Display-based switch assembly

Abstract

A switch assembly comprising: a housing (102) with one or more walls defining a chamber (108); a first printed circuit board (PCB) (110) arranged inside the chamber (108), the first printed circuit board (110) having a first planar surface (122) pointing in a first axial direction and a second planar surface (116) pointing in a second axial direction, the second axial direction being opposite to the first axial direction; a second circuit board (112) which is arranged adjacent to the first circuit board (110), wherein the second printed circuit board (112) has a first planar surface (118) which faces the second planar surface (116) of the first printed circuit board (110) in the first axial direction, and a second planar surface (123) pointing in the second axial direction, wherein the second circuit board (112) has one or more force sensors (140) arranged on the second planar surface (123); and at least one support surface pointing in the second axial direction, wherein the support surface is firmly connected to the housing (102), wherein the support surface is arranged axially between the second planar surface (116) of the first printed circuit board (110) and the first planar surface (118) of the second printed circuit board (112), where: at least one section of the first planar surface (118) of the second printed circuit board (112) engages in the support surface, and the first circuit board (110) and the second circuit board (112) are electrically coupled to each other.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a display-based switch assembly.

[0002] Conventional capacitive touchscreen technologies, such as those used in smartphones and tablet devices, require significant visual engagement from the driver, which is distracting and compromises safety. While conventional mechanical switches and knobs are less distracting because they can be operated safely without requiring the driver to take their eyes off the road, they typically have limited flexibility because each switch controls a single function or feature.

[0003] Different sensors such as pressure, humidity or flow sensors are known from US 2013 / 0 033 841 A1.

[0004] From US 2012 / 0 327 025 A1 a touchscreen with capacitive force detection is known, wherein a touch surface, a capacitive touch sensor and an actuator mechanism are described so that a user can be given active haptic feedback.

[0005] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide a switch assembly that provides sufficient feedback to the driver upon receiving driver inputs so as not to distract the driver and that offers the possibility of controlling multiple functions and / or vehicle systems with minimal space requirements.

[0006] The problem is solved with a switch assembly according to claim 1. Advantageous further developments are described in the dependent claims.

[0007] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the associated exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings and briefly described below. Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a switch assembly according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 shows an exploded view of a section of the Fig. 1 shown switch assembly. Fig. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view through line CC in Fig. 1 of a partially assembled switch assembly. Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the Fig. 2 shown haptic exciter. Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the Fig. 2 shown housing. Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the Fig. 2 partially assembled switch assembly. Fig. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the second surface of the Fig. 2 shown first circuit board. Fig. Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the second surface of the Fig. 2 shown second circuit board. Fig. 9A shows a perspective view of the second surface of the Fig. 2 shown light guide. Fig. 9B shows a perspective view of the first surface of the Fig. 2 shown light guide. Fig. Figure 9C shows a cross section through the Fig. 2 shown light guides. Fig. 10A / 10B show perspective views of the Fig. 2 shown ring-shaped frame. Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of the Fig. 2 shown membrane. Fig. 12 shows a plan view of the first surface of the Fig. 1 shown touch overlay plate. Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of a first surface of a light guide according to another embodiment. Fig. 14 shows a block diagram of an electrical control system according to an embodiment. Fig. 15 shows a flowchart of instructions stored on a memory for execution by a processor disposed on the second circuit board, according to one embodiment. Fig. 16 shows a flowchart of instructions stored on a memory for execution by a processor disposed on the first circuit board, according to one embodiment. Fig. 17 shows a diagram of a resistance sensed by the force sensors and a corresponding force signal associated with each resistance level according to one embodiment. Fig. 18A-18D illustrate example touch events and a corresponding haptic response to each touch event, according to one embodiment. Fig. 19A shows a perspective view of a portion of a switch assembly according to another embodiment. Fig. Figure 19B shows a cross-sectional view through line DD of the Fig. 19A shown section of the switch assembly. Fig. 19C shows an exploded view of the Fig. 19A shown section of the switch assembly. Fig. 20A shows a perspective view of a portion of a switch assembly according to another embodiment. Fig. Figure 20B shows a cross-sectional view through line EE of the Fig. 20A shown section of the switch assembly. Fig. 20C shows an exploded view of the Fig. 20A shown section of the switch assembly. Fig. 20D shows a perspective view of a portion of the Fig. 20A shown switch assembly. Fig. 21-32 show an alternative embodiment of a switch assembly further including a display assembly and a touch overlay plate.

[0008] Various embodiments include a switch assembly comprising a housing and at least two printed circuit boards (PCBs) disposed within the housing and arranged axially with respect to each other. One or more force sensors are disposed on one of the PCBs, and in some embodiments, the one or more force sensors receive a force input received by a touch overlay plate. The signals from the force sensors are processed to determine the magnitude, acceleration, and / or location of the force input, and haptic feedback is received by the touch overlay plate. The haptic feedback response is based on the magnitude, acceleration, and / or location of the force input, according to some embodiments. The axial arrangement of the PCBs, according to some embodiments, reduces the space required for the switch assembly and allows for more electrical components to be incorporated into the switch assembly.

[0009] In the following, various embodiments are described in detail according to the figures.

[0010] For example, the Fig. 1-12 illustrate a switch assembly according to one embodiment. The switch assembly 100 includes a housing 102, a first printed circuit board (PCB) 110, a second printed circuit board 112, a light guide 142, a membrane 170, an optional touch overlay plate 195, and an annular frame 180.

[0011] The housing 102 has a first wall 104 and a second wall 106 defining a chamber 108. The second wall 106 extends axially from a radially outer edge 105 of the first wall 104 and forms a sidewall. A distal edge 172 of the second wall 106 defines an opening to the chamber 108. The longitudinal axis AA extends through a center of the chamber 108 and the first wall 104.

[0012] Two or more circuit boards are disposed axially adjacent to one another within the chamber 108. Specifically, a first circuit board 110 is disposed within the chamber 108 adjacent to the first wall 104, and a second circuit board 112 is disposed within the chamber 108 axially adjacent to and spaced from the first circuit board 110. A first electrical terminal 114 extends from a second surface 116 of the first circuit board 110, and a second electrical terminal 117 extends from a first surface 118 of the second circuit board 112. These electrical terminals 114, 117 are axially aligned and coupled to one another to enable electrical communication between the circuit boards 110, 112. The first circuit board 110 also includes a third electrical terminal 120 extending from a first surface 122 of the first circuit board 110.The third electrical terminal 120 is electrically coupled, for example, to a vehicle communications bus and / or to a display assembly 1000 (described below). In the illustrated embodiment, the third electrical terminal 120 is axially disposed relative to the first electrical terminal 114, but the terminals 120, 114 are not axially aligned with each other. In other embodiments, however, the third electrical terminal 120 is axially aligned with the first electrical terminal 114.

[0013] The first wall 104 of the housing 102 includes a first set of one or more projections 125 extending inwardly into the chamber 108 along the axis AA. The first surface 122 of the first circuit board 110 is disposed on a distal surface 125a of the first set of one or more projections 125 such that the first surface 122 is spaced from the first wall 104. The first circuit board 110 defines openings 124, and the first set of projections 125 defines openings 126 axially aligned with the openings 124. A fastener 127 is passed through corresponding pairs of aligned openings 124, 126 to couple the first circuit board 110 to the projections 125 and prevent relative movement of the first circuit board 110 within the chamber 108. Although three fasteners are shown, more or fewer fasteners can be selected.In other embodiments, other fastening arrangements may be selected. Other fastening arrangements include, for example, a friction fit within the housing, snap fasteners, clips, rivets, adhesive, or other suitable fastening mechanisms.

[0014] A second set of projections 128 extends axially inwardly from the first wall 104 into the chamber 108 and radially inwardly from the second wall 106 into the chamber 108 (for example, in a direction perpendicular to and in the direction of the axis AA). The second set of projections 128 are spaced apart from each other. As shown in Fig. 5, each projection 128 includes a first rib 132 and a second rib 134. Each rib 132, 134 includes a proximal edge 133 connected to the second wall 106 and a distal edge 135 spaced radially inward from the proximal edge 133 into the chamber 108. The distal edges 135 of the ribs 132, 134 intersect and define a projection 136. The projections 125 extend between the projections 128, but the surface 125a of each projection 125 is spaced from a surface 130 of each projection 128. In particular, a plane containing the surface 125a is spaced axially between the first wall 104 and a plane containing the surface 130. The first surface 118 of the second circuit board 112 is disposed on the surfaces 130 of the projections 128 such that the openings 138 defined in the second circuit board 112 are axially aligned with the openings defined by the projections 136.Fasteners 137 extend through each pair of aligned openings 138, 136 to couple the second circuit board 112 to the protrusions 128 and prevent relative movement of the second circuit board 112 within the chamber 108. Although four fasteners are shown, more or fewer fasteners may be selected. In other embodiments, other fastening arrangements may be selected. Other fastening arrangements include, for example, a friction fit within the housing, snap fasteners, clips, rivets, adhesive, or other suitable fastening mechanisms.

[0015] The first circuit board 110 has an outer perimeter shaped to fit within the chamber 108 and between the second set of protrusions 128, allowing the first surface 122 of the first circuit board 110 to be disposed on the surface 125a of the protrusions 125. The second circuit board 112 also has an outer perimeter shaped to fit within the chamber 108, allowing the first surface 118 of the second circuit board 112 to engage the ribs 132, 134 of the second set of protrusions 128.

[0016] A plurality of force sensors 140 are arranged on the second surface 123 of the second circuit board 112 and spaced apart from one another. The force sensors 140 are axially aligned with the respective first ribs 132 and / or second ribs 134. This arrangement allows force to be applied to the force sensors 140 in the z-direction (i.e., along the central longitudinal axis AA), and the surfaces 130 of the protrusions 128 prevent the second circuit board 112 from flexing or deflecting when the force sensors 140 are coupled to the second circuit board 112 in response to the applied force, thereby preventing damage to the force sensors 140. The surfaces 130 of the protrusions 128 also prevent axial movement of the second circuit board 112 relative to the first circuit board 110 and the housing 102 when the force sensors 140 receive force.In one embodiment, the force sensors 140 comprise microelectromechanical (MEMS) sensors that provide an output signal corresponding to the amount of force sensed by the sensors. For example, the MEMS force sensors are capable of sensing force with a displacement as small as 2 micrometers.

[0017] The light guide 142 is disposed within the chamber 108 and includes a first surface 144, a second surface 143 opposite and spaced from the first surface 144, and a side edge 145 extending between the first surface 144 and the second surface 143. The first surface 144 of the light guide 142 faces the force sensors 140, which are coupled to the second circuit board 112. In some embodiments, the light guide 142 is a plate made of a transparent or translucent material. For example, the light guide 142 may be made of a rigid material such as acrylic or a polycarbonate material. At least one light source is disposed on the second surface 123 of the second circuit board 112. For example, in some embodiments, the light source includes a light-emitting diode (LED) 146, and the side edge 145 of the light guide 142 is disposed radially adjacent to the light-emitting diode 146.The light from the LED 146 passes through the side edge 145 of the light guide 142 and exits the second surface 143 of the light guide 142. In this system, a single light source or multiple light sources are arranged on the same side, adjacent sides, or opposite sides of the light guide 142, and the light is directed onto the second surface 143 of the light guide 142. However, in other embodiments, the light may enter the light guide 142 through the first surface 144 of the light guide 142.

[0018] In some embodiments, the second surface 143, the first surface 144, and / or the side edge 145 of the light guide 142 include integrally molded microlenses to direct light through the light guide 142 and out of the second surface 143. For example, Fig. 9C shows a plurality of microlenses 147 having protrusions and / or depressions on the first surface 144 of the light guide 142. In other or further embodiments, one or more light-modifying layers are provided on one or more of the light guide surfaces 143, 144 and / or the side edge 145 of the light guide 142.

[0019] In the Fig. 9B, the first surface 144 of the light guide 142 includes a plurality of protrusions 148 extending axially from the first surface 144. The protrusions 148 are axially aligned with the force sensors 140 on the second circuit board 112. The protrusions 148 concentrate the force received from the light guide 142 onto the force sensors 140. In one embodiment, the protrusions 148 are integrally formed with the first surface 144. However, in other embodiments, the protrusions 148 may be formed separately and coupled to the first surface 144.

[0020] At another in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 13, the first surface 144' of the light guide 142' is planar, and a force concentrator formed separately from the light guide 142' is disposed between each force sensor and the first surface 144' of the light guide 142'. Each force concentrator transmits the force received from the light guide 142' to the respective force sensor below the force concentrator.

[0021] The haptic exciter 160 provides haptic feedback to the user. According to one embodiment, the haptic exciter 160 is, for example, a loudspeaker (e.g., a coneless voice coil assembly), and the haptic output is an audible or inaudible sound wave that changes the air pressure near an output surface of the loudspeaker by propagating a plurality of pressure waves along a propagation axis. The propagation axis is perpendicular to an output surface 161 and, in the embodiment shown, parallel to the central axis AA, which extends orthogonal to and through the surfaces 196, 197 of the touch plate 195. For example, in some embodiments, the propagation axis may be coaxial with the axis AA. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-12, the output surface 161 of the haptic exciter 160 is directly coupled to the first surface 144 of the light guide 142. As a result, at least a portion of the pressure waves propagating from the output surface 161 are directed toward and absorbed by the first surface 144 of the light guide 142, causing an oscillation or vibration of the light guide 142 in the z-direction. In this embodiment, the first surface 144 of the light guide 142 serves as a response surface for the exciter 160. The vibration of the light guide 142 is transmitted to the membrane 170 and to the touch plate 195. Thus, the haptic exciter 160 is vibrationally coupled to the inner surface 196 of the touch plate 195 because pressure waves emanating from the haptic exciter 160 induce a vibrational response on the touch plate 195.In some embodiments, the haptic exciter 160 is coupled to the first surface 144 of the light guide 142 using an adhesive 162. However, in other embodiments, other suitable attachment mechanisms may be used. And in other embodiments, the output surface 161 of the haptic exciter 160 is disposed axially adjacent to and spaced from the first surface 144 of the light guide 142. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the haptic exciter 160 is disposed adjacent to a central portion of the first surface 144 of the light guide 142.

[0022] As in Fig. 4, the haptic exciter 160 includes a flexible cable connector 164 having a first end 165 coupled to a first end 166 of the haptic exciter 160 and a second end 167 coupled to the first surface 118 of the second circuit board 112. The flexible cable connector 164 minimizes or eliminates the transmission of vibration from the haptic exciter 160 to the second circuit board 112 while enabling the electrical coupling of the haptic exciter 160 to the second circuit board 112. By way of non-limiting example, flexible cable connectors as described herein may include zero insertion force (ZIF) type connectors. In alternative embodiments, the haptic exciter 160 is coupled to the second circuit board 112 with wires that are each connected by soldering or another suitable coupling mechanism.

[0023] Furthermore, the second circuit board 112 defines an opening 163 through which the output surface 161 of the haptic exciter 160 extends to couple the output surface 161 to the first surface 144 of the light guide 142. This arrangement makes it possible to reduce the height in the direction of the AA axis of the switch assembly 100, increase the energy that the touch overlay 195 receives from the haptic exciter 160, and reduce the vibrational energy transferred to the second circuit board 112. However, in other embodiments, the second circuit board 112 may not define the opening 163, and the haptic exciter 160 may be axially spaced from the second surface 123 of the second circuit board 112 and disposed between the first surface 144 of the light guide 142 and the second surface 123 of the second circuit board 112.By spacing the haptic exciter 160 from the second circuit board 112, the vibration energy of the haptic exciter 160 is isolated from the second circuit board 112, allowing a larger portion of the energy to be received by the light guide 142.

[0024] The flexible membrane 170 extends across at least a portion of the chamber 108. A first surface 171 of the flexible membrane 170 faces the second surface 143 of the light guide 142, and at least a portion of these surfaces 171, 143 are coupled together (for example, by adhesion). A plurality of pins 173 extend axially from the distal edge 172 of the second wall 106 of the housing 102 and are circumferentially spaced from each other. The flexible membrane 170 defines a plurality of pin openings 174 adjacent a radially outer edge 175 of the membrane 170. The pins 173 are engaged by the respective pin openings 174 of the membrane 170 to prevent movement of the membrane 170 in the xy plane (i.e., the plane perpendicular to the central axis AA). In some embodiments, the surfaces 171, 143 are bonded together before the pins 173 are engaged through the openings 174.By limiting the movement of the membrane 170 in the z-direction, the membrane 170 can more efficiently transmit the vibrations of the optical fiber 142, and the membrane 170 can prevent an x- or y-component of the force acting on the switch assembly 100 from being transmitted to the force sensors 140, thereby preventing damage to the force sensors 140 due to shear forces. The membrane 170 can also prevent liquids or debris from entering the switch assembly 100.

[0025] In the embodiment described above, the membrane 170 covers the opening of the chamber 108, but in other embodiments, the membrane 170 may cover only a portion of the opening of the chamber 108.

[0026] The diaphragm 170 is made of a flexible material capable of resonating in the z-direction. For example, the diaphragm 170 may be made of a polymeric material (e.g., polyester, polycarbonate), a thin metal sheet, or another suitable flexible material. Furthermore, the stiffness of the material for the diaphragm 170 can be selected based on the desired resonance and taking into account the load acting on the diaphragm 170.

[0027] The touch overlay plate 195 has a first surface 196 and a second surface 197. At least a central portion 201 of the first surface 196 of the touch overlay plate 195 is coupled to a second surface 198 of the membrane 170, and the second surface 197 of the touch overlay plate 195 faces in an axial direction opposite the first surface 196 and receives a force input from the user. For example, in one embodiment, the second surface 198 of the membrane 170 and the central portion 201 of the first surface 196 of the touch overlay plate 195 are bonded together.

[0028] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second surface 197 of the touch overlay plate 195 is textured differently than the portion of the vehicle adjacent to the switch assembly 100 to allow the user to identify where the touch overlay plate 195 is located in the vehicle without having to search for it. And in some embodiments, the second surface 197 includes, as shown in Fig. 3, a non-planar surface. For example, the contour of the non-planar surface may be customized based on various applications of the assembly and / or to facilitate the user's location of the second surface 197 without having to search for it.

[0029] In some embodiments, symbols are arranged on the touch overlay plate 195, and light emerging from the second surface 143 of the light guide 142 penetrates the membrane 170 and the symbols on the touch overlay plate 195 to illuminate the symbols. For example, by arranging the symbols on a film bonded to the touch overlay plate 195, the symbols can be easily customized for each vehicle manufacturer, and the switch assembly 100 is manufactured efficiently.

[0030] In some embodiments, the flexible membrane 170 vibrates in the z-direction in response to receiving vibrational energy from the haptic exciter 160 via the light guide 142, and this vibration is transmitted to the touch overlay plate 195 to provide haptic feedback to the user. Furthermore, the haptic feedback of the switch assembly 100 is tunable by selecting a light guide 142, a membrane 170, and a touch overlay plate 195 that together exhibit a certain stiffness.

[0031] In addition, in order to isolate the vibrations of the light guide 142 and the touch overlay plate 195 from the housing 102 and the circuit boards 110, 112 and to ensure that the light guide 142 and the touch overlay plate 195 do not rotate about the central axis AA, according to some embodiments, a locking mechanism is used to couple the light guide 142 and the touch overlay plate 195. For example, the second surface 143 of the light guide 142, as shown in Fig. 3, Fig. 6, Fig. 9A, Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, a second group of projections 157 extending axially away from the second surface 143. The second set of projections 157 includes two or more projections, and the projections 157 are spaced apart from each other. The projections 157 are disposed radially inward of and adjacent the side edge 145 of the light guide 142. The flexible membrane 170 defines openings 158 through which the projections 157 extend. And the first surface 196 of the touch overlay plate 195 defines recesses 159 extending axially into the first surface 196. The distal ends of the projections 157 extend and seat in the recess 159, 259. In the Fig. 9A, Fig. 12 and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 24, there are four recesses 159 defined in the touch overlay plate 195 and three protrusions 157 extending from the second surface 143 of the light guide 142. With one or more additional recesses 159, parts can be standardized so they can be used in different areas of the vehicle (e.g., left or right side). However, in other embodiments, the locking mechanism may include one or more protrusions and recesses.

[0032] In some embodiments, a portion of or all of the touch overlay plate 195 is made of a transparent or translucent material that allows light to pass through the touch overlay plate 195. For example, the touch overlay plate 195 may be made of a single piece of clear, contoured glass. Other transparent or translucent materials may also be used, including other crystalline materials or plastics such as polycarbonate. The contoured nature of one side, the second side 197, of the touch overlay plate 195 allows the user to move their fingers to find the correct button position without having to trigger the switch beyond the force threshold.

[0033] The annular frame 180 includes an annular wall 181 and a sidewall 182 extending axially from an adjacent outer radial edge 183 of the annular wall 181. The annular wall 181 includes an inner radial edge 184 defining an opening 185 having a central axis BB. The annular wall 181 also defines one or more pin openings 186 between the inner radial edge 184 and the outer radial edge 183. The annular frame 180 is connected to the second wall 106 of the housing 102. When connected together, an inner surface 187 of the sidewall 182 is disposed adjacent an outer surface 107 of the second wall 106. A portion of the membrane 170 adjacent the outer radial edge 175 of the membrane 170 is disposed between the annular wall 181 and the distal edge 172 of the second wall 106.The pins 173 are engaged through the openings 174 defined in the diaphragm 170 and within the respective pin openings 186 of the annular wall 181 to prevent movement in the xy plane of the annular frame 180 relative to the housing 102. In the coupled state, the axis BB of the annular frame 180 is coaxial with the axis AA of the housing 102. In the embodiment shown, at least a portion of the outer radial edge 175 of the diaphragm 170 folds over the distal edge 172 of the second wall 106 and is disposed between the inner surface 187 of the side wall 182 of the annular frame 180 and the outer surface 107 of the second wall 106. Furthermore, the projections 157 are arranged radially inward of the inner radial edge 184 of the annular wall 181 when the annular frame 180 is connected to the housing 102.

[0034] Mounting openings 188 are defined in the annular wall 181, and mounting openings 177 are defined through the second wall 106 of the housing 102. The mounting elements 189 are engaged through aligned pairs of openings 188, 177 to couple the annular frame 180 to the housing 102. For example, in the Fig. 1-12, the annular wall 181 includes radial extensions 181a that extend radially outward from the wall 181 and define the mounting openings 188. And, the radial extensions 106a extend radially outward from the wall 106 and define the mounting opening 177. However, in other embodiments, the annular frame 180 is coupled to the housing 102 using different fastening arrangements. For example, in some embodiments, the annular frame 180 is connected to the housing 102 via fasteners that extend through the sidewall 182 of the annular frame 180 and the outer surface 107 of the second wall 106 of the housing 102. In other embodiments, the annular frame 180 is connected to the housing 102 by friction fit, snap fit, clips, rivets, adhesive, or other suitable fastening mechanisms.

[0035] In certain embodiments, one or more springs are arranged between the annular wall 181 of the annular frame 180 and the light guide 142 to urge the light guide 142 toward the second surface 123 of the second circuit board 112. By arranging one or more springs between the annular wall 181, which is fixedly connected to the housing 102, and the light guide 142, the force sensors 140 are preloaded. For example, the one or more springs can preload the force sensors to 1 to 5 N. In one non-limiting example, the one or more springs can preload the force sensors to 2.8 N. In the Fig. 1-12, the springs include coil springs 190 that extend between a first surface 205 of the annular wall 181 and the second surface 143 of the light guide 142. Axial recesses 206 are defined within a notch 207 defined by the second surface 143 of the light guide 142 and the side edge 145 of the light guide 142. The notches 207 have a surface axially spaced from the second surface 143 of the light guide 142 toward the first surface 144 of the light guide 142. Inward radial extensions 204 extend radially inward from the inner radial edge 184 of the annular wall 181. The inward radial extensions 204 also define axial recesses 306, according to some embodiments.The axial recesses 306 defined by the inward radial extensions 204 are axially aligned with the axial recesses 206 defined by the light guide 142, and the ends of each spring 190 are seated in the respective axially aligned axial recess 306 of the inward radial extensions 204 and the axial recess 206 of the light guide 142 to prevent movement of the coil spring 190 in the xy plane. Furthermore, the diaphragm 170 defines spring recesses 178 extending radially inward from the outer radial edge 175 of the diaphragm 170, and the springs 190 extend through the recesses 178 and are spaced from the outer radial edge 175 of the diaphragm 170 so as not to interfere with the vibration of the diaphragm 170.

[0036] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figures 19A-19C, the springs are leaf springs 290. The leaf springs 290 include a central portion 291 and leg portions 292a, 292b. The leg portions 292a, 292b extend circumferentially from the central portion 291 and radially inward. The second surface 243 of the light guide 242 includes a plurality of pins 293 extending axially from the second surface 243, and the membrane 270 defines openings 279 through which the pins 293 extend. The central portion 291 of each leaf spring 290 is connected to the first surface 255 of the annular wall 281 of the annular frame 280, and the leg portions 292a, 292b engage the distal ends 294 of the pins 293.In the assembled state, a plane containing the first surface 255 of the annular wall 281, to which the central portion 291 of the leaf spring 290 is connected, lies axially between a plane containing the distal ends 294 of the pins 293 and a plane containing the second surface 243 of the light guide 242. Thus, the leg portions 292a, 292b of the leaf spring 290 are biased toward the light guide 242 and urge the light guide 242 toward the second circuit board 112. It should be noted that the leg portions 293 can be separate from the light guide 242 or formed integrally with the light guide 242.

[0037] Fig. 20A-20D show the leaf spring 390 according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, the leaf spring 390 includes a central portion 391 and leg portions 392a, 392b extending circumferentially from the central portion 391 and radially inward. Each leg portion 392a, 392b also includes an arcuate portion 393 having an apex 394 located within a plane spaced from a plane containing the central portion 391. The central portion 391 is connected to the first surface 355 of an annular wall 381, and the apex 394 of each arcuate portion 393 abuts the second surface 343 of the light guide 342. The arcuate portion 393 maintains a minimum axial distance between the second surface 343 of the light guide 342 and the first surface 355 of the annular wall 381.

[0038] Fig. 20A-20D show the leaf spring 390 according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, the leaf spring 390 includes a central portion 391 and leg portions 392a, 392b extending circumferentially and radially inward from the central portion 391. Each leg portion 392a, 392b also includes an arcuate portion 393 having an apex 394 located within a plane spaced from a plane containing the central portion 391. The central portion 391 is connected to the first surface 355 of an annular wall 381, and the apex 394 of each arcuate portion 393 abuts the second surface 343 of the light guide 342. The arcuate portion 393 maintains a minimum axial distance between the second surface 343 of the light guide 342 and the first surface 355 of the annular wall 381.

[0039] At least a portion of the leaf spring 390 is coupled to the annular frame 380. The inner radial edge 384 of the annular wall 381 includes one or more resilient tabs 375 extending axially in a first direction (i.e., in a direction away from and orthogonal to the first surface 355 of the annular wall 381) from the inner radial edge 384. Each resilient tab 375 has a shoulder 376 extending radially outward from the tab 375 toward the first surface 355 of the annular wall 381. Each shoulder 376 is axially spaced from the first surface 355 of the annular wall 381. The sidewall 382 of the annular frame 380 also includes one or more tabs 378 extending radially inward from an inner surface 383 of the sidewall 382. The one or more tabs 378 are axially spaced from the first surface 355 of the annular wall 381.The first surface 355 of the annular wall 381 includes one or more projections 379 extending axially in the first direction from the first surface 355. A radially outer edge 331 of the central portion 391 of the leaf spring 390 is axially compressed between the tabs 378 and the first surface 355 of the annular wall 381, and a radially inner edge 332 of the central portion 391 is compressed against the resilient tabs 375, causing the resilient tabs 375 to deflect radially inward as the leaf spring 390 passes the shoulders 376 and is disposed between the shoulders 376 and the first surface 355 of the annular wall 381. In addition, a concave surface of each arcuate portion 393 is positioned to face axially toward the first surface 355 of the annular wall 381 such that the apex 394 faces away from the first surface 355.The leaf spring 390 defines one or more openings 377 aligned with the one or more projections 376, and the projections 376 extend through the openings 377 when the edges 331, 332 are disposed between the tabs 375, 378 and the first surface 355 of the annular wall 381. The tabs 375, 378 hold the leaf spring 390 axially and radially adjacent to the annular frame 380, and the projections 376 extending through the openings 377 prevent circumferential movement of the leaf spring 390 relative to the annular frame 380.

[0040] In other embodiments, the leaf spring 290, 390 is overmolded with a portion of the annular frame 280, 380 over the central portion 291, 391 thereof. And in some embodiments, the spring 290, 390 may be glued, snapped, or otherwise attached to the annular frame 280, 390.

[0041] Furthermore, according to various embodiments, the leaf spring 290, 390 may consist of a spring steel plate.

[0042] The central portion 201 of the touch overlay plate 195 is located within the opening 185 defined by the inner radial edge 184 of the annular wall 181 and is coupled to the membrane 170 as described above. As shown in Fig. 12, the first surface 196 of the touch overlay plate 195 defines a recess 199 adjacent to an outer radial edge 200 of the touch overlay plate 195. The recess 199 and an outer radial edge 202 of the central portion 201 of the first surface 196 further define a plurality of depressions 203 (or grooves) extending axially from the first surface 196 of the central portion 201 to the annular recess 199 and radially inwardly from the outer radial edge 202. To prevent the touch overlay plate 195 from contacting the annular frame 180, the depressions 203 are spaced radially inwardly from the radial extensions 204 of the annular wall 181 of the annular frame 180. In addition, the distance T T between the surface of the annular recess 199 and the surface of the central portion 201 greater than a thickness T A(measured in z- or axial direction) of the annular wall 181. And a diameter (or width W T ) of the second surface 197 of the touch overlay plate 195 is greater than a diameter (or a width W A ) of the annular wall 181 such that the touch overlay plate 195 obscures the annular wall 181 when the assembly 100 is viewed from the second surface 197 of the touch overlay plate 195.

[0043] In some embodiments, such as those described above, the distal edge 172 of the second wall 106 of the housing 102, the annular frame 180, the light guide 142, and the outer radial edge 200 of the touch overlay plate 195 are substantially circular. However, in other embodiments, these portions of the switch assembly may have a non-circular shape, such as triangular, rectangular, or another suitable polygonal shape.

[0044] In another embodiment, the switch assembly comprises only one circuit board on which the force sensors are arranged. In such embodiments, the circuitry required to operate the switch fits on the single circuit board.

[0045] Furthermore, in other embodiments, the switch assembly may include only a circuit board and a force sensor for applications that require the output from a force sensor (an output that is not position specific).

[0046] In some embodiments, the switch assemblies described above are mountable within a vehicle. For example, the switch assemblies may be mounted on a steering wheel, for example, on the bevel or hub of the steering wheel, to control various vehicle systems. In other examples, the switch assemblies may be mounted on a vehicle door, on the gearshift lever, on the instrument panel, or on any portion of the vehicle where inputs can be made and used to control one or more vehicle systems.

[0047] For example, in some embodiments, such as those described above, the housing is coupled to a trim piece within the vehicle rather than to a frame or support member of the vehicle, thereby isolating the vibration of the haptic exciter from other portions of the vehicle. This arrangement also minimizes the gap between the edges of the trim piece and the outer edge of the assembly because the trim piece can move with the assembly. To couple the housing to the trim piece (or other portion of the vehicle), projections 208 extending radially outward from the outer surface of the second wall are aligned with openings defined on the portion of the vehicle to which the switch assembly is coupled. A fastener is engaged through the aligned openings to secure the assembly to the vehicle.

[0048] Fig. 14 shows a block diagram of the electrical control system 500, according to one embodiment. The electrical control system 500 may include a computing unit 506, a system clock 508, and communication hardware 512. In its most basic form, the computing unit 506 includes a processor 522 and a system memory 523 disposed on the second circuit board 112. The processor 522 may be a standard programmable processor that performs arithmetic and logical operations necessary for the operation of the electrical control system 500. The processor 522 may be configured to execute program code encoded in physical, computer-readable media. For example, the processor 522 may execute program code stored in the system memory 523, which may be volatile or non-volatile memory.Memory 523, which may be embodied in non-transitory, computer-readable media, stores instructions for execution by processor 522. System memory 523 is only one example of physical, computer-readable media. In one example, computing unit 506 may be considered an integrated device, such as firmware. Other examples of physical, computer-readable media include floppy disks, CD-ROMs, DVDs, hard disks, flash memory, or other machine-readable storage media, wherein, when the program code is loaded into and executed by a device, such as processors 522, 532, the device becomes a device for carrying out the disclosed subject matter.

[0049] Furthermore, processor 522 is in electrical communication with force sensors 140. In some embodiments, system 500 further includes a transceiver in electrical communication with processor 522 and one or more vehicle systems. And in some embodiments, system 500 additionally includes a power amplifier 530 in electrical communication with processor 522 and haptic exciter 160.

[0050] However, in other embodiments, system 500 includes two or more processors and / or memories, and the processors and / or memories may be disposed on the first and / or second circuit boards. And in other embodiments, the assembly includes one or more circuit boards on which one or more force sensors, one or more memories, and one or more processors are disposed.

[0051] Aspects of the present invention are described above with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It is contemplated that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, may be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing system to create an apparatus, such that the instructions, executing via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing system, provide means for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block(s).

[0052] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium that can instruct a computer, other programmable data processing equipment, or other devices to function in a particular manner such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture that includes instructions that implement the function / effect specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram blocks.

[0053] The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing device, or other devices to perform a series of operational steps on the computer, other programmable device, or other devices to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions executing on the computer or other programmable device provide processes for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram blocks.

[0054] Fig. 15 shows a flowchart of instructions stored in first memory 523 for execution by first processor 522 according to one embodiment. The instructions cause first processor 522 to: (1) receive a signal from each of the one or more force sensors 140, the signal associated with a force received by each of the force sensors 140, as shown in step 1102; (2) determine a force magnitude and / or x,y position associated with the received force signals, as shown in step 1104; and (3) communicate the force magnitude and / or x,y position to second processor 532 disposed on first circuit board 110, as shown in step 1106. When the force sensors 140 are located in close proximity to the first processor 522, which initially processes the signals from the force sensors 140, the likelihood of noise in the signals is reduced.

[0055] Fig. 16 shows a flowchart of instructions stored in second memory 533 for execution by second processor 532. The instructions stored in second memory 533 cause second processor 532 to: (1) receive the force magnitude and / or the x,y position from first processor 522, as shown in step 1202, (2) identify a haptic feedback response associated with the force magnitude and / or the x,y position, as shown in step 1204, (3) communicate the haptic feedback response to haptic exciter 160, as shown in step 1206, and (4) communicate the x,y position and / or the force magnitude to another vehicle system, as shown in step 1208. Switch assembly 100 according to one embodiment may be configured to control up to 32 functions.

[0056] The force sensors 140 each receive a portion of the force applied to the touch overlay 195, and the force received from each sensor 140 is processed by the first processor 522 to determine a position and magnitude of the applied force. The position of the force is determined by the portion of the force received from each force sensor 140 and their known positions relative to each other. In the Fig. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 17, the force received by each sensor 140 (shown on the x-axis) is connected to a resistance (shown on the y-axis). The position of the applied force is measured either in one dimension (e.g., the x- or y-dimension) or in two dimensions (e.g., the x- and y-directions or plane), and the magnitude of the force is measured in the z-direction. In the embodiment shown in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-12, which has four force sensors 140, the position of the force is determined by quadrupling the force signals received from each sensor 140. In further or alternative embodiments, the position of the force is determined by triangulation using three force sensors. For example, if one of the four force sensors 140 fails during operation, the position is determined by triangulation using the force signal received from the remaining three sensors 140.

[0057] The switch assembly 100 also records the time at which a force is applied at a particular location. For example, the memory 523 may store processing parameters, such as a range of force-over-time values ​​that indicate that an input signal has been received. Inputs received outside the range may be ignored by the system as inadvertent contact with the switch assembly 100. For example, the upper limit of the input range may be 10 N of force applied for 20 seconds or less. In addition, the switch assembly 100 may also establish a force threshold for locking an input range (for example, 2.5 N) around a force application location and a second, higher threshold for a force received within the input range to release the system 100 (for example, 3 N). Further descriptions of force thresholds and virtual input ranges are described in the US-Patent applications US 2015 / 0097791 A1 and US 2015 / 0097795 A1, both published on April 9, 2015, and included in the appendix to this application.

[0058] In response to the magnitude, location, and / or duration of the applied force corresponding to the input parameters, the switch assembly 100 generates a haptic and / or audible feedback signal responsive to the sensed force. For example, the haptic and / or audible feedback signal may be proportional to the received force. As shown in Fig. 18A-D, each touch event (for example, touching the Fig. 18A, take off in Fig. 18B, end of list in Fig. 18C and holding down in Fig. 18D) is triggered by a different user interaction (e.g., a different force value and / or a different duration of touch) and can accordingly trigger different haptic and / or audible output feedback to the user. Example haptic and / or audible feedback signal responses are described in US patent applications US 2015 / 0097794 A1 and US 2015 / 0097793 A1, both published on April 9, 2015, and included in the appendix to this application.

[0059] Fig. 21-32 show an alternative embodiment of a switch assembly that also includes a display assembly. In this embodiment, the light source (e.g., light-emitting diode 146) may be omitted, and the light guide 142, 142', 242 may be made entirely or partially of a material that does not transmit light. The light guide 142, 142', 242 becomes a plate for transmitting force from the display assembly touch overlay plate 295 1000 to the force sensors 140 and is no longer required to transmit or transmit light. In various embodiments, the light guide 142, 142', 242 may be made of materials such as metal, plastic, thermoplastic, and the like.

[0060] Generally, the touch overlay plate 195 of the above-described embodiments of the switch assembly 100 is replaced by a display assembly 1000 consisting of a display assembly touch overlay plate 295. The display assembly 1000 may have its own lighting system. In this case, the light guide 142, 142', 242 would be considered merely a force contact plate to conduct the force to the force sensors 140, and the light source (e.g., LED 146) may be omitted. This allows for multiple uses of the same switch, both by switching buttons for different functions and by visually indicating activity. As a non-limiting example, the display 1010 of the display assembly 1000 may be programmed to display different button functions depending on the vehicle's operating mode.For example, a button could be displayed to turn on cruise control, and when activated, the entire switch could display other cruise control options such as speed change and cancel.

[0061] In some embodiments, the display assembly touch overlay plate 295 is formed at least partially from a single piece of transparent or translucent material, such as glass. Other transparent / translucent materials may be used, including other crystalline materials or plastics such as polycarbonate. In some cases, the display assembly touch overlay plate 295 is contoured. The contoured nature differs from that of other typically flat glass screens, such as those found on touchscreen smartphones, and allows the display assembly 1000 to retain surface features that allow the user to move their fingers to find the correct button position without actuating the switch beyond the force threshold.

[0062] Fig. 21 and Fig. 22 show various external views of a switch assembly 100, which also includes a display assembly 1000. As in Fig. 21 and Fig. 22, the housing 102 of the switch assembly 100 is connected to the display assembly 1000 by the light guide 142, 142', 242' and / or the membrane 170. As noted herein, the display assembly 1000 further includes the display assembly touch overlay plate 295. As shown in Fig. 32, the display assembly touch overlay plate 295 may consist of a second surface 297 having one or more contoured surfaces 298, 299 and a first surface 296. As previously mentioned, the display assembly touch overlay plate 295 1000 is made at least partially of transparent or translucent material such as glass, crystalline materials, plastics such as polycarbonate, and the like. The contoured surfaces 298, 299 of the display assembly touch overlay plate 295 provide the user with the ability to "feel" for the correct location to actuate the switch without having to look at the switch. At least a central portion 301 of the first display assembly housing 1002 is connected to the membrane 170 or the light guide 142, 142', 242 of the switch assembly 100.When the display assembly touch overlay plate 295 receives an input force from a user, that force is transmitted through the central portion 301 of the first display assembly housing 1002 to the membrane 170 or the light guide 142, 142', 242 of the switch assembly 100. In one embodiment, the second surface 198 of the membrane 170 and the central portion 301 of the first display assembly housing 1002 are adhesively bonded together. In another embodiment, the light guide 142, 142', 242 and the central portion 301 of the first display assembly housing 1002 are adhesively bonded together. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second surface 297 of the display assembly touch overlay plate 295 is textured differently than the portion of the vehicle adjacent to the display assembly 1000 to allow the user to identify where the display assembly touch overlay plate 295 is located in the vehicle without having to search for it.And in some embodiments, as in . Fig. 32, the second surface 297 may include one or more non-planar surface portions 298, 299. For example, the contour of the non-planar surface portions 298, 299 may be customized based on various applications of the assembly and / or to facilitate the user's location of the second surface without having to search for it.

[0063] As in Fig. 23-24, the display assembly 1000 consists of a second display housing 1001, a first display housing 1002, a display power / data connector 1003, and the display assembly touch overlay plate 295. The light guide 142, 142', 242 of the switch assembly 100 is used as a force transfer plate to transfer the force from the display assembly touch overlay plate 295 to the force sensors 140. As mentioned herein, in some cases, there is no light source within the switch assembly 100 to illuminate the light guide 142, 142', 242, and in these cases, there is no need for the light guide to be made of a material that transmits or transmits light. The central portion 301 of the first display assembly housing 1002 is configured to transmit the force from the display assembly touch overlay plate 295 to the light guide 142, 142', 242 of the switch assembly 100.In one embodiment, the central portion 301 interacts with the light guide 142, 142', 242 via the recesses 259. The display power / data connector 1003 of the display is used to connect the display to a power source and / or other vehicle systems, the vehicle bus, and / or the electrical control system 500.

[0064] Referring to Fig. 25-27, bar 1004 is a bar against which the display assembly touch overlay plate 295 presses, so that the force from the touch overlay can be transmitted into the upper housing, then into the lower housing, and further into the light guide 142, 142', 242 and the force sensors 140, so that the force exerted on the display assembly touch overlay plate 295 bypasses the display 1010. The flexible connector 1011 connects the display 1010 to a circuit board 1012 located in the display assembly 1000. The display 1010 and one or more light sources (e.g., light-emitting diodes) are held in place by a display carrier 1013. Although in Fig.27, the one or more light sources are used to illuminate the display 1010. The display carrier 1013 has a second surface 1015. The display carrier 1013 can be made of various materials such as plastic, metal, and the like. The display carrier 1013 has a thickness that protects the display 1010 from direct contact with the second display housing 1001 by the thickness of the display carrier 1013.

[0065] The circuit board 1012 further includes components and circuitry 1014. This circuitry 1014 may include drivers for one or more light sources. In one embodiment, the circuitry 1014 may include a processor for the display assembly. The lower display housing 1002 may further include one or more openings 1005. These openings 1005 are typically provided for mounting circuit components on the underside of the circuit board 1012. The openings 1005 may also serve to dissipate and ventilate the heat generated by one or more light sources and / or the circuit board 1012. One or more fasteners 1006 are used to hold the display assembly 1000 together. The fastening devices may include screws, bolts and nuts, a friction fit, snaps, clips, rivets, adhesive, or other suitable fastening mechanisms.

[0066] The figures illustrate the switch assembly in an upright orientation with the central longitudinal axis AA oriented vertically. However, the orientation illustrated in the figures should not limit how the switch assembly may be oriented in the vehicle. For example, in various embodiments, the switch assembly is arranged in the vehicle such that the central longitudinal axis AA is horizontal or has a horizontal component relative to the ground.

[0067] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It is further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, indicate the presence of stated features, values, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, values, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0068] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or steps plus functional elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

[1] A switch assembly (100) comprising: a housing (102) having one or more walls defining a chamber (108); a first printed circuit board (PCB) (110) disposed within the chamber (108), the first printed circuit board (110) having a first planar surface (122) facing in a first axial direction and a second planar surface (116) facing in a second axial direction, the second axial direction being opposite the first axial direction; a second circuit board (112) arranged adjacent to the first circuit board (110), wherein the second circuit board (112) has a first planar surface (118) facing the second planar surface (116) of the first circuit board (110) in the first axial direction, and a second planar surface (123) facing in the second axial direction, wherein the second circuit board (112) has one or more force sensors (140) arranged on the second planar surface (123); and at least one support surface facing in the second axial direction, the support surface being fixedly connected to the housing (102), the support surface being arranged axially between the second planar surface (116) of the first circuit board (110) and the first planar surface (118) of the second circuit board (112), where: at least a portion of the first planar surface (118) of the second circuit board (112) engages the support surface, and the first circuit board (110) and the second circuit board (112) are electrically coupled to one another. [2] The switch assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the second circuit board (112) comprises a first processor (522) in electrical communication with a first memory (523), the first memory (523) storing instructions for execution by the first processor (522), the instructions causing the first processor (522) to: receive a signal from each of the one or more force sensors (140), the signal being associated with a force received by each of the force sensors (140), to determine a force magnitude and / or x,y position associated with the received force signals, and to communicate the force magnitude and / or the x,y position to a second processor (532) arranged on the first circuit board (110). [3] The switch assembly (100) of claim 2, wherein the second processor (532) disposed on the first circuit board (110) is in electrical communication with a second memory (533), the second memory (533) storing instructions for execution by the second processor (532), wherein: the instructions stored in the second memory (533) cause the second processor (532) to: to receive the force magnitude from the first processor (522), to identify a haptic feedback response associated with the force magnitude, and to communicate the haptic feedback response to a haptic exciter (160). [4] The switch assembly (100) of claim 3, further comprising a light guide (142, 142', 242) disposed adjacent to the second surface (123) of the second circuit board (112), the light guide (142, 142', 242) having a first surface (144) facing in the first axial direction and a second surface (143) facing in the second axial direction. [5] The switch assembly (100) of claim 4, further comprising a light source, wherein the light source is disposed on the second surface (123) of the second circuit board (112) adjacent to the light guide (142, 142', 242). [6] The switch assembly (100) of claim 4 or 5, wherein the first surface (144) of the light guide (142, 142', 242) has force concentrators extending from the first surface (144) of the light guide (142, 142', 242) in the first axial direction, the force concentrators being axially aligned with the force sensors (140) and transmitting a force impinging on the second surface (143) of the light guide (142, 142', 242) to the force sensors (140). [7] The switch assembly (100) of any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the second circuit board (112) defines an opening (163) and at least a portion of the haptic exciter (160) extends through the opening (163) and is disposed adjacent to the first surface (144) of the light guide (142, 142', 242). [8] The switch assembly (100) of any one of claims 4 to 6, further comprising a flexible membrane (170), wherein the flexible membrane (170) has a first surface (171) directed toward the second surface (123) of the second circuit board (112) in the first axial direction. [9] The switch assembly (100) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: the one or more walls of the housing (102) comprise a first wall (104) extending orthogonal to the first and second axial directions and a second wall (106) extending in the second axial direction from the first wall (104), the second wall (106) having a distal edge (172) axially spaced from the first wall (104), a plurality of pins (173) extend from the distal edge of the second wall (106) in the second axial direction and are circumferentially spaced from each other, the flexible membrane (170) defines a plurality of openings (174), and the pins (173) of the housing (102) extend through the openings (174) defined by the flexible membrane (170). [10] The switch assembly (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising an annular frame (180) having an annular wall (181) and a side wall (182), wherein the annular wall (181) has an outer radial edge (183) and an inner radial edge (184), wherein the inner radial edge (184) defines an opening (185) having a central axis (BB) extending through the opening (185), and the side wall (182) of the annular frame (180) extends in a direction from the annular wall (181) adjacent to the outer radial edge (183) of the annular wall (181) to the central axis, wherein the annular frame (180) is coupled adjacent to the distal edge (172) of the second wall (106) of the housing (102) such that the outer radial edge (175) of the flexible membrane (170) is arranged between the annular frame (180) and the second wall (106) of the housing (102). [11] The switch assembly (100) of any one of claims 7 to 10, further comprising a display assembly (1000) comprising at least a display assembly housing (1002), a display (1010), one or more light sources, a display assembly circuit board, and a display assembly touch overlay plate (295), wherein the display assembly touch overlay plate (295) has a first surface (296) facing the first axial direction and a second surface (297) facing the second axial direction, wherein at least a portion (301) of the display assembly housing (1002) is in contact with a second surface (198) of the flexible membrane (170), the second surface (198) of the flexible membrane (170) facing the second axial direction. [12] The switch assembly (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the first circuit board (110) has a first electrical terminal (114) extending from the second surface (116) of the first circuit board (110), the second circuit board (112) has a second electrical terminal (117) extending from the first surface (116) of the second circuit board (112), and the first electrical terminal (114) of the first circuit board (110) and the second electrical terminal (117) of the second circuit board (112) engage each other to electrically couple the first (110) and second circuit boards (112).

Images