Tactile buttons with shape memory alloy (SMA)

Abstract

Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present technology provide a tactile button assembly having a shape memory alloy actuator (SMA), wherein the tactile button has a low profile while still providing a satisfactory tactile response or feel to the user. Advantageously, the tactile button assembly can have a profile that, for example, enables the assembly to be incorporated into free space along an edge of a portable computing device. The tactile assembly can, for example, be arranged to move the button vertically relative to the edge of the device.

Description

[0001] The present technology generally relates to devices for providing tactile feedback in electrical and electronic products, and methods for making the devices.

[0002] Consumer electronic devices such as laptops and smart phones may use different types of controls to provide some feedback to the user of the device, indicating that they have successfully pressed a button on the device. This is generally referred to as tactile feedback, and a tactile button or control on the device can provide a sense of touch to the user to confirm that they have successfully pressed the button / control / switch. Tactile buttons can be provided as modules or components so that they can be incorporated into electronic devices by device manufacturers. However, space in mobile and portable consumer electronic devices is usually very valuable. Tactile buttons can be positioned along or near the edge of a smart phone or portable computing device, for example, so that the display screen can be maximized. The continuous reduction in the thickness of portable computing devices and the increase in the size of the display screen mean that there is relatively less free space for tactile buttons in smart phones. Therefore, it is advantageous to produce a tactile button with a low profile, for example, with a low / small height, so that the button can be incorporated into the free space along the edge of the portable computing device. Such low-profile tactile buttons are relatively difficult to be incorporated into devices.

[0003] The present applicants have identified a need for improved tactile button assemblies for electronic devices.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present technology, there is provided an SMA actuator module for a button of an electronic device, the actuator module comprising: a housing; an actuator housed in the housing; and at least one elastic element configured to bring the actuator module into contact with the button and / or the electronic device (directly or indirectly) when the actuator module is installed in the electronic device; wherein the at least one elastic element is configured to deform in response to a force applied to the button exceeding a predetermined maximum force, thereby transmitting the force to the electronic device.

[0005] The force applied to the button preferably corresponds to a force in a direction normal to the outer surface of the button.

[0006] The maximum force is typically less than the maximum force that can be applied to the actuator module without causing damage. The maximum force can be, for example, greater than 3 Newtons, greater than 5 Newtons, greater than 10 Newtons, greater than 15 Newtons, or greater than 20 Newtons.

[0007] Preferably, the at least one resilient element does not deform in response to a force applied to the button being below a predetermined maximum force.

[0008] The at least one elastic element is preferably preloaded with a preload force which corresponds to the maximum force.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present technology, a tactile button assembly is provided, which includes a button and the above-mentioned actuator module, wherein when a user presses the button, the actuator assembly is activated to provide tactile feedback to the user.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present technology, there is provided an electronic device including a casing and a tactile button assembly installed in the casing.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present technology, a method of manufacturing an electronic device having a tactile button assembly is provided, the method comprising: providing an actuator module, the actuator module comprising an actuator and at least one resilient element housed within a housing, wherein in use, the actuator provides tactile feedback to a user who presses a button of the tactile button assembly when activated; installing the actuator module within a cavity of the electronic device such that the at least one resilient element brings the actuator module into contact with the button and / or the electronic device, wherein the at least one resilient element is configured to deform in response to a force applied to the button exceeding a predetermined maximum force, thereby transmitting the force to the electronic device. The method may include attaching the button after installing the actuator module.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present technology, an actuator module for a button of an electronic device is provided, the actuator module comprising: a housing and an actuator housed in the housing, wherein the actuator provides tactile feedback to a user who presses the button when activated, wherein the housing is configured to bring the actuator module into contact with the button and / or the electronic device when the actuator module is installed in the electronic device.

[0013] Further preferred features are set out in the appended dependent claims.

[0014] Embodiments of the present technology will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1a is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first actuator mounted within a housing;

[0016] Figure 1b is along Figure 1a The cross-sectional view of the AA line;

[0017] Figure 1c is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative arrangement of the first actuator, wherein the optional sealing layer is omitted and the restoring element is incorporated into the actuator;

[0018] Figure 2a is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second actuator mounted within a housing;

[0019] Figure 2b is along Figure 2a The cross-sectional view of the AA line;

[0020] Figure 3a is a schematic cross-sectional view of a third actuator mounted within the housing;

[0021] Figure 3b is along Figure 3a The cross-sectional view of the AA line;

[0022] Figure 3c is along Figure 3a A cross-sectional view of the modified AA line;

[0023] Figure 4a is a schematic cross-sectional view of another actuator mounted in a housing;

[0024] Figure 4b is along Figure 4a The cross-sectional view of the AA line;

[0025] Figure 4c is along Figure 4a A cross-sectional view of the modified AA line;

[0026] Figure 5a is a schematic cross-sectional view of another actuator mounted in a housing;

[0027] Figure 5b is along Figure 5a The cross-sectional view of the AA line;

[0028] Figure 5c is along Figure 5a A cross-sectional view of the modified AA line;

[0029] Figure 6a is a schematic cross-sectional view of another actuator mounted in a housing;

[0030] Figure 6b is along Figure 6a The cross-sectional view of the AA line;

[0031] Figure 6c is along Figure 6a A cross-sectional view of the modified AA line;

[0032] Figure 6d is a schematic cross-sectional view of another actuator mounted in a housing;

[0033] Figure 6e is along Figure 6d The cross-sectional view of the AA line;

[0034] Figure 6f is along Figure 6d A cross-sectional view of the modified AA line;

[0035] Figure 7a is a schematic cross-sectional view of another actuator mounted in a housing;

[0036] Figure 7b is along Figure 7a The cross-sectional view of the AA line;

[0037] Figure 7c is along Figure 7a A cross-sectional view of the modified AA line;

[0038] Figure 8a is a schematic cross-sectional view of another actuator mounted in a housing;

[0039] Figure 8b is along Figure 8a The cross-sectional view of the AA line;

[0040] Figure 8c is along Figure 8a A cross-sectional view of the modified AA line;

[0041] Figure 9a yes Figure 1a a schematic cross-sectional view of a variation of the first actuator shown;

[0042] Figure 9b is along Figure 9a The cross-sectional view of the AA line;

[0043] Fig.10a yes Figure 4a A schematic cross-sectional view of a variation of the actuator shown in ;

[0044] Fig.10b is along Fig.10a The cross-sectional view of the AA line;

[0045] Fig.11a is a perspective view of the button in the housing;

[0046] Fig.11b and Fig.11c yes Figure 6d A sectional side view and an isometric view of a button assembly within a housing;

[0047] Fig.11d is similar to Fig.11a A perspective view of the housing with a gapless button design;

[0048] Fig.12a and Figure 12b Shows Figure 3a Variations of the arrangement shown; and

[0049] Fig.13a and Fig.13b Shows Fig.12a A variation of the arrangement shown.

[0050] Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present technology provide tactile button assemblies in which the tactile buttons have a low profile while still providing a satisfactory tactile response or feel to the user. Advantageously, the tactile button assembly may have a profile that enables the assembly to be incorporated into free space along an edge of a portable computing device, for example. The tactile assembly may, for example, be arranged to move the button perpendicularly relative to the edge of the device. Alternatively, the button may move laterally along the edge of the device, or move in a spiral about an axis perpendicular to the edge of the device, or move in any other suitable direction, such as rotating in a plane parallel to the edge of the device or perpendicular to the device.

[0051] A tactile sensation can be generated from a button or movable part by moving the button in a lateral direction relative to the user's contact, for example, see WO2018 / 046937 and GB2551657. A disadvantage of a tactile button that moves laterally is that it may require a large gap between the moving button and the edge of the housing that houses the button to allow lateral movement of the button, but a large gap means that it is more difficult to make the tactile button waterproof and dustproof in an energy-saving manner. It is also desirable to provide a tactile button that does not have a large visible gap between the button and the housing (e.g., about 250 μm for a button that moves laterally), because a smaller gap (e.g., about 50 μm or less) is more aesthetically pleasing.

[0052] The use of a tactile button that moves in a direction orthogonal to the surface of the button and the surface of the device incorporating the button may mean that the gap size may be reduced. Examples of SMA actuators that generate vertical movement are described in WO2019 / 162708 and GB2571384 of the present applicant. It should be understood that the techniques described herein are also applicable to other types of SMA actuators that also generate vertical movement.

[0053] Additionally, due to the size and layout pressures associated with many consumer electronic devices such as wearables, watches, and mobile phones, it is also desirable for the tactile button assembly to have a low profile.

[0054] The present technology provides a tactile button assembly that has a low profile (making them more easily incorporated into consumer electronic devices such as smart phones) and is waterproof and dustproof. As described in more detail, some arrangements include a sealing layer to form a waterproof and / or dustproof seal. The sealing layer can be formed of any suitable material, for example, an impermeable material that is impermeable to water and / or dust, a thin film polymer, a thin silicone film, nitrile rubber, a rubber-like material, a digital material (such as FLX 9040 described at https: / / www.prototypeproiects.com / wp-content / uploads / 2018 / 04 / 2018-04-PP-Core-Materials-approved.pdf), fluororubber, chloroprene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), PTFE, and polyurethane. A loading force on the sealing layer may be required to fully compress the material of the sealing layer (e.g., between 10% and 30%) to produce a waterproof and / or dustproof seal.

[0055] The present technology can provide a localized tactile sensation caused by a direct impulse rather than through an inertial effect. For example, a smartphone includes an inertial tactile actuator that moves a considerable mass when a tactile effect is desired. The movement of the mass causes the entire smartphone to shake or vibrate. Therefore, the tactile effect is universal rather than local. The present technology provides localized tactile feedback. In addition, the tactile feedback provided by the present technology can be customized by the user by modifying software parameters. This allows different types of tactile feedback to be provided for different purposes or to suit different users.

[0056] The tactile button assembly described below may include a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator. Such an SMA actuator may be any type of device including a static portion and a movable portion movable relative to the static portion. The movable portion is moved by at least one SMA wire, which is activated when the user presses the button. The activation of the SMA wire causes it to contract, thereby moving the movable portion. The movable portion can be restored to its original position by a restoring element that provides a restoring force. The restoring element may be an elastic element, such as a spring or another SMA wire (one or more).

[0057] Each tactile button assembly described herein may be incorporated into any device where it may be useful to provide tactile feedback to a user of the device. For example, the tactile button assembly may be incorporated into an electronic device or consumer electronic device, such as a computer, a laptop computer, a portable computing device, a smart phone, a computer keyboard, a gaming system, a portable gaming device, a gaming device / accessory (e.g., a controller, a wearable controller, etc.), a medical device, a user input device, etc. It should be understood that this is a non-limiting, non-exhaustive list of possible devices that may be combined with any tactile button assembly described herein. For example, the tactile button assembly described herein may be incorporated into a smart phone or otherwise provided along the edge of a smart phone or on the surface of a smart phone.

[0058] The tactile button assembly described herein or at least a portion of the tactile button assembly may be provided as a separate module that may be incorporated into an electronic device during manufacturing and may be adapted to fit the device specifications so that it fits into a housing or outer surface of an electronic device. The term housing is used to cover any portion of a frame or structure of an electronic device to which the tactile button assembly may be attached. Therefore, the terms housing, frame, or structure may be used interchangeably. In an alternative embodiment, some or all of the components of the tactile button assembly described herein may be integrally formed in an electronic device. For example, the button of each tactile button assembly may be part of the electronic device itself. Each tactile button assembly may include an electrical connection that couples the assembly to a (one or more) processor, (one or more) chip, motherboard, etc. of the device so that the action of the button of the pressed assembly may be processed by the device, thereby providing tactile feedback.

[0059] Various tactile button assemblies are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that elements or features described for a particular figure or tactile button assembly may be equally applicable to any figure or tactile button assembly described herein. For example, techniques for attaching an actuator module to a housing, a component of an actuator, or a sealing layer described with respect to a particular figure may be equally applicable to any or all tactile button assemblies described herein.

[0060] Figure 1a A tactile button assembly is shown mounted within a cavity within a housing 10 (e.g., the housing of a phone or other electronic device). The tactile button assembly includes a button 12 that is activated by an actuator 14. The actuator 14 can be an SMA actuator that includes a static portion, a movable portion that is movable relative to the static portion, and at least one SMA wire that contracts to move the movable portion. Movement of the movable portion can cause the button 12 to move to generate tactile feedback to the user. Thus, the button 12 can be movable between a first static position and a second activated position. The button can protrude from the housing, can be substantially flush with the housing, or can be part of the housing itself (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 ). Fig.11dshown).

[0061] The actuator 14 is housed within a housing 16 that generally surrounds the base and sides of the actuator 14. The housing 16 may also partially cover the top of the actuator 14. The housing 16 has an opening between the button 12 and the actuator 14.

[0062] In this arrangement, a restoring element 18 (e.g., an elastic element such as a spring) is schematically shown as being positioned adjacent to the actuator 14 in the opening of the housing 16. After being activated by the actuator 14, the restoring element 18 can provide a restoring force to return the button 12 to its resting position. Therefore, the restoring element 18 can be considered to be part of the actuator 14, and the separation of the components in this and other figures schematically helps to understand the construction of this particular arrangement. As shown, the edge of the restoring element 18 overlaps the edge of the side of the housing 16 so that the restoring element 18 can be fixed to the housing. Fixing can use any suitable method, for example, when both the housing and the restoring element are made of metal, such as steel or stainless steel, they can be fixed by welding. Alternatively, if the restoring element is made of another material that cannot be fixed by welding (such as a polymer or aluminum), another suitable technique can be used.

[0063] Figure 1a The arrangement shown shows an actuator that provides vertical movement of the button 12 when activated. Therefore, the restoring element 18 is arranged between the actuator 14 and the housing 16. However, it should be understood that this is only one arrangement, and if an alternative actuator is used, such as an actuator that provides horizontal movement of the button 12, the restoring element 18 may be in a different position. Therefore, the use of the restoring element 18 coupled to the housing is optional and depends on the arrangement of the actuator.

[0064] In this arrangement, there is a small gap between the button and the housing on either side of the button 12. It should be understood that this is merely illustrative and there may be no gap between the button and the housing, e.g. Fig.11d The gapless button design shown. When a gap exists, as shown, an optional sealing layer 20 can be used. The sealing layer 20 provides a waterproof and dustproof seal to prevent damage to the actuator and / or components of the device. When the recovery layer 18 is attached to the housing as shown, the sealing layer 20 can be fixed to the recovery element using any known technique (e.g., using an adhesive). Alternatively, when there is no recovery element, the sealing layer 20 can be directly fixed to the housing to seal the actuator. As arranged, the recovery element provides a load path from the actuator to the sealing layer and from the sealing layer to the housing to provide a seal.

[0065] For optimal sealing, the sealing layer 20 needs to be compressed and therefore needs to withstand a loading force. In this arrangement, this is achieved by shaping the cavity in which the tactile button assembly is mounted to fit the tactile button assembly. The tactile button assembly can be press-fit into the cavity. The press-fit is sufficient to compress the sealing layer 20 to provide the loading force necessary to create a seal that is water-proof and / or dust-proof. The seal prevents water and / or dust from entering the actuator housing and / or the electronic device.

[0066] like Figure 1b As shown, the button 12 includes flanges 22. The size of the flanges 22 is exaggerated in the drawings to highlight these features. There may be one or more pairs of flanges 22, each pair of flanges having one flange on each side of the button 12. The flanges 22 are resilient to allow the button assembly to be press-fitted into the cavity. Once the button assembly is in place, these flanges 22 engage the surface of the housing 10 to prevent the button assembly from falling out of the housing.

[0067] Figure 1a and Figure 1b The button assembly of the embodiment of the present invention can be assembled by installing the actuator in the housing to form an actuator module, fixing the recovery element to the housing (e.g., by welding), and installing a sealing layer to the recovery element to seal the actuator module (e.g., by adhesive). As described above, the recovery element can be in a different position, such as within the housing of the actuator. The actuator module can then be inserted into the cavity through an aperture pre-formed in the housing. A temporary lubricant, such as alcohol, can be used to facilitate the insertion of the actuator module into the housing. Fig.11c As shown, the direction in which the actuator assembly is inserted into the cavity is perpendicular to Figure 1a The axis of the plane of the tactile button. Once the actuator module is in place, there will be a loading force on the sealing layer. It can be considered that the actuator module is configured to provide a loading force by the shape and size of the housing to fit tightly into the cavity. Thereafter, the button can be fixed to the sealing layer, such as by using a clip or adhesive, to form a complete tactile button assembly. In some arrangements, there may be a hole in the sealing layer to accommodate direct fixing to the actuator.

[0068] Figure 1c An alternative arrangement is shown in which the optional sealing layer 20 is omitted and the restoring element is incorporated into the actuator 14. In this arrangement, the actuator module includes the actuator 14 within the housing 16. The actuator module is assembled into the cavity of the housing 10. The button 12 is directly attached to the actuator itself. The actuator module is configured to be press-fit into the cavity to ensure good contact between the actuator and the button.

[0069] It should be understood that although Figure 1aThe arrangement has a relatively low component count and has a low profile, but the manufacturing tolerances between the cavity in the housing and the button assembly need to be tightly controlled to achieve the desired compression force on the sealing layer. Figure 2a and Figure 2b Shows Figure 1a Variants of the arrangement shown, in which the loading force on the sealing layer is achieved in a different manner. Identical components retain the same reference numerals.

[0070] like Figure 1a As shown in Figure 2a and Figure 2b A tactile button assembly is shown mounted within a cavity within a housing 30. The tactile button assembly includes a button 12 that is activated by an actuator 14 that forms part of an actuator module. The actuator 14 is housed within a housing 36. A restoring element 18 is positioned adjacent the actuator 14 in an opening in the housing 36, but as described above, the restoring element may be incorporated within the actuator or elsewhere in the assembly. An optional sealing layer 20 is also shown. The button 12 also includes a flange 22.

[0071] In this arrangement, the housing 30 of the electronic device does not extend below the base of the actuator module, so the cavity can be considered open. This allows the actuator module to be simply placed into the cavity. Alternatively, as described above, the actuator module can be pushed in from the side as described above.

[0072] The actuator module is fixed in place by using a screw fixing arrangement. In the case of including the optional sealing layer, the use of screws means that the loading force on the sealing layer can be controlled by appropriately tightening the screws. Similarly, when there is no optional sealing layer, the contact between the actuator module and the button can be controlled by appropriately tightening the screws.

[0073] The housing 36 includes a pair of flanges 34 extending from both sides of the housing 36 toward the base of the housing. The flanges 34 are relatively thick, so the housing assembly is relatively stiff. In this arrangement, the flanges 34 are accommodated in corresponding recesses of the housing 30. However, it should be understood that the flanges can simply abut the housing, as shown in the following figure. The recesses can help to correctly position the actuator module in the housing to facilitate the insertion of the screws, and can also reduce the overall profile of the arrangement. When the actuator module is inserted into the cavity, there may be a small gap between the flanges 34 and the housing 30 initially. The gap is closed, and the actuator module is held in place in the housing 30 by a pair of screws 32, which engage in corresponding holes in the flanges 34 of the housing 36 and threads in the housing 30. Therefore, the housing 30 needs to be pre-threaded.

[0074] Figure 2a and Figure 2b The button component can be similar to Figure 1a and Figure 1b In other words, the manufacturing method may include installing the actuator in a housing, fixing the recovery element to the housing (wherein the recovery element is located between the housing and the button), and installing an optional sealing layer on the recovery element (for example, by an adhesive). In this arrangement, the insertion of the actuator module into the cavity can be achieved by pre-forming a pore on the housing or by placing the assembly into an open cavity. The actuator module is then fixed in place by screws, and the loading force on the sealing layer can also be adjusted by tightening the screws. In the absence of a sealing layer, the contact between the actuator module and the button and / or the housing can be adjusted by tightening the screws. Therefore, it can be considered that the housing is configured to provide contact by including a flange for accommodating a spiral mechanism. Thereafter, the button can be fixed to the sealing layer, or the button can be directly fixed as described above.

[0075] Figure 3a and Figure 3b Shows Figure 2a The same components retain the same reference numerals. Figure 2a Same as in Figure 3a and Figure 3b A tactile button assembly is shown mounted within a cavity within a housing 40. The tactile button assembly includes a button 12 that is activated by an actuator 14 that forms part of an actuator module. The housing 40 is also open above the base of the actuator module. The actuator 14 is housed within a housing 46. A restoring element 18 is positioned adjacent the actuator 14 in the opening of the housing 46, but as described above, the restoring element may be incorporated within the actuator or elsewhere in the assembly. An optional sealing layer 20 is also shown.

[0076] In this arrangement, the base of the housing 46 is flexible and includes a pair of flexible flanges 44 disposed adjacent the ends of the housing 40. The actuator module is held in place within the housing 40 by a pair of screws 32 that engage corresponding holes in the flanges 44 of the housing 46 and threads in the housing 40. Figure 2a and Figure 2b As shown, in the case where an optional sealing layer is included, the loading force on the sealing layer can be adjusted as needed by appropriately tightening the screws. Similarly, when there is no optional sealing layer, the contact between the actuator module and the button can be controlled by appropriately tightening the screws. Therefore, it can be considered that the housing is configured to provide force / contact by including a flexible base with a flange. The manufacturing method for this arrangement can also be the same as above for Figure 2a The variants are the same as described.

[0077] There is a risk that the actuator (e.g., internal components such as sliders, ball bearings, and contact switches) may be damaged due to the user pressing too hard on the button 12. In this arrangement, when the user presses the button 12, the force is transmitted through the button to the sealing layer 20, to the restoring element 18, to the actuator 14, and then to the base of the housing 46. The force is then transmitted to the screw mechanism, such as the flange and the screw. In other words, the flexible flange 44 deforms and transmits the force to the housing 40. Therefore, by appropriately controlling the preload force of the flexible flange 44, the maximum force that can be applied to the actuator can be limited, wherein a greater force is transmitted to the housing 40.

[0078] Excessive force applied by the user may cause the screw mechanism to deform sufficiently so that the sealing layer 20 no longer presses against the surface of the housing. As a result, the seal breaks and dust or water may leak into the device. It will be appreciated that if the sealing layer is omitted and the restoring element is located in a different position, the load transfer will be different. However, if the user presses too hard, similar problems may occur.

[0079] Figure 3c shows a design to solve this problem Figure 3a and Figure 3b Variations of the arrangement. Figure 1b and Figure 2b As shown in , the button 12 includes a flange 22. In this variation, an end stop 42 is formed on the housing adjacent to each flange 22. When the button is inserted into the housing, there is a gap between each flange 22 and its corresponding end stop 42. The gap allows the user to press the button to activate the actuator to achieve a tactile effect. However, if the user presses the button too deep, the flange 22 abuts the corresponding end stop 42 and prevents the button 12 from moving further downward. Therefore, the destruction of the seal between the sealing layer and the housing can be avoided. It should be understood that the gap is relatively small, for example between 30 and 100 μm. Therefore, the tolerances in the manufacture of the end stops need to be precise to allow sufficient movement to achieve the tactile effect, but prevent excessive movement that may cause damage.

[0080] Figure 4a and Figure 4b Shows Figure 3a The same components retain the same reference numerals. Figure 3a Same as in Figure 4a and Figure 4b A tactile button assembly is shown including a button 12 and an actuator 14 of an actuator module mounted within a cavity within a housing 40. The actuator 14 is housed in a housing 56. A restoring element 18 and a sealing layer 20 are also shown.

[0081] In this arrangement, the housing 16 has a configuration similar to Figure 1aThe shape shown in the arrangement of , therefore does not include any flanges. The flexible base layer 52 is mounted to the housing 16 to provide the same flexibility and fixing functions as shown in the previous arrangement. The base layer 52 includes a pair of flanges 54 arranged adjacent to the end of the housing 40. The flanges 54 are stronger than the portion of the base layer 52 adjacent to the housing 16. The actuator module is held in place within the housing 40 by a pair of screws 32, which engage in corresponding holes in the flanges 54 of the base layer 52 and threads in the housing 40. The load on the optional sealing layer (if used) can be adjusted as described above using the screws 32, and / or the contact between the actuator module and the button and / or the housing can be similarly adjusted. Therefore, it can be considered that the housing is configured to provide force / contact by including a base layer with flanges.

[0082] Figure 4c Shows Figure 4a and Figure 4b Variations of the arrangement. Figure 3c As shown in , the button 12 includes a flange 22, which abuts a corresponding end stop 42 formed on the housing. Therefore, the end stop 42 helps prevent the user from causing any damage by applying excessive force on the button 12.

[0083] Figure 5a and Figure 5b Shows Figure 1a The same components retain the same reference numerals. Figure 1a As shown in Figure 5a and Figure 5b A tactile button assembly is shown including a button 12 and an actuator 14 of an actuator module mounted within a cavity within a housing 60. In this arrangement, the cavity is open above the base of the actuator module. The actuator 14 is housed within a housing 66. The restoring element 18 and sealing layer 20 are shown adjacent to the button 12, but as described above, these may be omitted or incorporated elsewhere.

[0084] The housing 66 includes a pair of elastic members 62 (e.g., springs) extending from the sides of the housing 66. These elastic members 62 are accommodated in corresponding recesses of the housing 60. The elastic members 62 are curved and movable between two positions, a first expanded position and a second compressed position. The elastic members 62 are biased toward the first expanded position. When the actuator assembly is inserted into the housing 60, the elastic members 62 are compressed from the first position to the second position. Once the elastic members 62 are located in the recess, the elastic members 62 attempt to return to the first expanded position, but are constrained by the recess. Therefore, the tactile assembly is fixed in a cavity in the housing 60 to provide the necessary loading force on the sealing layer (when a sealing layer is used), or to ensure good contact between the button and the actuator. Therefore, it can be considered that the housing is configured to provide loading force and / or contact by including the elastic element 62.

[0085] Figure 5c Shows Figure 5a and Figure 5b Variations of the arrangement. Figure 3c and Figure 4c As shown in FIG. 1 , the button 12 includes a pair of flanges 22 that abut corresponding end stops 42 formed on the housing.

[0086] Figure 6a and Figure 6b Shows Figure 5a The same components retain the same reference numerals. Figure 5a As shown in Figure 6a and Figure 6b A tactile button assembly is shown including a button 12 and an actuator 14 of an actuator module mounted within a cavity within a housing 70. A restoring element 18 and an optional sealing layer 20 are also shown.

[0087] The housing 76 includes a pair of integral resilient members 72, such as springs formed of a suitable material such as metal, which extend from the sides of the housing 76. These resilient members 72 are received in corresponding recesses in the housing 70. In this arrangement, the resilient members 72 are shaped to match the inner surface of the recess, and the actuator module can therefore be described as self-aligning because the resilient members align the actuator module to the center within the cavity.

[0088] The elastic member 72 is movable between a first expanded position and a second compressed position. The elastic member 72 is biased toward the first expanded position. When the actuator assembly is inserted into the housing 70, the elastic member 72 is compressed from the first position to the second position. Figure 6aAs shown. Once the resilient member 72 is located in the recess, the resilient member 72 attempts to return to the first expanded position, but the shape of the recess holds the resilient member 72 in the second compressed position (or a similar position). In this second position, the angled portion of each resilient member 72 abuts the corresponding inclined surface 74 of the recess. Thus, the actuator assembly is fixed in a cavity in the housing 70 to provide the necessary loading force on the sealing layer (where it is used) or to provide good contact between the actuator and the button. Therefore, it can be considered that the housing is configured to provide loading force and / or contact by including a resilient element 72 shaped as a self-aligning actuator module.

[0089] Figure 6c Shows Figure 6a and Figure 6b Variations of the arrangement. Figure 3c , Figure 4c and Figure 5c As shown, the button 12 includes a pair of flanges 22 that abut end stops 42 formed on the housing.

[0090] Figure 6d and Figure 6e Shows Figure 6a A variation of the self-aligning arrangement shown. Like parts retain like reference numerals. Figure 6a Same as in Figure 6d and Figure 6e A tactile button assembly is shown including a button 12 and an actuator 14 of an actuator module mounted within a cavity within a housing 80. A restoring element 18 and a sealing layer 20 are also shown.

[0091] A pair of resilient members 78 extend around the actuator 14 from the side of the housing 76. In this arrangement, the resilient members 78 are formed separately from the housing and attached by any suitable attachment mechanism (e.g., welding). However, it should be understood that these resilient members 78 can also be formed integrally with the housing 76. As in the previous arrangement, these resilient members 78 are accommodated in corresponding recesses of the housing 70 and are shaped to match the inner surface of the recess. In contrast to the previous arrangement, the resilient members 78 are generally V-shaped and therefore have a simpler shape than the previous arrangement, but are still movable between a first expanded position and a second compressed position. The resilient members 78 are biased toward the first expanded position. When the actuator assembly is inserted into the housing 70, the resilient members 78 are compressed from the first position to the second position. Once the resilient members 78 are located in the recess, the resilient members 78 attempt to return to the first expanded position, wherein the angled portion of each resilient member 78 abuts the corresponding angled surface 74 of the recess. Thus, the actuator module is secured within a cavity in the housing 80 to provide the necessary loading force on the seal (if used) or to provide good contact between the actuator and the button. Thus, it can be considered that the housing is configured to provide loading force and / or contact by including the elastic element 78.

[0092] Figure 6f Shows Figure 6d and Figure 6e Variations of the arrangement. Figure 3c , Figure 4c , Figure 5c and Figure 6c As shown, the button 12 includes a pair of flanges 22 that abut corresponding end stops 42 formed on the housing.

[0093] Figure 7a and Figure 7b Shows Figure 6a The same components retain the same reference numerals. Figure 6a Same as in Figure 7a and Figure 7b A tactile button assembly is shown, comprising a button 12 and an actuator 14 of an actuator module mounted within a cavity within a housing 90. A restoring element 18 and (optional) sealing layer 20 are also shown, but may be omitted as described above.

[0094] The housing 86 includes a pair of flanges 84 extending from the side of the housing near the recovery element. The flanges 82 are each adjacent to an elastic member 82, which can be a spring formed by any suitable material (such as metal). These elastic members 82 are accommodated in corresponding recesses of the housing 90. The elastic member 82 is movable between a first expanded position and a second compressed position. The elastic member 82 is biased toward the first expanded position. When the button assembly is inserted into the housing 90, the elastic member 82 is compressed from the first position to the second position. Once the elastic member 82 is located in the recess, the elastic member 82 attempts to return to the first expanded position, wherein a portion of each elastic member 82 abuts against both the surface of the recess and the flange 84 on the housing. Therefore, the actuator module is fixed in the cavity in the housing 90 to provide the necessary loading force on the sealing layer (if used), or to provide contact between the actuator and the button. Therefore, it can be considered that the housing is configured to provide loading force and / or contact by including the elastic element 82 and the adjacent flange 84.

[0095] Figure 7c Shows Figure 7a and Figure 7b Variations of the arrangement. Figure 3c , Figure 4c , Figure 5c and Figure 6c As shown, the button 12 includes a pair of flanges 22 that abut corresponding end stops 42 formed on the housing.

[0096] Figure 8a and Figure 8b Shows Figure 7a The same components retain the same reference numerals. Figure 7a As shown in Figure 8a and Figure 8b A tactile button assembly is shown including a button 12 and an actuator 14 of an actuator module mounted within a cavity within housing 100. A restoring element 18 and optional sealing layer 20 are also shown, but may be omitted as described above.

[0097] like Figure 8a As shown in FIG. 1 , the housing 86 includes a pair of flanges 84, each of which is adjacent to a resilient member 92, which may be a metal spring. These resilient members 82 are received in corresponding recesses of the housing 100. In this arrangement, the housing 100 has a configuration such as Figure 1a The base shown, and the elastic member 82 is adjacent to the base of the housing. Figure 7aSimilarly, when the actuator assembly is inserted into the housing 90, the resilient member 92 is compressed from the first position to the second position, and once the resilient member 92 is located in the recess, the resilient member 92 attempts to return to the first expanded position to abut against the surface of the recess and the flange 84 on the housing. Thus, the actuator module is fixed in the cavity in the housing 100 to provide the necessary loading force on the sealing layer and / or provide contact between the button and the actuator. Therefore, the actuator assembly can be considered to be configured to provide a loading force by including the resilient member 92 and the flange 84.

[0098] Figure 8c Shows Figure 8a and Figure 8b Variations of the arrangement. Figure 3c , Figure 4c , Figure 5c and Figure 6c As shown, the button 12 includes a pair of flanges 22 that abut corresponding end stops 42 formed on the housing.

[0099] Figure 9a and Figure 9b Shows Figure 1a The same components retain the same reference numerals. Figure 1a As shown in Figure 9a and Figure 9b A tactile button assembly is shown mounted in a cavity within a housing 10. The tactile button assembly includes a button 12 activated by an actuator 14. In the figure, an arrangement of components of the actuator 14 is schematically shown, and the components include a contact switch 100 and a first slider 102 and a second slider 106 arranged in layers. A first set of ball bearings 104 separates the first slider 102 from the contact switch 100, and a second set of ball bearings 108 separates the first slider 106 from the second slider 106. When a user presses the button 12, vertical movement reaches the contact switch 100 via the first and second sliders 102, 106 and the first and second sets of ball bearings to activate the actuator 14. The activation causes the SMA wire to contract, thereby moving the first slider 102 horizontally, and the movement of the first slider 102 triggers the vertical movement of the second slider 106. The vertical movement is then transmitted to the button to produce vertical movement of the button, thereby providing tactile feedback to the user.

[0100] Inside the housing 16, there is a pair of end stop members forming an internal pair of end stops 142. As described above, when the user presses too hard on the button, the second slider 106 abuts against the end stops 142 to prevent the button 12 from moving further.

[0101] Fig.10a and Fig.10b Shows Figure 4aLike parts retain the same reference numerals. Figure 4a As shown in Fig.10a and Fig.10b The tactile button assembly is shown, which includes a button 12 and an actuator 14 mounted in a cavity within a housing 40. The actuator 14 is housed in a housing 56 together with a restoring element 18, and the housing 56 is sealed by a sealing layer 20. The internal details of the actuator 14 are shown in FIG. Figure 9a 1 and includes a contact switch 100 and a first slider 102 and a second slider 106 , each of which is separated by a ball bearing 104 , 108 .

[0102] In this arrangement, the housing 56 has a configuration similar to Figure 1a and Figure 9a The flexible base 52 is mounted to the housing 56. The base 52 includes a pair of flexible flanges 54 disposed adjacent the ends of the housing 40. The button assembly is held in place within the housing 40 by a pair of screws 32 that engage in the flanges 54 of the base 52 and corresponding threads in the housing 40. Within the housing 16, there is a pair of end stop members that form a pair of internal end stops 142 to prevent the button 12 from moving too far.

[0103] It should be understood that each arrangement shown in the other figures may also be modified to include internal stops, and Figure 9a and Fig.10a It is provided only to illustrate the use of this feature.

[0104] Figures 11a to 11c Shows Figure 6d Alternative view of the arrangement shown. Figure 6d As shown in , the button assembly includes a button 12 and an actuator module mounted in a cavity within a housing 80. The actuator assembly includes an actuator housed in a housing 16 and a sealing layer 20 adjacent to the button 12. A pair of V-shaped elastic members 78 extend from the side of the housing 16 and are housed in corresponding recesses of the housing 80. In a first expanded position, a portion of each elastic member 78 abuts a corresponding surface 74 of the recess. Fig.11c The actuator assembly is shown inserted into the cavity in the direction of arrow A, and the button is shown inserted in the direction of arrow B.

[0105] Fig.11d yes Fig.11a A variation of the arrangement in FIG. 1 shows a gapless button design. In this arrangement, the button 112 is integral with the housing 180 and is schematically shown by the dashed lines. Thus, there is no separate button inserted into the housing, but rather the button is preformed on the housing. It should be understood that each of the above arrangements can be adapted to include such a gapless design.

[0106] Fig.12a and Figure 12b Shows Figure 3a The same components retain the same reference numerals. Figure 4a As shown in Fig.12a and Figure 12b A tactile button assembly is shown comprising a button 12 and an actuator 14 of an actuator module mounted within a cavity within a housing 120. A restoring element 18 and (optional) sealing layer 20 are also shown, but may be omitted as described above. The button also includes a pair of flanges 22 as described above.

[0107] The actuator is housed in a housing 116 which includes a flange 34 extending from one side of the housing near the base of the housing 116. The actuator module is held in place on that side within the housing 120 by screws 32 which engage in corresponding holes in the flange 34 of the housing 116 and align with threads in the housing 120. On the other side of the housing 116, the housing includes a generally S-shaped flange 124 extending from the base of the housing 116. The upper portion of the flange 124 surrounds the pin 121 and is housed in a recess in the cavity. The S-shaped flange and pin provide a snap-in mechanism in which the flange is hinged around the pin. As in other screw arrangements, the contact and / or force can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the screws.

[0108] Fig.13a and Fig.13b Shows Fig.12a Like parts retain the same reference numerals. Fig.12a As shown in Fig.13a and Fig.13b A tactile button assembly is shown comprising a button 12 and an actuator 14 of an actuator module mounted within a cavity within a housing 130. A restoring element 18 and (optional) sealing layer 20 are also shown, but may be omitted as described above. The button also includes a pair of flanges 22 as described above.

[0109] In this arrangement, there are two S-shaped flanges 124; one on each side of a housing 126 for the actuator. The upper portion of each flange 124 surrounds a corresponding pin 121 and is received in a recess in the cavity. The final stage of insertion of the actuator module may include inserting one of the pins 121. When a clip-in mechanism is used, the housing 126 may be reinforced by using an additional substrate underneath the housing, such as Figure 4a shown.

[0110] The term "bearing" is used interchangeably herein with the terms "sliding bearing", "ball bearing", "flexure", and "roller bearing". The term "bearing" as used herein generally means any element or combination of elements used to limit motion to only the desired motion and reduce friction between moving parts. In some embodiments of the present technology, more than one type of bearing element may be used in combination to provide a bearing function. Therefore, the term "bearing" used herein includes, for example, any combination of sliding bearings, ball bearings, roller bearings, and flexures. In an embodiment, a suspension system can be used to suspend an intermediate movable element and / or a button within a tactile button assembly and limit motion to only the desired motion. For example, a suspension system of the type described in WO2011 / 104518 can be used. Therefore, it should be understood that the term "bearing" used herein also means a "suspension system". In an embodiment, a bearing may be disposed on or may include a nonlinear bearing surface. The bearing may be formed of any suitable material (e.g., ceramic).

[0111] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, although the foregoing description has been described as the best mode for carrying out the present technology and other suitable modes, the present technology should not be limited to the specific configurations and methods disclosed in the description of the preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present technology has a wide range of applications, and that the embodiments can be widely modified without departing from any inventive concept as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A stand-alone SMA actuator module for incorporation into a housing of an electronic device and for providing tactile feedback via a button of the electronic device, the actuator module comprising: case; an actuator housed within the housing, wherein the actuator includes a static portion, a movable portion movable relative to the static portion, and at least one SMA wire configured to move the movable portion relative to the static portion when contracted, and a restoring element configured to restore the movable portion to an original position of the movable portion; as well as at least one elastic element configured to bring the actuator module into contact with the button and the housing of the electronic device when the actuator module is installed in the electronic device; The at least one elastic element is configured to deform in response to a force applied to the button exceeding a predetermined maximum force, thereby transmitting the force to the housing of the electronic device.

2. The actuator module according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one resilient element comprises a pair of resilient elements movable between a first extended configuration and a second compressed configuration and biased in the first extended configuration, whereby when the actuator module is mounted in a cavity in the housing of the electronic device, the resilient elements cause the actuator module to contact the button and the housing of the electronic device.

3. The actuator module according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one resilient element comprises a pair of resilient elements movable between a first extended configuration and a second compressed configuration and biased in the second compressed configuration, whereby when the actuator module is mounted in a cavity in the housing of the electronic device, the resilient elements cause the actuator module to contact the button and the housing of the electronic device.

4. The actuator module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The at least one elastic element is integral with the housing.

5. The actuator module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The at least one elastic element is attached to the housing. 6 . The actuator module according to claim 5 , further comprising a sealing layer, and wherein the housing further comprises a pair of flanges, the elastic element abutting against the pair of flanges to apply a loading force to the sealing layer.

7. The actuator module according to claim 6, wherein: The pair of flanges extend from an upper edge of the housing.

8. The actuator module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The at least one resilient element comprises an angled component which, in use, engages a corresponding angled surface of a cavity in the housing of the electronic device.

9. The actuator module according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The at least one elastic element is a metal spring.

10. The actuator module according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The actuator module is press-fit into a cavity in the housing of the electronic device such that the actuator module is in contact with the button and the housing of the electronic device.

11. The actuator module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The housing includes a pair of flanges, each flange having a screw hole for receiving a screw, the screw being fixed to the housing of the electronic device to bring the actuator module into contact with the button and the housing of the electronic device.

12. The actuator module according to claim 11, wherein: The pair of flanges extend from a rigid base of the housing.

13. The actuator module according to claim 11, wherein: The housing includes a flexible base from which the flange extends.

14. The actuator module according to claim 11 further includes a base layer attached to the base of the shell, the base layer including the pair of flanges, each flange having the screw hole, and the screw hole is used to receive the screw fixed to the shell so that the actuator module is in contact with the button and the shell of the electronic device.

15. The actuator module according to claim 14, wherein: The base layer is flexible.

16. The actuator module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The housing includes an s-shaped flange that engages a pin and a recess in a cavity of the housing of the electronic device to bring the actuator module into contact with the button and the housing of the electronic device.

17. The actuator module according to any one of claims 1-5 and 11-16, further comprising a sealing layer. 18 . The actuator module of claim 17 , wherein the at least one elastic element is configured to apply a loading force to the sealing layer when the actuator module is installed in the electronic device.

19. The actuator module according to any one of claims 6-7, 17 and 18, wherein: The actuator includes at least one shape memory alloy wire that contracts to provide vertical movement of the sealing layer.

20. The actuator module of any one of claims 1-19, further comprising a restoring element to provide a restoring force to reverse any movement caused by activation of the actuator.

21. A tactile button assembly comprising Buttons; and The actuator module according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein: When a user presses the button, the actuator module is configured to activate to provide tactile feedback to the user.

22. The tactile button assembly of claim 21, further comprising at least one end stop within the housing, wherein the end stop is configured to engage a component within the actuator to limit movement of the actuator component when a user depresses the button.

23. The tactile button assembly of claim 21 or 22, further comprising at least one end stop outside the housing, wherein the end stop is configured to limit movement of the actuator module and / or deflection of the housing.

24. A tactile button assembly according to claim 21 or claim 22, wherein: The button includes a pair of flanges configured to engage corresponding end stops on a cavity in the housing of the electronic device to limit movement of the actuator module.

25. An electronic device comprising a housing and a tactile button assembly according to any one of claims 21-24 mounted in the housing.

26. A method of manufacturing an electronic device having a tactile button assembly, the method comprising: providing a stand-alone SMA actuator module, the actuator module comprising an actuator and at least one resilient element within a housing, wherein in use, the actuator, when activated, provides tactile feedback to a user depressing a button of the tactile button assembly; as well as installing the actuator module in a cavity in a housing of the electronic device such that the at least one resilient element brings the actuator module into contact with the button and the housing of the electronic device, wherein the actuator comprises a static portion, a movable portion movable relative to the static portion, and at least one SMA wire configured to move the movable portion relative to the static portion when contracted, and a restoring element configured to restore the movable portion to an original position of the movable portion, The at least one elastic element is configured to deform in response to a force applied to the button exceeding a predetermined maximum force, thereby transmitting the force to the housing of the electronic device.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising attaching a button after installing the actuator module.

28. The method according to claim 26 or 27, wherein: Installing the actuator module includes press-fitting the actuator module within the cavity.

29. The method according to claim 26 or 27, wherein: Mounting the actuator module includes securing the housing to the cavity using a threaded arrangement.

30. The method according to claim 26 or 27, wherein: The at least one resilient element comprises a pair of resilient elements, and installing the actuator module comprises compressing the pair of resilient elements to a compressed configuration when the actuator module is installed in the cavity, whereby the resilient elements attempt to return to an expanded configuration once the actuator module is inserted into the cavity.

31. The method of any one of claims 26 to 30, further comprising applying a sealing layer to the actuator module.

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