Connector system
The connector system with separable housing parts and deformable locking elements addresses the challenge of providing stable and secure electrical connections in automotive engineering, offering resilience and ease of assembly at a lower cost.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2020193060
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2019-11-11
- Filing Date
- 2020-08-27
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-23
- Estimated Expiration
- 2040-08-27
AI Technical Summary
Existing connector systems for electrical connections in automotive engineering face challenges in providing a stable, resilient, and secure connection that can withstand high stresses while being easy to assemble and cost-effective.
A connector system comprising separable housing parts with elastically deformable locking elements and guide ribs that engage to form a stable, resilient connection, allowing for secure electrical connections between a ribbon cable and an electronic component.
The system provides a stable, resilient, and secure electrical connection that is easy to assemble, enhances mechanical strength, and can be manufactured cost-effectively, ensuring reliability under various loads.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a connector system.
[0002] In certain technical fields, such as automotive engineering, electrical connections between electronic components are often subjected to high stresses that can impair the electrical connections.
[0003] Publication US 2019 / 0 319 401 A1 describes a connector system for an automobile. The connector has a female and a male connector housing, as well as a plurality of locking mechanisms. Publication US 2010 / 0 291 790 A1 also describes a connector system. The connector system has a female and a male connector housing, as well as a plurality of locking mechanisms, wherein the female connector housing has guide ribs.
[0004] EP 2 849 289 A1 describes a cable receiving device for receiving at least a partial area of a flat end area of a cable designed as a stiffening element, comprising a continuous opening section through which at least a partial area of a flat end area of a cable can be guided through the cable receiving device along a feed-through direction, at least one holding element which can be brought into frictional and / or positive engagement with a complementary holding element of a stiffening element of the cable by inserting the flat end area of the cable, an insertion section which can be inserted along an insertion direction into a complementary insertion section of a connector, and at least one fixing element,which can be releasably brought into frictional engagement and / or positive engagement with an associated complementary fixing element of the connector and a contact arrangement by inserting the insertion section into the complementary insertion section.
[0005] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a connector system with a simplified plug connection.
[0006] This problem is solved by the independent patent claim. Preferred embodiments are set forth in the dependent patent claims.
[0007] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a connector system as defined in claim 1 for connecting a ribbon cable to an electronic component.
[0008] Advantageously, the above-mentioned first aspect allows for a stable, resilient, reliable, and secure electrical connection between the ribbon cable and the electronic component. The connector system is also more mechanically resilient and easier to assemble. Furthermore, the connector system according to the first aspect can be manufactured simply and cost-effectively.
[0009] The connector system according to the first aspect comprises two separable housing parts, the receiving connector housing and the pluggable connector housing, which are plugged into one another in the connected or assembled state of the connector system. In other words, the pluggable connector housing is inserted at least partially into the receiving connector housing in the connected or assembled state of the connector system. This means that the pluggable connector housing can be inserted either only partially, with a specific, limited part or area, or completely into the receiving connector housing.
[0010] In the context of the description of the first aspect, the "connected or assembled state" refers to the state in which the female connector housing and the male connector housing form a coherent housing body and the locking elements of the female connector housing and the male connector housing lock or block the connector system so that the connector housings cannot detach from each other.
[0011] The locking elements can lock, for example, by being designed such that the locking elements of the receiving connector housing and the corresponding locking elements of the plug-in connector housing engage with each other.
[0012] According to the invention, the locking elements of the receiving connector housing are elastically deformable and / or resilient.
[0013] The locking elements of the receiving connector housing can, for example, be hook-shaped, wherein the locking elements of the pluggable connector system can be designed as recesses or projections arranged on the pluggable connector housing. The locking elements of the receiving connector housing can also be designed as buckles with an open or closed contour, wherein the locking elements of the pluggable connector housing can be designed as projections.
[0014] Advantageously, the locking elements of the receiving connector housing and the locking elements of the pluggable connector housing prevent the connector system from opening or releasing again in the connected or assembled state in the opposite direction to the insertion direction.
[0015] For the purposes of this description, the insertion direction refers to the direction along or against which the connector system is connected, assembled, or disconnected. Furthermore, the insertion direction can be opposite to the z-direction of a three-dimensional Cartesian zxy coordinate system. The insertion direction can also simultaneously be one of the horizontal extension directions in the zx-plane of the connector system with respect to the Cartesian coordinate system. In particular, the insertion direction can be the same as the longitudinal extension direction of the connector system in the negative z-direction. The vertical extension direction of the connector system can therefore run along the y-axis with respect to the Cartesian zxy coordinate system. With respect to the Cartesian coordinate system, the ribbon cable can then extend in the zx-plane and be arranged in the negative z-direction in the connector system.
[0016] The female connector housing and the male connector housing can each be molded from plastic. They can be manufactured, for example, by injection molding or using a 3D printer.
[0017] The first housing portion and the second housing portion of the female connector housing may be arranged opposite each other along a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction. They may be referred to as upper and lower connector housings.
[0018] The receiving connector housing and the pluggable connector housing can each be designed such that the pluggable connector housing, in the connected or assembled state of the connector system, is arranged either only partially, with a certain, limited part or region of the pluggable connector housing, or completely between the first housing section and the second housing section of the receiving connector housing.
[0019] The electronic component can be, for example, a printed circuit board or plate and the ribbon cable can additionally have a stiffening element which can be arranged in the section of the ribbon cable which is received by the pluggable connector housing.
[0020] The pluggable connector housing preferably has a first housing section and a second housing section, which are arranged substantially opposite one another. The ribbon cable can preferably be arranged at least partially between the first housing section of the pluggable connector housing and the second housing section of the pluggable connector housing.
[0021] Advantageously, this contributes to an even more stable and reliable electrical connection between the ribbon cable and the electronic component.
[0022] The first housing portion and the second housing portion of the pluggable connector system, like the first housing portion and the second housing portion of the female connector housing, may be arranged opposite each other along a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction. They may also be referred to as upper and lower connector housings.
[0023] The ribbon cable can be arranged at least partially between the first housing section and the second housing section of the pluggable connector housing. This means that the pluggable connector housing can be configured such that the ribbon cable can be arranged only partially, with a specific, limited part or region of the ribbon cable, or completely between the first housing section and the second housing section of the pluggable connector housing. The ribbon cable can be arranged on the pluggable connector housing, for example, by gluing or locking.
[0024] Furthermore, the locking elements of the pluggable connector housing can be arranged on a side of the first housing section of the pluggable connector housing facing away from the ribbon cable, i.e., on an upper side of the first housing section. The facing side can be a side of the first housing section of the pluggable connector housing that is parallel to the ribbon cable, e.g., parallel to the zx plane, and facing away from the ribbon cable in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction.
[0025] Preferably, the two locking elements of the first housing portion of the receiving connector housing are spaced apart from each other transversely to the insertion direction. Furthermore, they are preferably arranged at the top of the first housing portion.
[0026] This advantageously allows the mechanical load capacity of the connector system to be further increased.
[0027] The receiving connector housing and the pluggable connector housing can each be mirror-symmetrical to a central cutting plane through the connector system.
[0028] Preferably, the receiving connector housing has a third housing section and a fourth housing section, which each connect the first housing section of the receiving connector housing to the second housing section of the receiving connector housing, and the third housing section and the fourth housing section of the receiving connector housing each have a latch which is designed to engage behind the pluggable connector housing.
[0029] The third and fourth housing sections can be arranged laterally on the receiving connector housing. The third and fourth housing sections can therefore also be referred to as lateral housing sections.
[0030] Advantageously, this can further increase the mechanical strength of the connector system against the insertion direction and prevent the connection between the female and male connector housings from becoming loose. This ensures an even more stable and reliable electrical connection.
[0031] The locking devices can be designed as elastically deformable hooks, each extending from the third and fourth housing sections opposite to the insertion direction.
[0032] Preferably, the receiving connector housing has the two locking elements and the two latches.
[0033] Advantageously, due to the locking elements and the latches arranged in different planes, the connector system can be locked in the connected or assembled state in two orthogonal spatial directions, i.e., along the insertion direction and transversely to the insertion direction. The connector system according to this embodiment is locked at various points of the connector system: the connector system according to this embodiment is locked to the connector system at the top, in particular by two locking elements, and laterally, in particular on each side by a latch. This increases the stability of the connector system, in particular the cohesion in the connected state.
[0034] The pluggable connector housing can have locking elements corresponding to the locking elements of the receiving connector housing, at which the locking elements of the receiving connector housing engage behind the pluggable connector housing in the connected or assembled state of the connector system. The locking elements can be formed as projections, edges, or recesses on the pluggable connector housing.
[0035] According to the invention, the receiving connector housing and the pluggable connector housing each have at least two guide ribs which extend substantially along the insertion direction and which are arranged in such a way as to positively connect the receiving connector housing to the pluggable connector housing transversely to the insertion direction.
[0036] Advantageously, this achieves, on the one hand, the connection or assembly of the connector system and, on the other hand, prevents the receiving connector housing and the pluggable connector housing from slipping or wobbling relative to each other transversely to the insertion direction.
[0037] Furthermore, due to the locking elements, the catches arranged in different planes, and the guide ribs, the connector system can be further locked in the connected or assembled state in two orthogonal spatial directions, i.e., along the insertion direction and transversely to the insertion direction. The connector system according to this embodiment is locked at various points of the connector system: the connector system according to this embodiment is locked to the connector system at the top, in particular by two locking elements, laterally, in particular on each side by a catch, and at the bottom, in particular by the guide ribs of the receiving connector housing and the pluggable connector housing. This further increases the stability of the connector system, in particular the cohesion in the connected state.
[0038] Furthermore, the at least two guide ribs of the receiving connector housing are preferably arranged on a side of the second housing section facing in the direction of the ribbon cable. Simultaneously or alternatively, the at least two guide ribs of the pluggable connector housing are preferably arranged on a side of the second housing section facing away from the ribbon cable.
[0039] In other words, the guide ribs of the female connector housing can be arranged on a vertically upper side of the second housing section of the female connector housing, wherein at the same time or alternatively the guide ribs of the male connector housing can be arranged on a vertically lower side of the second housing section of the male connector housing, so that the female connector housing and the male connector housing can be pushed or plugged into each other to achieve the connected state or assembled state of the connector system.
[0040] This advantageously further prevents the receiving connector housing and the pluggable connector housing from slipping or wobbling relative to each other transversely to the insertion direction.
[0041] Preferably, the at least two guide ribs of the receiving connector housing are arranged between the at least two guide ribs of the plug-in connector housing.
[0042] Preferably, the at least two guide ribs of the receiving connector housing and the at least two guide ribs of the plug-in connector housing each have an end face that is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction. The guide ribs of the receiving connector housing and the plug-in connector housing can be beveled or rounded on the respective end face.
[0043] This advantageously allows the connector system to be connected or assembled more easily, i.e., the pluggable connector housing can be inserted or plugged into the receiving connector housing more easily. At the same time, the stability of the connector system in the connected state is increased while using less material.
[0044] The female connector housing and the male connector housing can each have exactly two or exactly four guide ribs.
[0045] The electronic component can be, for example, a printed circuit board or circuit board that can be connected to the receiving connector housing by soldering.
[0046] The connector system of the first aspect comprises a receiving connector housing, wherein the receiving connector housing is designed to be connected to a pluggable connector housing, wherein the ribbon cable can be arranged at least in sections in the pluggable connector housing, comprising: a first housing section and a second housing section, which are arranged substantially opposite one another, wherein in the connected state of the receiving connector housing with the pluggable connector housing, the pluggable connector housing is arranged at least in sections between the first housing section and the second housing section, wherein the first housing section has a first partial section and two locking elements arranged on the first partial section,wherein the two locking elements extend from the first subsection into the receiving connector housing counter to a plug-in direction of the plug-in connector housing and are designed to lock with corresponding locking elements provided on the plug-in connector housing.
[0047] This advantageously provides a connector housing for a connector system, enabling a stable, resilient, reliable, and secure electrical connection between the ribbon cable and the electronic component. The connector housing also increases the mechanical strength of the connector system. Furthermore, the connector housing can be manufactured simply and cost-effectively.
[0048] The receiving connector housing accommodates the pluggable connector housing when the connector system is connected or assembled. In other words, the pluggable connector housing is at least partially accommodated by the receiving connector housing when the connector system is connected or assembled. This means that the pluggable connector housing can be accommodated either only partially, with a specific, limited part or area, or completely by the receiving connector housing.
[0049] As described above, the "mated or assembled state" refers to the state in which the female connector housing and the male connector housing form a continuous housing body and the locking elements of the female connector housing engage with the male connector housing. This locks or locks the connector system so that the connector housings cannot separate from each other.
[0050] According to the invention, the locking elements of the receiving connector housing are elastically deformable and / or resilient.
[0051] The locking elements can lock, for example, by being hook-shaped, so that when the connector housing is connected or assembled, they hook onto the pluggable connector housing and the corresponding locking elements. The locking elements of the receiving connector housing can also be designed as buckles or tabs with an open or closed contour.
[0052] The female connector housing can be molded from plastic. It can be manufactured, for example, by injection molding or using a 3D printer.
[0053] The receiving connector housing can be designed such that the pluggable connector housing is arranged in the connected or assembled state of the connector system either only partially, with a certain, limited part or region of the pluggable connector housing, or completely between the first housing section and the second housing section of the receiving connector housing.
[0054] Preferably, the two locking elements of the first housing section of the receiving connector housing are spaced apart from each other transversely to the insertion direction.
[0055] Advantageously, the mechanical load capacity of the connector system in the connected or assembled state can be further increased.
[0056] The receiving connector housing may be mirror-symmetrical to a central cutting plane through the receiving connector housing. This central cutting plane may be parallel to the yz-plane.
[0057] According to the connector system of the first aspect, the female connector housing has a third housing section and a fourth housing section, which each connect the first housing section of the female connector housing to the second housing section of the female connector housing, and the third housing section and the fourth housing section of the female connector housing each have a latch which is designed to engage behind the pluggable connector housing.
[0058] Advantageously, this can further increase the mechanical strength of the connector system against the insertion direction and prevent the connection between the female and male connector housings from becoming loose. This ensures an even more stable and reliable electrical connection.
[0059] The locking devices can be designed as elastically deformable hooks, each extending from the third and fourth housing sections opposite to the insertion direction.
[0060] According to the invention, the receiving connector housing has at least two guide ribs which extend substantially along the insertion direction.
[0061] Furthermore, the at least two guide ribs of the receiving connector housing are preferably arranged on a side of the second housing section facing in the direction of the ribbon cable.
[0062] In other words, the guide ribs of the female connector housing may be arranged on a vertically upper side of the second housing portion of the female connector housing.
[0063] Preferably, the at least two guide ribs of the receiving connector housing have an end face that is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction. The guide ribs of the receiving connector housing can be beveled or rounded on the end face.
[0064] This advantageously makes it easier to connect or assemble the connector system, ie the receiving connector housing can more easily accommodate the pluggable connector housing.
[0065] Preferably, the receiving connector housing has exactly two or exactly four guide ribs.
[0066] The electronic component can be, for example, a printed circuit board or circuit board that can be connected to the receiving connector housing by soldering.
[0067] The connector system of the first aspect comprises a pluggable connector housing, wherein the pluggable connector housing is connectable to a receiving connector housing, wherein the pluggable connector housing is designed to receive the ribbon cable at least in sections and wherein the pluggable connector housing is insertable at least in sections along a plugging direction into the receiving connector housing, comprising: two locking elements which are lockable with the two locking elements of the receiving connector housing.
[0068] This advantageously provides a connector housing for a connector system, enabling a stable, resilient, reliable, and secure electrical connection between the ribbon cable and the electronic component. Furthermore, the mechanical strength of the connector system can be increased. Furthermore, the connector housing can be manufactured simply and cost-effectively.
[0069] The locking elements can lock, for example, by being configured such that the locking elements of the receiving connector housing and the corresponding locking elements of the pluggable connector housing engage with each other. The locking elements of the pluggable connector housing can be configured, for example, as recesses or projections arranged on the pluggable connector housing.
[0070] The pluggable connector housing can be molded from plastic. It can be manufactured, for example, by injection molding or using a 3D printer.
[0071] The pluggable connector housing may be configured such that the pluggable connector housing can be inserted into the receiving connector housing either only partially, with a certain, limited part or area of the pluggable connector housing, or completely.
[0072] The electronic component can be, for example, a printed circuit board or plate and the ribbon cable can additionally have a stiffening element which can be arranged in the section of the ribbon cable which is received by the pluggable connector housing.
[0073] The pluggable connector housing preferably has a first housing section and a second housing section, which are arranged substantially opposite one another. The ribbon cable can preferably be arranged at least partially between the first housing section of the pluggable connector housing and the second housing section of the pluggable connector housing.
[0074] The first housing portion and the second housing portion of the pluggable connector system may, like the first housing portion and the second housing portion of the receiving connector housing, be arranged opposite one another along a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction.
[0075] The ribbon cable can be arranged at least partially between the first housing section and the second housing section of the pluggable connector housing. This means that the pluggable connector housing can be configured such that the ribbon cable can be arranged only partially, with a specific, limited part or region of the ribbon cable, or completely between the first housing section and the second housing section of the pluggable connector housing.
[0076] The ribbon cable can be arranged on the pluggable connector housing, for example, by gluing or snapping.
[0077] Furthermore, the locking elements of the pluggable connector housing can be arranged on a side of the first housing section of the pluggable connector housing facing away from the ribbon cable. The facing side can be a side of the first housing section of the pluggable connector housing facing away from the ribbon cable in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, ie, an upper side.
[0078] The pluggable connector housing may be mirror-symmetrical to a central cutting plane through the pluggable connector housing.
[0079] The pluggable connector housing preferably has locking elements, on which the locking mechanisms of the receiving connector housing can engage behind the pluggable connector housing. The locking elements can be formed as projections, edges, or recesses on the pluggable connector housing.
[0080] Advantageously, this can prevent the connection between the female and male connector housings from becoming loose, thus ensuring an even more stable and reliable electrical connection.
[0081] According to the invention, the pluggable connector housing has at least two guide ribs which extend substantially along the insertion direction and which are arranged in such a way as to positively connect the receiving connector housing to the pluggable connector housing transversely to the insertion direction.
[0082] Advantageously, this on the one hand ensures simple connection or assembly of the connector system and on the other hand prevents the receiving connector housing and the pluggable connector housing from slipping or wobbling relative to each other transversely to the insertion direction.
[0083] Furthermore, the at least two guide ribs of the pluggable connector housing are preferably arranged on a side of the second housing section facing away from the ribbon cable.
[0084] In other words, the guide ribs of the pluggable connector housing may be arranged on a vertically lower side of the second housing portion of the pluggable connector housing, so that the pluggable connector housing can be pushed or plugged into the receiving connector housing to achieve the connected state or assembled state of the connector system.
[0085] This advantageously further prevents the receiving connector housing and the pluggable connector housing from slipping or wobbling relative to each other transversely to the insertion direction.
[0086] Preferably, the at least two guide ribs of the pluggable connector housing have an end face that is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction. The guide ribs of the pluggable connector housing can be beveled or rounded at the end face.
[0087] This advantageously results in the connector system being easier to connect or assemble, i.e. the pluggable connector housing can be more easily inserted or plugged into the receiving connector housing.
[0088] Preferably, the pluggable connector housing has exactly two or exactly four guide ribs.
[0089] The electronic component can be, for example, a printed circuit board or circuit board that can be connected to the receiving connector housing by soldering.
[0090] The following is a description of the figures, which serve to illustrate one embodiment of the connector system. It is understood that individual features can be combined to form further embodiments.
[0091] For better understanding, the figures described below are all equipped with a Cartesian zxy coordinate system.
[0092] Also shown in the figures is an anchor point resulting from the software used to generate the present figures. However, the anchor point is not the subject of the present invention.
[0093] They show: Figure 1 a top view of the connector system in the connected or assembled state, Figure 2 a section of the connector system along the section line AA in Figure 1 , Figure 3a perspective view of the connector system in the unconnected or unassembled state with external components, Figure 4 the perspective view of the connector system in the unconnected or unassembled state according to Figure 3 without external components, and Figure 5 one in relation to Figure 4 Rotated view of the connector system in the unconnected or unassembled state.
[0094] The Figure 1 The connector system 10 shown has the receiving connector housing 10A for connecting to the electronic component 14, such as a printed circuit board (see Figure 3 ), and the pluggable connector housing 10B connected to the female connector housing 10A for receiving the ribbon cable 12 (see Figure 3). The receiving connector housing 10A forms the front component of the connector system 10 in the z-direction, with the pluggable connector housing 10B forming the rear component. The pluggable connector housing 10B is inserted with its second housing section 17B (not shown here) in sections into the receiving connector housing 10A, so that the second housing section 17A of the receiving connector housing 10A is not visible.
[0095] In the connected or assembled state of the connector system 10 shown, the locking elements 20A and 21A of the receiving connector housing 10A are designed as buckles or tabs extending from the partial section 18A of the receiving connector housing 10A in the z-direction or opposite to the insertion direction ER, which buckles or tabs engage or hook, in particular in an elastically deformable and / or resilient manner, on the locking elements 20B and 21B of the plug-in connector housing 10B and thus lock the connector system 10 in the z-direction or opposite to the insertion direction ER. In the connected or assembled state of the connector system 10, the buckles receive the locking elements 20B and 21B. However, the buckles can also at least partially encompass the locking elements 20B and 21B. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible for the buckles to engage behind the locking elements 20B and 21B.
[0096] The locking elements 20B and 21B of the pluggable connector housing 10B are formed as projections in the y-direction. The locking elements 20A, 21A and 20B, 21B are each arranged transversely to the insertion direction, at the top of the respective connector housing 10A and 10B.
[0097] The connector system 10 is designed symmetrically to an axis along the insertion direction ER, in particular with regard to the arrangement of the locking elements 20A, 21A and 20B, 21B.
[0098] Furthermore, Figure 1that the connector system 10, in particular the receiving connector housing 10A, has a third housing section 22A and a fourth housing section 23A, which each connect the first housing section 16A of the receiving connector housing 10A to the second housing section 17A of the receiving connector housing 10A. The third housing section 22A and the fourth housing section 23A of the receiving connector housing 10A each have a latch 24A, which is designed so that the receiving connector housing 10A can engage behind the plug-in connector housing 10B at latching elements 24B provided for this purpose. For this purpose, the latches 24A are designed as elastically deformable and / or resilient hooks, wherein the latching elements 24B are designed as recesses in the plug-in connector housing 10B or as undercuts in the z-direction on the plug-in connector housing.
[0099] Figure 2 represents a section along the line AA of the Figure 1 shown connector system 10.
[0100] The female connector housing 10A and the male connector housing 10B each have a plurality of guide ribs 26A and 26B (26B not shown, see Figure 5) which extend along the insertion direction ER and, in the assembled state of the connector system 10, are arranged at different, alternating positions transversely to the insertion direction, so that the receiving connector housing 10A and the pluggable connector housing 10B are positively connected transversely to the insertion direction ER, i.e. in the x-direction, in the assembled state of the connector system 10. When connecting or assembling the connector system 10, the guide ribs 26A of the receiving connector housing 10A and the guide ribs 26B of the pluggable connector housing 10B engage with one another. The guide ribs 26A and 26B are beveled along the insertion direction ER. However, they can also be rounded.
[0101] The housing sections 16A, 17A of the receiving connector housing 10A and 16B, 17B of the pluggable connector housing 10B, which are opposite one another in the y-direction or vertical direction, form, in the assembled state of the connector system 10, an insertion opening into which the ribbon cable 12 can be inserted into the connector system 10 in the insertion direction ER in order to bring it into electrical contact with a printed circuit board 14 (not shown here, see Figure 3 ) bring to.
[0102] The guide ribs 26A of the female connector housing 10A project from the second housing section 17A of the female connector housing in the y-direction towards the insertion opening, whereas the guide ribs 26B of the male connector housing 10B project from the second housing section 17B of the male connector housing 10B away from the insertion opening in the opposite direction to the y-direction (not shown here, see Figure 5 ).
[0103] Figure 3 shows the unconnected or unassembled state of the connector system 10 with external components. The external components are the ribbon cable 12 arranged between the first housing section 16B and the second housing section 17B of the pluggable connector housing 10B, which additionally has a stiffening member or element 13, and a printed circuit board or plate 14 (indicated by the dashed parallelogram), which can be connected to the receiving connector housing 10A by soldering.
[0104] In the insertion direction ER, the components, the female connector housing 10A and the pluggable connector housing 10B, can be put together, ie the connector system 10 can be assembled, and consequently, after connecting the printed circuit board or plate 14 to the female connector housing 10A and after inserting or plugging in the ribbon cable 12 via the insertion opening in the insertion direction ER, an electrical connection can be established between the ribbon cable 12 and the printed circuit board or plate 14.
[0105] The main components of the connector system 10, the female connector housing 10A and the male connector housing 10B, are shown in Figure 4 illustrated again without the external components, ribbon cable 12 and circuit board 14.
[0106] Figure 4 further shows that the female connector housing 10A has four guide ribs 26A.
[0107] Figure 5 shows a related to Figure 4 Rotated view opposite to the insertion direction ER of the unassembled connector system 10. Figure 5 serves to illustrate the guide ribs 26B of the pluggable connector housing 10B.
[0108] As explained in the comments on Figure 2As already mentioned, the pluggable connector housing 10B, like the receiving connector housing 10A, has a plurality of guide ribs 26B which extend along the insertion direction ER and are arranged at different, alternating positions transversely to the insertion direction with respect to the guide ribs 26A of the receiving connector housing 10A, so that the receiving connector housing 10A and the pluggable connector housing 10B are positively connected transversely to the insertion direction ER, i.e. in the x-direction, in the assembled state of the connector system 10. When connecting or assembling the connector system 10, the guide ribs 26A of the receiving connector housing 10A and the guide ribs 26B of the pluggable connector housing 10B engage with one another.
[0109] The guide ribs 26B are chamfered along the insertion direction ER. However, they can also be rounded. The pluggable connector housing 10B also has four guide ribs 26B.
[0110] The guide ribs 26B of the pluggable connector housing 10B are designed and arranged such that they are arranged between the guide ribs 26A of the receiving connector housing 10A in the connected or assembled state of the connector system 10.
[0111] The connector system described above has the advantages of being mechanically resilient when connected or assembled, particularly under tensile and / or transverse loads, and of enabling a stable and reliable electrical connection between a ribbon cable and an electronic component such as a printed circuit board. Furthermore, the connector system is easy to connect. Furthermore, the connector system, particularly its individual components—the female connector housing and the male connector housing—can be manufactured simply and cost-effectively. List of reference symbols
[0112] 10Connector system 10AReceiving connector housing 10BMachineable connector housing 12Ribbon cable 13Stiffening element 14Electronic component 16AFirst housing section of the receiving connector housing 16Raster housing section of the pluggable connector housing 17ASecond housing section of the receiving connector housing 17BSecond housing section of the pluggable connector housing 18AFirst sub-section 20A, 21ALocking elements of the receiving connector housing 20B, 21BLocking elements of the pluggable connector housing 22AThird housing section of the receiving connector housing 23AFourth housing section of the receiving connector housing 24ALocking mechanisms of the receiving connector housing 24BLocking elements of the pluggable connector housing 26AGuide ribs of the receiving connector housing 26BGuide ribs of the pluggable connector housing ER insertion direction
Claims
1. A connector system (10) for connecting a ribbon cable (12) to an electronic component (14), comprising: a receiving connector housing (10A) for connection to the electronic component (14); an insertable connector housing (10B) that can be connected to the receiving connector housing (10A) for receiving the ribbon cable (12), wherein in order to connect the connector system (10), the insertable connector housing (10B) can be introduced at least in portions into the receiving connector housing (10A) in an insertion direction (ER), wherein the receiving connector housing (10A) comprises: a first housing portion (16A) and a second housing portion (17A) which are arranged substantially opposite one another, wherein in the connected state of the receiving connector housing (10A) to the insertable connector housing (10B), the insertable connector housing (10B) is arranged at least in portions between the first housing portion (16A) and the second housing portion (17A), wherein the first housing portion (16A) comprises a first subportion (18A) and two elastically deformable and / or resilient locking elements (20A, 21A) that are arranged on the first subportion (18A), wherein the two locking elements (20A, 21A) extend into the receiving connector housing (10A) proceeding from the first subportion (18A) counter to the insertion direction (ER) of the insertable connector housing (10B) and are designed to lock with corresponding locking elements (20B, 21B) provided on the insertable connector housing (10B), and wherein the receiving connector housing (10A) comprises at least two guide ribs (26A) which extend substantially in the insertion direction (ER) and are arranged so as to connect the receiving connector housing (10A) to the insertable connector housing (10B) in a form-fitting manner transversely to the insertion direction, wherein the insertable connector housing (10B) comprises: two locking elements (20B, 21B) which can be locked to the two elastically deformable and / or resilient locking elements (20A, 21A) of the receiving connector housing (10A), and wherein the insertable connector housing (10B) comprises at least two guide ribs (26B) which extend substantially in the insertion direction (ER) and are arranged so as to connect the receiving connector housing (10A) to the insertable connector housing (10B) in a form-fitting manner transversely to the insertion direction (ER), wherein the receiving connector housing (10A) comprises a third housing portion (22A) and a fourth housing portion (23A) which in each case connect the first housing portion (16A) of the receiving connector housing (10A) to the second housing portion (17A) of the receiving connector housing (10A), and wherein the third housing portion (22A) and the fourth housing portion (23A) of the receiving connector housing (10A) in each case comprise a latching mechanism (24A) which is designed to engage behind the insertable connector housing (10B).
2. The connector system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the insertable connector housing (10B) comprises a first housing portion (16B) and a second housing portion (17B) which are arranged substantially opposite one another, and wherein the ribbon cable (12) can be arranged at least in portions between the first housing portion (16B) of the insertable connector housing (10B) and the second housing portion (17B) of the insertable connector housing (10B).
3. The connector system (10) according to claim 2, wherein the locking elements (20B, 21B) of the insertable connector housing (10B) are arranged on a side of the first housing portion (16B) of the insertable connector housing (10B) that faces away from the ribbon cable (12).
4. The connector system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the two locking elements (20A, 21A) of the first housing portion (16A) of the receiving connector housing (10A) are spaced apart from one another transversely to the insertion direction (ER).
5. The connector system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least two guide ribs (26A) of the receiving connector housing (10A) are arranged on a side of the second housing portion (17A) that faces in the direction of the ribbon cable (12); and / or wherein the at least two guide ribs (26B) of the insertable connector housing (10B) are arranged on a side of the second housing portion (17B) that faces away from the ribbon cable (12).
6. The connector system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least two guide ribs (26A) of the receiving connector housing (10A) are arranged between the at least two guide ribs (26B) of the insertable connector housing (10B).
7. The connector system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least two guide ribs (26A) of the receiving connector housing (10A) and the at least two guide ribs (26B) of the insertable connector housing (10B) in each case comprise an end face which is inclined in relation to a plane that is perpendicular to the insertion direction (ER).
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Cable holding device and contact system
EP2849289A1