EP1207588B1 - Electrical connector for flat cable or flexible printed circuit - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an electrical connector for flexible flat cables or flexible printed circuit boards according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

Typical flexible flat cable (FFC) or flexible printed circuit board (FPC) electrical connectors have an insulating or dielectric housing that defines an insertion opening for the film having the conductive traces embedded therein. Along this insertion opening a plurality of foil contacts is mounted in the housing, which are arranged substantially parallel to each other. Contact zones of these film contacts are arranged in the insertion opening so that they can contact conductive regions of the film cable. The housing also often includes a press-on strap that can be moved from an "open" condition where the film can be inserted into the insertion opening to a "closed" condition where the film and its terminals are in contact with the contact areas Foil contacts are pressed.

Many of the electrical connectors for FFC / FPC films described above are designed so that the film can be inserted with zero insertion force. Thus, when the presser bar is in the "open" position, the film can be pushed into the insertion opening without applying force. If the pressure bar is then locked, the film is detected and the conductor tracks of the film are pressed against the contact zones of the film contacts.

However, such electrical connectors often show faulty or faulty electrical connections, since the film may slip during assembly or operation.

A possible field of application is, inter alia, in the field of motor vehicle electronics, where the electrical contact must meet high requirements due to the extremely harsh environmental conditions, in particular with regard to the vibration resistance and corrosion resistance, but also the temperature resistance and current strength. In addition, the electrical connector must be inexpensive to produce and as far as possible miniaturized.

The European Patent EP 0 696 090 B1 describes an electrical connector for flexible circuit boards which is mounted on another circuit board, such as a printed circuit board. The connector includes a housing having an insertion opening and a plurality of contact elements disposed in the housing such that spring contact portions of the contact elements protrude into the insertion opening. At the contact elements a support area is provided. A presser bar, which is rotatable on the support area from an open position to a pressure position, has a presser edge which, when the presser bar is moved to the press-on position, moves in the opposite direction to the direction of insertion of the film and pushes the film against the spring contact parts. In this way, the electrical connections between the film and the contact elements are made.

A connector for printed circuit boards, especially for flexible ones such as FPC or FFC, is the subject of European Patent Application EP 0 926 778 A2 , The connector has an insulating housing with an upwardly open recess and base contacts arranged in the housing at regular intervals and each having a resilient beam and an integrally connected arm on. Each beam has a conductive protrusion projecting into the recess and each arm extending into the recess along the housing top has a pivotable end opposite the protrusion. An insulated pressure cover which engages the pivotable ends is rotatable between a pressing position near the projections and an open position away from the projections. The pivotable ends lock the cover and push the flexible circuit board against the resilient beams. The cover has cover contacts which rotatably engage the pivotable ends and correspond to the base contacts so that the pivotable ends, the cover contacts and the flexible printed circuit are electrically contacted with the cover closed.

Another electrical connector for flat circuits is in the European Patent Application EP 0 966 070 A1 described. The connector has a dielectric housing with an insertion opening and a plurality of electrical terminals mounted in the housing and arranged along the insertion opening. The terminals have contact areas to contact the tracks of the flat circuit. A pressure bar is movably mounted to the housing and changes its position between an open position in which the film can be inserted and a closed position in which the film and its tracks against the contact areas the connections are pressed. Only some of the terminals have retention terminals with gripping elements that grip and fix the flat circuit when the pressure bar is opened. Other connections contain no retaining elements, so that here the film can be inserted powerless.

The U.S. Patent 4,082,402 Finally, discloses a terminal for a crimp connection in the connection of flexible interconnects. The terminal is designed to penetrate the insulating sheath of the flexible trace and circumscribe the trace to provide both a mechanical and electrical connection thereto. The terminal has two opposing pairs of sharp teeth, which are bent after the penetration of the film to each other so that they embrace the conductor and electrically contact. In an electrical connector for flexible ribbon cable, which uses a variety of such terminals, so the sharp teeth of the terminals both the electrical contact, as well as the strain relief of the flexible film is guaranteed.

All of these connectors have the disadvantage that on the one hand their production is very complex and therefore expensive and on the other hand, the contact of the foil conductors under extreme environmental conditions is not secure enough.

The U.S. Patent 3,989,336 A discloses a connector for contacting a ribbon cable, wherein film contacts are provided in an electrically insulating housing, which are made of bent metal. The metal contacts are resilient and have two contact areas, between which the film is clamped in the final assembled state. By applying pressure to the contact element, a contact part is pressed onto the film.

Object of the present invention is therefore to provide an electrical connector for a film having embedded therein tracks, which ensures a secure contact and also allows a cheap production and simplified assembly of the components.

This object is achieved by an electrical connector having the features of patent claim 1.

A significant advantage of the electrical connector according to the invention is that the contact normal force can be set in comparatively large ranges due to the special geometry of the film contact. Since the spring steel allows relatively large deflections of the contact arms, different film thicknesses can be contacted with the same connector. Since the directed substantially perpendicular to the film surface compressive force acting on the actuating region, due to their forwarding over the approximately U-shaped bent end portion of the first contact arm in the Contact zone is decomposed into a normal and a parallel component rubs when pressing the film contact, the contact zone of the first contact arm on the conductor of the film and thus removes any, affecting the electrical contact residues. Furthermore, the realization of the foil contacts from a stamped or bent spring plate represents a particularly cost-effective production. In addition, the foil contact in the embodiment according to the invention forms a double spring, which allows an open gap size and a constant spring characteristic.

Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of several subclaims.

In order to achieve a power adjustment of the film contacts with the lowest possible manufacturing costs, the film contacts may be composed of a plurality of contact elements, which are interconnected by separable contact bridges.

According to a preferred embodiment, the foil contacts have openings into which snaps a matching Sicherungsrasthaken when installed in the housing. This allows a fully automatic assembly of the housing with the film contacts.

The subdivision of the first contact arm via a slot in two contact webs reduces the insertion forces occurring. Low insertion forces are required to avoid the formation of waves or tilting of the film. In addition, this realization allows a good contact with the conductor tracks of the film.

According to a preferred embodiment, the connection zone is designed as a solder connection, so that the electrical connector according to the invention is suitable for applications in which it has to be soldered on.

If, on the other hand, you provide the film contact with an insertion funnel into which a plug pin can be inserted, the connector can be adapted to various connection options, such as Action Pin 90 ° and 180 °, SMD connection, etc.

The connection of the connector pin with the insertion funnel via a laser welding point or mechanical non-positive locking mechanisms can prevent the connector pin from being displaced axially inadvertently.

The above object is also achieved by an electrical connector having the features of claim 8. The main advantage of this electrical connector according to the invention is the fact that the strain relief of the film is realized in one operation with the pressing of the film contacts by folding the Andruckbügels. In addition to the required assembly time so also the number of components can be kept low.

Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of several subclaims.

According to a preferred embodiment, the pressure bar has at least one first opening into which a corresponding latching lug of the housing engages and fixes the pressure bar in a pre-latching position in which the foil contacts are opened. In this way it can be ensured that the electrical connector in the delivery state are ready to install immediately.

A provided according to a preferred embodiment second opening into which engages a corresponding second latching lug of the housing, fixed the Andruckbügel in its end position. By this mechanical locking a simple and easy assembly of the housing components can be ensured.

If one looks at the housing partitions before, which electrically isolate the film contacts against each other, so this has the advantage that both the electrical breakdown strength increases, as well as a capacitive coupling between adjacent contacts, which has a negative effect as increased crosstalk, can be prevented.

Of particular advantage is the design of the housing stabilizing support ribs as insertion aids for the film, because in this way a clean guidance of the film in the housing and thus a secure and confusion-free contact is ensured.

The above object is finally achieved by an electrical connector having the features of claim 13. This connector according to the invention offers the advantage of an economically particularly favorable and mechanically safe contacting.

Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of several subclaims.

The actuation of the film contacts by a slider offers the advantage that the film contacts can be actuated by a lateral movement and thus this production step is easier to automate.

Forming the holding elements for the film as holding webs, which are integrally formed on a pivotally mounted rocker arm, a particularly secure fixation of the film without prior punching the same is achieved.

According to a preferred embodiment, the slide is secured to the plug part by a latching hook, so that it is ensured that the plug part in the delivery state is already ready for installation.

If it is envisaged that the first latching hook, which is reliably released in a pre-locking position by a pressure ridge on the collar part of the slide, it is ensured that the foil contacts are only actuated when the foil is optimally positioned. In this way, misconnections can be largely avoided.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the slider has a second latching hook, which can be latched into a recess on the housing. This ensures a secure and not unintentionally releasable contacting of the film.

• Fig. 1A eine perspektivische Darstellung eines elektrischen Verbinders während der Montage;
• Fig. 1B eine perspektivische Darstellung des elektrischen Verbinders aus Fig. 1A im fertig montierten Zustand;
• Fig. 2 verschiedene perspektivische Ansichten eines erfindungsgemäßen Folienkontaktes;
• Fig. 3 einen Schnitt durch den erfindungsgemäßen Folienkontakt im entspannten Zustand;
• Fig. 4 einen Schnitt durch den erfindungsgemäßen Folienkontakt im zusammengepressten Zustand;
• Fig. 5 eine Überlagerung der Schnittbilder von Fig. 3 und Fig. 4;
• Fig. 6 verschiedene Ansichten eines Folienkontakts gemäß einer ersten bevorzugten Ausführungsform;
• Fig. 7 eine perspektivische Darstellung des Folienkontakts gemäß der ersten bevorzugten Ausführungsform;
• Fig. 8 eine perspektivische Darstellung des Folienkontakts gemäß der ersten bevorzugten Ausführungsform;
• Fig. 9 eine perspektivische Darstellung des Folienkontakts gemäß der ersten bevorzugten Ausführungsform mit nur zwei Kontaktelementen;
• Fig. 10 eine perspektivische Darstellung eines einzelnen Kontaktelements des Folienkontakts gemäß der ersten bevorzugten Ausführungsform;
• Fig. 11 einen Schnitt durch einen Folienkontakt gemäß einer zweiten bevorzugten Ausführungsform;
• Fig. 12 verschiedene Ansichten eines Folienkontakts gemäß einer dritten bevorzugten Ausführungsform mit eingeschobenem Steckerstift;
• Fig. 13 verschiedene Ansichten des Folienkontakts gemäß der dritten bevorzugten Ausführungsform bei entferntem Steckerstift;
• Fig. 14 verschiedene Ansichten eines einzelnen Kontaktelementes eines Folienkontakts gemäß einer vierten bevorzugten Ausführungsform;
• Fig. 15 eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Folienkontakts gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform;
• Fig. 16A eine perspektivische Ansicht des isolierenden Gehäuses in einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform im geöffneten Zustand;
• Fig. 16B eine perspektivische Ansicht des isolierenden Gehäuses in einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform im geschlossenen Zustand;
• Fig. 17A eine perspektivische Darstellung einer Detailansicht der Folienkontakte im Gehäuse;
• Fig. 17B eine perspektivische Darstellung einer Detailansicht der Folienkontakte im Gehäuse gemäß einer alternativen Ausführungsform;
• Fig. 18 eine perspektivische Darstellung einer Detailansicht der Folienkontakte im Gehäuse;
• Fig. 19 eine Explosionsdarstellung des Gehäuses mit den Folienkontakten gemäß einer ersten bevorzugten Ausführungsform;
• Fig. 20A eine perspektivische Darstellung des erfindungsgemäßen Verbinders während der Montage;
• Fig. 20A eine perspektivische Darstellung des erfindungsgemäßen Verbinders im fertig montierten Zustand;
• Fig. 21A eine perspektivische Darstellung des erfindungsgemäßen Verbinders in einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform während der Montage;
• Fig. 21B eine perspektivische Darstellung des erfindungsgemäßen Verbinders in einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform im fertig montierten Zustand;
• Fig. 22A eine perspektivische Ansicht des Steckerteils mit eingeschobener Folie;
• Fig. 22B eine perspektivische Ansicht des Steckerteils ohne eingeschobene Folie;
• Fig. 23 eine perspektivische Darstellung des Kragenteils mit einem eingeschobenen Folienkontakt;
• Fig. 24A eine perspektivische Darstellungen des erfindungsgemäßen Verbinders während der Montage (teilweise aufgeschnitten);
• Fig. 24B eine perspektivische Darstellungen des erfindungsgemäßen Verbinders im fertig montierten Zustand (teilweise aufgeschnitten);
• Fig. 25 eine perspektivische Darstellung des erfindungsgemäßen Verbinders im fertig montierten Zustand (Kragenteil teilweise geöffnet dargestellt).

With reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, the invention will be explained in more detail below. Show it:

• Fig. 1A a perspective view of an electrical connector during assembly;
• Fig. 1B a perspective view of the electrical connector Fig. 1A in the assembled state;
• Fig. 2 various perspective views of a film contact according to the invention;
• Fig. 3 a section through the film contact according to the invention in the relaxed state;
• Fig. 4 a section through the film contact according to the invention in the compressed state;
• Fig. 5 a superimposition of the sectional images of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 ;
• Fig. 6 different views of a film contact according to a first preferred embodiment;
• Fig. 7 a perspective view of the film contact according to the first preferred embodiment;
• Fig. 8 a perspective view of the film contact according to the first preferred embodiment;
• Fig. 9 a perspective view of the film contact according to the first preferred embodiment with only two contact elements;
• Fig. 10 a perspective view of a single contact element of the film contact according to the first preferred embodiment;
• Fig. 11 a section through a foil contact according to a second preferred embodiment;
• Fig. 12 various views of a film contact according to a third preferred embodiment with inserted plug pin;
• Fig. 13 different views of the film contact according to the third preferred embodiment with the connector pin removed;
• Fig. 14 various views of a single contact element of a film contact according to a fourth preferred embodiment;
• Fig. 15 a perspective view of a foil contact according to another preferred embodiment;
• Fig. 16A a perspective view of the insulating housing in a preferred embodiment in the open state;
• Fig. 16B a perspective view of the insulating housing in a preferred embodiment in the closed state;
• Fig. 17A a perspective view of a detailed view of the film contacts in the housing;
• Fig. 17B a perspective view of a detailed view of the film contacts in the housing according to an alternative embodiment;
• Fig. 18 a perspective view of a detailed view of the film contacts in the housing;
• Fig. 19 an exploded view of the housing with the film contacts according to a first preferred embodiment;
• Fig. 20A a perspective view of the connector according to the invention during assembly;
• Fig. 20A a perspective view of the connector according to the invention in the assembled state;
• Fig. 21A a perspective view of the connector according to the invention in a further preferred embodiment during assembly;
• Fig. 21B a perspective view of the connector according to the invention in a further preferred embodiment in the assembled state;
• Fig. 22A a perspective view of the plug part with inserted film;
• Fig. 22B a perspective view of the plug part without inserted film;
• Fig. 23 a perspective view of the collar part with an inserted foil contact;
• Fig. 24A a perspective views of the connector according to the invention during assembly (partially cut away);
• Fig. 24B a perspective views of the connector according to the invention in the assembled state (partially cut away);
• Fig. 25 a perspective view of the connector according to the invention in the assembled state (collar part shown partially open).

In the following preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail. Similar or corresponding details of the article according to the invention are provided with the same reference numerals.

Electrical connectors according to the present invention are required to make a defined connection between a flexible flat cable (FFC) or a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) and another electronic component. This electronic component may be, for example, an integrated circuit, a populated printed circuit board or another electrical cable. Depending on the nature of this electronic component, the electrical contact to the connector is detachable (e.g., in the form of a female connector assembly) or unsolvable (soldered connection).

As in Fig. 1 1, the electrical connector 100 comprises an insulating housing 101, which has an insertion opening 104 for a film 102 with flexible interconnects embedded therein, and at least one film contact 106 with a contact zone 204 for contacting the interconnects, a connection zone 202 for connection to an electrical component and an actuation zone 212 for receiving mechanical pressure. This mechanical pressure is provided by a pressure bridge 122 which is integrally formed on a pressure clamp 108. To insert the film 102 of the pivotally mounted in a hinge 128 Andruckbügel 108 is opened so far that the pressure bar 122, the actuating zone 212 of the film contact 106 does not touch. In this state, the film contact 106 is relaxed in a contact zone 204, so that the film 102 can be inserted without effort. This condition is in Fig. 1A shown. Now you tilt, as in Fig. 1B shown, the pressure bar 108 in the direction of the film contact 106, the pressure bar 122 comes into contact with the operating zone 212 of the film contact 106 and presses the film contact together. As will be shown more clearly in the following figures, the mechanical pressure exerted by the pressure bar 122 on the actuation zone 212 of the film contact 106 causes the film to become clamped in the contact zone of the film contact. At the same time, holding webs 110, which are likewise formed on the pressure bar 108, penetrate the film 102 and secure it against a pulling force 111 exerted on the film.

In Fig. 2 Two different perspective views of a foil contact 106 are shown. For contacting the foil conductor, the foil contact has a contact zone 204. The film is inserted between the first and second contact arm 206 and 208, respectively. The film contact 106 is made by stamping and bending a sheet metal, and is shaped so that an end portion 207 of the first contact arm 206 is substantially U-shaped bent and abuts the first contact arm at two connection points 218. Therefore, a mechanical pressure exerted on the actuation zone 212 on the one hand causes the entire first contact arm 206 to bend down and, moreover, is forwarded via the two connection points 218a and 218b to the contact zone 204. In addition, the film contact in the embodiment according to the invention forms a double spring 207 and 212, which allows an open gap size and a constant spring characteristic. At the opposite end of the contact zone 204 of the film contact 106 is the connection zone 202, which establishes a connection to a further electronic component. In the embodiment shown here, this connection zone 202 is formed as a soldering zone. The second contact arm 208 has, in the vicinity of the connection zone 202, an opening into which a corresponding latching nose on the housing engages and fixes the film contact 106 in the housing 101. The film contact 106 is composed of several (in this Fig. 2 For example, three) contact elements 215 which are interconnected by separable contact bridges 214. By a provided in the end portion 207 of the first contact arm slot, the first contact arm 206 is divided into two contact webs 210A and 210B.

FIG. 3 shows a section through the film contact 106 in the vicinity of the contact zone 204. The actuation zone 212 acts here no mechanical pressure, so that a film (not shown) without effort between the two contact points 205A and 205B can be inserted. Will now be on the operating zone 212 a mechanical Exerted pressure P, so deforms the first contact arm 206. The two contact points 205 A and 205 B are pressed against each other or clamp a film between them. This compressed state of the film contact 106 is in Fig. 4 shown. In Fig. 5 were now the two sectional images of Fig. 3 and 4 exactly superimposed. It can be seen that, by compressing the first contact arm 206 via the mechanical pressure P exerted on the actuation zone 212, the first contact point 205A shifts in addition to a displacement in the Z direction by the distance d in the Y direction. Such movement in the Y-direction causes friction of the contact point 205A either on the contact point 205B when the foil contact 106 is actuated without inserted foil, or on the trace of the inserted foil 102. In this way, residues on the contact surfaces can reduce the quality of the electrical contact could be effectively removed.

FIG. 6 shows various views of the film contact 106 according to a first embodiment in the bent and unbent state. A stamped tape loop 226 is removed after completion of the film contact.

The Fig. 7 and 8th show in perspective view different views of the film contact 106 according to the first preferred embodiment. It is Fig. 7 a presentation before and Fig. 8 an illustration after the removal of the punched tape loop 226. It can be seen that the film contact 106 is composed of three contact elements 215 A, B and C, which are connected to each other via two contact bridges 214. By cutting one of the two contact bridges, one arrives at the in Fig. 9 illustrated film contact 106, which only consists of two contact elements 215A and 215B. Finally, if this last contact bridge 214 is also removed, the foil contact 106 consists only of a single contact element 215A, as shown in FIG Fig. 10 is shown. As a result of this separation of individual contact elements 215 from the film contact 106, the film contact 106 can be adapted to different conductor track geometries and power requirements in a very simple manner.

FIG. 11 FIG. 5 illustrates a second preferred embodiment of a film contact 106 in which the outermost edge of the end portion 207 of the first contact arm 206 is shaped to engage the first contact arm 206 as a convex curve and to establish the second connection point 218 when on the actuation zone 212 mechanical pressure is applied. As in the previous embodiment, the foil contact in the terminal region 202 has a soldering zone.

A third preferred embodiment of the film contact 106 is shown in FIG Fig. 12 shown. As can be seen in the various views and sectional images, the film contact 106 has an insertion opening 220 into which a suitable plug pin 222 is inserted. In this embodiment, therefore, a plug socket can be connected to the connector as a further electronic component. One will use this embodiment wherever a detachable connection is required and therefore solder contacts are not suitable. It can also be used quite different pin forms and so a great flexibility in terms of connections to another electronic component can be achieved.

Various views of the film contact 106 without the inserted pin 222 according to the present embodiment are in Fig. 13 shown in the bent and unbent state.

In Fig. 14 is clarified in various views, as in the connection geometry according to the embodiment of Fig. 12 and 13 two laser welding points 224 are used for the material-locking securing of the plug pin 222 in the film contact 106.

FIG. 15 shows that with the same shape of the insertion 220 very different forms of connector pins 222 (here a so-called Action Pin) can be inserted.

In Fig. 16 is the housing 101 according to the already in Fig. 1 illustrated embodiment shown in perspective view. FIG. 16A represents the open state, in which the housing is ready to install, and Fig. 16B represents the closed state. So that the Andruckbügel 108 remains in the shown in Fig. 116A ready for assembly position, a first opening 112 is provided on the Andruckbügel 108 into which a corresponding locking lug on the housing engages and secures the Andruckbügel in a ready-to-install Vorraststellung. After mounting the film (the film is not shown here), the pressure bar is folded down and in second openings 114 engage corresponding locking lugs of the housing and fix the Andruckbügel in the assembled position. To prevent the pressure bar is closed too far and too tight, a stop 116 is formed on the housing. With the help of the stop 116 can be effectively prevented that excessive pressure forces are exerted on the foil contacts inside the housing.

FIG. 17 shows a detailed view of the film contacts 106 in the housing. It will be in the Figs. 17A and 17B illuminated two aspects of the invention: On the one hand, the film contacts 106, as in Fig. 17A shown used in different numbers and position in the housing. As a result, different film widths can be taken into account. On the other hand foil contacts 106, which consist of different numbers of contact elements 215, can be used to meet different performance requirements (see Fig. 17B ).

FIG. 18 shows a further preferred embodiment of the present electrical connector. To ensure that when inserting the film (not shown here) into the insertion opening 104 no waves are formed and the film does not tilt, the support ribs 120 of the housing 101, which are required to give the housing mechanical stability, so shaped so that they can serve as insertion aids for the film. Furthermore, it is off Fig. 18 It can be seen that according to a preferred embodiment, dividers 118 are formed in the housing, which electrically isolate the film contacts 106 from one another. Such dividers can prevent an electrical breakdown between the film contacts on the one hand. On the other hand, they serve to avoid crosstalk via a capacitive coupling between the individual film contacts 106.

In Fig. 19 In the form of an exploded drawing, all the components of the electrical connector for a film with embedded flexible conductor tracks are again shown. Based on this representation, the individual assembly steps can be described. The film contacts 106 are inserted in the insertion direction 124 in the housing and lock over the non-visible openings 216 with the housing 101. The Andruckbügel 108 is snapped into the direction of the designated arrow 126 in the hinge 128. Subsequently, the pressure bar is tilted so far down until the opening 112 is locked to the housing 101. The connector 100 is ready to receive the film in this position. When the film is inserted into the insertion opening 104 and positioned between the first and second contact arms 206 and 208 of the film contact 106, the latch 112 is released and the pressure bracket 108 is tilted down until it rests against the stop 116. The pressure webs 122 are lowered so that they actuate the film contacts 106. Penetrate at the same time the retaining webs 110 the film, without the need for a pre-punched opening is needed. The electrical contact is now made, and the film is secured against being pulled out by the retaining webs 110.

The just described process of closing the Andruckbügels 108 is off FIGS. 20A and 20B again clearly. In the in Fig. 20A shown Vorraststellung the film contacts 106 are relieved because they do not come into contact with the pressure bars 122. In Fig. 20B It is shown how the film contacts 106 are actuated by the pressure webs 122, and in this way the film 102 is securely and firmly contacted. For strain relief against a load on the film in direction 111, the holding webs 110 penetrate the film and fix it.

With reference to the Fig. 21 will be described in the following a further preferred embodiment of the electrical connector according to the invention. According to this preferred embodiment, the housing 101 has a plug part 302 and a collar part 308 separated therefrom. The collar part 308 has a receiving opening 324 for the plug part 302, into which it can be inserted. The film 102 is fixed in the plug part 302. The film contacts 106 are mounted in the collar part 308, so that the film is positioned upon insertion of the plug part 302 between the first and the second contact arm 206 and 208 of the film contacts 106. The actuation of the film contacts 106 takes place in this embodiment via a slider 304. If the slider 304 is inserted in the direction 326 in the collar part, so the pressure bar 318, the slides in Fig. 21A has no contact with the film contact 106, via the operating zone 212 of the film contact 106 and exerts a pressing force on this. As a result, the film is electrically contacted by the film contact. It must therefore be tilted to actuate the film contacts 106 no pressure strap more. All assembly steps can be performed by lateral movements parallel to the directional arrow 326 and are therefore easier to automate.

In Fig. 22 is the plug part 302 in two perspective views Figs. 22A and 22B shown. It can be seen on the front side of the plug part openings into which the foil contacts mounted in the collar part are introduced during assembly of the housing. The slider 304 is in the pushed back position and is secured in this position by the latching hook 306. This ensures that the slide can not be pushed forward and lost, as long as the plug member 302 is not inserted into the collar portion 308. In Fig. 22B is the insertion opening 328 for the film 102 so that it is ready for receiving the film 102 ready. A rocker arm 320 is opened and there are visible retaining ridges 322, which penetrate the inserted film when folding down the rocker arm 320 and secure them against tensile load, without pre-punched openings are required on the film.

FIG. 23 shows in a perspective view of the collar portion 308. The film post 106 is mounted in this collar part so that between the first and the second contact arm 206 and 208, a sufficiently large gap exists to push the film, which is secured in the plug part, without any effort can. Located laterally in the receiving opening for the plug part 324 is a pressure bridge 310, which releases the latching hook 306 on the plug part 302 when the plug part is inserted into the collar part, so that the slide is axially displaceable. An encoding 312 ensures that the plug part 302 can not be inserted laterally into the collar part 308.

The mating plug part 302 and collar part 308 is in the Figs. 24A and 24B clarified. The collar portion 308 is drawn open in this perspective view. As in Fig. 24A As can be seen, the plug part 302 is inserted into the receiving opening 324 of the collar part. The slider 304 is secured by the latching hook 306. If the slider 302 now, as in Fig. 24B shown inserted into the collar part 308 up to the stops 330, the latching hook 306 is released by the pressure bridge 310 and the slider 304 is displaceable in the direction 326. This ensures that actuation of the contacts by means of the pressure ridge 310 can take place only after complete insertion of the film.

The last step, namely the operation of the film contacts 106 by moving the slider 304 in the direction 326 is in Fig. 25 shown. Again, the collar portion 308 is shown open. About a latch hook 316, the slider is fixed in its final position on the collar part. Thus, the connector 100 is fully assembled and can be connected to another electronic component.

Claims (17)

1. An electrical connector for at least partially receiving a foil (102) with flexible printed conductors embedded therein, the connector (100) having an insulating housing (101) with an introduction opening (104) for the foil (102) and at least one foil contact (106) with a contact zone (204) for contacting the printed conductors, a connection zone (202) for connection to an electrical component and an actuation zone (212) for receiving mechanical pressure,
   the foil contact (106) being bent in one piece from a punched spring metal sheet, with at least one first contact arm (206) and one second contact arm (208) being formed, which are located opposite each other and between which the foil (102) can be introduced and can be contacted in the contact zone (204),
   and the first contact arm (206) having an end section (207) which is bent around approximately in a U-shape, which can be brought into contact with both contact arms (206, 208) by a pressure exerted on the actuation zone (212), by means of which the foil (102) is held between the end section (207) and the second contact arm (208), characterised in that
   at least one of the contact arms (206, 208) in the contact zone (204) has an elongate hole which forms two contact bars (210A, 210B) in each case.
2. An electrical connector according to Claim 1, characterised in that the foil contact (106) is formed from a plurality of contact elements (215) which are connected together by separable contact bridges (214).
3. An electrical connector according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the foil contact (106) has at least one opening (216) into which a mating securing latch hook can be snapped upon installation in the housing (101).
4. An electrical connector according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the connection zone (202) is formed as a soldered connection.
5. An electrical connector according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the connection zone (202) has an insertion funnel (220) into which a plug pin (222) is inserted.
6. An electrical connector according to Claim 5, characterised in that the plug pin (222) is connected to the insertion funnel (220) via at least one laser weld spot (224).
7. An electrical connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that holding bars (110) are formed in one piece on the pressure application bracket (108), which bars penetrate the foil (102) upon closure of the pressure application bracket (108).
8. An electrical connector according to Claim 7, characterised in that the pressure application bracket (108) has at least one first opening (112) into which a corresponding latch projection of the housing can be engaged and fixes the pressure application bracket (108) in a pre-latching position.
9. An electrical connector according to Claim 7 or 8, characterised in that the pressure application bracket has at least one second opening (114) into which a corresponding second latch projection of the housing can be engaged and fixes the pressure application bracket (108) in its end position.
10. An electrical connector according to one of Claims 7 to 9, characterised in that the foil contacts (106) are electrically isolated from each other by partition plates (118) formed on the housing (101).
11. An electrical connector according to one of Claims 7 to 10, characterised in that the housing (101) has supporting ribs (120) for increasing the mechanical stability which are at the same time formed as insertion aids for the foil.
12. An electrical connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the housing (101) has a plug part (302) and a collar part (308) separate therefrom, the collar part (308) having a receiving opening (324) for the plug part (302), into which collar part said plug part can be inserted, the at least one foil contact (106) being mounted in the collar part (308) and holding elements (322) for the foil being formed in the plug part (302).
13. An electrical connector according to Claim 12, characterised in that the plug part (302) furthermore has a slider (304) on which at least one pressure application bar (318) is formed, for actuating the foil contacts (106).
14. An electrical connector according to Claim 12 or 13, characterised in that the holding elements are formed as holding bars (322) formed in one piece on a tilting lever (320), the tilting lever (320) being pivotably mounted on the plug part (302) and the holding bars (322) penetrating the foil (102) when the tilting lever (320) is pressed down.
15. An electrical connector according to one of Claims 12 to 14, characterised in that the plug part (302) has at least one latch hook (306) for latching with the slider (304).
16. An electrical connector according to Claim 15, characterised in that the collar part (308) has a pressure bar (310) which detaches the first latch hook (306) from its engagement in order to permit a movement of the slider (304) in the axial direction if the plug part (302) is mounted in the collar part (308).
17. An electrical connector according to one of Claims 12 to 16, characterised in that the slider (304) has at least one second latch hook (314) which can be engaged in a recess on the housing.

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