Ribbon cable connector with clamping device

Abstract

The invention relates to a ribbon cable connector (1) configured to be fixed to one end (2) of a ribbon cable (4), the ribbon cable comprising a plurality of electrical conductors (6) extending parallel to and spaced apart from one another. The ribbon cable (1) comprises a slot (12) extending into the ribbon cable connector (1) in a plugging direction (S) for inserting the ribbon cable (4), wherein the slot (12) adjoins contact element receptacles (16) with its end (14) arranged inside the ribbon cable connector (1) in the plugging direction (S), the contact element receptacles extending parallel to and spaced apart from one another, and wherein the slot (12) comprises raised portions running parallel to one another and aligned with the contact element receptacles (16), the raised portions each being spaced apart from one another by a partition wall (20). In addition, the ribbon cable connector (1) is provided with a clamping device (24) configured to clamp the ribbon cable (4) in the slot (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a ribbon cable connector configured to be fixed to one end of a ribbon cable, the ribbon cable including a plurality of electrical conductors extending parallel to and spaced apart from each other. Background Art

[0002] In a ribbon cable, several electrical conductors run parallel to one another, connected to a common insulator. Ribbon cables are often used to transmit signals, for which purpose they are also attached to ribbon cable connectors. In this case, the ribbon cable should occupy as little space as possible. However, the miniaturization of ribbon cables carries the risk of undesirable signal transmission due to the current flow between parallel conductors, as leakage paths between directly adjacent conductors are also reduced.

[0003] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a solution to reduce leakage current. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to the present invention, this object is achieved by a ribbon cable connector of the type mentioned above, which is provided with a slot extending into the ribbon cable connector in a plugging direction for inserting a ribbon cable, wherein the slot, at its end located in the ribbon cable connector, abuts contact element receptacles of the ribbon cable connector, the contact element receptacles being spaced apart from one another and extending parallel to one another. The slot has raised portions that are aligned with the contact element receptacles, extend parallel to one another and transversely to the plugging direction, and are each separated from one another by a partition wall. In addition, the ribbon cable connector has a clamping device configured to clamp the ribbon cable in the slot.

[0005] The solution according to the present invention allows a ribbon cable to be inserted into a slot, wherein the combination of a clamping device and raised portions separated from one another by a partition wall ensures that the ribbon cable is securely fixed in the slot and increases the leakage path between adjacent conductors. The leakage path, i.e. the shortest distance between two conductive parts along the surface of the insulator, is no longer the distance between adjacent, parallel conductors perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cable, because this path is blocked by the partition wall. As a result, the leakage path extends around the partition wall, thereby lengthening it compared to the leakage path in conventional ribbon cable connectors. In addition, processing of the ends of the ribbon cable (e.g. cutting grooves in the insulation between the conductors) can be avoided to allow the ribbon cable to be inserted into the ribbon cable connector. If the ribbon cable had to be processed, a minimum width of the insulation between the conductors that allowed processing would be mandatory. Therefore, the miniaturization of the ribbon cable would be limited by the minimum width.

[0006] The clamping device not only correctly positions the ribbon cable in the slot to prevent displacement due to tensile load, but also improves the vibration resistance of the connector assembly (including the ribbon cable connector and the ribbon cable).

[0007] The following describes further preferred configurations of the device by way of example. The individual configurations can be combined independently of one another and can be interchanged independently of one another.

[0008] In particular, the plugging direction can be aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal cable axis or direction, making it easier to insert the ribbon cable into the slot. The conductors of the ribbon cable can be spaced apart side by side in a transverse direction transverse to the longitudinal cable axis, and they can be insulated from one another, for example, by an insulator. The transverse direction and the plugging direction can form a front plane. Thus, the contact element receptacles and the raised portions can each be arranged adjacent to one another in the transverse direction.

[0009] The slot can extend across the entire width of the ribbon cable in a lateral direction, and the ribbon cable connector is provided with a predetermined width so that the end of the ribbon cable can be received across its entire width. Therefore, no additional processing steps are required to partially receive the end of the ribbon cable.

[0010] Preferably, the raised portion extends in a direction substantially transverse to a plane defined by the plugging direction and the transverse direction. In this case, a raised portion can be assigned to each conductor of the ribbon cable so that a respective conductor of the ribbon cable can be arranged in each raised portion. The respective raised portion can at least partially have a cross-section that corresponds to a cross-section of the corresponding contact element receptacle in a sectional plane substantially perpendicular to the plugging direction. Thus, the respective conductor of the ribbon cable can be terminated at a contact element (e.g., a contact socket) before being inserted into the slot. The contact element can simply be inserted into the corresponding contact element receptacle together with the ribbon cable via the respective raised portion.

[0011] The respective ridges may be delimited by walls in a direction transverse to the front plane. Preferably, the walls may extend continuously in the transverse direction such that the ridges are delimited by a common wall.

[0012] In order to ensure a secure clamping of the ribbon cable, the clamping device can extend substantially perpendicularly to the plug-in direction, in particular perpendicularly to the transverse direction over the entire width of the ribbon cable or the slot.

[0013] In particular in the case of miniaturized ribbon cables, the distance between the conductors can be relatively small, for example less than 1.0 mm, less than 0.5 mm or even less than 0.4 mm. Therefore, the partition wall can have a correspondingly small material thickness in the transverse direction, at least at its end facing transversely toward the front plane in the direction of the slot.

[0014] To stabilize the partition wall, the material thickness of the partition wall at its end facing the wall can be greater than the material thickness at its end facing away from the wall. For example, the partition wall can be provided with reinforcing ribs extending toward the wall. This prevents bending or breaking of the partition wall, even in the case of a ribbon cable connector configured for use with ribbon cables having small conductor spacings. Therefore, the material thickness of the partition wall can increase in a direction transverse to the front plane, toward the wall.

[0015] In another preferred configuration, the contact element receptacle and the corresponding receptacle socket can be spaced apart from one another in the plugging direction, wherein the slot can be at least partially open transversely to the plugging direction, in particular transversely to the front plane, in the region between the contact element receptacle and the raised portion. This region can thus form a receiving receptacle, into which, for example, a secondary latch can be inserted in order to secure the contact element in the corresponding contact element receptacle.

[0016] Preferably, the partition walls can extend in the plugging direction up to the contact element receptacles, thereby extending along the entire depth of the slot in the plugging direction. Preferably, the partition walls of the slot can seamlessly merge into the partition walls between the contact element receptacles. Thus, corresponding pairs of partition walls can be molded integrally with one another, for example as injection-molded parts.

[0017] If the projection and the contact element receptacle are spaced apart in the plugging direction, the partition wall can extend in the plugging direction beyond the ridge into the region between the ridge and the contact element receptacle to the partition wall between the contact element receptacles.

[0018] In this case, the partition wall can narrow in the region between the projection and the contact element receptacle transversely to the plug-in direction, in particular transversely to the front plane. If the partition wall narrows transversely to the front plane in the direction of the slot, it allows the secondary latch, which is continuous in the transverse direction along the width of the ribbon cable connector, to be inserted in the region between the projection and the contact element receptacle.

[0019] Alternatively, the secondary latch may be substantially comb-shaped, having protruding lugs spaced apart in a transverse direction, each protruding lug being receivable between two dividing walls in the receiving receptacle when latched.

[0020] The secondary latch can, for example, be locked with the wall in the locked state and simultaneously at least partially cover the contact element receptacle in the plug-in direction. This prevents the contact element from being pulled out of the corresponding contact element receptacle.

[0021] According to a preferred configuration, the secondary latch can be formed on a lever arm, which is deflectable about a rotation axis that is substantially parallel to the transverse direction.

[0022] In a particularly preferred configuration, the respective partition walls can at least partially form part of the clamping device. This ensures that the ribbon cable is clamped in the area between the conductors. This prevents the conductors from being damaged by the clamping. Furthermore, the clamping of the partition walls extends the air gap between adjacent conductors. The air gap no longer extends only in the transverse direction from one conductor to the adjacent conductor, but instead extends around the respective partition walls between the conductors. In this exemplary configuration, the partition walls serve both to clamp the ribbon cable and to isolate adjacent conductors from one another.

[0023] To facilitate insertion of the ribbon cable into the slot while ensuring a secure hold, the clamping device can include a pressing element that can be moved from a release position to a clamping position and locked in the clamped position. In this case, the slot's clear width, substantially transverse to the insertion direction and the transverse direction, can be smaller in the clamping position than in the release position. In the release position, the ribbon cable can be inserted and positioned in the slot without significant resistance. The pressing element can then be moved to a clamping position, where it clamps the ribbon cable in the slot.

[0024] Thus, with respect to the slot, the counter holder element may be arranged opposite the pressing element, and the ribbon cable may be clamped therebetween.

[0025] Preferably, the clamping device can at least partially limit the slot substantially transversely to the front plane, in particular on both sides.For this purpose, the pressing element and the counterpart retainer element can be opposite to each other with respect to the slot.

[0026] If it is to be ensured that the ribbon cable is clamped only in the region of its insulation and not on the conductors, the pressing element and / or the mating retaining element can be configured essentially in a comb-like manner, with a base extending in the transverse direction and having teeth protruding from the base, the teeth protruding essentially transversely to the front plane from the side of the base facing the slot and spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction. In this case, the clamping surface can be formed by the corresponding teeth.

[0027] According to a preferred configuration, the partition wall can at least partially form a pressing element or a counter-holder element, so that the ribbon cable can only be clamped in the region between the conductors.

[0028] If the partition walls at least partially form the pressure elements, the corresponding parts of the partition walls can be connected to one another in one piece on a module which is displaceable in the plug-in direction to achieve a synchronized, in particular simultaneous, movement of the corresponding parts of the partition walls.

[0029] The movable module can slide along the ascending slope in the plugging direction, thereby converting the movement in the plugging direction into a movement transverse to the plugging direction, in particular transverse to the front plane.

[0030] The pressure element can be held displaceably relative to the housing of the ribbon cable connector, for example, in the plugging direction and / or transversely thereto, wherein the pressure element and the housing are connected to one another in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, at least in the clamped state. A latching mechanism can be provided, by which the pressure element and the housing are latched to one another, at least in the clamped state.

[0031] Additionally or alternatively, the pressure element can be locked in a force-fitting manner in the clamped state.

[0032] To achieve a gentle and stable clamping over a larger surface area, the clamping device can extend substantially parallel to the plug-in direction over at least half the depth of the slot, where the slot depth is measured in the plug-in direction from the cable-side end of the slot to the contact element receptacle. This allows the clamping force to be distributed over a larger area without transient loading of the ribbon cable.

[0033] If the clamping device can not be accessed from the outside, particularly substantially transversely to the front plane, the clamping device can be arranged on the level identical with the protuberance in the plug-in direction. In this case, the wall that defines the protuberance transversely to the front plane can prevent accessing the clamping device.

[0034] According to another preferred configuration, the clamping device can be arranged in the area between the protrusion and the contact element receptacle in the plugging direction. Thus, the pressing element can be arranged on the secondary latch. Thus, the secondary latch not only secures the contact element in the contact element receptacle but also serves to clamp the ribbon cable in the slot. For this purpose, the secondary latch can extend substantially continuously transversely to the front plane, thereby allowing the ribbon cable to be clamped across its entire width. Furthermore, the secondary latch can be provided with protruding teeth spaced substantially parallel to the transverse direction, which are adapted to press against the insulation between adjacent conductors in the clamped state.

[0035] According to a preferred configuration, the ribbon cable connector can be constructed in two parts. For example, the pressing element can be a separate component and configured so that it can be fastened to the housing at least in a clamping state. This allows for quick and cost-effective replacement of the individual components in the event of damage.

[0036] However, if the production of the ribbon cable connector is to be optimized, it is preferable to form the ribbon cable connector integrally as a single-piece component, particularly for mass production. In this case, the pressing element can, for example, be formed on a lever arm that is pivotable about a pivot axis running substantially parallel to the transverse direction. For example, the lever arm can be a lever arm provided with a secondary latch or an additional lever arm.

[0037] The ribbon cable connector according to one of the aforementioned configurations may be part of a connector assembly.The connector assembly may further comprise a ribbon cable having a plurality of conductors extending parallel to and spaced apart from one another.

[0038] In this case, the conductors can in particular be arranged on a common insulation, for example an insulating carrier film.

[0039] According to a particularly preferred configuration, the ribbon cable at least partially inserted into the slot can be clamped between the electrical conductors in the clamped state only in the region of the insulating body.

[0040] The present invention is described in more detail below by way of example with reference to the embodiments. Based on the above description, if the technical effects associated with a feature are not important for a particular application, then these features may be omitted from the embodiments. Conversely, if their technical effects are important for a particular application, further features may be added to the embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Features that correspond to one another in terms of function and / or spatial-physical configuration are provided with the same reference numerals below.

[0042] In the attached figure:

[0043] Figure 1 a schematic perspective view showing an exemplary configuration of a connector assembly according to the present invention in a released position, having a first exemplary configuration of a ribbon cable connector;

[0044] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 A schematic top view of the connector assembly is shown;

[0045] Figure 3 Shown Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the connector assembly is shown;

[0046] Figure 4 Shown in clamped position Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the connector assembly is shown;

[0047] Figure 5 a schematic perspective view showing an exemplary configuration of a connector assembly according to the present invention in a released position, having a second exemplary configuration of a ribbon cable connector;

[0048] Figure 6 Shown in clamped position Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the connector assembly is shown;

[0049] Figure 7shows a schematic perspective view of an exemplary configuration of a connector assembly according to the present invention in a released position, having a third exemplary configuration of a ribbon cable connector;

[0050] Figure 8 Shown in clamped state Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of the connector assembly is shown;

[0051] Figure 9 a schematic perspective view showing an exemplary configuration of a connector assembly according to the present invention in a released position, having a fourth exemplary configuration of a ribbon cable connector; and

[0052] Figure 10 Shown in clamped position Figure 9 A schematic cross-sectional view of the connector assembly is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] First, refer to Figures 1 to 4 A first exemplary configuration of the ribbon cable connector 1 according to the present invention is explained in more detail.

[0054] The ribbon cable connector 1 is configured to be attached to one end 2 of a ribbon cable 4 in a connector assembly 100 .

[0055] In this case, the ribbon cable 4 has several electrical conductors 6 extending parallel to and spaced apart from one another, which can be applied to a common insulation 8, for example an insulating carrier film 10. The insulation 8 is thus exposed between adjacent conductors 6. Alternatively, the conductors 6 can be surrounded by an insulating sheath, being at least partially exposed from the insulating sheath at the end 2.

[0056] In particular, the conductors 6 may extend parallel to a longitudinal cable axis L of the ribbon cable 4 and may be spaced apart from one another in a transverse direction T extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal cable axis L. As shown in FIG.

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, the conductors 6 can each be connected to a contact element 11 at the end 2, for example by crimping. In particular in the case of miniaturized ribbon cables 4, the distances between the conductors 6 can be very small. For example, they can be less than 1 mm, less than 0.5 mm, or even less than 0.4 mm. Consequently, leakage paths between the conductors can lead to undesirable signal transmissions due to current flow between the conductors. Cutting or punching holes in the insulation between the conductors 6 is also undesirable, as this is associated with higher production costs, and such processing of the insulation is not possible, in particular with miniaturized ribbon cables 4.

[0058] Using the ribbon cable connector 1 according to the invention, it is now possible to secure one end 2 of the ribbon cable 4 between the conductors 6 without any cuts or punchings in the insulating body 8 .

[0059] For this purpose, the ribbon cable connector 1 has a slot 12 which extends into the ribbon cable connector 1 in a plug-in direction S extending essentially parallel to the cable longitudinal axis L for receiving the end 2 of the ribbon cable 4. In this case, the slot 12 adjoins contact element receptacles 16 which are spaced apart from one another and extend parallel to one another in the plug-in direction S with its end 14 located in the ribbon cable connector 1.

[0060] Furthermore, the socket 12 has ridges 18 which are aligned with the contact element receptacles 16 in the plug-in direction S, extend parallel to one another and in a direction transverse to the plug-in direction S, in particular transverse to the plug-in direction S and the transverse direction T, and are each separated from one another in the transverse direction T by a partition wall 20. The plug-in direction S and the transverse direction T form a front plane E, for example Figure 2 , the front plane E extends essentially perpendicular to the drawing plane.

[0061] The bulges 18 on the outside in the transverse direction T can each be closed in the transverse direction T by a side wall 22 extending parallel to the partition wall 20 .

[0062] The partition walls 20 enable the deflection of the leakage paths 23 around the corresponding partition walls 20 between adjacent conductors 6 and thus extend the leakage paths 23, thereby ensuring safe application of the ribbon cable connector 1 without the occurrence of unwanted signal transmission between the individual conductors 6. Figure 1 In FIG, the leakage path 23 is shown in simplified form by a dashed line.

[0063] To secure the ribbon cable 2 in the ribbon cable connector 1, a clamping device 24 is provided, which is configured to clamp the ribbon cable 2 in the slot 12. Thus, the ribbon cable 4 can be additionally secured to prevent it from falling out of the connector assembly 100. The tensile load of the ribbon cable is damped by the clamping device 24, whereby the contact elements and the corresponding conductors remain in contact with each other without being affected by the tensile load. Consequently, breakage of the contact elements can be prevented.

[0064] Especially in Figure 2 As can be seen in FIG, the slot 12 may extend over its entire width substantially parallel to the transverse direction T of the ribbon cable 4 intended for the ribbon cable connector 1 , whereby the ribbon cable 4 may be easily received in the slot 12 along its longitudinal axis L.

[0065] The partition wall 20 or also the side wall 22 can close the slot 12 at the end 14 in the plug-in direction S, so that the ribbon cable 4 can be prevented from being inserted too deeply into the ribbon cable connector 1 .

[0066] The ridges 18 and the contact element receptacles 16 can each be assigned to a conductor 6. Preferably, the ridges 18 can extend substantially transversely to the front plane E. This allows the conductor 6 to be inserted after termination with the corresponding contact element 11. Preferably, a cross section of the ridges 18 transversely to the front plane E can overlap or even coincide with a cross section of the corresponding contact element receptacle 16, as can be seen from the diagram. Figure 2 visible.

[0067] A wall 26 may be provided to limit the projection 18 in a direction transverse to the front plane E. The wall 26 may preferably extend in the transverse direction T over the entire width of the slot 12 .

[0068] In this case, the partition wall 20 or also the side wall 22 can protrude from the wall 26 essentially transversely to the front plane E. If the stability of the partition wall 20 and the side wall 22 is to be increased, for example to prevent bending, the partition wall 20 and the side wall 22 can have an increasing material thickness in the transverse direction T transversely to the front plane E. The material thickness of the partition wall 20 and the side wall 22 can increase in the transverse direction T. For this purpose, for example, reinforcing ribs 28 can be provided, which extend from the wall 26 to the flat side of the respective partition wall 20 or side wall 22 facing in the direction of the corresponding elevation 18.

[0069] The material thickness of the end of the respective partition wall 20 facing away from the wall 26 can be smaller than the distance between the conductors 6 of the ribbon cable, so that it can be ensured that when the ribbon cable 4 is plugged into the ribbon cable connector 1, the partition wall 20 is opposite the part of the insulation 8 exposed from the conductors 6.

[0070] The elevation 18 and the contact element receptacle 16 may be spaced apart from one another in the plug-in direction S, and the region 30 may be open substantially transversely to the front plane E. The region 30 may thus form a receiving receptacle 32 in which, for example, a secondary latch 34 may be received.

[0071] The secondary latch 34 can be held by a lever arm 36 formed on the ribbon cable connector 1 so as to be pivotable about a rotation axis aligned substantially parallel to the transverse direction T. Figures 1 to 3 , the secondary latch 34 is shown in an open position 38 in which the secondary latch 34 is disposed outside of the receiving receptacle 32 .

[0072] In this open position 38, the contact element receptacle 16 is released and the corresponding contact element 11 can be inserted into the contact element receptacle 16. If the secondary latch 34 is now transferred to the locked position 40, as shown Figure 4As shown, the secondary latch 34 then projects into the receiving receptacle 32 and covers the contact element receptacle 16 . Thus, the secondary latch 34 blocks the contact element 11 from falling out of the contact element receptacle 16 .

[0073] Preferably, the secondary latch 34 can be locked in the locked position 40, such as by latching with the wall 26, as shown. Figure 4 To this end, the secondary latch 34 can have a latching projection 42 which, in the locked position 40 , abuts the wall 26 and prevents the secondary latch 34 from pivoting out of the receiving receptacle 32 in a form-fitting manner.

[0074] In order to also deflect leakage paths between adjacent conductors 6 in the region 30 , it is particularly preferred that the partition wall 20 or also the side wall 22 protrudes beyond the receptacle 18 in the plug-in direction S and extends as far as the contact element receptacle 16 . In particular, the partition wall 20 and the side wall 22 can merge into a partition wall 44 between the contact element receptacles 16 or into a side wall 46 delimiting an outer contact element receptacle 16 .

[0075] If the secondary latch 34 is continuous in the transverse direction T, as is the case in the first exemplary configuration, the partition wall 20 may narrow in the region 30 substantially transversely to the front plane E, in particular in the direction towards the slot 12 .

[0076] Now refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , a first exemplary configuration of the clamping device 24 is described in more detail.

[0077] The clamping device 24 may include a pressing element 54 which may be moved from a release position 48 ( Figures 1 to 3 ) moves to the clamping position 50( Figure 4 ) and can be locked in the clamping position 50.

[0078] In this exemplary configuration, the pressing element 54 is formed on a free end 56 of a lever arm 58 , which is held pivotably about an axis of rotation aligned substantially parallel to the transverse direction T. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG.

[0079] In particular, the lever arm 58 with the pressing element 54 and the lever arm 36 with the secondary latch 34 can be arranged on opposite sides of the ribbon cable connector 1 substantially transversely to the transverse direction T. In particular, the partition wall 20 and the pressing element 54 can be arranged on different sides relative to the slot 12 .

[0080] Thus, the pressing element 54 can be configured to delimit the slot 12 substantially transversely to the front plane and opposite the partition wall 20 and the side wall 22 , at least in the clamping position 50 .

[0081] In particular, in the clamping position 50, the slot 12 can have a smaller clear width in a direction transverse to the front plane E than in the release position 48. This clear width can, for example, be greater than the material thickness of the ribbon cable 4 or at least the material thickness of the insulator 8. Thus, in the release position 48, the ribbon cable 4 can be inserted into the slot 12 without significant resistance. In the clamping position, the clear width of the slot 12 can be less than the material thickness of the ribbon cable 4, in particular the material thickness of the insulator 8. Thus, in the clamping position 4, the ribbon cable 4 can be pressed with a relatively high force by the pressing element 54 against the mating retainer element 60, which in this exemplary configuration is formed by the partition wall 20 and the side wall 22.

[0082] The ribbon cable is thus clamped between the conductors only in the region of the insulator 8. The conductors 6 can move into the corresponding ridges 18 instead of being clamped and are therefore protected from any stress caused by the clamping.

[0083] A latching mechanism 62 may be provided to lock the pressure element 54 in the clamping position 50 . For this purpose, the pressure element 54 may have a latching lug 64 protruding essentially opposite the plug-in direction S, which engages in a complementary latching lug 66 in the clamping position 50 .

[0084] like Figure 4 It can be seen that the clamping device 24 can be at least partially flush with the bulge 18 in the plug-in direction S. The clamping of the ribbon cable 4 can thus be further stabilized by the wall 26 .

[0085] To achieve a gentle and stable clamping, the clamping device 24 preferably extends over at least half the depth of the slot 12 substantially parallel to the plug-in direction S. Preferably, the clamping device can extend over at least two thirds of the depth of the slot 12 or even over the entire depth of the slot.

[0086] Figure 5 and Figure 6 A second exemplary configuration of the ribbon cable connector 1 according to the invention is shown, which has a particularly compact construction compared to the first exemplary configuration.

[0087] For the sake of brevity, only the differences between the second configuration and the first configuration are discussed below.

[0088] According to a second configuration, the pressing element 54 can be formed by the secondary latch 34. Therefore, no second lever arm is provided. By moving the secondary latch 34 from the open position 38 ( Figure 5 ) moves to the locked position 40 ( Figure 6 ), the pressing element 54 is simultaneously moved from the releasing position 48 to the clamping position 50. Therefore, the assembly work is reduced and the ribbon cable connector is more user-friendly.

[0089] For example, the pressing element 54 can have teeth 70 that protrude from the secondary latch 34, in particular from the end face 68 of the secondary latch 34, wherein the teeth 70 are spaced apart from one another substantially parallel to the transverse direction T and are arranged in line with the corresponding partition wall 20 in the plugging direction S, at least in the clamping position 50. Thus, the pressing element 54 can be adapted to be substantially comb-shaped, the teeth 70 pressing the insulation 8 of the ribbon cable 4 against the mating retainer element 60 in the clamping position 50. Here, the mating retainer element 60 is formed by an outer wall 72 of the ribbon cable connector 1.

[0090] In this second exemplary configuration, the dividing wall 20 does not extend across the region 30 in order to allow the teeth 70 to access the insulation 8 of the ribbon cable 4 in a clamped state.

[0091] The first and second exemplary configurations show a ribbon cable connector 1 integrally formed as a single-piece component 73. Production of the ribbon cable connector 1 as a single-piece component 74 allows for simple and cost-effective manufacturing, particularly in large quantities. For example, the ribbon cable connector 1 can be a 3D-printed or injection-molded part.

[0092] However, the ribbon cable connector 1 can also be configured as a multi-part, in particular a two-part component 74, which allows a simple and cost-effective replacement of the individual components. Figure 7 and 8 (Third Exemplary Configuration) and Figure 9 and 10 (Fourth Exemplary Configuration) An exemplary configuration of the flat cable connector 1 as a two-part component 74 is described in more detail.

[0093] In particular, the pressing element 54 can withstand high loads in order to exert the necessary clamping force on the ribbon cable 4. Therefore, it is particularly preferred that the pressing element 54 is a separate component 76 configured to be attached to the housing 78 of the ribbon cable connector 1. In particular, the pressing element 54 can be attached repeatedly, which ensures that the pressing element 54 can be easily replaced.

[0094] Another advantage resulting from the two-part structure of the cable connector 1 is that the individual components can be optimized for their respective tasks. For example, the pressing element 54 can be formed from a material having a high rigidity, which makes it possible to avoid undesirable deformation of the pressing element 54.

[0095] In the third exemplary configuration, the pressing element 54 is provided with a portion 80 of the partition wall 20 which, at least in the clamping position 50 , is assembled with a complementary portion 82 to form the partition wall 20 in the housing 78 .

[0096] like Figure 7It can be seen that the pressing element 54 can be configured substantially in a comb-like manner, with a base extending parallel to the transverse direction T and a portion 80 of the partition wall 20 protruding transversely to the front plane E from the base.

[0097] A receptacle 84 can be formed in the housing 78 and configured to receive the pressing element 54 in the plugging direction S, at least in the clamping position 50. Thus, the pressing element 54 can be moved relative to the housing 78 substantially parallel to the plugging direction S. Guiding the relative movement between the pressing element 54 and the housing 78 can be achieved by a tongue-and-groove connection. To this end, a tongue 86 can protrude in the transverse direction T on a corresponding outer surface of the pressing element 54 and can be inserted into a corresponding groove 88 formed on a side wall of the receptacle 84.

[0098] exist Figure 7 , the ribbon cable connector 1 is shown in the release position 48, in which the pressing element 54 is arranged outside the receptacle 84. As a result, the ribbon cable 4 can be inserted into the slot 12 without significant frictional resistance. If the pressing element 54 is now moved essentially parallel to the plugging direction S into the receptacle 84, the portion 80 presses the insulating body 8 against the outer wall 72 and clamps the ribbon cable 4.

[0099] The complementary portion 82 may include a guide that presses at least a portion of the portion 80 toward the outer wall 72 in a direction transverse to the front plane E, thereby reducing the clear width of the slot in the clamping position 50. As a result, the movable pressing element 54 can be moved from the release position 48 to the clamping position 50 without high friction resistance. In addition, the guide holds the pressing element 54 between the ribbon cable 4 and the complementary portion 82 in the clamping position 50 in a force-fit manner.

[0100] In another embodiment, not shown, the pressing element 54 can be locked in the clamping position 50 and / or in the release position 48, for example, by a latching mechanism. Thus, the pressing element 54 can be latched to the housing 78 in the release position 48, which prevents the pressing element 54 from being lost. In this case, the pressing element 54 can protrude from the receptacle 84 so that the portion 80 is not pushed toward the outer wall 72 by the complementary portion 82.

[0101] Preferably, in the clamping position 50, the pressure element 54 can be completely located in the receptacle 84, thereby uniquely characterizing the clamping position 50. In particular, the surface of the pressure element 54 extending substantially perpendicularly to the plug-in direction S can be aligned with the surface of the housing 78 in the clamping position 50.

[0102] exist Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the fourth exemplary configuration shown, the partition wall 20 forms a counter-retainer element 60 similar to the first exemplary configuration and is part of the housing.

[0103] The outer wall 72 is penetrated by a window 90 in the region opposite the partition wall relative to the slot 12, into which the pressure element 54, which is configured as a separate component 76, can be inserted. To this end, the frame of the window 90 can be provided with a latching receptacle 92, for example in the form of a groove, in which a latching hook 94 of the pressure element 54 engages at least in the clamping position 50. The latching receptacle 92 can preferably be accessible from the outside, so that the latching hook 94 can be pressed out of the latching receptacle 92, for example using a tool.

[0104] like Figure 10 It can be seen that in the clamping position 50 , the pressing element 54 can completely fill the window, so that the surface of the outer wall 72 facing away from the slot 12 is flush with the surface of the pressing element 54 facing away from the slot 12 .

[0105] In a fourth exemplary configuration, the pressing element 54 can also be essentially comb-shaped, and the teeth 70 can be arranged directly opposite the partition wall 20 at least in the clamping position 50 .

[0106] Reference numerals

[0107] 1 ribbon cable connector

[0108] 2 ends

[0109] 4 ribbon cables

[0110] 6 Electrical conductors

[0111] 8 Insulator

[0112] 10 Carrier film

[0113] 11 Contact elements

[0114] 12 slots

[0115] 14 End of slot

[0116] 16 Contact element receptacle

[0117] 18 ridges

[0118] 20 partition wall

[0119] 22 sidewall

[0120] 23 Leakage Path

[0121] 24 Clamping device

[0122] 26 wall

[0123] 28 reinforcement ribs

[0124] 30 areas

[0125] 32 receiving and accommodating portion

[0126] 34 Secondary Latch

[0127] 36 lever arm

[0128] 38 open position

[0129] 40 Lock position

[0130] 42 Latch protrusion

[0131] 44 Dividing wall between contact element receptacles

[0132] 46 Side wall of contact element receptacle

[0133] 48 Release position

[0134] 50 clamping positions

[0135] 54 Pressing element

[0136] 56 Free end

[0137] 58 lever arm

[0138] 60 matching retainer elements

[0139] 62 Latch mechanism

[0140] 64 latch lugs

[0141] 66 complementary latch lugs

[0142] 68 end face

[0143] 70 teeth

[0144] 72 outer wall

[0145] 73 single parts

[0146] 74 Two-part components

[0147] 76 separate components

[0148] 78 housing

[0149] 80 parts

[0150] 82 complementary parts

[0151] 84 Seats

[0152] 86 Tongue

[0153] 88 grooves

[0154] 90 Window

[0155] 92 Latch receptacle

[0156] 94 latch hook

[0157] 100 Connector Assembly

[0158] E front plane

[0159] L Cable longitudinal axis

[0160] S plug-in direction

[0161] T Horizontal direction

Claims

1. A ribbon cable connector (1) configured to be fixed to one end (2) of a ribbon cable (4), the ribbon cable comprising a plurality of electrical conductors (6) extending parallel to and spaced apart from one another, the ribbon cable connector having a slot (12) extending into the ribbon cable connector (1) in a plugging direction (S) for inserting the ribbon cable (4), wherein the slot (12) adjoins contact element receptacles (16) with an end (14) of the slot arranged inside the ribbon cable connector (1) in the plugging direction (S), the contact element receptacles extending parallel to and spaced apart from one another, and wherein the slot (12) comprises raised portions extending parallel to one another and aligned with the contact element receptacles (16), the raised portions each being separated from one another in a transverse direction (T) by a partition wall (20), and the ribbon cable connector having a clamping device (24) configured to clamp the ribbon cable (4) in the slot (12), wherein The plug-in direction (S) and the transverse direction (T) form a front plane (E), and a cross section of the raised portion (18) transverse to the front plane (E) overlaps or coincides with a cross section of the corresponding contact element receptacle (16), and wherein the respective raised portion is delimited in a direction transverse to the front plane by a wall, and the wall extends continuously in the transverse direction so that the raised portions are delimited by a common wall.

2. The ribbon cable connector (1) according to claim 1, wherein The holding device (24) extends transversely to the plug-in direction (S) over the entire width of the slot (12).

3. The ribbon cable connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The material thickness of the partition wall (20) increases at least partially in a direction transverse to the plug-in direction (S).

4. A ribbon cable connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the raised portion (18) and the contact element receptacle (16) are spaced apart from each other in the plug-in direction (S), and wherein the slot (12) between the contact element receptacle (16) and the raised portion (18) is open transversely to the plug-in direction (S).

5. The ribbon cable connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The respective partition wall (20) extends in the plug-in direction (S) as far as the contact element receptacle (16).

6. The ribbon cable connector (1) according to claim 4, wherein The respective partition wall (20) narrows transversely to the plug-in direction (S) in a region (30) between the contact element receptacle (16) and the bulge (18).

7. The ribbon cable connector (1) according to claim 4, wherein The clamping device (24) is at least partially arranged between the contact element receptacle (16) and the raised portion (18).

8. The ribbon cable connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The partition wall (20) is at least partially part of the holding device (24).

9. The ribbon cable connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The clamping device (24) comprises a pressing element (54) which is movable from a release position (48) into a clamping position (50) and lockable in the clamping position (50), wherein the clear width of the slot (12) is smaller in the clamping position (50) than in the release position (48).

10. The ribbon cable connector (1) according to claim 9, wherein The pressing element (54) and / or the counter-holder element (60) of the clamping device (24), at least in the clamping position (50) opposite the pressing element (54) relative to the slot (12), has a comb-like design.

11. The ribbon cable connector (1) according to claim 9, wherein: The pressure element (54) is held displaceably parallel to and / or transversely to the plug-in direction (S).

12. The ribbon cable connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The holding device (24) extends in the plug-in direction (S) over at least half the depth of the slot (12).

13. The ribbon cable connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The clamping device (24) is positioned at least partially at the same level as the raised portion (18) in the plug-in direction (S).

14. The ribbon cable connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The ribbon cable connector (1) is integrally configured as a one-piece component (73) or a two-part component (74).

15. A connector assembly (100) comprising a ribbon cable connector (1) as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11 and a ribbon cable (4), the ribbon cable having a plurality of electrical conductors (6) extending parallel to and spaced apart from one another, wherein the ribbon cable (4) is clamped in the slot (12) in the region between the electrical conductors (6) by the clamping device (24) at least in the clamping position.

Images