Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US20020152609?ie=ISO-8859-1
Timestamp: 2015-03-30 05:12:18
Document Index: 743167426

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 112', 'art 102', 'arts 102', 'art 102', 'art 102', 'arts 220', 'art 310', 'art 310', 'arts 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'arts 2', 'art 4', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 10', 'arts 102', 'art 102', 'art 102', 'art 10', 'art 102', 'arts 102', 'art 102', 'art 102', 'art 102', 'art 102', 'art 10', 'arts 220', 'arts 220', 'arts 220', 'arts 220', 'arts 302', 'arts 301', 'arts 302', 'art 301', 'art 302', 'art 302', 'art 302', 'art 302', 'art 302', 'art 302', 'art 302', 'art 302', 'art 302', 'art 302']

Patent US20020152609 - Method and device for coupling PCB sheet - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsA method and a device for coupling a PCB sheet are disclosed. If a defective PCB is found after the manufacture of continuously arranged circuit patterns, then the defective PCB sheet portion is removed to replace it with a new PCB sheet portion. That is, a defective circuit pattern sheet 2′ is removed...http://www.google.com/patents/US20020152609?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US20020152609 - Method and device for coupling PCB sheetAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS20020152609 A1Publication typeApplicationApplication numberUS 10/177,664Publication dateOct 24, 2002Filing dateJun 24, 2002Priority dateFeb 23, 1999Also published asUS6574862, US7017248, US7103966, US7234217, US7278193, US20050120549, US20050128724, US20050128725Publication number10177664, 177664, US 2002/0152609 A1, US 2002/152609 A1, US 20020152609 A1, US 20020152609A1, US 2002152609 A1, US 2002152609A1, US-A1-20020152609, US-A1-2002152609, US2002/0152609A1, US2002/152609A1, US20020152609 A1, US20020152609A1, US2002152609 A1, US2002152609A1InventorsBong Choi, Chun ChoiOriginal AssigneeSamsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.Export CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManReferenced by (6), Classifications (36), Legal Events (2) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetMethod and device for coupling PCB sheet
US 20020152609 A1Abstract
A method and a device for coupling a PCB sheet are disclosed. If a defective PCB is found after the manufacture of continuously arranged circuit patterns, then the defective PCB sheet portion is removed to replace it with a new PCB sheet portion. That is, a defective circuit pattern sheet 2′ is removed from continuously arranged circuit patterns of a first PCB sheet 4 a. After removal of the defective circuit pattern sheet 2′, the first PCB sheet 4 a is position-located by means of a position locating means 12. Then the space which is formed by removing the defective circuit pattern sheet 2′ is filled with a second PCB sheet 4 b on which a good quality circuit pattern 2 b is printed. Then the first PCB sheet 4 a and the second PCB sheet 4 b are coupled together by using an adhesive means 14. Images(19) Claims(34)
What is claimed is: 1. A device for coupling a PCB sheet, comprising: a position locating means 12 disposed upon a PCB securing plate 1, for locating a position of a second PCB sheet 4 b of a good quality circuit pattern 2 b to fill a space after removing a PCB sheet 4′ of a defective circuit pattern 2′ from a continuously arranged circuit patterns 2 a of a first PCB sheet 4 a; a PCB securing means 11 attached on said PCB securing plate 1, for preventing any loose movements of said first and second PCB sheets 4 a and 4 b; a space 13 for receiving an adhesive means 14, and formed between said first and second PCB sheets 4 a and 4 b (which are secured on said PCB securing plate 1); and said adhesive means 14 being filled into said space 13 between said first and second PCB sheets 4 a and 4 b to be cured so as to couple said first and second PCB sheets 4 a and 4 b together. 2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said position locating means 12 for locating positions of said first and second PCB sheets 4 a and 4 b on said PCB securing plate 1 comprises a plurality of PCB securing pins 6 upstanding on said PCB securing plate 1 and a plurality of pin receiving holes 7, for carrying said first and second PCB sheets 4 a and 4 b, with said pins 6 being inserted into said holes 7. 3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said PCB securing means 11 for securing said first and second PCB sheets 4 a and 4 b on said PCB securing plate 1 consists of PCB securing tapes 5. 4. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein said PCB securing tapes 5 are both-face tapes, and are put around and on a bottom of said first and second PCB sheets 4 a and 4 b and said PCB securing plate 1. 5. The device as claimed in any one of claims 3 and 4, wherein said PCB securing tapes 5 are heat resistant tapes for preventing thermal deformations. 6. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said space 13 formed between said first and second PCB sheets 4 a and 4 b forms a channel 9. 7. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said adhesive means 14 filled into said space 13 between said first and second PCB sheets 4 a and 4 b is a high temperature adhesive 8 for preventing thermal deformations. 8. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein a PCB securing tape 5′ is put to a bottom, front and rear of said channel 9, for preventing a leakage of said adhesive 8. 9. The device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a flat cover 10 disposed on said first and second PCB sheets 4 a and 4 b to protect them from an ambient heat. 10. The device as claimed in claim 7, wherein a hardening agent is added to said adhesive 8. 11. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said space 13 formed between said first and second PCB sheets 4 a and 4 b for receiving said adhesive 8 has a width of 1-5 mm between said first and second PCB sheets 4 a and 4 b. 12. A method for coupling a PCB sheet, comprising the steps of: cutting away a defective PCB sheet of a defective circuit pattern to remove it from a continuously arranged circuit patterns of a first PCB sheet (defective circuit pattern removing step); filling a vacant place of said removed defective PCB sheet with a second PCB sheet of a good quality circuit pattern by utilizing a position locating means (PCB sheet position locating step); placing said first and second PCB sheets on a PCB securing plate by using a PCB securing means to prevent any loose movements of them, and filling an adhesive (with a volatile component being removed) into a space between said first and second PCB sheets to cure said adhesive at a temperature of 120-200� C. within a drying furnace (adhesive injecting and curing step); and removing said position locating means to separate said PCB securing plate from said PCB sheet after a curing of said adhesive (PCB securing plate separating step). 13. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said second PCB sheet replaced into a space of said defective circuit pattern is decided into place by means of PCB securing pins of said PCB securing plate and pin receiving holes of said first and second PCB sheets. 14. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein a heat resistant PCB securing tape is put around and on bottom of said first and second PCB sheets to prevent any loose movements of them. 15. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said adhesive injected into said channel between said first and second PCB sheets is cured at a temperature of 120-200� C. 16. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said adhesive injected into said channel between said first and second PCB sheets is a heat resistant epoxy resin for preventing any thermal deformations. 17. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein a hardening agent is added in an amount of 1-5 wt % as against 99-95 wt % of said adhesive. 18. The method as claimed in claim 12, further comprising a flat cover disposed on said first and second PCB sheets to protect them. 19. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said adhesive injected into said channel between said first and second PCB sheets is exposed to an external air. 20. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said adhesive injected into said channel between said first and second PCB sheets is injected in a volume equal to or smaller than a volume of said channel. 21. A device for coupling a PCB sheet, comprising: a blanked space forming part 112 for forming a blanked space S by cutting away a defective circuit pattern part 102′ if any one of circuit pattern parts 102 of a first PCB sheet 104 is found be a defective circuit pattern part 102′, and placing into said blanked space S a second PCB sheet 104′ on which a good quality circuit pattern part 102 is printed, and inserting PCB securing pins 106 of a PCB securing plate 101 into pin receiving holes 107 so as to position-locate said first and second PCB sheets 104 and 104′; a PCB securing means 111 attached on said PCB securing plate 101, for preventing any loose movements of said first and second PCB sheets 104 and 104′; a space 113 formed between said first and second PCB sheets 104 and 104′, for receiving an adhesive means 140 into between said first and second PCB sheets 104 and 104′ (which are secured on said PCB securing plate 101); and said adhesive means 140 being filled into said space 113 between said first and second PCB sheets 104 and 104′ to be cured so as to couple said first and second PCB sheets 104 and 104′ together. 22. The device as claimed in claim 21, further comprising a flat cover 10 disposed on said first and second PCB sheets 104 and 104′ to protect them. 23. A method for coupling a PCB sheet, comprising the steps of: cutting away a defective PCB sheet of a defective circuit pattern to remove it along a separating groove from a continuously arranged circuit patterns of a first PCB sheet so as to form a blanked space (defective circuit pattern removing step); filling said blanked space of said removed defective PCB sheet with a second PCB sheet of a good quality circuit pattern by utilizing a position locating means so as to position-locate said first and second PCB sheets on a PCB securing plate (PCB sheet position locating step); placing said first and second PCB sheets on said PCB securing plate by using a PCB securing means to prevent any loose movements of them, that is, by using PCB securing tapes (PCB sheet securing step); filling an adhesive (with a volatile component being removed) into a space between said first and second PCB sheets to cure said adhesive at a temperature of 120-200� C. within a drying furnace (adhesive injecting and curing step); and putting a cover on said first and second PCB sheets to protect them from an ambient heat, and removing said position locating means and said PCB securing tapes to separate said PCB securing plate from said PCB sheet after a curing of said adhesive (PCB securing plate separating step). 24. The method as claimed in claim 23, wherein said second PCB sheet replaced into a space of said defective circuit pattern is decided into place by means of PCB securing pins of said PCB securing plate and pin receiving holes of said first and second PCB sheets. 25. The method as claimed in claim 23, wherein said adhesive injected into said channel between said first and second PCB sheets is cured at a temperature of 120-200� C. 26. The method as claimed in claim 23, wherein a hardening agent is added in an amount of 1-5 wt % as against 99-95 wt % of said adhesive. 27. A device for coupling a PCB sheet, comprising: a PCB position locating means 212 for position-locating a PCB 202 and a replaced good quality PCB 221 of a PCB sheet 204 by inserting PCB securing pins 206 of a PCB securing plate 201 into pin receiving holes 207 of said PCB 202 and a replaced good quality PCB 221 after a defective circuit pattern has been removed by being cut along a separating groove K to form a blanked space 222, and after said good quality PCB 221 integrally with connecting parts 220′ has been replaced into said blanked space 222; a PCB securing means 211 attached on said PCB securing plate 201, for preventing any loose movements of said PCB sheet 204 and said PCB 221 of said good quality circuit pattern; a space 213 formed between said PCB sheet 204 and said replaced good quality PCB 221, for forming a channel 209; and an adhesive means 214 filled into said channel 209 of said space 213 between said PCB sheet 204 and said replaced good quality PCB 221 to be cured so as to couple them together. 28. A method for coupling a PCB sheet, comprising the steps of: cutting away a defective PCB sheet of a defective circuit pattern to remove it along a separating groove from a continuously arranged circuit patterns of a PCB sheet so as to form a blanked space (blanked space forming step); filling said blanked space of said removed defective PCB sheet with a good quality circuit pattern integrally with connecting parts by utilizing a position locating means so as to position-locate said PCB sheet and said good quality pattern sheet on a PCB securing plate (PCB sheet position locating step); fixing said PCB sheet and said good quality circuit pattern sheet on said PCB securing plate by using a PCB securing means to prevent any loose movements of them, that is, by using PCB securing tapes, and filling an adhesive (with a volatile component being removed) of an epoxy resin into a space between said PCB sheet and said good quality circuit pattern sheet to cure said adhesive at a temperature of 120-200� C. within a drying furnace (adhesive injecting and curing step); and putting a cover on said PCB sheet and said good quality circuit pattern sheet to protect them from an ambient heat, and removing said position locating means and said PCB securing tapes to separate said PCB securing plate from said PCB sheet after a curing of said adhesive, thereby completing a coupling of said PCB sheet and said good quality circuit pattern sheet (PCB securing plate separating step). 29. The method as claimed in claim 28, wherein the PCB sheet position locating step is carried out by inserting PCB securing pins of said PCB securing plate into pin receiving holes of said PCB sheet and said good quality circuit pattern sheet. 30. A device for coupling a PCB sheet, comprising: a position deciding jig part for receiving a PCB sheet (with a plurality of circuit patterns printed thereon) and a replaced good quality circuit pattern sheet, after a defective circuit pattern sheet is cut away, and after said good quality circuit pattern sheet is placed into a space of said removed defective circuit pattern sheet; a PCB securing means attached on said PCB securing plate, for preventing any loose movements of said PCB sheet and said good quality circuit pattern sheet, both of them inserted into said jig part; and an adhesive means filled into a space between said PCB sheet and said replaced good quality circuit pattern sheet to be cured so as to couple them together. 31. The device as claimed in claim 30, further comprising a position locating means 312, said position locating means 312 consisting of a plurality of PCB securing pins 306 upstanding on said PCB securing jig part 310, and a plurality of pin receiving holes 307 formed in said PCB sheet 303 and on said good quality circuit pattern sheet, said PCB securing pins 306 being inserted into said pin receiving holes 307. 32. The device as claimed in claim 30, wherein said PCB securing jig part 310 comprises a plurality of separating walls 315 to separate said sheets of said PCB sheet and said good quality circuit pattern sheet from each other. 33. A method for coupling a PCB sheet, comprising the steps of: cutting connecting parts of a defective circuit pattern sheet to remove it from a continuously arranged circuit patterns of a PCB sheet (defective circuit pattern sheet removing step); filling a vacant place of said removed defective circuit pattern sheet with a good quality circuit pattern sheet to be placed into a PCB securing jig part together with said PCB sheet, said connecting parts forming a gap respectively so as to be position-decided (PCB sheet position locating step); placing said PCB sheet and said good quality circuit pattern sheet into said PCB securing jig part and putting heat resistant tapes on bottoms of said PCB sheet and said good quality circuit pattern sheet to prevent nay loose movements of them, thereby securing said PCB sheet and said good quality circuit pattern sheet on said PCB securing jig part (PCB securing step); filling an adhesive (with a volatile component being removed) of an epoxy resin into a space between said PCB sheet and said good quality circuit pattern sheet to cure said adhesive at a temperature of 120-200� C. within a drying furnace (adhesive injecting and curing step); and putting a cover on said PCB sheet and on said good quality circuit pattern sheet to protect them from an ambient heat, and removing said position locating means and said PCB securing tapes after a curing of said adhesive to separate said PCB securing plate from said PCB sheet after a curing of said adhesive, thereby completing a coupling of said PCB sheet and said good quality circuit pattern sheet together (PCB securing plate separating step). 34. The method as claimed in claim 33, wherein said adhesive injected into a channel between said PCB sheet and said good quality circuit pattern sheet is a heat resistant epoxy resin to avoid thermal deformations; and a hardening agent is added in an amount of 1-5 wt % as against 99-95 wt % of said adhesive. Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a method and a device for coupling a printed circuit board (to be called PCB below) sheet, in which a plurality of PCBs are continuously arranged on a sheet when manufacturing the PCBs, and if a defective PCB is found after the manufacture, then the defective PCB sheet portion is removed to replace it with a new PCB sheet portion. Particularly, the present invention relates to a method and a device for coupling a PCB sheet, in which in a continuously printed PCBs on a sheet, a defective portion is removed, a first PCB sheet formed by the removal is located by a position locating means to be filled with a second PCB sheet of a good quality circuit pattern, and an adhesive material is spread on a space area between the first PCB sheet and a second PCB sheet, thereby making the arrangement of the PCBs continuous. Thus the defective PCB is removed, and a good quality PCB is replaced into the place in an easy manner, so that the defective PCB can be turned to a good quality portion. [0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0004] Generally, as shown in FIG. 1, in the conventional PCB sheet structure, a plurality of circuit patterns 51, 51′ and 51″ are arranged and continuously printed upon a PCB sheet 52. [0005] In this conventional PCB sheet 52, the plurality of the circuit patterns 51, 51′ and 51″ are printed, and then, the quality of the total of the circuit patterns is checked by using a jig and a fixture. Then the acceptable PCB sheets 52 are used as the final product. However, if anyone of the plurality of the circuit patterns is defective, then the whole PCB sheet on which the plurality of the circuit patterns 51, 51′ and 51″ are printed has to be discarded. [0006] That is, if any one of the plurality of the circuit patterns is found to be defective upon inspecting them, even the good circuit patterns have to be discarded. [0007] As a result, the material loss is high because of the discarding of the total sheet, and the workability and productivity are aggravated, as well as increasing the production cost. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] The present invention is intended to overcome the above described disadvantages of the conventional technique. [0009] Therefore it is an object of the present invention to provide a device for coupling a PCB sheet, in which defective circuit pattern portions are removed from a continuously arranged circuit pattern sheet to replace with new ones, so that a whole circuit pattern sheet can be saved without being discarded, thereby increasing the product yield, and curtailing the production cost. [0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for coupling a PCB sheet, in which defective circuit pattern portions are cut away from a continuously arranged circuit pattern sheet, and the cut space is filled with new ones by using a position locating means, the filling being carried out in a simple manner by using a heat resistant tape and an adhesive means containing a hardening agent, thereby improving the workability and the productivity. [0011] In achieving the above objects, the device for coupling a PCB sheet according to the present invention includes: [0012] a position locating means disposed upon a PCB securing plate, for locating the position of a second PCB sheet of a good quality circuit pattern to fill a space after removing a PCB sheet of a defective circuit pattern from a continuously arranged circuit patterns of a first PCB sheet; a PCB securing means attached on the PCB securing plate, for preventing loose movements of the first and second PCB sheets; a space for putting an adhesive means into between the first and second PCB sheets (which are secured on the PCB securing plate); and the adhesive means being filled into the space between the first and second PCB sheets to be cured so as to couple the first and second PCB sheets together. [0013] In another aspect of the present invention, the method for coupling a PCB sheet according to the present invention includes the steps of: cutting a defective PCB sheet of a defective circuit pattern to remove it from a continuously arranged circuit patterns of a first PCB sheet (defective circuit pattern removing step); filling a vacant place of the removed defective PCB sheet with a second PCB sheet of a good quality circuit pattern by utilizing a position locating means (PCB sheet position locating step); placing the first and second PCB sheets on a PCB securing plate by using a PCB securing means to prevent any loose movements of them, and filling an adhesive (with a volatile component being removed) into a space between the first and second PCB sheets to cure the adhesive at a temperature of 120-200� C. within a drying furnace (adhesive injecting and curing step); and removing the position locating means to separate the PCB securing plate from the PCB sheet after a curing of the adhesive (PCB securing plate separating step). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0014] The above objects and other advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail the preferred embodiment of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings in which: [0015]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the general PCB sheet in which circuit patterns are continuously printed on a sheet; [0016]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the coupling of the first and second PCB sheets, the sheets being fixed on the PCB securing plate according to the present invention; [0017]FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the coupled state of the first and second PCB sheets according to the present invention; [0018]FIG. 4 illustrates in detail the coupling portion of the first and second PCB sheets according to the present invention; [0019]FIG. 5 is a frontal sectional view showing the coupled state of the first and second PCB sheets according to the present invention; [0020]FIG. 6 illustrates a state in which the second PCB sheet is inserted into the first PCB sheet, and the two sheets are fixed onto the PCB securing plate, in a second embodiment of the present invention; [0021]FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing the coupled state of the first and second PCB sheets in the second embodiment of the present invention; [0022]FIG. 8 illustrates in detail the coupling portion of the first and second PCB sheets according to the present invention; [0023]FIG. 9 is a frontal sectional view showing the coupled state of the first and second PCB sheets of FIG. 8; [0024]FIG. 10 illustrates a state in which a good quality PCB sheet is inserted into the whole PCB sheet, and the two sheets are fixed onto the PCB securing plate, in a third embodiment of the present invention; [0025]FIG. 11 illustrates a state in which a good quality PCB sheet is coupled into a space formed by the removal of the defective PCB sheet in the third embodiment of the present invention; [0026]FIGS. 12A and 12B are plan views showing the coupling of a new good quality PCB sheet to the whole PCB sheet in the third embodiment of the present invention; [0027]FIG. 13 is a frontal sectional view showing the whole PCB sheet and a new good quality PCB sheet; [0028]FIG. 14 illustrates a state in which a good quality PCB sheet is inserted into the whole PCB sheet, and the two sheets are fixed onto the PCB securing plate by using a securing jig, in a fourth embodiment of the present invention; [0029]FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view showing the coupling of a new good quality PCB sheet to the whole PCB sheet in the fourth embodiment of the present invention; [0030]FIG. 16 is a plan view showing the coupling of a new good quality PCB sheet to the whole PCB sheet of FIG. 15; and [0031]FIG. 17 is a frontal sectional view showing the whole PCB sheet and a new good quality PCB sheet of FIG. 15.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0032] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described referring to the attached drawings. [0033]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the coupling of the first and second PCB sheets, the sheets being fixed on the PCB securing plate according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the coupled state of the first and second PCB sheets according to the present invention. [0034] A first PCB sheet 4 a on which a plurality of circuit pattern parts 2 are printed is disposed on a PCB securing plate 1. A second PCB sheet 4 b on which a good quality circuit pattern part 2 is printed is put to a place where a defective circuit pattern part 2′ of a first PCB sheet 4 a has been removed. The second PCB sheet 4 b is placed by being located by a PCB securing means 11. [0035] The first and second PCB sheets 4 a and 4 b are fixed to the PCB securing plate 1 by means of PCB securing tapes 5 which are the constituents of the PCB securing means 11. Thus any loose movements of the first and second PCB sheets 4 a and 4 b are prevented. [0036] A plurality of PCB securing pins 6 upstand on the PCB securing plate 1, while the first and second PCB sheets 4 a and 4 b are provided with a plurality of pin receiving holes 7 correspondingly with the PCB securing pins 6. Thus the PCB securing pins 6 of the PCB securing plate 1 are inserted into the pin receiving holes 7 to support the PCB sheets 4 a and 4 b. [0037] A space 13 is formed between the first and second PCB sheets 4 a and 4 b, so that an adhesive 8 of an adhesive means 14 can be injected into a channel 9 of the space 13. A tape 5′ is put to the bottom, front and rear of the channel 9 of the space 13, so that the adhesive can be prevented from being leaked. [0038] A cover 10 covers the first and second PCB sheets 4 a and 4 b to protect the circuit patterns of the first and second PCB sheets 4 a and 4 b. The adhesive 8 which has been injected into the channel 9 is cured to couple the first and second PCB sheets 4 a and 4 b together. [0039] Now the method for the PCB sheet according to the present invention will be described. [0040] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, if any one of the circuit pattern parts 2 which constitute a PCB sheet 3 is found to be defective upon testing by a tester (not illustrated), then the defective sheet part 4′ of the defective circuit pattern part 2′ is cut off by using a router or another cutter. Then a second PCB sheet 4 b on which a good quality circuit pattern part 2 is printed is prepared and is disposed to the cut space to be coupled with the first PCB sheet 4 a. [0041] Then the first PCB sheet 4 a which is coupled with the second PCB sheet 4 b is secured to the PCB securing plate 1. Under this condition, the plurality of the PCB securing pins 6 are inserted into the plurality of the pin receiving holes 7, with the result that the first and second PCB sheets 4 a and 4 b are supported on the PCB securing plate 1, with the sheets 4 a and 4 b being separated by a certain distance. [0042] Then the first and second PCB sheets 4 a and 4 b are fixed to the PCB securing plate 1 by using a PCB securing tape 5 which is a both-face tape, so that any loose movements of the first and second PCB sheets 4 a and 4 b can be prevented. Under this condition, it is made sure that the PCB securing tape 5 should be only minimally affected by the thermal deformation. That is, a heat resistant tape is used, so that the tape can be easily removed upon completion of the coupling of the first and second PCB sheets 4 a and 4 b. [0043] Meanwhile, between the first and second PCB sheets 4 a and 4 b which are disposed on the PCB securing plate 1, there is provided a separation distance L of about 1-5 mm. Thus there is formed a space 13 which forms a channel 9. Then a heat resistant tape 5′ is put to the bottom, front and rear of the channel 9, so that the injected adhesive can be prevented from being leaked. [0044] If the separation distance L between the first and second PCB sheets 4 a and 4 b is less than 1 mm, then the first and second PCB sheets 4 a and 4 b cannot be sufficiently strongly coupled together. On the other hand, if the separation distance L is more than 5 mm, although the first, and second PCB sheets 4 a and 4 b can be sufficiently strongly coupled together, the expensive adhesive is too much consumed, and therefore, the economy is aggravated. Preferably, the separation distance should be about 2 mm, and the volume of the injected adhesive 8 should be slightly smaller than or equal to the volume of the channel 9. [0045] Thus the first and second PCB sheets 4 a and 4 b are secured by using the PCB securing tape 5 and the tape 5′, the latter surrounding the channel 9 of the space 13. Then the adhesive 8 is injected into the channel 9 of the space 13 which is formed between the first and second PCB sheets 4 a and 4 b. Then the whole structure is transferred to a drying furnace to make the adhesive 8 cured at a temperature of 120-200� C. Under this condition, the volatile component of the adhesive 8 has been removed in advance, and therefore, the thermal deformations such as the thermal expansion and the thermal contraction are made to be minimal. Further, a hardening agent such as a highly heat resistant epoxy resin is added to the adhesive, and the proportion of the hardening agent is 1-5 wt % as against 99-95 wt % of the adhesive. [0046] After the injection of the adhesive 8, the circuit patterns of the first and second PCB sheets 4 a and 4 b are covered with a flat cover part 10 to protect the first and second PCB sheets 4 a and 4 b from the heat. The adhesive 8 which has been injected into the channel 9 is exposed to the outside so as to be cured. Then the whole structure which consists of the first and second PCB sheets 4 a and 4 b and the PCB securing plate 1 is transferred to a drying furnace to make the adhesive 8 cured at a temperature of 120-200� C. [0047] After the completion of the curing of the adhesive 8, the tape 5′ is removed from around the channel 9, and the PCB securing plate 1 is separated from the first and second PCB sheets 4 a and 4 b, thereby completing the coupling of the first and second PCB sheets 4 a and 4 b together. [0048]FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a state in which the second PCB sheet is inserted into the first PCB sheet, and the two sheets are fixed onto the PCB securing plate, in a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 illustrates in detail the coupling portion of the first and second PCB sheets according to the present invention. [0049] If any one of continuously printed circuit pattern parts 102 (printed on a first PCB sheet 104) is found to be a defective circuit pattern part 102′, then the rectangular portion of the defective circuit pattern part 102′ which is defined by a separation groove K is cut off by using a router or the like to form a blanked space S. Then a second PCB sheet 104′ with a new good quality circuit pattern 102 printed thereon is placed into the rectangular space S, and then, the first and second PCB sheets 104 and 104′ are located by using a PCB securing means 110. [0050] The first and second PCB sheets 104 and 104′ are installed on the PCB securing plate 101 by using a PCB securing tape 105 which is one of the elements of the PCB securing means 110. [0051] A plurality of PCB securing pins 106 upstand upon the PCB securing plate 101, while the first and second PCB sheets 104 and 104′ are provided with a plurality of pin receiving holes 107 correspondingly with the PCB securing pins 106. The PCB securing pins 106 and the pin receiving holes 107 constitute a PCB position locating means 120. Thus the PCB securing pins 106 of the PCB securing plate 101 are inserted into the pin receiving holes 107 to support the PCB sheets 104 and 104′. [0052] Further as shown in FIG. 9, between the first and second PCB sheets 104 and 104′, there is formed a space 130 to form a channel 109, so that an adhesive 108 as an adhesive means 140 can be injected into the channel 109. On the bottom of the channel 109, there is put a PCB securing tape 105′ to prevent any leakage of the adhesive 108. [0053] A cover part 10 is put on the first and second PCB sheets 104 and 104′ which are secured on the PCB securing plate 101 like in the first embodiment. Thus the circuit pattern part 102 of the first and second PCB sheets 104 and 104′ are protected from the heat. The adhesive 108 is injected into the channel 109, and the injected adhesive 108 is exposed to the outside so as to be cured. In this manner, the first and second PCB sheets 104 and 104′ are coupled together. [0054] Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, if any one of the circuit pattern parts 102 of the PCB sheet 103 is found be a defective circuit pattern part 102′, then the defective circuit pattern part 102′ is cut away along the groove K to form a blanked space S like in the first embodiment. Then a second PCB sheet 104′ on which a good quality circuit pattern part 102 is printed is placed into the blanked space S, and then, the second PCB sheet 104′ is coupled to the first PCB sheet 104. [0055] Under this condition, the reason why the blanked space S is formed in a rectangular shape is as follows. That is, when the finished PCB product is carried to a subsequent process to install chip components and other electronic components, the weakness of the coupling portion between the first and second PCB sheets 104 and 104′ is reinforced by providing a rectangular blanked space, because the rectangular space increases the coupling area. [0056] After completion of the blanking of the PCB sheet portion of the defective circuit pattern part 102′, a second PCB sheet 104′ on which a good quality circuit pattern is printed is placed into the blanked space S of the first PCB sheet 104. The whole structure including the first and second PCB sheets 104 and 104′ is disposed on the PCB securing plate 101 to be secured on it. Under this condition, the PCB securing pins 106 of the PCB securing plate 101 are inserted into the pin receiving holes 107 to support the PCB sheets 104 and 104′, so that the first and second PCB sheets 104 and 104′ would be secured on the PCB securing plate 101. [0057] In order to prevent any loose movements of the first and second PCB sheets 104 and 104′, a PCB securing tape 105 which is a both-face tape is put to around the coupling portion between the first and second PCB sheets 104 and 104′ and on the bottom of the PCB sheet so as to be attached on the PCB securing plate 101. [0058] Further, between the first and second PCB sheets 104 and 104′ which are disposed on the PCB securing plate 101, there is provided a separation distance of about 1-5 mm. Thus there is formed a space 130 which forms a channel 109. Then a heat resistant tape 105′ is put to the bottom, front and rear of the channel 109, so that the injected adhesive can be prevented from being leaked. [0059] Thus the first and second PCB sheets 104 and 104′ are secured by using the PCB securing tape 105 and the tape 105′, the latter surrounding the channel 9 of the space 13. Then the adhesive 108 is injected into the channel 109 of the space 130 which is formed between the first and second PCB sheets 104 and 104′. Then the whole structure is transferred to a drying furnace to make the adhesive 108 cured. Further, a hardening agent such as a highly heat resistant epoxy resin is added to the adhesive. After the injection of the adhesive 108, the circuit patterns of the first and second PCB sheets 104 and 104′ are covered with a flat cover part 10 to protect the first and second PCB sheets 104 and 104′ from the heat like in the first embodiment. [0060] Then the tape 105 which has been put to around the PCB sheet 104′ is removed, and the tape 105′ which has been put on the bottom of the channel 109 is also removed. Then, the PCB securing plate 101 is separated from the first and second PCB sheets 104 and 104′, thereby completing the coupling of the first and second PCB sheets 104 and 104′. [0061]FIG. 10 illustrates a state in which a good quality PCB sheet is inserted into the whole PCB sheet, and the two sheets are fixed onto the PCB securing plate, in a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 illustrates a state in which a good quality PCB sheet is coupled into a space formed by the removal of the defective PCB sheet in the third embodiment of the present invention. [0062] A PCB sheet 204 on which a plurality of PCBs 202 are connectedly installed through a plurality of connecting parts 220 is disposed a PCB securing plate 201. If a defective PCB 202′ is found among the plurality of the PCBs 202, then the defective PCB 202′ is cut out along a PCB separating groove K. Then a good quality PCB 221 with connecting parts 220′ is fitted into the cut-out space 222 to be secured to the PCB sheet. [0063] As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the removal of the defective PCB 202′ is carried out in the following manner. That is, either a cutting is carried out around the connecting parts 220 (as shown in FIG. 2A), or the plurality of the connecting parts 220 of the PCB 202 are cut off (FIG. 2B). The reason is as follows. That is, when carrying the PCB sheets to a subsequent process, the carrying posture becomes different depending on the circuit pattern arrangement direction on the PCB sheet. Therefore, when installing chip components or other electronic components into the PCB 202 of the PCB sheet 204, the joining portion of the good quality PCB 221 has to be made to have a high strength. For this purpose, the joining portion is selectively made long or short. [0064] As shown in FIG. 13, a PCB securing tape 205 which is a both-face tape is put around and on the bottom of the coupling portion of the good quality PCB 221 to prevent any loose movements of the PCB sheet 204 and the good quality PCB 221. In this manner, the PCB sheet 204 and the good quality PCB 221 are fixed to the PCB securing plate 201. [0065] A plurality of PCB securing pins 206 upstand upon the PCB securing plate 201, while the PCB sheet 204 and the good quality PCB 221 are provided with a plurality of pin receiving holes 207 correspondingly with the PCB securing pins 206. These pins and holes are for locating each of the PCB sheets 204 at exact position and are for carrying the PCB sheets 204. [0066] Between the PCB sheet 204 and the good quality PCB 221, there is formed a space 213 to form a channel 209, so that an adhesive 208 as an adhesive means 214 can be injected into the channel 209. On the bottom, front and rear of the channel 209, there is put a PCB securing tape 205′ to prevent any leakage of the adhesive 208. [0067] Further, a cover 210 is covered on the good quality PCB 221 and the PCB 202 of the PCB sheet 204 which is secured on the PCB securing plate 201. Thus the PCBs 202 of the PCB sheet 204 are protected from the ambient heat, and the adhesive 208 is injected into the channel 209 to be cured, thereby coupling a second PCB sheet 204′ (with the good quality PCB 221 printed thereon) to the first PCB sheet 204. [0068]FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate a state in which a good quality PCB sheet is inserted into the whole PCB sheet, and the two sheets are fixed onto the PCB securing plate by using a securing jig, in a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a plan view showing the coupling of a new good quality PCB sheet to the whole PCB sheet of FIG. 15. [0069] A PCB 303 consists of a plurality of circuit pattern parts 302 a which are connected to each other by connecting parts 301. If a defective circuit pattern part is found among the plurality of the circuit pattern parts 302 a upon carrying out a testing, then the defective circuit pattern part is removed by cutting a connecting part 301′. In the place of the removed defective circuit pattern part, there is placed a good quality circuit pattern part 302 b by means of a PCB securing means 311 into a PCB securing jig 310 which has a plurality of separating walls 315. [0070] As shown in FIG. 16, the good quality circuit pattern part 302 b has to be secured in the place of the removed defective circuit pattern part. For this purpose, a PCB securing tape 305 which is a both-face tape is put on the bottom of the coupling portion, so that any loose movements of the good quality circuit pattern part 302 b can be prevented, thereby securing it to the PCB securing jig 310. [0071] A plurality of PCB securing pins 306 upstand upon the PCB securing jig 310, while the PCB 303 and the good quality circuit pattern part 302 b are provided with a plurality of pin receiving holes 307. The plurality of the PCB securing pins 306 and the plurality of the pin receiving holes 307 constitute a PCB position locating means 312. Thus the PCB securing pins 306 of the PCB securing jig 310 are inserted into the pin receiving holes 307 of the PCB 303 and the good quality circuit pattern part 302 b. Thus the good quality circuit pattern part 302 b is secured at a side of the PCB 303 within the PCB securing jig 310. [0072] Between the PCB 303 and the good quality circuit pattern part 302 b, there is formed a space 313 which forms a channel. An adhesive 308 which is an adhesive means 314 is injected to the channel. [0073] As shown in FIG. 17, a cover 309 covers the good quality circuit pattern part 302 b and the PCB 303 on which a plurality of circuit patterns 302 a are formed. In this manner, the good quality circuit pattern part 302 b and the PCB 303 are protected from the ambient heat. Meanwhile, the adhesive 308 which has been injected into the channel of the space 313 is cured by being exposed to the external air, so that the good quality circuit pattern part 302 b can be firmly coupled to the PCB 303. [0074] According to the present invention as described above, if a defective circuit pattern is found among the plurality of the circuit patterns, then the defective circuit pattern is removed to replace it with a good quality circuit pattern so as to secure it in place in an easy manner. By removing the defective circuit pattern, the whole PCB sheet which is otherwise to be discarded can be saved, thereby increasing the product yield and curtailing the production cost. That is, the PCB sheet on which a defective circuit pattern is printed is cut off, and the cut space is filled with a good quality circuit pattern sheet by means of a position locating means. Then a heat resistant tape and an adhesive means are used to secure the good quality circuit pattern sheet to the whole PCB sheet in an easy manner. Accordingly, in manufacturing the printed circuit board of the present invention, the workability and the productivity are drastically improved. [0075] In the above, the present invention was described based on the specific embodiments and the attached drawings, but it should be apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art that various changes and modification can be added without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention which will be defined by the appended claims. Referenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS7439451Dec 8, 2003Oct 21, 2008Nitto Denko CorporationTape carrierUS7639240 *Oct 15, 2004Dec 29, 2009Research In Motion LimitedMethod of mounting thumbwheel switch on printed circuit board and handheld electronic device incorporating sameUS8310466 *Nov 25, 2009Nov 13, 2012Research In Motion LimitedMethod of mounting thumbwheel switch on printed circuit board and handheld electronic device incorporating the sameUS20100066706 *Nov 25, 2009Mar 18, 2010Research In Motion LimitedMethod of mounting thumbwheel switch on printed circuit board and handheld electronic device incorporating the sameEP1429386A2 *Dec 9, 2003Jun 16, 2004Nitto Denko CorporationTape carrier for tab and method for producing the sameEP2474209A1 *Sep 1, 2010Jul 11, 2012AT & S Austria Technologie & Systemtechnik AktiengesellschaftMethod for connecting a plurality of elements of a circuit board, circuit board, and use of such a method* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification29/830, 29/739International ClassificationG01N35/10, B01F5/10, B01F13/00, B01F11/00, H05K1/02, H05K3/36, B01L3/02, H05K1/14, H01L21/48, H01L21/00, H05K3/22, H05K3/00Cooperative ClassificationB01F13/00, B01F5/10, B01F11/0074, B01F2215/0037, H05K2203/167, H05K2201/10598, H05K3/0097, H01L21/67144, H01L21/485, G01N2035/106, G01N35/10, H05K3/0052, B01F11/0071, H05K2203/0165, H05K3/225European ClassificationB01F11/00L2, B01F5/10, G01N35/10, B01F11/00L, B01F13/00, H01L21/48C4B, H05K3/00SLegal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionJun 27, 2013FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 8Aug 26, 2009FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services