PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10002731-B2
Application Number: US-201514926618-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Rocker input mechanism

Abstract:
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.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic device, comprising:
 a housing, comprising:
 an external surface; and 
 an internal surface opposite to the external surface; wherein 
 the housing defines an aperture extending from the external surface to the internal surface; and 
 
 a button positioned in the aperture, comprising:
 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; 
 a protrusion extending towards an internal portion of the housing and configured to engage the internal portion of the housing to prevent simultaneous activation of first and second dome switches positioned below the button; and 
 a pivot portion disposed on the retention lip between the first and the second actuation regions and defining a first pivot axis and a second pivot axis different from the first pivot axis; wherein 
 
 the button is configured to rotate about the first pivot axis in response to an actuation of the first actuation region and to rotate about the second pivot axis in response to an actuation of the second actuation region; 
 when the button is in an unactuated state, the protrusion is separated from the internal portion of the housing by a gap; and 
 when the button is in an actuated state, the protrusion contacts the internal portion of the housing. 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the pivot portion is biased toward the housing. 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein the pivot portion is biased toward the housing by the first dome switch and the second dome switch. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the actuation surface is at least one of flush with the external surface or recessed into the external surface. 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the pivot portion has a sloped edge. 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the switching surface includes first and second contact areas that respectively correspond to the first and second actuation regions. 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 6 , wherein the first and second contact areas respectively engage first and second switches. 
     
     
       8. An input mechanism assembly, comprising:
 a pair of switches; 
 a housing member defining an aperture; 
 an actuator positioned at least partially in the aperture and biased toward the housing member by the pair of switches, defining:
 an exterior surface having first and second actuation regions; and 
 a retaining ring having a raised portion defining two distinct pivot axes inward of the pair of switches; 
 
 a support member positioned below the actuator and configured to prevent the actuator from simultaneously actuating the pair of switches, wherein: 
 the actuator is configured to rotate about a first axis of the two distinct pivot axes in response to an actuation of the first actuation region and to rotate about a second axis of the two distinct pivot axes in response to an actuation of the second actuation region; 
 when the actuator is in an unactuated state, the support member is separated from the actuator by a gap; and 
 when the actuator is in an actuated state, the support member contacts the actuator. 
 
     
     
       9. The input mechanism assembly of  claim 8 , wherein at least a portion of the retaining ring is separated from the housing member by an additional gap. 
     
     
       10. The input mechanism assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the retaining ring is operable to constrain motion of the actuator with respect to the housing member. 
     
     
       11. The input mechanism assembly of  claim 9 , wherein a first portion of the retaining ring moves closer to the housing member and a second portion of the retaining ring moves farther from the housing member when the actuator actuates one of the pair of switches. 
     
     
       12. The input mechanism assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the retaining ring prevents decoupling of the actuator from the housing member. 
     
     
       13. The input mechanism assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the pair of switches produces signals indicating an amount of force exerted on the actuator. 
     
     
       14. The input mechanism assembly of  claim 8 , wherein when the actuator is in the unactuated state, only the raised portion of the retaining ring contacts the housing. 
     
     
       15. An electronic device, comprising:
 a substrate; 
 a housing defining an aperture; 
 an activator defining first and second actuation regions at opposite ends of the activator and projecting through the aperture; and 
 a support structure below the activator; 
 a rib coupled to the activator that engages the support structure to prevent simultaneous activation by the activator of first and second dome switches coupled to the substrate; wherein: 
 the activator is configured to:
 pivot about a first pivot axis located between the first and second actuation regions in response to a force applied to the first actuation region; and 
 pivot about a second pivot axis located between the first and second actuation regions and different from the first pivot axis in response to a force applied to the second actuation region; and 
 
 when the activator is in an unactuated state, the rib is separated from the support structure by a gap; and 
 when the activator is in an actuated state, the rib contacts the support structure. 
 
     
     
       16. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein the support structure is a shim coupled to the substrate. 
     
     
       17. The electronic device of  claim 16 , wherein the shim is positioned between the first and second dome switches. 
     
     
       18. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein the activator is in contact with the first dome switch when activating the second dome switch. 
     
     
       19. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein the activator contacts the first and second dome switches absent force exerted on the activator. 
     
     
       20. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the activator comprises a pivot portion defining a first fulcrum and a second fulcrum; 
 the first fulcrum defines the first pivot axis; and 
 the second fulcrum defines the second pivot axis. 
 
     
     
       21. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein the activator is biased towards the housing by the first and second dome switches.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application is a nonprovisional patent application of and claims the benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/215,532, filed Sep. 8, 2015 and titled “Rocker Input Mechanism,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     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. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  depicts an electronic device having a rocker input mechanism; 
         FIG. 2A  depicts a top down view of the actuator of  FIG. 1  with other components removed for clarity; 
         FIG. 2B  depicts a side view of the actuator of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 2C  depicts an underside view of the actuator of  FIG. 2A ; and 
         FIG. 3A  depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 , taken along line A-A of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3B  depicts the view of  FIG. 3A  when the second actuation region of the rocker input mechanism is actuated; 
         FIG. 3C  depicts the view of  FIG. 3A  when the first actuation region of the rocker input mechanism is actuated; 
         FIG. 4  depicts a method for constructing a rocker button. This method may construct the rocker input mechanism illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3C . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     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 to  FIGS. 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. 1  depicts an electronic device  100  having a rocker input mechanism assembly, which is discussed in more detail below with respect to  FIG. 2A . The rocker input mechanism assembly includes an actuator  102 , button, or activator that projects at least partially through an aperture  103  defined by a housing  101 , top plate, panel, plate, or mount plate of the electronic device  100 . The actuator  102  may 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 actuator  102  that are biased against the internal surface by dome switches or other activation assemblies. Thus, the actuator  102  may pivot such that a portion of the actuator  102  translates about the pivot portion  205  in a direction transverse to the housing  101  when force is exerted on actuation areas of the actuator  102  without bending or flexing. 
       FIG. 1  depicts the electronic device  100  as a remote control. The actuator  102  can 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. 2A  depicts a top down view of the actuator  102  of  FIG. 1 . The actuator  102  defines an actuation surface  216 . Pivot portions  205 , on which the actuator  102  pivots against (e.g., is pivotally engaged with) the housing  101  or plate, are disposed on a retaining ring  204  or retention lip. 
     In  FIG. 2A , the retaining ring  204  is shown as forming a continuous perimeter around the edges of the actuator  102 . However, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, the retaining ring  204  may be formed of separate sections that do not form a continuous perimeter around the edge of the actuator  102  without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Further, the pivot portions  205  are shown as particularly shaped portions of the retaining ring  204 . For example, the pivot portions  205  are shown as having a sloped or curved edge. The sloped or curved edge of the pivot portions  205  may allow the actuator  102  to pivot easier than a sharp edge. However, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, variously shaped pivot portions  205  may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 2B  depicts a side view of the actuator  102  of  FIG. 2A . Switch contact areas  207   a ,  207   b  and a ridge  210  are positioned on a switching surface  217  of the actuator  102  opposite the actuation surface  216 . 
     In  FIG. 2B , the pivot portion  205  is shown as an integral portion of the retaining ring  204 . However, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, the pivot portion  205  may be a separate component coupled to and/or otherwise disposed on the retaining ring  204  without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Further, the rib  210  and the contact areas  207   a ,  207   b  are depicted as separate components coupled to the switching surface  217  of the actuator  102 . However, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, the rib  210  and the contact areas  207   a ,  207   b  may be integrally formed components of the actuator  102  without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Additionally, in some implementations, the contact areas  207   a ,  207   b  may be flush with the switching surface  217  rather than components that protrude from the switching surface  217 . For example, the contact areas  207   a ,  207   b  may be portions of the switching surface  217  of the actuator  102  that contact the dome switches  208   a ,  208   b  when the actuator  102  is pressed. 
       FIG. 2C  depicts an underside view of the actuator  102  of  FIG. 2A  showing the switching surface  217 . The rib  210  and the contact areas  207   a ,  207   b  are depicted as having particularly shaped configurations. However, it is understood that this is an example. The rib  210  and/or the contact areas  207   a ,  207   b  may be configured with various other shapes without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Additionally, the actuator  102  is depicted as having a generally rectangular shaped oval configuration. However, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, the actuator  102  may be configured to have various shapes without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in some implementations, the actuator  102  may have sharp corners rather than rounded as depicted in  FIG. 2C . 
       FIG. 3A  depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device  100  of  FIG. 1 , taken along line A-A of  FIG. 1 . The rocker input mechanism assembly  211  may include the actuator  102 , the housing  101  or plate (having an internal or interior surface  213  and an opposite external or exterior surface  212 ) that defines the aperture  103  (extending from the internal surface  213  to the external surface  212 ) through which the actuator at least partially projects, and the dome switches  208   a ,  208   b  mounted on or coupled to a substrate  209  (such as a printed circuit board). 
     Although the top of the actuator  102  is illustrated as proud of the external surface  212 , it is understood that this is an example for clarity. In various other embodiments, the top of the actuator  102  (i.e., the actuation surface  216 ) may be flush with and/or recessed into the external surface  212  without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     The actuator  102  may define the actuation surface  216  and the switching surface  217  opposite the actuation surface  216 . The actuation surface  216  may have a first actuation region  206   a  and a second actuation region  206   b . The switching surface  217  may have switch contact areas  207   a ,  207   b  that correspond to the first and second actuation regions  206   a ,  206   b . The switch contact areas  207   a ,  207   b  may respectively contact and engage the dome switches  208   a ,  208   b  to transfer force exerted on one of the first and second actuation regions  206   a ,  206   b  to a respective one of the dome switches  208   a ,  208   b.    
     The switch contact areas  207   a ,  207   b  may respectively contact the dome switches  208   a ,  208   b , absent force exerted on the actuator  102 . The dome switches  208   a ,  208   b  may be partially compressed or deformed by that contact such that the dome switches  208   a ,  208   b  are biased toward uncompressing or undeforming. The bias of the partially compressed or deformed dome switches  208   a ,  208   b  may bias the pivot portion or pivot  205  toward the internal surface  213 . 
     The actuator  102  may include a retaining ring  204  or retention lip disposed along an edge of the actuator  102  or integrally formed with the actuator  102 . The retaining ring  204  may be separated from the internal surface  213  of the housing  101  by a gap  214  (which may change in dimension as the actuator  102  pivots). The pivot portion  205  (also encompassing an up-stop, a nub, a pivot, and a protrusion) may be positioned, disposed, or otherwise mounted or coupled on the retaining ring  204  in contact with the internal surface  213 , allowing the actuator  102  to pivot against the internal surface  213 . 
     The dimension of the gap  214  may determine how far the actuator  102  can pivot with respect to the internal surface  213  on the pivot portion  205 . When force is exerted on one side of the actuator  102 , actuator  102  pivots on the pivot portion  205  such that the gap  214  between the retaining ring  204  and the internal surface  213  increases and the gap  214  between the retaining ring  204  and the internal surface  213  on the other side decreases. When the retaining ring  204  contacts the internal surface  213  on the other side, eliminating the gap  214 , pivoting of the actuator  102  may be stopped. Thus, the pivot portion  205  and the retaining ring  204  may define the motion of the actuator  102  and the gap  214  may constrain that motion. 
     The retaining ring  204  may have one or more dimensions larger than the aperture  103  such that the retaining ring  204  constrains motion of the actuator  102  with respect to the housing  101 . For example, the retaining ring  204  may contact the housing  101  to prevent the actuator  102  from decoupled from the housing  101  and/or being removed through the aperture, may engage the internal surface  213  when force is exerted on the actuator  102  to constrain how far the actuator  102  can pivot, and so on. 
     In some implementations, the actuator  102  may also include a rib  210 , ridge, or similar interference component that may prevent simultaneous actuation or activation of both of the dome switches  208   a ,  208   b . The rib  210  may be positioned on the switch surface between the switch contact areas  207   a ,  207   b  (thus also between the dome switches  208   a ,  208   b  and the first and second actuation regions  206   a ,  206   b . The rib  210  may engage a shim  215  or other component (such as the substrate  209 ) positioned on the substrate  209  when force is exerted on the actuator  102 . This may prevent the unpressed side of the actuator  102  from contacting the dome switch  208   a ,  208   b  respectively underneath when force is exerted on the pressed side. 
     In various implementations, the rib  210  may be separated from the shim  215  absent exerted on the actuator  102 . This may prevent the rib  210  and/or the shim  215  from unduly loading the actuator  102  and/or portions thereof against the internal surface  213  and/or housing  101 . 
     In various implementations, the rib  210  may also engage the shim  215  when force is exerted on the actuator at a portion of the actuation surface  216  between the first and second actuation regions  206   a ,  206   b . This may prevent force exerted on such a middle portion of the actuation surface  216  from activating either of the dome switches  208   a ,  208   b . As a result, operation of the rocker input mechanism assembly  211  by a user may be restricted to when force is clearly exerted on the first and second actuation regions  206   a ,  206   b.    
     However, it is understood that  FIG. 3A  is an example and that other configurations are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in some implementations, the shim  215  and/or the rib  210  may be omitted or reverse which contacts a structure under the exertion of force. 
       FIG. 3B  depicts the view of  FIG. 2A  when the second actuation region  206   b  of the rocker input mechanism assembly  211  is actuated. Force exerted on the second actuation region  206   b  may cause the actuator  102  to pivot or translate about the pivot portion  205 . The side of the actuator  102  corresponding to the second actuation region  206   b  may lower (with respect to the view depicted in  FIG. 2B ) while the side of the actuator  102  corresponding to the first actuation region  206   a  may rise. This may cause the contact area  207   b  to transfer the force to the dome switch  208   b , compressing or deforming and thereby activating or actuating the dome switch  208   b.    
     This may also cause the contact area  207   a  to reduce force exerted on the dome switch  208   a , allowing the dome switch  208   a  to uncompress or undeform to a degree. As a result, the contact area  207   a  may stay in contact with the dome switch  208   a  even when force is exerted on the second actuation region  206   b  rather than the first actuation region  206   a.    
     Further, this may cause a first portion of the retaining ring  204  (corresponding to the first actuation region  206   a ) to move closer to the internal surface  213 . At the same time, a second portion of the retaining ring  204  (corresponding to the second actuation region  206   b ) may move further from the internal surface  213 . 
     Additionally, the rib  210  may move to contact the shim  215 . This may stop or reduce motion of the actuator  102  toward the dome switch  208   a . As such, the force exerted on the second actuation region  206   b  may be prevented from activating both of the dome switches  208   a ,  208   b.    
       FIG. 3C  depicts the view of  FIG. 3A  when the first actuation region  206   a  of the rocker input mechanism assembly  211  is actuated. Force exerted on the first actuation region  206   a  may cause the actuator  102  to pivot or translate on the pivot portion  205 . The side of the actuator  102  corresponding to the first actuation region  206   a  may lower (with respect to the view depicted in  FIG. 3C ) while the side of the actuator  102  corresponding to the second actuation region  206   b  may rise. This may cause the contact area  207   a  to transfer the force to the dome switch  208   a , compressing or deforming and thereby activating or actuating the dome switch  208   a.    
     This may also cause the contact area  207   b  to reduce force exerted on the dome switch  208   b , allowing the dome switch  208   b  to uncompress or undeform to a degree. As a result, the contact area  207   b  may stay in contact with the dome switch  208   b  even when force is exerted on the first actuation region  206   a  rather than the second actuation region  206   b    
     Further, this may cause the second portion of the retaining ring  204  (corresponding to the second actuation region  206   b ) to move closer to the internal surface  213 . At the same time, the first portion of the retaining ring  204  (corresponding to the first actuation region  206   a ) may move further from the internal surface  213 . 
     Although  FIGS. 3A-3C  are illustrated and described as activating or not activating the dome switches  208   a ,  208   b  in a purely binary fashion (in other words, the dome switches  208   a ,  208   b  produce signals indicating whether or not force is exerted on the actuator  102 ), it is understood that this is an example. In some implementations, the dome switches  208   a ,  208   b  may 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 actuator  102  rather than only indicating whether or not a force is exerted. 
     Further, although  FIGS. 3A-3C  are illustrated and described as utilizing dome switches  208   a ,  208   b , 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 switches  208   a ,  208   b . In implementations where the activation mechanisms themselves do not bias the actuator  102  toward the internal surface  213 , other biasing mechanisms such as springs may be used to provide such biasing force. 
     Additionally, although the rocker input mechanism assembly  211  is illustrated and described above with respect to  FIGS. 3A-3C  as pivoting in two directions, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, such a rocker input mechanism assembly  211  may 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 assembly  211  constructed according to the techniques described in the present disclosure may pivot in four directions rather than two. 
       FIG. 4  depicts a method  400  for constructing a rocker button. This method may construct the rocker input mechanism assembly  211  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3C . 
     At  410 , 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. 
     At  420 , 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. 
     At  430 , 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. 
     Although the example method  400  is illustrated and described as including particular operations performed in a particular order, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, various orders of the same, similar, and/or different operations may be performed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     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. 
     In the present disclosure, the methods disclosed may be implemented as sets of instructions or software readable or executable by a device. Further, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed are examples of sample approaches. In other embodiments, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the method can be rearranged while remaining within the disclosed subject matter. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not necessarily meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20151029
Publication Date: 20180619
Grant Date: 20180619
Priority Date: 20150908
Inventors: WANG, PAUL X.
BROOKS, Ryan P.
CHEN, WAYLON Y.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01H23/04", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2205/002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2221/016", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H23/28", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H23/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2221/064", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2227/032", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2209/006", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2221/05", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2217/012", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2215/004", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2227/032", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2221/064", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2221/05", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2217/012", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2215/004", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2209/006", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2221/016", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H23/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2221/016", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H23/28", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2205/002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 58189475