EP0902508A2 - Method for connecting a loop antenna to a circuit board and an assembly thereof - Google Patents
Method for connecting a loop antenna to a circuit board and an assembly thereof Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0902508A2 EP0902508A2 EP98307365A EP98307365A EP0902508A2 EP 0902508 A2 EP0902508 A2 EP 0902508A2 EP 98307365 A EP98307365 A EP 98307365A EP 98307365 A EP98307365 A EP 98307365A EP 0902508 A2 EP0902508 A2 EP 0902508A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- terminals
- circuit
- conductive member
- termini
- antenna
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
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Classifications
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- 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
- H01R12/50—Fixed connections
- H01R12/51—Fixed connections for rigid printed circuits or like structures
- H01R12/55—Fixed connections for rigid printed circuits or like structures characterised by the terminals
- H01R12/57—Fixed connections for rigid printed circuits or like structures characterised by the terminals surface mounting terminals
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- 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
- H01R12/71—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures
- H01R12/712—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures co-operating with the surface of the printed circuit or with a coupling device exclusively provided on the surface of the printed circuit
- H01R12/716—Coupling device provided on the PCB
- H01R12/718—Contact members provided on the PCB without an insulating housing
Definitions
- This invention is directed to electrical assemblies having loop antennae and,more particularly,to a method for connecting a loop antenna to a circuit-bearing article.
- loop antennae in electrical devices is well known. In larger devices,typically the ends of the antenna are secured by screws or other fasteners to a chassis or backplane. With smaller devices, such as pagers, personal communication system devices, or the like,the loop antenna is relatively small, typically, on the order of 10-15 millimeters wide by 40-60 millimeters long. Thus, another method is needed to secure the ends of the antenna to the circuit-bearing article.
- One way of attaching the ends of small loop antennae is by hand soldering, such as shown in Figure 1.
- This method is labor intensive and the amount of solder used to attach the ends,as well as the location of the solder on the ends and the distance between the deposits of solder, can vary from assembly to assembly.
- the resultant electric characteristics of the loop antennae therefore, may vary. It is well known in the industry that is desirable to match the impedance of the antenna and the impedance of the electrical article to which antenna is connected to minimize signal reflections during the operation of the device. Any changes in the electrical characteristics of the loop antenna, as a result of variability in the hand soldering process,can cause changes in the signal reflections between the antenna and the circuit-bearing article.
- the present invention is directed to an interconnectiqn arrangement between a circuit-bearing article and a conductive member and to a method for connecting two ends of a conductive member to a circuit-bearing article resulting in a controlled impedance connection that eliminate problems associated with the prior art.
- the conductive member has two ends that are adapted to be electrically connected to respective circuit termini of the circuit-bearing article at a selected impedance.
- the arrangement is characterized in that the two ends of the conductive member are adapted to be mated to receptacles.
- the circuit-bearing article includes at least two terminals of heat-insensitive construction, each terminal being electrically connected to respective circuit termini of the circuit-bearing article using selected amounts of fluid conductive material.
- Each terminal includes a receptacle for electrical connection to a respective end of the conductive member upon insertion of the ends thereinto.
- the ends of the conductive member are terminated to the respective termini of the circuit-bearing article upon insertion of the ends into the receptacles after completion after performance of all processes involving elevated temperature to secure articles to the circuit-bearing article.
- the method for connecting two ends of a conductive member to a circuit-bearing article resulting in controlled impedance comprising the steps of: selecting a conductive member having two ends adapted to be mated to receptacles, the conductive member having a selected impedance; selecting at least two terminals of heat-insensitive construction, each terminal having a connecting section for electrical connection to a circuit terminus of the circuit-bearing article and a receptacle adapted to engage one of the ends of the conductive member; disposing a selected amount of a fluid conductive material on each the circuit terminus; positioning the terminals on a respective terminus; electrically connecting the connecting section of the terminals to a respective the circuit terminus of the article; and mating the ends of the conductive member to respective ones of the receptacles.
- the conductive member is affixed to the circuit-bearing article after performance of all processes involving elevated temperature to secure articles to the circuit-bearing article.
- the invention is shown as a loop antenna terminated to a circuit board. It is to be understood that the method is not limited to this illustration.
- the invention is also directed to a connector for use in connecting an antenna to a circuit board.
- the connector includes at least two terminals and a housing.
- the ends of the antenna are blade-like and the terminating sections of the terminals are receptacles adapted to receive the blade-like antenna ends.
- the terminals are secured together by means of an insulative housing that isolates the terminals from one another but holds them together as a unit.
- the housing further provides guidance for inserting the ends of the antenna into the respective terminals.
- the housing has a flat top surface that facilitates automatic processing by the use of vacuum pick and place equipment to position the housing and terminals on the circuit termini.
- a selected amount of conductive material such as solder or conductive adhesive or the like is disposed on each of the circuit termini.
- the at least two terminals are connected to respective termini on the circuit board that are substantially parallel to one another.
- the terminals may be a surface mountable or a through-hole design.
- the terminals may be secured to the termini at the same time other components are being mounted to the circuit board, by using a solder reflow process or the like, as known in the art.
- solder also includes conductive adhesives or the like, as known in the art.
- the housing is clip-like and the terminals are stamped and formed members, each having an upstanding rear wall and a pair of rolled portions having free ends extending toward the wall and defining a blade-receiving slot therebetween.
- Each terminal further includes a retention tab spaced from the rolled sections and defines a housing-retention slot therebetween.
- the housing is essentially H-shaped defining a pair terminal receiving cavities.
- the terminals are stamped and formed members, each having an upstanding wall and a single rolled portion defining a blade-receiving slot therebetween.
- the housing is elongated and includes a plurality of blade-receiving terminals.
- each blade-like end of the antenna engages a plurality of terminals.
- the ends of the antenna enter the housing essentially parallel to the circuit board.
- the housing may further include a support plate.
- FIGURE 1 is isometric view of a prior art assembly.
- FIGURE 2 is an isometric view of one embodiment of the assembly made in accordance with the invention.
- FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary portion of Figure 2 with the parts exploded from one another illustrating the attachment of the conductive member to the circuit-bearing article.
- FIGURE 4 illustrates the structure of the housing of Figure 3 that secures the terminals together.
- FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Figure 2 and illustrating the terminals secured to the circuit-bearing article and the antenna ends terminated thereto.
- FIGURE 6 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the assembly made in accordance with the invention.
- FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary portion of Figure 6 with the parts exploded from one another illustrating the attachment of the conductive member to the circuit-bearing article.
- FIGURE 8 illustrates the structure of the housing of Figure 7 that secures the terminals together.
- FIGURE 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of Figure 6 and illustrating the terminals secured to the circuit-bearing article and the antenna ends terminated thereto.
- FIGURE 10 is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the assembly made in accordance with the invention.
- FIGURE 11 is a fragmentary portion of Figure 10 with the antenna exploded from the connector.
- FIGURE 12 is an isometric view of the connector with the parts exploded from one another.
- a loop antenna terminated to a circuit-bearing article shown as a circuit board of an electrical article, such as a pager, personal communication device or the like.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art assembly 10 having a loop antenna 12 terminated to a circuit board 20.
- the ends of the loop antenna 14, 16 are hand soldered to respective termini 24 on an extension 22 of the circuit board 20.
- the circuit board is shown with a component 26. It is to be understood that the circuit board would typically have a plurality of circuit and a plurality of components mounted thereon.
- solder 27 is applied manually to the ends 14, 16 to connect the ends to the respective termini 24.
- the amount of solder 27 can vary between one assembler and another as well from one assembly to another. The differences in the amounts and position of the solder will change the electric characteristics of the antenna, thus affecting the signal reflections between the antenna and the circuit board.
- Assembly 30 includes an antenna 32 and connector 39 including two terminals 40 and an insulative clip-like housing 70 and circuit board 20.
- the antenna 32 includes first and second ends 34, 36 that, in the embodiment shown, have blade-like portions. Ends 34, 36 further include outwardly extending protrusions 38 that are used in securing the ends in respective terminals 40, as described below. The ends 34, 36 are spaced apart a selected distance.
- the antenna 32 is made from material, such as beryllium copper or the like, as known in the art.
- Each terminal 40 is a stamped and formed member having a connecting section 42 adapted to be electrically connected to a respective terminus 24 of the circuit board 20, and an antenna connecting section 44 adapted to receive one of the blade-like ends 34, 36 of the antenna 32.
- terminals 40 are spaced from one another by a selected distance 60.
- the terminating section 44 includes an upstanding rear wall 46 having a pair of rolled portions 50 having free ends 51 extending toward the wall 46 and defining a blade-receiving slot 52 between ends 51 and wall 46.
- Terminal 40 further includes a retention tab 54 spaced forwardly from the resilient rolled sections 50 and defining a housing-retention slot 58 between sections 50 and tab 54.
- the retention tabs 54 include barbs 56 which engage inner surfaces of the side extensions 76 to hold the housing 70 and terminals 40 securely together.
- the housing 70 has a top surface 72, opposed end walls 74, each having side wall extensions 76 extending partially along each side of the housing 70, and a central wall 80 extending between the end walls 74.
- Wall 80 is dimensioned to be received within the space 60 defined between the respective terminals 40 with the side extensions 76 extending into the respective retention slots 58 to secure the two terminals 40 in position.
- a selected and precise selected amount of solder 28 can be precisely placed on the respective termini 24 on board 20.
- each assembly 30 has essentially the same amount of solder placed in a precise location on the termini 24.
- the terminals 40 with the housing 70 mounted thereto can be automatically positioned on the circuit board termini 24 with the use of vacuum pick and place or other such equipment.
- the terminals 40 and housing 70 are permanently secured to the circuit board 20 at the same time the remaining components, shown representatively as 26, are secured to the board in reflow soldering process, as known in the art.
- the ends 34, 36 of the antenna 32 can be inserted into the blade-receiving slots 52 of the terminals 40 thus completing the assembly.
- each ends 34, 36 of the antenna 32 further includes the protrusion 38 that is received into a respective retention aperture 48 in the upstanding walls 46 of the terminals 40,thus holding the ends 34, 36 of the antenna 32 securely in place.
- Assembly 130 includes an antenna 132 and connector 139 including two terminals 140 and an insulative H-shaped housing 170, and circuit board 20.
- the antenna 132 includes first and second ends 134, 136 which, in the embodiment shown, have blade-like portions.
- Antenna 132 is substantially identical to antenna 32 except that protrusions 138 on ends 134, 136 extend in the opposite direction to that of protrusions 38.
- Each terminal 140 is a stamped and formed member having a connecting section 142 adapted to be electrically connected to a respective terminus 24 of the circuit board 20, and an antenna connecting section 144 adapted to receive one of the blade-like ends 134, 136 of the antenna 132. As best seen in Figure 9, terminals 140 are spaced from one another by a selected distance 160.
- the antenna-connecting section 144 includes an upstanding rear wall 146 having a single rolled portion 150 having a free end 151 extending toward the board connecting section 142 and defining a blade-receiving slot 152 between rolled surface 150 and wall 146.
- Wall 146 further includes barbs 156 which engage inner surfaces of housing walls 174 to hold the housing 170 and terminals 140 securely together.
- the housing 170 as best seen in Figures 7, 8 and 9, has a top surface 172, opposed side walls defining terminal-receiving cavities 178, and a central wall 180 extending between the side walls 174. Wall 180 further definesterminal-receiving slots 179 dimensioned to receive terminal walls 146 therein.
- Connector 139 including terminals 140 and housing 170 can be automatically positioned on the circuit board termini 24 with the use of vacuum pick and place or other such equipment.
- the ends 134, 136 of the antenna 132 can be inserted into the blade-receiving slots 152 of the terminals 140 thus completing the assembly.
- Assembly 230 includes an antenna 232, and connector 239 including a plurality of terminals 240 and an insulative housing 270, and circuit board 20.
- the antenna 232 includes first and second ends 234, 236 which, in the embodiment shown, have blade-like portions.
- Antenna 232 is substantially identical to antennae 32, 132 except that the first and second ends 234, 236 extend substantially at a right angle to the loop.
- Each terminal 240 is a flat stamped member having a connecting section 242 adapted to be electrically connected to a respective terminus of the circuit board 20, and an antenna connecting section 244 adapted to receive one of the blade-like ends 234, 236 of the antenna 232.
- housing 270 includes a plurality of terminals 240.
- the antenna-connecting section 244 is fork shaped.
- the housing 270 has a top surface 272, an antenna-receiving face 282, a plurality of terminal-receiving cavities 278, and a blade-receiving slot 252.
- Connector 239 further includes a support plate 286 having a plate-like portion 288 adapted to provide support to antenna ends 234, 236.
- Support plate 286 is secured to housing 270 by means of latching arms 290, which are received and retained in apertures 285.
- Mounting brackets 284 are secured in housing 270 and are used to secure connector 239 to circuit board 20 by solder, adhesive, or other mounting devices as known in the art.
- each antenna end 234, 236 is electrically engaged to a plurality of terminals 240. As can be seen from Figure 10, the antenna ends 234, 236 are spaced from one another when in slot 252.
- the entire assembly process is repeatable and the electric characteristics of the antennae of the resultant assemblies 30, 130, 230 are substantially identical.
- the selected distances between the termini 24, the distance between the terminals 40, 140, 240 and the location and amount of conductive material are selected to minimize any signal reflections between the antenna 32, 132, 232 and the circuit board.
- the invention is suitable for terminating any loop antennae having ends adapted to be mated to terminals on a circuit-bearing article.
- the antenna ends have blade-like sections and the terminals are blade-receiving receptacles. It is to be understood that the antenna ends and terminals are not limited to these shapes.
- the present invention provides an assembly process that uses a precise amount of conductive material to secure terminals 40, 140 to the circuit board thus enabling precise control of both the impedance of the circuit board assembly and the antenna. This minimizes signal reflections between the antenna and the circuit board 20.
- the entire process can be automated thus eliminating manual labor and inconsistency in soldering each antenna end.
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- Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
- Support Of Aerials (AREA)
- Multi-Conductor Connections (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This invention is directed to electrical assemblies having loop antennae and,more particularly,to a method for connecting a loop antenna to a circuit-bearing article.
- The use of loop antennae in electrical devices is well known. In larger devices,typically the ends of the antenna are secured by screws or other fasteners to a chassis or backplane. With smaller devices, such as pagers, personal communication system devices, or the like,the loop antenna is relatively small, typically, on the order of 10-15 millimeters wide by 40-60 millimeters long. Thus, another method is needed to secure the ends of the antenna to the circuit-bearing article.
- One way of attaching the ends of small loop antennae is by hand soldering, such as shown in Figure 1. This method is labor intensive and the amount of solder used to attach the ends,as well as the location of the solder on the ends and the distance between the deposits of solder, can vary from assembly to assembly. The resultant electric characteristics of the loop antennae, therefore, may vary. It is well known in the industry that is desirable to match the impedance of the antenna and the impedance of the electrical article to which antenna is connected to minimize signal reflections during the operation of the device. Any changes in the electrical characteristics of the loop antenna, as a result of variability in the hand soldering process,can cause changes in the signal reflections between the antenna and the circuit-bearing article.
- The present invention is directed to an interconnectiqn arrangement between a circuit-bearing article and a conductive member and to a method for connecting two ends of a conductive member to a circuit-bearing article resulting in a controlled impedance connection that eliminate problems associated with the prior art.
- The conductive member has two ends that are adapted to be electrically connected to respective circuit termini of the circuit-bearing article at a selected impedance. The arrangement is characterized in that the two ends of the conductive member are adapted to be mated to receptacles. The circuit-bearing article includes at least two terminals of heat-insensitive construction, each terminal being electrically connected to respective circuit termini of the circuit-bearing article using selected amounts of fluid conductive material. Each terminal includes a receptacle for electrical connection to a respective end of the conductive member upon insertion of the ends thereinto. The ends of the conductive member are terminated to the respective termini of the circuit-bearing article upon insertion of the ends into the receptacles after completion after performance of all processes involving elevated temperature to secure articles to the circuit-bearing article.
- The method for connecting two ends of a conductive member to a circuit-bearing article resulting in controlled impedance comprising the steps of: selecting a conductive member having two ends adapted to be mated to receptacles, the conductive member having a selected impedance; selecting at least two terminals of heat-insensitive construction, each terminal having a connecting section for electrical connection to a circuit terminus of the circuit-bearing article and a receptacle adapted to engage one of the ends of the conductive member; disposing a selected amount of a fluid conductive material on each the circuit terminus; positioning the terminals on a respective terminus; electrically connecting the connecting section of the terminals to a respective the circuit terminus of the article; and mating the ends of the conductive member to respective ones of the receptacles. The conductive member is affixed to the circuit-bearing article after performance of all processes involving elevated temperature to secure articles to the circuit-bearing article.
- For purposes of illustration, the invention is shown as a loop antenna terminated to a circuit board. It is to be understood that the method is not limited to this illustration.
- The invention is also directed to a connector for use in connecting an antenna to a circuit board. The connector includes at least two terminals and a housing. In the examples shown the ends of the antenna are blade-like and the terminating sections of the terminals are receptacles adapted to receive the blade-like antenna ends. The terminals are secured together by means of an insulative housing that isolates the terminals from one another but holds them together as a unit. The housing further provides guidance for inserting the ends of the antenna into the respective terminals. The housing has a flat top surface that facilitates automatic processing by the use of vacuum pick and place equipment to position the housing and terminals on the circuit termini. A selected amount of conductive material such as solder or conductive adhesive or the like is disposed on each of the circuit termini. The at least two terminals are connected to respective termini on the circuit board that are substantially parallel to one another. The terminals may be a surface mountable or a through-hole design. The terminals may be secured to the termini at the same time other components are being mounted to the circuit board, by using a solder reflow process or the like, as known in the art. It is to be understood that the term "solder", as used herein, also includes conductive adhesives or the like, as known in the art. In one example of the connector, the housing is clip-like and the terminals are stamped and formed members, each having an upstanding rear wall and a pair of rolled portions having free ends extending toward the wall and defining a blade-receiving slot therebetween. Each terminal further includes a retention tab spaced from the rolled sections and defines a housing-retention slot therebetween.
- In another example of the connector, the housing is essentially H-shaped defining a pair terminal receiving cavities. The terminals are stamped and formed members, each having an upstanding wall and a single rolled portion defining a blade-receiving slot therebetween.
- In a further embodiment, the housing is elongated and includes a plurality of blade-receiving terminals. When the antenna is assembled to the connector, each blade-like end of the antenna engages a plurality of terminals. In this embodiment the ends of the antenna enter the housing essentially parallel to the circuit board. To provide additional support to the antenna, the housing may further include a support plate.
- Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
- FIGURE 1 is isometric view of a prior art assembly.
- FIGURE 2 is an isometric view of one embodiment of the assembly made in accordance with the invention.
- FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary portion of Figure 2 with the parts exploded from one another illustrating the attachment of the conductive member to the circuit-bearing article.
- FIGURE 4 illustrates the structure of the housing of Figure 3 that secures the terminals together.
- FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Figure 2 and illustrating the terminals secured to the circuit-bearing article and the antenna ends terminated thereto.
- FIGURE 6 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the assembly made in accordance with the invention.
- FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary portion of Figure 6 with the parts exploded from one another illustrating the attachment of the conductive member to the circuit-bearing article.
- FIGURE 8 illustrates the structure of the housing of Figure 7 that secures the terminals together.
- FIGURE 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of Figure 6 and illustrating the terminals secured to the circuit-bearing article and the antenna ends terminated thereto.
- FIGURE 10 is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the assembly made in accordance with the invention.
- FIGURE 11 is a fragmentary portion of Figure 10 with the antenna exploded from the connector.
- FIGURE 12 is an isometric view of the connector with the parts exploded from one another.
- For purposes of illustrating the invention will be described with reference to a loop antenna terminated to a circuit-bearing article, shown as a circuit board of an electrical article, such as a pager, personal communication device or the like.
- Figure 1 illustrates a
prior art assembly 10 having aloop antenna 12 terminated to acircuit board 20. The ends of theloop antenna respective termini 24 on anextension 22 of thecircuit board 20. For purposes of illustration, the circuit board is shown with acomponent 26. It is to be understood that the circuit board would typically have a plurality of circuit and a plurality of components mounted thereon. In accordance with the prior art,solder 27 is applied manually to theends respective termini 24. The amount ofsolder 27 can vary between one assembler and another as well from one assembly to another. The differences in the amounts and position of the solder will change the electric characteristics of the antenna, thus affecting the signal reflections between the antenna and the circuit board. - One
embodiment 30 of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 2 through 5. For purposes of illustrating theassembly 30, thesame circuit board 20 having anextension 22 andcircuit termini 24 thereon will be used to describe the method for attaching anantenna 32 in accordance with the present invention.Assembly 30 includes anantenna 32 andconnector 39 including twoterminals 40 and an insulative clip-like housing 70 andcircuit board 20. Theantenna 32 includes first andsecond ends protrusions 38 that are used in securing the ends inrespective terminals 40, as described below. The ends 34, 36 are spaced apart a selected distance. Theantenna 32 is made from material, such as beryllium copper or the like, as known in the art. - Each terminal 40 is a stamped and formed member having a connecting
section 42 adapted to be electrically connected to arespective terminus 24 of thecircuit board 20, and anantenna connecting section 44 adapted to receive one of the blade-like ends 34, 36 of theantenna 32. As best seen in Figure 5,terminals 40 are spaced from one another by a selecteddistance 60. The terminatingsection 44 includes an upstandingrear wall 46 having a pair of rolledportions 50 having free ends 51 extending toward thewall 46 and defining a blade-receivingslot 52 between ends 51 andwall 46.Terminal 40 further includes aretention tab 54 spaced forwardly from the resilient rolledsections 50 and defining a housing-retention slot 58 betweensections 50 andtab 54. Theretention tabs 54 include barbs 56 which engage inner surfaces of theside extensions 76 to hold thehousing 70 andterminals 40 securely together. - The
housing 70, as best seen in Figures 4 and 5, has atop surface 72, opposedend walls 74, each havingside wall extensions 76 extending partially along each side of thehousing 70, and acentral wall 80 extending between theend walls 74.Wall 80 is dimensioned to be received within thespace 60 defined between therespective terminals 40 with theside extensions 76 extending into therespective retention slots 58 to secure the twoterminals 40 in position. - In accordance with the present invention, a selected and precise selected amount of
solder 28 can be precisely placed on therespective termini 24 onboard 20. Thus, eachassembly 30 has essentially the same amount of solder placed in a precise location on thetermini 24. Theterminals 40 with thehousing 70 mounted thereto can be automatically positioned on the circuit board termini 24 with the use of vacuum pick and place or other such equipment. Theterminals 40 andhousing 70 are permanently secured to thecircuit board 20 at the same time the remaining components, shown representatively as 26, are secured to the board in reflow soldering process, as known in the art. After theterminals 40 have been secured to theboard 20, the ends 34, 36 of theantenna 32 can be inserted into the blade-receivingslots 52 of theterminals 40 thus completing the assembly. As best seen in Figure 5, each ends 34, 36 of theantenna 32 further includes theprotrusion 38 that is received into arespective retention aperture 48 in theupstanding walls 46 of theterminals 40,thus holding theends antenna 32 securely in place. - Another
embodiment 130 of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 6 through 9. Thesame circuit board 20 will also be used to describe this embodiment.Assembly 130 includes anantenna 132 andconnector 139 including twoterminals 140 and an insulative H-shapedhousing 170, andcircuit board 20. Theantenna 132 includes first and second ends 134, 136 which, in the embodiment shown, have blade-like portions.Antenna 132 is substantially identical toantenna 32 except thatprotrusions 138 onends protrusions 38. - Each terminal 140 is a stamped and formed member having a connecting
section 142 adapted to be electrically connected to arespective terminus 24 of thecircuit board 20, and anantenna connecting section 144 adapted to receive one of the blade-like ends antenna 132. As best seen in Figure 9,terminals 140 are spaced from one another by a selecteddistance 160. The antenna-connectingsection 144 includes an upstandingrear wall 146 having a single rolledportion 150 having afree end 151 extending toward theboard connecting section 142 and defining a blade-receivingslot 152 between rolledsurface 150 andwall 146.Wall 146 further includesbarbs 156 which engage inner surfaces ofhousing walls 174 to hold thehousing 170 andterminals 140 securely together. - The
housing 170, as best seen in Figures 7, 8 and 9, has atop surface 172, opposed side walls defining terminal-receivingcavities 178, and acentral wall 180 extending between theside walls 174.Wall 180 further definesterminal-receivingslots 179 dimensioned to receiveterminal walls 146 therein. - As previously described, a precise selected amount of
solder 28 can be precisely placed on therespective termini 24 onboard 20.Connector 139 includingterminals 140 andhousing 170 can be automatically positioned on the circuit board termini 24 with the use of vacuum pick and place or other such equipment. After theterminals 140 have been secured to theboard 20, theends antenna 132 can be inserted into the blade-receivingslots 152 of theterminals 140 thus completing the assembly. As best seen in Figure 9,protrusions 138 that are received intorespective retention apertures 148 in theupstanding walls 146 of theterminals 140, thus holding theends antenna 32 securely in place. - A
further embodiment 230 of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 10 through 12. Thesame circuit board 20 will also be used to describe this embodiment.Assembly 230 includes anantenna 232, andconnector 239 including a plurality ofterminals 240 and aninsulative housing 270, andcircuit board 20. Theantenna 232 includes first and second ends 234, 236 which, in the embodiment shown, have blade-like portions.Antenna 232 is substantially identical toantennae - Each terminal 240 is a flat stamped member having a connecting
section 242 adapted to be electrically connected to a respective terminus of thecircuit board 20, and anantenna connecting section 244 adapted to receive one of the blade-like ends antenna 232. As best seen in Figure 12,housing 270 includes a plurality ofterminals 240. The antenna-connectingsection 244 is fork shaped. - The
housing 270, as best seen in Figure 12, has atop surface 272, an antenna-receivingface 282, a plurality of terminal-receivingcavities 278, and a blade-receivingslot 252.Connector 239, as illustrated, further includes asupport plate 286 having a plate-like portion 288 adapted to provide support to antenna ends 234, 236.Support plate 286 is secured tohousing 270 by means of latchingarms 290, which are received and retained inapertures 285. Mountingbrackets 284 are secured inhousing 270 and are used to secureconnector 239 tocircuit board 20 by solder, adhesive, or other mounting devices as known in the art. - As previously described, a precise selected amount of
solder 28 can be precisely placed on the respective termini onboard 20 andconnector 239 includingterminals 240 andhousing 270 can be automatically positioned on the circuit board after which the ends 234, 236 ofantenna 232 can be inserted intoslot 252. In this embodiment, eachantenna end terminals 240. As can be seen from Figure 10, the antenna ends 234, 236 are spaced from one another when inslot 252. - The entire assembly process is repeatable and the electric characteristics of the antennae of the
resultant assemblies termini 24, the distance between theterminals antenna - The present invention provides an assembly process that uses a precise amount of conductive material to secure
terminals circuit board 20. The entire process can be automated thus eliminating manual labor and inconsistency in soldering each antenna end.
Claims (10)
- An interconnection arrangement between a circuit-bearing article (20) and a conductive member (32) having two ends (34, 36) to be electrically connected to respective circuit termini (24) of the circuit-bearing article (20) characterised by at least two terminals (40) of heat-insensitive construction electrically connected to respective circuit termini (24) using predetermined amounts of fluid conductive material (28), each terminal (40) including a receptacle (44) for electrical connection to a respective end (34, 36) of the conductive member upon insertion of the end (34,36) thereinto, whereby the conductive member ends (34, 36) are terminated to the respective termini (24) of the circuit-bearing article (20).
- The interconnection arrangement of claim 1 wherein both ends (34, 36) of the conductive member (32) are blade-like.
- The interconnection arrangement of claim 1 or 2 including a housing (70) in which the at least two terminals (40) are disposed.
- The interconnection arrangement of claim 3 wherein the circuit-bearing article (20) includes two groups of terminals (240) connected thereto, one group of terminals (240) being electrically connected to each of the two termini (24), each group of terminals (240) being adapted to engage one of the ends (234, 236) of the conductive member (232).
- The interconnection arrangement of claim 2, 3, or 4 wherein each of the blade-like ends (234, 236) of the conductive member (232) extends at a right angle to the remaining portion of the conductive member (232).
- The interconnection arrangement of any preceding claim wherein the conductive member (32, 132, 232) is a loop antenna.
- A method for connecting two ends of a conductive member (32) to a circuit-bearing article (20) resulting in a controlled impedance connection, comprising the steps ofselecting a conductive member (32) having two ends (34, 36) adapted to be mated to receptacles, the conductive member (32) having a selected impedance;selecting at least two terminals (40)of heat-insensitive construction, each terminal (40) having a connecting section (42) for electrical connection to a circuit terminus (24) of the circuit-bearing article (20) and a receptacle (44) adapted to engage one of the ends (34, 36) of the conductive member (32);disposing a predetermined amount of a fluid conductive material (28) on each the circuit terminus (24);positioning the terminals (40) on a respective terminus (24);electrically connecting the connecting section (42) of the terminals (40) to a respective circuit terminus (24) of the article (20); andmating the ends (34, 36) of the conductive member (32) to respective ones of the receptacles (44) ;whereby the conductive member (32) is affixed to the circuit-bearing article (20) after performance of all processes involving elevated temperature to secure articles to the circuit-bearing article (20).
- The method of claim 7 including the step of positioning the terminals (40) in a housing (70) prior to mating the receptacles (44) to the ends (34, 8. The method of claim 7 including the step of positioning the terminals (40) in a housing (70) prior to mating the receptacles (44) to the ends (34, 36) of the conductive member.
- The method of claim 7 or 8 including positioning a group of terminals (240) on each of the termini (24) such that each group of terminals (240) engages one of the ends (234, 236) of the conductive member (232).
- A connector (70,170,270) for connecting opposite ends of a conductive member (32,132,232) to circuit termini (24) of a circuit bearing article (20), comprising at least two terminals (40,140,240) of heat insensitive construction for electrical connection to the termini, each terminal having a receptacle (44,144,244) for electrical connection to a respective end (34,36,134...) of the conductive member and a connecting section (42,142,242) for electrical connection to a circuit terminus, and a housing (70,170,270) disposing the terminals in predetermined mutually spaced relation for connection of the connecting sections to the termini.
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US5862197P | 1997-09-11 | 1997-09-11 | |
US58621P | 1997-09-11 | ||
US7306398P | 1998-01-20 | 1998-01-20 | |
US73063P | 1998-01-20 | ||
US9098698P | 1998-06-29 | 1998-06-29 | |
US90986P | 1998-06-29 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0902508A2 true EP0902508A2 (en) | 1999-03-17 |
EP0902508A3 EP0902508A3 (en) | 2000-10-25 |
Family
ID=27369498
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP98307365A Withdrawn EP0902508A3 (en) | 1997-09-11 | 1998-09-11 | Method for connecting a loop antenna to a circuit board and an assembly thereof |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0902508A3 (en) |
JP (1) | JPH11163612A (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1032075A2 (en) * | 1999-02-26 | 2000-08-30 | Berg Electronics Manufacturing B.V. | Electrical connector for loop antennas |
GB2360398A (en) * | 2000-03-16 | 2001-09-19 | Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd | Antenna connector allowing releasable connection of an antenna to a PCB |
EP1227540A1 (en) * | 2001-01-30 | 2002-07-31 | Alps Electric Co., Ltd. | Partial ground connection of a metal housing for realising certain electrical lenghts for the ground connection of a chip antenna |
CN103715492A (en) * | 2012-10-08 | 2014-04-09 | 环旭电子股份有限公司 | Antenna module group |
CN111613878A (en) * | 2020-05-29 | 2020-09-01 | 北京小米移动软件有限公司 | Antenna of terminal equipment, terminal equipment and manufacturing method of antenna |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP5066132B2 (en) * | 2002-06-27 | 2012-11-07 | Jfeケミカル株式会社 | Polycrystalline mesocarbon microsphere graphitized product, negative electrode active material, and lithium ion secondary battery |
WO2015159324A1 (en) * | 2014-04-17 | 2015-10-22 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Antenna device and antenna-manufacturing method |
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- 1998-09-08 JP JP10253582A patent/JPH11163612A/en active Pending
- 1998-09-11 EP EP98307365A patent/EP0902508A3/en not_active Withdrawn
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DE2427026A1 (en) * | 1974-06-05 | 1975-12-18 | Daut & Rietz Kg | Contact spring for socket strips - has double T-shaped cut-out in centre of strip material with buckled flaps fitting in strip |
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Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1032075A2 (en) * | 1999-02-26 | 2000-08-30 | Berg Electronics Manufacturing B.V. | Electrical connector for loop antennas |
US6149470A (en) * | 1999-02-26 | 2000-11-21 | Berg Technology, Inc. | Electrical connector for antenna or the like |
EP1032075A3 (en) * | 1999-02-26 | 2003-01-08 | Berg Electronics Manufacturing B.V. | Electrical connector for loop antennas |
GB2360398A (en) * | 2000-03-16 | 2001-09-19 | Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd | Antenna connector allowing releasable connection of an antenna to a PCB |
EP1137099A2 (en) * | 2000-03-16 | 2001-09-26 | Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd. | Antenna connector |
US6426724B2 (en) | 2000-03-16 | 2002-07-30 | Nokia Mobile Phones Limited | Antenna connector |
EP1137099A3 (en) * | 2000-03-16 | 2003-09-03 | Nokia Corporation | Antenna connector |
EP1227540A1 (en) * | 2001-01-30 | 2002-07-31 | Alps Electric Co., Ltd. | Partial ground connection of a metal housing for realising certain electrical lenghts for the ground connection of a chip antenna |
US6587015B2 (en) | 2001-01-30 | 2003-07-01 | Alps Electric Co., Ltd. | Transmission/reception unit with improved antenna gain |
CN103715492A (en) * | 2012-10-08 | 2014-04-09 | 环旭电子股份有限公司 | Antenna module group |
CN111613878A (en) * | 2020-05-29 | 2020-09-01 | 北京小米移动软件有限公司 | Antenna of terminal equipment, terminal equipment and manufacturing method of antenna |
CN111613878B (en) * | 2020-05-29 | 2023-02-21 | 北京小米移动软件有限公司 | Antenna of terminal equipment, terminal equipment and manufacturing method of antenna |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP0902508A3 (en) | 2000-10-25 |
JPH11163612A (en) | 1999-06-18 |
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