Mounting components in electronic devices
View Patent ↗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.
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.