GB2329079A - PCB/FPC connection system - Google Patents
PCB/FPC connection system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2329079A GB2329079A GB9718893A GB9718893A GB2329079A GB 2329079 A GB2329079 A GB 2329079A GB 9718893 A GB9718893 A GB 9718893A GB 9718893 A GB9718893 A GB 9718893A GB 2329079 A GB2329079 A GB 2329079A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- printed circuit
- electrically conductive
- groove
- conductive line
- circuit board
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
- H01R12/70—Coupling devices
- H01R12/77—Coupling devices for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures
- H01R12/79—Coupling devices for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures connecting to rigid printed circuits or like structures
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
- H01R12/70—Coupling devices
- H01R12/82—Coupling devices connected with low or zero insertion force
- H01R12/83—Coupling devices connected with low or zero insertion force connected with pivoting of printed circuits or like after insertion
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K3/00—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing printed circuits
- H05K3/36—Assembling printed circuits with other printed circuits
- H05K3/361—Assembling flexible printed circuits with other printed circuits
- H05K3/365—Assembling flexible printed circuits with other printed circuits by abutting, i.e. without alloying process
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Metallurgy (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
- Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
Abstract
A connection system comprising a base wall (12); a groove (14) formed in the base wall; a flexible printed circuit (20) secured to the base wall and having an electrically conductive line (26) formed thereon on the opposite side to the base wall, the electrically conductive line having a raised area (28); and a printed circuit board (30) having an electrically conductive line (32) formed thereon; wherein the flexible printed circuit extends into the groove with the raised area positioned within the groove; and wherein the printed circuit board is positioned in the groove with the electrically conductive line of the printed circuit board pressed into contact with the raised area of the electrically conductive line on the flexible printed circuit. Provides a connection without the need for a connector. An elastomeric insert may be used.
Description
PCB/FPC CONNECTION SYSTEM
Technical Fleld The present invention relates to a mechanical and electrical connection system between a printed circuit board (PCB) and a flexible printed circuit (FPC).
Background of the Invention
It is known to provide a mechanical and electrical connection between a PCB and a FPC using a electrical connector.
Summary of the Invention
It is an object of the present invention to provide such a connection without the use of an electrical connector.
A connection system in accordance with the present invention comprises a base wall; a groove formed in the base wall; a flexible printed circuit secured to the base wall and having an electrically conductive line formed thereon on the opposite side to the base wall, the electrically conductive line having a raised area; and a printed circuit board having an electrically conductive line formed thereon; wherein the flexible printed circuit extends into the groove with the raised area positioned within the groove; and wherein the printed circuit board is positioned in the groove with the electrically conductive line of the printed circuit board pressed into contact with the raised area of the electrically conductive line on the flexible printed circuit.
The present invention provides a mechanical and electrical connection between a PCB and a FPC without the need for an electrical connector.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a connection system in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a connection system in accordance with the present invention; and
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a connection system in accordance with the present invention.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment
Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, the connection system 10 comprises a base wall 12, preferably of plastics (electrically insulating) material, having a groove 14 formed therein. The groove 14 has chamfered side walls 16 such that the opening to the groove is wider than the base 18. A flexible printed circuit (or FPC) 20 is positioned on the base wall 12 and is held in place by pins 22 which extend from the base wall through apertures 24 formed in the FPC. Any other suitable securing arrangement maybe used.
The FPC 20 has an electrically conductive line 26 formed thereon on the opposite side of the FPC to the base wall 12. The electrically conductive line 26 has a raised area 28. The FPC 20 extends into the groove 14, and the raised area 28 is positioned in the groove. A substantially rigid printed circuit board (or PCB) 30 is positioned in the groove 14 and extends away from the base wall 12 substantially perpendicular thereto. The PCB 30 has an electrically conductive line 32 formed thereon which contacts the raised area 28 of the electrically conductive line 26 on the FPC 20. The shape and size of the groove 14 is such as to allow easy initial insertion of the PCB 30 in the direction of arrow 34 into the groove, to grip and secure the PCB in the groove after full insertion, and to exert pressure between the PCB 30 and the
FPC 20 to maintain the electrical contact between the electrically conductive line 32 on the PCB and the raised area 28 on the electrically conductive line 26 on the FPC. The shape and size of the groove 14 also allows removal and replacement of the PCB 30.
In the second embodiment 100 of connection system shown in
Figure 2, like parts have been given the same reference number as in Figure 1. In this second embodiment, the groove 36 is substantially rectangular in cross-section, and an elastomeric insert 38 is positioned in the groove. The insert 38 is substantially C-shaped in cross-section and has a pair of arms 40 which extend towards one another. In its relaxed state, (that is, when the
PCB 30 is not present), the gap between the arms 40 is narrower than the
PCB. Prior to insertion of the PCB 30, the FPC 20 may be left outside of the insert 38. On insertion of the PCB 30 in the direction 34 between the arms 40 of the insert 38, the PCB pushes the FPC 20 into the insert 38 (if the FPC is still outside), the arms 40 grip and secure the PCB in the groove 36 after full insertion, and the arms exert pressure between the PCB 30 and the FPC 20 to maintain the electrical contact between the electrically conductive line 32 on the PCB and the raised area 28 on the electrically conductive line 26 on the
FPC. This arrangement allows removal and replacement of the PCB 30. The arms 40 may be coated with a lubricant to allow easier insertion of the FPC 20 and the PCB 30.
In the third embodiment 200 of connection system shown in
Figure 3, like parts have been given the same reference number as in Figure 1. In this third embodiment, the groove 42 is substantially rectangular in cross-section, and an insert 44 is positioned in the groove. The insert 44 comprises a substantially U-shaped carrier 46 which is preferably formed of plastics material, and an elastomeric part 48 which is positioned inside the
U-shaped carrier. The U-shaped carrier 46 has a chamfered lead-in edge 50 and an upright face 52 on the opposite side to the elastomeric part 48. The elastomeric part 48 is positioned adjacent the raised area 28 on the electrically conductive line 26 on the FPC 20. This arrangement allows the PCB 30 to be inserted (with substantially zero insertion force) into the groove 42 at an acute angle (arrow 54) to the base wall 12 and then pivoted (arrow 56) to bring the electrically conductive line 32 on the PCB into contact with the raised area 28 on the electrically conductive line 26 on the FPC 20. The upright face 52 and the elastomeric part 48 have a predetermined separation in order to act to exert pressure between the PCB 30 and the FPC 20 to maintain the electrical contact between the electrically conductive line 32 on the PCB and the raised area 28 on the electrically conductive line 26 on the FPC. This arrangement also allows removal and replacement of the PCB 30.
The raised area 28 on the electrically conductive line 26 on the
FPC 20 is preferably a gold dot or dimple.
The present invention therefore provides a mechanical and electrical connection between and a PCB and a FPC without the need for an electrical connector.
The present invention has particular application in providing the edge connection between the flexible printed circuit and the switch or control cards of the electrical distribution system disclosed in patent application no. 17 lOf (ref: H-200650), filed the same day as this application, and incorporated herein by reference.
Claims (7)
1. A connection system comprising a base wall; a groove formed in the base wall; a flexible printed circuit secured to the base wall and having an electrically conductive line formed thereon on the opposite side to the base wall, the electrically conductive line having a raised area; and a printed circuit board having an electrically conductive line formed thereon; wherein the flexible printed circuit extends into the groove with the raised area positioned within the groove; and wherein the printed circuit board is positioned in the groove with the electrically conductive line of the printed circuit board pressed into contact with the raised area of the electrically conductive line on the flexible printed circuit.
2. A connection system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the groove has an opening, chamfered side walls, and a base which is narrower than the opening, the shape and size of the groove being such as to grip and secure the printed circuit board in the groove on full insertion, and to exert pressure between the printed circuit board and the flexible printed circuit to maintain the electrical contact between the electrically conductive line on the printed circuit board and the raised area on the electrically conductive line on the flexible printed circuit.
3. A connection system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the groove has a substantially rectangular cross-section and wherein a C-shaped elastomeric insert is positioned in the groove, the insert having spaced arms which grip and secure the printed circuit board in the groove on full insertion, and which exert pressure between the printed circuit board and the flexible printed circuit to maintain the electrical contact between the electrically conductive line on the printed circuit board and the raised area on the electrically conductive line on the flexible printed circuit.
4. A connection system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the groove has a substantially rectangular cross-section and wherein an insert is positioned in the groove, the insert comprising a substantially U-shaped carrier and an elastomeric part, the carrier having an upright face, the upright face and the elastomeric part having a predetermined separation so as to exert pressure between the printed circuit board and the flexible printed circuit to maintain the electrical contact between the electrically conductive line on the printed circuit board and the raised area on the electrically conductive line on the flexible printed circuit on full insertion of the printed circuit board into the insert.
5. A connection system as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the flexible printed circuit is secured to the base wall by pins on the base wall which pass through corresponding apertures in the flexible printed circuit.
6. A connection system as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the raised area on the electrically conductive line on the flexible printed circuit is a gold dot or dimple.
7. A connection system substantially as herein described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9718893A GB2329079B (en) | 1997-09-08 | 1997-09-08 | PCB/FPC connection system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9718893A GB2329079B (en) | 1997-09-08 | 1997-09-08 | PCB/FPC connection system |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB9718893D0 GB9718893D0 (en) | 1997-11-12 |
| GB2329079A true GB2329079A (en) | 1999-03-10 |
| GB2329079B GB2329079B (en) | 2001-09-26 |
Family
ID=10818624
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9718893A Expired - Lifetime GB2329079B (en) | 1997-09-08 | 1997-09-08 | PCB/FPC connection system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2329079B (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE10206681C1 (en) * | 2002-02-18 | 2003-07-17 | Draexlmaier Lisa Gmbh | Assembly to bond a plug connection plate to a flexible flat cable, or printed circuit, has a grooved base body to take the inserted flat cable and a holder presses the plate home with distortion to bond them at their contact points |
Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1463044A (en) * | 1974-06-24 | 1977-02-02 | Ibm | Electrical contact assemblies |
| US5098309A (en) * | 1991-04-15 | 1992-03-24 | Amp Incorporated | High density connector with contact wipe |
-
1997
- 1997-09-08 GB GB9718893A patent/GB2329079B/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1463044A (en) * | 1974-06-24 | 1977-02-02 | Ibm | Electrical contact assemblies |
| US5098309A (en) * | 1991-04-15 | 1992-03-24 | Amp Incorporated | High density connector with contact wipe |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE10206681C1 (en) * | 2002-02-18 | 2003-07-17 | Draexlmaier Lisa Gmbh | Assembly to bond a plug connection plate to a flexible flat cable, or printed circuit, has a grooved base body to take the inserted flat cable and a holder presses the plate home with distortion to bond them at their contact points |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2329079B (en) | 2001-09-26 |
| GB9718893D0 (en) | 1997-11-12 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 732E | Amendments to the register in respect of changes of name or changes affecting rights (sect. 32/1977) | ||
| PE20 | Patent expired after termination of 20 years |
Expiry date: 20170907 |