PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9232672-B2
Application Number: US-201313738107-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Ceramic insert control mechanism

Abstract:
A control mechanism for an electronic device comprises a cover glass having an aperture defined therein. The aperture extends from an interior to an exterior of the device. A control member is positioned within the aperture, coupled to an actuator. The control member comprises a ceramic insert having a contact surface exposed to the exterior of the housing, operable to actuate the actuator in response to a force on the contact surface. A bearing member is molded about the insert. The bearing member has a hardness less than that of the ceramic insert, and less than that of the cover glass.

Claims:
We claim:  
     
       1. An electronic device comprising:
 a cover having an aperture defined therein; 
 an actuator positioned within a housing of the electronic device, proximate the aperture; and 
 a control member positioned within the aperture and coupled to the actuator, the control member comprising:
 a ceramic insert having a contact surface exposed to an exterior of the cover, wherein the control member is operable to actuate the actuator in response to a force on the contact surface; and 
 a bearing member molded about and at least partially encapsulating the ceramic insert, the bearing member comprising:
 a bearing portion exposed to an exterior of the electronic device and positioned within the aperture between the insert and the cover; and 
 a lower portion positioned between and separating the ceramic insert and the actuator; wherein 
 
 the bearing member is formed from a material having a hardness less than that of the ceramic insert and less than that of the cover. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising a bias member configured to retain the control member within the aperture during operation. 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the ceramic insert is formed of a substantially single crystal aluminum oxide material. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 3 , wherein the cover is formed of a transparent ceramic. 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 4 , wherein the transparent ceramic comprises sapphire. 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 5 , wherein the bearing member is formed of a plastic material. 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising a light source disposed proximate the aperture, the light source configured to illuminate the ceramic insert. 
     
     
       8. The electronic device of  claim 7 , wherein the ceramic insert has an index of refraction substantially matching that of the cover. 
     
     
       9. The electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the bearing member has an index of refraction substantially matching that of the ceramic insert and that of the cover. 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the ceramic insert and bearing member are configured to present a substantially optically matching contact surface for actuation of the control member. 
     
     
       11. An apparatus comprising:
 a ceramic cover having an aperture extending from an interior to an exterior of an electronic device; 
 an actuator positioned within a housing of the electronic device, proximate the aperture; and 
 a control member positioned within the aperture and coupled to the actuator, the control member comprising:
 a substantially single crystal ceramic insert exposed to an exterior of the housing, wherein the control member is operable to actuate the actuator; and 
 a bearing member disposed about and at least partially encapsulating the ceramic insert, the bearing member comprising:
 a bearing portion positioned within the aperture between the insert and the cover; and 
 a lower portion formed integral with the bearing portion and positioned between and separating the insert and the actuator; wherein 
 
 the bearing member is formed from a material having a hardness substantially less than that of the insert and substantially less than that of the cover. 
 
 
     
     
       12. The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the ceramic cover comprises a substantially single crystal sapphire material. 
     
     
       13. The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the ceramic insert is formed of a substantially single crystal aluminum oxide material. 
     
     
       14. The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the substantially single crystal aluminum oxide material of the ceramic insert comprises sapphire. 
     
     
       15. The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the bearing member is formed of a plastic material insert molded about the ceramic insert. 
     
     
       16. The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the bearing member is formed of a metal. 
     
     
       17. The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the control member is configured as one of a rocker type switch or a sliding switch operable for actuating the actuator in response to a force on the ceramic insert. 
     
     
       18. A digital electronic device comprising the apparatus of  claim 11  in combination with a display, wherein the control member is configured as a pushbutton provided in the ceramic cover. 
     
     
       19. The digital electronic device of  claim 18 , wherein the ceramic insert has an index of refraction substantially matching that of the cover. 
     
     
       20. The digital electronic device of  claim 19 , wherein the bearing member has an index of refraction substantially matching that of the cover and ceramic insert.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This subject matter of this disclosure relates generally to control components for electronic devices. In particular, the disclosure relates to buttons, switches, and other control mechanisms suitable for use in electronic devices, including, but not limited to, cellular phones, tablet computers, personal computers, personal digital assistants, media players, and other stationary and portable electronic devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Depending on application, electronic devices may utilize a wide variety of different control mechanisms, including buttons, pushbuttons, slide and toggle switches, and other devices for power, volume, home, hold, reset and other control and input functions. In use, these components are subject to a wide range of different environmental effects, including temperature extremes, humidity, contamination, physical and electrical contact, scratching, and impact, for which durability and reliability are critical engineering factors. 
     Environmental factors are particularly relevant in devices subject to both operational extremes and high performance demands, including portable electronics and mobile devices, where the control components must withstand heat, cold, moisture, humidity, shock and impact. Associated design and engineering considerations include tradeoffs between stress and strain resistance, machinability, temperature stability, and optical properties, including surface hardness, transparency, and resistance to scratching, abrasion, and temperature extremes. As a result, there is an ongoing need for improved control mechanisms that do not suffer the limitations of the prior art, including control mechanism for consumer electronics, digital devices, and mobile phone, smartphone, and tablet computer applications. 
     SUMMARY 
     This disclosure relates to control mechanism for electronic devices. In various examples and embodiments, the control mechanism may include a cover glass having an aperture extending from the interior to the exterior of the device. An actuator may be positioned proximate the aperture, and a control member may be positioned within the aperture, coupled to the actuator. 
     The control member may include a ceramic insert having a contact surface exposed to the exterior of the cover glass, operable to actuate the actuator in response to a force on the contact surface. A bearing member may be molded about the ceramic insert, and positioned within the aperture between the insert and the cover glass. The bearing member may have a hardness less than that of the ceramic insert, and less than that of the cover glass. 
     A bias member may be configured to retain the control member within the aperture, during operation of the control mechanism. The ceramic insert may be formed of a substantially single crystal aluminum oxide material, the cover glass may be formed of a transparent ceramic, and the transparent ceramic may comprise sapphire or corundum. The bearing member may be formed of a plastic material. 
     A light source may be disposed proximate the aperture, and configured to illuminate the ceramic insert. The ceramic insert may have an index of refraction matching that of the cover glass, and the bearing member may have an index of refraction matching that of either of both the ceramic insert and the cover glass. The ceramic insert and bearing member can also be configured to present a substantially optically matching contact surface for actuation of the control mechanism. 
     In additional examples and embodiments, an apparatus may include a ceramic cover glass having an aperture extending from an interior to an exterior of the device. An actuator may be positioned within the electronic device, proximate the aperture and coupled to a control member disposed therein. 
     The control member may include a substantially single crystal ceramic insert exposed to the exterior of the housing, operable to actuate the actuator. A bearing member may be disposed about the ceramic insert, positioned within the aperture between the insert and the cover glass. The bearing member may have a hardness substantially less than that of the ceramic insert, and substantially less than that of the cover glass. 
     The ceramic cover glass may comprise or be formed of a substantially single crystal sapphire material, and the ceramic insert may be formed of a substantially single crystal aluminum oxide material, which may comprise sapphire or corundum. 
     The bearing member may be formed a plastic material, which is insert molded about the ceramic insert. Alternatively, the bearing member may be formed of a metal or metal alloy, such as aluminum or steel, or from a precious metal or metal alloy such as silver, gold, or platinum. The control member can be configured as a pushbutton, a rocker type switch, or a sliding switch, as operable to actuate the actuator in response to a force on the ceramic insert. 
     A digital electronic device may be assembled from the control mechanism or apparatus, in combination with a display. For example, the control member may be configured as a pushbutton, provided or disposed within the ceramic cover glass. In the digital electronic device, the ceramic insert may have an index of refraction substantially matching that of the cover glass, and the bearing member may have an index of refraction substantially matching that of the cover glass and the ceramic insert. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a digital electronic device with an insert molded ceramic control mechanism. 
         FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the device. 
         FIG. 3A  is a front perspective view of the device, in a tablet configuration. 
         FIG. 3B  is side view of the device, with an alternate control mechanism configuration. 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating internal and external components of the device. 
         FIG. 5A  is a cross-sectional view of a control mechanism for the device, with an insert molded ceramic actuator member. 
         FIG. 5B  is a schematic view illustrating internal elements of the control mechanism. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the control mechanism, in a dual actuator or rocker switch configuration. 
         FIG. 7  is an alternate cross-sectional view of the control mechanism, in a sliding switch configuration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of digital electronic device  10 , in a communications embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 1 , device  10  includes cover glass  12  with display window  14  and housing assembly  16 , as configured, for example, in a mobile phone or smartphone application. Alternatively, device  10  may be configured as a media player, digital assistant, tablet computer, personal computer, computer display, or other electronic device, in either portable or stationary form.  FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of device  10 , showing the back cover glass and housing configuration. 
     In the particular example of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , front and read cover glasses  12  are coupled to top and bottom housing components  16 A and  16 B of housing assembly  16  via a bezel or frame assembly  18 . Cover glass components  12  may incorporate an aluminum oxide ceramic or sapphire material, selected to provide impact resistance, durability, and improved stress and strain performance. Control mechanism  20  utilizes an insert molded ceramic control mechanism to provide matching performance, in combination with improved optical features, as described below. 
     Display window  14  is typically configured for viewing a touch screen or other display component through cover glass  12 , as defined between border regions  15 . Depending on configuration, display window  14  may also accommodate interactive control features and touch-sensitive display components, with capacitive or resistive coupling across the front surface of cover glass  12 . 
     Front and rear cover glasses  12  may also include apertures to accommodate additional control and accessory features, including, but not limited to, a home button, menu button, or other control device  20 , and one or more audio (e.g., speaker or microphone) features  22 , sensors or cameras  24 , and lighting or indicator features  26  (e.g., a flash unit or light emitting diode). 
     Housing  16  and frame  18  are typically formed of metal, composites, and/or durable polymer materials, including metals and metal alloys such as aluminum and stainless steel, durable plastics, and carbon-based or fiber/matrix composites. Housing  16  and frame  18  may either be provided in substantially unitary form, or as discrete components, for example with bottom housing  16 A, top housing  16 B, and side housing sections  16 C coupled across middle plate  16 D to form the back surface of device  10 , between separate back glass components (or insets)  12 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     Cover glasses  12  and housing can also be configured to accommodate additional accessory features, including, but not limited to, speaker or microphone apertures  28 , connector apertures  30  for power, audio, and data communications, mechanical fasteners  32 , and access ports  34 , e.g., for a subscriber identity module or SIM card, a flash memory device, or other internal component of electronic device  10 . Device  10  may also accommodate additional control features, for example volume buttons  20 A and  20 B, ringer/mute switch  20 C, and hold button  20 D, as provided in any combination of cover glass components  12  and housing assembly  16 . 
       FIG. 3A  is a front perspective view of electronic device  10  in an alternate embodiment, for example a media player, tablet computer, pad computer, or other computing device, or a computer monitor or display. As shown in  FIG. 3A , front glass  12  is configured to accommodate display window  14  and accessory features including a ceramic inset molded home button or other control device  20 . The various horizontal and vertical orientations of device  10  are arbitrary, and designations of the front, back, top, bottom, and side components may be interchanged without loss of generality. 
     Housing assembly  16  may have a substantially unitary configuration, for example with a unitary housing  16  formed together with the back cover of device  10 . Housing  16  can also be coupled to front glass  12  with a substantially internal frame or bezel member  18 , or via in internal groove in housing  16 , with adhesive or mechanical coupling to front glass  12 . One or both of housing  16  and frame  18  may also be formed of a plastic or other durable polymer material, rather than metal, or using a combination of metal, plastic polymer, and composite materials. 
       FIG. 3B  is a side view of electronic device  10 , for example a media player or tablet computer, as shown in  FIG. 3A . One or more control features such as a combined rocker-type volume switch  20 A/B and sliding mute switch  20 C are provided in housing  16 , or, alternatively, in cover glass  12 . 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating various internal and external components of electronic device  10 , including microprocessor/controller  42 , display  43 , an accelerometer or other motion sensor  44 , and additional accessories and control features  20 ,  22 ,  24 , and  26 . Device  10  encompasses a range of different portable and stationary electronic applications, as described in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 A, and  3 B, above, as well as hybrid devices including smartphones with media player capabilities, game players, remote global positioning and telecommunications devices, and laptop, desktop, notebook, handheld and ultraportable computer devices and displays. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , controller  42  is electronically coupled to display  43 , an accelerometer or other motion sensor  44 , control devices  20 , and accessory features  22 ,  24 , and  26 . Various hard-wired and wireless communication connections  46  may be provided to support one or more external accessories  47 , host devices  48 , and/or networks  49 . 
     Controller  42  includes microprocessor (μp) and memory components configured to execute a combination of operating system and application firmware and software, in order to control device  10  and provide various functionality including, but not limited to, voice communications, voice control, media playback and development, internet browsing, email, messaging, gaming, security, transactions, navigation, and personal assistant functions. Controller  42  may also include a communications interface or other input-output (IO) device configured to support connections  46  to one or more external accessories  47 , host devices  48 , and network systems  49 , including hard-wired, wireless, audio, visual, infrared (IR), and radio frequency (RF) communications. 
     Cover glass  12  is formed of an aluminum oxide ceramic or sapphire material to improve strength, durability, stress and strain performance, and resistance to abrasion and scratching. Control devices  20  are formed as insert molded ceramic components, disposed within cover glass  12 , and may include any combination of one or more individual control devices  20 A- 20 D, as described above, or other insert molded ceramic control components. The materials and structures of inert molded control devices are selected to match the performance features of cover glass  12 , and to provide improved optical performance, as described in more detail below. 
     As used herein, the terms “glass” and “cover glass” are not limited to amorphous forms such as silica glass, but also encompass sapphire, sapphire glass, and other aluminum oxide ceramics, in either substantially single-crystal or polycrystalline form. The terms “sapphire” and “sapphire glass” encompass α-Al 2 O 3  and other aluminum oxide materials with varying degrees of trace elements and impurities, including sapphire, corundum, ruby, and ion impregnated or doped aluminum oxide ceramics and sapphire materials. 
     These definitions reflect usage in the art, in which cover glasses, front glasses, back glasses, glass inlays, glass insets, glass inserts, and other “glass” components may be provided in the form of silica glass, lead crystal, quartz, and other amorphous or polycrystalline forms. The definitions also reflect usage in this disclosure, where cover glasses and other “glass” components may be formed of aluminum oxide ceramics and sapphire materials, in either substantially single-crystal or polycrystalline (e.g., fused polycrystalline) form. 
     The term “substantially single crystal” encompasses both identically single-crystal and substantially single-crystal forms of sapphire material, as distinguished from amorphous and polycrystalline forms. The term “substantially single crystal” does not does not necessarily imply a fault-free construction, and may include some degree of inclusions and lamellar twinning, including crystal plane orientations in which such localized faults, inclusions, and lamellar twinning are present, but in which the same or substantially similar crystal plane orientation is expressed or extant across the structure the component, for example as defined between (e.g., interior and exterior) major surfaces of the component. 
       FIG. 5A  is a cross-sectional view of control mechanism  50  for electronic device  10 . Control mechanism  50  includes a insert molded ceramic control button or switch member  52 , disposed within control aperture  54 , as defined within cover glass  12 . Control aperture  54  extends through cover glass component  12 , from first (e.g., interior) major surface  56 A to second (e.g., exterior) major surface  56 B. Control actuator  58  is provided on the interior of the device, proximate control aperture  54  at interior surface  56 A or cover glass  12 . 
     Cover glass  12  may comprise a front or back glass, or an inset, insert, or other cover glass component, as described above with respect to digital electronic device  10 . Control mechanism  50  and insert molded ceramic control member  52  may be configured as a pushbutton, rocker, or slide switch control mechanism  20  or  20 A- 20 D, as shown in any of  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 A and  3 B, or as a similar control mechanism configured for operation of control actuator  58 . 
     Insert molded ceramic control member  52  is formed by molding a sleeve or bearing member  52 A about ceramic insert  52 B. Bearing member  52 A may be formed of a metal or metal alloy, or a durable polymer such as a plastic, and ceramic insert  52 B may be formed of a ceramic material, for example a transparent ceramic such as sapphire, ruby or corundum. Control member  52  is operable to actuate control actuator  58  on the contact surface of ceramic insert  52 B, exterior to cover glass or housing  12 . 
     A spring, inverted dome, or other resilient bias element  60  may be provided to bias control member  52  in an upward or outward direction (arrow  60 A), against or interior surface(s)  56 B of cover glass (or housing)  12 . Bearing member  52  is molded about ceramic insert  52 A, and has a hardness substantially less than that of ceramic insert  52 A and cover glass  12 , in order to prevent binding and reduce friction during operation of control mechanism  50 . 
     In operation, an external (e.g., inward or downward) force or pressure is applied to control member  52 , for example by finger  62 , or a stylus, pen, pencil or other device. Bias element  60  retains control member  52  within aperture  54 , with ceramic insert  52 B separated from the inner sides or edges of cover glass  12  by sleeve or bearing member  52 A. Cover glass  12  may also be beveled at aperture  54 , as shown in  FIG. 5A , in order to further reduce friction and improve performance. 
     When the external force on ceramic insert  52 B overcomes the outward bias from resilient spring or inverted dome element  60  (arrow  60 A), control member  52  moves in an inward direction (arrow  62 A), causing actuator  58  to complete an electrical contact, for example via one or more conducting base members  63  and inner and outer conducting pads  64 . Thus, control member  52  is positionable within aperture  54  to operate actuator  58 , and to toggle control mechanism  50  between different states, for example ON and OFF. 
     Alternatively, control member  52  operates actuator  58  to select a particular digital or logical state for control mechanism  50  (e.g., 0 or 1), or to scale control mechanism  50  across a digital or analog range. Additional insulator, shim, and contact structures  65 ,  66 , and  67  may also be provided, depending on the coupling configuration and operational arrangement of control member  52  and actuator  58 . 
     In some designs, control mechanism  50  may include an LED or other light source  70  positioned proximate aperture  54 , in order to illuminate control member  52 , including one or both of bearing member  52 A and ceramic insert  52 B. Ceramic insert  52 B, for example, may have an index of refraction substantially matching that of the cover glass, in order to present substantially the same or similar optical appearance and performance. Bearing member  52 A may also have a matching index of refraction, and bearing member  52 A and ceramic insert  52 B may be co-machined to present a substantially optically matching contact surface for actuation of control mechanism  50 . 
     Alternatively, one or both of bearing member  52 A and ceramic insert  52 B may have a non-matching index of refraction, or one or both members may be opaque. In some of these designs, light channel  72  may be provided to transmit light from light source  70  through (e.g. opaque) bearing member  52 A to (e.g., transparent) ceramic insert  52 B. 
       FIG. 5B  is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal elements of control mechanism  50 , including ceramic insert control member  52  and actuator  58 , as shown in  FIG. 5A . In general, actuator  58  may be coupled to a controller or other circuit element  42  utilizing a flex circuit (or other connector)  68 , with terminals  68 A. 
     When control member  52  is depressed against bias element  60 , one or more pads or other contact elements  64  are positioned in electrical contact, generating a control signal through connector  68 . Controller  42  determines the control state of mechanism  50  by sensing the signal across terminals  68 A, in order to set or control various operational features such as menu control, or volume, mute, power and other functions. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , cover glass  12  may be made from a ceramic material such as sapphire, suitable for use with a mobile product or other electronic device  10 . For example, sapphire is a transparent ceramic material with an index of refraction of about 1.77, while typical alumina silicate glass has an index of refraction of about 1.5. From a user perspective, ceramic cover glass may thus appear lighter in color, depending upon lighting conditions and environments. 
     In mobile phone, smartphone, tablet computer, and other mobile device applications, users may interact with both cover glass  12  and a menu button or other control mechanism  50 , as provided within the cover glass assembly. For a ceramic cover glass  12  and control member  52  to match in appearance, insert  52 B may also be formed of ceramic, as described above. In addition, an optically matching protection sleeve or bearing member  52 A is also provided between the ceramic insert  52 B and ceramic cover glass  12 . 
     This distinguishes from plastic materials with an index of refraction of 1.5, which are designed to match silica glass. Bearing member or sleeve  52 A also prevents or substantially reduces contact between ceramic insert  52 B and cover glass  12 , reducing the risk that either component will chip or fracture at any point of contact 
     To prevent such potential damage, this disclosure incorporates an insert molded design for control member  52 , in which a (e.g., plastic) bearing member or sleeve  52 A encapsulates ceramic insert or cap  52 B, forming a menu button or other control device  50  within aperture  54  in cover glass  12 . Ceramic insert  52 B can be configured to sit centered on the external surface of control device  50 , where the user would make contact to operate actuator  58 . 
     Bearing member  52 A provides support for ceramic cap or insert  52 B, and also acts as a sleeve or barrier between the menu button or other insert  52 B and cover glass  12 . The plastic material of bearing member  52 A may be optically opaque, transparent, or optically clear, or provided in one or more colors. Various different polymers, plastics and resins may be suitable for bearing member  52 A, without limitation except as determined by the desired optical and mechanical properties. 
     In particular applications, for example, a ceramic cover glass  12  and ceramic menu button or other insert  52 B may be separated by an optically clear plastic sleeve or bearing member  52 A, which would act as a sliding surface between the two parts, during actuation of control mechanism  50 . The clear plastic or other material of sleeve  52 B may be insert molded about insert or cap  52 B, and designed to blend with its optical properties. 
     Co-machining and co-polishing of sleeve  52 A and insert cap  52 B may be utilized to provide a menu button or other control member  52  with a substantially single optical surface, as described above. Where the indexes of refraction or other optical properties are matched, moreover, it would be difficult for a user to distinguish between ceramic insert  52 B and the (e.g., plastic) material of bearing member or sleeve  52 A. 
     In addition, plastic portions of control member  52  (including, e.g., sleeve  52 A) may be back painted with colors, or example black, white, or other colors, in order to match any corresponding color features of cover glass  12  and the menu button or other insert  52 B. Color can be also added to the back surface of ceramic cap  52 A, and the (e.g., plastic resin) material of sleeve  52 A can be color matched to cover glass  12 . 
     In applications where the material of bearing member  52 A is color matched, optically clear adhesive may also be used to bond an (e.g., clear) ceramic cap or insert  52 B to the (e.g., plastic colored resin) material of bearing/support or sleeve member  52 A. Overall, this disclosure thus incorporates plastic resins and other materials to act as a mechanical barrier between ceramic cover glass components  12  and ceramic menu buttons and other ceramic inserts  52 B. A multitude of other colors and/or resins can also be incorporated into the insert molded (e.g., plastic resin shot) material, in order to achieve the desired mechanical and optical properties for menu buttons and other control member/actuator assemblies  50  and  52 , suitable for use on a wide range of electronic devices  10 , as described above. 
       FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of control mechanism  50 , with insert molded ceramic control member  52  provided in a dual actuator or rocker switch configuration. In this particular example, control member  52  has a substantially elongated geometry, extending across two separate, independently operable actuator mechanisms  58 . Pressure or force may be applied to control member  52  in two separate locations along ceramic cap or insert  52 B, in order to operate one or both of actuator mechanisms  56 . 
       FIG. 6  also illustrates that while cover glass  12  may either be beveled or unbeveled along inner sides  56 S, at aperture  54 . Inner sides  56 S form the contact surface with control member  52 , along the corresponding outer surfaces of sleeve/support or bearing member  52 A, in which ceramic insert or cap  52 B is embedded. 
       FIG. 7  is an alternate cross-sectional view of control mechanism  50 , with insert molded ceramic control member  52  provided in a sliding switch type configuration. In this particular example, control member  52  is configured to slide transversely within control aperture  54 , from a first lateral position along sliding member or translation surface  74 , in which control member  52  operates or actuates first (left-side) control actuator  58 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , to a second lateral position along sliding member or switch translation surface  72 , in which control member  52  operates or actuates second (right-side) control actuator  58 . 
     In sliding switch configurations, the actuation direction of control member  52  is substantially lateral (arrow  62 B), along the plane of cover glass  12 , and within control aperture  54 . Control member  52  can be retained within aperture  54  by the biasing force of one or more springs or resilient members  60 , which bias flange portion  52 F on the body of bearing member  52 A against inner surfaces  56 A of housing  56 . Thus, the sliding switch actuation direction (arrow  62 B) may be considered to extend in or out of the plane of  FIG. 5A , with control aperture  54  extending in and out of the page, corresponding to the lateral actuation direction of arrow  62 B, as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     While this invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, modifications may be made to adapt the teachings of the invention to particular situations and materials, without departing from the essential scope thereof. Thus, the invention is not limited to the particular examples that are disclosed herein, but encompasses all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20130110
Publication Date: 20160105
Grant Date: 20160105
Priority Date: 20130110
Inventors: KWONG KELVIN
POPE BENJAMIN J.
MERZ NICHOLAS G.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/52", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2013/525", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/52", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/23", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2013/525", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/03", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/23", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/23", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/03", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2013/525", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/52", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 50033782