Patent Description:
The components of electronic devices have to be designed such that the interior of such a device is protected against ingress of dirt or water, while at the same time being as space, time, and cost efficient as possible to use. , push-buttons may be attached to the housing of an electronic device by means of screws which increases the risk of ingress due to the necessary presence of corresponding screw holes.

An existing solution wherein the button is connected to a button retainer by means of interconnecting flanges, allowing the button to move in relation to the button retainer when being pushed by a user. The button retainer is connected to the housing of the electronic device by means of screws extending from the interior of the housing, and the button is provided with a sealing element.

There are several drawbacks with such a solution. Firstly, manufacture and assembly is time consuming due to the presence of several small components. Secondly, these multiple components all add up to be quite space consuming. Thirdly, a larger number of components and assembly steps results in large tolerance stack up between the push-button and the other components, impairing the tactile qualities of the push-button.

Document <CIT> refers to a switch assembly comprising a switch and a connector, said switch and said connector being configured to interlock, and wherein said switch comprises connection means extending at least partially along a center axis of said switch, said connection means being configured to receive at least a part of said connector.

Document <CIT> discloses a connector socket terminal structure of the integrated wire termination system (IWTS) type for accepting wires with complemental mating pins, and is especially suitable for use in environmentally sealed aircraft switches. A retainer is disposed in a hollow terminal and serves to lock the wire termination pin in place in the terminal and ensure good electrical contact. The retainer is integrally bonded in the terminal by a tin reflow process. The terminal is plated with silver, and the retainer with tin. The retainer is inserted into the terminal and the assembly is immersed in a hot oil bath to melt the tin, the oil preventing the formation of oxides on the tin and silver surfaces and also reducing surface tension of the tin to facilitate good tin flow. Upon cooling, a good electrical and mechanical bond is formed between the tin on the retainer and the silver on the terminal. A wire termination pin may then be inserted into the terminal, to be locked therein by the retainer.

Document <CIT> relates to a mobile terminal with a side key of a waterproof structure which includes a case which forms the outer appearance of the mobile terminal and includes an opening part on the side thereof, a circuit board which is arranged in the case, and the side key which is inserted into the opening part on the side of the case. The side key includes a button part which is pushed for inputting a command and a switch part which applies an electrical signal to the circuit board by the pushing of the button part. The switch part includes a housing part which includes a first surface to face the button part and a second surface which is located in the opposite direction of the first surface and includes a protrusion part on a partial surface, a metal switch which is arranged on the first surface of the housing part, a wire which is electrically connected to the metal switch and is extended from the first surface to the second surface of the housing part, and a waterproof ring which is arranged on the second surface of the housing part and surrounds the protrusion part.

Document <CIT> provides an electrical switch assembly that includes an electrical switch having a dielectric housing mounting at least a pair of switch terminals having contact arms exposed at one side of the housing. A printed circuit board has a major flat surface and a side edge surface which faces the one side of the housing. At least a pair of L-shaped conductive contact pads are mounted on the printed circuit board. The L-shaped contact pads have terminating leg portions on the major flat surface of the circuit board for electrical connection to appropriate circuit traces on the board. The contact pads have contact leg portions at the side edge surface of the circuit board for engaging the contact arms of the switch terminals.

Document <CIT> provides a water-resistant electronic device that includes a casing, a key body, a first circuit board and an elastomer. The casing has an opening and a recess communicating with the opening. The key body is disposed in the opening. The first circuit board has a switch. The elastomer envelops the first circuit board and is embedded with interference fit in the recess to achieve a water-resistant effect. The key body is pressed to trigger the switch. Besides, a water-resistant key module is suitable for the water-resistant electronic device and includes the key body, the first circuit board and the elastomer above.

Document <CIT> refers to a push button for mounting on a shell that includes a button body depressibly engaged in a through hole defined in the shell, a flexible circuit board, a rigid plate attaching to the shell and a conductive spring tab. The flexible circuit board is arranged between the a button body and the rigid plate. The flexible circuit board is brought into contact with the rigid plate. The flexible circuit board is electrically connected to a connector and includes a pair of normally-open contacts. The conductive spring tab is fixed to the flexible circuit board and aligned with the button body. The conductive spring tab is deformable. The button body is configured for being manually depressed so as to urge the conductive spring tab to deform and contact the pair of normally-open contacts, thereby generating a signal transmittable through the flexible circuit board to the connector.

Document <CIT> S1 relates to a switch module for a cellular phone that is controlled in such a manner that a side key installed in a lateral side of a cellular phone for thereby conveniently changing a volume mode or a function mode by a one-touch method is pressurized. In the switch module for a cellular phone, a contact part of a connection terminal is bent with a certain elastic force and is always contacted with a pattern formed in a PCB installed in the interior of a cellular phone, for thereby enhancing an inter-connection rate between a pattern of the PCB and the connection terminal. Therefore, the life span of a cellular phone is extended, and a reliability of a product is enhanced.

Document <CIT> describes a mobile device in which the mobile device has a housing that includes a transition point and an actuator that can be flexible and that can be used to initiate a predetermined action. The actuator can include a transition point. The mobile device can also have a stiffening component that can be configured to engage the actuator and can also have a flexible circuit. In one arrangement, the flexible circuit can be coupled to the stiffening component and the flexible circuit can be configured to relay signals in response to a force being applied to the actuator. In another arrangement, the actuator can be positioned such that the transition point of the actuator substantially aligns with the transition point of the housing of the mobile device.

It is an object to provide a a button structure comprising a switch assembly, an electronic device configured to receive such a button structure, and a method of providing an electronic device with such a button structure, which addresses at least some of the drawbacks identified above.

Embodiments and aspects which are not covered by the invention should be considered as examples useful for understanding the invention.

The button structure includes a switch assembly comprising a switch and a connector, the switch and the connector being configured to interlock, and wherein the switch comprises connection means extending at least partially along a center axis of the switch, the connection means being configured to receive at least a part of the connector. Such as solution results in quick yet stable assembly due to the simple step of only interlocking two main components, i.e. a switch component and a connector component. Fewer piece parts leads to smaller space requirements within the electronic device. Further, tolerance stack up is reduced, and the tactile qualities of the push-button corresponding to the switch assembly are improved.

The center axis C of the switch extends between the opposing free ends the switch body, i.e. in a direction which also corresponds to the center axis of a through-going opening into which the switch assembly is to be mounted. This may correspond, when the switch assembly is mounted into an electronic device, to the direction of the width of the electronic device. Hence, a first perpendicular axis extends in the direction of the height of the electronic device, and a second perpendicular axis extends in the direction of the thickness of the electronic device. It may also correspond to the direction of the height of the electronic device. In this case, a first perpendicular axis extends in the direction of the width of the electronic device, and a second perpendicular axis extends in the direction of the thickness of the electronic device.

In a possible implementation, the switch cannot be separated from the connector by means of movement in a direction of the center axis. Hence, a stable connection is maintained, hindering the switch from separating from the electronic device onto which it has been mounted.

In a possible implementation,
the connection means comprises at least one slot. This solution requires significantly less space compared to prior art.

In a possible implementation, the connection means further comprises at least one wedge-shaped groove extending from the slot, the groove being tapered in the direction of the center axis, and wherein the connector comprises at least one corresponding wedge-shaped protrusion. This way, the protrusion can be easily inserted into the slot and groove, yet being interlocked such that the connector cannot be easily removed from the switch.

In a possible implementation, the protrusion comprises a resilient contact blade configured to interlock with the wedge-shaped groove.

In a possible implementation, the connection means comprises at least one pin protruding in the direction of the center axis, the pin comprising an end section having an increased cross-section, and wherein the connector comprises at least one partially open-ended slit, the slit being configured to interlock releasably with the pin end section in a direction which is perpendicular to the center axis, and interlock unreleasably with the pin in the direction of the center axis. This way, the connector can be easily, and releasably, connected to the switch.

In a possible implementation, crush ribs protrude from a circumference of the switch. This provides a tight fit between the switch and the opening into which it is mounted.

In a possible implementation, the connection means and/or connector comprises at least one recess, and the connector and/or slot correspondingly comprises at least one protrusion, the protrusion being configured to interlock with the recess.

In an possible implementation, the switch comprises sealing means configured to at least partially cover a circumference of the switch, allowing the device to be waterproof.

In the button structure for the electronic device, the electronic device comprising a housing having an external surface and an internal surface, the surfaces being connected by a through-going opening, the button structure comprising a push-button and a switch assembly according to the above, wherein the switch is configured to be inserted into the opening in a direction from the external surface, and the connector is configured to be connected to the switch such that the switch assembly is secured to the housing. This is a quick yet stable solution due to the simple step of only interlocking two main components, i.e. a switch component and a connector component. Further, the connector has a dual function of providing electrical connection and of securing the switch to the housing of an electronic device. Fewer piece parts leads to smaller space requirements within the electronic device. In addition, tolerance stack up is reduced, and the tactile qualities of the push-button corresponding to the switch assembly are improved.

In a possible implementation, the connector is configured to be arranged at least partly inside a slot extending at least partially along the center axis. This solution is significantly less space consuming than prior art.

In a possible implementation, the switch further comprises at least one wedge-shaped groove extending from the slot, the groove being tapered in the direction of the center axis, and wherein the connector further comprises at least one corresponding wedge-shaped protrusion. This allows the protrusion to be easily inserted into the corresponding slot and groove, yet being interlocked such that the connector cannot be easily separated from the switch.

In a possible implementation, the connector comprises stopper means preventing the button structure from exiting the opening in a direction towards the external surface.

In a possible implementation, crush ribs protrude from a circumference of the switch, the crush ribs being configured to provide a tight fit between the switch and the opening.

In a possible implementation, the connector is configured to be arranged outside of the opening, in abutment with the internal surface.

In a possible implementation, the switch comprises at least one pin protruding in the direction of the center axis, the pin comprising an end section having an increased cross-section, and the connector comprises at least one partially open-ended slit, the slit being configured to interlock releasably with the pin in a direction which is perpendicular to the center axis, and interlock unreleasably with the pin in the direction of the center axis. This way, the connector can be easily, and releasably, connected to the switch.

In a possible implementation, the button structure further comprising a compressive means arranged between the internal surface and the connector. The compressive means provides a constant force on the connector and hence the switch in a direction inwards towards the interior of the electronic device.

The electronic device is configured to receive the button structure according to the above, the electronic device comprising a housing having an external surface and an internal surface, the surfaces being connected by a through-going opening, the button structure comprising a switch and a connector, the switch being configured to be inserted into the through-going opening, and the connector being configured to interlock with the switch such that the switch cannot be separated from the connector by means of movement in a direction out of the through-going opening. This solution reduces the tolerance stack up between push-button and switch, hence improving the tactility of the push-button even if the push-button is not perfectly centered with the switch.

In a possible implementation, the switch comprises a slot and at least one wedge-shaped groove extending from the slot, and the connector comprises at least one resilient contact blade configured to interlock with the wedge-shaped groove. This allows the switch to be easily connected to the connector, yet interlocking the two such that they cannot be easily separated.

In a possible implementation, the switch comprises at least one pin provided with an end section having an increased cross-section, and the connector comprises at least one partially open-ended slit, the slit being configured to interlock releasably with the pin end section in a direction which is perpendicular to the through-going opening. This way, the connector can be easily, and releasably, connected to the switch.

In a method of providing an electronic device with a button structure according to the above, the electronic device comprises a housing having an external surface and an internal surface, the surfaces being connected by a through-going opening,
the method comprising the steps of connecting the push-button to the switch, inserting the switch into the opening, in a direction from the external surface, connecting the connector to the switch such that the switch cannot be separated from the connector by means of movement in a direction of the opening. Such as method results in quick yet stable assembly due to the simplicity of only interlocking two main components, i.e. a switch component and a connector component.

In a possible implementation, the last step comprises inserting the connector into the slot extending within the switch, in a direction from the internal surface, the connector interlocking with the slot such that the switch cannot be removed from the opening. This allows the switch to be easily connected to the connector, yet interlocking the two such that they cannot be easily separated.

In a possible implementation, the last step comprises interlocking the at least one slit and at least one pin, in a direction which is perpendicular to the opening, such that the connector abuts the internal surface and the switch cannot be removed from the opening without removing the connector from the housing. This way, the connector can be easily, and releasably, connected to the switch.

These and other aspects will be apparent from and the embodiments described below.

<FIG> shows an embodiment comprising a section of the housing <NUM> of an electronic device, a switch assembly <NUM> comprising a switch <NUM> and a connector <NUM>, and a push-button <NUM>. The components are adapted for being mechanically connected, and the switch <NUM> is also adapted for being electrically connected to the connector <NUM>. This will be described in more detail below.

<FIG>, and <FIG> show embodiments of a switch wherein the switch comprises a switch body 2a, a switch contact 2b, and a switch contact cover 2c. The switch may also comprise sealing means <NUM>. In one embodiment, the sealing means <NUM> are configured to at least partially cover the circumference of the switch <NUM>. The sealing means <NUM> may comprise a gasket with a circumferentially extending ridge. The sealing means/gasket <NUM> may be a separate rubber component, or may be molded directly onto the switch body 2a, preferably the second switch body section, by means of liquid injection molding.

The switch body 2a comprises plastic material and is preferably manufactured by means of insert molding. The switch body 2a comprises of two sections, a first switch body section and a second switch body section, arranged along the center axis C of the switch body 2a.

In one embodiment, the first switch body section has a cross-section which is larger than that of the second switch body section. , a side cross-sectional view of the switch reveals an essentially T-shaped switch body 2a, while a frontal or rear cross-sectional view reveals one or two essentially rectangular surface areas, depending on if the cut has been made through the first switch body section or the second switch body section.

The switch contact 2b, in one embodiment comprising a dome, is configured to be arranged in a slot arranged at the free end of the first switch body section. A switch contact cover 2c is provided to cover the switch contact/dome 2b and the slot, e.g. by means of laser welding or adhering the switch contact cover 2c to the above mentioned free end.

The switch assembly <NUM> comprises a switch <NUM> and a connector <NUM> configured to interlock. The switch <NUM> comprises connection means <NUM> extending at least partially along a center axis C of the switch, and the connection means <NUM> is configured to receive at least a part of the connector <NUM>.

The center axis C of the switch <NUM> extends between the switch contact cover 2c and the free end of the second switch body, i.e. in a direction which corresponds to the center axis of the through-going opening <NUM> in the housing <NUM>. This corresponds, when the switch assembly is mounted into an electronic device, to the direction of the width of the electronic device. A first perpendicular axis extends in the direction of the height of the electronic device, and a second perpendicular axis extends in the direction of the thickness of the electronic device. <FIG> and <FIG> show the thickness of the electronic device, while only sections of the height and width.

In one embodiment, the switch <NUM> is provided with crush ribs protruding from the circumference of the switch <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the switch <NUM> cannot be separated from the connector <NUM> by means of movement in the direction of the center axis C. , once the switch <NUM> and the connector <NUM> have been connected, the switch <NUM> cannot be detached from the connector <NUM> by pulling them in opposite directions. The connection means <NUM> and/or connector <NUM> comprises at least one recess, and the connector <NUM> and/or connection means <NUM> correspondingly comprises at least one protrusion, the protrusion being configured to interlock with the recess.

In one embodiment, the connection means <NUM> extends along the center axis C of the switch <NUM>, at least through the second section of the switch body 2a. The connection means <NUM> is configured to extend all the way up until the switch contact/dome 2b, such that the switch contact can interact with the connector <NUM> by means of the above mentioned electrical connection.

In one embodiment, the connection means <NUM> comprises at least one slot 4a, seen in <FIG>. The connection means <NUM> further comprises at least one wedge-shaped groove 4b extending from the slot 4a. The groove 4b is tapered in the direction of the center axis C. More specifically, the depth of the groove, in a direction perpendicular to the center axis C, is at its largest at the section which is farthest from the switch contact 2b and eventually the push-button <NUM>. the wedge declines in the direction from the second switch body section towards the first switch body section.

The connector <NUM> comprises at least one corresponding wedge-shaped protrusion 3a, soldered onto a flex 3c. A flex stiffener 3d is connected to the flex 3c in order to keep the connector <NUM> stiff when connected to the switch <NUM>. In one embodiment, the protrusion 3a comprises a resilient contact blade configured to interlock with the wedge-shaped groove 4b. This way, the connector/contact blade <NUM> can be easily inserted into the slot 4a and groove 4b, while being interlocked such that the connector/contact blade <NUM> cannot be easily removed from the slot 4a and groove 4b. The resilient contact blade may comprise of a stamped metal blade. The switch body 2a may be insert molded onto the stamped metal blade(s).

In a further embodiment shown in <FIG>, the connection means <NUM> comprises at least one pin 4c protruding in the direction of the center axis C. , the center axis of the switch and the center axis of the pin extend in parallel. The pin extends at least through the second section of the switch body 2a, and partially into the first section of the switch body 2a. The pin 4c is configured to extend all the way up until the switch contact/dome 2b, such that the switch contact can interact with the connector <NUM> by means of the above mentioned electrical connection.

In one embodiment, the pin 4c comprises an end section 4d having an increased cross-section. The pin may comprise a further, oppositely arranged end section also having an increased cross-section, as seen in <FIG>. The pin 4c preferably comprises an insert molded metal pin.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, this embodiment comprises a connector <NUM> having at least one partially open-ended slit 3b. The slit 3b is configured to interlock releasably with the pin end section 4d in a direction which is perpendicular to the center axis C, while at the same time interlocking unreleasably with the pin 4c in the direction of the center axis C. , the slit 3b has an opening at one end, while being closed at the other end, such that the slit essentially has an upside-down U-shape. The interior of the slit has larger dimensions such that it can receive the end section 4d of the pin. The external section of the slit, the section facing and abutting the switch when mounted, has smaller dimensions adapted for accommodating only the smaller middle section of the pin 4c. The dimensions of the external section of the slit are, in other words, smaller than the dimensions of the pin end section 4d.

Hence, the slit 3b is adapted for being slid over the end section 4d of the pin 4c in a direction perpendicular to the center axes of the switch and the pin(s). The switch <NUM>/pin 4c cannot be separated from the connector <NUM>/slit 3b by means of movement in the direction of the center axis C. , once the switch <NUM> and the connector <NUM> have been connected, the switch <NUM>/pin 4c cannot be detached from the connector <NUM>/slit 3b by pulling them in opposite directions. However, the switch <NUM>/pin 4c can be separated from the connector <NUM>/slit 3b by sliding the connector <NUM>/slit 3b in a direction perpendicular to the center axes of the switch <NUM> and the pin(s) 4c, but opposite to the direction used when connecting the slit 3b and pin 4c.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> show embodiments of a button structure <NUM> arranged in an electronic device such as a mobile phone. The electronic device comprises a housing <NUM> having an external surface 8a and an internal surface 8b connected by a through-going opening <NUM>. The button structure <NUM> comprises a push-button <NUM> and an embodiment of the above-mentioned switch assembly <NUM>. The switch <NUM> is configured to be inserted into the through-going opening <NUM> in a direction from said external surface 8a towards the internal surface 8b. The connector <NUM> is configured to be connected to the switch <NUM> such that the switch assembly <NUM> is secured to the housing <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the connector <NUM> is configured to be arranged at least partly inside the slot 4a extending at least partially along the center axis C of the switch <NUM>. As mentioned above, the switch may further comprise at least one wedge-shaped groove 4b extending from the slot 4a, the groove 4b being tapered in the direction of the center axis C, and
the connector <NUM> comprises at least one corresponding wedge-shaped protrusion 3a.

The connector <NUM> may comprise stopper means <NUM> preventing the assembled button structure <NUM> from exiting the opening <NUM> in a direction towards the external surface 8a. , the stopper means <NUM> has dimensions which are at least partially larger than the dimensions of the slot 4a.

As mentioned above, the switch <NUM> may be provided with crush ribs protruding from the circumference of the switch <NUM>. The crush ribs are configured to provide a tight fit between the exterior of the switch <NUM> and the interior of the opening <NUM>.

In a further embodiment, the connector <NUM> is configured to be arranged outside of the opening <NUM>, in abutment with the internal surface 8b. This embodiment comprises a switch <NUM> provided with at least one pin 4c protruding in the direction of the center axis C. As mentioned above, the pin 4c comprises an end section 4d having an increased cross-section, and
the connector <NUM> comprises at least one partially open-ended slit 3b. The slit 3b is configured to interlock releasably with the pin 4c in a direction which is perpendicular to the center axis C, and interlock unreleasably with the pin 4c in the direction of the center axis C.

In one embodiment, the button structure <NUM> further comprises a compressive means arranged between the internal surface and the connector, e.g. a gasket. The compressive means may be made of rubber or a foam material. The compressive means is compressed between internal surface 8b and connector <NUM>, hence providing a constant force on the connector <NUM>, and hence the switch <NUM>, in a direction inwards towards the interior of the electronic device.

<FIG> and <FIG> show embodiments of an electronic device configured to receive the above-mentioned button structure <NUM>. The electronic device comprises a housing <NUM> having an external surface 8a and an internal surface 8b, the surfaces 8a, 8b being connected by a through-going opening <NUM>. The button structure <NUM> comprises a switch <NUM> and a connector <NUM>. The switch <NUM> is configured to be inserted into the through-going opening <NUM>, and the connector <NUM> is configured to interlock with the switch <NUM> such that the switch <NUM> cannot be separated from the connector <NUM> by means of movement in a direction out of the through-going opening <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the switch <NUM> comprises a slot 4a and at least one wedge-shaped groove 4b extending from the slot 4a, and the connector <NUM> comprises at least one resilient contact blade 3a configured to interlock with the wedge-shaped groove 4b.

In a further embodiment, the switch <NUM> comprises at least one pin 4c provided with an end section 4d having an increased cross-section, and the connector <NUM> comprises at least one partially open-ended slit 3b. The slit 3b is configured to interlock releasably with the pin end section 4d in a direction which is perpendicular to the through-going opening <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the electronic device is provided with a button structure <NUM> by means of the following steps. Firstly, the push-button <NUM> is connected to the switch <NUM>. In one embodiment, this is done in a direction which is perpendicular to the center axis C of the switch <NUM>. Secondly, the switch <NUM> is inserted into the opening <NUM>, in a direction from the external surface 8a. Thirdly, the connector <NUM> is connected to the switch <NUM> such that the switch <NUM> cannot be separated from the connector <NUM> by means of movement in the direction of the opening <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the third step comprises inserting the connector <NUM> into the slot 4a extending within the switch <NUM>, in a direction from the internal surface 8b, and the connector <NUM> interlocking with the slot 4a such that the switch <NUM> cannot be removed from the opening <NUM>.

In a further embodiment, the third step comprises interlocking the at least one slit 3b and at least one pin 4c, in a direction which is perpendicular to the opening <NUM>, such that the connector <NUM> abuts the internal surface 8b and the switch <NUM> cannot be removed from the opening <NUM> without removing the connector <NUM> from the housing <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A button structure (<NUM>) for an electronic device, said electronic device comprising a housing (<NUM>) having an external surface (8a) and an internal surface (8b), said surfaces (8a, 8b) being connected by a through-going opening (<NUM>),
said button structure (<NUM>) comprising
a push-button (<NUM>) and a switch assembly (<NUM>),
wherein said switch assembly (<NUM>) comprises a switch (<NUM>) and a connector (<NUM>), characterised in that
said switch (<NUM>) and said connector (<NUM>) are configured to interlock, and said switch (<NUM>) comprises connection means (<NUM>) extending at least partially along a center axis (C) of said switch, said connection means (<NUM>) is configured to receive at least a part of said connector (<NUM>), and
wherein said switch (<NUM>) is configured to be inserted into said opening (<NUM>) in a direction from said external surface (8a), and said connector (<NUM>) is configured to be connected to said switch (<NUM>) such that said switch assembly (<NUM>) is secured to said housing (<NUM>).