Electricity: conductors and insulators – Conduits – cables or conductors – Preformed panel circuit arrangement
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-04
2001-09-18
Paladini, Albert W (Department: 2841)
Electricity: conductors and insulators
Conduits, cables or conductors
Preformed panel circuit arrangement
C174S266000, C361S784000, C439S065000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06291780
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a method of, and device for, connecting a plurality of flexible printed circuits (FPCs).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A flexible printed circuit comprises a layer of electrically insulating material and a layer of electrically conducting material (usually copper). Where there is a requirement to electrically connect the layers of electrically conducting material of a plurality of flexible printed circuits, it is usual practice to make the electrical connection by way of soldering or by crimping. However, in either of these known arrangements, it is only possible to connect a pair of flexible printed circuits in one step. Where there is a requirement to join several FPCs, this is only possible by using several intermediate connections.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method of, and device for, electrically connecting the layers of electrically conducting material of a plurality of flexible printed circuits, and, at the same time, provide an improved mechanical connection between the flexible printed circuits.
A method in accordance with the present invention of connecting a plurality of flexible printed circuits each comprising a layer of electrically insulating material and a layer of electrically conducting material, comprises the steps of forming a hole through each flexible printed circuit; positioning first and second substantially rigid plates of electrically insulating material on either side of the flexible printed circuits with the holes in the flexible printed circuits aligned with a corresponding hole in each plate; extending a rivet of electrically conducting material through the aligned holes to electrically connect with the layers of electrically conducting material on the flexible printed circuits; and enlarging the ends of the rivet to secure the flexible printed circuits between the plates.
The present invention also includes a device for connecting a plurality of flexible printed circuits each comprising a layer of electrically insulating material and a layer of electrically conducting material, and each having a hole therethrough, the device comprising a first substantially rigid plate of electrically insulating material having a hole therethrough; a second substantially rigid plate of electrically insulating material having a hole therethrough; and a rivet of electrically conducting material, the rivet extending through, in sequence, the hole in the first plate, the holes in the flexible printed circuits, and the hole in the second plate, the rivet being sized to make an electrical connection with the layer of electrically conducting material on each flexible printed circuit, and the rivet having an enlarged head at each end to secure the flexible printed circuits between the first and second plates.
The present invention removes the need for soldering or crimping, thereby reducing assembly complexity. The device in accordance with the present invention jointly provides an electrical connection and a mechanical connection between a plurality of flexible printed circuits in one operation.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3409732 (1968-11-01), Dahlgren et al.
patent: 3446908 (1969-05-01), Tally et al.
patent: 4133592 (1979-01-01), Cobaugh et al.
patent: 4863387 (1989-09-01), Snaper et al.
patent: 5281770 (1994-01-01), Kamei et al.
patent: 5730607 (1998-03-01), Darty
patent: 1590615 (1970-10-01), None
patent: 2624666 (1976-12-01), None
patent: 2014368A (1979-08-01), None
Bramesfeld Wulf
Gunay Tarik
Schleife Bernd
Schliep Frank
Delphi Technologies Inc.
Jones Richard A.
Paladini Albert W
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