公开(公告)号：US06478597B1

公开(公告)日：2002-11-12

申请号：US09931459

申请日：2001-08-16

Applicant: Joseph A. Roberts ,  Jonathan F. Roberts

Inventor： Joseph A. Roberts ,  Jonathan F. Roberts

IPC: H01R1315

CPC classification number: H01R12/79 ,  H01R12/82

Abstract: A zero insertion force (ZIF) connector for connecting a flat flexible cable (FFC) to contacts of a printed circuit board (PCB) comprising first and second housings which are relatively moveable between an unlocked state in which an FFC may be freely inserted into the housings for engagement with the contacts and a locked state in which the conductors of the FFC are captively engaged in electrical contact with the contacts; a latch system interconnecting the housing to latch the housings in their unlocked and locked state; and contact and FFC conductor guidance ribs sized and spaced to align the FFC conductors and the contacts for electrical connection of each conductor with an associated contact.

Abstract translation: 一种用于将扁平柔性电缆（FFC）连接到包括第一和第二壳体的印刷电路板（PCB）的触点的零插入力（ZIF）连接器，所述第一和第二壳体在可将FFC自由地插入到 用于与触点接合的壳体和锁定状态，其中FFC的导体被俘获地与触点电接触; 闩锁系统，其将所述壳体互连以将所述壳体锁定在其解锁和锁定状态; 以及接触和FFC导体引导肋的尺寸和间隔，以对准FFC导体和触头，用于将每个导体与相关联的接触件电连接。

公开(公告)号：US5873739A

公开(公告)日：1999-02-23

申请号：US645671

申请日：1996-05-14

Applicant: Joseph A. Roberts

Inventor： Joseph A. Roberts

IPC: H01R12/77 ,  H01R12/79 ,  H01R12/88 ,  H01R9/09

CPC classification number: H01R12/774 ,  H01R12/79 ,  H01R12/88

Abstract: A low cost, high energy direct circuit to circuit stored energy connector is disclosed. The connector precisely aligns and interconnects conductors of "flexible circuits" directly to mating contacts on printed circuit boards. The connector uses the flexible circuit conductors themselves to aid in alignment and eliminates the need for precise control of the outside dimensions of a flexible circuit's dielectric backplane or a precisely located alignment hole. The connector is a zero insertion force (ZIF) type, and is a high density surface mount. The connector comprises two major components: a connector housing and a circuit interconnection spring assembly. The housing is configured with a device for forming a direct flexible circuit conductor to printed circuit board mating contact interconnection. The circuit is retained in position by a multi-function spring assembly rotatably positionable with respect to the housing. Rotation of the spring assembly from an open to a shut position allows the spring assembly to: a) work in conjunction with the housing to positively align the circuit in position, b) pull the circuit into position within the housing, c) ensure adequate force is applied to the circuit's dielectric backplane behind each of the circuit's conductors to guarantee proper electrical connection between the circuit and the printed circuit board, and d) provide a ground return from the circuit to the printed circuit board.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种低成本，高能量的直流回路存储能量连接器。 连接器将“柔性电路”的导体直接对准并互连到印刷电路板上的配合触点。 连接器使用柔性电路导体本身来帮助对准，并且消除了对柔性电路的介电背板或精确定位的对准孔的外部尺寸的精确控制的需要。 连接器是零插入力（ZIF）型，是高密度表面安装。 连接器包括两个主要部件：连接器壳体和电路互连弹簧组件。 壳体配置有用于形成用于印刷电路板配合触点互连的直接柔性电路导体的装置。 电路通过可相对于壳体可旋转定位的多功能弹簧组件保持在适当位置。 弹簧组件从打开位置到关闭位置的旋转允许弹簧组件：a）与壳体一起工作以将电路正确对准位置，b）将电路拉到壳体内的位置，c）确保足够的力 被施加到每个电路的导体之后的电路的介电背板，以保证电路和印刷电路板之间的适当的电连接，以及d）提供从电路到印刷电路板的接地返回。

公开(公告)号：US5196819A

公开(公告)日：1993-03-23

申请号：US855747

申请日：1992-03-23

Applicant: Joseph A. Roberts

Inventor： Joseph A. Roberts

IPC: H01H69/02 ,  H01H85/00 ,  H01H85/046 ,  H01H85/43 ,  H05K1/00 ,  H05K1/02 ,  H05K1/18 ,  H05K3/28

CPC classification number: H01H85/046 ,  H05K1/0293 ,  H01H69/022 ,  H01H85/0056 ,  H01H85/43 ,  H05K1/0203 ,  H05K1/0271 ,  H05K1/0393 ,  H05K1/189 ,  H05K2201/0305 ,  H05K2201/0338 ,  H05K2201/09781 ,  H05K2201/10181 ,  H05K3/281 ,  Y10T29/49107

Abstract: A fusible printed circuit includes one or more conductors extending along a dielectric substrate. The circuit can be flexible or rigid. Each conductor is comprised of a layer of electrically conductive material and has one or more gaps formed in the conductive layer at locations opposite a segment of the fusible material so that electrical current flowing through each conductor is required to pass, in its entirety, through the segment of fusible material at the location of each gap in the layer of conductive material. The integral fuses are designed to specific electrical parameters and may be located randomly along circuit runs. The fusible material is cold welded to the conductors at the gaps. Pressure concentrators support the fuses and minimize motion stress on the fuses. The fuses can be sealed within a protective overlay which captures debris when the fuses are blown and controlled venting of the debris can also be provided. The use of such a circuit to incorporate a variety of fuses having different fuse ratings into the conductive paths of a printed circuit is also disclosed, as are methods of making fusible flexible circuits.

Abstract translation: 易熔印刷电路包括沿着电介质基片延伸的一个或多个导体。 电路可以是柔性的或刚性的。 每个导体由一层导电材料组成，并且在导电层中形成的一个或多个间隙在与易熔材料的片段相对的位置处，使得流过每个导体的电流需要通过整个通过 在导电材料层中的每个间隙的位置处的可熔材料的段。 集成保险丝设计为特定的电气参数，可以沿电路随机定位。 可熔材料在间隙处被冷焊到导体上。 压力调节器支持保险丝，并使保险丝上的运动应力最小化。 保险丝可以在保护层内密封，当保险丝熔断时可以捕获碎屑，同时也可以控制碎屑的排放。 还公开了使用这种电路将具有不同熔丝额定值的各种熔丝结合到印刷电路的导电路径中，以及制造易熔柔性电路的方法。

公开(公告)号：US06447305B1

公开(公告)日：2002-09-10

申请号：US09592834

申请日：2000-06-13

Applicant: Joseph A. Roberts

Inventor： Joseph A. Roberts

IPC: H01R1200

CPC classification number: H01R12/774 ,  H01R12/79 ,  H01R12/88

Abstract: A circuit to printed circuit board stored energy connector. The connector precisely aligns and interconnects conductors of “flexible circuits” (including conductive ink circuits (CIC), flexible printed circuits (FPC), and/or flat flexible cables (FFC)) directly to mating contacts on printed circuit boards. The connector is a zero insertion force (ZIF) type, and is a high density surface mount. The connector comprises mainly an actuator with an activation ridge, a deflectable flat spring contact in a spring support module, and circuit alignment features that use the flexible circuit's existing features—the outline and conductors—to accurately align the conductors of the flexible circuit to their corresponding mating spring contacts. The connector also includes circuit locators, a circuit compression flap and conductor alignment notches which work cooperatively to align and interconnect a flexible circuit to its spring contact. The connector provides a micro-wiping action that will not damage the flexible circuit, and also provides secure connection with a two point, redundant contact.

Abstract translation: 电路板印刷电路板存储能量连接器。 连接器将“柔性电路”（包括导电油墨电路（CIC），柔性印刷电路（FPC）和/或扁平柔性电缆（FFC））的导体直接对准和互连，直接连接到印刷电路板上的配合触点。 连接器是零插入力（ZIF）型，是高密度表面安装。 连接器主要包括具有激活脊的致动器，弹簧支撑模块中的可偏转的弹簧触点，以及使用柔性电路的现有特征（轮廓和导体）的电路对准特征，以将柔性电路的导体精确对准到它们的 相应的配合弹簧触点。 连接器还包括电路定位器，电路压缩翼片和导体对准凹口，其协同工作以将柔性电路对准和互连到其弹簧触点。 连接器提供不会损坏柔性电路的微擦拭动作，并且还提供与两点冗余触点的安全连接。

公开(公告)号：US6092282A

公开(公告)日：2000-07-25

申请号：US332542

申请日：1999-06-14

Applicant: Joseph A. Roberts

Inventor： Joseph A. Roberts

IPC: H05K3/04 ,  H05K3/46 ,  H01K3/22

CPC classification number: H05K3/045 ,  H05K2201/0195 ,  H05K2201/0355 ,  H05K2201/0382 ,  H05K2203/063 ,  H05K3/4647 ,  Y10T29/49126 ,  Y10T29/49155 ,  Y10T29/49158

Abstract: Methods of facilitating commercial production of supported conductive networks without the use of hazardous chemicals including using heat flowable adhesive in the formation of the networks, providing contact pads exposed through a dielectric substrate which supports a conductive network, using the thickness of a conductor supporting dielectric layer to space the conductors and providing conductor and waste material cross-sections trapezoidal in shape in a non-planar pattern during manufacture of the networks.

Abstract translation: 促进支撑导电网络的商业生产的方法，不使用危险化学品，包括在网络形成中使用热可流动的粘合剂，通过支撑介质层的导体的厚度提供通过介电基板暴露的接触焊盘， 以在网络的制造过程中间隔导体并且以非平面图案形状提供梯形形状的导体和废料横截面。

公开(公告)号：US5343616A

公开(公告)日：1994-09-06

申请号：US837357

申请日：1992-02-14

Applicant: Joseph A. Roberts

Inventor： Joseph A. Roberts

IPC: H05K1/09 ,  H01R12/04 ,  H01R31/00 ,  H05K1/02 ,  H05K1/03 ,  H05K3/00 ,  H05K3/04 ,  H05K3/06 ,  H05K3/20 ,  H05K3/28 ,  H05K3/32 ,  H05K3/38 ,  H05K3/46 ,  H05K7/14 ,  H05K9/00 ,  H05K3/02

CPC classification number: H05K7/1451 ,  H01R31/00 ,  H05K3/045 ,  H05K3/4614 ,  H05K9/0039 ,  H05K1/036 ,  H05K2201/0195 ,  H05K2201/0355 ,  H05K2201/0367 ,  H05K2201/0382 ,  H05K2201/0715 ,  H05K2203/025 ,  H05K2203/063 ,  H05K3/281 ,  H05K3/328 ,  H05K3/386 ,  H05K3/4647 ,  Y10T29/49083 ,  Y10T29/49155 ,  Y10T29/49156 ,  Y10T29/49217 ,  Y10T29/49222 ,  Y10T29/49906

Abstract: A conductive network, which can be flexible or rigid, can have self-aligning conductors which connect with corresponding conductors of other networks. The conductive network can be fabricated into densely packed contact clusters for use as electrical interconnectors or circuits. The contact clusters, which can be configured to substantially any shape, are the essential components of high density connector assemblies. The methods and apparatus for making the conductive network and cluster contacts are also described.

Abstract translation: 可以是柔性或刚性的导电网络可以具有与其他网络的相应导体连接的自对准导体。 导电网络可以制成密集的接触簇，用作电连接器或电路。 可以被配置为基本上任何形状的接触簇是高密度连接器组件的基本部件。 还描述了用于制造导电网络和簇触点的方法和装置。

公开(公告)号：US5076803A

公开(公告)日：1991-12-31

申请号：US661486

申请日：1991-02-22

Applicant: Daniel L. Mutarelli ,  Joseph A. Roberts

Inventor： Daniel L. Mutarelli ,  Joseph A. Roberts

IPC: H01R12/79 ,  H01R13/193

CPC classification number: H01R13/193 ,  H01R12/79

Abstract: A connector assembly for connecting a flexible printed circuit or flat conductor tape cable with exposed terminal pads to the thru-hole terminals of a PC board or second flexible printed circuit includes a socket and conductive posts. Corresponding first ends of the posts project into the socket and corresponding second ends of the posts project from the bottom of the header for insertion into the PC board or second flexible printed circuit terminals. A connector is mounted to the end of the flexible circuit or flat conductor tape cable and it has post-receiving passages for receiving the post first ends so that those ends are electrically connected to the terminals pads of the flexible circuit or flat conductor tape cable when the connector is inserted into the header socket. Provision is also made for locking the connector in the header socket.

Abstract translation: 用于将柔性印刷电路或扁平导体带电缆与裸露端子焊盘连接到PC板或第二柔性印刷电路的通孔端子的连接器组件包括插座和导电柱。 柱的对应的第一端投入到插座中，并且柱的相应的第二端从头部的底部突出以插入PC板或第二柔性印刷电路端子。 连接器安装到柔性电路或扁平导体带缆的端部，并且其具有用于接收柱后第一端的后接收通道，使得这些端部电连接到柔性电路或扁平导体带电缆的端子焊盘，当 连接器插入插座插座。 还提供了将连接器锁定在插座插座中。

公开(公告)号：US4824379A

公开(公告)日：1989-04-25

申请号：US686631

申请日：1984-12-31

Applicant: Joseph A. Roberts ,  Thomas H. Stearns

Inventor： Joseph A. Roberts ,  Thomas H. Stearns

IPC: H01R12/62 ,  H01R13/62 ,  H05K3/36 ,  H05K1/00

CPC classification number: H01R12/79 ,  H01R12/89 ,  H01R12/772 ,  H01R13/62 ,  H05K3/365

Abstract: In a flexible circuit connector assembly, a first circuit has exposed contacts which are positioned in register with the termination pads of another circuit by means of a connector which mechanically clamps the two circuits together. The connector includes a frame having an undersurface to which the first circuit is affixed. Locating posts project from that surface and are received in locating apertures in the second circuit to properly position the connector and the attached circuit relative to the second circuit. A generally C-shaped spring member engages around the frame with its arms extending beyond the locating posts and with its bridging segment extending more or less perallel to the frame reference surface. An actuator mounted to the frame is movable between a releasing position wherein it deflects the spring bridging segment toward the frame reference surface to spread apart the arm hooks so that they are aligned with the locating posts, thereby permitting those posts to be inserted into the circuit apertures.

Abstract translation: 在柔性电路连接器组件中，第一电路具有暴露的触点，其通过将两个电路机械地夹在一起的连接器而定位成与另一电路的终端焊盘对准。 连接器包括具有第一电路所固定的下表面的框架。 定位柱从该表面突出并且被接收在第二电路中的定位孔中，以使连接器和附接的电路相对于第二电路正确地定位。 大致C形的弹簧构件围绕框架接合，其臂延伸超过定位柱，并且其桥接段或多或少地平行于框架参考表面延伸。 安装到框架的致动器可在释放位置之间移动，在释放位置之间，其将弹簧桥接部分朝向框架参考表面偏转，以使臂钩分开，使得它们与定位杆对齐，从而允许这些柱插入到电路 孔。

公开(公告)号：US5950305A

公开(公告)日：1999-09-14

申请号：US982983

申请日：1997-12-02

Applicant: Joseph A. Roberts

Inventor： Joseph A. Roberts

IPC: H05K3/04 ,  H05K3/46 ,  H01K3/22

CPC classification number: H05K3/045 ,  H05K2201/0195 ,  H05K2201/0355 ,  H05K2201/0382 ,  H05K2203/025 ,  H05K2203/063 ,  H05K3/4647 ,  Y10T29/49117 ,  Y10T29/49155 ,  Y10T29/49158

Abstract: Methods of facilitating commercial production of supported conductive networks without the use of hazardous chemicals including using heat flowable adhesive in the formation of the networks, providing contact pads exposed through a dielectric substrate which supports a conductive network, using the thickness of a conductor supporting dielectric layer to space the conductors and providing conductor and waste material cross-sections trapezoidal in shape in a non-planar pattern during manufacture of the networks.

Abstract translation: 促进支撑导电网络的商业生产的方法，不使用危险化学品，包括在网络形成中使用热可流动的粘合剂，通过支撑介质层的导体的厚度提供通过介电基板暴露的接触焊盘， 以在网络的制造过程中间隔导体并且以非平面图案形状提供梯形形状的导体和废料横截面。

公开(公告)号：US5584120A

公开(公告)日：1996-12-17

申请号：US358851

申请日：1994-12-19

Applicant: Joseph A. Roberts

Inventor： Joseph A. Roberts

IPC: H01R31/00 ,  H05K1/03 ,  H05K3/04 ,  H05K3/28 ,  H05K3/32 ,  H05K3/38 ,  H05K3/46 ,  H05K7/14 ,  H05K9/00 ,  H05K3/02

CPC classification number: H01R31/00 ,  H05K3/045 ,  H05K3/4614 ,  H05K7/1451 ,  H05K9/0039 ,  H05K1/036 ,  H05K2201/0195 ,  H05K2201/0355 ,  H05K2201/0367 ,  H05K2201/0382 ,  H05K2201/0715 ,  H05K2203/025 ,  H05K2203/063 ,  H05K3/281 ,  H05K3/328 ,  H05K3/386 ,  H05K3/4647 ,  Y10T29/49155 ,  Y10T29/49156

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing supported conductive networks which can be flexible or rigid, having densely packed circuits. The process and apparatus for making the conductive network involves forming a conductive material supported on a "dynamic pressure cushion" into a non-planar pattern defining the desired conductive circuits in relation to a fixed reference plane. The "dynamic pressure cushion" is a material having suitable viscosity and flow characteristics to flow out from under the conductive material as it is being formed and fill up any voids. To ensure that the "dynamic pressure cushion" properly flows without deforming the desired circuits, the die used to form the conductive material is provided with a material flow control grid and material expansion troughs. After forming the unwanted material is then mechanically removed in dimensional relation to the reference plane leaving the desired conductive circuits.

Abstract translation: 一种用于生产支撑导电网络的方法和装置，其可以是柔性的或刚性的，具有密集堆积的电路。 用于制造导电网络的方法和装置包括将支撑在“动态压力衬垫”上的导电材料形成为限定相对于固定参考平面的所需导电电路的非平面图案。 “动态压力缓冲垫”是具有适当的粘度和流动特性的材料，当它被形成时从导电材料下面流出并填充任何空隙。 为了确保“动态压力缓冲垫”适当地流动而不使所需的电路变形，用于形成导电材料的模具设置有材料流动控制网格和材料膨胀槽。 在形成不需要的材料之后，以与尺寸相关的方式机械地移除留下所需导电电路的参考平面。