Electrical connector and method for manufacturing an electrical connector

Abstract

To provide an electrical connector that can reduce the degree of degradation or disturbance in the characteristic impedance of electric wires. [Solution] The electrical connector comprises a first wire and a housing. The first wire extends along a first direction and has a conductor and an insulating sheath covering the conductor. The housing has a first groove that extends along the first direction and accommodates and supports the first wire, with a second direction intersecting the first direction as the depth direction. Of the side surfaces of the conductor of the first wire located on the first groove, the first portion that fits inside the first groove is exposed from the sheath, and at least a portion of the second portion located outside the first groove is covered by the sheath.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrical connector and a method for manufacturing the electrical connector.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of an electrical connector that can be connected to a mating electrical connector. In this electrical connector, a plurality of conductive wires are respectively inserted and fixed into a plurality of through-holes provided in a housing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In an electrical connector of the type in which an electric wire is inserted into a through-hole, there is a form in which the covering of the tip of the electric wire is removed to expose the conductor, and the exposed portion of the conductor is inserted into the through-hole. And, in order to facilitate the operation of inserting the conductor into the through-hole, a groove for guiding the conductor into the through-hole may be provided behind the through-hole. Such a groove is formed in an insulating member.

[0005] For example, as described above, when the conductor exposed from the covering is disposed in the groove in the electrical connector, the side surface of the conductor exposed from the groove is not covered with an insulator such as the covering or the above-described insulating member and is exposed to air. Since the dielectric constant is different between the insulator and air, the impedance of the conductor changes at this portion, leading to deterioration or disturbance of the characteristic impedance of the electric wire. Deterioration or disturbance of the characteristic impedance causes reflection of the signal transmitted through the conductor or crosstalk.

[0006] This disclosure aims to provide an electrical connector and a method for manufacturing an electrical connector that can reduce the degree of degradation or disturbance of the characteristic impedance of electric wires. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An electrical connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a first wire and a housing. The first wire extends along a first direction and has a conductor and an insulating sheath covering the conductor. The housing has a first groove that extends along the first direction and accommodates and supports the first wire, with a second direction intersecting the first direction as the depth direction. Of the side surfaces of the conductor of the first wire located on the first groove, a first portion that fits inside the first groove is exposed from the sheath, and at least a portion of a second portion located outside the first groove is covered by the sheath. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an electrical connector and a method for manufacturing an electrical connector that can reduce the degree of degradation or disturbance of the characteristic impedance of an electric wire. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view perspective of an electrical connector according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the electrical connector from the rear. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a magnified view of a portion of Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the stepped support section, illustrating the state in which the conductors of the electric wires are inserted into each holding hole. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along the VV line in Figure 4, showing the cross-section of the electric wire housed in the groove. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for manufacturing an electrical connector according to this embodiment. [Figure 7]Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a first modified example of the present disclosure, which shows a cross-section of the electric wire housed in the groove, perpendicular to the X direction. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an electrical connector according to a second modified example of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an electrical connector according to a third modified example of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a fourth modified example of the present disclosure, which shows a cross-section perpendicular to the X direction of a flexible flat cable arranged on the inlet. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an electrical connector relating to a comparative example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] First, the contents of embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. [1] An electrical connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a first wire and a housing. The first wire extends in a first direction and has a conductor and an insulating sheath covering the conductor. The housing has a first groove that extends in the first direction and accommodates and supports the first wire, with a second direction intersecting the first direction being the depth direction. Of the side surfaces of the conductor of the first wire located in the first groove, a first portion that fits inside the first groove is exposed from the sheath, and at least a portion of a second portion that is located outside the first groove is covered by the sheath.

[0011] In the electrical connector described in [1] above, the first portion of the conductor side of the first wire located on the first groove that fits inside the first groove is exposed from the insulation. This allows the conductor to be guided with precision. In addition, at least a portion of the second portion of the conductor side of the first wire located on the first groove that is located outside the first groove is covered by the insulation. This reduces changes in the impedance of the conductor and reduces the degree of deterioration or disturbance of the characteristic impedance of the first wire.

[0012] [2] In the electrical connector described in [1] above, the housing may further have a first retaining hole that extends and penetrates along a first direction. The first end of the first retaining hole may be continuous with the first groove. The first retaining hole may accommodate the conductor exposed from the insulation at the tip of the first wire and hold the first wire such that the tip of the conductor is exposed at the second end of the first retaining hole. In this case, the first groove can guide the conductor into the first retaining hole with precision. This facilitates the assembly of the first wire and the housing.

[0013] [3] The electrical connector described in [2] above may further include a second wire extending in a first direction and having a conductor and an insulating sheath covering the conductor. The housing may further include a second groove which is the depth direction and extends in the first direction, and which accommodates and supports the second wire. The housing may further include a second retaining hole which extends in the first direction and penetrates through, and the second retaining hole may be located in a second direction relative to the first retaining hole. The first end of the second retaining hole may be continuous with the second groove. Of the side surface of the conductor of the second wire located on the second groove, the first portion that fits inside the second groove is exposed from the sheath, and at least a portion of the second portion located outside the second groove may be covered by the sheath. In this case, the conductor can be accurately guided into the second retaining hole by the second groove. This makes the assembly work of the second wire and the housing easier. In addition, wires can be arranged in multiple stages. This makes it possible to increase the mounting density of wires.

[0014] [4] In the electrical connectors described in [1] to [3] above, the first wire may be a flexible flat cable. For example, even in an electrical connector equipped with a flexible flat cable, the change in the impedance of the conductor can be reduced, thereby reducing the degree of deterioration or disturbance of the characteristic impedance.

[0015] [5] In a cross-section perpendicular to the first direction of the first electric wire of the electrical connectors [1] to [4] above, the portion of the outer periphery of the conductor covered by the coating may be longer than the portion exposed from the coating. When the first groove is shallow, the second portion located outside the first groove becomes larger than the first portion accommodated in the first groove. In such a case, if the second portion is exposed from the coating, the change in the impedance of the conductor becomes large, and the degree of deterioration or disturbance of the characteristic impedance of the first electric wire increases. By providing the coating over a sufficient length of the outer periphery of the conductor as in the electrical connector of [5] above, the change in the impedance of the conductor can be reduced, and the degree of deterioration or disturbance of the characteristic impedance of the first electric wire can be reduced.

[0016] [6] The manufacturing method of the electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing the electrical connector described in [1] to [5] above. This manufacturing method includes a step of manufacturing a first electric wire and a step of accommodating the first electric wire. In the step of manufacturing the first electric wire, an electric wire having a conductor and an insulating coating covering the conductor is prepared, and the first electric wire is manufactured by removing the portion covering the first portion of the coating while leaving at least a part of the portion covering the second portion of the coating. In the step of accommodating the first electric wire, the first electric wire is accommodated in the first groove so that the first portion fits inside the first groove. According to this manufacturing method, it is possible to easily manufacture a first electric wire in which the first portion fitting inside the first groove is exposed from the coating and at least a part of the second portion located outside the first groove is covered by the coating.

[0017] [Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Specific examples of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to this exemplification, and is indicated by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements in the description of the drawings, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0018] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an electrical connector 1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the electrical connector 1. Figure 3 is a partial enlargement of Figure 2. In Figures 1, 2, and 3, only some of the wires 11 are shown, and other wires 11 are omitted. As shown in these figures, the electrical connector 1 comprises a plurality of wires 11, a pair of guide pins 18, and a housing 20. The pair of guide pins 18 are used to position the electrical connector 1 when connecting it to a mating connector. The housing 20 holds the plurality of wires 11. Each guide pin 18 is press-fitted into each guide hole 24 (see Figure 2) provided in the housing 20.

[0019] The multiple wires 11 are components for transmitting power or electrical signals. Each of the multiple wires 11 extends along the X direction (first direction) and is arranged along the Y direction which intersects (e.g., perpendicular to) the X direction. The number of wires 11 is not particularly limited. Each wire 11 has a conductive conductor and an insulating sheath covering the conductor. The sheath is made of resin, for example. The conductor is made of metal, such as copper. When the electrical connector 1 is connected to the mating connector, the conductor is connected to a circuit on a circuit board, etc., via terminals provided on the mating connector.

[0020] The conductor at the end of each wire 11 is housed in one of the retaining holes 22a to 22h provided in the housing 20. At this time, the end of each wire 11 is exposed to the outside on the front surface 21a of the housing 20. In this way, each of the multiple wires 11 is connected to the terminal of the mating connector. Each wire 11 may be a signal wire or a ground wire.

[0021] The housing 20 is a component that holds multiple electric wires 11 such that the ends of each electric wire are exposed in front of the electrical connector 1 (front surface 21a). As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the housing 20 has a housing front end 21, a housing rear end 25, and a stepped support portion 30. The housing 20 is formed from a resin that allows for precise molding, such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) or liquid crystal polymer (LCP). The housing front end 21, housing rear end 25, and stepped support portion 30 may be formed integrally, or they may be attached to each other after they have been formed.

[0022] The front end portion 21 of the housing is the part that mainly holds the multiple electric wires 11, and is a plate-shaped member including a front surface 21a and a rear surface 21b. Guide holes 24 for press-fitting guide pins 18 are provided at each of the left and right edges of the front end portion 21 of the housing. The guide holes 24 penetrate the front end portion 21 of the housing from the front surface 21a to the rear surface 21b.

[0023] The front end portion 21 of the housing and the stepped support portion 30 are provided with a plurality of through-holes: a plurality of retaining holes 22a (first retaining holes), a plurality of retaining holes 22b (second retaining holes), a plurality of retaining holes 22c, a plurality of retaining holes 22d, a plurality of retaining holes 22e, a plurality of retaining holes 22f, a plurality of retaining holes 22g, and a plurality of retaining holes 22h. These retaining holes 22a to 22h each hold a plurality of electric wires 11. Each of the plurality of retaining holes 22a extends along the X direction and penetrates the front end portion 21 of the housing, and is arranged along the Y direction. The rear end (first end) of each of the plurality of retaining holes 22a opens on the rear surface 21b of the front end portion 21 of the housing.

[0024] Each of the retaining holes 22b extends along the X direction, passing through the housing front end 21 and the stepped support portion 30, and is arranged along the Y direction. The retaining holes 22b are located below the retaining holes 22a in the Z direction, which intersects (e.g., orthogonal to) both the X and Y directions. The retaining holes 22c to 22h, like the retaining holes 22b, each extend along the X direction, passing through the housing front end 21 and the stepped support portion 30, and are arranged along the Y direction. The retaining holes 22c to 22h are sequentially located below the retaining holes 22b in the Z direction. Because the housing 20 has a stepped support portion 30, the length of the retaining holes 22a to 22h along the X direction increases sequentially. Specifically, the length of the retaining holes 22a is the shortest, and the lengths of the retaining holes 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e, 22f, 22g, and 22h gradually increase in that order, with the length of the retaining hole 22h being the longest. The rear ends (first ends) of the retaining holes 22b to 22h, excluding the retaining hole 22a, open in the walls of each introduction section 31 to 38 of the stepped support section 30 (for example, the wall 32b of the introduction section 32). The conductors at the ends of each of the multiple electric wires 11 are housed in the retaining holes 22a to 22h, respectively.

[0025] Furthermore, the front ends (second ends) of the multiple retaining holes 22a to 22h are open on the front surface 21a of the housing front end 21. The multiple retaining holes 22a to 22h hold each of the multiple wires 11 housed within them so that each end of the wire is exposed on the front surface 21a of the housing front end 21.

[0026] The rear end portion 25 of the housing is a hollow portion surrounding the stepped support portion 30, and is formed to define a space inside it so that the upper part of the stepped support portion 30 is open. The rear end portion 25 of the housing is provided with a window portion 26 so that at least a part (preferably more than half) of each introduction portion 31 to 38 of the stepped support portion 30 can be seen by the worker. With such a window portion 26 provided, when the worker inserts each electric wire 11 into the holding hole 22a to 22h of the housing 20, the condition of the electric wire 11 can be easily checked and the work can be carried out.

[0027] The stepped support section 30 is a stepped portion that supports multiple electric wires 11 and guides each of the multiple electric wires 11 into each of the multiple holding holes 22a to 22h. As shown in Figure 2, the stepped support section 30 has eight introduction sections 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, and 38. However, the number of introduction sections provided in the stepped support section 30 is not limited to this; it may have one or more introduction sections, two or more introduction sections, or four or more introduction sections.

[0028] The introduction section 31 is a portion that extends in the X and Y directions and has a plurality of grooves 31a (first grooves) on its upper surface. Each of the plurality of grooves 31a is formed with the Z direction as the depth direction, extends in the X direction, and is arranged along the Y direction. Each groove 31a is formed continuously so as to connect to the corresponding retaining hole 22a. The grooves 31a accommodate and support the electric wire 11 introduced into the retaining hole 22a and guide the electric wire 11. The grooves 31a have, for example, a semicircular cross-section corresponding to the outer shape of the conductor of the electric wire 11. The shape of the grooves 31a may be any other shape as long as it can support the electric wire 11, for example, it may have a V-shaped cross-section.

[0029] The introduction section 32, like the introduction section 31, is a portion that extends in the X and Y directions. The introduction section 32 is located behind the introduction section 31 in the X direction and below it in the Z direction, and the introduction sections 31 and 32 have a stepped shape. The introduction section 32 has a plurality of grooves 32a (second grooves) on its upper surface. Each of the plurality of grooves 32a is formed with the Z direction as the depth direction, extends in the X direction, and is arranged along the Y direction. Each groove 32a is formed continuously so as to connect to the corresponding retaining hole 22b. The grooves 32a accommodate and support the electric wire 11 introduced into the retaining hole 22b and guide the electric wire 11. The grooves 32a have, for example, a semicircular cross-section corresponding to the outer shape of the conductor of the electric wire 11, but may have other shapes.

[0030] Each of the introduction sections 33 to 38, like introduction sections 31 and 32, is a portion that extends in the X and Y directions. Each of the introduction sections 33 to 38 is located behind introduction section 32 in the X direction and below in the Z direction, and has a stepped shape from introduction section 31 to 38. Each of the introduction sections 33 to 38 has multiple grooves formed on its upper surface. These grooves are continuously connected to one of the corresponding retaining holes 22c to 22h, and when the electric wire 11 is inserted into the retaining hole 22c to 22h, the grooves accommodate, support and guide the electric wire 11.

[0031] The stepped support section 30, including the inlet sections 31 to 38, has a stepped shape when viewed from the side. However, in the electrical connector 1, all of the inlet sections 31 to 38 of the stepped support section 30 are located within the rear end section 25 of the housing.

[0032] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the stepped support portion 30, showing the state in which the conductors 11a of the electric wire 11 are inserted into each of the holding holes 22a to 22d. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along the VV line in Figure 4, showing the cross-section of the portion of the electric wire 11 housed in the groove 31a. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the electric wire 11 has a conductive conductor 11a and an insulating sheath 11b covering the conductor 11a. The conductor 11a is made of metal, for example, and the sheath 11b is made of resin, for example.

[0033] The uppermost wire 11 (first wire) is housed and supported in groove 31a, and its conductor 11a is introduced into the holding hole 22a. As described above, the holding hole 22a houses the conductor 11a that is exposed from the insulation 11b at the tip of the wire 11, and holds the wire 11 so that the tip of the conductor 11a is exposed at the front end of the holding hole 22a. The second wire 11 (second wire) is housed and supported in groove 32a, and its conductor 11a is introduced into the holding hole 22b. The third wire 11 is housed and supported in groove 33a, and its conductor 11a is introduced into the holding hole 22c. The fourth wire 11 is housed and supported in groove 34a, and its conductor 11a is introduced into the holding hole 22d. The holding holes 22b to 22d also house the conductor 11a and hold the wire 11, similar to the holding hole 22a.

[0034] As shown in Figure 5, the lower half of the insulation 11b of the wire 11 located on groove 31a has been removed. As a result, of the side surface of the conductor 11a of the wire 11 located on groove 31a, the first portion 11c that fits inside groove 31a is exposed from the insulation 11b and is in contact with the inner surface of groove 31a. Of the side surface of the conductor 11a of the wire 11 located on groove 31a, the second portion 11d that is located outside groove 31a is covered by the insulation 11b. Similarly, for the wires 11 located on grooves 32a to 34a, the first portion 11c that fits inside the groove is exposed from the insulation 11b, and the second portion 11d that is located outside the groove is covered by the insulation 11b. Note that the portion that fits inside the groove refers to the portion that faces the inner surface of the groove. The portion located outside the groove refers to the portion that does not face the inner surface of the groove and is exposed from the groove.

[0035] In the example shown in Figure 5, the entire second portion 11d is covered by the covering 11b. Therefore, the covering 11b is in contact with the introduction portion 31, and the conductor 11a is completely covered in the circumferential direction by the insulator (covering 11b and introduction portion 31). In other words, the conductor 11a is not exposed from the covering 11b and the introduction portion 31.

[0036] Refer again to Figure 4. Due to the above structure, portion 11ba of the covering 11b, up to the point where it reaches either groove 31a to 34a, covers the entire circumference of the conductor 11a. In addition, portion 11bb of the covering 11b, located above either groove 31a to 34a, protrudes forward from portion 11ba and covers a portion (e.g., half the circumference) of the conductor 11a in the circumferential direction.

[0037] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a manufacturing method for the electrical connector 1 according to this embodiment. This manufacturing method comprises a step ST1 for manufacturing an electric wire 11 and a step ST2 for housing the electric wire 11. In step ST1, the electric wire 11 is manufactured. First, an electric wire having a conductor 11a and an insulating coating 11b covering the conductor 11a is prepared. Then, at the tip of the electric wire 11, the coating 11b is removed to expose the conductor 11a. At this time, the portion of the coating 11b that covers the first portion 11c is removed, while leaving the portion 11bb that covers the second portion 11d of the coating 11b. Next, in step ST2, the electric wire 11 is housed in one of the grooves 31a to 34a such that the first portion 11c fits inside one of the grooves 31a to 34a, and the conductor 11a at the tip is inserted into one of the holding holes 22b to 22d. According to this manufacturing method, an electric wire 11 can be easily produced in which the first portion 11c, which fits inside the groove 31a, is exposed from the covering 11b, and the second portion 11d, which is located outside the groove 31a, is covered by the covering 11b.

[0038] The effects obtained by the electrical connector 1 of this embodiment, which has the above configuration, will be explained along with the problems of the electrical connector according to the comparative example. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the electrical connector 1C according to the comparative example. This electrical connector 1C is equipped with a wire 11C instead of multiple wires 11. In this electrical connector 1C, the coating 11b of the wire 11C housed in the retaining hole 22a is removed over the entire circumference in the entire region from the front end of the retaining hole 22a to the rear end of the groove 31a. The same applies to the wire 11C housed in any of the retaining holes 22b to 22d. In this case, the side surface of the conductor 11a exposed from grooves 31a to 34a (regions A1 to A4 shown in the figure) is not covered by an insulator such as the coating 11b or the stepped support portion 30, and is exposed to the air. Since the dielectric constant of the insulator and air are different, the impedance of the conductor 11a changes in that portion, leading to a deterioration of the characteristic impedance of the wire 11C.

[0039] To address the above problem, in the electrical connector 1 of this embodiment, the second portion 11d of the conductor 11a of the electric wire 11 located on the groove 31a, which is located outside the groove 31a, is covered by the sheath 11b. The same applies to the conductor 11a of the electric wire 11 located on any of the grooves 31a to 34a. This reduces the change in impedance of the conductor 11a, thereby reducing the degree of deterioration or disturbance of the characteristic impedance of the electric wire 11. In the example shown in Figure 5, the entire second portion 11d in the circumferential direction is covered by the sheath 11b, but only a part of the second portion 11d in the circumferential direction may be covered by the sheath 11b. Even in this case, the above effect can be achieved. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first portion 11c that fits inside any of the grooves 31a to 34a is exposed from the sheath 11b. This allows the conductor 11a to be guided accurately by the grooves 31a to 34a.

[0040] As in this embodiment, the housing 20 may have a retaining hole 22a that extends and penetrates along the X direction. The rear end of the retaining hole 22a may be continuous with the groove 31a. The retaining hole 22a may accommodate the conductor 11a that is exposed from the insulation 11b at the tip of the electric wire 11, and may hold the electric wire 11 such that the tip of the conductor 11a is exposed at the front end of the retaining hole 22a. In this case, the groove 31a can guide the conductor 11a into the retaining hole 22a with precision. Therefore, the assembly work of the electric wire 11 and the housing 20 becomes easier.

[0041] As in this embodiment, the housing 20 may have a groove 32a in addition to the groove 31a for accommodating and supporting the electric wire 11. Furthermore, the housing 20 may have a retaining hole 22b in addition to the retaining hole 22a, with the retaining hole 22b positioned in the Z direction relative to the retaining hole 22a. The rear end of the retaining hole 22b may be continuous with the groove 32a. In this case, the groove 32a can accurately guide the conductor 11a into the retaining hole 22b. This facilitates the assembly of the electric wire 11 and the housing 20. Additionally, the electric wires 11 can be arranged in multiple layers. This increases the mounting density of the electric wires 11 and reduces the surface area of ​​the substrate to which they are connected.

[0042] [First variation] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a first modified example of the present disclosure, showing a cross-section perpendicular to the X direction of the portion of the electric wire 11 housed in the groove 31a. As shown in Figure 7, in this modified example, the depth of the groove 31a is shorter than the radius of the conductor 11a. The groove 31a houses less than half the circumference of the side surface of the conductor 11a. In the cross-section of the electric wire 11 perpendicular to the X direction, the length of the portion of the outer circumference of the conductor 11a covered by the sheathing 11b is longer than the length of the portion exposed from the sheathing 11b.

[0043] When the groove 31a is shallow, the second portion 11d located outside the groove 31a becomes larger than the first portion 11c housed in the groove 31a. In such a case, if the second portion 11d is exposed from the covering 11b, the change in the impedance of the conductor 11a becomes large, and the degree of deterioration or disturbance of the characteristic impedance of the electric wire 11 becomes large. As in this modified example, by providing the covering 11b over a sufficient length around the outer circumference of the conductor 11a, the change in the impedance of the conductor 11a can be reduced, thereby reducing the degree of deterioration or disturbance of the characteristic impedance of the electric wire 11. The same effect can be obtained in the electric wire 11 housed in grooves 32a to 34a by having the same configuration as in this modified example.

[0044] [Second variation] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an electrical connector 1A according to a second modification of the present disclosure. The electrical connector 1A comprises multiple wires 11A instead of the multiple wires 11 of the above embodiment. The differences between the wires 11A and the wires 11 are as follows: In the wire 11 of the above embodiment, the entire area of ​​the second portion 11d in the X direction is covered by the sheath 11b, but in the wire 11A of this modification, as shown in Figure 8, only a part of the second portion 11d in the X direction is covered by the sheath 11b. In other words, there is a gap between the portion 11ba of the sheath 11b and the rear surface 21b. Even in this case, compared to the electrical connector 1C shown in Figure 11, the change in the impedance of the conductor 11a can be reduced, and the degree of deterioration or disturbance of the characteristic impedance of the wire 11 can be reduced. In the illustrated example, all the wires 11A housed in the holding holes 22a to 22d have the above configuration, but only some of the wires 11A housed in the holding holes 22a to 22d may have the above configuration.

[0045] [Third variation] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an electrical connector 1B according to a third modification of the present disclosure. The electrical connector 1B comprises a plurality of wires 11B instead of the plurality of wires 11 of the above embodiment. In the wires 11B of this modification, the cut surface of the sheath 11b is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the X direction, and the circumferential length of portion 11bb of the sheath 11b gradually increases closer to the rear end of grooves 31a to 34a. In other words, the proportion of the second portion 11d covered by the sheath 11b increases closer to the rear end of grooves 31a to 34a. Thus, the circumferential length of portion 11bb may vary along the X direction. Even in this case, compared to the electrical connector 1C shown in Figure 11, the change in the impedance of the conductor 11a can be reduced, and the degree of deterioration or disturbance of the characteristic impedance of the wire 11 can be reduced. Furthermore, as the circumferential length of portion 11bb gradually decreases from groove 31a to the front end of 34a, the abrupt change in the impedance of the conductor 11a at the front end of portion 11bb can be reduced.

[0046] [Fourth variation] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a fourth modification of the present disclosure, showing a cross-section perpendicular to the X direction of a flexible flat cable 12 disposed on the introduction section 31. As shown in Figure 10, in this modification, a flexible flat cable 12 is disposed on the introduction section 31 instead of a plurality of electric wires 11. The flexible flat cable 12 has a plurality of conductive conductors 12a extending along the X direction and aligned in the Y direction, an insulating sheath 12b, and a conductive shield film 12c. In the portion of the flexible flat cable 12 extending in the X direction up to the introduction section 31, the sheath 12b covers the plurality of conductors 12a collectively, and the shield film 12c covers the outer circumference of the sheath 12b. In the portion of the flexible flat cable 12 above the introduction section 31, the lower half of the sheath 12b is removed, and each of the plurality of conductors 12a is housed in each of the plurality of grooves 31a.

[0047] Of the side surfaces of the conductor 12a located on the groove 31a, the first portion 12d that fits inside the groove 31a is exposed from the coating 12b. Of the side surfaces of the conductor 12a located on the groove 31a, the second portion 12e that is located outside the groove 31a is covered by the coating 12b. In the example shown in Figure 10, the entire second portion 12e is covered by the coating 12b. Therefore, the coating 12b is in contact with the introduction 31, and the conductor 12a is completely covered in the insulator (coating 12b and introduction 31) in the circumferential direction. In other words, the conductor 12a is not exposed from the coating 12b and the introduction 31.

[0048] As shown in this modified example, the electric wire may be a flexible flat cable 12. For example, even in an electrical connector equipped with a flexible flat cable 12, the change in impedance of the conductor 12a can be reduced, thereby reducing the degree of deterioration or disturbance of the characteristic impedance. In the illustrated example, the cross-sectional shape of the conductor 12a is circular. The cross-sectional shape of the conductor 12a is not limited to this, and may be rectangular, for example. In that case, the cross-sectional shape of the groove 31a may also be rectangular.

[0049] The electrical connector and method for manufacturing the electrical connector according to this disclosure are not limited to the embodiments described above, and various other modifications are possible. For example, the above embodiments and modifications illustrate an electrical connector having multiple stages of introduction sections 31 to 38. The electrical connector of this disclosure is not limited to this form, and may have only one stage of introduction sections. Also, the above embodiments and modifications illustrate a configuration in which multiple wires 11 (or conductors 12a) are arranged along the Y direction, but only one wire 11 (or conductor 12a) may be provided in the Y direction. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C… Electrical connectors 11...Electric wire 11a...Conductor 11b...covering 11ba,11bb…part 11c…Part 1 11d…Second part 12… Flexible flat cable 12a...Conductor 12b...covering 12c... Shielding film 12d…first part 12e…Second part 18… Guide pin 20… Housing 21…Front end of housing 21a...Front 21b…Rear side 22a...Retaining hole (first retaining hole) 22b...Retaining hole (second retaining hole) 22c, 22d, 22e, 22f, 22g, 22h...retention hole 24… Guide hole 25…Rear end of housing 26...Window section 30... Stepped support section 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38… Introduction 31a...groove (first groove) 32a...groove (second groove) 33a,34a...Groove A1,A2,A3,A4…Area

Claims

1. A first electric wire extending along a first direction and having a conductor and an insulating covering over the conductor, The device comprises a housing having a first groove that extends along the first direction and accommodates and supports the first electric wire, with the second direction intersecting the first direction being the depth direction, An electrical connector in which, of the side surfaces of the conductor of the first electric wire located on the first groove, the first portion that fits inside the first groove is exposed from the covering, and at least a portion of the second portion located outside the first groove is covered by the covering.

2. The housing further has a first retaining hole that extends and penetrates along the first direction, The first end of the first retaining hole is continuous with the first groove, The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the first retaining hole accommodates the conductor exposed from the covering at the tip of the first electric wire, and holds the first electric wire such that the tip of the conductor is exposed at the second end of the first retaining hole.

3. The device further comprises a second wire extending along the first direction and having a conductor and an insulating covering over the conductor, The housing further has a second groove that has the second direction as the depth direction, extends along the first direction, and accommodates and supports the second electric wire. The housing further has a second retaining hole that extends and penetrates along the first direction, the second retaining hole being located in the second direction relative to the first retaining hole, The first end of the second retaining hole is continuous with the second groove, The electrical connector according to claim 2, wherein of the side surface of the conductor of the second electric wire located on the second groove, the first portion that fits inside the second groove is exposed from the covering, and at least a portion of the second portion located outside the second groove is covered by the covering.

4. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first electric wire is a flexible flat cable.

5. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in a cross-section perpendicular to the first direction of the first electric wire, the portion of the outer circumference of the conductor covered by the covering is longer than the portion exposed from the covering.

6. A method for manufacturing an electrical connector as described in claim 1, A step of preparing an electric wire having a conductor and an insulating coating covering the conductor, and manufacturing the first electric wire by removing the portion of the coating that covers the first part while leaving the portion that covers at least a part of the second part of the coating, A step of housing the first electric wire in the first groove such that the first portion fits inside the first groove, A method for manufacturing an electrical connector, comprising:

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