Tactile switch for electronic device

Abstract

To provide a technology of a tactile switch for an electronic device.SOLUTION: One embodiment of the present disclosure includes an input module. The input module includes: a switch; a rotatable and translatable input member which is operatively connected to the switch and formed so as to actuate the switch; and an electrical contact which is operatively connected the switch and electrically communicated with the input member. During operation, electrical connection between the input member and the electrical contact is maintained for a period of translation and rotation of the input member. The input module can be used together with a variety of electronic devices and can also be used by a user in order to provide input to such devices.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to electronic devices, and more particularly to input devices for computing devices.

[0002] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This Patent Cooperation Treaty application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 864,389, filed August 9, 2013, and entitled "Tactile Switch for an Electronic Device," the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. [Background technology]

[0003] Many types of electronic devices, such as smartphones, game consoles, computers, watches, etc., use input devices such as buttons or switches to receive user input. However, many input devices such as buttons or switches may only allow for a single type of input. For example, a button can only transmit one type of signal, which is a squeeze of the button completing a circuit. As electronic devices shrink in size, it may be desirable to have fewer input buttons or input devices without reducing the functionality or number of types of inputs that can be used by a user to provide information to the device. Furthermore, in instances where a button or switch may be movable or rotatable, the button may not be able to include sensors or other electronic elements that require data and / or power to be transferred between the button and one or more components of the electronic device, as the movement may make electrical connections difficult. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] One embodiment of the present disclosure takes the form of an input module including a switch, a rotatable and translatable input member operably connected to the switch and configured to actuate the switch, and electrical contacts operably connected to the switch and in electrical communication with the input member. In operation, electrical connection between the input member and the electrical contacts is maintained during translation and rotation of the input member. The input module can be used with a variety of electronic devices and by a user to provide input to those devices.

[0005] Another embodiment of the present disclosure takes the form of a switch assembly including a rotatable and translatable input member, a coupling operably connected to the input member and movable therewith, a tactile switch operably connected to the coupling, and an electrical contact operably connected to the tactile switch and in electrical communication with the coupling. The input member is configured to actuate an electrical component when the input member translates, and the coupling rotates as the input member rotates. Further, electrical communication between the coupling and the electrical contact is maintained during translation and rotation of the input member.

[0006] Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a wearable electronic device. The wearable electronic device includes an enclosure defining a cavity and a button opening defined therethrough. The wearable electronic device also includes one or more processing elements received within the cavity and a switch module operably connected to the enclosure. The switch module includes a tactile switch in communication with the processing element, a rotatable and translatable input member operably connected to the tactile switch, and a contact operably connected to the tactile switch and electrically coupled to the input member. During operation, electrical coupling between the input member and the contact is maintained during translation and rotation of the input member. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a wearable electronic device including a multi-input device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a wearable electronic device. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the wearable electronic device taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3 showing a user input force being applied to a button of a tactile switch assembly on an electronic device. [Diagram 5] 5 is a front elevational view of another embodiment of a tactile switch that can be used with the tactile switch assembly of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the tactile switch of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the tactile switch of FIG. 5. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the tactile switch of FIG. 5 when a translation force is applied. [Figure 9] FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the tactile switch of FIG. 5 when a rotational force is applied. [Figure 10] 5 is a front elevational view of yet another embodiment of a tactile switch that can be used with the tactile switch assembly of FIG. 4. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the tactile switch of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the tactile switch of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] (overview) Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a tactile switch assembly that can be implemented in a number of electronic devices. In some embodiments, the tactile switch assembly can be incorporated into a portable electronic device, such as a wearable electronic device, a laptop computer, a tablet, etc. The wearable electronic device can be a watch, a portable music player, a computing or gaming console, a smartphone, etc. In some embodiments, the wearable electronic device is a watch that can be worn around a user's wrist. In these embodiments, the tactile switch assembly can include a button that forms a crown for the watch and is connected to a side wall of an enclosure for the device.

[0009] The tactile switch assembly includes a tactile switch, a user input member, and a shear plate or electrical contact. The user input member, which may be a button, switch, flange, etc., may provide a first type of input to the tactile switch by mechanically activating the switch. For example, the tactile switch may include a dome that compresses due to a translating user force on an input button, and upon compression, the tactile switch generates a signal indicative of the user input. In this example, the compression of the dome may also provide feedback to the user, e.g., tactile feedback.

[0010] The shear plate can electrically connect the tactile switch and the user input button such that electrical signals can be transmitted between the tactile switch and the user input button and / or between the tactile switch and one or more electrical components (e.g., sensors) on the user input button. In other embodiments, electrical signals, power, etc. can be routed between the switch and the button by cords, wires, traces, or other electrical elements attached to the shear plate and the button. The shear plate also serves to prevent shear forces from being transmitted to the tactile switch and to prevent damage to the tactile switch. The user input button can also provide a second type of input to the tactile switch assembly. For example, the user input member can be rotatable relative to the tactile switch. Continuing with this example, positioning the shear plate between the tactile switch and the user input button can enable the user input member to maintain communication with the shear plate even as the user input member is rotated relative to the shear plate. For example, the shear plate can include brush contacts that maintain electrical connection with the user input member as the user input button is rotated.

[0011] In some embodiments, the tactile switch assembly can be used as a physiological sensor and / or in conjunction with a biometric sensor, although it should be understood that the sensor may be omitted from certain embodiments. In certain embodiments, the wearable electronic device can be used to measure electrical parameters of the user's body, such as heart rate, electrical activity of the heart, etc. As an example, the tactile switch assembly can be used to capture an electrocardiogram recording of the user. In this example, the wearable device can include a first user contact location, and a user input button can form a second user contact location when contacted by the user. In this embodiment, the two contacts can create an electrical path between the user and the device that allows the device to sense the user's heart rate. In these embodiments, the contacts on the shear plate can be conductive, and / or the tactile switch itself can include conductive protrusions or contact points for interacting with the button. These embodiments allow the tactile switch to be electrically connected to one or more elements within the housing.

[0012] In some embodiments, the tactile switch assembly may also include one or more sensing elements and / or input / output elements on or incorporated within the user input buttons. The communication components electrically connect the user input buttons to one or more internal components of the wearable device so that sensors and / or other electronic components on these user input buttons can communicate with the shear plate, and signals from those sensors and / or other components can be transmitted from the user input buttons to one or more processing elements via electrical contacts on the shear plate. In some embodiments, wires, cords, wiring, or other electrical elements can electrically connect the shear plate to input / output elements such as user input buttons.

[0013] A tactile switch assembly can be configured to receive multiple types of user inputs, including, but not limited to, rotational inputs, translational inputs, and / or electrical inputs. For example, in one embodiment, the tactile switch assembly can include a shear plate and can be configured to receive rotational inputs as well as translational inputs without damaging the tactile switch. Additionally or alternatively, the tactile switch assembly can be in electrical communication with one or more components within the electronic device even as the input member is moved (e.g., translated and / or rotated). In these examples, if rotational input is not desired or is limited, the shear plate can be omitted and the tactile switch itself can include conductive contacts, such as conductive protrusions.

[0014] Turning now to the figures, an exemplary wearable electronic device will now be discussed in more detail. FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a wearable electronic device. FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of the wearable electronic device of FIG. 1. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a wearable electronic device 100 may include a hub 102 or computing center. In an embodiment in which the electronic device 100 is configured to be worn by a user, the device 100 may include one or more straps 104, 106 that may be connected to opposing sides of the hub 102. Each of the straps 104, 106 may be wrapped around a wrist, arm, leg, chest, or other part of the user's body to secure the hub 102 to the user. For example, each end of the straps 104, 106 may be connected together by a fastening mechanism 108. The fastening mechanism 108 may be virtually any type of fastening device, such as, but not limited to, a hook and loop, a magnetic fastener, a snap, a button, a clasp, etc. However, in one embodiment, such as that shown in FIG. 1, the fastening mechanism 108 is a buckle that includes a tab 134 or element that can be inserted into one or more openings 112 in the second strap 106 to secure the first strap 104 and the second strap 106 together.

[0015] The hub 102 of the wearable electronic device generally houses the computing and processing elements of the wearable electronic device 100. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the hub 102 taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 1. With reference to FIGS. 1-3, the hub 102 may include a display 116 at least partially surrounded by an enclosure 114. In some embodiments, the display 116 may form a face of the hub 102, and the enclosure 114 may encase an edge and a back surface of the display 116. Additionally, the internal components of the wearable device 100 may be housed within and between the display 116 and the enclosure 114. The enclosure 114 protects the internal components of the hub 102 and connects the display 116 to the hub 102.

[0016] The enclosure 114 can be constructed from a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, plastics, metals, and alloys. The enclosure 114 includes a button opening 172 (see FIG. 3 ) for receiving the tactile switch assembly 110, or a portion thereof. The button opening 172 forms a channel within a sidewall 188 of the enclosure 114 and extends from an outer surface 188 to an inner surface 190 of the enclosure 114. The button opening 172 is generally configured to correspond to a button of the tactile switch assembly 110. However, the button opening 172 may be shaped and sized in other manners.

[0017] 3, in some embodiments, the enclosure 114 may include a sleeve 220 that lines the button opening 172. In these embodiments, the buttons and / or other portions of the tactile switch assembly may be received within the sleeve 220, which connects the tactile switch assembly 110 to the enclosure 114. The sleeve 220 may help seal the cavity 139 of the enclosure 114 and may also serve to help secure one or more components of the tactile switch assembly to the enclosure. In some embodiments, the sleeve 220 may be an insulating material and may insulate the tactile switches or portions of the tactile switches, such as the head and coupling portions, from the enclosure. As discussed in more detail below, this may enable the tactile switch assembly to measure one or more characteristics of the user's body, such as the user's heart rate.

[0018] The enclosure 114 may also include a groove 186 defined on an upper surface to receive the display 116. With reference to Figures 1 and 3, the display 116 may be connected to the enclosure 114 through an adhesive or other fastening mechanism. In this example, the display sits within a recessed portion or groove of the enclosure, with the enclosure wrapping around the edges of the display. However, in other embodiments, the display and enclosure may be connected together in other manners.

[0019] The display 116 can be substantially any type of display screen or device capable of providing visual output to the wearable device 100. As an example, the display 116 can be a liquid crystal display, a light emitting diode display, or the like. Additionally, the display 116 can also be configured to receive user input, such as a multi-touch display screen that receives user input through capacitive sensing elements. In many embodiments, the display 116 can be dynamically changeable, however, in other embodiments, the display 116 can be a non-electronic component, such as a painted faceplate, that cannot be dynamically changed.

[0020] The display 116 includes a number of icons 118, 120 or other graphics that can be selectively changed. As one example, the first graphic 118 may include a time graphic, e.g., numbers to represent hours, minutes, and seconds, that changes its characters to represent time changes. The second graphic 120 may include a notification graphic, such as battery life, received messages, etc. The two graphics 118, 120 may be positioned virtually anywhere on the display 116 and may be changed as desired. Moreover, the number, size, shape, and other characteristics of the graphics 118, 120 may be changed as well.

[0021] Tactile switch assembly 110 is operably connected to enclosure 114. Tactile switch assembly 110, discussed in more detail below, generally enables a user to provide input to wearable electronic device 100 and may also provide tactile feedback to the user.

[0022] 2, the wearable electronic device includes multiple processing or computing elements. For example, the wearable electronic device 100 may include a power source 122, one or more processing elements 124, memory components 128, one or more optional sensors 126, and input / output components 130. Each of these internal components may be contained within the enclosure 114 and may communicate through one or more system buses 132, wiring, printed circuit boards, or other communication mechanisms.

[0023] The power source 122 provides power to the hub 102 and other components of the wearable device 100. The power source 122 may be a battery or other portable power element. Additionally, the power source 122 may be rechargeable or replaceable.

[0024] Processing element 124, or processor, is virtually any type of device capable of receiving and executing instructions. For example, processing element 124 can be a processor, a microcomputer, etc. Furthermore, processing element 124 can include one or more processors, and in some embodiments, can include multiple processing elements.

[0025] The one or more sensors 126 can be configured to sense a number of different parameters or characteristics that can be used to affect one or more operations of the wearable electronic device 100. For example, the sensors 126 can include an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, an image sensor, a pressure or force sensor, etc. As discussed in more detail below, one or more of the sensors 126 can be used in conjunction with the tactile switch assembly 110 or separately from the tactile switch assembly 110 to provide user input to the hub 102. In certain embodiments, one or more of the sensors 126 can be omitted.

[0026] 2, memory component 128 stores electronic data that can be utilized by wearable device 100. For example, memory component 128 can store electrical data or content corresponding to various applications, such as audio files, video files, document files, etc. Memory 128 can be, for example, a non-volatile storage device, a magnetic storage medium, an optical storage medium, a magneto-optical storage medium, a read-only memory, a random access memory, an erasable programmable memory, or a flash memory.

[0027] The I / O interface 130 can receive data from a user or one or more other electronic devices. Additionally, the I / O interface 130 can facilitate the transmission of data to a user or other electronic devices. For example, the I / O interface 130 can be used to receive data from a network or can be used to send and transmit electronic signals via a wireless or wired connection (Internet, WiFi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet, to name a few). In some embodiments, the I / O interface 130 can support multiple networks or communication mechanisms. For example, the network / communication interface 130 can receive data from a WiFi or other network while simultaneously forwarding signals to another device by pairing with the other device via a Bluetooth network.

[0028] The tactile switch assembly 110 will now be discussed in more detail. The tactile switch assembly 110 can include a button 148, a coupling portion 218, a shear plate 156, and a tactile switch 214. These tactile switch components can be operatively connected together, and selected components can be in electrical communication with each other.

[0029] 3, the button 148 forms a user interface for the tactile switch assembly 110 and extends outwardly from the enclosure 114. For example, the button 148 can be an input member, such as a button or switch, that is translatable and / or rotatable relative to the housing. The ability of the button 148 to translate and rotate relative to the enclosure allows a user to provide a rotational and / or translational force to the tactile switch assembly. In some embodiments, the button 148 can form a crown for the wearable electronic device 100, and in other embodiments, the button 148 can form an input button or switch for the electronic device. The button 148 can be a flange-shaped member having a generally cylindrical body and a rounded or flat top. The button 148 includes an outer surface 232 configured to receive a user input and a stem 150 extending from an inner surface 234 of the button 148. The stem 150 can define a coupling opening 236 that extends longitudinally along the length, or a portion of the length, of the stem 150. In other words, the stem 150 can be hollow or partially hollow. In some embodiments, the button 148 and / or the stem 150 can be made of and / or can be infused or doped with a conductive material.

[0030] Continuing to refer to FIG. 3, the coupling 218 can be a linkage, such as a shaft, that mechanically and / or electrically couples the button 148 to the tactile switch 214. The coupling 218 can be integrally formed with the button 148 or can be a separate component operably connected to the button 148. For example, the stem 150 of the button 148 can form a coupling member that is integrally formed with the button. The coupling 218 can be made of a conductive material, such as one or more metals or alloys. Due to its conductive properties, the coupling 218 can also serve to electrically couple the button 148 to the tactile switch 214 and the shear plate 156, although in other embodiments, the button and switch can be electrically coupled by a wire, cord, or other circuit, with or without including the shear plate in such electrical connection. The coupling can also include a low friction material, such as graphite, on its bottom surface, which allows the coupling to rotate more easily even when operably associated with the shear plate.

[0031] The coupling 218 may include a shaft 240 extending from a bottom end 222. The bottom end 222 may have a larger diameter than the shaft 240. The bottom end 222 may include an annular shelf 228 extending around an outer surface. The annular shelf 228 may be configured to seal against an inner surface of the enclosure 114 and / or the sleeve 220. Additionally, the annular shelf 228 may be configured to secure the trackable element 146, sensor, or sealing member to the coupling 218.

[0032] A bottom end 222 of the coupling 218 forms a joint for operably connecting the coupling 218 to the shear plate 156. In these embodiments, the coupling 218 may include an engagement feature 226 connected to the bottom end 222. The engagement feature 226 is configured to rotatably connect to the shear plate 156 to maintain an electrical connection to the shear plate 156 while the coupling is rotating or stationary, as will be discussed in more detail below. As shown in FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the engagement feature 226 includes a recess 224 formed in a bottom surface 244 of the bottom end 222. An annular wall 242 extends from the bottom surface 244 and surrounds the recess 224.

[0033] 3, the shear plate 156 can be positioned between the coupling 218 and the tactile switch 214. In some embodiments, the shear plate 156 can be integral with the tactile switch 214, one example of which is shown in FIG. 10. In other embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 3, the shear plate 156 can be a separate component operably connected to the tactile switch 214. As discussed in more detail below, the shear plate 156 can substantially prevent shear forces from the coupling from being transferred to the tactile switch 214.

[0034] The shear plate 156 may include electrical contacts 158 extending upward from the body portion 250. The electrical contacts 158 may be an electrically conductive material or may be otherwise infused with an electrically conductive material such that the electrical contacts 158 may transmit an electrical signal. The body portion 250 may be shaped as a plate or otherwise configured to extend the length and / or width of the tactile switch 214. The shear plate 156 may be configured to be at least partially rigid and to transfer forces from the coupling portions 218 to the tactile switch 214, as will be discussed in more detail below. Additionally, the shear plate 156 may include one or more terminals or connection mechanisms for connecting the electrical contacts 158 to the processing element 124 and / or a power source.

[0035] The tactile switch 214 may include a protrusion 216 and a collapsible dome 252. The protrusion 216 indicates when the switch sensor 160 is activated by interacting with a contact element on the inside of the dome 252. For example, when the contact element 168 contacts the bottom of the switch, it may complete a circuit, stimulate or generate a signal, etc. The dome 252 is a resilient and flexible material that collapses or bends at a predefined force level and returns to its original shape when the force is removed. The dome 252 may be a thin metal dome, a plastic dome, or other that may be constructed from other materials. The dome 252 may generate an audible sound as well as a reaction force in response to a collapsing force applied by a user. The audible sound and reaction force provide feedback to the user when the user compresses the dome 252. The protrusion 216 is connected to the dome 252, and when force is applied to the protrusion 216, the protrusion 216 causes the dome 252 to collapse.

[0036] In some embodiments, the wearable electronic device may include a trackable element 146 and a sensing element 142. The sensing element 142 is configured to detect the trackable element 146 to detect an input on the button 148. For example, in some embodiments, the button 148 (or other button) may be rotatable to provide a first input and compressible to provide a second input. In this example, the sensing element 142 may sense the rotational input by tracking the position of the trackable element 146, which may be attached to the coupling 218 and / or the stem 150. As an example, the trackable element 146 may be a magnetic element, and the sensing element 142 may include a magnetic field sensor, such as one or more Hall effect sensors, that may be used to track the rotation of the trackable element 146. As yet another option, the rotation may be sensed optically. The trackable element 146 may be a fixed pattern, such as a series, set, or other pattern, such as light and dark marks, stripes, or areas of varying reflectivity, gloss, etc. The sensing element 142 can receive light generated by a light source (not shown) and reflected from the trackable element. This reflected light can vary with the pattern of the trackable element, so that the reflected light can be sensed and the pattern of the trackable element on which it fell can be determined. Thus, if the pattern of the trackable element is sufficiently unique along its surface, the button input can be sensed. As yet another option, the pattern of the trackable element can vary along the circumference of the trackable element, and the trackable element can rotate as the shaft 240 rotates. Thus, the rotational position of the shaft can be determined from the trackable element 146. As yet another option, the trackable element can be incorporated onto the shaft itself and not be a separate part. That is, in certain embodiments, the shaft can be marked as described above.

[0037] The tactile switch assembly 110 may optionally further include one or more sensors 126 positioned within or connected to the button 148. The sensor 126 may be electrically connected to the coupling 218 via one or more wires or paths within the button 148, or in instances where the button 148 may be a conductive material. The sensor 126 may be configured to sense one or more characteristics and relay the data to the processing element 124 via the coupling 218.

[0038] With reference to FIG. 3, assembly of the tactile switch assembly 110 within the wearable electronic device 100 will now be discussed in more detail. The tactile switch 214 is connected to a substrate 166 or other support structure within the cavity 139 of the wearable device 100. The substrate 166 and / or the switch 214 can be in electrical communication with the processing element 124 (see FIG. 2). The dome 252 is oriented toward the wall 190 of the enclosure 114 such that the protrusion 216 is substantially aligned with the button opening 172. The shear plate 156 is positioned above the tactile switch 214 and operably connected to the tactile switch 214. The shear plate 156 is oriented such that the electrical contacts 158 can be substantially aligned with the protrusions 216 of the switch 214.

[0039] 3 , the coupling 218 is operatively connected to the shear plate 156 and electrically connected to the contact 158. Specifically, the electrical contact 158 ​​may be received within a recess 224 formed in a bottom surface 244 of the coupling 218. An annular wall 242 surrounds the electrical contact 158. In some embodiments, the electrical contact 158 ​​may contact the interior of the annular wall 242 and / or an end wall of the recess 224 of the coupling. In this manner, the coupling 218 may be connected to and in electrical communication with the shear plate 156.

[0040] A shaft 240 of the coupling 218 extends through the button opening 172 and is received within the coupling opening 236 of the stem 150. A sealing member 154, such as an O-ring, cup-type seal, or membrane, is received around the shaft 240 and seals against the sleeve 220 or an interior wall of the enclosure 114. The button 148 extends outwardly from the coupling 218 and extends beyond the outer edge of the enclosure 114.

[0041] The operation of the tactile switch assembly 110 in the wearable device 100 will now be discussed in more detail. When a user provides a rotational force to the button 148, the stem 150 and the button 148 rotate in the direction of the force. The rotation of the button 148 causes the coupling portion 218 to rotate with the button 148. As the coupling portion 218 rotates, the trackable element 146 rotates, allowing the sensing element 142 to track the rotation of the coupling portion 218, which can be correlated to a user input on the button 148. Furthermore, the coupling portion 218 rotates around the electrical contact 158 ​​of the shear plate 156. The annular wall 242 prevents the coupling portion 218 from rotating off-axis from the contact 158 ​​and helps secure the two components together. In some embodiments, the electrical contacts 158 may be brush contacts or otherwise configured to maintain electrical connection with the walls defining the recesses 224 and the annular wall 242 of the coupling portion 218 without substantially impeding rotation of the coupling portion 218. Furthermore, because the coupling portion 218 rotates about the electrical contacts 158, the rotational forces experienced by the coupling portion 218 may not be transmitted to the tactile switch 214 positioned below the shear plate to which the electrical contact is connected. By preventing this shear force from being transmitted to the tactile switch 214, rotation of the tactile switch 214 that may damage the switch, initiate displacement of the switch relative to the coupling, and / or otherwise damage the tactile switch may be prevented. In some embodiments, the electrical contacts 158 may be configured to experience a shear force of approximately 20 N and a torque greater than at least 10 N-mm. This allows the tactile switch assembly 110 to receive rotational inputs to the button 148 while maintaining electrical connections between the couplings and contacts without damaging any of those components.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the wearable electronic device 100 similar to FIG. 3, but showing a compressive force being applied to the button 148. Referring to FIG. 4, when a user applies either an oblique force AF or an on-axis force A, the button 148 moves toward the side wall 260 such that the bottom surface 262 of the button 148 abuts against the enclosure 114. The lateral movement of the button 148 correspondingly moves the coupling portion 218, sliding it further into the cavity 139. As the coupling portion 218 moves into the cavity 139, the coupling portion 218 transmits a force AF, a force F to the shear plate 156. Specifically, the end wall of the recess presses against the electrical contact 158, which in turn compresses against the protrusion 216 of the dome 252. In some embodiments, the tactile switch assembly 110 can be configured to receive a user input force in the range of 1 to 3 Newtons. Because the shear plate 156 can be at least somewhat rigid, it transfers the force from the coupling 218 to the dome 252, causing it to collapse. As the dome 252 collapses, electrical contacts within the tactile switch 214 contact the interior surface of the dome, completing an electrical connection, thereby indicating a user input.

[0043] After this force is removed from the button 148, the dome resiliently returns to its original position, providing a biasing force against the coupling 218, thereby returning both the button and the coupling to their original positions. In some embodiments, the tactile switch may include a separate biasing element, such as a spring, that exerts a force against the coupling (directly or indirectly via a shear plate). In these embodiments, the button 148 and the coupling 218 may return to their original positions before the user's translational force F is applied to the button 148.

[0044] In some embodiments, the button opening 172 can be large enough to allow an oblique force AF to activate the tactile switch 214 even when the tactile switch 214 is positioned directly under the coupling. In other words, an oblique force AF or other off-axis force can activate the tactile switch 214 when the frictional engagement of the stem 150 and / or coupling 218 within the sidewalls of the button opening 172 is insufficient to resist the oblique force AF. As the angle increases, the frictional force acting on the stem and / or coupling increases, and by varying the size of the stem and / or button opening, a predefined range of angles can be selected within which the oblique force AF can activate the switch. For example, a maximum angle of input force can be selected, and if the force is less than that angle, the oblique force can activate the tactile switch 214, and if the oblique force is equal to or greater than the maximum angle, the input button cannot be activated. As an example, a force applied to the input button at an angle of up to 30 degrees or 45 degrees may be capable of activating the tactile switch 214 .

[0045] 4, when the tactile switch 214 is compressed by the coupling portion 218, the coupling portion 218 maintains electrical communication with the electrical contacts 158. This allows the sensor 126 to maintain communication with one or more processing elements 124 through the shear plate 156 and / or allows the button 148 to maintain an electrical connection to the shear plate 156.

[0046] The tactile switches 214 of the present disclosure allow a user to provide multiple types of inputs to the wearable device 100, for example, rotational, translational, and diagonal. Furthermore, the tactile switch assembly 110 allows the moving components, specifically the button 148 and the coupling 218, to maintain electrical communication with the shear plate 156 (and therefore other electrical components within the device) without constraining movement. This allows one or more sensing elements 126 on the button 148 to provide signals to non-moving components or other components within the enclosure 114. The sensing elements 126 can receive power via the coupling 218 and the button 148.

[0047] In some embodiments, the tactile switch assembly 110 can optionally be used as a physiological sensor, although this functionality can be omitted from certain embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, the enclosure 114 can be conductive and can communicate with the user's skin when worn by a user. Referring to FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the sleeve 220 can be an insulating material, such as rubber, plastic, etc., and insulates the button 148, the stem 150, and the coupling 218 from the conductive housing 114. To measure one or more characteristics of the user's heart, such as by electrocardiogram (ECG), the user can press their finger on the button 148. In this example, the wearable device 100 can be worn around the user's wrist, and the finger placed on the button 148 can be from the arm opposite the arm on which the device 100 is worn. The connection between the user's finger and the head portion 148 may serve as a first lead for the ECG, and the connection to the user's wrist (or other part of the arm) may serve as a second lead for the ECG.

[0048] When the user places his or her finger on button 148, the electrical connection via coupling 218 and electrical contacts 158 allows for a second reference point. In this manner, the voltage signal detected at the first location can be compared and subtracted from the voltage signal detected at the second location to detect rises and falls between the two signals. These rises and falls can be correlated to the rhythm of the user's heart. Furthermore, in some embodiments, device 100 can use one of these connections to the user's skin to send a pulse or signal that passes through the user to measure ECG characteristics of the user's heart.

[0049] (Brush contact) In some embodiments, the tactile switch itself may include electrical contacts, and the shear plate may be omitted or integrated with the tactile switch. FIGS. 5-7 show various views of another example of a tactile switch removed from a wearable electronic device. In these embodiments, the tactile switch assembly may be configured to receive one or more types of inputs and maintain electrical communication with one or more elements within the device. The tactile switch 314 of FIGS. 5-7 may be substantially the same as the tactile switch 114, but may be integrally formed with electrical contacts on the outer surface of the dome. Referring to FIGS. 5-7, in this embodiment, the tactile switch 314 may include a substrate 366 and one or more supports 368 extending from a bottom surface 374 of the substrate 366. The supports 368 support the tactile switch 314 within the wearable electronic device 100, such as on the substrate 166.

[0050] The tactile switch 314 may include a protrusion 316 extending from a top surface 372 of the substrate 366. The protrusion 316 forms an electrical contact with the dome 352, which will be discussed in more detail below. The protrusion 316 may be in electrical communication with one or more of the connection terminals 360a, 360b, 360d, 360e, which may communicate with the processing element 124 (see FIG. 2). The protrusion 316 may be a conductive protrusion and may include a contact pad or other conductive segment configured to selectively communicate with a corresponding dome contact.

[0051] 5, the dome 352 can be resilient and configured to collapse under a predetermined user force and spring back to its initial position. The dome 352 can include legs 370 extending from one side of the dome 352. The legs 370 can support one or more electrical communication mechanisms, such as, but not limited to, a flexible circuit (cord), wiring, etc. The dome 352 can also define a dome cavity 320 positioned above the base contact 316. The top surface 322 of the dome 352 can be configured to be spatially separated from the top surface of the protrusion 316 such that the dome can contact the contact 316 only when a sufficient force is applied to the top surface 322 of the dome. The dome contact 318 can be operatively connected to an interior surface of the dome 352 and can be at least partially aligned with the protrusion 316.

[0052] The dome 352 can be a non-conductive material, such as plastic. In one embodiment, the dome 352 can be injection molded plastic. However, as described above, one or more components of the dome 352 can include conductive components, such as flexible circuits (cords), copper wiring, etc. Alternatively, the dome 352 can be a metallic element or other material that is conductive and can include one or more insulating elements connected to the dome 352.

[0053] 5 and 6, the tactile switch 314 may further include an electrical contact 358 that may replace the contact 158 ​​of the shear plate 156, thereby eliminating the shear plate. The electrical contact 358 may be operatively connected to the top surface 322 of the dome 352. In embodiments where the tactile switch may be used to receive a rotational input, the electrical contact 358 may electrically connect the tactile switch 314 to the coupling portion 318 by forming a brush contact with the coupling portion 318. In this manner, the electrical contact may be substantially similar to the electrical contact 158, however, in this embodiment, the electrical contact 358 may be formed integrally with the dome 352. However, in embodiments where a rotational input is not desired, the electrical contact 358 may be a conductive surface that does not receive shear forces.

[0054] The electrical contact 358 communicates with one of the connection terminals 360a, 360b, 360c, 360d. For example, the electrical contact 358 can communicate with the conductor 360a. In some embodiments, the dome can include a cord or other shear plate that couples the electrical contact 358 to the conductor 360a, or alternatively, the dome 352 itself can be conductive and serve to couple the two components together.

[0055] As shown in Figure 3, the electrical contact 158 ​​may be received within the coupling portion 218. However, in some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the electrical contact 358 may define a receiving cavity 384 surrounded by annular wall 382. In these embodiments, one or more portions of the coupling portion 318 may be received within a recess or opening defined within the electrical contact. In this manner, the coupling portion 218 may rotate within the electrical contact 358 against an interior wall of the annular wall 382.

[0056] The operation of the tactile switch assembly will now be discussed in more detail. With reference to Figures 3 and 8, when the coupling portion 218 is compressed, for example by a user input force F, the coupling portion 218 compresses the electrical contact 358. When the electrical contact 358 is compressed, the force is transferred to the dome 352, which collapses and presses the dome contact 318 onto the upper surface of the protrusion 316. When the dome contact 318 contacts the protrusion 316, an electrical signal is generated and transmitted to the processing element 124 (see Figure 2) via one of the terminals 360a, 360b, 360c, 360d. The processing element 124 then registers the user input to the tactile switch 314.

[0057] 9 is a simplified front elevational view of the tactile switch and coupling as a user applies a rotational force. Referring to FIG. 9, in an example where a user can provide a rotational input force R to the tactile switch assembly 310, the coupling 218 can receive the force applied to the button 148, thereby rotating the coupling 218 accordingly. In an embodiment where the coupling 218 is received within a recess 384 (see FIG. 6) of the electrical contact 358, the coupling 218 can rotate within the annular walls 382 and maintain a connection with those walls and / or bottom surface 383 (see FIG. 6) of the electrical contact 358. This allows the coupling 218 to rotate with a rotational input from the user while still maintaining an electrical connection to the tactile switch 314.

[0058] (conductive protrusion) In some embodiments, the protrusions of the tactile switches can be conductive and the shear plate can be omitted. For example, in some embodiments, the user input surface can be configured to translate, such as move horizontally or vertically relative to the housing, and in these embodiments, the tactile switches cannot receive shear forces. Alternatively, the protrusions of the tactile switches can be configured to receive shear forces while still activating the tactile switches.

[0059] 10-12 show various views of another embodiment of a tactile switch. Referring to FIG. 10-12, the tactile switch 414 in this embodiment can be substantially similar to the tactile switches 114, 314, but can include a conductive protrusion. In other words, the shear plate can be integrated with the protrusion of the tactile switch. Specifically, the tactile switch 414 can include a substrate 466, one or more substrate supports 468, a plurality of connecting terminals 460a, 460b, 460c, 460d, and a protrusion 416.

[0060] 10 and 11, the protrusion 416 can be operatively connected to a top surface 472 of the substrate 466. In some embodiments, the substrate 466 or at least portions of the top surface 472 can be insulated to electrically isolate various terminals of the switch 414, as well as the protrusion 416, with respect to certain components of the switch 414. The protrusion 416 can include a conductive portion, such as a pad 421 on the top surface of the protrusion 416, or the protrusion 416 can be made of a conductive material or another material mixed with a conductive material. One or more of the terminals are in electrical communication with the protrusion 416. For example, the terminal 460d can be in communication with the protrusion 416, while the terminals 460a, 460b, 460c can be used as one or more contacts for a switch contact inside the substrate 466. In these embodiments, the protrusion 416 can act as a brush contact that allows the coupling to rotate.

[0061] The tactile switch 414 can be used with the tactile switch assembly 110 of Figure 3. In these embodiments, the protrusion 416 can be received within the recess 224 of the coupling portion 218. Similar to the electrical contact 158, the protrusion 416 can be received between the side walls of the annular wall 226, such that the protrusion and the coupling portion 218 are operatively connected.

[0062] In an embodiment in which the tactile switch assembly 110 includes the tactile switch 414 of FIGS. 10-12, the protrusion 416 can be configured to be not only conductive but also resistant to shear forces and overloads. For example, because the shear plate is omitted, the protrusion 416 can experience shear forces as the coupling portion 218 rotates over and around the protrusion 416. Additionally, the protrusion is configured to receive a mechanical input, such as a force of the coupling portion 218, under the load of the force, the protrusion 416 completes a switch circuit by connecting one or more of the terminals together. As an example, the protrusion 416 can at least partially compress when a compressive force is applied to the button 148, thereby allowing the protrusion 416 to function as a dome and provide tactile feedback to a user and generate a signal corresponding to the user input.

[0063] (Conclusion) The above description has broad applicability. For example, the examples disclosed herein may focus on wearable electronic devices, but it should be understood that the concepts disclosed herein may be equally applicable to virtually any other type of electronic device. Similarly, the input buttons may be discussed in relation to a crown for a watch, but the devices and techniques disclosed herein are equally applicable to other types of input button structures. Thus, any discussion of any embodiments is intended to be illustrative only and is not intended to suggest that the scope of the present disclosure, including the claims, is limited to these examples.

Claims

1. 1. A switch assembly comprising: An input member; a tactile switch operably connected to the input member; an electrical contact operatively connected to the tactile switch and in electrical communication with the input member; A switch assembly comprising:

2. The switch assembly of claim 1 , wherein the electrical contacts extend from the tactile switch to form a protrusion relative to the tactile switch.

3. The switch assembly of claim 2 , further comprising a plate positioned between the tactile switch and the input member, the electrical contacts being connected to the plate.

4. 1. An input module, comprising: Switch, an input button operatively connected to the switch and configured to activate the switch; a shear plate positioned between the switch and the input button; the shear plate transmits a translation force applied to the input button to the switch; An input module, wherein the shear plate prevents a rotational force applied to the input button from being transmitted to the switch.

5. The input module of claim 4 , wherein the shear plate is in electrical communication with the input button.

6. 1. An input module, comprising: Switch, a rotatable and translatable input member operatively connected to the switch and configured to actuate the switch; an electrical contact operatively connected to the switch and in electrical communication with the input member; wherein the electrical connection between the input member and the electrical contacts is maintained during translation and rotation of the input member.

7. The input member is Buttons and a coupling portion operatively connected to the button and movable with the button; The input module of claim 6 , comprising:

8. The input module of claim 6 , wherein the switch includes a dome, and the input member is configured to collapse the dome when the input member is translated.

9. 7. The input module of claim 6, wherein the electrical contacts are brush contact switches.

10. The input module of claim 6 , wherein the electrical contacts are integral with the switch.

11. The input module of claim 6 , further comprising a shear plate positioned between the input member and the switch, the electrical contacts extending from the shear plate.

12. 1. A switch assembly comprising: a rotatable and translatable input member; a coupling portion operatively connected to the input member and movable with the input member; a tactile switch operably connected to the coupling; an electrical contact operatively connected to the tactile switch and in electrical communication with the coupling; the input member is configured to actuate the electrical component when the input member translates; The coupling portion rotates when the input member rotates, The electrical connection between the coupling portion and the electrical contacts is maintained during translation and rotation of the input member.

13. The switch assembly of claim 12 further comprising a shear plate positioned between the coupling portion and the tactile switch, the electrical contacts extending from the shear plate.

14. The switch assembly of claim 12 , wherein the electrical contacts form a protrusion with respect to the tactile switch.

15. The tactile switch is an operable dome; a switch circuit in selective communication with the dome; The switch assembly of claim 12 including:

16. The switch assembly of claim 12 , further comprising a sensor operatively connected to the input member and in electrical communication with the coupling.

17. The switch assembly of claim 16 , wherein the sensor is configured to detect one or more biological characteristics of a user.

18. The switch assembly of claim 12 , further comprising a rotation sensor configured to detect rotation of the coupling.

19. An electronic device incorporating the switch assembly of claim 12.

20. A wearable electronic device, comprising: an enclosure defining a cavity and a button opening defined therethrough; a processing element received within the cavity; a switch module operably connected to the enclosure; The switch module comprises: a tactile switch in communication with the processing element; a rotatable and translatable input member operatively connected to the tactile switch; a contact operatively connected to the tactile switch and electrically coupled to the input member; wherein the electrical coupling between the input member and the contacts is maintained during translation and rotation of the input member.

21. The input member is The crown and a coupling member operably connected to the crown and rotatable with the crown, the coupling portion electrically coupling to the input member; the coupling is configured to activate the switch when the crown translates relative to the enclosure; The coupling portion rotates when the crown rotates, The wearable electronic device of claim 15 , wherein the electrical coupling between the input member and the coupling portion is maintained during translation and rotation of the input member.

22. 22. The wearable electronic device of claim 21, wherein the crown and the coupling portion are electrically insulated from the enclosure.

23. 23. The wearable electronic device of claim 22, further comprising an insulating sleeve positioned within the button opening.

24. 22. The wearable electronic device of claim 21, further comprising a shear member positioned between the tactile switch and the input member, the contacts being formed on the shear member.

25. a rotation sensor in communication with the processing element; a trackable element operatively connected to the input member and rotatable therewith; 22. The wearable electronic device of claim 21, further comprising: a rotation sensor configured to detect rotation of the trackable element.

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