Electronic device

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic device. The subject matter of the present disclosure relates to an electronic device (100), such as a personal care device. The apparatus comprises: an electric motor (102) comprising a first motor terminal (104) and a second motor terminal (106); a printed circuit board assembly PCBA (108); a first terminal connector (112) and a second terminal connector (114), the first terminal connector and the second terminal connector being configured to electrically couple the PCBA (108) to the first terminal (104) and the second terminal (106) of the electric motor (102); and a terminal connector holder TCH (126). The TCH (126) includes a set of channels (128) corresponding to the shape of the first terminal connector (112) and the second terminal connector (114), wherein each channel in the set is configured to decouple a force applied to the terminal connectors from the PCBA.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter of the present disclosure relates to an electronic device and its improved repairability. In particular, the present disclosure relates to personal care devices, such as grooming devices (hair clippers, etc.), beauty devices (epilators, etc.), and toothbrushes. Background Art

[0002] The "right to repair" movement has recently gained increasing attention around the world, and many governments, especially in the European Union, are now legislating to give consumers the right to repair. EU legislation specifically stipulates that devices need to be able to be opened by consumers (or professionals), and the electrical parts inside the devices should be replaceable.

[0003] Many existing electronic devices are not suitable for home repair. The reasons range from complex component interconnectivity to the simple fact that many home device users are unable to solder replacement parts together.

[0004] To address this issue, some electronic devices have started using rigid and / or detachable connector components that are easily accessible and allow for greater repairability by eliminating the need for soldered connections. However, there is a problem that such devices, while being easier to repair, are also more prone to damage due to the forces applied to the connectors during use (e.g., due to device handling / mishandling, vibration of internal components, etc.), where the connectors are coupled to other components of the device.

[0005] DE 11 2022 001844 and WO 2023 / 210306 each disclose a connection between an electric motor and a PCB, where shaped conductors are used to form the connection, and the shaped conductors are accommodated in correspondingly shaped channels. However, these designs complicate assembly and disassembly.

[0006] A new design method for electric devices to comply with the right to repair legislation is highly desirable. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the subject matter of the present disclosure is to improve the prior art.

[0008] The invention is defined by the independent claims. Additional features will be understood from the dependent claims and the description herein. Any embodiments described but not falling within the scope of the claims are only to be construed as examples to facilitate a better understanding of the invention.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic device, such as a personal care device, a personal grooming device, a personal beauty device, etc. The device includes: an electric motor including a first motor terminal and a second motor terminal; a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA); a first terminal connector and a second terminal connector configured to electrically couple the PCBA to the first terminal and the second terminal of the electric motor; and a terminal connector holder (TCH). The TCH includes a set of channels corresponding to the shapes of the first terminal connector and the second terminal connector, and each channel in the set is configured to decouple the force applied to the terminal connector from the PCBA.

[0010] Suitably, configuring the channels to decouple the force applied to the terminal connector from the PCBA may include: forming channels having a predetermined dimensional tolerance relative to the size of the terminal connector disposed in the channels. In an example, at least one channel (or subset of channels) in the set of channels is configured to decouple the force caused by the operation of the motor.

[0011] In an example, the first terminal connector and the second terminal connector are configured in a predetermined meandering shape, and the set of channels corresponds to the predetermined meandering shape of the rigidity of the first terminal connector and the second terminal connector.

[0012] In an example, each channel in the set of channels includes an open side in a common orientation, wherein the first terminal connector and the second terminal connector can be inserted into the set of channels via the open side. In a related example, the terminal connector holder includes a cover portion configured to cover the open side of the channel after the terminal connector is inserted into the set of channels. The benefits of configuring channels with a common insertion direction include ease of installation and replacement of the terminal connector, as well as preventing accidental tilting of the terminal connector after installation.

[0013] The first motor terminal and the second motor terminal protrude from the electric motor, for example, in a first direction. The first terminal connector, the second terminal connector, and the terminal connector holder together define, for example, a connector module that slidably fits over the first motor terminal and the second motor terminal in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, in which the first motor terminal and the second motor terminal protrude from the electric motor.

[0014] In an example, each of the first terminal connector and the second terminal connector includes means for detachably engaging the first motor terminal and the second motor terminal, respectively.

[0015] In an example, the means for detachably engaging the first motor terminal and the second motor terminal includes a clip.

[0016] The first motor terminal and the second motor terminal include, for example, flat blade connectors, and each clip includes spaced-apart branches for clamping the side edges of the flat blade connectors. Then the second direction is perpendicular to the plane of the flat blade connector. Thus, the clip forms a wiping connection with the side surface of the flat blade connector.

[0017] Each clip includes, for example, a lead portion, where the spacing between the spaced-apart branches is wider than the width of the flat blade connector, such that the clip self-aligns over the motor terminal. As described above, this self-alignment ensures a proper wiping connection.

[0018] In an example, the set of channels includes a subset of channels configured to receive the equipment to removably engage the first motor terminal and the second motor terminal of the first terminal connector and the second terminal connector.

[0019] In an example, the set of channels is configured to align the equipment to removably engage the first motor terminal and the second motor terminal with the first motor terminal and the second motor terminal, respectively.

[0020] In an example, the TCH includes an electrically insulating material, such as plastic.

[0021] In an example, the TCH includes equipment removably attached to the PCBA.

[0022] In an example, the TCH includes equipment for fixing the TCH to the body of the electronic device.

[0023] With reference to the embodiments described below, these and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent and be elucidated.

[0024] As used herein, unless otherwise expressly stated, all numbers, such as those representing values, ranges, amounts, or percentages, can be understood to begin with the word "about," even if the term does not explicitly appear. The term "about" or substantially as used herein means + / - 5% of the stated value. Additionally, any numerical range described herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein, and the terms "from" and "to" in pairs of values are intended to indicate that such values are included within the range. The singular encompasses the plural and vice versa. Furthermore, although the present invention is described in terms of "comprising," the processes, materials, and coating compositions described in detail herein may also be described as "consisting essentially of" or "consisting of." Description of the Drawings

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention can be best understood with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 A side view of an exemplary electronic device is shown;

[0027] Figure 2 A part of a front view of the exemplary electronic device is shown; and

[0028] Figure 3 Is a perspective view of a part of the exemplary electronic device;

[0029] Figure 4 Another perspective view of a part of the exemplary electronic device is shown. Detailed Description

[0030] Referring to Figures 1 to 4 , an electronic device 100 is shown. The electronic device includes an electric motor 102, which is suitably configured to drive an operating head (not shown) of the device 100. In one example, the head may include a cutter configured to be used as a trimmer, a razor, or shears, etc. In another example, the head may include a beauty tool, such as a hair remover. In yet another example, the head may include a toothbrush. Suitably, the electronic device 100 may be considered a personal care device.

[0031] The electric motor 102 includes a first motor terminal 104 and a second motor terminal 106. The motor terminals are flatpin terminals, i.e., blade connectors. They project from the electric motor in a first direction parallel to the length direction of the electronic device. The motor terminals 104, 106 are configured to receive current to drive the motor 102. Suitably, the motor terminals are electrically coupled to a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 108.

[0032] The PCBA 108 includes a plurality of electrical components, such as connectors, capacitors, transistors, logic gates, etc., which are familiar to those skilled in the art. The PCBA 108 is configured to receive electrical power from a battery 110 and then suitably control the electrical power supplied to the motor terminals 104, 106. Suitably, the device 100 includes a first terminal connector 112 and a second terminal connector 114 to electrically couple the PCBA 108 to the corresponding first motor terminal 104 and second motor terminal 106, respectively. Suitably, the first terminal connector 112 and the second terminal connector 114 are conductive. The terminal connectors are formed as curved sheet metal parts.

[0033] Here, the first terminal connector 112 and the second terminal connector 114 are designed to facilitate the repair of the device 100. In particular, each of the terminal connectors 112, 114 is configured to removably engage their respective motor terminals 104, 106. That is, the first terminal connector 112 includes means for removably engaging the first motor terminal 104, and the second terminal connector 114 includes means for removably engaging the second motor terminal 106.

[0034] Suitably, such means 112, 114 may be provided at one end (i.e., the first end) of each of the connectors 112, 114. In other words, each of the first terminal connector 112 and the second terminal connector 114 may include head portions 116, 118 configured to be releasably coupled to the first motor terminal 104 and the second motor terminal 106, respectively. In this example, each of the head portions 116, 118 includes scraping means for clamping onto the motor terminals 104, 106 by friction (such as by clamping). As shown, such scraping means may include a clip that includes suitably biased branches that clamp onto the side edges of the motor terminals 104, 106, particularly flat motor terminals. The clip (or rather its branches) may also include formed leads, such as a flared arrangement of the branches, to facilitate connection of the clip to the motor terminals. The formed lead presents an opening wider than the width of the flat motor terminal so that it can be easily fitted over the motor terminal. As Figure 4 can be seen, the flared formed lead is the lowest part of the head portions 116, 118.

[0035] The other end (the second end) of each of the terminal connectors 112, 114 is suitably attached to the PCBA 108. If desired, such attachment may also be removable to improve the modularity and repairability of the device 100. However, in the preferred example shown, the terminal connectors 112, 114 are fixedly attached to the PCBA 108, for example by solder. In this way, during the repair of the device 100, replacement of the motor 102 can be achieved without compromising the connection to the PCBA 108. If the PCBA 108 needs to be replaced, an entire new PCBA 108 (with pre-attached terminal connectors) can be provided, or an electronics expert with suitable skills can desolder and resolder the terminal connectors 112, 114.

[0036] Suitably, the terminal connectors 112, 114 are configured in a predetermined shape that is designed to provide rigidity and / or flexibility in certain orientations. The predetermined shape includes a meandering path having direction changes in at least two orthogonal dimensions, preferably in at least three orthogonal dimensions. In other words, the predetermined shape of the terminal connector is preferably three-dimensional.

[0037] For example, as shown, starting from the head portion 118, each terminal connector 112, 114 includes a first portion 120 that extends substantially in the z direction. This first component changes direction to form a second portion 122 that extends substantially in the x direction, and this second portion then changes again to form a third portion 124 that extends substantially in the y direction (and terminates at the connection with the PCBA 108). The function of the zigzag is to provide flexibility and strength to the terminal connectors 112, 114 in different orthogonal directions. For example, the first portion 120 can be flexible in the x dimension and rigid in the y dimension, the second portion 122 can be flexible in the z direction and rigid in the y dimension, and the third portion 124 can be flexible in the z direction and rigid in the x dimension.

[0038] Although this example shows that the terminal connectors 112, 114 have substantially the same shape and are mirror symmetric with respect to the bisecting line in the z direction of the device 100, it should be understood that each of the terminal connectors 112, 114 can have a different shape.

[0039] The device 100 also includes a terminal connector holder (TCH) 126. The TCH 126 includes a set of channels 128 corresponding to the predetermined shape of the first and second terminal connectors. In other words, the TCH 126 includes channels 128 that are configured to accommodate the zigzag shape of each of the terminal connectors 112, 114. The TCH 126 is preferably formed of an electrically insulating material such as plastic.

[0040] The channels 128 are preferably formed as open conduits that can receive the terminal connectors 112, 114. That is, each of the channels 128 includes an open side that is in a common orientation with the open sides of the other channels 128 (e.g., opening in the y direction). Thus, during manufacturing or repair, the terminal connectors 112, 114 can be easily inserted into the channels 128, making it easier to achieve the correct positioning of the terminal connectors 112, 114 and providing ready alignment of the detachable joint heads 116, 118 with the corresponding motor terminals 104, 106. In some examples (not shown), the TCH 126 can also include a covering portion that is configured to close the open side of the channels 128.

[0041] The first terminal connector 112, the second terminal connector 114, and the TCH 126 together define a connector module that slides over the first and second motor terminals in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in which the motor terminals extend.

[0042] For example, in the case where the connectors 112, 114 are fixedly attached to the PCBA 108, the connectors 112, the connector 114, the PCBA 108, the TCH 126, and the battery 110 are coupled together to define a battery / PCB module. Then, the entire module can be attached to the motor by a sliding fit, perpendicular to the length direction of the motor terminals and also perpendicular to the flat plane of the motor terminals. Thus, the second direction is perpendicular to the flat plane of the motor terminals. The connector module (as defined above) or the battery / PCB module (as defined above) slides down over the motor terminals in this manner. Initially, the flared branches of the formed leads are assembled at intervals over the motor terminals such that perfect alignment between the motor terminals and the connectors is not required. Thus, the spacing between the spaced-apart branches of the leads is partially wider than the width of the (flat) motor terminals. During further sliding of the module, such that the leads pass partially over the motor terminals, the connectors can move to their positions where they are correctly assembled over the motor terminals. The bending of the connectors 112, 114 within the channels 128 allows this movement. In this way, the TCH enables the terminal connectors to self-align around the motor terminals, thus ensuring proper scratch connections.

[0043] Suitably, each channel 128 in the set is configured to decouple the force applied to the terminal connectors 112, 114 from the PCBA 108, in particular by allowing deformation of the connectors 112, 114. Advantageously, the decoupling force applied from the PCBA 108 to the terminal connectors 112, 114 allows for a more robust serviceable device as the motor 102 can be easily attached to the terminal connectors 112, 114 with a lower risk of damage to the (soldered) connection to the PCBA 108 and also allows suppression of vibrations of the terminal connectors 112, 114 during use, which otherwise might damage the connection to the PCBA 108 due to the fixed shape form of the terminal connectors 112, 114.

[0044] To decouple forces, each channel in channel set 128 is configured to accommodate a corresponding portion of terminal connectors 112, 114 with a predetermined tolerance (also referred to as a concession or clearance). That is, channel 128 is designed to receive portions of terminal connectors 112, 114 therein while allowing a very small range of movement for that portion of terminal connectors 112, 114. For example, the tolerance can be set such that the channel is less than about 0.5 mm wider than the received portion of terminal connectors 112, 114 (including, for example, between about 0.1 mm and 0.2 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and 0.5 mm), less than about 1 mm wider than the received portion of terminal connectors 112, 114 (including, such as, between about 0.5 mm and about 1 mm), or less than 2 mm wider than the received terminal connectors 112, 114 (including, for example, about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm, or about 1 mm to about 2 mm, or about 1.5 mm to about 2 mm). In other words, in the default configuration (e.g., newly manufactured), channel 128 is preferably arranged such that the relevant portions of terminal connectors 112, 114 are received into channel 128 without contacting channel 128; that is, the substantially rigid shape of terminal connectors 112, 114 allows them to float within the channel. An exception can be that terminal connectors 112, 114 can be arranged to rest on a base on channel 128 (the base being opposite the channel opening, if present).

[0045] More specifically, in the present example, channel set 128 includes a first channel subset 130 corresponding to a first portion 120 of each terminal connector 112, 114. First channel subset 130 is suitably configured to limit the range of movement of terminal connectors 112, 114 in the x direction, which range of movement can occur due to forces caused by the operation of motor 102 (or other sources such as the device 100 being dropped). By restricting the movement available at the first portion 120 of terminal connector holders 112, 114, forces in the horizontal (x) direction, such as those caused by motor 102, can be decoupled from the ends of terminal connectors 112, 114 attached to PCBA 108.

[0046] Channel set 128 also includes a second channel subset 132 corresponding to a second portion 122 of each terminal connector 112, 114. Suitably, the second channel subset can be configured to limit the range of movement of the second portion(s) 122 in the z direction. The second channel subset can be primarily used for alignment purposes of head portions 116, 118 (i.e., to ensure that head portions 116, 118 are sufficiently oriented towards motor 102 to effect connection to motor terminals 104, 106), but can also have the benefit of decoupling forces in the z direction from PCBA 108, as may occur due to using or dropping the device.

[0047] The channel subset 128 also includes a third channel subset 134 that corresponds to equipment for removably engaging the motor terminals 104, 106. In other words, the third channel subset 134 corresponds to the shape of the head portions 116, 118 of each of the terminal connectors 112, 114. Here, the size of the third channel subset 134 is determined relative to the base of the generally triangular clip. Appropriately, the third channel subset 134 is configured to restrict the movement of the head portions 116, 118 (and their coupling portions) in the x direction, which is the direction in which the motor terminals 104, 106 most often vibrate due to the vibration of the motor 102. In addition, the third channel subset 134 helps to align the removably engaging equipment onto the motor terminals 104, 106 and, in turn, helps to ensure the scraping force between the removably engaging portions 116, 118 and the corresponding motor terminals 104, 106.

[0048] In this example, the TCH 126 also includes equipment 136 for removably mounting or attaching the TCH 126 to the PCBA 108, thereby fixing the position of the TCH 126 relative to the PCBA 108. For example, the TCH 126 may include a pair of clips that include biasing arms configured to clamp onto the PCBA 108.

[0049] The TCH 126 may also include equipment 138 for fixing the TCH 126 to the body 140 of the electronic device. Such equipment may take the form of ribs 138 that are configured to be inserted into grooves 142 disposed in the body 140, thereby fixing the TCH in place within the device 100. Appropriately, a pair of ribs 138 may be provided on either side of the TCH 126 to be inserted into a pair of mutually aligned grooves 142 on opposite sides of the body 140.

[0050] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

[0051] By studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and realize other variations of the disclosed embodiments when practicing the claimed invention. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a / an” does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may implement the functions of several items recited in the claims. The fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. An electronic device (100), comprising: An electric motor (102), the electric motor including a first motor terminal (104) and a second motor terminal (106), wherein the first motor terminal and the second motor terminal project from the electric motor in a first direction; A printed circuit board assembly PCBA (108); A first terminal connector (112) and a second terminal connector (114), the first terminal connector and the second terminal connector being configured to electrically couple the PCBA to the first terminal and the second terminal of the electric motor respectively, wherein the first terminal connector and the second terminal connector are configured in a predetermined meandering shape; A terminal connector holder (126), the terminal connector holder including a set of channels (128) corresponding to the predetermined meandering shape of the first terminal connector and the second terminal connector, wherein each channel in the set has a predetermined dimensional tolerance with respect to the size of the terminal connector disposed in the channel, thereby decoupling the force applied to the terminal connector from the PCBA, Wherein the first terminal connector, the second terminal connector, and the terminal connector holder together are slidably assembled over the first motor terminal and the second motor terminal in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined meandering shape changes direction in at least two orthogonal dimensions, and preferably in at least three orthogonal dimensions.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one channel (130) in the set of channels is configured to decouple the force caused by motor operation.

4. The electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each channel in the set of channels includes an open side in a common orientation, and wherein the first terminal connector and the second terminal connector are configured to be insertable into the set of channels via the open side.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the terminal connector holder includes a cover portion configured to cover the open side of the channel after the terminal connector is inserted into the set of channels.

6. The electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first terminal connector and the second terminal connector each include means (116, 118) for detachably engaging the first motor terminal and the second motor terminal respectively.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the means for detachably engaging the first motor terminal and the second motor terminal includes a clip.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein the first motor terminal and the second motor terminal include flat blade connectors, and each clip includes spaced-apart branches for clamping the side edges of the flat blade connectors, and wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the plane of the flat blade connectors.

9. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein each clip partially includes a lead, and the spacing between the spaced-apart branches is wider than the width of the flat-blade connector, such that the clip is self-aligning over the motor terminal.

10. The electronic device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the set of channels includes a channel (134) configured to receive the equipment to removably engage the first motor terminal and the second motor terminal of the first terminal connector and the second terminal connector.

11. The electronic device according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the set of channels is configured to align the equipment to removably engage the first motor terminal and the second motor terminal with the first motor terminal and the second motor terminal, respectively.

12. The electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the terminal connector holder includes an electrically insulating material, such as plastic.

13. The electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the terminal connector holder includes equipment (136) detachably attached to the PCBA.

14. The electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the terminal connector holder includes equipment (138) for fixing the terminal connector holder to the body (140) of the electronic device.

15. The electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic device is a personal care device.

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