PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9952558-B2
Application Number: US-201615064057-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Compressible seal for rotatable and translatable input mechanisms

Abstract:
An electronic device has a housing and a rotatable and translatable input mechanism. The housing has an aperture and the rotatable and translatable input mechanism has a shaft positioned at least partially within the aperture and a manipulation structure coupled to the shaft. The manipulation structure may be manipulated to rotationally and translationally move the shaft to provide rotational and translational input to the electronic device. A compressible seal is positioned in a gap between the housing and the rotatable and translatable input mechanism. The compressible seal may resist and/or prevent passage of contaminants into the aperture and/or obscure one or more internal components. The compressible seal may be configured to collapse or bend when the rotatable and translatable member translates.

Claims:
I claim: 
     
       1. A wearable electronic device, comprising:
 a housing defining an aperture; 
 an input mechanism including a shaft extending into the aperture, the input mechanism configured to allow smooth rotation; 
 an optical sensing element within the housing and configured to detect a rotation of the shaft; 
 a tactile dome switch within the housing and configured to detect an inward translation of the shaft; 
 a first gasket positioned around the shaft and within a portion of the aperture that defines a minimum internal diameter of the aperture; 
 a second gasket positioned around the shaft, within the portion of the aperture and separated from the first gasket by an offset; and 
 a display positioned at least partially within the housing and configured to provide an output that is responsive to each of:
 the inward translation of the shaft; and 
 the rotation of the shaft. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The wearable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the aperture defines a smooth cylindrically shaped surface that extends from an external surface of the housing to an internal surface of the housing; and 
 the cylindrically shaped surface has a constant radius that is equal to the minimum internal diameter of the aperture. 
 
     
     
       3. The wearable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first and second gaskets are configured to move within the aperture in response to the inward translation of the input mechanism; and 
 the first and second gaskets are configured to move within the aperture in response to the rotation of the input mechanism. 
 
     
     
       4. The wearable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second gaskets provide a structural support for the shaft during the inward translation and the rotation of the input mechanism. 
     
     
       5. The wearable electronic device of  claim 4 , wherein the first and second gaskets provide a barrier to contaminants entering through the aperture. 
     
     
       6. The wearable electronic device of  claim 4 , wherein the first and second gaskets form a seal to prevent ingress of liquids through the aperture. 
     
     
       7. The wearable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second gaskets are at least partially compressed between a surface of the aperture and a corresponding surface of the shaft. 
     
     
       8. The wearable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the shaft defines a first groove and a second groove; 
 the first gasket is a first O-ring positioned in the first groove; and 
 the second gasket is a second O-ring positioned in the second groove. 
 
     
     
       9. A watch, comprising:
 a housing defining an opening and an aperture; 
 a display positioned within the opening; 
 an input mechanism having a shaft positioned at least partially within the aperture, the input mechanism configured to rotate without tactile feedback; 
 a tactile dome switch configured to actuate in response to an inward translation of the input mechanism; 
 an optical sensor positioned along a side of the shaft and configured to produce an output that varies in response to a rotation of the input mechanism; 
 a first O-ring gasket positioned between a surface of the shaft and a smallest diameter portion of an inner surface of the aperture; 
 a second O-ring gasket positioned between the surface of the shaft and the smallest diameter portion of the inner surface of the aperture, the second O-ring separated from the first O-ring gasket by an offset; and 
 a processing element configured to modify an output of the display in response to each of:
 the actuation of the tactile dome switch due to the inward translation of the input mechanism; and 
 the output of the optical sensor in response to the rotation of the input mechanism. 
 
 
     
     
       10. The watch of  claim 9 , wherein the smallest diameter portion of the aperture extends through a wall of the housing. 
     
     
       11. The watch of  claim 9 , wherein:
 the shaft defines an annular groove; and 
 the first O-ring gasket is retained within the annular groove. 
 
     
     
       12. The watch of  claim 11 , wherein the annular groove has a rounded shape that corresponds to a profile of the first O-ring gasket. 
     
     
       13. The watch of  claim 9 , wherein:
 the first O-ring gasket is at least partially compressed between the shaft and the inner surface of the aperture; and 
 the first O-ring gasket is configured to maintain a seal between the shaft and the inner surface of the aperture during the inward translation and the rotation of the input mechanism. 
 
     
     
       14. The watch of  claim 9 , wherein:
 the input mechanism further comprises a flanged component; and 
 the flanged component has a flange diameter that is greater than a diameter of the aperture. 
 
     
     
       15. The watch of  claim 14 , wherein the flanged component limits an outward translation of the input mechanism in a direction that is opposite to a direction of the inward translation of the input mechanism. 
     
     
       16. The watch of  claim 9 , wherein the input mechanism further comprises:
 a manipulation structure coupled to the shaft and positioned along a side of the housing; and 
 a cap positioned within a recess of the manipulation structure and forming a portion of an exterior surface of the input mechanism. 
 
     
     
       17. A watch comprising:
 a housing defining an aperture that extends from an external surface to an internal surface; 
 a display positioned at least partially within the housing; 
 an input mechanism comprising a shaft that extends through the aperture; 
 a first gasket positioned along the shaft at a first position within the aperture; 
 a second gasket positioned along the shaft at a second position within the aperture, the first and second positions located at a smallest diameter portion of the aperture and separated by an offset; 
 a tactile dome switch configured to detect a translation of the input mechanism; and 
 an optical sensing element configured to detect a rotation of the input mechanism; wherein:
 the first and second gaskets are configured to support the input mechanism within the aperture of the housing during the translation of the input mechanism and the rotation of the input mechanism; and 
 an output of the display is responsive to each of:
 the translation of the input mechanism; and 
 the rotation of the input mechanism. 
 
 
 
     
     
       18. The watch of  claim 17 , wherein the first and second gaskets are configured to block ingress of contaminants through the aperture. 
     
     
       19. The watch of  claim 17 , wherein the first and second gaskets are configured to prevent ingress of liquid through the aperture. 
     
     
       20. The watch of  claim 19 , wherein:
 the shaft defines first and second grooves; 
 the first and second gaskets are positioned within the first and second grooves, respectively; 
 the first gasket is at least partially compressed between a first surface of the first groove and an inner surface of the aperture; and 
 the second gasket is at least partially compressed between a second surface of the second groove and the inner surface of the aperture. 
 
     
     
       21. The watch of  claim 19 , wherein:
 the input mechanism further defines a flange that is configured to contact an inner surface of the housing surrounding the aperture; and 
 the flange restricts an outward translation of the input mechanism. 
 
     
     
       22. The watch of  claim 21 , wherein the flange is defined by an annular component attached to the shaft.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a nonprovisional patent application of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/129,953, filed Mar. 8, 2015 and titled “Compressible Seal for Rotatable and Translatable Input Mechanisms,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to rotatable and translatable input mechanisms such as a rotatable and translatable crown mechanism for an electronic device, and more specifically to a compressible seal for a rotatable and translatable input mechanism that forms a barrier against contaminants such as dust and a concealing surface that obscures internal components. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many types of electronic or other devices such as small form factor devices utilize input devices to receive user input. Such devices may be waterproofed and/or otherwise sealed. However, input devices included in such devices may form weak points for such waterproofing and/or other sealing. Further, such input devices may disrupt the appearance of the devices. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure details systems and apparatuses related to input mechanisms that are operable to rotate and translate in order to provide input. 
     In one embodiment, an electronic device may have a housing and an associated rotatable and translatable input mechanism. The housing may define an aperture through which a shaft of the rotatable and translatable input mechanism extends. The input mechanism may also have a manipulation structure coupled to the shaft. The manipulation structure may be manipulated to rotationally and/or translationally move the shaft to provide one or more types of input to the electronic device. 
     A compressible seal may be positioned in a gap between the housing and the rotatable and translatable input mechanism. The compressible seal may resist and/or prevent passage of contaminants into the aperture and/or obscure one or more internal components. The compressible seal may be configured to collapse or bend when the rotatable and translatable member translates. 
     In various embodiments, an input mechanism assembly may include a housing having an aperture. The input mechanism assembly may also include a rotatable and translatable member having a shaft positioned at least partially within the aperture and a manipulation structure coupled to the shaft and separated from the housing by a gap. The input mechanism assembly may additionally include a compressible seal positioned in the gap that resists passage of contaminants into the aperture and is configured to collapse when the rotatable and translatable member translates to decrease the gap between the manipulation structure and the housing. 
     In some embodiments, a wearable electronic device may include a body having an aperture. The wearable electronic device may also include a crown having a knob coupled to a stem that is positioned at least partially within the aperture. The crown may be operable to rotate and translate with respect to the body. The wearable electronic device may further include a tactile structure connected to the crown that is actuatable by translation of the crown and an elastomer Y-ring positioned between the crown and the body configured to bend when the crown translates to move the knob toward the housing. The elastomer Y-ring may obscure at least one component with a different visual appearance than the knob. 
     In one or more embodiments, a system may include a wearable device having an enclosure or housing and a collar coupled to an aperture of the enclosure. The collar may have an outside and an inside. The system may further include an input mechanism moveably connected to the collar having a first portion and a second portion. The system may also include a compressible structure positioned between the enclosure and the input mechanism. The first portion may be moveably coupled to the outside of the collar via at least one bushing and the second portion may be positioned within the inside of the collar such that the input mechanism is operable to rotate and translate with respect to the collar. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are for purposes of example and explanation and do not necessarily limit the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate subject matter of the disclosure. Together, the descriptions and the drawings serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of system including an electronic device and a rotatable and translatable input mechanism assembly. 
         FIG. 2  is a simplified block diagram illustrating functional relationships of example components that may be utilized in some implementations of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-section view of the electronic device of  FIG. 1  taken along line A-A in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  illustrates the view of  FIG. 3  upon a user input force being applied to the manipulation structure of the input mechanism assembly. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates another implementation of the electronic device of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6  illustrates the view of  FIG. 5  upon a user input force being applied to the manipulation structure of the input mechanism assembly. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates still another implementation of the electronic device of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 8  illustrates the view of  FIG. 7  upon a user input force being applied to the manipulation structure of the input mechanism assembly. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates still another implementation of the electronic device of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 10  illustrates force curves corresponding to actuation of the tactile structure, compression of the compressible seal, and the combination of actuation of the tactile structure and compression of the compressible seal. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The description that follows includes sample systems and apparatuses that embody various elements of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the described embodiments may be practiced in a variety of forms in addition to those described herein. 
     The present disclosure details systems and apparatuses related to input mechanisms that are operable to rotate and translate in order to provide input. Various embodiments may provide waterproofing and/or other sealing for these input mechanisms. One or more embodiments may affect appearances of these input mechanisms. 
     In one embodiment electronic device may have a housing and an associated rotatable and translatable input mechanism. The housing may define an aperture through which a shaft of the rotatable and translatable input mechanism extends. The input mechanism may also have a manipulation structure coupled to the shaft. The manipulation structure may be manipulated to rotationally and/or translationally move the shaft to provide one or more types of input to the electronic device. 
     A compressible seal may be positioned in a gap between the housing and the rotatable and translatable input mechanism. The compressible seal may resist and/or prevent passage of contaminants into the aperture and/or obscure one or more internal components. The compressible seal may be configured to collapse or bend when the rotatable and translatable member translates. 
       FIG. 1  is a top plan view of an electronic device  102  having a body, housing, or other enclosure or housing  114  and a rotatable and translatable input mechanism assembly  110  (such as a crown). As the input mechanism assembly  110  is rotatable and translatable, the input mechanism assembly  110  may be operable to receive multiple kinds of input for the electronic device  102 . For example, the input mechanism assembly  110  may be operable to receive button input and rotating knob input. 
     A compressible seal or structure (one example of which is shown in  FIG. 3 ) may be positioned between the input mechanism assembly  110  and the enclosure  114  that resists passage of contaminants into internal portions of the input mechanism assembly  110  and/or the electronic device  102 . Portions of the compressible seal may collapse and/or bend to allow translational movement of the input mechanism assembly  110 . The compressible seal may be configured to obscure and/or otherwise block from view internal components of the input mechanism assembly  110  and/or the electronic device  102 . Such a configuration may allow use of internal components formed of different materials and/or with different surfaces than the enclosure  114  and/or external portions of the input mechanism assembly  110  while preventing the internal components from being visible from outside the housing  114 . 
     The electronic device  102  is shown in  FIG. 1  as a wearable electronic device having a display  116 . However, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, the electronic device may be any kind of electronic device that utilizes a rotatable and translatable input mechanism. Sample electronic devices include a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a mobile computer, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a fitness monitor, a personal media player, a display, audiovisual equipment, and so on. 
       FIG. 2  is a simplified block diagram illustrating functional relationships of example components that may be utilized in some implementations of the electronic device  102  of  FIG. 1 . As shown, the electronic device  102  may include a number of interconnected components, such as one or more processing elements  124 , one or more input/output components  130  (which may include one or more communication components), one or more power sources  122  (such as one or more batteries), one or more sensors  126 , one or more input components such as the input mechanism assembly  110 , one or more displays  116 , and one or more memories  128  and/or other non-transitory storage components. The processing element  124  may execute instructions stored in the memory  128  and/or other non-transitory storage components to perform various functions. For example, the processing element  124  may receive input via the input mechanism assembly  110  (and/or other components such as the display  116  in implementations where the display  116  is a touch display), provide output via the display  116  and/or the input/output components  130 , transmit one or more communications via the input/output components  130 , and so on. 
       FIG. 3  is a partial cross-section view of the electronic device  102  taken along line A-A in  FIG. 1 . As illustrated, the input mechanism assembly  110  may include a cap  303  (such as zirconia, sapphire, and so on) fitted into an aperture of a manipulation structure  148  (such as a knob that may be made of aluminum, gold, or other material with a variety of surface finishes such as matte, polished, and so on). The cap  303  may be fitted into the manipulation structure  148  via an adhesive mechanism  278  such as heat activated film, pressure sensitive adhesive, and so on. A coupling  218  (which may be formed of a material such as titanium) may be attached into a cavity or recess of the manipulation structure  148 . The coupling  218  may include outer arms  276  and a stem or shaft  240 . The input mechanism assembly  110  may further include an extender  226  (which may be formed of a material such as cobalt chrome) that interlocks with an end  222  of the shaft  240 . Movement of the shaft  240  may thus also move the extender  226 . 
     Although the manipulation structure  148  is illustrated in  FIG. 3  as including the cap  303 , it is understood that this is an example. In some implementations, the coupling  218  may screw into threads of the cavity or recess (not shown) and be fixed in place by glue and/or other adhesive mechanism. 
     As shown, the enclosure  114  may define an input mechanism aperture  172  that extends from an outer surface  260  of the enclosure  114  to an interior surface  190 . One or more portions of the input mechanism assembly  110  may be positioned in the input mechanism aperture  172  such that the input mechanism assembly  110  is able to rotate and translate with respect to the enclosure or housing  114 . 
     As shown, a collar  220  may abut enclosure  114 , extend through the input mechanism aperture  172  and interlock with a bracket  302 . In some embodiments, one or both of the collar  220  and the bracket  302  may be formed from cobalt chrome. A gasket  279  may be positioned between the enclosure  114  and the collar  220  and may compress when the collar  220  is interlocked with the bracket  302 . The gasket  279  may have one or more external scallops or indentations  281  to permit the gasket  279  to expand when a compressive force is exerted on the gasket, as may occur when the collar  220  is screwed into or otherwise moved near the bracket  302 . 
     When not under external force, the gasket  279  may be I-shaped in cross-section. The indentation(s)  281  in the sidewall gasket  279  permit the interior of the gasket to expand outward under the aforementioned compressive force. This, in turn, may permit the I-shaped gasket  279  to be used in uneven-shaped or relatively small that may be unsuitable for an O-ring having a diameter similar to, or the same as, the height of the gasket  279 . Such an O-ring, when under compressive force, may be unable to expand into the limited space available and thus may prevent the collar  220  and bracket  302  from securely locking together. 
     The outer arms  276  of the coupling may positioned around an outside of the collar  220  and the shaft  240  may be positioned at least partially within an inside of the collar  220 . As such, the input mechanism assembly  110  may be moveably connected within and around the inside and the outside of the collar  220  so as to be rotationally and translationally moveable. 
     A compressible seal  271  may be positioned between one or more portions of the input mechanism assembly  110  and the enclosure  114 . The compressible seal  271  may resist or prevent passage of contaminants (e.g., dust, particles, and/or liquids) into a gap  270  between the input mechanism assembly  110  and the housing  114 . The compressible seal  271  may collapse and/or bend to allow translational movement of the input mechanism assembly  110 . 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view similar to that of  FIG. 3 , but showing the input mechanism assembly  110  under external force such as a user pressing on the cap  303 . As show, the external force moves the manipulation structure  148  closer to the enclosure  114 . The compressible seal may be configured to obscure and/or otherwise block from view internal components of the input mechanism assembly  110  and/or the electronic device  102 . 
     A bushing  277  may be connected to the outer arm  276  of the coupling and be positioned adjacent a portion of the seal  271 . The bushing  277  may cooperate with an outside of the collar  220  to allow the outer arms  276  to rotate around and translate along the collar  220 . Thus, the bushing  277  may bear the majority of the stress of rotation and/or translation of the input mechanism assembly  110 . As shown, the bushing  277  may be set into a recess  280  of the coupling arm  276  and at least partially covered by a plate  275  (such as a washer made of titanium or other material that may be welded or otherwise affixed to the coupling arm  276 ). These features may reduce separation of the bushing  277  caused by stress during movement and/or movement of the bushing  277 . 
     In some implementations, the bushing  277  may be formed of a material such as high molecular weight polyethylene and the collar  220  may have a polished and/or coated surface so that friction and/or stress is minimized when the bushing  277  moves along and/or around the collar  220 . As the compressible seal  271  may obscure the collar  220 , the polished surface of the collar  220  may not be externally visible and may not visually distract from surfaces of the manipulation structure  148  and/or the enclosure  114 . 
     One or more gaskets  154  (such as one or more O-rings) may be positioned between the shaft  240  and the collar  220 . The gaskets  154  may cooperate with an inside of the collar  220  to allow the shaft  240  to rotate and translate within the collar  220 . The inside of the collar  220  may also be coated and/or polished to facilitate movement of the gaskets  154  to better allow the shaft  240  to rotate and translate within the collar  220 . Such gaskets  154  may also form a barrier against entry of contaminants such as dust, dirt, and/or liquid into the housing  114 , and may be at least partially compressed when the shaft  240  is affixed to an extender  226 , as described below. 
     As shown, the gaskets  154  may be positioned in one or more indentations or annular grooves of the shaft  240 . Such indentations may operate to prevent movement of the gaskets  154  along the length of the shaft  240  during movement of the shaft  240 . Such indentations may also allow the shaft  240  to have as wide a diameter as possible while allowing room for the gaskets  154 . In some embodiments, the indentations have rounded edges. In other implementations, the indentations may be further rounded and/or otherwise shaped to more closely conform to the shape of the gaskets  154  in order to maximize the size of the shaft  240  while still allowing room for the gaskets  154 . However, in still other implementations the indentations may be square and/or otherwise shaped without rounded edges. 
     Two gaskets  154  are shown. However, it is understood that this is an example and that different numbers of gaskets  154  may be utilized in various implementations. One gasket  154  may be utilized to allow rotation and translation of the shaft  240  as well as forming a barrier against entry of contaminants. However, multiple gaskets  154  may be utilized in other embodiments in order to provide stability for the shaft  240  during rotation and/or translation. 
     The extender  226  may be operable to transfer translational movement of the shaft  240  to a tactile structure  214  mounted on a substrate  166  via a shear plate  156 . Translational movement of the shaft  240  that moves the manipulation structure  148  closer to the enclosure  114  may activate the tactile structure  214  via the extender  226  and the shear plate  156 . 
     The extender  226  may be flanged as shown and/or otherwise configured such that the extender  226  is unable to pass through the input mechanism aperture  172 . This may allow the extender  226  to prevent the input mechanism assembly  110  from being removed from the electronic device  102  after the extender  226  and the shaft  240  are attached. Further, the extender  226  may have a larger area than the shaft  240 . This may provide the extender  226  with a larger surface area than the shaft  240  for contacting the shear plate  156  and/or for other purposes. 
     In some implementations, the tactile structure  214  may include a switch  252  and activation of the switch  252  may be interpreted as input related to translational movement of the input mechanism assembly  110  by the electronic device  102 . Regardless whether or not the tactile structure  214  includes the switch  252 , actuation of the tactile structure  214  may be operable to transfer a tactile output to the manipulation structure  148  via the shear plate  156 , the extender  226 , and the shaft  240 . For example, the tactile structure  214  may include a dome  216 . The dome  216  may contact the shear plate  156 . Activation of the tactile structure  214  by a force causing translational movement of the shaft  240  that moves the manipulation structure  148  closer to the enclosure  114  may compress the dome  216  (as shown in  FIG. 4 ) and transfer a tactile sensation of a ‘button click’ that may be felt via the manipulation structure  148 . Compression of the dome  216  may also produce an audible output in some implementations. When the force is no longer exerted, the dome  216  may decompress, causing translational movement of the shaft  240  that, in turn, moves the manipulation structure  148  away from the enclosure  114  as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     The shear plate  156  may include a shim  250  that shields the tactile structure  214  from stress or damage related to movement of the extender  226 . In some implementations, a contact plate  158  may be connected to the shim  250  that maintains electrical connection to the extender  226  during rotation and/or translation. This contact plate  158  may form an electrical pathway between the electronic device  102  and the input mechanism assembly  110 , such as in implementations where an electrical connection may be formed between a user and the electronic device  102  by the user touching the manipulation structure  148 . 
     One or more trackable elements  146  that may be detected by one or more sensing elements  142  may be utilized in various implementations. As shown, in some implementations (such as the embodiment of  FIG. 9 ) the trackable elements  146  may be formed on a surface of the extender  226 . In other implementations, the trackable element  146  may be a separate component coupled to the extender  226 . Typically, as the shaft and collar rotate, so too does the trackable element rotate. 
     Movement of the trackable element  146  that is detected by the sensing element  142  may be interpreted as an input by the electronic device  102 . Such movement of the trackable element  146  may correspond to rotation and/or translation of the extender  226  and may be interpreted as rotational and/or translational input accordingly. Some embodiments may configure the trackable element such that the sensing element may detect rotational motion and input, while others may configure the trackable element  146  to permit detection of translational motion and input. Still others may configure the trackable element  146  to permit detection of both types of motion and/or input. 
     For example, the trackable element  146  may be a magnetic element. In such an example, the sensing element  142  may be a magnetic field sensor such as a Hall effect sensor. 
     By way of another example, the trackable element  146  may be optically sensed. The trackable element  146  may be or include a pattern, such as a series, set or other pattern of light and dark marks, stripes, scallops, indentations, or the like, or areas of varying reflectance, polish, and so on and the sensing element  142  may receive light generated by the sensing element  142  and/or another light source and reflected off the trackable element  146 . The reflected light may vary with the pattern of the trackable element  146 , such that the reflected light may be sensed and the pattern of the trackable element  146  on which the light impinged may be determined. Thus, if the pattern of the trackable element  146  is sufficiently unique along its surface and/or circumference, rotational and/or translational movement of the trackable element  146  and thus input corresponding thereto may be detected by the sensing element  142 . 
     In some implementations, input related to both rotational and translational movement of the input mechanism assembly  110  may be detected by the sensing element  142 . In other implementations, input related to rotational movement of the input mechanism assembly  110  may be detected by the sensing element  142  and input related to translational movement of the input mechanism assembly  110  may be detected by a combination of the sensing element  142  and activation of the tactile structure  214 . In still other implementations, input related to rotational movement of the input mechanism assembly  110  may be detected by the sensing element  142  and input related to translational movement of the input mechanism assembly  110  may be detected by activation of the tactile structure  214 . Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     The compressible seal  271  will now be discussed in more detail. As discussed above, the compressible seal  271  (which may be formed by compression molding and/or another process of a material such as an elastomer, silicone, polyurethane, hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber, a fluoroelastomer such as one marketed under the brand name Viton™, and/or other such material) may be operable to collapse and/or bend in order to allow translational movement of the input mechanism assembly  110 . In some embodiments, the compressible seal  271  may be formed from another suitable elastomer, polymer, or metal. As one non-limiting example, the compressible seal could be formed from cobalt-chrome or titanium sheet metal, and may be about 0.01 mm thick.  FIG. 4  illustrates translational movement of the input mechanism assembly  110  that moves the manipulation structure  148  closer to the enclosure  114 , causing the compressible seal  271  to collapse. 
     As opposed to a sealing member such as an O-ring that compresses under force but does not collapse or bend, the compressible seal  271  may not change the shape of the force curve corresponding to activation of the tactile structure  214 .  FIG. 10  is a graph illustrating a force curve  1001  corresponding to actuation of the tactile structure  214 , a force curve  1002  corresponding to compression of the compressible seal  271 , and a force curve  1003  corresponding to the combination of actuation of the tactile structure  214  and compression of the compressible seal  271 . As illustrated, compression of the compressible seal  271  may be a linear slope of relatively little force compared to the force curve  1002 . Though combining the force curves  1001  and  1002  does change the magnitude of the force curve  1003  by the additional force related to compressing the compressible seal  271 , the shape of the force curves  1002  and  1003  are unchanged. 
     The compressible seal  271  may allow rotation of the input mechanism assembly  110 . In some implementations, the compressible seal  271  may be freely spinning or moving, unfixed from either the enclosure  114  or the input mechanism assembly  110 . As such, the compressible seal  271  may move with rotation of the input mechanism assembly  110  if the friction between the input mechanism assembly  110  and the compressible seal  271  is sufficient to move the compressible seal  271  and/or to overcome friction between the compressible seal  271  and the enclosure  114 . Thus, rotation of the input mechanism assembly  110  may or may not be transferred to the compressible seal  271 . In other implementations, the compressible seal  271  may be fixed to the enclosure  114  or one or more portions of the input mechanism assembly  110 . 
     As discussed above, the compressible seal  271  may function as a barrier against entry of contaminants into the input mechanism assembly  110  (such as into spaces between the bushing  277  and the collar  220 ) and/or the electronic device  102 . The compressible seal  271  may resist passage of dirt, dust, and/or other particles. The compressible seal  271  may also resist passage of liquid absent hydrostatic pressure (i.e. unpressurized liquid). In various implementations, the compressible seal  271  may still allow passage of pressurized liquid. As the compressible seal  271  allows the input mechanism assembly  110  to rotate and/or translate, the compressible seal  271  may resist passage of contaminants while the input mechanism assembly  110  is rotating and/or translating. 
     Thus, the compressible seal  271  may provide a first barrier against entry of contaminants such as dust and unpressurized liquid into the input mechanism assembly  110 . The gaskets  154  may form a second barrier against entry of contaminants such as pressurized liquid into the enclosure  114 . As such, the gaskets  154  may form a more comprehensive barrier than the compressible seal  271 . 
     As also discussed above, the compressible seal  271  may be configured to perform a concealing function. The compressible seal  271  may be configured to obscure and/or otherwise block various components from view. Such components may be visually distracting and/or be formed of different materials and/or with different finishes than the enclosure  114  and/or the manipulation structure  148 . 
     For example, the compressible seal  271  may block the collar  220  from view. This may allow the collar  220  to be formed of a polished metal without allowing such polished metal to be visible from outside the electronic device  102 . 
     In some cases, the compressible seal  271  may be configured with optical properties that trap light and/or are otherwise not visually distracting. For example, a compressible seal  271  formed of a fluoroelastomer and/or other elastomer may be configured with a matte (as opposed to a glossy and/or otherwise reflective) surface and may be colored a dark color (such as a dark grey). A matte finish and a dark color may function to trap light so that the compressible seal  271  is not visually distracting and visual focus is instead drawn to the display  116 , the enclosure  114 , and/or the manipulation structure  148 . 
     As shown, the compressible seal  271  may be a Y-ring with a first arm  272  and a second arm  273  positioned obliquely with respect to each other. The first arm  272  may have a first end that contacts the enclosure  114  and a second end that connects to the second arm  273  via a base portion  274 . The second arm  273  may have a third end that contacts the input mechanism assembly  110  (shown as contacting the plate  275 ) and a fourth end that connects to the first arm  272  via the base portion  274 . As shown in  FIGS. 3-4 , translational movement of the input mechanism assembly  110  that moves the manipulation structure  148  closer to the enclosure  114  (decreasing a gap between the manipulation structure  148  and the enclosure  114 ) may cause the first and second arms  272  and  273  to move toward each other. 
     However, it is understood that this is an example. In other implementations, the compressible seal  271  may have a shape other than a Y shape, such as an X shape, a U shape, a V shape, and/or other shape. For example,  FIG. 5  illustrates a first alternative example of the electronic device  102  of  FIG. 3 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , a compressible seal  571  may be positioned in a space between the enclosure  114  and the input mechanism assembly  110 . The compressible seal  571  may include connected first and second portions  501  and  502  that are angled with respect to each other. The second portion  502  may contact the plate  275  and/or other portion of the input mechanism assembly  110 .  FIG. 6  illustrates bending of the first and second portions  501  and  502  in response to translational movement of the input mechanism assembly  110  closer to the enclosure  114 . As such, the compressible seal  571  may form a barrier against entry of contaminants into the input mechanism assembly  110  and may obscure components of the input mechanism assembly  110  such as the collar  220  even though the compressible seal  571  does not contact the enclosure  114 . The compressible seal  571  may still allow rotational and translational movement of the input mechanism assembly  110  even though the compressible seal  571  does not contact the enclosure  114 . 
     By way of another example,  FIG. 7  illustrates a second alternative example of the electronic device  102  of  FIG. 3 . As illustrated, a V shaped compressible seal  771  may be between the enclosure  114  and the input mechanism assembly  110 . The compressible seal  771  may include a first portion  701  that attaches or otherwise contacts the plate  275  and a second portion  702  that is angularly positioned with respect to the first portion  701  to contact the enclosure  114 .  FIG. 8  illustrates the compressible seal  771  in on itself, moving the second portion  702  closer to the first portion  701 , in response to translational movement of the input mechanism assembly  110  that moves the manipulation structure  148  closer to the enclosure  114 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates yet another sample embodiment of a rotatable and translatable input mechanism. The general structure of the mechanism is similar to, or the same as, that described with respect to prior embodiments and so discussion of like or similar parts is omitted with respect to this figure. 
     Here, however, the switch  252 , its substrate  166 , the shear plate  156  and contact plate  158 , may be configured as part of a modular assembly  900 . In some embodiments, the sensing element  142  may be a component of the modular structure  900  as well, although this is not necessarily required. Likewise, any flex or other electrical connector associated with any of the components of the modular structure  900  may also be included within the structure as an option. 
     Generally, the modular assembly  900  may be contained within a module wall  901 . The various elements of the assembly  900  may be affixed to the modular wall  901  or otherwise contained therein in a relatively stable fashion. During assembly of a sample electronic device  102 , the modular assembly  900  may be placed within a cavity formed by the housing  114 . A support structure, such as a plate  903 , may be affixed to an interior of the housing  114 . One or more screws  905 ,  907  or other suitable fastener, adhesive, weld or bond may affix the modular wall  901  (and thus the assembly  900 ) to the support structure  903  and ultimately the housing  114 . In some embodiments the sensing element  142  may be positioned prior to affixing the modular assembly  900  to the support structure  903 . In still other embodiments the support structure  903  may be held fixedly in place against the housing  114  by the bracket  302 . 
     Returning to  FIG. 3 , in some implementations, a module  300  may be provided that includes multiple components joined into a structure such as a frame  301 , the bracket  302  (which may be attached to the frame  301  such as screwed in via threads of the bracket  302  and the frame  301  not shown), the extender  226 , the shear plate  156 , the substrate  166 , the sensing element  142 , the tactile structure  214 , and so on. The module  300  may be placed into the enclosure  114 . The tactile structure  214  and the shear plate  156  may bias the extender  226  toward the bracket  302 , holding the extender  226  in place. 
     The collar  220  may be inserted into the input mechanism aperture  172  with the gasket  279  in between, attaching the collar  220  to the bracket  302  (such as by screwing the collar  220  into the bracket  302  via interlocking threads) and causing the gasket  279  to compress and bulge into the indentations  281 . 
     The coupling  218  with the manipulation structure  148  may be placed over the collar  220 , positioning the compressible seal  271  between the enclosure  114  and the input mechanism assembly  110 , such that the shaft  240  is inserted into the collar  220 . The end  222  may be inserted into and attached to the extender  226  (such as screwed in via interlocking threads). As shown, the end  222  may have a smaller diameter than the rest of the shaft  240  such that the extender  226  braces against the shaft  240  when the end  222  is positioned within the extender  226 . 
     Although a particular method of assembly has been described above, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, various configurations of the same, similar, and/or different components may be assembled in a variety of orders and ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     As described above an illustrated in the accompanying figures, the present disclosure systems and apparatuses related to input mechanisms that are operable to rotate and translate. An electronic device may have a housing and a rotatable and translatable input mechanism. The housing may have an aperture and the rotatable and translatable input mechanism may have a shaft positioned at least partially within the aperture and a manipulation structure coupled to the shaft. The manipulation structure may be manipulated to rotationally and translationally move the shaft to provide rotational and translational input to the electronic device. A compressible seal may be positioned in a gap between the housing and the rotatable and translatable input mechanism. The compressible seal may resist and/or prevent passage of contaminants into the aperture and/or obscure one or more internal components. The compressible seal may be configured to collapse or bend when the rotatable and translatable member translates. 
     It is believed that the present disclosure and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components without departing from the disclosed subject matter or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form described is merely explanatory, and it is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes. 
     While the present disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. More generally, embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure have been described in the context or particular embodiments. Functionality may be separated or combined in blocks differently in various embodiments of the disclosure or described with different terminology. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims that follow.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20160308
Publication Date: 20180424
Grant Date: 20180424
Priority Date: 20150308
Inventors: ELY, COLIN M.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G04B37/081", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H25/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04B37/081", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2300/016", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04C3/005", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H25/065", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05G25/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05G5/05", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H25/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05G25/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05G1/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05G9/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H25/065", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04B3/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04C3/005", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04B37/106", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05G9/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04B37/081", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05G5/05", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G21/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0362", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04B37/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05G1/025", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0362", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H25/065", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05G1/025", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H25/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G21/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04C3/005", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2300/016", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2300/016", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04B37/106", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H25/065", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0362", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2300/016", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04B27/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05G1/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05G5/05", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H25/065", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04B37/081", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05G25/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2300/016", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04B3/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0362", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05G1/025", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H25/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G21/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04B37/106", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04B27/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04C3/005", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05G1/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05G9/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0362", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 55588602