Rocker input mechanism

A rocker input mechanism includes an actuator that is operable to pivot against the interior surface of a housing through which an actuation surface of the actuator projects. Pivots or up-stops on the edges of the actuator are biased against the interior surface by dome switches contacting a switching surface of the actuator that is opposite the actuation surface. Thus, the actuator is able to pivot with respect to the interior surface to activate the dome switches when force is exerted on the actuation surface without bending or flexing like typical rocker buttons. As a result, the rocker input mechanism may have a feel to a user similar to non-rocking input mechanisms like single mode buttons.

FIELD

The described embodiments relate generally to input mechanisms. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to a rocker input mechanism pivotally engaged with a surface though which the input mechanism projects.

BACKGROUND

Electronic devices may utilize a variety of different input mechanisms to receive input from users. Input received from these input mechanisms may be used to control or otherwise change the state of the electronic device. Many electronic devices may include a number of different types of input mechanisms.

One example of an input mechanism is a button or switch. Buttons typically include an actuator that can be pressed to activate a dome switch or other activation assembly. Input from these buttons may generally be interpretable as indicating whether or not the button has been pressed.

Dual rocker buttons or switches may provide the ability to distinguish between multiple inputs. Rather than a binary press or not pressed state, dual rocker buttons may be able to receive presses in two different regions. This dual input ability may be used to receive input to increase and decrease a volume or other setting, navigate directionally in a menu, and so on.

Typically, dual rocker buttons include an elongated actuator with an upper surface that projects through a housing surface and a lower surface mounted on a pivot. Sides of the upper surface may be pressed to pivot the elongated actuator in a particular direction on the pivot, activating one of two domes switches or other activation assemblies positioned under the lower surface on either side of the pivot. This operation causes the elongated actuator to bend or flex to some degree when force is exerted, giving dual rocker buttons a different feel to users than typical single mode buttons.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a rocker input mechanism. A rocker input mechanism includes an actuator that pivots against the interior surface of a housing through which an actuation surface of the actuator projects. Pivot portions or up-stops on a lip of the actuator are biased against the interior surface by dome switches contacting a switching surface of the actuator that is opposite the actuation surface. The lip may limit the amount the actuator can pivot and may prevent decoupling of the actuator from the housing. Thus, the actuator is able to pivot with respect to the interior surface to activate the dome switches when force is exerted on the actuation surface without bending or flexing like typical rocker buttons. As a result, the rocker input mechanism may have a feel to a user similar to non-rocking input mechanisms like single mode buttons.

In various embodiments, an electronic device includes a housing and a rocker input mechanism. The housing includes an external surface and an internal surface opposite to the external surface. The housing defines an aperture extending from the external surface to the internal surface. The rocker input mechanism includes a button positioned in the aperture. The button has an actuation surface defining first and second actuation regions, a switching surface opposite the actuation surface, a retention lip that has a dimension larger than the aperture and engages the internal surface, and a pivot portion disposed on the retention lip between the first and second actuation regions that pivots against the internal surface.

In some examples, the pivot portion is biased toward the housing. The pivot portion may be biased toward the housing by a dome switch. The pivot portion may have a sloped edge.

In numerous examples, the switching surface includes first and second contact areas that respectively correspond to the first and second actuation regions. The first and second contact areas respectively engage first and second switches.

In some examples, the actuation surface may be flush with the external surface. In other examples, the actuation surface may be recessed into the exterior surface.

In some embodiments, an input mechanism assembly may include a pair of switches, a plate defining an aperture, and an actuator. The actuator is partially positioned in the aperture, pivots against the plate, and is biased toward the plate by the pair of switches.

In various examples, the actuator includes a ring that is separated from the plate by a gap. The actuator may pivot against the plate using an up-stop positioned on the ring. The ring may be operable to constrain motion of the actuator with respect to the plate. A first portion of the ring may move closer to the plate and a second portion of the ring may move farther from the plate when the actuator actuates one of the switches. The ring may contact the plate prevent decoupling of the actuator from the plate

In some examples, the switches produce signals indicating whether or not force is exerted on the actuator. In other examples, the switches produce signals indicating an amount of force exerted on the actuator.

In numerous embodiments, an electronic device includes a substrate, a housing, an activator positioned between the substrate and the housing and projecting through the housing, and a rib coupled to the activator that prevents simultaneous activation by the activator of first and second dome switches coupled to the substrate. The activator is pivotally engaged with the housing. A portion of the activator moves transverse to the housing to activate the first and second dome switches.

In various examples, the electronic device further includes a shim coupled to the substrate. The rib engages the shim to prevent simultaneous activation of the first and second dome switches by the activator. The rib may be separated from the shim absent force exerted on the activator. The shim may be positioned between the first and second dome switches.

In some examples, the activator is in contact with the first dome switch when activating the second dome switch. The activator may contact the first and second dome switches in absent force exerted on the activator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure relates to a rocker input mechanism. An actuator is positioned in an aperture defined in a housing and is biased toward the housing by dome switches or other activation assemblies or biasing structures underneath the actuator. Pivot portions on a lip of the actuator contact an internal surface of the housing such that the actuator rotates with respect to the housing. The lip may limit travel of the actuator (for example, while pivoting) and may prevent decoupling of the actuator from the housing. Force exerted on the top surface of the actuator causes the actuator to pivot and activate one of the dome switches. Due to the configuration of the pivot portion and a biasing structure, the actuator does not bend or flex when force is exerted thereon.

A rib or similar component may be positioned underneath the actuator in between where the actuator contacts the dome switches. The rib may engage a shim or portion of a substrate over which the actuator is positioned when force is exerted on the actuator. This may prevent the unpressed side of the actuator from contacting the dome switch underneath when force is exerted on the pressed side. As a result, a force exerted on one side of the actuator may activate a dome switch only beneath that side of the actuator.

These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference toFIGS. 1-4. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

FIG. 1depicts an electronic device100having a rocker input mechanism assembly, which is discussed in more detail below with respect toFIG. 2A. The rocker input mechanism assembly includes an actuator102, button, or activator that projects at least partially through an aperture103defined by a housing101, top plate, panel, plate, or mount plate of the electronic device100. The actuator102may pivot against an internal surface of the housing using one or more pivots or pivot portions positioned on a retaining ring or retention lip of the actuator102that are biased against the internal surface by dome switches or other activation assemblies. Thus, the actuator102may pivot such that a portion of the actuator102translates about the pivot portion205in a direction transverse to the housing101when force is exerted on actuation areas of the actuator102without bending or flexing.

FIG. 1depicts the electronic device100as a remote control. The actuator102can be used to provide dual state input (such as to increase and decrease a volume or other setting, to navigate directionally such as up or down, and so on). However, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, the disclosed rocker input mechanism may be used with a variety of different devices without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, such as laptop computing devices, desktop computing devices, keyboards, displays, printers, tablet computing devices, wearable electronic devices, smart phones, digital media players, content receivers, mobile computing devices, and so on.

FIG. 2Adepicts a top down view of the actuator102ofFIG. 1. The actuator102defines an actuation surface216. Pivot portions205, on which the actuator102pivots against (e.g., is pivotally engaged with) the housing101or plate, are disposed on a retaining ring204or retention lip.

InFIG. 2A, the retaining ring204is shown as forming a continuous perimeter around the edges of the actuator102. However, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, the retaining ring204may be formed of separate sections that do not form a continuous perimeter around the edge of the actuator102without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Further, the pivot portions205are shown as particularly shaped portions of the retaining ring204. For example, the pivot portions205are shown as having a sloped or curved edge. The sloped or curved edge of the pivot portions205may allow the actuator102to pivot easier than a sharp edge. However, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, variously shaped pivot portions205may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2Bdepicts a side view of the actuator102ofFIG. 2A. Switch contact areas207a,207band a ridge210are positioned on a switching surface217of the actuator102opposite the actuation surface216.

InFIG. 2B, the pivot portion205is shown as an integral portion of the retaining ring204. However, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, the pivot portion205may be a separate component coupled to and/or otherwise disposed on the retaining ring204without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Further, the rib210and the contact areas207a,207bare depicted as separate components coupled to the switching surface217of the actuator102. However, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, the rib210and the contact areas207a,207bmay be integrally formed components of the actuator102without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Additionally, in some implementations, the contact areas207a,207bmay be flush with the switching surface217rather than components that protrude from the switching surface217. For example, the contact areas207a,207bmay be portions of the switching surface217of the actuator102that contact the dome switches208a,208bwhen the actuator102is pressed.

FIG. 2Cdepicts an underside view of the actuator102ofFIG. 2Ashowing the switching surface217. The rib210and the contact areas207a,207bare depicted as having particularly shaped configurations. However, it is understood that this is an example. The rib210and/or the contact areas207a,207bmay be configured with various other shapes without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Additionally, the actuator102is depicted as having a generally rectangular shaped oval configuration. However, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, the actuator102may be configured to have various shapes without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in some implementations, the actuator102may have sharp corners rather than rounded as depicted inFIG. 2C.

FIG. 3Adepicts a partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device100ofFIG. 1, taken along line A-A ofFIG. 1. The rocker input mechanism assembly211may include the actuator102, the housing101or plate (having an internal or interior surface213and an opposite external or exterior surface212) that defines the aperture103(extending from the internal surface213to the external surface212) through which the actuator at least partially projects, and the dome switches208a,208bmounted on or coupled to a substrate209(such as a printed circuit board).

Although the top of the actuator102is illustrated as proud of the external surface212, it is understood that this is an example for clarity. In various other embodiments, the top of the actuator102(i.e., the actuation surface216) may be flush with and/or recessed into the external surface212without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The actuator102may define the actuation surface216and the switching surface217opposite the actuation surface216. The actuation surface216may have a first actuation region206aand a second actuation region206b. The switching surface217may have switch contact areas207a,207bthat correspond to the first and second actuation regions206a,206b. The switch contact areas207a,207bmay respectively contact and engage the dome switches208a,208bto transfer force exerted on one of the first and second actuation regions206a,206bto a respective one of the dome switches208a,208b.

The switch contact areas207a,207bmay respectively contact the dome switches208a,208b, absent force exerted on the actuator102. The dome switches208a,208bmay be partially compressed or deformed by that contact such that the dome switches208a,208bare biased toward uncompressing or undeforming. The bias of the partially compressed or deformed dome switches208a,208bmay bias the pivot portion or pivot205toward the internal surface213.

The actuator102may include a retaining ring204or retention lip disposed along an edge of the actuator102or integrally formed with the actuator102. The retaining ring204may be separated from the internal surface213of the housing101by a gap214(which may change in dimension as the actuator102pivots). The pivot portion205(also encompassing an up-stop, a nub, a pivot, and a protrusion) may be positioned, disposed, or otherwise mounted or coupled on the retaining ring204in contact with the internal surface213, allowing the actuator102to pivot against the internal surface213.

The dimension of the gap214may determine how far the actuator102can pivot with respect to the internal surface213on the pivot portion205. When force is exerted on one side of the actuator102, actuator102pivots on the pivot portion205such that the gap214between the retaining ring204and the internal surface213increases and the gap214between the retaining ring204and the internal surface213on the other side decreases. When the retaining ring204contacts the internal surface213on the other side, eliminating the gap214, pivoting of the actuator102may be stopped. Thus, the pivot portion205and the retaining ring204may define the motion of the actuator102and the gap214may constrain that motion.

The retaining ring204may have one or more dimensions larger than the aperture103such that the retaining ring204constrains motion of the actuator102with respect to the housing101. For example, the retaining ring204may contact the housing101to prevent the actuator102from decoupled from the housing101and/or being removed through the aperture, may engage the internal surface213when force is exerted on the actuator102to constrain how far the actuator102can pivot, and so on.

In some implementations, the actuator102may also include a rib210, ridge, or similar interference component that may prevent simultaneous actuation or activation of both of the dome switches208a,208b. The rib210may be positioned on the switch surface between the switch contact areas207a,207b(thus also between the dome switches208a,208band the first and second actuation regions206a,206b. The rib210may engage a shim215or other component (such as the substrate209) positioned on the substrate209when force is exerted on the actuator102. This may prevent the unpressed side of the actuator102from contacting the dome switch208a,208brespectively underneath when force is exerted on the pressed side.

In various implementations, the rib210may be separated from the shim215absent exerted on the actuator102. This may prevent the rib210and/or the shim215from unduly loading the actuator102and/or portions thereof against the internal surface213and/or housing101.

In various implementations, the rib210may also engage the shim215when force is exerted on the actuator at a portion of the actuation surface216between the first and second actuation regions206a,206b. This may prevent force exerted on such a middle portion of the actuation surface216from activating either of the dome switches208a,208b. As a result, operation of the rocker input mechanism assembly211by a user may be restricted to when force is clearly exerted on the first and second actuation regions206a,206b.

However, it is understood thatFIG. 3Ais an example and that other configurations are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in some implementations, the shim215and/or the rib210may be omitted or reverse which contacts a structure under the exertion of force.

FIG. 3Bdepicts the view ofFIG. 2Awhen the second actuation region206bof the rocker input mechanism assembly211is actuated. Force exerted on the second actuation region206bmay cause the actuator102to pivot or translate about the pivot portion205. The side of the actuator102corresponding to the second actuation region206bmay lower (with respect to the view depicted inFIG. 2B) while the side of the actuator102corresponding to the first actuation region206amay rise. This may cause the contact area207bto transfer the force to the dome switch208b, compressing or deforming and thereby activating or actuating the dome switch208b.

This may also cause the contact area207ato reduce force exerted on the dome switch208a, allowing the dome switch208ato uncompress or undeform to a degree. As a result, the contact area207amay stay in contact with the dome switch208aeven when force is exerted on the second actuation region206brather than the first actuation region206a.

Further, this may cause a first portion of the retaining ring204(corresponding to the first actuation region206a) to move closer to the internal surface213. At the same time, a second portion of the retaining ring204(corresponding to the second actuation region206b) may move further from the internal surface213.

Additionally, the rib210may move to contact the shim215. This may stop or reduce motion of the actuator102toward the dome switch208a. As such, the force exerted on the second actuation region206bmay be prevented from activating both of the dome switches208a,208b.

FIG. 3Cdepicts the view ofFIG. 3Awhen the first actuation region206aof the rocker input mechanism assembly211is actuated. Force exerted on the first actuation region206amay cause the actuator102to pivot or translate on the pivot portion205. The side of the actuator102corresponding to the first actuation region206amay lower (with respect to the view depicted inFIG. 3C) while the side of the actuator102corresponding to the second actuation region206bmay rise. This may cause the contact area207ato transfer the force to the dome switch208a, compressing or deforming and thereby activating or actuating the dome switch208a.

This may also cause the contact area207bto reduce force exerted on the dome switch208b, allowing the dome switch208bto uncompress or undeform to a degree. As a result, the contact area207bmay stay in contact with the dome switch208beven when force is exerted on the first actuation region206arather than the second actuation region206b

Further, this may cause the second portion of the retaining ring204(corresponding to the second actuation region206b) to move closer to the internal surface213. At the same time, the first portion of the retaining ring204(corresponding to the first actuation region206a) may move further from the internal surface213.

AlthoughFIGS. 3A-3Care illustrated and described as activating or not activating the dome switches208a,208bin a purely binary fashion (in other words, the dome switches208a,208bproduce signals indicating whether or not force is exerted on the actuator102), it is understood that this is an example. In some implementations, the dome switches208a,208bmay be force sensing dome switches that are operable to produce signals indicating an amount of force out of a range of possible forces exerted on the actuator102rather than only indicating whether or not a force is exerted.

Further, althoughFIGS. 3A-3Care illustrated and described as utilizing dome switches208a,208b, it is understood that other activation mechanisms are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In various implementations, various force sensors, contact pairs, capacitive plates that form a capacitor, optical transmitters and detectors, ultrasonic emitters and detectors, and/or other activation mechanisms may be used in place of the dome switches208a,208b. In implementations where the activation mechanisms themselves do not bias the actuator102toward the internal surface213, other biasing mechanisms such as springs may be used to provide such biasing force.

Additionally, although the rocker input mechanism assembly211is illustrated and described above with respect toFIGS. 3A-3Cas pivoting in two directions, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, such a rocker input mechanism assembly211may be configured to operate in modes other than a dual mode (such as a tri-mode rocker input mechanism assembly) without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in various implementations, a rocker input mechanism assembly211constructed according to the techniques described in the present disclosure may pivot in four directions rather than two.

FIG. 4depicts a method400for constructing a rocker button. This method may construct the rocker input mechanism assembly211illustrated inFIGS. 1-3C.

At410, an activator may be configured with one or more up-stops on an edge of the activator. The up-stop may be disposed on a lip or ring that forms a perimeter around the edge of the activator.

At420, the activator may be positioned in a housing or plate aperture. Positioning the activator in the housing aperture may cause the up-stop to contact an interior surface of the housing around the aperture. In some implementations, the housing may be a panel formed of glass and/or other materials.

At430, the activator may be biased toward the housing. This may bias the up-stop against the interior surface of the housing so that the activator is operable to pivot on the up-stop with respect to the interior surface.

For example, the activator may be biased toward the housing using dome switches or other activation assemblies. In such an example, the activator may be positioned at least partially (the portion that does not project through the aperture) between the housing and the dome switches.

For example, in various implementations, the method may include the additional operation of configuring the activator with one or more components that are operable to constrain or restrict motion of the activator. Such a component may include a retention ring or lip, a rib, and/or other such components.

As described above and illustrated in the accompanying figures, the present disclosure relates to a rocker input mechanism. An actuator is positioned in an aperture defined in a housing and is biased toward the housing by dome switches or other activation assemblies underneath the actuator. Pivots coupled to edges of the actuator contact an internal surface of the housing such that the actuator is operable to pivot with respect to the housing. Force exerted on actuation regions on the top surface of the actuator causes the actuator to pivot and activate one of the dome switches. Due to the configuration of the pivot and the biasing, the actuator does not bend or flex when force is exerted like typical rocker buttons. This may allow the rocker input mechanism to have a feel to a user like non-rocking input mechanisms. In various implementations, a rib or similar component may be positioned underneath the actuator in between where the actuator contacts the dome switches. The rib may be operable to engage a shim or other portion of a substrate over which the actuator is positioned when force is exerted on the actuator. This may prevent the unpressed side of the actuator from contacting the dome switch underneath when force is exerted on the pressed side. As a result, presses on one side of the actuator may be prevented from activating dome switches for both sides.