing 20 of this embodiment has the basic structure described above. However, as long as each of the mating terminals 64 can contact the corresponding terminal 40 in the mated state, the basic structure of the housing 20 is not particularly limited.

[0044] 4, a plurality of internal spaces 282 corresponding to the terminals 40 are formed in each of the side protrusions 28. Each of the internal spaces 282 opens toward the central protrusion 26 on one side in the first horizontal direction (X direction), and is covered by the side wall of the side protrusion 28 on the other side in the first horizontal direction. In addition, each of the internal spaces 282 is covered from above by the upper wall of the side protrusion 28.

[0045] A plurality of internal spaces 262 corresponding to the terminals 40 are formed in the central protrusion 26. The internal spaces 262 are divided into two rows in the first horizontal direction. The two rows of internal spaces 262 are separated from each other by an intermediate wall in the first horizontal direction of the central protrusion 26. Each of the internal spaces 262 opens toward one of the internal spaces 282 of the side protrusions 28 in the first horizontal direction, and is covered from above by the upper wall of the central protrusion 26.

[0046] 4 and 10, the housing 20 of the present embodiment is formed with a plurality of accommodating portions 34 each corresponding to a terminal 40. Referring to FIG. 4, each of the accommodating portions 34 is a space for accommodating a part of the corresponding terminal 40. Each of the accommodating portions 34 includes any one of the internal spaces 282 of the side protrusion 28 (predetermined internal space 282) and any one of the internal spaces 262 of the central protrusion 26 (predetermined internal space 262), and extends between the predetermined internal space 282 and the predetermined internal space 262 in the first horizontal direction (X direction). Each of the accommodating portions 34 opens downward of the housing 20, and is connected to any one of the receiving portions 27 in the up-down direction.

[0047] 4 and 10, in addition to the accommodating portion 34, the housing 20 of the present embodiment is formed with a plurality of holding portions 32 each corresponding to the terminals 40, and a plurality of holding portions 33 each corresponding to the terminals 40. Referring to FIG. 4, each of the holding portions 32 and 33 is a portion for holding the corresponding terminal 40. Each of the holding portions 32 of the present embodiment is a part of the wall surface of the internal space 282 of the side protrusion 28. Each of the holding portions 33 of the present embodiment is the wall surface of a hole formed in the bottom wall portion 24.

[0048] As described above, the housing 20 of the present embodiment has a plurality of holding portions 32, a plurality of holding portions 33, and a plurality of accommodating portions 34. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the number of terminals 40 is one, the housing 20 may have one holding portion 32, one holding portion 33, and one accommodating portion 34. The housing 20 may not have the holding portion 32, and may have only the holding portion 33. Similarly, the housing 20 may not have the holding portion 33, and may have only the holding portion 32.

[0049] The housing 20 of this embodiment has a plurality of partition walls 36. Each of the partition walls 36 is located between two adjacent terminals 40 in the second horizontal direction (Y direction). Each of the partition walls 36 separates the two adjacent terminals 40 from each other, preventing a short circuit between the terminals 40. In addition, the partition wall 36 restricts the movement of each of the terminals 40 in the second horizontal direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the partition wall 36 may be provided as necessary. For example, when the number of terminals 40 is one, the partition wall 36 does not need to be provided.

[0050] 4 to 8, as described above, the terminals 40 of this embodiment have the same shape as each other. In addition, the terminals 40 are held in the housing 20 (see FIG. 4) in the same manner as each other and function in the same manner as each other. Below, one of the terminals 40 will be described. The following description is applicable to each of the terminals 40.

[0051] 11 to 14, the terminal 40 of this embodiment is formed by bending one metal plate. In other words, the terminal 40 is a single metal plate having a bend. The terminal 40 has a leg portion 42, an arm portion 44, and a contact portion 50. The leg portion 42, the arm portion 44, and the contact portion 50 are generally located in this order in the first horizontal direction (X direction). The terminal 40 of this embodiment has only the above-mentioned portions. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the terminal 40 may further have other portions in addition to the above-mentioned portions.

[0052] The leg 42 of this embodiment has a connected portion 422, a held portion 424, and a held portion 425. That is, the terminal 40 has the connected portion 422, the held portion 424, and the held portion 425. The leg 42 has a flat plate shape extending along the XY plane except for the connected portion 422, the held portion 424, and the held portion 425. The flat plate-shaped portion of the leg 42 extends straight along the first horizontal direction (X direction). The connected portion 422 and the held portion 424 are located at both ends of the leg 42 in the first horizontal direction. The held portion 425 is located between the connected portion 422 and the held portion 424 in the first horizontal direction. The connected portion 422 extends so as to move away from the held portion 424 along the first horizontal direction. The held portion 424 and the held portion 425 each extend upward from a flat plate-shaped portion of the leg portion 42 .

[0053] 11 and 12, in this embodiment, each of the held portion 424 and the held portion 425 has a press-fit protrusion that protrudes in the second horizontal direction (Y direction). Referring to FIG. 4, the held portion 424 and the held portion 425 are held by the holding portion 32 and the holding portion 33 of the housing 20, respectively. In detail, the held portion 424 and the held portion 425 are press-fitted into the holding portion 32 and the holding portion 33, respectively, and are firmly held. In other words, each of the held portion 424 and the held portion 425 is held by the housing 20 with a strong holding force.

[0054] In the present embodiment, the accommodating portion 34 has a size in the XY plane larger than a part of the terminal 40 including the contact portion 50 and the arm portion 44. In addition, the entire accommodating portion 34 opens downward. With this structure, the held portion 424 and the held portion 425 can be easily pressed in from below while the contact portion 50 and the arm portion 44 are inserted into the accommodating portion 34 from below.

[0055] When the connector 10 is attached to the connection object 70, the connection portion 422 is connected to the connection object 70. The connection portion 422 in this embodiment is fixed and connected to a conductive pad (not shown) of the connection object 70 by soldering or the like. That is, the connection portion 422 is an SMT (Surface Mount Technology) portion.

[0056] A part of the connected portion 422 protrudes outward in the first horizontal direction (X direction) from the housing 20. The terminal 40 arranged in this manner is easy to be held by the housing 20 and is easy to fix to the connection object 70. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the arrangement of the connected portion 422 can be modified as necessary.

[0057] The leg 42 of this embodiment has the above-mentioned structure and functions as described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the leg 42 may have only one of the held portion 424 and the held portion 425. The held portion 424 and the held portion 425 may each be held by the housing 20 by a method other than press-fitting. The held portion 424 and the held portion 425 may each be held by the housing 20 with a weak holding force. The connection portion 422 may be a THT (Through-hole Technology) portion that is inserted into a through-hole provided in the connection target 70 and fixed by soldering or the like.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the contact part 50 of the present embodiment has a bottom part 51, a first support part 56, a second support part 58, a first contact 53, and a second contact 55. The bottom part 51 has a flat plate shape extending along the XY plane. The bottom part 51 is located at the lower end of the contact part 50 and extends straight along the first horizontal direction (X direction). The first support part 56 and the second support part 58 are connected to both ends of the bottom part 51 in the first horizontal direction (X direction). The first support part 56 and the second support part 58 each extend upward from the bottom part 51. The contact part 50 of the present embodiment has only the above-mentioned parts. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the contact part 50 may further have another part in addition to the above-mentioned parts.

[0059] The first support portion 56 has a first protrusion 52. The first protrusion 52 is an upper end portion of the first support portion 56. The first protrusion 52 protrudes in an arc shape toward the second support portion 58, and then extends downward. The first contact point 53 is a portion of the first protrusion 52 close to the second support portion 58. The second support portion 58 has a second protrusion 54. The second protrusion 54 is an upper end portion of the second support portion 58. The second protrusion 54 protrudes in an arc shape toward the first support portion 56, and then extends in the first horizontal direction (X direction) so as to be away from the first support portion 56. The second contact point 55 is a portion of the second protrusion 54 close to the first support portion 56.

[0060] 14, when the terminal 40 is viewed in the second horizontal direction (Y direction), the contact portion 50 has a U-shape. When the contact portion 50 is viewed in the second horizontal direction, the first contact 53 and the second contact 55 face each other and are spaced apart from each other in the first horizontal direction (X direction). With reference to FIG. 13, the first contact 53 and the second contact 55 are at the same position as each other in the second horizontal direction. The second contact 55 is located between the first contact 53 and the held portion 424 in the first horizontal direction. In other words, the first contact 53 is farther from the held portion 424 and the held portion 425 in the first horizontal direction than the second contact 55.

[0061] 11, 12, and 14, each of the first support portion 56 and the second support portion 58 in this embodiment is elastically deformable. The first contact 53 is supported by the first support portion 56. The second contact 55 is supported by the second support portion 58. The first contact 53 is movable mainly in the first horizontal direction (X direction) in association with the elastic deformation of the first support portion 56. The second contact 55 is movable mainly in the first horizontal direction in association with the elastic deformation of the second support portion 58.

[0062] The first contact 53 and the second contact 55 of this embodiment are movable independently of each other. In detail, the first support portion 56 is a soft spring and is easily elastically deformed regardless of the amount of elastic deformation of the second support portion 58. The second support portion 58 is a soft spring and is easily elastically deformed regardless of the amount of elastic deformation of the first support portion 56. The first contact 53 is movable in accordance with the elastic deformation of the first support portion 56, regardless of the amount of elastic deformation of the second support portion 58. The second contact 55 is movable in accordance with the elastic deformation of the second support portion 58, regardless of the amount of elastic deformation of the first support portion 56. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, each of the first support portion 56 and the second support portion 58 may be a hard spring that hardly undergoes elastic deformation.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 14 together with FIG. 13, all parts of the contact portion 50 of this embodiment extend parallel to the XZ plane while maintaining a constant width WC in the second horizontal direction (Y direction) and without any deviation in the second horizontal direction. That is, each of the first support portion 56 and the second support portion 58 extends upward from the bottom portion 51 without tilting in the second horizontal direction while maintaining a constant width WC in the second horizontal direction. Therefore, the first contact point 53 is at the same position as the lower end of the first support portion 56 in the second horizontal direction. The second contact point 55 is at the same position as the lower end of the second support portion 58 in the second horizontal direction. According to this embodiment, a contact portion 50 having a well-balanced shape is obtained. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, each of the first support portion 56 and the second support portion 58 may extend upward while tilting in the second horizontal direction.

[0064] The contact portion 50 of this embodiment is not covered with an insulator such as resin. The first contact 53 and the second contact 55 are connected to each other by a single conductor without being interrupted by an insulator. That is, the first contact 53 and the second contact 55 are conductive to each other. The contact portion 50 of this embodiment can be electrically connected to another conductive member at two points, the first contact 53 and the second contact 55. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the terminal 40 may be partially covered with an insulator. One of the first contact 53 and the second contact 55 may be a part of the insulator covering the terminal 40.

[0065] 4, the contact portion 50 is accommodated in the corresponding accommodation portion 34. The contact portion 50 is separated from any portion of the housing 20, and the entire contact portion 50 is movable relative to the housing 20. In particular, the first support portion 56 and the second support portion 58 are each separated from the wall surface of the housing 20 in the first horizontal direction (X direction), and are prone to elastic deformation inside the accommodation portion 34.

[0066] The first contact 53 and the second contact 55 are located inside the receiving portion 27 in a separated state in which the connector 10 is not mated with the mating connector 60. Referring to FIG. 5, the first contact 53 and the second contact 55 thus arranged sandwich the mating contact portion 644 of the corresponding mating terminal 64 in the first horizontal direction (X direction) in the mated state. That is, the terminal 40 contacts both sides of one mating contact portion 644 at two points in the mated state. In other words, in the mated state, the mating terminal 64 is sandwiched between the first contact 53 and the second contact 55. As a result, the terminal 40 is electrically connected to the corresponding mating terminal 64.

[0067] The contact portion 50 of the present embodiment has the above-described structure and functions as described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the structure of the contact portion 50 can be modified as necessary.

[0068] 11 to 14, the arm 44 in this embodiment is a portion for connecting the leg 42 and the contact portion 50 to each other. The arm 44 connects the held portion 424, which is held so as not to move relative to the housing 20 (see FIG. 4), to the contact portion 50, which is arranged so as to be movable relative to the housing 20. The arm 44 in this embodiment extends in a serpentine manner from the upper end of the held portion 424 to the edge of the contact portion 50. At least a part of the arm 44 thus formed is elastically deformable. The entire contact portion 50 is movable with the elastic deformation of the arm 44. That is, the arm 44 movably supports the contact portion 50.

[0069] 5, when the mating connector 60 is mated with the connector 10, the mating terminal 64 applies an insertion force including a downward force and a force along the first horizontal direction (X direction) to the first contact 53 and the second contact 55. That is, the mating terminal 64 applies an insertion force to the contact portion 50 when mated. On the other hand, the mating connector 60 mated with the connector 10 can be removed upward from the connector 10. When the mating connector 60 is removed from the connector 10, the mating terminal 64 applies a removal force including an upward force and a force along the first horizontal direction to the first contact 53 and the second contact 55. That is, the mating terminal 64 applies a removal force to the contact portion 50 when removed.

[0070] As described above, the terminal 40 of this embodiment contacts the mating terminal 64 of the mating connector 60 at two contacts, the first contact 53 and the second contact 55, provided on the contact portion 50 in the mating state. If the first contact 53 or the second contact 55 is supported by a hard spring having a short spring length, if the mating contact portion 644 is positioned offset toward the hard spring in the first horizontal direction (X direction) due to tolerance or the like, the insertion force and removal force are likely to be large. If the insertion force or removal force becomes excessively large, the terminal 40 may be plastically deformed. Also, a portion of the terminal 40, such as the connected portion 422, may be damaged.

[0071] On the other hand, the contact portion 50 of this embodiment is supported by the elastically deformable arm portion 44, and the entire contact portion 50 can move inside the accommodating portion 34. In addition, the first contact 53 is supported by the first support portion 56, and the second contact 55 is supported by the second support portion 58. With this structure, the first contact 53 and the second contact 55 can be supported by soft springs having a long spring length, and the insertion force during fitting and the removal force during removal can be reduced. That is, according to this embodiment, a new connector 10 having a structure that can reduce the insertion force during fitting and the removal force during removal can be provided. In addition, according to this embodiment, the first contact 53 and the second contact 55 can pinch the mating terminal 64 with the same contact force, and thus stably contact with the mating terminal 64 while adjusting the positional deviation of the mating connector 60 relative to the connector 10.

[0072] According to this embodiment, adjacent terminals 40 each have a contact portion 50 that is elastically deformable and movable independently without being influenced by each other. The first contact 53 and the second contact 55 of each terminal 40 are provided on the contact portion 50 thus formed, and are independently movable without being influenced by the movement of the first contact 53 and the second contact 55 of the other terminal 40. Therefore, each terminal 40 can appropriately contact the corresponding mating terminal 64 at the first contact 53 and the second contact 55.

[0073] 4, the first protrusion 52 of the contact part 50 is covered from above by the upper wall of the central protrusion 26, except for a region near the first contact 53. The second protrusion 54 of the contact part 50 is covered from above by the upper wall of the side protrusion 28, except for a region near the second contact 55. In addition, downward movement of the contact part 50 is restricted by the connection object 70. The first contact 53 and second contact 55 of the contact part 50 thus arranged can hardly move in the vertical direction.

[0074] On the other hand, the first support portion 56 is separated from the wall surface of the central protrusion 26 in the first horizontal direction (X direction), and the first contact 53 can move over a wide range in the first horizontal direction. Similarly, the second support portion 58 is separated from the wall surface of the side protrusion 28 in the first horizontal direction, and the second contact 55 can move over a wide range in the first horizontal direction. This structure makes it easy to reduce the insertion force during fitting and the removal force during removal. In addition, the arm portion 44 is separated from the wall surface of the side protrusion 28 in the first horizontal direction, and is easy to elastically deform. That is, the contact portion 50 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 34 together with the arm portion 44, and the entire contact portion 50 can move. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the arrangement of the contact portion 50 and the arm portion 44 can be changed as necessary.

[0075] 13, when terminal 40 of this embodiment is viewed from above in the up-down direction, held portion 424, first contact 53, and second contact 55 are aligned in a straight line along the first horizontal direction (X direction). With reference to Fig. 5, this arrangement allows a contact force to be applied to mating contact portion 644 of mating terminal 64 in a straight line along the first horizontal direction, preventing tilting movement of mating terminal 64 in the second horizontal direction (Y direction).

[0076] 13, the held portion 424 and the held portion 425 are located between the contact portion 50 and the connected portion 422 in the first horizontal direction (X direction). Referring to FIG. 5, according to this arrangement, the insertion force and removal force applied to the contact portion 50 are received by the held portion 424 and the held portion 425 and are not transmitted to the connected portion 422. More specifically, even if the insertion force and removal force are large, damage such as peeling off of the connected portion 422 from the connection target 70 can be prevented. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the connected portion 422 may be located between the contact portion 50 and the held portion 425 in the first horizontal direction.

[0077] As shown in Fig. 8, when the connector 10 of the present embodiment is viewed from below in the up-down direction, the bottom 51 of the contact portion 50 is visible. With reference to Fig. 4, the bottom 51 is located above the connection object 70 and is slightly spaced from the connection object 70 in the separated state.

[0078] 5, when the mating connector 60 is mated with the connector 10, the contact portion 50 receives a downward force from the mating terminal 64, and the bottom portion 51 moves downward. The bottom portion 51 that has moved downward hits the connection object 70, and the attitude of the contact portion 50 is stabilized. That is, each of the first contact 53 and the second contact 55 contacts the mating terminal 64 at a designed position and with a designed contact force. In particular, the bottom portion 51 of this embodiment has a flat shape parallel to the XY plane, which makes it easy to stabilize the attitude of the contact portion 50. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the shape of the bottom portion 51 can be changed as necessary.

[0079] 11 to 13, the terminal 40 of the present embodiment has a gap 49. The arm 44 and the contact 50 are partially aligned in the second horizontal direction (Y direction). The gap 49 of the present embodiment is located between the arm 44 and the contact 50 in the second horizontal direction, and extends along the first horizontal direction (X direction). That is, a part of the arm 44 and a part of the contact 50 extend parallel to each other along the first horizontal direction, sandwiching the gap 49 in the second horizontal direction. With this arrangement, the spring length of the arm 44 can be increased without increasing the size of the entire terminal 40 in the first horizontal direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the gap 49 may be formed as necessary.

[0080] More specifically, the arm 44 in this embodiment has a base 452. The base 452 is located at the lower end of the arm 44 and has a flat plate shape extending along the XY plane. The base 452 and the bottom 51 of the contact portion 50 extend parallel to each other along the first horizontal direction (X direction) with a gap 49 partially sandwiched therebetween in the second horizontal direction.

[0081] The arm 44 in this embodiment is connected to the edge of the contact portion 50 in the second horizontal direction (Y direction). In other words, the boundary between the arm 44 and the contact portion 50 is the edge of the contact portion 50 in the second horizontal direction, and extends from the bottom portion 51 to the first support portion 56 along the XZ plane. That is, the arm 44 in this embodiment is connected to the bottom portion 51 and the first support portion 56. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the gap 49 may extend over the entire bottom portion 51. In this case, the arm 44 is connected only to the first support portion 56. On the other hand, the gap 49 may extend over the entire first support portion 56 in addition to a part of the bottom portion 51 (see the modified example within the dashed line in FIG. 11). Also, the modified example within the dashed line in FIG. 11 may be further modified to the modified example within the two-dot dashed line in FIG. 11. In this case, the arm 44 is connected only to the bottom portion 51. That is, the arm portion 44 only needs to be connected to at least one of the bottom portion 51 and the first support portion 56 .

[0082] 11 and 12, according to this embodiment, a part of the arm portion 44 is located below the second contact 55 and is connected to the contact portion 50. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the connection structure between the arm portion 44 and the contact portion 50 can be modified as necessary. For example, the entire arm portion 44 may be located above the second contact 55 and connected to the first support portion 56 of the contact portion 50. On the other hand, as in this embodiment, at least a part of the arm portion 44 may be located below the second contact 55 and connected to the contact portion 50.

[0083] 11 to 13, the arm portion 44 has a main portion 45 and a connecting portion 46. The connecting portion 46 is a portion located near the boundary between the arm portion 44 and the contact portion 50. The main portion 45 is a portion extending from the upper end of the held portion 424 to the connecting portion 46. As can be seen from this structure, at least a portion of the main portion 45 is elastically deformable. The connecting portion 46 defined as described above connects the main portion 45 and the contact portion 50 to each other in the second horizontal direction (Y direction).

[0084] The illustrated connecting portion 46 has the same size as the gap 49 in the second horizontal direction (Y direction) and extends along the boundary between the arm portion 44 and the contact portion 50. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The position and shape of the connecting portion 46 vary depending on how the boundary position between the arm portion 44 and the contact portion 50 is considered. In this embodiment, the boundary position between the arm portion 44 and the contact portion 50 is defined based on the premise that the bottom portion 51 of the contact portion 50 has a constant width WC in the second horizontal direction. The boundary position is similarly defined in the modified example of the terminal 40 described later. On the other hand, the boundary position may be defined based on a premise different from the above-mentioned premise. Even when the boundary position is defined based on the above-mentioned premise, the shape of the connecting portion 46 is not particularly limited as long as the connecting portion 46 extends along the entire boundary between the arm portion 44 and the contact portion 50.

[0085] The arm portion 44 in this embodiment has the above-described structure and functions as described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the structure of the arm portion 44 can be modified as necessary. Various modified examples of the terminal 40 each having a modified arm portion 44 will be described below, focusing on the structure that differs from that of the terminal 40.

[0086] 4, the modified version of terminal 40 in the following description is maintained by the housing 20 or the modified version of housing 20. The modified version of housing 20 has substantially the same structure as housing 20 even if the size and arrangement of each part are slightly different from those of housing 20. That is, the description of each part of the modified version of housing 20 is the same as the description of each part of housing 20. For this reason, in the following description, unless particularly necessary, the modified version of housing 20 will not be described, and parts of housing 20 will be described as necessary.

[0087] 15 to 18 are compared with FIG. 11 to FIG. 14, the size of the terminal 40A of the first modified example in the first horizontal direction (X direction) is larger than the size of the terminal 40 in the first horizontal direction. However, the terminal 40A has the same basic structure as the terminal 40 and functions similarly to the terminal 40. For example, the terminal 40A is formed by bending a single metal plate. In other words, the terminal 40A is a single metal plate having a bend. The terminal 40A has a leg portion 42A, an arm portion 44A, and a contact portion 50A. The leg portion 42A, the arm portion 44A, and the contact portion 50A are generally located in this order in the first horizontal direction (X direction). The arm portion 44A connects the leg portion 42A and the contact portion 50A to each other.

[0088] As shown in Fig. 15 to Fig. 18, leg 42A of this modification has connected portion 422A, held portion 424A, and held portion 425A. That is, terminal 40A has connected portion 422A, held portion 424A, and held portion 425A. Leg 42A has a flat plate shape extending along the XY plane except for connected portion 422A, held portion 424A, and held portion 425A. The flat plate-shaped portion of leg 42A extends from connected portion 422A along the first horizontal direction (X direction) and then protrudes in the second horizontal direction (Y direction). The flat plate-shaped portion of leg 42A then extends straight along the first horizontal direction. This structure allows the size of the space between the contact portion 50A and the leg portion 42A in the first horizontal direction to be increased, increasing the degree of freedom in the shape when the contact portion 50A is formed by bending a metal plate.

[0089] Except for the above-mentioned differences, leg 42A has the same structure as leg 42, and can be deformed in the same manner as leg 42. For example, connected portion 422A and held portion 424A are located at both ends of leg 42A in the first horizontal direction (X direction). Hold portion 424A and held portion 425A are located between contact portion 50A and connected portion 422A in the first horizontal direction. Referring to FIG. 4 together with FIG. 15, held portion 425A has a press-fit protrusion (dowel) protruding in the first horizontal direction. Hold portion 424A and held portion 425A are press-fitted and held by holding portion 32 and holding portion 33 of housing 20, respectively. Connected portion 422A is connected to connection object 70 when connector 10 is attached to connection object 70.

[0090] Figure 15 and Figure 1 to 6 As shown, the contact portion 50A of this modification has a bottom portion 51A, a first support portion 56A, a second support portion 58A, a first contact 53A, and a second contact 55A. The bottom portion 51A has a flat plate shape extending along the XY plane. The bottom portion 51A is located at the lower end of the contact portion 50A and extends straight along the first horizontal direction (X direction). The first support portion 56A and the second support portion 58A are connected to both ends of the bottom portion 51A in the first horizontal direction. The first support portion 56A and the second support portion 58A each extend upward from the bottom portion 51A.

[0091] The first support portion 56A has a first protrusion 52A. The first protrusion 52A is the upper end of the first support portion 56A. The first protrusion 52A protrudes in an arc shape toward the second support portion 58A, and then extends downward. The first contact point 53A is a portion of the first protrusion 52A that is close to the second support portion 58A. The second support portion 58A has a second protrusion 54A. The second protrusion 54A is the upper end of the second support portion 58A. The second protrusion 54A protrudes in an arc shape toward the first support portion 56A, and then extends downward. The second contact point 55A is a portion of the second protrusion 54A that is close to the first support portion 56A.

[0092] According to this modification, the second protrusion 54A can be formed in the same shape as the first protrusion 52A, and this allows the spring length of the second support portion 58A to be longer. In other words, according to the second support portion 58A of this modification, a softer spring can be obtained.

[0093] Comparing FIG. 18 with FIG. 14, the contact portion 50A has a similar structure to the contact portion 50 except for the above-mentioned differences, and is deformable in the same manner as the contact portion 50. For example, when the contact portion 50A is viewed along the second horizontal direction (Y direction), the first contact 53A and the second contact 55A face each other apart in the first horizontal direction (X direction). Referring to FIG. 17, the first contact 53A and the second contact 55A are at the same position in the second horizontal direction. The second contact 55A is located between the first contact 53A and the held portion 424A in the first horizontal direction. Referring to FIG. 18, the first contact 53A is supported by the first support portion 56A. The second contact 55A is supported by the second support portion 58A. Each of the first support portion 56A and the second support portion 58A is elastically deformable. The first contact 53A and the second contact 55A are movable independently of each other.

[0094] 18 together with FIG. 17, all parts of the contact portion 50A extend parallel to the XZ plane while maintaining a constant width WCA in the second horizontal direction (Y direction) and without any deviation in the second horizontal direction. That is, each of the first support portion 56A and the second support portion 58A extends upward from the bottom portion 51A without any inclination in the second horizontal direction while maintaining a constant width WCA in the second horizontal direction. Therefore, the first contact 53A is located at the same position as the lower end of the first support portion 56A in the second horizontal direction. The second contact 55A is located at the same position as the lower end of the second support portion 58A in the second horizontal direction. The first contact 53A and the second contact 55A are conductive with each other.

[0095] 4 together with Fig. 15, the contact portion 50A is accommodated in the accommodating portion 34 of the housing 20, similar to the contact portion 50, and the entire contact portion 50A is movable relative to the housing 20. Referring to Fig. 5 together with Fig. 15, in the mated state, the mating terminal 64 is sandwiched between the first contact 53A and the second contact 55A. As a result, the terminal 40A is electrically connected to the corresponding mating terminal 64 at two contacts.

[0096] 15 to 18 together with FIG. 11, arm 44A of this modification has a structure similar to arm 44 and is deformable similar to arm 44. For example, at least a portion of arm 44A is elastically deformable. Arm 44A connects held portion 424A and contact portion 50A to each other, and supports contact portion 50A movably. This modification also provides a new connector 10 (see FIG. 5) having contact portion 50A that can stably contact mating terminal 64 (see FIG. 5) and a structure that can reduce the insertion force during fitting and the removal force during removal.

[0097] Referring to Fig. 8 together with Fig. 15, when the connector 10 is viewed from below in the vertical direction, the bottom 51A of the contact portion 50A is visible. Referring to Fig. 4 together with Fig. 15, the bottom 51A is located above the connection object 70 in the separated state and is slightly separated from the connection object 70. Referring to Fig. 5 together with Fig. 15, when the mating connector 60 is mated with the connector 10, the bottom 51A moves downward and hits the connection object 70, thereby stabilizing the posture of the contact portion 50A. In particular, the bottom 51A has a flat shape parallel to the XY plane, which makes it easy to stabilize the posture of the contact portion 50A.

[0098] As shown in Figs. 15 to 17, a gap 49A is formed in the terminal 40A. The arm 44A and the contact portion 50A are partially aligned in the second horizontal direction (Y direction). The gap 49A is located between the arm 44A and the contact portion 50A in the second horizontal direction, and extends along the first horizontal direction (X direction). More specifically, the arm 44A has a base 452A. The base 452A is located at the lower end of the arm 44A and has a flat plate shape extending along the XY plane. The base 452A and the bottom 51A of the contact portion 50A extend parallel to each other in the first horizontal direction, partially sandwiching the gap 49A in the second horizontal direction.

[0099] The arm 44A is connected to an edge of the contact portion 50A in the second horizontal direction (Y direction). In other words, the boundary between the arm 44A and the contact portion 50A is the edge of the contact portion 50A in the second horizontal direction, and extends from the bottom portion 51A to the first support portion 56A along the XZ plane. That is, the arm 44A in this modified example is connected to the bottom portion 51A and the first support portion 56A. However, it is sufficient that the arm 44A is connected to at least one of the bottom portion 51A and the first support portion 56A.

[0100] 15 and 16, at least a part of the arm 44A is located below the second contact 55A and is connected to the contact portion 50A. Referring to FIGS. 15 to 17, the arm 44A has a main portion 45A and a connecting portion 46A. The connecting portion 46A is a portion located near the boundary between the arm 44A and the contact portion 50A. The main portion 45A is a portion extending from the upper end of the held portion 424A to the connecting portion 46A. As can be understood from this structure, at least a part of the main portion 45A is elastically deformable. The connecting portion 46A defined as above connects the main portion 45A and the contact portion 50A to each other in the second horizontal direction (Y direction).

[0101] Comparing Figs. 19 to 22 with Figs. 11 to 14, the terminal 40B of the second modified example has the same basic structure as the terminal 40 and functions similarly to the terminal 40. For example, the terminal 40B is formed by bending a single metal plate. In other words, the terminal 40B is a single metal plate having a bend. The terminal 40B has a leg 42B, an arm 44B, and a contact portion 50B. The leg 42B, the arm 44B, and the contact portion 50B are generally positioned in this order in the first horizontal direction (X direction). The arm 44B connects the leg 42B and the contact portion 50B to each other.

[0102] The size of leg 42B in the first horizontal direction (X direction) is smaller than the size of leg 42 in the first horizontal direction. In addition, the size of leg 42B in the up-down direction is smaller than the size of leg 42 in the up-down direction. Except for this difference, leg 42B has the same structure as leg 42, and is deformable in the same way as leg 42.

[0103] For example, comparing Figs. 19 to 22 with Figs. 11 to 14, leg 42B of this modification has the same portion as leg 42. More specifically, leg 42B has connected portion 422, held portion 424, and held portion 425. That is, terminal 40B has connected portion 422, held portion 424, and held portion 425. Referring to Figs. 19 to 22, held portion 424 and held portion 425 are located between contact portion 50B and connected portion 422 in the first horizontal direction (X direction). Referring to Fig. 4 together with Fig. 19, held portion 424 and held portion 425 of terminal 40B are press-fitted into holding portion 32 and holding portion 33 of housing 20, respectively, and held. When the connector 10 is attached to an object to be connected , the connected portion 422 of the terminal 40B is connected to the object to be connected .

[0104] Comparing FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 with FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the contact portion 50B of this modification has a bottom portion 51B, a first support portion 56B, a second support portion 58B, a first contact 53 the same as that of the contact portion 50, and a second contact 55 the same as that of the contact portion 50. The bottom portion 51B has a flat plate shape extending along the XY plane. The bottom portion 51B is located at the lower end of the contact portion 50B and extends straight along the first horizontal direction (X direction). The first support portion 56B and the second support portion 58B are connected to both ends of the bottom portion 51B in the first horizontal direction. The first support portion 56B and the second support portion 58B each extend upward from the bottom portion 51B.

[0105] The first support portion 56B has a first protrusion 52 the same as that of the contact portion 50. The first protrusion 52 is the upper end of the first support portion 56B. The first protrusion 52 protrudes in an arc shape toward the second support portion 58B, and then extends downward. The first contact 53 is a portion of the first protrusion 52 that is close to the second support portion 58B. The second support portion 58B has a second protrusion 54 the same as that of the contact portion 50. The second protrusion 54 is the upper end of the second support portion 58B. The second protrusion 54 protrudes in an arc shape toward the first support portion 56B, and then extends in the first horizontal direction (X direction) so as to be away from the first support portion 56B. The second contact 55 is a portion of the second protrusion 54 that is close to the first support portion 56B.

[0106] 21 and 22 with FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the size (length) of the terminal 40B in the first horizontal direction (X direction) is the same as the size (length) of the terminal 40 in the first horizontal direction. In particular, the length of the contact portion 50B is the same as the length of the contact portion 50. On the other hand, the length of the arm portion 44B is longer than the length of the arm portion 44. Also, the size of the terminal 40B in the vertical direction is smaller than the size of the terminal 40 in the vertical direction. According to the above-mentioned structure, the first contact 53 and the second contact 55 can be supported by a soft spring like the contact portion 50 by shortening the spring length of the first support portion 56B and the second support portion 58B and lengthening the spring length of the arm portion 44B. In addition, the connector 10 (see FIG. 4) can be made low-profile.

[0107] Comparing FIG. 22 with FIG. 14, the contact portion 50B has a similar structure to the contact portion 50, and can be deformed in the same manner as the contact portion 50. For example, when the contact portion 50B is viewed along the second horizontal direction (Y direction), the first contact 53 and the second contact 55 face each other and are spaced apart from each other in the first horizontal direction (X direction). Referring to FIG. 21, the first contact 53 and the second contact 55 are at the same position as each other in the second horizontal direction. The second contact 55 is located between the first contact 53 and the held portion 424 in the first horizontal direction.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 22, the first contact 53 is supported by a first support portion 56B. The second contact 55 is supported by a second support portion 58B. The first support portion 56B and the second support portion 58B are each elastically deformable. The first contact 53 and the second contact 55 are movable independently of each other. Referring to FIG. 21, This modified example When terminal 40B having this configuration is viewed from above in the up-down direction, held portion 424, first contact 53, and second contact 55 are aligned in a straight line along the first horizontal direction (X direction).

[0109] Referring to FIG. 22 together with FIG. 21, all parts of the contact portion 50B extend parallel to the XZ plane while maintaining the same constant width WC in the second horizontal direction (Y direction) as the contact portion 50 (see FIG. 13) and without any deviation in the second horizontal direction. That is, each of the first support portion 56B and the second support portion 58B extends upward from the bottom portion 51B without any inclination in the second horizontal direction while maintaining a constant width WC in the second horizontal direction. Therefore, the first contact 53 is located at the same position as the lower end of the first support portion 56B in the second horizontal direction. The second contact 55 is located at the same position as the lower end of the second support portion 58B in the second horizontal direction. The first contact 53 and the second contact 55 are electrically connected to each other.

[0110] 4 together with Fig. 19, the contact portion 50B is accommodated in the accommodating portion 34 of the housing 20, similar to the contact portion 50, and the entire contact portion 50B is movable relative to the housing 20. Referring to Fig. 5 together with Fig. 19, in the mated state, the mating terminal 64 is sandwiched between the first contact 53 and the second contact 55. As a result, the terminal 40B is electrically connected to the corresponding mating terminal 64 at the two contacts.

[0111] 19 to 22 together with FIG. 11, arm 44B of this modification has a structure similar to arm 44 and is deformable similar to arm 44. For example, at least a portion of arm 44B is elastically deformable. Arm 44B connects held portion 424 and contact portion 50B to each other, and supports contact portion 50B so that it can move. This modification also provides a new connector 10 (see FIG. 5) that has contact portion 50B that can stably contact mating terminal 64 (see FIG. 5) and has a structure that can reduce the insertion force during fitting and the removal force during removal.

[0112] With reference to Fig. 8 together with Fig. 19, when the connector 10 is viewed from below in the up-down direction, the bottom 51B of the contact portion 50B is visible. With reference to Fig. 4 together with Fig. 19, the bottom 51B is located above the connection object 70 in the separated state and is slightly separated from the connection object 70. With reference to Fig. 5 together with Fig. 19, when the mating connector 60 is mated with the connector 10, the bottom 51B moves downward and hits the connection object 70, thereby stabilizing the posture of the contact portion 50B. In particular, the bottom 51B has a flat shape parallel to the XY plane, which makes it easy to stabilize the posture of the contact portion 50B.

[0113] 19 to 21, a gap 49B is formed in the terminal 40B. The arm portion 44B and the contact portion 50B are partially aligned in the second horizontal direction (Y direction). The gap 49B is located between the arm portion 44B and the contact portion 50B in the second horizontal direction. The gap 49B extends along the entire bottom portion 51B of the contact portion 50B in the first horizontal direction (X direction) and then extends upward.

[0114] The arm 44B is connected to an edge of the first support portion 56B of the contact portion 50B in the second horizontal direction (Y direction). In other words, the boundary between the arm 44B and the contact portion 50B is an edge of the first support portion 56B in the second horizontal direction, and extends along the XZ plane. That is, the arm 44B is connected to at least one of the bottom portion 51B and the first support portion 56B. In particular, the arm 44B of this modified example is connected only to the first support portion 56B.

[0115] Specifically, the arm 44B has a base 452B and a rising portion 454B. The base 452B is located at the lower end of the arm 44B and has a flat plate shape extending along the XY plane. The base 452B is completely separated from the bottom 51B of the contact portion 50B by a gap 49B. The base 452B extends straight in parallel to the bottom 51B along the first horizontal direction (X direction). The rising portion 454B extends upward from the end of the base 452B in the first horizontal direction. The rising portion 454B extends in parallel to the first support portion 56B across the gap 49B, and is then connected to the first support portion 56B.

[0116] 22, when the terminal 40B is viewed in the second horizontal direction (Y direction), the rising portion 454B overlaps with the first support portion 56B. In particular, the entire rising portion 454B of this modification is located inside the first support portion 56B in the XZ plane. Therefore, when the terminal 40B is viewed from the side where the first support portion 56B is located in the second horizontal direction, the rising portion 454B is completely hidden behind the first support portion 56B and cannot be seen. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the arrangement of the rising portion 454B can be modified as necessary.

[0117] 19 and 20, at least a part of the arm 44B is located below the second contact 55 and is connected to the contact portion 50B. Referring to FIGS. 19 to 21, the arm 44B has a main portion 45B and a connecting portion 46B. The connecting portion 46B is a portion located near the boundary between the arm 44B and the first support portion 56B of the contact portion 50B. The main portion 45B is a portion extending from the upper end of the held portion 424 to the connecting portion 46B. As can be understood from this structure, at least a part of the main portion 45B is elastically deformable. The connecting portion 46B defined as above connects the main portion 45B and the contact portion 50B to each other in the second horizontal direction (Y direction).

[0118] Comparing Figs. 23 to 26 with Figs. 19 to 22, the terminal 40C of the third modified example has the same basic structure as the terminal 40B and functions in the same manner as the terminal 40B. For example, the terminal 40C is formed by bending a single metal plate. In other words, the terminal 40C is a single metal plate having a bend. The terminal 40C has the same leg portion 42B as the terminal 40B, an arm portion 44C different from the arm portion 44B, and a contact portion 50C different from the contact portion 50B. The leg portion 42B, the arm portion 44C, and the contact portion 50C are generally located in this order in the first horizontal direction (X direction). The arm portion 44C connects the leg portion 42B and the contact portion 50C to each other.

[0119] As shown in Fig. 23 to Fig. 26, the leg portion 42B of the terminal 40C has a connected portion 422, a held portion 424, and a held portion 425. That is, the terminal 40C has the connected portion 422, the held portion 424, and the held portion 425. The held portion 424 and the held portion 425 are located between the contact portion 50C and the connected portion 422 in the first horizontal direction (X direction). Referring to Fig. 4 together with Fig. 23, the held portion 424 and the held portion 425 of the terminal 40C are press-fitted and held in the holding portion 32 and the holding portion 33 of the housing 20, respectively. The connected portion 422 of the terminal 40C is connected to the connection object 70 when the connector 10 is attached to the connection object 70.

[0120] 23 and 24 with FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, the contact portion 50C of this modification has a bottom portion 51B the same as the contact portion 50B, a first support portion 56C different from the first support portion 56B, a second support portion 58B the same as the contact portion 50B, a first contact 53 the same as the contact portion 50B, and a second contact 55 the same as the contact portion 50B. The bottom portion 51B has a flat plate shape extending along the XY plane. The bottom portion 51B is located at the lower end of the contact portion 50C and extends straight along the first horizontal direction (X direction). The first support portion 56C and the second support portion 58B are connected to both ends of the bottom portion 51B in the first horizontal direction. The first support portion 56C and the second support portion 58B each extend upward from the bottom portion 51B.

[0121] The first support portion 56C has a first protrusion 52C. The first protrusion 52C is the upper end of the first support portion 56C. The first protrusion 52C extends upward, then protrudes in an arc away from the second support portion 58B, and then extends downward. The first contact point 53 is a portion of the first protrusion 52C that is close to the second support portion 58B. The second support portion 58B has a second protrusion 54 that is the same as the contact point portion 50B. The second protrusion 54 is the upper end of the second support portion 58B. The second protrusion 54 protrudes in an arc toward the first support portion 56C, and then extends along the first horizontal direction (X direction) away from the first support portion 56C. The second contact point 55 is a portion of the second protrusion 54 that is close to the first support portion 56C.

[0122] Comparing FIG. 26 with FIG. 22, the contact portion 50C has a similar structure to the contact portion 50B except for the above-mentioned differences, and can be modified in the same manner as the contact portion 50B. For example, when the contact portion 50C is viewed along the second horizontal direction (Y direction), the first contact 53 and the second contact 55 face each other and are spaced apart from each other in the first horizontal direction (X direction). Referring to FIG. 25, the first contact 53 and the second contact 55 are at the same position as each other in the second horizontal direction. The second contact 55 is located between the first contact 53 and the held portion 424 in the first horizontal direction.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 26, the first contact 53 is supported by a first support portion 56C. The second contact 55 is supported by a second support portion 58B. The first support portion 56C and the second support portion 58B are each elastically deformable. The first contact 53 and the second contact 55 are movable independently of each other. Referring to FIG. 25, This modified example When terminal 40C is viewed from above in the up-down direction, held portion 424, first contact 53, and second contact 55 are aligned in a straight line along the first horizontal direction (X direction).

[0124] Referring to FIG. 26 together with FIG. 25, all parts of the contact portion 50C extend parallel to the XZ plane while maintaining the same constant width WC in the second horizontal direction (Y direction) as the contact portion 50B (see FIG. 21) and without any deviation in the second horizontal direction. That is, each of the first support portion 56C and the second support portion 58B extends upward from the bottom portion 51B without any inclination in the second horizontal direction while maintaining a constant width WC in the second horizontal direction. Therefore, the first contact 53 is located at the same position as the lower end of the first support portion 56C in the second horizontal direction. The second contact 55 is located at the same position as the lower end of the second support portion 58B in the second horizontal direction. The first contact 53 and the second contact 55 are conductive with each other.

[0125] 4 together with Fig. 23, the contact portion 50C is accommodated in the accommodating portion 34 of the housing 20, similar to the contact portion 50, and the entire contact portion 50C is movable relative to the housing 20. Referring to Fig. 5 together with Fig. 23, in the mated state, the mating terminal 64 is sandwiched between the first contact 53 and the second contact 55. As a result, the terminal 40C is electrically connected to the corresponding mating terminal 64 at the two contacts.

[0126] 23 to 26 together with FIG. 19, the arm 44C of this modification has a structure similar to that of the arm 44B, and is deformable in the same manner as the arm 44B. For example, at least a portion of the arm 44C is elastically deformable. The arm 44C connects the held portion 424 and the contact portion 50C to each other, and supports the contact portion 50C so that it can move. This modification also provides a new connector 10 (see FIG. 5) that has the contact portion 50C that can stably contact the mating terminal 64 (see FIG. 5) and has a structure that can reduce the insertion force during fitting and the removal force during removal.

[0127] Referring to Fig. 8 together with Fig. 23, when the connector 10 is viewed from below in the up-down direction, the bottom 51B of the contact portion 50C can be seen. Referring to Fig. 4 together with Fig. 23, the bottom 51B is located above the connection object 70 in the separated state and is slightly separated from the connection object 70. Referring to Fig. 5 together with Fig. 23, when the mating connector 60 is mated with the connector 10, the bottom 51B moves downward and hits the connection object 70, thereby stabilizing the posture of the contact portion 50C. In particular, the bottom 51B has a flat shape parallel to the XY plane, which makes it easy to stabilize the posture of the contact portion 50C.

[0128] 23 to 25, a gap 49C is formed in the terminal 40C. The arm portion 44C and the contact portion 50C are partially aligned in the second horizontal direction (Y direction). The gap 49C is located between the arm portion 44C and the contact portion 50C in the second horizontal direction. The gap 49C extends along the entire bottom portion 51B of the contact portion 50C in the first horizontal direction (X direction) and then extends upward.

[0129] The arm 44C is connected to an edge of the first support 56C of the contact portion 50C in the second horizontal direction (Y direction). In other words, the boundary between the arm 44C and the contact portion 50C is an edge of the first support 56C in the second horizontal direction, and extends along the XZ plane. That is, the arm 44C is connected to at least one of the bottom 51B and the first support 56C. In particular, the arm 44C of this modified example is connected only to the first support 56C.

[0130] Specifically, the arm 44C has a base 452B and a rising portion 454C. The base 452B is located at the lower end of the arm 44C and has a flat plate shape extending along the XY plane. The base 452B is completely separated from the bottom 51B of the contact portion 50C by a gap 49C. The base 452B extends straight in parallel with the bottom 51B along the first horizontal direction (X direction). The rising portion 454C extends upward from the end of the base 452B in the first horizontal direction. The rising portion 454C extends away from the first support portion 56C across the gap 49C in the first horizontal direction and the second horizontal direction (Y direction), and then connects to the first support portion 56C.

[0131] 26, when the terminal 40C is viewed in the second horizontal direction (Y direction), the rising portion 454C is spaced apart from the first support portion 56C. In particular, when the terminal 40C is viewed in the second horizontal direction, most of the rising portion 454C is spaced apart from the first support portion 56C, and a portion of the rising portion 454C overlaps with the first support portion 56C.

[0132] 25 and 26, at least a part of the arm 44C is located below the second contact 55 and is connected to the contact portion 50C. Referring to FIGS. 23 to 25, the arm 44C has a main portion 45C and a connecting portion 46C. The connecting portion 46C is a portion located near the boundary between the arm 44C and the first support portion 56C of the contact portion 50C. The main portion 45C is a portion extending from the upper end of the held portion 424 to the connecting portion 46C. As can be understood from this structure, at least a part of the main portion 45C is elastically deformable. The connecting portion 46C defined as above connects the main portion 45C and the contact portion 50C to each other in the second horizontal direction (Y direction).

[0133] Comparing Figs. 25 and 26 with Figs. 21 and 22, the size of terminal 40C in the first horizontal direction (X direction) is the same as the size of terminal 40B in the first horizontal direction. The size of terminal 40C in the second horizontal direction (Y direction) is the same as the size of terminal 40B in the second horizontal direction. The size of terminal 40C in the up-down direction is the same as the size of terminal 40B in the up-down direction. Meanwhile, the spring length of arm portion 44C is longer than the spring length of arm portion 44B. According to the above-mentioned structure, the contact portion 50C can be supported by a softer spring without increasing the size of terminal 40C.

[0134] Comparing Figs. 27 to 30 with Figs. 11 to 14, the terminal 40D of the fourth modified example has the same basic structure as the terminal 40 and functions similarly to the terminal 40. For example, the terminal 40D is formed by bending a single metal plate. In other words, the terminal 40D is a single metal plate having a bend. The terminal 40D has a leg 42D, an arm 44D, and a contact portion 50D. The leg 42D, the arm 44D, and the contact portion 50D are generally positioned in this order in the first horizontal direction (X direction). The arm 44D connects the leg 42D and the contact portion 50D to each other.

[0135] The leg 42D has a structure similar to that of the leg 42, and can be deformed similarly to the leg 42. For example, the leg 42D has a connected portion 422, a held portion 424D, and a held portion 425. That is, the terminal 40D has a connected portion 422, a held portion 424D, and a held portion 425. The held portion 424D and the held portion 425 are located between the contact portion 50D and the connected portion 422 in the first horizontal direction (X direction). Referring to FIG. 4 together with FIG. 27, the held portion 424D and the held portion 425 are press-fitted and held by the holding portion 32 and the holding portion 33 of the housing 20, respectively. The connected portion 422 is connected to the connection object 70 when the connector 10 is attached to the connection object 70.

[0136] Figure 27 and Figure 2 Figure 811 to 14, the contact portion 50D of this modification has a structure similar to that of the contact portion 50, and can be modified in the same manner as the contact portion 50. For example, the contact portion 50D has a bottom portion 51D, a first support portion 56D, a second support portion 58D, a first contact 53D, and a second contact 55D. The bottom portion 51D has a flat plate shape extending along the XY plane. The bottom portion 51D is located at the lower end of the contact portion 50D and extends straight along the first horizontal direction (X direction). The first support portion 56D and the second support portion 58D are connected to both ends of the bottom portion 51D in the first horizontal direction. The first support portion 56D and the second support portion 58D each extend upward from the bottom portion 51D.

[0137] The first support portion 56D has a first protrusion 52D. The first protrusion 52D is the upper end of the first support portion 56D. The first protrusion 52D protrudes in an arc shape toward the second support portion 58D, and then extends downward. The first contact point 53D is a portion of the first protrusion 52D that is close to the second support portion 58D. The second support portion 58D has a second protrusion 54D. The second protrusion 54D is the upper end of the second support portion 58D. The second protrusion 54D protrudes in an arc shape toward the first support portion 56D, and then extends in the first horizontal direction (X direction) so as to move away from the first support portion 56D. The second contact point 55D is a portion of the second protrusion 54D that is close to the first support portion 56D.

[0138] With reference to Fig. 30, when the contact portion 50D is viewed along the second horizontal direction (Y direction), the first contact 53D and the second contact 55D face each other and are spaced apart from each other in the first horizontal direction (X direction). With reference to Fig. 29, the first contact 53D and the second contact 55D are at the same position as each other in the second horizontal direction. The second contact 55D is located between the first contact 53D and the held portion 424D in the first horizontal direction.

[0139] Referring to FIG. 30, the first contact 53D is supported by a first support portion 56D. The second contact 55D is supported by a second support portion 58D. The first support portion 56D and the second support portion 58D are each elastically deformable. The first contact 53D and the second contact 55D are movable independently of each other. Referring to FIG. 29, This modified example When the terminal 40D is viewed from above in the up-down direction, the held portion 424D, the first contact 53D, and the second contact 55D are aligned in a straight line along the first horizontal direction (X direction).

[0140] Referring to FIG. 30 together with FIG. 29, all parts of the contact portion 50D extend parallel to the XZ plane without being biased in the second horizontal direction (Y direction). That is, each of the first support portion 56D and the second support portion 58D extends upward from the bottom portion 51D without being tilted in the second horizontal direction. Therefore, the first contact 53D is located at the same position as the lower end of the first support portion 56D in the second horizontal direction. The second contact 55D is located at the same position as the lower end of the second support portion 58D in the second horizontal direction. The first contact 53D and the second contact 55D are conductive with each other.

[0141] 4 together with Fig. 27, the contact portion 50D is accommodated in the accommodating portion 34 of the housing 20, similar to the contact portion 50, and the entire contact portion 50D is movable relative to the housing 20. Referring to Fig. 5 together with Fig. 27, in the mated state, the mating terminal 64 is sandwiched between the first contact 53D and the second contact 55D. As a result, the terminal 40D is electrically connected to the corresponding mating terminal 64 at two contacts.

[0142] 27 to 30 together with FIG. 11, arm 44D of this modification has a structure similar to arm 44 and is deformable similar to arm 44. For example, at least a portion of arm 44D is elastically deformable. Arm 44D connects held portion 424D and contact portion 50D to each other, and supports contact portion 50D so that it can move. This modification also provides a new connector 10 (see FIG. 5) having contact portion 50D that can stably contact mating terminal 64 (see FIG. 5) and a structure that can reduce the insertion force during fitting and the removal force during removal.

[0143] Referring to Fig. 8 together with Fig. 27, when the connector 10 is viewed from below in the up-down direction, the bottom 51D of the contact portion 50D is visible. Referring to Fig. 4 together with Fig. 27, the bottom 51D is located above the connection object 70 in the separated state and is slightly separated from the connection object 70. Referring to Fig. 5 together with Fig. 27, when the mating connector 60 is mated with the connector 10, the bottom 51D moves downward and hits the connection object 70, thereby stabilizing the posture of the contact portion 50D. In particular, the bottom 51D has a flat shape parallel to the XY plane, which makes it easy to stabilize the posture of the contact portion 50D.

[0144] 27 to 29, the arm 44D has two branched portions 456D. Each of the branched portions 456D is elastically deformable. The two branched portions 456D extend along the XZ plane while partially sandwiching the contact portion 50D in the second horizontal direction (Y direction). The second support portion 58D is located between the two branched portions 456D in the second horizontal direction. Each of the branched portions 456D is connected to the contact portion 50D. According to this modification, the contact portion 50D can be supported in a balanced manner by the springs located on both sides of the contact portion 50D.

[0145] The terminal 40D has two gaps 49D corresponding to the branch portions 456D. Each of the gaps 49D is located between the corresponding branch portion 456D (arm portion 44D) and the contact portion 50D in the second horizontal direction (Y direction), and extends along the first horizontal direction (X direction). More specifically, each of the branch portions 456D has a base portion 452D. Each of the base portions 452D is located at the lower end of the branch portion 456D and has a flat plate shape extending along the XY plane. Each of the gaps 49D is located between the base portion 452D and the bottom portion 51D of the corresponding branch portion 456D in the second horizontal direction. That is, the contact portion 50D and the corresponding branch portion 456D (arm portion 44D) are partially aligned in the second horizontal direction.

[0146] The branch portion 456D is connected to both edges of the contact portion 50D in the second horizontal direction (Y direction). In other words, the boundaries between the arm portion 44D and the contact portion 50D are both edges of the contact portion 50D in the second horizontal direction, and extend from the bottom portion 51D to the first support portion 56D along the XZ plane. That is, the arm portion 44D is connected to the bottom portion 51D and the first support portion 56D. However, it is sufficient that the arm portion 44D is connected to at least one of the bottom portion 51D and the first support portion 56D.

[0147] 29 and 30, at least a part of the arm 44D is located below the second contact 55D and is connected to the contact portion 50D. Referring to FIGS. 27 to 29, the arm 44D has a main portion 45D and two connecting portions 46D. Each of the connecting portions 46D is a portion located near the boundary between the branch portion 456D of the arm 44D and the contact portion 50D. The main portion 45D is a portion extending from the upper end of the held portion 424D to the connecting portion 46D and includes two branch portions 456D. As can be understood from this structure, at least a part of the main portion 45D is elastically deformable. Each of the connecting portions 46D defined as above connects the main portion 45D and the contact portion 50D to each other in the second horizontal direction (Y direction).

[0148] Comparing Figs. 31 to 34 with Figs. 15 to 18, the terminal 40E of the fifth modified example has the same basic structure as the terminal 40A and functions similarly to the terminal 40A. For example, the terminal 40E is formed by bending a single metal plate. In other words, the terminal 40E is a single metal plate having a bend. The terminal 40E has a leg 42E, an arm 44E, and a contact portion 50E. The leg 42E, the arm 44E, and the contact portion 50E are generally positioned in this order in the first horizontal direction (X direction). The arm 44E connects the leg 42E and the contact portion 50E to each other.

[0149] 31 to 34, leg portion 42E of this modification has a connected portion 422 and a held portion 424E. That is, terminal 40E has connected portion 422 and held portion 424E. Connected portion 422 has a flat plate shape extending along the XY plane.

[0150] The connected portion 422 extends straight along the first horizontal direction (X direction). The held portion 424E extends upward from an end of the connected portion 422 in the first horizontal direction. The held portion 424E is located between the contact portion 50E and the connected portion 422 in the first horizontal direction. Referring to FIG. 4 together with FIG. 31, the held portion 424E is press-fitted into and held by the holding portion 32 of the housing 20. The connected portion 422 is connected to the connection object 70 when the connector 10 is attached to the connection object 70.

[0151] According to this modification, only one held portion 424E is provided on leg 42E, and the size (length) in the first horizontal direction (X direction) of terminal 40E is smaller than the size (length) in the first horizontal direction of terminal 40. That is, terminal 40E of this modification can be made smaller in size in the first horizontal direction.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 31 and FIG. 32, the contact portion 50E of this modification has a bottom portion 51E, a first support portion 56E, a second support portion 58E, a first contact 53E, and a second contact 55E. The bottom portion 51E has a flat plate shape extending along the XY plane. The bottom portion 51E is located at the lower end of the contact portion 50E. The bottom portion 51E has a portion extending straight along the first horizontal direction (X direction) and a portion extending along a direction oblique to the first horizontal direction. The first support portion 56E and the second support portion 58E are connected to both ends of the bottom portion 51E in the first horizontal direction. The first support portion 56E and the second support portion 58E each extend upward from the bottom portion 51E. The first support portion 56E extends upward from the bottom portion 51E while being inclined as a whole in the second horizontal direction.

[0153] The first support portion 56E has a first protrusion 52E. The first protrusion 52E is the upper end of the first support portion 56E. The first protrusion 52E protrudes in an arc shape toward the second support portion 58E, and then extends downward. The first contact point 53E is a portion of the first protrusion 52E that is close to the second support portion 58E. The second support portion 58E has a second protrusion 54E. The second protrusion 54E is the upper end of the second support portion 58E. The second protrusion 54E protrudes in an arc shape toward the first support portion 56E, and then extends downward. The second contact point 55E is a portion of the second protrusion 54E that is close to the first support portion 56E.

[0154] Comparing FIG. 34 with FIG. 18, the contact portion 50E has a similar structure to the contact portion 50A except for the above-mentioned differences, and can be modified in the same manner as the contact portion 50A. For example, when the contact portion 50E is viewed along the second horizontal direction (Y direction), the first contact 53E and the second contact 55E face each other and are spaced apart from each other in the first horizontal direction (X direction). Referring to FIG. 33, the first contact 53E and the second contact 55E are at the same position as each other in the second horizontal direction. The second contact 55E is located between the first contact 53E and the held portion 424E in the first horizontal direction.

[0155] Referring to FIG. 34, the first contact 53E is supported by a first support portion 56E. The second contact 55E is supported by a second support portion 58E. The first support portion 56E and the second support portion 58E are each elastically deformable. The first contact 53E and the second contact 55E are movable independently of each other. Referring to FIG. 33, This modified example When the terminal 40E is viewed from above in the up-down direction, the held portion 424E, the first contact 53E, and the second contact 55E are aligned in a straight line in the first horizontal direction (X direction). The first contact 53E and the second contact 55E are electrically connected to each other.

[0156] Referring to FIG. 34 together with FIG. 33, most of the contact portion 50E extends parallel to the XZ plane while maintaining a constant width WCE in the second horizontal direction (Y direction) and without being biased in the second horizontal direction. On the other hand, a part of the contact portion 50E is biased in the second horizontal direction and extends obliquely to the XZ plane. In detail, the second support portion 58E extends upward from the bottom portion 51E without tilting in the second horizontal direction. Therefore, the second contact 55E is at the same position as the lower end of the second support portion 58E in the second horizontal direction. On the other hand, the first support portion 56E extends upward from the bottom portion 51E while being tilted in the second horizontal direction. As a result, the first contact 53E is at a position different from the lower end of the first support portion 56E in the second horizontal direction. According to this modification, the spring length of the first support portion 56E can be increased without increasing the size of the terminal 40E in the vertical direction.

[0157] 4 together with Fig. 31, the contact portion 50E is accommodated in the accommodating portion 34 of the housing 20, similar to the contact portion 50, and the entire contact portion 50E is movable relative to the housing 20. Referring to Fig. 5 together with Fig. 31, in the mated state, the mating terminal 64 is sandwiched between the first contact 53E and the second contact 55E. As a result, the terminal 40E is electrically connected to the corresponding mating terminal 64 at the two contacts.

[0158] 31 to 34 together with FIG. 15, the arm 44E of this modification has a structure similar to that of the arm 44A, and is deformable in the same manner as the arm 44A. For example, at least a portion of the arm 44E is elastically deformable. The arm 44E connects the held portion 424E and the contact portion 50E to each other, and supports the contact portion 50E so that it can move. This modification also provides a new connector 10 (see FIG. 5) having a contact portion 50E that can stably contact the mating terminal 64 (see FIG. 5) and a structure that can reduce the insertion force during fitting and the removal force during removal.

[0159] Referring to Fig. 8 together with Fig. 31, when the connector 10 is viewed from below in the up-down direction, the bottom 51E of the contact portion 50E is visible. Referring to Fig. 4 together with Fig. 31, the bottom 51E is located above the connection object 70 in the separated state and is slightly separated from the connection object 70. Referring to Fig. 5 together with Fig. 31, when the mating connector 60 is mated with the connector 10, the bottom 51E moves downward and hits the connection object 70, thereby stabilizing the posture of the contact portion 50E. In particular, the bottom 51E has a flat shape parallel to the XY plane, which makes it easy to stabilize the posture of the contact portion 50E.

[0160] 31 to 33, a gap 49E is formed in the terminal 40E. The arm 44E and the contact portion 50E are partially aligned in the second horizontal direction (Y direction). The gap 49E is located between the arm 44E and the contact portion 50E in the second horizontal direction, and extends along the first horizontal direction (X direction). More specifically, the arm 44E has a base 452E. The base 452E is located at the lower end of the arm 44E and has a flat plate shape extending along the XY plane. The base 452E and a bottom 51E of the contact portion 50E extend parallel to each other along the first horizontal direction, partially sandwiching the gap 49E in the second horizontal direction.

[0161] The arm 44E is connected to the edge of the contact portion 50E in the second horizontal direction (Y direction). In other words, the boundary between the arm 44E and the contact portion 50E is the edge of the contact portion 50E in the second horizontal direction, and has a portion extending along the XZ plane and a portion extending along a plane obliquely intersecting the XZ plane. The boundary between the arm 44E and the contact portion 50E extends from the bottom portion 51E to the first support portion 56E. That is, the arm 44E of this modified example is connected to the bottom portion 51E and the first support portion 56E. However, it is sufficient that the arm 44E is connected to at least one of the bottom portion 51E and the first support portion 56E.

[0162] 31 and 32, at least a part of the arm 44E is located below the second contact 55E and connected to the contact portion 50E. Referring to FIGS. 31 to 33, the arm 44E has a main portion 45E and a connecting portion 46E. The connecting portion 46E is a portion located near the boundary between the arm 44E and the contact portion 50E. The main portion 45E is a portion extending from the upper end of the held portion 424E to the connecting portion 46E. As can be understood from this structure, at least a part of the main portion 45E is elastically deformable. The connecting portion 46E defined as above connects the main portion 45E and the contact portion 50E to each other in the second horizontal direction (Y direction) and in a direction oblique to the second horizontal direction.

[0163] Comparing Figs. 35 to 38 with Figs. 31 to 34, the terminal 40F of the sixth modified example has the same basic structure as the terminal 40E and functions similarly to the terminal 40E. For example, the terminal 40F is formed by bending a single metal plate. In other words, the terminal 40F is a single metal plate having a bend. The terminal 40F has a leg 42F, an arm 44F, and a contact portion 50F. The leg 42F, the arm 44F, and the contact portion 50F are generally positioned in this order in the first horizontal direction (X direction). The arm 44F connects the leg 42F and the contact portion 50F to each other.

[0164] 35 to 38, leg 42F of this modification has connected portion 422A and held portion 424F, which are the same as terminal 40A (see FIG. 15). That is, terminal 40F has connected portion 422A and held portion 424F. Connected portion 422A has a flat plate shape extending along the XY plane. According to this modification, terminal 40F can be made smaller in size in the first horizontal direction (X direction) like terminal 40E (see FIG. 31).

[0165] The connected portion 422A extends straight along the first horizontal direction (X direction). The held portion 424F extends upward from an end of the connected portion 422A in the first horizontal direction. The held portion 424F is located between the contact portion 50F and the connected portion 422A in the first horizontal direction. Referring to FIG. 4 together with FIG. 34, the held portion 424F is press-fitted into and held by the holding portion 32 of the housing 20. The connected portion 422A is connected to the connection object 70 when the connector 10 is attached to the connection object 70.

[0166] 35 and 36 with FIG. 31 and FIG. 32, the contact portion 50F of this modification has a structure similar to that of the contact portion 50E, and can be modified in the same manner as the contact portion 50E. For example, the contact portion 50F has a bottom portion 51F, a first support portion 56F, a second support portion 58F, a first contact 53F, and a second contact 55F. The bottom portion 51F has a flat plate shape extending along the XY plane. The bottom portion 51F is located at the lower end of the contact portion 50F. The bottom portion 51F has a portion extending straight along the first horizontal direction (X direction) and a portion extending along a direction oblique to the first horizontal direction. The first support portion 56F and the second support portion 58F are connected to both ends of the bottom portion 51F in the first horizontal direction. The first support portion 56F and the second support portion 58F each extend upward from the bottom portion 51F. The first support portion 56F extends upward while being inclined as a whole in the second horizontal direction.

[0167] The first support portion 56F has a first protrusion 52F. The first protrusion 52F is the upper end of the first support portion 56F. The first protrusion 52F protrudes in an arc shape toward the second support portion 58F, and then extends downward. The first contact point 53F is a portion of the first protrusion 52F that is close to the second support portion 58F. The second support portion 58F has a second protrusion 54F. The second protrusion 54F is the upper end of the second support portion 58F. The second protrusion 54F protrudes in an arc shape toward the first support portion 56F, and then extends downward. The second contact point 55F is a portion of the second protrusion 54F that is close to the first support portion 56F.

[0168] Referring to FIG. 38, when the contact portion 50F is viewed along the second horizontal direction (Y direction), the first contact 53F and the second contact 55F face each other apart in the first horizontal direction (X direction). Referring to FIG. 37, the first contact 53F and the second contact 55F are at the same position in the second horizontal direction. The second contact 55F is located between the first contact 53F and the held portion 424F in the first horizontal direction. Referring to FIG. 38, the first contact 53F is supported by the first support portion 56F. The second contact 55F is supported by the second support portion 58F. Each of the first support portion 56F and the second support portion 58F is elastically deformable. The first contact 53F and the second contact 55F are movable independently of each other. The first contact 53F and the second contact 55F are electrically connected to each other.

[0169] Referring to FIG. 38 together with FIG. 37, most of the contact portion 50F of this modification extends parallel to the XZ plane without being biased in the second horizontal direction (Y direction). On the other hand, a part of the contact portion 50F is biased in the second horizontal direction and extends obliquely to the XZ plane. In detail, the second support portion 58F extends upward from the bottom portion 51F without tilting in the second horizontal direction. Therefore, the second contact 55F is at the same position as the lower end of the second support portion 58F in the second horizontal direction. On the other hand, the first support portion 56F extends upward from the bottom portion 51F while tilting in the second horizontal direction. As a result, the first contact 53F is at a position different from the lower end of the first support portion 56F in the second horizontal direction. According to this modification, the spring length of the first support portion 56F can be increased without increasing the size of the terminal 40F in the vertical direction.

[0170] 4 together with Fig. 35, the contact portion 50F is accommodated in the accommodating portion 34 of the housing 20, similar to the contact portion 50, and the entire contact portion 50F is movable relative to the housing 20. Referring to Fig. 5 together with Fig. 35, in the mated state, the mating terminal 64 is sandwiched between the first contact 53F and the second contact 55F. As a result, the terminal 40F is electrically connected to the corresponding mating terminal 64 at the two contacts.

[0171] 35 to 38 together with FIG. 31, the arm 44F of this modification has a structure similar to that of the arm 44E, and is deformable in the same manner as the arm 44E. For example, at least a portion of the arm 44F is elastically deformable. The arm 44F connects the held portion 424F and the contact portion 50F to each other, and supports the contact portion 50F so that it can move. This modification also provides a new connector 10 (see FIG. 5) that has a contact portion 50F that can stably contact the mating terminal 64 (see FIG. 5) and has a structure that can reduce the insertion force during fitting and the removal force during removal.

[0172] With reference to Fig. 8 together with Fig. 35, when the connector 10 is viewed from below in the up-down direction, the bottom 51F of the contact portion 50F can be seen. With reference to Fig. 4 together with Fig. 35, the bottom 51F is located above the connection object 70 in the separated state and is slightly separated from the connection object 70. With reference to Fig. 5 together with Fig. 35, when the mating connector 60 is mated with the connector 10, the bottom 51F moves downward and hits the connection object 70, thereby stabilizing the posture of the contact portion 50F. In particular, the bottom 51F has a flat shape parallel to the XY plane, which makes it easy to stabilize the posture of the contact portion 50F.

[0173] 35 to 37, a gap 49F is formed in the terminal 40F. The arm 44F and the contact portion 50F are partially aligned in the second horizontal direction (Y direction). The gap 49F is located between the arm 44F and the contact portion 50F in the second horizontal direction, and extends along the first horizontal direction (X direction). More specifically, the arm 44F has a base 452F. The base 452F is located at the lower end of the arm 44F and has a flat plate shape extending along the XY plane. The base 452F and the bottom 51F of the contact portion 50F extend parallel to each other along the first horizontal direction, partially sandwiching the gap 49F in the second horizontal direction.

[0174] The arm 44F is connected to an edge of the contact portion 50F in the second horizontal direction (Y direction). In other words, the boundary between the arm 44F and the contact portion 50F is an edge of the contact portion 50F in the second horizontal direction, and extends along a plane obliquely intersecting the XZ plane. The boundary between the arm 44F and the contact portion 50F extends from the bottom portion 51F to the first support portion 56F. That is, the arm 44F of this modification is connected to the bottom portion 51F and the first support portion 56F. However, it is sufficient that the arm 44F is connected to at least one of the bottom portion 51F and the first support portion 56F.

[0175] 35 and 36, at least a part of the arm 44F is located below the second contact 55F and is connected to the contact portion 50F. Referring to FIGS. 35 to 37, the arm 44F has a main portion 45F and a connecting portion 46F. The connecting portion 46F is a portion located near the boundary between the arm 44F and the contact portion 50F. The main portion 45F is a portion extending from the upper end of the held portion 424F to the connecting portion 46F. As can be understood from this structure, at least a part of the main portion 45F is elastically deformable. The connecting portion 46F defined as above connects the main portion 45F and the contact portion 50F to each other in a direction oblique to the second horizontal direction (Y direction).

[0176] Referring to Fig. 39, the terminal 40G of the seventh modified example is a member of a connector 10G. The connector 10G includes a housing 20G made of an insulator and a plurality of terminals 40G made of a conductor. Referring to Fig. 42, the connector 10G is attached to a connection object 70 during use, similar to the connector 10 (see Fig. 4). Referring to Figs. 1 to 3 together with Fig. 39, the connector 10G can be fitted in a mating connector 60 including a mating terminal 64 along the up-down direction, similar to the connector 10.

[0177] The housing 20G will now be described.

[0178] 39 and 40 with FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the housing 20G has various portions corresponding to the portions of the housing 20. The structure and function of each portion of the housing 20G are substantially the same as the corresponding portion of the housing 20, and can be modified in the same manner as the corresponding portion of the housing 20. In the following description, each portion of the housing 20G will be referred to by the same reference numeral as the corresponding portion of the housing 20, except for the portions provided corresponding to the terminals 40G, and detailed description will be omitted.

[0179] 41 to 43 with FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the housing 20G has the same basic structure as the housing 20. For example, the housing 20G has an outer wall portion 22, a bottom wall portion 24, a central protrusion portion 26, and two side protrusion portions 28. The housing 20G is formed with an outer peripheral recess portion 23 and two receiving portions 27. With reference to FIG. 41 and FIG. 42, the housing 20G is formed with a plurality of accommodating portions 34G corresponding to the terminals 40G, a plurality of holding portions 33G corresponding to the terminals 40G, and a plurality of hole portions 31G corresponding to the terminals 40G.

[0180] Each of the accommodating portions 34G is a space for accommodating a part of the corresponding terminal 40G. Each of the accommodating portions 34G extends in the first horizontal direction (X direction) between any one of the internal spaces 282 (see FIG. 4) of the side protrusions 28 and any one of the internal spaces 262 (see FIG. 4) of the central protrusions 26, similarly to the accommodating portion 34 (see FIG. 4). Each of the accommodating portions 34G opens downward of the housing 20G and is connected to any one of the receiving portions 27 in the up-down direction. Each of the holding portions 33G is a portion for holding the corresponding terminal 40G. Each of the holding portions 33G of this modification is a wall surface of a hole formed in the bottom wall portion 24. Each of the hole portions 31G is a hole penetrating the bottom wall portion 24 and opening upward and downward.

[0181] The housing 20G has a plurality of partition walls 36. Each of the partition walls 36 is located between two adjacent terminals 40G in the second horizontal direction (Y direction). Each of the partition walls 36 separates the two adjacent terminals 40G from each other, preventing a short circuit between the terminals 40G. In addition, the partition walls 36 restrict the movement of each of the terminals 40G in the second horizontal direction.

[0182] 44 to 47, the terminals 40G of this modification have the same shape as each other. In addition, the terminals 40G are held in the housing 20G (see FIG. 41) in the same manner as each other and function in the same manner as each other. Below, one of the terminals 40G will be described. The following description is applicable to each of the terminals 40G.

[0183] Comparing Figs. 44 to 47 with Figs. 11 to 14, the terminal 40G of the seventh modified example has the same basic structure as the terminal 40 and functions similarly to the terminal 40. For example, the terminal 40G is formed by bending a single metal plate. In other words, the terminal 40G is a single metal plate having a bend. The terminal 40G has a leg 42G, an arm 44G, and a contact portion 50G. The leg 42G, the arm 44G, and the contact portion 50G are generally positioned in this order in the first horizontal direction (X direction). The arm 44G connects the leg 42G and the contact portion 50G to each other.

[0184] 44 to 47, leg 42G of this modification has a connected portion 422G and a held portion 425G. That is, terminal 40G has a connected portion 422G and a held portion 425G. Connected portion 422G has a flat plate shape extending along the XY plane.

[0185] The connected portion 422G extends straight along the first horizontal direction (X direction). The held portion 425G extends upward from an end of the connected portion 422G in the first horizontal direction. The held portion 425G is located between the contact portion 50G and the connected portion 422G in the first horizontal direction. With reference to FIGS. 41 and 42, the held portion 425G is press-fitted into and held by the holding portion 33G of the housing 20G. When the connector 10G is attached to the connection object 70, the connected portion 422G is fixed and connected to the connection object 70 by soldering or the like.

[0186] 44 and 45 with FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the contact portion 50G of this modification has a structure similar to that of the contact portion 50, and can be modified in the same manner as the contact portion 50. For example, the contact portion 50G has a bottom portion 51G, a first support portion 56G, a second support portion 58G, a first contact 53G, and a second contact 55G. The bottom portion 51G has a flat plate shape extending along the XY plane. The bottom portion 51G is located at the lower end of the contact portion 50G and extends straight along the first horizontal direction (X direction). The first support portion 56G and the second support portion 58G are connected to both ends of the bottom portion 51G in the first horizontal direction. The first support portion 56G and the second support portion 58G each extend upward from the bottom portion 51G.

[0187] The first support portion 56G has a first protrusion 52G. The first protrusion 52G is the upper end of the first support portion 56G. The first protrusion 52G protrudes in an arc shape toward the second support portion 58G, and then extends downward. The first contact point 53G is a portion of the first protrusion 52G that is close to the second support portion 58G. The second support portion 58G has a second protrusion 54G. The second protrusion 54G is the upper end of the second support portion 58G. The second protrusion 54G protrudes in an arc shape toward the first support portion 56G, and then extends along the first horizontal direction (X direction) so as to move away from the first support portion 56G. The second contact point 55G is a portion of the second protrusion 54G that is close to the first support portion 56G.

[0188] Referring to FIG. 47, when the contact portion 50G is viewed along the second horizontal direction (Y direction), the first contact 53G and the second contact 55G face each other apart in the first horizontal direction (X direction). Referring to FIG. 46, the first contact 53G and the second contact 55G are at the same position in the second horizontal direction. The second contact 55G is located between the first contact 53G and the held portion 425G in the first horizontal direction. Referring to FIG. 47, the first contact 53G is supported by the first support portion 56G. The second contact 55G is supported by the second support portion 58G. Each of the first support portion 56G and the second support portion 58G is elastically deformable. The first contact 53G and the second contact 55G are movable independently of each other.

[0189] With reference to FIG. 46, when terminal 40G is viewed from above in the up-down direction, connected portion 422G, first contact 53G, and second contact 55G are aligned in a straight line along the first horizontal direction (X direction).

[0190] 47 together with FIG. 46, all parts of the contact portion 50G extend parallel to the XZ plane without being biased in the second horizontal direction (Y direction). In particular, the first support portion 56G and the second support portion 58G each extend upward from the bottom portion 51G without being tilted in the second horizontal direction. Therefore, the first contact 53G is located at the same position as the lower end of the first support portion 56G in the second horizontal direction. The second contact 55G is located at the same position as the lower end of the second support portion 58G in the second horizontal direction. The first contact 53G and the second contact 55G are electrically connected to each other.

[0191] 41 and 42, the contact portion 50G is accommodated in the accommodating portion 34G of the housing 20G. The contact portion 50G is separated from any portion of the housing 20G, and the entire contact portion 50G is movable relative to the housing 20G. Referring to FIG. 42, in the mated state, the mating terminal 64 is sandwiched between the first contact 53G and the second contact 55G. As a result, the terminal 40G is electrically connected to the corresponding mating terminal 64 at the two contacts.

[0192] 44 to 47, at least a part of the arm 44G is elastically deformable. The arm 44G of this modification extends from the lower end of the held portion 425G to the upper end of the second support portion 58G along the first horizontal direction (X direction). That is, the arm 44G connects the held portion 425G and the contact portion 50G to each other, and supports the contact portion 50G so that it can move. This modification also provides a new connector 10G (see FIG. 41) that has a contact portion 50G that can stably contact the mating terminal 64 (see FIG. 42) and has a structure that can reduce the insertion force during fitting and the removal force during removal.

[0193] With reference to Fig. 40, when the connector 10G is viewed from below in the up-down direction, the bottom 51G of the contact portion 50G is visible. With reference to Fig. 42, in the separated state, the bottom 51G is located above the connection object 70 and is slightly separated from the connection object 70. When the mating connector 60 (see Fig. 3) is mated with the connector 10G, the bottom 51G moves downward and hits the connection object 70, thereby stabilizing the posture of the contact portion 50G. In particular, the bottom 51G has a flat shape parallel to the XY plane, which makes it easy to stabilize the posture of the contact portion 50G.

[0194] 44 to 47, the arm 44G of this modification is connected to an edge of the second support 58G in the first horizontal direction (X direction). In other words, the boundary between the arm 44G and the contact portion 50G is an edge of the second support 58G in the first horizontal direction, and extends along the second horizontal direction (Y direction). The arm 44G of this modification has a main portion 45G and a connecting portion 46G. The connecting portion 46G is a portion located near the boundary between the arm 44G and the contact portion 50G. The main portion 45G is a portion of the arm 44G other than the connecting portion 46G. The connecting portion 46G connects the main portion 45G and the contact portion 50G to each other in the first horizontal direction.

[0195] The arm 44G of this modification has a base 47G and a support 48G. The base 47G has a flat plate shape extending along the XY plane. The support 48G is a portion of the arm 44G other than the base 47G, and includes a connecting portion 46G. More specifically, the support 48G extends upward from the base 47G and is connected to the upper end of the second support 58G. The support 48G thus formed is elastically deformable. That is, the upper end of the support 48G movably supports the contact 50G.

[0196] 41 and 42, the support portion 48G is accommodated in the accommodation portion 34G of the housing 20G. The support portion 48G is separated from any part of the housing 20G. In particular, the support portion 48G is separated from the housing 20G in the first horizontal direction (X direction) and can easily elastically deform inside the accommodation portion 34G. That is, the contact portion 50G of this modified example is accommodated in the accommodation portion 34G together with the support portion 48G, and the entire contact portion 50G is movable. The contact portion 50G of this modified example is supported by a softer spring, which can reduce the insertion force during fitting and the removal force during removal.

[0197] 44 to 46, the base 47G extends in the first horizontal direction (X direction) between the lower end of the connected portion 422G and the lower end of the supporting portion 48G. A notch 471G is formed in the base 47G. The notch 471G is located in the middle of the base 47G in the second horizontal direction (Y direction) and penetrates the base 47G in the up-down direction.

[0198] The base 47G is provided with a fixed portion 472G. The fixed portion 472G is located inside the notch portion 471G in the XY plane. With reference to FIG. 41 and FIG. 42, when the connector 10G is attached to the connection object 70, the fixed portion 472G is fixed to the connection object 70 by soldering or the like. As a result, the terminal 40G is more firmly fixed to the connection object 70. The fixed portion 472G of this modification is visible from above through the hole portion 31G. The fixed portion 472G arranged in this manner can be easily soldered. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the fixed portion 472G and the hole portion 31G may be provided as necessary. The fixed portion 472G may also be used as a connection portion. More specifically, the fixed portion 472G may be connected to a conductive pad (not shown) of the connection object 70. In this case, the connection portion 422G does not need to be provided. [Explanation of symbols]

[0199] 10,10G Connectors 20,20G Housing 22 Outer wall part 23 Outer peripheral concave part 24 Bottom wall part 26 Central convex part 262 Internal space 27 Receiving part 28 Side convex part 282 Internal space 31G Hole part 32, 33, 33G Holding part 34, 34G Accommodating part 36 Partition wall 40, 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, 40E, 40F, 40G Terminal 42, 42A, 42B, 42D, 42E, 42F, 42G Leg part 422, 422A, 422G Connected part 424, 424A, 424D, 424E, 424F Held part 425, 425A, 425G Held part 44, 44A, 44B, 44C, 44D, 44E, 44F, 44G Arm part 45, 45A, 45B, 45C, 45D, 45E, 45F, 45G Main part 452, 452A, 452B, 452D, 452E, 452F Base part 454B, 454C Rising part 456D Branch part 46, 46A, 46B, 46C, 46D, 46E, 46F, 46G Connecting part 47G Base part 471G Notch part 472G Fixed part 48G Support part 49, 49A, 49B, 49C, 49D, 49E, 49F Gap 50, 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D, 50E, 50F, 50G Contact part 51, 51A, 51B, 51D, 51E, 51F, 51G Bottom part 52, 52A, 52C, 52D, 52E, 52F, 52G First protrusion 53, 53A, 53D, 53E, 53F, 53G First contact 54,54A,54D,54E,54F,54G 2nd protrusion 55, 55A, 55D, 55E, 55F, 55G Second contact 56,56A,56B,56C,56D,56E,56F,56G 1st support part 58,58A,58B,58D,58E,58F,58G 2nd support part 60 Mating Connector 62 Mating housing 64 Counterpart terminal 642 Counterpart connected part 644 Counterpart contact part 70 Circuit board (connection object) 82 Sheet material 84 Conductive Pattern 88 Base member

Claims

1. A connector that can be fitted in a vertical direction with a mating connector having a mating terminal, The connector includes a housing and a terminal. The housing has a holding portion and a receiving portion, The terminal has a held portion, an arm portion, and a contact portion, The held portion is held by the holding portion, the arm portion connects the held portion and the contact portion to each other and movably supports the contact portion, At least a portion of the arm is elastically deformable, The contact portion is accommodated in the accommodation portion, and the entire contact portion is movable; the contact portion has a bottom portion, a first support portion, a second support portion, a first contact point, and a second contact point; each of the first support portion and the second support portion extends upward from the bottom portion; the first contact is supported by the first support portion, the second contact is supported by the second support portion, the second contact is located between the first contact and the held portion in a first horizontal direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, When the contact portion is viewed along a second horizontal direction perpendicular to both the up-down direction and the first horizontal direction, the first contact and the second contact are spaced apart from each other, In a mated state in which the connector is mated with the mating connector, the mating terminal is sandwiched between the first contact and the second contact, The arm portion has a main portion and a connecting portion, At least a portion of the main portion is elastically deformable; The connecting portion connects the main portion and the contact portion to each other in the second horizontal direction. connector.

2. A connector that can be mated with a mating connector having a mating terminal along an up-down direction, The connector includes a housing and a terminal. The housing has a holding portion and a receiving portion, The terminal has a held portion, an arm portion, and a contact portion, The held portion is held by the holding portion, the arm portion connects the held portion and the contact portion to each other and movably supports the contact portion, At least a portion of the arm is elastically deformable, The contact portion is accommodated in the accommodation portion, and the entire contact portion is movable; the contact portion has a bottom portion, a first support portion, a second support portion, a first contact point, and a second contact point; each of the first support portion and the second support portion extends upward from the bottom portion; the first contact is supported by the first support portion, the second contact is supported by the second support portion, the second contact is located between the first contact and the held portion in a first horizontal direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, When the contact portion is viewed along a second horizontal direction perpendicular to both the up-down direction and the first horizontal direction, the first contact and the second contact are spaced apart from each other, In a mated state in which the connector is mated with the mating connector, the mating terminal is sandwiched between the first contact and the second contact, The terminal has a gap formed therein, the arm portion and the contact portion are partially aligned in the second horizontal direction, The gap is located between the arm portion and the contact portion in the second horizontal direction. connector.

3. A connector that can be mated with a mating connector having a mating terminal along an up-down direction, The connector includes a housing and a terminal. The housing has a holding portion and a receiving portion, The terminal has a held portion, an arm portion, and a contact portion, The held portion is held by the holding portion, the arm portion connects the held portion and the contact portion to each other and movably supports the contact portion, At least a portion of the arm is elastically deformable, The contact portion is accommodated in the accommodation portion, and the entire contact portion is movable; the contact portion has a bottom portion, a first support portion, a second support portion, a first contact point, and a second contact point; each of the first support portion and the second support portion extends upward from the bottom portion; the first contact is supported by the first support portion, the second contact is supported by the second support portion, the second contact is located between the first contact and the held portion in a first horizontal direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, When the contact portion is viewed along a second horizontal direction perpendicular to both the up-down direction and the first horizontal direction, the first contact and the second contact are spaced apart from each other, In a mated state in which the connector is mated with the mating connector, the mating terminal is sandwiched between the first contact and the second contact, At least a portion of the arm portion is located below the second contact and is connected to the contact portion. connector.

4. A connector that can be mated with a mating connector having a mating terminal along an up-down direction, The connector includes a housing and a terminal. The housing has a holding portion and a receiving portion, The terminal has a held portion, an arm portion, and a contact portion, The held portion is held by the holding portion, the arm portion connects the held portion and the contact portion to each other and movably supports the contact portion, At least a portion of the arm is elastically deformable, The contact portion is accommodated in the accommodation portion, and the entire contact portion is movable; the contact portion has a bottom portion, a first support portion, a second support portion, a first contact point, and a second contact point; each of the first support portion and the second support portion extends upward from the bottom portion; the first contact is supported by the first support portion, the second contact is supported by the second support portion, the second contact is located between the first contact and the held portion in a first horizontal direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, When the contact portion is viewed along a second horizontal direction perpendicular to both the up-down direction and the first horizontal direction, the first contact and the second contact are spaced apart from each other, In a mated state in which the connector is mated with the mating connector, the mating terminal is sandwiched between the first contact and the second contact, The arm has two branches, Each of the branch portions is connected to the contact portion, The second support portion is located between the two branch portions in the second horizontal direction. connector.

5. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The first support portion extends upward from the bottom portion without inclining in the second horizontal direction. connector.

6. A connector that can be mated with a mating connector having a mating terminal along an up-down direction, The connector includes a housing and a terminal. The housing has a holding portion and a receiving portion, The terminal has a held portion, an arm portion, and a contact portion, The held portion is held by the holding portion, the arm portion connects the held portion and the contact portion to each other and movably supports the contact portion, At least a portion of the arm is elastically deformable, The contact portion is accommodated in the accommodation portion, and the entire contact portion is movable; the contact portion has a bottom portion, a first support portion, a second support portion, a first contact point, and a second contact point; each of the first support portion and the second support portion extends upward from the bottom portion; the first contact is supported by the first support portion, the second contact is supported by the second support portion, the second contact is located between the first contact and the held portion in a first horizontal direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, When the contact portion is viewed along a second horizontal direction perpendicular to both the up-down direction and the first horizontal direction, the first contact and the second contact are spaced apart from each other, In a mated state in which the connector is mated with the mating connector, the mating terminal is sandwiched between the first contact and the second contact, The first support portion extends upward from the bottom portion while being inclined in the second horizontal direction. connector.

7. A connector that can be mated with a mating connector having a mating terminal along an up-down direction, The connector includes a housing and a terminal. The housing has a holding portion and a receiving portion, The terminal has a held portion, an arm portion, and a contact portion, The held portion is held by the holding portion, the arm portion connects the held portion and the contact portion to each other and movably supports the contact portion, At least a portion of the arm is elastically deformable, The contact portion is accommodated in the accommodation portion, and the entire contact portion is movable; the contact portion has a bottom portion, a first support portion, a second support portion, a first contact point, and a second contact point; each of the first support portion and the second support portion extends upward from the bottom portion; the first contact is supported by the first support portion, the second contact is supported by the second support portion, the second contact is located between the first contact and the held portion in a first horizontal direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, When the contact portion is viewed along a second horizontal direction perpendicular to both the up-down direction and the first horizontal direction, the first contact and the second contact are spaced apart from each other, In a mated state in which the connector is mated with the mating connector, the mating terminal is sandwiched between the first contact and the second contact, The arm portion has a base portion and a rising portion, The base portion extends along the first horizontal direction, The rising portion extends upward from the base portion and is connected to the first support portion. connector.

8. A connector according to claim 7, When the terminal is viewed in the second horizontal direction, the rising portion overlaps with the first support portion. connector.

9. The connector of claim 7, When the terminal is viewed along the second horizontal direction, the rising portion is spaced apart from the first support portion. connector.

10. A connector that can be mated with a mating connector having a mating terminal along an up-down direction, The connector includes a housing and a terminal. The housing has a holding portion and a receiving portion, The terminal has a held portion, an arm portion, and a contact portion, The held portion is held by the holding portion, the arm portion connects the held portion and the contact portion to each other and movably supports the contact portion, At least a portion of the arm is elastically deformable, The contact portion is accommodated in the accommodation portion, and the entire contact portion is movable; the contact portion has a bottom portion, a first support portion, a second support portion, a first contact point, and a second contact point; each of the first support portion and the second support portion extends upward from the bottom portion; the first contact is supported by the first support portion, the second contact is supported by the second support portion, the second contact is located between the first contact and the held portion in a first horizontal direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, When the contact portion is viewed along a second horizontal direction perpendicular to both the up-down direction and the first horizontal direction, the first contact and the second contact are spaced apart from each other, In a mated state in which the connector is mated with the mating connector, the mating terminal is sandwiched between the first contact and the second contact, The arm portion has a base portion and a support portion, The support portion extends upward from the base portion and is elastically deformable; An upper end of the support portion supports the contact portion, The contact portion is accommodated in the accommodation portion together with the support portion, and the entire contact portion is movable. connector.

11. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The arm portion is connected to at least one of the bottom portion and the first support portion. connector.

12. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The arm portion is connected to the bottom portion. connector.

13. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 12, Each of the first support portion and the second support portion is elastically deformable, The first contact and the second contact are movable independently of each other. connector.

14. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 13, The storage portion is open downwardly of the housing, When the connector is viewed from below along the up-down direction, the bottom portion is visible. connector.

15. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 14, The bottom portion has a flat plate shape. connector.

16. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 15, The connector is attached to an object to be connected when in use, The terminal has a connected portion, The connected portion is connected to the connection object when the connector is attached to the connection object. connector.

17. 17. The connector of claim 16, The held portion is located between the contact portion and the connected portion. connector.

18. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 17, The first contact and the second contact are electrically connected to each other. connector.

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