Patent Publication Number: US-11641069-B2

Title: Connector housing and terminal arrangement for a stacked-type wire harness

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-181706. The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-181706 is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a connector for connecting multiple electrical wires to a connection target member. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     As a device for connecting multiple electrical wires to a connection target member there is a conventionally known connector having a configuration in which electrical wires are connected to a partner connector mounted on a substrate that is the connection target member. For example, JP 2009-252715A discloses a connector for connecting multiple electrical wires to a substrate. Specifically; the connector in JP 2009-252715A includes multiple terminals, and is configured such that electrical wires are connected to the terminals. After the electrical wires are connected to the terminals of the connector the connector is connected to a partner connector mounted on a substrate. The electrical wires are thus electrically connected to the substrate. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A connector disclosed in JP 2009-252715A has a configuration in which electrical wires are drawn out and extend from a lateral surface on one side of the connector With this configuration in which electrical wires are drawn out from the lateral surface on one side of the connector, the number of electrical wires that can be arranged in the connector is limited by the area of the one lateral surface of the connector. For this reason, it is difficult to arrange electrical wires densely in the connector overall. 
     Also, in the connector disclosed in JP 2009-252715A, because the electrical wires are drawn out and extend outward from the connector, the outward extending portions of the electrical wires bend downward from the connector. For this reason, when performing a task in which the connector is arranged on and connected to a connection target, member such as a substrate, the electrical wires connected to the connector or electrical wires connected to another connector connected to the substrate can easily hinder the task of arranging the connector. Accordingly there is a problem of a tendency to invite a decrease in workability when the connector is arranged on a connection target member such as a substrate. 
     Also, the connector disclosed in JP 2009-252715A has an approximately flat configuration. For this reason, in terms of work efficiency there is desire for the ability for multiple connectors to be stacked in the thickness direction and transported as a group. However, the connector disclosed in JP 2009-252715A has an approximately rectangular outer shape, and it is not easy to grip and transport; individual connectors with use of a robot arm that has a simple configuration, for example. For this reason, it is not easy to perform the task of gripping and transporting individual connectors in order to form one compact group of connectors, and it is also not easy to perform a task for successively gripping and transporting individual connectors that are in a compact group. 
     In light of the foregoing circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a connector in which multiple electrical wires can be arranged densely. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a connector that can suppress the case where electrical wires become a hindrance, and that can facilitate a task for arrangement on and connection to a connection target member. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a connector that enables easily performing a task for gripping and transporting individual connectors in order to form a compact group, and also enables easily performing a task for successively gripping and transporting individual connectors that are in a compact group. 
     (1) In order to solve the foregoing problems, a connector according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a plurality of first terminals; a plurality of second terminals; and a housing configured to hold the first terminals and the second terminals, wherein the first terminals are arranged side-by-side along a width direction of the housing, and the second terminals are arranged side-by-side along the width direction of the housing, in the housing, the first terminals, which are arranged side-by-side along the width direction, are arranged side-by-side with the second terminals, which are arranged side-by-side along the width direction, along a front-rear direction that is perpendicular to the width direction of the housing, and in a state where first electrical wires are respectively connected to the first terminals and second electrical wires are respectively connected to the second terminals, the first electrical wires connected to the first terminals are drawn out from the first terminals to one side in the front-rear direction of the housing, and the second electrical wires connected to the second terminals are drawn out from the second terminals to another side in the front-rear direction of the housing. 
     According to this configuration, in the connector the first terminals are arranged side-by-side along the width direction of the housing, the second terminals are arranged side-by-side along the width direction of the housing, and in the housing, the first terminals, which are arranged side-by-side along the width direction, are arranged side-by-side with the second terminals, which are arranged side-by-side along the width direction, along the front-rear direction of the housing that is perpendicular to the width direction. The first electrical wires are respectively connected to the first terminals and are drawn out to one side in the front-rear direction of the housing, and the second electrical wires are respectively connected to the second terminals and are drawn out to the other side in the front-rear direction of the housing. In other words, electrical wires are not only arranged on one side of the housing in the front-rear direction, but also can be arranged on the other side of the housing in the front-rear direction. Accordingly, the electrical wires can be drawn out to both the front and rear sides of the housing along the front-rear direction. As a result, electrical wires can be arranged densely in the connector. 
     Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to provide the connector in which multiple electrical wires can be arranged densely. 
     (2) It is preferable that the housing includes a first support portion that is plate-shaped and configured to support portions of the first electrical wires connected to the first terminals, the supported portions being portions that are drawn out from the first terminals, and a second support portion that is plate-shaped and configured to support portions of the second electrical wires connected to the second terminals, the supported portions being portions that are drawn out from the second terminals. 
     According to this configuration, the housing includes the first support portion and the second support portion that are plate-shaped. The first support, portion is configured to support portions of the first electrical wires that are drawn out from the first terminals when the first electrical wires are connected. Also, the second support portion is configured to support portions of the second electrical wires that are drawn out from the second terminals when the second electrical wires are connected. For this reason, the portions of the electrical wires that are drawn out from the terminals can be prevented from bending so as to sag downward, for example. Accordingly the portions of the electrical wires that are drawn out from the terminals can be protected. 
     (3) It is preferable that the first support portion is provided with first guide grooves into which portions of the first electrical wires are fitted, the fitted portions being portions that are connected to and drawn out from the first terminals, and the second support portion is provided with second guide grooves into which portions of the second electrical wires are fitted, the fitted portions being portions that are connected to and drawn out from the second terminals. 
     According to this configuration, portions of the first electrical wires that are drawn out from the first terminals are respectively fitted into the first guide grooves, and portions of the second electrical wires that are drawn out from the second terminals are respectively fitted into the second guide grooves. For this reason, it is possible to reliably prevent the case where the portions of the first electrical wires drawn out from the first terminals and the portions of the second electrical wires drawn out from the second terminals become tangled with each other. 
     (4) It is preferable that the first support portion is provided with a first inclined surface formed by providing the first support portion such that a thickness of the first support portion decreases toward the one side in the front-rear direction, and the second support portion is provided with a second inclined surface formed by providing the second support portion such that a thickness of the second support portion decreases toward the other side in the front-rear direction. 
     According to this configuration, the first support portion is provided with the first inclined surface, and the second support portion is provided with the second inclined surface. The first inclined surface is formed by providing the first support portion such that the thickness thereof decreases toward one side of the housing in the front-rear direction. Also, the second inclined surface is formed by providing the second support portion such that the thickness thereof decreases toward the other side of the housing in the front-rear direction. For this reason, the first electrical wires are guided by the first inclined surface so as to be easily fitted into the first guide grooves along the extending direction. Also, the second electrical wires are guided by the second inclined surface so as to be easily fitted into the second guide grooves along the extending direction. Accordingly, the first electrical wires can be easily fitted into the first guide grooves, and the second electrical wires can be easily fitted into the second guide grooves. 
     (5) In order to solve the foregoing problems, a connector according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a housing; and a plurality of terminals held in the housing, wherein the housing is provided with an electrical wire holding portion configured to hold a portion of an electrical wire, and the electrical wire holding portion is configured to hold a portion other than an end portion of the electrical wire that is drawn out and extends from a corresponding terminal among the plurality of terminals when connected to the corresponding terminal, the held portion being a portion that extends from a bent portion of the electrical wire that is drawn out and extends from the corresponding terminal, or is configured to hold a portion other than an end portion of the electrical wire that is drawn out and extends from another connector different from the connector when connected to the other connector. 
     According to this configuration, the connector includes the housing and the terminals held in the housing, and the housing is provided with the electrical wire holding portion configured to hold a portion of an electrical wire. The electrical wire holding portion is configured to hold a portion other than the end portion of the electrical wire that extends from the corresponding terminal, the held portion being a portion that extends from a bent portion of the electrical wire. Alternatively, the electrical wire holding portion is configured to hold a portion other than the end portion of an electrical wire that extends from another connector. 
     Therefore, according to this configuration, in the case where the electrical wire holding portion is to hold a portion, other than the end portion, that extends from the bent portion of the electrical wire that extends from the corresponding terminal, that portion of the electrical wire can be held in the electrical wire holding portion. Accordingly it is possible to suppress the case where the electrical wires that extend from the connector become a hinderance when the connector is transported, and the tasks of connection to and arrangement on the connection target member can be performed easily. 
     Also, according to this configuration, in the case where the electrical wire holding portion is to hold a portion, other than the end portion, of an electrical wire that extends from another connector, a worker transporting the connector can use the electrical wire holding portion of the connector to hold the electrical wire that extends from the other connector, and it is possible to suppress the case where the electrical wires become a hinderance when connecting and arranging the connector. Accordingly, the worker can suppress the case where the electrical wires become a hinderance, and can easily perform the tasks of connection to and arrangement on the connection target member. 
     Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the case where the electrical wires become a hinderance during the tasks of connecting and arranging the connector and the tasks of connection to and arrangement on the connection target member can be performed easily. 
     (6) It is preferable that the electrical wire holding portion is a holding groove that is shaped as a groove into which the electrical wire is fitted. 
     According to this configuration, the electrical wire holding portion is configured as the holding groove that is shaped as a groove. For this reason, the electrical wire drawn out from the corresponding terminal is fitted into and held in the holding groove. Accordingly, the electrical wire is fitted into and reliably held in the electrical wire holding portion, and it is possible to prevent the electrical wire from coming out of the electrical wire holding portion even when the connector is being transported. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent the electrical wires from hindering operations when the connector is arranged. 
     (7) It is preferable that the holding groove is provided extending parallel with a direction in which the electrical wire connected to the corresponding terminal is drawn out. 
     According to this configuration, the drawn direction of the electrical wire connected to the terminal and the extending direction of the holding groove are parallel with each other. For this reason, the portion of the electrical wire drawn out from the terminal can be held in a straight shape by the holding groove. Accordingly, the connector can compactly and efficiently hold the portion of the electrical wire drawn out from the housing. 
     (8) It is preferable that a projection is formed on an inner surface of the holding groove, the projection being configured to prevent the electrical wire fitted into the holding groove from moving out of the holding groove. 
     According to this configuration, the projection is provided on an inner surface of the holding groove, and the projection prevents the electrical wire held in the holding groove from moving out of the holding groove. For this reason, the electrical wire held in the holding groove is caught on the projection and is not likely to fall out of the holding groove. Accordingly the worker can reliably prevent the electrical wire from coining out of the holding groove and hindering operations when transporting the connector. 
     (9) In order to solve the foregoing problems, a connector according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a housing; and a plurality of terminals held in the housing, wherein the housing includes a housing main body portion configured to hold the terminals to which electrical wires are to be connected, and a pair of projection portions that project from the housing main body portion, the pair of projection portions project from the housing main body portion to respective sides in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the electrical wires are drawn out from the terminals held in the housing main body portion, and the pair of projection portions each include a positioning portion that has a plurality of slide surfaces and is a portion configured for use when the connector is positioned, and a hold target portion that is a portion configured to be held by a holding tool for holding the connector. 
     According to this configuration, the connector includes the housing and the terminals held in the housing, and the housing includes the housing main body portion and the pair of projection portions that project from the housing main body portion. Also, the pair of projection portions project from the housing main body portion to respective sides in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the electrical wires are drawn out from the terminals held by the housing main body portion. The projection portions each have a hold target portion that is a portion held by a holding tool for holding the connector. For this reason, the hold target portions of individual connectors can be held and transported by the holding tools. 
     Also, according to this configuration, the projection portions each include the positioning portion that has multiple slide surfaces and is a portion configured for use when the connector is positioned. For this reason, by attaching rail members having a shape that corresponds to the slide surfaces in order to stack multiple connectors for example, it is possible to stack multiple connectors into a group. As a result, the worker can easily perform a task of gripping and transporting multiple connectors. Also, because the connectors include the above-described pairs of projection portions, the worker can also easily perform a task of successively gripping and transporting individual connectors from the stacked group. 
     Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to easily perform a task of gripping and transporting individual connectors in order to form a compact group of connectors, and it is also possible to easily perform a task of successively gripping and transporting individual connectors from a compactly stacked group of connectors. 
     (10) It is preferable that the positioning portion is shaped as a groove, the hold target portion includes a recession portion that is shaped as a recession into which the holding tool fits, and a step portion that is arranged side-by-side with the recession portion in a height direction of the housing and has a level difference relative to the recession portion the pair of projection portions is provided on both one end portion and another end portion of the housing with respect to a direction parallel with a drawn direction of the electrical wires, and a lock portion configured to engage with and lock a partner connector is provided between the pair of projection portions on the one end portion and the pair of projection portions on the other end portion. 
     According to this configuration, the positioning portions of the connector are shaped as grooves. For this reason, when multiple connectors are stacked, the groove-shaped positioning portions of the connectors reliably fit to rail members whose shape corresponds to the slide surfaces. Accordingly, the connectors can slide along the rail members in a stable state. 
     Also, according to this configuration, the hold target portions have the recession portions that are shaped as recessions into which holding tools fit. For this reason, the connector is held in a state where the holding tools fit into the recession portions. The hold target portions each also have the step portion that is arranged side-by-side with the recession portion in the height direction of the housing and has a level difference relative to the recession portion. For this reason, the connector is held by the holding tools whose shape corresponds to the level difference formed by the step portions, and the connector is thus stably held so as to not shift in the height direction. 
     Furthermore, according to this configuration, a pair of projection portions is provided on both the end portion on one side and the end portion on the other side of the housing in the direction parallel with the drawn direction of the electrical wires. Also, the lock portions configured to engage with and lock the partner connector are provided between the pair of projection portions on the one end portion and the pair of projection portions on the other end portion. In other words, the pairs of projection portions are respectively provided on the one end portion and the other end portion of the housing, and the lock portions are provided between the pairs of projection portions so as to engage with the partner connector. For this reason, in the connector the lock portions engage with the partner connector at or near the center of gravity between the two end portions of the housing, thus making it possible to more reliably maintain a more stable and firm connected state. 
     Note that the above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reading the following description with the attached drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention along with a partner connector mounted on a substrate, and shows a state where the connector is connected to the partner connector. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of the connector shown in  FIG.  1   , and shows a state where the connector is detached from the partner connector. 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of the partner connector shown in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    is a plan view of the partner connector shown in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of the connector shown in  FIG.  1    along with holding tools. 
         FIG.  6    is an enlarged view of a front portion of the connector shown in  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  7    is an enlarged view of a hold target portion of the connector shown in  FIG.  1    along with a holding tool. 
         FIG.  8    is a plan view of the connector shown in  FIG.  1   , and shows a state where the connector is connected to the partner connector. 
         FIG.  9    is a cross-sectional view of the connector shown in  FIG.  1   , taken along an arrow line A-A. 
         FIG.  10    is a diagram showing an example of an aspect in which electrical wire holding portions of one connector hold electrical wires extending from another connector. 
         FIG.  11    is a perspective view of a state where connectors are stacked along rail members. 
         FIG.  12    is a front view of the connectors and the rail members shown in  FIG.  11   . 
         FIG.  13    is a side view of the connectors and the rail members shown in  FIG.  11   . 
         FIG.  14    is a perspective view of a state where stacked connectors are bound by binding members. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. The present invention is widely applicable to various applications as a connector for connecting multiple electrical wires to a connection target member. In the present embodiment, a substrate serves as the connection target member to which electrical wires are connected by the connector, and the substrate constitutes a portion of a backlight device that is attached to a liquid crystal panel of a liquid crystal display device and is for emitting light onto the liquid crystal panel, for example. 
       FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a connector  1  according to one embodiment of the present invention along with a partner connector  2  mounted on a substrate, and shows a state where the connector  1  is connected to the partner connector  2 .  FIG.  2    is a perspective view of the connector  1  shown in  FIG.  1   , and shows a state where the connector  1  is detached from the partner connector  2 . 
     In the following description, a width direction W of the connector  1  is simply the width direction W and the direction perpendicular to the width direction W of the connector  1  is simply called a front-rear direction X. As shown in  FIGS.  2  and  5   , in the present embodiment, the front side in the front-rear direction X of the connector  1  is the side on which first electrical wires  3   a , which are drawn out and extend in a straight line from later-described first terminals  50 , are drawn out, and the rear side in the front-rear direction X is the side on which second electrical wires  3   b , which are drawn out and extend in a straight line from later-described second terminals  51 , are drawn out. Also, the side of the connector  1  on which the connector  1  faces the partner connector  2  is the lower side, and the side opposite thereto is the upper side. Furthermore, a height direction is the thickness direction of the connector  1 , a later-described housing  21 , and the partner connector  2 . 
     The connector  1  is a device for connecting electrical wires  3  to a connection target member, and in the present embodiment, the connector  1  is for connecting electrical wires  3  to a substrate  4 , which is the connection target member, by being connected to a partner connector  2  mounted on the substrate  4 . When the connector  1  is connected to the partner connector  2  (hereinafter, called the connected state), the electrical wires  3  are electrically connected to the substrate  4 . The connector  1  of the present embodiment is configured to be connected to multiple electrical wires  3 , and more specifically is configured to be connected to two first electrical wires  3   a  and two second electrical wires  3   b  that make up the plurality of electrical wires  3 . The first electrical wires  3   a  are connected to later-described first terminals  50  and then drawn out, and the second electrical wires  3   b  are connected to later-described second terminals  51  and then drawn out. 
     Before the connector  1  of the present embodiment is described in further detail, the following first describes the partner connector  2  to which the connector  1  is connected, with reference to  FIGS.  1  to  4   . 
       FIG.  3    is a perspective view of the partner connector  2  shown in  FIG.  1   .  FIG.  4    is a plan view of the partner connector  2  shown in  FIG.  1   . 
     The partner connector  2  is mounted on the substrate  4 , on which an LED (Light Emitting Diode, not shown) is mounted. The partner connector  2  is configured as a part for mechanically and electrically connecting the connector  1  to the substrate  4 . As shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the partner connector  2  is provided in an approximately central portion of the substrate  4 . The partner connector  2  includes a partner housing  5 , tabs  6 , and multiple partner terminals  7 . 
     The partner housing  5  is configured as a portion into which the connector  1  is fitted. As shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the partner housing  5  includes a base portion  8 , a base projection portion  9 , tab housing portions  10 , and groove portions  11 . 
     The base portion  8  is approximately plate-shaped. The base portion  8  is arranged on the upper surface of the substrate  4 . 
     The base projection portion  9  is provided as a portion for positioning the connector  1  relative to the partner connector  2 . The base projection portion  9  is provided in an approximately central portion of the partner connector  2 . The base projection portion  9  guides the connector  1  so as to be fitted at an appropriate position on the partner connector  2 . 
     The tab housing portions  10  are configured as portions for fixing the partner connector  2  to the substrate  4 . 
     The groove portions  11  are configured as groove-shaped portions for connection of the connector  1 . Later-described lock portions  26  are locked to the groove portions  11 . The groove portions  11  are provided at four locations in the partner connector  2 . The groove portions  11  are formed as grooves in inward side surfaces of the tab housing portions  10 . 
     The tabs  6  are provided as members for fixing the partner connector  2  to the substrate  4 . Leading end portions of the tabs  6  that protrude from the lower surfaces of the tab housing portions  10  are press-fitted into the substrate  4  so as to be fixed thereto. 
     The partner terminals  7  are configured as portions to which later-described terminals  20  of the connector  1  are connected. The partner terminals  7  are held by the partner housing  5 , and are mechanically and electrically connected to the substrate  4 . The partner terminals  7  are plate-shaped, and are provided so as to be partially exposed from the base projection portion  9  of the partner connector  2 . 
     The following describes the connector  1  of the present embodiment. 
       FIG.  5    is a perspective view of the connector  1  shown in  FIG.  1    along with later-described holding tools  34 .  FIG.  6    is an enlarged view of a front portion of the connector  1  shown in  FIG.  5   .  FIG.  7    is an enlarged view of a hold target portion  32  of the connector  1  shown in  FIG.  1    along with a holding tool  34 .  FIG.  8    is a plan view of the connector  1  shown in  FIG.  1   , and shows a state where the connector  1  is connected to the partner connector  2 .  FIG.  9    is a cross-sectional view of the connector  1  shown in  FIG.  1   , taken along an arrow line A-A. 
     The connector  1  is a device for electrically connecting the electrical wires  3  to the substrate  4 , which is the connection target member. More specifically the connector  1  is connected to the partner connector  2  that is mounted on the substrate  4 . The connector  1  includes multiple terminals  20  and a housing  21 . 
     The terminals  20  are portions that come into contact with and are electrically connected to the partner terminals  7 . The terminals  20  are held in the later-described housing  21 . The terminals  20  are arranged in an approximately central portion of the connector  1 . Four terminals  20  are provided in the connector  1  of the present embodiment. An electrical wire  3  is connected to each of the terminals  20 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  2 ,  5 ,  6 , and  8   , the terminals  20  include multiple first terminals  50  and multiple second terminals  51 . Specifically the connector  1  includes multiple first terminals  50  and multiple second terminals  51  as the terminals  20 . The first terminals  50  and the second terminals  51  are held by the housing  21 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  8   , the first terminals  50  and the second terminals  51  are arranged side-by-side along the width direction W of the housing  21 . In the present embodiment, two first terminals  50  are arranged side-by-side in the width direction W of the housing  21 . Similarly, two second terminals  51  are arranged side-by-side along the width direction W of the housing  21 . 
     Also, the first terminals  50 , which are arranged side-by-side along the width direction W of the housing  21 , and the second terminals  51 , which are arranged side-by-side along the width direction W are arranged on the housing  21  so as to be side-by-side with each other along the front-rear direction X that is perpendicular to the width direction W of the housing  21 . In the present embodiment, the first terminals  50  are arranged on the front side in the front-rear direction X of the housing  21 . Also, the second terminals  51  are arranged on the rear side in the front-rear direction X of the housing  21 . 
     The first terminals  50  are each configured to be connected to a first electrical wire  3   a , and the second terminals  51  are each configured to be connected to a second electrical wire  3   b . The connector  1  is configured such that the first electrical wires  3   a  connected to the first terminals  50  are drawn out from the first terminals  50  to one side in the front-rear direction X of the housing  21 . The connector  1  is also configured such that the second electrical wires  3   b  connected to the second terminals  51  are drawn out from the second terminals  51  to the other side in the front-rear direction X of the housing  21 . In the present embodiment, the first electrical wires  3   a  connected to the first terminals  50  are drawn out to the front side of the housing  21 . The second electrical wires  3   b  connected to the second terminals  51  are drawn out to the rear side of the housing  21 . 
     The housing  21  holds the terminals  20  that are connected to the electrical wires  3 . The housing  21  includes a housing main body portion  22  and pairs of projection portions  23 . The pairs of projection portions  23  are respectively provided at the front and rear ends in the front-rear direction X of the housing  21 . 
     The housing main body portion  22  is configured as the main body portion of the connector  1 . As shown in  FIG.  5   , the housing main body portion  22  holds the terminals  20  that are connected to the electrical wires  3 . In the connected state, the housing main body portion  22  is arranged between the tab housing portions  10  of the partner connector  2 , which are arranged on the outward sides in the width direction W of the connector  1 . The housing main body portion  22  includes lock portions  26 , lock operation portions  27 , electrical wire holding portions  28 , and lock support portions  29 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  5 ,  6 , and  9   , in the connected state, the lock portions  26  are arranged between the pair of projection portions  23  in the end portion of the housing  21  on one side in a direction parallel with the drawn direction of the electrical wires  3  and the pair of projection portions  23  in the end portion on the other side. The lock portions  26  are configured as portions for engaging with and locking the partner connector  2 . The lock portions  26  are provided between the later-described pairs of projection portions provided on the front and rear sides of the connector  1 . More specifically, as shown in  FIGS.  5  and  9   , the lock portions  26  are provided in the central portion, with respect to the front-rear direction X, of the surface of the connector  1  on the side for connection to the partner connector  2 , and are configured to engage with the groove portions  11  of the partner connector  2 . 
     The lock operation portions  27  are provided as portions for disengaging the lock portions  26  that are engaged with the groove portions  11 . When the lock operation portions  27  are pressed, the lock portions  26  become displaced in the width direction W of the housing  21 . The lock operation portions  27  are respectively arranged on two end portions of the housing  21  in the width direction W at positions in the approximately central portion in the front-rear direction X. 
     The electrical wire holding portions  28  are configured to hold portions of the electrical wires  3  drawn out from the housing  21  in the front-rear direction X. For example, as shown in  FIG.  5   , the electrical wire holding portions  28  are configured to hold portions other than the end portions of electrical wires  3  (first electrical wires  3   a ) that are connected to terminals  20  (first terminals  50 ) and are drawn out and extend from the terminals  20  (first terminals  50 ), the held portions being portions that extend from bent portions of the electrical wires  3  (first electrical wires  3   a ) that are drawn out and extend from the terminals  20  (first terminals  50 ). In the present embodiment, the bent portions of these electrical wires  3  are configured as portions of the electrical wires  3  that are first drawn out forward from the first terminals  50  and then turn and extend rearward. In the bent portions of the electrical wires  3 , the electrical wires  3  are first drawn out forward from the first terminals  50 , then bend and extend along the width direction, and then bend again and extend rearward along the front-rear direction X. The electrical wire holding portions  28  hold the portions that extend after the bend toward the side opposite to the drawn direction side in the front-rear direction X of the housing  21 . 
       FIG.  10    is a diagram showing an example of an aspect in which the electrical wire holding portions  28  of one connector  1  hold electrical wires  3  extending from another connector  1   a .  FIG.  10    shows a state where the connector  1  is arranged side-by-side with the other connector  1   a  whose configuration is similar to that of the connector  1 . The other connector  1   a  is configured to be connected to a substrate  4   a . Note that due to having a configuration similar to that of the connector  1 , portions of the other connector  1   a  shown in  FIG.  10    are denoted by the same reference signs as the connector  1 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  10   , the electrical wire holding portions  28  may be configured to hold portions, other than end portions, of electrical wires  3  that are connected to and drawn out and extend from the other connector  1   a  that is different from the connector  1 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  10   , the electrical wire holding portions  28  are configured such that, in the case where two connectors ( 1  and  1   a ) are arranged side-by-side, electrical wire holding portions  28  of the one connector  1  hold portions of electrical wires  3  that are drawn out and extend from the other connector  1   a . Specifically  FIG.  10    shows an aspect in which the electrical wire holding portions  28  of each of the two connectors  1  and  1   a  hold portions of electrical wires  3  that are drawn out and extend from the other connector. Note that the electrical wire holding portions  28  may hold portions of electrical wires  3  that are drawn out and extend from a connector other than the illustrated connectors. Also, the portions of electrical wires  3  that are drawn out and extend from the other connector  1   a  and held in the electrical wire holding portions  28  may be the portions that are drawn out from and extend in a straight line from the terminals  20 . In other words, the electrical wire holding portion  28  may hold portions of the electrical wires  3  that are drawn out from the other connector  1   a  and extend before the bent portion. 
     The electrical wire holding portions  28  are configured as holding grooves  30  that are shaped as grooves into which the electrical wires  3  are fitted. The electrical wire holding portions  28  are provided on both sides in the width direction W of the housing main body portion  22 . The electrical wire holding portions  28  provided on the respective sides in the width direction W of the housing main body portion  22  are arranged parallel with each other. 
     The lock support portions  29  are configured as portions that support the lock portions  26  and the lock operation portions  27  such that the lock portions  26  can become displaced in the width direction W of the housing  21  when the lock operation portions  27  are pressed. The lock support portions  29  are provided so as to span the two width direction W sides of the housing  21  in the front-rear direction X. The lock support portions  29  are configured so as to be capable of elastic deformation in the width direction W The lock support portions  29  are arranged outward of the electrical wire holding portions  28  in the width direction W. 
     The holding grooves  30  are provided so as to extend in a direction parallel with the direction in which the electrical wires  3  connected to the terminals  20  are drawn out. The holding grooves  30  each have projections  31 . 
     The projections  31  are provided as portions for preventing the electrical wires  3  fitted into the holding grooves  30  from moving out of the holding grooves  30 . The projections  31  are provided on inward surfaces of the holding grooves  30 . The projections  31  are provided on both width direction W sides of the opening portion of each of the holding grooves  30 . Each of the holding grooves  30  is provided with multiple projections  31  along the front-rear direction X of the housing main body portion  22 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  5  to  9   , the pairs of projection portions  23  are portions that are held by holding tools  34 , which are for holding the connector  1  when being individually transported, and the pairs of projection portions  23  are configured as portions that are bound when multiple connectors  1  are transported in a stacked state. The holding tools  34  of the present embodiment are configured as portions for gripping the connector  1 , and more specifically are leading end portions of a robot arm (not shown) that is used as a mechanism for transporting the connector  1 . The pairs of projection portions  23  are provided so as to protrude from the housing main body portion  22 . The pairs of projection portions  23  that protrude from the housing main body portion  22  extend toward respective sides in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the electrical wires  3  are drawn out from the terminals  20  held by the housing main body portion  22 . Furthermore, the pairs of projection portions  23  are respectively provided on one end portion and the other end portion of the housing  21  with respect to a direction parallel to the drawn direction of the electrical wires  3 . In other words, the pairs of projection portions  23  are respectively provided on the front side and the rear side of the connector  1  in the front-rear direction X, and respectively project outward to the two sides in the width direction W of the housing  21 , Each of the projection portions  23  includes a hold target portion  32  and a positioning portion  33 . 
     The hold target portions  32  are portions that are held by the holding tools  34  for holding the connector  1  when the connector  1  is individually transported. The hold target portions  32  each include a recession portion  35  and a step portion  36 . Note that the holding tools  34  are devices for holding and moving the connector  1  when transporting the connector  1  or when connecting the connector  1  to the partner connector  2 . Each of the holding tools  34  includes a connector holding portion  37  and a shaft portion  38 . 
     The connector holding portions  37  are portions for holding the connector  1  by supporting the connector  1  from below while also sandwiching it in the width direction. W. As shown in  FIGS.  5  and  7   , the connector holding portions  37  are disc-shaped and have a larger diameter than the later-described shaft portions  38 . More specifically, the connector holding portions  37  hold the connector  1  in a manner of sandwiching the later-described step portions  36  in the width direction W. 
     The shaft portions  38  are portions for holding the connector  1  while also positioning the connector  1  at an appropriate position relative to the holding tools  34 . The shaft portions  38  are shaped as circular columns. The connector holding portions  37  are supported at leading end portions of the shaft portions  38 . More specifically the shaft portions  38  hold the connector  1  in a manner of sandwiching the later-described recession portions  35  in the width direction W. In other words, the shaft portions  38  hold the connector  1  by sandwiching it in conjunction with the connector holding portions  37 . The shaft portions  38  may rotatably support the connector holding portions  37 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  5  and  7   , the recession portions  35  are configured as portions that are gripped by the shaft portions  38  of the holding tools  34  when the connector  1  is held. The recession portions  35  are shaped as recessions into which the holding tools  34  are fitted. The recession portions  35  of the present embodiment are formed in leading end portions of the pairs of projection portions  23  on the two sides in the width direction W The recession portions  35  of each pair of projection portions  23  are configured to be open outward in the width direction W of the housing  21 . More specifically the recession portions  35  are each constituted by two flat inclined surfaces. When the connector  1  is held by the holding tools  34 , the shaft portions  38  are in line contact with two locations on the recession portions  35 . 
     Because the recession portions  35  of the present embodiment are each constituted by two inclined surfaces so as to be open outward, the shaft portions  38  guide the recession portions  35  to appropriate positions even if the recession portions  35  are out of alignment before being sandwiched by the shaft portions  38 . Specifically, due to the recession portions  35  each being constituted by two flat inclined surfaces so as to be open outward, when the connector  1  is held by the holding tools  34 , the connector  1  becomes positioned at an appropriate position relative to the holding tools  34 . 
     The step portions  36  are configured as portions for preventing the connector  1  from shifting in the height direction H of the housing  21  when the connector  1  is held by the holding tools  34 . The step portions  36  are arranged side-by-side with the recession portions  35  in the height direction H of the housing  21 , and have a level difference relative to the recession portions  35 . Specifically, the recession portions  35  are placed on the upper surfaces of the connector holding portions  37  when the connector  1  is held by the holding tools  34 . For this reason, the connector  1  is supported by the connector holding portions  37  from below at the step portions  36  so as to not fall. 
     Note that it is desirable for connectors  1  to be transported in a group in order to improve the efficiency of transportation of the connectors  1 , and in the present embodiment, multiple connectors  1  are stacked in the height direction H when transported. Here, rail members  39  and binding members  40  are used in order to accurately stack the connectors  1 . 
       FIG.  11    is a perspective view of a state where connectors  1  are stacked along rail members  39 .  FIG.  12    is a front view of the connectors  1  and the rail members  39  shown in  FIG.  11   .  FIG.  13    is a side view of the connectors  1  and the rail members  39  shown in  FIG.  11   .  FIG.  14    is a perspective view of a state where the stacked connectors  1  are bound by binding members  40 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  11  to  13   , the rail members  39  are members used in order to prevent shifting of the connectors  1  relative to each other when the connectors  1  are stacked in the height direction H. The rail members  39  are arranged in pairs, and are arranged parallel to each other in the height direction H of the connector  1 , for example. The connectors  1  are lifted up and transported while being individually sandwiched from the two width direction W sides by the holding tools  34  of the robot arm. The connectors  1 , which are gripped by the holding tools  34  and individually transported, are released at a position corresponding to the region above the pair of rail members  39  so as to fit between the rail members  39 . After being released at the position corresponding to the rail members  39 , the connectors  1  descend along the rail members  39  from above the rail members  39 . As shown in  FIGS.  12  and  13   , the connectors  1  that have descended along the rail members  39  become stacked without gaps along the rail members  39 . The connectors  1  stacked along the rail members  39  form a compact group. The connectors  1  are then bound by the binding members  40  in the stacked state. 
     Note that the connectors  1  are configured to slide along later-described slide surfaces  41  when descending along the rail members  39 . The rail members  39  include housing-opposing surfaces  39   a  that oppose the housing main body portion  22  and extend inward in the direction in which the pair of rail members  39  oppose each other, projection portion width direction surfaces  39   b  that oppose the side surfaces formed on the inward side in the width direction W of the pair of projection portions  23 , and projection portion front-rear surfaces  39   c  that oppose the side surfaces formed on the outward side in the front-rear direction X of the pair of projection portions  23 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  14   , the binding members  40  are members that are fixed to a group of connectors  1  stacked in the height direction H, and are for holding the connectors  1  in the stacked state. In the present embodiment, the stacked connectors  1  are bound by two binding members  40  that oppose each other. Also, the stacked connectors  1  are bound on both sides in the front-rear direction X of the connectors  1 , that is to say are bound at one of the two projection portions  23  on the front side and one of the two projection portions  23  on the rear side, for example. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  5 ,  8 , and  11   , the positioning portions  33  are portions configured for use when the connectors  1  are positioned, and more specifically are configured as portions that are positioned relative to the rail members  39  that guide the connectors  1  when the connectors  1  are being stacked. The positioning portions  33  are shaped as grooves. The positioning portions  33  are formed in the pairs of projection portions  23 , and are portions configured for use when positioning the connectors  1  that are being stacked. The positioning portions  33  each have multiple slide surfaces  41 . 
     The slide surfaces  41  are configured as surfaces that slide along the rail members  39  when the connectors  1  are being stacked. The slide surfaces  41  are provided in two end portions in the front-rear direction X of each of the connectors  1 . The slide surfaces  41  include a first slide surface  42 , a second slide surface  43 , and a third slide surface  44 . 
     The first slide surfaces  42  are provided as first surfaces that slide against the rail members  39  when the connectors  1  are being stacked. As shown in  FIGS.  5 ,  8 ,  11   , the first slide surfaces  42  are provided on inward surfaces in the width direction W of the housing main body portion  22 . The first slide surfaces  42  are provided in end portions in the front-rear direction X of each of the connectors  1 . The first slide surfaces  42  are configured to slide against the housing-opposing surfaces  39   a.    
     The second slide surfaces  43  are provided as second surfaces that slide against the rail members  39  when the connectors  1  are being stacked. The second slide surfaces  43  are provided in end portions in the front-rear direction X of each of the connectors  1 . The second slide surfaces  43  are provided on side surfaces of each of the pairs of projection portions  23 . The second slide surfaces  43  are provided at positions that oppose the first slide surfaces  42 . The first slide surfaces  42  and the second slide surfaces  43  form groove-shaped portions into which the rail members  39  can slidably fit. The second slide surfaces  43  are configured to slide against the projection portion width direction surfaces  39   b.    
     The third slide surfaces  44  are provided as third surfaces that slide against the rail members  39  when the connectors  1  are being stacked. The third slide surfaces  44  are provided in end portions in the front-rear direction X of each of the connectors  1 . The third slide surfaces  44  are provided on each of the pairs of projection portions  23 . The third slide surfaces  44  are provided as end surfaces of the projection portions  23  that are perpendicular to the front-rear direction X. The third slide surfaces  44  are configured to slide against the projection portion front-rear surfaces  39   c.    
     In order for the connectors  1  to be connected to substrates  4 , the binding members  40  are removed from the compact group of connectors  1 , and the connectors  1  are successively gripped and transported to the arrangement location. Specifically, the connectors  1  are lifted up one-by-one and transported while the hold target portions  32  are sandwiched from the two width direction W sides by the holding tools  34  of the robot arm. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  2 ,  5 , and  8   , the housing  21  includes a first support portion  24  and a second support portion  25 , The first support portion  24  and the second support portion  25  are included in the housing main body portion  22 . The first support portion  24  and the second support portion  25  are configured to support portions of the electrical wires  3 . The first support portion  24  is configured to support portions of the first electrical wires  3   a  that are drawn out from the first terminals  50  in the state where the first electrical wires  3   a  are connected to the first terminals  50 . The first support portion  24  has a plate-shaped configuration. The first support portion  24  is provided on one side of the housing  21  in the front-rear direction X. Specifically the first support portion  24  of the present embodiment is provided on the front side of the housing  21 . 
     The second support portion  25  is configured to support portions of the second electrical wires  3   b  that are drawn out from the second terminals  51  in the state where the second electrical wires  3   b  are connected to the second terminals  51 . The second support portion  25  has a plate-shaped configuration. The second support portion  25  is provided on the other side of the housing  21  in the front-rear direction X. Specifically the second support portion  25  of the present embodiment is provided on the rear side of the housing  21 . 
     The first support portion  24  and the second support portion  25  are each arranged between a corresponding pair of projection portions  23 . The first support portion  24  and the second support portion  25  of the present embodiment are respectively arranged in two end portions in the front-rear direction X of the housing  21 . More specifically the first support portion  24  is arranged in the central portion in the width direction W between the pair of projection portions  23  arranged on the front side. The second support portion  25  is arranged in the central portion in the width direction W between the pair of projection portions  23  arranged on the rear side. The first support portion  24  is provided with a first inclined surface  45  and first guide grooves  47 . Also, the second support portion  25  is provided with a second inclined surface  46  and second guide grooves  48 . 
     The first inclined surface  45  is provided as an inclined surface for facilitating fitting the first electrical wires  3   a  into the later-described first guide grooves  47 . The first inclined surface  45  is formed by providing the first support portion  24  such that the thickness thereof decreases toward one side in the front-rear direction X. In the present embodiment, the first inclined surface  45  is provided such that the thickness of the first support portion  24  decreases toward the front side. The first inclined surface  45  is formed at the upper faces of the first support portion  24 . 
     The second inclined surface  46  is provided as an inclined surface for facilitating fitting the second electrical wires  3   b  into the later-described second guide grooves  48 . The second inclined surface  46  is formed by providing the second support portion  25  such that the thickness thereof decreases toward one side in the front-rear direction X. In the present embodiment, the second inclined surface  46  is provided such that the thickness of the second support portion  25  decreases toward the rear side. The second inclined surface  46  is formed at the upper faces of the second support portion  25 . 
     The first guide grooves  47  are configured as grooves into which drawn-out portions of the first electrical wires  3   a  connected to first terminals  50  are fitted. The first guide grooves  47  are provided in front of the first terminals  50 . The first guide grooves  47  are provided as grooves that extend in the front-rear direction X in the first support portion  24 . In the present embodiment, two first guide grooves  47  are provided in correspondence with the first terminals  50 . The first guide grooves  47  are arranged parallel with each other. 
     The second guide grooves  48  are configured as grooves into which drawn-out portions of the second electrical wires  3   b  connected to second terminals  51  are fitted. The second guide grooves  48  are provided in front of the second terminals  51 . The second guide grooves  48  are provided as grooves that extend in the front-rear direction X in the second support portion  25 . In the present embodiment, two second guide grooves  48  are provided in correspondence with the second terminals  51 . The second guide grooves  48  are arranged parallel with each other. The first guide grooves  47  and the second guide grooves  48  are arranged parallel with each other. The first guide grooves  47  and the second guide grooves  48  are arranged inward of the electrical wire holding portions  28  in the width direction W of the housing main body portion  22 . The first guide grooves  47  and the second guide grooves  48  are arranged parallel with the electrical wire holding portions  28 . 
     In the above-described connector  1 , the electrical wires  3  are fitted into the housing  21  in the state where the terminals  20  have been crimped to the leading end portions of the electrical wires  3 . After the electrical wires  3  are fitted into the housing  21 , the portions of the electrical wires  3  drawn out from the terminals  20  are fitted into the first guide grooves  47  and the second guide grooves  48 . Also, portions other than the end portions of the electrical wires  3  are held by the electrical wire holding portions  28 . For example, the electrical wire holding portions  28  hold portions that extend from the bent portions of the electrical wires  3  that are drawn out and extend from the terminals  20 , or the electrical wire holding portions  28  hold portions other than the end portions of electrical wires  3  that are drawn out and extend from the other connector  1   a . The connector is then connected to the substrate  4  and fixed by the lock portions  26 . 
     Effects of Embodiment 
     According to the connector  1  of the present embodiment, the first terminals  50  are arranged side-by-side along the width direction W of the housing  21 , the second terminals  51  are arranged side-by-side along the width direction W of the housing  21 , and in the housing  21 , the first terminals  50 , which are arranged side-by-side along the width direction W, are arranged side-by-side with the second terminals  51 , which are arranged side-by-side along the width direction W, along the front-rear direction X of the housing  21  that is perpendicular to the width direction W. The first electrical wires  3   a  (electrical wires  3 ) are respectively connected to the first terminals  50  and are drawn out to one side in the front-rear direction X of the housing  21 , and the second electrical wires  3   b  (electrical wires  3 ) are respectively connected to the second terminals  51  and are drawn out to the other side in the front-rear direction X of the housing  21 . In other words, electrical wires  3  are not only arranged on one side of the housing  21  in the front-rear direction X, but also can be arranged on the other side of the housing  21  in the front-rear direction X. Accordingly, the electrical wires  3  can be drawn out to both the front and rear sides of the housing  21  along the front-rear direction X. As a result, the electrical wires  3  can be arranged densely in the connector  1 . 
     Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the connector  1  in which electrical wires  3  can be arranged densely. 
     According to the connector  1  of the present embodiment, the housing  21  includes the first support portion  24  and the second support portion  25  that are plate-shaped. The first support portion  24  is configured to support portions of the first electrical wires  3   a  (electrical wires  3 ) that are drawn out from the first terminals  50  (terminals  20 ) when the first electrical wires  3   a  (electrical wires  3 ) are connected. Also, the second support portion  25  is configured to support portions of the second electrical wires  3   b  (electrical wires  3 ) that are drawn out from the second terminals  51  (terminals  20 ) when the second electrical wires  3   b  (electrical wires  3 ) are connected. For this reason, the portions of the electrical wires  3  that are drawn out from the terminals  20  can be prevented from bending so as to sag downward, for example. Accordingly, the portions of the electrical wires  3  that are drawn out from the terminals  20  can be protected. 
     According to the connector  1  of the present embodiment, portions of the first electrical wires  3   a  (electrical wires  3 ) that are drawn out from the first terminals  50  are fitted into the first guide grooves  47 , and portions of the second electrical wires  3   b  (electrical wires  3 ) that are drawn out from the second terminals  51  are fitted into the second guide grooves  48 . For this reason, it is possible to reliably prevent the tangling of the electrical wires  3 , such as the tangling of the portions of the first electrical wires  3   a  drawn out from the first terminals  50  and the portions of the second electrical wires  3   b  drawn out from the second terminals  51 . 
     According to the connector  1  of the present embodiment, the first support portion  24  is provided with the first inclined surface  45 , and the second support portion  25  is provided with the second inclined surface  46 . The first inclined surface  45  is formed by providing the first support portion  24  such that the thickness thereof decreases toward one side of the housing  21  in the front-rear direction X. Also, the second inclined surface  46  is formed by providing the second support portion  25  such that the thickness thereof decreases toward the other side of the housing  21  in the front-rear direction X. For this reason, the first electrical wires  3   a  are guided by the first inclined surface  45  so as to be easily fitted into the first guide grooves  47  along the extending direction. Also, the second electrical wires  3   b  are guided by the second inclined surface  46  so as to be easily fitted into the second guide grooves  48  along the extending direction. Accordingly, the first electrical wires  3   a  can be easily fitted into the first guide grooves  47  and the second electrical wires  3   b  can be easily fitted into the second guide grooves  48 . 
     The connector  1  of the present embodiment includes the housing  21  and the terminals  20  held in the housing  21 , and the housing  21  is provided with the electrical wire holding portions  28  configured to hold portions of the electrical wires  3 . The electrical wire holding portions  28  are configured to hold portions other than the end portions of the electrical wires  3  that extend from corresponding terminals  20 , the held portions being portions that extend from bent portions of the electrical wires  3 . Alternatively the electrical wire holding portions  28  are configured to hold portions other than the end portions of electrical wires  3  that extend from the other connector  1   a  different from the connector  1 . 
     Therefore, according to the connector  1 , in the case where the electrical wire holding portions  28  are to hold portions, other than the end portions, that extend from the bent portions of the electrical wires  3  that extend from the terminals  20 , such portions of the electrical wires  3  can be held in the electrical wire holding portions  28 . Accordingly it is possible to suppress the case where the electrical wires  3  that extend from the connector  1  become a hinderance when the connector  1  is transported, and the tasks of connection to and arrangement on the connection target member can be performed easily. 
     Also, according to the connector  1 , in the case where the electrical wire holding portions  28  are to hold portions, other than the end portions, of electrical wires  3  that extend from the other connector  1   a  that is different from the connector  1 , a worker transporting the connector  1  can use the electrical wire holding portions  28  of the connector  1  to hold the electrical wires  3  that extend from the other connector  1   a , and it is possible to suppress the case where the electrical wires  3  become a hinderance when connecting and arranging the connector  1 . Accordingly the worker can suppress the case where the electrical wires  3  become a hinderance, and can easily perform the tasks of connection to and arrangement on the connection target member. 
     Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the case where the electrical wires  3  become a hinderance during the tasks of connecting and arranging the connector  1 , and the tasks of connection to and arrangement on the connection target member can be performed easily. 
     According to the connector  1  of the present embodiment, the electrical wire holding portions  28  are configured as the holding grooves  30  that are shaped as grooves. For this reason, the electrical wires  3  drawn out from the terminals  20  are fitted into and held in the holding grooves  30 . Accordingly the electrical wires  3  are fitted into and reliably held in the electrical wire holding portions  28 , and it is possible to prevent the electrical wires  3  from coining out of the electrical wire holding portions  28  even when the connector  1  is being transported. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent the electrical wires  3  from hindering operations when the connector  1  is arranged. 
     According to the connector  1  of the present embodiment, the drawn direction of the electrical wires  3  connected to the terminals  20  and the extending direction of the holding grooves  30  are parallel with each other. For this reason, the portions of the electrical wires  3  drawn out from the terminals  20  can be held in a straight shape by the holding grooves  30 , Accordingly, the connector  1  can compactly and efficiently hold the portions of the electrical wires  3  drawn out from the housing  21 . 
     According to the connector  1  of the present embodiment, the projections  31  are provided on the inner surfaces of the holding grooves  30 , and the projections  31  prevent the electrical wires  3  held in the holding grooves  30  from moving out of the holding grooves  30 . For this reason, the electrical wires  3  held in the holding grooves  30  are caught on the projections  31  and are not likely to fall out of the holding grooves  30 . Accordingly the worker can reliably prevent the electrical wires  3  from coming out of the holding grooves  30  and hindering operations when transporting the connector  1 . 
     The connector  1  of the present embodiment includes the housing  21  and the terminals  20  held in the housing  21 , and the housing  21  includes the housing main body portion  22  and the pairs of projection portions  23  that project from the housing main body portion  22 . Also, the projection portions  23  in each pair project from the housing main body portion  22  to respective sides in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the electrical wires  3  are drawn out from the terminals  20  held by the housing main body portion  22 . The projection portions  23  each have a hold target portion  32  that is a portion held by the holding tools  34  for holding the connector  1 . For this reason, the hold target portions  32  of individual connectors  1  can be held and transported by the holding tools  34 . 
     Also, according to the connector  1 , the projection portions  23  each include the positioning portion  33  that has multiple slide surfaces  41  and is a portion configured for use when the connector  1  is positioned. For this reason, by attaching the rail members  39  having a shape that corresponds to the slide surfaces  41  in order to be able to stack multiple connectors  1  for example, it is possible to stack multiple connectors  1  into a group. As a result, the worker can easily perform a task of gripping and transporting multiple connectors  1 . Also, because the connectors  1  include the above-described pairs of projection portions  23 , the worker can also easily perform a task of successively gripping and transporting individual connectors  1  from the stacked group. 
     Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to easily perform a task of gripping and transporting individual connectors  1  in order to form a compact group of connectors  1 , and it is also possible to easily perform a task of successively gipping and transporting individual connectors  1  from a compactly stacked group of connectors  1 . 
     According to the connector  1  of the present embodiment, the positioning portions  33  are shaped as grooves. For this reason, when multiple connectors  1  are stacked, the groove-shaped positioning portions  33  of the connectors  1  reliably fit to the rail members  39  whose shape corresponds to the slide surfaces  41 . Accordingly, the connectors  1  can slide along the rail members  39  in a stable state. 
     Also, according to the connector  1 , the hold target portions  32  have the recession portions  35  that are shaped as recessions into which the holding tools  34  fit. For this reason, the connector  1  is held in a state where the holding tools  34  fit into the recession portions  35 . The hold target portions  32  each also have the step portion  36  that is arranged side-by-side with the recession portion  35  in the height direction of the housing  21  and has a level difference relative to the recession portion  35 . For this reason, the connector  1  is held by the holding tools  34  whose shape corresponds to the level difference formed by the step portions  36 , and the connector  1  is thus stably held so as to not shift in the height direction H. 
     Furthermore, according to the connector  1 , a pair of projection portions  23  is provided on both the end portion on one side and the end portion on the other side of the housing  21  in the direction parallel with the drawn direction of the electrical wires  3 . Also, the lock portions  26  configured to engage with and lock the partner connector  2  are provided between the pair of projection portions  23  on the one end portion and the pair of projection portions  23  on the other end portion. In other words, the pairs of projection portions  23  are respectively provided on the one end portion and the other end portion of the housing  21 , and the lock portions  26  are provided between the pairs of projection portions  23  so as to engage with the partner connector  2 . For this reason, in the connector  1 , the lock portions  26  engage with the partner connector  2  at or near the center of gravity between the two end portions of the housing  21 , thus making it possible to more reliably maintain a more stable and firm connected state. 
     Variations 
     Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described thus far, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope recited in the claims. In other words, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and all modifications, applications, and equivalents thereof that fall within the claims, for which modifications and applications would become naturally apparent by reading and understanding the present specification, are intended to be embraced in the claims of the invention. For example, variations such as the following may be carried out. 
     (1) Although the above embodiment describes an example of the case where a pair of projection portions  23  is provided on both the front side and the rear side in the front-rear direction X of the connector  1 , there is no limitation to this. For example, each connector  1  may be provided with only one pair of projection portions  23 . 
     (2) Also, although the above embodiment describes an example of the case where a pair of projection portions  23  is provided on both the front side and the rear side of the housing  21  in the front-rear direction X, there is no limitation to this. For example, the pairs of projection portions  23  may be provided in the central portion of the housing  21  in the front-rear direction X. 
     (3) Also, although the above embodiment describes an example of the case where the recession portions  35  are configured to include two inclined surfaces so as to be open outward in the width direction W of the housing  21 , the recession portions  35  may be configured to include three or more inclined surfaces or a curved surface so as to be open outward in the width direction W of the housing  21 , for example. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     The present invention is widely applicable to various applications as a connector for connecting multiple electrical wires to a connection target member.