Abstract An improved printed circuit board arrangement is disclosed which is especially suited for use in miniaturized electrical or electronic apparatus. A first printed circuit board is provided for accommodating a plurality of circuit components and designed to accomplish predetermined operational capabilities. Additional operating features may be readily and conveniently provided by separate option circuit boards which may be selectively interconnected to the first or main chassis board. The interconnection is effected by a pair of guide rails which engage respective edge portions along the sides of the two circuit boards and maintain the same in an edge-to-edge, coplanar relation. The boards may be permanently secured together by any suitable soldering process. Electrical interconnection is accomplished by a ribbon flex harness with printed conductors and connection terminals at respective ends which engage suitable connection terminals on the associated circuit boards.
An improved printed circuit board arrangement for electrical apparatus, comprising in combination: a first printed circuit board for accommodating a plurality of associated components and designed to provide predetermined operational capabilities; a second printed circuit board for accommodating other circuit components and designed to provide additional operational capabilities, said first and second printed circuit boards being placed in an edge-to-edge, co-planar relation with one another; a pair of guide rails for bridging said first and second circuit boards and engaging respective edge portions thereof to maintain the same in said co-planar relation; and a printed flex harness interconnecting said first and second printed circuit board.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
105 words
An improved printed circuit board arrangement for electrical apparatus, comprising in combination: a first printed circuit board for accommodating a plurality of associated components and designed to provide predetermined operational capabilities; a second printed circuit board for accommodating other circuit components and designed to provide additional operational capabilities, said first and second printed circuit boards being placed in an edge-to-edge, co-planar relation with one another; a pair of guide rails for bridging said first and second circuit boards and engaging respective edge portions thereof to maintain the same in said co-planar relation; and a printed flex harness interconnecting said first and second printed circuit board.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
An improved printed circuit board arrangement in accordance with claim 1 wherein said first circuit board includes a reduced forward portion dimensioned to receive said guide rails and provide a flush fit between the back surface of said guide rails and the remaining edge of said first circuit board.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
An improved circuit board arrangement in accordance with claim 1 wherein said guide rails are of a substantially U-shaped configuration and dimensioned to make a friction fit with said end portions of said first and second circuit boards.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
An improved printed circuit board arrangement in accordance with claim 1 wherein said first circuit board includes a notched out corner into which a projection included on said second circuit board inserts therein and effect a keying action therewith.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
An improved printed circuit board arrangement in accordance with claim 1 wherein said flex harness is in the form of a flat ribbon strip having a plurality of printed conductors on a flexible base of plastic insulating material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
An improved printed circuit board arrangement in accordance with claim 1 wherein said flex harness includes connection terminals at respective ends thereof and wherein said first and second circuit boards include corresponding terminal means for engaging said connection terminals of said flex harness.