Low-profile connector assembly

Abstract

A connector is formed as a molded body having a sub-assembly that includes a terminal board aligned transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cable and an attached receptacle strip that includes an array of pin-receiving receptacles. The receptacles are secured at one end to the terminal board which also includes printed circuit wiring traces to facilitate electrical connection between the receptacles and the wire conductors of a ribbon cable. A frame is provided within the molded body and includes a base having an elongated slot formed therein and upstanding tabs at the opposite ends. The sub-assembly is positioned relative the slot so that the receptacle strip and its pin receptacles are in substantial registration with the slot. The frame and the terminal strip, as well as the end portion of the ribbon cable, are maintained in their assembled relationship by the molded body. The tabs each includes apertures for engaging a connector removing tool. In a multi-connector system in which a series of connectors are positioned in a longitudinally aligned and spaced apart relationship, the upstanding tabs of the second and successive connectors serve to receive and constrain the ribbon cables of the preceding connectors to provide a low-profile connection system that also provides a desirable measure of ribbon cable control.