Tactile switch for an electronic device

Abstract

One embodiment of the disclosure includes an input module. The input module includes a switch, a rotatable and translatable input member operably connected to the switch and configured to actuate the switch, and an electrical contact operably connected to the switch and in electrical communication with the input member. During operation, the electrical connection between the input member and the electrical contact is maintained during translation and rotation of the input member. The input module may be used with a variety of electronic devices and can be used by a user to provide input to those devices.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This Patent Cooperation Treaty patent application claims priority to US Provisional Application No. 61 / 864,389, filed August 9, 2013, and entitled "Tactile Switch for an Electronic Device," the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. technical field [0003] The present invention relates generally to electronic devices, and more particularly, to input devices for electronic devices. Background technique [0004] Many types of electronic devices, such as smart phones, gaming devices, computers, watches, etc., use input devices such as buttons or switches to receive user input. However, many input devices, such as buttons or switches, may only allow a single type of input. For example, a button may only transmit one signal, even though the circuit is complete for the button press. As electronic devices decrease in size, it may be desirable to have fewer input buttons or devices without...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

In addition, where the button or switch can move or rotate, the button may not include sensors or other electronic components that need to transfer data and / or power between the button and one or more components of the electronic device, since the movement could cause electrical connection becomes difficult

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