Printed circuit board retaining device
View Patent ↗A retaining device holds a PCB to a heat sink that has channels for receiving the retaining device. The retaining device includes a body having portions configured for receipt into the channels of the heat sink and moveable tabs and protuberances protruding away from a first surface of each moveable tab. A method for holding the PCB to the heat sink is disclosed. A lighting assembly that includes the retaining device is also disclosed.
1. A cam for holding a printed circuit board to a heat sink that has channels for receiving the cam, the cam comprising a body having portions configured for receipt into a channel of a heat sink, a movable tab, and a protuberance extending away from a first surface of the movable tab.
2. The cam of claim 1 , wherein the body is substantially planar having a substantially football-shaped periphery.
3. The cam of claim 1 , wherein the body is axially symmetric.
4. The cam of claim 3 , further comprising an additional movable tab wherein the tabs are spaced from one another and aligned along a central axis of the body.
5. The cam of claim 4 , further comprising an additional protuberance extending away from a first surface of the additional tab, wherein the protuberances are located at or adjacent distal ends of the tabs.
6. The cam of claim 1 , further comprising a ridge formed on a second surface adjacent a peripheral edge of the body.
7. The cam of claim 1 , further comprising a central recess configured to receive a screwdriver.
8. A method for holding a printed circuit board against a heat sink comprising:
facing a first surface of a printed circuit board toward a first surface of a heat sink;
placing a protuberance of a cam that comprises a movable tab and the protuberance disposed on the tab in contact with a second surface of the printed circuit board, the second surface being opposite the first surface;
applying a force on the cam in a direction towards the printed circuit board;
moving the cam such that a portion of the cam is received into a channel of the heat sink; and
removing the force from the cam, whereby the movable tab exerts a force on the printed circuit board.
9. The method of claim 8 , further comprising:
placing a thermally conductive compressible material between the first surface of the printed circuit board and the first surface of the heat sink.
10. A light assembly comprising:
a printed circuit board;
an LED mounted to the printed circuit board;
a heat sink having a mounting surface contacting the printed circuit board and a first channel spaced from the mounting surface;
a cam including a first movable tab and a protuberance disposed on the first tab that is configured to contact the printed circuit board, the cam having a portion configured for receipt in the first channel of the heat sink.
11. The assembly of claim 10 , wherein the cam includes a ridge disposed on a side of the cam opposite the protrusion.
12. The assembly of claim 11 , wherein the ridge is generally parallel to an adjacent peripheral edge of the cam.
13. The assembly of claim 11 , wherein the heat sink includes a mating groove that receives the ridge.
14. The assembly of claim 10 , wherein the cam comprises a substantially planar body having a height that is about equal to a height of the channel.
15. The assembly of 10 , wherein the cam has a height that is less than a height of the LED.
16. The assembly of claim 10 , wherein the cam includes a central recess configured to receive a screwdriver.
17. The assembly of claim 10 , wherein the first movable tab is defined by a U-shaped cut-out through the cam.
18. The assembly of claim 10 , wherein the cam includes a locating post and the printed circuit board includes a mating hole that receives that locating post.
19. The assembly of claim 10 , includes a substantially linear peripheral edge received in the first channel of the heat sink.