Patent ID: 6375492
Filing Date: 2002-04-23
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
A connector assembly comprising:a flat flexible cable having an end and a plurality of spaced-apart conductive paths, insulation layers covering opposite sides of said conductive paths at locations spaced from said end, such that connection regions are defined adjacent said end, said connection regions and spaces between said conductive paths in said connection regions being free of said insulation layers; a connector housing having opposed front and rear ends and a plurality of separate cavities extending between said front and rear ends, said plurality of separate cavities defining a number of cavities that is greater than the plurality of conductive paths on the flat flexible cable, internal partition walls disposed between said cavities and extending from the front end of the connector housing entirely to the rear end of the connector housing, such that said partition walls are continuous and free of notches at said rear end of said connector housing; a plurality of terminal fittings, each said terminal fitting having opposed front and rear ends, a connection part extending rearwardly from the front end of each said terminal fitting for connection with a mating terminal fitting, a mounting end extending forwardly from the rear end of each said terminal fitting, the mounting ends being connected to the exposed conductive paths on the flat conductor in the connection region, each said terminal fitting defining a cross-section configured and dimensioned for insertion into the respective cavities and defining lengths dimensioned for accommodating all of each said terminal fitting in the respective cavity; and at least one wire-mounted terminal fitting connected to a separate wire, said wire-mounted terminal fitting and a portion of said wire being engaged in one of said cavities.