Mounting components in electronic devices

• US 9,294,600 B2
• Filed: 12/21/2006
• Issued: 03/22/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 12/21/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: RPX Corporation
• Original Assignee: Nokia Corporation
• Inventors: Lasarov, Harri Aukusti, Wiberg, Titta-Virva Juulia
• Primary Examiner(s): Mei, Xu
• Application Number:
  US12/520,039
• Publication Number:
  US 20100284552A1
• Time in Patent Office: 3,379 Days
• Field of Search: 381/87, 381333-336, 381/345, 381/361, 381/374, 381/384, 381/189, 381/388, 381392-393, 381/55, 337/34, 174 50- 5064, 174/520, 361/679.1
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 45/14549 Coating rod-like, wire-like or belt-like articles B29C45/14426 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 45/14639 for obtaining an insulating effect, e.g. for electrical components
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/05 specially adapted for use on head, throat or breast
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/18 Telephone sets specially adapted for use in ships, mines, or other places exposed to adverse environment H04M1/19 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/02 Casings; Cabinets ; Supports therefor; Mountings therein H04R1/28 takes precedence ; attachments for microphones H04R1/08; mounting of transducers in earpieces H04R1/1075
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/062 sealed by a material injected between a non-removable cover and a body, e.g. hardening in situ
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/065 sealed by encapsulation, e.g. waterproof resin forming an integral casing, injection moulding

Abstract

An electronic device comprises electronic circuitry and a molded plastic covering (5). In order to prevent ingress of water and dust, a hermetic seal is provided between the covering (5) and components that are accessible through the covering (5), such as a socket (7) or display, or components such as electrical connections (9). The components (7, 9) are at least partially coated in a coating material 15, such as a thermally activated polyurethane adhesive or thin thermoplastic, to provide a strong bond to the covering (5) that does not require the use of solder. The device may be a wearable device in which waterproof sealing is required.

Claims

1. A device comprising:

electronic circuitry;

a covering arranged to cover said electronic circuitry; and

a component connected to said electronic circuitry that is accessible from the exterior of the device through an opening in said covering;

wherein at least part of said component is coated with a layer of thermoactivated coating material and said covering is bonded to said layer of thermoactivated coating material by heat activating the layer of thermoactivated coating material to provide a hermetic seal between the covering and the component.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein said component provides part of a user interface.

3. A device according to claim 1, wherein said component is a display.

4. A device according to claim 1, wherein said component comprises at least one of:

a socket configured to receive a connector; and

an electrical connection arranged to provide a conductive path from a socket to said electronic circuitry.

5. A device according to claim 4, comprising:

a rechargeable battery arranged to supply power to said electronic circuitry;

wherein;

said socket is arranged to receive a connector from an external power source; and

said electrical connection is arranged to convey power from the socket to the rechargeable battery.

6. A device according to claim 4, comprising:

an audio output;

wherein;

said socket is arranged to receive a connector from a loudspeaker; and

said electrical connection is arranged to convey audio signals from the electronic circuitry to said socket.

7. A device according to claim 6, comprising a memory configured to store music data.

8. A device according to claim 4, comprising:

an audio output; and

an audio input;

wherein said electrical connection is arranged to convey audio signals to and from the electronic circuitry to said socket.

9. A device according to claim 1, in the form of a portable electronic device.

10. A device according to claim 9, in the form of a wearable device.

11. A device according to claim 1, wherein said covering is a thermoplastic elastomer.

12. A device according to claim 1, wherein said covering is a rigid material.

13. A device according to claim 1, comprising:

a user interface; and

wherein at least part of said user interface comprises said component.

14. A device according to claim 13, wherein said component is a display.

15. A method of manufacturing an electrical device comprising:

providing electronic circuitry;

providing a first component connected to said electronic circuitry;

coating at least part of said component with a thermoactivated coating material; and

moulding a covering over said thermoactivated coating material and heat activating the layer of thermoactivated coating material, so that said covering is bonded to said thermoactivated coating material to provide a hermetic seal between said component and said covering.

16. A method according to claim 15, wherein:

said providing a first component comprises providing a socket arranged to receive a connector from an external device and providing an electrical connection between said socket and circuitry; and

said component comprises at least one of said socket and said electrical connection.

17. A device comprising:

electronic circuitry;

a socket arranged to receive a connector; and

an electrical connection arranged to provide a conductive path from said socket to said electronic circuitry; and

a covering arranged to cover said electronic circuitry;

wherein at least one of said socket and said electrical connection comprises a conductive element coated with a layer of thermoactivated coating material, said covering being moulded over and bonded to said layer of thermoactivated coating material by heat activating the layer of thermoactivated coating material to provide a hermetic seal between said covering and said one of said socket and said electrical connection.