Connector device and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

To improve the cable retention strength or liquid-stopping performance and suppress molding defects in a housing by molding a housing that covers a connection portion and the ends of multiple cables.SOLUTION: A connector device 1 includes a connector portion 2, cables 21 to 24 extending from the rear end of the connector portion 2, and a rear housing 41, and the cross-sectional shape of a covering portion of each of the cables 21 to 24 is rectangular, the front ends of the cables 21 to 24 are arranged in parallel such that there is no space within the overall cross-section of the cables 21 to 24 formed by the covering portions of two adjacent cables 21 to 24 being separated from each other, and the rear housing 41 surrounds the portion from the rear end of the connector portion 2 to the front ends of the covering portions of each of the cables 21 to 24 and is integrated with that portion by overmolding.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector device including a plurality of cables and a connecting portion for connecting the plurality of cables to a connected object, and to a method for manufacturing the same. [Background technology]

[0002] A connector device is known that includes multiple cables and a connecting portion that connects the multiple cables to a connected object. The connecting portion is a connector, a terminal, or a member that functions as a connector or terminal. The connected object is a connector that can be connected to the connecting portion, a terminal that can be connected to the connecting portion, or a member that functions as such a connector or terminal. The multiple cables are independent of each other. Each end of the multiple cables is attached to the same connecting portion.

[0003] Each cable has a core and a sheath that encases the core. The configuration of the core varies depending on the type of cable. To give some examples, in a single-core cable, the core is a single conductor (solid or stranded). In a multi-core cable, the core is made up of multiple conductors, each covered with an insulating sheath. In a coaxial cable, the core is made up of a conductor, an insulator that encases the conductors, and a shield conductor (e.g., braid) that encases the insulator. In a multi-core shielded cable, the core is made up of multiple conductors, each covered with an insulating sheath, and a shield conductor that encases the conductors.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2009-110880 (Patent Document 1) describes a cable connection device that includes multiple cables and a plug that holds the multiple cables. Structurally, this cable connection device is considered to be equivalent to the connector device described above.

[0005] According to the above connector device, the ends of multiple cables are attached to a single connecting part. Therefore, by connecting the connecting part to the connected object or disconnecting the connecting part from the connected object, electrical connection or disconnection can be simultaneously performed between the multiple cables and the board or electrical / electronic device to which the connected object is attached. Furthermore, in the above connector device, although the ends of the multiple cables are attached to a single connecting part, the portions other than the ends are independent and separable. Therefore, the routing paths of the multiple cables can be made different from each other. By using the above connector device, it is possible to easily build a system, for example, in which signals from multiple electrical / electronic devices located in different locations are transmitted to a single other electrical / electronic device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-110880 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, there is a demand for the connector device to have improved cable retention strength and improved performance (liquid-stop performance) to prevent liquids (e.g., water) from entering the connector device. To meet these demands, studies are being conducted to form a resin housing by overmolding that collectively covers the connection part and the ends of multiple cables attached to the connection part.

[0008] The connector device 91 in Figure 28 is the above-mentioned connector device in which such a housing is formed. That is, the connector device 91 includes a connection portion 92 and four cables 93 to 96. Each of the cables 93 to 96 is a well-known single-core cable that is widely used and has a circular cross-sectional shape. Each of the cables 93 to 96 has a core portion 97 and a covering portion 98. The distal end of the core portion 97 of each of the cables 93 to 96 is attached to the proximal end of the connection portion 92. A resin housing 99 is molded around the outer periphery of the portion from the proximal end of the connection portion 92 to the distal end of the covering portion 98 of each of the cables 93 to 96. Hereinafter, the connector device 91 may be referred to as a "comparative connector device."

[0009] 29(A) and 29(B) show an example of a method for manufacturing the connector device 91. In manufacturing the connector device 91, first, as shown in FIG. 29(A), the tip ends of the core portions 97 of the cables 93 to 96 are attached to the base end of the connecting portion 92, respectively. Then, the cables 93 to 96 are arranged in parallel in two rows in the vertical direction and two rows in the horizontal direction. Next, in order to form a housing 99 indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 29(B), the connecting portion 92 and the tip ends of the core portions 97 and covering portions 98 of the cables 93 to 96 are placed in a mold, and molten resin is injected into the mold.

[0010] However, the connector device 91 shown in Figure 28 or the manufacturing method of the connector device 91 shown in Figures 29(A) and 29(B) has a problem in that it is prone to defective molding of the housing 99. This problem will be described in detail using Figures 30(A) and 30(B).

[0011] Figure 30(A) schematically shows a state in which the connection part 92 to which the cables 93-96 are attached and the tip parts of the cables 93-96 are placed in a mold 120 to form a housing 99. The dashed lines in Figure 30(A) indicate the parts of the connection part 92 and the cables 93-96 that are positioned inside the mold 120. Also in Figure 30(A), the two-dot chain line indicates a cavity 125 formed in the mold 120. Resin is poured into this cavity 125.

[0012] Mold 120 has first mold half 121 and second mold half 122. For example, second mold half 122 is movable up and down relative to first mold half 121. Connection part 92 and the tip ends of cables 93 to 96 are positioned between first mold half 121 and second mold half 122, and are thereby located within mold 120. Meanwhile, portions of cables 93 to 96 other than their tip ends extend outside mold 120. Mold 120 is provided with cable insertion part 120A for allowing portions of cables 93 to 96 other than their tip ends to extend outside mold 120.

[0013] Fig. 30(B) shows a cross section of cable insertion portion 120A of mold 120 cut along cutting line TT in Fig. 30(A) and cables 93-96 passing therethrough, as viewed from the left in Fig. 30(A). As shown in Fig. 30(B), in cable insertion portion 120A, first mold half 121 and second mold half 122 have recesses 121A and 122A formed therein, respectively, with the lower portions of cables 95 and 96 positioned within recess 121A and the upper portions of cables 93 and 94 positioned within recess 122A. In addition, in cable insertion portion 120A, a gap is formed between the left portion of first mold half 121 and the left portion of second mold half 122, and third mold half 123 (insertion piece) is fitted into this gap from the left. In addition, in the cable insertion portion 120A, a gap is formed between the right portion of the first mold half 121 and the right portion of the second mold half 122, and a fourth mold half 124 (nested piece) is attached into the gap from the right side.

[0014] Recess 121A of first mold half 121 has a shape that matches the shape of the lower portion of each of the coatings 98 of cables 95 and 96. Therefore, no space is formed between recess 121A and the lower portion of each of the coatings 98 of cables 95 and 96. Recess 122A of second mold half 122 has a shape that matches the shape of the upper portion of each of the coatings 98 of cables 93 and 94. Therefore, no space is formed between recess 122A and the upper portion of each of the coatings 98 of cables 93 and 94. The right end of third mold half 123 has a shape that matches the shape of the left portion of each of the coatings 98 of cables 94 and 95. Therefore, no space is formed between the right end of third mold half 123 and the left portion of each of the coatings 98 of cables 94 and 95. The left end of fourth mold half 124 has a shape that matches the shape of the right portion of each of the coatings 98 of cables 95 and 93. Therefore, no space is formed between the left end of fourth mold half 124 and the right portion of each of the covering portions 98 of cables 96, 93. However, in cable insertion portion 120A, space 126 is formed in the portion surrounded by the four cables 93-96. This space 126 is the space formed within the overall cross section of cables 93-96 when the four cables 93-96, each having a circular cross section, are arranged in two rows in the vertical direction and two rows in the horizontal direction, as shown in Figure 30(B).

[0015] That is, when four cables 93 to 96, each having a circular cross section, are arranged in two rows in the vertical direction and two rows in the horizontal direction as shown in FIG. 30(B), the lower left corner of the outer surface of the covering portion 98 of the cable 93 located at the upper right and the lower right corner of the outer surface of the covering portion 98 of the cable 94 located at the upper left are separated from each other. Furthermore, the lower right corner of the outer surface of the covering portion 98 of the cable 94 are separated from the upper right corner of the outer surface of the covering portion 98 of the cable 95 located at the lower left. Furthermore, the upper right corner of the outer surface of the covering portion 98 of the cable 95 are separated from the upper left corner of the outer surface of the covering portion 98 of the cable 96 located at the lower right. Furthermore, the upper left corner of the outer surface of the covering portion 98 of the cable 96 is separated from the lower left corner of the outer surface of the covering portion 98 of the cable 93. As a result, a space 126 is formed within the entire cross section of the cables 93 to 96. The space 126 is surrounded by the four cables 93 to 96 and cannot be inserted by a mold.

[0016] When molten resin is injected into mold 120 to form housing 99, the resin passes through space 126 and flows out of mold 120. Therefore, when the resin is injected, the pressure of the resin inside mold 120 does not increase sufficiently, which makes it more likely that molding defects such as short molding will occur. Furthermore, because the resin flows out between cables 93 to 96 through space 126, a complicated task must be performed to remove the resin.

[0017] FIG. 31(A) shows a cross section of five cables attached to a plug in the cable connection device described in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-110880. As shown in FIG. 31(A) or FIG. 2(B) of the above-mentioned publication, the cross section of each of the five cables is circular. The five cables are arranged in two rows vertically, two rows horizontally on the upper side, and three rows horizontally on the lower side. A space 127 into which a mold cannot enter is also formed within the overall cross section of these five cables. Therefore, even if the five cables shown in FIG. 31(A) are attached to the connection portion 92 of the connector device 91 instead of the cables 93 to 96, molding defects are likely to occur when the housing 99 is formed.

[0018] 31(B), even when three cables, each having a circular cross section, are arranged in two rows in the vertical direction, one row in the horizontal direction on the upper side, and two rows in the horizontal direction on the lower side, a space 128 that a mold cannot enter is formed within the overall cross section of the three cables. Therefore, even when the three cables shown in FIG. 31(B) are attached to connection portion 92 in connector device 91 instead of cables 93 to 96, molding defects are likely to occur when housing 99 is formed.

[0019] 31(C), even when two parallel two-wire cables are arranged in two rows in the vertical direction, a space 129 is formed within the entire cross section of the two parallel two-wire cables, into which a mold cannot enter. Therefore, even when the two parallel two-wire cables shown in FIG. 31(C) are attached to the connection portion 92 of the connector device 91 instead of the cables 93 to 96, molding defects are likely to occur when the housing 99 is formed.

[0020] As described above, in the above-mentioned connector device, if three or more cables with circular cross sections are attached to the connection part and arranged side by side in the vertical and horizontal directions, and if a space is formed within the overall cross section of the cables due to at least partial separation between the coatings of two adjacent cables, resin may flow through the space and out of the mold during molding of the housing, making it more likely to result in molding defects. Such molding defects can also occur when two parallel two-wire cables are attached to the connection part and arranged, for example, as shown in Figure 31(C). Such molding defects make it difficult to improve the cable retention strength or liquid-tightness of the connector device by overmolding a housing that collectively covers the connection part and the ends of multiple cables.

[0021] On the other hand, even if the cross-sectional shape of each of the multiple cables attached to the connection part is circular, arranging the cables in a horizontal row, for example, as shown in Figure 32(A), can prevent the formation of spaces within the overall cross-section of the multiple cables that allow resin to leak during molding of the housing. However, arranging multiple cables in a horizontal row increases the width dimension of the connector device, making it larger. This increase in size of the connector device is undesirable.

[0022] Furthermore, when arranging multiple cables so that they are spaced apart from one another as shown in Figure 32(B), it is necessary to provide the connector device or mold with a mechanism for closing the spaces between the cables to prevent resin from leaking out during housing molding, and a mechanism for supporting each cable to prevent displacement of the cables due to the pressure of the resin during housing molding. This complicates the structure of the connector device or mold, and also complicates the manufacturing process of the connector device, resulting in an increase in the manufacturing cost of the connector device.

[0023] The present invention has been made in consideration of problems such as those described above, and the object of the present invention is to provide a connector device and a manufacturing method thereof that can improve cable retention strength or liquid-stopping performance and suppress defective molding of the housing by molding a housing that covers the connection portion and the ends of multiple cables. [Means for solving the problem]

[0024] In order to solve the above problem, the connector device of the present invention is a connector device comprising a connection part having one end connected to a connected body, a plurality of cables extending from the other end of the connection part, and a housing, wherein each of the plurality of cables has a core and a covering part covering the outer periphery of the core, a flat part is formed on the outer periphery of each of the covering parts of the plurality of cables, and one ends of the plurality of cables are arranged in parallel so that the flat parts of the covering parts of two adjacent cables among the plurality of cables are in contact with each other and there is no space in the cross section of the entire plurality of cables formed by the covering parts of two adjacent cables among the plurality of cables being separated from each other, and the housing surrounds the portion from the other end of the connection part to one end of each of the covering parts of the plurality of cables and is integrated with that portion by overmolding.

[0025] In the connector device of the present invention, the housing surrounds the portion from the other end of the connection portion to one end of each of the multiple cables' coverings and is integrated with this portion by overmolding. This increases the cable retention strength and improves the liquid-stopping performance of the connector device. In addition, in the connector device of the present invention, a flat portion is formed on the outer circumferential surface of each of the multiple cables' coverings. The one ends of the multiple cables are arranged so that the flat portions of the coverings of two adjacent cables are in contact with each other. By arranging the one ends of the multiple cables in this manner, it is possible to prevent the presence of spaces in the cross section of the entire multiple cables, which would be formed by the entire or partial separation of the coverings of two adjacent cables. When forming the housing, the portion from the other end of the connection portion to one end of each of the multiple cables' coverings is placed in a mold for molding the housing, and molten material for molding the housing is injected into the mold. Since there is no such space in the entire cross section of the one ends of the multiple cables, the material injected into the mold is prevented from leaking out of the mold. This allows the pressure of the material in the mold to be sufficiently increased. Therefore, when molding the housing, molding defects such as short molding are less likely to occur.

[0026] Furthermore, in the connector device of the present invention, one end of the core of each of the plurality of cables is formed with an exposed portion exposed from the coating portion, the other end of the exposed portion of the core of each of the plurality of cables extends outside the connection portion from the other end of the connection portion, and the housing surrounds the other end of the connection portion, the other end of the exposed portion of the core of each of the plurality of cables, and one end of the coating of each of the plurality of cables, and is integrated with the other end of the connection portion, the other end of the exposed portion of the core of each of the plurality of cables, and one end of the coating of each of the plurality of cables by overmolding.

[0027] In the connector device of the present invention, the plurality of cables may include four or more cables, and when the extension direction of the plurality of cables is the front-rear direction, the plurality of cables may be arranged in two or more rows in the vertical direction and two or more rows in the horizontal direction. In the connector device of the present invention, the plurality of cables may include a first cable, a second cable, a third cable, and a fourth cable, and when the extension direction of the first cable is the front-rear direction, flat portions are formed on the left and bottom of the outer surface of the covering of the first cable, when the extension direction of the second cable is the front-rear direction, flat portions are formed on the right and bottom of the outer surface of the covering of the second cable, when the extension direction of the third cable is the front-rear direction, flat portions are formed on the right and top of the outer surface of the covering of the third cable, and when the extension direction of the fourth cable is the front-rear direction, flat portions are formed on the right and top of the outer surface of the covering of the third cable The first cable, the second cable, the third cable, and the fourth cable may be arranged such that the left and upper flat portions of the outer peripheral surface of the sheath of the cable are in contact with each other, the lower flat portion of the sheath of the second cable is in contact with the upper flat portion of the sheath of the third cable, the right flat portion of the sheath of the third cable is in contact with the left flat portion of the sheath of the fourth cable, and the upper flat portion of the sheath of the fourth cable is in contact with each other.Furthermore, in the connector device of the present invention, the multiple cables may include a first cable, a second cable, a third cable, and a fourth cable, and the cross-sectional outline of the coating of each of the first cable, the second cable, the third cable, and the fourth cable may be rectangular. When the extension direction of each of the first cable, the second cable, the third cable, and the fourth cable is the front-to-rear direction, the first cable, the second cable, the third cable, and the fourth cable may be arranged such that the left surface of the coating of the first cable and the right surface of the coating of the second cable are in contact with each other, the bottom surface of the coating of the second cable and the top surface of the coating of the third cable are in contact with each other, the right surface of the coating of the third cable and the left surface of the coating of the fourth cable are in contact with each other, and the top surface of the coating of the fourth cable and the bottom surface of the coating of the first cable are in contact with each other. In the connector device of the present invention, the cross-sectional shape of the covering of each of the plurality of cables may be a rectangle with four interior angles of 90 degrees. In this case, one ends of the plurality of cables may be arranged so that the cross-sectional shape of the entire plurality of cables is a rectangle with four interior angles of 90 degrees.

[0028] In the connector device of the present invention, the multiple cables may extend rearward from the rear end of the connecting portion, the housing may be a resin molded article that surrounds the portion from the rear end of the connecting portion to the front end of the coating of each of the multiple cables and is integrated with the portion by overmolding, the multiple cables may be arranged in parallel at the rear of the portion surrounded by the housing so that the flat surfaces of the coatings of two adjacent cables of the multiple cables are in contact with each other and no spaces are formed in the cross section of the entire multiple cables by the coatings of the two adjacent cables being separated from each other, and the multiple cables may be arranged in parallel at the front of the portion surrounded by the housing so that there are spaced portions where the coatings of the two adjacent cables of the multiple cables are separated from each other. In this connector device, the resin that forms the housing fills the spaced portions and adheres to the cable coatings, thereby improving the liquid-tight performance and cable retention strength of the connector device.

[0029] Furthermore, in the connector device of the present invention, the plurality of cables may include four or more cables, and the plurality of cables may be arranged in two or more rows in the vertical direction and two or more rows in the horizontal direction; rear portions of the plurality of cables enclosed by the housing may be arranged in parallel so that the flat portions of the coatings of two adjacent cables of the plurality of cables are in contact with each other and so that no space is formed in the cross section of the entire plurality of cables by the coatings of two adjacent cables of the plurality of cables being separated from each other; and front portions of the plurality of cables enclosed by the housing may be arranged so that the coatings of two adjacent cables of the plurality of cables in the vertical direction are spaced apart from each other, or so that the coatings of two adjacent cables of the plurality of cables in the horizontal direction are spaced apart from each other.In the connector device of the present invention, the plurality of cables include a first cable, a second cable, a third cable, and a fourth cable, wherein the left and lower parts of the outer circumferential surface of the covering of the first cable are formed with flat surfaces, the right and lower parts of the outer circumferential surface of the covering of the second cable are formed with flat surfaces, the right and upper parts of the outer circumferential surface of the covering of the third cable are formed with flat surfaces, and the left and upper parts of the outer circumferential surface of the covering of the fourth cable are formed with flat surfaces, and at rear parts of the parts surrounded by the housing in each of the first cable, the second cable, the third cable, and the fourth cable, the flat surface of the left part of the covering of the first cable and the flat surface of the right part of the covering of the second cable come into contact with each other, and the flat surface of the lower part of the covering of the second cable and the flat surface of the upper part of the covering of the third cable come into contact with each other. The third cable may be arranged so that a flat surface on the right side of the sheath of the third cable and a flat surface on the left side of the sheath of the fourth cable are in contact with each other, and so that a flat surface on the top side of the sheath of the fourth cable and a flat surface on the bottom side of the sheath of the first cable are in contact with each other, and the front parts of the first cable, the second cable, the third cable and the fourth cable that are enclosed by the housing may be arranged so that a flat surface on the left side of the sheath of the third cable and a flat surface on the right side of the sheath of the second cable are separated from each other, a flat surface on the bottom side of the sheath of the second cable and a flat surface on the top side of the sheath of the third cable are separated from each other, a flat surface on the right side of the sheath of the third cable and a flat surface on the left side of the sheath of the fourth cable are separated from each other, or a flat surface on the top side of the sheath of the fourth cable and a flat surface on the bottom side of the sheath of the first cable are separated from each other.In the connector device of the present invention, the plurality of cables include a first cable, a second cable, a third cable, and a fourth cable, and the cross-sectional outline of the covering of each of the first cable, the second cable, the third cable, and the fourth cable is rectangular, and at the rear of the portion of each of the first cable, the second cable, the third cable, and the fourth cable that is surrounded by the housing, the left surface of the covering of the first cable and the right surface of the covering of the second cable come into contact with each other, the bottom surface of the covering of the second cable and the top surface of the covering of the third cable come into contact with each other, and the right surface of the covering of the third cable and the bottom surface of the covering of the fourth cable come into contact with each other. The connector device of the present invention may be arranged such that the left and right surfaces of the sheath of the fourth cable contact each other, and the upper surface of the sheath of the fourth cable contacts the lower surface of the sheath of the first cable, and the front portions of the first, second, third, and fourth cables enclosed by the housing are arranged such that the left surface of the sheath of the first cable is separated from the right surface of the sheath of the second cable, the lower surface of the sheath of the second cable is separated from the upper surface of the sheath of the third cable, the right surface of the sheath of the third cable is separated from the left surface of the sheath of the fourth cable, or the upper surface of the sheath of the fourth cable is separated from the lower surface of the sheath of the first cable. The connector device of the present invention may further include a cable position restricting member that restricts the positions of the sheaths of two adjacent cables among the plurality of cables to form the separation portion between the sheaths of the two cables. The connector device of the present invention may also be arranged such that the cable position restricting member is coupled to the connecting portion.

[0030] Furthermore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a method for manufacturing a connector device of the present invention includes a connection part having one end side connected to a connected body, a plurality of cables extending from the other end side of the connection part, and a housing, wherein each of the plurality of cables has a core part and a covering part covering the outer periphery of the core part, a flat part is formed on the outer periphery of each of the covering parts of the plurality of cables, and one ends of the plurality of cables are arranged in parallel so that the flat parts of the covering parts of two adjacent cables among the plurality of cables are in contact with each other and there is no space formed by the covering parts of two adjacent cables among the plurality of cables being separated from each other in a cross section of the entire plurality of cables, and the housing is arranged so that the flat parts of the covering parts of the plurality of cables are in contact with ... a housing forming step of forming the housing by overmolding on the outer periphery of the portion from the other end of the connection part to the one end of the one cable of each of the plurality of cables.

[0031] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of the connector device of the present invention, the plurality of cables extend rearward from a rear end of the connecting portion, the housing is a resin molded product that surrounds a portion from the rear end of the connecting portion to a front end of each of the coatings of the plurality of cables and is integrated with the portion by overmolding, the rear portions of the plurality of cables surrounded by the housing are arranged in parallel such that flat portions of the coatings of two adjacent cables of the plurality of cables are in contact with each other and that no space exists in the cross section of the entire plurality of cables that is formed by the coatings of two adjacent cables of the plurality of cables being separated from each other, and the front portions of the plurality of cables surrounded by the housing are arranged in parallel such that there is a spaced portion where the coatings of two adjacent cables of the plurality of cables are separated from each other, and in the cable attaching step, the plurality of cables are arranged in parallel such that the plurality of cables extend rearward from the rear end of the connecting portion. the plurality of cables are attached to the connection portion, and in the cable arranging step, rear portions of the portions of the plurality of cables that are surrounded by the housing are arranged in the mold so that flat portions of the covering portions of two adjacent cables among the plurality of cables are in contact with each other and the space does not exist in the cross section of the entire plurality of cables, and front portions of the portions of the plurality of cables that are surrounded by the housing are arranged in the mold so that the separated portion exists, and in the housing forming step, resin is injected into the mold to form the housing by overmolding on the outer circumferential side of the portion from the rear end of the connection portion to the front end of the covering portions of the plurality of cables, and the mold is provided with cable position restricting pieces that restrict the positions of the covering portions of two adjacent cables among the plurality of cables to form the separated portion between the covering portions of the two cables, and in the cable arranging step, when the plurality of cables are arranged in the mold,The separation portion may be formed between the covering portions of two adjacent cables by inserting the cable position restricting piece between the covering portions of the two cables. [Effects of the Invention]

[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-stopping performance and suppress defective molding of the housing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a connector device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, a mating connector, etc. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a connector device according to a first embodiment of the present invention as viewed obliquely from the front. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view showing a connector device according to a first embodiment of the present invention as viewed obliquely from behind. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing a connector device according to a first embodiment of the present invention without a rear housing. [Figure 5] 1 is an exploded view of a connector portion and the like of a connector device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] (A) is an oblique view showing a cable in the connector device of the first embodiment of the present invention, (B) is a cross-sectional view showing the cable cut along the cutting line AA in Figure 6(A) as seen from behind, and (C) is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which four cables are arranged in the connector device of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which four cables are routed in different paths in a connector device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8]8(A) is an external view showing the connector device of the first embodiment of the present invention as seen from above, and FIG. 8(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the connector device cut along the cutting line BB in FIG. 8(A) as seen from the right. [Figure 9] (A) is a cross-sectional view showing the connector device cut along the cutting line CC in Figure 8(B) as seen from behind, and (B) is a cross-sectional view showing the connector device cut along the cutting line DD in Figure 8(B) as seen from behind. [Figure 10] 5A to 5C are explanatory views showing a manufacturing method of the connector device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 5A to 5C are explanatory views showing a cable arranging step and a housing forming step in the manufacturing method of the connector device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] (A) is a cross-sectional view showing the connector device and mold cut along the cutting line EE in Figure 11 as viewed from behind, and (B) is a cross-sectional view showing the connector device and mold cut along the cutting line FF in Figure 11 as viewed from behind. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are explanatory views showing a modified example of the housing forming step in the manufacturing method of the connector device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the connector device of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 1A is a perspective view showing a connector device according to a second embodiment of the present invention as seen obliquely from behind, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing the connector device without a rear housing. [Figure 16](A) is an oblique view showing a cable position regulating member in a connector device of a second embodiment of the present invention as viewed from diagonally behind, (B) is an oblique view showing the cable position regulating member as viewed from diagonally behind, (C) is an oblique view showing the cable position regulating member attached to a cable, (D) is an explanatory diagram showing the cable position regulating member as viewed from above, (E) is a cross-sectional view showing the cable position regulating member cut along cutting line GG in Figure 16(D) as viewed from behind, and (F) is a cross-sectional view showing the cable position regulating member cut along cutting line HH in Figure 16(D) as viewed from behind. [Figure 17] (A) is an external view showing the connector device of the second embodiment of the present invention as seen from above, and (B) is a cross-sectional view showing the connector device as seen from the right, cut along cutting line II in Figure 17(A). [Figure 18] (A) is a cross-sectional view showing the connector device cut along the cutting line JJ in Figure 17(B) as viewed from the back, (B) is a cross-sectional view showing the connector device cut along the cutting line KK in Figure 17(B) as viewed from the back, (C) is a cross-sectional view showing the connector device cut along the cutting line LL in Figure 17(B) as viewed from the back, and (D) is a cross-sectional view showing the connector device cut along the cutting line MM in Figure 17(B) as viewed from the back. [Figure 19] 10A and 10B are explanatory views showing a cable arranging step and a housing forming step in the manufacturing method of the connector device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] 10A and 10B are explanatory views showing a modified example of the cable position restricting member in the connector device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] 10A and 10B are explanatory views showing another modified example of the cable position restricting member in the connector device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] 10A is a perspective view showing a connector device according to a third embodiment of the present invention as seen obliquely from behind, and FIG. 10B is a perspective view showing the connector device without a rear housing. [Figure 23](A) is an oblique view showing the connector portion of a connector device of a third embodiment of the present invention, (B) is an exploded view of the cover of the connector portion of the connector device, (C) is an oblique view showing the cable position regulating portion of the intermediate cover member of the connector portion of the connector device, and (D) is an oblique view showing the rear of the connector portion with a cable attached. [Figure 24] 24(A) is an external view showing the connector device of the third embodiment of the present invention as seen from above, and FIG. 24(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the connector device cut along the cutting line PP in FIG. 24(A) as seen from the right. [Figure 25] (A) is a cross-sectional view showing the connector device cut along the cutting line QQ in Figure 24(B) as viewed from behind, (B) is a cross-sectional view showing the connector device cut along the cutting line RR in Figure 24(B) as viewed from behind, and (C) is a cross-sectional view showing the connector device cut along the cutting line SS in Figure 24(B) as viewed from behind. [Figure 26] (A) and (B) are explanatory diagrams showing a mold for molding a rear housing of a connector device in a fourth embodiment of the present invention, (C) is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which a cable is placed in the mold, and (D) is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which a cable position control piece provided on the mold is inserted between the sheathed portion of the cable. [Figure 27] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing modified examples of the connector device according to each embodiment of the present invention, which are related to a plurality of cables. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a connector device as a comparative example in which the housing is formed by overmolding. [Figure 29] 29 is an explanatory diagram showing a method for manufacturing the connector device in FIG. 28. [Figure 30] 30 is an explanatory view showing a step of forming a housing in a manufacturing method of the connector device in FIG. 29. FIG. [Figure 31]FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a space is formed in the cross section of an array of multiple cables by partially separating the coverings of two adjacent cables among the multiple cables. [Figure 32] FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which multiple cables with circular cross-sectional shapes are arranged in a horizontal row, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which multiple cables with circular cross-sectional shapes are arranged at a distance from each other. [Figure 33] This is an explanatory diagram showing four cables of a connector device as a comparative example, placed between two mold halves in which a recess whose cross-sectional shape is a rectangle with four interior angles each of which is 90 degrees is formed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Hereinafter, several embodiments of a connector device and a manufacturing method thereof according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of each embodiment, when describing the directions of front (Fd), rear (Bd), left (Ld), right (Rd), top (Ud), and bottom (Dd), for convenience of explanation, the arrows drawn at the bottom left of the drawing will be used.

[0035] (First embodiment) First, a connector device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0036] [Connector device] 1 shows a connector device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention and a mating connector 71 to which the connector device 1 can be connected. The mating connector 71 is attached to, for example, a part of a housing 76 of an electrical / electronic device 75. Although not shown, the mating connector 71 has a plurality of terminals, and each terminal is electrically connected to a circuit provided on a substrate 77 of the electrical / electronic device 75. The mating connector 71 is a specific example of a "connectable object."

[0037] Fig. 2 shows the connector device 1 as seen from diagonally ahead. Fig. 3 shows the connector device 1 as seen from diagonally behind. Fig. 4 shows the connector device 1 without the rear housing 41. Fig. 5 shows the connector device 1 in an exploded state without the rear housing 41.

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

[0039] [cable] FIG. 6(A) shows cable 21, which is one of four cables 21 to 24 included in connector device 1. As shown in FIG. 6(A), cable 21 is a two-core shielded cable, such as a twin-ax cable. Cable 21 has a core 25 and a covering 30. Core 25 has two conductors 26, two insulators 27, and a shield conductor 28. The outer periphery of each conductor 26 is covered with insulator 27. The outer periphery of the two conductors 26 covered with insulator 27 is collectively covered with shield conductor 28. The outer periphery of core 25 configured in this manner is covered with covering 30. Cover 30 is made of an insulating material such as resin.

[0040] Furthermore, an exposed portion 35 exposed from the covering portion 30 is formed at the front end (one end) of the core portion 25 of the cable 21. That is, when the connector device 1 is manufactured, the tip side portion of the front end of the covering portion 30 of the cable 21 is cut off, and the front end of the core portion 25 is exposed from the covering portion 30.

[0041] FIG. 6(B) shows the cross section of cable 21 cut along cutting line AA in FIG. 6(A) as viewed from behind (left in FIG. 6(A)). Covering portion 30 is formed in a rectangular tubular shape, and as shown in FIG. 6(B), the outer shape of the cross section of covering portion 30 is quadrangular, specifically, a quadrangle with four interior angles each of which is 90 degrees, e.g., a rectangle. The outer periphery of covering portion 30 is formed with an upper surface 31, a lower surface 32, a left surface 33, and a right surface 34. Each of upper surface 31, lower surface 32, left surface 33, and right surface 34 is flat. Each of upper surface 31, lower surface 32, left surface 33, and right surface 34 is a specific example of a "flat portion."

[0042] Fig. 6(C) shows four cables 21 to 24 arranged in two rows in the vertical direction and two rows in the horizontal direction. Cables 22, 23, and 24 have the same configuration as cable 21. As shown in Fig. 6(C), the cross-sectional outer shapes of the covering portions 30 of cables 21 to 24 are congruent with each other.

[0043] In the connector device 1, the portions of the cables 21 to 24 behind the exposed portions 35 at their front ends are arranged in parallel such that, of two adjacent cables among the cables 21 to 24, the upper surface 31, the lower surface 32, the left surface 33, or the right surface 34 of the covering portion 30 of one cable contacts the upper surface 31, the lower surface 32, the left surface 33, or the right surface 34 of the covering portion 30 of the other cable. In addition, the portions of the cables 21 to 24 behind the exposed portions 35 at their front ends are arranged such that, within the entire cross section of the corresponding portion of the cables 21 to 24, there is no space formed by the covering portions 30 of two adjacent cables among the cables 21 to 24 being totally or partially separated from each other.

[0044] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6(C), the portions of the front ends of the cables 21 to 24 behind the exposed portion 35 are arranged in two rows in the vertical direction and two rows in the horizontal direction. More specifically, when the connector device 1 is viewed from the rear, cable 22 is arranged to the left of cable 21, cable 23 is arranged below cable 22, cable 24 is arranged to the right of cable 23, and cable 21 is arranged above cable 24. Furthermore, cables 21 and 24 arranged on the right side are aligned with each other in the horizontal direction. That is, for cables 21 and 24, the positions of the right surfaces 34 of the respective coatings 30 coincide with each other in the horizontal direction, and the positions of the left surfaces 33 of the respective coatings 30 coincide with each other in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, cables 22 and 23 arranged on the left side are aligned with each other in the horizontal direction. That is, for cables 22 and 23, the positions of the right surfaces 34 of the respective coatings 30 coincide with each other in the horizontal direction, and the positions of the left surfaces 33 of the respective coatings 30 coincide with each other in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, cables 21 and 22 arranged on the upper side are aligned with each other in the vertical direction. That is, in cables 21 and 22, the positions of the upper surfaces 31 of the respective coatings 30 coincide with each other in the vertical direction, and the positions of the lower surfaces 32 of the respective coatings 30 coincide with each other in the vertical direction. Furthermore, cables 23 and 24 arranged on the lower side are aligned with each other in the vertical direction. That is, in cables 23 and 24, the positions of the upper surfaces 31 of the respective coatings 30 coincide with each other in the vertical direction, and the positions of the lower surfaces 32 of the respective coatings 30 coincide with each other in the vertical direction.

[0045] Furthermore, the portions of the front ends of the cables 21 to 24 behind the exposed portion 35 are arranged so that no gaps are formed between the coatings 30 of adjacent cables 21 to 24. That is, the left surface 33 of the coating 30 of cable 21 and the right surface 34 of the coating 30 of cable 22 are in contact with each other. The bottom surface 32 of the coating 30 of cable 22 and the top surface 31 of the coating 30 of cable 23 are in contact with each other. The right surface 34 of the coating 30 of cable 23 and the left surface 33 of the coating 30 of cable 24 are in contact with each other. The top surface 31 of the coating 30 of cable 24 and the bottom surface 32 of the coating 30 of cable 21 are in contact with each other.

[0046] In addition, in the portion behind exposed portion 35 at the front ends of cables 21-24, the outer shape of the entire cross section of cables 21-24 is a quadrangle with four interior angles of 90 degrees, for example, a rectangle. In addition, in the portion behind exposed portion 35 at the front ends of cables 21-24, there is no space within the entire cross section of cables 21-24 that is formed by the coating portions 30 of two adjacent cables of cables 21-24 being totally or partially separated from each other.

[0047] Furthermore, the cables 21 to 24 are independent of each other. That is, before the cables 21 to 24 are attached to the connector portion 2, the cables 21 to 24 can be completely separated from each other. After the cables 21 to 24 are attached to the connector portion 2, the portions of the cables 21 to 24 other than the portions attached to the connector portion 2 can be separated from each other. This allows the cables 21 to 24 to have different routing paths, for example, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0048] [Connector part] In FIG. 5, the main body 3 of the connector 2 is made of an insulating material such as resin. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the front end of the main body 3 is provided with a plurality of contact portions 4 made of a conductive material such as metal. Although not shown in detail, the rear end of the main body 3 is provided with a plurality of conductor portions made of a conductive material such as metal, and the front ends of the conductors 26 of the cores 25 of the four cables 21-24 are connected to these conductor portions by, for example, soldering. Furthermore, circuits are formed within the main body 3 for connecting the plurality of contact portions 4 to the plurality of conductor portions. When the connector device 1 is connected to a mating connector 71, the contact portions 4 of the connector device 1 come into contact with the contact portions provided on the mating connector 71. This electrically connects the connector device 1 and the mating connector 71 to each other.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 4, in the connector unit 2, the cover 5 holds the exposed portions 35 of the cables 21 to 24 while blocking the rear end (other end) of the connector unit 2, specifically the opening at the rear of the connector housing 9. As shown in FIG. 5, the middle cover member 7, the upper cover member 6, and the lower cover member 8 that constitute the cover 5 are each formed of an insulating material such as resin. The upper cover member 6 is assembled to the upper part of the middle cover member 7, and the lower cover member 8 is assembled to the lower part of the middle cover member 7. The exposed portions 35 of the cables 21 and 22 are sandwiched between the middle cover member 7 and the upper cover member 6. The exposed portions 35 of the cables 23 and 24 are sandwiched between the middle cover member 7 and the lower cover member 8.

[0050] In the connector portion 2, the connector housing 9 is formed into a rectangular tube shape from an insulating material such as resin. The main body 3 and the cover 5 are disposed inside the connector housing 9 and are held therein. In addition, a mating portion 10 that is mated with a mating connector 71 is formed at the front end side of the connector housing 9, as shown in FIG.

[0051] [Rear housing] As shown in FIG. 3, the rear housing 41 is provided at the rear of the connector portion 2. The rear housing 41 is formed of an insulating material, such as resin, more specifically, a material with good fillability, such as polyamide-based hot melt, olefin-based hot melt, ethylene vinyl acetate-based hot melt, or polyurethane-based hot melt. The rear housing 41 surrounds the area from the rear end of the connector portion 2 to the front end of the covering portion 30 of each of the cables 21 to 24. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the rear end of the exposed portion 35 of the core portion 25 of each of the cables 21 to 24 protrudes 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 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 covering portion 30 of each of the cables 21 to 24.

[0052] Fig. 8(A) shows the connector device 1 as seen from above. Fig. 8(B) shows a cross section of the connector device 1 taken along section line BB in Fig. 8(A) as seen from the right (bottom in Fig. 8(A)). As shown in Fig. 8(B), the rear housing 41 is formed by overmolding on the outer periphery of the portion from the rear end of the connector unit 2 to the front end of each of the covering portions 30 of the cables 21-24, and is integrated with the rear end of the connector unit 2, the rear end of the exposed portion 35 of the core portion 25 of each of the cables 21-24, and the front end of each of the covering portions 30 of the cables 21-24.

[0053] 9(A) shows a cross section of the connector device 1 taken along the cutting line CC in FIG. 8(B) as viewed from the rear (left in FIG. 8(B)). As described above, the front ends of the coverings 30 of the cables 21 to 24, which are arranged in two rows in the vertical direction and two rows in the horizontal direction, are embedded in the resin that forms the rear housing 41, as shown in FIG. 9(A). The entire outer periphery of the front ends of the coverings 30 of the cables 21 to 24 is covered by the resin that forms the rear housing 41. In addition, the resin that forms the rear housing 41 is in close contact (specifically, liquid-tight contact) with the right surface 34 and the top surface 31 of the front end of the covering 30 of the cable 21. Similarly, the resin forming the rear housing 41 is adhered to the left surface 33 and top surface 31 of the front end of the covering portion 30 of cable 22, the left surface 33 and bottom surface 32 of the front end of the covering portion 30 of cable 23, and the right surface 34 and bottom surface 32 of the front end of the covering portion 30 of cable 24.

[0054] 9(A), the flat surfaces of the opposing coatings 30 are in close contact with each other over the entire area at the front ends of the coatings 30 of the cables 21 to 24. That is, the left surface 33 of the coating 30 of cable 21 and the right surface 34 of the coating 30 of cable 22, the bottom surface 32 of the coating 30 of cable 22 and the top surface 31 of the coating 30 of cable 23, the right surface 34 of the coating 30 of cable 23 and the left surface 33 of the coating 30 of cable 24, and the top surface 31 of the coating 30 of cable 24 and the bottom surface 32 of the coating 30 of cable 21 are in close contact with each other over the entire area.

[0055] 9(B) shows a cross section of the connector device 1 cut along cutting line DD in FIG. 8(B) as viewed from the rear (left in FIG. 8(B)). As shown in FIG. 9(B), the rear ends of the exposed portions 35 of the cores 25 of the cables 21 to 24 are embedded in the resin that forms the rear housing 41. The outer periphery of the rear ends of the exposed portions 35 of the cores 25 of the cables 21 to 24 is covered over the entire periphery with the resin that forms the rear housing 41. In addition, the resin that forms the rear housing 41 is in close contact (specifically, liquid-tight contact) with the outer periphery of the rear ends of the exposed portions 35 of the cores 25 of the cables 21 to 24 over the entire periphery.

[0056] Also, as shown in Figures 3 and 8(B), the rear end of the connector part 2, specifically the rear surface of the cover 5, the rear end surface of the connector housing 9, and the outer peripheral surface of the rear end of the connector housing 9, are covered with resin that forms the rear housing 41, and the resin is in close contact with these parts.

[0057] [Connector device's liquid-stopping function and cable retention function] As will be described later, the rear housing 41 is formed by filling a mold with molten resin and solidifying the resin. Therefore, in Fig. 9(A), the degree of adhesion between the entire outer circumferential surface of the front end of the covering 30 of each of the cables 21 to 24 and the resin forming the rear housing 41 is extremely high. Specifically, the degree of adhesion between the right surface 34 and the top surface 31 of the front end of the covering 30 of cable 21 and the resin forming the rear housing 41, the degree of adhesion between the left surface 33 and the top surface 31 of the front end of the covering 30 of cable 22 and the resin forming the rear housing 41, the degree of adhesion between the left surface 33 and the bottom surface 32 of the front end of the covering 30 of cable 23 and the resin forming the rear housing 41, and the degree of adhesion between the right surface 34 and the bottom surface 32 of the front end of the covering 30 of cable 24 and the resin forming the rear housing 41 are all extremely high. This close contact between the covering portion 30 and the rear housing 41 prevents liquid from seeping in between the front ends of the covering portions 30 of the cables 21 to 24 and the rear housing 41, and also allows the cables 21 to 24 to be firmly held in place by the rear housing 41.

[0058] 9(B), there is also an extremely high degree of adhesion between the outer circumferential surface of the rear end of the exposed portion 35 of the core portion 25 of each of the cables 21 to 24 and the resin forming the rear housing 41. This close adhesion between the exposed portion 35 of the core portion 25 and the rear housing 41 prevents liquid from seeping in between the rear end of the exposed portion 35 of the core portion 25 of each of the cables 21 to 24 and the rear housing 41, and also enables the rear end of the exposed portion 35 of the core portion 25 of each of the cables 21 to 24 to be firmly held by the rear housing 41.

[0059] Similarly, there is an extremely high degree of adhesion between the rear end of the connector part 2 and the resin forming the rear housing 41. This close contact between the rear end of the connector part 2 and the rear housing 41 prevents liquid from seeping in between the rear end of the connector part 2 and the rear housing 41.

[0060] Furthermore, when molding the rear housing 41, the resin forming the rear housing 41 is filled around the entire outer periphery of the front end portions of the coatings 30 of the cables 21 to 24. At this time, the pressure of the filled resin presses the entire outer periphery of the front end portions of the coatings 30 of the cables 21 to 24 inward. As a result, at the front end portions of the coatings 30 of the cables 21 to 24, the opposing flat surfaces of the coatings 30 are tightly adhered to each other over the entire area. That is, the left surface 33 of the coating 30 of cable 21 and the right surface 34 of the coating 30 of cable 22, the bottom surface 32 of the coating 30 of cable 22 and the top surface 31 of the coating 30 of cable 23, the right surface 34 of the coating 30 of cable 23 and the left surface 33 of the coating 30 of cable 24, and the top surface 31 of the coating 30 of cable 24 and the bottom surface 32 of the coating 30 of cable 21 are tightly adhered to each other over the entire area. Such close contact between the flat surfaces of the coverings 30 facing each other can prevent liquid from entering between the coverings 30 of the cables 21 to 24.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 8(B), a first liquid-tight structure is formed at the rear of the rear housing 41 by the tight contact between the covering 30 and the rear housing 41 and the tight contact between the opposing flat surfaces of the covering 30. A second liquid-tight structure is formed at the front of the rear housing 41 by the tight contact between the exposed portion 35 of the core 25 and the rear housing 41. These two liquid-tight structures reliably prevent liquid from penetrating from the rear end of the rear housing 41 through the interior of the rear housing 41 and into the connector portion 2. For example, even if liquid penetrates between the coverings 30 due to capillary action (even if the liquid passes through the first liquid-tight structure), the progress of the liquid within the rear housing 41 is reliably blocked by the second liquid-tight structure, and the liquid does not reach the connector portion 2. Thus, the connector device 1 has excellent liquid-tight performance.

[0062] [Method of manufacturing connector device] 10(A), 10(B), and 10(C) show a manufacturing method of the connector device 1. In manufacturing the connector device 1, first, for each of the cables 21 to 24, as shown in FIG. 6(A), a tip side portion at the front end of the covering portion 30 is removed to expose the front end of the core portion 25 from the covering portion 30, thereby forming the exposed portion 35 (exposed portion forming step).

[0063] Next, the cables 21 to 24 are attached to the connector portion 2 so that they extend from the rear end of the connector portion 2 (cable attachment process). Specifically, the upper cover member 6 is attached to the middle cover member 7 while the exposed portions 35 of the core portions 25 of the cables 21 and 22 are positioned between the middle cover member 7 and the upper cover member 6. The lower cover member 8 is attached to the middle cover member 7 while the exposed portions 35 of the core portions 25 of the cables 23 and 24 are positioned between the middle cover member 7 and the lower cover member 8. Then, the front ends of the conductors 26 of the core portions 25 of the cables 21 to 24 are connected to the main body 3 by, for example, soldering. Thereafter, the main body 3 and the cover 5 are inserted into the connector housing 9. FIG. 10(A) shows the state in which the cables 21 to 24 are attached to the connector portion 2 in this manner.

[0064] Next, the front ends of the cables 21 to 24 are arranged as shown in Fig. 6(C) (cable arrangement process). Specifically, the connector portion 2 and the front ends of the cables 21 to 24 are arranged in a mold for forming the rear housing 41. By placing the front ends of the cables 21 to 24 in the mold, the front ends of the cables 21 to 24 are arranged as shown in Fig. 6(C).

[0065] Next, molten resin is injected into a mold to form rear housing 41 indicated by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 10(B) (housing formation step). Fig. 10(C) shows the completed connector device 1.

[0066] 11(A), 11(B), and 11(C) show details of the cable arrangement step and the housing formation step. In FIG. 11(A), a mold 50 for forming rear housing 41 includes a first mold half 51 and a second mold half 52. For example, second mold half 52 is movable vertically relative to first mold half 51. First mold half 51 is formed with recesses 53 for arranging cables 23, 24, the lower portion of cable 21, and the lower portion of cable 22. First mold half 51 is formed with recesses 54 for arranging the lower portion of connector portion 2. First mold half 51 is formed with a cavity 55 for filling with resin to form rear housing 41. Second mold half 52 is formed with recesses 56 for arranging the upper portions of cables 21 and 22. Second mold half 52 is formed with recesses 57 for arranging the upper portion of connector portion 2. Additionally, second mold half 52 is formed with a cavity 58 into which resin is filled to form rear housing 41 .

[0067] When forming rear housing 41, connector portion 2 and the portions of the front ends of cables 21 to 24 that are rear of exposed portion 35 are positioned between first mold half 51 and second mold half 52, as shown in FIG. 11(B). At this time, for example, first, the lower portion of connector portion 2 is inserted into recess 54 of first mold half 51, and the portions of the front ends of cables 23 and 24 that are rear of exposed portion 35 are inserted into recess 53 of first mold half 51. Further, the lower portions of the front ends of cables 21 and 22 that are rear of exposed portion 35 are inserted into recess 53 of first mold half 51. Subsequently, when second mold half 52 is attached to first mold half 51, the upper portion of connector portion 2 is inserted into recess 57 of second mold half 52, and the upper portions of the front ends of cables 21 and 22 that are rear of exposed portion 35 are inserted into recess 56 of second mold half 52. In this way, by arranging the connector portion 2 and the portions of the front ends of the cables 21 to 24 that are rearward of the exposed portion 35 between the first mold half 51 and the second mold half 52, the portions of the front ends of the cables 21 to 24 that are rearward of the exposed portion 35 are arranged as shown in FIG. 6(C). Then, as shown in FIG. 11(C), molten resin is injected into the cavities 55, 58 of the mold 50. Then, the connector device 1 with the rear housing 41 formed is separated from the mold 50. This completes the connector device 1.

[0068] Figure 12(A) shows a cross section of the cables 21-24 and mold 50 cut along cutting line EE in Figure 11(B) as viewed from behind (left in Figure 11(B)). Figure 12(B) shows a cross section of the cables 21-24 and mold 50 cut along cutting line FF in Figure 11(B) as viewed from behind (left in Figure 11(B)).

[0069] As shown in FIG. 12(A), when connector portion 2 and the front ends of cables 21 to 24 are positioned between first mold half 51 and second mold half 52, no space through which molten resin can pass exists between recess 53 of first mold half 51 and covering portion 30 of each of cables 21 to 24 at the rear of exposed portion 35 at the front ends. That is, the shape and size of recess 53 in first mold half 51 are set so as to prevent the formation of such a space. Also, no space through which molten resin can pass exists between recess 56 of second mold half 52 and covering portion 30 of each of cables 21 and 22 at the rear of exposed portion 35 at the front ends. That is, the shape and size of recess 56 in second mold half 52 are set so as to prevent the formation of such a space. Furthermore, as described above, the portion of the front end of the cables 21 to 24 that is behind the exposed portion 35 is arranged so that there is no space within the entire cross section of the portion that is formed by the respective coating portions 30 of two adjacent cables among the cables 21 to 24 being separated from each other either wholly or partially.

[0070] 12(B), when connector portion 2 and the portions of the front ends of cables 21-24 rearward of exposed portion 35 are disposed between first mold half 51 and second mold half 52, no space through which molten resin can pass exists between the lower portion of the rear end of connector portion 2 and recess 54 of first mold half 51, and between the upper portion of the rear end of connector portion 2 and recess 57 of second mold half 52. That is, the shape and size of recess 54 in first mold half 51 and the shape and size of recess 57 in second mold half 52 are set so as to prevent the formation of such a space. Furthermore, middle cover member 7, upper cover member 6, lower cover member 8, exposed portions 35 of cables 21 and 22 disposed between middle cover member 7 and upper cover member 6, and exposed portions 35 of cables 23 and 24 disposed between middle cover member 7 and lower cover member 8 are assembled so as to prevent the formation of any space through which molten resin can pass.

[0071] As a result, when molten resin is injected into cavities 55, 58 of mold 50, the resin does not flow out of mold 50. This makes it possible to sufficiently increase the pressure of the resin inside mold 50. This makes it possible to prevent molding defects, such as short molding, from occurring when molding rear housing 41.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 13(A), if the cross section of the covering 65 of each of the four cables 61 to 64 is a chamfered rectangle, when the cables 61 to 64 are arranged in two rows vertically and two rows horizontally, a space 66 may be formed in a region surrounded by the lower left corner of the covering 65 of cable 61, the lower right corner of the covering 65 of cable 62, the upper right corner of the covering 65 of cable 63, and the upper left corner of the covering 65 of cable 64. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 13(B), a press pin 59 may be provided in the mold for forming the rear housing 41, and the coverings 65 of the front ends of the cables 61 to 64, in the rearward direction of the exposed portions, may be pressed inward by the press pin 59 in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 13(B). This deforms the coverings 65 of each of the cables 61 to 64, preventing the formation of the space 66.

[0073] As described above, the connector device 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention includes the rear housing 41 that surrounds the portion from the rear end of the connector portion 2 to the front end of the covering portion 30 of each of the cables 21 to 24 and is integrated with this portion by overmolding. This configuration can increase the holding strength of the cables 21 to 24 in the connector device 1 and can also improve the liquid-stopping performance of the connector device 1.

[0074] In the connector device 1 of this embodiment, the rear ends of the exposed portions 35 of the core portions 25 of each of the cables 21 to 24 protrude from the rear end of the connector portion 2 to the outside, and the rear housing 41 surrounds the rear end of the connector portion 2, the rear ends of the exposed portions 35 of the core portions 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 integrated with the rear end of the connector portion 2, the rear ends of the exposed portions 35 of the core portions 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. With this configuration, even if liquid seeps into the gaps between the covering portions 30 at the front ends of the cables 21 to 24 due to capillary action, the liquid can be prevented from seeping into the connector portion 2.

[0075] Furthermore, in the connector device 1 of this embodiment, 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 each of the sheaths of the multiple cables. With this configuration, even if the cable attached to the connector portion 2 is a low-strength cable such as an FFC (flexible flat cable) or an FPC (flexible printed circuit), the cable can be securely held in the connector portion 2. Furthermore, the outer periphery of the cable can be liquid-tightly sealed, preventing liquid from seeping into the connector portion 2 along the cable.

[0076] In addition, in the connector device 1 of this embodiment, the cross-sectional outline of the covering portion of each of the cables 21 to 24 is rectangular, and the front end portions of the cables 21 to 24, which are rearward of the exposed portion 35, are arranged in parallel so that of two adjacent cables among the cables 21 to 24, the upper surface 31, lower surface 32, left surface 33 or right surface 34 of the covering portion 30 of one cable contacts the upper surface 31, lower surface 32, left surface 33 or right surface 34 of the covering portion 30 of the other cable, and the front end portions of the cables 21 to 24, which are rearward of the exposed portion 35, are arranged so that there is no space within the entire cross-section of that portion of the cables 21 to 24 that is formed by the covering portions 30 of two adjacent cables among the cables 21 to 24 being totally or partially separated from each other. This configuration makes it possible to prevent molten resin from leaking out of the mold 50 when forming the rear housing 41 by overmolding in the manufacture of the connector device 1, thereby making it less likely that molding defects will occur in the rear housing 41. Specifically, the frequency of molding defects in the rear housing 41 in the connector device 1 of this embodiment can be made lower than the frequency of molding defects in the housing 99 in the connector device 91 as a comparative example shown in Fig. 28 .

[0077] In addition, in connector device 1 of the present embodiment, the overall cross-sectional shape of cables 21-24 arranged in two rows in the vertical direction and two rows in the horizontal direction is a rectangle with four interior angles of 90 degrees, as shown in Fig. 6(C). Therefore, by making the cross-sectional shape of recess 53 of first mold half 51 a rectangle with four interior angles of 90 degrees and making the cross-sectional shape of recess 56 of second mold half 52 a rectangle with four interior angles of 90 degrees, when cables 21-24 are placed between recess 53 and recess 56 during molding of rear housing 41, it is possible to prevent the formation of spaces through which molten resin can pass between the entire outer surfaces of cables 21-24 and the inner surface of recess 53, and between the entire outer surfaces of cables 21-24 and the inner surface of recess 56, as shown in Fig. 12(A). Therefore, according to the connector device 1 of this embodiment, compared to the connector device 91 as a comparative example shown in Figure 28, the structure of the mold used to mold the rear housing 41 can be simplified, the mold costs can be reduced, and the increase in the manufacturing costs of the connector device 1 can be suppressed.

[0078] Specifically, in a connector device 91 as a comparative example shown in Fig. 28, cables 93-96, each having a covering 98 with a circular cross section, are arranged in two vertical rows and two horizontal rows. Assume that these cables 93-96 are arranged between a first mold half 201 having a recess 201A formed therein whose cross section is a rectangle with four interior angles of 90 degrees, and a second mold half 202 having a recess 202A having a cross section with four interior angles of 90 degrees, as shown in Fig. 33. In this case, spaces 203 through which molten resin can pass are formed between cable 93 and the inner surface of recess 202A, between cable 93 and the inner surface of recess 201A, between cable 94 and the inner surface of recess 202A, between cable 94 and the inner surface of recess 201A, between cable 95 and the inner surface of recess 201A, and between cable 95 and the inner surface of recess 201A. In the connector device 91 of the comparative example, in order to prevent such a space 203 from being formed, as shown in Figure 30(B), the shape of the recess 121A of the first mold half 121 is made to match the shape of the lower part of the coating portion 98 of each of the cables 95 and 96, the shape of the recess 122A of the second mold half 122 is made to match the shape of the upper part of the coating portion 98 of each of the cables 93 and 94, a nest (third mold half 123) having a shape that matches the shape of the left part of the coating portion 98 of each of the cables 94 and 95 is attached between the first mold half 121 and the second mold half 122, and a nest (fourth mold half 124) having a shape that matches the shape of the right part of the coating portion 98 of each of the cables 96 and 93 is attached between the first mold half 121 and the second mold half 122. In the connector device 1 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 12(A), it is possible to prevent the formation of a space through which molten resin can pass between the entire outer peripheral surfaces of the cables 21 to 24 and the mold 50 without using a nest, whereas in the connector device 91 of the comparative example, as shown in Figure 30(B), a nest is required to prevent the formation of a space through which molten resin can pass between the entire outer peripheral surfaces of the cables 93 to 96 and the mold 120 (cable insertion portion 120A).The connector device 1 of this embodiment, which does not require nesting, can simplify the structure of the mold compared to the connector device 91 of the comparative example, which requires nesting, and can reduce the cost of the mold.

[0079] In the connector device 1 of this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the covering portion 30 of each of the cables 21 to 24 is a rectangle with four interior angles of 90 degrees. Therefore, by arranging the cables 21 to 24 in two rows in the vertical direction and two rows in the horizontal direction as shown in Fig. 6(C), the cross-sectional shape of the entire cables 21 to 24 can be made into a rectangle with four interior angles of 90 degrees, i.e., a shape suitable for reducing mold costs.

[0080] In the connector device of the present invention, the configuration of the connection portion (connector portion) is not limited to that described in the first embodiment. For example, as in connector device 81 shown in Fig. 14, connection portion 82 may be a flat plate-like member provided with contact portion 83, conductor portion 84, etc. In addition, housing 85 surrounds the portion from the rear end of connection portion 82 to the front end of the covering portion of cables 21 to 24, and is integrated with this portion by overmolding.

[0081] (Second embodiment) Next, a connector device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 15 to 20. In the connector device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the same components as those in the connector device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified.

[0082] The connector device of the second embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, at the front ends of the cables 21 to 24, the rear part of the portion surrounded by the rear housing is arranged so that the flat outer circumferential portions (top surface 31, bottom surface 32, left surface 33 or right surface 34) of the coating portions 30 of each of two adjacent cables of the cables 21 to 24 are in contact with each other and so that there is no space formed by the coating portions 30 of each of two adjacent cables of the cables 21 to 24 being separated from each other within the entire cross section of that portion of the cables 21 to 24; on the other hand, at the front ends of the cables 21 to 24, the front part of the portion surrounded by the rear housing is arranged so that the flat outer circumferential portions of the coating portions 30 of each of two adjacent cables of the cables 21 to 24 face each other but have separated portions that are separated from each other.

[0083] [Connector device] Figure 15(A) shows a connector device 301 according to a second embodiment of the present invention as seen from diagonally behind. Figure 15(B) shows the connector device 301 without the rear housing 315. As shown in Figures 15(A) and 15(B), the connector device 301 includes a connector unit 2, cables 21 to 24, the rear housing 315, and a cable position restriction member 302.

[0084] [Cable positioning member] Fig. 16(A) shows the cable position regulating member 302 as seen from the diagonal front. Fig. 16(B) shows the cable position regulating member 302 as seen from the diagonal rear. Fig. 16(C) shows the cable position regulating member 302 attached to the front ends of the cables 21 to 24. Fig. 16(D) shows the cable position regulating member 302 as seen from above. Fig. 16(E) shows a cross section of the cable position regulating member 302 cut along the cutting line GG in Fig. 16(D) as seen from the rear (left in Fig. 16(D)). Fig. 16(F) shows a cross section of the cable position regulating member 302 cut along the cutting line HH in Fig. 16(D) as seen from the rear.

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

[0086] As shown in FIG. 16(B), the insertion plate 303 is formed in a plate shape that extends in the front-rear and up-down directions and is disposed at the top of the rear of the cable position restraint member 302. The insertion plate 304 is formed in a plate shape that extends in the front-rear and up-down directions and is disposed at the left side of the rear of the cable position restraint member 302. The insertion plate 305 is formed in a plate shape that extends in the front-rear and up-down directions and is disposed at the bottom of the rear of the cable position restraint member 302. The insertion plate 306 is formed in a plate shape that extends in the front-rear and up-down directions and is disposed at the right side of the rear of the cable position restraint member 302. When the cable position restraint member 302 is viewed from the rear, the insertion plate portions 303 to 306 are arranged in a cross shape as a whole, and 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 are connected to one another.

[0087] When the cable position restricting member 302 is attached to the front ends of the cables 21 to 24 as shown in Fig. 16(C), the insertion plate portion 303 is inserted between the covering portions 30 of the cables 21 and 22 as shown in Fig. 16(E). The insertion plate portion 304 is inserted between the covering portions 30 of the cables 22 and 23. The insertion plate portion 305 is inserted between the covering portions 30 of the cables 23 and 24. The insertion plate portion 306 is inserted between the covering portions 30 of the cables 24 and 21.

[0088] 16(C), by inserting the insertion plate portion 303 between the respective coating portions 30 of the cables 21 and 22, the left-right positions of the respective coating portions 30 of the cables 21 and 22 are restricted, and the left surface 33 of the coating portion 30 of the cable 21 and the right surface 34 of the coating portion 30 of the cable 22 are separated from each other, forming a separation portion 313 between them. In addition, by inserting the insertion plate portion 304 between the respective coating portions 30 of the cables 22 and 23, the up-down positions of the respective coating portions 30 of the cables 22 and 23 are restricted, and the lower surface 32 of the coating portion 30 of the cable 22 and the upper surface 31 of the coating portion 30 of the cable 23 are separated from each other, forming a separation portion 313 between them. Furthermore, by inserting the insertion plate portion 305 between the respective coating portions 30 of the cables 23 and 24, the left-right positions of the respective coating portions 30 of the cables 23 and 24 are restricted, and the right surface 34 of the coating portion 30 of the cable 23 and the left surface 33 of the coating portion 30 of the cable 24 are separated from each other, forming a separation portion 313 between them. Furthermore, by inserting the insertion plate portion 306 between the respective coating portions 30 of the cables 24 and 21, the up-down positions of the respective coating portions 30 of the cables 24 and 21 are restricted, and the upper surface 31 of the coating portion 30 of the cable 24 and the lower surface 32 of the coating portion 30 of the cable 21 are separated from each other, forming a separation portion 313 between them.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 16(B), the sheath outer surface support portion 307 is formed in a rectangular prism shape and surrounds the entire outer periphery of the cross-shaped insertion plate portions 303-306. The sheath outer surface support portion 307 is coupled 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. When the cable position restricting member 302 is attached to the front ends of the cables 21-24 as shown in FIG. 16(C), the sheath outer surface support portion 307 supports the outward-facing surfaces of the outer periphery of the sheath portions 30 of the cables 21-24. The sheath outer surface support portion 307 functions to suppress displacement of the cables 21-24 due to the pressure of the resin injected into the mold 320 when the rear housing 315 is molded.

[0090] As shown in Figures 16(A) and 16(F), the insulation end support portion 308 is disposed in the center of the front end portion of the cable position restraint member 302 in the left-right direction. The insulation end support portion 308 is connected to the front end portions of the lower portion of the insertion plate portion 303, the right portion of the insertion plate portion 304, the upper portion of the insertion plate portion 305, and the left portion of the insertion plate portion 306. The insulation end support portion 309 is disposed at the right end portion of the front end portion of the cable position restraint member 302. The insulation end support portion 309 is connected to the front edge portion of the right side of the insulation outer surface support portion 307. The insulation end support portion 310 is disposed at the left end portion of the front end portion of the cable position restraint member 302. The insulation end support portion 309 is connected to the front edge portion of the left side of the insulation outer surface support portion 307. 16(C), when the cable position restricting member 302 is attached to the front ends of the cables 21 to 24, the covering end support portion 308 supports the lower left corner of the front end of the covering portion 30 of cable 21, the lower right corner of the front end of the covering portion 30 of cable 22, the upper right corner of the front end of the covering portion 30 of cable 23, and the upper left corner of the front end of the covering portion 30 of cable 24. When the cable position restricting member 302 is attached to the cables 21 to 24, the covering end support portion 309 supports the right front edge of the covering portion 30 of cable 21 and the right front edge of the covering portion 30 of cable 24. When the cable position restricting member 302 is attached to the cables 21 to 24, the covering end support portion 310 supports the left front edge of the covering portion 30 of cable 22 and the left front edge of the covering portion 30 of cable 23. The covering end support portions 308 to 310 have the function of suppressing displacement of the cables 21 to 24 due to the pressure of the resin injected into the mold 320 when the rear housing 315 is molded.

[0091] 16(B), the fixing portion 311 protrudes downward from a lower portion of the outer peripheral surface of the coating outer surface support portion 307. The fixing portion 312 protrudes upward from an upper portion of the outer peripheral surface of the coating outer surface support portion 307. The fixing portions 311 and 312 have the function of fixing the cable position regulating member 302 within the mold 320 when molding the rear housing 315, and suppressing displacement of the cable position regulating member 302 due to the pressure of the resin injected into the mold 320.

[0092] [Rear housing] As shown in Fig. 15(A), the 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 of 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 covering portion 30 of each of the cables 21 to 24, and the cable position regulating member 302 attached to the front end of the cables 21 to 24. The rear housing 315 is a specific example of a "housing."

[0093] FIG. 17(A) shows the connector device 301 as viewed from above. FIG. 17(B) shows a cross section of the connector device 301 taken along section line II in FIG. 17(A) as viewed from the right (bottom in FIG. 17(A)). As shown in FIG. 17(B), the rear housing 315 is a resin molded product formed by overmolding on the outer periphery of the rear end of the connector unit 2, the outer periphery of the rear end of the exposed portions 35 of the core portions 25 of each of the cables 21 to 24, the outer periphery of the front end of the covering portions 30 of each of the cables 21 to 24, and the outer periphery of the cable position restricting member 302. The rear housing 315 is integrated with the rear end of the connector unit 2, the rear end of the exposed portions 35 of the core portions 25 of each of the cables 21 to 24, the front end of the covering portions 30 of each of the cables 21 to 24, and the cable position restricting member 302.

[0094] Figure 18(A) shows a cross section of connector device 301 taken along cutting line JJ in Figure 17(B) as viewed from the rear (left in Figure 17(B)). Figure 18(A) shows a cross section of the rear part of the part surrounded by rear housing 315 at the front end of cables 21-24. As shown in Figure 18(A), the rear part of the part surrounded by rear housing 315 at the front end of cables 21-24 is covered over its entire periphery with the resin that forms rear housing 315. Furthermore, in the rear part of the portion of the front end of the cables 21 to 24 that is surrounded by the rear housing 315, the resin that forms the rear housing 315 is in extremely close contact (specifically, in liquid-tight contact) with the right surface 34 and upper surface 31 of the covering 30 of cable 21, the left surface 33 and upper surface 31 of the covering 30 of cable 22, the left surface 33 and lower surface 32 of the covering 30 of cable 23, and the right surface 34 and lower surface 32 of the covering 30 of cable 24. This close contact between the covering 30 and the rear housing 315 can prevent liquid from entering between the front end of the covering 30 of the cables 21 to 24 and the rear housing 315, and can firmly hold the cables 21 to 24 by the rear housing 315.

[0095] 18(A), at the rear of the front end portions of the cables 21 to 24 that are surrounded by the rear housing 315, the flat surfaces of the opposing coatings 30 are in strong contact with each other over the entire area. That is, the left surface 33 of the coating 30 of cable 21 and the right surface 34 of the coating 30 of cable 22, the bottom surface 32 of the coating 30 of cable 22 and the top surface 31 of the coating 30 of cable 23, the right surface 34 of the coating 30 of cable 23 and the left surface 33 of the coating 30 of cable 24, and the top surface 31 of the coating 30 of cable 24 and the bottom surface 32 of the coating 30 of cable 21 are in strong contact with each other over the entire area. As a result of the above, at the rear of the portion of the front end of the cables 21 to 24 that is surrounded by the rear housing 315, there is no space within the entire cross section of the cables 21 to 24 that is formed by the separation of the respective coatings 30 of two adjacent cables among the cables 21 to 24. This close contact between the flat surfaces of the coatings 30 that face each other can prevent liquid from seeping in between the coatings 30 of the cables 21 to 24.

[0096] FIG. 18(B) shows a cross section of the connector device 301 taken along the cutting line KK in FIG. 17(B) as viewed from the rear. FIG. 18(B) shows a cross section of the portion where the cable position restricting member 302 is attached to the front ends of the cables 21-24. As shown in FIG. 18(B), the cable position restricting member 302, excluding the fixing portions 311 and 312, is embedded in the resin forming the rear housing 315, with the insertion plate portions 303-306 inserted between the sheath 30 of cable 21 and the sheath 30 of cable 22, between the sheath 30 of cable 22 and the sheath 30 of cable 23, between the sheath 30 of cable 23 and the sheath 30 of cable 24, and between the sheath 30 of cable 24 and the sheath 30 of cable 21, respectively. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 17(B), the fixing portion 311, excluding its lower end, is surrounded by the resin forming the rear housing 315. The lower end of the fixed portion 311 is exposed on the upper surface of the rear housing 315. Similarly, the entire fixed portion 312 except for its upper end is surrounded by the resin that forms the rear housing 315. The upper end of the fixed portion 312 is exposed on the lower surface of the rear housing 315. In this way, the cable position restricting member 302 is fixed to the rear housing 315 by being covered with the resin that forms the rear housing 315.

[0097] Figure 18(C) shows a cross section of connector device 301 taken along cutting line LL in Figure 17(B) as seen from behind. Figure 18(C) shows a cross section of the front part of the part surrounded by rear housing 315 at the front end of cables 21 to 24. As shown in Figure 18(C), the front part of the part surrounded by rear housing 315 at the front end of cables 21 to 24 is arranged so that the flat parts of the outer peripheries of the coverings 30 of two adjacent cables of cables 21 to 24 face each other but are separated from each other by spaced apart parts 313. In this embodiment, the front portions of the front ends of the cables 21 to 24 that are surrounded by the rear housing 315 are arranged so that the left surface 33 of the sheath 30 of cable 21 and the right surface 34 of the sheath 30 of cable 22 are separated from each other, the bottom surface 32 of the sheath 30 of cable 22 and the top surface 31 of the sheath 30 of cable 23 are separated from each other, the right surface 34 of the sheath 30 of cable 23 and the left surface 33 of the sheath 30 of cable 24 are separated from each other, and the top surface 31 of the sheath 30 of cable 24 and the bottom surface 32 of the sheath 30 of cable 21 are separated from each other. As a result, in the front part of the portion of the front end of the cables 21 to 24 surrounded by the rear housing 315, separation portions 313 are formed between 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, between the bottom surface 32 of the covering portion 30 of cable 22 and the top surface 31 of the covering portion 30 of cable 23, between 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, and between the top surface 31 of the covering portion 30 of cable 24 and the bottom surface 32 of the covering portion 30 of cable 21. The separation portions 313 are gaps large enough to allow molten resin to enter therein when the rear housing 315 is molded.

[0098] 18(C), the resin forming rear housing 315 fills each separated portion 313. As a result, in the front portion of the portion of the front end of each of cables 21 to 24 that is surrounded by rear housing 315, the resin forming rear housing 315 is in extremely close contact (specifically, in liquid-tight contact) with all outer circumferential surfaces of the front end of each of coatings 30 of cables 21 to 24, namely, upper surface 31, lower surface 32, left surface 33, and right surface 34. This close contact between coating 30 and rear housing 315 prevents liquid from seeping in between the front end of coating 30 of each of cables 21 to 24 and rear housing 315, and enables cables 21 to 24 to be firmly held by rear housing 315.

[0099] Fig. 18(D) shows a cross section of the connector device 301 cut along the cutting line MM in Fig. 17(B) as seen from the rear. Fig. 18(D) shows a cross section of the rear end of the exposed portion 35 of each of the core portions 25 of the cables 21 to 24, i.e., the portion of the exposed portion 35 of each of the core portions 25 of the cables 21 to 24 that protrudes from the rear end of the connector portion 2 to the outside. As shown in Fig. 18(D), the outer periphery of the rear end of the exposed portion 35 of the core portions 25 of each of the cables 21 to 24 is covered over the entire periphery with the resin that forms the rear housing 315, and the outer periphery of the rear end of the exposed portion 35 of the core portions 25 of each of the cables 21 to 24 is in extremely close contact (specifically, liquid-tight contact) with the resin that forms the rear housing 315 over the entire periphery. This close contact between the exposed portion 35 of the core 25 and the rear housing 315 prevents liquid from seeping in between the rear end of the exposed portion 35 of the core 25 of each cable 21 to 24 and the rear housing 315, and also allows the rear end of the exposed portion 35 of the core 25 of each cable 21 to 24 to be firmly held by the rear housing 315.

[0100] 15(A) and 17(B), the rear end of connector part 2 is covered with the resin that forms rear housing 315, and this resin is tightly attached to these parts. This tight attachment between rear end part of connector part 2 and rear housing 315 can prevent liquid from seeping in between the rear end part of connector part 2 and rear housing 315.

[0101] 17(B), a first liquid-tight structure is formed at the rear of the rear housing 315 by the tight contact between the entire outer circumferential surfaces of the coverings 30 of the cables 21-24 and the rear housing 315, and by the tight contact between the flat surfaces of the coverings 30 that face each other. A second liquid-tight structure is formed at the front of the rear housing 315 by the tight contact between the entire outer circumferential surfaces of the coverings 30 of the cables 21-24 that are spaced apart from each other and the rear housing 315. A third liquid-tight structure is formed at the front end of the rear housing 315 by the tight contact between the exposed portion 35 of the core 25 and the rear housing 315. These three liquid-tight structures reliably prevent liquid from penetrating from the rear end of the rear housing 315, passing through the interior of the rear housing 315, and entering the connector portion 2. For example, even if liquid seeps into the cover 30 due to capillary action (even if the liquid passes through the first liquid stop structure), the progress of the liquid within the rear housing 315 is reliably prevented by the second or third liquid stop structure, and therefore the liquid will not reach the connector portion 2.

[0102] [Method of manufacturing connector device] 19(A), 19(B), and 19(C) show a manufacturing method of the connector device 301. In manufacturing the connector device 301, first, the tip-side portion of the front end of the covering portion 30 of each of the cables 21 to 24 is removed to form the exposed portion 35 (exposed portion forming process). Next, the cable position restricting member 302 is attached to the front end of the cables 21 to 24 (cable position restricting member attaching process). Next, the cables 21 to 24 are attached to the connector unit 2 (cable attaching process). Next, the connector unit 2, the cables 21 to 24, and the cable position restricting member 302 attached to the front end of the cables 21 to 24 are placed in a mold 320 for forming the rear housing 315, and the front end of the cables 21 to 24 is aligned (cable aligning process). Next, the rear housing 315 is formed by injecting molten resin into the mold 320 (housing forming process).

[0103] 19(A), a mold 320 for forming rear housing 315 includes a first mold half 321 and a second mold half 322. For example, second mold half 322 is movable vertically relative to first mold half 321. Recesses 323 (grooves) for arranging cables 23, 24, the lower portion of cable 21, and the lower portion of cable 22 are formed in first mold half 321. Recesses 324 for arranging the lower portion of connector portion 2 are formed in first mold half 321. A hollow portion 325 is formed in first mold half 321 and is filled with resin to form rear housing 315. A recess 326 for fixing cable position restricting member 302 is formed in the bottom surface of hollow portion 325. Recesses 327 (grooves) for arranging the upper portions of cables 21 and 22 are formed in second mold half 322. Second mold half 322 is formed with recess 328 for locating the upper part of connector portion 2. Second mold half 322 is also formed with hollow portion 329 for filling with resin to form rear housing 315. A recess 330 for fixing cable position regulating member 302 is formed in the ceiling surface of hollow portion 329. The shapes and sizes of recess 323 of first mold half 321 and recess 327 of second mold half 322 in mold 320 are the same as the shapes and sizes of recess 53 of first mold half 51 and recess 56 of second mold half 52 in mold 50 of the first embodiment.

[0104] 19(B), connector portion 2, cables 21 to 24, and cable position-regulating member 302 attached to the front ends of cables 21 to 24 are arranged between first mold half 321 and second mold half 322. At this time, for example, first, the lower part of connector portion 2 is inserted into recess 324 of first mold half 321, the lower part of cable position-regulating member 302 attached to the front ends of cables 21 to 24 is inserted into hollow portion 325 of first mold half 321, the lower end of fixing portion 311 of cable position-regulating member 302 is inserted into recess 326 of first mold half 321, cables 23 and 24 are inserted into recess 323 of first mold half 321, and the lower parts of cables 21 and 22 are inserted into recess 323 of first mold half 321. Next, when the second mold half 322 is attached to the first mold half 321, the upper part of the connector portion 2 is inserted into the recess 328 of the second mold half 322, the upper part of the cable position regulating member 302 attached to the front ends of the cables 21 to 24 is inserted into the hollow portion 329 of the second mold half 322, the upper end of the fixing portion 312 of the cable position regulating member 302 is inserted into the recess 330 of the first mold half 321, and the upper parts of the cables 21 and 22 are inserted into the recess 327 of the second mold half 322.

[0105] In this manner, with the connector unit 2, the cables 21 to 24, and the cable position restricting member 302 attached to the front ends of the cables 21 to 24 disposed within the mold 320, the front portions of the front ends of the cables 21 to 24 that are surrounded by the rear housing 315 are disposed in front of the cavities 325, 329 of the mold 320. A separation portion 313 is formed by the cable position restricting member 302 in the front portions of the front ends of the cables 21 to 24 that are surrounded by the rear housing 315. Furthermore, the rear portions of the front ends of the cables 21 to 24 that are surrounded by the rear housing 315 are disposed in the rear of the cavities 325, 329 of the mold 320. Furthermore, the portions of the cables 21 to 24 immediately behind the portions surrounded by the rear housing 315 are disposed between the recesses 323 and 327 of the mold 320. By arranging the portions of the cables 21 to 24 immediately behind the portion surrounded by the rear housing 315 between the recesses 323 and 327 of the mold 320, the portions of the cables 21 to 24 immediately behind the portion surrounded by the rear housing 315 are arranged such that the flat portions of the outer peripheries of the coverings 30 of two adjacent cables of the cables 21 to 24 come into contact with each other and that no space formed by the coverings 30 of two adjacent cables of the cables 21 to 24 being separated from each other exists in the entire cross section of the portion of the cables 21 to 24. As a result, the rear portions of the portions of the cables 21 to 24 surrounded by the rear housing 315 are displaced so that the coverings 30 of the two adjacent cables of the cables 21 to 24 come into contact with each other, and the rear portions of the portions of the cables 21 to 24 surrounded by the rear housing 315 are in a state where no separation portion 313 exists.As a result, the rear part of the portion of the cables 21 to 24 surrounded by the rear housing 315 is arranged so that the flat portions of the outer peripheries of the respective coating portions 30 of two adjacent cables of the cables 21 to 24 are in contact with each other, and so that there is no space formed by the respective coating portions 30 of two adjacent cables of the cables 21 to 24 being separated from each other within the entire cross section of that portion of the cables 21 to 24.

[0106] 19(C), molten resin is then poured into cavities 325, 329 of mold 320. As a result, the rear end of connector portion 2, the rear end of exposed portion 35 of core portion 25 of each of cables 21-24, the front end of coating portion 30 of each of cables 21-24, and cable position regulating member 302 attached to the front end of cables 21-24 are covered with resin. Furthermore, resin fills gaps 313 of cables 21-24.

[0107] Furthermore, the rear ends of cavities 325, 329 of mold 320 are blocked by positioning the portion of the front ends of cables 21-24 immediately behind the rear end of the portion surrounded by rear housing 315 between recess 323 of first mold half 321 and recess 327 of second mold half 322. The front ends of cavities 325, 329 of mold 320 are blocked by positioning connector portion 2 between recess 324 of first mold half 321 and recess 328 of second mold half 322. As a result, when molten resin is injected into cavities 325, 329 of mold 320, the resin does not flow out of mold 320. This allows the resin pressure within mold 320 to be sufficiently increased. This prevents molding defects, such as short molding, from occurring during molding of rear housing 315.

[0108] After the resin injected into the mold 320 has solidified, the connector device 1 with the rear housing 315 formed thereon is separated from the mold 320. In this way, the connector device 301 is completed.

[0109] The connector device 301 of the second embodiment of the present invention having the above-described configuration achieves the same effects 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 position restricting member 302 is attached to the front end of the cables 21 to 24. The cable position restricting member 302 forms a separation portion 313 at the front end of the cables 21 to 24 in the portion surrounded by the rear housing 315, and the resin forming the rear housing 315 enters the separation portion 313. As a result, in the front portion of the portion surrounded by the rear housing 315 in the front end of the cables 21 to 24, the resin forming the rear housing 315 adheres with extremely high tightness to the entire outer surface of the covering portion 30 of each of the cables 21 to 24. With this configuration, the connector device 301 of the second embodiment of the present invention can improve the liquid-stopping performance of the rear housing 315 compared to the connector device 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention, thereby more reliably preventing liquid from entering the connector portion 2. Furthermore, according to the connector device 301 of the second embodiment of the present invention, the holding strength of the cables 21 to 24 in the connector device 301 can be increased compared to the connector device 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] The cable position restricting member of the present invention is not limited to the cable position restricting member 302 described above, and other shapes such as those shown in FIG. 20(A) or 21(A) may be used. The cable position restricting member 341 shown in FIG. 20(A) has insertion plate sections 342-347. A hole 348 is provided in the center of the cable position restricting member 341. As shown in FIG. 20(B), when the cable position restricting member 341 is attached to the front ends of the cables 21-24, the insertion plate section 342 is inserted between the sheath 30 of the cable 21 and the sheath 30 of the cable 22, the insertion plate sections 343 and 344 are inserted between the sheath 30 of the cable 22 and the sheath 30 of the cable 23, the insertion plate section 345 is inserted between the sheath 30 of the cable 23 and the sheath 30 of the cable 24, and the insertion plate sections 346 and 347 are inserted between the sheath 30 of the cable 24 and the sheath 30 of the cable 21. Furthermore, when cable position restricting member 341 is attached to the front ends of cables 21 to 24, holes 348 are disposed at the portions where the lower left edge of sheath 30 of cable 21, the lower right edge of sheath 30 of cable 22, the upper right edge of sheath 30 of cable 23, and the upper left edge of sheath 30 of cable 24 face each other. As a result, separation portions 349 are formed between sheath 30 of cable 21 and sheath 30 of cable 22, between sheath 30 of cable 22 and sheath 30 of cable 23, between sheath 30 of cable 23 and sheath 30 of cable 24, and between sheath 30 of cable 24 and sheath 30 of cable 21, respectively. Furthermore, gaps are formed at the portions where the lower left edge of the covering 30 of cable 21, the lower right edge of the covering 30 of cable 22, the upper right edge of the covering 30 of cable 23, and the upper left edge of the covering 30 of cable 24 face each other. When the rear housing is formed, the resin forming the rear housing fills the gaps formed by gaps 349 and hole 348. Furthermore, the cable position restricting member 351 shown in FIG. 21(A) is formed in a plate shape. As shown in FIG. 21(B), the cable position restricting member 351 is inserted between the covering 30 of each of cables 21 and 22 and the covering 30 of each of cables 23 and 24.As a result, a spaced apart portion 352 is formed between the covering portion 30 of each of the cables 21 and 22 and the covering portion 30 of each of the cables 23 and 24. When the rear housing is formed, the resin forming the rear housing fills into the spaced apart portion 352.

[0111] (Third embodiment) Next, a connector device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 22 to 25. In the connector device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the same components as those in the connector device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified.

[0112] The connector device according to the third embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a cable position regulating portion that forms a space between the cables 21 to 24 is provided in the connector portion.

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

[0114] [Connector part] Fig. 23(A) shows the assembled state of connector portion 362 without cables 21 to 24 attached to connector portion 362. Fig. 23(B) is an exploded view of cover 363 of connector portion 362. Fig. 23(C) shows cable position regulating portion 365 of intermediate cover member 364 of cover 363. Fig. 23(D) shows the rear of connector portion 362 with cables 21 to 24 attached.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 23(A), the connector section 362 includes a main body section 3, a cover 363, and a connector housing 9 (see FIG. 5 for the main body section 3). As shown in FIG. 23(B), the cover 363 includes an upper cover member 6, a middle cover member 364, and a lower cover member 8. The connector section 362 is a specific example of a "connection section."

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

[0117] The middle cover member 364, like the upper cover member 6 and the lower cover member 8, is formed of an insulating material such as resin. The upper cover member 6 is assembled to the upper part of the middle cover member 364, and the lower cover member 8 is assembled to the lower part of the middle cover member 364. The cores 25 (exposed parts 35) exposed from the front ends of the covering parts 30 of the cables 21 and 22 are sandwiched between the middle cover member 364 and the upper cover member 6. The cores 25 (exposed parts 35) exposed from the front ends of the covering parts 30 of the cables 23 and 24 are sandwiched between the middle cover member 364 and the lower cover member 8.

[0118] 23(C), the intermediate cover member 364 is provided with a cable position restricting portion 365. The cable position restricting portion 365 restricts the position of each of the covering portions 30 of two adjacent cables among the cables 21 to 24, thereby forming a separation portion 370 between the covering portions 30 of the two cables. In the connector device 301 of the second embodiment, the cable position restricting member 302 is separate from other members and is attached to the front end of the cables 21 to 24, whereas in the connector device 361 of the third embodiment, the cable position restricting member is coupled to the intermediate cover member 364 of the cover 363 of the connector portion 362. That is, the cable position restricting member 365 is coupled to the intermediate cover member 364. In this embodiment, the cable position restricting member 365 is integrally formed with the intermediate cover member 364.

[0119] The cable position regulating portion 365 has four insertion plate portions 366 to 369. The insertion plate portion 366 is formed in a plate shape that extends in the front-rear and up-down directions and protrudes rearward from the upper portion of the rear surface of the intermediate cover member 364. The insertion plate portion 367 is formed in a plate shape that extends in the front-rear and up-down directions and protrudes rearward from the left portion of the rear surface of the intermediate cover member 364. The insertion plate portion 368 is formed in a plate shape that extends in the front-rear and up-down directions and protrudes rearward from the lower portion of the rear surface of the intermediate cover member 364. The insertion plate portion 369 is formed in a plate shape that extends in the front-rear and up-down directions and protrudes rearward from the right portion of the rear surface of the intermediate cover member 364. Furthermore, when the intermediate cover member 364 is viewed from behind, the insertion plate portions 366 to 369 are arranged in a cross shape when viewed overall, and the lower edge of the insertion plate portion 366, the right edge of the insertion plate portion 367, the upper edge of the insertion plate portion 368, and the left edge of the insertion plate portion 369 are connected to each other.

[0120] 23(D), when the cables 21 to 24 are attached to the connector portion 362, the insertion plate portion 366 is inserted between the respective covering portions 30 of the cables 21 and 22. The insertion plate portion 367 is inserted between the respective covering portions 30 of the cables 22 and 23. The insertion plate portion 368 is inserted between the respective covering portions 30 of the cables 23 and 24. The insertion plate portion 369 is inserted between the respective covering portions 30 of the cables 24 and 21.

[0121] By inserting the insertion plate portion 366 between the respective coating portions 30 of the cables 21 and 22, the left-right positions of the respective coating portions 30 of the cables 21 and 22 are restricted, and the left surface 33 of the coating portion 30 of the cable 21 and the right surface 34 of the coating portion 30 of the cable 22 are separated from each other, forming a separation portion 370 between them. Furthermore, by inserting the insertion plate portion 367 between the respective coating portions 30 of the cables 22 and 23, the up-down positions of the respective coating portions 30 of the cables 22 and 23 are restricted, and the lower surface 32 of the coating portion 30 of the cable 22 and the upper surface 31 of the coating portion 30 of the cable 23 are separated from each other, forming a separation portion 370 between them (see FIG. 25(B)). Furthermore, by inserting the insertion plate portion 368 between the respective coating portions 30 of the cables 23 and 24, the left-right positions of the respective coating portions 30 of the cables 23 and 24 are restricted, and the right surface 34 of the coating portion 30 of the cable 23 and the left surface 33 of the coating portion 30 of the cable 24 are separated from each other, forming a separation portion 370 therebetween (see FIG. 25(B)). Furthermore, by inserting the insertion plate portion 369 between the respective coating portions 30 of the cables 24 and 21, the up-down positions of the respective coating portions 30 of the cables 24 and 21 are restricted, and the upper surface 31 of the coating portion 30 of the cable 24 and the lower surface 32 of the coating portion 30 of the cable 21 are separated from each other, forming a separation portion 370 therebetween.

[0122] [Rear housing] As shown in Fig. 22(A), the 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 of the first embodiment. The rear housing 371 surrounds the rear end of the connector portion 362 and the front end of each of the covering portions 30 of the cables 21 to 24. The rear housing 371 is a specific example of a "housing."

[0123] Figure 24(A) shows the connector device 361 as viewed from above. Figure 24(B) shows a cross section of the connector device 361 taken along section line PP in Figure 24(A) as viewed from the right (bottom in Figure 24(A)). As shown in Figure 24(B), the rear housing 371 is formed by overmolding on the outer periphery of the rear end of the connector unit 2 and on the outer periphery of the front end of each of the coverings 30 of the cables 21-24, and is integrated with the rear end of the connector unit 2 and the front end of each of the coverings 30 of the cables 21-24.

[0124] Figure 25(A) shows a cross section of the connector device 361 taken along the cutting line QQ in Figure 24(B) as viewed from the rear (right in Figure 24(B)). Figure 25(A) shows a cross section of the rear part of the part surrounded by the rear housing 371 at the front end of the cables 21 to 24. As shown in Figure 25(A), the rear part of the part surrounded by the rear housing 371 at the front end of the cables 21 to 24 is covered over its entire periphery with the resin that forms the rear housing 371. Furthermore, in the rear part of the portion of the front end of the cables 21 to 24 that is surrounded by the rear housing 371, the resin that forms the rear housing 371 is in extremely close contact (specifically, in liquid-tight contact) with the right surface 34 and upper surface 31 of the covering 30 of cable 21, the left surface 33 and upper surface 31 of the covering 30 of cable 22, the left surface 33 and lower surface 32 of the covering 30 of cable 23, and the right surface 34 and lower surface 32 of the covering 30 of cable 24. This close contact between the covering 30 and the rear housing 371 can prevent liquid from entering between the front end of the covering 30 of the cables 21 to 24 and the rear housing 371, and can firmly hold the cables 21 to 24 by the rear housing 371.

[0125] 25(A), at the rear of the front end portions of the cables 21 to 24 that are surrounded by the rear housing 371, the flat surfaces of the opposing coatings 30 are in strong contact with each other over the entire area. That is, the left surface 33 of the coating 30 of cable 21 and the right surface 34 of the coating 30 of cable 22, the bottom surface 32 of the coating 30 of cable 22 and the top surface 31 of the coating 30 of cable 23, the right surface 34 of the coating 30 of cable 23 and the left surface 33 of the coating 30 of cable 24, and the top surface 31 of the coating 30 of cable 24 and the bottom surface 32 of the coating 30 of cable 21 are in strong contact with each other over the entire area. As a result of the above, at the rear of the portion of the front end of the cables 21 to 24 that is surrounded by the rear housing 371, there is no space within the entire cross section of the cables 21 to 24 that is formed by the separation of the respective coatings 30 of two adjacent cables among the cables 21 to 24. This close contact between the flat surfaces of the coatings 30 that face each other can prevent liquid from seeping in between the coatings 30 of the cables 21 to 24.

[0126] Figure 25(B) shows a cross section of the connector device 361 taken along the cutting line RR in Figure 24(B) as viewed from the rear (the right in Figure 24(B)). Figure 25(B) shows a cross section of the front part of the part surrounded by the rear housing 371 at the front end of the cables 21 to 24. As shown in Figure 25(B), the front part of the part surrounded by the rear housing 371 at the front end of the cables 21 to 24 is arranged so that the flat parts of the outer peripheries of the respective coatings 30 of two adjacent cables of the cables 21 to 24 face each other but are separated from each other by a spaced apart part 370. In this embodiment, the front portions of the front ends of the cables 21 to 24 that are surrounded by the rear housing 371 are arranged so that the left surface 33 of the sheath 30 of cable 21 and the right surface 34 of the sheath 30 of cable 22 are separated from each other, the bottom surface 32 of the sheath 30 of cable 22 and the top surface 31 of the sheath 30 of cable 23 are separated from each other, the right surface 34 of the sheath 30 of cable 23 and the left surface 33 of the sheath 30 of cable 24 are separated from each other, and the top surface 31 of the sheath 30 of cable 24 and the bottom surface 32 of the sheath 30 of cable 21 are separated from each other. As a result, in the front part of the portion of the front end of the cables 21 to 24 surrounded by the rear housing 371, separation portions 370 are formed between 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, between the bottom surface 32 of the covering portion 30 of cable 22 and the top surface 31 of the covering portion 30 of cable 23, between 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, and between the top surface 31 of the covering portion 30 of cable 24 and the bottom surface 32 of the covering portion 30 of cable 21. The separation portions 370 are gaps large enough to allow molten resin to enter when the rear housing 371 is molded.

[0127] 25(B), the resin forming the rear housing 315 fills each of the separated portions 370. As a result, in the front portions of the front ends of the cables 21 to 24 that are surrounded by the rear housing 371, the resin forming the rear housing 371 is in extremely close contact (specifically, in liquid-tight contact) with all outer circumferential surfaces of the front ends of the coatings 30 of the cables 21 to 24, namely, the upper surface 31, the lower surface 32, the left surface 33, and the right surface 34. This close contact between the coatings 30 and the rear housing 371 prevents liquid from seeping in between the front ends of the coatings 30 of the cables 21 to 24 and the rear housing 371, and enables the cables 21 to 24 to be firmly held by the rear housing 371.

[0128] Figure 25(C) shows a cross section of connector device 361 taken along cutting line SS in Figure 24(B) as viewed from the rear (right side in Figure 24(B)). Figure 25(C) shows cross sections of insertion plate portions 366-369 of cable position restricting portion 365 inserted between sheath portions 30 of cables 21-24.

[0129] 24(B), a first liquid-tight structure is formed at the rear of the rear housing 371 by the tight contact between the entire outer circumferential surfaces of the coverings 30 of the cables 21-24 and the rear housing 371, and by the tight contact between the flat surfaces of the coverings 30 that face each other. A second liquid-tight structure is formed at the front of the rear housing 371 by the tight contact between the entire outer circumferential surfaces of the coverings 30 of the cables 21-24 that are spaced apart from each other and the rear housing 371. These two liquid-tight structures reliably prevent liquid from penetrating from the rear end of the rear housing 371 through the interior of the rear housing 371 and into the connector portion 362. For example, even if liquid penetrates between the coverings 30 due to capillary action (even if the liquid passes through the first liquid-tight structure), the progress of the liquid within the rear housing 371 is reliably blocked by the second liquid-tight structure, and the liquid does not reach the connector portion 362.

[0130] Furthermore, the connector device 361 of the third embodiment can be manufactured by the same method as the connector device 301 of the second embodiment. Furthermore, according to the connector device 361 of the third embodiment, similarly to the connector device 301 of the second embodiment, it is possible to prevent the resin injected into the mold when molding the rear housing 371 from passing between the coverings 30 of the cables 21 to 24 and leaking out of the mold, thereby suppressing molding defects in the rear housing 371.

[0131] The connector device 361 of the third embodiment of the present invention having the above-described configuration achieves the same effects 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 position regulating portion 365 is provided on the intermediate cover member 364, that is, the cable position regulating member is coupled to the intermediate cover member 364. This makes it possible to reduce the dimension of the connector device in the front-rear direction, reduce the number of parts of the connector device, and simplify the manufacture (assembly) of the connector device.

[0132] (Fourth embodiment) Next, as a fourth embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a connector device that achieves the same effects as connector device 301 of the second embodiment or connector device 361 of the third embodiment, without providing the connector device with a cable position regulating member or cable position regulating portion, will be described. Here, as an example of the manufacturing method, a method for manufacturing a connector device that achieves the same effects as connector device 301 of the second embodiment or connector device 361 of the third embodiment using components that constitute connector device 1 of the first embodiment will be described.

[0133] In manufacturing the connector device, first, the parts that form the connector section 2 and the four cables 21 to 24 are prepared. The parts 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 FIG. 5). In addition, a mold is prepared for molding the rear housing of the connector device.

[0134] Figure 26(A) shows a mold 400 for molding a rear housing of a connector device in a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 26(A) shows a cross section of the left side portions of first mold half 401 and second mold half 402 of mold 400, seen from the right, after the first mold half 401 and second mold half 402 have been cut left and right along their center in the left-right direction. Figure 26(B) shows the rear portions of first mold half 401 and second mold half 402, seen from the upper right front side.

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

[0136] First mold half 401 is formed with recesses 403 (grooves) for arranging cables 23, 24, the lower portion of cable 21, and the lower portion of cable 22. First mold half 401 is also formed with recess 404 for arranging the lower portion of connector portion 2. First mold half 401 is also formed with hollow portion 405 for filling with resin to form the rear housing. Second mold half 402 is also formed with recesses 407 (grooves) for arranging the upper portions of cables 21 and 22. Second mold half 402 is also formed with recess 408 for arranging the upper portion of connector portion 2. Second mold half 402 is also formed with hollow portion 409 for filling with resin to form the rear housing. The above configurations of first mold half 401 and second mold half 402 are similar to the configurations of first mold half 51 and second mold half 52 of mold 50 in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the shape and size of the recess 403 of the first mold half 401 and the recess 407 of the second mold half 402 in the mold 400 are the same as the shape and size of the recess 53 of the first mold half 51 and the recess 56 of the second mold half 52 in the mold 50 of the first embodiment described above.

[0137] Furthermore, cable position restricting pieces 406, 410 are formed in the first mold half 401 and the second mold half 402 of the fourth embodiment, respectively. The cable position restricting pieces 406, 410 restrict the position of each of the covering portions 30 of two cables (21-24) that are adjacent to each other in the left-right direction, thereby forming a separation portion 411 between the covering portions 30 of the two cables. The cable position restricting piece 406 is formed in a plate shape that extends in the front-rear and up-down directions, and protrudes upward from the center of the front left-right direction of the bottom surface of the hollow portion 405 in the first mold half 401. The cable position restricting piece 410 is formed in a plate shape that extends in the front-rear and up-down directions, and protrudes downward from the center of the front left-right direction of the ceiling surface of the hollow portion 409 in the second mold half 402.

[0138] After preparing the components that form the connector portion 2, the cables 21 to 24, and the mold 400, the tip side portion at the front end of the covering portion 30 of each of the cables 21 to 24 is cut off to form the exposed portion 35 (exposed portion forming step).

[0139] Next, the main body 3, the upper cover member 6, the intermediate cover member 7, the lower cover member 8, and the connector housing 9 are assembled to form the connector 2, and the cables 21 to 24 are attached to the connector 2 (cable attaching step).

[0140] Next, connector portion 2 and cables 21-24 are placed in mold 400, and the front ends of cables 21-24 are arranged (cable arrangement step). For example, first, the lower part of connector portion 2 is inserted into recess 404 of first mold half 401, and while the upper end of cable position restricting piece 406 is inserted between sheath portion 30 of cable 23 and sheath portion 30 of cable 24, cables 23 and 24 are inserted into recess 403 of first mold half 401. Furthermore, the lower parts of cables 21 and 22 are inserted into recess 403 of first mold half 401. Next, when attaching the second mold half 402 to the first mold half 401, the upper part of the connector portion 2 is inserted into the recess 408 of the second mold half 402, and the upper part of the cable 21 and the upper part of the cable 22 are inserted into the recess 407 of the second mold half 402 while the lower end of the cable position regulating piece 410 is inserted between the sheath portion 30 of the cable 21 and the sheath portion 30 of the cable 22.

[0141] In this manner, with the connector portion 2 and the cables 21-24 disposed within the mold 400, the front portions of the portions of the front ends of the cables 21-24 that are surrounded by the rear housing are disposed in front of the cavities 405, 409 of the mold 400. Here, Fig. 26(C) shows the rear portion of the mold 400 with the cables 21-24 disposed therein, as viewed from the front. Also, Fig. 26(D) shows the state in which the cable position restricting pieces 406, 410 provided on the mold 400 are inserted between the sheaths 30 of the cables 21-24. 26(C) and 26(D), when the connector portion 2 and the cables 21 to 24 are placed in the mold 400, the upper end of the cable position restricting piece 406 is inserted between the sheath 30 of the cable 23 and the sheath 30 of the cable 24, and the lower end of the cable position restricting piece 410 is inserted between the sheath 30 of the cable 21 and the sheath 30 of the cable 22, at the front of the portions of the front ends of the cables 21 to 24 that are surrounded by the rear housing. In this state, the upper end of the cable position restricting piece 406 and the lower end of the cable position restricting piece 410 are separated from each other. As a result, separation portions 411 are formed between the sheath 30 of the cable 23 and the sheath 30 of the cable 24 and between the sheath 30 of the cable 21 and the sheath 30 of the cable 22, at the front of the portions of the front ends of the cables 21 to 24 that are surrounded by the rear housing.

[0142] Furthermore, with the connector unit 2 and the cables 21 to 24 placed in the mold 400, the rear portions of the portions of the front ends of the cables 21 to 24 that are surrounded by the rear housing are located at the rear of the cavities 405, 409 of the mold 400. Furthermore, the portions of the cables 21 to 24 immediately behind the portions that are surrounded by the rear housing are located between the recesses 403 and 407 of the mold 400. By locating the portions of the cables 21 to 24 immediately behind the portions that are surrounded by the rear housing between the recesses 403 and 407 of the mold 400, the portions of the cables 21 to 24 immediately behind the portions that are surrounded by the rear housing are arranged such that the flat portions of the outer peripheries of the coverings 30 of two adjacent cables of the cables 21 to 24 come into contact with each other and that no space formed by the coverings 30 of two adjacent cables of the cables 21 to 24 being separated from each other does not exist within the entire cross section of that portion of the cables 21 to 24. As a result, the rear portions of the cables 21 to 24 that are surrounded by the rear housing are displaced so that the coverings 30 of two adjacent cables of the cables 21 to 24 come into contact with each other, and the rear portions of the cables 21 to 24 that are surrounded by the rear housing are in a state where there is no separation portion 411. As a result, the rear portions of the cables 21 to 24 that are surrounded by the rear housing are in a state where the flat portions of the outer peripheries of the coverings 30 of two adjacent cables of the cables 21 to 24 come into contact with each other, and the cables are arranged so that there is no space formed by the coverings 30 of two adjacent cables of the cables 21 to 24 being separated from each other within the entire cross section of that portion of the cables 21 to 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 part 2 and the front end of the cables 21 to 24 are covered with resin. The resin also fills the gaps 411 between the cables 21 to 24.

[0144] Furthermore, the rear end portions of cavities 405, 409 of mold 400 are blocked by positioning the portions of the front ends of cables 21-24 immediately behind the portions surrounded by the rear housing between recess 403 of first mold half 401 and recess 407 of second mold half 402. Furthermore, the front end portions of cavities 405, 409 of mold 400 are blocked by positioning connector portion 2 between recess 404 of first mold half 401 and recess 408 of second mold half 402. As a result, when molten resin is injected into cavities 405, 409 of mold 400, the resin does not flow out of mold 400.

[0145] After the resin injected into the mold 400 has solidified, the connector device with the rear housing formed therein is separated from the mold 400. This completes the connector device.

[0146] The connector device manufactured by the manufacturing method of the above-described fourth embodiment has a configuration in which the rear part of the portion surrounded by the rear housing at the front end of the cables 21 to 24 is arranged so that the flat portions of the outer peripheries of the respective coating portions 30 of two adjacent cables of the cables 21 to 24 are in contact with each other and so that there is no space formed by the respective coating portions 30 of two adjacent cables of the cables 21 to 24 being separated from each other within the entire cross section of that portion of the cables 21 to 24; on the other hand, the front part of the portion surrounded by the rear housing at the front end of the cables 21 to 24 is arranged so that the flat portions of the outer peripheries of the respective coating portions 30 of two adjacent cables of the cables 21 to 24 face each other but have separated portions that are 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 with extremely high adhesion to the right surface 34 and top surface 31 of the covering portion 30 of cable 21, the left surface 33 and top surface 31 of the covering portion 30 of cable 22, the left surface 33 and bottom surface 32 of the front end portion of the covering portion 30 of cable 23, and the right surface 34 and bottom surface 32 of the front end portion of the covering portion 30 of cable 24. In addition, in the connector device manufactured by the manufacturing method of the fourth embodiment, a separation portion 411 is formed in cables 21 to 24, so that in the front part of the part of cables 21 to 24 surrounded by the rear housing, the left surface 33 of the coating portion 30 of cable 21 and the right surface 34 of the coating portion 30 of cable 22 are separated from each other, and the left surface 33 of the coating portion 30 of cable 23 and the right surface 34 of the coating portion 30 of cable 24 are separated from each other, and the resin forming the rear housing penetrates into separation portion 411, so that the resin adheres with an extremely high degree of adhesion to the left surface 33 of the coating portion 30 of cable 21, the right surface 34 of the coating portion 30 of cable 22, the left surface 33 of the coating portion 30 of cable 23, and the right surface 34 of the coating portion 30 of cable 24. Therefore, according to the connector device manufactured by 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, it is possible to improve the liquid-stopping performance and increase the cable holding strength.

[0148] Furthermore, according to the connector device manufactured by 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, it is possible to prevent the resin injected into the mold when molding the rear housing from leaking out of the mold through the sheath portions 30 of the cables 21 to 24, thereby suppressing defective molding of the rear housing.

[0149] Thus, according to the manufacturing method of the connector device of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, a connector device that has the same effect as the connector device 301 of the second embodiment or the connector device 361 of the third embodiment can be manufactured without providing a cable position regulating member or cable position regulating portion in the connector device.

[0150] In the above-described embodiments, two-core shielded cables as shown in Fig. 6(A) are used as the cables 21 to 24, but the type of cable is not limited in the connector device of the present invention. Furthermore, the core structure of the cable is not limited in the connector device of the present invention. Furthermore, multiple cables having core structures different from each other may be used in the connector device of the present invention.

[0151] Furthermore, while the connector device 1 (301, 361) in each of the above embodiments includes four cables 21-24, the number of cables may be two, three, or five or more in the connector device of the present invention. Furthermore, in each of the embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the sheath 30 of each cable 21-24 is rectangular, and the cables 21-24 are arranged in two rows in the vertical direction and two rows in the horizontal direction. However, the cross-sectional shape of the sheath of each cable and the arrangement of multiple cables are not limited in the connector device of the present invention. Figures 27(A) to 27(F) show several other examples of cross-sectional shapes of the cable sheaths and arrangements of multiple cables that can be employed in the connector device of the present invention. Figure 27(A) shows an example in which nine cables having sheaths with rectangular cross-sectional shapes are arranged in three rows in the vertical direction and three rows in the horizontal direction. Figure 27(B) shows an example in which three cables with rectangular cross-sectional coverings are arranged in two vertical rows, one upper row in the horizontal direction, and two lower rows in the horizontal direction. Figure 27(C) shows an example in which two parallel two-wire cables with rectangular cross-sectional coverings are arranged in two vertical rows. Figure 27(D) shows an example in which four cables with rectangular cross-sectional coverings are arranged in two vertical rows and two horizontal rows, with the upper two cables and the lower two cables not aligned in the horizontal direction. Figure 27(E) shows an example in which three cables with coverings having different polygonal cross-sections are arranged so that the flat surfaces of the outer peripheries of adjacent coverings are in contact with each other. Figure 27(F) shows an example in which four cables with fan-shaped coverings are arranged so that the flat surfaces of the outer peripheries of adjacent coverings are in contact with each other and the overall cross section of the four cables is circular. 27(A) to 27(F), the cables are arranged so that there is no space in the cross section of the entire cables that would be formed by the sheaths of two adjacent cables being totally or partially separated from each other. Furthermore, all of the arrangements of the cables shown in Figs. 27(A) to 27(F) are suitable for reducing mold costs.In other words, according to the arrangement of multiple cables shown in Figures 27(A) to 27(F), when molding the rear housing, it is possible to prevent the formation of a space through which molten resin can pass between the arrangement of multiple cables and the mold without using a mold insert.

[0152] Furthermore, in the cable position restricting member 302 of the second embodiment, notches may be formed in the surfaces of the insertion plate portions 303-305, and when the rear housing 315 is molded, the resin injected into the mold 320 may flow into the notches and into the spaced portions 313 of the cables 21-24. This allows the resin to flow smoothly into the spaced portions 313, ensuring reliable adhesion between the resin and the covering portion 30. Such a structure may also be provided in the cable position restricting portion 365 of the third embodiment or the cable position restricting pieces 406, 410 of the fourth embodiment.

[0153] In the connector device of the present invention, the flat portion may be formed only on the outer peripheral surface of the front end portion of the covering portion of each cable.

[0154] Furthermore, in the connector device of the present invention, the range in which the housing (rear housing) is formed may be any range that includes the portion from the other end (rear end) of the connection portion to one end (front end) of each of the coated portions of the multiple cables. For example, if the shape of the mating portion at one end of the connection portion is female, the housing may cover the outer periphery of the portion from one end of the connection portion to one end of each of the coated portions of the multiple cables.

[0155] Furthermore, the connected portion to which the connector device of the present invention can be connected is not limited to a receptacle as shown in FIG. 1, but may also be, for example, a plug.

[0156] Furthermore, in the connector device 1 of the first embodiment, the front ends of the cables 21 to 24 are arranged in parallel such that the flat surfaces of the coverings 30 of two adjacent cables among the cables 21 to 24 are in contact with each other, and that no space is formed within the entire cross section of the cables 21 to 24 by the coverings 30 of the two adjacent cables among the cables 21 to 24 being separated from each other. In the first embodiment, the "space" refers to a space large enough to allow molten resin to flow out of the mold when molding the rear housing 41 and a space large enough to allow liquid to enter the rear housing 41 from the rear end of the rear housing 41. However, in the present invention, the "space" may refer only to a space large enough to allow molten resin to flow out of the mold. For example, the "space" may refer to a space large enough to allow a small amount of molten resin to flow in, but such a small amount that the resin cools and increases in viscosity after flowing, preventing it from flowing out of the mold. That is, at the front ends of the cables 21-24, the separation of the coatings 30 of two adjacent cables among the cables 21-24 from each other does not allow the formation of a space large enough to allow molten resin to flow out of the mold within the entire cross section of the cables 21-24, but it may allow the formation of a space large enough to allow liquid to seep into the rear housing 41 from the rear end thereof due to capillary action. In this case, liquid (e.g., water) may seep into the space between the opposing coatings 30 at the front ends of the cables 21-24 due to capillary action. However, the progress of the infiltrated liquid within the rear housing 41 is reliably prevented by a liquid-stopping structure formed by the tight contact between the exposed portions 35 of the cores 25 of each cable 21-24 and the rear housing 41, and therefore the liquid does not reach the connector portion 2.

[0157] Furthermore, in the rear portions of the cables 21 to 24 of the connector device 301 of the second embodiment, which are surrounded by the rear housing 315, the flat surfaces of the coverings 30 of two adjacent cables among the cables 21 to 24 are in contact with each other, and the cables are arranged in parallel such that there is no space formed by the coverings 30 of two adjacent cables among the cables 21 to 24 being separated from each other within the entire cross section of the cables 21 to 24. In the second embodiment, the "space" refers to a space large enough to allow molten resin to flow out of the mold when molding the rear housing 315, and also to a space large enough to allow liquid to enter the interior of the rear housing 315 from the rear end of the rear housing 315. However, in the present invention, the "space" may refer only to a space large enough to allow molten resin to flow out of the mold. That is, in the rear part of the portion of the cables 21 to 24 surrounded by the rear housing 315, it is not permitted to form a space large enough to allow molten resin to flow out of the mold due to the separation of the coatings 30 of two adjacent cables among the cables 21 to 24 within the entire cross section of the cables 21 to 24, but it is permitted to form a space large enough to allow liquid to seep into the rear housing 41 from the rear end of the rear housing 41 due to capillary action. In this case, liquid (e.g., water) may seep into the space between the opposing coatings 30 at the front end of the cables 21 to 24 due to capillary action, but the progress of the liquid that has seeped in within the rear housing 315 is reliably prevented by a liquid-stopping structure formed by the tight contact between the rear housing 315 and all outer surfaces of the respective separated coatings 30 of the cables 21 to 24 at the front part of the portion of the cables 21 to 24 surrounded by the rear housing 315, and therefore the liquid does not reach the connector portion 2. This also applies to 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 modified as appropriate within the scope that does not contradict the gist or idea of ​​the invention that can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and connector devices and manufacturing methods thereof that involve such modifications are also included in the technical idea of ​​the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0159] 1, 81, 301, 361 Connector device 2, 362 Connector part (connection part) 21~24, 61~64 Cable 25 core 30, 65 Covering part 31 Top side 32 Bottom surface 33 Left side 34 Right side 35 Exposed part 41, 315, 371 Rear housing (housing) 71 Mating connector (connected body) 82 Connection 85 Housing 302, 341, 351 Cable position control member 313, 349, 352, 370, 411 Separated part 365 Cable position control part 400 molds 406, 410 Cable position control piece

Claims

1. A connector device comprising a connection part having one end connected to a connected body, a plurality of cables extending from the other end of the connection part, and a housing, Each of the plurality of cables has a core and a covering covering an outer periphery of the core, a flat portion is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the covering portion of each of the plurality of cables; one ends of the plurality of cables are arranged in parallel such that flat surfaces of the coverings of two adjacent cables among the plurality of cables are in contact with each other, and such that there is no space formed by the coverings of two adjacent cables among the plurality of cables being separated from each other within a cross section of the entire plurality of cables; The connector device is characterized in that the housing surrounds the portion from the other end of the connection portion to one end of each of the sheathed portions of the plurality of cables and is integrated with the portion by overmolding.

2. an exposed portion exposed from a covering portion is formed at one end of a core portion of each of the plurality of cables; the other end of the exposed portion of the core of each of the plurality of cables extends from the other end of the connection portion to the outside of the connection portion, 2. The connector device according to claim 1, wherein the housing surrounds the other end of the connection portion, the other end of the exposed portion of each of the core portions of the plurality of cables, and one end of the coated portion of each of the plurality of cables, and is integrated with the other end of the connection portion, the other end of the exposed portion of each of the core portions of the plurality of cables, and one end of the coated portion of each of the plurality of cables by overmolding.

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

4. the plurality of cables includes a first cable, a second cable, a third cable, and a fourth cable; When the extension direction of the first cable is the front-rear direction, flat portions are formed on the left and bottom of the outer peripheral surface of the sheath of the first cable, When the extension direction of the second cable is the front-rear direction, flat portions are formed on the right and bottom of the outer peripheral surface of the sheath of the second cable, When the extension direction of the third cable is the front-rear direction, flat portions are formed on a right portion and an upper portion of an outer peripheral surface of the sheath of the third cable, When the extension direction of the fourth cable is the front-rear direction, flat portions are formed on the left and upper portions of the outer peripheral surface of the sheath of the fourth cable, 3. The connector device according to claim 1, wherein the first cable, the second cable, the third cable, and the fourth cable are arranged such that a flat portion of the left side of the sheath of the first cable and a flat portion of the right side of the sheath of the second cable are in contact with each other, a flat portion of the bottom side of the sheath of the second cable and a flat portion of the top side of the sheath of the third cable are in contact with each other, a flat portion of the right side of the sheath of the third cable and a flat portion of the left side of the sheath of the fourth cable are in contact with each other, and a flat portion of the top side of the sheath of the fourth cable and a flat portion of the bottom side of the sheath of the first cable are in contact with each other.

5. the plurality of cables includes a first cable, a second cable, a third cable, and a fourth cable; the outer shape of a cross section of each of the covering portions of the first cable, the second cable, the third cable, and the fourth cable is rectangular; 3. The connector device according to claim 1, wherein, when the extension direction of each of the first cable, the second cable, the third cable, and the fourth cable is the front-to-rear direction, the first cable, the second cable, the third cable, and the fourth cable are arranged such that the left surface of the sheath of the first cable and the right surface of the sheath of the second cable are in contact with each other, the bottom surface of the sheath of the second cable and the top surface of the sheath of the third cable are in contact with each other, the right surface of the sheath of the third cable and the left surface of the sheath of the fourth cable are in contact with each other, and the top surface of the sheath of the fourth cable and the bottom surface of the sheath of the first cable are in contact with each other.

6. 3. The connector device according to claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the covering of each of the plurality of cables is a rectangle with four interior angles of 90 degrees.

7. 7. The connector device according to claim 6, wherein one ends of the plurality of cables are arranged so that the overall cross-sectional shape of the plurality of cables is a rectangle with four interior angles each at 90 degrees.

8. the plurality of cables extend rearward from a rear end of the connection portion, the housing is a resin molded product that surrounds a portion from the rear end of the connection portion to a front end of each of the covering portions of the plurality of cables and is integrated with the portion by overmolding, rear portions of the cables surrounded by the housing are arranged in parallel such that flat surfaces of the coverings of two adjacent cables of the plurality of cables are in contact with each other and that no space exists in a cross section of the entire plurality of cables that is formed by the coverings of two adjacent cables of the plurality of cables being spaced apart from each other; 2. The connector device according to claim 1, wherein the front portions of the cables surrounded by the housing are arranged in parallel such that there are spaced apart portions in the sheathing of two adjacent cables among the cables.

9. the plurality of cables includes four or more cables; The plurality of cables are arranged in two or more rows in the vertical direction and two or more rows in the horizontal direction, rear portions of the cables surrounded by the housing are arranged in parallel such that flat surfaces of the coverings of two adjacent cables of the plurality of cables are in contact with each other and that no space exists in a cross section of the entire plurality of cables that is formed by the coverings of two adjacent cables of the plurality of cables being spaced apart from each other; The connector device according to claim 8, characterized in that the front portions of the plurality of cables surrounded by the housing are arranged so that there are spaced apart portions between the covering portions of two adjacent cables in the vertical direction, or so that there are spaced apart portions between the covering portions of two adjacent cables in the horizontal direction.

10. the plurality of cables includes a first cable, a second cable, a third cable, and a fourth cable; a left portion and a bottom portion of an outer peripheral surface of the sheath of the first cable are formed with flat portions, a flat portion is formed on a right portion and a bottom portion of an outer peripheral surface of the sheath of the second cable, a flat portion is formed on a right portion and an upper portion of an outer peripheral surface of the sheath of the third cable, a left portion and an upper portion of an outer peripheral surface of the sheath of the fourth cable are formed with flat portions, rear portions of the portions of each of the first cable, the second cable, the third cable, and the fourth cable that are surrounded by the housing are arranged so that a planar portion of a left portion of the covering portion of the first cable and a planar portion of a right portion of the covering portion of the second cable come into contact with each other, a planar portion of a lower portion of the covering portion of the second cable and a planar portion of an upper portion of the covering portion of the third cable come into contact with each other, a planar portion of a right portion of the covering portion of the third cable and a planar portion of a left portion of the covering portion of the fourth cable come into contact with each other, and a planar portion of an upper portion of the covering portion of the fourth cable and a planar portion of a lower portion of the covering portion of the first cable come into contact with each other; 9. The connector device according to claim 8, wherein the front portions of the first cable, the second cable, the third cable, and the fourth cable that are surrounded by the housing are arranged such that a planar portion of a left portion of the sheath of the first cable and a planar portion of a right portion of the sheath of the second cable are separated from each other, a planar portion of a bottom portion of the sheath of the second cable and a planar portion of an upper portion of the sheath of the third cable are separated from each other, a planar portion of a right portion of the sheath of the third cable and a planar portion of a left portion of the sheath of the fourth cable are separated from each other, or a planar portion of an upper portion of the sheath of the fourth cable and a planar portion of a bottom portion of the sheath of the first cable are separated from each other.

11. the plurality of cables includes a first cable, a second cable, a third cable, and a fourth cable; the outer shape of a cross section of each of the covering portions of the first cable, the second cable, the third cable, and the fourth cable is rectangular; rear portions of the portions of the first cable, the second cable, the third cable, and the fourth cable that are surrounded by the housing are arranged such that a left surface of the covering portion of the first cable and a right surface of the covering portion of the second cable are in contact with each other, a bottom surface of the covering portion of the second cable and an top surface of the covering portion of the third cable are in contact with each other, a right surface of the covering portion of the third cable and a left surface of the covering portion of the fourth cable are in contact with each other, and a top surface of the covering portion of the fourth cable and a bottom surface of the covering portion of the first cable are in contact with each other; 9. The connector device according to claim 8, wherein the front portions of the first cable, the second cable, the third cable, and the fourth cable that are surrounded by the housing are arranged such that the left surface of the sheath of the first cable and the right surface of the sheath of the second cable are separated from each other, the bottom surface of the sheath of the second cable and the top surface of the sheath of the third cable are separated from each other, the right surface of the sheath of the third cable and the left surface of the sheath of the fourth cable are separated from each other, or the top surface of the sheath of the fourth cable and the bottom surface of the sheath of the first cable are separated from each other.

12. 9. The connector device according to claim 8, further comprising a cable position regulating member that regulates the position of each of the coating portions of two adjacent cables among the plurality of cables to form the separation portion between the coating portions of the two cables.

13. 13. The connector device according to claim 12, wherein the cable position restricting member is coupled to the connecting portion.

14. a connector device comprising a connection part having one end connected to a connected body, a plurality of cables extending from the other end of the connection part, and a housing, each of the plurality of cables having a core and a covering covering the outer periphery of the core, a flat portion formed on the outer periphery of each of the covering parts of the plurality of cables, one ends of the plurality of cables being arranged in parallel such that the flat portions of the covering parts of two adjacent cables among the plurality of cables are in contact with each other and there is no space formed by the covering parts of two adjacent cables among the plurality of cables being separated from each other in a cross section of the entire plurality of cables, and the housing surrounding the portion from the other end of the connection part to one end of each of the covering parts of the plurality of cables and being integrated with said portion, a cable attaching step of attaching the plurality of cables to the connection portion so that the plurality of cables extend from the other end of the connection portion; a cable arranging step of arranging one ends of the plurality of cables in parallel such that flat surfaces of the coverings of two adjacent cables among the plurality of cables are in contact with each other and such that no space formed by the coverings of two adjacent cables among the plurality of cables being separated from each other does not exist within a cross section of the entire plurality of cables; A method for manufacturing a connector device, characterized in that it includes a housing forming process in which the housing is formed by overmolding on the outer circumferential side of the portion from the other end of the connection portion to one end of each of the coating portions of the multiple cables.

15. the plurality of cables extend rearward from the rear end of the connection portion, the housing is a resin molded article that surrounds a portion from the rear end of the connection portion to a front end of the covering portion of each of the plurality of cables and is integrated with the portion by overmolding, the rear portions of the plurality of cables that are surrounded by the housing are arranged in parallel such that flat portions of the covering portions of two adjacent cables of the plurality of cables are in contact with each other and that no space is formed in a cross section of the entire plurality of cables by the covering portions of the two adjacent cables of the plurality of cables being separated from each other, and the front portions of the plurality of cables that are surrounded by the housing are arranged in parallel such that there is a separated portion where the covering portions of the two adjacent cables of the plurality of cables are separated from each other, In the cable attaching step, the cables are attached to the connection portion so that the cables extend rearward from a rear end of the connection portion; In the cable arranging step, rear portions of the cables that are surrounded by the housing are arranged in the mold so that the flat surfaces of the coverings of two adjacent cables of the cables are in contact with each other and so that the space does not exist in the cross section of the entire cables, and front portions of the cables that are surrounded by the housing are arranged in the mold so that the separated portion exists. In the housing forming step, a resin is injected into the mold to form the housing by overmolding around an outer circumferential side of a portion from a rear end of the connection portion to a front end of each of the coating portions of the plurality of cables, 15. A method for manufacturing a connector device as described in claim 14, characterized in that the mold is provided with a cable position regulating piece that regulates the position of each of the coating portions of two adjacent cables among the plurality of cables to form the separation portion between the coating portions of the two cables, and in the cable arranging process, when the plurality of cables are arranged in the mold, the cable position regulating piece is inserted between each of the coating portions of two adjacent cables among the plurality of cables to form the separation portion between the coating portions of the two cables.

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