Method for connecting an electronic component to a printed circuit board

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic board (4) comprising guiding means (3) for inserting a first connector (1) into a second connector (2), the guiding means being formed by a suitably arranged electronic component, preferably a passive component. The invention also relates to a method for forming such guiding means and to a connection method using such guiding means.

Description

Method for connecting an electronic component to a printed circuit board.

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electronic boards. In particular, it relates to means and a method for connecting two components together, one of which is fixed to a board such as an electronic board.

[0002] Connecting two connectors together is often difficult; the connectors are usually small and delicate to handle amidst the many components on the board. Furthermore, improper handling of the connectors can damage the connectors themselves, such as a pin, or even other components on the board.

[0003] It is common practice to use a plate, usually made of epoxy, to facilitate the connection of connectors. However, the space occupied by the components mounted on the circuit board makes the use of this plate difficult. It is challenging to position correctly, and the complex handling required by an operator often results in damage to other components on the board.

[0004] One aim of the invention is to provide means and a method of assembly which allow for easier and more secure connection of the connectors to each other.

[0005] According to a first object, the invention relates to an electronic card comprising guidance means for introducing a first connector into a second connector, the second connector being fixed on a plate of this card.

[0006] Advantageously, the guidance means include electronic components.

[0007] Indeed, the processes for mounting electronic components on a circuit board typically allow for very precise control over their position. These mounting processes, generally using robotic means, ensure highly accurate and rapid positioning of the electronic components. Consequently, the electronic components used as guides provide very precise guidance of the first connector. A variety of electronic components can be used as guides, particularly inexpensive ones.

[0008] Preferably, these electronic components include inactive components.

[0009] With the electronic components inactive, assembly costs are greatly reduced and there is no risk of electrical failure.

[0010] The guiding means may include at least one wedge serving as a support for the first connector, in front of the second connector.

[0011] The guiding means may include at least one lateral guide for the first connector, in front of the second connector.

[0012] According to the second object, the invention relates to a connector intended to constitute a first connector intended to engage with a second connector of a card according to the invention and which includes at least one lug intended to engage by snapping between the guiding means and the second connector.

[0013] According to the third object, the invention relates to a method for forming, on a printed circuit board, means for guiding a first connector intended to engage with a second connector fixed to the board, a method which includes the placement on this board of at least one component, preferably inactive, serving as a lateral guide and / or shim for the first connector.

[0014] According to the fourth object of the invention, a method for connecting a first connector intended to engage with a second connector fixed to a card comprising guide means formed by a method according to the invention, comprises sliding the first connector towards the second connector by taking support, at least indirectly, against the guide means.

[0015] This method may include pre-forming a hole in the thickness of the first connector and a hole in the board so that, in a functional connection position between the connectors, the holes are positioned opposite each other, and then securing the first connector to the board by means of fasteners passing through both holes. Preferably, rivet-type fasteners are used.

[0016] A method according to the invention may use a first connector provided with at least one lug intended to engage by snapping with the guiding means.

[0017] Another object of the invention relates to an electronic terminal, in particular a payment terminal, which includes a card according to the invention. Indeed, such a terminal, which is frequently handled, can be dropped, and the consequences of such drops are reduced by the use of a card according to the invention.

[0018] Embodiments and variations will be described below, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the attached drawings in which:

[0019] is a schematic elevation and longitudinal section view, illustrating a device and method according to the invention for guiding the introduction of a first connector into a second connector fixed on a printed circuit board plate of an electronic board, this device comprising an electronic component as a height wedge;

[0020] is a schematic view similar to that of the, in which the first connector is engaged with the second, the first being held fixed to the plate according to a first locking method, by riveting;

[0021] is a schematic top view illustrating a lateral guidance of the first connector, using two electronic components, and also illustrates a detail D3 in elevation;

[0022] is a front photographic view of a second connector fixed to a printed circuit board and three electronic components arranged in front of this connector to serve as shims;

[0023] is a top photographic view of the plate as well as the second connector and the wedges attached to it;

[0024] is a schematic elevation view of a second locking method that differs from the fixing method of the;

[0025] is a schematic elevation view of a third locking mode;

[0026] is a schematic top view of a fourth locking mode, in the unlocked position; and,

[0027] is a view similar to that of the, in which the fourth locking mode is represented in the locked position.

[0028] In this description, the terms "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower," "horizontal," "vertical," "front," and other similar terms may be used arbitrarily and generally refer to the reader's usual positions without being restrictive. Arbitrarily, except for:

[0029] Figures 1 to 3 illustrate a first connector 1, a second connector 2, a spacer 3, and a printed circuit board 4. The connectors and spacers are electronic components and are attached to the board 4.

[0030] In the illustrated example, the first connector 1 is a flexible printed circuit (FPC) connector. Connectors 1 and 2 allow the circuit board 4 to be functionally connected to the flexible printed circuit. Of the flexible printed circuit, only connector 1 is shown in Figures 1 through 3. The first connector 1 is a male plug, and the second connector 2 is a female plug.

[0031] The second connector 2, as seen in longitudinal section, is C-shaped and open at the front to allow the first connector 1 to be inserted horizontally from front to back. The opening 5 at the front provides access to a recess 6 inside the second connector to receive a free end 7 of the first connector. The C-shape has a lower lip 2A of height H2, near the opening 5, with height H2 being measured above the card 4.

[0032] Spacer 3 is positioned in front of the second connector; it includes a functionally inactive electronic component. That is, this component is not functionally connected to the printed circuit board on plate 4. It is selected and positioned so that its height H3, measured above the plate, is substantially equal to, or slightly less than, the height H2 of the lower lip of connector 2.

[0033] Thus, as illustrated in figures 1 and 2, by using the wedge 3 as a support, the first connector 1 can be guided simply and without risk of damage into the inside of the second connector 2.

[0034] As illustrated in the top view, other components can be used as lateral guides 13 to guide the first connector 1 laterally into the second connector 2. In the example shown, the lateral guides 13 have a length L13 sufficient to ensure longitudinal guidance, and therefore proper orientation, of the first connector. Their height H13, measured above the plate 4, is greater than the height H2 of the lower lip 2A of the second connector 2. Note that, in the example described, the height H13 of the lateral guides 13 is greater than the height H3 of the shim 3. Their lateral positioning also allows for transverse centering of the first connector 1 with respect to the opening 5. Thus, the lateral guides 13 allow for horizontal alignment of the end 7 of the first connector with the housing 6 of the second connector.As illustrated in the figure, the lateral guides are preferably arranged opposite each other at a distance from each other substantially equal to or greater than a width of the free end 7 of the first connector 1. It should be noted that the electronic board may include only one lateral guide 13.

[0035] As particularly illustrated in Figure 1, it is possible to provide a hole 8 in the thickness of the first connector 1 and a hole 9 in the plate 4. These holes are arranged so that, in the position illustrated in Figure 1, in which the connectors 1 and 2 are functionally connected, these holes are opposite each other. Thus, in this position, it is advantageous to provide fastening means 10 for attaching the first connector 1 to the plate 4. In the illustrated example, the fastening means are rivets 10.

[0036] Like the shims 3 in the illustrated example, the side guides 13 are inexpensive inactive electronic components.

[0037] Of course, shims and side guides can be advantageously used in combination, so that the first connector is fully guided and aligned, in three dimensions with the housing 6 of the second connector.

[0038] In the example illustrated photographically in Figures 4 and 5, three shims 3 are used, approximately equidistant from the opening. The components 3 used as shims 3 are SMD resistors.

[0039] The lateral shims or guides can be installed using the automated and robotic systems employed to secure all the electronic components on board 4. This makes the shims and guides inexpensive and easy to install with good precision. No additional step is required to install a guide to engage the first component 1 with the second component 2.

[0040] Figures 6 to 9 illustrate locking modes of the first connector to plate 4, which differ from the first mode previously illustrated with reference to laen in that these are non-snap locking modes.

[0041] In the second embodiment, illustrated in Figure 1, the first connector 1 includes a tab 16 projecting from an underside 17 opposite the card 4. The tab has a parallelepiped shape. When the first connector 1 is inserted into the housing 6, the tab 16, aided by the elasticity of the first connector 1 or the tab 16 itself, elastically passes through the spacer 13; pulled back by the elasticity of the first connector, the tab assumes the position illustrated in Figure 1 and comes to rest between the second component 2 and the spacer 13. Thus, it prevents the first connector 1 from being pushed too far into the housing 6 of the second component and prevents the first connector 1 from being removed from the second component by a simple translation.

[0042] The third embodiment, illustrated in Figure 1, differs from the second embodiment described above in that the lug 16 has a triangular longitudinal cross-section. Thus, it presents a first ramp PA with a slight slope, opposite the second connector, which facilitates the passage of the wedge 3 when the first connector is inserted. The lug 16 has a second ramp PB with a very steep slope, on the opposite side from the first ramp PA; in the locking position shown, the second ramp is opposite the wedge 3. The steep slope of the second ramp PB, while not preventing the removal of the first connector 1, makes it more difficult than its insertion.

[0043] The fourth locking method, illustrated in figures 8 and 9, differs from the previous ones, in that the first connector 1 includes two lateral lugs, designed to engage with lateral guides 13, as previously illustrated with reference to the.

[0044] Each lateral lug 16 extends laterally from a respective longitudinal edge of the first connector 1. When the first connector 1 is inserted into the second connector 2, each lateral lug 16 elastically passes through a respective guide 13 and is then elastically returned to a position where it is engaged between the respective guide 13 and the second connector 2, as illustrated in Figure 6. A lateral lug 16 may have a parallelepiped or triangular longitudinal cross-section, such as those previously illustrated in Figures 6 and 7. Other cross-sections may be used.

[0045] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described. On the contrary, the invention is defined by the claims that follow.

[0046] It will indeed become apparent to the man of the art that various modifications can be made to the methods of implementation described above, in the light of the teaching which has just been disclosed to him.

[0047] Thus, a functionally active component of the printed circuit board can be chosen as a shim.

[0048] Also, for the lateral guidance of the first connector, it may be sufficient to use only one lateral guide against which the first connector can slide during its movement to engage with the second connector.

[0049] Also, the first connector can be a female connector and the second connector can be a male connector, contrary to what has been described with reference to the figures. List of references:

[0050] 1: first connector 2: second connector 2A: lower lip of second connector 3: vertical spacer 4: printed circuit board support plate 5: opening of second connector 6: housing of second connector 7: free end of first connector 8: hole in first connector 9: hole in board 10: rivet 13: lateral guide 16: lug H2: height of lower lip of second connector H3: height of spacer H13: height of a lateral guide PA, PB: ramps of a lug.

Claims

Electronic card, characterized in that it includes guiding means (3, 13, 14) for introducing a first connector (1) into a second connector (2), said second connector (2) being fixed on a plate (4) of said card, the guiding means (3, 13, 14) comprising electronic components. Card according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic components include inactive components. Card according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the guiding means comprise at least one wedge (3) serving as a support for the first connector (1), in front of the second connector (2). Card according to claim 3, characterized in that the wedge (3) has a height (H3) substantially equal to or less than the height (H2) of a lower lip (2A) of the second connector (2), said heights being measured above the plate (4). Card according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the guiding means comprise at least one lateral guide (13) for the first connector (1), in front of the second connector (2). Card according to claim 5, characterized in that the lateral guide (13) has a height (H13) greater than the height (H2) of a lower lip (2A) of the second connector (2), said heights being measured above the plate (4). Connector intended to constitute a first connector (1) intended to engage with a second connector (2) of a card (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises at least one lug (16) intended to engage by snapping between the guiding means (3, 13) and said second connector (2). A method for forming on a printed circuit board means for guiding a first connector (1) intended to engage with a second connector (2) fixed to a plate (4) of said board, characterized in that it comprises the placement on said plate (4) of at least one component (3,13), preferably inactive, serving as a lateral guide (13) and / or shim (3) for said first connector (1). Method for connecting a first connector (1) intended to engage with a second connector (2) fixed to a plate (4) of an electronic board comprising guide means (3, 13, 14) formed according to claim 8, characterized in that the first connector is slid towards the second connector by taking support, at least indirectly, against said guide means. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that a hole (8) is first formed in a thickness of the first connector (1) and a hole (9) is first formed in the plate (4) so ​​that in a functional connection position of said connectors (1, 2) with each other said holes (8, 9) are arranged opposite each other, and then said first connector (1) is fixed to said plate by means of fixing (10) passing through said holes, preferably by means of rivet type (10). Method according to claim 9, characterized in that a first connector (1) is used, provided with at least one lug (16) intended to engage by snapping with the guiding means (3, 13). Electronic terminal, including a payment terminal, which includes a card according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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