Connector device and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

By molding a housing that covers the connector portion and the ends of multiple cables, the cable retention strength or liquid barrier performance can be improved, and poor molding of the housing can be suppressed. The connector device (1) includes a connector portion (2), cables (21-24) extending from the rear end of the connector portion (2), and a rear housing (41). The cross-sectional shape of the cover portion of each cable (21-24) is quadrilateral. The front ends of the cables (21-24) are arranged side by side such that there is no space formed in the overall cross-section of the cables (21-24) due to the separation of the cover portions of two adjacent cables. The rear housing (41) surrounds the portion from the rear end of the connector portion (2) to the front end of the cover portion of each cable (21-24) and is integrated with this portion by overmolding.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector device comprising a plurality of cables and a connection portion for connecting the plurality of cables to a connected body, and a method thereof. Background Technology

[0002] A connector device is known that includes multiple cables and a connector portion for connecting these cables to a connected object. The connector portion refers to a connector, terminal, or a component that functions as a connector or terminal. The connected object refers to a connector that can connect to the connector portion, a terminal that can connect to the connector portion, or a component that functions as such a connector or terminal. Furthermore, the multiple cables are independent. Additionally, the ends of the multiple cables are each mounted to the same connector portion.

[0003] Each cable has a core and a cover that covers the outer periphery of the core. The structure of the core varies depending on the type of cable. For example, in the case of a single-core cable, the core is a single conductor (single wire or stranded wire). In the case of a multi-core cable, the core consists of multiple conductors, each with its own outer periphery covered by an insulating film. In the case of a coaxial cable, the core consists of conductors, an insulator covering the outer periphery of the conductors, and a shielding conductor (e.g., a braided sheath) covering the outer periphery of the insulator. In the case of a multi-core shielded cable, the core consists of multiple conductors, each with its own outer periphery covered by an insulating film, and a shielding conductor covering the outer periphery of these conductors.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-110880 (Patent Document 1) discloses a cable connection device comprising a plurality of cables and a plug for holding the plurality of cables. Structurally, this cable connection device can be considered equivalent to the aforementioned connector device.

[0005] According to the connector device described above, the ends of multiple cables are respectively mounted to the same connecting part. Therefore, by connecting the connected object to the connecting part or disconnecting the connecting part from the connected object, electrical connection or disconnection between multiple cables and the substrate or electrical / electronic equipment on which the connected object is mounted can be performed simultaneously. Furthermore, in the connector device described above, although the ends of multiple cables are mounted to one connecting part, the portions other than the ends are independent and can be separated. Therefore, the wiring paths of the multiple cables can be made different. By using the connector device described above, for example, a system for transmitting signals from multiple electrical / electronic equipment located in different places to a single other electrical / electronic equipment can be easily constructed. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-110880 Summary of the Invention

[0007] However, in the aforementioned connector assembly, there is a requirement to improve the cable retention strength and enhance the performance of preventing liquids (e.g., water) from entering the connector assembly (liquid barrier performance). To address these requirements, a resin housing was investigated that covers the connector portion and the ends of multiple cables mounted to the connector portion by overmold molding.

[0008] Figure 28 The connector device 91 described above is a connector device with such a housing. Specifically, the connector device 91 includes a connecting portion 92 and four cables 93-96. Each cable 93-96 is a well-known, commonly used single-core cable with a circular cross-section. Each cable 93-96 has a core portion 97 and a cover portion 98. Furthermore, the front end of the core portion 97 of the cable 93-96 is mounted at the base end of the connecting portion 92. Additionally, a resin housing 99 covering the portion extending from the base end of the connecting portion 92 to the front end of the cover portion 98 of the cable 93-96 is formed on the outer periphery. Hereinafter, the connector device 91 will sometimes be referred to as "the connector device as a comparative example".

[0009] also, Figure 29 (A) and Figure 29 (B) illustrates an example of a method for manufacturing the connector device 91. In manufacturing the connector device 91, firstly, as... Figure 29 As shown in (A), the front ends of the cores 97 of cables 93-96 are respectively attached to the base end of the connector 92. Then, cables 93-96 are arranged side-by-side in two rows vertically and two rows horizontally. Next, in order to... Figure 29 The outer shell 99 shown by the double-dotted line in (B) is molded, and the connecting part 92, the core part 97 of the cable 93 to 96 and the front end of the cover part 98 are arranged in the mold, and molten resin is injected into the mold.

[0010] However, in Figure 28 The connector device 91 shown or Figure 29 (A) and Figure 29 In the manufacturing method of the connector device 91 shown in (B), there is a problem that the molding of the housing 99 is prone to defects. Regarding this problem, using... Figure 30 (B) and Figure 30 (B) can be used to describe this in detail.

[0011] Figure 30 (A) schematically shows the state in which the connecting part 92, on which cables 93 to 96 are mounted, and the front ends of cables 93 to 96 are arranged in the mold 120 in order to form the housing 99. Figure 30The dashed lines in (A) show the portion of connector 92 and cables 93-96 located within mold 120. Furthermore, in Figure 30 In (A), the double-dotted line shows the cavity 125 formed in the mold 120. Resin is injected into the cavity 125.

[0012] The mold 120 has a first mold piece 121 and a second mold piece 122. For example, the second mold piece 122 is movable in a vertical direction relative to the first mold piece 121. The connecting portion 92 and the front ends of the cables 93-96 are located within the mold 120 by being disposed between the first mold piece 121 and the second mold piece 122. On the other hand, portions of the cables 93-96 other than their front ends extend out of the mold 120. A cable insertion portion 120A is provided in the mold 120 for allowing portions of the cables 93-96 other than their front ends to extend out of the mold 120.

[0013] Figure 30 (B) shows from Figure 30 Left side observation along (A) Figure 30 The state of the cross-section of the cable insertion part 120A of the mold 120 after being cut by the cutting line TT in (A), and the cables 93 to 96 passing through the cable insertion part 120A. Figure 30 As shown in (B), in the cable insertion portion 120A, recesses 121A and 122A are formed on the first mold piece 121 and the second mold piece 122, respectively. The lower portions of cables 95 and 96 are disposed in the recess 121A, and the upper portions of cables 93 and 94 are disposed in the recess 122A. Furthermore, in the cable insertion portion 120A, a gap is formed between the left portion of the first mold piece 121 and the left portion of the second mold piece 122, and a third mold piece 123 (embedded member) is installed from the left side within this gap. In addition, in the cable insertion portion 120A, a gap is also formed between the right portion of the first mold piece 121 and the right portion of the second mold piece 122, and a fourth mold piece 124 (embedded member) is installed from the right side within this gap.

[0014] The recess 121A of the first mold piece 121 has a shape that matches the lower part of the cover portion 98 of each of the cables 95 and 96. Therefore, no space is formed between the recess 121A and the lower part of the cover portion 98 of each of the cables 95 and 96. Furthermore, the recess 122A of the second mold piece 122 has a shape that matches the upper part of the cover portion 98 of each of the cables 93 and 94. Therefore, no space is formed between the recess 122A and the upper part of the cover portion 98 of each of the cables 93 and 94. Furthermore, the right end of the third mold piece 123 has a shape that matches the left part of the cover portion 98 of each of the cables 94 and 95. Therefore, no space is formed between the right end of the third mold piece 123 and the left part of the cover portion 98 of each of the cables 94 and 95. Furthermore, the left end of the fourth mold piece 124 has a shape that matches the right part of the cover portion 98 of each of the cables 95 and 93. Therefore, no space is formed between the left end of the fourth mold piece 124 and the right side of the cover portion 98 of each of the cables 96 and 93. However, in the cable insertion portion 120A, a space 126 is formed in the portion surrounded by the four cables 93 to 96. This space 126 is formed when the four cables 93 to 96, which have a circular cross-sectional shape, are inserted... Figure 30 The space formed within the cross-section of the entire cable 93-96 is arranged as shown in (B) with two columns in the vertical direction and two columns in the horizontal direction.

[0015] That is, in the case of four cables with a circular cross-section, 93-96 as... Figure 30 When the cables are arranged in two columns vertically and two columns horizontally as shown in (B), the lower left portion of the outer periphery of the cover 98 of the cable 93 located in the upper right corner is separated from the lower right portion of the outer periphery of the cover 98 of the cable 94 located in the upper left corner. Furthermore, the lower right portion of the outer periphery of the cover 98 of the cable 94 is separated from the upper right portion of the outer periphery of the cover 98 of the cable 95 located in the lower left corner. Furthermore, the upper right portion of the outer periphery of the cover 98 of the cable 95 is separated from the upper left portion of the outer periphery of the cover 98 of the cable 96 located in the lower right corner. Furthermore, the upper left portion of the outer periphery of the cover 98 of the cable 96 is separated from the lower left portion of the outer periphery of the cover 98 of the cable 93. As a result, a space 126 is formed within the overall cross-section of the cables 93-96. The space 126 is a space surrounded by the four cables 93-96, and the mold does not enter it.

[0016] When the outer shell 99 is formed, as molten resin is injected into the mold 120, the resin flows out of the mold 120 through the space 126. Therefore, the resin pressure inside the mold 120 is not high enough during injection, resulting in poor molding such as underfilling. Furthermore, the resin flows out through the space 126 into the area between cables 93 and 96, necessitating a complex process of removing this resin.

[0017] Figure 31 (A) shows the cross-section of the five cables installed to the plug in the cable connection device described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-110880. Figure 31 (A) or the aforementioned bulletin Figure 2 As shown in (B), each of the five cables has a circular cross-sectional shape. Furthermore, the five cables are arranged in two columns vertically, two columns horizontally on the upper side, and three columns horizontally on the lower side. A space 127, in which the mold cannot enter, is also formed within the overall cross-section of these five cables. Therefore, in the connector device 91, even when replacing cables 93-96... Figure 31 When the five cables shown in (A) are installed to the connector 92, poor molding is also likely to occur during the formation of the housing 99.

[0018] In addition, such as Figure 31 As shown in (B), even when three cables, each with a circular cross-sectional shape, are arranged in two columns vertically, with one column on the upper side and two columns on the lower side, a space 128 will be formed within the overall cross-section of these three cables, preventing the mold from entering. Therefore, in the connector device 91, even when replacing cables 93 to 96... Figure 31 When the three cables shown in (B) are installed to the connector 92, poor molding is also likely to occur during the formation of the housing 99.

[0019] In addition, such as Figure 31 As shown in (C), even when two parallel double-wire cables are arranged in two columns in the vertical direction, a space 129 is formed within the overall cross-section of the two parallel double-wire cables, preventing the mold from entering. Therefore, in the connector device 91, even when replacing cables 93 to 96, a space 129 is formed within the overall cross-section of the two parallel double-wire cables. Figure 31 When the two parallel double-wire cables shown in (C) are installed to the connector 92, poor molding is also likely to occur during the formation of the housing 99.

[0020] As described above, in the connector device, three or more cables with circular cross-sectional shapes are installed to the connector portion and arranged side-by-side in both vertical and horizontal directions. As a result, within the overall cross-section of these cables, the covering portions of adjacent cables are at least partially separated from each other, forming a space. In this case, during the molding of the housing, resin can flow through this space and out of the mold, easily leading to poor housing molding. Furthermore, when two parallel double-wire cables are installed to the connector portion and arranged as follows: Figure 31 In the case of an arrangement like (C), such molding defects may also occur. When such molding defects occur, in the above-mentioned connector device, it is difficult to improve the cable retention strength or improve the liquid barrier performance by covering the connection part and the ends of multiple cables together with the housing by overmolding.

[0021] On the other hand, even when the cross-sectional shape of each of the multiple cables installed to the connector is circular, by treating these cables as, for example Figure 32 Arranging the cables horizontally in a row, as shown in (A), prevents the formation of spaces within the cross-section of the multiple cables that would allow resin to flow out during the molding of the housing. However, arranging the multiple cables horizontally in a row increases the width of the connector assembly, resulting in a larger connector assembly. This larger connector assembly is not preferable.

[0022] In addition, such as Figure 32 As shown in (B), when multiple cables are arranged separately as a whole, the connector device or mold needs to be equipped with a mechanism to seal the space between the cables to prevent resin from flowing out during shell molding, and a mechanism to support each cable to prevent positional displacement of each cable due to the pressure of the resin during shell molding. Therefore, the structure of the connector device or mold becomes complex, and the manufacturing process of the connector device becomes complicated, resulting in an increase in the manufacturing cost of the connector device.

[0023] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems. The technical problem of the present invention is to provide a connector device and a method for manufacturing the same, which can improve the retention strength or liquid barrier performance of the cables by molding a housing covering the connection portion and the ends of a plurality of cables, and can suppress poor molding of the housing.

[0024] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the connector device of the present invention includes a connecting portion connected to a connected body at one end, a plurality of cables extending from the other end of the connecting portion, and a housing. The connector device is characterized in that each of the plurality of cables has a core and a cover portion covering the outer peripheral side of the core. A planar portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cover portion of each of the plurality of cables. One end of the plurality of cables is arranged side by side in such a way that the planar portions of the cover portions of two adjacent cables are in contact with each other, and there is no space formed by separating the cover portions of two adjacent cables in the cross-section of the plurality of cables as a whole. The housing surrounds the portion from the other end of the connecting portion to one end of the cover portion of each of the plurality of cables, and is integrally formed with the portion by overmolding.

[0025] In the connector device of the present invention described above, the housing surrounds a portion from the other end of the connector portion to one end of the cover portion of each of the plurality of cables, and is integrally formed with this portion through overmolding. This improves the cable retention strength and enhances the liquid-blocking performance of the connector device. Furthermore, in the connector device of the present invention, a planar portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of each cover portion of the plurality of cables. Additionally, one end of each of the plurality of cables is arranged such that the planar portions of the cover portions of two adjacent cables contact each other. By arranging the one ends of the plurality of cables in this way, no space is formed within the overall cross-section of the plurality of cables due to the overall or partial separation of the cover portions of two adjacent cables. When forming the housing, the portion from the other end of the connector portion to one end of the cover portion of each of the plurality of cables is placed in a mold for forming the housing, and molten material for forming the housing is injected into the mold. Since no space is present within the overall cross-section of one end of each of the plurality of cables, the outflow of material injected into the mold is suppressed. Therefore, the pressure of the material within the mold can be sufficiently increased. Therefore, molding defects such as underfilling are less likely to occur during housing forming.

[0026] Furthermore, in the connector device of the present invention described above, an exposed portion protruding from the cover portion may be formed at one end of each of the cores of the plurality of cables, and the other end of the exposed portion of each of the cores of the plurality of cables extends from the other end of the connecting portion to the outside of the connecting portion. The housing surrounds the other end of the connecting portion, the other end of the exposed portion of each of the cores of the plurality of cables, and one end of the cover portion of each of the plurality of cables, and is integrated with the other end of the connecting portion, the other end of the exposed portion of each of the cores of the plurality of cables, and one end of the cover portion of each of the plurality of cables by overmolding.

[0027] Furthermore, in the connector device of the present invention described above, the plurality of cables may include four or more cables, and when the extension direction of the plurality of cables is taken as the front-back direction, the plurality of cables may be arranged in two or more columns in the vertical direction and two or more columns in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, in the connector device of the present invention described above, the plurality of cables may include a first cable, a second cable, a third cable, and a fourth cable. When the extension direction of the first cable is taken as the front-back direction, a planar portion is formed on the left and lower parts of the outer peripheral surface of the covering portion of the first cable. When the extension direction of the second cable is taken as the front-back direction, a planar portion is formed on the right and lower parts of the outer peripheral surface of the covering portion of the second cable. When the extension direction of the third cable is taken as the front-back direction, a planar portion is formed on the right and upper parts of the outer peripheral surface of the covering portion of the third cable. When the extension direction of the fourth cable is taken as the front-back direction... In this case, planar portions are formed on the left and upper parts of the outer peripheral surface of the cover portion of the fourth cable, respectively. The first cable, the second cable, the third cable, and the fourth cable are arranged as follows: the planar portion on the left of the cover portion of the first cable is in contact with the planar portion on the right of the cover portion of the second cable; the planar portion on the lower part of the cover portion of the second cable is in contact with the planar portion on the upper part of the cover portion of the third cable; the planar portion on the right of the cover portion of the third cable is in contact with the planar portion on the left of the cover portion of the fourth cable; and the planar portion on the upper part of the cover portion of the fourth cable is in contact with the planar portion on the lower part of the cover portion of the first cable. Furthermore, in the connector device of the present invention described above, the plurality of cables may include a first cable, a second cable, a third cable, and a fourth cable. The cross-sectional shape of the covering portion of each of the first, second, third, and fourth cables may be quadrilateral. With the extension direction of each of the first, second, third, and fourth cables as the front-rear direction, the first, second, third, and fourth cables are arranged as follows: the left surface of the covering portion of the first cable contacts the right surface of the covering portion of the second cable; the lower surface of the covering portion of the second cable contacts the upper surface of the covering portion of the third cable; the right surface of the covering portion of the third cable contacts the left surface of the covering portion of the fourth cable; and the upper surface of the covering portion of the fourth cable contacts the lower surface of the covering portion of the first cable. Furthermore, in the connector device of the present invention described above, the cross-sectional shape of the covering portion of each of the plurality of cables may be a quadrilateral with four interior angles of 90 degrees. In this case, the cross-sectional shape of the entire plurality of cables, with one end arranged at each end, may be a quadrilateral with four interior angles of 90 degrees.

[0028] Furthermore, in the connector device of the present invention described above, the plurality of cables may extend rearward from the rear end of the connecting portion, and the housing is a resin molded material that surrounds the portion from the rear end of the connecting portion to the front end of the cover portion of each of the plurality of cables and is integrally formed with this portion by overmolding. The rear portions of the portion of the plurality of cables surrounded by the housing are arranged side by side in such a manner that the planar portions of the cover portions of two adjacent cables are in contact with each other, and there is no space formed by the separation of the cover portions of two adjacent cables within the overall cross-section of the plurality of cables. The front portions of the portion of the plurality of cables surrounded by the housing are arranged side by side such that there is a separation portion formed by the separation of the cover portions of two adjacent cables. In this connector device, the resin forming the housing enters the separation portion, and the resin adheres tightly to the cover portion of the cable, thereby improving the liquid barrier performance and cable retention strength of the connector device.

[0029] Furthermore, in the connector device of the present invention described above, the plurality of cables may include four or more cables, arranged in two or more columns in the vertical direction and two or more columns in the horizontal direction. The rear portions of the portion of the plurality of cables surrounded by the housing are arranged side by side in the following manner: the planar portions of the covering portions of two adjacent cables in the plurality of cables are in contact with each other, and there is no space formed by the covering portions of two adjacent cables in the plurality of cables separating from each other in the cross-section of the plurality of cables as a whole. The front portions of the portion of the plurality of cables surrounded by the housing are arranged such that there is a separated portion formed by the covering portions of two adjacent cables in the vertical direction separating from each other, or arranged such that there is a separated portion formed by the covering portions of two adjacent cables in the horizontal direction separating from each other. Furthermore, in the connector device of the present invention described above, the plurality of cables may include a first cable, a second cable, a third cable, and a fourth cable. Planar portions are formed on the left and lower portions of the outer peripheral surface of the cover portion of the first cable, on the right and lower portions of the outer peripheral surface of the cover portion of the second cable, on the right and upper portions of the outer peripheral surface of the cover portion of the third cable, and on the left and upper portions of the outer peripheral surface of the cover portion of the fourth cable. The rear portions of the portions of each of the first cable, the second cable, the third cable, and the fourth cable surrounded by the housing are arranged such that the planar portion on the left of the cover portion of the first cable contacts the planar portion on the right of the cover portion of the second cable, and the planar portion on the lower portion of the cover portion of the second cable contacts the planar portion on the upper portion of the cover portion of the third cable. The planar portion of the right side of the cover portion of the third cable is in contact with the planar portion of the left side of the cover portion of the fourth cable, and the planar portion of the upper side of the cover portion of the fourth cable is in contact with the planar portion of the lower side of the cover portion of the first cable. The front portion of the portion surrounded by the housing in each of the first cable, the second cable, the third cable, and the fourth cable is configured such that the planar portion of the left side of the cover portion of the first cable is separate from the planar portion of the right side of the cover portion of the second cable, the planar portion of the lower side of the cover portion of the second cable is separate from the planar portion of the upper side of the cover portion of the third cable, the planar portion of the right side of the cover portion of the third cable is separate from the planar portion of the left side of the cover portion of the fourth cable, or the planar portion of the upper side of the cover portion of the fourth cable is separate from the planar portion of the lower side of the cover portion of the first cable.Furthermore, in the connector device of the present invention described above, the plurality of cables may include a first cable, a second cable, a third cable, and a fourth cable, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the cover portion of each of the first cable, the second cable, the third cable, and the fourth cable is quadrilateral, and the rear portion of the portion of each of the first cable, the second cable, the third cable, and the fourth cable surrounded by the housing is configured as follows: the left surface of the cover portion of the first cable is in contact with the right surface of the cover portion of the second cable, the lower surface of the cover portion of the second cable is in contact with the upper surface of the cover portion of the third cable, and the right surface of the cover portion of the third cable is in contact with the fourth cable. The left surfaces of the cover portions of the cables are in contact with each other, and the upper surface of the cover portion of the fourth cable is in contact with the lower surface of the cover portion of the first cable. The front portions of the portions surrounded by the housing in each of the first, second, third, and fourth cables are configured such that the left surface of the cover portion of the first cable is separate from the right surface of the cover portion of the second cable, the lower surface of the cover portion of the second cable is separate from the upper surface of the cover portion of the third cable, the right surface of the cover portion of the third cable is separate from the left surface of the cover portion of the fourth cable, or the upper surface of the cover portion of the fourth cable is separate from the lower surface of the cover portion of the first cable. Furthermore, in the connector device of the present invention described above, the connector device may include a cable limiting member that restricts the position of the cover portions of two adjacent cables among the plurality of cables, thereby forming the separation portion between the cover portions of the two cables. Furthermore, in the connector device of the present invention described above, the cable limiting member may be combined with the connecting portion.

[0030] Furthermore, to solve the aforementioned technical problems, in the manufacturing method of the connector device of the present invention, the connector device includes a connecting portion connected to a connected body at one end, a plurality of cables extending from the other end of the connecting portion, and a housing. Each of the plurality of cables has a core and a cover portion covering the outer peripheral side of the core. A planar portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of each cover portion of the plurality of cables. One end of the plurality of cables is arranged side-by-side such that the planar portions of the cover portions of two adjacent cables are in contact with each other, and within the cross-section of the plurality of cables as a whole, there is no space formed by separating the cover portions of two adjacent cables. The housing surrounds the portion extending from the other end of the connecting portion to one end of the cover portions of the plurality of cables, and is connected to the portion... The method for manufacturing the connector device, which is an integrated assembly, is characterized by comprising: a cable mounting step, wherein the plurality of cables are mounted to the connector in such a manner that the plurality of cables extend from the other end of the connector; a cable arranging step, wherein one end of the plurality of cables is arranged side by side in such a manner that the planar portions of the covering portions of two adjacent cables are in contact with each other, and there is no space formed by separating the covering portions of two adjacent cables within the cross-section of the plurality of cables as a whole; and a housing forming step, wherein the housing is formed on the outer periphery of the portion from the other end of the connector to one end of the covering portion of the plurality of cables by overmolding.

[0031] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of the connector device of the present invention described above, the plurality of cables may extend rearward from the rear end of the connecting portion, and the outer shell is a resin molded material that surrounds the portion from the rear end of the connecting portion to the front end of the cover portion of each of the plurality of cables and is integrally formed with this portion by overmolding. The rear portions of the portion of the plurality of cables surrounded by the outer shell are arranged side by side such that the planar portions of the cover portions of two adjacent cables are in contact with each other, and there is no space formed by the separation of the cover portions of two adjacent cables within the cross-section of the plurality of cables as a whole. The front portions of the portion of the plurality of cables surrounded by the outer shell are arranged side by side such that there is a separation portion formed by the separation of the cover portions of two adjacent cables. In the cable installation step, the plurality of cables are installed to the connecting portion in such a way that the plurality of cables extend rearward from the rear end of the connecting portion. In the cable arrangement step, the plurality of cables are arranged in a manner that surrounds the portion of the connecting portion from the rear end of the connecting portion. The rear portion of the portion surrounded by the shell is arranged in the mold such that the planar portions of the covers of two adjacent cables of the plurality of cables are in contact with each other, and there is no space in the cross-section of the plurality of cables as a whole. The front portions of the portion of the plurality of cables surrounded by the shell are arranged in the mold such that the separation portion exists. In the shell forming process, resin is injected into the mold, thereby forming the shell on the outer periphery of the portion from the rear end of the connector to the front end of the covers of the plurality of cables by overmolding. A cable limiting piece is provided in the mold, which restricts the position of the covers of two adjacent cables of the plurality of cables to form the separation portion between the covers of the two cables. In the cable arrangement process, when the plurality of cables are arranged in the mold, the separation portion is formed between the covers of two adjacent cables of the plurality of cables by inserting the cable limiting piece between the covers of the two cables.

[0032] According to the present invention, in a connector device, by molding a housing that covers the connection portion and the ends of multiple cables, it is possible to improve the cable retention strength or liquid barrier performance and suppress poor molding of the housing. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the connector device according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the other connector, etc. Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the state of the connector device according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the oblique front. Figure 3This is a perspective view showing the state of the connector device according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from a rearward angle. Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the connector device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, showing the state without a rear housing. Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the connector section, etc., of the connector device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 (A) is a perspective view showing the cable in the connector device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 (B) shows the view from the rear along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the cable after being cut by the cutting line AA in (A). Figure 6 (C) is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of four cables in the connector device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the state of four cables being wired in a way that their paths are different in the connector device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 (A) is an external view showing the state of the connector device according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above. Figure 8 (B) shows the view from the right along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly after being cut by the cutting line BB in (A). Figure 9 (A) shows the view from the rear along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly after being cut by the section line CC in (B). Figure 9 (B) shows the view from the rear along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly after being cut by the cutting line DD in (B). Figure 10 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a connector device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the cable arrangement process and the housing formation process in the manufacturing method of the connector device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 (A) shows the view from the rear along Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly and the state of the mold after being cut by the section line EE. Figure 12 (B) shows the view from the rear along Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly and the state of the mold after being cut by the section line FF. Figure 13This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a modified example of the housing forming process in the manufacturing method of the connector device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing a modified example of the connector device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 (A) is a perspective view showing the state of the connector device according to the second embodiment of the present invention as viewed from a rearward oblique angle. Figure 15 (B) is a perspective view of the connector device without a rear housing. Figure 16 (A) is a perspective view showing the state of the cable limiting member in the connector device of the second embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the oblique front. Figure 16 (B) is a perspective view showing the state of the cable limiting member as viewed from a rearward angle. Figure 16 (C) is a perspective view showing the cable limiting member installed on the cable. Figure 16 (D) is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the cable limiting member as viewed from above. Figure 16 (E) shows the view from the rear along Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of the state of the cable limiting component after being cut by the section line GG in (D). Figure 16 (F) is the view from the rear along Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of the state of the cable limiting component after being cut by the cutting line HH in (D). Figure 17 (A) is an external view showing the state of the connector device according to the second embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above. Figure 17 (B) shows the view from the right along Figure 17 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly after being cut by section line II in (A). Figure 18 (A) shows the view from the rear along Figure 17 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly after being cut by section line JJ in (B). Figure 18 (B) shows the view from the rear along Figure 17 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly after being cut by section line KK in (B). Figure 18 (C) shows the view from the rear along Figure 17 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly after being cut by the section line LL in (B). Figure 18 (D) shows the view from the rear along Figure 17 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly after being cut by the section line MM in (B). Figure 19This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the cable arrangement process and the housing formation process in the manufacturing method of the connector device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 20 This is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the cable limiting member in the connector device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 21 This is an explanatory diagram showing another variation of the cable limiting member in the connector device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 22 (A) is a perspective view showing the state of the connector device according to the third embodiment of the present invention as viewed from a rearward angle. Figure 22 (B) is a perspective view of the connector device without a rear housing. Figure 23 (A) is a perspective view showing the connector portion in the connector device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 23 (B) is an exploded view of the cover in the connector section of the connector assembly. Figure 23 (C) is a perspective view showing the cable limiting portion of the intermediate cover member of the connector portion of the connector assembly. Figure 23 (D) is a perspective view showing the rear of the connector section with the cable installed. Figure 24 (A) is an external view showing the state of the connector device according to the third embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above. Figure 24 (B) shows the view from the right along Figure 24 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly after the section line PP in (A). Figure 25 (A) shows the view from the rear along Figure 24 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly after being cut by the section line QQ in (B). Figure 25 (B) shows the view from the rear along Figure 24 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly after being cut by the section line RR in (B). Figure 25 (C) shows the view from the rear along Figure 24 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly after being cut by the cutting line SS in (B). Figure 26 (A) and (B) are explanatory diagrams illustrating a mold for molding the rear housing of a connector device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 26 (C) is an explanatory diagram showing the cable configuration within the mold. Figure 26 (D) is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the cable limiting piece set in the mold is inserted between the cable covering parts. Figure 27This is an explanatory diagram showing modified examples of multiple cables in a connector device according to various embodiments of the present invention. Figure 28 This is a perspective view of a connector assembly, which is used as a comparative example, in which the housing is formed by overmolding. Figure 29 It is shown Figure 28 A diagram illustrating the manufacturing method of the connector device. Figure 30 It is shown Figure 29 A diagram illustrating the process of forming the housing in the manufacturing method of the connector device. Figure 31 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a space formed in the cross-section of a plurality of cables arranged together, where the covering portions of two adjacent cables are partially separated from each other. Figure 32 (A) is an illustrative diagram showing an example of multiple cables with circular cross-sectional shapes arranged horizontally in a row. Figure 32 (B) is an illustrative diagram showing an example of multiple cables with a circular cross-section arranged separately from each other. Figure 33 This is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of four cables of a connector device as a comparative example between two mold plates forming a recess with a cross-sectional shape of four quadrilaterals with interior angles of 90 degrees. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, several embodiments of the connector device and its manufacturing method of the present invention will be described. Furthermore, in the description of each embodiment, for ease of explanation, the arrows depicted in the lower left of the figures are used when describing the directions of front (Fd), back (Bd), left (Ld), right (Rd), up (Ud), and down (Dd).

[0035] (First Implementation) First, refer to Figures 1 to 14 The connector device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0036] [Connector device] Figure 1 A connector device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention and a counterpart connector 71 capable of connecting to the connector device 1 are shown. The counterpart connector 71 is, for example, mounted to a portion of the housing 76 of an electrical electronic device 75. Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, the counterpart connector 71 has a plurality of terminals, each terminal being electrically connected to a circuit provided on a substrate 77 of the electrical electronic device 75. In addition, the counterpart connector 71 is a specific example of a "connected object".

[0037] Figure 2 The connector device 1 is shown as viewed from the oblique front. Figure 3 The connector assembly 1 is shown as viewed from a rear-facing angle. Figure 4 The connector device 1 is shown without the rear housing 41. Figure 5 The diagram shows the connector assembly 1 after disassembly without the rear housing 41.

[0038] like Figure 3 As shown, the connector assembly 1 includes a connector section 2, four cables 21, 22, 23, and 24, and a rear housing 41. Furthermore, as... Figure 5 As shown, connector part 2 includes a main body part 3, a cover 5, and a connector housing 9. Furthermore, cover 5 includes an upper cover member 6, a middle cover member 7, and a lower cover member 8. Additionally, connector part 2 is a specific example of a "connection part," and rear housing 41 is a specific example of a "housing."

[0039] [Cables] Figure 6 (A) shows one of the four cables 21 to 24 of the connector device 1, cable 21. Figure 6 As shown in (A), cable 21 is a two-core shielded cable, such as a twisted-pair cable. Cable 21 has a core 25 and a cover 30. The core 25 has two conductors 26, two insulators 27, and a shielding conductor 28. The outer periphery of each conductor 26 is covered by the insulator 27. Furthermore, the outer periphery of the two conductors 26 covered by the insulator 27 is also covered by the shielding conductor 28. In addition, the outer periphery of the core 25 with the above structure is covered by the cover 30. The cover 30 is formed of an insulating material such as resin.

[0040] Furthermore, an exposed portion 35 is formed at the front end (one end) of the core 25 of the cable 21, which protrudes from the cover portion 30. That is, during the manufacture of the connector device 1, the front end portion of the front end of the cover portion 30 of the cable 21 is cut off, and the front end of the core 25 protrudes from the cover portion 30.

[0041] Figure 6 (B) shows from the rear ( Figure 6 (A) left side observation along Figure 6 The cross-sectional state of cable 21 after being cut by the cutting line AA in (A). The covering part 30 is formed into a square tube shape, as shown in Figure 3. Figure 6As shown in (B), the cross-sectional shape of the cover portion 30 is quadrilateral, specifically, a quadrilateral with four interior angles of 90 degrees, such as a rectangle. An upper surface 31, a lower surface 32, a left surface 33, and a right surface 34 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cover portion 30. The upper surface 31, lower surface 32, left surface 33, and right surface 34 are all planar. Furthermore, the upper surface 31, lower surface 32, left surface 33, and right surface 34 are specific examples of "planar portions".

[0042] Figure 6 Figure (C) shows four cables 21-24 arranged in two columns vertically and two columns horizontally. Cables 22, 23, and 24 have the same structure as cable 21. Figure 6 As shown in (C), the cross-sectional shape of the cover portion 30 of cables 21 to 24 is consistent with each other.

[0043] Furthermore, in connector device 1, the portions of the front ends of cables 21-24 that are rearward of the exposed portion 35 are arranged side-by-side such that, in two adjacent cables of cables 21-24, the upper surface 31, lower surface 32, left surface 33, or right surface 34 of the covering portion 30 of one cable is in contact with the upper surface 31, lower surface 32, left surface 33, or right surface 34 of the covering portion 30 of the other cable. Furthermore, the portions of the front ends of cables 21-24 that are rearward of the exposed portion 35 are arranged such that, within the overall cross-section of this portion of cables 21-24, there is no space formed by the covering portions 30 of two adjacent cables of cables 21-24 being wholly or partially separated from each other.

[0044] Specifically, such as Figure 6As shown in (C), the portions of the front ends of cables 21-24 that are rearward of the exposed portion 35 are arranged in two rows vertically and two rows horizontally. More specifically, when the connector device 1 is viewed from the rear, cable 22 is positioned to the left of cable 21, cable 23 is positioned below cable 22, cable 24 is positioned to the right of cable 23, and cable 21 is positioned above cable 24. Furthermore, cables 21 and 24 positioned on the right side are aligned horizontally. That is, in cables 21 and 24, the right surface 34 of their respective covering portions 30 is aligned horizontally, and the left surface 33 of their respective covering portions 30 is aligned horizontally. Similarly, cables 22 and 23 positioned on the left side are aligned horizontally. That is, in cables 22 and 23, the right surface 34 of their respective covering portions 30 is aligned horizontally, and the left surface 33 of their respective covering portions 30 is aligned horizontally. Furthermore, cables 21 and 22, disposed on the upper side, are aligned vertically. That is, in cables 21 and 22, the upper surfaces 31 of their respective cover portions 30 are aligned vertically, and the lower surfaces 32 of their respective cover portions 30 are aligned vertically. Similarly, cables 23 and 24, disposed on the lower side, are aligned vertically. That is, in cables 23 and 24, the upper surfaces 31 of their respective cover portions 30 are aligned vertically, and the lower surfaces 32 of their respective cover portions 30 are aligned vertically.

[0045] Furthermore, the portions of the front ends of cables 21-24 that are rearward from the exposed portion 35 are arranged such that there are no gaps between the respective cover portions 30 of adjacent cables 21-24. Specifically, the left surface 33 of the cover portion 30 of cable 21 is in contact with the right surface 34 of the cover portion 30 of cable 22. Furthermore, the lower surface 32 of the cover portion 30 of cable 22 is in contact with the upper surface 31 of the cover portion 30 of cable 23. Furthermore, the right surface 34 of the cover portion 30 of cable 23 is in contact with the left surface 33 of the cover portion 30 of cable 24. Furthermore, the upper surface 31 of the cover portion 30 of cable 24 is in contact with the lower surface 32 of the cover portion 30 of cable 21.

[0046] Furthermore, in the portion of the front end of cables 21-24 that is rearward from the exposed portion 35, the overall cross-sectional shape of cables 21-24 is a quadrilateral with four interior angles of 90 degrees, for example, a rectangle. Additionally, in the portion of the front end of cables 21-24 that is rearward from the exposed portion 35, within the overall cross-section of cables 21-24, there is no space formed by the partial or integral separation of the covering portions 30 of two adjacent cables within cables 21-24.

[0047] Furthermore, cables 21 to 24 are independent of each other. That is, before cables 21 to 24 are installed to connector 2, cables 21 to 24 can be completely separated from each other. Furthermore, after cables 21 to 24 are installed to connector 2, the portions of cables 21 to 24 other than those installed to connector 2 can be separated from each other. Thus, for example, as... Figure 7 As shown, the wiring paths of cables 21 to 24 are made to be different from each other.

[0048] [Connector Section] exist Figure 5 In this design, the main body 3 of the connector section 2 is formed of an insulating material such as resin. Furthermore, as... Figure 2 As shown, a plurality of contact portions 4 made of a conductive material such as metal are provided at the front end of the main body 3. Furthermore, although detailed illustrations are omitted, a plurality of conductor portions made of a conductive material such as metal are provided at the rear end of the main body 3. The front ends of the wires 26 of the cores 25 of the four cables 21-24 are connected to these conductor portions by means such as soldering. In addition, circuitry for connecting the plurality of contact portions 4 to the plurality of conductor portions is formed within the main body 3. When the connector device 1 is connected to the other connector 71, the contact portions 4 of the connector device 1 contact the contact portions provided on the other connector 71. Thus, the connector device 1 and the other connector 71 are electrically connected to each other.

[0049] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, in connector section 2, cover 5 has the following functions: retaining the exposed portions 35 of cables 21 to 24 respectively, and blocking the rear end (other end) of connector section 2, specifically, blocking the opening on the rear side of connector housing 9. Figure 5 As shown, the intermediate cover member 7, upper cover member 6, and lower cover member 8 constituting cover 5 are each formed of an insulating material such as resin. Furthermore, the upper cover member 6 is assembled to the upper part of the intermediate cover member 7, and the lower cover member 8 is assembled to the lower part of the intermediate cover member 7. Additionally, exposed portions 35 of cables 21 and 22 are clamped between the intermediate cover member 7 and the upper cover member 6. Furthermore, exposed portions 35 of cables 23 and 24 are clamped between the intermediate cover member 7 and the lower cover member 8.

[0050] Furthermore, in connector section 2, connector housing 9 is formed into a square cylindrical shape from an insulating material such as resin. Main body section 3 and cover 5 are disposed and held inside connector housing 9. Additionally, as... Figure 2 As shown, a mating portion 10 for mating with the other connector 71 is formed on the front end side of the connector housing 9.

[0051] [Rear Exterior] like Figure 3As shown, the rear housing 41 is disposed at the rear of the connector portion 2. The rear housing 41 is formed of an insulating material, such as resin, and more specifically, of a well-filled material such as polyamide hot melt adhesive, olefin hot melt adhesive, ethylene vinyl acetate hot melt adhesive, or polyurethane hot melt adhesive. The rear housing 41 surrounds the portion from the rear end of the connector portion 2 to the front end of the cover portion 30 of each of the cables 21-24. Specifically, as... Figure 4 As shown, the rear ends of the exposed portions 35 of the cores 25 of each of the cables 21 to 24 extend from the rear end of the connector portion 2 to the outside of the connector portion 2. The rear housing 41 surrounds the rear end of the connector portion 2, the rear ends of the exposed portions 35 of the cores 25 of each of the cables 21 to 24, and the front ends of the covers 30 of each of the cables 21 to 24.

[0052] Figure 8 (A) shows the connector device 1 as viewed from above. Figure 8 (B) shows from the right ( Figure 8 (A) below) Observe along Figure 8 The state of the cross-section of connector device 1 obtained by cutting along section line BB in (A). Figure 8 As shown in (B), the rear housing 41 is formed by overmolding on the outer periphery of the portion from the rear end of the connector portion 2 to the front end of the cover portion 30 of each of the cables 21 to 24, and is integrated with the rear end of the connector portion 2, the rear end of the exposed portion 35 of the core portion 25 of each of the cables 21 to 24, and the front end of the cover portion 30 of each of the cables 21 to 24.

[0053] Figure 9 (A) shows from the rear ( Figure 8 (B) left side observation along Figure 8 The state of the cross-section of connector device 1 obtained by cutting along section line CC in (B). Figure 9 As shown in (A), the front ends of the cover portions 30 of cables 21-24, arranged in two rows vertically and two rows horizontally as described above, are embedded in the resin forming the rear housing 41. The entire outer periphery of the front ends of the cover portions 30 of cables 21-24 is covered by the resin forming the rear housing 41. Furthermore, the resin forming the rear housing 41 is in close contact (specifically, in liquid-tight contact) with the right surface 34 and the upper surface 31 of the front end of the cover portion 30 of cable 21. Similarly, the resin forming the rear housing 41 is also in close contact with the left surface 33 and the upper surface 31 of the front end of the cover portion 30 of cable 22, the left surface 33 and the lower surface 32 of the front end of the cover portion 30 of cable 23, and the right surface 34 and the lower surface 32 of the front end of the cover portion 30 of cable 24.

[0054] In addition, such as Figure 9As shown in (A), at the front end of the cover portion 30 of cables 21 to 24, the planes of the opposite cover portions 30 are in close contact with each other throughout the entire area. That is, the left surface 33 of the cover portion 30 of cable 21 and the right surface 34 of the cover portion 30 of cable 22, the lower surface 32 of the cover portion 30 of cable 22 and the upper surface 31 of the cover portion 30 of cable 23, the right surface 34 of the cover portion 30 of cable 23 and the left surface 33 of the cover portion 30 of cable 24, and the upper surface 31 of the cover portion 30 of cable 24 and the lower surface 32 of the cover portion 30 of cable 21 are in close contact with each other throughout the entire area.

[0055] Figure 9 (B) shows from the rear ( Figure 8 (B) left side observation along Figure 8 The state of the cross-section of connector device 1 obtained by cutting along the cutting line DD in (B). For example... Figure 9 As shown in (B), the rear ends of the exposed portions 35 of the cores 25 of each cable 21-24 are embedded in the resin forming the rear housing 41. The outer periphery of the rear ends of the exposed portions 35 of the cores 25 of each cable 21-24 is completely covered by the resin forming the rear housing 41. Furthermore, the outer periphery of the rear ends of the exposed portions 35 of the cores 25 of each cable 21-24 is in close contact (specifically, in liquid-tight contact) with the resin forming the rear housing 41.

[0056] In addition, such as Figure 3 and Figure 8 As shown in (B), the rear end of the connector portion 2, specifically the rear surface of the cover 5, the rear end face of the connector housing 9, and the outer peripheral surface of the rear end of the connector housing 9 are covered by resin forming the rear housing 41, and these portions are in close contact with the resin.

[0057] [Liquid barrier function and cable retention function of connector device] The rear outer casing 41, as described below, is formed by filling a mold with molten resin and allowing the resin to cure. Therefore, in Figure 9In (A), the outer peripheral surface of the entire front end of the cover portion 30 of cables 21-24 adheres very tightly to the resin forming the rear outer shell 41. Specifically, the adhesion between the right surface 34 and the upper surface 31 of the front end of the cover portion 30 of cable 21 and the resin forming the rear outer shell 41, the adhesion between the left surface 33 and the upper surface 31 of the front end of the cover portion 30 of cable 22 and the resin forming the rear outer shell 41, the adhesion between the left surface 33 and the lower surface 32 of the front end of the cover portion 30 of cable 23 and the resin forming the rear outer shell 41, and the adhesion between the right surface 34 and the lower surface 32 of the front end of the cover portion 30 of cable 24 and the resin forming the rear outer shell 41 are all very high. This tight adhesion between the cover portion 30 and the rear outer shell 41 prevents liquid from seeping between the front end of the cover portion 30 of cables 21-24 and the rear outer shell 41, and the rear outer shell 41 securely holds cables 21-24 in place.

[0058] Similarly, in Figure 9 In (B), the outer peripheral surface of the rear end of the exposed portion 35 of the core 25 of each cable 21-24 adheres very tightly to the resin forming the rear housing 41. This tight adhesion between the exposed portion 35 of the core 25 and the rear housing 41 prevents liquid from seeping between the rear end of the exposed portion 35 of the core 25 of each cable 21-25 and the rear housing 41, and the rear housing 41 securely holds the rear end of the exposed portion 35 of the core 25 of each cable 21-24.

[0059] Similarly, the rear end of the connector portion 2 adheres very tightly to the resin forming the rear housing 41. This tight adhesion between the rear end of the connector portion 2 and the rear housing 41 prevents liquid from seeping between the rear end of the connector portion 2 and the rear housing 41.

[0060] Furthermore, during the molding of the rear housing 41, the resin forming the rear housing 41 is filled around the entire outer periphery of the front end of the cover portion 30 of the cables 21-24. At this time, the pressure of the filled resin presses the entire outer periphery of the front end of the cover portion 30 of the cover portion 21-24 towards its inward side. As a result, at the front end of the cover portion 30 of the cables 21-24, the planes of the opposing cover portions 30 are strongly pressed against each other throughout the entire area. That is, the left surface 33 of the cover portion 30 of cable 21 and the right surface 34 of the cover portion 30 of cable 22, the lower surface 32 of the cover portion 30 of cable 22 and the upper surface 31 of the cover portion 30 of cable 23, the right surface 34 of the cover portion 30 of cable 23 and the left surface 33 of the cover portion 30 of cable 24, and the upper surface 31 of the cover portion 30 of cable 24 and the lower surface 32 of the cover portion 30 of cable 21 are strongly and tightly adhered to each other throughout the entire area. Through such close contact between the planes of the opposing cover portions 30, liquid can be prevented from seeping into the gaps between the cover portions 30 of cables 21 to 24.

[0061] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown in (B), a first liquid barrier structure is formed at the rear of the rear housing 41 by the tight contact between the cover portion 30 and the rear housing 41, and by the tight contact between the planes of the opposing cover portions 30. Furthermore, a second liquid barrier structure is formed at the front of the rear housing 41 by the tight contact between the exposed portion 35 of the core portion 25 and the rear housing 41. These two liquid barrier structures reliably prevent liquid from entering the connector portion 2 from the rear end of the rear housing 41 through its interior. For example, even if liquid seeps between the cover portions 30 through capillary action (even if the liquid has passed through the first liquid barrier structure), its movement within the rear housing 41 is reliably blocked by the second liquid barrier structure, thus preventing the liquid from reaching the connector portion 2. Therefore, the connector device 1 has excellent liquid barrier performance.

[0062] [Manufacturing method of connector device] Figure 10 (A) Figure 10 (B) and Figure 10 (C) illustrates a method for manufacturing connector device 1. In manufacturing connector device 1, firstly, as... Figure 6 As shown in (A), in each of the cables 21 to 24, the front end portion of the front end of the cover portion 30 is cut off so that the front end of the core portion 25 is exposed from the cover portion 30, thereby forming the exposed portion 35 (exposed portion forming process).

[0063] Next, cables 21-24 are installed into connector 2 such that they extend from the rear end of connector 2 (cable installation process). Specifically, the exposed portions 35 of the cores 25 of cables 21 and 22 are positioned between the intermediate cover member 7 and the upper cover member 6, and the upper cover member 6 is assembled to the intermediate cover member 7. Furthermore, the exposed portions 35 of the cores 25 of cables 23 and 24 are positioned between the intermediate cover member 7 and the lower cover member 8, and the lower cover member 8 is assembled to the intermediate cover member 7. The front ends of the conductors 26 of the cores 25 of cables 21-24 are connected to the main body 3, for example, by soldering. Then, the main body 3 and the cover 5 are inserted into connector housing 9. Figure 10 (A) shows the state after cables 21 to 24 are installed to connector 2.

[0064] Next, connect the front ends of cables 21-24 as follows: Figure 6 The cables are arranged as shown in (C) (cable arrangement process). Specifically, the connector part 2 and the front ends of the cables 21-24 are placed in a mold for forming the rear housing 41. By placing the front ends of the cables 21-24 in the mold, the front ends of the cables 21-24 are arranged as shown in (C). Figure 6 Arranged as shown in (C).

[0065] Next, by injecting molten resin into a mold, a shape is formed. Figure 10 The rear outer casing 41 (outer casing forming process) is shown by the double-dotted line in (B). Figure 10 (C) shows the completed connector assembly 1.

[0066] Figure 11 (A) Figure 11 (B) and Figure 11 (C) shows the details of the cable arrangement process and the housing formation process. Figure 11 In (A), the mold 50 for forming the rear housing 41 includes a first mold piece 51 and a second mold piece 52. For example, the second mold piece 52 is movable in a vertical direction relative to the first mold piece 51. Furthermore, the first mold piece 51 has a recess 53 for arranging the lower portions of cables 23, 24, 21, and 22. Furthermore, the first mold piece 51 has a recess 54 for arranging the lower portion of the connector portion 2. Furthermore, the first mold piece 51 has a cavity 55 for filling resin to form the rear housing 41. Furthermore, the second mold piece 52 has a recess 56 for arranging the upper portions of cables 21 and 22. Furthermore, the second mold piece 52 has a recess 57 for arranging the upper portion of the connector portion 2. Furthermore, the second mold piece 52 has a cavity 58 for filling resin to form the rear housing 41.

[0067] When forming the rear outer shell 41, such as Figure 11 As shown in (B), the connector portion 2 and the portion of the front ends of cables 21-24 that is rearward of the exposed portion 35 are positioned between the first mold plate 51 and the second mold plate 52. For example, firstly, the lower portion of the connector portion 2 is inserted into the recess 54 of the first mold plate 51. Furthermore, the portion of the front ends of cables 23 and 24 that is rearward of the exposed portion 35 is inserted into the recess 53 of the first mold plate 51, and the lower portion of the front ends of cables 21 and 22 that is rearward of the exposed portion 35 is inserted into the recess 53 of the first mold plate 51. Next, when the second mold plate 52 is installed onto the first mold plate 51, the upper portion of the connector portion 2 is inserted into the recess 57 of the second mold plate 52. Furthermore, the upper portion of the portion of the front ends of cables 21 and 22 that is rearward of the exposed portion 35 is inserted into the recess 56 of the second mold plate 52. Thus, by positioning the connector portion 2 and the portion of the front end of cables 21-24 that is rearward of the exposed portion 35 between the first mold plate 51 and the second mold plate 52, the portion of the front end of cables 21-24 that is rearward of the exposed portion 35 is as follows: Figure 6 Arranged as shown in (C). Then, as... Figure 11 As shown in (C), molten resin is injected into the cavities 55 and 58 of the mold 50. Then, the connector device 1, which forms the rear housing 41, is separated from the mold 50. Thus, the connector device 1 is completed.

[0068] Figure 12 (A) shows from the rear ( Figure 11 (B) left side observation along Figure 11 The state of the cross-section of the cables 21-24 obtained by cutting the cutting line EE in (B) and the state of the cross-section of the mold 50. Figure 12 (B) shows from the rear ( Figure 11 (B) left side observation along Figure 11 The state of the cross-section of the cables 21-24 obtained by cutting the cutting line FF in (B) and the state of the cross-section of the mold 50.

[0069] like Figure 12As shown in (A), with the connector portion 2 and the front ends of cables 21-24 positioned between the first mold plate 51 and the second mold plate 52, there is no space between the covering portion 30 of the front ends of cables 21-24 that is rearward of the exposed portion 35 and the recess 53 of the first mold plate 51 through which molten resin can pass. That is, the shape and size of the recess 53 of the first metal plate 51 are set so that such a space will not be formed. Furthermore, there is no space between the covering portion 30 of the front ends of cables 21 and 22 that is rearward of the exposed portion 35 and the recess 56 of the second mold plate 52 through which molten resin can pass. That is, the shape and size of the recess 56 of the second metal plate 52 are set so that such a space will not be formed. Furthermore, as described above, the portions of the front ends of cables 21-24 that are rearward of the exposed portion 35 are arranged such that, within the overall cross-section of this portion, there is no space formed by the covering portions 30 of two adjacent cables 21-24 being wholly or partially separated from each other.

[0070] In addition, such as Figure 12 As shown in (B), when the portion of the connector part 2 and the front end of cables 21-24 that is rearward of the exposed portion 35 is disposed between the first mold piece 51 and the second mold piece 52, there is no space between the lower part of the rear end of the connector part 2 and the recess 54 of the first mold piece 51, and between the upper part of the rear end of the connector part 2 and the recess 57 of the second mold piece 52, for molten resin to pass through. That is, the shape and size of the recess 54 in the first mold piece 51 and the shape and size of the recess 57 in the second mold piece 52 are respectively set so that such a space will not be formed. Furthermore, the intermediate cover member 7, the upper cover member 6, the lower cover member 8, the exposed portions 35 of cables 21 and 22 disposed between the intermediate cover member 7 and the upper cover member 6, and the exposed portions 35 of cables 23 and 24 disposed between the intermediate cover member 7 and the lower cover member 8 are assembled in such a way that there is no space for molten resin to pass through.

[0071] As a result, when molten resin is injected into the cavities 55 and 58 of the mold 50, the resin does not flow out of the mold 50. Therefore, the resin pressure inside the mold 50 can be sufficiently increased. Thus, during the molding of the rear shell 41, molding defects such as underfilling can be suppressed.

[0072] In addition, such as Figure 13As shown in (A), when the cross-sectional shape of the cover portion 65 of each of the four cables 61-64 is a chamfered quadrilateral, and the cables 61-64 are arranged in two columns vertically and two columns horizontally, a space 66 is formed in the portion surrounded by the lower left corner of the cover portion 65 of cable 61, the lower right corner of the cover portion 65 of cable 62, the upper right corner of the cover portion 65 of cable 63, and the upper left corner of the cover portion 65 of cable 64. In this case, it is also possible to... Figure 13 As shown in (B), a pressure pin 59 is provided in the mold for forming the rear housing 41, and the pressure pin 59 is used to press against the portion of the cover 65 at the front end of the cables 61-64 that is further rearward than the exposed portion, from the outside toward the inside. Figure 13 Press in the direction indicated by the arrow in (B). This deforms the cover 65 of each cable 61-64, thus preventing the formation of a space 66.

[0073] As described above, the connector device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a rear housing 41 that surrounds a portion from the rear end of the connector portion 2 to the front end of the cover portion 30 of each of the cables 21 to 24, and is integrally formed with this portion by overmolding. According to this structure, the retention strength of the cables 21 to 24 in the connector device 1 can be improved, and the liquid-blocking performance of the connector device 1 can be improved.

[0074] Furthermore, in the connector device 1 of this embodiment, the rear ends of the exposed portions 35 of the cores 25 of each of the cables 21 to 24 extend from the rear end of the connector portion 2 to the outside of the connector portion 2. The rear housing 41 surrounds the rear end of the connector portion 2, the rear ends of the exposed portions 35 of the cores 25 of each of the cables 21 to 24, and the front ends of the covering portions 30 of each of the cables 21 to 24, and is integrally formed with the rear end of the connector portion 2, the rear ends of the exposed portions 35 of the cores 25 of each of the cables 21 to 24, and the front ends of the covering portions 30 of the cables 21 to 24 by overmolding. According to this structure, even if liquid enters between the covering portions 30 through capillary action at the front ends of the cables 21 to 24, the liquid can be prevented from seeping into the connector portion 2.

[0075] Furthermore, in the connector device 1 of this embodiment, a rear housing 41 is formed by overmolding on the outer periphery of the portion from the rear end of the connector section 2 to the front end of the respective cover portion of the plurality of cables. According to this structure, even if the cable mounted to the connector section 2 is a low-strength cable such as FFC (Flexible Flat Cable) or FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit), the cable can be reliably held in the connector section 2. Furthermore, the outer periphery of the cable can be liquid-tightly sealed, thereby preventing liquid from seeping into the connector section 2 along the cable.

[0076] Furthermore, in the connector device 1 of this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the cover portion of each of the cables 21 to 24 is quadrilateral. The portions of the front ends of the cables 21 to 24 that are rearward from the exposed portion 35 are arranged side by side. In two adjacent cables of the cables 21 to 24, the upper surface 31, lower surface 32, left surface 33, or right surface 34 of the cover portion 30 of one cable is in contact with the upper surface 31, lower surface 32, left surface 33, or right surface 34 of the cover portion 30 of the other cable. The portions of the front ends of the cables 21 to 24 that are rearward from the exposed portion 35 are arranged such that within the overall cross-section of this portion of the cables 21 to 24, there is no space formed by the overall or partial separation of the cover portions 30 of the two adjacent cables of the cables 21 to 24. According to this structure, during the manufacturing of the connector device 1, when the rear housing 41 is formed by overmolding, the outflow of molten resin to the outside of the mold 50 can be suppressed, thereby making it difficult for molding defects of the rear housing 41 to occur. Specifically, the frequency of molding defects of the rear housing 41 in the connector device 1 of this embodiment can be reduced to less than... Figure 28 The frequency of molding defects in the housing 99 of the connector device 91 shown as a comparative example.

[0077] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown in (C), in the connector device 1 of this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the cables 21-24 arranged in two columns vertically and two columns horizontally is a quadrilateral with four interior angles of 90 degrees. Therefore, by setting the cross-sectional shape of the recess 53 of the first mold piece 51 to a quadrilateral with four interior angles of 90 degrees and the cross-sectional shape of the recess 56 of the second mold piece 52 to a quadrilateral with four interior angles of 90 degrees, when the rear housing 41 is formed, when the cables 21-24 are arranged between the recess 53 and the recess 56, as shown in (C), the cross-sectional shape of the cables 21-24 is a quadrilateral with four interior angles of 90 degrees. Figure 12 As shown in (A), it is possible to prevent the formation of spaces through which molten resin can pass between the outer peripheral surface of the cables 21-24 as a whole and the inner surface of the recess 53, and between the outer peripheral surface of the cables 21-24 as a whole and the inner surface of the recess 56. Therefore, the connector device 1 according to this embodiment, and Figure 28 Compared to the connector device 91 shown as a comparative example, the structure of the mold used in the molding of the rear housing 41 can be simplified, thereby reducing mold costs and suppressing the increase in manufacturing costs of the connector device 1.

[0078] To explain in detail, Figure 28 In the connector device 91 shown as a comparative example, the cables 93-96, whose cross-sectional shape is circular, are arranged in two rows vertically and two rows horizontally. Assuming these cables 93-96 are arranged as follows... Figure 33 As shown, a first mold piece 201 with a recess 201A having a cross-sectional shape of a quadrilateral with four interior angles of 90 degrees and a second mold piece 202 with a cross-sectional shape of a quadrilateral with four interior angles of 90 degrees are disposed between them. In this case, spaces 203 are formed between the cable 93 and the inner surface of the recess 202A, between the cable 93 and the inner surface of the recess 201A, between the cable 94 and the inner surface of the recess 202A, between the cable 94 and the inner surface of the recess 201A, between the cable 95 and the inner surface of the recess 201A, and between the cable 95 and the inner surface of the recess 201A, respectively, allowing molten resin to pass through. Figure 30 As shown in (B), in the connector device 91 of the comparative example, in order to avoid forming such a space 203, the shape of the recess 121A of the first mold piece 121 is set to match the shape of the lower part of the cover portion 98 of each of the cables 95 and 96, the shape of the recess 122A of the second mold piece 122 is set to match the shape of the upper part of the cover portion 98 of each of the cables 93 and 94, an insert (third mold piece 123) having a shape matching the shape of the left part of the cover portion 98 of each of the cables 94 and 95 is installed between the first mold piece 121 and the second mold piece 122, and an insert (fourth mold piece 124) having a shape matching the shape of the right part of the cover portion 98 of each of the cables 96 and 93 is installed between the first mold piece 121 and the second mold piece 122. Figure 12 As shown in (A), in the connector device 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the formation of a space between the outer peripheral surface of the cables 21-24 and the mold 50 through which molten resin can pass without using an insert. In contrast, as Figure 30 As shown in (B), in the comparative example connector device 91, an insert is required to prevent the formation of a space between the outer peripheral surface of the cables 93-96 and the mold 120 (cable insertion portion 120A) through which molten resin can pass. The structure of the mold for the connector device 1 of this embodiment, which does not require an insert, is simpler than that of the comparative example connector device 91, which requires an insert, thereby reducing mold costs.

[0079] Furthermore, in the connector device 1 of this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the cover portion 30 of each cable 21-24 is a quadrilateral with four interior angles of 90 degrees. Therefore, as Figure 6 As shown in (C), by arranging cables 21 to 24 in two columns in the vertical direction and two columns in the horizontal direction, the overall cross-sectional shape of cables 21 to 24 can be set as a quadrilateral with four interior angles of 90 degrees, which is a shape suitable for reducing mold costs.

[0080] Furthermore, in the connector device of the present invention, the structure of the connecting portion (connector portion) is not limited to the structure described in the first embodiment above. For example, it may also be as follows: Figure 14 As shown in the connector device 81, the connecting portion 82 is a flat plate-shaped component provided with a contact portion 83 and a conductor portion 84. Furthermore, the housing 85 surrounds the portion from the rear end of the connecting portion 82 to the front end of the cover portion of the cables 21 to 24, and is integrally formed with this portion by overmolding.

[0081] (Second Implementation) Next, refer to Figures 15-20 The connector device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Furthermore, in the connector device of the second embodiment of the present invention, the same reference numerals are used for the same constituent elements as those in the connector device 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention, and their descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0082] The connector device according to the second embodiment of the present invention has the following features: in the front end portion of the cables 21 to 24, the rear portion of the portion surrounded by the rear housing is arranged such that the planar portions (upper surface 31, lower surface 32, left surface 33 or right surface 34) of the outer periphery of the cover portion 30 of each of the two adjacent cables 21 to 24 are in contact with each other, and there is no space formed by the separation of the cover portions 30 of each of the two adjacent cables 21 to 24 in the overall cross-section of this portion of the cables 21 to 24; on the other hand, in the front end portion of the cables 21 to 24, the front portion of the portion surrounded by the rear housing is arranged such that there is a separated portion formed by the planar portions of the outer periphery of the cover portions 30 of each of the two adjacent cables 21 to 24 facing each other and being separated from each other.

[0083] [Connector device] Figure 15 (A) shows the state of the connector device 301 of the second embodiment of the present invention viewed from the rear. Figure 15 (B) shows the connector assembly 301 without the rear housing 315. Figure 15 (A) and Figure 15 As shown in (B), the connector device 301 includes a connector part 2, cables 21 to 24, a rear housing 315, and a cable limiting member 302.

[0084] [Cable limiting component] Figure 16 (A) shows the state of the cable limiting member 302 as viewed from the oblique front. Figure 16 (B) shows the state of the cable limiting member 302 as viewed from the rear. Figure 16(C) shows the state after the cable limiting member 302 is installed to the front end of the cables 21-24. Figure 16 (D) shows the state of the cable limiting member 302 as viewed from above. Figure 16 (E) indicates from the rear ( Figure 16 (D) left side observation along Figure 16 The state of the cross section of the cable limiting member 302 obtained by cutting the section line GG in (D). Figure 16 (F) shows the view from the rear along Figure 16 The state of the cross section of the cable limiting member 302 obtained by cutting the section line HH in (D).

[0085] In the connector assembly 301, a cable limiting member 302 is installed at the front end of the cables 21-24. The cable limiting member 302 is a component that restricts the position of the cover portion 30 of each of two adjacent cables 21-24, thereby forming a separation portion 313 between the cover portions 30 of the two cables. The cable limiting member 302 is formed, for example, of resin or metal. Figure 16 (A) and Figure 16 As shown in (B), the cable limiting member 302 has four insertion plate portions 303 to 306, an outer surface support portion 307, three end support portions 308 to 310, and two fixing portions 311 and 312.

[0086] like Figure 16 As shown in (B), the insertion plate portion 303 is formed as a plate extending in both the front-back and vertical directions and is disposed on the upper part of the rear portion of the cable limiting member 302. The insertion plate portion 304 is formed as a plate extending in both the front-back and horizontal directions and is disposed on the left side of the rear portion of the cable limiting member 302. The insertion plate portion 305 is formed as a plate extending in both the front-back and vertical directions and is disposed on the lower part of the rear portion of the cable limiting member 302. The insertion plate portion 306 is formed as a plate extending in both the front-back and horizontal directions and is disposed on the right side of the rear portion of the cable limiting member 302. Furthermore, when the cable limiting member 302 is viewed from the rear, the insertion plates 303 to 306 are arranged in a cross shape when viewed as a whole, with the lower edge of the insertion plate portion 303, the right edge of the insertion plate portion 304, the upper edge of the insertion plate portion 305, and the left edge of the insertion plate portion 306 joined together.

[0087] like Figure 16 As shown in (C), when the cable limiting member 302 is installed at the front end of the cables 21-24, as Figure 16As shown in (E), the insertion plate 303 is inserted between the respective covering portions 30 of cables 21 and 22. The insertion plate 304 is inserted between the respective covering portions 30 of cables 22 and 23. The insertion plate 305 is inserted between the respective covering portions 30 of cables 23 and 24. The insertion plate 306 is inserted between the respective covering portions 30 of cables 24 and 21.

[0088] like Figure 16 As shown in (C), when the insertion plate 303 is inserted between the respective covering portions 30 of cables 21 and 22, the left-right position of the respective covering portions 30 of cables 21 and 22 is restricted, and the left surface 33 of the covering portion 30 of cable 21 and the right surface 34 of the covering portion 30 of cable 22 are separated from each other, forming a separation portion 313 between them. Furthermore, when the insertion plate 304 is inserted between the respective covering portions 30 of cables 22 and 23, the up-down position of the respective covering portions 30 of cables 22 and 23 is restricted, and the lower surface 32 of the covering portion 30 of cable 22 and the upper surface 31 of the covering portion 30 of cable 23 are separated from each other, forming a separation portion 313 between them. Furthermore, by inserting the insertion plate 305 between the respective covering portions 30 of cables 23 and 24, the left-right position of the respective covering portions 30 of cables 23 and 24 is restricted, and the right surface 34 of the covering portion 30 of cable 23 and the left surface 33 of the covering portion 30 of cable 24 are separated from each other, forming a separation portion 313 between them. Furthermore, by inserting the insertion plate 306 between the respective covering portions 30 of cables 24 and 21, the up-down position of the respective covering portions 30 of cables 24 and 21 is restricted, and the upper surface 31 of the covering portion 30 of cable 24 and the lower surface 32 of the covering portion 30 of cable 21 are separated from each other, forming a separation portion 313 between them.

[0089] like Figure 16 As shown in (B), the outer surface support portion 307 is formed in the shape of a quadrangular prism and surrounds the outer periphery of the insertion plate portions 303-306 arranged in a cross shape, covering the entire circumference. Furthermore, the outer surface support portion 307 is connected to the upper edge of the insertion plate portion 303, the left edge of the insertion plate portion 304, the lower edge of the insertion plate portion 305, and the right edge of the insertion plate portion 306, respectively. Figure 16 As shown in (C), when the cable limiting member 302 is installed at the front end of the cables 21-24, the outer surface support portion 307 supports the outward-facing surface of the outer peripheral surface of the cover portion 30 of each cable 21-24. The outer surface support portion 307 has the function of suppressing the displacement of each cable 21-24 caused by the pressure of the resin injected into the mold 320 when the rear housing 315 is molded.

[0090] like Figure 16 (A) and Figure 16As shown in (F), the cover end support portion 308 is disposed at the center of the front end of the cable limiting member 302 in the left-right direction. The cover end support portion 308 is coupled to the front ends of the lower part of the insertion plate portion 303, the right part of the insertion plate portion 304, the upper part of the insertion plate portion 305, and the left part of the insertion plate portion 306, respectively. The cover end support portion 309 is disposed at the right end of the front end of the cable limiting member 302. The cover end support portion 309 is coupled to the front edge of the right side of the cover outer surface support portion 307. The cover end support portion 310 is disposed at the left end of the front end of the cable limiting member 302. The cover end support portion 309 is coupled to the front edge of the left side of the cover outer surface support portion 307. Figure 16 As shown in (C), when the cable limiting member 302 is installed at the front end of cables 21-24, the cover end support 308 supports the lower left corner of the front end of the cover portion 30 of cable 21, the lower right corner of the front end of the cover portion 30 of cable 22, the upper right corner of the front end of the cover portion 30 of cable 23, and the upper left corner of the front end of the cover portion 30 of cable 24, respectively. When the cable limiting member 302 is installed at cables 21-24, the cover end support 309 supports the right front edge of the cover portion 30 of cable 21 and the right front edge of the cover portion 30 of cable 24, respectively. When the cable limiting member 302 is installed at cables 21-24, the cover end support 310 supports the left front edge of the cover portion 30 of cable 22 and the left front edge of the cover portion 30 of cable 23, respectively. The cover end support portions 308-310 have the function of suppressing the displacement of each cable 21-24 caused by the pressure of the resin injected into the mold 320 when molding the rear housing 315.

[0091] like Figure 16 As shown in (B), the fixing part 311 protrudes downward from the lower part of the outer peripheral surface of the supporting part 307 covering the outer surface. The fixing part 312 protrudes upward from the upper part of the outer peripheral surface of the supporting part 307 covering the outer surface. When the rear housing 315 is molded, the fixing parts 311 and 312 have the function of fixing the cable limiting member 302 into the mold 320 and suppressing the displacement of the cable limiting member 302 caused by the pressure of the resin injected into the mold 320.

[0092] [Rear Exterior] like Figure 15 As shown in (A), a rear housing 315 is provided at the rear of the connector portion 2. The material of the rear housing 315 is the same as that of the rear housing 41 in the first embodiment. The rear housing 315 surrounds the rear end of the connector portion 2, the rear end of the exposed portion 35 of the core portion 25 of each of the cables 21 to 24, the front end of the cover portion 30 of each of the cables 21 to 24, and the cable limiting member 302 mounted to the front end of the cables 21 to 24. In addition, the rear housing 315 is a specific example of a "housing".

[0093] Figure 17 (A) shows the state of the connector device 301 as viewed from above. Figure 17 (B) shows from the right ( Figure 17 (A) below) Observe along Figure 17 The state of the cross-section of connector device 301 obtained by cutting line II in (A). Figure 17 As shown in (B), the rear housing 315 is a resin molded material formed by overmolding the outer periphery of the rear end of the connector portion 2, the outer periphery of the rear end of the exposed portion 35 of the core 25 of each of the cables 21-24, the outer periphery of the front end of the cover portion 30 of each of the cables 21-24, and the outer periphery of the cable limiting member 302. The rear housing 315 is integrated with the rear end of the connector portion 2, the rear end of the exposed portion 35 of the core 25 of each of the cables 21-24, the front end of the cover portion 30 of each of the cables 21-24, and the cable limiting member 302.

[0094] Figure 18 (A) shows from the rear ( Figure 17 (B) left side observation along Figure 17 The state of the cross-section of connector device 301 obtained by cutting along section line JJ in (B). Figure 18 In (A), a cross-section of the rear portion of the section surrounded by the rear housing 315 in the front end of cables 21-24 is shown. Figure 18 As shown in (A), the rear portion of the front end of cables 21-24, which is surrounded by the rear housing 315, is covered all around its circumference with the resin forming the rear housing 315. Furthermore, in the rear portion of the front end of cables 21-24, which is surrounded by the rear housing 315, the resin forming the rear housing 315 adheres tightly to the right surface 34 and upper surface 31 of the cover portion 30 of cable 21, the left surface 33 and upper surface 31 of the cover portion 30 of cable 22, the left surface 33 and lower surface 32 of the cover portion 30 of cable 23, and the right surface 34 and lower surface 32 of the cover portion 30 of cable 24 (specifically, in liquid-tight contact). This tight adhesion between the cover portion 30 and the rear housing 315 prevents liquid from seeping between the front end of the cover portion 30 of cables 21-24 and the rear housing 315, and securely holds cables 21-24 in place by the rear housing 315.

[0095] In addition, such as Figure 18As shown in (A), in the rear portion of the front ends of cables 21-24, which is surrounded by the rear outer casing 315, the planes of the opposing covers 30 are strongly pressed against each other throughout the entire area. Specifically, the left surface 33 of the cover 30 of cable 21 is strongly pressed against the right surface 34 of the cover 30 of cable 22, the lower surface 32 of the cover 30 of cable 22 is pressed against the upper surface 31 of the cover 30 of cable 23, the right surface 34 of the cover 30 of cable 23 is pressed against the left surface 33 of the cover 30 of cable 24, and the upper surface 31 of the cover 30 of cable 24 is pressed against the lower surface 32 of the cover 30 of cable 21, each throughout the entire area. As a result, in the rear portion of the front ends of cables 21-24, which is surrounded by the rear outer casing 315, there is no space within the overall cross-section of cables 21-24 formed by the separation of the covers 30 of adjacent cables 21-24. By ensuring that the planes of the opposing cover portions 30 are in close contact with each other, liquid can be prevented from seeping into the space between the cover portions 30 of the cables 21 to 24.

[0096] Figure 18 (B) shows the view from the rear along Figure 17 The state of the cross-section of connector device 301 obtained by cutting along section line KK in (B). Figure 18 In (B), a cross-section of the portion at the front end of cables 21-24 where the cable limiting member 302 is mounted is shown. Figure 18 As shown in (B), when the insertion plates 303 to 306 are respectively inserted between the cover portion 30 of cable 21 and the cover portion 30 of cable 22, between the cover portion 30 of cable 22 and the cover portion 30 of cable 23, between the cover portion 30 of cable 23 and the cover portion of cable 24, between the cover portion 30 of cable 23 and the cover portion 30 of cable 24, and between the cover portion 30 of cable 24 and the cover portion 30 of cable 21, the portion of the cable limiting member 302 other than the fixing portions 311 and 312 is embedded in the resin forming the rear outer shell 315. Furthermore, as... Figure 17 As shown in (B), in the fixing part 311, the portion except for its lower end is surrounded by resin forming the rear housing 315. The lower end of the fixing part 311 is exposed on the upper surface of the rear housing 315. Similarly, in the fixing part 312, the portion except for its upper end is surrounded by resin forming the rear housing 315. The upper end of the fixing part 312 is exposed on the lower surface of the rear housing 315. Thus, the cable limiting member 302 is fixed to the rear housing 315 by being covered by the resin forming the rear housing 315.

[0097] Figure 18 (C) shows the view from the rear along Figure 17The state of the cross-section of connector device 301 obtained by cutting along section line LL in (B). Figure 18 In (C), a cross-section of the front portion of the section surrounded by the rear housing 315 is shown at the front end of cables 21-24. Figure 18 As shown in (C), the front portions of the front ends of cables 21-24, which are surrounded by the rear housing 315, are arranged such that the planar portions of the outer periphery of the cover portions 30 of each of the two adjacent cables 21-24 are opposite to each other and separated. In this embodiment, the front portions of the front ends of cables 21-24, which are surrounded by the rear housing 315, are arranged such that the left surface 33 of the cover portion 30 of cable 21 is separated from the right surface 34 of the cover portion 30 of cable 22, the lower surface 32 of the cover portion 30 of cable 22 is separated from the upper surface 31 of the cover portion 30 of cable 23, the right surface 34 of the cover portion 30 of cable 23 is separated from the left surface 33 of the cover portion 30 of cable 24, and the upper surface 31 of the cover portion 30 of cable 24 is separated from the lower surface 32 of the cover portion 30 of cable 21. As a result, in the front portion of the front end of cables 21-24, which is surrounded by the rear housing 315, there are separation portions 313 formed between the left surface 33 of the cover portion 30 of cable 21 and the right surface 34 of the cover portion 30 of cable 22, between the lower surface 32 of the cover portion 30 of cable 22 and the upper surface 31 of the cover portion 30 of cable 23, between the right surface 34 of the cover portion 30 of cable 23 and the left surface 33 of the cover portion 30 of cable 24, and between the upper surface 31 of the cover portion 30 of cable 24 and the lower surface 32 of the cover portion 30 of cable 21. The separation portions 313 are gaps of a size that allow molten resin to enter during the molding of the rear housing 315.

[0098] In addition, such as Figure 18 As shown in (C), the resin forming the rear housing 315 enters into each of the separate portions 313. As a result, in the front portion of the front end of the cables 21-24 surrounded by the rear housing 315, the resin forming the rear housing 315 adheres tightly to all the outer peripheral surfaces of the front end of the respective cover portion 30 of the cables 21-24, namely the upper surface 31, lower surface 32, left surface 33, and right surface 34, with extremely high adhesion (specifically, liquid-tight contact). Through such tight adhesion between the cover portion 30 and the rear housing 315, liquid can be prevented from seeping between the front end of the cover portion 30 of the cables 21-24 and the rear housing 315, and the cables 21-24 can be firmly held by the rear housing 315.

[0099] Figure 18 (D) shows the view from the rear along Figure 17The state of the cross-section of connector device 301 obtained by cutting along section line MM in (B). Figure 18 In (D), a cross-section is shown of the rear end of the exposed portion 35 of the core 25 of each of cables 21 to 24, that is, the portion of the exposed portion 35 of the core 25 of each of cables 21 to 24 that extends from the rear end of the connector portion 2 to the outside of the connector portion 2. Figure 18 As shown in (D), the outer periphery of the rear end of the exposed portion 35 of the core 25 of each cable 21-24 is covered by resin forming the rear housing 315, and the outer periphery of the rear end of the exposed portion 35 of the core 25 of each cable 21-24 is in close contact with the resin forming the rear housing 315 with a very high degree of adhesion (specifically, liquid-tight contact). Through such close contact between the exposed portion 35 of the core 25 and the rear housing 315, liquid can be prevented from seeping between the rear end of the exposed portion 35 of the core 25 of each cable 21-25 and the rear housing 315, and the rear end of the exposed portion 35 of the core 25 of each cable 21-24 can be firmly held by the rear housing 315.

[0100] In addition, such as Figure 15 (A) and Figure 17 As shown in (B), the rear end of the connector portion 2 is covered by resin forming the rear housing 315, and these portions are in close contact with the resin. By such close contact between the rear end of the connector portion 2 and the rear housing 315, liquid can be prevented from seeping into the space between the rear end of the connector portion 2 and the rear housing 315.

[0101] In addition, such as Figure 17 As shown in (B), at the rear of the rear housing 315, a first liquid barrier structure is formed by the tight contact between the outer peripheral surface of the covering portion 30 of cables 21-24 and the rear housing 315, and by the tight contact between the planes of the opposing covering portions 30. Furthermore, at the front of the rear housing 315, a second liquid barrier structure is formed by the tight contact between the entire outer peripheral surface of each of the separately separated covering portions 30 of cables 21-24 and the rear housing 315. Additionally, at the front end of the rear housing 315, a third liquid barrier structure is formed by the tight contact between the exposed portion 35 of the core portion 25 and the rear housing 315. These three liquid barrier structures reliably prevent liquid from entering the connector portion 2 from the rear end of the rear housing 315 through its interior. For example, even if liquid seeps into the space between the cover portions 30 through capillary action (even if the liquid has passed through the first liquid barrier structure described above), the liquid's movement within the rear housing 315 will be reliably blocked by the second or third liquid barrier structure described above. Therefore, the liquid will not reach the connector portion 2.

[0102] [Manufacturing method of connector device] Figure 19 (A) Figure 19 (B) and Figure 19 (C) illustrates a method for manufacturing the connector assembly 301. In manufacturing the connector assembly 301, firstly, the front end portion of the front end of the cover portion 30 of each cable 21-24 is cut off to form an exposed portion 35 (exposed portion forming process). Next, a cable limiting member 302 is installed to the front end of the cables 21-24 (cable limiting member installation process). Next, the cables 21-24 are installed to the connector portion 2 (cable installation process). Next, the connector portion 2, the cables 21-24, and the cable limiting member 302 installed to the front end of the cables 21-24 are arranged in a mold 320 for forming a rear housing 315, and the front ends of the cables 21-24 are arranged (cable arrangement process). Next, the rear housing 315 is formed by injecting molten resin into the mold 320 (housing forming process).

[0103] exist Figure 19 In (A), the mold 320 for forming the rear housing 315 includes a first mold piece 321 and a second mold piece 322. For example, the second mold piece 322 is movable in the vertical direction relative to the first mold piece 321. Furthermore, the first mold piece 321 has a recess 323 (groove) for arranging the lower portions of cables 23, 24, 21, and 22. Furthermore, the first mold piece 321 has a recess 324 for arranging the lower portion of the connector portion 2. Furthermore, the first mold piece 321 has a cavity 325 for filling resin to form the rear housing 315. Furthermore, a recess 326 for fixing the cable limiting member 302 is formed on the bottom surface of the cavity 325. Furthermore, the second mold piece 322 has a recess 327 (groove) for arranging the upper portions of cables 21 and 22. Furthermore, the second mold piece 322 has a recess 328 for arranging the upper portion of the connector portion 2. Furthermore, a cavity 329 is formed in the second mold piece 322 for filling resin to form the rear outer shell 315. Additionally, a recess 330 for fixing the cable retaining member 302 is formed on the top surface of the cavity 329. Furthermore, the shape and size of the recess 323 of the first mold piece 321 and the recess 327 of the second mold piece 322 in the mold 320 are the same as the shape and size of the recess 53 of the first mold piece 51 and the recess 56 of the second mold piece 52 in the mold 50 of the first embodiment described above.

[0104] When forming the rear outer shell 315, such as Figure 19As shown in (B), the connector portion 2, cables 21-24, and cable limiting member 302 installed at the front ends of cables 21-24 are arranged between the first mold piece 321 and the second mold piece 322. At this time, for example, firstly, the lower part of the connector portion 2 is inserted into the recess 324 of the first mold piece 321. In addition, the lower part of the cable limiting member 302 installed at the front ends of cables 21-24 is inserted into the hole 325 of the first mold piece 321. Furthermore, the lower end of the fixing part 311 of the cable limiting member 302 is inserted into the recess 326 of the first mold piece 321. And, cables 23 and 24 are inserted into the recess 323 of the first mold piece 321. In addition, the lower parts of cables 21 and 22 are inserted into the recess 323 of the first mold piece 321. Next, when installing the second mold piece 322 onto the first mold piece 321, the upper part of the connector part 2 is inserted into the recess 328 of the second mold piece 322. In addition, the upper part of the cable limiting member 302, which is installed at the front end of the cables 21 to 24, is inserted into the hole 329 of the second mold piece 322. Furthermore, the upper end of the fixing part 312 of the cable limiting member 302 is inserted into the recess 330 of the first mold piece 321. In addition, the upper parts of the cables 21 and 22 are inserted into the recess 327 of the second mold piece 322.

[0105] Thus, with connector 2, cables 21-24, and cable limiting member 302 installed at the front ends of cables 21-24 disposed within mold 320, the front portion of the portion of the front ends of cables 21-24 surrounded by rear housing 315 is disposed at the front of the openings 325 and 329 of mold 320. A separation portion 313 is formed at the front portion of the portion of the front ends of cables 21-24 surrounded by rear housing 315 by the cable limiting member 302. Furthermore, the rear portion of the portion of the front ends of cables 21-24 surrounded by rear housing 315 is disposed at the rear of the openings 325 and 329 of mold 320. Additionally, the portion of cables 21-24 directly behind the rear end of the portion surrounded by rear housing 315 is disposed between the recesses 323 and 327 of mold 320. The rear portion of cables 21-24, surrounded by the rear outer shell 315, is positioned between recesses 323 and 327 of mold 320. This rear portion of cables 21-24 is arranged such that the outer periphery of the outer planar portions of the cover portions 30 of two adjacent cables 21-24 are in contact with each other, and within the overall cross-section of this portion of cables 21-24, there is no space formed by the separation of the cover portions 30 of two adjacent cables 21-24. Consequently, the rear portion of the portion of cables 21-24 surrounded by the rear outer shell 315 is displaced, causing the cover portions 30 of two adjacent cables 21-24 to contact each other, and the rear portion of the portion of cables 21-24 surrounded by the rear outer shell 315 is in a state where there is no separating portion 313. As a result, the rear portions of the parts of cables 21-24 that are surrounded by the rear housing 315 are arranged in such a way that the planar portions of the outer periphery of the cover portions 30 of each of the two adjacent cables in cables 21-24 are in contact with each other, and there is no space formed by the cover portions 30 of each of the two adjacent cables in cables 21-24 being separated from each other within the overall cross-section of this portion of cables 21-24.

[0106] After that, as Figure 19 As shown in (C), molten resin is injected into the hollow portions 325 and 329 of the mold 320. As a result, the rear end of the connector portion 2, the rear end of the exposed portion 35 of the core portion 25 of each of the cables 21-24, the front end of the covering portion 30 of each of the cables 21-24, and the cable limiting member 302 installed to the front end of the cables 21-24 are covered by the resin. Furthermore, the resin enters the separation portion 313 of the cables 21-24.

[0107] Furthermore, the rear ends of the cavities 325 and 329 of the mold 320 are sealed between the recess 323 of the first mold piece 321 and the recess 327 of the second mold piece 322 by means of the rear portion of the portion of the front ends of the cables 21-24 that is surrounded by the rear housing 315. Additionally, the front ends of the cavities 325 and 329 of the mold 320 are sealed between the recess 324 of the first mold piece 321 and the recess 328 of the second mold piece 322 by means of the connector portion 2. As a result, when molten resin is injected into the cavities 325 and 329 of the mold 320, the resin does not flow out of the mold 320. Therefore, the resin pressure inside the mold 320 can be sufficiently increased. Therefore, during the molding of the rear housing 315, molding defects such as underfill can be suppressed.

[0108] After the resin injected into the mold 320 cures, the connector device 1, which forms the rear outer shell 315, separates from the mold 320. Thus, the connector device 301 is completed.

[0109] The connector device 301 of the second embodiment of the present invention, having the above structure, achieves the same effect as the connector device 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, in the connector device 301 of the second embodiment of the present invention, a cable limiting member 302 is installed at the front end of cables 21-24. Through this cable limiting member 302, a separation portion 313 is formed at the front portion of the portion of the front end of cables 21-24 surrounded by the rear housing 315, and the resin forming the rear housing 315 enters into this separation portion 313. As a result, at the front portion of the portion of the front end of cables 21-24 surrounded by the rear housing 315, the resin forming the rear housing 315 adheres tightly to the entire outer peripheral surface of the cover portion 30 of each of cables 21-24 with extremely high adhesion. With this structure, the connector device 301 of the second embodiment of the present invention, compared to the connector device 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention, can improve the liquid-blocking performance of the rear housing 315 and can further reliably prevent liquid from seeping into the connector portion 2. Furthermore, the connector device 301 according to the second embodiment of the present invention can improve the retention strength of the cables 21 to 24 in the connector device 301 compared with the connector device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] Furthermore, the cable limiting member of the present invention is not limited to the cable limiting member 302 described above; for example, it can use... Figure 20 (A) or Figure 21 Other cable limiting members of the shape shown in (A). Figure 20 The cable limiting member 341 shown in (A) has insertion plate portions 342 to 347. Furthermore, a hole 348 is provided in the center of the cable limiting member 341. Figure 20 As shown in (B), when the cable limiting member 341 is installed at the front end of cables 21-24, the insertion plate 342 is inserted between the cover portion 30 of cable 21 and the cover portion 30 of cable 22; the insertion plates 343 and 344 are inserted between the cover portion 30 of cable 22 and the cover portion 30 of cable 23; the insertion plate 345 is inserted between the cover portion 30 of cable 23 and the cover portion 30 of cable 24; and the insertion plates 346 and 347 are inserted between the cover portion 30 of cable 24 and the cover portion 30 of cable 21. Furthermore, when the cable limiting member 341 is installed at the front end of cables 21-24, the hole portion 348 is disposed at the lower left edge of the cover portion 30 of cable 21, the lower right edge of the cover portion 30 of cable 22, the upper right edge of the cover portion 30 of cable 23, and the upper left edge of the cover portion 30 of cable 24, respectively, opposite to each other. Therefore, separation portions 349 are formed between the cover portion 30 of cable 21 and the cover portion 30 of cable 22, between the cover portion 30 of cable 22 and the cover portion 30 of cable 23, between the cover portion 30 of cable 23 and the cover portion 30 of cable 24, and between the cover portion 30 of cable 24 and the cover portion 30 of cable 21. Furthermore, separation portions are formed at the lower left edge of the cover portion 30 of cable 21, the lower right edge of the cover portion 30 of cable 22, the upper right edge of the cover portion 30 of cable 23, and the upper left edge of the cover portion 30 of cable 24, respectively, at portions facing each other. During the formation of the rear housing, the resin forming the rear housing enters the separation portions 319 and the separation portions formed by the holes 348. In addition, Figure 21 The cable limiting member 351 shown in (A) is formed in the shape of a plate. For example... Figure 21 As shown in (B), the cable limiting member 351 is inserted between the respective cover portions 30 of cables 21 and 22 and the respective cover portions 30 of cables 23 and 24. Thus, a separation portion 352 is formed between the respective cover portions 30 of cables 21 and 22 and the respective cover portions 30 of cables 23 and 24. When forming the rear housing, the resin forming the rear housing enters the separation portion 352.

[0111] (Third Implementation) Next, refer to Figures 22-25 The connector device according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Furthermore, in the connector device of the third embodiment of the present invention, the same reference numerals are used for the same constituent elements as those in the connector device 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention, and their descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0112] The connector device of the third embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a cable limiting portion forming the separate portions of cables 21 to 24 is provided in the connector portion.

[0113] [Connector device] Figure 22 (A) shows the state of the connector device 361 of the third embodiment of the present invention viewed from the rear. Figure 22 (B) shows the connector assembly 361 without the rear housing 371. Figure 22 (A) and Figure 22 As shown in (B), the connector assembly 361 includes a connector portion 362, cables 21 to 24, and a rear housing 371.

[0114] [Connector Section] Figure 23 (A) shows the state after the connector section 362 is assembled without the cables 21 to 24 being installed to the connector section 362. Figure 23 (B) is an exploded view of the cover 363 in the connector section 362. Figure 23 (C) shows the cable limiting part 365 in the intermediate cover member 364 of the cover 363. Figure 23 (D) shows the rear of the connector section 362 on which cables 21 to 24 are mounted.

[0115] like Figure 23 As shown in (A), the connector portion 362 includes a main body portion 3, a cover 363, and a connector housing 9 (regarding the main body portion 3, see...). Figure 5 In addition, such as Figure 23 As shown in (B), cover 363 includes an upper cover member 6, an intermediate cover member 364, and a lower cover member 8. Additionally, connector portion 362 is a specific example of a "connection portion".

[0116] The cover 363, like the cover 5 in the first embodiment described above, has the function of retaining the core 25 (exposed portion 35) exposed at the front end of the cover portion 30 of the cables 21 to 24 and blocking the rear end of the connector portion 362, specifically, the opening on the rear side of the connector housing 9.

[0117] The intermediate cover member 364, like the upper cover member 6 and the lower cover member 8, is formed of an insulating material such as resin. Furthermore, the upper cover member 6 is assembled to the upper part of the intermediate cover member 364, and the lower cover member 8 is assembled to the lower part of the intermediate cover member 364. Additionally, a core portion 25 (exposed portion 35) protruding from the front end of the cover portion 30 of each of the cables 21 and 22 is sandwiched between the intermediate cover member 364 and the upper cover member 6. Furthermore, a core portion 25 (exposed portion 35) protruding from the front end of the cover portion 30 of each of the cables 23 and 24 is sandwiched between the intermediate cover member 364 and the lower cover member 8.

[0118] In addition, such as Figure 23As shown in (C), a cable limiting portion 365 is provided in the intermediate cover member 364. The cable limiting portion 365 restricts the position of the cover portion 30 of each of two adjacent cables 21-24, thereby forming a separation portion 370 between the cover portions 30 of the two cables. In the connector device 301 of the second embodiment described above, the cable limiting member 302, which is separate from other components, is installed at the front end of the cables 21-24. In contrast, in the connector device 361 of the third embodiment, the cable limiting member is combined with the intermediate cover member 364 of the cover 363 of the connector portion 362. That is, the cable limiting portion 365 is formed by combining the cable limiting member and the intermediate cover member 364. In this embodiment, the cable limiting portion 365 and the intermediate cover member 364 are integrally formed.

[0119] The cable limiting part 365 has four insertion plate parts 366 to 369. Insertion plate part 366 is formed as a plate extending in the front-rear and vertical directions, protruding rearward from the upper part of the rear surface of the intermediate cover member 364. Insertion plate part 367 is formed as a plate extending in the front-rear and horizontal directions, protruding rearward from the left part of the rear surface of the intermediate cover member 364. Insertion plate part 368 is formed as a plate extending in the front-rear and vertical directions, protruding rearward from the lower part of the rear surface of the intermediate cover member 364. Insertion plate part 369 is formed as a plate extending in the front-rear and horizontal directions, protruding rearward from the right part of the rear surface of the intermediate cover member 364. Furthermore, when the intermediate cover member 364 is viewed from the rear, the insert plates 366 to 369 are arranged in a cross shape when viewed as a whole, with the lower edge of the insert plate 366, the right edge of the insert plate 367, the upper edge of the insert plate 368, and the left edge of the insert plate 369 joined together.

[0120] like Figure 23 As shown in (D), when cables 21 to 24 are installed to connector 362, insertion plate 366 is inserted between the respective covering portions 30 of cables 21 and 22. Insertion plate 367 is inserted between the respective covering portions 30 of cables 22 and 23. Insertion plate 368 is inserted between the respective covering portions 30 of cables 23 and 24. Insertion plate 369 is inserted between the respective covering portions 30 of cables 24 and 21.

[0121] By inserting the insertion plate 366 between the respective covering portions 30 of cables 21 and 22, the left-right position of the respective covering portions 30 of cables 21 and 22 is restricted, and the left surface 33 of the covering portion 30 of cable 21 and the right surface 34 of the covering portion 30 of cable 22 are separated, forming a separation portion 370 between them. Furthermore, by inserting the insertion plate 367 between the respective covering portions 30 of cables 22 and 23, the vertical position of the respective covering portions 30 of cables 22 and 23 is restricted, and the lower surface 32 of the covering portion 30 of cable 22 and the upper surface 31 of the covering portion 30 of cable 23 are separated, forming a separation portion 370 between them (see reference). Figure 25 (B)). Furthermore, by inserting the insert plate 368 between the respective cover portions 30 of cables 23 and 24, the left-right position of the respective cover portions 30 of cables 23 and 24 is restricted, and the right surface 34 of the cover portion 30 of cable 23 and the left surface 33 of the cover portion 30 of cable 24 are separated from each other, forming a separation portion 370 between them (see reference). Figure 25 (B) Furthermore, by inserting the insert plate 369 between the respective cover portions 30 of cables 24 and 21, the vertical position of the respective cover portions 30 of cables 24 and 21 is restricted, and the upper surface 31 of the cover portion 30 of cable 24 and the lower surface 32 of the cover portion 30 of cable 21 are separated from each other, forming a separation portion 370 between them.

[0122] [Rear Exterior] like Figure 22 As shown in (A), a rear housing 371 is provided at the rear of the connector portion 362. The material of the rear housing 371 is the same as that of the rear housing 41 in the first embodiment. The rear housing 371 surrounds the rear end of the connector portion 362 and the front end of the cover portion 30 of each of the cables 21 to 24. Furthermore, the rear housing 371 is a specific example of a "housing".

[0123] Figure 24 (A) shows the state of the connector device 361 as viewed from above. Figure 24 (B) shows from the right ( Figure 24 (A) below) Observe along Figure 24 The state of the cross-section of connector device 361 obtained by cutting along the cutting line PP in (A). Figure 24 As shown in (B), the rear housing 371 is formed by overmolding on the outer periphery of the rear end of the connector portion 2 and the outer periphery of the front end of the cover portion 30 of each of the cables 21 to 24, and is integrated with the rear end of the connector portion 2 and the front end of the cover portion 30 of each of the cables 21 to 24.

[0124] Figure 25 (A) shows from the rear ( Figure 24 (B) Right side observation along Figure 24 The state of the cross-section of connector device 361 obtained by cutting along section line QQ in (B). Figure 25 In (A), a cross-section of the rear portion of the front end of cables 21-24, surrounded by the rear housing 371, is shown. Figure 25 As shown in (A), the rear portion of the portion of the front end of cables 21-24 surrounded by the rear housing 371 is covered all around the circumference with the resin forming the rear housing 371. Furthermore, in the rear portion of the portion of the front end of cables 21-24 surrounded by the rear housing 371, the resin forming the rear housing 371 adheres tightly to the right surface 34 and upper surface 31 of the cover portion 30 of cable 21, the left surface 33 and upper surface 31 of the cover portion 30 of cable 22, the left surface 33 and lower surface 32 of the cover portion 30 of cable 23, and the right surface 34 and lower surface 32 of the cover portion 30 of cable 24 (specifically, in liquid-tight contact). This tight adhesion between the cover portion 30 and the rear housing 371 prevents liquid from seeping between the front end of the cover portion 30 of cables 21-24 and the rear housing 371, and securely holds cables 21-24 in place by the rear housing 371.

[0125] In addition, such as Figure 25 As shown in (A), in the rear portion of the front ends of cables 21-24, which is surrounded by the rear housing 371, the planes of the opposing covers 30 are strongly pressed against each other throughout the entire area. Specifically, the left surface 33 of the cover 30 of cable 21 is strongly pressed against the right surface 34 of the cover 30 of cable 22, the lower surface 32 of the cover 30 of cable 22 is pressed against the upper surface 31 of the cover 30 of cable 23, the right surface 34 of the cover 30 of cable 23 is pressed against the left surface 33 of the cover 30 of cable 24, and the upper surface 31 of the cover 30 of cable 24 is pressed against the lower surface 32 of the cover 30 of cable 21, each throughout the entire area. As a result, in the rear portion of the front ends of cables 21-24, which is surrounded by the rear housing 371, there is no space within the overall cross-section of cables 21-24 formed by the separation of the covers 30 of adjacent cables 21-24. By ensuring that the planes of the opposing cover portions 30 are in close contact with each other, liquid can be prevented from seeping into the space between the cover portions 30 of the cables 21 to 24.

[0126] Figure 25 (B) shows from the rear ( Figure 24 (B) Right side observation along Figure 24 The state of the cross-section of connector device 361 obtained by cutting along section line RR in (B). Figure 25In (B), a cross-section of the front portion of the front end of cables 21-24, surrounded by the rear housing 371, is shown. Figure 25 As shown in (B), the front portions of the front ends of cables 21-24, which are surrounded by the rear housing 371, are arranged such that the planar portions of the outer periphery of the cover portions 30 of each of the two adjacent cables 21-24 are opposite to each other and separated. In this embodiment, the front portions of the front ends of cables 21-24, which are surrounded by the rear housing 371, are arranged such that the left surface 33 of the cover portion 30 of cable 21 is separated from the right surface 34 of the cover portion 30 of cable 22, the lower surface 32 of the cover portion 30 of cable 22 is separated from the upper surface 31 of the cover portion 30 of cable 23, the right surface 34 of the cover portion 30 of cable 23 is separated from the left surface 33 of the cover portion 30 of cable 24, and the upper surface 31 of the cover portion 30 of cable 24 is separated from the lower surface 32 of the cover portion 30 of cable 21. As a result, in the front portion of the front end of cables 21-24, which is surrounded by the rear housing 371, separate portions 370 are formed between the left surface 33 of the cover portion 30 of cable 21 and the right surface 34 of the cover portion 30 of cable 22, between the lower surface 32 of the cover portion 30 of cable 22 and the upper surface 31 of the cover portion 30 of cable 23, between the right surface 34 of the cover portion 30 of cable 23 and the left surface 33 of the cover portion 30 of cable 24, and between the upper surface 31 of the cover portion 30 of cable 24 and the lower surface 32 of the cover portion 30 of cable 21. The separate portions 370 are gaps of a size that allow molten resin to enter during the molding of the rear housing 371.

[0127] In addition, such as Figure 25 As shown in (B), the resin forming the rear housing 315 enters each of the separate portions 370. As a result, in the front portion of the front end of the cables 21-24, which is surrounded by the rear housing 371, the resin forming the rear housing 371 adheres tightly to all the outer peripheral surfaces of the front end of the cover portion 30 of each cable 21-24, namely the upper surface 31, lower surface 32, left surface 33, and right surface 34, with a very high degree of adhesion (specifically, liquid-tight contact). Through such tight adhesion between the cover portion 30 and the rear housing 371, liquid can be prevented from seeping between the front end of the cover portion 30 of the cables 21-24 and the rear housing 371, and the cables 21-24 can be firmly held by the rear housing 371.

[0128] Figure 25 (C) shows from the rear ( Figure 24 (B) Right side observation along Figure 24 The state of the cross-section of connector device 361 obtained by cutting along section line SS in (B). Figure 25 (C) shows cross-sections of the insertion plates 366 to 369 of the cable limiting portion 365 after the cable 21 to 24 are inserted between the covering portions 30.

[0129] In addition, such as Figure 24 As shown in (B), at the rear of the rear housing 371, a first liquid barrier structure is formed by the tight contact between the outer peripheral surface of the cover portion 30 of cables 21-24 and the rear housing 371, and by the tight contact between the planes of the opposing cover portions 30. Furthermore, at the front of the rear housing 371, a second liquid barrier structure is formed by the tight contact between the entire outer peripheral surface of each of the separately separated cover portions 30 of cables 21-24 and the rear housing 371. These two liquid barrier structures reliably prevent liquid from entering the connector portion 362 from the rear end of the rear housing 371 through its interior. For example, even if liquid seeps between the cover portions 30 through capillary action (even if the liquid has passed through the first liquid barrier structure), its movement within the rear housing 371 is reliably blocked by the second liquid barrier structure, thus preventing the liquid from reaching the connector portion 362.

[0130] Furthermore, the connector device 361 of the third embodiment can be manufactured using the same method as the connector device 301 of the second embodiment described above. Moreover, similarly to the connector device 301 of the second embodiment, the connector device 361 of the third embodiment can prevent resin injected into the mold during the molding of the rear housing 371 from flowing out of the mold through the covering portions 30 of the cables 21-24, thereby suppressing poor molding of the rear housing 371.

[0131] The connector device 361 of the third embodiment of the present invention, having the above structure, achieves the same effect as the connector device 301 of the second embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, in the connector device 361 of the third embodiment of the present invention, the cable limiting portion 365 is provided on the intermediate cover member 364, that is, the cable limiting member and the intermediate cover member 364 are combined. This reduces the front-to-back dimension of the connector device, reduces the number of components in the connector device, and simplifies the manufacturing (assembly) of the connector device.

[0132] (Fourth Implementation) Next, a method for manufacturing a connector device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. This connector device does not include a cable limiting member or a cable limiting portion, yet achieves the same effect as the connector device 301 of the second embodiment or the connector device 361 of the third embodiment. Here, as an example of its manufacturing method, a method for manufacturing a connector device that uses components constituting the connector device 1 of the first embodiment and achieves the same effect as the connector device 301 of the second embodiment or the connector device 361 of the third embodiment will be described.

[0133] When manufacturing the connector assembly, firstly, the components that form the connector section 2 and four cables 21-24 are prepared. The components that form the connector section 2 are the main body 3, the upper cover member 6, the middle cover member 7, the lower cover member 8, and the connector housing 9 (see reference). Figure 5 In addition, a mold is prepared for molding the rear housing of the connector assembly.

[0134] Figure 26 Image (A) shows a mold 400 for molding the rear housing of a connector device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 26 In (A), the first mold piece 401 and the second mold piece 402 of the mold 400 are cut to the left and right with the center position in the left and right directions as the boundary, and the state of the cross-section of the left side of the first mold piece 401 and the second mold piece 402 obtained by the cut is shown from the right. Figure 26 (B) shows the state of the rear of the first mold piece 401 and the second mold piece 402 as viewed from the upper right front.

[0135] like Figure 26 (A) and Figure 26 As shown in (B), the mold 400 has a first mold piece 401 and a second mold piece 402. For example, the second mold piece 402 is movable in the vertical direction relative to the first mold piece 401.

[0136] The first mold piece 401 has a recess 403 (groove) for arranging the lower portions of cables 23, 24, 21, and 22. Additionally, the first mold piece 401 has a recess 404 for arranging the lower portion of connector 2. Furthermore, the first mold piece 401 has a cavity 405 for filling resin to form the rear housing. The second mold piece 402 has a recess 407 (groove) for arranging the upper portions of cables 21 and 22. Furthermore, the second mold piece 402 has a recess 408 for arranging the upper portion of connector 2. Furthermore, the second mold piece 402 has a cavity 409 for filling resin to form the rear housing. The above structures of the first mold piece 401 and the second mold piece 402 are the same as the structures of the first mold piece 51 and the second mold piece 52 of the mold 50 in the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, the shape and size of the recess 403 of the first mold piece 401 and the recess 407 of the second mold piece 402 in the mold 400 are the same as the shape and size of the recess 53 of the first mold piece 51 and the recess 56 of the second mold piece 52 in the mold 50 of the first embodiment described above.

[0137] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, cable limiting plates 406 and 410 are respectively formed on the first mold plate 401 and the second mold plate 402. The cable limiting plates 406 and 410 restrict the position of the covering portions 30 of two adjacent cables 21-24 in the left-right direction, thereby forming a separating portion 411 between the covering portions 30 of these two cables. The cable limiting plate 406 is formed as a plate extending in both the front-back and vertical directions, protruding upward from the center of the front portion of the bottom surface of the cavity 405 in the first mold plate 401 in the left-right direction. The cable limiting plate 410 is formed as a plate extending in both the front-back and vertical directions, protruding downward from the center of the front portion of the top surface of the cavity 409 in the second mold plate 402 in the left-right direction.

[0138] After preparing the components for forming the connector section 2, the cables 21 to 24, and the mold 400, the front end portion of the front end of the cover portion 30 of each cable 21 to 24 is cut off to form the exposed portion 35 (exposed portion forming process).

[0139] Next, the main body 3, the upper cover component 6, the middle cover component 7, the lower cover component 8, and the connector housing 9 are assembled to form the connector part 2, and cables 21 to 24 are installed to the connector part 2. (Cable installation process).

[0140] Next, the connector part 2 and cables 21 to 24 are placed in the mold 400, and the front ends of cables 21 to 24 are arranged (cable arrangement process). For example, firstly, the lower part of the connector part 2 is inserted into the recess 404 of the first mold piece 401. In addition, the upper end of the cable limiting piece 406 is inserted between the covering part 30 of cable 23 and the covering part 30 of cable 24, and cables 23 and 24 are inserted into the recess 403 of the first mold piece 401. Furthermore, the lower parts of cables 21 and 22 are inserted into the recess 403 of the first mold piece 401. Next, when installing the second mold piece 402 onto the first mold piece 401, the upper part of the connector part 2 is inserted into the recess 408 of the second mold piece 402. In addition, the lower end of the cable limiting piece 410 is inserted between the covering part 30 of the cable 21 and the covering part 30 of the cable 22, and the upper parts of the cable 21 and the upper parts of the cable 22 are inserted into the recess 407 of the second mold piece 402.

[0141] Thus, with connector 2 and cables 21-24 disposed within mold 400, the front portion of the portion of cables 21-24 surrounded by the rear housing is disposed at the front of the openings 405 and 409 of mold 400. Figure 26 (C) shows the rear of the mold 400, in which cables 21-24 are arranged, as viewed from the front. Furthermore, Figure 26 (D) shows the state in which the cable limiting pieces 406 and 410, provided in the mold 400, are inserted between the covering portions 30 of the cables 21 to 24. Figure 26 (C) and Figure 26 As shown in (D), with the connector portion 2 and cables 21-24 disposed within the mold 400, in the front portion of the front end of cables 21-24 surrounded by the rear housing, the upper end of cable limiting piece 406 is inserted between the cover portion 30 of cable 23 and the cover portion 30 of cable 24, and the lower end of cable limiting piece 410 is inserted between the cover portion 30 of cable 21 and the cover portion 30 of cable 22. Furthermore, in this state, the upper end of cable limiting piece 406 and the lower end of cable limiting piece 410 are separated from each other. Thus, a separation portion 411 is formed in the front portion of the front end of cables 21-24 surrounded by the rear housing, between the cover portion 30 of cable 23 and the cover portion 30 of cable 24, and between the cover portion 30 of cable 21 and the cover portion 30 of cable 22.

[0142] Furthermore, with the connector portion 2 and cables 21-24 disposed within the mold 400, the rear portion of the front end of cables 21-24, which is surrounded by the rear outer shell, is disposed at the rear of the openings 405 and 409 of the mold 400. Additionally, the rearmost portion of the portion of cables 21-24 surrounded by the rear outer shell is disposed between the recesses 403 and 407 of the mold 400. Because the rearmost portions of the portions of cables 21-24 surrounded by the rear outer shell are disposed between the recesses 403 and 407 of the mold 400, these rearmost portions are arranged such that the outer periphery of the outer planar portions of the covering portions 30 of two adjacent cables in cables 21-24 are in contact with each other, and within the overall cross-section of this portion of cables 21-24, there is no space formed by the separation of the covering portions 30 of two adjacent cables in cables 21-24. As a result, the rear portion of the portion of cables 21-24 surrounded by the rear outer shell is displaced, causing the cover portions 30 of two adjacent cables in cables 21-24 to contact each other, and the rear portion of the portion of cables 21-24 surrounded by the rear outer shell becomes a state in which there is no separating portion 411. Consequently, the rear portion of the portion of cables 21-24 surrounded by the rear outer shell is arranged in such a way that the outer periphery of the planar portions of the cover portions 30 of two adjacent cables in cables 21-24 contact each other, and within the overall cross-section of this portion of cables 21-24, there is no space formed by the separation of the cover portions 30 of two adjacent cables in cables 21-24.

[0143] Next, the rear housing is formed by injecting molten resin into the mold 400 (housing formation process). As a result, the rear end of the connector portion 2 and the front ends of the cables 21-24 are covered with resin. Furthermore, resin enters the separation portion 411 of the cables 21-24.

[0144] Furthermore, the rear ends of the cavities 405 and 409 of the mold 400 are sealed between the recess 403 of the first mold piece 401 and the recess 407 of the second mold piece 402 by means of the portion of the front ends of the cables 21-24 that is surrounded by the rear housing. Additionally, the front ends of the cavities 405 and 409 of the mold 400 are sealed between the recess 404 of the first mold piece 401 and the recess 408 of the second mold piece 402 by means of the connector portion 2. As a result, when molten resin is injected into the cavities 405 and 409 of the mold 400, the resin will not flow out of the mold 400.

[0145] After the resin injected into the mold 400 cures, the connector assembly, which forms the rear housing, separates from the mold 400. Thus, the connector assembly is completed.

[0146] The connector device manufactured by the manufacturing method of the fourth embodiment described above has the following structure: in the front end portion of the cables 21 to 24, the rear portion of the portion surrounded by the rear housing is arranged such that the planar portions of the outer periphery of the cover portions 30 of each of the two adjacent cables 21 to 24 are in contact with each other, and there is no space formed by the separation of the cover portions 30 of each of the two adjacent cables 21 to 24 within the overall cross-section of this portion of the cables 21 to 24; on the other hand, in the front end portion of the cables 21 to 24, the front portion of the portion surrounded by the rear housing is arranged such that the planar portions of the outer periphery of the cover portions 30 of each of the two adjacent cables 21 to 24 are opposite to each other and separated from each other.

[0147] Furthermore, in the connector device manufactured by the manufacturing method of the fourth embodiment, within the rear housing, the resin forming the rear housing adheres tightly to the right surface 34 and upper surface 31 of the cover portion 30 of cable 21, the left surface 33 and upper surface 31 of the cover portion 30 of cable 22, the left surface 33 and lower surface 32 of the front end portion of the cover portion 30 of cable 23, and the right surface 34 and lower surface 32 of the front end portion of the cover portion 30 of cable 24 in a manner with extremely high adhesion. In addition, in the connector device manufactured by the manufacturing method of the fourth embodiment, the separation portion 411 is formed on the cables 21 to 24. In the front part of the portion of the cables 21 to 24 surrounded by the rear housing, the left surface 33 of the cover portion 30 of the cable 21 is separated from the right surface 34 of the cover portion 30 of the cable 22, and the left surface 33 of the cover portion 30 of the cable 23 is separated from the right surface 34 of the cover portion 30 of the cable 24. Furthermore, the resin forming the rear housing enters the separation portion 411, and the resin is also tightly attached to the left surface 33 of the cover portion 30 of the cable 21, the right surface 34 of the cover portion 30 of the cable 22, the left surface 33 of the cover portion 30 of the cable 23, and the right surface 34 of the cover portion 30 of the cable 24 in a manner with extremely high adhesion. Therefore, the connector device manufactured according to the manufacturing method of the fourth embodiment, like the connector device 301 of the second embodiment or the connector device 361 of the third embodiment, can improve liquid blocking performance and cable retention strength.

[0148] Furthermore, the connector device manufactured according to the manufacturing method of the fourth embodiment, similar to the connector device 301 of the second embodiment or the connector device 361 of the third embodiment, can prevent the resin injected into the mold during the molding of the rear housing from flowing out of the mold through the covering portions 30 of the cables 21 to 24, thereby suppressing poor molding of the rear housing.

[0149] Thus, the connector device manufacturing method according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention can manufacture a connector device that achieves the same effect as the connector device 301 of the second embodiment or the connector device 361 of the third embodiment without providing a cable limiting member or cable limiting portion on the connector device.

[0150] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the use of Figure 6 The dual-core shielded cable shown in (A) is used for each of cables 21 to 24, but the type of cable is not limited in the connector device of the present invention. Furthermore, the structure of the cable core is not limited in the connector device of the present invention. Moreover, multiple cables with different core structures can be used in the connector device of the present invention.

[0151] Furthermore, while the connector devices 1 (301, 361) of the above embodiments include four cables 21 to 24, the number of cables in the connector device of the present invention may be two, three, or five or more. Additionally, in each embodiment, an example is shown where the cross-sectional shape of the cover portion 30 of each cable 21 to 24 is quadrilateral, and the cables 21 to 24 are arranged in two columns vertically and two columns horizontally. However, in the connector device of the present invention, the cross-sectional shape of the cover portion of each cable and the arrangement of the multiple cables are not limited. Figure 27 (A) Figure 27 (F) shows the cross-sectional shape of the cable cover that can be used by the connector devices of the present invention, as well as other examples of the arrangement of the cables. Figure 27 (A) is an example of arranging nine cables with a quadrilateral cross-sectional area in three columns in the vertical direction and three columns in the horizontal direction. Figure 27 (B) is an example of arranging three cables with a quadrilateral cross-sectional shape in two columns in the vertical direction, one column in the horizontal direction on the top side, and two columns in the horizontal direction on the bottom side. Figure 27 (C) is an example of arranging two parallel double-wire cables with a quadrilateral cross-sectional shape in two columns in the vertical direction. Figure 27 (D) is an example in which four cables with a quadrilateral cross-sectional shape are arranged in two columns in the vertical direction and two columns in the horizontal direction, and the horizontal positions of the two upper cables and the two lower cables are not the same. Figure 27 (E) is an example in which three cables, each having a cover with a cross-sectional shape of a different polygon, are arranged such that the planar portions of the outer periphery of adjacent covers are in contact with each other. Figure 27Example (F) shows four cables with fan-shaped covers arranged so that the planar portions of the outer periphery of adjacent covers are in contact with each other, and the overall cross-sectional shape of the four cables is circular. Furthermore, in Figure 27 (A) Figure 27 In each of (F), multiple cables are arranged such that within the overall cross-section of these multiple cables, there is no space formed by the partial or integral separation of the coverage portions of any two adjacent cables. Furthermore, Figure 27 (A) Figure 27 The arrangement of the multiple cables shown in (F) is suitable for reducing mold costs. That is, according to Figure 27 (A) Figure 27 The arrangement of multiple cables shown in (F) during the molding of the rear housing can prevent the formation of a space between the arrangement of multiple cables and the mold through which molten resin can pass, even without the use of inserts in the mold.

[0152] Furthermore, in the cable limiting member 302 of the second embodiment described above, a notch may be provided on the surface of the insertion plate portions 303-305. When the rear outer shell 315 is molded, the resin injected into the mold 320 flows into the notch, thereby flowing into the separation portion 313 of the cables 21-24. This allows the resin to flow smoothly into the separation portion 313, thereby ensuring that the resin adheres reliably to the cover portion 30. Additionally, such a structure may be provided in the cable limiting portion 365 of the third embodiment described above, or in the cable limiting pieces 406 and 410 of the fourth embodiment described above.

[0153] Furthermore, in the connector device of the present invention, a planar portion may be formed only on the outer peripheral surface of the front end of the cover portion of each cable.

[0154] Furthermore, in the connector device of the present invention, the range of forming the housing (rear housing) is only required to include the portion from the other end (rear end) of the connector to one end (front end) of the cover portion of each of the plurality of cables. For example, if the shape of the fitting portion at one end of the connector is female, the housing can be used to cover the outer periphery of the portion from one end of the connector to one end of the cover portion of each of the plurality of cables.

[0155] Furthermore, the connector device of the present invention can connect to the connected portion not limited to... Figure 1 The socket shown could also be a plug, for example.

[0156] Furthermore, in the connector device 1 of the first embodiment described above, the front ends of cables 21-24 are arranged side by side such that the planar portions of the covering portions 30 of each of two adjacent cables 21-24 are in contact with each other, and there is no space formed by the separation of the covering portions 30 of each of two adjacent cables 21-24 within the overall cross-section of the cables 21-24. In the first embodiment described above, this "space" refers to the size of the space where molten resin can flow out of the mold and liquid can immerse into the interior of the rear housing 41 from the rear end when the rear housing 41 is molded. However, in this invention, this "space" may also refer only to the size of the space where molten resin can flow out of the mold. For example, this "space" may also refer to the size of the space where a small amount of molten resin flows in, but because the amount is small, the resin is cooled after flowing in and its viscosity increases, so that it does not flow out of the mold. That is, at the front ends of cables 21-24, within the overall cross-section of cables 21-24, the cover portions 30 of each adjacent cable 21-24 are separated from each other, thus preventing the formation of a space large enough for molten resin to flow out of the mold, but allowing a space large enough for liquid to enter the interior of the rear housing 41 from the rear end through capillary action. In this case, liquid (e.g., water) may sometimes enter between the opposing cover portions 30 at the front ends of cables 21-24 through capillary action. However, the movement of this entered liquid within the rear housing 41 is reliably blocked by a liquid-blocking structure formed by the close contact between the exposed portions 35 of the core portions 25 of each cable 21-24 and the rear housing 41, thus preventing the liquid from reaching the connector portion 2.

[0157] Furthermore, in the connector device 301 of the second embodiment, the rear portions of the cables 21-24 surrounded by the rear housing 315 are arranged side-by-side such that the planar portions of the covering portions 30 of each of two adjacent cables 21-24 are in contact with each other, and there is no space formed by the separation of the covering portions 30 of each of two adjacent cables 21-24 within the overall cross-section of the cables 21-24. In the second embodiment described above, this "space" refers to the size of the space where molten resin can flow out of the mold and liquid can penetrate into the interior of the rear housing 315 from its rear end during molding. However, in this invention, this "space" may also refer only to the size of the space where molten resin can flow out of the mold. That is, in the rear portion of the cable 21-24 surrounded by the rear housing 315, within the overall cross-section of the cable 21-24, the respective cover portions 30 of two adjacent cables in the cable 21-24 are separated from each other, thereby preventing the formation of a space the size of molten resin that could flow out of the mold, but allowing the formation of a space the size of liquid that could be allowed to enter the interior of the rear housing 41 from the rear end through a capillary phenomenon. In this case, liquid (e.g., water) may sometimes enter between the opposing cover portions 30 of the front end of the cable 21-24 through a capillary phenomenon, but the travel of the entered liquid within the rear housing 315 in the front portion of the cable 21-24 surrounded by the rear housing 315 is reliably blocked by the liquid blocking structure formed by the close contact between the outer peripheral surfaces of all the mutually separated cover portions 30 of the cable 21-24 and the rear housing 315, so that the liquid will not reach the connector portion 2. This is also true for the connector device 361 of the third embodiment and the connector device manufactured by the manufacturing method of the fourth embodiment.

[0158] Furthermore, the present invention can be appropriately modified without violating the spirit or concept of the invention as can be understood from the claims and description as a whole, and the connector device and its manufacturing method accompanied by the above modifications are also included in the technical concept of the present invention. Symbol Explanation

[0159] 1. Connector devices of type 81, 301, and 361; 2. 362 connector section (connection section); 21-24 and 61-64 cables; 25 cores; 30, 65 coverage area; 31. Upper surface; 32 Lower surface; 33 Left surface; 34 Right surface; 35 exposed area; 41, 315, 371 rear outer casing (outer shell); 71. Partner connector (connected body); 82 Connecting part; 85 casing; Cable limiting components 302, 341, and 351; Separate parts for 313, 349, 352, 370, and 411; 365 cable limiting part; 400 molds; 406 and 410 cable limit plates.

Claims

1. A connector device, the connector device comprising a connecting portion connected at one end to a connected body, a plurality of cables extending from the other end of the connecting portion, and a housing, characterized in that, The plurality of cables each have a core and a cover portion that covers the outer periphery of the core. A planar portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cover portion of each of the plurality of cables. One end of the plurality of cables is arranged side by side in such a manner that the planar portions of the covering parts of two adjacent cables are in contact with each other, and within the cross-section of the plurality of cables as a whole, there is no space formed by the separation of the covering parts of two adjacent cables. The housing surrounds a portion from the other end of the connector to one end of the respective cover portion of the plurality of cables, and is integrally formed with that portion by overmolding.

2. The connector device according to claim 1, characterized in that, An exposed portion is formed at one end of the core of each of the plurality of cables, protruding from the cover portion. The other end of the exposed portion of the core of each of the plurality of cables extends from the other end of the connector to the outside of the connector. The outer casing surrounds the other end of the connector, the other end of the exposed portion of the core of each of the plurality of cables, and one end of the cover portion of each of the plurality of cables, and is integrated with the other end of the connector, the other end of the exposed portion of the core of each of the plurality of cables, and one end of the cover portion of each of the plurality of cables by overmolding.

3. The connector device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The plurality of cables includes four or more cables. With the extension direction of the plurality of cables as the front-back direction, the plurality of cables are arranged in two or more columns in the vertical direction and two or more columns in the horizontal direction.

4. The connector device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The plurality of cables includes a first cable, a second cable, a third cable, and a fourth cable. With the extension direction of the first cable as the front-back direction, planar portions are formed on the left and lower parts of the outer peripheral surface of the covering portion of the first cable, respectively. With the extension direction of the second cable as the front-back direction, planar portions are formed on the right and lower parts of the outer peripheral surface of the covering portion of the second cable, respectively. With the extension direction of the third cable as the front-back direction, planar portions are formed on the right and upper parts of the outer peripheral surface of the covering portion of the third cable, respectively. With the extension direction of the fourth cable as the front-rear direction, planar portions are formed on the left and upper parts of the outer peripheral surface of the covering portion of the fourth cable, respectively. The first cable, the second cable, the third cable, and the fourth cable are configured such that the left planar portion of the cover portion of the first cable is in contact with the right planar portion of the cover portion of the second cable, the lower planar portion of the cover portion of the second cable is in contact with the upper planar portion of the cover portion of the third cable, the right planar portion of the cover portion of the third cable is in contact with the left planar portion of the cover portion of the fourth cable, and the upper planar portion of the cover portion of the fourth cable is in contact with the lower planar portion of the cover portion of the first cable.

5. The connector device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The plurality of cables includes a first cable, a second cable, a third cable, and a fourth cable. The cross-sectional shape of the covering portion of each of the first cable, the second cable, the third cable, and the fourth cable is quadrilateral. With the extension directions of the first cable, the second cable, the third cable, and the fourth cable each taken as the front-back direction, the first cable, the second cable, the third cable, and the fourth cable are configured as follows: the left surface of the cover portion of the first cable is in contact with the right surface of the cover portion of the second cable, the lower surface of the cover portion of the second cable is in contact with the upper surface of the cover portion of the third cable, the right surface of the cover portion of the third cable is in contact with the left surface of the cover portion of the fourth cable, and the upper surface of the cover portion of the fourth cable is in contact with the lower surface of the cover portion of the first cable.

6. The connector device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cross-sectional shape of the cover portion of each of the plurality of cables is a quadrilateral with four interior angles of 90 degrees.

7. The connector device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cross-sectional shape of the multiple cables, formed by arranging one end of each cable into a quadrilateral with four interior angles of 90 degrees, is a whole.

8. The connector device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of cables extend rearward from the rear end of the connector, and the housing is a resin molded material that surrounds the portion from the rear end of the connector to the front end of the respective cover portion of the plurality of cables and is integrally formed with this portion by overmolding. The rear portions of the plurality of cables enclosed by the outer casing are arranged side-by-side in such a manner that the planar portions of the coverings of two adjacent cables are in contact with each other, and within the overall cross-section of the plurality of cables, there is no space formed by the separation of the coverings of two adjacent cables. The front portions of the plurality of cables enclosed by the outer casing are arranged side by side, forming a separated portion where the covers of two adjacent cables are separated from each other.

9. The connector device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The plurality of cables includes four or more cables. The plurality of cables are arranged in two or more columns in the vertical direction and in two or more columns in the horizontal direction. The rear portions of the plurality of cables enclosed by the outer casing are arranged side-by-side in such a manner that the planar portions of the coverings of two adjacent cables are in contact with each other, and within the overall cross-section of the plurality of cables, there is no space formed by the separation of the coverings of two adjacent cables. The front portions of the plurality of cables surrounded by the outer casing are arranged such that: there are separate portions formed by separating the covering portions of two cables that are adjacent to each other in the vertical direction; or they are arranged such that: there are separate portions formed by separating the covering portions of two cables that are adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction.

10. The connector device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The plurality of cables includes a first cable, a second cable, a third cable, and a fourth cable. Planar portions are formed on the left and lower parts of the outer peripheral surface of the first cable's covering portion, respectively. Planar portions are formed on the right and lower parts of the outer peripheral surface of the second cable's covering portion. Planar portions are formed on the right and upper parts of the outer peripheral surface of the cover portion of the third cable, respectively. Planar portions are formed on the left and upper parts of the outer peripheral surface of the cover portion of the fourth cable, respectively. The rear portions of the portions surrounded by the housing in each of the first, second, third, and fourth cables are configured such that the left planar portion of the cover portion of the first cable contacts the right planar portion of the cover portion of the second cable; the lower planar portion of the cover portion of the second cable contacts the upper planar portion of the cover portion of the third cable; the right planar portion of the cover portion of the third cable contacts the left planar portion of the cover portion of the fourth cable; and the upper planar portion of the cover portion of the fourth cable contacts the lower planar portion of the cover portion of the first cable. The front portion of the portion of each of the first cable, the second cable, the third cable, and the fourth cable surrounded by the housing is configured such that: the planar portion of the left side of the cover of the first cable is separated from the planar portion of the right side of the cover of the second cable; the planar portion of the lower side of the cover of the second cable is separated from the planar portion of the upper side of the cover of the third cable; the planar portion of the right side of the cover of the third cable is separated from the planar portion of the left side of the cover of the fourth cable; or the planar portion of the upper side of the cover of the fourth cable is separated from the planar portion of the lower side of the cover of the first cable.

11. The connector device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The plurality of cables includes a first cable, a second cable, a third cable, and a fourth cable. The cross-sectional shape of the covering portion of each of the first cable, the second cable, the third cable, and the fourth cable is quadrilateral. The rear portion of the portion of each of the first cable, the second cable, the third cable, and the fourth cable surrounded by the housing is configured such that: the left surface of the cover portion of the first cable contacts the right surface of the cover portion of the second cable; the lower surface of the cover portion of the second cable contacts the upper surface of the cover portion of the third cable; the right surface of the cover portion of the third cable contacts the left surface of the cover portion of the fourth cable; and the upper surface of the cover portion of the fourth cable contacts the lower surface of the cover portion of the first cable. The front portion of the portion of each of the first cable, the second cable, the third cable, and the fourth cable surrounded by the housing is configured such that the left surface of the cover portion of the first cable is separated from the right surface of the cover portion of the second cable, the lower surface of the cover portion of the second cable is separated from the upper surface of the cover portion of the third cable, the right surface of the cover portion of the third cable is separated from the left surface of the cover portion of the fourth cable, or the upper surface of the cover portion of the fourth cable is separated from the lower surface of the cover portion of the first cable.

12. The connector device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The connector device includes a cable limiting member that restricts the position of the cover portion of two adjacent cables among the plurality of cables, thereby forming the separation portion between the cover portions of the two cables.

13. The connector device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The cable limiting component is combined with the connecting part.

14. A method of manufacturing a connector device, the connector device comprising a connecting portion connected to a connected body at one end, a plurality of cables extending from the other end of the connecting portion, and a housing, wherein each of the plurality of cables has a core and a cover portion covering the outer peripheral side of the core, a planar portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of each cover portion of the plurality of cables, one end of the plurality of cables is arranged side by side such that the planar portions of the cover portions of two adjacent cables are in contact with each other, and within the cross-section of the plurality of cables as a whole, there is no space formed by separating the cover portions of two adjacent cables, the housing surrounds and is integral with the portion extending from the other end of the connecting portion to one end of the cover portions of the plurality of cables, the method of manufacturing the connector device is characterized in that it includes: The cable installation process involves installing the plurality of cables to the connector in such a manner that the plurality of cables extend from the other end of the connector. In the cable arrangement process, one end of the plurality of cables is arranged side by side in the following manner: the planar portions of the covering portions of two adjacent cables are in contact with each other, and there is no space formed by the covering portions of two adjacent cables separating each other within the cross-section of the plurality of cables as a whole. as well as In the outer casing forming process, the outer casing is formed on the outer periphery of a portion from the other end of the connector to one end of the cover portion of each of the plurality of cables by overmolding.

15. The method of manufacturing the connector device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The plurality of cables extend rearward from the rear end of the connector. The outer shell is a resin molded material that surrounds the portion from the rear end of the connector to the front end of the cover portion of each of the plurality of cables and is integrally formed with this portion through overmolding. The rear portions of the portion of the plurality of cables surrounded by the outer shell are arranged side by side such that the planar portions of the cover portions of two adjacent cables are in contact with each other, and there is no space formed by the separation of the cover portions of two adjacent cables within the overall cross-section of the plurality of cables. The front portions of the portion of the plurality of cables surrounded by the outer shell are arranged side by side such that there is a separated portion formed by the separation of the cover portions of two adjacent cables. In the cable installation process, the plurality of cables are installed to the connector by extending the plurality of cables from the rear end of the connector rearward. In the cable arrangement process, the rear portions of the multiple cables surrounded by the outer shell are arranged in the mold such that the planar portions of the covering parts of two adjacent cables are in contact with each other, and there is no space within the cross-section of the multiple cables as a whole. The front portions of the multiple cables surrounded by the outer shell are arranged in the mold such that the separated portions are present. In the outer casing forming process, resin is injected into the mold, thereby forming the outer casing on the outer periphery of the portion from the rear end of the connector to the front end of the respective cover portion of the plurality of cables by overmolding. A cable limiting piece is provided in the mold. The cable limiting piece restricts the position of the cover portion of each of two adjacent cables among the plurality of cables, so as to form the separation portion between the cover portions of the two cables. In the cable arrangement process, when the plurality of cables are arranged in the mold, the separation portion is formed between the cover portions of each of two adjacent cables by inserting the cable limiting piece into the cover portion of each of the plurality of cables.

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