Set of an electronic module and a housing for use in a process of assembling an electronic device

Abstract

In the field of assembling an electronic device, a set of an electronic module (10) and a housing (20) is provided, wherein the electronic module (10) is intended to be inserted into the housing (20), through an opening (21) in the housing (20), and to be moved in an axial direction (A). The electronic module (10) comprises a carrier (16) and a component (14, 15) coupled to the carrier (16), wherein in an assembled condition of the electronic device, with the electronic module (10) in a predefined axial end position, the component (14, 15) has a predefined functional position relative to the housing (20). The electronic module (10) further comprises a displacement mechanism (30) configured to enable the component (14, 15) to reach the predefined functional position relative to the housing (20) from an initial position on the carrier (16).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a set of an electronic module and a housing which are configured to be put together in a process of assembling an electronic device by inserting the electronic module into the housing, through an opening in the housing, and moving the electronic module in a generally axial direction towards a predefined axial end position in the housing relative to a central axis of the housing.

[0002] Further, the invention relates to an electronic device, comprising an assembly obtained by putting together the electronic module and the housing of the set as mentioned here before.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In the field of assembling an electronic device, it is known to compose the device from various parts, wherein one of the parts may be an electronic module incorporating at least some of the electronic components of the device, and wherein another of the parts may be a housing which is meant to at least partially enclose the electronic module. It is practical if the electronic module and the housing are provided as a set, and if the set is designed to enable assembling actions of inserting the electronic module into the housing, through an opening in the housing, and moving the electronic module in a generally axial direction towards a predefined axial end position in the housing relative to a central axis of the housing.

[0004] A design of the electronic device is feasible in which the electronic module comprises a component which is to be arranged, in an assembled condition of the electronic device, close to a wall portion of the housing. Particularly, said component may be arranged in a dedicated chamber provided on the housing and locally protruding relative to a general contour of the housing. For example, in the field of personal care devices such as electric shavers, it is known to have a display arranged on the electronic module, wherein said display needs to be positioned right behind the wall of the housing in order to be visible at the outside of the housing, and wherein the display may be intended to locally stand out relative to a general contour of the housing. However, the step of inserting the electronic module, including said component, into the housing in the process of assembling the electronic device and moving the electronic module to the appropriate end position in the housing generally does not allow to have any parts or components on the electronic module protruding so far, in particular seen in directions transverse to the axial direction of insertion of the electronic module into the housing, as to go beyond the general contour of the housing. In particular the step of inserting the electronic module into the housing may prevent the component of the electronic module from being placed in a functional position within a locally protruding chamber as mentioned here before. But also in other circumstances, depending on the overall contour of the housing and, in particular, a course of the contour of the housing in the axial direction of insertion of the electronic module into the housing, the step of inserting the electronic module into the housing during assembly of the electronic device may limit the freedom for a designer of the electronic device to arrange the component in a desired functional position close to the outer contour of the housing.

[0005] It is an object of the invention to enable a design of an electronic device which includes an assembly of a housing and an electronic module located in the housing, with a component of the electronic module positioned at a predefined functional position relative to the housing close to an outer wall of the housing, particularly within a dedicated chamber provided on the housing and locally protruding relative to a contour of the housing, which still enables the assembling actions of inserting the electronic module, including the component, into the housing and moving the electronic module all the way to a predefined axial end position in the housing relative to the central axis of the housing. In other words, it is an object of the invention to provide a way to make sure that the component of the electronic module may end up at a predefined functional position relative to the housing in the context of said assembling actions, in particular a predefined functional position which goes beyond a local contour of the housing seen in a direction transverse to the axial direction of insertion of the electronic module into the housing during said assembling actions.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention provides a set of an electronic module and a housing which are configured to be put together in a process of assembling an electronic device by inserting the electronic module into the housing, through an opening in the housing, and moving the electronic module in a generally axial direction towards a predefined axial end position in the housing relative to a central axis of the housing, wherein: the electronic module comprises a carrier and a component coupled to the carrier; in an assembled condition of the electronic device, with the electronic module in the predefined axial end position, the component has a predefined functional position relative to the housing; the set of the electronic module and the housing comprises a displacement mechanism configured to be actuated, during the process of assembling the electronic device, by movement of the electronic module in the axial direction towards or into the predefined axial end position to cause a displacement of the component relative to the carrier from an initial position on the carrier to the predefined functional position relative to the housing; and in the initial position on the carrier, with the electronic module being inserted into the housing, the component is closer to the central axis of the housing, in a radial direction perpendicular to the central axis, than in the predefined functional position.

[0007] The general purpose of the various features of the set of the electronic module and the housing according to the invention is to ensure that the component of the electronic module is enabled to end up at the predefined functional position relative to the housing during the process of assembling the electronic device, in particular when said predefined functional position goes beyond the local contours of the housing seen in the radial direction perpendicular to the central axis. It follows from the definition of the set of the electronic module and the housing according to the invention that the component of the electronic module is displaceable by means of a displacement mechanism. Advantageously, the displacement mechanism is configured to be actuated during the process of assembling the electronic device, namely, by movement of the electronic module in the axial direction towards or into the predefined axial end position, and is functional to cause a displacement of the component relative to the carrier from an initial position on the carrier to the predefined functional position. With reference to the situation of the electronic module being inserted in the housing, the initial position of the component on the carrier and the predefined functional position of the component differ from each other at least as far as a radial position of the component relative to the central axis of the housing is concerned, wherein the radial position of the component is closer to said central axis in the initial position on the carrier than in the predefined functional position. This means that, when the component is displaced from the initial position on the carrier to the predefined functional position, the component is moved further outward in the radial direction relative to the central axis. It is exactly this effect, which follows directly from the design and associated functionality of the displacement mechanism, which enables the component of the electronic module to have and remain, during the insertion of the electronic module into the housing, a position in the radial direction relative to the central axis which is within the contours of the housing in any axial position of the electronic module. As a result, the process of insertion of the electronic module into the housing is not hindered or disabled by the presence of the component on the electronic module. When, during the process of insertion into the housing, the electronic module approaches or arrives into the predefined axial end position, the displacement mechanism is actuated to cause a displacement of the component relative to the carrier from the initial position on the carrier to the predefined functional position relative to the housing, for example into an optional protruding chamber of the housing.

[0008] Advantageously, the displacement mechanism is configured to be automatically actuated by interaction between the electronic module and the housing caused by the movement of the electronic module in the axial direction towards or into the predefined axial end position during the process of assembling the electronic device, so that no additional actuation action is needed. For example, an embodiment of the housing is feasible in which the housing has an interior abutment member, and an embodiment of the electronic component is feasible in which a further abutment member is provided on or mounted to the component of the electronic module, wherein the interior abutment member of the housing is configured and arranged for abutment with the further abutment member of the electronic module when the electronic module is in a predefined axial abutment position relative to the central axis of the housing during movement of the electronic module towards the predefined axial end position, wherein the displacement mechanism is configured to be actuated by mutual abutment of the further abutment member and the interior abutment member, and wherein the predefined axial abutment position is associated with an axial coordinate of the predefined functional position of the component. Generally speaking, automatic actuation of the displacement mechanism can be realized during the process of assembling the electronic device by stopping axial advancement of the component relative to the housing at an appropriate axial position of the electronic module on the basis of abutment of an abutment member associated with the component with an abutment member arranged in the housing.

[0009] As suggested earlier, it is possible that the housing comprises a chamber which locally protrudes relative to a general contour of the housing, and which is configured to receive and accommodate the component of the electronic module in its predefined functional position. In this respect, it is possible that, at the position of the chamber, at least a portion of a wall of the housing is transparent or translucent. This is especially relevant in case the component of the electronic module and / or light emitted by the component during operation needs to be visible at the outside of the housing.

[0010] Both the electronic module and the housing can be of any suitable size and shape, in the context of having the possibility to put together the electronic module and the housing such that the housing ends up at least partially enclosing the electronic module. According to a practical possibility, the housing is generally tube-shaped, the central axis of the housing is a longitudinal axis of the tube-shaped housing, and the opening in the housing is provided at an axial end portion of the tube-shaped housing.

[0011] Various embodiments of the displacement mechanism are feasible in the context of the invention. For example, it is possible that the displacement mechanism is configured to displace the component relative to the housing in the radial direction relative to the central axis during the movement of the electronic module in the axial direction, wherein during displacement of the component a position of the component in the radial direction has a predefined relation to a position of the carrier in the axial direction. In a practical example, the displacement mechanism comprises at least one combination of a ramp surface and an engaging element which is slidable over the ramp surface, wherein at least one portion of the ramp surface has an oblique orientation relative to the central axis of the housing in the assembled condition of the electronic device, and wherein the ramp surface is provided on one of the component and the carrier or the housing, and the engaging element is provided on the other one of the component and the carrier or the housing. In such a set-up of the displacement mechanism, the design of the ramp surface, particularly the extent of obliqueness of the at least one portion of the ramp surface, is a determining factor in the relation between the radial position of the component relative to the central axis and the axial / longitudinal position of the electronic module relative to the central axis.

[0012] A robust and reliable embodiment of the displacement mechanism comprising at least one combination of a ramp surface and an engaging element as mentioned here before is obtained if the ramp surface is provided within an elongated slot, and the engaging element is slidably arranged in the slot. According to a further possibility, with reference to the assembled condition of the electronic device, the ramp surface extends at least partially around the central axis of the housing, so that it is possible to let the component perform a movement in a direction about said central axis if, for example, the component needs to be moved around an obstacle in the housing in the process of axially advancing the electronic module in the housing. Also, it is possible that the ramp surface has an angle of inclination relative to the central axis of the housing which varies in the axial direction. Generally speaking, the shape of the ramp surface can be chosen in view of the exact nature of the movement of the component which is to be realized in order for the component to eventually reach the predefined functional position relative to the housing as intended.

[0013] It is very well possible that the displacement mechanism comprises two combinations of a ramp surface and an engaging element as mentioned here before, wherein the combinations are arranged at a distance from each other. In such an embodiment, it can be practical if the positions of the respective combinations are mirrored relative to the central axis of the housing. Leaving space between the two combinations may be beneficial in view of the process of placing the electronic module inside the housing, as this involves a possibility to move the electronic module past one or more elements as may be present in the housing, and may also add stability to the displacement mechanism.

[0014] The invention covers various examples of the component of the electronic module, wherein it is possible for the component to comprise one of a display, a wireless-charging coil, a button panel, a battery, and a light guide.

[0015] The invention further relates to an electronic device, comprising an assembly obtained by putting together the electronic module and the housing of the set as defined and described here before. In this respect, it is possible that the electronic device is a personal care device, in which case it is advantageous if the electronic module comprises a motor unit and a battery unit to power the motor unit, and in which case the component of the electronic module may particularly comprise a display. For example, the electronic device is an electric shaver comprising at least one hair-cutting unit including an external cutting member and an internal cutting member, wherein at least the internal cutting member is driven by the motor unit.

[0016] The above-described and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the following detailed description of a set of an electronic module and a housing which are intended for forming an assembly for use in an electronic device, with special emphasis on assembling actions of inserting the electronic module into the housing, through an opening in the housing, and moving the electronic module towards a predefined end position in the housing.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The invention will now be explained in greater detail with reference to the figures, in which equal or similar parts are indicated by the same reference signs, in which each of Figs. 1 to 4 diagrammatically shows an embodiment of a set of an electronic module and a housing according to the invention, and in which Figs. 1 to 4 illustrate subsequent stages in a process of putting the electronic module and the housing together in order to form an embodiment of an electronic device according to the invention, wherein: Fig. 1 illustrates a first stage in the process of putting the electronic module and the housing together, which is a stage at which the electronic module is moved after its insertion into the housing, Fig. 2 illustrates a second stage in the process of putting the electronic module and the housing together, which is a stage at which the electronic module is in a predefined axial abutment position relative to a central axis of the housing, Fig. 3 illustrates a third stage in the process of putting the electronic module and the housing together, which is a stage at which the electronic module is moved further beyond the predefined axial abutment position towards a predefined axial end position in the housing relative to the central axis, and Fig. 4 illustrates a fourth stage in the process of putting the electronic module together, which is a stage at which the electronic module is in the predefined axial end position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Each of Figs. 1 to 4 diagrammatically shows a set of an electronic module 10 and a housing 20. The electronic module 10 and the housing 20 are configured to be put together in a process of assembling an electronic device such as an electric shaver. The process involves inserting the electronic module 10 into the housing 20, through an opening 21 in the housing 20, and moving the electronic module 10 in a generally axial direction A towards a predefined axial end position in the housing 20 relative to a central axis 22 of the housing 20.

[0019] In the present example, the housing 20 is generally tube-shaped, the central axis 22 of the housing 20 is a longitudinal axis of the tube-shaped housing 20, and the opening 21 in the housing 20 is provided at an axial end portion of the tube-shaped housing 20. The electronic module 10 comprises a motor unit 11 having an output shaft 12, a battery unit 13, and a display unit 14 including a display 15. The output shaft 12 of the motor unit 11 is couplable to any further component or set of components of the electronic device, for the purpose of driving said further component or set of components. The housing 20 comprises a chamber 23 which locally protrudes relative to a general contour of the housing 20. The chamber 23 is configured to receive and accommodate the display unit 14 in a predefined functional position relative to the housing 20, which is a position right behind an outer wall portion 24 of the chamber 23. For various reasons, it is advantageous to have the display 15 at a position which is as close as possible to an exterior surface of the housing 20. These reasons comprise achieving optimal viewing angle, brightness and / or prevention of blurriness otherwise caused by a coating or texture on the exterior surface.

[0020] A notable feature of the set of the electronic module 10 and the housing 20 is that the set is equipped with a displacement mechanism 30 which is functional to automatically displace or lift the display module 14 into the predefined functional position relative to the housing 20, i.e., the position in the chamber 23 close to the outer wall portion 24 of the chamber 23 under the influence of movement of the electronic module 10 in the housing 20 which takes place in the process of putting together the electronic module 10 and the housing 20. In the present example, the displacement mechanism 30 comprises a combination of a ramp surface 31, provided within an elongated slot 32, and an engaging element 33 which is slidable in the slot 32 and thereby slidable over the ramp surface 31. The slot 32 is provided on a carrier 16 of the electronic module 10 to which the main components of the electronic module 10, such as the motor unit 11 and the battery unit 13, are fixed. The carrier 14 is, for example, a PCB (printed circuit board). The engaging element 33 is fixed to the display unit 14. A notable feature of the ramp surface 31 is that, with reference to the situation in which the electronic module 10 is present in the housing 20, the ramp surface 31 has an oblique orientation relative to the central axis 22 of the housing 20.

[0021] With reference to Fig. 1, it is noted that an initial position of the display unit 14 on the carrier 16 is a position in which the engaging element 33 is at a position on the ramp surface 31 which is a most inside position, i.e., a position closest to the central axis 22 of the housing 20 in a radial direction relative to the central axis 22. The electronic module 10 and the housing 20 are equipped with abutment members 17, 25 which are positioned such that, at a certain moment during the movement of the electronic module 10 towards the predefined axial end position in the housing 20 relative to the central axis 22, mutual abutment of the abutment members 17, 25 takes place. In the present example, the abutment member 17 of the electronic module 10 is arranged on the display unit 14, and the abutment member 25 of the housing 20 is arranged at an axial position where the chamber 23 ends as seen in an inward direction parallel to the central axis 22 from the opening 21 of the housing 20. The abutment situation is illustrated in Fig. 2, in which the electronic module 10 can be seen in a predefined axial abutment position relative to the central axis 22 of the housing 20. Due to the mutual abutment of the abutment members 17, 25, it happens that, as the movement of the electronic module 10 towards the predefined axial end position is continued, the display unit 14 is maintained in its axial position relative to the central axis 22 as shown in Figs. 2-4 and is lifted automatically into the chamber 23 as a result of the engaging element 33 sliding in the slot 32. The nature of the upward movement of the display unit 14 in the chamber 23 can be understood from a comparison of Figs. 2, 3 and 4.

[0022] Fig. 4 shows the electronic module 10 in the predefined axial end position. In this position, the display unit 14 has reached the highest position relative to the carrier 16, i.e. the position which is furthest from the central axis 22 of the housing 20 as seen in the radial direction relative to the central axis 22. It is noted that the set-up of the displacement mechanism 30 with the slot 32 on the carrier 16 and the engaging element 33 on the display unit 14 also allows for removing the electronic module 10 from the housing 20 by moving the electronic module 10 in the direction opposite to the axial direction A if so desired, despite of the display unit 14 being present in the chamber 23 of the housing 20. This is an interesting option in view of repair and maintenance of the electronic module 10. The fact is that, when the electronic module 10 is made to move in an outward direction, the engaging element 33 slides in the slot 32 and the display unit 14 is lowered, i.e., retracted towards the carrier 16, as a result, as long as the position of the display unit 14 in the radial direction relative to the central axis 22 is such that movement of the display unit 14 in the outward direction is hindered. At a certain moment, the display unit 14 is no longer in the chamber 23 and the entire electronic module 10 can be freely moved all the way out of the housing 20. Further appropriate measures may be taken for allowing movement of the electronic module 10 relative to the housing 20 without any hindrance, such as measures relating to the design of the electric wiring of the display unit 14.

[0023] In the present example, the ramp surface 31 has a generally straight appearance. That does not alter the fact that other possibilities exist. For instance, at an end associated with termination of the movement of the engaging element 33 relative to the ramp surface 31, the slope of the ramp surface 31 can be adjusted to a very shallow angle to increase the precision of placement of the display unit 14, while adding a portion extending parallel to the axial direction will make the positioning of the display unit 14 independent of the accuracy of the end position of the electronic module 10. Other possibilities are designing the ramp surface 31 so as to be curved according to the shape of the housing 20 in a direction around the central axis 22, having the ramp surface 31 at an appropriate position in the housing 20 or having the ramp surface 31 on the display unit 14 and the engaging element 33 on the carrier 16, and using more than one combination of a ramp surface 31 and an engaging element 33.

[0024] The component which is movably arranged relative to the carrier 16 does not necessarily need to be a display unit 14, but can be any component which needs to be at a retracted position in a first instance for enabling insertion of the electronic module 10 into the housing 20 and movement of the electronic module 10 in the axial direction A in the housing 20, and which is to be put at an extended position in a second instance for being functional in the electronic device.

[0025] It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that the scope of the invention is not limited to the examples discussed in the foregoing, and that several amendments and modifications thereof are possible without deviating from the scope of the invention as defined in the attached claims. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such amendments and modifications insofar they come within the scope of the claims or the equivalents thereof. While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the figures and the description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary only, and not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The drawings are schematic, wherein details which are not required for understanding the invention may have been omitted, and not necessarily to scale.

[0026] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by a person skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the figures, the description and the attached claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other steps or elements, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0027] Elements and aspects discussed for or in relation with a particular embodiment may be suitably combined with elements and aspects of other embodiments, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Thus, the mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0028] The terms "comprise" and "include" as used in the present text will be understood by a person skilled in the art as covering the term "consist of'. Hence, the term "comprise" or "include" may in respect of an embodiment mean "consist of", but may in another embodiment mean "contain / have / be equipped with at least the defined species and optionally one or more other species".

[0029] Notable aspects of the invention are summarized as follows. In the field of assembling an electronic device, a set of an electronic module 10 and a housing 20 is provided, wherein the electronic module 10 is intended to be inserted into the housing 20, through an opening 21 in the housing 20, and to be moved in a generally axial direction A towards a predefined axial end position in the housing 20 relative to the central axis 22. The electronic module 10 comprises a carrier 16 and a component 14, 15 coupled to the carrier 16, wherein in an assembled condition of the electronic device, with the electronic module 10 in the predefined axial end position, the component 14, 15 has a predefined functional position relative to the housing 20. The electronic module 10 further comprises a displacement mechanism 30 configured to be actuated to cause a displacement of the component 14, 15 relative to the carrier 16 so that the component 14, 15 is enabled to reach the predefined functional position relative to the housing 20 from an initial position on the carrier 16.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0018]Each of Figs. 1 to 4 diagrammatically shows a set of an electronic module 10 and a housing 20. The electronic module 10 and the housing 20 are configured to be put together in a process of assembling an electronic device such as an electric shaver. The process involves inserting the electronic module 10 into the housing 20, through an opening 21 in the housing 20, and moving the electronic module 10 in a generally axial direction A towards a predefined axial end position in the housing 20 relative to a central axis 22 of the housing 20.

[0019]In the present example, the housing 20 is generally tube-shaped, the central axis 22 of the housing 20 is a longitudinal axis of the tube-shaped housing 20, and the opening 21 in the housing 20 is provided at an axial end portion of the tube-shaped housing 20. The electronic module 10 comprises a motor unit 11 having an output shaft 12, a battery unit 13, and a display unit 14 including a display 15. The output shaft 12 of the motor unit 1...

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a set of an electronic module and a housing which are configured to be put together in a process of assembling an electronic device by inserting the electronic module into the housing, through an opening in the housing, and moving the electronic module in a generally axial direction towards a predefined axial end position in the housing relative to a central axis of the housing.

[0002] Further, the invention relates to an electronic device, comprising an assembly obtained by putting together the electronic module and the housing of the set as mentioned here before.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In the field of assembling an electronic device, it is known to compose the device from various parts, wherein one of the parts may be an electronic module incorporating at least some of the electronic components of the device, and wherein another of the parts may be a housing which is meant to at least partially enclose the electronic module. It is practical if the electronic module and the housing are provided as a set, and if the set is designed to enable assembling actions of inserting the electronic module into the housing, through an opening in the housing, and moving the electronic module in a generally axial direction towards a predefined axial end position in the housing relative to a central axis of the housing.

[0004] A design of the electronic device is feasible in which the electronic module comprises a component which is to be arranged, in an assembled condition of the electronic device, close to a wall portion of the housing. Particularly, said component may be arranged in a dedicated chamber provided on the housing and locally protruding relative to a general contour of the housing. For example, in the field of personal care devices such as electric shavers, it is known to have a display arranged on the electronic module, wherein said display needs to be positioned right behind the wall of the housing in order to be visible at the outside of the housing, and wherein the display may be intended to locally stand out relative to a general contour of the housing. However, the step of inserting the electronic module, including said component, into the housing in the process of assembling the electronic device and moving the electronic module to the appropriate end position in the housing generally does not allow to have any parts or components on the electronic module protruding so far, in particular seen in directions transverse to the axial direction of insertion of the electronic module into the housing, as to go beyond the general contour of the housing. In particular the step of inserting the electronic module into the housing may prevent the component of the electronic module from being placed in a functional position within a locally protruding chamber as mentioned here before. But also in other circumstances, depending on the overall contour of the housing and, in particular, a course of the contour of the housing in the axial direction of insertion of the electronic module into the housing, the step of inserting the electronic module into the housing during assembly of the electronic device may limit the freedom for a designer of the electronic device to arrange the component in a desired functional position close to the outer contour of the housing.

[0005] It is an object of the invention to enable a design of an electronic device which includes an assembly of a housing and an electronic module located in the housing, with a component of the electronic module positioned at a predefined functional position relative to the housing close to an outer wall of the housing, particularly within a dedicated chamber provided on the housing and locally protruding relative to a contour of the housing, which still enables the assembling actions of inserting the electronic module, including the component, into the housing and moving the electronic module all the way to a predefined axial end position in the housing relative to the central axis of the housing. In other words, it is an object of the invention to provide a way to make sure that the component of the electronic module may end up at a predefined functional position relative to the housing in the context of said assembling actions, in particular a predefined functional position which goes beyond a local contour of the housing seen in a direction transverse to the axial direction of insertion of the electronic module into the housing during said assembling actions.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention provides a set of an electronic module and a housing which are configured to be put together in a process of assembling an electronic device by inserting the electronic module into the housing, through an opening in the housing, and moving the electronic module in a generally axial direction towards a predefined axial end position in the housing relative to a central axis of the housing, wherein: the electronic module comprises a carrier and a component coupled to the carrier; in an assembled condition of the electronic device, with the electronic module in the predefined axial end position, the component has a predefined functional position relative to the housing; the set of the electronic module and the housing comprises a displacement mechanism configured to be actuated, during the process of assembling the electronic device, by movement of the electronic module in the axial direction towards or into the predefined axial end position to cause a displacement of the component relative to the carrier from an initial position on the carrier to the predefined functional position relative to the housing; and in the initial position on the carrier, with the electronic module being inserted into the housing, the component is closer to the central axis of the housing, in a radial direction perpendicular to the central axis, than in the predefined functional position.

[0007] The general purpose of the various features of the set of the electronic module and the housing according to the invention is to ensure that the component of the electronic module is enabled to end up at the predefined functional position relative to the housing during the process of assembling the electronic device, in particular when said predefined functional position goes beyond the local contours of the housing seen in the radial direction perpendicular to the central axis. It follows from the definition of the set of the electronic module and the housing according to the invention that the component of the electronic module is displaceable by means of a displacement mechanism. Advantageously, the displacement mechanism is configured to be actuated during the process of assembling the electronic device, namely, by movement of the electronic module in the axial direction towards or into the predefined axial end position, and is functional to cause a displacement of the component relative to the carrier from an initial position on the carrier to the predefined functional position. With reference to the situation of the electronic module being inserted in the housing, the initial position of the component on the carrier and the predefined functional position of the component differ from each other at least as far as a radial position of the component relative to the central axis of the housing is concerned, wherein the radial position of the component is closer to said central axis in the initial position on the carrier than in the predefined functional position. This means that, when the component is displaced from the initial position on the carrier to the predefined functional position, the component is moved further outward in the radial direction relative to the central axis. It is exactly this effect, which follows directly from the design and associated functionality of the displacement mechanism, which enables the component of the electronic module to have and remain, during the insertion of the electronic module into the housing, a position in the radial direction relative to the central axis which is within the contours of the housing in any axial position of the electronic module. As a result, the process of insertion of the electronic module into the housing is not hindered or disabled by the presence of the component on the electronic module. When, during the process of insertion into the housing, the electronic module approaches or arrives into the predefined axial end position, the displacement mechanism is actuated to cause a displacement of the component relative to the carrier from the initial position on the carrier to the predefined functional position relative to the housing, for example into an optional protruding chamber of the housing.

[0008] Advantageously, the displacement mechanism is configured to be automatically actuated by interaction between the electronic module and the housing caused by the movement of the electronic module in the axial direction towards or into the predefined axial end position during the process of assembling the electronic device, so that no additional actuation action is needed. For example, an embodiment of the housing is feasible in which the housing has an interior abutment member, and an embodiment of the electronic component is feasible in which a further abutment member is provided on or mounted to the component of the electronic module, wherein the interior abutment member of the housing is configured and arranged for abutment with the further abutment member of the electronic module when the electronic module is in a predefined axial abutment position relative to the central axis of the housing during movement of the electronic module towards the predefined axial end position, wherein the displacement mechanism is configured to be actuated by mutual abutment of the further abutment member and the interior abutment member, and wherein the predefined axial abutment position is associated with an axial coordinate of the predefined functional position of the component. Generally speaking, automatic actuation of the displacement mechanism can be realized during the process of assembling the electronic device by stopping axial advancement of the component relative to the housing at an appropriate axial position of the electronic module on the basis of abutment of an abutment member associated with the component with an abutment member arranged in the housing.

[0009] As suggested earlier, it is possible that the housing comprises a chamber which locally protrudes relative to a general contour of the housing, and which is configured to receive and accommodate the component of the electronic module in its predefined functional position. In this respect, it is possible that, at the position of the chamber, at least a portion of a wall of the housing is transparent or translucent. This is especially relevant in case the component of the electronic module and / or light emitted by the component during operation needs to be visible at the outside of the housing.

[0010] Both the electronic module and the housing can be of any suitable size and shape, in the context of having the possibility to put together the electronic module and the housing such that the housing ends up at least partially enclosing the electronic module. According to a practical possibility, the housing is generally tube-shaped, the central axis of the housing is a longitudinal axis of the tube-shaped housing, and the opening in the housing is provided at an axial end portion of the tube-shaped housing.

[0011] Various embodiments of the displacement mechanism are feasible in the context of the invention. For example, it is possible that the displacement mechanism is configured to displace the component relative to the housing in the radial direction relative to the central axis during the movement of the electronic module in the axial direction, wherein during displacement of the component a position of the component in the radial direction has a predefined relation to a position of the carrier in the axial direction. In a practical example, the displacement mechanism comprises at least one combination of a ramp surface and an engaging element which is slidable over the ramp surface, wherein at least one portion of the ramp surface has an oblique orientation relative to the central axis of the housing in the assembled condition of the electronic device, and wherein the ramp surface is provided on one of the component and the carrier or the housing, and the engaging element is provided on the other one of the component and the carrier or the housing. In such a set-up of the displacement mechanism, the design of the ramp surface, particularly the extent of obliqueness of the at least one portion of the ramp surface, is a determining factor in the relation between the radial position of the component relative to the central axis and the axial / longitudinal position of the electronic module relative to the central axis.

[0012] A robust and reliable embodiment of the displacement mechanism comprising at least one combination of a ramp surface and an engaging element as mentioned here before is obtained if the ramp surface is provided within an elongated slot, and the engaging element is slidably arranged in the slot. According to a further possibility, with reference to the assembled condition of the electronic device, the ramp surface extends at least partially around the central axis of the housing, so that it is possible to let the component perform a movement in a direction about said central axis if, for example, the component needs to be moved around an obstacle in the housing in the process of axially advancing the electronic module in the housing. Also, it is possible that the ramp surface has an angle of inclination relative to the central axis of the housing which varies in the axial direction. Generally speaking, the shape of the ramp surface can be chosen in view of the exact nature of the movement of the component which is to be realized in order for the component to eventually reach the predefined functional position relative to the housing as intended.

[0013] It is very well possible that the displacement mechanism comprises two combinations of a ramp surface and an engaging element as mentioned here before, wherein the combinations are arranged at a distance from each other. In such an embodiment, it can be practical if the positions of the respective combinations are mirrored relative to the central axis of the housing. Leaving space between the two combinations may be beneficial in view of the process of placing the electronic module inside the housing, as this involves a possibility to move the electronic module past one or more elements as may be present in the housing, and may also add stability to the displacement mechanism.

[0014] The invention covers various examples of the component of the electronic module, wherein it is possible for the component to comprise one of a display, a wireless-charging coil, a button panel, a battery, and a light guide.

[0015] The invention further relates to an electronic device, comprising an assembly obtained by putting together the electronic module and the housing of the set as defined and described here before. In this respect, it is possible that the electronic device is a personal care device, in which case it is advantageous if the electronic module comprises a motor unit and a battery unit to power the motor unit, and in which case the component of the electronic module may particularly comprise a display. For example, the electronic device is an electric shaver comprising at least one hair-cutting unit including an external cutting member and an internal cutting member, wherein at least the internal cutting member is driven by the motor unit.

[0016] The above-described and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the following detailed description of a set of an electronic module and a housing which are intended for forming an assembly for use in an electronic device, with special emphasis on assembling actions of inserting the electronic module into the housing, through an opening in the housing, and moving the electronic module towards a predefined end position in the housing.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The invention will now be explained in greater detail with reference to the figures, in which equal or similar parts are indicated by the same reference signs, in which each of Figs. 1 to 4 diagrammatically shows an embodiment of a set of an electronic module and a housing according to the invention, and in which Figs. 1 to 4 illustrate subsequent stages in a process of putting the electronic module and the housing together in order to form an embodiment of an electronic device according to the invention, wherein: Fig. 1 illustrates a first stage in the process of putting the electronic module and the housing together, which is a stage at which the electronic module is moved after its insertion into the housing, Fig. 2 illustrates a second stage in the process of putting the electronic module and the housing together, which is a stage at which the electronic module is in a predefined axial abutment position relative to a central axis of the housing, Fig. 3 illustrates a third stage in the process of putting the electronic module and the housing together, which is a stage at which the electronic module is moved further beyond the predefined axial abutment position towards a predefined axial end position in the housing relative to the central axis, and Fig. 4 illustrates a fourth stage in the process of putting the electronic module together, which is a stage at which the electronic module is in the predefined axial end position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Each of Figs. 1 to 4 diagrammatically shows a set of an electronic module 10 and a housing 20. The electronic module 10 and the housing 20 are configured to be put together in a process of assembling an electronic device such as an electric shaver. The process involves inserting the electronic module 10 into the housing 20, through an opening 21 in the housing 20, and moving the electronic module 10 in a generally axial direction A towards a predefined axial end position in the housing 20 relative to a central axis 22 of the housing 20.

[0019] In the present example, the housing 20 is generally tube-shaped, the central axis 22 of the housing 20 is a longitudinal axis of the tube-shaped housing 20, and the opening 21 in the housing 20 is provided at an axial end portion of the tube-shaped housing 20. The electronic module 10 comprises a motor unit 11 having an output shaft 12, a battery unit 13, and a display unit 14 including a display 15. The output shaft 12 of the motor unit 11 is couplable to any further component or set of components of the electronic device, for the purpose of driving said further component or set of components. The housing 20 comprises a chamber 23 which locally protrudes relative to a general contour of the housing 20. The chamber 23 is configured to receive and accommodate the display unit 14 in a predefined functional position relative to the housing 20, which is a position right behind an outer wall portion 24 of the chamber 23. For various reasons, it is advantageous to have the display 15 at a position which is as close as possible to an exterior surface of the housing 20. These reasons comprise achieving optimal viewing angle, brightness and / or prevention of blurriness otherwise caused by a coating or texture on the exterior surface.

[0020] A notable feature of the set of the electronic module 10 and the housing 20 is that the set is equipped with a displacement mechanism 30 which is functional to automatically displace or lift the display module 14 into the predefined functional position relative to the housing 20, i.e., the position in the chamber 23 close to the outer wall portion 24 of the chamber 23 under the influence of movement of the electronic module 10 in the housing 20 which takes place in the process of putting together the electronic module 10 and the housing 20. In the present example, the displacement mechanism 30 comprises a combination of a ramp surface 31, provided within an elongated slot 32, and an engaging element 33 which is slidable in the slot 32 and thereby slidable over the ramp surface 31. The slot 32 is provided on a carrier 16 of the electronic module 10 to which the main components of the electronic module 10, such as the motor unit 11 and the battery unit 13, are fixed. The carrier 14 is, for example, a PCB (printed circuit board). The engaging element 33 is fixed to the display unit 14. A notable feature of the ramp surface 31 is that, with reference to the situation in which the electronic module 10 is present in the housing 20, the ramp surface 31 has an oblique orientation relative to the central axis 22 of the housing 20.

[0021] With reference to Fig. 1, it is noted that an initial position of the display unit 14 on the carrier 16 is a position in which the engaging element 33 is at a position on the ramp surface 31 which is a most inside position, i.e., a position closest to the central axis 22 of the housing 20 in a radial direction relative to the central axis 22. The electronic module 10 and the housing 20 are equipped with abutment members 17, 25 which are positioned such that, at a certain moment during the movement of the electronic module 10 towards the predefined axial end position in the housing 20 relative to the central axis 22, mutual abutment of the abutment members 17, 25 takes place. In the present example, the abutment member 17 of the electronic module 10 is arranged on the display unit 14, and the abutment member 25 of the housing 20 is arranged at an axial position where the chamber 23 ends as seen in an inward direction parallel to the central axis 22 from the opening 21 of the housing 20. The abutment situation is illustrated in Fig. 2, in which the electronic module 10 can be seen in a predefined axial abutment position relative to the central axis 22 of the housing 20. Due to the mutual abutment of the abutment members 17, 25, it happens that, as the movement of the electronic module 10 towards the predefined axial end position is continued, the display unit 14 is maintained in its axial position relative to the central axis 22 as shown in Figs. 2-4 and is lifted automatically into the chamber 23 as a result of the engaging element 33 sliding in the slot 32. The nature of the upward movement of the display unit 14 in the chamber 23 can be understood from a comparison of Figs. 2, 3 and 4.

[0022] Fig. 4 shows the electronic module 10 in the predefined axial end position. In this position, the display unit 14 has reached the highest position relative to the carrier 16, i.e. the position which is furthest from the central axis 22 of the housing 20 as seen in the radial direction relative to the central axis 22. It is noted that the set-up of the displacement mechanism 30 with the slot 32 on the carrier 16 and the engaging element 33 on the display unit 14 also allows for removing the electronic module 10 from the housing 20 by moving the electronic module 10 in the direction opposite to the axial direction A if so desired, despite of the display unit 14 being present in the chamber 23 of the housing 20. This is an interesting option in view of repair and maintenance of the electronic module 10. The fact is that, when the electronic module 10 is made to move in an outward direction, the engaging element 33 slides in the slot 32 and the display unit 14 is lowered, i.e., retracted towards the carrier 16, as a result, as long as the position of the display unit 14 in the radial direction relative to the central axis 22 is such that movement of the display unit 14 in the outward direction is hindered. At a certain moment, the display unit 14 is no longer in the chamber 23 and the entire electronic module 10 can be freely moved all the way out of the housing 20. Further appropriate measures may be taken for allowing movement of the electronic module 10 relative to the housing 20 without any hindrance, such as measures relating to the design of the electric wiring of the display unit 14.

[0023] In the present example, the ramp surface 31 has a generally straight appearance. That does not alter the fact that other possibilities exist. For instance, at an end associated with termination of the movement of the engaging element 33 relative to the ramp surface 31, the slope of the ramp surface 31 can be adjusted to a very shallow angle to increase the precision of placement of the display unit 14, while adding a portion extending parallel to the axial direction will make the positioning of the display unit 14 independent of the accuracy of the end position of the electronic module 10. Other possibilities are designing the ramp surface 31 so as to be curved according to the shape of the housing 20 in a direction around the central axis 22, having the ramp surface 31 at an appropriate position in the housing 20 or having the ramp surface 31 on the display unit 14 and the engaging element 33 on the carrier 16, and using more than one combination of a ramp surface 31 and an engaging element 33.

[0024] The component which is movably arranged relative to the carrier 16 does not necessarily need to be a display unit 14, but can be any component which needs to be at a retracted position in a first instance for enabling insertion of the electronic module 10 into the housing 20 and movement of the electronic module 10 in the axial direction A in the housing 20, and which is to be put at an extended position in a second instance for being functional in the electronic device.

[0025] It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that the scope of the invention is not limited to the examples discussed in the foregoing, and that several amendments and modifications thereof are possible without deviating from the scope of the invention as defined in the attached claims. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such amendments and modifications insofar they come within the scope of the claims or the equivalents thereof. While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the figures and the description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary only, and not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The drawings are schematic, wherein details which are not required for understanding the invention may have been omitted, and not necessarily to scale.

[0026] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by a person skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the figures, the description and the attached claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other steps or elements, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0027] Elements and aspects discussed for or in relation with a particular embodiment may be suitably combined with elements and aspects of other embodiments, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Thus, the mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0028] The terms "comprise" and "include" as used in the present text will be understood by a person skilled in the art as covering the term "consist of'. Hence, the term "comprise" or "include" may in respect of an embodiment mean "consist of", but may in another embodiment mean "contain / have / be equipped with at least the defined species and optionally one or more other species".

[0029] Notable aspects of the invention are summarized as follows. In the field of assembling an electronic device, a set of an electronic module 10 and a housing 20 is provided, wherein the electronic module 10 is intended to be inserted into the housing 20, through an opening 21 in the housing 20, and to be moved in a generally axial direction A towards a predefined axial end position in the housing 20 relative to the central axis 22. The electronic module 10 comprises a carrier 16 and a component 14, 15 coupled to the carrier 16, wherein in an assembled condition of the electronic device, with the electronic module 10 in the predefined axial end position, the component 14, 15 has a predefined functional position relative to the housing 20. The electronic module 10 further comprises a displacement mechanism 30 configured to be actuated to cause a displacement of the component 14, 15 relative to the carrier 16 so that the component 14, 15 is enabled to reach the predefined functional position relative to the housing 20 from an initial position on the carrier 16.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0018]Each of Figs. 1 to 4 diagrammatically shows a set of an electronic module 10 and a housing 20. The electronic module 10 and the housing 20 are configured to be put together in a process of assembling an electronic device such as an electric shaver. The process involves inserting the electronic module 10 into the housing 20, through an opening 21 in the housing 20, and moving the electronic module 10 in a generally axial direction A towards a predefined axial end position in the housing 20 relative to a central axis 22 of the housing 20.

[0019]In the present example, the housing 20 is generally tube-shaped, the central axis 22 of the housing 20 is a longitudinal axis of the tube-shaped housing 20, and the opening 21 in the housing 20 is provided at an axial end portion of the tube-shaped housing 20. The electronic module 10 comprises a motor unit 11 having an output shaft 12, a battery unit 13, and a display unit 14 including a display 15. The output shaft 12 of the motor unit 1...

Claims

1. A set of an electronic module (10) and a housing (20) which are configured to be put together in a process of assembling an electronic device by inserting the electronic module (10) into the housing (20), through an opening (21) in the housing (20), and moving the electronic module (10) in a generally axial direction (A) towards a predefined axial end position in the housing (20) relative to a central axis (22) of the housing, wherein: - the electronic module (10) comprises a carrier (16) and a component (14, 15) coupled to the carrier (16); - in an assembled condition of the electronic device, with the electronic module (10) in the predefined axial end position, the component (14, 15) has a predefined functional position relative to the housing (20); - the set of the electronic module (10) and the housing (20) comprises a displacement mechanism (30) configured to be actuated, during the process of assembling the electronic device, by movement of the electronic module (10) in the axial direction (A) towards or into the predefined axial end position to cause a displacement of the component (14, 15) relative to the carrier (16) from an initial position on the carrier (16) to the predefined functional position relative to the housing (20); and - in the initial position on the carrier (16), with the electronic module (10) being inserted into the housing (20), the component (14, 15) is closer to the central axis (22) of the housing (20), in a radial direction perpendicular to the central axis (22), than in the predefined functional position.

2. The set as claimed in claim 1, wherein the displacement mechanism (30) is configured to be automatically actuated by interaction between the electronic module (10) and the housing (20) caused by the movement of the electronic module (10) in the axial direction (A) towards or into the predefined axial end position during the process of assembling the electronic device.

3. The set as claimed in claim 2, wherein the housing (20) has an interior abutment member (25) configured and arranged for abutment with a further abutment member (17) provided on or mounted to the component (14, 15) of the electronic module (10) when the electronic module (10) is in a predefined axial abutment position relative to the central axis (22) of the housing (20) during movement of the electronic module (10) towards the predefined axial end position, wherein the displacement mechanism (30) is configured to be actuated by mutual abutment of the further abutment member (17) and the interior abutment member (25), and wherein the predefined axial abutment position is associated with an axial coordinate of the predefined functional position of the component (14, 15).

4. The set as claimed in any of claims 1-3, wherein the housing (20) comprises a chamber (23) which locally protrudes relative to a general contour of the housing (20) and is configured to receive and accommodate the component (14, 15) of the electronic module (10) in its predefined functional position.

5. The set as claimed in any of claims 1-4, wherein the housing (20) is generally tube-shaped, the central axis (22) of the housing (20) is a longitudinal axis of the tube-shaped housing (20), and the opening (21) in the housing is provided at an axial end portion of the tube-shaped housing (20).

6. The set as claimed in any of claims 1-5, wherein the displacement mechanism (30) is configured to displace the component (14, 15) relative to the housing (20) in the radial direction relative to the central axis (22) during the movement of the electronic module (10) in the axial direction (A), and wherein during displacement of the component (14, 15) a position of the component (14, 15) in the radial direction has a predefined relation to a position of the carrier (16) in the axial direction.

7. The set as claimed in claim 6, wherein the displacement mechanism (30) comprises at least one combination of a ramp surface (31) and an engaging element (33) which is slidable over the ramp surface (31), wherein at least one portion of the ramp surface (31) has an oblique orientation relative to the central axis (22) of the housing (20) in the assembled condition of the electronic device, and wherein the ramp surface (31) is provided on one of the component (14, 15) and the carrier (16) or the housing (20), and the engaging element (33) is provided on the other one of the component (14, 15) and the carrier (16) or the housing (20).

8. The set as claimed in claim 7, wherein the ramp surface (31) is provided within an elongated slot (32), and wherein the engaging element (33) is slidably arranged in the slot (32).

9. The set as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein, in the assembled condition of the electronic device, the ramp surface (31) extends at least partially around the central axis (22) of the housing (20) and / or has an angle of inclination relative to the central axis (22) of the housing (20) which varies in the axial direction.

10. The set as claimed in any of claims 1-9, wherein the component (14, 15) of the electronic module (10) comprises one of a display (15), a wireless-charging coil, a button panel, a battery, and a light guide.

11. An electronic device, comprising an assembly obtained by putting together the electronic module (10) and the housing (20) of the set as claimed in any of claims 1-10.

12. The electronic device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the electronic device is a personal care device, wherein the electronic module (10) comprises a motor unit (11) and a battery unit (13) to power the motor unit (11), and wherein the component (14, 15) of the electronic module (10) comprises a display (15).

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