CA1199698A - Electrical connector for flat flexible cable - Google Patents
Electrical connector for flat flexible cableInfo
- Publication number
- CA1199698A CA1199698A CA000442942A CA442942A CA1199698A CA 1199698 A CA1199698 A CA 1199698A CA 000442942 A CA000442942 A CA 000442942A CA 442942 A CA442942 A CA 442942A CA 1199698 A CA1199698 A CA 1199698A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- terminal
- arm
- cable
- connector assembly
- contact
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 46
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 229910000679 solder Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 19
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000004080 punching Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000007747 plating Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000003647 oxidation Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000007254 oxidation reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 101710083262 Ectin Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 238000005299 abrasion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005476 soldering Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
- H01R12/50—Fixed connections
- H01R12/59—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures
- H01R12/62—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures connecting to rigid printed circuits or like structures
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R11/00—Individual connecting elements providing two or more spaced connecting locations for conductive members which are, or may be, thereby interconnected, e.g. end pieces for wires or cables supported by the wire or cable and having means for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal, or conductive member, blocks of binding posts
- H01R11/03—Individual connecting elements providing two or more spaced connecting locations for conductive members which are, or may be, thereby interconnected, e.g. end pieces for wires or cables supported by the wire or cable and having means for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal, or conductive member, blocks of binding posts characterised by the relationship between the connecting locations
- H01R11/05—Individual connecting elements providing two or more spaced connecting locations for conductive members which are, or may be, thereby interconnected, e.g. end pieces for wires or cables supported by the wire or cable and having means for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal, or conductive member, blocks of binding posts characterised by the relationship between the connecting locations the connecting locations having different types of direct connections
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/40—Securing contact members in or to a base or case; Insulating of contact members
- H01R13/42—Securing in a demountable manner
- H01R13/428—Securing in a demountable manner by resilient locking means on the contact members; by locking means on resilient contact members
- H01R13/432—Securing in a demountable manner by resilient locking means on the contact members; by locking means on resilient contact members by stamped-out resilient tongue snapping behind shoulder in base or case
Landscapes
- Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
- Multi-Conductor Connections (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A connector assembly for electrically connecting the conductors of a flat flexible multi-conductor cable to another circuit member. The connector assembly includes a housing having the plurality of side by side, elongated open-ended terminal receiving cavities and a plurality of stamped U-shaped terminals received in the cavities. Each terminal has first and second arms extending up from the base of the body with a contact portion formed near the free end of one of the arms for making electrical contact with the cable conductor when the cable is received in the housing slot in the area between the two arms. The first arm includes a hooked-shaped engaging portion having the contact sur-face formed thereon that is disposed substantially vertical to and in projecting relation from the plane of the first arm at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis thereof. The second arm has a lateral flange portion extending substantially the whole length of the second arm and projecting at a right angle with respect to the plane of the second arm. Each terminal receiving cavity includes a terminal support portion defining a L-shaped slot immediately adjacent to and transverse to the cable receiving slot. A flange portion is adapted to be received on one side of the terminals supporting portion and the hooked-shaped engaging portion has its contact surface biased against the other side of the contact supporting portion. The cable conductor is adapted to be received in the slot so that it is disposed between the contact surface and the contact supporting portion.
A connector assembly for electrically connecting the conductors of a flat flexible multi-conductor cable to another circuit member. The connector assembly includes a housing having the plurality of side by side, elongated open-ended terminal receiving cavities and a plurality of stamped U-shaped terminals received in the cavities. Each terminal has first and second arms extending up from the base of the body with a contact portion formed near the free end of one of the arms for making electrical contact with the cable conductor when the cable is received in the housing slot in the area between the two arms. The first arm includes a hooked-shaped engaging portion having the contact sur-face formed thereon that is disposed substantially vertical to and in projecting relation from the plane of the first arm at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis thereof. The second arm has a lateral flange portion extending substantially the whole length of the second arm and projecting at a right angle with respect to the plane of the second arm. Each terminal receiving cavity includes a terminal support portion defining a L-shaped slot immediately adjacent to and transverse to the cable receiving slot. A flange portion is adapted to be received on one side of the terminals supporting portion and the hooked-shaped engaging portion has its contact surface biased against the other side of the contact supporting portion. The cable conductor is adapted to be received in the slot so that it is disposed between the contact surface and the contact supporting portion.
Description
S~91-17 El,ECTRIC~I, CONNECTOR FO~ FLAT E'LEXIBLE CABL,~
BAC~CGROUND OF I'HE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a new and improved electrical connector which is adapted to electrically connect a flat Elexible cable to another circuit element.
BAC~CGROUND OF I'HE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a new and improved electrical connector which is adapted to electrically connect a flat Elexible cable to another circuit element.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art With the advent of high technology and computer related applications, space has become a premium when designing and building electrical apparatus. One means of overcoming these space limitations, is the use of multi-conductor flat flexible cable.
In order to connect a flat flexible cable to another circuit member, the insulation is stripped exposing a plurality of flat conductors which are adapted to be mated with an electrical connector assembly. The electrical connector assembly includes a housing with a plurality o~ terminals mounted therein, each ter-minal adapted to contact one of the conductors.
In a well known connector, each terminal has a U-shaped body section defined by a pair of opposing arms and a solder tail projecting from one end of the U-shaped body section. The ends of the arms are provided with a projecting portion at the free ends thereof. The con~luctors of the flat flexible cable ar~ received between the pro~ectin~ portions of the terminals.
Terminals of the type described above are fabricated by punching pre-plated conductive metallic sheets. During the punching process, the plating on the surfaces which are adapted to ~3}'~
In order to connect a flat flexible cable to another circuit member, the insulation is stripped exposing a plurality of flat conductors which are adapted to be mated with an electrical connector assembly. The electrical connector assembly includes a housing with a plurality o~ terminals mounted therein, each ter-minal adapted to contact one of the conductors.
In a well known connector, each terminal has a U-shaped body section defined by a pair of opposing arms and a solder tail projecting from one end of the U-shaped body section. The ends of the arms are provided with a projecting portion at the free ends thereof. The con~luctors of the flat flexible cable ar~ received between the pro~ectin~ portions of the terminals.
Terminals of the type described above are fabricated by punching pre-plated conductive metallic sheets. During the punching process, the plating on the surfaces which are adapted to ~3}'~
3~
contact the conductors of the multi-conductor cable are likely to be removed. The points of which the plating is removed, is sub-ject to oxidation and an increase in the contact resistance. This will compromise the electrical connection between the terminal and the cable conductor.
As a result o~ the above drawback, the terminals have to be replaced periodically. In the alternative, such a terminal would have to be post-plated which is a relatively expensive manu-facturing operation.
In order to solve the above problem, terminals of the type described have surfaces which contact the cable conductor which are formed at a certain angle in relative relation to the arms~ In this manner the contact surfaces are still plated after forming. However, it becomes difficult to accommodate a wide range of cable conductor thicknesses employing such a design.
SUMMARY OF THE INV~NTION
It is, therefore, the principal object of the present invention to provide a new and improved electrical ter~inal to interface with the conductor of a f]at flexible cable whereill the terminal is of such a configuration does not require post-plating by presently only preplated surfaces in contact with a cable con-ductor while simultaneously accommodating a wide range of cable conductor thicknesses.
These and other objects of the present invention are accomplished by providing a conductor assembly including a housing having a plurality o~ side by side, elongated, open ended terminal receiving cavities formed therein, a slo-t formed across the open ends of the cavities for receiving the edge of exposed cable conductors therethrouyh, and a plurality of stamped, formed electrical terminals formed from flat metal conductive material, each terminal having a generally planar, U-shaped terminal body with first and second arms extending up form the base of said body and having a portion extending in the opposite direction from the base for electrical connection to the other circuit member, at least one arm having a contact portion formed near the free end thereof for making an electrical interface with the cable conductor when said cable is received in the housing slot and in the area between the two arms, said terminal further including mounting means cooperating with the housing for securing a terminal therein, The improvemen~ comprises:
the first arm including a hook-shaped engaging portion having the contact surEace formed thereon that is disposed substantially vertical to and in a projecting relation from the plane of said first arm at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis thereof;
said second arm having a lateral flancle portion extending substantially the whoLe lenclth of said seconcl arm and projecting at a right angle with respect to the plane of said second arm;
each terminal receiving cavity including a terminal supporting portion defining a L-shaped slot immediately adjacent to and transverse to the cable receiving slot, said flange portion being received on one side of the ter-minal supporting portion and the hook-shapecd engaging portion having its contact surEace biased against the other side of said contact supporting portion;
whereby said cable conductor is adapted to be received in the slot so that it is disposed between said contact surEace and said contact supporting portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a conventional electric terminal known in the prior art;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of another conventional electric terminal known in the prior art;
Figures 3(a) and (b) are perspective views of the electric terminal according to the present invention;
Figure 4 is a partially sectioned perspective view of the housing for the connector assembly of the present invention;
Figure 5(a) is a partially sectioned perspective view of the electric terminal of the present invention mounted in its housing;
Figure 5(b) is a side sectional view of Figure 5(a) viewed from the direction A, Figure 6 is a side sectional view showing the connector assembly the present invention mounted on a printed circuit board and receiving a multi-conductor flat flexible cable;
Figure 7 is a plan view of another embodiment of the present invention wherein the terminal has an arcuate contact portion at the forward end of the first arm;
Figure ~(a) is a plan view showing another embodiment of the electric terminal of the present invention with a crimp section;
Figure 8(b) is a plan view of the electric terminal of Figure 8(a) showing a wire crimped onto the terminal;
Figure 9(a) is a perspective view oE another embodiment of an electric terminal made according to the invention wherein the solder tail portion is provided at the other end of the flange portion;
Figure 9(b) is a perspective view of still another embodiment showing an electric terminal wherein the solder tail portion is provided at either end of the flange portion, Figure 10 is a side sectional view of a connector assem-bly of the present invention having the terminal of Fi~ure 9 received in the housing; and Figure 11 is a side sectional view showing the connector assembly of Figure 10 mounted on a printed circuit board and receiving a flat flexible cable therein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED ~MBODIMENT
Turning now to the drawings, Figures 1 and 2 illustrate two conventional el.ectric terminals, generally designated 27, which are known in the art. These terminals are used to electri-cally connect the conductors of a multi-conductor flat flexible cable with another circuit member such as a printed circuit board.
Each of the terminals 27 of Figures 1. and 2 generally include a U-shaped body section 27 having a pair of opposing arms 28 and 28' and a solder tail 31 projecting from one end of the U-shaped body section at its base or bight. Each of the arms 28 and 2~' has an inwardly projecting portion 29 and 29' at the free end thereof. The conductor of the cable is adapted to be clamped between the projecting portions 2g and 29' at surfaces 30 and 30'-The type of terminal 27 shown in Figure 1 is fabricatedby punching a pre-plated conductive metallic sheet. During the punching process, the plating may come off at contact surfaces 30 and 30' of projecting portions 29 and 29'. If the plating is removed at surfaces and 30 and 30' oxidation will form at the interface with the conductor and decrease the conductivity there-of. This would degrade the electrical interEace.
I'he terminal shown in Figure 2 is somewhat of an im-provement over that which illustrated in Figure 1. Terminal 27' has opposed arms 29 and 29' having free ends with contact portions 33 and 33' hooked at a certain angle relative to said arms. The conductor of the cable is clamped between surfaces 34 and 34' of the contacting portions 33 and 33'. Surfaces 34 and 34' of con-tact portions 33 and 33' can remain plated aEter the punching process because surfaces 34 and 34' are not punched surfaces.
Therefore, oxidation would not occur at these points.
The terminal 27' of Figure 2 has a much larger space between surfaces 34 and 34' than surfaces 30 and 30' in terminal 27 shown in Figure 1. From a manufacturing point-of-view, it is difficult to form projections 33 and 33' so that surfaces 34 and 34' are at the correct manufacturing tolerances. There is the 6~B
further disadvalltacJe oE the limitation of the cable conductor size necessary for intimately engaging with surfaces 34 and 34'.
Turning now to Figures 3(a) and 3(b), a terminal made according to the present invention and generally designated l, is obtained by punching and forming a conductive me-tal sheet in the form of a U-shaped body section to having first and second arms 3 and 4. Extending downwardly from the base or bight portion of the U-shaped body section 2 is a solder tail 10 for connection to a printed circuit board or the like. Arms 3 and a extend upwards from both ends of the base 5.
The first arm 3 converges inwardly at its free end to form a hooked portion 6 which extends to form a slantecl contact surface 7 to engage the conductor of a cable. The hooked-portion 6 extends from arm 3 at a substantially right angle relative to the surface of said arm and acute angle relative to the longitudi-nal axis thereof as seen in the clockwise direction on said plane.
The second arm 4 i5 provided a flange portion 8 formed perpendicularly to arm 4 along the major length thereof. A cen-tral portion of flange portion 8 projects outwardly to for~n alocking lance 9 for interengagement with an opening 16 of the housing 11 as best seen in Figures 4 - 6.
Although the terminal 1 shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b) have the solder tail portion at the right and left ends of the bases 5 respectively. It is understood, however, that the solder tail 10 can be provided at the central portion of the base 5.
3 6 r9 ~3 Turning now to Figure 4, the housing 11 is provided with a plurality of open-ended terminal receiving cavities 12 for mounting the terminals 1 therein. Each cavity ]2 has the opening 16 for engagement with the locking lance 9 of the terminal. Each cavity 12 also has a forwardly tapered portion 13 which is adapted to be interposed between the contact surEaces 7 and the flange portion 8 of each terminal 1.
Conductor supporting surface 14 is formed on the contact supporting portion 13 so as to elastically clamp the conductor against surface 7. Contact supporting surface also includes an engaging surface 15 which is to be brought into a securely supported relation with flange portion 8 of terminal 1.
~ ach terminal 1 is mounted within its corresponding cavity 12 through opening 17. The solder tail 10 extends through opening 18 formed at the other end of the cavity 12.
When the terminal 1 is received within housing 11, locking lance 9 engages openings 16 so that the terminal is securely seeded within the housing. This eliminates the possibil-ity of the terminal being disengaged easily from tlle housing due to external pressure such as shock, vibrationr etc.
The hooked portion 6 of terminal 1 is disposed such that contact surface 7 may be biased against conductor supporting of the contacts supporting portion 13. In this configuration the arm 3 is twisted against a housing wall 19 under the elastic action of the arm as best shown in Figure 5.
The forwardly tapered contact portion 13 is pressed fitted between the hooked portion 6 of terminal 1 and the flange portion 8 thereof. Thus mounted, the eonneetor assembly ean stably and securely eleetrically connect a plurality of conductors of a multi~conductor flat flexible cable. The terminals 1 can aecommodate a wide range of conductor thicknesses.
I.ooking at Figure 5, the contact surfaces 7 are biased against the respective eonductor supporting surfaces 14 thus pro-viding no space therebetween prior to the insertion of a eable conductor. Because of this pre-existing eontaet, the eonnector ean accommodate an extremely thin eonductor therebetween.
Flange portion 8 serves to prevent an electrical inter-face of insufficient pressure due to the deformation of the plas-tic tapered contact portion 13 which may be caused by the ambient heat. This also prevents terminals 1 from being disenc3aged from the housing 11. This is accomplished by supporting the tapered eontaet portion 13 securely via support surfaee 15 thereof to maintain the conductor clamping function with respect to the hooked contact surface 7 and the convex contact surfaee 14.
The solder tail 10 and 10' shown in Ficlures 5 and 6 illustrate that said tails are staggered when they extend out of ~0 the housing 11. This is because terminals 1 are inserted within the housinc3 11 in a reverse orientation every other terminal being the same. The staggered configuration allows for closer spacing between terminals 1.
Looking at Figure 6, a flat flexible cable having a conductor 21 is shown received within the connector assembly. l'he connector assembly is mounted on a printed eircuit board 20 by soldering solder tails 10 and 10' thereto. The conductors are shown clamped between surface 7 and surface 14 as described above.
The particular embodiment shown in Figure 6 has ver-tically disposed terminal receiving cavities 12 relative to the printed circuit board 20. ~lowever, as will be explained in greater detail hereinafter, ~he terminal receiving cavities 12 can be in a different disposition relative to the printed circuit board 20.
Turning now to Figure 7, an alternative terminal design is illustrated. The terminal shown therein is similar to that shown in Figure 3 except rather than the slanted flat contact portion 7 the terminal in Figure 7 has an arcuate portion 22 at the forward end of first arm 2. The arcuately curved surEace 22 can reduce the extent in which abrasion is present between the interface of the conductor and the terminal 1. This serves to increase the operational life oE the terminal.
The terminals shown in Figures 8(a) and 8(b) are iden-tical to those shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b) except that rather than a solder tail 10 there is a crimp section 24 extending from the base. Crimp section 24 includes a portion 25 designed to be press fit about the conductor of a stripped insulated wire and an insulation gripping portion 26.
The terminals shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b) are adapted for use in housings having terminal receiving cavities that are generally parallel to the printed circuit board 20 as best shown in Figure 11. In particular, the terminals 1 have a solder tail 10 at eigher end of the flange portion 8. Figure 9(a) is an 69~
embodiment wherein the solder tail lO projects from one end of 1ange portion 8 near the base portion 5 in a direction opposite to the Eree end of second arm 4. Figuxe 9(b) is an ameodiment wherein -the solder tail :LO projects Erom the other end of flange portion 8 which extends eyond the forward end of the second arm 4 in the same direction relative to the free end thereof. The reference numerals shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b) are identical but those in Figure 3(a) and 3(b) each referring to the same part.
The explanation of each part is omi-tted.
The terminals of Figures 9(a) and 9(b) are alternately mounted in every other terminal receiving cavity of the housing.
The solder tails 10 and 10' are bent at right angles relative to the bottom wall 27 so that they may be soldered to the printed circuit board 20 as best shown in Figures 10 and 11.
When using the connector assembly as shown in Figure 11, the cable can be connected to -the connector parallel to the printed circuit board 20. This configuration, the connector assembly presents a low space saving profile whicll is advantageous in many applications.
contact the conductors of the multi-conductor cable are likely to be removed. The points of which the plating is removed, is sub-ject to oxidation and an increase in the contact resistance. This will compromise the electrical connection between the terminal and the cable conductor.
As a result o~ the above drawback, the terminals have to be replaced periodically. In the alternative, such a terminal would have to be post-plated which is a relatively expensive manu-facturing operation.
In order to solve the above problem, terminals of the type described have surfaces which contact the cable conductor which are formed at a certain angle in relative relation to the arms~ In this manner the contact surfaces are still plated after forming. However, it becomes difficult to accommodate a wide range of cable conductor thicknesses employing such a design.
SUMMARY OF THE INV~NTION
It is, therefore, the principal object of the present invention to provide a new and improved electrical ter~inal to interface with the conductor of a f]at flexible cable whereill the terminal is of such a configuration does not require post-plating by presently only preplated surfaces in contact with a cable con-ductor while simultaneously accommodating a wide range of cable conductor thicknesses.
These and other objects of the present invention are accomplished by providing a conductor assembly including a housing having a plurality o~ side by side, elongated, open ended terminal receiving cavities formed therein, a slo-t formed across the open ends of the cavities for receiving the edge of exposed cable conductors therethrouyh, and a plurality of stamped, formed electrical terminals formed from flat metal conductive material, each terminal having a generally planar, U-shaped terminal body with first and second arms extending up form the base of said body and having a portion extending in the opposite direction from the base for electrical connection to the other circuit member, at least one arm having a contact portion formed near the free end thereof for making an electrical interface with the cable conductor when said cable is received in the housing slot and in the area between the two arms, said terminal further including mounting means cooperating with the housing for securing a terminal therein, The improvemen~ comprises:
the first arm including a hook-shaped engaging portion having the contact surEace formed thereon that is disposed substantially vertical to and in a projecting relation from the plane of said first arm at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis thereof;
said second arm having a lateral flancle portion extending substantially the whoLe lenclth of said seconcl arm and projecting at a right angle with respect to the plane of said second arm;
each terminal receiving cavity including a terminal supporting portion defining a L-shaped slot immediately adjacent to and transverse to the cable receiving slot, said flange portion being received on one side of the ter-minal supporting portion and the hook-shapecd engaging portion having its contact surEace biased against the other side of said contact supporting portion;
whereby said cable conductor is adapted to be received in the slot so that it is disposed between said contact surEace and said contact supporting portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a conventional electric terminal known in the prior art;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of another conventional electric terminal known in the prior art;
Figures 3(a) and (b) are perspective views of the electric terminal according to the present invention;
Figure 4 is a partially sectioned perspective view of the housing for the connector assembly of the present invention;
Figure 5(a) is a partially sectioned perspective view of the electric terminal of the present invention mounted in its housing;
Figure 5(b) is a side sectional view of Figure 5(a) viewed from the direction A, Figure 6 is a side sectional view showing the connector assembly the present invention mounted on a printed circuit board and receiving a multi-conductor flat flexible cable;
Figure 7 is a plan view of another embodiment of the present invention wherein the terminal has an arcuate contact portion at the forward end of the first arm;
Figure ~(a) is a plan view showing another embodiment of the electric terminal of the present invention with a crimp section;
Figure 8(b) is a plan view of the electric terminal of Figure 8(a) showing a wire crimped onto the terminal;
Figure 9(a) is a perspective view oE another embodiment of an electric terminal made according to the invention wherein the solder tail portion is provided at the other end of the flange portion;
Figure 9(b) is a perspective view of still another embodiment showing an electric terminal wherein the solder tail portion is provided at either end of the flange portion, Figure 10 is a side sectional view of a connector assem-bly of the present invention having the terminal of Fi~ure 9 received in the housing; and Figure 11 is a side sectional view showing the connector assembly of Figure 10 mounted on a printed circuit board and receiving a flat flexible cable therein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED ~MBODIMENT
Turning now to the drawings, Figures 1 and 2 illustrate two conventional el.ectric terminals, generally designated 27, which are known in the art. These terminals are used to electri-cally connect the conductors of a multi-conductor flat flexible cable with another circuit member such as a printed circuit board.
Each of the terminals 27 of Figures 1. and 2 generally include a U-shaped body section 27 having a pair of opposing arms 28 and 28' and a solder tail 31 projecting from one end of the U-shaped body section at its base or bight. Each of the arms 28 and 2~' has an inwardly projecting portion 29 and 29' at the free end thereof. The conductor of the cable is adapted to be clamped between the projecting portions 2g and 29' at surfaces 30 and 30'-The type of terminal 27 shown in Figure 1 is fabricatedby punching a pre-plated conductive metallic sheet. During the punching process, the plating may come off at contact surfaces 30 and 30' of projecting portions 29 and 29'. If the plating is removed at surfaces and 30 and 30' oxidation will form at the interface with the conductor and decrease the conductivity there-of. This would degrade the electrical interEace.
I'he terminal shown in Figure 2 is somewhat of an im-provement over that which illustrated in Figure 1. Terminal 27' has opposed arms 29 and 29' having free ends with contact portions 33 and 33' hooked at a certain angle relative to said arms. The conductor of the cable is clamped between surfaces 34 and 34' of the contacting portions 33 and 33'. Surfaces 34 and 34' of con-tact portions 33 and 33' can remain plated aEter the punching process because surfaces 34 and 34' are not punched surfaces.
Therefore, oxidation would not occur at these points.
The terminal 27' of Figure 2 has a much larger space between surfaces 34 and 34' than surfaces 30 and 30' in terminal 27 shown in Figure 1. From a manufacturing point-of-view, it is difficult to form projections 33 and 33' so that surfaces 34 and 34' are at the correct manufacturing tolerances. There is the 6~B
further disadvalltacJe oE the limitation of the cable conductor size necessary for intimately engaging with surfaces 34 and 34'.
Turning now to Figures 3(a) and 3(b), a terminal made according to the present invention and generally designated l, is obtained by punching and forming a conductive me-tal sheet in the form of a U-shaped body section to having first and second arms 3 and 4. Extending downwardly from the base or bight portion of the U-shaped body section 2 is a solder tail 10 for connection to a printed circuit board or the like. Arms 3 and a extend upwards from both ends of the base 5.
The first arm 3 converges inwardly at its free end to form a hooked portion 6 which extends to form a slantecl contact surface 7 to engage the conductor of a cable. The hooked-portion 6 extends from arm 3 at a substantially right angle relative to the surface of said arm and acute angle relative to the longitudi-nal axis thereof as seen in the clockwise direction on said plane.
The second arm 4 i5 provided a flange portion 8 formed perpendicularly to arm 4 along the major length thereof. A cen-tral portion of flange portion 8 projects outwardly to for~n alocking lance 9 for interengagement with an opening 16 of the housing 11 as best seen in Figures 4 - 6.
Although the terminal 1 shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b) have the solder tail portion at the right and left ends of the bases 5 respectively. It is understood, however, that the solder tail 10 can be provided at the central portion of the base 5.
3 6 r9 ~3 Turning now to Figure 4, the housing 11 is provided with a plurality of open-ended terminal receiving cavities 12 for mounting the terminals 1 therein. Each cavity ]2 has the opening 16 for engagement with the locking lance 9 of the terminal. Each cavity 12 also has a forwardly tapered portion 13 which is adapted to be interposed between the contact surEaces 7 and the flange portion 8 of each terminal 1.
Conductor supporting surface 14 is formed on the contact supporting portion 13 so as to elastically clamp the conductor against surface 7. Contact supporting surface also includes an engaging surface 15 which is to be brought into a securely supported relation with flange portion 8 of terminal 1.
~ ach terminal 1 is mounted within its corresponding cavity 12 through opening 17. The solder tail 10 extends through opening 18 formed at the other end of the cavity 12.
When the terminal 1 is received within housing 11, locking lance 9 engages openings 16 so that the terminal is securely seeded within the housing. This eliminates the possibil-ity of the terminal being disengaged easily from tlle housing due to external pressure such as shock, vibrationr etc.
The hooked portion 6 of terminal 1 is disposed such that contact surface 7 may be biased against conductor supporting of the contacts supporting portion 13. In this configuration the arm 3 is twisted against a housing wall 19 under the elastic action of the arm as best shown in Figure 5.
The forwardly tapered contact portion 13 is pressed fitted between the hooked portion 6 of terminal 1 and the flange portion 8 thereof. Thus mounted, the eonneetor assembly ean stably and securely eleetrically connect a plurality of conductors of a multi~conductor flat flexible cable. The terminals 1 can aecommodate a wide range of conductor thicknesses.
I.ooking at Figure 5, the contact surfaces 7 are biased against the respective eonductor supporting surfaces 14 thus pro-viding no space therebetween prior to the insertion of a eable conductor. Because of this pre-existing eontaet, the eonnector ean accommodate an extremely thin eonductor therebetween.
Flange portion 8 serves to prevent an electrical inter-face of insufficient pressure due to the deformation of the plas-tic tapered contact portion 13 which may be caused by the ambient heat. This also prevents terminals 1 from being disenc3aged from the housing 11. This is accomplished by supporting the tapered eontaet portion 13 securely via support surfaee 15 thereof to maintain the conductor clamping function with respect to the hooked contact surface 7 and the convex contact surfaee 14.
The solder tail 10 and 10' shown in Ficlures 5 and 6 illustrate that said tails are staggered when they extend out of ~0 the housing 11. This is because terminals 1 are inserted within the housinc3 11 in a reverse orientation every other terminal being the same. The staggered configuration allows for closer spacing between terminals 1.
Looking at Figure 6, a flat flexible cable having a conductor 21 is shown received within the connector assembly. l'he connector assembly is mounted on a printed eircuit board 20 by soldering solder tails 10 and 10' thereto. The conductors are shown clamped between surface 7 and surface 14 as described above.
The particular embodiment shown in Figure 6 has ver-tically disposed terminal receiving cavities 12 relative to the printed circuit board 20. ~lowever, as will be explained in greater detail hereinafter, ~he terminal receiving cavities 12 can be in a different disposition relative to the printed circuit board 20.
Turning now to Figure 7, an alternative terminal design is illustrated. The terminal shown therein is similar to that shown in Figure 3 except rather than the slanted flat contact portion 7 the terminal in Figure 7 has an arcuate portion 22 at the forward end of first arm 2. The arcuately curved surEace 22 can reduce the extent in which abrasion is present between the interface of the conductor and the terminal 1. This serves to increase the operational life oE the terminal.
The terminals shown in Figures 8(a) and 8(b) are iden-tical to those shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b) except that rather than a solder tail 10 there is a crimp section 24 extending from the base. Crimp section 24 includes a portion 25 designed to be press fit about the conductor of a stripped insulated wire and an insulation gripping portion 26.
The terminals shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b) are adapted for use in housings having terminal receiving cavities that are generally parallel to the printed circuit board 20 as best shown in Figure 11. In particular, the terminals 1 have a solder tail 10 at eigher end of the flange portion 8. Figure 9(a) is an 69~
embodiment wherein the solder tail lO projects from one end of 1ange portion 8 near the base portion 5 in a direction opposite to the Eree end of second arm 4. Figuxe 9(b) is an ameodiment wherein -the solder tail :LO projects Erom the other end of flange portion 8 which extends eyond the forward end of the second arm 4 in the same direction relative to the free end thereof. The reference numerals shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b) are identical but those in Figure 3(a) and 3(b) each referring to the same part.
The explanation of each part is omi-tted.
The terminals of Figures 9(a) and 9(b) are alternately mounted in every other terminal receiving cavity of the housing.
The solder tails 10 and 10' are bent at right angles relative to the bottom wall 27 so that they may be soldered to the printed circuit board 20 as best shown in Figures 10 and 11.
When using the connector assembly as shown in Figure 11, the cable can be connected to -the connector parallel to the printed circuit board 20. This configuration, the connector assembly presents a low space saving profile whicll is advantageous in many applications.
Claims (7)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A connector assembly for electrically connecting the conductors of a flat flexible multi-conductor cable to another circuit member, said connector assembly including a housing having a plurality of side by side, elongated, open ended terminal receiving cavities formed therein, a slot formed across the open ends of the cavities for receiving the edge of exposed cable conductors therethrough, and a plurality of stamped, formed electrical terminals formed from flat metal conductive material, each terminal having a gener-ally planar, U-shaped terminal body with first and second arms extending up from the base of said body and having a portion extending in the opposite direction from the base for electrical connection to the other circuit member, at least one arm having a contact portion formed near the free end thereof for making an electrical interface with the cable conductor when said cable is received in the housing slot and in the area between the two arms, said terminal further including mounting means cooperating with the housing for securing a terminal therein, the improvement comprising:
the first arm including a hook-shaped engaging portion having the contact surface formed thereon that is disposed substantially vertical to and in a projecting relation from the plane of said first arm at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis thereof;
said second arm having a lateral flange portion extending substantially the whole length of said second arm and projecting at a right angle with respect to the plane of said second arm;
each terminal receiving cavity including a terminal supporting portion defining a L-shaped slot immediately adjacent to and transverse to the cable receiving slot;
said flange portion being received on one side of the ter-minal supporting portion and the hook-shaped engaging portion having its contact surface biased against the other side of said contact supporting portion, whereby said cable conductor is adapted to be received in the slot so that it is disposed between said contact surface and said contact supporting portion.
the first arm including a hook-shaped engaging portion having the contact surface formed thereon that is disposed substantially vertical to and in a projecting relation from the plane of said first arm at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis thereof;
said second arm having a lateral flange portion extending substantially the whole length of said second arm and projecting at a right angle with respect to the plane of said second arm;
each terminal receiving cavity including a terminal supporting portion defining a L-shaped slot immediately adjacent to and transverse to the cable receiving slot;
said flange portion being received on one side of the ter-minal supporting portion and the hook-shaped engaging portion having its contact surface biased against the other side of said contact supporting portion, whereby said cable conductor is adapted to be received in the slot so that it is disposed between said contact surface and said contact supporting portion.
2. The connector assembly of claim 1 wherein the mounting means includes a projecting locking lance on said flange portion adapted to be received within an opening in the side of the housing for securing the terminal within its respective terminal receiving cavity.
3. The connector assembly of claim 1 wherein said portion connecting the other circuit member is a solder tail.
4. The connector assembly of claim 1 wherein the portion electrically connected to the other circuit member is a crimp section adapted to receive a stripped wire lead.
5. The connector assembly of claim I wherein the portion which electrically connected to the other circuit member is on one end of the base or the other so that said portions are staggered when extending from the housing.
6. The connector assembly of claim 1 wherein the contact surface comprises an arcuately curved surface.
7. The connector assembly of claim 1 wherein the portion which is electrically connected to the other circuit member is a solder tail extending either from the second arm or from the base, said two different kinds of terminals being mounted in every other terminal receiving cavity, whereby said solder tails extend from both ends of the housing, said solder tails being bent in the same direction in order to provide a connector assembly whose cable receiving slot is generally parallel to a printed circuit board.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP57215435A JPS6035791B2 (en) | 1982-12-10 | 1982-12-10 | electrical connection terminal |
| JP57-215435 | 1982-12-10 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1199698A true CA1199698A (en) | 1986-01-21 |
Family
ID=16672291
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000442942A Expired CA1199698A (en) | 1982-12-10 | 1983-12-09 | Electrical connector for flat flexible cable |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4526436A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0112144B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS6035791B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1199698A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3366781D1 (en) |
| SG (1) | SG67989G (en) |
Families Citing this family (24)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB8521843D0 (en) * | 1985-09-03 | 1985-10-09 | Bicc Plc | Circuit board connector |
| US4695108A (en) * | 1986-08-04 | 1987-09-22 | Hosiden Electronics Co., Ltd. | Connector for flexible printed circuit board |
| DE8626537U1 (en) * | 1986-10-03 | 1988-06-23 | Grote & Hartmann Gmbh & Co Kg, 5600 Wuppertal, De | |
| JPH0438470Y2 (en) * | 1987-12-08 | 1992-09-09 | ||
| ES2009662A6 (en) * | 1988-10-27 | 1989-10-01 | Amp Espanola | Center wire trap terminal and connector. |
| JPH02244572A (en) * | 1988-12-29 | 1990-09-28 | Yamaichi Electric Mfg Co Ltd | Connector for electric parts |
| US5006073A (en) * | 1989-05-30 | 1991-04-09 | Motorola, Inc. | Snap fit contact assembly |
| JPH04505232A (en) * | 1989-05-30 | 1992-09-10 | モトローラ・インコーポレーテッド | snap fit contact assembly |
| US5141450A (en) * | 1989-09-26 | 1992-08-25 | Shoji Kikuchi | Tape carrier type electrical connector |
| DE4023072C2 (en) * | 1990-07-20 | 1994-09-29 | Lumberg Karl Gmbh & Co | Electrical connector |
| DE4023073A1 (en) | 1990-07-20 | 1992-01-23 | Lumberg Karl Gmbh & Co | ELECTRIC CONNECTOR |
| US5276817A (en) * | 1990-08-16 | 1994-01-04 | Technosales Company Establishment | System for splitting and connecting computer bus lines |
| DE4025954A1 (en) * | 1990-08-16 | 1992-02-20 | Rubert Achim Prof Dr Ing | ARRANGEMENT FOR DISCONNECTING AND / OR CONNECTING THE BUS CABLES WITHIN A SLOT BAR AND ON THE PLUG IN A COMPUTER AND CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENT FOR A GRAPHIC-MULTI-PURPOSE / MULTITASKING SYSTEM |
| US5076803A (en) * | 1991-02-22 | 1991-12-31 | Miraco, Inc. | Locking connector assembly |
| US5316496A (en) * | 1992-02-28 | 1994-05-31 | The Whitaker Corporation | Connector for flat cables |
| JP2568729Y2 (en) * | 1992-12-11 | 1998-04-15 | 住友電装株式会社 | Electrical connector of tape wire connector |
| US5399101A (en) * | 1993-12-16 | 1995-03-21 | International Business Machines Corporation | Electrical connector with preloaded contact |
| GB2285893A (en) * | 1994-01-05 | 1995-07-26 | Whitaker Corp | Connector for interconnecting a flexible circuit to a circuit board |
| JP3424150B2 (en) * | 1996-12-27 | 2003-07-07 | モレックス インコーポレーテッド | Electrical connector |
| US6000951A (en) * | 1997-03-18 | 1999-12-14 | Prince Corporation | Electrical ribbon wire connectors |
| US8914183B2 (en) * | 2010-09-20 | 2014-12-16 | Joshua Forwerck | Enhanced electronic assembly |
| JP5737216B2 (en) * | 2012-03-28 | 2015-06-17 | 住友電装株式会社 | connector |
| US9460757B2 (en) | 2013-11-04 | 2016-10-04 | HGST Netherlands B.V. | Flexible cable assembly having reduced-tolerance electrical connection pads |
| JP7379025B2 (en) * | 2019-09-02 | 2023-11-14 | 京セラ株式会社 | sockets and electronic equipment |
Family Cites Families (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US26692A (en) * | 1860-01-03 | John mcmannus | ||
| FR1320654A (en) * | 1961-05-03 | 1963-03-08 | Minnesota Mining & Mfg | Electric cable and connection socket for this cable |
| US3233208A (en) * | 1963-09-06 | 1966-02-01 | Elco Corp | Contact for direct reception of printed circuit board |
| GB1046859A (en) * | 1965-05-12 | 1966-10-26 | Pressac Ltd | Improved lamp holders for capless electric lamps |
| FR1498649A (en) * | 1966-09-09 | 1967-10-20 | Prec Mecanique Labinal | Improvements to electrical connectors |
| GB1177193A (en) * | 1967-07-14 | 1970-01-07 | Amp Inc | Electrical Contact Element for a Printed Circuit Edge Connector and a Printed Circuit Edge Connector Assembly |
| US3720907A (en) * | 1971-02-12 | 1973-03-13 | Amp Inc | Panel connector employing flag-type terminals and terminal extracting tool for the same |
| FR2172776B2 (en) * | 1972-02-21 | 1980-03-07 | Amp Inc | |
| GB1570189A (en) * | 1977-02-02 | 1980-06-25 | Bicc Burndy Ltd | Electric connectors |
| US4241970A (en) * | 1979-04-09 | 1980-12-30 | Amp Incorporated | Electrical connector having improved receptacle terminal |
| JPS564740A (en) * | 1979-06-21 | 1981-01-19 | Souichi Torii | Weaving method and circular weaving machine for bag fabric in circular weaving machine |
-
1982
- 1982-12-10 JP JP57215435A patent/JPS6035791B2/en not_active Expired
-
1983
- 1983-12-05 US US06/558,138 patent/US4526436A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1983-12-09 CA CA000442942A patent/CA1199698A/en not_active Expired
- 1983-12-12 DE DE8383307538T patent/DE3366781D1/en not_active Expired
- 1983-12-12 EP EP83307538A patent/EP0112144B1/en not_active Expired
-
1989
- 1989-10-05 SG SG67989A patent/SG67989G/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPS59114776A (en) | 1984-07-02 |
| EP0112144A1 (en) | 1984-06-27 |
| JPS6035791B2 (en) | 1985-08-16 |
| EP0112144B1 (en) | 1986-10-08 |
| DE3366781D1 (en) | 1986-11-13 |
| SG67989G (en) | 1990-01-26 |
| US4526436A (en) | 1985-07-02 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |