GB2614754A - Apparatus and Method for electrical and mechanical connection between PCB and battery - Google Patents

Apparatus and Method for electrical and mechanical connection between PCB and battery Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2614754A
GB2614754A GB2200577.1A GB202200577A GB2614754A GB 2614754 A GB2614754 A GB 2614754A GB 202200577 A GB202200577 A GB 202200577A GB 2614754 A GB2614754 A GB 2614754A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
pcb
deflectable
battery
electrically
holder
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
Application number
GB2200577.1A
Other versions
GB2614754B (en
Inventor
Atanasoe Ilie
Nagy Monica
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Continental Automotive Technologies GmbH
Original Assignee
Continental Automotive Technologies GmbH
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Continental Automotive Technologies GmbH filed Critical Continental Automotive Technologies GmbH
Priority to GB2200577.1A priority Critical patent/GB2614754B/en
Priority to CN202380016648.5A priority patent/CN118510671A/en
Priority to PCT/EP2023/050294 priority patent/WO2023135070A1/en
Publication of GB2614754A publication Critical patent/GB2614754A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2614754B publication Critical patent/GB2614754B/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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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
    • H01R12/7076—Coupling devices for connection between PCB and component, e.g. display
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/284—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders with incorporated circuit boards, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB]
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
    • B60C23/00—Devices for measuring, signalling, controlling, or distributing tyre pressure or temperature, specially adapted for mounting on vehicles; Arrangement of tyre inflating devices on vehicles, e.g. of pumps or of tanks; Tyre cooling arrangements
    • B60C23/02—Signalling devices actuated by tyre pressure
    • B60C23/04—Signalling devices actuated by tyre pressure mounted on the wheel or tyre
    • B60C23/0408—Signalling devices actuated by tyre pressure mounted on the wheel or tyre transmitting the signals by non-mechanical means from the wheel or tyre to a vehicle body mounted receiver
    • B60C23/041—Means for supplying power to the signal- transmitting means on the wheel
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
    • B60C23/00—Devices for measuring, signalling, controlling, or distributing tyre pressure or temperature, specially adapted for mounting on vehicles; Arrangement of tyre inflating devices on vehicles, e.g. of pumps or of tanks; Tyre cooling arrangements
    • B60C23/02—Signalling devices actuated by tyre pressure
    • B60C23/04—Signalling devices actuated by tyre pressure mounted on the wheel or tyre
    • B60C23/0491—Constructional details of means for attaching the control device
    • B60C23/0493—Constructional details of means for attaching the control device for attachment on the tyre
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
    • H01M10/425—Structural combination with electronic components, e.g. electronic circuits integrated to the outside of the casing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/10—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings
    • H01M50/102—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings characterised by their shape or physical structure
    • H01M50/109—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings characterised by their shape or physical structure of button or coin shape
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/10—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings
    • H01M50/147—Lids or covers
    • H01M50/148—Lids or covers characterised by their shape
    • H01M50/153—Lids or covers characterised by their shape for button or coin cells
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/202—Casings or frames around the primary casing of a single cell or a single battery
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/50—Current conducting connections for cells or batteries
    • H01M50/502—Interconnectors for connecting terminals of adjacent batteries; Interconnectors for connecting cells outside a battery casing
    • H01M50/519—Interconnectors for connecting terminals of adjacent batteries; Interconnectors for connecting cells outside a battery casing comprising printed circuit boards [PCB]
    • 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
    • H01R12/7005—Guiding, mounting, polarizing or locking means; Extractors
    • H01R12/7011—Locking or fixing a connector to a PCB
    • H01R12/7058—Locking or fixing a connector to a PCB characterised by the movement, e.g. pivoting, camming or translating parallel to the PCB
    • 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
    • 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
    • H01R12/72—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures coupling with the edge of the rigid printed circuits or like structures
    • H01R12/721—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures coupling with the edge of the rigid printed circuits or like structures cooperating directly with the edge of the rigid printed circuits
    • 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
    • H05K3/30—Assembling printed circuits with electric components, e.g. with resistor
    • H05K3/301—Assembling printed circuits with electric components, e.g. with resistor by means of a mounting structure
    • 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
    • H05K3/30—Assembling printed circuits with electric components, e.g. with resistor
    • H05K3/32—Assembling printed circuits with electric components, e.g. with resistor electrically connecting electric components or wires to printed circuits
    • H05K3/325—Assembling printed circuits with electric components, e.g. with resistor electrically connecting electric components or wires to printed circuits by abutting or pinching, i.e. without alloying process; mechanical auxiliary parts therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
    • B60C23/00—Devices for measuring, signalling, controlling, or distributing tyre pressure or temperature, specially adapted for mounting on vehicles; Arrangement of tyre inflating devices on vehicles, e.g. of pumps or of tanks; Tyre cooling arrangements
    • B60C23/02—Signalling devices actuated by tyre pressure
    • B60C23/04—Signalling devices actuated by tyre pressure mounted on the wheel or tyre
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M2220/00—Batteries for particular applications
    • H01M2220/20—Batteries in motive systems, e.g. vehicle, ship, plane

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
  • Battery Mounting, Suspending (AREA)

Abstract

A PCB holder for holding and electrically connecting to a PCB 220 comprises a battery 210 and deflectable electrically conductive prongs 230,240 with a deflectable proximal end configured for retaining and exerting pressure on the edge of the PCB, a distal end mechanically and electrically secured to a pole of a battery, and a deflectable middle portion connecting the proximal end and the distal end. The deflectable electrically conductive prongs are configured to deflect during insertion of the PCB and make electrical contact with and exert a compressive securing force on an operably inserted PCB. The prongs are preferably attached by welding or soldering to a respective positive or negative battery cell pole. Preferably, the deflectable proximal end of the or each conductive prong comprises a hook or indentation portion which retains the PCB by forcing the PCB against supporting features 268 of a housing 260. Each conductive prong may also include a projection 235 which is deflected to enable insertion into the housing but which secures the holder in position using retention features 265 in the housing to prevent its removal. A method of assembling a tyre pressure monitoring system including the holder is also disclosed.

Description

Description
Apparatus and Method for electrical and mechanical connection between PCB and battery
BACKGROUND
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates, in general, to electronic device components and, in particular, to battery holders and Printed Circuit Board (PCB) holders for Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) and related methods.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
TPMS devices include a PCB and a battery to supply electrical power. These components can be joined together with electrically conductive metal tabs. The tabs may be held in place on the PCB with solder. A main disadvantage of such a construction is the necessity to build complex fixtures to align the tabs on the soldering pads when the soldering operation is done outside of the housing.
Performing the soldering operation inside the housing may not be possible. In addition, there is a risk of creating solder balls or other imperfections when performing the soldering. Likewise, additional time and verification may be needed to insure quality.
When clips are used to hold a PCB and battery in place, this may require a complex manufacturing process for the housing and the exertion of high forces on the PCB during assembly, which can lead to cracks in sensitive components. In case of fixation with glue there are lead times for glue curing in the oven and the glue deposition may be a lengthy or costly process.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In a first aspect of the inventive concept there is disclosed an electronic device battery and PCB holder comprising tabs or prongs for attached to a battery with a positive pole and a negative pole, which also hold and electrically connect to a PCB. One or more of the tabs or prongs may comprise a simple bent clip-like feature. On the PCB, grooves in the edge may be milled and plated, as mechanical and electrical contact surfaces for the tabs. In this way mechanical and electrical links are created using the clip shapes of the tabs.
Instead of the tabs or prongs being mechanically attached to the PCB and retaining the battery with a deflective spring pressure, the tabs are mechanically attached to the battery and retain and secure the PCB.
The spring action of the tabs or prong shapes can be implemented as bent flanges of metal sheet. Thus, they can be easy to manufacture and can assure a good PCB fixation. In embodiments these battery tabs have a double function of energy supply and fixing elements in the housing.
The PCB holder comprises deflectable electrically-conductive terminal prongs configured to exert a force on the PCB operably inserted into the electronic device holder, to insure electrical contact to the poles of the battery, and to securely support and hold the PCB in the holder. At least one of the deflectable electrically-conductive terminal prongs is configured to deflect during insertion of a PCB therein and exert a compressive securing force on an operably inserted PCB while being mechanically stabilized by a mechanical connection to a positive or negative pole of the battery.
In embodiments, the deflectable proximal end may include a hook portion configured to provide a contact to the PCB, and a release surface configured for a user to press, thereby defecting the deflectable proximal end and releasing the 30 PCB.
The force exerted by the deflectable electrically-conductive terminal prongs may hold the PCB against the respective other prong.
The at least one deflectable electrically-conductive terminal prong may have a distal end, and the distal end of the at least one deflectable electrically-conductive terminal prong may be configured for mechanical and electrical connection to a pole of a battery.
The PCB may be a PCB of a TPMS for determining operating characteristics of a tire or wheel, such as tire pressure, temperature, and radial or axial velocity or acceleration.
The at least one deflectable electrically-conductive positive or negative terminal prong may consist of a plurality of deflectable electrically-conductive positive or negative terminal sub-prongs or sub-tabs, all of which are electrically connected. Each of the plurality of deflectable electrically-conductive positive or negative terminal sub-prongs may have a proximal end configured for providing an electrical connection to a PCB.
The battery may be a coin cell battery. The battery may be generally cylindrical in shape.
The complete TPMS assembly, including one or more of PCB, antenna, battery and tabs, may be maintained in a plastic housing using the spring-like projection features of the battery tabs or prongs. In embodiments, these projections will engage in the helical ribs of the housing. In embodiments, the projections assure PCB fixation during a potting or gluing operation.
In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for using an electronic device holder comprising: operably inserting a PCB into an electronic-device holder such that at least one deflectable electrically-conductive terminal prong of the PCB holder deflects during the insertion, and exerts a securing force on the operably inserted PCB, and insures contact between PCB and a positive or negative pole of the battery. In embodiments, the method comprises releasing the operably inserted PCB by depressing a release surface of the at least one deflectable electrically-conductive positive terminal prong, thereby removing the compressive securing force and such that the force of the deflectable electrically-conductive terminal prong releases the PCB from operable insertion in the PCB holder.
The at least one deflectable electrically-conductive terminal prong may have a deflectable proximal end that includes a hook portion configured to provide the contact to the PCB and the release surface.
The force exerted by the at least one deflectable electrically-conductive terminal prong may hold the PCB against a PCB holder or hook of the housing.
In embodiments, an additional feature in the housing serves to secure the contact between the tabs and the PCB.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The advantages of the mechanisms and methods described herein may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. la& lb shows a known PCB fixation using clips or glue; Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the inventive concept; Fig. 3 shows a second embodiment of the inventive concept; Fig. 4 shows a third embodiment of the inventive concept; and Fig. 5 shows the steps of the inventive method.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which like elements in different drawings are like numbered.
The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict exemplary embodiments for the purpose of explanation only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The detailed description illustrates by way of example, not by way of limitation, the principles of the invention. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention.
In Figures la and lb is shown an approach for fixing a PCB, aspects of which may be known to the person of skill. The PCB 120a, 120b is positioned in the housing 160b such that it is in contact with supports integrated in the housing. In figure la, a tab 130a retains the PCB, and the battery tab is soldered to the PCB. In Figure lb, glue 135b, 136b is used to fix the PCB in position, such that it is fixedly attached to the housing.
In other known embodiments, the PCB may be fixed to the housing with separate clips, screws, or other fasteners. It is also possible to use wires instead of tabs or prongs to provide an electrical connection. In the case of a plastic housing, it is also known to use additional plastic elements which are welded to the plastic of the housing.
In Figure 2 is shown an embodiment of the inventive concept. An electrically conductive prong or tab 230 is attached and mechanically secured to a battery 210. The attachment is both a mechanical and an electrical attachment. The attachment to the battery may advantageously be with welding or soldering. The prong or tab comprises a hook or indentation or other feature positioned and shaped to secure the PCB 220 using a certain deflection force exerted by flexing the tab. A second tab is shown as 240.
The tabs have a contact area 231, 241 shaped to insure electrical contact with the PCB 220. The prongs or tabs 230, 240 are connected to two poles of the battery 210, and insure both a mechanical hold and an electrical connection.
In embodiments, the tab or tabs exert a force on the PCB which brings it in contact with one or more posts or features 268 on the inside of the housing 260, which features serve to stabilize the PCB and keep it from moving. The features may have a notch shape, or be posts which rise from the housing, or other shapes which serve as a base or stand to position the PCB.
In embodiments, the PCB may receive power via a positive and/or negative prong electrically connected to the battery or power supply. The prong may serve a dual purpose of retaining the PCB in position and supplying power to the PCB.
In embodiments, the PCB may be retained on both sides by a prong or tab which passes from one side of the PCB to the battery or power supply and on to the other side of the PCB. The tab may exert a deflective force on one or both sides of the PCB. The tab may advantageously be electrically and mechanically connected to the negative pole of a button battery.
In Figure 3 is shown an additional embodiment of the inventive concept, prior to assembly of the battery + PCB + tabs in the housing. The prong or tab 330 is formed in such a way that it includes a hook or indentation 331 to engage with and exert a force on the PCB 320 at the point of a notch 332. The contact between indentation 331 and notch 332 insures both mechanical retention and electrical contact between the PCB and the battery 310.
In general, PCB holders for holding a PCB with mechanical attachment to a positive pole and a negative pole (such as a coin cell battery) according to embodiments of the present invention include at least one deflectable electrically-conductive positive terminal prong with a deflectable proximal end configured for mechanical and electrical connection to a PCB (Printed Circuit Board), a fixed distal end configured for fixed mechanical and electrical attachment to a pole of a battery, and a deflectable middle portion connecting the proximal and distal ends. The PCB holder may also include at least one second deflectable electrically-conductive terminal prong or tab configured to also exert a securing force on a PCB, in contact with the other pole of the battery, to electrically connect and securely support and hold the PCB.
PCB holders according to embodiments of the present invention are beneficial in that, for example, they include a minimal number of components (thereby simplifying handling and assembly) and do not require the inclusion or use of a dedicated battery housing, plastic cover and/or battery holder. The inclusion of a minimal number of parts results in a beneficially inexpensive electronic device with improved reliability. This is of particular importance for TMPS devices.
Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of the inventive concept. An electrically conductive prong or tab 430 is attached and mechanically secured to a battery 410. A further electrically conductive prong or tab 440 is attached and mechanically secured to the battery 410. The attachment is both a mechanical and an electrical attachment. The attachment to the battery may advantageously be with welding or soldering.
At points 431 and 441 are contact zones of the tabs, where the tabs electrically and mechanically contact the PCB 420. In the alternative, electrical contact between the tab 440 and the PCB may occur at the tip of the tab 442.
In embodiments, a projection 435 on the prong or tab is positioned to engage with retention features 465 on the inside wall of the housing 460. In this embodiment shown, the retention features use a spiral form such as a thread, but the retention features may also take the form of a ladder or indentations or other forms. The inventive concept does not require retention features, especially if the tabs or prongs are able to achieve a retention force on the inside wall of the housing. This might be the case if the tabs are stiff, and the inside wall of the housing is comparatively soft.
The projection on the tab is formed with an angle such that it is encouraged to deflect on insertion into the housing, and to not deflect under the influence of a force in a direction which would remove it from the housing. Thus, the prong is fixed in the housing in a stable manner.
The projection may be sized and positioned such that it is in contact with the housing when a PCB is present, and not in contact with the housing if no PCB is present. The projection may be sized and positioned such that it exerts substantially more force on the retention feature or on the inside wall of the housing when the PCB is inserted, such that it is much easier to remove the prong or tab from the housing when no PCB is present.
Figure 5 is a flow diagram depicting stages in an exemplary method 500 for using a PCB holder. Method 500 includes, at step 510 of Figure 5, mechanically attaching or fixing two tabs or prongs to a battery. In step 520, the PCB is inserted into the tabs or prongs. The operable insertion is such that (i) the deflectable electrically-conductive terminal prong connected to the positive battery pole deflects during the insertion, and exerts a compressive securing force on the operably inserted PCB; and (ii) the deflectable electrically-conductive terminal prong connected to the negative pole of the battery is deflected, and exerts a force on the operably inserted PCB (e.g., a securing force that holds the PCB in the assembly). Then at step 530, the assembly with battery, prongs and PCB is inserted into the holder.
In embodiments, the battery may be provided with prongs attached. In such embodiments the method begins with step 520.
In further steps, for example at a later time, the assembly of PCB, battery and tabs may be removed from the holder.
PCB holders according to embodiments of the present invention can be manufactured using any suitable techniques including, for example, metal stamping and forming techniques. Deflectable electrically-conductive prongs or tabs can, for example, be formed of a predetermined configuration from a thin metal plate. Deflectable electrically-conductive prongs or tabs employed in embodiments of the present invention can be formed from any suitable materials including, for example, carbon steel, beryllium copper, stainless steel, phosphor bronze materials. In addition, the thickness of such materials can be, for example, in the range of 0.2mm to 0.5mm.

Claims (13)

  1. We claim: 1. A PCB holder for holding and electrically connecting to a PCB, comprising a battery (210, 310), and deflectable electrically-conductive prongs (230, 240, 330), with a deflectable proximal end configured for retaining and exerting pressure on the edge of a PCB (220, 320) at a contact point (231, 331), and a distal end mechanically and electrically secured to a pole of a battery (210, 310), and a deflectable middle portion connecting the proximal end and the distal end, wherein the deflectable electrically-conductive prongs are configured to deflect during insertion of the PCB and make electrical contact with and exert a compressive securing force on an operably inserted PCB.
  2. 2. The PCB holder of claim 1 wherein the holder comprises two electrically-conductive prongs (230, 240), and the two prongs are mechanically secured to the positive and negative poles of the battery (210).
  3. 3. The PCB holder of any previous claim wherein the deflectable proximal end of at least one prong (230, 240, 330) comprises a hook or indentation portion at the contact point (231, 331) configured to retain the PCB (220, 320).
  4. 4. The PCB holder of claim 3 wherein the force exerted by the proximal end of the deflectable prong holds the PCB against features of a housing (260, 460).
  5. 5. The PCB holder of any previous claim wherein the at least one deflectable prong comprises a projection, and the projection is formed with an angle such that it is encouraged to deflect upon insertion into the housing, and to not deflect under the influence of a force in a direction which would remove it from a housing (260, 460).
  6. 6. The PCB holder of claim 5, wherein a projection (435) on at least one prong (430) is positioned to engage with retention features (465) on the inside wall of the housing (460).
  7. 7. The PCB holder of claim 6, wherein the retention features (465) use a spiral form such as a thread.
  8. 8. The PCB holder of any previous claim wherein the PCB holder is inserted in a housing to form a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
  9. 9. The PCB holder of any previous claim wherein the battery 210, 310 is a coin cell battery.
  10. 10. The PCB holder of any previous claim wherein at least one deflectable electrically-conductive prong is secured to the battery by an attachment of welding or soldering.
  11. 11. The PCB holder of any previous claim wherein at least one deflectable electrically-conductive prong consists of a plurality of deflectable electrically-conductive sub-prongs.
  12. 12. A method 400 for assembling a Tire Pressure Monitor System according to claim 8, comprising inserting (520) the PCB (220, 320) between two deflectable electrically-conductive prongs (230, 240), and inserting (530) the resulting assembly into a housing (260, 460).
  13. 13. The method of claim 12, additionally comprising as a preceding step attaching (410) mechanically and electrically the two deflectable electrically-conductive prongs to the two poles of the battery.
GB2200577.1A 2022-01-17 2022-01-18 Apparatus and Method for electrical and mechanical connection between PCB and battery Active GB2614754B (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2200577.1A GB2614754B (en) 2022-01-18 2022-01-18 Apparatus and Method for electrical and mechanical connection between PCB and battery
CN202380016648.5A CN118510671A (en) 2022-01-17 2023-01-09 Device and method for fixing printed circuit board in shell by battery connecting sheet
PCT/EP2023/050294 WO2023135070A1 (en) 2022-01-17 2023-01-09 Apparatus and method for pcb fixation with battery tabs in a housing

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2200577.1A GB2614754B (en) 2022-01-18 2022-01-18 Apparatus and Method for electrical and mechanical connection between PCB and battery

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GB2614754A true GB2614754A (en) 2023-07-19
GB2614754B GB2614754B (en) 2024-05-08

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6676440B1 (en) * 2001-03-30 2004-01-13 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. Coin type electric element and printed circuit board with a coin type electric element
US20050019654A1 (en) * 2002-06-27 2005-01-27 Akira Kishida Battery provided with terminals

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6676440B1 (en) * 2001-03-30 2004-01-13 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. Coin type electric element and printed circuit board with a coin type electric element
US20050019654A1 (en) * 2002-06-27 2005-01-27 Akira Kishida Battery provided with terminals

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN118510671A (en) 2024-08-16
GB2614754B (en) 2024-05-08

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