Modular tactile switch

• US 9,691,570 B1
• Filed: 10/28/2014
• Issued: 06/27/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 10/28/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Inventors: Dinh, Richard Hung Minh, Denby, Jonathan C., Fang, Liane J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Leon, Edwin A.
• Application Number:
  US14/525,979
• Time in Patent Office: 973 Days
• Field of Search: 200513, 2003022, 2003021, 200341, 200516, 200517, 200 5002, 200295, 200556
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 11/00 Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of electric switches processes specially adapted for manufacture of rectilinearly movable switches having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboards, H01H13/88
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/06 Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof or flameproof casings
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/10 Bases; Stationary contacts mounted thereon
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/14 Operating parts, e.g. push-button
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/88 Processes specially adapted for manufacture of rectilinearly movable switches having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboards
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2215/00 Tactile feedback
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2221/056 Modular conception
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2223/002 sealed
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2229/022 Modular assembly
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2229/048 Insertion moulding
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2233/03 mounted on support plate or frame

Abstract

Modular button components are described that comprise a tactile switch coupled to a center portion of the modular button component and at least one electrical contact. A bracket extends beyond a length of the center portion of the modular component. In various embodiments, the tactile switch, the bracket and the at least one electrical contact are insert molded into a single assembly to form the modular button component that is detachably coupled to a printed circuit board.

Claims

1. A modular button component comprising:

a switch coupled to a center portion of the modular button component and extending from the center portion in a first direction;

a bracket extending beyond a length of the center portion of the modular button component; and

at least one electrical contact positioned on the center portion and extending from the center portion in the first direction;

wherein the switch, the bracket and the at least one electrical contact are insert molded into a single assembly to form the modular button component that is configured to be removably coupled to a printed circuit board.

2. The modular button component of claim 1, wherein the at least one electrical contact is a spring finger.

3. The modular button component of claim 1, further comprising a raised portion that surrounds at least a part of the center portion of the modular button component and defines a recess;

wherein

the switch is contained within the recess.

4. The modular button component of claim 3, wherein the raised portion of the modular button component is configured to form a watertight seal between a housing of an electronic computing device and the modular button component.

5. The modular button component of claim 4, wherein:

the raised portion is configured to receive an adhesive;

the adhesive facilitates coupling the modular button component to a housing of an electronic computing device; and

the adhesive facilitates the watertight seal.

6. The modular button component of claim 1, wherein the at least one electrical contact is configured to mate with at least one electrical pad coupled to the printed circuit board.

7. The modular button component of claim 1, wherein the bracket is configured to receive at least one securing mechanism operative to secure the modular button component to a circuit board.

8. The modular button component of claim 1, further comprising a dome operably associated with the tactile switch.

9. The modular button component of claim 1, wherein:

the switch is positioned on a first face of the center portion; and

the at least one electrical contact is positioned on the first face of the center portion.

10. The modular button component of claim 9, further comprising a wall surrounding the switch;

wherein

the switch is positioned within a recess defined by the wall; and

the at least one electrical contact is positioned outside the recess defined by the wall.

11. The modular button component of claim 10, further comprising a face extending at least partially into the recess, wherein

the switch is operative to actuate in response to a motion of the face.

12. An electronic device comprising:

a structure defining an aperture;

a first electrical contact formed on a first side of the structure;

a button assembly comprising;

a body;

a wall extending from a first side of the body;

a switch encompassed by the wall on the first side of the body; and

a second electrical contact on the first side of the body;

wherein the button assembly is attached to the structure so that;

the wall extends through the aperture; and

the first and second electrical contacts physically touch one another.

13. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein the second electrical contact is a spring finger.

14. The electronic device of claim 12, further comprising a support structure to which the button assembly is attached by a fastener;

wherein

the support structure is operative to deform under a load exerted by the fastener.

15. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein the structure is one of a housing, a flex, or a circuit board.