CONNECTION SYSTEM

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connection system (1) for connecting a multilayer flat ribbon cable (10) to a multilayer substrate (20), wherein the connection system (1) comprises at least one multilayer flat ribbon cable (10), wherein the flat ribbon cable (10) has a stepped shape (14) in at least one end section (12) such that the conductors (15) of one layer are arranged exposed on each step, a first connecting part (16) which is fixedly connected to the multilayer flat ribbon cable (10), a multilayer substrate (20) wherein the substrate (20) has a stepped shape (24) in an end section (22) which is formed complementary to the stepped shape (14) of the flat ribbon cable (10) such that corresponding conductors (15, 25) of the flat ribbon cable (10) and of the substrate (20) contact each other when joined, and a second connecting part (26) which is fixedly connected to the multilayer substrate (20) and is configured is,to be connected to the first connecting part (16) in order to permanently fix the flat ribbon cable (10) and the substrate (20) to each other.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a connection system for connecting a multilayer flat ribbon cable to a multilayer substrate, preferably for use in the automotive sector. State of the art

[0002] In the automotive sector, several established connector systems are used for electrical data transmission within a vehicle. Data transmission typically occurs via a wiring harness constructed from round cables and / or individual wires. However, these state-of-the-art wiring harnesses have disadvantages, such as non-automated manufacturing, a high weight due to the bulk of the conductors, and / or the ever-increasing number and size of connectors required, which is undesirable.

[0003] For future use, a multi-layer flat ribbon cable (flat-flex cable) or a multi-layer flat ribbon cable harness is being considered as an alternative to a cable harness for data transmission. The established connector systems will continue to be used whenever possible. Description of the invention

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a connection of existing connector systems to a multilayer flat ribbon cable.

[0005] The aforementioned problem is solved by a connection system according to claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0006] In particular, the above-mentioned problem is solved by a connection system for connecting a multilayer flat ribbon cable to a multilayer substrate, wherein the connection system comprises at least: a multilayer flat ribbon cable with a multilayer arrangement of conductors within the flat ribbon cable, wherein the flat ribbon cable has a stepped shape in at least one end section, such that the conductors of one layer are arranged exposed on each step; a first connecting part that is fixedly connected to the multilayer flat ribbon cable and is configured to be connected to a matching counterpart; a multilayer substrate with a multilayer arrangement of conductors within the substrate, wherein the substrate has a stepped shape in one end section that is complementary to the stepped shape of the flat ribbon cable.so that corresponding conductors of the ribbon cable and the substrate contact each other when joined, forming an electrical connection, and a second connecting part, which is firmly attached to the multilayer substrate and is designed to be connected as a matching counterpart to the first connecting part, in order to permanently fix the ribbon cable and the substrate to each other in the joined state.

[0007] The present connection system has the advantage that established connector systems can be connected to a multilayer ribbon cable via the substrate. The connections made using this system are robust and designed to ensure signal integrity. The conductors of the connection system can be used for either signal transmission or grounding, enabling the implementation of shielded cable runs. Furthermore, the connection system can be automatically generated and automatically switched from an open to a closed state. The stepped configuration on the ribbon cable and substrate can be automatically generated. The first and second connection parts can be automatically attached to the ribbon cable or the substrate, respectively. And the ribbon cable and the substrate can be connected, for example, at their first and second connections.The second connection part is automatically gripped and connected. In particular, the automatable connection technology enables the simultaneous connection of all signal conductors in a single process step when assembling the cable harness using multi-layer flat ribbon cables.

[0008] Preferably, the first and second connecting parts are formed from an overmolding. Overmolding is relatively easy to implement and promises a durable bond between the connecting parts and the ribbon cable or substrate.

[0009] Preferably, the first and second connecting parts are manufactured separately and joined to the ribbon cable and / or substrate, respectively, by a material-bonded connection. Separate manufacturing allows for the creation of more complex shapes, which can then be joined to the ribbon cable and / or substrate. In some cases, it may be simpler to manufacture the connecting parts separately and join them to the ribbon cable and / or substrate at a later stage.

[0010] Preferably, the first and second connecting elements comprise a clamping or plug connection. Clamping and plug connections are easy to implement, can be manually or automatically switched from an open to a closed state, and ensure secure fixation. Preferably, the clamping or plug connection is held under slight preload. The preload facilitates contact. In particular, a clamping connection ensures the mechanical stability of the entire structure.

[0011] Preferably, the number, dimensioning and arrangement of the conductors in the flat ribbon cable and the substrate are complementary, so that signal transmission via the substrate is provided for each conductor in the flat ribbon cable.

[0012] Preferably, the substrate comprises a PCB, and in particular, a connector system is attached to the PCB on a side facing away from the substrate. A PCB is preferred because it offers robust mechanical stability, and a stepped design can be easily and precisely integrated into a PCB. A PCB can be scaled to any size to accommodate a variety of connector systems of different sizes. A PCB ensures good signal integrity between the ribbon cable and the connector system. The connector system preferably comprises a connector system approved for automotive applications.

[0013] Preferably, each stage of the stepped structure comprises at least one insulating layer and at least one conductor, wherein the conductor is exposed on at least one side and is in contact with the respective insulating layer on at least one side. This structure allows the conductor to be contacted via the exposed side, while simultaneously supporting and protecting the conductor through the insulating layer.

[0014] The following description of embodiments is given with reference to the accompanying figures. These show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of an embodiment of a connection system in the unfixed or open state; Fig. 2 a perspective view of an embodiment of a flat ribbon cable; Fig. 3 a perspective view of an embodiment of a substrate; and Fig. 4 a perspective view of an embodiment of a connection system in the fixed or closed state.

[0015] Preferred embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0016] Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a connection system 1 for connecting a multilayer flat ribbon cable 10 to a multilayer substrate 20. The multilayer flat ribbon cable 10 and the substrate 20 are in a non-fixed or open state.

[0017] Fig. Figure 2 shows in detail an embodiment of the multilayer flat ribbon cable 10. The illustrated flat ribbon cable 10 comprises a multilayer arrangement of conductors 15 within the flat ribbon cable 10. The conductors 15 are preferably metallic wires for transmitting electrical signals. In the illustrated embodiment, the flat ribbon cable 10 extends substantially along a first direction X, and the layers of the flat ribbon cable 10 extend substantially along a third direction Z. A single planar conductor 15 can be arranged in a layer of the flat ribbon cable 10, or a plurality of separate, parallel-oriented conductors 15 can be arranged. The planar conductors 15 are suitable as part of a shield, while the separate conductors 15 preferably comprise signal lines and / or ground lines for a shield along a second direction Y.Thus, both unshielded and shielded signal lines can be implemented via connection system 1.

[0018] The in Fig. 1 and Fig. The embodiment of a flat ribbon cable 10 shown in Figure 2 has a stepped shape 14 in at least one end section 12. The stepped shape 14 causes the conductor(s) 15 of each layer to be exposed on each step. In particular, each step of the stepped structure 14 has at least one insulating layer 13 and at least one conductor 15. The conductor(s) 15 of a step is / are exposed on at least one side and is / are in contact with the respective insulating layer 13 on at least one side. The insulating layer 13 serves as a support for the conductor(s) 15. The stepped shape can be produced, for example, by layer-by-layer ablation, in particular with a laser. The production of the stepped shape can be automated.

[0019] Furthermore, the illustrated flat ribbon cable 10 comprises at least one first connecting element 16, which is firmly connected to the multilayer flat ribbon cable 10. The illustrated first connecting element 16 is preferably formed from an overmold, but it can alternatively be manufactured separately and connected to the flat ribbon cable 10 by a material-bonded connection. A material-bonded connection preferably includes gluing, soldering, or fusing. The first connecting element 16 is designed to be connected to a matching counterpart. For this connection, the first connecting element 16 can comprise a clamping or plug-in connection 18. A clamping connection can, in particular, be an overmolded component or a mechanical clamp or rivet, as described in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are recognizable, include.

[0020] Fig. Figure 3 shows in detail an embodiment of a multilayer substrate 20. The multilayer substrate 20 comprises a multilayer arrangement of conductors 25 within the substrate 20. The illustrated substrate 20 has a step shape 24 in an end section 22. The step shape 24 is complementary to the step shape 14 of the flat ribbon cable 10. Due to the complementary structure, in the Fig. 1 and Fig. In the connection system 1 shown in Figure 4, corresponding conductors 15, 25 of the ribbon cable 10 and the substrate 20 make contact when joined (connected to each other) and form an electrical connection. In particular, the number, dimensions, and arrangement of the conductors 15, 25 in the ribbon cable 10 and the substrate 20 are complementary, so that signal transmission via the substrate 20 is provided for each conductor 15, 25 in the ribbon cable 10. The substrate 20 shown comprises a PCB. A connector system 30 is attached to the PCB on a side 29 facing away from the ribbon cable 10.

[0021] Furthermore, the illustrated substrate 20 comprises at least a second connecting element 26, which is firmly bonded to the multilayer substrate 20. The illustrated second connecting element 26 is preferably formed by overmolding; however, it can alternatively be manufactured separately and bonded to the substrate 20 by a material-bonded connection. The second connecting element 26 is designed to be connected to the first connecting element 16 as a matching counterpart in order to permanently fix the ribbon cable 10 and the substrate 20 to each other in the assembled state. For this fixing, the second connecting element 26 can comprise a clamping or plug connection 28. A clamping connection can, in particular, be an overmolding or a mechanical clamp or rivets, or holes suitable for rivets, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 are recognizable, including.

[0022] Fig.Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the connection system 1 for connecting a multilayer flat ribbon cable 10 to a multilayer substrate 20, wherein the multilayer flat ribbon cable 10 and the substrate 20 are in a fixed or closed state. In this state, signal transmission from the flat ribbon cable 10 via the substrate 20 to the connector system 30 is possible. The signal transmission can take place via shielded or unshielded cables. In a preferred embodiment, the connection system 1 comprises a connection between a multilayer flat ribbon cable 10 (flat-flex cable) and a mini-coaxial connector.

[0023] A preferred embodiment of a connection process for the illustrated connection system 1 is described below. First, the stepped shape 14 is formed in an end section 12 of the ribbon cable 10, thereby exposing all metal layers or conductors 15 (for signal transmission and grounding). The stepped shape is then reversed and copied onto the substrate 20, resulting in a stepped shape 24 in an end section 22 of the substrate 20, with the positioning and dimensions of the metal layers or conductors 15, 25 being identical in the ribbon cable 10 and the substrate 20. The ribbon cable 10 and the substrate 20 are then joined at their first and second connection parts 16, 26, respectively, to establish an electrical connection between the substrate 20 and the ribbon cable 10 by means of clamps on the terminal and plug connector 18, 28.In the illustrated embodiment, joining can be performed along the first or third direction X, Z, or by a superposition of both directions. The described clamping connection also ensures the mechanical stability of the entire structure. The joined ribbon cable 10 and the substrate 20 can then be permanently and watertight fixed by further overmolding. The connector system 30 can be selected from established connector systems and attached to the substrate 20 before or after the described joining process. The signal-carrying elements (i.e., conductors 15) of the flexible ribbon cable (the ribbon cable 10) can be connected via this connection to known contacts of standard automotive connectors (connector systems 30). REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 Connection system 10 flat ribbon cable 12 Final section 13 Insulation layer 14-step form 15 ladders 16 first connecting part 18 Clamp or plug connection 20 substrate 22 Final section 23 Insulation layer 24-step form 25 leaders 26 second connecting part 28 Clamp or plug connection 29 opposite side 30 connector system X first direction Y second direction Z third direction

Claims

Connection system (1) for connecting a multilayer flat ribbon cable (10) to a multilayer substrate (20), wherein the connection system (1) comprises at least: a) a multilayer flat ribbon cable (10) with a multilayer arrangement of conductors (15) within the flat ribbon cable (10), wherein the flat ribbon cable (10) has a step shape (14) in at least one end section (12) such that the conductors (15) of one layer are arranged exposed on each step; b) a first connecting part (16) which is fixedly connected to the multilayer flat ribbon cable (10) and is configured to be connected to a matching counterpart;c) a multilayer substrate (20) with a multilayer arrangement of conductors (25) within the substrate (20), wherein the substrate (20) has a step shape (24) in an end section (22) which is complementary to the step shape (14) of the ribbon cable (10), such that corresponding conductors (15, 25) of the ribbon cable (10) and the substrate (20) contact each other when joined and form an electrical connection; and d) a second connecting part (26) which is firmly connected to the multilayer substrate (20) and is configured to be connected as a matching counterpart to the first connecting part (16) in order to permanently fix the ribbon cable (10) and the substrate (20) to each other in the joined state. Connection system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second connection part (16, 26) are formed from an overmolding. Connection system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second connection part (16, 26) are manufactured separately and are connected to the flat ribbon cable (10) and the substrate (20) respectively by a material-bonded connection. Connection system according to one of claims 1 - 3, wherein the first and second connection part (16, 26) comprise a clamping or plug connection (18, 28). Connection system according to one of claims 1 - 4, wherein the number, dimensioning and arrangement of the conductors (15, 25) in the flat ribbon cable (10) and the substrate (20) is complementary, such that for each conductor (15, 25) in the flat ribbon cable (10) a signal transmission via the substrate (20) is provided. Connection system according to one of claims 1 - 5, wherein the substrate (20) comprises a PCB and in particular a connector system (30) is attached to the PCB on a far side (29). Connection system according to one of claims 1 - 6, wherein a step of the step-shaped structure (14, 24) comprises at least one insulating layer (13, 23) and at least one conductor (15, 25), wherein the conductor (15, 25) is exposed on at least one side and is in contact with the respective insulating layer (13, 23) on at least one side.

Images