DE2112449A1 - Modular cabling - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a modular connection or cabling system for electronic systems. In particular The invention relates to a modular connection system for electronic data processing systems, wherein flexible, flat cables or conductors for connecting certain units of the system to one another or for the Connection of single units to one another can be used.

It is known that in modern data processing systems different electronic signals have to be transmitted from one etcheit to another at the same time and that numerous lines are required for this purpose. In addition, the signals to be transmitted are frequent Pulses with a rectangular shape, that is, with extremely steep leading and trailing edges, those with extremely high ones Repetition frequencies in the order of megahertz are sent out will.

It is common to avoid attenuation, distortion and mutual coupling between adjacent conductors

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necessary to use coaxial, shielded conductors, which are inconvenient and when combined into one single cables become mechanically rigid and difficult to arrange in protective tubes or the like.

The installation and operation of the systems is therefore costly for the operator and requires a long period of time and demands the use of already in the most customary lengths of prefabricated cables, their connections have been prepared.

The quality of the connection between the cables and the connections is very important in any case, be it produced by soldering or by beading processes, around the to ensure faultless operation of the system and malfunctions exclude, the origins of which are extremely difficult to determine because they are generally intermittent appear.

This is why the cables are supplied by the manufacturer in the required Lengths prepared and then subjected to appropriate tests, before being sent to the respective users will.

This has the disadvantage that it is necessary for every system that is set up to precisely determine the design, length and arrangement of connecting cables in order to prepare for their preparation from the outset, or that it is necessary to e ± v. ^rA - large number of already prepared cables of different lengths and - possibly - of different types to be planned for storage, which are then selected according to the necessities caused by any circumstances.

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In addition to the disadvantage of the resulting processing costs, in the latter case there is the disadvantage that at Subsequent changes to the training or design of the electronic system, with some electronic units added or possibly exchanged or removed, it becomes necessary to replace the connecting cables. This replacement or exchange inevitably leads to a Failure of the system for longer periods of time, which can be attributed to the intermediate times necessary for the changes.

To at least some of the disadvantages mentioned here Avoid, it has been proposed, which is now also being carried out, to use flat cables in which the conductors are parallel to each other on a flexible, insulating support, which is called Strips are formed, arranged, these cables form a section with a very low moment of inertia ge. "en bend in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the cable, wesu; it for arcs with very small radii of curvature are suitable.

The installation of these cables is much easier than that of cylindrical cables. The aforementioned drawbacks related to the need for preparation and testing in the laboratory and during the subsequent installation, processing of spare parts and the possible restoration of Replacement cables still remain, however.

Another point to consider, the one is a considerable disadvantage for the connection cables used up to now, whether they are incorrect or not, refers to the so-called "bus" connections that when connecting several units, generally of

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are of the same type, are largely used in a system. The "bus" connection is, compared to the "rod connection, characterized in that a certain group of conductors in succession several certain units connects with each other; for example, a control device is connected to a plurality of magnetic tape devices.

A group of ladders is here at one end over a Connection to the controller and at the other end via a Connection attached to the first tape device. The cable termination goes into a connector set on the first tape device; suitable bridges connect the input terminal with a first exit exclusion. A second group of Conductors that form a second cable are closed by a connection to the output lock of the first tape recorder, while at the other end they also connect through a connection a second tape device is connected. The second tape device also has an output connection that is bridged over is closed to the input connection, which makes it possible to use a third and then a fourth and to create a cascade connection with an η-th tape device, the maximum number of which is generally limited by the Signal transmission time along the cable is limited for the correct implementation of the arrangements cannot exceed a certain value and thus a limit for the entire length of the circuit switched in the "bus" connection Cable sets.

With such a connection it is clear that the possibility a bad contact at the connection points with your subsequent occurrence of malfunctions doubled for each unit added, with this being interrelated the reliability of the connections decreases.

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The object of the invention is to address the disadvantages outlined avoid why according to the invention for the compounds Flat, flexible and continuous cable proposed on which during a continuous manufacturing process Connecting elements are created that do not interrupt the continuity of the cable.

A cable according to the invention with an insulating support in the form of a continuous strip, with a plurality of formed on this strip conductors and with an insulating layer covering these conductors, with another conductive shielding layer can be provided in the form of a continuous strip, is characterized in that the Insulating layer - and in the case of the shielding layer, this too at regular intervals along the length of the cable Openings are provided which define a portion or portion of at least a portion of the plurality of cables leave free or uncovered.

With a cable designed in this way, the problem set is achieved. The cable can be installed and with the desired length can be cut during installation without any preparatory work on the part of the manufacturer and the need for subsequent tests that go beyond the usual tests during continuous production.

Further features and advantages essential to the invention will become known from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of the invention in comparison with cables Art evident.

Fig. 1 shows the construction of a flexible cable of known type.

FIG. 2 shows a connection connection of a known type for a cable with a structure according to FIG. 1.

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Pig. Figure 3 shows the construction of another flexible cable of known art Embodiment.

Fig ', h shows a connection for the cable shown in FIG. '

Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a flexible one Cable according to the invention in a first embodiment.

Fig. 6 shows a second embodiment of a flexible one Cable according to the invention.

Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of the usage knowledge of a cable according to the invention.

Fig. 8 shows in detail a connection for a flexible one Cable according to the invention.

Fig. 9 shows a modification in the design of the connection for a flexible cable according to the invention.

Fig-.iO shows a further modification for the connection of a flexible cable according to the invention.

Before the subject matter of the invention is described, it should It may be useful to first explain the flexible cables that are on the market.

Referring to Fig. 1, there is a common type of one Cable shown ^ at which on a flexible, strip-shaped Carrier 1 made of insulating material parallel conductors with a predetermined width are attached through

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Photo etching of a metallic, applied to the carrier Layer were obtained.

In order to avoid oxidation and erosion of the conductors, an insulating protective film has been applied to them by painting or, alternatively, a continuous cover strip 3 has been applied using a suitable adhesive. To improve the electrical characteristics of the cable, a continuous metallic shielding layer k can also be provided on one or both sides of the flat cable, which can possibly be protected by an insulating layer 5 on its side opposite the carrier i.

In this type of cable, the end connections are formed in that the ends of the conductors 2 remain uncoated, that is to say that they are freed from the protective layer, the uncoated connections of the conductors being through. *. -olytic plating processes and the subsequent precipitation of precious metals are strengthened and passivated. The cable connection prepared in this way is bent over a conventional, rigid support 6, as FIG. 2 shows. The cable is fixed to this support 6 by means of corresponding Klenrmr devices 7. In this way, using the same flat cable, a connector is formed which can be inserted into a coupling of the type used for printed circuits.

It can be seen that other approaches can be taken will. For example, the connection ends can be soldered to connecting pins of connections of the usual type clamps are provided for the flexible cable in order to eliminate mechanical stresses on the soldered joints.

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In all cases the concept followed is that a flexible, electrical connecting element consisting of a continuous Element is formed, is given a certain length and only at its ends with conventional devices for Establishing electrical contact is provided. The cable must be prepared by the manufacturer and checked what thus excludes the possibility of preparation on the part of the consumer.

Fig. 3 shows another type of flat cable in which several conductors. 8 of circular cross-section parallel to each other on an insulating and flexible support 9 are laid. The conductors are covered by an insulating layer 10 and held in place, the sheet 10 by means of suitable adhesive or by other means or processes is brought to hold on the carrier 9. In this case too is a shield for the conductors is provided, which generally consists of an applied to the insulating layer 10 Metal grid 11 is made on its other side with an insulating layer 12 is covered.

Connection connections are also used for this type of flat cable provided, essentially the ones previously described are similar. In addition, connections can also be used, which make contact by means of a beading process between the wires and the connecting elements.

FIG. K shows an exploded view of a typical connection for the flat cables described with wires of circular cross section. The end connector consists of an insulating body into which the contact pins Ik are inserted, which are provided with an equal number of sharpened forks 15 at one end. In the

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A notch or notch is provided for the fork prongs, which delimits a round opening with a diameter slightly smaller than that of the wires. The pointed one or the sharpened end of the prongs is designed as a receiving guide for the ladder. The connector is by a rigid counter bearing 16 with corresponding Recesses completed, in each of which a fork end after complete assembly. By means of suitable actuating devices or using gauges the connector 13 is pressed onto the connection ends of the flat cable, of which the end part is possibly the shielding grille has been removed.

Because of this way of working, the connecting forks pierce the insulating layers 9 and 10 and lie against each other a conductor, whereby the electrical contact is ensured. To complete the connector, the Counter bearing 16 attached to the insulating body 13.

The operations of forming a cable with this type of connection are very delicate and make the application of aids, such as the teachings mentioned, for the exact mutual positioning of the parts, and of corresponding tools for the usual checks of the Connections required.

All of these restrictions and requirements are met by the Invention avoided or overcome, flat cables of the types described are used with the prepared Lanyards are equipped during the same process in a continuous production in a modular Distance from one to the other connection arise or be formed, so that cables of a desired length

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are to be obtained on the installation side by means of a continuous Cables of unlimited length can be cut off.

In Fig. 5, in its simplest form, there is a flexible cable shown according to the invention. The physical structure of the Cable is the same as that of the cable shown in Fig. 1, however are in the protective protective strip at regular intervals Openings provided that leave the underlying conductors uncovered. In these areas the leaders are with Precious metals clad to wear due to atmospheric To prevent influences and also to maintain a local reinforcement of the ladder itself. Such a plating process can be done through an ongoing process during cable manufacture are executed.

In the event that the flat cable also has a metallic shielding or grounding surface, this can also be provided with openings in at regular intervals and of a size slightly larger than that in the strip covering the ladder, be provided. In order to possibly be able to establish ground connections, the respective edge of the shielding or ground plane near the opening plated and uncovered as shown in FIG. 6.

7 and 8 are possible applications of such a cable is shown, FIG. 7 showing the structural arrangement of a hypothetical electronic system several specific units is shown.

The different units are hollow on the inside Double floor 17 distributed in which the various Connection cables for the units are laid and fastened. The raised floor is provided with IS openings at certain intervals

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provided, whereby the possibility of access to the inside EaDeIn is given when the openings 18 match the prepared openings in the cables. This makes it possible to make the connections between the cables and to manufacture the units of the electronic system. All the module openings for which the use of a unit is not provided, are closed with protective covers.

Fig. 8 shows in detail a particularly suitable one Connection within the raised floor, which has in his Inside on the lower surface and in correspondence with each opening two parallel, free edge pieces 19 and 20, the delimit a recess of suitable width and depth. That part of the flat cable on which the conductors have remained uncovered is inserted into this recess and folded in. The sides, the bottom and the top edges df- indentation represent a moderate indentation with a dem Sti-too. j at the same latitude, that of the exact transverse position of the Flat cable is used. A clamp bracket 22 holds the flat cable in the correct position.

The arrangement of the folded flat cable along with the part of the double floor described thus forms a coupling connection, in which either a terminal strip a printed circuit board or a connector of the same type, for example a connection with a flexible one flat cable, as it was described for Fig. 2, can be used.

The use of a printed circuit board immediately as a connection with the flat cable is particularly advantageous in the case where it is necessary to connect circuitry to have high performance. Indeed, it is possible to

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the circuit board with corresponding impedance and Circuitry for line connections with suitable impedance to arrange so that incorrect settings of the line and the following reflections on the transmitted circuits are avoided will. In Fig. 8 a particularly simple connection system is shown, but within the invention other solutions can be used for this.

Fig. 9 shows another embodiment which is used for the Production of connections prepared on a flat cable is advantageous. The cable has to cover the conductor Protective layer at regular intervals openings that one form uncovered section. In this uncovered section of the ladder two flexible strips 23, 23 'are attached, those made of thin sections of a flexible flat cable exist whose conductors are the same distance from each other have treated like those of the flat cable and those accordingly are, for example, by plating with precious metals To prevent oxidation and erosion by atmospheric influences.

The parts of the ladder attached to the flexible strip are attached soldered a corresponding conductor of the flat cable and form a flexible socket into which a plug connection of the type already described can be used. At the sides work rigid, correspondingly shaped elements 24 and 25, which in a larger than the usual mutual Distance are shown with the connectors together to ensure the necessary contact pressure.

Fig. 10 shows an embodiment therefor, like the same The idea of the invention in the case of flat cables of those described for FIG. 3 Art can be used.

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The flat cable has a few openings in the shielding grille and in the protective layer above it at regular intervals. In accordance with these openings plug or coupling compounds are systematically, without distinction of the type as described with FIG. K, employed so that a continuous flat cable is obtained which is provided with a plurality of compounds in modular spacing and necessary in the Lengths

the installation site can be cut. J

In all the above cases it is clear that the cable preparation by means of continuous production with the aid of all tools and all simplification processes that in the case of series production with continuous testing of the Product can go on, which ensures the quality and operational safety of the cable.

In all of the above-described cases it also becomes clear that ^{the cable continuity is not interrupted in any way for "Star! L"} connections, so that the operational reliability of the connection remains high, regardless of the number of connected, surrounding units and their Circuit sequence.

# It is clear that further modifications of the described Invention can be carried out, which, however, do not go out of the inventive idea per se. This is how it is, for example In the case of flat cables with a shielding layer, it is not necessary that the openings provided in the protective insulating layer are made be attached on the side on which the shield is located with respect to the arrangement of the conductors. Rather, these openings can be on the opposite side

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Side are attached so that the formation of openings in the shield is not required.

Similarly, openings can be on two opposite one another Pages are designed to have both an access to the Ladders how to create the shield.

Claims;

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Claims (1)

Claims lf Flexible flat cable with a strip-shaped, continuous, insulating carrier, with a plurality of conductors formed on this carrier and with an insulating layer covering the conductors, characterized by openings in the insulating layer distributed at regular intervals over the length of the cable, which have a section of at least one Leave part of the majority of the ladder uncovered. Flexible flat cable with a strip-shaped, continuous, insulating support, with a plurality of conductors formed on this support, with a first, the conductors covering insulating layer, with a conductive shielding layer in the form of a continuous strip and with a th, the insulating layer covering the conductive shielding layer, characterized by openings distributed at regular intervals along the length of the cable in the insulating layer, which leave a portion of at least a portion of the plurality of conductors uncovered. 3 · Flat cable according to claim 2, characterized in that the Openings leave part of the conductive shielding layer free. 4. Flexible flat cable with a strip-shaped, continuous Carrier, with a large number of conductors arranged on this carrier, with an insulating layer covering the conductors and having a plurality of connections connecting at least a portion of the conductors to external electrical Connect circuits, characterized in that the - 16 10984 1/1? 1 ? ^'16 " Connections are arranged and prepared at regular intervals distributed over the length of the cable and maintain the electrical continuity of the conductors. Ga / Soh - Uli 570 1 0 9 HL 1/1 v 1 ■> I..Ä.I ,.