Electrical connector and method for manufacturing electrical connector

Abstract

To provide an electrical connector capable of suppressing the degradation of communication performance.SOLUTION: An electrical connector includes a ferrule, a plurality of first electrical wires, and a first lid member. The ferrule includes a tip surface intersecting a first direction, a first arrangement surface parallel to the first direction, and a plurality of first arrangement grooves formed in the first arrangement surface so as to extend along the first direction and be aligned along a second direction intersecting the first direction. The plurality of first electrical wires are arranged in the plurality of first arrangement grooves. The first lid member is arranged on the first arrangement surface. The first lid member covers the plurality of first electrical wires arranged in the plurality of first arrangement grooves.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] An electrical connector including a plurality of electric wires is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The plurality of electric wires of such an electrical connector are held by a housing in a state adjacent to one another. [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] The housing of the electrical connector as described above may have an arrangement surface in which an arrangement groove for guiding the electric wire to the tip surface of the housing is formed. However, when the electric wire is arranged in the arrangement groove, the dielectric constant distribution around the electric wire becomes non-uniform, and there is a risk of a deterioration in communication performance due to impedance mismatch.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an electrical connector capable of suppressing degradation of communication performance, and a method for manufacturing the electrical connector. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The electrical connector of the present disclosure comprises a ferrule including a tip surface intersecting a first direction, a first arrangement surface parallel to the first direction, and a plurality of first arrangement grooves formed in the first arrangement surface extending along the first direction and aligned along a second direction intersecting the first direction, a plurality of first electric wires arranged in the plurality of first arrangement grooves, and a first cover member arranged on the first arrangement surface, wherein the first cover member covers the plurality of first electric wires arranged in the plurality of first arrangement grooves. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an electrical connector capable of suppressing degradation of communication performance, and a method for manufacturing an electrical connector. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of an electrical connector according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the electrical connector shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] 3 is a rear view of the electrical connector shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partial enlarged view of the electrical connector shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector taken along line VV shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method for manufacturing the electrical connector shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical connector according to a modified example. 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.

[0010] The electrical connector of the present disclosure is [1] "an electrical connector comprising: a ferrule including a tip surface intersecting a first direction, a first arrangement surface parallel to the first direction, and a plurality of first arrangement grooves formed on the first arrangement surface so as to extend along the first direction and be aligned along a second direction intersecting the first direction; a plurality of first electric wires arranged in the plurality of first arrangement grooves; and a first cover member arranged on the first arrangement surface, wherein the first cover member covers the plurality of first electric wires arranged in the plurality of first arrangement grooves."

[0011] In the electrical connector described in [1] above, the ferrule includes a plurality of first arrangement grooves, and the plurality of first electric wires are arranged in the plurality of first arrangement grooves. This allows the plurality of first electric wires to be guided to the tip surface while being arranged in the plurality of first arrangement grooves. Moreover, since the first cover member is arranged on the first arrangement surface so as to cover the plurality of first electric wires, the unevenness of the dielectric constant distribution around the plurality of first electric wires is suppressed compared to, for example, a case in which the region of the plurality of first electric wires opposite to the plurality of first arrangement grooves is exposed to air. This suppresses the deterioration of communication performance caused by impedance mismatch. Therefore, this electrical connector can suppress the deterioration of communication performance.

[0012] The electrical connector of the present disclosure may be the electrical connector according to [1] above, further comprising: [2] a plurality of second electric wires and a second cover member, the ferrule further including a second arrangement surface facing the opposite side to the first arrangement surface, and a plurality of second arrangement grooves formed on the second arrangement surface so as to extend along the first direction and be aligned along the second direction, the plurality of second electric wires being arranged in the plurality of second arrangement grooves, and the second cover member being arranged on the second arrangement surface so as to cover the plurality of second electric wires arranged in the plurality of second arrangement grooves. This allows the plurality of second electric wires to be guided to the tip surface in a state in which they are arranged in the plurality of second arrangement grooves. Moreover, since the second cover member is arranged on the second arrangement surface so as to cover the plurality of second electric wires, the non-uniformity of the dielectric constant distribution around the plurality of second electric wires is suppressed, for example, compared to a case in which the region of the plurality of second electric wires opposite to the plurality of second arrangement grooves is exposed to air. This suppresses a decrease in communication performance caused by impedance mismatch.

[0013] The electrical connector of the present disclosure may be [3] "the electrical connector according to [2] above, wherein the ferrule further includes a plurality of first insertion holes communicating with the plurality of first arrangement grooves and opening on the tip surface, and a plurality of second insertion holes communicating with the plurality of second arrangement grooves and opening on the tip surface, the plurality of first electric wires being inserted into the plurality of first insertion holes, and the plurality of second electric wires being inserted into the plurality of second insertion holes." This ensures the positional accuracy of the first electric wires, and ensures the positional accuracy of the second electric wires.

[0014] The electrical connector of the present disclosure may be [4] "the electrical connector according to the above [2], in which the first and second grooves extend to the tip surface." This allows the first electric wire to be guided to the tip surface while being arranged in the first groove, and the second electric wire to be guided to the tip surface while being arranged in the second groove.

[0015] The electrical connector of the present disclosure may be [5] "the electrical connector according to any one of [2] to [4] above, wherein the dielectric constant of each of the first cover member and the second cover member is the same as the dielectric constant of the ferrule." This reliably suppresses unevenness in the dielectric constant distribution around the multiple first electric wires, and reliably suppresses unevenness in the dielectric constant distribution around the multiple second electric wires.

[0016] The electrical connector of the present disclosure may be [6] "the electrical connector according to any one of the above [2] to [5], wherein the plurality of first electric wires are a plurality of electric wires of a first flexible flat cable, and the plurality of second electric wires are a plurality of electric wires of a second flexible flat cable." This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the communication performance of the first flexible flat cable and the second flexible flat cable.

[0017] The manufacturing method of the electrical connector of the present disclosure is [7] "a manufacturing method of an electrical connector comprising: a first step of preparing a ferrule including a tip surface intersecting a first direction, a first arrangement surface parallel to the first direction, a plurality of first arrangement grooves formed on the first arrangement surface to extend along the first direction and be aligned along a second direction intersecting the first direction, a second arrangement surface facing the opposite side to the first arrangement surface, and a plurality of second arrangement grooves formed on the second arrangement surface to extend along the first direction and be aligned along the second direction; a second step of arranging a plurality of first electric wires in the plurality of first arrangement grooves and guiding the plurality of first electric wires to the tip surface; a third step of inverting the ferrule; a fourth step of arranging a plurality of second electric wires in the plurality of second arrangement grooves and guiding the plurality of second electric wires to the tip surface; a fifth step of arranging a first cover member on the first arrangement surface to cover the plurality of first electric wires; and a sixth step of arranging a second cover member on the second arrangement surface to cover the plurality of second electric wires."

[0018] In the manufacturing method of the electrical connector described in [7] above, in the second step, the first electric wires are arranged in the first arrangement grooves and the first electric wires are guided to the tip surface, in the third step, the ferrule is inverted, and in the fourth step, the second electric wires are arranged in the second arrangement grooves and the second electric wires are guided to the tip surface. This makes it possible to easily guide the first electric wires and the second electric wires to the tip surface. Moreover, in the fifth step, a first cover member is arranged on the first arrangement surface so as to cover the first electric wires, and in the sixth step, a second cover member is arranged on the second arrangement surface so as to cover the second electric wires. As a result, as described above, the non-uniformity of the dielectric constant distribution around the first electric wires and the second electric wires is suppressed, and therefore the deterioration of communication performance caused by impedance mismatch is suppressed. Therefore, according to this manufacturing method of the electrical connector, the communication performance can be suppressed.

[0019] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the connector structure of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted.

[0020] Fig. 1 is a front view of the electrical connector of this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the electrical connector shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the electrical connector 1 includes a ferrule 2, a first cable 3, a second cable 4 (see Fig. 5), and a pair of positioning pins 5.

[0021] The ferrule 2 includes a first main surface 2a, a second main surface 2b, a pair of side surfaces 2c, a front end surface 2d, and a rear end surface 2e. Each of the first main surface 2a and the second main surface 2b is a flat surface that intersects with the Z-axis direction. The second main surface 2b faces the opposite side to the first main surface 2a. The side surfaces 2c are flat surfaces that intersect with the X-axis direction. The pair of side surfaces 2c face opposite to each other. Each of the front end surface 2d and the rear end surface 2e is a flat surface that intersects with the Y-axis direction (first direction). The rear end surface 2e faces the opposite side to the front end surface 2d.

[0022] The ferrule 2 includes a plurality of first insertion holes 2f aligned along the X-axis direction when viewed from the Y-axis direction, and a plurality of second insertion holes 2g aligned along the X-axis direction when viewed from the Y-axis direction. The first insertion holes 2f extend along the Y-axis direction and open to a tip surface 2d. The second insertion holes 2g are located next to the first insertion holes 2f in the Z-axis direction when viewed from the Y-axis direction. The second insertion holes 2g extend along the Y-axis direction and open to a tip surface 2d. Each of the first insertion holes 2f and the second insertion holes 2g has, for example, a circular shape when viewed from the Y-axis direction.

[0023] The ferrule 2 includes a pair of through holes 2h. When viewed from the Y-axis direction, the pair of through holes 2h are located on both sides of the multiple first insertion holes 2f and the multiple second insertion holes 2g in the X-axis direction. The through holes 2h penetrate the ferrule 2 in the Y-axis direction and open to each of the front end face 2d and the rear end face 2e. When viewed from the Y-axis direction, the ferrule 2 is symmetrical with respect to each of a center line parallel to the Z-axis direction and a center line parallel to the X-axis direction.

[0024] Each positioning pin 5 is inserted into each through hole 2h. In this embodiment, the positioning pins 5 are, for example, press-fitted into the through holes 2h. The tip of the positioning pin 5 protrudes from the tip face 2d of the ferrule 2. The rear end of the positioning pin 5 protrudes from the rear end face 2e of the ferrule 2. The ferrule 2 is positioned with respect to the mating connector by the pair of positioning pins 5. Specifically, the ferrule 2 is connected to the mating connector such that the positioning pins 5 are inserted into the positioning holes of the mating connector.

[0025] The first cable 3 is, for example, a flexible flat cable (FFC). The first cable 3 has a plurality of electric wires (first electric wires) 31, a plurality of electric wires (first electric wires) 32, and a coating 33. In this embodiment, two adjacent electric wires 31 and two adjacent electric wires 32 are alternately arranged along the X-axis direction. The coating 33 bundles the plurality of electric wires 31 and the plurality of electric wires 32. The tip portions of the electric wires 31 and the electric wires 32 are disposed in the first insertion hole 2f in a state exposed from the coating 33. The tips of the electric wires 31 and the electric wires 32 reach the tip surface 2d of the ferrule 2. The electric wires 31 function as, for example, a working electrode. The electric wires 32 function as, for example, a ground electrode.

[0026] The second cable 4 (see FIG. 5) is, for example, a flexible flat cable (FFC) similar to the first cable 3. The second cable 4 has a plurality of electric wires (second electric wires) 41, a plurality of electric wires (second electric wires) 42, and a coating 43 (see FIG. 5). In this embodiment, two adjacent electric wires 41 and two adjacent electric wires 42 are alternately arranged along the X-axis direction. The two electric wires 31 of the first cable 3 and the two electric wires 41 of the second cable 4 are arranged along the Z-axis direction. The two electric wires 32 of the first cable 3 and the two electric wires 42 of the second cable 4 are arranged along the Z-axis direction. The coating 43 bundles the plurality of electric wires 41 and the plurality of electric wires 42. The tip portions of the electric wires 41 and the electric wires 42 are exposed from the coating 43 and are disposed in the second insertion hole 2g. The ends of the electric wire 41 and the electric wire 42 reach the tip surface 2d of the ferrule 2. The electric wire 41 functions as, for example, a ground electrode. The electric wire 42 functions as, for example, an operating electrode.

[0027] Fig. 3 is a rear view of the electrical connector 1 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a partially enlarged view of the electrical connector 1 shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector 1 taken along line VV shown in Fig. 4. Note that in Figs. 3 and 4, the sheath 23 of the first cable 3 and the sheath 43 of the second cable 4 are omitted from illustration.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 3 to Fig. 5, the ferrule 2 includes a first arrangement surface 2m, a second arrangement surface 2n, a plurality of first arrangement grooves 2s, and a plurality of second arrangement grooves 2t. The first arrangement surface 2m is a flat surface that intersects with the Z-axis direction and is parallel to the Y-axis direction. The first arrangement surface 2m faces the same direction as the first main surface 2a and is recessed from the first main surface 2a. The first arrangement surface 2m reaches the rear end surface 2e. The first arrangement surface 2m and the first main surface 2a are connected by a first connection surface 2j. The first connection surface 2j is a flat surface that intersects with the Y-axis direction.

[0029] The first arrangement grooves 2s are formed on the first arrangement surface 2m. The first arrangement grooves 2s are aligned along the X-axis direction (a second direction intersecting the first direction). The first arrangement grooves 2s extend along the Y-axis direction and open to the rear end surface 2e. When viewed from the Y-axis direction, the first arrangement grooves 2s have, for example, a semicircular shape. The interval between the adjacent first arrangement grooves 2s is the same as the interval between the adjacent first insertion holes 2f. The first arrangement grooves 2s communicate with the first insertion holes 2f. When viewed from the Y-axis direction, the axis of the first arrangement grooves 2s overlaps with the axis of the first insertion hole 2f. The first arrangement grooves 2s open in the same direction as the first arrangement surface 2m. The tip portions of the electric wires 31 and 32 are exposed from the coating 33 and are arranged in the first arrangement grooves 2s and the first insertion holes 2f. Each of the electric wires 31 and 32 is guided by the first arrangement groove 2s and then inserted into the first insertion hole 2f.

[0030] The second arrangement surface 2n is a flat surface that intersects with the Z-axis direction and is parallel to the Y-axis direction. The second arrangement surface 2n faces the same direction as the second main surface 2b and is recessed more than the second main surface 2b. The second arrangement surface 2n faces the opposite side to the first arrangement surface 2m. The second arrangement surface 2n reaches the rear end surface 2e. The second arrangement surface 2n and the second main surface 2b are connected by a second connecting surface 2k. The second connecting surface 2k is a flat surface that intersects with the Y-axis direction.

[0031] The second arrangement grooves 2t are formed on the second arrangement surface 2n. The second arrangement grooves 2t are aligned along the X-axis direction. The second arrangement grooves 2t extend along the Y-axis direction and open to the rear end surface 2e. When viewed from the Y-axis direction, the second arrangement grooves 2t have, for example, a semicircular shape. The interval between the adjacent second arrangement grooves 2t is the same as the interval between the adjacent second insertion holes 2g. The second arrangement grooves 2t communicate with the second insertion holes 2g. When viewed from the Y-axis direction, the axis of the second arrangement grooves 2t overlaps with the axis of the second insertion hole 2g. The second arrangement grooves 2t open in the same direction as the second arrangement surface 2n. The tip portions of the electric wires 41 and 42 are exposed from the coating 43 and are arranged in the second arrangement grooves 2t and the second insertion holes 2g. Each of the electric wires 41 and 42 is guided by the second arrangement groove 2t and then inserted into the second insertion hole 2g.

[0032] The electrical connector 1 includes a first cover member 6 and a second cover member 7. The first cover member 6 is disposed on the first arrangement surface 2m. The first cover member 6 covers the electric wires 31 and the electric wires 32 disposed in the first arrangement grooves 2s. Specifically, the first cover member 6 is, for example, plate-shaped. The first cover member 6 includes a first opposing surface 6a and a plurality of first opposing grooves 6b. The first opposing surface 6a is a flat surface intersecting the Z-axis direction. The first opposing surface 6a faces the first arrangement surface 2m. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the first opposing surface 6a overlaps with the plurality of first arrangement grooves 2s. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the outer edge of the first opposing surface 6a overlaps with the outer edge of the first arrangement surface 2m.

[0033] A plurality of first opposing grooves 6b are formed on the first opposing surface 6a. The plurality of first opposing grooves 6b are aligned along the X-axis direction. The first opposing grooves 6b extend along the Y-axis direction and open to both end faces of the first cover member 6 in the Y-axis direction. When viewed from the Y-axis direction, the first opposing grooves 6b have, for example, a semicircular shape. The interval between the adjacent first opposing grooves 6b is the same as the interval between the adjacent first arrangement grooves 2s. The first opposing grooves 6b open in the same direction as the first opposing surface 6a. The first opposing grooves 6b and the first arrangement groove 2s are plane-symmetrical with respect to a plane parallel to the XY plane. The tip portions of the electric wires 31 and 32 are exposed from the coating 33 and are arranged in the space formed by the first arrangement grooves 2s and the first opposing grooves 6b. That is, the tip portions of the electric wires 31 and 32 are covered by the ferrule 2 and the first cover member 6.

[0034] The second cover member 7 is disposed on the second arrangement surface 2n. The second cover member 7 covers the multiple electric wires 41 and the multiple electric wires 42 disposed in the multiple second arrangement grooves 2t. Specifically, the second cover member 7 is, for example, plate-shaped. The second cover member 7 includes a second opposing surface 7a and multiple second opposing grooves 7b. The second opposing surface 7a is a flat surface that intersects with the Z-axis direction. The second opposing surface 7a faces the second arrangement surface 2n. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the second opposing surface 7a overlaps with the multiple second arrangement grooves 2t. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the outer edge of the second opposing surface 7a overlaps with the outer edge of the second arrangement surface 2n.

[0035] A plurality of second opposing grooves 7b are formed on the second opposing surface 7a. The plurality of second opposing grooves 7b are aligned along the X-axis direction. The second opposing grooves 7b extend along the Y-axis direction and open to both end faces of the second cover member 7 in the Y-axis direction. The second opposing grooves 7b have, for example, a semicircular shape when viewed from the Y-axis direction. The interval between the adjacent second opposing grooves 7b is the same as the interval between the adjacent second arrangement grooves 2t. The second opposing grooves 7b open in the same direction as the second opposing surface 7a. The second opposing grooves 7b and the second arrangement groove 2t are symmetrical with respect to a plane parallel to the XY plane. The tip portions of the electric wires 41 and 42 are exposed from the coating 43 and are arranged in the space formed by the second arrangement grooves 2t and the second opposing grooves 7b. That is, the tip portions of the electric wires 41 and 42 are covered by the ferrule 2 and the second cover member 7.

[0036] Each of the first and second lid members 6 and 7 is fixed to the ferrule 2 by, for example, interference fitting or press fitting. Each of the first and second lid members 6 and 7 may be fixed to the ferrule 2 by, for example, an adhesive or the like. The dielectric constant of each of the first and second lid members 6 and 7 is the same as the dielectric constant of the ferrule 2. In this embodiment, the material of each of the first and second lid members 6 and 7 is the same as the material of the ferrule 2. The material of each of the ferrule 2, the first and second lid members 6 and 7 is, for example, a resin. Specifically, the material of each of the ferrule 2, the first and second lid members 6 and 7 is, for example, PEI (polyetherimide), PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), PC (polycarbonate), PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate), PES (polyethersulfone), or the like.

[0037] Next, a method for manufacturing the electrical connector 1 will be described. Fig. 6 is a flow chart of the method for manufacturing the electrical connector 1. As shown in Fig. 6, first, in a first step S1, the above-mentioned ferrule 2 is prepared. Then, in a second step S2, the electric wires 31 and 32 are arranged in the first arrangement groove 2s and guided to the tip surface 2d. In the second step S2, the electric wires 31 and 32 are inserted into the first insertion hole 2f by the guidance of the first arrangement groove 2s, and then guided until the tip of each of the electric wires 31 and 32 reaches the tip surface 2d.

[0038] Next, in a third step S3, the ferrule 2 is inverted. In the third step S3, the ferrule 2 is inverted with the electric wires 31 and 32 inserted in the first insertion holes 2f. Next, in a fourth step S4, the electric wires 41 and 42 are arranged in the second arrangement groove 2t and guided to the tip surface 2d. In the fourth step S4, the electric wires 41 and 42 are inserted into the second insertion hole 2g by the guidance of the second arrangement groove 2t, and then guided until the tip of each of the electric wires 41 and 42 reaches the tip surface 2d.

[0039] Next, in a fifth step S5, the first cover member 6 is placed on the first arrangement surface 2m so that the plurality of electric wires 31 and the plurality of electric wires 32 are covered by the first cover member 6. In the fifth step S5, the first cover member 6 is fixed to the ferrule 2 by, for example, an interference fit. Next, in a sixth step S6, the second cover member 7 is placed on the second arrangement surface 2n so that the plurality of electric wires 41 and the plurality of electric wires 42 are covered by the second cover member 7. In the sixth step S6, the second cover member 7 is fixed to the ferrule 2 by, for example, an interference fit.

[0040] As described above, in the electrical connector 1, the ferrule 2 includes a plurality of first arrangement grooves 2s, and the plurality of electric wires 31 and the plurality of electric wires 32 are arranged in the plurality of first arrangement grooves 2s. This allows the electric wires 31 and 32 to be guided to the tip surface 2d while being arranged in the first arrangement grooves 2s. Moreover, since the first cover member 6 is arranged on the first arrangement surface 2m so as to cover the plurality of electric wires 31 and the plurality of electric wires 32, the unevenness of the dielectric constant distribution around the electric wires 31 and 32 is suppressed compared to, for example, a case in which the area of ​​each of the electric wires 31 and 32 opposite to the first arrangement groove 2s is exposed to air. This suppresses the deterioration of communication performance caused by impedance mismatch. Therefore, according to the electrical connector 1, the electric wires 31 and 32 can be easily guided to the tip surface 2d and the deterioration of communication performance can be suppressed.

[0041] Similarly, the electric wires 41 and the electric wires 42 are arranged in the second arrangement grooves 2t, and the second cover member 7 is arranged on the second arrangement surface 2n so as to cover the electric wires 41 and the electric wires 42 arranged in the second arrangement grooves 2t. This allows the electric wires 41 and 42 to be guided to the tip surface 2d while being arranged in the second arrangement groove 2t. Moreover, since the second cover member 7 is arranged on the second arrangement surface 2n so as to cover the electric wires 41 and the electric wires 42, the unevenness of the dielectric constant distribution around the electric wires 41 and 42 is suppressed compared to, for example, a case in which the area of ​​each of the electric wires 41 and 42 on the opposite side to the second arrangement groove 2t is exposed to air. This suppresses the deterioration of communication performance caused by impedance mismatch. Therefore, according to the electrical connector 1, the electric wires 41 and 42 can be easily guided to the tip surface 2d and the deterioration of communication performance can be suppressed.

[0042] The ferrule 2 includes a plurality of first insertion holes 2f that communicate with the plurality of first arrangement grooves 2s and open to the tip surface 2d, and a plurality of second insertion holes 2g that communicate with the plurality of second arrangement grooves 2t and open to the tip surface 2d. The electric wires 31, 32 are inserted into the first insertion holes 2f, and the electric wires 41, 42 are inserted into the second insertion holes 2g. This ensures the positional accuracy of the electric wires 31, 32, and the positional accuracy of the electric wires 41, 42.

[0043] The dielectric constant of each of the first cover member 6 and the second cover member 7 is the same as the dielectric constant of the ferrule 2. This reliably suppresses unevenness in the dielectric constant distribution around each of the electric wires 31, 32, and also reliably suppresses unevenness in the dielectric constant distribution around each of the electric wires 41, 42.

[0044] The plurality of electric wires 31 and the plurality of electric wires 32 are the plurality of electric wires of the first flexible flat cable (first cable 3). The plurality of electric wires 41 and the plurality of electric wires 42 are the plurality of electric wires of the second flexible flat cable (second cable 4). This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the communication performance of each flexible flat cable.

[0045] In the manufacturing method of the electrical connector 1, in the second step S2, the plurality of electric wires 31 and the plurality of electric wires 32 are arranged in the plurality of first arrangement grooves 2s and the plurality of electric wires 31 and the plurality of electric wires 32 are guided to the tip surface 2d, in the third step S3, the ferrule 2 is inverted, and in the fourth step S4, the plurality of electric wires 41 and the plurality of electric wires 42 are arranged in the plurality of second arrangement grooves 2t and the plurality of electric wires 41 and the plurality of electric wires 42 are guided to the tip surface 2d. This makes it possible to easily guide each of the electric wires 31, 32, 41, and 42 to the tip surface 2d. Moreover, in the fifth step S5, the first cover member 6 is arranged on the first arrangement surface 2m so as to cover the plurality of electric wires 31 and the plurality of electric wires 32, and in the sixth step S6, the second cover member 7 is arranged on the second arrangement surface 2n so as to cover the plurality of electric wires 41 and the plurality of electric wires 42. As a result, as described above, unevenness in the dielectric constant distribution around each of the electric wires 31, 32, 41, 42 is suppressed, and therefore deterioration in communication performance caused by impedance mismatch is suppressed. Therefore, according to this manufacturing method, each of the electric wires 31, 32, 41, 42 can be easily guided to the tip end surface 2d, and deterioration in communication performance can be suppressed.

[0046] [Variations] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an electric connector according to a modified example. As shown in FIG. 7, the first arrangement surface 2m may extend to the tip surface 2d. The first arrangement groove 2s may extend to the tip surface 2d and open to the tip surface 2d. That is, the ferrule 2 may not include the first main surface 2a. In this case, when viewed from the Z-axis direction, the first cover member 6 overlaps with the multiple first arrangement grooves 2s, and the outer edge of the first opposing surface 6a of the first cover member 6 overlaps with the outer edge of the first arrangement surface 2m. Similarly, the second arrangement surface 2n may extend to the tip surface 2d. The second arrangement groove 2t may extend to the tip surface 2d and open to the tip surface 2d. That is, the ferrule 2 may not include the second main surface 2b. In this case, when viewed from the Z-axis direction, the second cover member 7 overlaps with the multiple second arrangement grooves 2t, and the outer edge of the second opposing surface 7a of the second cover member 7 overlaps with the outer edge of the second arrangement surface 2n.

[0047] In the embodiment, an example has been shown in which the dielectric constant of each of the first cover member 6 and the second cover member 7 is the same as the dielectric constant of the ferrule 2, but the dielectric constant of each of the first cover member 6 and the second cover member 7 may be different from the dielectric constant of the ferrule 2. The dielectric constant of each of the first cover member 6 and the second cover member 7 may be smaller than the dielectric constant of the ferrule 2 or may be larger than the dielectric constant of the ferrule 2.

[0048] In the embodiment, an example has been shown in which the material of each of the first and second cover members 6 and 7 is the same as the material of the ferrule 2, but the material of each of the first and second cover members 6 and 7 may be different from the material of the ferrule 2. The materials of each of the first and second cover members 6 and 7 may be different from each other. The material of each of the first and second cover members 6 and 7 may be, for example, PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) or the like.

[0049] The electrical connector 1 does not necessarily have to include either the first cover member 6 or the second cover member 7.

[0050] The fifth step S5 may be performed after the second step S2 and before the third step S3. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 1...Electrical connector 2…Ferrule 2a...first principal surface 2b…Second principal surface 2c…side 2d…Tip surface 2e…Rear end surface 2f…First insertion hole 2g…Second insertion hole 2h…Through hole 2j...1st connection surface 2k…Second connection surface 2m…1st placement surface 2n…Second placement surface 2s…1st placement groove 2t…Second placement groove 3...First cable (first flexible flat cable) 31, 32...Electric wire (first electric wire) 33…Covering 4...Second cable (second flexible flat cable) 41, 42...Electric wire (second electric wire) 43…Covering 5...Positioning pin 6...First cover member 6a...First facing surface 6b…First opposing groove 7...Second cover member 7a…Second facing surface 7b…Second opposing groove

Claims

1. a ferrule including a tip surface intersecting a first direction, a first arrangement surface parallel to the first direction, and a plurality of first arrangement grooves formed on the first arrangement surface so as to extend along the first direction and be aligned along a second direction intersecting the first direction; A plurality of first electric wires arranged in the plurality of first arrangement grooves; a first cover member disposed on the first placement surface, The first cover member covers the first electric wires arranged in the first arrangement grooves.

2. Further comprising a plurality of second electric wires and a second cover member, the ferrule further includes a second arrangement surface facing an opposite side to the first arrangement surface, and a plurality of second arrangement grooves formed in the second arrangement surface to extend along the first direction and to be aligned along the second direction, The second electric wires are arranged in the second arrangement grooves, The electrical connector according to claim 1 , wherein the second cover member is disposed on the second arrangement surface so as to cover the second electric wires arranged in the second arrangement grooves.

3. the ferrule further includes a plurality of first insertion holes communicating with the plurality of first arrangement grooves and opening into the tip surface, and a plurality of second insertion holes communicating with the plurality of second arrangement grooves and opening into the tip surface, The first electric wires are inserted into the first insertion holes, The electrical connector according to claim 2 , wherein the second electric wires are inserted into the second insertion holes.

4. The electrical connector of claim 2 , wherein the first plurality of alignment grooves and the second plurality of alignment grooves extend to the tip face.

5. 5. The electrical connector according to claim 2, wherein the first cover member and the second cover member each have a dielectric constant equal to the dielectric constant of the ferrule.

6. the first electric wires are a plurality of electric wires of a first flexible flat cable, 5. The electrical connector according to claim 2, wherein the second plurality of electric wires are a plurality of electric wires of a second flexible flat cable.

7. a first step of preparing a ferrule including a tip surface intersecting a first direction, a first arrangement surface parallel to the first direction, a plurality of first arrangement grooves formed on the first arrangement surface so as to extend along the first direction and be aligned along a second direction intersecting the first direction, a second arrangement surface facing an opposite side to the first arrangement surface, and a plurality of second arrangement grooves formed on the second arrangement surface so as to extend along the first direction and be aligned along the second direction; a second step of arranging a plurality of first electric wires in the plurality of first arrangement grooves and guiding the plurality of first electric wires to the tip surface; a third step of inverting the ferrule; a fourth step of arranging a plurality of second electric wires in the plurality of second arrangement grooves and guiding the plurality of second electric wires to the tip surface; a fifth step of placing a first cover member on the first placement surface so as to cover the first electric wires; and a sixth step of placing a second cover member on the second placement surface so as to cover the plurality of second electric wires.

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