Electric connector and manufacturing method of the electric connector

Abstract

To provide an electric connector in which an electric wire is surely inserted into a holding hole of a housing.SOLUTION: An electric connector comprises: a plurality of first electric wires that is extended along a first direction, and is arranged to a second direction crossed to the first direction; and a housing that is extended and penetrated along the first direction, and includes a plurality of first holding holes arranged along the second direction. In each of the plurality of first holding holes, a conductor of each tip end part of the plurality of first electric wires is housed. The plurality of first holding holes holds the plurality of first electric wires so that each tip end of the plurality of first electric wires is exposed on a front surface of the housing. In the housing, a first introduction part constructed so to introduce each of the plurality of first electric wires of the plurality of first holding holes while supporting the plurality of first electric wires toward the front surface of the housing is provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electrical connectors and methods of manufacturing electrical connectors. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of an electrical connector that can be connected to a mating electrical connector. In this electrical connector, a number of conductors are inserted and fixed into respective through holes provided in a housing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-069166 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned electrical connector, a plurality of electric wires (conductors) are inserted into each through hole. However, as the number of electric wires increases and the diameter of the electric wires becomes smaller, it becomes difficult to insert and fix all of the electric wires into the through holes provided in the housing. For this reason, an electrical connector in which the electric wires are reliably inserted into the holding holes of the housing is desired.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an electrical connector in which electric wires are securely inserted into retaining holes in a housing, and a method for manufacturing the electrical connector. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The electrical connector according to the present disclosure includes a housing having a plurality of first electric wires each extending along a first direction and arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a plurality of first retaining holes each extending along the first direction, penetrating the housing, and arranged along the second direction. Each of the first retaining holes houses a conductor at the tip of each of the first electric wires. The first retaining holes hold the first electric wires such that the tips of the first electric wires are exposed at a front surface of the housing. The housing is provided with a first introduction portion configured to introduce each of the first electric wires into each of the first retaining holes toward the front surface of the housing while supporting the first electric wires. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an electrical connector in which an electric wire is securely inserted into a retaining hole in a housing, and a method for manufacturing the electrical connector. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of an electrical connector according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector shown in FIG. 1 taken along line II-II. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the electrical connector shown in FIG. 1 with some of the electric wires omitted. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the electrical connector shown in FIG. 1 with some of the electric wires omitted. [Diagram 5] 5 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which an electric wire is placed in a groove of an introduction portion of the electric connector shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the electrical connector according to the second embodiment as viewed from the rear, with some of the electric wires omitted. [Figure 7] 7A to 7C are views for explaining a method of manufacturing the electrical connector shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the electrical connector according to the third embodiment as viewed from the rear, with some of the electric wires omitted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, the contents of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. [1] An electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a housing having a plurality of first electric wires each extending along a first direction and arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a plurality of first retaining holes each extending along the first direction and penetrating the housing and arranged along the second direction. Each of the first retaining holes accommodates a conductor at the tip of each of the first electric wires. The first retaining holes hold the first electric wires such that the tips of the first electric wires are exposed at a front surface of the housing. The housing is provided with a first introduction portion configured to introduce each of the first electric wires into each of the first retaining holes toward the front surface of the housing while supporting the first electric wires.

[0010] In this electrical connector, a first introduction section is provided in the housing, which is configured to introduce each of the first electric wires into each of the first retaining holes while supporting the first electric wires. In this case, the first electric wires are aligned in the first introduction section before being inserted into the first retaining holes, so that each of the first electric wires can be reliably inserted into the corresponding first retaining hole. Thus, it is possible to obtain an electrical connector in which the electric wires are reliably inserted into the retaining holes of the housing.

[0011] [2] In the electrical connector of [1] above, the housing may be configured so that an area supporting the first electric wires in the first introduction portion is visible. In this case, when the first electric wires are introduced from the first introduction portion into the first retaining holes, the visibility is improved for an operator, and the electric wires can be inserted more reliably into the corresponding retaining holes.

[0012] [3] In the electrical connector of [1] or [2] above, the first introduction section may be provided with grooves that are connected to each of the first retaining holes. In this case, each electric wire can be inserted into the first retaining hole after arranging and aligning each electric wire in the groove corresponding to each first retaining hole. This allows each electric wire to be more reliably inserted into the corresponding retaining hole.

[0013] [4] In the electrical connector according to [3] above, an end of each of the first retaining holes adjacent to the groove may be tapered. In this case, each electric wire can be more easily inserted from the groove along the taper into the first retaining hole.

[0014] [5] Any of the electrical connectors [1] to [4] above may further include a plurality of second electric wires each extending along the first direction and arranged along the second direction. In this electrical connector, the housing may further include a plurality of second retaining holes each extending along the first direction and penetrating therethrough and arranged along the second direction, and the plurality of second retaining holes are located in a third direction relative to the plurality of first retaining holes. Each of the plurality of second retaining holes may house a conductor at each end of the plurality of second electric wires. The plurality of second retaining holes may hold the plurality of second electric wires such that each end of the plurality of second electric wires is exposed at the front surface of the housing. The housing may be formed with a second introduction portion configured to introduce each of the plurality of second electric wires into each of the plurality of second retaining holes toward the front surface of the housing while supporting the plurality of second electric wires. In this electrical connector, the first introduction portion and the second introduction portion may be formed in a stepped shape such that the second introduction portion is located farther away from the front surface of the housing in the first direction than the first introduction portion. In this case, when inserting each of the multiple second electric wires into the second retaining holes in addition to the multiple first electric wires, the wires are aligned in the second introduction section before being inserted into the second retaining holes, so that each second electric wire can be reliably inserted into the corresponding second retaining hole, thereby making it possible to obtain an electrical connector in which the second electric wires are reliably inserted into the second retaining holes of the housing.

[0015] [6] Any of the electrical connectors [1] to [5] above may further include a plurality of third electric wires each extending along the first direction and arranged along the second direction. The housing may further include a plurality of third retaining holes each extending along the first direction and penetrating therethrough and arranged along the second direction, and the plurality of third retaining holes may be located in the third direction relative to the plurality of first retaining holes. Each of the plurality of third retaining holes may house a conductor at the end of each of the plurality of third electric wires. The plurality of third retaining holes may hold the plurality of third electric wires such that the ends of the plurality of third electric wires are exposed at the front surface of the housing. The housing may be formed with a third introduction portion configured to introduce each of the plurality of third electric wires into each of the plurality of third retaining holes toward the front surface of the housing while supporting the plurality of third electric wires. In this electrical connector, the third introduction portion may face in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first introduction portion faces. In this case, the increase in the number of introduction portions can prevent the electrical connector from becoming large in size in the first direction. For example, when eight introduction portions are provided, if they are formed in a stepped shape, the lengths of the eight introduction portions will simply be added up along the first direction. However, according to the above-described configuration, by making the overall shape of the introduction portions into a mountain shape, multiple introduction portions can be provided separately on one side (e.g., the upper side) and the other side (e.g., the lower side) in the third direction, and the overall length of the introduction portions of the electrical connector in the first direction can be halved.

[0016] [7] The electrical connector according to any one of [1] to [6] above may further include a first covering member covering at least a portion of the first electric wires excluding the respective tips, and the first covering member may integrate the first electric wires. In this case, the first electric wires can be easily organized in the introduction portion of the housing, and each electric wire can be easily inserted into the corresponding retaining hole.

[0017] [8] A method for producing an electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a method for producing the electrical connector according to [6] above, comprising the steps of: introducing each of the first electric wires from a first introduction portion of the housing into each of the first retaining holes; inverting the housing in a third direction after the introduction of the first electric wires; and introducing each of the third electric wires from a third introduction portion of the housing into each of the third retaining holes after the inversion. In this case, the third electric wires are inverted before insertion to improve visibility for an operator, etc., so that each of the third electric wires can be easily inserted into the corresponding third retaining hole, and the manufactured electrical connector can also be made smaller.

[0018] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the electrical connector and the manufacturing method of the electrical connector according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is indicated by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0019] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a front view of the electrical connector according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector shown in Fig. 1 taken along line II-II. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the electrical connector shown in Fig. 1 taken from the front, showing only some of the electric wires and omitting the other electric wires. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the electrical connector shown in Fig. 1 taken from the rear, showing only some of the electric wires and omitting the other electric wires. 1 to 4, the electrical connector 1 includes a plurality of electric wires 10 (a plurality of first electric wires), a plurality of electric wires 11 (a plurality of second electric wires), a plurality of electric wires 12, a plurality of electric wires 13, a plurality of electric wires 14, a plurality of electric wires 15, a plurality of electric wires 16, and a plurality of electric wires 17 (a plurality of third electric wires) (hereinafter collectively referred to as "a plurality of electric wires 11 to 17"), a pair of guide pins 18 for positioning the electrical connector 1 when connecting it to a mating connector, and a housing 20 for holding the plurality of electric wires 10 to 17. Each guide pin 18 is press-fitted into a corresponding guide hole 24 (see FIG. 4) provided in the housing 20.

[0020] The electric wires 10 are members for transmitting electric power or electric signals. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the electric wires 10 each extend along the X direction and are arranged along the Y direction perpendicular to (intersecting) the X direction. In this embodiment, for example, 18 electric wires 10 are arranged along the Y direction, but the number of the electric wires 10 is not particularly limited. Each electric wire 10 includes a conductor 10a. The conductor 10a is a metal such as copper. When the electric connector 1 is connected to a mating connector, the conductor 10a is connected to a circuit or the like of a board via a terminal provided on the mating connector. The electric wire 10 may be an insulated electric wire in which the conductor 10a is covered with an insulator, or may be a bare electric wire in which the conductor 10a is exposed as it is. The electric wires 10 may be integrated with a covering member such as resin to form a flexible flat cable (FFC).

[0021] Conductors 10a at the ends of the multiple electric wires 10 are housed in retaining holes 22a (see FIG. 3) provided in the housing 20, the details of which will be described later. At this time, the ends of the individual electric wires 10 are exposed to the outside at the front surface 21a of the housing 20. In this way, each of the multiple electric wires 10 is connected to a terminal of a mating connector. The multiple electric wires 10 may be signal wires or ground wires.

[0022] The multiple electric wires 11 are members for transmitting electric power or electric signals, similar to the multiple electric wires 10. Similar to the multiple electric wires 10, the multiple electric wires 11 each extend along the X direction and are arranged along the Y direction. As shown in Fig. 1, the multiple electric wires 11 are disposed below the multiple electric wires 10 in the Z direction. The configuration of the multiple electric wires 11 is similar to that of the multiple electric wires 10, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0023] The electric wires 12 to 17 are members for transmitting electric power or electric signals, similar to the electric wires 10 and 11. The electric wires 12 to 17 extend along the X direction and are arranged along the Y direction, similar to the electric wires 10 and 11. The electric wires 12 to 17 are arranged below the electric wires 11 in order in the Z direction. The configuration of the electric wires 12 to 17 is similar to that of the electric wires 10 and 11, and therefore will not be described. The electric connector 1 according to the first embodiment includes such electric wires 10 to 17, and includes, for example, 18 electric wires (each electric wire) x 8 sets, totaling 144 electric wires. However, the number of electric wires held by the electric connector 1 is not limited to this.

[0024] The housing 20 is a member that holds the multiple electric wires 10 to 17 so that the tips of the electric wires are exposed in front (front surface 21a) of the electrical connector 1. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the housing 20 has a housing front end portion 21, a housing rear end portion 25, and a stepped support portion 30. The housing 20 is formed from a resin that can be precisely molded, such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) or liquid crystal polymer (LCP). The housing front end portion 21, the housing rear end portion 25, and the stepped support portion 30 may be integrally formed, or may be attached after each is formed.

[0025] The housing front end portion 21 is a portion that mainly holds the multiple electric wires 10 to 17, and is a plate-like member including a front surface 21a and a rear surface 21b. Guide holes 24 into which the guide pins 18 are press-fitted are provided on both left and right edges of the housing front end portion 21. The guide holes 24 penetrate the housing front end portion 21 from the front surface 21a to the rear surface 21b.

[0026] The housing front end 21 and stepped support portion 30 (described in detail later) of the housing 20 are provided with a plurality of retaining holes 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e, 22f, 22g, and 22h that are through holes. These retaining holes 22a to 22h are retaining portions for respectively holding the plurality of electric wires 10 to 17. The plurality of retaining holes 22a each extend along the X direction, penetrating the housing front end 21, and are arranged along the Y direction. The plurality of retaining holes 22a each have a front end that opens at the front surface 21a of the housing front end 21, and a rear end that opens at the rear surface 21b of the housing front end 21.

[0027] The plurality of holding holes 22b each extend along the X direction, penetrate the housing front end 21 and the stepped support portion 30, and are arranged along the Y direction. The plurality of holding holes 22b are arranged below the plurality of holding holes 22a in the Z direction. The plurality of holding holes 22c to the plurality of holding holes 22h each extend along the X direction, penetrate the housing front end 21 and the stepped support portion 30, and are arranged along the Y direction, similar to the plurality of holding holes 22b. The plurality of holding holes 22c to the plurality of holding holes 22h are arranged in sequence below the plurality of holding holes 22b in the Z direction. As described later, since the housing 20 has a stepped support portion 30 having a staircase shape, the lengths of the plurality of holding holes 22a to the plurality of holding holes 22h in the X direction are formed to be longer in sequence. That is, retaining holes 22a have the shortest length, followed by retaining holes 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e, 22f, and 22g, in that order, and retaining holes 22h have the longest length. Retaining holes 22b to 22h, excluding retaining holes 22a, have rear ends that open in the walls of each of introduction portions 31 to 38 of stepped support portion 30 (for example, wall 32b of introduction portion 32).

[0028] The conductors 10a to 17a at the respective ends of the plurality of electric wires 10 to 17 are respectively housed in the plurality of holding holes 22a to 22h having the above-mentioned configuration. More specifically, the conductors 10a at the respective ends of the plurality of electric wires 10 are respectively housed in the plurality of holding holes 22a, the conductors 11a at the respective ends of the plurality of electric wires 11 are respectively housed in the plurality of holding holes 22b, the conductors 12a at the respective ends of the plurality of electric wires 12 are respectively housed in the plurality of holding holes 22c, the conductors 13a at the respective ends of the plurality of electric wires 13 are respectively housed in the plurality of holding holes 22d, the conductors 14a at the respective ends of the plurality of electric wires 14 are respectively housed in the plurality of holding holes 22e, the conductors 15a at the respective ends of the plurality of electric wires 15 are respectively housed in the plurality of holding holes 22f, the conductors 16a at the respective ends of the plurality of electric wires 16 are respectively housed in the plurality of holding holes 22g, and the conductors 17a at the respective ends of the plurality of electric wires 17 are respectively housed in the plurality of holding holes 22h.

[0029] In addition, the front ends of the multiple retaining holes 22a to 22h open at the front surface 21a of the housing 20 (housing front end portion 21), and each of the multiple stored electric wires 10 to 17 is held so that each tip of the wires is exposed at the front surface 21a of the housing 20.

[0030] The housing rear end 25 is a hollow portion surrounding the stepped support portion 30, and is formed to define a space inside so that the upper part of the stepped support portion 30 is open. The housing rear end 25 is provided with a window portion 26 so that an operator can visually check at least a part (preferably more than half) of each of the introduction portions 31 to 38 of the stepped support portion 30. The provision of such a window portion 26 allows an operator to easily check the state of the electric wires when inserting each electric wire into the holding hole of the housing 20 and proceed with the work.

[0031] The stepped support portion 30 is a stepped portion for supporting the electric wires 10 to 17 and introducing each of the electric wires 10 to 17 into each of the holding holes 22a to 22h toward the front surface 21a of the housing 20. As shown in FIG. 4, the stepped support portion 30 has introduction portions 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, and 38. That is, the stepped support portion 30 of the electrical connector 1 according to the first embodiment has eight introduction portions 31 to 38. However, the number of introduction portions provided in the stepped support portion 30 is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that one or more introduction portions are provided, and two or more introduction portions may be provided, or four or more introduction portions may be provided.

[0032] The introduction portion 31 is a trapezoidal portion extending in the X direction and the Y direction, and includes a plurality of grooves 31a on its upper surface. Each of the plurality of grooves 31a extends in the X direction and is arranged along the Y direction. Each groove 31a is formed continuously so as to be connected to the corresponding holding hole 22a. The groove 31a is a portion that supports the electric wire 10 to be introduced into the holding hole 22a and promotes the introduction, and has, for example, a semicircular cross section corresponding to the outer shape of the electric wire 10. The groove 31a may have any other shape as long as it can support the electric wire 10, for example, a V-shaped cross section. The introduction portion 31 has, for example, 18 grooves 31a provided in sequence along the Y direction so as to correspond to 18 electric wires 10. However, this is not limited to this. Note that a taper 23a in which the inner diameter narrows from the groove 31a toward the holding hole 22a may be provided at the end of each holding hole 22a adjacent to the groove 31a.

[0033] The introduction portion 32 is a trapezoidal portion extending in the X direction and the Y direction, similar to the introduction portion 31. The introduction portion 32 is located behind the introduction portion 31 in the X direction and below the introduction portion 31 in the Z direction, and the introduction portions 31, 32 are stepped. The introduction portion 32 is configured to include a plurality of grooves 32a on its upper surface, similar to the introduction portion 31. Each of the plurality of grooves 32a extends in the X direction and is arranged along the Y direction, similar to the groove 31a. Each groove 32a is formed to be connected to the corresponding holding hole 22b. The groove 32a is a portion that supports the electric wire 11 to be introduced into the holding hole 22b and promotes the introduction, and has, for example, a semicircular cross section corresponding to the outer shape of the electric wire 11, but may have another shape. A taper 23b whose inner diameter narrows from the groove 32a toward the holding hole 22b, similar to the introduction portion 31, may be provided at the end of each holding hole 22b adjacent to the groove 32a. The length of the introduction portion 32 along the X direction may be the same as that of the introduction portion 31, or may be longer or shorter.

[0034] Each of the introduction parts 33 to 38 is a trapezoidal portion extending in the X direction and the Y direction, similar to the introduction parts 31 and 32. Each of the introduction parts 33 to 38 is located behind the introduction part 32 in the X direction and below the introduction part 32 in the Z direction, and has a step shape from the introduction part 31 to 38. Each of the introduction parts 33 to 38 has a plurality of grooves formed on its upper surface, similar to the introduction parts 31 and 32. These grooves are continuously connected to any of the corresponding holding holes 22c to 22h, and support the electric wire when inserting the electric wire into the holding hole, and promote the introduction, similar to the grooves 31a and 32a in the introduction parts 31 and 32. Other configurations and functions are also similar.

[0035] The stepped support portion 30 including these introduction portions 31 to 38 has a stepped shape when viewed from the side. However, in the electrical connector 1, all of the introduction portions 31 to 38 of the stepped support portion 30 are located within the rear end portion 25 of the housing.

[0036] 3 to 5, a method for inserting the electric wire 11 into the holding hole 22b will be described. In this method, first, the tip end of the electric wire 11 is inserted into the housing 20 from the rear opening 27 of the housing rear end 25 of the housing 20. Then, the tip end of the electric wire 11 is placed and supported in the groove 32a of the introduction portion 32 of the stepped support portion 30. Here, the direction of the tip end of the electric wire 11 is aligned. Note that when the multiple electric wires 11 are flexible flat cables, the respective tip ends of the multiple electric wires 11 are placed in the corresponding grooves 32a at approximately the same time, supported, and aligned.

[0037] Next, the electric wire 11, whose tip direction etc. have been adjusted in the groove 32a, is moved forward along the groove 32a, and further aligned by the taper 23b. Thereafter, when the electric wire 11 is moved further forward, it is smoothly inserted into the retaining hole 22b from the taper 23b. The electric wire 11 is moved forward until its tip is exposed at the front surface 21a of the housing 20, and then fixed to the housing 20 (retaining hole 22b etc.) by a predetermined method (for example, adhesive etc.). The other multiple electric wires 10, 12 to 17 are similarly inserted and fixed into the retaining holes while being supported by the corresponding grooves. In this manner, an electric connector 1 holding multiple electric wires 10 to 17 can be obtained.

[0038] As described above, in the electrical connector 1 according to the present embodiment, the housing 20 is provided with the introduction sections 31 to 38 configured to introduce each of the electrical wires 10 to 17 into each of the retaining holes 22a to 22h while supporting each of the electrical wires 10 to 17. Since the electrical wires 10 to 17 are aligned in the introduction sections 31 to 38 and then inserted into the corresponding retaining holes 22a to 22h, the electrical wires 10 to 17 can be reliably inserted into the corresponding retaining holes 22a to 22h. This makes it possible to obtain an electrical connector in which the electrical wires are reliably inserted into the retaining holes of the housing.

[0039] In the electrical connector 1 according to this embodiment, the housing 20 is configured so that the areas supporting the multiple electric wires 10 to 17 are visible in the introduction portions 31 to 38. Therefore, when the multiple electric wires 10 to 17 are introduced from the introduction portions 31 to 38 into the respective holding holes 22a to 22h, the visibility of the worker is improved, and the electric wires can be more reliably inserted into the corresponding holding holes.

[0040] In the electrical connector 1 according to this embodiment, the introduction portions 31 to 38 are provided with grooves that are connected to the respective holding holes 22a to 22h. Therefore, the electric wires 10 to 17 can be inserted into the holding holes 22a to 22h after being arranged and aligned in the grooves corresponding to the respective holding holes 22a to 22h. Therefore, the electric wires can be more reliably inserted into the corresponding holding holes.

[0041] In the electrical connector 1 according to this embodiment, the end of each of the retaining holes 22a to 22h adjacent to the groove may be tapered, so that each electric wire can be more easily inserted from the groove along the taper into the first retaining hole.

[0042] In the electrical connector 1 according to this embodiment, the introduction portions 31 to 38 are formed in a stepped shape so that the adjacent introduction portion at the rear is located farther away from the front surface 21a of the housing 20 in the X direction than each of the introduction portions 31 to 38. Therefore, for example, when inserting the multiple electric wires 10 to 18 into the corresponding retaining holes, the electric wires 10 to 17 are aligned in each of the introduction portions 31 to 38 and then inserted into the corresponding retaining holes, so that each electric wire can be reliably inserted into the corresponding retaining hole. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an electrical connector in which the electric wires are reliably inserted into each retaining hole of the housing.

[0043] In the electrical connector 1 according to this embodiment, a flexible flat cable may be used in which the electric wires 10 to 18 are covered with a covering member except for their respective tip portions, and the electric wires 10 to 18 are integrated together. In this case, the electric wires 10 to 17 can be easily organized in the introduction portions 31 to 38 of the housing 20, and the electric wires 10 to 17 can be easily inserted into the corresponding retaining holes 22a to 22h.

[0044] [Second embodiment] Next, an electrical connector 1A according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The electrical connector 1A, like the electrical connector 1 according to the first embodiment, includes a plurality of electric wires 10 to 17, a pair of guide pins 18, and a housing 20A that holds the plurality of electric wires 10 to 17. As shown in Fig. 6, in the electrical connector 1A, the shape of the stepped support portion 30A is different from that of the stepped support portion 30 according to the first embodiment. Below, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and descriptions of other configurations will be omitted.

[0045] The stepped support portion 30A has the introduction portions 35A, 36A, 37A, and 38A in addition to the introduction portions 31 to 34. The introduction portions 35A to 38A have a shape obtained by turning the introduction portions 31 to 34 upside down in the Z direction. That is, the introduction portions 35A to 38A have grooves 35a to 38a that connect to the corresponding holding holes 22e to 22h, similar to the introduction portions 31 to 34. The grooves 35a to 38a extend in the X direction and are arranged along the Y direction, similar to the first embodiment. However, the difference is that each of the introduction portions 35A to 38A faces downward in the Z direction. Also, the stepped support portion 30A according to the second embodiment has a mountain shape when viewed from the side, which is different from the stepped support portion 30, which has a staircase shape as a whole. For this reason, the retaining holes 22e to 22h are formed to be shorter than those in the first embodiment and correspond to the lengths of the retaining holes 22d to 22a, respectively. For example, the retaining hole 22h opens in the rear surface 21b of the housing front end portion 21.

[0046] Here, a manufacturing method of the electrical connector 1A according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Since the stepped support portion 30A of the electrical connector 1A has a mountain shape when viewed from the side, first, as shown in Fig. 7(a), the electric wires 10 to 13 are supported at the upper introduction portions 31 to 34 and inserted into the corresponding holding holes 22a to 22d. Note that Fig. 7(a) shows only the electric wire 11 for ease of explanation. As a result, the tips of the electric wires 10 to 13 are exposed at the front surface 21a of the housing 20.

[0047] Next, when the insertion of the electric wires 10 to 14 is completed, as shown in part (b) of Fig. 7, the housing 20 is inverted in the Z direction so that the introduction portions 35A to 38A of the stepped support portion 30A face upward. In this state, the electric wires 14 to 17 are supported by the introduction portions 35A to 38A and inserted into the corresponding holding holes 22a to 22d. Note that, for ease of explanation, only the electric wire 16 is shown in part (b) of Fig. 7. As a result, the tips of the electric wires 14 to 17 are exposed at the front surface 21a of the housing 20. In this manner, the electric connector 1A is formed.

[0048] As described above, in the electrical connector 1A according to this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the housing 20A is provided with the introduction sections 31 to 34 and 35A to 38A configured to introduce each of the electric wires 10 to 17 into each of the holding holes 22a to 22h while supporting each of the electric wires 10 to 17. Since the electric wires 10 to 17 are arranged in the introduction sections 31 to 34 and 35A to 38A and then inserted into the corresponding holding holes 22a to 22h, each of the electric wires 10 to 17 can be reliably inserted into the corresponding holding holes 22a to 22h. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an electrical connector in which the electric wires are reliably inserted into the holding holes of the housing. In addition to the above, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be achieved.

[0049] In addition, in the electrical connector 1A according to this embodiment, the introduction parts 35A to 38A face in the opposite direction to the direction in which the introduction parts 31 to 34 face (the direction in which they face). Therefore, it is possible to suppress the increase in size of the electrical connector in the X direction by increasing the number of the introduction parts. For example, when eight introduction parts are provided, if the whole is formed in a stepped shape as in the first embodiment, the lengths of the eight introduction parts 31 to 38 are added directly along the X direction, but according to the configuration of the second embodiment, by making the whole shape of the introduction parts 31 to 34 and 35A to 38A into a mountain shape, it is possible to provide a plurality of introduction parts separately on one side (e.g., the upper side) and the other side (e.g., the lower side) in the Z direction, and the overall length of the introduction parts of the electrical connector in the X direction can be halved. That is, it is possible to miniaturize the electrical connector.

[0050] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of the electrical connector 1A according to this embodiment, the housing 20, etc. can be inverted before inserting the electric wires 14 to 17 to improve visibility for the worker, etc. This allows the electric wires 14 to 17 to be easily inserted into the corresponding retaining holes 22e to 22h, and also makes it possible to miniaturize the manufactured electrical connector 1A.

[0051] [Third embodiment] Next, an electrical connector 1B according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. The electrical connector 1B includes a plurality of electric wires 10 to 17, a pair of guide pins 18, and a housing 20B that holds the plurality of electric wires 10 to 17, similar to the electrical connectors 1, 1A according to the first and second embodiments. As shown in Fig. 8, in the electrical connector 1B, the shape of the two stepped support portions 30B is different from that of the stepped support portion 30 according to the first embodiment. Below, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and descriptions of other configurations will be omitted.

[0052] Each stepped support portion 30B has an introduction portion 33B, 34B in addition to the introduction portions 31, 32. The introduction portions 33B, 34B have a shape obtained by turning the introduction portions 31, 32 upside down in the Z direction. That is, the introduction portions 33B, 34B have grooves that connect to the corresponding holding holes 22c, 22d, similar to the introduction portions 31, 32. These grooves extend in the X direction and are arranged along the Y direction, similar to the first embodiment. However, each of the introduction portions 33B, 34B faces downward in the Z direction, which is different. Also, each stepped support portion 30B according to the third embodiment has a mountain shape when viewed from the side, similar to the second embodiment. However, in the third embodiment, since two stepped support portions 30B are provided, the length in the X direction is shorter than that of the electrical connector 1A in the second embodiment. The stepped support portion 30B located below corresponds to the introduction portions 35 to 38, 35A to 38A in the stepped support portions 30, 30A. The other configurations and effects are similar to those of the first and second embodiments.

[0053] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be applied to various embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1, 1A, 1B...Electrical connector 10...Electric wire (first electric wire) 11...Electric wire (second electric wire) 12,13,14,15,16…Electric wire 17...Electric wire (third electric wire) 18…Guide pin 20,20A…Housing 21…Front end of housing 21a...Front 21b…Rear side 22a...Retaining hole (first retaining hole) 22b...Retaining hole (second retaining hole) 22c, 22d, 22e, 22f, 22g…retention hole 22h...Retention hole (3rd retention hole) 23b...Tapered 24...Guide hole 25…Rear end of housing 26…Window section 27…Aperture 30, 30A, 30B...Stepped support 31...Introduction (First Introduction) 31a...Groove 32...Introduction (Second Introduction) 32a...Groove 32b…Wall 33,33B,34,34B,35,35A,36,36A,37,37A...Introduction part 38, 38A…Introduction section (third introduction section)

Claims

1. a plurality of first electric wires each extending along a first direction and arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction; a housing having a plurality of first retaining holes each extending along the first direction and passing therethrough and arranged along the second direction, a conductor at a tip end of each of the first electric wires is housed in each of the first holding holes; the first retaining holes retain the first electric wires such that the ends of the first electric wires are exposed at a front surface of the housing; The housing is provided with a first introduction portion configured to introduce each of the plurality of first electric wires into each of the plurality of first retaining holes toward the front surface of the housing while supporting the plurality of first electric wires.

2. The housing is configured so that an area supporting the plurality of first electric wires in the first introduction portion is visible.

2. The electrical connector of claim 1.

3. The first introduction portion is provided with grooves that are connected to the first holding holes, 2. The electrical connector of claim 1.

4. Each of the plurality of first retaining holes has a tapered end adjacent to the groove.

4. The electrical connector of claim 3.

5. Further comprising a plurality of second electric wires each extending along the first direction and arranged along the second direction, the housing further includes a plurality of second retaining holes each extending through the housing in the first direction and arranged in the second direction, the plurality of second retaining holes being positioned in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction with respect to the plurality of first retaining holes; conductors at the respective ends of the second electric wires are housed in the second retaining holes, the second retaining holes retain the second electric wires such that the ends of the second electric wires are exposed at the front surface of the housing; a second introduction portion configured to introduce each of the second electric wires into each of the second holding holes toward the front surface of the housing while supporting the second electric wires; the first introduction portion and the second introduction portion are formed in a stepped shape such that the second introduction portion is located farther from the front surface of the housing in the first direction than the first introduction portion.

2. The electrical connector of claim 1.

6. a plurality of third electric wires each extending along the first direction and arranged along the second direction; the housing further includes a plurality of third retaining holes each extending through the housing in the first direction and arranged in the second direction, the third retaining holes being positioned in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction with respect to the first retaining holes, conductors at the respective ends of the third electric wires are housed in the third retaining holes, the third retaining holes retain the third electric wires such that the ends of the third electric wires are exposed at the front surface of the housing; a third introduction portion is formed in the housing and configured to introduce each of the third electric wires into each of the third holding holes toward the front surface of the housing while supporting the third electric wires; The third introduction portion faces in a direction opposite to a direction in which the first introduction portion faces.

6. The electrical connector according to claim 1.

7. The electric wire assembly further includes a first covering member covering at least a portion of the first electric wires excluding the tip portions thereof, and the first covering member integrates the first electric wires.

6. The electrical connector according to claim 1.

8. 7. A method for manufacturing the electrical connector of claim 6, comprising the steps of: introducing each of the first electric wires from the first introduction portion of the housing into an inside of each of the first holding holes; after the step of introducing the first electric wires, inverting the housing in the third direction; after the inverting step, introducing each of the third electric wires from the third introduction portion of the housing into the inside of each of the third holding holes; A method for manufacturing an electrical connector comprising:

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