Patent ID: 8367958
Filing Date: 2013-02-05
Classification: H01H,H04M,H05K

Abstract:
1. A button assembly in a portable electronic device having a member with a hole having a diameter, comprising: a button member that moves within the hole between an unactuated position and an actuated position, wherein the button member has a rigid portion that extends beyond the diameter; a collapsible dome switch having first and second terminals and a collapsible dome that is movable between a relaxed state when the button member is placed in the unactuated position and a collapsed state in which the dome electrically connects the first and second terminals when the button member is placed in the actuated position; a flex circuit, wherein the flex circuit has a flexible dielectric film and conductive traces and wherein the conductive traces are electrically connected to the first and second terminals; and first and second metal spring contact members that are placed in physical contact with the conductive traces, wherein the flex circuit has a first surface that faces the first and second terminals and a second surface to which the first and second metal spring contact members are attached, wherein the portable electronic device further includes a printed circuit board having conductive pads, and wherein the first and second metal spring contact members are formed between the conductive pads of the printed circuit board and the conductive traces of the flex circuit in a compressed state.