GB2452769A

GB2452769A - Rotational electrical contact mechanism

Info

Publication number: GB2452769A
Application number: GB0718042A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Astanovsky; Adiv Hayoun; Micha Manassen
Original assignee: Motorola Inc
Current assignee: Motorola Solutions Inc
Priority date: 2007-09-17
Filing date: 2007-09-17
Publication date: 2009-03-18
Anticipated expiration: 2027-09-17
Also published as: GB2452769B; GB0718042D0

Abstract

A device is arranged to provide an electrical connection between a first device component 210 and a second device component 220. The electrical contact mechanism comprises a rotational component 230 arranged to establish contact with, and provide an electrical connection with, the second device component. The rotational component is arranged to rotate about at least one axis in response to movement of the second device component relative to the electrical contact mechanism, and may be spherical so that it can respond to movement in two orthogonal directions. The rotational component may be supported by a resilient S-shaped support, with three straight sections 241, 242, 243 joined by two curved sections 245, 246, and may be held between two of the flat sections, protruding through an aperture 250 in one. The contact may be used to connect two PCBs.

Description

I

DEVICE AND ELECTRiCAL CONTACT MECHANISM THEREFOR

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field relates generally to an electrical or electronic device and an electrical contact niechanjsrn therefor, and more particularly to an electrical contact mechanism for providing an electrical connection between a first device component and a second device component.

BACKGROUND

In electrical and electronic devices, it is known to provide electrical contacts between components, for example a printed circuit board (PCB) and battery or other accessory, in order to provide a reliable and robust electrical connection there between.

FIG. I illustrates an example of a known electrical contact 100, providing an electrical connection between a first component 110 and a second component 120.

Typically, the electrical contact 100 will be mechanically and electrically coupled to the second component 120.

A problem encountered by such electrical contacts is that, due to the design of components and varying tolerances in their nianufacture, it is typically the case that two components between which an electrical connection is required may be variably spaced apart. Accordingly, an electrical contact is required to be able to handle variable distances between the two components, as illustrated by a varying distance X'inFIG. I. For the known example illustrated in FIG. 1, when in situ, the electrical contact 100 is located between the components 110, 120, which together exert a compressive force A' upon the electrical contact 100. The electrical contact 100 comprises a cross-sectional configuration, such that the electrical contact 100 is deformed by the compressive force A'. The deformation of the electrical component enables the electrical component 100 to adapt to a variable distance X' between the components 110, 120.

In addition, the cross-sectional configuration of the electrical contact 100 is such that, when delbrmed, the electrical contact exerts a force B' on the components in response to being defomied. The combination of the forces A' and B'; being in opposite directions, maintains contact, and thereby an electrical connection, between the electrical contact 100 and a contact pad 115 of the component 110.

A further problem encountered by such electrical contacts is that of movement oithe two components 110, 120 relative to one another. Such movements cause sliding frictional forces between the electrical contact 100 and, for the example illustrated in FIG. I, the contact pad 115. As a result, the electrical contact 100 and the contact pad 11 5 suffer froni abrasion, reducing their respective thicknesses, and causing increased electrical resistance of the electrical contact 100 and contact pad 115. In extreme cases, the electrical contact and/or contact pad may be completely worn through, resulting in an unreliable, or even non-existent, electrical connection.

Thus, there exists a need for an electrical contact mechanism, which addresses at least some of the shortcomings of past and present electrical contact techniques and/or mechanisms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification and serve to further illustrate various embodiments of concepts that include the claimed invention, and to explain various principles and advantages of those embodiments.

FIG. I illustrates an example of a known electrical contact.

FIG's, 2 and 3 illustrate an electrical contact mechanism according to sonic embodiments.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of various enibodiments. in addition, the description and drawings do not necessarily require the order illustrated. Apparatus and niethod components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the various embodiments so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Thus, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, common and well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment may not be depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Generally speaking, pursuant to the various embodiments, there is provided an electrical contact mechanism arranged to be mechanically and electrically coupled to a first device component, and to provide an electrical connection between the first device component and a second device component. The electrical contact mechanism comprises a rotational component arranged to establish contact with, and provide an electrical connection with, the second device component. The rotational component is further arranged to rotate about at least one axis in response to movement of the second device component relative to the electrical contact mechanism.

In this manner, the rotational component substantially reduces sliding frictional forces between the electrical contact mechanism and the second device component.

Those skilled in the art will realize that the above recognized advantages and other advantages described herein arc merely illustrative and are not meant to be a complete rendering of all of the advantages of the various embodiments.

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular FIG. 2, a cross-sectional illustration of an electrical contact mechanism, in accordance with some embodiments, is shown and indicated generally at 200. Those skilled in the art, however, will recognize and appreciate that the specifics of this example are merely illustrative of some embodiments and that the teachings set forth herein are applicable in a variety olalternative arrangements. For example, since the teachings described do not depend on a specific cross-sectional configuration of the electrical contact mechanism 200, they can be applied to any type of electrical contact mechanism, although an electrical contact mechanism comprising a generally S' or Z' shape cross-sectional configuration is shown in this embodiment. As such, other alternative implementations comprising electrical contact mechanisms of various cross-sectional configurations are contemplated and are considered as falling within the scope of the various teachings described.

The electrical contact mechanism 200 is arranged to be mechanically and electrically coupled to a first device component 2 10, and to provide an electrical connection between the first device component 210 and a second device component 220. In some embodiments of the invention, it is envisaged that more than two device components may be used. However, for simplicity purposes only, the following embodiments are described with respect to lirsi and second device components. The first and second device components 210, 220 may, by way of example only, individually be in a form of a printed circuit board (PCB) of an electrical or electronic device, a battery or other accessory for such an electrical or electronic device. For example, the first device component 210, to which the electrical contact mechanism is arranged to be mechanically and electrically coupled to, may comprise a PCB of an electronic device, and the second device component 220 may comprise a PCB of a battery for the electronic device. In this manner, the electrical contact mechanism provides an electrical connection between the PCB and the battery.

The electrical contact mechanism 200 comprises a rotational component 230 arranged to establish contact with, and provide an electrical connection with, the second device component 220. For the illustrated embodiment, the second device component 220 comprises a contact pad 225, with which the rotational component 230 establishes contact, and with which an electrical connection is provided.

The rotational component 230 is further arranged to rotate about at least one axis thereof in response to movement of the second device component 220 relative to the electrical contact mechanism 200. For the illustrated embodiment, the rotational component 230 is arranged to rotate at least about an axis 235, as illustrated by arrow D', in response to generally lateral movement C' of the second device component 220, substantially perpendicular to the axis 235, relative to the electrical contact mechanism 200.

The electrical contact mechanism 200 further comprises a coupling element, (not shown) which, in use, couples the electrical contact mechanism 200 to the first device component 210, for example by way of soldering, mechanical coupling such as using screws or the like, etc. The electrical contact mechanism 200 further comprises a retaining element, for retaining the rotational component 230 generally in place, comprising, inter-alia variable elements 245, 246, generally enabling the electrical contact mechanism 200 to provide an electrical connection across a variable distance Y, between the first and second device components 210, 220.

For the illustrated embodiment, the electrical contact mechanism 200 comprises a support component 240 comprising a generally S' shape or Z' shape cross-sectional configuration, with three generally horizontal sections 241, 242, 243 connected to one another by way oithc variable elements 245, 246 comprising two generally curved sections.

The retaining element 241, 245, 242, 246 comprises a combination of the variable elements 245, 246 and upper and lower retainers. In particular, in this embodiment, the retaining clement 241, 245, 242, 246 comprises an upper retainer, provided by an upper horizontal section 241 of the support component 240, comprising an aperture 250 through which at least a part oithe rotational component is capable of extending. The retaining element further comprises a lower retainer, provided by a middle horizontal section 242 of the support component 240, at least partly located substantially opposite the aperture 250 of the upper retainer, such that the rotational component 230, when in situ, is generally located between the upper and lower retainers, with at least a part of the rotational component 230 extending through the aperture 250 of the upper retainer.

The lower retainer is arranged such that the rotational component 230 is generally restricted from movement generally away from the upper retainer by the lower retainer, in this manner, at least a part of the rotational component 230 is maintained as extending through the aperture 250.

it is envisaged that the dimensions of the aperture 250 may be such that the rotational component 230 is unable to fit there through in its entirety. In this manner, the upper and lower retainers of the retaining element substantially retain the rotational component 230 in place. The upper and middle horizontal sections 241, 242 of the support component 240 are connected by a first curved section 245. In this nianner, the upper and middle horizontal sections 241, 242, and thereby the upper and lower retainers, are generally niaintained in position relative to one another.

The variable clement is provided by a second curved section 246 of the support component 240, which is arranged to be flexible, and thereby to deform, when a compressive force A' is exerted on the electrical contact mechanism 200 by the first and second device components 210, 220. in this manner, the variable element enables the electrical contact mechanism 200 to provide an electrical connection across a variable distance Y', between the first and second device components 210, 220.

Furthermore, the flexibility of the variable element enables the electrical contact niechanisni 200 to accommodate movement of the second device component 220 in a direction generally towards and/or away from the first device component 210.

The curved section 246, and thereby the variable element, is further arranged to exert an opposing force B' to that exerted by the first and second device components 210, 220, to at least the retaining element, generally compelling the rotational component 230 in a direction generally towards the second device component 220. In this manner, the curved section 246 facilitates contact between the rotational component 230 and the second device component 220.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a cross-sectional view of the electrical contact mechanism 200, along the line E' of FIG. 2. For the illustrated embodiment, the rotational component 230 comprises a generally spherical configuration. In this manner, the rotational component 230 is further arranged to rotate, as illustrated by arrow G', in response to a generally lateral movement F' of the second device component 220, relative to the electrical contact mechanism 200.

In this manner, the rotational component 230 is arranged to rotate in response to a generally lateral niovenient of the second device component 220 in two dimensions.

As previously mentioned, the flexibility of the variable element enables the electrical contact mechanism 200 to accommodate movement of the second device component 220 in a direction generally towards and/or away from the first device component 210.

Thus, in this manner, the rotation of the rotational component, and the configured flexibility oithe variable element enable the electrical contact mechanism 200 to substantially accomniodate at least a limited amount of relative movement of the second device coniponent 220 in three dimensions, whilst maintaining an electrical connection between the first and second device components 210, 220, and whilst substantially reducing sliding frictional forces between the electrical contact mechanism 200 and the second device component 220.

It is envisaged that the electrical contact mechanism 200 niay be made from any suitable material(s). For example, it is envisaged that the support component 240 is niade from a suitably elastic and electrically conductive material to provide a described flexibility of the variable element, and may be made from an electrically conductive material. By way of example, the support component 240 may be made from steel, nickel silver. Additionally and/or alternatively, the support component 240 may comprise an electrically conductive coating, fbr example a gold coating.

Similarly, ii is envisaged that the rotational component may be made from an electrically conductive material and/or comprise an electrically conductive coating.

An example of a suitable material may be gold or steel.

Thus, an electrical contact mechanism has been described, which addresses at least some of the shortcomings of past and present electrical contact techniques and/or mechanisms.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described.

However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. For example, the illustrated embodiment comprises a generally spherical rotational component. However, rotational component comprising alternative configurations are contemplated, such as a generally cylindrical configuration. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present teachings. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

Moreover in this document, relational ternis such as first and second, upper and lower, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms comprises,' comprising,' has', having,' includes', including,' contains', containing' or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by cotnprises. . . a', has. . .a', includes. . .a', contains. . .a' does not, without niore constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms a' and an' are deli ned as one or more unless explicitly staled otherwise herein. The terms substantially', essentially', approximately', about' or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within I % and in another embodiment within 0.5%. The term coupled' as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A 1 0 device or structure that is configured' in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also he configured in ways that are not listed.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This niethod of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features ola single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

Claims

What is claimed is: I. A device comprising an electrical contact mechanism arranged to provide an electrical connection between a first device component and a second device component; the electrical contact mechanism comprising a rotational component arranged to establish contact with, and provide an electrical connection with, the second device component; the rotational component being further arranged to rotate about at least one axis in response to movement of the second device component relative to the electrical contact mechanism.
2. The device of Claim I further characterised by the rotational component being arranged to rotate about the at least one axis in response to generally lateral movement of the second device component, substantially perpendicular to the axis, relative to the electrical contact mechanism.
3. The device of Claim 2 further characterised by the rotational component being further arranged to rotate in response to generally lateral movement of the second coniponent device in two dimensions.
4. The device of any preceding Claim further characterised by the rotational component comprising a generally spherical configuration.
5. The device of any preceding Claim further characterised by the electrical contact mechanism comprising a coupling element for coupling the electrical contact mechanism to the first device component.
6. The device of any preceding Claim further characteriscd by the electrical contact mechanism comprising a retaining element for retaining the rotational component in contact with at least one of the first device component and the second device component.
7. The device of Claim 6 further characterised by the retaining element comprising an upper retainer comprising an aperture through which at least a part of the rotational component is capable of extending.
8. The device oIClaini 7 further characterised by the retaining element comprising a lower retainer at least partly located substantially opposite the aperture of the upper retainer such that the rotational component, when in situ, is generally located between the upper and lower retainers.
9. The device of Claim 8 further characterised by the lower retainer olthe retaining element being arranged such that the rotational component is restricted from movement generally away from the upper retainer by the lower retainer.
10. The device of Claim 7 further characterised by the dimensions of the aperture of the upper retainer being such that the rotational component is unable to fit there through in its entirety.
11. The device of any preceding Claim further characterised by the electrical contact mechanism comprising a variable element, enabling the electrical contact mechanism to provide an electrical connection across a variable distance between the fist and second device components.
12. The device of Claim 11 further characterised by the variable element being deformable, when a compressive fbrce is exerted on the electrical contact mechanism by the first and second device components.
13. The device of Claim 12 further characteriscd by the variable element being further arranged to exert an opposing force to that exerted by the first and second device components, to at least a retaining element, compelling the rotational component in a direction towards the second device component.
14. The device of any preceding Claim further characterised by the electrical contact mechanism comprising a support component comprising three generally horizontal sections connected to one another by way of two generally curved sections.
15. The device olClaim 14 further characterised by an upper horizontal section of the support component providing an upper retainer of a retaining element of the electrical contact mechanism.
16. The device oiClaini 14 or Claim 15 further characterised by a middle horizontal section of the support component providing a lower retainer of the retaining element.
17. The device of Claim 16 further characterised by the upper and middle horizontal sections being connected by a first curved section such that the upper and middle horizontal sections, and thereby the upper and lower retainers, are generally maintained in position relative to one another.
18. The device of any of preceding Claims 13 to 17 further characterised by a second curved section of the support component providing a variable element of the electrical contact mechanism.
19. The device of any preceding Claims 13 to 18 further characterised by a lower horizontal section of the support component providing a coupling element of the electrical contact mechanism.
20. The device of any preceding Claim further charactcrised by the first device component comprising a printed circuit board.
2 1. The device of Claim 20 further characterised by the second device component comprising a printed circuit board of an accessory for the device.
22. The device of Claim 21 further characterised by the second device component comprising a printed circuit board of a battery for the device.
23. An electrical contact mechanism arranged to operate in the device of any preceding Claim.