Electrical connector

Abstract

The present application prevents the invasion of foreign matter into an electrical connector while suppressing manufacturing costs. An electrical connector (10) connects a thin electronic component (5) and a cable (9). The electrical connector is provided with a terminal (41) mounted to a front end portion of the cable, a housing (21) in which the terminal and the thin electronic component are disposed, and a cover (11) which covers the housing in a manner of wrapping the housing except for one face. An exit port (12) for the thin electronic component and the cable is formed in the one face of the cover. A guide portion (17) for the cable is formed in an outer peripheral face of the cover, and the guide portion guides the cable in a direction opposite to an exit direction of the thin electronic component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to electrical connectors. Background Technology

[0002] A film heater is known to heat the windshield and headlights of a car to ensure visibility and illumination in winter (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The film heater described in Patent Document 1 incorporates a conductive pattern, which heats up by energizing the conductive pattern to defrost and prevent fogging. In the electrical connector used for the film heater, a cable extends from a different part of the connector toward the battery. In such an electrical connector, condensation easily forms on the windshield, etc.; therefore, anti-drip measures are implemented for the film heater and the cable exit point of the connector using potting or sealing materials.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-169096

[0004] However, in the aforementioned electrical connectors, the manufacturing cost increases due to thorough anti-drip measures such as potting. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention was made in view of this point, and its object is to provide an electrical connector that can prevent the intrusion of foreign objects while suppressing manufacturing costs.

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention is an electrical connector for connecting a thin electronic component and a cable, comprising: a terminal mounted on the front end of the cable; a housing for housing the terminal and the thin electronic component; and a cover that covers the housing except for one side, wherein an outlet for the thin electronic component and the cable is formed on one side of the cover, and a guide portion for the cable is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cover, the guide portion guiding the cable in a direction opposite to the outlet direction of the thin electronic component, thereby solving the aforementioned problem.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, in an electrical connector, thin electronic components and cables are led out from the same outlet, but the cables are guided by a guide in a direction opposite to the lead-out direction of the thin electronic components. Therefore, even if the outlet is formed only on one side of the cover, the thin electronic components and cables can extend from the electrical connector in the opposite direction. Since no openings are formed in the cover except for the outlet, the electrical connector is positioned such that the outlet faces downwards from a position lower than horizontal, preventing the intrusion of foreign matter such as water droplets and dust. No potting or other measures to prevent foreign matter intrusion are required, thus reducing the manufacturing cost of the electrical connector. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the vehicle visibility assurance device according to the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the electrical connector of the first embodiment, viewed from an obliquely upward angle.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the electrical connector of the first embodiment, viewed from a slightly lower angle.

[0011] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the electrical connector according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the assembly of the electrical connector according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the assembly of the electrical connector according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of cable retention in an electrical connector according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the electrical connector of the second embodiment, viewed from an obliquely upward angle.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the electrical connector of the second embodiment, viewed from a slightly lower angle.

[0017] Figure 10 This is an exploded perspective view of the electrical connector according to the second embodiment.

[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0019] 1…Vehicle visibility assurance device; 2…Windshield; 5…Film heater; 9…Cable; 10, 60…Electrical connector; 11, 61…Cover; 12, 62…Outlet; 14, 64…Insertion groove; 17, 65…Guide groove; 18…Retaining part; 21, 71…Housing; 23, 74…Setting surface; 27, 77…Setting groove; 41, 81…Terminal; 68…Retaining wall (retaining part). Detailed Implementation

[0020] <First Implementation>

[0021] Reference Figure 1 An overview of a vehicle visibility assurance device employing the electrical connector of the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the vehicle visibility assurance device according to the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the following figures, arrow Fr represents the front side, arrow Rr represents the rear side, arrow U represents the upper side, arrow Lo represents the lower side, arrow L represents the left side, and arrow R represents the right side.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, the film heater 5 of the vehicle visibility assurance device 1 is attached to the inside of the windshield 2. The heating effect of the film heater 5 suppresses the adhesion of frost and ice to the glass surface and prevents fogging. An electrical connector 10 is connected to the film heater 5, and a cable 9 extending from the controller 4 is connected to the connector 10. A battery (not shown) is connected to the controller 4, which supplies power to the film heater 5 via the cable 9 and the electrical connector 10 when appropriate.

[0023] In this vehicle visibility assurance device 1, a film heater 5 is attached near the upper edge of the windshield 2, where the defroster is difficult to reach and frost easily accumulates. Furthermore, to avoid obstructing the driver's forward view, an electrical connector 10 is positioned above the film heater 5, and the cable 9 connected to the electrical connector 10 is routed through the vehicle roof 3. That is, the film heater 5 protrudes downwards from the electrical connector 10 towards the windshield 2, and the cable 9 extends upwards from the electrical connector 10 towards the roof 3.

[0024] However, in typical vehicle-mounted devices, the electrical connector has outlets on both sides. One outlet faces forward and downward, from which the membrane heater extends downwards. The other outlet faces rearward and upwards, from which the cable extends upwards. Because of concerns about water droplets entering the connector through these upward-sloping outlets due to condensation inside the vehicle, anti-drip measures are implemented using potting and sealing materials, increasing manufacturing costs.

[0025] Therefore, in the electrical connector 10 of the first embodiment, an outlet is provided only on one side of the cover, and the outlet is positioned facing forward and downward to prevent water droplets from entering. Furthermore, a membrane heater 5 and a cable 9 are led out from the single outlet facing forward and downward from the electrical connector 10. The membrane heater 5 is attached to the windshield 2, and the cable 9 is folded back diagonally backward and upward to avoid the windshield 2. The cable 9 does not obstruct the windshield 2, ensuring the driver's visibility while eliminating the need for anti-drip measures such as potting, thus reducing the manufacturing cost of the electrical connector 10.

[0026] The following is for reference Figures 2-4 The electrical connector is described. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the electrical connector of the first embodiment, viewed from an obliquely upward angle. Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the electrical connector of the first embodiment, viewed from a slightly lower angle. Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the electrical connector according to the first embodiment.

[0027] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the electrical connector 10 connects the membrane heater 5 and a pair of cables 9. The electrical connector 10 is provided with a thin, generally rectangular cover 11, a rectangular plate-shaped housing 21, and a pair of terminals 41 that connect to the pair of cables 9 (see reference). Figure 4 Only the front surface (one side) of the cover 11 is open, while the remaining surface is closed. Except for the front surface, the housing 21 is covered by the cover 11. The housing 21 is provided with terminals 41 for a membrane heater 5 and a pair of cables 9, which are electrically connected to the pair of cables 9.

[0028] A single outlet 12 is formed on the front surface of the cover 11, through which the membrane heater 5 and a pair of cables 9 are led to the outside. At the outlet 12, the pair of cables 9 are located below the membrane heater 5. The membrane heater 5 extends forward from the outlet 12 of the cover 11, while the pair of cables 9 are folded back from the outlet 12 of the cover 11 and extend rearward through the underside of the cover 11. Thus, the outlet 12 is formed only on the front surface of the cover 11, but the membrane heater 5 and the pair of cables 9 extend in opposite directions.

[0029] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the membrane heater 5 is given heating function by forming a conductive pattern on a substrate with excellent heat resistance and insulation. Locking holes 6 and 7 are formed at the front and rear of the central portion of the membrane heater 5, and a pair of protrusions 8 protrude from the left and right side edges of the membrane heater 5. The film at the front ends of a pair of cables 9 is peeled off, and the cylindrical bodies 42 of a pair of terminals 41 are pressed against the exposed wires of the pair of cables 9. Cantilevered spring contacts 43 are provided on the upper surface of the pair of terminals 41, and retaining holes 44 are formed on the lower surface of the pair of terminals 41 (see reference). Figure 5 (A)).

[0030] The housing 21 is formed into a rectangular plate shape from a waterproof resin. A pair of guide ribs 22 protrude upwards from both side edges of the housing 21. The spacing between the opposing surfaces of the pair of guide ribs 22 is consistent with the width dimension of the membrane heater 5, and the upper surface of the housing 21 becomes the mounting surface 23 for the membrane heater 5. A portion of the pair of guide ribs 22 is partially removed to form a pair of recesses 24 into which a pair of protrusions 8 of the membrane heater 5 are inserted. Locking protrusions 25 and 26 protrude from the center of the mounting surface 23 of the housing 21 and are inserted into the locking holes 6 and 7 of the membrane heater 5 on the housing 21.

[0031] On the mounting surface 23 of the housing 21, a pair of mounting grooves 27 are formed on the left and right sides, separated by locking protrusions 25 and 26. The pair of mounting grooves 27 extend in a straight line from the front surface of the housing 21 to the rear, and terminals 41 for connecting to a pair of cables 9 are provided in the pair of mounting grooves 27. The mounting surface 23 where the film heater 5 is mounted forms a pair of mounting grooves 27 for the pair of terminals 41, thereby reducing the required thickness of the housing 21 to achieve a thinner electrical connector 10. A wide groove 28 is formed on the lower surface of the housing 21, extending in a straight line from the front surface of the housing 21 through the center of the lower surface to the rear.

[0032] The cover 11 is formed into a thin, box-like shape using a waterproof resin. As described above, an outlet 12 is formed on the front surface of the cover 11, into which the housing 21 is inserted. Therefore, a pair of guide ribs 22 and three rows of insertion slots 14 for inserting the housing 21 are formed on the lower surface (inner surface) of the upper wall 13 of the cover 11, and a wide raised portion 16 for inserting the housing 21 into a wide groove 28 is formed on the upper surface (inner surface) of the bottom wall 15 of the cover 11. The opening shape of the outlet 12 matches the cross-sectional shape of the housing 21, thus preventing accidental insertion of the housing 21 relative to the cover 11.

[0033] On the lower surface (outer surface) of the bottom wall 15 of the cover 11, a guide groove 17 for the cable 9 is formed by a recess on the back side of the protrusion 16. The guide groove 17 extends linearly from the outlet 12 of the cover 11 toward the rear surface. At the outlet 12, the membrane heater 5 is located on the upper side, and a pair of cables 9 are located on the lower side. The pair of cables 9 are folded back from the outlet 12 toward the guide groove 17 in the center of the lower surface of the cover 11. The pair of cables 9 are guided through the guide groove 17 in the direction opposite to the lead-out direction of the membrane heater 5 through the center of the lower surface of the cover 11. The miniaturization of the electrical connector 10 is achieved by leading out the pair of cables 9 in such a way that they fall into the width dimension of the housing 21.

[0034] Next, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The assembly process of the electrical connector is explained. Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the assembly of the electrical connector according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the assembly of the electrical connector according to the first embodiment.

[0035] like Figure 5As shown in (A), a pair of terminals 41 are mounted on the front ends of a pair of cables 9, and the pair of terminals 41 are disposed in a pair of mounting slots 27 of the housing 21. In this case, a pair of retaining protrusions 31 protrude from the bottom of the pair of mounting slots 27 and are positioned by entering the retaining holes 44 of the pair of terminals 41. In addition, a pair of retaining claws 32 are provided at the rear ends of the pair of mounting slots 27, and the front ends of the pair of terminals 41 are engaged with the pair of retaining claws 32 to prevent the pair of terminals 41 from floating. In addition, the spring contacts 43 of the pair of terminals 41 protrude slightly upward from the pair of mounting slots 27.

[0036] Next, as Figure 5 As shown in (B), the two side edges of the membrane heater 5 are aligned with the opposing surfaces of a pair of guide ribs 22 of the housing 21, and the membrane heater 5 is disposed on the mounting surface 23 of the housing 21. In this case, a pair of protrusions 8 of the membrane heater 5 are positioned by entering a pair of recesses 24 of the housing 21. Locking protrusions 25 and 26 enter locking holes 6 and 7 of the membrane heater 5 to lock the membrane heater 5 onto the housing 21. A pair of pads (not shown) on the lower surface of the membrane heater 5 contact the spring contacts 43 of a pair of terminals 41 protruding from the mounting surface 23 of the housing 21.

[0037] Next, as Figure 6 As shown in (A), a cover 11 is mounted on the housing 21. In this case, the cover 11 approaches the housing 21 from the rear, and the housing 21 is inserted into the outlet 12 of the cover 11. A pair of guide ribs 22 and locking protrusions 25, 26 of the housing 21 slide along the three rows of insertion slots 14 of the cover 11, and the wide ridge 16 of the cover 11 slides along the wide groove 28 of the housing 21 (see reference). Figure 5 (A) Slide. If the housing 21 is inserted into the inside relative to the cover 11, the membrane heater 5 and a pair of cables 9 are led forward from the outlet 12 of the cover 11.

[0038] Next, as Figure 6 As shown in (B), a pair of cables 9 extending from the outlet 12 of the cover 11 are folded back and routed rearward. In this case, the pair of cables 9 are folded back towards the guide groove 17 on the lower surface of the bottom wall 15 of the cover 11, and are housed inside the guide groove 17 with the pair of cables 9 aligned. The pair of cables 9 are guided rearward along the guide groove 17, extending rearward from the rear surface side of the cover 11. By housing the pair of cables 9 in the guide groove 17, the consistency of the routing of the pair of cables 9 on the lower surface of the cover 11 is maintained.

[0039] Thus, if electrical connector 10 is assembled, then in the vehicle's windshield 2 (refer to...) Figure 1An electrical connector 10 is provided on the upper side of the windshield 2. The outlet 12 of the electrical connector 10 faces downwards along the slope of the windshield 2, and the film heater 5 is attached near the upper edge of the windshield 2. Additionally, from the electrical connector 10 towards the roof 3 (see reference...) Figure 1 A pair of cables 9 are laid. Even if water droplets run down the glass surface due to condensation inside the vehicle, the outlet 12 of the electrical connector 10 faces downwards, preventing water droplets from entering through the outlet 12.

[0040] In addition, such as Figure 7 As shown in (A), a retaining portion 18 may also be provided on the lower surface of the bottom wall 15 of the cover 11 in the first embodiment. The retaining portion 18 is formed in an arch shape, extending transversely through the guide groove 17, and a pair of cables 9 are held in the guide groove 17 by the retaining portion 18. The pair of cables 9 pass through the inside of the retaining portion 18, thereby preventing the pair of cables 9 from falling out of the guide groove 17. In addition, as Figure 7 As shown in (B), a pair of cables 9 can also be held in the guide groove 17 by attaching a strip 19 to the lower surface of the bottom wall 15 of the cover 11 in the first embodiment.

[0041] As described above, according to the first embodiment, even if the outlet 12 is formed only on the front surface of the cover 11, the membrane heater 5 and the pair of cables 9 can extend from the electrical connector 10 in opposite directions. Since no opening is formed in the cover 11 except for the outlet 12, by positioning the outlet 12 towards a position lower than horizontal using the electrical connector 10, water droplets can be prevented from entering through the outlet 12. No potting or other measures to prevent foreign matter intrusion are required, thus reducing the manufacturing cost of the electrical connector 10.

[0042] <Second Implementation>

[0043] Next, the electrical connector of the second embodiment will be described. Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the electrical connector of the second embodiment, viewed from an obliquely upward angle. Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the electrical connector of the second embodiment, viewed from a slightly lower angle. Figure 10 This is an exploded perspective view of the electrical connector according to the second embodiment. Regarding the electrical connector of the second embodiment, descriptions of structures identical to those of the electrical connector of the first embodiment will be omitted as much as possible.

[0044] like Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the electrical connector 60 differs from the electrical connector 10 of the first embodiment in the direction of the lead-out of the pair of cables 9. Only the front surface (one side) of the cover 61 is open, and the housing 71 is covered by the cover 61 in a manner that encloses it. An outlet 62 is formed on the front surface of the cover 61, from which the membrane heater 5 and the pair of cables 9 are led out to the outside. The membrane heater 5 extends forward from the outlet 62 of the cover 61, and the pair of cables 9 are folded back from the outlet 62 of the cover 61 and extend rearward through the left side of the cover 61.

[0045] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, locking holes 6 and 7 are formed in the central portion of the membrane heater 5, and a pair of protrusions 8 protrude from the left and right side edges of the membrane heater 5. The cylindrical bodies 82 of a pair of terminals 81 are pressed against the front ends of a pair of cables 9. A cantilevered spring contact 83 is provided on the upper surface of the pair of terminals 81, and a retaining hole (not shown) is formed on the lower surface of the pair of terminals 81. A pair of guide ribs 72 protrude upward from both side edges of the housing 71, and a portion of the pair of guide ribs 72 is cut off to form a pair of recesses 73. The upper surface of the housing 71 becomes the mounting surface 74 for the membrane heater 5, and locking protrusions 75 and 76 protrude from the mounting surface 74.

[0046] A pair of mounting grooves 77 are formed on the mounting surface 74 of the housing 71, extending rearward from the front surface of the housing 71. On the front side of the pair of mounting grooves 77, the right side surface of each mounting groove 77 extends straight, but the left side surface of each mounting groove 77 bends to the left towards the front. The curved surface 78 of the pair of mounting grooves 77 serves as a guide surface when folding back a pair of cables 9. The left front side of the housing 71 is located further rearward than the right front side, forming a passageway for the pair of cables 9. A protrusion 79 protrudes from the left side surface of the front side of the housing 71, extending the curved surface 78 of the left mounting groove 77 through the front surface of the protrusion 79.

[0047] An outlet 62 corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the housing 71 is formed on the front surface of the cover 61 to prevent accidental insertion. Specifically, three rows of insertion slots 64 are formed on the lower (inner) surface of the upper wall 63 of the cover 61, corresponding to a pair of guide ribs 72 and locking protrusions 75 and 76 of the housing 71. The cover 61 is wider than the housing 71, and guide grooves 65 are formed from the left side of the front surface of the cover 61 to the left side surface. The guide grooves 65 are bent at the corners of the left and right sides of the front surface of the cover 61, and a pair of cables 9 are folded back from the outlet 62 of the cover 61 along the bent surface 69 at the corners.

[0048] A pair of cables 9 are guided through a guide groove 65 in a direction opposite to the lead-out direction of the membrane heater 5, passing through the center of the lower surface of the cover 61. The guide groove 65 is formed by an upper guide wall 66 and a lower guide wall 67, but the upper guide wall 66 is cut off on the rear side of the left surface of the cover 61. On the rear side of the left surface of the cover 61, a retaining wall (retaining part) 68 rises from the lower guide wall 67, and the pair of cables 9 are held in the retaining wall 68 to prevent them from falling out of the guide groove 65. The pair of cables 9 are folded back along the curved surface 69, thereby increasing the curvature of the pair of cables 9 and preventing breakage.

[0049] As described above, in the second embodiment, the electrical connector 60 is also positioned such that the outlet 62 faces downwards from a position lower than horizontal, thereby preventing water droplets from entering through the outlet 62. Since potting or other measures to prevent foreign matter intrusion are unnecessary, the manufacturing cost of the electrical connector 60 can be reduced.

[0050] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, an unpotted electrical connector was described, but the cover of the electrical connector can also be extended in the lead-out direction to ensure space for potting.

[0051] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, a guide groove is formed on the lower surface of the cover and a guide groove on the left side surface of the cover as a guide portion. However, the guide portion only needs to be formed to guide the cable to the side opposite to the lead-out direction of the membrane heater. For example, the guide portion may also be formed by a guide hole for guiding the cable to the side opposite to the lead-out direction of the membrane heater.

[0052] In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the film heater is described as a thin electronic component, but the thin electronic component may also be an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits), a rigid substrate, a flat cable, etc.

[0053] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, a structure was described in which the electrical connector is positioned on the upper side of the vehicle's windshield with its outlet facing downwards to prevent water droplets from entering the outlet of the electrical connector. However, the location of the electrical connector is not particularly limited. The electrical connector can also be positioned in a location where condensation does not occur, and by having its outlet facing downwards, the intrusion of foreign objects such as dust can be prevented.

[0054] Furthermore, while the first and second embodiments describe a structure in which the electrical connector is installed in a vehicle, the electrical connector can also be applied to other devices besides vehicles and other means of transportation.

[0055] As described above, the first embodiment is an electrical connector (10, 60) that connects a thin electronic component (film heater 5) and a cable (9), comprising: terminals (41, 81) mounted on the front end of the cable; a housing (21, 71) for housing the terminals and the thin electronic component; and a cover (11, 61) that covers the thin electronic component and cable except for one side, with an outlet (12, 62) for the thin electronic component and cable formed on one side of the cover, and a guide portion for the cable formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cover, the guide portion guiding the cable in the opposite direction to the lead-out direction of the thin electronic component. According to this structure, the thin electronic component and cable are led out from the same outlet, but the cable is guided by the guide portion in the opposite direction to the lead-out direction of the thin electronic component. Therefore, even if an outlet is formed only on one side of the cover, the thin electronic component and cable can extend from the electrical connector in the opposite direction. Since no openings are formed in the cover except for the outlets, by setting the outlets towards a position lower than horizontal using the electrical connector, it is possible to prevent water droplets, dust, and other foreign objects from entering through the outlets. Since there is no need for potting or other measures to prevent foreign matter from entering, the manufacturing cost of electrical connectors can be reduced.

[0056] The second method, based on the first method, places the thin electronic component on the upper side and the cable on the lower side at the outlet. The guide is a guide groove (17) formed on the lower surface of the cover, which guides the cable through the center of the lower surface of the cover in a direction opposite to the lead-out direction of the thin electronic component. According to this structure, the cable is folded back from the outlet of the cover towards the guide groove in the center of the lower surface of the cover. The cable is led out in such a way that it falls into the width dimension of the housing, thereby achieving miniaturization of the electrical connector.

[0057] The third method, based on the second method, has a retaining part (18) formed on the lower surface of the cover to hold the cable in the guide groove. According to this structure, the cable can be prevented from falling out of the guide groove.

[0058] The fourth method, based on the first method, has a plate-shaped housing and a cover that is wider than the housing. A guide groove (65) is formed from one side of the cover extending to its side surface. The guide groove is configured such that the corners of one side and the side surface of the cover are bent. The guide groove passes through the side surface of the cover and guides the cable in a direction opposite to the lead-out direction of the thin electronic component. According to this structure, the cable is folded back from the outlet of the cover along the bent surface at the corner. The curvature of the cable during folding back is increased to prevent breakage.

[0059] The fifth method, based on the fourth method, has a retaining part (retaining wall 68) formed on the side surface of the cover to hold the cable in the guide groove. According to this structure, the cable can be prevented from falling out of the guide groove.

[0060] The sixth method, based on any of the first to fifth methods, involves forming a mounting groove (27, 77) for terminal mounting on a mounting surface (23, 74) for mounting thin electronic components within the housing. This structure reduces the required thickness of the housing, thereby achieving a thinner electrical connector.

[0061] The seventh method, based on any of the first to sixth methods, involves a thin electronic component that is a film heater attached to the windshield (2) of a vehicle, with its outlet facing downwards along the slope of the windshield. According to this structure, even if water droplets flow down the glass surface due to condensation inside the vehicle, the downward-facing outlet of the electrical connector prevents water droplets from entering through the outlet.

[0062] Furthermore, this embodiment has been described, but as other embodiments, the above embodiments and variations may be combined in whole or in part.

[0063] Furthermore, the technology of this invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the technical concept. Moreover, this method can also be used to implement the technical concept as long as it can be achieved in other ways through technological advancements or derived technologies. Therefore, the scope of protection claimed in this application covers all embodiments that can be included within the scope of the technical concept.

Claims

1. An electrical connector for connecting thin electronic components and cables, characterized in that, have: Terminals are installed at the front end of the cable; Housing for housing the terminals and the thin electronic components; and The cover, except for one side, is used to enclose the shell. An outlet for the thin electronic components and cables is formed on one side of the cover. A guide portion for the cable is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cover, and the guide portion guides the cable in a direction opposite to the lead-out direction of the thin electronic component.

2. The electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, At the outlet, the thin electronic component is located on the upper side, and the cable is located on the lower side. The guide portion is a guide groove formed on the lower surface of the cover, which guides the cable through the center of the lower surface of the cover and in a direction opposite to the lead-out direction of the thin electronic component.

3. The electrical connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, A retaining portion is formed on the lower surface of the cover to hold the cable in the guide groove.

4. The electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shell is plate-shaped, and the cover is wider than the shell. The guide portion is a guide groove formed from one side of the cover and extending to the side surface. The guide groove is configured such that the corners of one side and the side surface of the cover are bent. The guide groove passes through the side surface of the cover and guides the cable in a direction opposite to the lead-out direction of the thin electronic component.

5. The electrical connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, A retaining portion is formed on the side surface of the cover to hold the cable in the guide groove.

6. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, In the housing, a mounting groove for mounting the terminal is formed on the mounting surface for mounting the thin electronic component.

7. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The thin electronic component is a film heater that is attached to the windshield of a vehicle, with the outlet facing downwards along the slope of the windshield.

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