Patent Description:
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is an electrical disturbance that can cause signal degradation in communication devices and media.

<CIT> and <CIT> both disclose a frame comprising resilient members for a shielding enclosure to be mounted on a PCB.

Leader Tech (a HEICO company) offers a PCB shielded enclosure that forms a complete enclosure of an electronic component on a PCB and provides a shield for RF radiations. Laird offers board level shields to reduce crosstalk and interference.

An aspect of this disclosure is a frame. The frame includes a plurality of walls each having a first end and a second end facing away from each other along a first direction, and a plurality of spring fingers on the second end of one or more walls of the plurality of walls and extending along the first direction. First ends of the plurality of walls define an open bottom, and second ends of the plurality of walls define an open top.

In some examples, a spring finger of the plurality of spring fingers includes a beam; a sloped ramp on the beam; and a detent at the beam and projecting inward with respect to the plurality of walls. In some examples, the spring finger of the plurality of spring fingers further includes a shift portion between the beam and a second end of a wall, providing a location shift for the beam and outward with respect to the plurality of walls. In some examples, the frame further includes one or more side beams extending from second ends of one or more walls of the plurality of walls and inward with respect to the plurality of walls.

In yet other examples, the frame further includes one or more stoppers on a second end of at least one wall of the plurality of walls, wherein each stopper of the one or more stoppers includes a stand and a plate on the stand and extending inward with respect to the plurality of walls. In some examples, the plate of each stopper of the one or more stoppers is in a same plane as the one or more side beams. In some examples, the plate of each stopper of the one or more stoppers and the one or more side beams are in different planes. In some examples, the frame further includes a latch hole in a side beam on a first wall of the plurality of walls; and a latch extending along the first direction and from a second wall opposing the first wall. In some examples, the latch includes a shift portion; a beam on the shift portion; and a sloped ramp on the beam and tilted inward with respect to the plurality of walls; wherein the shift portion provides a location shift for the beam and inward with respect to the plurality of walls. In some examples, the frame further includes a plurality of ventilation holes penetrating through the plurality of walls.

Another aspect of this disclosure is a shield. The shield includes a first frame and a second frame. The first frame includes a plurality of walls each having a first end and a second end facing away from each other along a first direction; and a plurality of spring fingers on second ends of one or more walls of the plurality of walls and extending along the first direction. The second frame includes a plurality of walls each having a first end and a second end facing away from each other along a first direction, wherein the first ends of the plurality of walls define an open bottom, and the second ends of the plurality of walls define an open top. The second frame interlocks with the first frame to form a singular enclosed space in the shield, with second ends of the plurality of walls of the second frame oriented toward second ends of the plurality of walls of the first frame.

In some examples, the shield further includes a first printed circuit board (PCB) having a first surface and a second PCB having a second surface, said first frame mounted to the first surface of said first PCB and said second frame mounted to the second surface of said second PCB, wherein the first surface faces the second surface. In some examples, a spring finger of the plurality of spring fingers of the first frame includes a beam; a sloped ramp on the beam; and a detent at the beam and projecting inward with respect to the plurality of walls. The detent of the first frame is in contact with a wall of the plurality of walls of the second frame.

In some examples, the spring finger of the plurality of spring fingers of the first frame further includes a shift portion between the beam and a second end of a wall of the first frame, providing a location shift for the beam and outward with respect to the plurality of walls. In some examples, the shield further includes one or more side beams extending from second ends of one or more walls of the plurality of walls of the first frame and inward with respect to the plurality of walls. In some examples, the shield further include one or more stoppers on a second end of at least one wall of the plurality of walls of the first frame, wherein each stopper of one or more stoppers includes a stand and a plate on the stand and extending inward with respect to the plurality of walls.

In some examples, the plate of each of the one or more stoppers is in a same plane as the one or more side beams. In some examples, the plate of each of the one or more stoppers and the one or more side beams are in different planes. In some examples, the shield further includes a latch hole in a side beam on a first wall of the plurality of the walls of the first frame; and a latch extending along the first direction and from a second wall of the first frame opposing the first wall. In some examples, the latch includes a shift portion, a beam on the shift portion; and a sloped ramp on the beam and tilted inward with respect to the plurality of walls of the first frame; wherein the shift portion provides a location shift for the beam and inward with respect to the plurality of walls of the first frame. In some examples, the frame further includes a plurality of ventilation holes penetrating through the plurality of walls of the first frame.

This summary is not intended to identify all essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide an overview or framework to understand the nature and character of the disclosure. The present invention is defined by claim <NUM>. Additional features for advantageous embodiments are provided in the dependent claims.

The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. It is to be understood that the drawings illustrate only some examples of the disclosure and other examples or combinations of various examples that are not specifically illustrated in the figures may still fall within the scope of this disclosure. Examples will now be described with additional detail through the use of the drawings, in which:.

In describing the illustrative, non-limiting embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. Several embodiments are described for illustrative purposes, it being understood that the description and claims are not limited to the illustrated embodiments and other embodiments not specifically shown in the drawings may also be within the scope of this disclosure.

The present disclosure provides a stackable frame and a stackable shield including one or more stackable frames. The stackable shield may be a stackable electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield for isolating electrical devices from their surroundings.

<FIG> illustrate a perspective view of an exemplary stackable shield including two identical stackable frames. The stackable frame <NUM> may be self-stackable, and accordingly, two identical frames <NUM> may be coupled to each other to form a stackable shield <NUM> and to form a singular enclosed space in the stackable shield <NUM>. The two frames <NUM> join together and form a common ground for the two frames <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the stackable frame shown in in <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a side view of the stackable frame shown in in <FIG>. A coordinate system is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, which includes X, Y, and, Z axes. X axis is orthogonal to Y axis, and X and Y axes are in an X-Y plane. Z axis is orthogonal to the X-Y plane. The stackable frame <NUM> includes a plurality of walls <NUM>, a plurality of spring fingers <NUM>, a latch <NUM>, a latch hole <NUM>, a plurality of ventilation holes <NUM>, a plurality of stoppers <NUM>, and a pick spot <NUM>.

Each of the plurality of walls <NUM> has a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>, e.g., a bottom end and a top end. The first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> face away from each other along Z axis. For example, the second end <NUM> is toward + Z direction along the Z axis, and the first end <NUM> is toward -Z direction along Z axis. The plurality of walls <NUM> includes, for example, four walls <NUM>, including a right-side wall <NUM>-<NUM>, rear wall <NUM>-<NUM>, left-side wall <NUM>-<NUM>, and front wall <NUM>-<NUM> (with respect to the embodiment as illustrated in <FIG>). Each wall <NUM> is rectangular in shape and substantially elongated with substantially linear longitudinal top and bottom edges and substantially linear transverse left- and right-side edges (in the embodiments shown). In one embodiment, the walls <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> all have the same height, the front and rear walls <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> have the same length, and the side walls <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> have the same length. In other embodiments, all of the walls <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> have the same length. In still further embodiments, the walls <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> have different heights and/or lengths.

The four walls <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> are connected together at the side edges to form a rectangular or square frame <NUM> that has an open top and an open bottom and is relatively short in height to have a low profile. The first ends <NUM> of the plurality of walls <NUM> define at least one first opening <NUM>, and the second end <NUM> of the plurality of walls <NUM> define at least one second opening <NUM>. The first opening <NUM> defines the open top and the second opening <NUM> defines the open bottom.

The stackable frame <NUM> may further include a plurality of solder feet <NUM> at a first end <NUM> of each wall <NUM>. More specifically, one or more feet <NUM> can extend outward (downward in the embodiments shown) from the bottom edge of one or more of the walls <NUM>. The plurality of solder feet <NUM> may be coupled to a printed circuit board (PCB) by soldering. The plurality of spring fingers <NUM> are at the second ends <NUM> of the walls <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM>. That is, one or more fingers <NUM> extend outward (upward in the embodiments shown) from the top edge of one or more of the walls <NUM>.

The spring fingers <NUM> may be distributed in a way such that the stackable frame <NUM> can interlock with a second identical stackable frame turned, e.g., <NUM>° from top to bottom. The spring finger <NUM> includes a shift portion <NUM>, a beam <NUM>, a detent <NUM>, and a sloped ramp <NUM>. The shift portion <NUM> is between and connects the wall <NUM> and the beam <NUM>. The sloped ramp <NUM> is on the distal end of the beam <NUM>. The shift portion <NUM> provides a location shift that is outward with respect to the plurality of walls <NUM>, such that, in X-Y plane, the location of the beam <NUM> is shifted slightly outward with respect to the walls <NUM>. With the shift portions <NUM>, the spring fingers <NUM> of the stackable frame <NUM> may surround respective outside surfaces of walls <NUM> of another identical stackable frame <NUM>, as the two stackable frames <NUM> interlock with each other.

The detent <NUM> is a round tab or button that is formed at the inner or inwardly facing surface of the beam <NUM>. The detent <NUM> projects inward with respect to the walls <NUM>, e.g. toward the inner space with respect to walls <NUM>. In addition, one or more lock holes <NUM> (<FIG>) are positioned about the upper portion of one or more of the walls. The lock holes <NUM> are set back from the upper and/or lower edge and are aligned with a respective detent <NUM> of another frame to be mated.

The detents <NUM> of the stackable frame <NUM> may be in contact with the walls <NUM> of another stackable frame <NUM>, as the two stackable frames <NUM> interlock with each other. As the two stackable frames <NUM> interlock with each other, the two stackable frames <NUM> forms a common ground for the stackable shield <NUM>. The sloped ramp <NUM> is on the beam <NUM>, and is tilted outward with respect to the walls <NUM>. With the guide of the sloped ramps <NUM>, the spring fingers <NUM> of the stackable frame <NUM> may smoothly couple with respective walls <NUM> of another identical stackable frame <NUM>, as the two stackable frames <NUM> interlock with each other.

Thus, the shift <NUM> and ramp <NUM> each facilitate mating of the two frames <NUM> and prevents stubbing of the fingers <NUM> with the respective edge of the mating frame. That is, the shift <NUM> positions the finger <NUM> slightly outside of the walls, and the finger <NUM> can optionally be parallel to the wall <NUM> or angled slightly inward toward the wall <NUM>. As two frames <NUM> are brought together, the ramp <NUM> guides the frame with respect to the other mating frame, thereby pushing the finger <NUM> slightly outward so that the finger <NUM> slides over the outer surface of the mating fame and has an inward spring bias to form a reliable contact with the wall, as shown in <FIG>. The fingers <NUM> can be biased to press inward onto the mating frame in the joined configuration, and the shift portion <NUM> move the fingers <NUM> outward as the two mating frames <NUM> come together. The frames <NUM> can then continue to slide together. Once the two frames <NUM> are completely brought together, the inward spring bias of the fingers <NUM> forces the detents <NUM> inwardly into the respective lock holes <NUM>. That operation locks and engages the two frames <NUM> to one another. To release the frames, the user can reach under the ramp <NUM> and pull the fingers outward slightly until the fingers are out of the lock holes <NUM>, and at the same time pull the frames apart until the fingers are clear of the lock holes.

The latch <NUM> may extend along Z axis from the wall <NUM>-<NUM>. For example, one or more latches <NUM> can project outward (upward in <FIG>) from the top edge of the wall, and positioned between respective fingers <NUM>. The latch <NUM> may include a shift portion <NUM>, a beam <NUM> on the shift portion <NUM>, and a sloped ramp <NUM> on the beam <NUM> and tilted inward with respect to the walls <NUM>. The shift portion <NUM> is between and connects the wall <NUM>-<NUM> and the beam <NUM>. The shift portion <NUM> provides a shift that is inward with respect to the plurality of walls <NUM>, such that, in X-Y plane, the beam <NUM> is shifted inward with respect to the walls <NUM>.

The latch hole <NUM> may be in a side beam (e.g., a lid) <NUM> at the wall <NUM>-<NUM>. Cross support members or side beams <NUM> may extend from second ends of one or more of the walls <NUM> toward space inside the walls <NUM>. The latch <NUM> and the latch hole <NUM> may be over two opposing walls <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, respectively. The latch <NUM> of the stackable frame <NUM> mates with a latch hole <NUM> of another identical stackable frame <NUM>, as the two stackable frames <NUM> interlock with each other. With the sloped ramp <NUM>, the latch <NUM> of the stackable frame <NUM> may insert smoothly into a latch hole <NUM> of another identical stackable frame <NUM>, as the two stackable frames <NUM> interlock with each other. The plurality of ventilation holes <NUM> are formed in the walls <NUM> and penetrating through the walls <NUM> for ventilation from electronic components (not shown in <FIG>) in the enclosed space of the stackable shield <NUM>.

The stopper <NUM> includes a stand <NUM> and a plate <NUM>. The stand <NUM> extends outward from the top edge of the wall, and the plate <NUM> is at the distal end of the stand <NUM>, and extends orthogonally inward with respect to the walls <NUM> and the stand <NUM>. The plate <NUM> and the side beam <NUM> may be in a same plane, e.g., in a same X-Y plane. The plates <NUM> of the stackable frame <NUM> may be in contact with side beams <NUM> of another identical stackable frame <NUM> and stop the two stackable frames <NUM> from moving deeper into each other, as the two stackable frames <NUM> interlock with each other.

In one example, the stopper <NUM> is at a wall <NUM>, such as wall <NUM>-<NUM>, and the stand <NUM> is a beam extending along the Z axis. In another example, the stopper <NUM> may be across a boundary between two adjacent walls <NUM>, such as walls <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, and the stand <NUM> may include two beams extending along Z axis and forming a right angle between each other. Where multiple fingers <NUM>, latches <NUM>, and/or stoppers <NUM> are provided, they can form an alternating pattern of fingers <NUM> with either latches <NUM> or stoppers <NUM>.

The stackable frame <NUM> may optionally further include a pick spot <NUM> for auto-placement during surface mount technology (SMT) process. The pick spot <NUM> may be coupled to one or more of the walls <NUM> via connection beams <NUM>. The pick spot <NUM> and connection beams <NUM> are located in such a way that they avoid interfering with internal electrical components contained within the shielded area. Free space may be increased to reduce part weight and to permit any tall components inside to reach in Z axis above the height of the beam. The exact position, height, and number of such internal electrical components varies from one application to another. The pick spot <NUM> is located on or very near to the center of gravity of the whole piece in X and Y direction, such that the pick-and-place nozzle is aligned with the center of gravity in Z-axis, in order to stay level when lifted. The connection beams <NUM> may be reduced in size and number, but also support the weight and stress of handling and placing the entire structure from its pick spot <NUM> without damage or excessive deflection of the structure.

<FIG> illustrate a perspective view of another exemplary stackable shield including two identical stackable frames. The stackable frame <NUM> may be self-stackable, and accordingly, two identical frames <NUM> may be coupled to each other to form a stackable shield <NUM> and to form a singular enclosed space in the stackable shield <NUM>. The two frames <NUM> join together and form a common ground for the two frames <NUM>.

<FIG>, <FIG> further illustrates that the walls <NUM> need not have one uniform height and/or length. Rather, as shown, the walls can have a taller portion <NUM>-4A and a shorter portion <NUM>-4B with a ledge or step <NUM> therebetween, and the taller portion of one frame mates with the shorter portion of a mating frame. In addition, the fingers and/or latches need not be integrally formed with the walls (as in <FIG>), but instead can be formed on a separate plate <NUM> that is attached to the top/bottom edge of the wall <NUM>. And the fingers and/or latches need not be provided on both mating frames, but can be formed only at one of the frames.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the stackable frame shown in <FIG>. <FIG> illustrate a side view and a top view of the stackable frame shown in <FIG>, respectively. Referring to <FIG>, the stackable frame <NUM> includes a plurality of walls <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM>, a plurality of spring fingers <NUM>, a plurality of ventilation holes <NUM>, a plurality of stoppers <NUM>, and a pick spot <NUM>. The plurality of walls <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> can also be collectively referred to as walls <NUM>. The wall <NUM>-<NUM> includes a wall portion <NUM>-2A and a wall portion <NUM>-2B, and a height of wall portion <NUM>-A is greater than a height of wall portion <NUM>-B. The wall <NUM>-<NUM> includes a wall portion <NUM>-4A and a wall portion <NUM>-4B, and a height of wall portion <NUM>-4A is greater than a height of wall portion <NUM>-4B.

A wall <NUM> may include a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>, e.g., a bottom end and a top end. The first ends <NUM> of the plurality of walls <NUM> surround at least one first opening <NUM>, and the second ends <NUM> of the plurality of walls <NUM> surround at least one second opening <NUM>.

The stackable frame <NUM> may further include a plurality of solder feet <NUM> at a first end of each wall <NUM>. The plurality of solder feet <NUM> may be coupled to a printed circuit board (PCB) by soldering. The plurality of spring fingers <NUM> are on the second ends of wall <NUM>-<NUM> and wall portions <NUM>-2B and <NUM>-4B.

The spring fingers <NUM> may be distributed in a way such that the stackable frame <NUM> can interlock with a second identical stackable frame turned, e.g., <NUM>° from top to bottom. The spring finger <NUM> may include a beam <NUM>, a detent <NUM>, and a sloped ramp <NUM>.

The detent <NUM> is formed at the beam <NUM>, and projects inward with respect to the walls <NUM>, e.g. toward the inner space with respect to the walls <NUM>. The sloped ramp <NUM> is on the beam <NUM>, and is tilted outward with respect to the walls <NUM>, e.g., toward the space outside with respect to walls <NUM>. With the guide of the sloped ramps <NUM>, the spring fingers <NUM> of the stackable frame <NUM> may smoothly couple with respective walls <NUM> of another identical stackable frame <NUM>, as the two stackable frames <NUM> interlock with each other.

The stackable frame <NUM> may further include side beams <NUM> extending from second ends of wall <NUM>-<NUM> and wall portions <NUM>-2A and <NUM>-4A, toward space inside the walls <NUM>. The plurality of ventilation holes <NUM> are formed in wall <NUM>-<NUM> and wall portions <NUM>-2A and <NUM>-4A for ventilation from electronic components (not shown in <FIG>) in the enclosed space of the stackable shield <NUM>.

The stopper <NUM> includes a stand <NUM> and a plate <NUM> extending inward with respect to the walls <NUM>. As shown, the stopper <NUM> can be at a corner where two walls join, or can be at an intermediate position on the wall. The plate <NUM> and the side beam <NUM> may be in different planes. The planes of the plate <NUM> and the side beam <NUM> may have a distance D21 therebetween (<FIG>). The plates <NUM> of the stackable frame <NUM> may be in contact with side beams <NUM> of another identical stackable frame <NUM> and stop the two stackable frames <NUM> from moving deeper into each other, as the two stackable frames <NUM> interlock with each other. As further illustrated, the ramp <NUM>, <NUM> can extend the entire width of the beam <NUM>, <NUM> (<FIG>), or can be angled (<FIG>).

In one example, the stopper <NUM> is at a wall <NUM>, such as wall <NUM>-<NUM>, and the stand <NUM> is a beam extending along Z axis. In another example, the stopper <NUM> may be across a boundary between two adjacent walls <NUM>, such as walls <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, and the stand <NUM> include two beams extending along Z axis and forming a right angle between each other. The stackable frame <NUM> may further include a pick spot <NUM> for auto-placement during an SMT process. The pick spot <NUM> may be coupled to one or more of the walls <NUM> via connection beams <NUM>.

Beam <NUM> has a first end in contact with one or more walls <NUM> and a second end in contact with the sloped ramp <NUM>. Stand <NUM> has a first end in contact with one or more walls <NUM> and a first end in contact with plate <NUM>. The first ends of the beam <NUM> and the stand <NUM> may be connected to and integrated with each other. The integrated first ends of the beam <NUM> and the stand <NUM> are offset with respect to the walls <NUM> by a distance D22 in X-Y plane, and the beam <NUM> and the stand <NUM> are offset with respect to the location of the wall <NUM> by a distance D22 in X-Y plane. Accordingly, the spring fingers <NUM> of the stackable frame <NUM> may surround respective outside surfaces of walls <NUM> of another identical stackable frame <NUM>, as the two stackable frames <NUM> interlock with each other. <FIG> best illustrates that the fingers <NUM> are longer in length than the stoppers <NUM>, though other embodiments can be provided.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of another exemplary stackable shield including two stackable frames <NUM>, <NUM>. The stackable shield <NUM> includes two non-identical stackable frames <NUM> and <NUM> coupled to each other to form a singular enclosed space in the stackable shield <NUM>. The stackable frames <NUM> and <NUM> join together and form a common ground for the stackable frames <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the stackable frame <NUM>, and <FIG> illustrates a front view of the stackable frame <NUM>. The stackable frame <NUM> includes a plurality of walls <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> and a lid or cover <NUM>. The plurality of walls <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> can also be collectively referred to as walls <NUM>. The lid or cover <NUM> extends over the open top of the frame <NUM> and at least partially covers the open top. The top opening <NUM> is formed in the cover <NUM>. Accordingly, the frame <NUM> can be interlocked with another frame that is smaller in size, including having a smaller length and width, than the frame shown. The top side of the frame <NUM> is its mating side with another frame. There are no spring fingers at the top side of the frame <NUM>. In one embodiment, the frame <NUM> can be interlocked with another frame that has spring fingers to surround the frame <NUM>, such as the frame <NUM> in <FIG>. Or a cover or lid can be attached at the opening <NUM> of the frame <NUM>.

Each wall <NUM> may include a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>, e.g., a bottom end and a top end. The first ends <NUM> of the plurality of walls <NUM> surround at least one first or bottom opening <NUM>, and the second ends <NUM> of the plurality of walls <NUM> surround at least one second or top opening <NUM>.

The stackable frame <NUM> may further include a plurality of solder feet <NUM> at a first end <NUM> of each wall <NUM>. The plurality of solder feet <NUM> may be coupled to a printed circuit board (PCB) by soldering.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the stackable frame <NUM>, and <FIG>, <FIG> illustrate a front view and a top view of the stackable frame <NUM>, respectively. The stackable frame <NUM> includes a plurality of walls <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM>, a plurality of spring fingers <NUM>, a plurality of stoppers <NUM>, and a pick spot <NUM>. The plurality of walls <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> can also be collectively referred to as walls <NUM>. One difference between the component in <FIG> and prior embodiments is that the component is not designed for self-stacking, but rather can be stacked with a mating component that doesn't have any fingers. The spring fingers are all encompassed on this component, and the mating component has no spring fingers at all. Thus, not all stacking shields must have a self-stacking design in which all components are identical (e.g., all components have regions with spring fingers and regions without spring fingers that mate with the spring fingers from a mating component), but rather some can use two different components (e.g., one with spring fingers and one without but that have regions which receive or engage the spring fingers).

Each wall <NUM> may include a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The stackable frame <NUM> may further include a plurality of solder feet <NUM> at a first end of each wall <NUM>. The first ends <NUM> of the plurality of walls <NUM> surround at least one first opening <NUM>, and the second ends <NUM> of the plurality of walls <NUM> surround at least one second opening <NUM>.

The plurality of solder feet <NUM> may be coupled to a printed circuit board (PCB) by soldering. The plurality of spring fingers <NUM> are on the second ends of four walls <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM>. With the spring fingers <NUM> on the second ends of the four walls <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM>, the stackable frame <NUM> may be interlocked with a different stackable frame that has no spring finger, such as the stackable frame <NUM>.

The spring finger <NUM> include a beam <NUM>, a detent <NUM>, and a sloped ramp <NUM>. The detent <NUM> is formed at the beam <NUM>, and projects inward with respect to the walls <NUM>, e.g. toward the inner space surrounded by the walls <NUM>. The sloped ramp <NUM> is on the beam <NUM>, and is tilted outward with respect to the walls <NUM>, e.g., toward the space outside the walls <NUM>. With the guide of the sloped ramps <NUM>, the spring fingers <NUM> of the stackable frame <NUM> may smoothly couple with respective walls <NUM> of the stackable frame <NUM>, as the two stackable frames <NUM> and <NUM> interlock with each other. The stopper <NUM> includes a stand <NUM> and a plate <NUM> extending inward with respect to the walls <NUM>.

The plates <NUM> of the stackable frame <NUM> may be in contact with the cover <NUM> of the stackable frame <NUM> and stop the two stackable frames <NUM> and <NUM> from moving deeper into each other, as the two stackable frames <NUM> and <NUM> interlock with each other.

The pick spot <NUM> may be for auto-placement during an SMT process. The pick spot <NUM> may be coupled to one or more of the walls <NUM> via connection beams <NUM>.

In some examples, referring to <FIG>, the dimensions D31 and D32 between the plurality of walls <NUM> may be larger than the dimensions D41 and D42 between the plurality of walls <NUM>. Accordingly, the spring fingers <NUM> at the second ends of the walls <NUM> of the stackable frame <NUM> may surround and in contact with respective outside surfaces of walls <NUM> of the stackable frame <NUM>, as the two stackable frames <NUM> and <NUM> interlock with each other.

In some other examples, the dimensions D31 and D32 between the plurality of walls <NUM> may be equal to or close to the dimensions D41 and D42 between the plurality of walls <NUM>. The spring fingers <NUM> at the second ends of the walls <NUM> of the stackable frame <NUM> may surround respective outside surfaces of walls <NUM> of the stackable frame <NUM> with spring flexibility of the spring fingers <NUM>, as the two stackable frames <NUM> and <NUM> interlock with each other.

<FIG> illustrates perspective views of a stackable frame and a gasket. <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of another exemplary stackable shield including the stackable frame and the gasket shown in <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the stackable shield in <FIG>. Referring to <FIG>, the stackable shield <NUM> includes a stackable frame <NUM> and a gasket <NUM>. References can made to the above-descriptions of the stackable frame <NUM>, which are not repeated here. The gasket <NUM> of the stackable shield <NUM> includes four portions <NUM> in contact with the cover <NUM> of the stackable frame <NUM>. The plurality of solder feet <NUM> may be mounted to a PCB by soldering. The second ends <NUM> of the stackable frame <NUM> may be coupled to another PCB via the gasket <NUM>, by compressing the gasket <NUM> between the stackable frame <NUM> and the PCB, so as to form a singular enclosed space enclosed in the stackable shield <NUM>.

The gasket <NUM> may be a thermal pad. The thermal pad may have electrical properties for providing an electrical grounding for the stackable shield <NUM>. A thermal pad may include a material that conducts heat between two other components by providing an interface with a lower thermal resistance than air.

A stackable frame may be mounted to a PCB by soldering solder feet to a PCB, by using thermally conductive adhesive to couple the stackable frame with the PCB, by using a gasket to couple the stackable frame with the PCB, or by using a thermal/electrical paste to couple the stackable frame with the PCB. For example, one end of a stackable frame may be mounted to a PCB by using thermally conductive adhesive, and the other end of the stackable frame may be mounted to another PCB by using a gasket. A thermally conductive adhesive may be, for example, a pad that is adhesive and thermally conductive. A thermal/electrical paste may be, for example, a paste that is electrically conductive and thermally conductive, which conducts heat between two other components by providing an interface with a lower thermal resistance than air.

The thermal pad and thermal adhesive join two surfaces and creates a thermal bond between them. Generally, those objects are an electronic component which is producing heat and a nearby heat sink into which the heat dissipates. The presence of the thermal pad or thermally conductive adhesive on or near the electronic components lowers their operating temperature and improves the overall performance of the device by spreading their heat into the stackable frame.

<FIG> illustrate an exemplary process of assembling a stackable shield. Referring to <FIG>, a first stackable frame 100a is mounted to a first PCB 510a, and at least partially encloses one or more first electrical devices 511a on the first PCB 510a. Similarly, a separate second stackable frame 100b may be mounted to a separate second PCB 510b, and at least partially encloses one or more separate second electrical devices 511b on the PCB 510b. The frames 100a, 100b can be mounted to the respective PCB 510a, 510b in any suitable manner, such as by solder or adhesive. As shown, each frame 100a, 100b has a size and shape slightly larger than the one or more respective electrical devices 511a, 511b that it surrounds. Since most electrical devices are relatively flat to the PCB, the frame <NUM> is also relatively short to provide a low profile. The frames 510a, 510b can be configured in accordance with any of the embodiments discussed above, or other suitable embodiments. For example, the frames <NUM> need not lock together by detents and lock holes, and other locking mechanisms can be provided. However, in the example embodiment of <FIG>, the frame 510a, 510b are similar to those shown in <FIG> for purposes of illustrating the disclosure.

Turning to <FIG>, the two PCBs 510a, 510b are then aligned to face each other. That is, a first PCB 510a has a first frame 100a on first surface of the PCB 510a, and a second PCB 510b has a second frame 100b on a second surface of the PCB 510b. The first surface faces the second surface, for example as shown the first surface can be upward facing and the second surface can be downward facing. In addition, the second frame 100b can be rotated <NUM> degrees with respect to the first frame 100a. As shown in the illustrative embodiment of <FIG>, the first and second frames 100a, 100b are identical to one another, with the spring fingers positioned on the right side of the frames 100a, 100b. However, the second PCB 510b is rotated, so that the fingers for the second frame 100b align with the left side of the first frame 100a. In addition, all board-to-board pin connectors are aligned and the first frame 100a is aligned with the second frame 100b. In that position, a latch of the first frame 100a may mate with a latch hole of the second frame 100b, and a latch of the second frame 100b may mate with a latch hole of the first frame 100a; the fingers and detents of the first frame 100a may be aligned with the lock holes of the second frame 100b, and the fingers and detents of the second frame 100b are aligned with the lock holes of the first frame 100a. In one embodiment, some of ventilation holes of the first and second frames may serve as the lock holes.

Referring now to <FIG>, the two PCBs 510a, 510b are then pressed together, and the two stackable frames <NUM> join together, such as by being locked by the latches mating with the latch holes and/or by the detents entering the lock holes. In that joined or interlocked configuration, the stackable shield <NUM> forms a common ground for the two stackable frames 100a and 100b and has a single contiguous enclosed space formed by the interior space of each of the respective frame 100a, 100b. The interlocked configuration forms a combined electrical assembly <NUM> which includes the PCBs 510a, 510b, the frames 100a, 110b, and the electrical devices 511a, 511b. In one embodiment, the electrical devices 511a, 511b can be arranged so that the taller components on the first PCB 510a are opposite the shorter components on the second PCB 510b. That way, when the PCBs 510a, 510b are brought together, the assembly <NUM> is as thin as possible. It is further noted that the walls of the first frame 100a can be the same height as the walls of the second frame 100b, or can be a different height either longer or shorter than the walls of the second frame 110b.

Referring to <FIG>, one implementation of the electrical assembly <NUM> is shown for non-limiting illustrative purposes. Here, the assembly <NUM> is utilized in a connector <NUM>. The assembly <NUM> can be, for example, situated between and coupled to a front housing member <NUM> and a rear housing member <NUM>. The front and rear housing members <NUM>, <NUM> can at least partially or wholly enclose the assembly <NUM>. In addition, a housing can be placed over the assembly <NUM> and/or housing members <NUM>, <NUM> to completely surround or enclose the assembly <NUM> and at least partially surround or enclose the housing members <NUM>, <NUM>. Electronic components on the PCBs 510a, 510b can communicate with interfaces on the front face of the front housing member <NUM>.

In some examples, a height of certain electrical device of the electrical devices <NUM> on the PCB 510a is larger than a height of the stackable frame 100a mounted to the PCB 510a, e.g., a distance between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the stackable frame <NUM>. The certain electrical device <NUM> on the PCB 510a may extend beyond the stackable frame 100a on the PCB 510a and into the stackable frame 100b mounted to the PCB 510b, but is still enclosed within the stackable shield <NUM>. The singular enclosed space in the stackable shield <NUM> and between the two PCBs 510a and 510b may accommodate the certain electrical device <NUM> on the PCB 510a extending beyond one stackable frame 100a. The singular enclosed space may have a height roughly equivalent to a height of the total spacing between the two PCBs 510a and 510b.

The frames 100a and 100b (collectively referred to as frames <NUM>) cooperate to provide an electronic shield to the electronic components 511a, 511b that they surround. Having two frames that interlock avoids the necessity of each frame having its own cover. And, having two frames interlock provides a mechanically stronger structure for the assembly <NUM>, and a single common unified ground. The frames 100a, 100b also provide a more compact assembly <NUM> than having two separate frames that do not interlock, and permit the PCBs to be located closer to one another. The stackable shield may shield radiated electric and magnetic fields and/or may serve as heat sinks by choosing appropriate materials for the stackable shield according to various application scenarios. Further, the stackable shield may serve as mechanical support between the two PCBs, which may alleviate stress on board-to-board connectors.

It is noted that the disclosure shows and describes two frames <NUM> that mate together, each having an open bottom and/or top (i.e., without a lid or cover). However, it is noted that one of the frames can have a shield lid. For example in <FIG>, the bottom frame 100a can have a closed top, such as a lid that extends a portion or the entire length of the frame 100a. The upper frame 100b can have an open bottom, so that the lid separates the lower and upper frames 100a, 100b to provide shielding therebetween.

Accordingly, it was one object to keep the PCB's as close as possible together. The stacking frames <NUM> do not require or have a shield lid, which require space. By eliminating the lids (i.e., having an open top and/or open bottom), the frames allow the PCBs to be moved closer together to have a small overall package size that is shorter and low-profile, without reducing the size of the electronic components. Of course, it also serves the function of any other EMI shield, by providing interference shielding.

The frames solve the problem of creating an EMI fence for electronics on two separate boards in close proximity where space is limited by providing a singular frame which encompasses both sets of electronics. That eliminates wasted space that would be used by two separate EMI shields. There are two separate contact areas designated for two separate PCBA's. If those contact areas are on separate elements, those elements are attached to each other, such as by the use of the spring fingers or other attachment mechanisms. Other embodiments use a singular "self-stacking" shield which uses only one frame, or using two differently-formed frames, or using only one frame combined with a gasket or adhesive. The frames can also serve as a heat sink for electronic components. It may also serve as mechanical support between the boards which would alleviate stress on board-to-board connectors.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate various combinations of examples not specifically described or illustrated herein that are still within the scope of this disclosure. In this respect, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific examples set forth and the examples of the disclosure are intended to be illustrative, not limiting.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Similarly, the adjective "another," when used to introduce an element, is intended to mean one or more elements. The terms "comprising," "including," "having" and similar terms are intended to be inclusive such that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

Additionally, where a method described above or a method claim below does not explicitly require an order to be followed by its steps or an order is otherwise not required based on the description or claim language, it is not intended that any particular order be inferred. Likewise, where a method claim below does not explicitly recite a step mentioned in the description above, it should not be assumed that the step is required by the claim.

Claim 1:
A shield (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), comprising
a first frame and a second frame (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), both including:
a plurality of walls (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) each having a first end (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and a second end (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) facing away from each other along a first direction; and
a plurality of spring fingers (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) on second ends of one or more walls of the plurality of walls and extending along the first direction,
wherein the first ends of the plurality of walls define an open bottom, and the second ends of the plurality of walls define an open top;
characterized in that the second frame is configured to interlock with the first frame to form a singular enclosed space in the shield, with second ends of the plurality of walls of the second frame oriented toward second ends of the plurality of walls of the first frame and in that it further comprises a first printed circuit board, PCB, having a first surface and a second PCB having a second surface, said first frame mounted to the first surface of said first PCB and said second frame mounted to the second surface of said second PCB, wherein the first surface faces the second surface.