Terminal fitting, a connector provided therewith and method of forming a terminal fitting

摘要

A terminal fitting ( 10 ) is formed to be mountable into a resin housing ( 30 ). A metal lock ( 11 ) is formed by cutting and bending in a bottom plate ( 14 ) of the terminal fitting ( 10 ) and is resiliently engageable with an engaging portion ( 34 ) in the housing ( 30 ) to lock the terminal fitting ( 10 ). This metal lock ( 11 ) has a base ( 11 A) in the form of a flat plate. An extended portion ( 11 B) is at the leading end of the base ( 11 A) and bulges out in thickness or width direction, thereby increasing an area of engagement with the engaging portion ( 34 ) when the terminal fitting ( 10 ) is pulled in withdrawing direction. Accordingly, the terminal fitting ( 10 ) has a terminal holding force enhanced by the presence of the extended portion ( 11 B).