DE102017214151B4 - Flat conductor with several conductor tracks running side by side in an insulating material as well as socket housing - Google Patents

Abstract

Flat conductor (1) with a plurality of conductor tracks (3) running next to one another in an insulating material (5), the flat conductor (1) being inserted and removed at least at one end into a plug housing (10, 10 ') and the plug housing (10, 10 ') has at least one first locking element (11) on a first housing side (10b) and at least one second locking element (13) on at least one second housing side (10d, 10e) which does not run parallel to the first housing side (10b), the locking elements (11, 13) for releasably locking the plug housing (10, 10 ') to a socket housing (14) and the flat conductor (1) at least partially at an end area (8, 10') leading out of the plug housing (10) The width (b1) decreases continuously towards a flat conductor end (8b), characterized in that the flat conductor (1) in the plug housing (10) first bends (B), which leads from the The plug-in housing (10) leading part is directed away from the end region (8) of the flat conductor (1).

Description

The invention relates to a flat conductor with a plurality of conductor tracks running side by side in an insulating material in accordance with the features of the preamble of patent claim 1 and a socket housing with the features of the independent claim 7.

Flat conductors are well known from the general state of the art. They have the advantage that a large number of electrical conductor tracks can be arranged side by side to save space.

Since the use of electronic components that have to be electrically connected to one another is also increasing in the automotive sector, automotive engineering is also constantly looking for electrical connections that are suitable for automotive applications. For example, crimped connectors are common. However, these are expensive, require a lot of space, expensive crimping systems and crimping also takes a lot of production time. So-called ZIF connectors (ZIF = Zero Insertion Force) are also known, but they are not suitable for the automotive industry, since simple latching through contacting brackets during acceleration and poor travel over the lifetime do not offer sufficient contact security. ZIF connectors with latches are also known. However, these do not meet the high automotive requirements.

Likewise conceivable soldered connections have the disadvantage that they cannot be detached, so that in the event of errors or malfunctions, a complete exchange of the interconnected components is necessary.

A flat conductor with the features of the preamble of claim 1 is from the EP 0 597 710 A2 known. The document describes a connector with a plug housing and a socket housing. A flat conductor is inserted into the plug housing via a slot. The flat conductor continuously decreases in width at its end region towards the end of the flat conductor. The plug housing also has a first locking element and two further locking elements. The locking elements snap together with locking elements of the socket housing. The locking elements are all arranged on an upper side of the plug housing or on an upper side of the socket housing in such a way that the same direction of action of the latching results. This should lead to a more compact design of the connector. There is a single receiving slot in the socket housing. This serves on the one hand to accommodate electrical contacts and on the other hand to insert a part from the plug housing. When the plug housing finally snaps into place in the socket housing, a front end of said part of the plug housing pushes against the fingers of the contacts. This should push the arms of the contacts down against the flat conductor in the direction of a contact point.

Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of providing a flat conductor in which automated plugging in the manufacturing process is facilitated and with which an electrical plug connection can be implemented which meets high automotive requirements.

The present object is achieved with a flat conductor according to the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments or further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

The flat conductor has several conductor tracks running side by side in an insulating material. Furthermore, the flat conductor at an end region at least partially led out of the plug-in housing continuously decreases in width at least in regions towards one end of the flat conductor. The flat conductor is guided into and out of a plug housing at least at one end, and the plug housing has, according to the invention, at least one first locking element on a first, outer housing side and at least one second locking element on at least one second, outer housing side. The at least one second, outer housing side does not run parallel to the first housing side. The locking elements are used for releasably locking the plug housing to a socket housing.

The decrease in width is preferably accomplished in such a way that the flat conductor, starting from its two long sides, has bevels which are directed towards one another. The bevels are realized by oblique cuts of the flat conductor, which were introduced into the insulating material of the flat conductor from both sides.

Such a flat conductor forms the basic requirements for the flat conductor to be releasably but permanently securely connected to a socket housing and, moreover, to be connected to the socket housing more easily in an automated production step. As a result, the flat conductor fulfills important criteria in the automotive sector (automotive sector).

Characterized in that at least one first locking element on a first, outer housing side and at least one second locking element on at least one second, outer and are not present parallel to the first side of the housing, the principle of primary and secondary locking can be realized in a simple manner.

According to a further component of the invention, the at least one second locking element is arranged on such a side of the housing of the plug housing into which the flat conductor is not inserted. Such an arrangement allows a gripping aid for a robot to be provided in a simple manner when the flat conductor is inserted automatically into the plug housing.

According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, it is very advantageous if the flat conductor in the plug housing is deflected. This is done in such a way that a part of the flat conductor located in front of the plug housing and a part of the end region led out of the plug housing are at an angle of 90 degrees to one another. In this way, on the one hand, an electrical plug connection can be designed to save space, and on the other hand, an increased condensate protection of the plug connection can be realized in this way.

A desired condensate protection is improved according to the invention in that the flat conductor first bends in the plug housing and is directed away from the end area of the flat conductor by the part led out of the plug housing.

In order to further improve automated insertion of the flat conductor, it is also proposed that at least the part led out of the plug housing from the end region of the flat conductor is connected to a reinforcing material layer. The reinforcing material layer can be a plastic layer, for example. It is expedient here to glue the reinforcing material layer to the insulating material of the flat conductor.

A further, highly expedient development of the invention proposes that a housing wall of the plug housing, which covers the part of the end region led out of the plug housing, runs from the flat conductor at a clear distance from the part of the end region led out of the plug housing. The coverage is preferably complete. In this way, protection against contact of electrical contacts of the flat conductor can be implemented in a simple manner.

The conductor tracks at the end of the end area merge into flat, exposed contacts on one side. This greatly simplifies the implementation of an electrical contact. For example, when the plug housing is inserted into the socket housing, contact pins of the socket housing can be easily pushed onto the contact surfaces of the exposed contacts in an electrically contacting manner.

The invention is also intended to provide protection for a socket housing which is suitable for connection to a plug housing according to the invention. Such a socket housing has a first and a second receiving shaft. Several contact pins are arranged in rows next to one another in the first receiving slot. The contact pins are electrically connected to at least one circuit board or can be connected. Starting from an insertion opening and from both long sides, the width of the first receiving shaft decreases continuously. In this way, the automated insertion of the flat conductor, which also has an end region that continuously decreases in width, can be considerably facilitated.

It is proposed that the socket housing be countersunk in a component which has at least one circuit board such that it protrudes slightly, ie only a few millimeters, from the component with an overhang with an end having the insertion opening. In this way, condensate protection can also be improved.

Finally, the socket housing can be held with an end region in a base-like component in such a way that it can be moved in degrees of freedom that run perpendicular to an insertion direction of the plug housing. This makes it possible that when the plug housing is inserted automatically into the socket housing, the socket housing can carry out the necessary compensatory movements and can thus align itself automatically with the plug housing. The socket housing is thus designed as a “floating” housing and helps with tolerance compensation during automated plugging.

Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the figures and are explained in more detail with reference to the figures in the following description. This also makes further advantages of the invention clear. The same reference numerals, also in different figures, refer to the same, comparable or functionally identical components. Corresponding or comparable properties and advantages are achieved, even if there is no repeated description or reference to them. The figures are not always to scale. In some figures, proportions can be exaggerated in order to be able to emphasize features of an exemplary embodiment more clearly.

• 1 ein Ende des erfindungsgemäßen Flachleiters ohne Steckgehäuse, in einer Draufsicht auf seine Kontaktseite,
• 2 die Darstellung des Flachleiters von der anderen Seite,
• 3 eine Darstellung des Flachleiters gemäß Schnittverlauf III aus 1,
• 4 eine Darstellung des Flachleiters gemäß Schnittverlauf IV aus 1,
• 5 eine Seitendarstellung des Flachleiters mitsamt Steckgehäuse, in einer ersten Ausführungsform,
• 6 eine Darstellung des Flachleiters gemäß Ansicht VI aus 5,
• 7 eine Seitenansicht des Flachleiters mitsamt Steckgehäuse, in einer zweiten Ausführungsform,
• 8 eine Seitendarstellung des Flachleiters vergleichbar mit 5, in einer vergrößerten Darstellung,
• 9 eine Darstellung des Flachleiters gemäß 5 bei einem Steckvorgang in ein Buchsengehäuse,
• 10 eine Darstellung gemäß Ansicht X aus 9,
• 11 eine Darstellung gemäß Ansicht XI aus 9, wobei Wandungen im Buchsengehäuse transparent dargestellt sind,
• 12 eine Darstellung vergleichbar mit 9, jedoch mit in einem Bauteil versenktem Buchsengehäuse und
• 13 eine Darstellung vergleichbar mit 9, wobei das Buchsengehäuse schwimmend ausgebildet ist.

It shows, each schematically

• 1 one end of the flat conductor according to the invention without a plug housing, in a plan view of its contact side,
• 2 the representation of the flat conductor from the other side,
• 3 a representation of the flat conductor according to the section III out 1 .
• 4 a representation of the flat conductor according to the section IV out 1 .
• 5 a side view of the flat conductor together with the plug housing, in a first embodiment,
• 6 a representation of the flat conductor according to the view VI out 5 .
• 7 2 shows a side view of the flat conductor together with the plug housing, in a second embodiment,
• 8th a side view of the flat conductor comparable to 5 , in an enlarged view,
• 9 a representation of the flat conductor according 5 when plugging into a socket housing,
• 10 a representation according to view X out 9 .
• 11 a representation according to view XI out 9 , with walls in the socket housing being shown transparently,
• 12 a representation comparable to 9 , but with the socket housing recessed in one component and
• 13 a representation comparable to 9 , wherein the socket housing is designed to be floating.

First, the 1 to 4 Referred.

In it is a flat conductor according to the invention 1 shown. The flat conductor 1 is designed as a flat band and is made up of long sides 2 laterally limited. Much of its material is made up of insulating material 5 formed, which is preferably in the form of flexible plastic.

Through the insulating material 5 become multiple traces 3 insulated, which is approximately parallel to the long sides 2 along the flat conductor 1 extend.

With 8th is an end region of the flat conductor 1 figures which one is a flat conductor end 8b having. The conductor tracks 3 extend to just before the flat conductor end 8b and go into flat electrical contacts there 4 with a flat contact surface above. In the area of electrical contacts 4 they are not with the insulating material 5 coated so that the contacts 4 lie free.

The end area 8th is on the long sides 2 with fasteners 7 Mistake. These fasteners 7 can preferably be designed in the form of flexible locking projections. They are used for easy attachment of the flat conductor 1 in a plug housing 10 (see also 5 ).

In the 1 visible side of the flat conductor 1 on which the electrical contacts 4 should be available as a contact page KS and a side opposite this side as the back RS are referred to (see also 3 and 4 ).

It can also be seen that the flat conductor 1 on its two long sides 2 blanks 6 over which it is of an original width b1 continuously on a latitude b2 is reduced. The cuts 6 are on both long sides 2 equally trained so that the latitudes b1 and b2 from an imaginary center line ML extend equally on both sides. The cuts 6 run in the direction of the flat conductor end 8b straight towards each other.

On the back side RS is the flat conductor 1 with a reinforcing material layer 9 fitted. The layer of material 9 is preferably made of plastic and with the insulating material 5 connected by means of an adhesive connection. The layer of material 9 increases stability in the end area 8th clearly and thus facilitates automatic insertion of the flat conductor 1 ,

Based on 5 now becomes the flat conductor 1 shown how it with a plug housing 10 connected is.

The flat conductor 1 is through the plug housing 10 passed. In particular, it is on an outer side of the housing 10a in the plug housing 10 introduced and on an outer, in the figure below the housing side 10f again from the plug housing 10 led out. The flat conductor protrudes 1 with part of the end area 8th from the plug housing 10 out.

As already mentioned, the flat conductor is 1 in the plug housing 10 by means of the fasteners 7 (see. 1 and 2 ) locking with counter locking elements (not shown) of the plug housing 10 connected.

A top of the housing in the figure is numbered 10c. Then one of the housing side follows 10a opposite side of the housing 10b which are parallel to the housing side 10a runs and from which there is a housing wall 12 extends.

The housing wall 12 extends a clear distance a from the flat conductor 1 or from his contact page KS , Here is the housing wall 12 in particular dimensioned such that they are the contact side KS of the flat conductor 1 completely covered. The housing wall thus forms 12 very good protection against contact for the contacts 4 ,

On housing sides 10d and 10e , which run parallel to each other and perpendicular to the sides of the housing 10a . 10b and 10c stand, are locking elements 13 arranged. The locking elements 13 are designed as flexible, tongue-like elements, which movements relative to the plug housing 10 can perform (see also 6 ).

As from the 5 also becomes apparent, is subject to the flat conductor 1 in the plug housing 10 a redirection U , which is approximately 90 degrees. In other words, is the redirection U designed so that one to the plug housing 10 supplied part of the flat conductor 1 and one from the plug housing 10 protruding part of the end area 8th take an angle of 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees.

Furthermore, locking elements are in the figure 11 shown, which is at the level of the locking elements 13 from the outer side of the housing 10b extend. The locking elements 11 are preferably designed in the manner of locking lugs.

Based on 6 it can be seen that three locking elements 11 are arranged in rows next to each other. The locking elements 13 can be integrally connected to these actuators 13a in unlocking directions R1 respectively R2 be operated.

Like from the 5 and 6 it becomes clear that the locking elements are located 13 on the case sides 10d and 10e which is not the feed side for the flat conductor 1 to the plug housing 10 serve.

In particular, the locking elements 11 a so-called primary lock is formed with which the plug housing 10 with a socket housing 14 (see 9 to 13 ) can be locked.

Through the locking elements 13 on the other hand, a secondary lock is formed with which the plug housing 10 additionally with the mentioned socket housing 14 can be locked.

It goes without saying that the flat conductor shown in the exemplary embodiment 1 together with the plug housing 10 and also the socket housing 14 can be scaled in width as required, depending on a given requirement profile. So it can be more or less than the contacts shown 4 or locking elements 11 to be available.

The 7 shows an embodiment in which the flat conductor 1 through a plug housing 10 ' passed and locked with it. In contrast to the previous embodiment takes place in the housing 10 ' no deflection of the flat conductor 1 instead of. The housing 10 ' is therefore a bit more compact.

The 8th shows how in the embodiment according to 5 the flat conductor 1 in the dashed housing indicated by dashed lines 10 is led to the redirection mentioned U to realize. Here is the flat conductor 1 , shortly after being in the case side 10a was introduced with a bend B equipped, which from the plug housing 10 protruding part of the end area 8th is directed away. Only then does the flat conductor carry out 1 another bend that goes back towards the end area 8th has.

In addition to the space that the bend U offers, leads the described additional bend B that any condensate liquid that forms FL in the mounting position shown in the figure not so easy in the plug housing 10 penetrate and from there down towards a connected circuit board (not shown).

In the 9 to 11 a plug-in process is now described in which the flat conductor 1 with plug housing 10 towards a socket housing 14 is stuck.

The socket housing 14 has outer walls 14a . 14b . 14c . 14d and 14e on. The socket housing forms through the housing walls mentioned 14 a cuboid shape.

Between the outer housing walls 14a and 14b is an inner wall 14f brought in. The wall 14f extends in width from the wall 14d down to the wall 14e , The wall extends in height 14f from the bottom wall 14c at the same height as the walls 14a and 14b ,

This will make the inside of the socket housing 14 in a first receiving slot 15 with an insertion opening 15a and a second receiving slot 16 with an insertion opening 16a divided.

When inserting the plug housing 10 in the direction of an insertion direction R3 reaches the end area 8th so far into the receiving slot 15 in until the electrical contacts 4 in contact with the bottom of the receiving slot 15 contact pins. Specifically, the end area arrives 8th in one through the wall 14a and the contact pins 20 formed space Z , expand it slightly (compare double arrow) so that the contact pins 20 with slight bias on the exposed contact surfaces of the electrical contacts 4 issue.

The housing wall also reaches 12 of the plug housing 10 so far into the second receiving slot 16 until the locking elements 11 while expanding a flexible narrowing 18 in through openings 17 the wall 14b engage.

In the end position of the plug housing 10 latch the locking elements 13 also in rest openings 14g one that is in the walls 14d and 14e of the socket housing 14 are located.

This is an extremely secure, automotive-compatible and releasable locking of the plug housing 10 in the socket housing 14 realized.

In the 11 is a representation comparable to that 10 chosen, but with the walls 14b and 14f of the socket housing 14 are shown transparently.

In this way, the geometric course of the first receiving shaft 15 more visible. The intake shaft 15 namely, starting from the insertion opening 15a in the direction of insertion R3 insertion bevels running on both sides 15b on. This reduces an initial width b3 of the receiving shaft 15 in the area of the insertion opening 15a to a small width b4 at the bottom of the receiving shaft 15 in the area of contact pins 20 ,

This training facilitates the automatic insertion of the plug housing 10 into the socket housing 14 by means of a robot (not shown). The locking elements serve 13 first to facilitate gripping the plug housing 10 through the robot.

In 12 is shown that the socket housing 14 even in one component 21 can be arranged sunk, the component 21 the board P having. In particular, the countersink of the socket housing 14 in the component 21 so accomplished that the socket housing 14 with a little overhang Ü of preferably 1-2 mm upwards from the component 21 protrudes. In this way, a penetration of condensed liquid into the interior of the socket housing 14 difficult.

Finally, the shows 13 another example where the socket housing 14 "Floating" in a base-like component 22 is held. Specifically, the socket housing 14 in the component 22 minor compensatory movements in degrees of freedom F1 . F2 perpendicular to the plane of the drawing and in degrees of freedom F3 . F4 perform at drawing level. This will be the socket housing 14 To a certain extent, tolerance compensation when the plug housing is inserted automatically 10 allows.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

flat Head

2

long sides

3

conductor tracks

4

electrical contacts

5

insulating material

6

blanks

7

fasteners

8th

end

8b

Flat conductor end

9

reinforcing material layer

10, 10 '

plug housing

10a-10f

Housing sides of the plug housing

11

Locking elements (primary locking)

12

housing

13

Locking elements (secondary locking)

13a

actuators

14

socket housing

14a-14f

Walls of the socket housing

14g

latching openings

15

first intake shaft

15a

insertion

15b

bevels

16

second receiving slot

16a

insertion

17

Through opening

18

flexible narrowing

20

contact pins

21

component

22

socket-like component

a

clear distance

B

bend

b1

Width of the flat conductor

b2

Width of the flat conductor

b3

Width of the first slot

b4

Width of the first slot

F1-F4

degrees of freedom

FL

condensate liquid

KS

Contact

ML

center line

P

circuit board

R1, R2

Entriegelungsrichtungen

R3

insertion

RS

back

U

redirection

Ü

Got over

Z

gap

Claims (7)

Flat conductor (1) with a plurality of conductor tracks (3) running next to one another in an insulating material (5), the flat conductor (1) being inserted and removed at least at one end into a plug housing (10, 10 ') and the plug housing (10, 10 ') has at least one first locking element (11) on a first housing side (10b) and at least one second locking element (13) on at least one second housing side (10d, 10e), which does not run parallel to the first housing side (10b), the locking elements (11, 13) for releasably locking the plug housing (10, 10 ') to a socket housing (14) and the flat conductor (1) at least partially at an end area (8, 10') leading out of the plug housing (10) its width (b1) decreases continuously towards a flat conductor end (8b), characterized in that the flat conductor (1) in the plug-in housing (10) first performs a bend (B), which from the m part of the plug-in housing (10) is directed away from the end region (8) of the flat conductor (1). Flat conductor (1) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one second locking element (13) is arranged on such a housing side (10d, 10e) into which the flat conductor (1) is not inserted. Flat conductor (1) after Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the flat conductor (1) in the plug housing (10) undergoes a deflection (U) such that a part of the flat conductor (1) located in front of the plug housing (10) and a part of the End area (8) at an angle of 90 degrees to each other. Flat conductor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the part led out of the plug housing (10, 10 ') from the end region (8) of the flat conductor (1) is connected to a reinforcing material layer (9). Flat conductor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at a clear distance (a) from the part of the end region (8) led out of the plug housing (10, 10 ') from the flat conductor (1) is a housing wall (12) of the plug housing (10, 10 '), which covers that part of the end region (8) which is led out of the plug housing (10, 10') by the flat conductor (1). Flat conductor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conductor tracks (3) at the end of the end region (8) merge into flat contacts (4) which are exposed on one side. Socket housing (14) for connection to the plug housing (10, 10 ') of the flat conductor (1) according to one of the preceding Claims 1 to 6 , with a first receiving shaft (15) and a second receiving shaft (16), the receiving shafts (15, 16) being formed by an inner wall (14f) and wherein in the first receiving shaft (15) a plurality of contact pins (20) are arranged in rows next to one another , which are electrically conductively connected or connectable to at least one circuit board (P) and wherein the first receiving shaft (15) continuously decreases in width (b3) starting from an insertion opening (15a) and from both longitudinal sides.

Images