EP1225658B1 - Crimping tool and device for flexible circuits and crimping station having such a device - Google Patents

Crimping tool and device for flexible circuits and crimping station having such a device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1225658B1
EP1225658B1 EP02001086A EP02001086A EP1225658B1 EP 1225658 B1 EP1225658 B1 EP 1225658B1 EP 02001086 A EP02001086 A EP 02001086A EP 02001086 A EP02001086 A EP 02001086A EP 1225658 B1 EP1225658 B1 EP 1225658B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
crimping
flexible circuit
contacts
block
tool
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 - Lifetime
Application number
EP02001086A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1225658A1 (en
Inventor
Flavio M. Fantini
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
FCI SA
Original Assignee
FCI SA
Framatome Connectors International SAS
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by FCI SA, Framatome Connectors International SAS filed Critical FCI SA
Publication of EP1225658A1 publication Critical patent/EP1225658A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1225658B1 publication Critical patent/EP1225658B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • H01R12/65—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures characterised by the terminal
    • H01R12/67—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures characterised by the terminal insulation penetrating terminals
    • H01R12/68—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures characterised by the terminal insulation penetrating terminals comprising deformable portions
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R43/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors
    • H01R43/01—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for connecting unstripped conductors to contact members having insulation cutting edges
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/24—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands
    • H01R4/2495—Insulation penetration combined with permanent deformation of the contact member, e.g. crimping
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49002—Electrical device making
    • Y10T29/49117—Conductor or circuit manufacturing
    • Y10T29/49194—Assembling elongated conductors, e.g., splicing, etc.
    • Y10T29/49195—Assembling elongated conductors, e.g., splicing, etc. with end-to-end orienting
    • Y10T29/49199—Assembling elongated conductors, e.g., splicing, etc. with end-to-end orienting including deforming of joining bridge
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49002—Electrical device making
    • Y10T29/49117—Conductor or circuit manufacturing
    • Y10T29/49204—Contact or terminal manufacturing
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49002—Electrical device making
    • Y10T29/49117—Conductor or circuit manufacturing
    • Y10T29/49204—Contact or terminal manufacturing
    • Y10T29/49208—Contact or terminal manufacturing by assembling plural parts
    • Y10T29/49218—Contact or terminal manufacturing by assembling plural parts with deforming
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
    • Y10T29/53709—Overedge assembling means
    • Y10T29/53717—Annular work
    • Y10T29/53722—Annular work with radially acting tool inside annular work

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a tool and a device for crimping contacts on flexible circuits and a crimping station particularly suitable for assembling and producing beams with connectors on flexible circuits.
  • the flexible circuits are electrical circuits comprising an insulating sheet on which conductive tracks are deposited, these tracks themselves being optionally covered with a second insulating protective sheet.
  • connection of such circuits to electrical contacts is done in particular by a technique of piercing insulation and crimping and it is known to use for this purpose contacts provided with a crimping end having spikes arranged in a ring and oriented perpendicular to the flexible circuit to be connected.
  • the document US 4,749,368 describes in particular the production of contact elements and component connection provided with connection points arranged in a ring.
  • the crimping of the contacts on the flexible circuit is carried out traditionally by arranging the contacts under the flexible circuit facing the conductive tracks of the flexible circuit and then crimping the contacts on the flexible circuit using crimping dies formed at the end of the pins.
  • cylindrical mounted in a frame a press device coming to apply the cylindrical pins on the flexible circuit of the opposite side to the crowns, this in the center of the rings, an anvil surface being disposed under the contacts to apply against pressure.
  • the result of the crimping operation is a piercing of the insulator by the tips, the tips being then folded into petals.
  • the diameter of the crowns is of the order of one millimeter for circuits and contacts intended to convey currents of the order of a few amperes.
  • Such an embodiment is expensive and, even if the pins have a long life of the order of 800 000 crimps, risk of rupture exist and the operation of replacing a pin is complex, the pins being each maintained in the frame by rods mounted perpendicular to the pins in the frame.
  • the pins during crimping, it is possible for the pins to strike along an axis different from the perpendicular axis passing through the center of the ring.
  • the crimping imprint will have irregularities in the shape of the petals and in a particularly unfavorable case a tip may not be folded or remain trapped in the insulation thus leading to degradation of the electrical and mechanical characteristics of the crimping .
  • the present invention proposes in particular a simplified and inexpensive crimping die structure which makes it possible to very precisely control the pitch between the crimping dies, the coplanarity of the dies and to minimize the defects obtained during crimping. performing simultaneous controlled deformation of all spikes.
  • the invention is based primarily on the production of a tool for crimping pallets of electrical contacts on conductive tracks of a flexible circuit, this tool comprising a multipoint network of crimping dies constituted from a solid block having at least one flat surface on which a network of polygonal and flared base blocks is machined, the blocks constituting the dies.
  • the blocks may in particular have a profile forming on each of their lateral faces a curve flaring from the terminal section of the block to the base of the pavement zone of the block and the block.
  • the block constituting the multipoint matrix may comprise an array of blocks on each of the two surfaces.
  • the polygonal end section of the blocks is oriented so that the lateral faces of the blocks come into contact with the crimping tips during the crimping operation so as to push the tips and conform them into petals.
  • the invention further relates to a simultaneous crimping device on a flexible circuit of electrical contact elements aligned in a plane.
  • This device is adapted for crimping a connector provided with a plurality of contacts.
  • the contacts comprise, on the one hand, a termination of connection to a flexible circuit, this termination comprising a pallet provided with points arranged in a ring, the tips being constituted by a cross punching of the pallet and then a stamping of the pallet folding the tips and releasing a circular hole forming the crown.
  • the contacts further comprise a connection termination with a complementary contact, the contacts and the flexible circuit being received in an insulating housing provided with an open area releasing the crimping area of the contacts on the flexible circuit above and below crimping area.
  • the device comprises on the one hand an anvil forming a lower bearing surface for the electrical contact elements, the crimping device comprising on the other hand a device movable press with a solid block whose surface parallel to the contact alignment plane comprises a plurality of crimping dies constituted by blocks of polygonal end section.
  • the anvil disposed beneath the pallets may comprise at least one positioning element and advantageously two positioning elements arranged opposite crowns of two contacts disposed at each end of the flexible circuit, each positioning element being introduced into one of the circular holes. crowns.
  • the flexible circuit is then positioned on the pallets and the block applied by the press on the flexible circuit, each of the matrices strongly locally applying the flexible circuit on the tips so as to pierce the flexible circuit and then arching the tips which thus crimp the pallets on the flexible circuit and make the electrical connection between the contacts and the tracks of the flexible circuit.
  • the anvil and press assembly provided with the crimping block according to the invention thus constitutes an optimized crimping device allowing precision crimping with a high reproducibility of the crimps and producing a crimping imprint able to be controlled by a camera device with a rate minimized error.
  • the implantation of the blocks constituting the crimping dies will be carried out according to the number of contacts per connector and the number and disposition of the crimping crowns.
  • a device for which the blocks will have a different polygonal section depending on the diameter of the crowns is of course possible.
  • a crimping tool according to a first aspect of the invention is shown. This tool is based mainly on the realization of a multipoint network of crimping dies constituted from a massive block 1.
  • This network can be made by an electroerosion process in order to obtain a high precision and a very smooth surface state.
  • the network is made on a flat surface 2 of the block and the array of dies comprises a network of pavers 3 of polygonal section and flared base, the blocks constituting the dies.
  • the blocks In order to bend the crimping tips visible in FIG. 4A, the blocks have a profile forming on each of their lateral faces a curve flaring from the terminal section of the block towards the root of the block. The side faces are applied against the tips and force them to conform in petals.
  • the block constituting the multipoint matrix may comprise an array of blocks on two opposite parallel surfaces 2, 4 of the block. This allows when a first array of arrays is used, to minimize downtime of the machine by returning the block.
  • Crimp contacts usable with the crimp matrix pads of the invention are shown in Figures 2A and 2B. These contacts 10 are provided with crimping tips 11 arranged in rings 12.
  • the contacts shown comprise, on the one hand, a connection termination to a flexible circuit 40, this termination comprising a pallet 13 provided with spikes 11 arranged in a ring 12, the tips being constituted by a cross punching of the pallet then a stamping of the pallet folding the tips and releasing a circular hole 14 forming the crown 12.
  • the contacts shown also comprise a connection termination with a complementary contact.
  • the contacts and the flexible circuit are received in an insulating housing 21 of a connector module 20, the housing 21 being provided with an open zone 22 clearing the crimping zone of the contacts on the flexible circuit above and below the crimping area.
  • the polygonal terminal section of the blocks is oriented so that the side faces of the blocks come into contact with the crimping tips during the crimping operation so to push the tips and to conform them to petals 141, the imprints of the matrices 201, 202, 203, 204 visible on the flexible circuit in FIG. 7B are of square section unlike the circular impressions 211, 212, 213, 214 resulting from the application of the pins of the prior art visible in Figure 7A.
  • the comparison of FIGS. 7A and 7B shows the result of applying the faces of the blocks against the tips.
  • the pressure is applied by a straight segment of the block against the lateral edges of the tips and leads to a flattening of the tip section and a uniform deformation of the tip, the area of contact widening along the descent of the pavement.
  • the pins being of conical type, the pressure generated by the pins applies to the point of contact between the pin and the tip, this point of contact moving on the vertical central axis of the tip, it n There is no flattening of the petal but warping of the petal and deformation not correctly controlled petal.
  • the petals obtained by the application of the pavers 3 have been folded up more regularly and have a larger folded surface than according to the prior art.
  • the base 142 of the petals is straight which facilitates the measurement of the size and position of the petals by a device for measuring by computer-assisted camera.
  • the tool consisting of the block forming the machined matrix must be secured to a press 9.
  • the block shown has holes 5, 6 parallel to the two opposing facing surfaces carrying the pavers, the holes being arranged in a median plane to these two surfaces so as to use both sides of the block.
  • the block may include pins or rails for holding in the support, the essential being that the block is precisely guided by the press during the crimping operation.
  • the crimping device or station adapted for crimping a connector 20 provided with a plurality of contacts 10 has an anvil 50 forming a lower bearing surface for the electrical contact elements 10. This anvil is more particularly visible in Figure 6B.
  • the anvil 50 is intended to be disposed under the pallets 13 of the contacts 10 when - the connector modules 20 are brought to the level of the crimping station.
  • This anvil as described in FIG. 6B comprises at least one positioning element 51 and advantageously two positioning elements.
  • the connector modules as well as the flexible circuits are moved until the anvil 50 is under the pallets 13 of the contacts 10.
  • the positioning elements are then arranged opposite the rings of two contacts arranged at each end of the flexible circuit 40, each positioning element being then introduced into a circular hole of a crown either by vertical displacement of the anvil or by vertical displacement of the module.
  • a holding device 126 of the connector module during crimping is also provided, this device being mounted in parallel with the block on the press 9
  • the positioning elements comprise a piston device consisting of a tube 52 embedded in the anvil, the tube receiving a rod 53 mounted in the tube with a spring 54 for sliding the rod in the tube.
  • the flexible circuit 40 is then positioned on the pallets 13 and the block is applied by the press to the flexible circuit, each of the blocks 3 strongly locally applying the flexible circuit 40 to the tips 11 so as to pierce the circuit flexible and tracks 41 and then arching the tips that come and crimp the pallets on the flexible circuit and make the electrical connection between the contacts 10 and the tracks conductive 41 of the flexible circuit.
  • the crimping operation is visible schematically in FIG. 4B.
  • the rods 53 of the positioning device fade down under the action of the dies.
  • FIG. 5 An example of a complete automatic crimping station comprising a crimping station according to the invention is visible in FIG. 5.
  • This station may comprise an automated device for feeding 100 of these connectors with their pre-assembled contacts.
  • the connectors can be arranged and snapped onto a carrier strip 60 and supplied in rolls, a supply device for the crimping station then comprising a continuous unwinding station 121 of a type known per se.
  • the station will comprise, after the unwinding station, a device 100 for disconnecting the connectors from the carrier strip and supplying the unitary connectors to the crimping station.
  • the connectors can be provided with a window of clearance of the crimping zone and further provided with a flap 28 for retention of the flexible circuit.
  • the flap may comprise a frame connected by a hinge 23 to the connector housing receiving the contacts.
  • the frame makes it possible to carry out the crimping operation through the flap 28, the shutter being closed again after the crimping operation, this flap 28 comprising a rear branch provided with one or more support and setting bosses 25. pressure of the flexible circuit to isolate and protect the crimping area from possible stresses applied to the flexible circuit outside the connector.
  • the implantation of the blocks constituting the crimping matrices will be carried out according to the number of contacts per connector, the pitch between the contacts and the number and disposition of crimping rings on the contacts.
  • a device for which the blocks will have a different section depending on the diameter of the rings is of course possible as well as the production of blocks for which the faces carrying the crimping dies have different configurations to allow to change matrices according to the configurations of flexible circuits and crimp connectors.

Abstract

The tool for crimping the contacts (10) on to a flexible circuit (40). includes a heavy block (1) provided with a number of crimping imprints (3). The tool is mounted on a press (9) on a base (50). The heavy block is mounted above the contact, with the press below for simultaneous formation of multiple connections. The tool and machine are used for crimping the contacts (10) which are eventually intended to lie within a connector box (20) on a flexible circuit (40). The tool comprises a heavy block (1) provided with a number of crimping imprints (3). The tool is mounted on a press (9) on a base (50), with this press coming into contact with the contacts mounted in the connector under the flexible circuit. The connector includes a multi-point network of crimping matrices, and the heavy block includes projecting tiles of polygonal section, with the base cut away and machined, in order for form a corresponding matrix.

Description

L'invention concerne un outil et un dispositif de sertissage de contacts sur circuits souples ainsi qu'une station de sertissage notamment adaptés à l'assemblage et la réalisation de faisceaux munis de connecteurs sur circuits souples.The invention relates to a tool and a device for crimping contacts on flexible circuits and a crimping station particularly suitable for assembling and producing beams with connectors on flexible circuits.

Les circuits souples sont des circuits électriques comportant une feuille isolante sur laquelle sont déposées des pistes conductrices, ces pistes étant elles mêmes éventuellement recouverte d'une seconde feuille isolante de protection.The flexible circuits are electrical circuits comprising an insulating sheet on which conductive tracks are deposited, these tracks themselves being optionally covered with a second insulating protective sheet.

Le raccordement de tels circuits à des contacts électriques se fait notamment par une technique de percement d'isolant et de sertissage et il est connu d'utiliser pour ce faire des contacts munis d'une terminaison de sertissage comportant des pointes disposées en couronne et orientées perpendiculairement au circuit souple à raccorder. Le document US 4 749 368 décrit notamment la réalisation d'éléments de contact et de raccordement de composants munis de pointes de connexion disposées en couronne.The connection of such circuits to electrical contacts is done in particular by a technique of piercing insulation and crimping and it is known to use for this purpose contacts provided with a crimping end having spikes arranged in a ring and oriented perpendicular to the flexible circuit to be connected. The document US 4,749,368 describes in particular the production of contact elements and component connection provided with connection points arranged in a ring.

Le document US-A-4 543 716 décrit un outil de sertissage de palettes de contacts électriques comportant les caractéristiques du préambule de la revendication 1The document US-A-4,543,716 discloses a tool for crimping electrical contact pallets having the features of the preamble of claim 1

Le document US-A-3 924 917 décrit un dispositif de sertissage de contacts sur circuit souple comportant les caractéristiques du préambule de la revendication 7.The document US-A-3,924,917 discloses a flexible circuit contact crimping device having the features of the preamble of claim 7.

Le sertissage des contacts sur le circuit souple s'effectue traditionnellement en disposant les contacts sous le circuit souple en regard des pistes conductrices du circuit souple puis en sertissant les contacts sur le circuit souple à l'aide de matrices de sertissages formées en bout de broches cylindriques montées dans un bâti, un dispositif de presse venant appliquer les broches cylindriques sur le circuit souple du côté opposé aux couronnes, ce, au centre des couronnes, une surface formant enclume étant disposée sous les contacts pour appliquer une contre pression. Le résultat de l'opération de sertissage est un percement de l'isolant par les pointes, les pointes étant ensuite rabattues en pétales.The crimping of the contacts on the flexible circuit is carried out traditionally by arranging the contacts under the flexible circuit facing the conductive tracks of the flexible circuit and then crimping the contacts on the flexible circuit using crimping dies formed at the end of the pins. cylindrical mounted in a frame, a press device coming to apply the cylindrical pins on the flexible circuit of the opposite side to the crowns, this in the center of the rings, an anvil surface being disposed under the contacts to apply against pressure. The result of the crimping operation is a piercing of the insulator by the tips, the tips being then folded into petals.

Le principe utilisant de telles broches est par exemple décrit dans le document " SAE technical paper series 870553 Flex foil crimp technology - International Congress and Exposition Detroit Michigan 23 - 27 février 1987 .The principle using such pins is for example described in the document " SAE technical paper series 870553 Flex Foil Crimp Technology - International Congress and Exhibition Detroit Michigan February 23 - 27, 1987 .

Le diamètre des couronnes est de l'ordre du millimètre pour des circuits et des contacts destines à véhiculer des courants de l'ordre de quelques Ampères.The diameter of the crowns is of the order of one millimeter for circuits and contacts intended to convey currents of the order of a few amperes.

Pour des circuits souples à grand nombre de pistes avec par exemple un pas entre pistes de 1 à 5 mm il est nécessaire de réaliser un grand nombre de broches de précision montées dans un bâti lui même pourvu de trous de réception des broches usinées avec une grande précision, les broches devant par ailleurs au niveau de leurs terminaisons de sertissage présenter une coplanaréité très stricte.For flexible circuits with a large number of tracks with for example a pitch between tracks of 1 to 5 mm it is necessary to achieve a large number of precision pins mounted in a frame itself provided with holes receiving pins machined with high precision, the pins in front of their crimping endings present a very strict coplanarité.

Une telle réalisation est coûteuse et, même si les broches ont une durée de vie importante de l'ordre de 800 000 sertissages, des risques de rupture existent et l'opération de remplacement d'une broche est complexe, les broches étant chacune maintenue dans le bâti par des tiges montées perpendiculairement aux broches dans le bâti.Such an embodiment is expensive and, even if the pins have a long life of the order of 800 000 crimps, risk of rupture exist and the operation of replacing a pin is complex, the pins being each maintained in the frame by rods mounted perpendicular to the pins in the frame.

Par ailleurs, lors du sertissage, il se peut que les broches viennent frapper selon un axe différent de l'axe perpendiculaire passant par le centre de la couronne. Dans ce cas, l'empreinte de sertissage présentera des irrégularités dans la forme des pétales et dans un cas particulièrement défavorable une pointe pourra ne pas être repliée ou rester prisonnière dans l'isolant ce conduisant ainsi à une dégradation des caractéristiques électriques et mécaniques du sertissage.Moreover, during crimping, it is possible for the pins to strike along an axis different from the perpendicular axis passing through the center of the ring. In this case, the crimping imprint will have irregularities in the shape of the petals and in a particularly unfavorable case a tip may not be folded or remain trapped in the insulation thus leading to degradation of the electrical and mechanical characteristics of the crimping .

La présente invention propose notamment une structure de matrices de sertissage simplifiée et peu onéreuse qui permet de contrôleur très précisément le pas entre les matrices de sertissage, la coplanaréité des matrices et de minimiser les défauts obtenus lors du sertissage en réalisant une déformation contrôlée simultanée de toutes les pointes.The present invention proposes in particular a simplified and inexpensive crimping die structure which makes it possible to very precisely control the pitch between the crimping dies, the coplanarity of the dies and to minimize the defects obtained during crimping. performing simultaneous controlled deformation of all spikes.

Dans ce but et selon un premier aspect, l'invention est basée principalement sur la réalisation d'un outil de sertissage de palettes de contacts électriques sur des pistes conductrices d'un circuit souple, cet outil comportant un réseau multipoints de matrices de sertissage constitué à partir d'un bloc massif comportant au moins une surface plane sur laquelle un réseau de pavés de section polygonale et à base évasée est usiné, les pavés constituant les matrices.For this purpose and according to a first aspect, the invention is based primarily on the production of a tool for crimping pallets of electrical contacts on conductive tracks of a flexible circuit, this tool comprising a multipoint network of crimping dies constituted from a solid block having at least one flat surface on which a network of polygonal and flared base blocks is machined, the blocks constituting the dies.

Les pavés peuvent notamment avoir un profil formant sur chacune de leurs faces latérales une courbe s'évasant de la section terminale du pavé vers la base du pavé zone de liaison du pavé et du bloc.The blocks may in particular have a profile forming on each of their lateral faces a curve flaring from the terminal section of the block to the base of the pavement zone of the block and the block.

De manière avantageuse le bloc constituant la matrice multipoints peut comporter un réseau de pavés sur chacune des deux surfaces.Advantageously, the block constituting the multipoint matrix may comprise an array of blocks on each of the two surfaces.

En mode de réalisation particulier adapté à des contacts munis de pointes de sertissage disposées en couronne, la section terminale polygonale des pavés est orientée de telle sorte que les faces latérales des pavés viennent en contact avec les pointes de sertissage lors de l'opération de sertissage de façon à repousser les pointes et de les conformer en pétales.In a particular embodiment adapted to contacts provided with crimping tips arranged in a ring, the polygonal end section of the blocks is oriented so that the lateral faces of the blocks come into contact with the crimping tips during the crimping operation so as to push the tips and conform them into petals.

L'invention concerne en outre un dispositif de sertissage simultané sur un circuit souple d'éléments de contact électriques alignés dans un plan.The invention further relates to a simultaneous crimping device on a flexible circuit of electrical contact elements aligned in a plane.

Ce dispositif est adapté pour le sertissage d'un connecteur muni d'une pluralité de contacts. Dans ce type de connecteur les contacts comportent d'une part une terminaison de raccordement à un circuit souple, cette terminaison comportant une palette munies de pointes disposées en couronne, les pointes étant constituées par un poinçonnage en croix de la palette puis un emboutissage de la palette repliant les pointes et dégageant un trou circulaire formant la couronne.This device is adapted for crimping a connector provided with a plurality of contacts. In this type of connector, the contacts comprise, on the one hand, a termination of connection to a flexible circuit, this termination comprising a pallet provided with points arranged in a ring, the tips being constituted by a cross punching of the pallet and then a stamping of the pallet folding the tips and releasing a circular hole forming the crown.

Les contacts comportent d'autre part une terminaison de connexion avec un contact complémentaires, les contacts et le circuit souple étant reçus dans un boîtier isolant muni d'une zone ouverte dégageant la zone de sertissage des contacts sur le circuit souple au dessus et au dessous de la zone de sertissage.The contacts further comprise a connection termination with a complementary contact, the contacts and the flexible circuit being received in an insulating housing provided with an open area releasing the crimping area of the contacts on the flexible circuit above and below crimping area.

Pour sertir les contacts le dispositif comporte d'une part une enclume formant une surface d'appui inférieure pour les éléments de contact électriques, le dispositif de sertissage comportant d'autre part un dispositif mobile de presse muni d'un bloc massif dont la surface parallèle au plan d'alignement des contacts comporte une pluralité de matrices de sertissage constituées par des pavés à section terminale polygonale.To crimp the contacts, the device comprises on the one hand an anvil forming a lower bearing surface for the electrical contact elements, the crimping device comprising on the other hand a device movable press with a solid block whose surface parallel to the contact alignment plane comprises a plurality of crimping dies constituted by blocks of polygonal end section.

L'enclume disposée sous les palettes peut comporter au moins un élément de positionnement et avantageusement deux éléments de positionnement disposés en regard de couronnes de deux contacts disposés à chaque extrémité du circuit souple, chaque élément de positionnement étant introduit dans l'un des trous circulaires des couronnes.The anvil disposed beneath the pallets may comprise at least one positioning element and advantageously two positioning elements arranged opposite crowns of two contacts disposed at each end of the flexible circuit, each positioning element being introduced into one of the circular holes. crowns.

Le circuit souple est alors positionné sur les palettes et le bloc appliqué par la presse sur le circuit souple, chacune des matrices appliquant fortement localement le circuit souple sur les pointes de façon à percer le circuit souple puis à cambrer les pointes qui viennent ainsi sertir les palettes sur le circuit souple et effectuer la liaison électrique entre les contacts et les pistes du circuit souple.The flexible circuit is then positioned on the pallets and the block applied by the press on the flexible circuit, each of the matrices strongly locally applying the flexible circuit on the tips so as to pierce the flexible circuit and then arching the tips which thus crimp the pallets on the flexible circuit and make the electrical connection between the contacts and the tracks of the flexible circuit.

L'ensemble enclume et presse munie du bloc de sertissage selon l'invention constitue ainsi un dispositif de sertissage optimisé permettant un sertissage de précision avec une grande reproductibilité des sertissages et réalisant une empreinte de sertissage apte à être contrôlée par un dispositif caméra avec un taux d'erreur minimisé.The anvil and press assembly provided with the crimping block according to the invention thus constitutes an optimized crimping device allowing precision crimping with a high reproducibility of the crimps and producing a crimping imprint able to be controlled by a camera device with a rate minimized error.

L'implantation des pavés constituant les matrices de sertissage sera réalisée en fonction du nombre de contacts par connecteur et du nombre et de la disposition des couronnes de sertissage. Un dispositif pour lequel les pavés auront une section polygonale différente en fonction du diamètre des couronnes est bien entendu possible.The implantation of the blocks constituting the crimping dies will be carried out according to the number of contacts per connector and the number and disposition of the crimping crowns. A device for which the blocks will have a different polygonal section depending on the diameter of the crowns is of course possible.

D'autres aspects et avantages de l'invention seront mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui va suivre d'un mode de réalisation non limitatif en référence aux dessins qui représentent:

  • En figure 1 un exemple de module de connecteur pour circuit souple auquel l'invention est applicable;
  • En figures 2A et 2B des exemples de contacts munis de couronnes de pointes à sertir sur circuit souple;
  • En figure 3 une vue d'un dispositif de sertissage conforme à l'invention;
  • En figure 4A une vue agrandie d'une couronne selon la figure 2 avant sertissage;
  • En figure 4B une vue en coupe d'un élément de connexion par sertissage pendant le sertissage;
  • En figure 5 une vue schématique d'une machine de sertissage et de câblage de connecteurs conforme à l'invention;
  • En figures 6A et 6B une vue schématique agrandie du poste de sertissage selon la figure 5;
  • En figure 7A une vue d'un circuit souple serti selon l'art antérieur;
  • En figure 7B une vue d'un circuit souple serti par le dispositif selon l'invention.
Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be better understood on reading the following description of a non-limiting embodiment with reference to the drawings which represent:
  • In Figure 1 an example of a connector module for a flexible circuit to which the invention is applicable;
  • In FIGS. 2A and 2B, examples of contacts provided with crowns of crimping tips on a flexible circuit;
  • In Figure 3 a view of a crimping device according to the invention;
  • In Figure 4A an enlarged view of a ring according to Figure 2 before crimping;
  • In Figure 4B a sectional view of a crimp connection member during crimping;
  • In Figure 5 a schematic view of a crimping machine and wiring connectors according to the invention;
  • Figures 6A and 6B an enlarged schematic view of the crimping station according to Figure 5;
  • In Figure 7A a view of a flexible circuit crimped according to the prior art;
  • In Figure 7B a view of a flexible circuit crimped by the device according to the invention.

En référence à la figure 3 un outil de sertissage conforme à un premier aspect de l'invention est représenté. Cet outil est basé principalement sur la réalisation d'un réseau multipoints de matrices de sertissage constitué à partir d'un bloc massif 1.Referring to Figure 3 a crimping tool according to a first aspect of the invention is shown. This tool is based mainly on the realization of a multipoint network of crimping dies constituted from a massive block 1.

Ce réseau peut être réalisé par un procédé d'électroérosion afin d'obtenir une grande précision et un état de surface très lisse.This network can be made by an electroerosion process in order to obtain a high precision and a very smooth surface state.

Le réseau est réalisé sur une surface plane 2 du bloc et le réseau de matrices comporte un réseau de pavés 3 de section polygonale et à base évasée, les pavés constituant les matrices.The network is made on a flat surface 2 of the block and the array of dies comprises a network of pavers 3 of polygonal section and flared base, the blocks constituting the dies.

Afin de courber les pointes de sertissages visibles en figure 4A les pavés ont un profil formant sur chacune de leurs faces latérales une courbe s'évasant de la section terminale du pavé vers l'emplanture du pavé. Les faces latérales sont appliquées contre les pointes et les forcent à se conformer en pétales.In order to bend the crimping tips visible in FIG. 4A, the blocks have a profile forming on each of their lateral faces a curve flaring from the terminal section of the block towards the root of the block. The side faces are applied against the tips and force them to conform in petals.

Le bloc constituant la matrice multipoints peut comporter un réseau de pavés sur deux surfaces 2, 4 parallèles opposées du bloc. Ceci permet lorsqu'un premier réseau de matrices est usé, de minimiser les temps d'immobilisation de la machine en retournant le bloc.The block constituting the multipoint matrix may comprise an array of blocks on two opposite parallel surfaces 2, 4 of the block. This allows when a first array of arrays is used, to minimize downtime of the machine by returning the block.

Des contacts à sertir utilisables avec les pavés de matrices de sertissage de l'invention sont représentés en figures 2A et 2B. Ces contacts 10 sont munis de pointes 11 de sertissage disposées en couronnes 12.Crimp contacts usable with the crimp matrix pads of the invention are shown in Figures 2A and 2B. These contacts 10 are provided with crimping tips 11 arranged in rings 12.

Les contacts représentés comportent d'une part une terminaison de raccordement à un circuit souple 40, cette terminaison comportant une palette 13 munie de pointes 11 disposées en couronne 12, les pointes étant constituées par un poinçonnage en croix de la palette puis un emboutissage de la palette repliant les pointes et dégageant un trou circulaire 14 formant la couronne 12.The contacts shown comprise, on the one hand, a connection termination to a flexible circuit 40, this termination comprising a pallet 13 provided with spikes 11 arranged in a ring 12, the tips being constituted by a cross punching of the pallet then a stamping of the pallet folding the tips and releasing a circular hole 14 forming the crown 12.

Les contacts représentés comportent d'autre part une terminaison 15 de connexion avec un contact complémentaire. Comme visible en figure 1 les contacts et le circuit souple sont reçus dans un boîtier isolant 21 d'un module de connecteur 20, le boîtier 21 étant muni d'une zone ouverte 22 dégageant la zone de sertissage des contacts sur le circuit souple au dessus et au dessous de la zone de sertissage.The contacts shown also comprise a connection termination with a complementary contact. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the contacts and the flexible circuit are received in an insulating housing 21 of a connector module 20, the housing 21 being provided with an open zone 22 clearing the crimping zone of the contacts on the flexible circuit above and below the crimping area.

Afin de sertir l'ensemble des contacts en position dans le module de connecteur 20 la section terminale polygonale des pavés est orientée de telle sorte que les faces latérales des pavés viennent en contact avec les pointes de sertissage lors de l'opération de sertissage de façon à repousser les pointes et de les conformer en pétales 141, les empreintes des matrices 201, 202, 203, 204 visibles sur le circuit souple en figure 7B sont de section carrée à la différence des empreintes 211, 212, 213, 214 circulaires résultant de l'application des broches de l'art antérieur visibles en figure 7A. La comparaison des figures 7A et 7B montre le résultat de l'application des faces des pavés contre les pointes.In order to crimp all the contacts in position in the connector module 20 the polygonal terminal section of the blocks is oriented so that the side faces of the blocks come into contact with the crimping tips during the crimping operation so to push the tips and to conform them to petals 141, the imprints of the matrices 201, 202, 203, 204 visible on the flexible circuit in FIG. 7B are of square section unlike the circular impressions 211, 212, 213, 214 resulting from the application of the pins of the prior art visible in Figure 7A. The comparison of FIGS. 7A and 7B shows the result of applying the faces of the blocks against the tips.

Du fait que les pavés appuient par leurs faces contre les pointes, la pression est appliquée par un segment de droite du pavé contre les arêtes latérales des pointes et conduit à un aplatissement de la section des pointes et une déformation homogène de la pointe, la zone de contact s'élargissant au long de la descente du pavé. Dans l'art antérieur les broches étant de type conique, la pression générée par les broches s'applique au point de contact entre la broche et la pointe, ce point de contact se déplaçant sur l'axe central vertical de la pointe, il n'y a pas aplatissement du pétale mais gauchissement du pétale et déformation non correctement contrôlée du pétale. Il est visible en figure 7B que les pétales obtenus par l'application des pavés 3 ont été repliés plus régulièrement et ont une surface repliée plus importante que selon la technique antérieure. De plus la base 142 des pétales est droite ce qui facilite la mesure de la dimension et de la position des pétales par un dispositif de mesure par caméra assisté par ordinateur.Because the pavers support their faces against the tips, the pressure is applied by a straight segment of the block against the lateral edges of the tips and leads to a flattening of the tip section and a uniform deformation of the tip, the area of contact widening along the descent of the pavement. In the prior art the pins being of conical type, the pressure generated by the pins applies to the point of contact between the pin and the tip, this point of contact moving on the vertical central axis of the tip, it n There is no flattening of the petal but warping of the petal and deformation not correctly controlled petal. It is visible in FIG. 7B that the petals obtained by the application of the pavers 3 have been folded up more regularly and have a larger folded surface than according to the prior art. In addition the base 142 of the petals is straight which facilitates the measurement of the size and position of the petals by a device for measuring by computer-assisted camera.

Pour constituer le dispositif de sertissage et comme visible en figure 5 l'outil constitué du bloc formant la matrice usinée doit être solidarisé à une presse 9. Pour cela le bloc représenté comporte des trous 5, 6 parallèles aux deux surfaces opposées en regard portant les pavés, les trous étant disposés dans un plan médian à ces deux surfaces de façon à pouvoir utiliser les deux côtés du bloc.To constitute the crimping device and as visible in Figure 5 the tool consisting of the block forming the machined matrix must be secured to a press 9. For this the block shown has holes 5, 6 parallel to the two opposing facing surfaces carrying the pavers, the holes being arranged in a median plane to these two surfaces so as to use both sides of the block.

Ces trous reçoivent des tiges 7, 8 de maintien et de guidage du bloc pour solidariser le bloc avec un support lui même solidaire du piston de la presse de sertissage 9.These holes receive rods 7, 8 for holding and guiding the block to secure the block with a support itself secured to the piston of the crimping press 9.

Pour sa fixation le bloc peut comporter des pions ou des rails de maintien dans le support, l'essentiel étant que le bloc soit précisément guidé par la presse lors de l'opération de sertissage.For fixing the block may include pins or rails for holding in the support, the essential being that the block is precisely guided by the press during the crimping operation.

En plus d'un dispositif mobile de presse 9 muni d'un bloc 1 dont la surface parallèle au plan d'alignement des contacts comporte une pluralité de matrices de sertissage constituées par des pavés 3 à section terminale polygonale, le dispositif ou poste de sertissage adapté pour le sertissage d'un connecteur 20 muni d'une pluralité de contacts 10, comporte une enclume 50 formant une surface d'appui inférieure pour les éléments de contact électriques 10. Cette enclume est plus particulièrement visible en figure 6B.In addition to a mobile press device 9 provided with a block 1 whose surface parallel to the contact alignment plane comprises a plurality of crimping dies constituted by blocks 3 with polygonal end section, the crimping device or station adapted for crimping a connector 20 provided with a plurality of contacts 10, has an anvil 50 forming a lower bearing surface for the electrical contact elements 10. This anvil is more particularly visible in Figure 6B.

L'enclume 50 est destinée à être disposée sous les palettes 13 des contacts 10 lorsque - les modules de connecteur 20 sont amenés au niveau du poste de sertissage.The anvil 50 is intended to be disposed under the pallets 13 of the contacts 10 when - the connector modules 20 are brought to the level of the crimping station.

Cette enclume telle que décrite en figure 6B comporte au moins un élément de positionnement 51 et avantageusement deux éléments de positionnement.This anvil as described in FIG. 6B comprises at least one positioning element 51 and advantageously two positioning elements.

Pour l'opération de sertissage, les modules de connecteurs ainsi que les circuits souples sont déplacés jusqu'à ce que l'enclume 50 soit sous les palettes 13 des contacts 10. Les éléments de positionnement sont alors disposés en regard de couronnes de deux contacts disposés à chaque extrémité du circuit souple 40, chaque élément de positionnement étant alors introduit dans un trou circulaire d'une couronne soit par déplacement vertical de l'enclume soit par déplacement vertical du module.For the crimping operation, the connector modules as well as the flexible circuits are moved until the anvil 50 is under the pallets 13 of the contacts 10. The positioning elements are then arranged opposite the rings of two contacts arranged at each end of the flexible circuit 40, each positioning element being then introduced into a circular hole of a crown either by vertical displacement of the anvil or by vertical displacement of the module.

Comme visible en figure 5, un dispositif de maintien 126 du module de connecteur pendant le sertissage est aussi prévu, ce dispositif étant monté en parallèle au bloc sur la presse 9As can be seen in FIG. 5, a holding device 126 of the connector module during crimping is also provided, this device being mounted in parallel with the block on the press 9

Selon la figure 6B les éléments de positionnement comportent un dispositif piston constitué d'un tube 52 encastré dans l'enclume, ce tube recevant une tige 53 montée dans le tube avec un ressort 54 permettant le coulissement de la tige dans le tube.According to Figure 6B the positioning elements comprise a piston device consisting of a tube 52 embedded in the anvil, the tube receiving a rod 53 mounted in the tube with a spring 54 for sliding the rod in the tube.

Comme décrit en figure 6A le circuit souple 40 est alors positionné sur les palettes 13 et le bloc est appliqué par la presse sur le circuit souple, chacun des pavés 3 appliquant fortement localement le circuit souple 40 sur les pointes 11 de façon à percer le circuit souple et les pistes 41 puis à cambrer les pointes qui viennent ainsi sertir les palettes sur le circuit souple et effectuer la liaison électrique entre les contacts 10 et les pistes conductrices 41 du circuit souple. L'opération de sertissage est visible schématiquement en figure 4B.As described in FIG. 6A, the flexible circuit 40 is then positioned on the pallets 13 and the block is applied by the press to the flexible circuit, each of the blocks 3 strongly locally applying the flexible circuit 40 to the tips 11 so as to pierce the circuit flexible and tracks 41 and then arching the tips that come and crimp the pallets on the flexible circuit and make the electrical connection between the contacts 10 and the tracks conductive 41 of the flexible circuit. The crimping operation is visible schematically in FIG. 4B.

Lors de l'application des pavés formant matrices sur le circuit souple puis sur les pointes de la couronne, les tiges 53 du dispositif de positionnement s'effacent vers le bas sous l'action des matrices.During the application of the matrix blocks on the flexible circuit and then on the tips of the ring, the rods 53 of the positioning device fade down under the action of the dies.

Un exemple de station de sertissage automatique complète comportant un poste de sertissage conforme à l'invention est visible en figure 5. Cette station peut comporter un dispositif automatisé d'amenée 100 de ces connecteurs avec leurs contacts pré-montés.An example of a complete automatic crimping station comprising a crimping station according to the invention is visible in FIG. 5. This station may comprise an automated device for feeding 100 of these connectors with their pre-assembled contacts.

Les connecteurs peuvent être disposés et encliquetés sur une bande porteuse 60 et fournis en rouleaux, un dispositif d'alimentation de la station de sertissage comportant alors un poste de déroulage en continu 121 de type connu en soi.The connectors can be arranged and snapped onto a carrier strip 60 and supplied in rolls, a supply device for the crimping station then comprising a continuous unwinding station 121 of a type known per se.

Dans le cas où les connecteurs sont disposés sur une bande porteuse 60 la station comportera, après le poste de déroulage, un dispositif 100 de désolidarisation des connecteurs de la bande porteuse et d'amenée des connecteurs unitaires vers le poste de sertissage.In the case where the connectors are arranged on a carrier strip 60, the station will comprise, after the unwinding station, a device 100 for disconnecting the connectors from the carrier strip and supplying the unitary connectors to the crimping station.

Visible en figure 1, les connecteurs peuvent être munis d'une fenêtre de dégagement de la zone de sertissage et munis en outre d'un volet 28 de rétention du circuit souple. Le volet peut comporter un cadre relié par une charnière 23 au boîtier de connecteur recevant les contacts.Visible in Figure 1, the connectors can be provided with a window of clearance of the crimping zone and further provided with a flap 28 for retention of the flexible circuit. The flap may comprise a frame connected by a hinge 23 to the connector housing receiving the contacts.

Le cadre permet d'effectuer l'opération de sertissage au travers du volet 28, le volet étant refermé après l'opération de sertissage, ce volet 28 comportant une branche arrière munie d'un ou plusieurs bossages 25 d'appui et de mise en pression du circuit souple pour isoler et protéger la zone de sertissage d'éventuelles contraintes appliquées sur le circuit souple en dehors du connecteur.The frame makes it possible to carry out the crimping operation through the flap 28, the shutter being closed again after the crimping operation, this flap 28 comprising a rear branch provided with one or more support and setting bosses 25. pressure of the flexible circuit to isolate and protect the crimping area from possible stresses applied to the flexible circuit outside the connector.

L'implantation des pavés constituant les matrices de sertissage sera réalisée en fonction du nombre de contacts par connecteur, du pas entre les contacts et du nombre et de la disposition des couronnes de sertissage sur les contacts. Un dispositif pour lequel les pavés auront une section différente en fonction du diamètre des couronnes est bien entendu possible de même que la réalisation de blocs pour lesquels les faces portant les matrices de sertissage ont des configurations différentes pour permettre de changer de matrices selon les configurations de circuits souples et de connecteurs à sertir.The implantation of the blocks constituting the crimping matrices will be carried out according to the number of contacts per connector, the pitch between the contacts and the number and disposition of crimping rings on the contacts. A device for which the blocks will have a different section depending on the diameter of the rings is of course possible as well as the production of blocks for which the faces carrying the crimping dies have different configurations to allow to change matrices according to the configurations of flexible circuits and crimp connectors.

Claims (11)

  1. Tool (13) for crimping palettes of electrical contacts (10) on conductive tracks (41) of a flexible circuit (40), the crimping tool comprising a multipoint network of crimping matrices based on a solid block (1) comprising at least one flat surface (2) on which a network of pads (3) with flared bases is machined, the pads forming matrices, the crimping tool being characterized in that the pads are of polygonal section.
  2. Tool according to Claim 1, characterized in that the pads (3) have a profile forming on each of their lateral sides a curve flaring from the terminal section of the pad towards the base of the pad.
  3. Tool according to one of Claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the block forming the multipoint matrix comprises a network of pads on two opposite parallel surfaces (2, 4) of the block.
  4. Tool according to one of the preceding claims, suited to contacts (10) provided with crimping points (11) arranged in the form of crowns (12), characterized in that the polygonal terminal section of the pads is oriented such that the lateral faces of the pads come into contact with the crimping points in the crimping operation so as to push back the points and configure them in the form of petals.
  5. Tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the block forming the machined matrix comprises holes (5, 6) parallel to the two facing surfaces in a plane median to these two surfaces, these holes receiving rods (7, 8) for securing and guiding the block, these rods joining the block to a support which is itself joined to the piston of a crimping press (9).
  6. Tool according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the block comprises slugs or rails for securing in a support which is itself joined to the piston of a crimping press (9).
  7. Device for crimping contacts on a flexible circuit, the crimping device comprising an anvil (50) forming a bottom bearing surface for the electrical contact elements (10), a moving press device (9) being positioned facing the anvil, the crimping device being characterized in that the moving press device is provided with a solid block (1), of which the surface parallel to the plane of alignment of the contacts comprises a plurality of crimping matrices consisting of pads (3) with polygonal terminal section.
  8. Device according to Claim 7, characterized in that the anvil (50) positioned under the palettes (13) comprises at least one positioning element (51) positioned facing a crown (12) of crimping points.
  9. Device according to Claim 8, characterized in that two positioning elements are positioned facing two-contact crowns positioned at each end of the flexible circuit (40), each positioning element being introduced into a circular hole of a crown.
  10. Device according to Claim 9, characterized in that the positioning elements comprise a piston device consisting of a tube (52) embedded in the anvil, this tube receiving a rod (53) fitted in the tube with a spring (54) enabling the rod to slide in the tube.
  11. Station for crimping electrical contacts on flexible circuit, the contacts and the flexible circuit being received in an electrical connector module, characterized in that it comprises a crimping device according to one of Claims 7 to 10, and in that, the connector modules (20) being provided with a rear window (22) and a shutter (28) securing the flexible circuit consisting of a frame, the crimping block is received through the frame (28) and the anvil through the window (22).
EP02001086A 2001-01-23 2002-01-22 Crimping tool and device for flexible circuits and crimping station having such a device Expired - Lifetime EP1225658B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0101184A FR2819945A1 (en) 2001-01-23 2001-01-23 TOOL AND CRIMPING DEVICE FOR FLEXIBLE CIRCUIT AND CRIMPING STATION PROVIDED WITH SUCH A DEVICE
FR0101184 2001-01-23

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EP1225658A1 EP1225658A1 (en) 2002-07-24
EP1225658B1 true EP1225658B1 (en) 2007-07-18

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EP (1) EP1225658B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE367663T1 (en)
DE (1) DE60221167T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2289017T3 (en)
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BR8701399A (en) * 1986-04-03 1988-01-05 Du Pont CONTACT STRIP AND PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF A ROW OF EDGE CLAMP CONNECTORS, OR OF A SINGLE EDGE CLAMP CONNECTOR
US5161403A (en) * 1991-06-25 1992-11-10 Digital Equipment Corporation Method and apparatus for forming coplanar contact projections on flexible circuits
JP3738959B2 (en) * 2000-07-27 2006-01-25 矢崎総業株式会社 Terminal caulking method and apparatus

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1225658A1 (en) 2002-07-24
DE60221167T2 (en) 2008-03-20
FR2819945A1 (en) 2002-07-26
US20020124625A1 (en) 2002-09-12
ITTO20010406A0 (en) 2001-04-27
ITTO20010406A1 (en) 2002-10-27
ES2289017T3 (en) 2008-02-01
US6718815B2 (en) 2004-04-13
ATE367663T1 (en) 2007-08-15
DE60221167D1 (en) 2007-08-30

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