Liquid crystal cells – elements and systems – Particular structure – Having significant detail of cell structure only
Reexamination Certificate
1998-02-27
2001-01-30
Dudek, James A. (Department: 2871)
Liquid crystal cells, elements and systems
Particular structure
Having significant detail of cell structure only
C349S150000, C349S152000, C439S055000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06181404
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the field of liquid crystal displays and, in particular, to an improved apparatus and method for mounting a liquid crystal display onto a printed circuit board.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Liquid crystal display assemblies are available which can be electrically connected to a printed circuit board of a wide variety of electronic devices such as speaker phones, facsimile machines, VCR's, etc. Typically, these assemblies include a liquid crystal display (LCD) which is electrically connected to a dedicated printed circuit board which controls the LCD. The LCD assemblies are then electrically connected to the printed circuit board of the electronic device by a flexible ribbon cable. One end of the ribbon cable is integrally connected to the printed circuit board of the LCD assembly. The other end of the ribbon cable has a terminal end which is manually inserted into a socket mounted on the printed circuit board of the electronic device. Typically, a ribbon cable length of approximately 10 inches is required to account for the distance between the location of the LCD assembly (which is usually located near the outer housing of the device) and the printed circuit board of the device (which usually located well inside the device away from the outer housing).
This arrangement has certain disadvantages. The ribbon cable has certain characteristics of an antenna and radiates electromagnetic emissions. These emissions increase dramatically as the length of the ribbon cable increases. A typical ribbon cable length of 10 inches results in the creation of unacceptable levels of electromagnetic emissions in certain devices which in turn can interfere with their electronics. Moreover, the method of assembly is complicated due to the fact a technician must perform two steps: (1) manually installing the LCD assembly at a location adjacent the outer housing of the device and (2) manually inserting the terminal end of the ribbon cable into the socket which is mounted on the printed circuit board of the device. Inserting the terminal end of the ribbon cable into the socket to obtain a satisfactory connection is oftentimes difficult and time consuming because the terminal end of the ribbon cable is flexible whereas the socket is rigid. Moreover, after the connection has been made, the technician must spend a considerable amount of time manipulating the excess ribbon cable and packaging it so that it fits within the confines of the exterior shell of the device and does not interfere with the other internal components of the device.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to have a LCD apparatus that overcomes the disadvantages described above and to provide a simple and cost effective LCD apparatus.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for mounting a LCD onto a printed circuit board. A LCD assembly includes the LCD electrically connected to a LCD board for controlling the LCD. A rigid connector electrically connects the LCD assembly to the printed circuit board. At least a portion of the rigid connector may be encapsulated by ferrite material to reduce electromagnetic emissions. The rigid connector may be a board-to-board pin header.
Another aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for mounting a LCD onto a printed circuit board. A LCD assembly includes the LCD electrically connected to a LCD board for controlling the LCD. A housing is provided for supporting at least a portion of the LCD assembly and for mounting onto the printed circuit board. A rigid connector is provided which includes first and second ends, each of the ends has a plurality of conductive pins. The first end is connected to the LCD board and the second end is connected to the printed circuit board. The housing may include an opening for receiving at least a portion of the LCD assembly. At least a portion of the rigid connector may be encapsulated by ferrite material to reduce electromagnetic emissions.
Another aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for mounting a LCD onto a printed circuit board. A LCD assembly includes the LCD electrically connected to a LCD board for controlling the LCD. A rigid connector includes first and second ends. Each of the ends includes a plurality of conductive pins. The first end is connected to the LCD board. A printed circuit board connector includes a first end connected to the printed circuit board and a second end having a plurality of openings formed therein. The second end of the rigid connector is received in the openings of the printed circuit board connector. The printed circuit board connector may be a pin header with through holes. A LCD board connector which is connected to the LCD board and receives the first end of the rigid connector may be provided. The LCD board connector may be a surface mounted connector with through holes. At least a portion of the rigid connector may be encapsulated by a ferrite material to reduce electromagnetic emissions. A housing may be provided for supporting at least a portion of the LCD assembly and for mounting onto the printed circuit board.
Another aspect of the invention provides a method of mounting a LCD onto a printed circuit board. A LCD assembly including the LCD electrically connected to a LCD board for controlling the LCD is provided. A rigid connector for electrically connecting the LCD assembly to the printed circuit board is also provided. The rigid connector is electrically connected to the LCD assembly and to the printed circuit board.
Another aspect of the invention provides a method of electrically connecting a LCD assembly to a printed circuit board. A first end of a printed circuit board connector is connected to the printed circuit board. The first end of a rigid connector is connected to the LCD assembly. The second end of the rigid connector is inserted into a second end of the printed circuit board connector.
Another aspect of the invention provides a method of mounting a LCD assembly onto a printed circuit board. The LCD assembly is inserted into an opening formed within a housing. A first end of a rigid connector is electrically connected to the LCD assembly. A second end of the rigid connector is electrically connected to the printed circuit board. The housing is mounted onto the printed circuit board.
The invention provides the foregoing and other features, and the advantages of the invention will become further apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention, which are defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4008938 (1977-02-01), Anhalt et al.
patent: 4423920 (1984-01-01), Cooper et al.
patent: 4629289 (1986-12-01), Streit
patent: 4976629 (1990-12-01), Werner
patent: 5243453 (1993-09-01), Kawaguchi et al.
patent: 5867235 (1999-02-01), Hasegawa
patent: 5905551 (1999-05-01), Sanpei et al.
3Com Corporation
Baniak Pine & Gannon
Dudek James A.
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