SOCKET-TYPE TERMINAL WITH MINIMUM INSERTION FORCE CHARACTERISTICS, AND A CONNECTOR EMBODYING SUCH A TERMINAL

SOCKET-TYPE TERMINAL WITH MINIMUM INSERTION FORCE CHARACTERISTICS, AND A CONNECTOR EMBODYING SUCH A TERMINAL A connector has socket-type terminals, each terminal having a main body part from the front end of which two arms project, as cantilevers. The inner part of each arm is curved, generally arcuate, and the outer part of each arm extends generally straight and inclined away from each other. A contact position is formed at the junction between the inner and outer part. Such terminals are housed in slots in a plug and a receptacle has pins which are inserted into the terminals. Cam surfaces on the receptacle engage with the free ends of the arms after partial insertion of the pins and press the arms together, pushing the contact positions into contact with the pins. A low insertion force is obtained.