Two-Stage Switch Assembly

• US 20110233041A1
• Filed: 06/06/2011
• Published: 09/29/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 10/08/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Malikie Innovations Limited (Key Patent Innovations Limited)
• Original Assignee: Blackberry Limited
• Inventors: Kyowski, Timothy, Sulem, Firmansyah, Infanti, James, Rajagopal, Vijai
• Granted Patent: US 8,227,714 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 200/5.R
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/48 using buckling of disc springs
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/64 wherein the switch has more than two electrically distinguishable positions, e.g. multi-position push-button switches
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/807 characterised by the spatial arrangement of the contact sites, e.g. superimposed sites
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2225/01 Different switch sites under one actuator in same plane
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2225/018 Consecutive operations
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2225/03 Different type of switches

Abstract

A switch assembly is provided to actuate a pair of switches using a single push key. e.g. for a camera that utilizes a first switch to activate an image focusing function and a second switch to activate a camera shutter. The switch assembly comprises a contact pad switch and a dome switch that are located laterally to one another. When the push key receives a first downward force, only the contact pad switch becomes activated and a first electric circuit is completed. When the push key receives a second downward force that is greater than the first force, the dome switch collapses and a second electric circuit is completed.

Claims

1. A switch assembly comprising:

a lower surface;

a push key supported above the lower surface and moveable with respect thereto;

a locking ring extending from the push key through one or more arms curved substantially perpendicular to the push key, the one or more arms comprising a resilient material, the locking ring configured to receive a locking post; and

one or more switches configured to be closed upon movement of the push key.

2. The switch assembly of claim 1 wherein the push key comprises:

an elongate member having a first end portion and a second end portion;

a first switch being aligned with the first end portion; and

a second switch being aligned with the second end portion.

3. The switch assembly of claim 2 wherein the first switch comprises a first upper contact supported above a first lower contact, the lower contact being supported by the lower surface, both being aligned with the first end portion, and a resilient member acting to separate the first upper contact and the first lower contact, the resilient member aligned with the first end portion.

4. The switch assembly of claim 3 wherein the resilient member, the push key and the one or more arms are constructed as a single element.

5. The switch assembly of claim 3 wherein the second switch comprises a collapsible dome supported by the lower surface and being aligned with the second end portion, the dome comprising a second upper contact and a second lower contact.

6. The switch assembly of claim 5 wherein upon movement of the push key, the resilient member deforms to close the first switch under a first force, while a second force greater than the first force is required to collapse the dome.

7. The switch assembly of claim 1 wherein the locking ring extends from the push key through two arms.

8. The switch assembly of claim 1 wherein the locking ring is circular in shape.

9. A mobile device comprising a switch assembly, the switch assembly comprising:

a lower surface;

a push key supported above the lower surface and moveable with respect thereto;

a locking ring extending from the push key through one or more arms curved substantially perpendicular to the push key, the one or more arms comprising a resilient material, the locking ring configured to receive a locking post protruding from a casing of the mobile device; and

one or more switches configured to be closed upon movement of the push key.

10. The mobile device of claim 9 wherein the push key comprises:

an elongate member having a first end portion and a second end portion;

a first switch being aligned with the first end portion; and

a second switch being aligned with the second end portion.

11. The mobile device of claim 10 wherein the first switch comprises a first upper contact supported above a first lower contact, the lower contact being supported by the lower surface, both being aligned with the first end portion, and a resilient member acting to separate the first upper contact and the first lower contact, the resilient member aligned with the first end portion.

12. The mobile device of claim 11 wherein the resilient member, the push key and the one or more arms are constructed as a single element.

13. The mobile device of claim 11 wherein the second switch comprises a collapsible dome supported by the lower surface and being aligned with the second end portion, the dome comprising a second upper contact and a second lower contact.

14. The mobile device of claim 13 wherein upon movement of the push key, the resilient member deforms to close the first switch under a first force, while a second force greater than the first force is required to collapse the dome.

15. The mobile device of claim 13 further comprising a camera device, the camera device comprising a lens, and a camera shutter, and the switch assembly for focusing an image entering the lens and activating the camera shutter.

16. The mobile device of claim 15 wherein upon movement of the push key, the resilient member deforms to close the first switch under a first force thereby focusing the image entering the lens, while a second force greater than the first force is required to collapse the dome thereby activating the camera shutter to capture the image.

17. The mobile device of claim 9 wherein the locking ring extends from the push key through two arms.

18. The mobile device of claim 9 wherein the locking ring is circular in shape.