Clamping device with rotating retainer

Abstract

A method for assembling a device is provided. In the method, a circuit component is placed on a circuit board. The circuit component includes an component opening. The circuit board includes a board opening. A plunger is moved in a first direction so that a distal end of the plunger passes through the component opening and the board opening and enters a space adjacent to the circuit board. A retainer rotates within the space. The retainer is pivotally mounted to the plunger at the distal end of the plunger. The plunger is moved in a second direction to clamp the circuit board between the retainer and the circuit component.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application is U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 971,307, filed October 21, 2022, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure generally relates to devices for clamping components together during assembly of a device. [Background technology]

[0003] Various devices for clamping components together during assembly of electronic devices are known in the art. While these known devices have various advantages, there is still room for improvement in the art. For example, there is a need in the art for clamping devices that can simplify and / or facilitate automation of assembly of electronic devices. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a method for assembling a device is provided. During the method, a circuit component is placed on a circuit board. The circuit component includes an component opening. The circuit board includes a board opening. A plunger is moved in a first direction such that a distal end of the plunger passes through the component opening and the board opening and enters a space adjacent to the circuit board. A retainer is pivoted within the space. The retainer is pivotally mounted to the plunger at the distal end of the plunger. The plunger is moved in a second direction to clamp the circuit board between the retainer and the circuit component.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, another method for assembling a device is provided. During this method, a first element is placed on a substrate. The first element includes an element opening. The substrate includes a substrate opening. A plunger is moved in a first direction such that a distal end of the plunger passes through the element opening and the substrate opening and enters a space adjacent to the substrate. A retainer rotates within the space. The retainer is rotatably mounted to the plunger at the distal end of the plunger. The plunger is moved in a second direction opposite the first direction to clamp the first element and the substrate between the retainer and a clamp base. The plunger is movably engaged with the clamp base. The plunger is moved in the second direction using at least a spring element biased between the plunger and the clamp base.

[0006] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a clamp device is provided. The clamp device includes a clamp base, a plunger, a first spring element, a retainer, and a second spring element. The clamp base includes a base opening extending axially along a centerline through the clamp base. The plunger is configured to fit into the base opening and move relative to the clamp base between a retracted position and an extended position. The plunger includes a plunger base, a shank, and a mount. When the plunger is in the extended position, the shank protrudes axially along the centerline from the head out of the base opening and into the mount. The first spring element is disposed within the base opening and is compressed between the clamp base and the plunger base when the plunger is in the extended position. The retainer is pivotally connected to the mount and configured to pivot between a retracted position and an extended position. When the plunger is in the retracted position, the retainer is in the retracted position and is within the base opening. When the plunger is in the extended position, the retainer is in the extended position and is outside the clamp base. The second spring element is configured to rotate the retainer from the retracted position to the deployed position.

[0007] The first spring element can be configured as or include a compression spring element, and the second spring element can be configured as or include a tension spring element.

[0008] The first element may be configured as or include a circuit element, and the substrate may be configured as or include a printed circuit board.

[0009] The retainer can include a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion. The first end and the second end can abut against the substrate when the first element and the substrate are clamped between the retainer and the clamp base, respectively. The intermediate portion can be between the first end and the second end. The intermediate portion can be pivotally mounted to the plunger.

[0010] Moving the plunger in a first direction can include translating the plunger in the first direction along the centerline, and rotating the retainer can include rotating the retainer within the space about an axis angularly offset from the centerline.

[0011] The retainer can rotate at least 75 degrees within the space.

[0012] The rotation of the retainer within the space can be passively actuated.

[0013] The retainer is capable of pivoting within the space by means of a spring element.

[0014] The spring element may be a tension spring element.

[0015] The plunger may be moved in the second direction using at least a spring element.

[0016] The spring element may be a compression spring element.

[0017] The plunger may be disposed with a clamp base, the plunger being movable relative to the clamp base during at least a portion of the plunger's movement in the first direction and during the plunger's movement in the second direction, and the circuit component and circuit board may be clamped between the clamp base and the retainer.

[0018] The plunger can be disposed with the clamp base. The plunger can move with the clamp base during a first portion of the plunger's movement in the first direction. The plunger can move relative to the clamp base during a second portion of the plunger's movement in the first direction. The circuit component and the circuit board can be clamped between the clamp base and the retainer.

[0019] The plunger can be disengaged from the circuit board while the circuit board is clamped between the retainer and the circuit element.

[0020] The method may also include soldering leads of the circuit element to conductive paths on the circuit board while the circuit board is clamped between the retainer and the circuit element.

[0021] The method may also include electrically coupling the circuit element to the circuit board; removing a clamping device from the circuit element and the circuit board, the clamping device including a plunger and a retainer; and securing the circuit element to the circuit board with fasteners, the fasteners passing through the element opening and the board opening.

[0022] The method may also include moving the plunger in a first direction using the manipulator.

[0023] The method may also include moving the second plunger in a first direction, passing a distal end of the second plunger through a second element opening in the circuit element and a second board opening in the circuit board into the space; rotating a second retainer within the space, the second retainer being rotatably mounted to the second plunger at the distal end of the second plunger; and moving the second plunger in a second direction to further clamp the circuit board between the second retainer and the circuit element.

[0024] Any one or more or all of the features described in at least any one or more or all of paragraphs 7 to 23 above can be combined with the embodiment described in paragraph 4. Any one or more or all of the features described in at least any one or more or all of paragraphs 7 to 23 above can be combined with the embodiment described in paragraph 5. Any one or more or all of the features described in at least any one or more or all of paragraphs 7 to 23 above can be combined with the embodiment described in paragraph 6. In this embodiment, if the features described in paragraphs 7 to 23 constitute method steps, the respective elements can be configured to perform those method steps. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary combinations described above. The present disclosure may include any one or more of the individual features disclosed above and / or below, alone or in any combination thereof.

[0025] The foregoing features and operation of the present invention will become more apparent in light of the following description and accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clamping device in a retracted position. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a clamping device in a retracted position. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clamping device in an extended position. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a clamping device in an extended position. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of a method for assembling the device. [Figure 6A] 1A-1C are partial cross-sectional views depicting a series of steps for assembling the device. [Figure 6B] 1A-1C are partial cross-sectional views depicting a series of steps for assembling the device. [Figure 6C] 1A-1C are partial cross-sectional views depicting a series of steps for assembling the device. [Figure 6D] 1A-1C are partial cross-sectional views depicting a series of steps for assembling the device. [Figure 6E] 1A-1C are partial cross-sectional views depicting a series of steps for assembling the device. [Figure 6F] 1A-1C are partial cross-sectional views depicting a series of steps for assembling the device. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a clamping device configured with a manipulator (shown schematically). [Figure 8] 1 is a partial perspective cross-sectional view of a plurality of clamping devices for clamping circuit elements to a circuit board. [Figure 9] 10 is a partial perspective cross-sectional view of another clamping device for clamping a circuit element to a circuit board. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] 1-4 illustrate an apparatus 20 for clamping components together during assembly of an apparatus, such as an electronic device. Examples of apparatus components include, but are not limited to, circuit elements and circuit boards. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the clamping device 20 in a contracted configuration. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the clamping device 20 in an extended configuration. The clamping device 20 of FIGS. 1-4 includes a clamp base 22, a clamp plunger 24, a clamp retainer 26, and one or more spring elements 28 and 30, e.g., coil springs.

[0028] Referring to Figure 2, the clamp base 22 extends axially along an axial centerline 32 of the clamping device 20 between a first end 34 of the clamp base 22 and a second end 36 of the clamp base 22. The clamp base 22 of Figure 2 extends radially (with respect to the axial centerline 32) between and to an inner side 38 of the clamp base 22 and an outer side 40 of the clamp base 22. The clamp base 22 extends circumferentially (e.g., completely around) the axial centerline 32, e.g., providing the clamp base 22 with a tubular body. The clamp base 22 of Figure 2 includes a (e.g., tubular) base sidewall 42 and a (e.g., annular) base flange 44.

[0029] The base sidewall 42 extends axially along the axial centerline 32 from the base first end 34 to the base second end 36. The base sidewall 42 is disposed on the base inner side 38 and defines a base opening 46 within the clamp base 22. The base opening 46 may extend axially along the axial centerline 32 through the clamp base 22, between and to the base first end 34 and the base second end 36. For example, the base opening 46 in FIG. 2 includes a bore 48 and a counterbore 50. The bore 48 extends axially along the axial centerline 32 from the base second end 36 toward the base first end 34, terminating in the counterbore 50. The counterbore 50 extends axially along the axial centerline 32 from the base first end 34 toward the base second end 36, terminating in the bore 48. With this configuration, a base ledge 52 (e.g., annular) may be formed within the base opening 46 at the axial intersection between the bore 48 and the counterbore 50. The base shelf 52 extends radially between and to a first inner surface 54 of the base sidewall 42 that defines the counterbore 50 and a second inner surface 56 of the base sidewall 42 that defines the bore 48 .

[0030] The base flange 44 is disposed at (e.g., on, adjacent to, or near) the first end 34 of the base. For example, the base flange 44 in FIG. 2 extends axially along the axial centerline 32 from the first end 34 of the base to a second end 58 of the base flange 44. The base flange 44 is connected to (e.g., integrally formed with) the base sidewall 42. The base flange 44 projects radially from the base sidewall 42 to a distal end 60 of the base flange 44 at the base exterior 40.

[0031] The clamp plunger 24 extends axially along the axial centerline 32 between and to a first end 62 of the clamp plunger 24 and a second (e.g., distal) end 64 of the clamp plunger 24. The clamp plunger 24 extends radially from the axial centerline 32 to an exterior 66 of the clamp plunger 24. The clamp plunger 24 extends circumferentially (e.g., completely around) the axial centerline 32. The clamp plunger 24 of FIG. 2 includes a plunger base 68, a plunger shank 70, and a plunger mount 72.

[0032] The plunger base 68 may be configured as the head of the clamp plunger 24. The plunger base 68 is disposed at the first end 62 of the plunger. For example, the plunger base 68 of FIG. 2 extends axially along the axial centerline 32 between and to the first end 62 of the plunger and a second end 74 of the plunger base 68. The plunger base 68 projects radially from the axial centerline 32 to an outer (e.g., cylindrical) surface 76 of the plunger base 68 at the plunger exterior 66.

[0033] The plunger shank 70 extends axially along the axial centerline 32 between and to the plunger base 68 and the plunger mount 72. The plunger shank 70 is connected to (e.g., integrally formed with) the plunger base 68 and the plunger mount 72. The plunger shank 70 projects radially from the axial centerline 32 to an outer (e.g., cylindrical) surface 78 of the plunger shank 70 at the plunger exterior 66. The shank outer surface 78 is recessed radially inward from the base outer surface 76. This allows the plunger base 68 to be provided with a (e.g., annular) plunger ledge 80 at the second end 74. The plunger ledge 80 extends radially between and to the shank outer surface 78 and the base outer surface 76.

[0034] The plunger mount 72 is disposed at the second end 64 of the plunger. For example, the plunger mount 72 of FIG. 2 projects axially from the plunger shank 70 to the second end 64 of the plunger. The plunger mount 72 can be grooved so that the plunger mount 72 includes one or more mounting flanges 82, such as tabs, seats, or ears. For example, the plunger mount 72 of FIG. 3 includes a (e.g., central) plunger channel 84. This plunger channel 84 can project axially into the clamp plunger 24 (e.g., through the plunger mount 72) along the axial centerline 32 from the second end 64 of the plunger to the end of the plunger channel 84 formed by the plunger shank 70 (see also FIG. 4). The plunger channel 84 extends laterally (in a first lateral direction) through the interior of the clamp plunger 24 and its plunger mount 72 between the mounting flanges 82. Plunger channel 84 in FIG. 4 extends laterally (in a second lateral direction perpendicular to the first lateral direction) through clamp plunger 24 and its plunger mount 72.

[0035] The clamp retainer 26 extends longitudinally along a longitudinal centerline 86 of the clamp retainer 26 between and to a first end 88 of the clamp retainer 26 and a second end 90 of the clamp retainer 26. The clamp retainer 26 of FIG. 4 includes a first end 92, a second end 94, and an intermediate portion 96. The first end 92 is disposed at the first end 88 of the retainer. For example, the first end 92 projects longitudinally along the longitudinal centerline 86 from the intermediate portion 96 to the first end 88 of the retainer. The second end 94 is disposed at the second end 90 of the retainer. For example, the second end 94 projects longitudinally along the longitudinal centerline 86 from the intermediate portion 96 to the second end 90 of the retainer. The intermediate portion 96 extends longitudinally along the longitudinal centerline 86 between the first end 92 and the second end 94 and is connected (e.g., integrally formed) therewith.

[0036] The clamp retainer 26 is movably (e.g., pivotably) coupled to the clamp plunger 24. For example, the intermediate portion 96 of FIG. 4 is disposed within the plunger channel 84. The intermediate portion 96 is pivotally attached (e.g., secured by a pin) to the plunger mount 72 and its mounting flange 82 (see also FIG. 3). This configuration allows the clamp retainer 26 to move (e.g., pivot) between a retracted position (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 2) and a deployed position (see, e.g., FIGS. 3 and 4). Between the retracted position of FIGS. 1 and 2 and the deployed position of FIGS. 3 and 4, the clamp retainer 26 can rotate at least seventy-five degrees (75°), for example, from eight degrees (80°) to ninety degrees (90°), about a pivot axis 98. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such an exemplary relationship. The pivot axis 98 in FIGS. 3 and 4 is angularly offset from (eg, perpendicular to) the axial centerline 32 and may be coincident therewith.

[0037] When the clamp retainer 26 is in the retracted position of FIGS. 1 and 2 , the clamp retainer 26 may be substantially aligned with the clamp plunger 24. For example, the longitudinal centerline 86 may be parallel to the axial centerline 32 or may be offset from the axial centerline 32 by an angle of fifteen degrees (15°) or less, e.g., less than ten degrees (10°), but greater than zero degrees (0°). However, the present disclosure is not limited to such an exemplary relationship. With such a configuration, the first end 92 (not visible in FIGS. 1 and 2 ) may be positioned substantially or completely within the plunger channel 84 while the clamp retainer 26 is in the retracted position. Meanwhile, the second end 94 may protrude axially from the clamp plunger 24 at its second end 36 along the axial centerline 32.

[0038] 3 and 4, clamp retainer 26 may be angularly offset relative to clamp plunger 24. For example, longitudinal centerline 86 may be perpendicular to axial centerline 32 or may be angularly offset from axial centerline 32 by five degrees (5°) or less, or ten degrees (10°) or less.

[0039] The retainer spring element 28 is configured to move (e.g., passively) the clamp retainer 26 from the retracted position of FIG. 2 to the deployed position of FIG. 4 . The retainer spring element 28 can be configured, for example, as a tension spring. For example, a first end of the retainer spring element 28 of FIG. 4 is connected (e.g., glued or otherwise attached) to the clamp plunger 24. A second end of the retainer spring element 28 is connected (e.g., glued or otherwise attached) to the clamp retainer 26 at a longitudinal position between the pivot axis 98 and the second end 90 of the retainer, e.g., at the second end 94. When the clamp retainer 26 is in the retracted position of FIG. 2 , the retainer spring element 28 can be under tension. However, when the clamp retainer 26 is in the deployed position of FIG. 4 , the retainer spring element 28 can be relaxed. With this configuration, the retainer spring element 28 biases the clamp retainer 26 toward the deployed position.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 2 , the plunger spring element 30 is mounted to the clamp plunger 24. Specifically, the plunger spring element 30 of FIG. 2 is mounted to and surrounds the plunger shank 70. The assembly of the clamp device elements 24, 26, 28, and 30 is coupled with the clamp base 22. For example, the clamp plunger 24 of FIG. 2 is disposed within the base opening 46. The plunger spring element 30 is also disposed within the base opening 46, more specifically, within the counterbore 50. The plunger spring element 30 extends axially along the axial centerline 32 between the base ledge 52 and the plunger ledge 80 and engages (e.g., contacts) them. When the clamp plunger 24 is in the extended position of FIG. 4 , the plunger spring element 30 can be axially compressed between the clamp base 22 and the clamp plunger 24. However, when the clamp plunger 24 is in the retracted position of FIG. 2, the plunger spring element 30 may be more modestly compressed or relaxed axially between the clamp base 22 and the clamp plunger 24. Thus, the plunger spring element 30 may be configured as a compression spring. In this configuration, the plunger spring element 30 biases the clamp plunger 24 toward its retracted position.

[0041] When the clamp plunger 24 is in the retracted position of FIG. 2 , the plunger base 68 may be outboard (e.g., external) of the clamp base 22 toward the base first end 34. However, the clamp plunger 24 protrudes axially along the axial centerline 32 from the base opening 46 to the plunger second end 64. More specifically, the plunger shank 70 may protrude axially from the plunger base 68, through the counterbore 50, partially into the bore 48, and to the plunger mount 72. The plunger mount 72 may extend axially within the bore 48. With this configuration, the pivot 98 is recessed axially inward from the base second end 36, while the second end 94 may protrude axially outward from the base opening 46 and the base second end 36. To facilitate this configuration, the clamp retainer 26 is disposed in a retracted position when the clamp plunger 24 is in the retracted position. Furthermore, while clamp plunger 24 is in the retracted position, base sidewall 42 and its second inner surface 56 can hold / maintain clamp retainer 26 in its retracted position. More specifically, second inner surface 56 forms a stop that prevents clamp retainer 26 from pivoting about its pivot axis 98.

[0042] When the clamp plunger 24 is in the extended position of FIG. 4 , the plunger base 68 can be positioned within the base opening 46. The plunger shank 70 can extend axially through the bore 48 and out of the base opening 46. The plunger mount 72 can be external to the clamp base 22, toward the second end 36 of the base. With this configuration, the pivot axis 98 moves outward from the clamp base 22, allowing the clamp retainer 26 to move (e.g., pivot) freely from the retracted position to the deployed position.

[0043] 5 is a flow diagram of a method 500 for assembling the apparatus. For ease of explanation, this assembly method 500 will be described hereinafter with reference to the clamping device 20 of FIGS. 1-4. However, the assembly method 500 is not limited to the use of such an exemplary clamping device.

[0044] In step 502, a circuit element 100 is placed on a circuit board 102, as shown in FIG. 6A . For example, the circuit element 100 in FIG. 6A is vertically placed on top of the circuit board 102, allowing a bottom surface 104 of the circuit element 100 to engage (e.g., contact, abut, etc.) with a top surface 106 of the circuit board 102. The element opening 108 of the circuit element 100 may also be aligned (e.g., coaxially positioned) with a board opening 110 of the circuit board 102. For example, the element opening 108 in FIG. 6A extends axially along a centerline 112 of the element opening 108 and passes through the circuit element 100. The board opening 110 in FIG. 6A extends axially along a centerline 114 of the board opening 110 and passes through the circuit board 102. The centerline 112 of the element opening may be coaxial with the centerline 114 of the board opening. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the openings 108, 110 (eg, element opening 108) can completely overlap the other of the openings 110, 108 (eg, substrate opening 110).

[0045] The circuit elements 100 may be configured as or otherwise include processing devices, memory devices, resistors, capacitors, transistors, inductors, diodes, switches, input devices, and / or output devices. The circuit board 102 may be configured as or otherwise include a printed circuit board (PCB), also known as a printed wiring board (PWB). For ease of explanation, the apparatus assembled by the assembly method 500 will be described herein as an electronic device. Examples of electronic devices include, but are not limited to, controllers, sensor systems, communication systems, and processing systems. However, the present disclosure is not limited to assembling such exemplary electronic devices. Furthermore, the present disclosure is not limited to assembling circuit elements on a circuit board. For example, the assembly method 500 can alternatively be used to assemble various other types of objects, e.g., elements, on a substrate.

[0046] In step 504, the clamping device 20 is mated to the circuit element 100 and circuit board 102 configuration, as shown in FIG. 6B. For example, the clamping device 20 can be inserted into the element opening 108 while the clamp plunger 24 is in the retracted position and the clamp retainer 26 is in the retracted position. For example, the base flange 44 of FIG. 6B can axially engage (e.g., contact, abut, rest, etc.) the top surface 116 of the circuit element 100. The base sidewall 42 can partially protrude into the element opening 108 (outside the base flange 44) to reach the base second end 36. The clamp retainer 26 and its second end 94 can protrude into the element opening 108 and / or the board opening 110 (outside the clamp base 22) to reach the retainer second end 90. When clamping device 20 is inserted into element opening 108, clamping device 20 may be translated axially along centerlines 112, 114, which may also be coaxial with axial centerline 32. During this translation, the various clamping device elements 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30 may move together. More specifically, the various clamping device elements 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30 may move as a single unit, for example, without relative movement between (e.g., any of) the various clamping device elements 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30.

[0047] In step 506, as shown in FIG. 6C , the clamp plunger 24 is extended from the clamp base 22. For example, the clamp plunger 24 of FIG. 6C is translated axially in a first direction (e.g., a vertically downward direction) along the centerlines 32, 112, 114 relative to the clamp base 22. This allows the plunger's second end 64 to move axially out of the element opening 108, through the board opening 110, and into an adjacent space 118, such as a plenum, cavity, workspace, etc. This space 118 may be adjacent to, vertically below, and / or at least partially formed by the circuit board 102. When the clamp plunger 24 is in (or near) the extended position, the retainer spring element 28 may rotate the clamp retainer 26 about the pivot axis 98 within the space 118 from the retracted position to the deployed position. More specifically, the clamp retainer 26 can begin to rotate from the stored position to the deployed position, for example, as soon as the first end 88 of the retainer passes through (e.g., is outside) the circuit board 102 and its board opening 110.

[0048] In step 508, as shown in FIG. 6D , the clamp plunger 24 is at least partially retracted into the clamp base 22. For example, the clamp plunger 24 in FIG. 6D is translated axially along the centerlines 32, 112, 114 relative to the clamp base 22 in a second direction (e.g., a vertically upward direction, opposite the first direction). This allows the clamp plunger 24 to axially move (e.g., translate) the clamp retainer 26 in the second direction until the clamp retainer 26 engages the bottom surface 120 of the circuit board 102. When the clamp retainer 26 engages the circuit board 102 (and the clamp base 22 engages the circuit element 100 as described above), the clamp device 20 is in a clamped configuration. For example, the plunger spring element 30 continues to bias the clamp plunger 24 back to its retracted position, and the circuit element 100 and the circuit board 102 are axially clamped between the clamp base 22 and the clamp retainer 26. More specifically, circuit element 100 is axially clamped between clamp base 22 and circuit board 102, and circuit board 102 is axially clamped between circuit element 100 and clamp retainer 26. The biasing force of plunger spring element 30 can be sized to seat circuit element 100 flush against circuit board 102, e.g., in the same position that circuit element 100 will later be located when secured to circuit board 102.

[0049] In step 510, the circuit element 100 is electrically coupled to the circuit board 102, as shown in Figure 6E. For example, one or more electrical leads 122 (one visible in Figure 6E) from the circuit element 100 may be soldered or otherwise electrically coupled to one or more respective conductive paths 124 (e.g., traces, one visible in Figure 6E) of the circuit board 102.

[0050] At step 512, clamping device 20 is removed from the circuit element-circuit board configuration. For example, an operator (e.g., an assembly worker) can return clamp plunger 24 (e.g., manually) to the extended position and rotate clamp retainer 26 (e.g., manually) back to the retracted position. While maintaining clamp retainer 26 in the retracted position, the operator can return clamp plunger 24 to the retracted position via plunger spring element 30. Clamping device 20 can then be removed from element opening 108.

[0051] In step 514, as shown in Figure 6F, the circuit element 100 is secured to the circuit board 102 with a fastener 126. For example, the end of the fastener 126 in Figure 6F passes through the element opening 108 and the board opening 110 in that order (or vice versa) and engages with a nut 128 to mechanically secure the circuit element 100 to the circuit board 102.

[0052] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 7 , clamping device 20 can be moved by a manipulator 130 (shown schematically), e.g., a robotic pick-and-place machine, during at least steps 504, 506, and / or 508. For example, manipulator 130 of FIG. 7 can be attached to plunger base 68 (e.g., via a suction / vacuum head). Manipulator 130 can then push clamp plunger 24 and its plunger base 68 in a first direction and / or pull clamp plunger 24 and its plunger base 68 in a second direction to facilitate manipulation of clamping device 20. By using manipulator 130, clamping device 20 can precisely mate with a circuit element-circuit board configuration (see, e.g., FIGS. 6B-D ), for example, without scraping against, displacing, and / or damaging circuit element 100 and / or circuit board 102. Furthermore, circuit element 100 can be clamped to circuit board 102 without having to access space 118 below circuit board 102 before electrically coupling circuit element 100 to circuit board 102. Of course, in other embodiments, it is contemplated that any one or more of steps 504, 506, and / or 508 may alternatively be performed manually, such as by an operator, where openings 108 and 110 are large enough to accurately position the clamping devices.

[0053] Although the assembly method 500 is described above with respect to using a single clamping device 20 to clamp the circuit element 100 to the circuit board 102, the aforementioned method steps may alternatively be repeated one or more times to utilize multiple clamping devices 20. For example, with reference to FIG. 8 , two (or more) clamping devices 20 may be used to clamp the circuit element 100 to the circuit board 102 to facilitate electrical coupling therebetween.

[0054] 6B, the clamp base 22 of each clamp device 20 may be mated (e.g., inserted) with the respective element opening 108. In other embodiments, with reference to FIG. 9, the clamp base 22 of at least one, some, or all of the clamp devices 20 may remain outside the circuit element 100. For example, each clamp base 22 of FIG. 9 includes a second end flange 132 that axially engages and abuts the top surface 116 of the circuit element 100.

[0055] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the present disclosure described herein includes several aspects and embodiments that include specific features. These features may be described individually, but are within the scope of the present disclosure; some or all of these features may be combined with any one of the aspects and still remain within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not to be limited except in light of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. 1. A method for assembling a device, comprising: placing a circuit element on a circuit board, the circuit element comprising an element opening and the circuit board comprising a board opening; moving a plunger in a first direction such that a distal end of the plunger passes through the element opening and the board opening and into a space adjacent the circuit board; rotating a retainer within the space, the retainer being pivotally mounted to the plunger at the distal end of the plunger; and moving the plunger in a second direction to clamp the circuit board between the retainer and the circuit element.

2. moving the plunger in the first direction includes translating the plunger in the first direction along a centerline; The method of claim 1 , wherein said rotating said retainer comprises rotating said retainer within said space about an axis angularly offset from said centerline.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the retainer is rotated at least 75 degrees within the space.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pivoting of the retainer within the space is passively actuated.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the retainer is pivoted within the space by a spring element.

6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the spring element is a tension spring element.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the plunger is moved in the second direction using at least a spring element.

8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the spring element is a compression spring element.

9. The plunger is disposed with a clamp base; the plunger moves relative to the clamp base during at least a portion of the movement of the plunger in the first direction and during the movement of the plunger in the second direction; The method of claim 1 , wherein the circuit element and the circuit board are clamped between the clamp base and the retainer.

10. The plunger is disposed with a clamp base; the plunger moves with the clamp base during a first portion of the movement of the plunger in the first direction; the plunger moves relative to the clamp base during a second portion of the movement of the plunger in the first direction; The method of claim 1 , wherein the circuit element and the circuit board are clamped between the clamp base and the retainer.

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the plunger is disengaged from the circuit board while the circuit board is clamped between the retainer and the circuit element.

12. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising soldering leads of the circuit element to conductive paths on the circuit board while the circuit board is clamped between the retainer and the circuit element.

13. electrically coupling the circuit element to the circuit board; removing a clamping device from the circuit element and the circuit board, the clamping device including the plunger and the retainer; and The method of claim 1 , further comprising fastening the circuit component to the circuit board with a fastener, the fastener passing through the component opening and the board opening.

14. The method of claim 1 , further comprising using a manipulator to move the plunger in the first direction.

15. moving a second plunger in the first direction such that a distal end of the second plunger passes through a second element opening in the circuit element and a second board opening in the circuit board and enters the space; rotating a second retainer within the space, the second retainer being pivotally mounted to the second plunger at the distal end of the second plunger; and The method of claim 1 , further comprising: moving the second plunger in the second direction to further clamp the circuit board between the second retainer and the circuit element.

16. 1. A method for assembling a device, comprising: disposing a first element on a substrate, the first element comprising an element opening and the substrate comprising a substrate opening; moving a plunger in a first direction such that a distal end of the plunger passes through the element opening and the substrate opening and into a space adjacent the substrate; rotating a retainer within the space, the retainer being pivotally mounted to the plunger at the distal end of the plunger; and The method includes moving the plunger in a second direction opposite to the first direction to clamp the first element and the substrate between the retainer and a clamp base, wherein the plunger is movably engaged with the clamp base and the plunger is moved in the second direction using at least a spring element biased between the plunger and the clamp base.

17. the first element includes a circuit element; The method of claim 16 , wherein the substrate comprises a printed circuit board.

18. the retainer includes a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion; the first end and the second end are respectively abutted against the substrate when the first element and the substrate are clamped between the retainer and the clamp base; 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the intermediate portion is between the first end and the second end, the intermediate portion being pivotally mounted to the plunger.

19. 1. A clamping device comprising: a clamp base comprising a base opening extending axially along a centerline through the clamp base; a plunger configured to mate with the base opening and move between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the clamp base, the plunger including a plunger base, a shank, and a mount, the shank protruding axially along the centerline from a head out of the base opening to the mount when the plunger is in the extended position; a first spring element disposed within the base opening and compressed between the clamp base and the plunger base when the plunger is in the extended position; a retainer pivotally connected to the mount and configured to pivot between a retracted position and a deployed position, the retainer being in the retracted position and within the base opening when the plunger is in the retracted position, and in the deployed position and exterior to the clamp base when the plunger is in the extended position; and the clamping device including a second spring element configured to rotate the retainer from the retracted position to the deployed position.

20. the first spring element comprises a compression spring element; The clamping device of claim 19 , wherein the second spring element comprises a tension spring element.

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