Ribbon cable connector
US4871315A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 30, 1988 |
| Grant date | Oct 3, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 30, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01R12/79
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An electrical connector terminates ribbon cable intended for electrical connection to a PCB. The connector presents multiple contacts from the ribbon cable for engagement with mating terminals on the PCB as the connector is first moved into position for mounting on the PCB. Guide pins on the connector are slidably received in associated guide holes in the PCB to assure that each contact is properly positioned to engage its mating terminal. Thereupon, fasteners are tightened for firmly securing the connector to the PCB and, in the process, the contacts are moved relative to their mating terminals in a wiping action while still in engagement with them. Relative movement between the contacts and the terminals ceases when the fasteners are fully tightened. Individual groups of contacts are independently biased into engagement with the terminals with a predetermined minimum of force. The ends of the cable are slitted in the contact region to insure that one group of contacts is independent from its neighboring groups of contacts, thereby maximizing positive engagement between the contacts and their mating terminals.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.