Vibration generating device
公開號 US8552599 B2
發佈日期 2013 年 10 月 8 日
申請日期 2011 年 12 月 20 日
原專利權人 Samsung Electro-Mechanics, Co., Ltd.
摘要
Disclosed herein is a vibration generating device including: a stator which includes a bracket, a case which has an
inner space and is assembled with the bracket, and magnets which are fixed symmetrically at a lower surface of the
bracket and an upper surface of the case; and a vibrator which includes an elastic member which is fixed at central
portions of opposite side surfaces of the case to support vertical vibration, a coil which is connected with an inner
diameter of the elastic member, yokes which are symmetrically assembled with upper and lower portions of the elastic
member, and weight bodies which are assembled with the yokes.
說明
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a vibration generating device.
2.Description of the Related Art
Recently, mobile electronic devices such as mobile phones, game consoles, and mobile information terminals have a
variety of vibration generating devices mounted therein to avoid creating noise with external sound.
A prior art vibration generating device includes a spring member, a weight body, and a bracket, and contact between
the spring member and the weight body or between the spring member and a case may cause a noise. Also, contact
between a magnet and a coil or between a plate yoke and a coil, which is incurred due to deviation in an assembly,
may cause coil breakage and thus the vibration generating device may lose its function as a vibration generating
device.
Also, since the case and the spring member are assembled with each other by welding, a change in frequency may be
caused by a welding point.
In particular, such a vibration generating device is mounted in a mobile phone to be used as a silent incoming signal
generating device. However, in a prior art configuration, there is a problem in that interference between assembled
parts causes a noise and deteriorates reliability in terms of durability.
Therefore, a new concept configuration to improve aspects of noise and reliability compared to the prior art vibration
generating device is increasingly being demanded.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has been made in an effort to provide a vibration generating device that can improve aspects of
noise and reliability.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a vibration generating device including:
a stator which includes a bracket, a case which has an inner space and is assembled with the bracket, and magnets
which are symmetrically fixed at a lower surface of the bracket and an upper surface of the case; and a vibrator which
includes an elastic member which is fixed at central portions of opposite side surfaces of the case to support vertical
vibration, a coil which is connected with an inner diameter of the elastic member, yokes which are symmetrically
assembled with upper and lower portions of the elastic member, and weight bodies which are assembled with the
yokes.
Plates each may be mounted on the magnets.
A magnetic fluid may be formed between the plates and may contact an inner diameter of the coil.
The weight bodies may be symmetrically disposed on upper and lower portions of the yokes.
The elastic member and the coil may have a hollow to linearly move with the magnets and the plates mounted therein.
The elastic member may be a leaf spring.
The elastic member may be supported by a holder.
Facing surfaces of the magnets may have the same polarity in order to increase magnetic efficiency.
An avoiding part may be formed on the weight body to avoid friction with other parts.
The vibrator may be stacked on an upper portion of the bracket assembled with the magnet and then the case
assembled with the magnet may be stacked on an upper portion of the vibrator.
聲明所有權
What is claimed is:
1. A vibration generating device, comprising:
a stator which includes a bracket, a case which has an inner space and is assembled with the bracket, and magnets
which are symmetrically fixed at a lower surface of the bracket and an upper surface of the case; and
a vibrator which includes an elastic member which is fixed at central portions of opposite side surfaces of the case to
support vertical vibration, a coil which is connected with an inner diameter of the elastic member, yokes which are
symmetrically assembled with upper and lower portions of the elastic member, and weight bodies which are assembled
with the yokes.
2. The vibration generating device as set forth in claim 1, wherein plates each are mounted on the magnets.
3. The vibration generating device as set forth in claim 2, wherein a magnetic fluid is formed between the plates and
contacts an inner diameter of the coil.
4. The vibration generating device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the weight bodies are symmetrically disposed on
upper and lower portions of the yokes.
5. The vibration generating device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the elastic member and the coil have a hollow to
linearly move with the magnets and the plates mounted therein.
6. The vibration generating device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the elastic member is a leaf spring.
7. The vibration generating device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the elastic member is supported by a holder.
8. The vibration generating device as set forth in claim 1, wherein facing surfaces of the magnets have the same
polarity in order to increase magnetic efficiency.
9. The vibration generating device as set forth in claim 1, wherein an avoiding part is formed on the weight body to
avoid friction with other parts.
10. The vibration generating device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the vibrator is stacked on an upper portion of the
bracket assembled with the magnet and then the case assembled with the magnet is stacked on an upper portion of the
vibrator.
破解方法
把上下 2 塊磁鐵拿掉換成凸輪
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1is a cross sectional view illustrating a whole vibration generating device according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Various features and advantages of the present invention will be more obvious from the following description with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
The terms and words used in the present specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to typical
meanings or dictionary definitions, but should be interpreted as having meanings and concepts relevant to the technical
scope of the present invention based on the rule according to which an inventor can appropriately define the concept of
the term to describe most appropriately the best method he or she knows for carrying out the invention.
Various objects, advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of
embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the specification, in adding reference numerals to
components throughout the drawings, it is to be noted that like reference numerals designate like components even
though components are shown in different drawings. Further, when it is determined that the detailed description of the
known art related to the present invention may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof
will be omitted.
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view illustrating a whole vibration generating device 100 according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the vibration generating device 100 according to the preferred embodiment of the present
invention includes a stator which includes a case 111, a bracket 112, magnets 131, and a plate 132, and a vibrator
which includes an elastic member 121, a coil 122, weight bodies 123, yokes 124, and a magnetic fluid 125.
The case 111 partitions an inner space of the vibration generating device 100 and protects inner parts from external
shock A material for the case 111 may be iron and the elastic member 121 is fixed at central portions of opposite side
surfaces of the case 111.
The bracket 112 is disposed on a lower portion of the case 111 to protect a product from external shock along with the
case111.
The case 111 and the bracket 112 form the stator of the vibration generating device 100.
The elastic member 121 is fixed to the central portions of the opposite side surfaces of the case 111 to support vertical
vibration of the vibrator 120. The elastic member 121 may use a general leaf spring.
The elastic member 121 is disposed at portions other than opposite upper and lower end portions of the vibration
generating device 100 so that a noise problem caused by contact between the elastic member 121 and the case 111 or
between the elastic member 131 and the bracket 112 can be solved.
Also, since a part to restrict operational displacement such as a damper is not used, sufficient displacement is
guaranteed and thus an amount of vibration can increase.
Also, since the elastic member 121 is supported by one or more holders 126, a frequency problem that may be caused
by a prior art assembling method such as welding can be solved.
The coil 122 is mounted on a central portion of the elastic member 121, and vibrates vertically and receives an
electromagnetic force from the magnet 131 facing the coil 122 to generate a vibration force.
The weight bodies 123 are mounted on upper and lower portions of the elastic member 121 and vibrate vertically.
Weight of the weight body 123 is related to the vibration force. The weight body 123 includes an avoiding part (not
shown) formed at an edge thereof to minimize friction with other parts. The shape of the avoiding part and the number
of avoiding parts are not limited, but, it is preferable that the avoiding part is shaped like a recess in order to avoid
contact the elastic member 121 or other parts.
The yokes 124 are mounted vertically between the coil 122 and the weight body 123 to support the weight
body 123 and thus support vertical vibration of the weight body 123.
The coil 122 encloses one or more yokes 124.
The magnets 131 are assembled with an upper portion of the case 111 and a lower portion of the
bracket 112 symmetrically and are fixed in its position, and the plate 132 encloses a part of the magnet 131, so that coil
breakage caused by assembly deviation can be solved.
The magnets 131 are fixed at the upper and the lower portions and their facing surfaces have the same pole in order to
increase magnetic efficiency.
The magnetic fluid 125 is applied between the plates 132 that are mounted on a lower portion and an upper portion of
the magnets 131 fixed at the upper portion of the case 111 and the lower portion of the bracket 112.
The magnetic fluid 125 is applied between the upper and the lower plates 132 and contacts an inner diameter portion
of the coil 122 so that friction and abrasion can be prevented between the plates 132 or on the vibrator 120 when the
vibrator 120 is driven.
The vibration generating device 100 having the above-described configuration is manufactured by stacking the vibrator
on the upper portion of the bracket 112 assembled with the magnet 131 and then stacking the case 111 assembled
with the magnet 131 on the upper portion of the vibrator.
As described above, the vibration generating device 100 is assembled with the stator and the vibrator in sequence, so
that productivity and yield can be improved.
Additionally, if a plurality of magnets 131 is used, a higher electromagnetic force is guaranteed so that performance can
be improved.
Also, a noise caused by friction between the parts can be minimized, the amount of vibration can increase, and a
change in the frequency caused by the assembly can be prevented. Also, durability is improved and thus coil breakage
of the coil 122can be prevented, and the electromagnetic force increases with the plurality of magnets 131.
Also, the avoiding part is formed on the weight body 123, so that friction with other parts and abrasion can be
minimized during the vibration.
Although the embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed for illustrative purposes, it will be appreciated
that a vibration generating device according to the invention is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art will
appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention.
Accordingly, any and all modifications, variations or equivalent arrangements should be considered to be within the
scope of the invention, and the detailed scope of the invention will be disclosed by the accompanying claims.
專利引用
引用的專利
申請日期
發佈日期
申請者
專利名稱
Samsung
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Kweon Soon D.
motor using
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Electro-Mechanics
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Linear Vibrator
Linear vibration
generator
Battery assembly method comprising a separate battery connector
and a flex circuit for use in an electronic device
公開號 US8574321 B2
發佈日期 2013 年 11 月 5 日
申請日期 2012 年 10 月 30 日
原專利權人 Apple Inc.
摘要
A battery assembly for use in an electronic device. The battery assembly may include a battery cell, a battery connector
for providing power from the battery cell to the electronic device, and a flex circuit electrically coupling the battery cell to
the electronic device. The battery connector may be located adjacent the battery cell, and may include one or more
alignment mechanisms so that conductive pads connector align properly with corresponding conductive elements of
the electronic device. The battery cell may be fixed to the electronic device using an adhesive layer placed between the
cell and the electronic device. A tab may extend beyond the periphery of the battery cell to allow a user to pull or peal
the battery cell from the electronic device for replacement or repair.
說明
This application is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/964,434, now U.S. Pat. No.
8,296,925 filed Dec. 9, 2010 and titled “Battery Assembly for Use in an Electronic Device,” which is a divisional patent
application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/112,764, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,871,720, filed Apr. 30, 2008 and titled
“Battery Assembly for Use in an Electronic Device,” the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein in their
entireties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed to a removable battery assembly for use in an electronic device.
To perform as designed, electronic devices require power. Power may be supplied using many different approaches,
including for example by coupling the electronic device to an external power supply (e.g., plugging a computer in an
electrical socket), or by including a battery or capacitor in the electronic device. To lengthen the use of electronic
devices powered by batteries, the batteries may be made rechargeable (e.g., using an external power supply), or
replaceable (e.g., by providing access to a battery bay within the electronic device). In some electronic devices, only a
technician may be able to replace batteries, while in other electronic devices the batteries may be replaceable by the
user of the device.
Batteries may be coupled to the electronic device using different approaches. For example, a battery may be inserted
in a bay of the electronic device case, and held in place using springs, foam, protrusions (e.g., in a cover placed over
the bay), or any other suitable approach. In some embodiments, the battery may be retained using a press fit-type
approach.
Different approaches may be used to provide power from the battery to electronic device components. For example,
some battery cells include conductive tabs on the surface of the cell itself that are placed in contact with corresponding
conductive tabs of the electronic device to provide power. Other battery cells may include wires or circuitry for coupling
the battery to the electronic device. Although such approaches may be suitable for certain electronic devices, some
smaller portable electronic devices, such as for example cellular telephones, portable media players, and PDAs may
require a different battery system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A battery assembly for use in an electronic device is provided.
The battery assembly may include a battery cell, a battery connector, and a flex circuit for electrically coupling the
battery cell to the battery connector. The battery cell may substantially be in the form of a box. In some embodiments,
the battery cell may include different shapes, for example to account for the shape of the electronic device in which the
battery cell is placed.
The battery cell may provide power to the electronic device via the intermediary of the battery connector. The battery
connector may be located at any suitable position relative the battery cell, including for example adjacent a side wall of
the cell, between the top and bottom surfaces of the cell. The battery connector may include one or more conductive
pads for transferring power. In some embodiments, the battery connector may include one or more pads for sensing
the temperature of the electronic device.
A flex circuit may be used to electrically couple the battery cell to the battery connector. For example, the flex circuit
may be placed over a conductive portion of the battery cell, and may also be placed over a conductive portion of the
battery connector. The size of the flex circuit may be selected to ensure that enough power is available to be
transferred from the battery cell to power the electronic device, and to quickly recharge the battery cell when necessary.
In some embodiments, portions of the flex circuit may be attached to one or both of the battery cell and connector using
an adhesive (e.g., to provide a structurally secure connection).
The battery assembly may be secured to the electronic device using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, the
battery connector may include an aperture through which a mechanical fastener (e.g., a screw) may pass and engage
the electronic device, thus securing the battery connector between the mechanical fastener and the electronic device.
To ensure that the battery connector is properly aligned (e.g., and that the conductive pads are in contact with their
counterparts in the electronic device), the battery connector may include a post operative to extend into an indentation
of the electronic device (e.g. providing fine alignment. To release the battery assembly, the mechanical fastener may
simply be removed.
The battery cell may be coupled to the electronic device using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, an
adhesive layer attached to a surface of the battery cell may bind to the electronic device. For example, a layer of double
sided tape may be placed on the battery cell, and pressed against the electronic device. To release the battery cell, a
tab extending from the periphery of the battery cell may be pulled, cause the adhesive layer to detach from the
electronic device (e.g., pull the tab to peal off the adhesive layer). In some embodiments, a special tool may be used,
for example a tool operative to engage a feature (e.g., a hole) in the tab.
聲明所有權
What is claimed is:
1. A method of assembling a battery assembly for use with an electronic device, comprising:
providing a battery cell substantially in the form of a box comprising:
a top surface,
a bottom surface,
elongated side walls, and
shortened side walls;
placing a battery connector, operative to transfer power from the battery cell to the electronic device and separate from
the battery cell, adjacent a shortened side wall of the battery cell; and
coupling a flex circuit to the top surface of the battery cell and to the battery connector, the flex circuit operative to
electrically couple the battery cell to the battery connector.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the battery connector comprises a hole operative to receive a mechanical fastener,
the mechanical fastener operative to engage a portion of the electronic device to secure the battery connector.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the battery connector comprises a post operative to extend into an indentation of the
electronic device to align the battery connector.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the battery connector comprises a plurality of pads including at least one pad
operative to transfer power and at least one pad operative to sense the temperature of the battery cell.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the at least one pad operative to transfer power and the at least one pad operative to
sense the temperature of the battery cell are symmetrically distributed on a surface of the battery connector.
6. The method of claim 4, wherein at least one pad of the plurality of pads comprises cantilever strips extending from
the battery connector.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein at least one pad of the plurality of pads comprises a return operative to ensure that
the at least one pad extends from the surface of the battery connector.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: coupling the coupling the battery cell to the electronic device using an
adhesive layer.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein layer extends substantially around the battery cell.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein the adhesive layer comprises a hole.
11. The method of claim 8, wherein adhesive used between the adhesive layer and the battery cell is stronger than
adhesive used between the electronic device and the adhesive layer.
12. The method of claim 8, wherein the adhesive layer comprises double sided tape.
13. The method of claim 8, wherein the adhesive layer comprises a tab operative to be pulled to release the battery
cell.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the tab is incorporated in the adhesive layer.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the tab comprises a backing layer on each side of portions of the adhesive layer
that form the tab.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein the tab comprises an aperture operative to receive a tool used to remove the
battery assembly.
17. A method of assembling a battery assembly for use in an electronic device, comprising:
providing a battery cell comprising a top surface;
providing a battery connector substantially in the form of a box operative to transfer power from the battery cell to the
electronic device and separate from the battery cell;
coupling a flex circuit to the top surface of the battery cell and to the battery connector, the flex circuit operative to
electrically couple the battery cell to the battery connector; and
coupling an adhesive layer to the top surface, the adhesive layer operative to bond to the electronic device.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the adhesive layer comprises a tab extending from a periphery of the battery cell
operative to remove the battery cell from the electronic device.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the adhesive layer comprises a periphery portion that substantially follows an
edge of the battery cell and an edge of the flex circuit.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein the battery connector comprises:
a hole operative to receive a mechanical fastener, the mechanical fastener operative to engage a portion of the
electronic device to secure the battery connector; and
a post operative to extend into an indentation of the electronic device to align the battery connector.
21. The method of claim 17, wherein the battery connector comprises:
at least one pad operative to transfer power; and
at least one pad operative to sense the temperature of the battery cell.
22. The method of claim 17, wherein said operation of coupling a flex circuit to the top surface of the battery cell and to
the battery connector further comprises:
coupling the flex circuit to the top surface of the battery cell and to a sidewall of the battery cell.
破解方法
柔性部分改用彈簧取代
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and other features of the present invention, its nature and various advantages will be more apparent
upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which:
FIG. 1is a top perspective view of an illustrative battery assembly for an electronic device in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2is a bottom perspective view of the illustrative battery assembly ofFIG. 1in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 3is an exploded view of the battery assembly ofFIG. 1in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 4is a side view of the battery connector of the battery assembly ofFIG. 1in accordance with one embodiment
of the invention;
FIG. 5is a perspective view of an illustrative removable battery assembly in accordance with one embodiment of
the invention;
FIG. 6is a side view of the removable battery assembly ofFIG. 5in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention; and
FIG. 7is a perspective view of a detail of the of the removable battery assembly ofFIG. 5in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an illustrative battery assembly for an electronic device in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the illustrative battery assembly of FIG. 1 in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the battery assembly of FIG. 1 in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4 is a side view of the battery connector of the battery
assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Battery assembly 100may include battery
cell 110 and battery connector 120. Battery cell 110 may include any suitable type of battery, including for example a
single use battery or a rechargeable battery. The type of battery used may be selected based on the application of the
battery (e.g., the type of electronic device using the battery cell). For example, in a cellular telephone or portable media
player, a rechargeable battery may be preferable. As another example, in a digital camera or a remote controller, a
single use battery may be preferable.
Battery cell 110 may use any suitable approach for holding a charge. For example, if battery cell 110 is a rechargeable
battery, battery cell 110 may include a lead and sulfuric acid, nickel cadmium (NiCd), nickel metal hydride (NiMH),
lithium ion (Li-ion), or a lithium ion polymer (Li-ion polymer) cell chemistry. In some embodiments, other cell chemistries
may be used to hold the charge for the electronic device. Battery cell 110 may be in any suitable shape. For example,
battery cell110 may be substantially in a box-like shape, with top surface 111, bottom surface 112, elongated sides 113,
and shortened sides 114, or any other suitable shape. In some embodiments, the shape of battery cell 110 may be
determined by the shape of the electronic device in which the battery cell is placed. For example, if the electronic
device includes a housing with a curved wall, battery cell 110 may include a curved surface or a chamfer 116 along one
or more edges of battery cell110.
Battery connector 120 may provide a connection between battery cell 110 and the electronic device to which it is
coupled. Battery connector may be located adjacent any suitable portion of battery cell 110, including for example
adjacent elongated side wall 113, and between the planes defined by top surface 111 and bottom surface 112. Battery
connector 120 may be constructed in any suitable shape, including for example in a substantially box-like shape, with
top surface 121, bottom surface 122, elongated sides 123, and shortened sides 124, or any other suitable shape. In
some embodiments, battery connector 120 may include a chamfer 126 similar or substantially similar to chamfer 116 of
battery cell 110 to ensure that battery assembly 100 fits correctly in the electronic device.
Any suitable approach may be used to electrically couple battery connector 120 to battery cell 110 (i.e., to allow power
to flow from battery cell 110 to the electronic device). For example, battery cell 110 may include an electrically
conductive portion on elongated side wall 113 that is placed in contact with an electrically conductive portion of battery
connector 120(e.g., along elongated side 123). As another example, battery cell 110 may be coupled to battery
connector 120 using one or more wires (not shown). As still another example, battery cell 110 may be electrically
coupled to battery connector 120 using flex circuit 130. Because flex circuit 130 may be substantially entirely
conductive, while remaining very thin, a large amount of power may pass from battery cell 110 to battery
connector 120 using a low-profile structure (e.g., a large amount of bulky wires would be required to couple battery
cell 110 to battery connector 120 in a manner equivalent to that of flex circuit 130). In addition, because a separate
component is used to couple battery cell 110 to battery connector 120, battery connector120 may be easily reused with
a new battery cell when an original battery cell 110 loses its charge, and easier to place in the electronic device.
Flex circuit 130 may be any suitable size, and constructed in any suitable shape. For example, the size of flex
circuit 130may be determined by the power requirements of the electronic device (e.g., the amount of power that needs
to pass from battery cell 110 to battery connector 120 at any moment of time), the conductivity of flex circuit 130, the
size of the conductive portions of battery cell 110 and battery connector 120, or any other suitable criteria. In the
example shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the portion 132 of flex circuit 130 coupled to battery connector 120 may be at least as
long as elongated side wall 123 (e.g., to maximize the contact of flex circuit 130 with battery connector 120). In addition,
the portion 131 of flex circuit 130 coupled to battery cell 110 may be in the shape of a quarter circle, where the radius of
the circle is substantially equal to the length of portion 132. In some embodiments, flex circuit 130 may in addition
include portion 133 extending past the edge of top surface 111 and coupled to shortened side wall 114 (e.g., to
improve or strengthen the structural connection between flex circuit 130 and battery cell 110.
As shown in FIG. 4, battery connector 120 may be flexibly coupled such that battery connector 120 may move relative
battery cell 110, for example to facilitate the placement of battery assembly 100 in the electronic device. In particular,
battery connector 120 may rotate relative battery cell 110 along axis 135. This may allow battery cell 110 to be
independently coupled to the electronic device (e.g., using an adhesive layer, as described below). Battery
connector 120may provide power to the electronic device using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, battery
connector 120 may include pads 126, 127, 128 and 129, which may be distributed on any suitable surface of battery
connector 120 (e.g., bottom surface 122). Pads 126, 127, 128 and 129 may be used to provide any suitable conductive
or sensing mechanism. For example, two of the pads may be used to transfer power (e.g., a power pad and a ground
pad), and two of the pads may be coupled to temperature sensing components (e.g., to ensure that battery
cell 110 does not overheat).
Pads 126, 127, 128 and 129 may be disposed on battery connector 120 using any suitable approach. For example,
different pads my be placed on different sides of battery connector 120 (e.g., power and ground pads on bottom
surface 122, temperature sensing pads on top surface 121). In some embodiments, all of the pads may be located on
the same surface of battery connector 120 (e.g., on bottom surface 122, as shown in FIG. 2). To reduce errors in the
placement of battery connector 120 in the electronic device, the pads may be symmetrically distributed. For example,
pads 126 and 129, which may be located on the outer edges of bottom surface 120, may provide power, while
pads 127 and 128, which may be located inside of pads 126 and 129, may provide temperature sensing capabilities.
The pads may be the same or different, for example based on their use (e.g., power supplying pads 126 and 129 may
be wider, larger, or in a different material than temperature sensing pads 127 and 128).
Pads 126, 127, 128 and 129 may be manufactured from any suitable conductive material, including for example a
metal, composite material, plasma, or any other suitable material. To ensure that battery connector 120 always
maintains a sufficient electrical coupling with the electronic device, a portion of the pads may flexibly extend from
battery connector 120to contact a corresponding portion of the electronic device. For example, the pads may include a
cantilever spring (e.g., flat strip 141 coupled to the battery connector at end 142). In some embodiments, the pads may
include flattened or rounded contact surface 143 to maximize the portion of each pad that is in contact with the
electronic device. In addition, each pad may include return 144 connecting contact surface 143 to battery
connector 120 beneath strip 141. Return 144 may provide additional resistance when the electronic device presses
against contact surface 143 to ensure that power continues to pass from battery cell 110 to the electronic device, even
during shock or impact events that could otherwise cause the pads to be displaced.
Battery connector 120 may include any suitable mechanism for aligning pads 126, 127, 128 and 129 with the electronic
device. In some embodiments, battery connector 120 may include aperture 152 for receiving a mechanical connector
(e.g., a screw) operative to engage an appropriate feature of the electronic device (e.g., a threaded boss insert).
Aperture 152 and the threaded boss (or other feature) of the electronic device may be designed such that when
aperture 152 is aligned with the threaded boss, the battery connector pads are aligned with appropriate elements (e.g.,
conductive portions) of the electronic device. The mechanical connector may then pass through aperture 152 and
engage the threaded boss to ensure that battery connector 120 remains substantially immobile, or at least that the
pads remain in contact with their counterparts on the electronic device, even during shock or impact events. In some
embodiments, at least a portion of the threaded boss insert, or other feature may extend into aperture 152 to provide
rough alignment and positioning of battery connector 120.
In some embodiments, battery connector 120 may instead or in addition include post 154. The electronic device may
include an indentation located such that when battery connector 120 is properly aligned on the electronic device,
post 154 is placed in the indentation. In some embodiments, the indentation may be in a circuit board or other
component of the electronic device. Because each of pads 126, 127, 128 and 129 may need to be placed in contact
with the proper counterpart element of the electronic device to ensure proper functioning, battery connector 120 may
include one or more alignment features. For example, battery connector 120 may include a rough alignment
mechanism (e.g., aperture 152), a fine alignment mechanism (e.g., post 154), and a locking screw (e.g., a mechanical
fastener passing through aperture 152). In some embodiments, other alignment mechanisms may be used instead or
in addition of those described here.
The battery assembly may be coupled to the electronic device using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, the
battery assembly may be fixedly coupled to the electronic device (e.g., by using a strong adhesive or other mechanism
that cannot be undone without damaging the electronic device, or by preventing access to the battery assembly). In
some embodiments, the battery assembly may instead be detachedly coupled to the electronic device. FIG. 5 is a
perspective view of an illustrative removable battery assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention. FIG. 6 is a side view of the removable battery assembly of FIG. 5 in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a detail of the of the removable battery assembly of FIG. 5 in accordance with
one embodiment of the invention.
Battery assembly 500 may include battery cell 510, battery connector 520, and flex circuit 530, which may include
some or all of the features of the battery cell, battery connector, and flex circuit described above in connection
with FIGS. 1-4. To couple battery assembly 500 to an electronic device, adhesive layer 540 may be attached to top
surface 511 of battery cell510. Adhesive layer 540 may include any suitable type of adhesive, including for example, an
adhesive, a material to which an adhesive is added (e.g., adding an epoxy or other glue to the material of layer 540), a
tape (e.g., double sided tape), hook and fastener material (e.g., Velcro), or any other suitable type of adhesive. In some
embodiments, adhesive layer 540 may include a double sided tape with a backing layer on at least the side facing the
electronic device (e.g., to allow for the manufacturing of battery assembly 500 prior to insertion in the electronic device.
Adhesive layer 540 may be constructed in any suitable shape. For example, adhesive layer 540 may cover most or
substantially all of top surface 511 (e.g., to ensure that battery assembly 500 does not move while in use). As another
example, adhesive layer 540 may include one or more holes 544 to allow for easier removal and replacement of
battery assembly 500. In some embodiments, adhesive layer 540 may at least include periphery portions 542 for
holding the edges of battery cell 510. Adhesive layer 540 may include any suitable topography, and may for example
include curved portion546 for passing adjacent flex circuit 530 (e.g., so as not to disturb or affect the electrical coupling
between battery cell 510and battery connector 520). In some embodiments, the total surface of adhesive layer 540 and
the strength of the adhesive used may be selected to ensure that battery cell 510 remains coupled to the electronic
device while allowing easy removal when necessary (e.g., adhesive layer 540 is only on periphery portions 542).
Battery assembly 500 may include any suitable element or feature for assisting a user in removing battery
assembly 500from the electronic device (e.g., when the battery is defective or too old). In some embodiments, battery
assembly 500 may include tab 550 extending beyond the periphery of battery cell 510. To remove battery
assembly 500 from the electronic device, a user may pull tab 550 to cause adhesive layer 540 to peal from the
electronic device, thus releasing battery assembly 500. In some embodiments, a different adhesive may be used on
each side of adhesive layer 540 so that battery assembly 500 and adhesive layer 540 are removed from the electronic
device in response to pulling or pealing tab 550 (e.g., the adhesive used between battery cell 510 and adhesive
layer 540 is stronger than the adhesive used between adhesive layer 540 and the electronic device).
Tab 550 may be constructed using any suitable approach to ensure that tab 550 does not become detached from
battery assembly 500 when the battery assembly is removed. For example, tab 550 may be constructed from a portion
of adhesive layer 540 that extends beyond the periphery of top surface 511 of battery cell 510. The upper and lower
surfaces of adhesive layer 540 that forms tab 550 may be covered by a non-adhesive backing layers or
liners 554 and 556, respectively, to prevent tab 550 from becoming fastened or attached to an element of the electronic
device, thus preventing tab 550 from being accessible.
Tab 550 may include any suitable feature for assisting a user in removing battery assembly 500. For example,
tab 550 may be large enough for a user to grasp the tab with his fingers. As another example, tab 550 may include a
feature (e.g., hole552) for receiving a tool operative to remove battery assembly 500. Any suitable tool, including for
example a tool having a hook for engaging hole 552, may be used to pull tab 550. In some embodiments, a specific tool
may be designed for use with tab 550, and may be provided to users or technicians who wish to remove and replace
battery assemblies.
Prior to removing battery assembly 500 by separating adhesive layer 540 from the electronic device, the user may first
disengage battery connector 520 from the electronic device. For example, a user may first remove a screw or other
mechanical fastener connecting battery connector 520 to the electronic device. Once battery connector 520 has been
disengaged, the user may peel adhesive layer 540 and displace battery cell 510 with minimal risk of damaging battery
connector 520 and flex circuit 530.
When replacing a battery of the electronic device, the user may first open the electronic device (e.g., open a battery bay)
to access the battery assembly. Next, the user may remove the old battery assembly by removing the battery connector,
and separating the adhesive layer placed between the battery cell and the electronic device from the electronic device
(e.g., by pealing the adhesive layer by pulling on a tab extending from the battery cell). The replacement battery
assembly may include a battery cell, battery connector, and flex circuit coupling the battery cell to the battery connector.
To place the replacement battery assembly in the electronic device, the user may first place the battery connector in
the electronic device (e.g., aligning the pads of the battery connector). Once the battery connector is properly coupled
and secured, the user may remove a backing layer from an adhesive layer secured to the battery cell (e.g., a backing
layer between the adhesive layer and the electronic device) to expose the adhesive of the adhesive layer, and place
the battery cell in the electronic device. The newly exposed adhesive layer may adhere to the electronic device, thus
finishing securing the battery assembly. The user may then close the electronic device (e.g., close the battery bay) to
complete the task.
In some embodiments, battery connector 520 may remain in the electronic device, and only battery cell 510 may be
replaced. For example, instead of decoupling battery connector 520 from the electronic device, the user or technician
may instead remove flex circuit 530 from one or both of battery cell 510 and battery connector 520. The replacement
battery cell510 may then be inserted in the electronic device, and the original or a new flex circuit 530 may be used to
electrically couple the replacement battery cell 510 battery connector 520. Keeping the same battery
connector 520 may reduce the cost of replacing a battery, and also reduce the impact of the electronic device on the
environment.
The above described embodiments of the present invention are presented for purposes of illustration and not of
limitation, and the present invention is limited only by the claims which follow.
專利引用
引用的專利
申請日期
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專利名稱
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William R
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Lastinger
battery apparatus
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battery therefor
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引用的專利
申請日期
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Electronic device
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Battery connector
名稱不詳
Battery assembly method comprising a separate battery connector
and a flex circuit for use in an electronic device
公開號 US8574321 B2
發佈日期 2013 年 11 月 5 日
申請日期 2012 年 10 月 30 日
原專利權人 Apple Inc.
摘要
A case for electronic devices having buttons may include button mechanisms that allow the case slide over an
electronic device without impacting the buttons. Each button mechanism may include a sheet spring that biases the
button mechanism away from the buttons. When a user presses the button mechanism, the button mechanism may
transmit force from the user to one of the buttons and actuate that button. One type of button mechanism may transmit
force that actuates a single push-button. A second type of button mechanism may transmit forces that actuate a rocker
switch with two actuation modes such as a volume rocker with a volume up mode and a volume down mode. The
button mechanisms may be configured to provide tactile feedback to the user that is similar to the tactile feedback of
the electronic device's buttons when the electronic device is not mounted in the case.
說明
BACKGROUND
This invention relates to removable cases for portable electronic devices and, more particularly, to button mechanisms
for removable cases.
Portable electronic devices and removable cases for the portable electronic devices are becoming increasingly popular.
Examples of portable electronic devices include handheld computers, cellular telephone, media players, and hybrid
devices that include the functionality of multiple devices of this type. Removable cases for portable electronic devices
have been used for multiple purposes such as protecting the devices from dirt and physical damage and enhancing the
physical appearance of the device.
Conventional cases for portable electronic devices have used various structures for providing users with access to
buttons on the devices. As one example, holes in the cases have been used to provide users with direct access to
buttons on the devices. These holes have occasionally been covered with soft membranes.
In some cases, such as water-resistant cases, sealed structures with a coil-spring-loaded piston in a sealed cylinder
have provided users with indirect access to buttons on the devices. With a conventional case of this type, the structures
that provide indirect access to buttons on a device are large and are incapable of mimicking the feedback that the
buttons of the device would provide if the device were not mounted in the case.
It would therefore be desirable to be able to provide improved button mechanisms for cases for portable electronic
devices.
SUMMARY
Removable cases for electronic devices such as handheld electronic devices may have button mechanisms. A case for
an electronic device may be configured to hold the electronic device. As one example, the case may be configured
such that the electronic device is mounted within the case by sliding the electronic device into the case. The case may
protect the electronic device from dirt and damage and may serve to enhance and/or mimic the aesthetics of the
electronic device. The electronic device may have buttons and the case may have button mechanisms that interface
with the electronic device's buttons. If desired, the button mechanisms may be configured to match or enhance the
feedback provided by the electronic device's buttons.
The case may be relatively form-fitting to the electronic device and the button mechanisms may have a relatively
low-profile. Low profile button mechanisms may facilitate mounting the electronic device within a form-fitting case
without the button mechanisms in the case and the buttons on the electronic device impacting each other and
potentially causing damage. Alternatively or in addition, the button mechanisms may be spring-loaded such that the
button mechanisms are generally out of the way of the electronic device's buttons when the electronic device is being
mounted within the case. The button mechanism may be spring-loaded using one or more sheet springs (as an
example).
Each button mechanism may include a retaining plate and an external plate. The plates may include matching press-fit
members that are pressed together during assembly. If desired, the plates may be held together using adhesive and/or
fasteners (as examples).
One type of button mechanism may be configured to transmit force from a user to actuate a push-button with a single
actuation mode. Another type of button mechanism may be configured to transmit forces from a user for actuation of a
rocker-type switch with two actuation modes. One example of a rocker-type switch is a volume switch with a first portion
that is depressed to increase a volume and a second portion that is depressed to decrease the volume. If desired,
rocker-type switches may be formed from two push-button-type switches.
Further features of the invention, its nature and various advantages will be more apparent from the accompanying
drawings and the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.
聲明所有權
1. A removable case for an electronic device that has a button, comprising:
a housing into which the electronic device is removably inserted, wherein the housing has portions defining a hole;
a button mechanism mounted in the hole, wherein the button mechanism has a given portion that bears against the
button in the electronic device when the button mechanism is actuated by a user; and
a sheet spring that biases the button mechanism away from the button in the electronic device, wherein the housing
has inner surface regions that surround the hole and wherein, when the button mechanism is not being actuated by the
user, the given portion of the button mechanism is approximately flush with the inner surface regions of the housing.
2. The removable case defined in claim 1 wherein the button mechanism comprises a first member having a first
press-fit engagement feature and a second member having a second press-fit engagement feature, wherein the first
and second press-fit engagement features are coupled together.
3. The removable case defined in claim 1 wherein the button mechanism comprises a retaining member that has a
female press-fit structure and an external member that has a male press-fit structure and wherein the female and male
press-fit structures are connected together through the hole.
4. The removable case defined in claim 3 wherein the retaining member comprises a substantially rectangular metal
retaining member and wherein the female press-fit structure comprises a substantially rectangular protrusion from the
metal retaining member that defines a cavity.
5. The removable case defined in claim 4 wherein the external member comprises a substantially rectangular metal
external member and wherein the male press-fit structure comprises a substantially rectangular protrusion from the
metal external member that fits within the cavity.
6. The removable case defined in claim 1 wherein the housing has a lip that extends at least partly into the hole and
wherein the lip bears against portions of the button mechanism to hold the button mechanism in the hole.
7. The removable case defined in claim 1 wherein the sheet spring has a U-shaped edge profile and wherein the sheet
spring has center portions that bear against the housing.
8. The removable case defined in claim 1 wherein the sheet spring has a U-shaped edge profile and wherein the sheet
spring has center portions that bear against the button mechanism.
9. The removable case defined in claim 1 wherein the sheet spring has a W-shaped edge profile and wherein the sheet
spring has end portions that bear against the housing.
10. The removable case defined in claim 1 wherein the sheet spring has a W-shaped edge profile and wherein the
sheet spring has end portions that bear against the button mechanism.
11. The removable case defined in claim 1 wherein the button mechanism comprises a plurality of planar stainless
steel members.
12. A removable case for an electronic device that has a rocker button having a first portion and a second portion,
comprising:
a housing into which the electronic device is removably inserted, wherein the housing has portions defining a hole;
a pivoting button mechanism mounted in the hole, wherein the pivoting button mechanism bears against one of the first
and second portions of the rocker button in the electronic device when the pivoting button mechanism is actuated by a
user; and
a spring that biases the pivoting button mechanism away from the button in the electronic device such that the pivoting
button mechanism is retracted into the housing and does not scrape against the electronic device as the electronic
device is removably inserted into the housing.
13. The removable case defined in claim 12 wherein the spring comprises a sheet spring member that has a W-shaped
edge profile.
14. The removable case defined in claim 12 wherein the housing comprises first and second stop members and a
fulcrum member and wherein the first and second stop members and the fulcrum member extend into the hole.
15. The removable case defined in claim 14 wherein the pivoting button mechanism comprises a member that, when
the pivoting button mechanism is actuated by the user, bears against the fulcrum member so that the pivoting button
mechanism pivots about the fulcrum member and bears against one of the first and second portions of the rocker
button in the electronic device when the pivoting button mechanism is actuated by the user.
16. The removable case defined claim 12 wherein the housing has an elongated rectangular shape with an opening at
one end that is configured so that the electronic device is removably inserted into the housing by sliding the electronic
device into the housing through the opening.
17. A removable case for an electronic device that has a button, comprising:
a housing into which the electronic device is removably inserted, wherein the housing has portions defining a hole; and
a button mechanism mounted in the hole, wherein the button mechanism has given portions that bear against the
button in the electronic device when the button mechanism is actuated by a user, wherein the button mechanism
comprises first and second opposing metal plates connected together through the hole, wherein the housing has
surface regions that lie in a first plane, that surround the hole, and that are adjacent to the electronic device when the
electronic device is inserted into the housing, wherein, when the button mechanism is not being actuated by the user,
the given portions of the button mechanism lie in a second plane, and wherein the first plane is between the second
plane and the electronic device, when the electronic device is being removably inserted into the housing.
18. The removable case defined in claim 17 wherein the first and second metal plates each comprise a press-fit
engagement member.
19. The removable case defined in claim 17 wherein the button in the electronic device is a rocker button having a first
portion and a second portion, wherein the button mechanism comprises a pivoting button mechanism that bears
against one of the first and second portions of the rocker button in the electronic device when the pivoting button
mechanism is actuated by the user, and wherein the first metal plate comprises an external surface and wherein the
second metal plate comprises a surface that bears against the rocker button in the electronic device.
20. The removable case defined in claim 17 further comprising a spring having a W-shaped edge profile that biases the
button mechanism away from the button in the electronic device.
破解方法
把金屬彈簧片換成橡膠薄膜
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1is a perspective view of an illustrative removable case for an electronic device showing how the electronic
device may slide into the case in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2is a cross-sectional top view of an illustrative case that may hold an electronic device and that may have a
button mechanism that is biased away from the electronic device as the electronic device slides into the case in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3is an exploded perspective view of an illustrative portion of a case that may hold an electronic device and a
button mechanism that may be part of the case in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative button mechanism in a case that may hold an electronic
device that shows how the button mechanism may transmit force between an external plate and a button in the
electronic device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative button mechanism in a case that may hold an electronic
device that shows how the button mechanism may include a retaining plate with a female-press-fit engaging
member and an external plate with a male-press-fit engaging member that couples to the retaining plate in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6is a perspective view of an illustrative retaining plate that may be a part of a button mechanism in a case and
that may have a female press-fit member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7is a perspective view of an illustrative external plate that may be a part of a button mechanism in a case and
that may have a male press-fit member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative button mechanism in a case that may hold an electronic
device that shows how the button mechanism may include a retaining plate with a male-press-fit member and an
external plate with a female-press-fit member that couples to the retaining plate in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention.
FIG. 9is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative button mechanism in a case that may hold an electronic
device that shows how the button mechanism may transmit forces between an external plate and a rocker switch
with two actuation modes in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10is an exploded perspective view of an illustrative portion of a case that may hold an electronic device and a
button mechanism that may be part of the case and that may transmit forces between an external plate and a rocker
switch with two actuation modes in the electronic device in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention relates generally to removable cases for electronic devices and, more particularly, to button
mechanisms for removable cases for portable electronic devices. A case may be designed to fit closely around an
electronic device (e.g., the case may be form-fitting). As one example, the electronic device may slide into the case with
minimal clearance for buttons and other features that protrude from the device. In order to facilitate sliding the device
into the case and also to avoid damaging protruding features such as buttons, the button mechanisms and other
features in the case may have relatively low profiles and may be biased away from the electronic device using a spring
such as a thin sheet spring (e.g., a planar spring member which may be stamped from a sheet of metal or otherwise
formed from suitable spring material). When viewed from the front, the sheet spring may have a ring-like shape. When
view edgewise, the sheet spring may have a “U” like shape, a “V” like shape, a “W” like shape, etc.
The case for an electronic device may be a sliding-type case that slides over the electronic device. As another example,
the case may be a snap-on case with flexible portions that wrap around portions of the electronic device. Combinations
of these and other designs are also possible. For example, the case may include a first portion that slides over a first
portion of the electronic device and a second portion that then snaps over a second portion of the electronic device.
With other suitable arrangements, the case may include structures such as a Velcro® and/or straps to hold the
electronic device in the case. These are merely illustrative examples of how the case may be configured to hold an
electronic device.
The electronic devices held by the case may be portable electronic devices such as laptop computers or small portable
computers of the type that are sometimes referred to as ultraportables. Portable electronic devices may also be
somewhat smaller devices. Examples of smaller portable electronic devices include wrist-watch devices, pendant
devices, headphone and earpiece devices, and other wearable and miniature devices. With one suitable arrangement,
which is sometimes described herein as an example, the portable electronic devices are handheld electronic devices.
Handheld devices may be, for example, cellular telephones, media players with wireless communications capabilities,
handheld computers (also sometimes called personal digital assistants), remote controllers, global positioning system
(GPS) devices, and handheld gaming devices. The handheld devices may also be hybrid devices that combine the
functionality of multiple conventional devices. Examples of hybrid handheld devices include a cellular telephone that
includes media player functionality, a gaming device that includes a wireless communications capability, a cellular
telephone that includes game and email functions, and a handheld device that receives email, supports mobile
telephone calls, and supports web browsing. These are merely illustrative examples.
An illustrative case and an electronic device that mates with the case are shown in FIG. 1. As shown by lines 22 in FIG.
1, electronic device 20 may slide into case 10. As examples, device 20 may include housing 24, display 26, buttons
such as buttons 28 and 30, and communications ports such as ports 34, 36, and 38 and audio jack 32 (e.g., for audio
and/or video). With one arrangement, ports 34 and 38 may form microphone and speaker ports and port 36 may
contain a 30-pin data connector.
In general, device 20 can include any desired components and, if desired, case 10 may have features that facilitate the
use of the components of device 20. For example, case 10 may include back face 12 and an open front face such as
front face14 (e.g., defined by an opening in case 10 as shown in the FIG. 1 example). Front face 14 may facilitate the
use of display26, button 28, and other components in device 20, when device 20 is mated to case 10. As another
example, case 10 may have a hole such as hole 16 that provides direct access to a component in device 20 such as
audio jack 32 (e.g., a hole that allows an audio plug from an external accessory to pass through case 10 and be
inserted into jack 32).
Case 10 may be formed from any suitable materials. If desired, case 10 may be formed from a housing such as
housing 18. Housing 18 may be formed from a single unitary structure. If desired, housing 18 may be formed from
multiple structures held together by fasteners. Housing 18 and case 10 may be formed from any suitable material.
Examples of materials that housing 18 may be formed from include rigid plastics, semi-rigid plastics, flexible plastics,
non-plastic materials, etc. If desired, housing 18 and case 10 may be formed from rigid materials such as metals,
ceramics, composites, glass, etc.
Case 10 may have one or more button mechanisms such as button mechanism 40 that are associated with buttons on
electronic device 20 such as button 30. When device 20 is inside case 10, button mechanism 40 may align with
button 30 of device 20. With this type of arrangement, a user may press button mechanism 40 and thereby depress
button mechanism40 to position 42. When button mechanism 40 is moved into position 42 in this way, button
mechanism 40 may bear against and depress button 30 of device 20 (e.g., button mechanism 40 may depress
button 30 in a manner similar to how a user could press button 30 if device 20 were not mounted within case 10).
Optionally, button mechanism 40 may be configured to mimic the feedback provided to a user by button 30 of
device 20. For example, button mechanism 40 may be configured to provide a look and feel (such as a certain
resistance, a click or detente during engagement of the button, and other feedback) that matches the look and feel of
button 30 when device 20 is not mounted within case 10.
Button mechanism 40 may facilitate the insertion of electronic device 20 into case 10. For example, button
mechanism 40may include a spring that biases mechanism 40 away from position 42 (e.g., a spring that biases the
mechanism into its un-depressed position illustrated in FIG. 1). With this type of arrangement, button 30 and other
protruding components of device20 may be less likely to scrape against or otherwise catch on button mechanism 40 as
device 20 is being inserted into case10.
An example of how button mechanism 40 may facilitate the insertion of electronic device 20 into case 10 is illustrated
inFIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, as device 20 slides into case 10 along direction 22, there may be a relatively small gap
such as gap 44 between the exterior edge of device 20 and the interior of case 10. In addition, button 30 may have a
height above the exterior edge of device 20 such as height 46. In general, gap 44 and height 46 may be any suitable
sizes. As examples, gap 44 may be 0.1 mm or less and height 46 may be 0.5 mm or less. In general, it is possible for
gap 44 to be less than height 46 in embodiments in which case 20 is formed from flexible or semi-flexible materials.
As illustrated by FIG. 2, if button mechanism 40 were depressed and in position 42, button mechanism 40 could
potentially interfere with the insertion of device 20 into case 10 (e.g., by presenting a physical obstacle in the path of
device 20 and in the path of button 30 of device 20). However, since button mechanism 40 may include a biasing
member that biases the mechanism away from position 42 (i.e., away from the interior of case 10), button
mechanism 40 will generally not be in position 42 when device 20 is being inserted into case 10. This type of
arrangement facilitates the use of cases such as case 10 that have a relatively close form-fit with the associated
electronic device 20 that the case is configured to hold.
An exploded perspective view of button mechanism 40 and a portion of housing 18 in case 10 in which button
mechanism40 may be provided is shown in FIG. 3. Button mechanism 40 may pass through hole 48 of housing 18 (as
one example). As shown in FIG. 3, button mechanism 40 may include retaining plate 50, spring 52, and external
plate 54. Retaining plate50, spring 52, and external plate 54 may be sandwiched together such that button
mechanism 40 can move within hole 48 of housing 18 and a user can use button mechanism 40 to actuate one or
more buttons adjacent to hole (e.g., buttons on an electronic device such as device 20 of FIG. 1). External
plate 54 may sometimes be referred to as an external surface or an external member and retaining plate 50 may
sometimes be referred to as a retaining member.
Retaining plate 50 and external plate 54 may be formed from any suitable materials. As examples, plate 50 and
plate 54may be formed from rigid plastics, semi-rigid plastics, flexible plastics, non-plastic materials, etc. If desired,
retaining plate50 and external plate 54 may be formed from metals such as stainless steel. With one suitable
arrangement, external plate54 may be formed from the same material as button 30 and may have a finish that is similar
to the finish of button 30. With this type of arrangement, the aesthetics of device 20 when mounted in case 10 may
more closely match the aesthetics of device 20 when the device is not mounted in case 10.
Button mechanism 40 may be held together by connecting plates 50 and 54. As examples, retaining plate 50 and
external plate 54 may be held together using screws or other fasteners, welds, adhesives, etc. With one suitable
arrangement, retaining plate 50 and external plate 54 may have mating press-fit engagement features that lock
retaining plate 50 and external plate 54 together when plate 50 and plate 54 are pressed together during
assembly. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of this type of mating press-fit arrangement in which retaining plate 50 includes
extending male press-fit member 51. External plate 54 may include a corresponding female press-fit member (not
shown in FIG. 3). Alternatively, retaining plate 50 may be provided with a female press-fit member and external
plate 54 can be simultaneously provided with a male press-fit member. Combinations of these arrangements can also
be used, if desired.
Spring 52 may provide a preload force in button mechanism 40 (e.g., bias button mechanism 40 outward and away
from position 42 of FIG. 1). With one suitable arrangement, spring 52 may bear against housing 18 (e.g., a lip on
housing 18adjacent to hole 48) and may bear against external plate 54. As shown in FIG. 3, spring 52 may be formed
from a ring-shaped sheet of spring material (i.e., a sheet spring). In general, however, spring 52 may be formed from
any suitable type of spring such as a coil spring, a torsion spring, a cantilever spring, a volute spring, a tension spring, a
leaf spring, etc. Spring 52 may be formed using any suitable materials. As one example, spring 52 may be formed from
stainless steel.
In the FIG. 3 example, spring 52 has a “U” shape in which the center of spring 52 pushes against housing 18 and the
outside ends spring 52 push against external plate 54 (e.g., when viewed edgewise). The “U” or “V” shape of
spring 52 may bow outwardly from button mechanism 40 and toward housing 18. If desired, the direction of
spring 52 may be flipped so that spring 52 bows outwardly from housing 18 and toward button mechanism 40. This is
merely one example of how spring 52may be formed. In general, spring 52 may have any suitable shape. Examples of
shapes in which spring 52 may be formed include, but are not limited to, “U” or “V” shapes, “W” shapes, as well as more
complex shapes. The “U” or “V” shapes illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 may sometimes be referred to as U-shaped or
V-shaped edge profiles (e.g., spring 52 may have a U-shaped edge profile when viewed from above).
A cross-sectional view of button mechanism 40 is shown in FIG. 4. In the example of FIG. 4, retaining plate 50 includes
female press-fit member 49 and external plate 54 includes male press-fit member 55 which mates with member 49 of
plate50. Spring 52 (e.g., center portions of spring 52) may press inward against housing 18 at portion 19 of
housing 18 and may press outward against member 54 (e.g., on surface 101).
As shown in FIG. 4, when device 20 is mounted within case 10, a user may actuate button 30 by pressing external
plate 54. Button mechanism 40 may be configured so that button 30 can be actuated if force is received from any one
of directions56.
A second cross-sectional view of button mechanism 40 is shown in FIG. 5. As shown in the FIG. 5 example, retaining
plate50 may have portions 60 that bear against a lip such as lip 58 of housing 18 (e.g., lip 58 may form a stop structure
that limits outwards travel of button mechanism 40). When button mechanism 40 is depressed (e.g., in
position 42 illustrated in FIG. 1), portions 62 of external plate (and/or spring 52) may bear against portions of
housing 18 such as lip 58. With this type of arrangement, portions 60 of retaining plate 50 and portions 62 of external
plate 54 may help to retain button mechanism 40within housing 18 (e.g., within hole 48 of FIG. 3). In particular,
retaining plate 50 may help prevent button mechanism 40from traveling too far outward (e.g., away from device 20)
while external plate 54 may help prevent button mechanism 40from traveling too far inward (e.g., towards device 20).
In general, button mechanism 40 and its components may have any suitable dimensions. The available travel of button
mechanism 40 (e.g., the distance between its extended position and its depressed position illustrated by
position 42 of FIG. 1) may be equal to dimension 64. Dimension 64 may be approximately 0.50 mm (as one example).
The thickness of lip 58 of housing 18 may be equal to dimension 66. Dimension 66 may be approximately 0.50 mm (as
one example). The separation between the bottom of retaining plate 50 and housing 24 of device 20 equal to
dimension 68. Dimension 68 may be approximately 0.55 mm (as one example). If desired, there may be a small gap of
approximately 0.05 mm between the top of button 30 of device 20 and the bottom of retaining plate 50. Alternatively,
the top of button 30 and the button of retaining plate 50 may bear against each other even when button
mechanism 40 is not depressed. The vertical distance from the bottom of retaining plate 50 to the top of lip 58 of
housing 18 of case 10 may be equal to dimension 70. Dimension 70 may be approximately 0.65 mm (as one example).
A perspective view of retaining plate 50 is shown in FIG. 6. As illustrated by FIG. 6, female press-fit member 49 of
plate 50may be formed as a continuous ring-like lip or wall structure that defines a cavity such as cavity 76. While
member 49 of plate 50 is shown as having a rectangular shape in the FIG. 6 example, this is merely one example. In
general, press-fit member 49 may be formed in any suitable shape. As examples, member 49 may be circular,
triangular, pentagonal, or polygonal. In general, member 49 may be formed using any suitable random or patterned
shape.
External plate 54 is illustrated in perspective in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 7, external plate 54 may include male press-fit
member 55. Male press-fit member 55 may be formed as a single structure extending out from external plate 54, as
shown in FIG. 7. When external plate 54 is joined with retaining plate 50, member 55 may fill cavity 76 of member 49.
Member 55may be formed using any suitable shape. In general, it is necessary to match the shape of member 55 and
the shape of member 49 of retaining plate 50 such that members 49 and 55 function as press-fit members.
As shown in the cross-sectional view of button mechanism 40 of FIG. 8, retaining plate 50 may include male press-fit
member 74. External plate 54 may include a member such as female press-fit member 72 that mates with
member 74 of plate 50. This is merely an example of how retaining plate 50 and external plate 54 may be held together.
Other attachment mechanisms may be used, if desired.
Button 30 of device 20 may be a rocker-type switch that has two actuation modes. To replicate this functionality in
case 10, button mechanism 40 may also be configured as a rocker-type mechanism. For example, as shown in FIG. 9,
button 30 may have a first actuation mode in which portion 94 of button 30 is depressed (e.g., button 30 rocks in
direction 78) and may have a second actuation mode in which portion 96 of button 30 is depressed (e.g.,
button 30 rocks in direction 80). This type of a button arrangement may be used to provide a volume button with a
volume up option and a volume down option (as an example). In addition, button 30 may have a third actuation mode in
which the entire button is depressed (e.g., portions 94and 96 are both depressed simultaneously).
Housing 18 may include stop members 98. Housing 18 may include optional stops 88. External plate 54 may include a
member such as member 86 that bears against optional stops 88. With one suitable arrangement, optional
stops 88 may act as a fulcrum for button mechanism 40. For example, when a user presses on external plate 54 in
direction 84, member 86 of external plate 54 may bear against stops 88 and external plate 54 may pivot such that
portion 96 of button 30 is depressed by button mechanism 40 while portion 94 of button 30 is not depressed. Similarly,
when a user presses on external plate 54in direction 82, external plate 54 may pivot the fulcrum created by
stops 88 such that portion 94 of button 30 is depressed while portion 96 remains undepressed. Stops 98 may help to
hold button mechanism within housing 18. For example, stops98 may prevent retaining plate 50 from moving too far
away from device 20 and may also prevent external plate 54 from moving too close to device 20.
As illustrated in the FIG. 9 example, button mechanism 40 may include one or more springs such as springs 90 and 92.
Spring 90 may be a “W” shaped spring with end portions that bear against housing 18, with center portions that bear
against stops 88 of housing 18, and with portions that bears against external plate 54. Spring 92 may be a “U” or “V”
shaped spring that bears against external plate 54 at each of the ends of plate 54 and that bears against stops 88 of
housing 18. With another suitable arrangement, spring 92 maybe inverted such that the center of the spring bears
against the center of external plate 54 and the outside ends of the spring bear against stops 98 of housing 18. The “W”
shapes illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 may sometimes be referred to as a W-shaped edge profiles (e.g.,
springs 90 and 92 may have a W-shaped edge profile when viewed from above). These are merely illustrative
examples and, in general, any suitable spring or combinations of springs may be used in button mechanism 40.
An exploded perspective view of the FIG. 9 embodiment of button mechanism 40 is shown in FIG. 10. As shown in
the FIG. 10 example, external plate 54 may have a female press-fit member 100 (e.g., a press-fit member similar to
press-fit member49 of the FIG. 6 example) and retaining plate 50 may have a male press-fit member 102 (e.g., a
press-fit member similar to press-fit member 55 of the FIG. 7 example). If desired, external plate 54 may have one or
more male press-fit members and retaining plate 50 may have one or more corresponding female press-fit members.
FIG. 10 also illustrates that housing 18 may include a pair of stops 88 and that stops 88 may extend past stops 98. In
particular, the outside surfaces of stops 88 may be closer to the outside surface of housing 18 than the outside
surfaces of stops 98. This type of arrangement may help button mechanism 40 pivot on stops 88 while
stops 98 prevent external plate54 from traveling too far (e.g., moving too close to device 20).
The cross-sectional view in FIG. 9 of the assembled button mechanism of case 10 is taken in direction 105 of FIG.
10 along cross-sectional line 103 of FIG. 10.
The foregoing is merely illustrative of the principles of this invention and various modifications can be made by those
skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
專利引用
引用的專利
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申請日期
1976 年 1 月 12 日
發佈日期
1977 年 5 月 24 日
申請者
Clifford Wolff
Citizen
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1977 年 7 月 13 日
1979 年 5 月 8 日
Watch Co.,
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1993 年 8 月 5 日
1984 年 4 月 24 日
1995 年 1 月 3 日
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Submersible camera
Push button device for
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Process for making
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1995 年 6 月 6 日
Universal
remote control having
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1994 年 3 月 23 日
1996 年 5 月 7 日
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Dzus
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1997 年 5 月 13 日
Fastener
Lever mechanism
Europe Ltd.
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Disk drive unit tilt device
Button with flexible
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發佈日期
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2001 年 12 月 13 日
Baptist
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2001 年 8 月 23 日
2002 年 2 月 28 日
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2004 年 1 月 21 日
2004 年 9 月 23 日
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Waterproof housing
compatible for a plurality
of cameras
Button actuation
assembly
Waterproof case for
portable device
Control device with a
snap function and watch
fitted therewith
Multi-directional switch
and apparatus using the
same
Vehicle mirror with
internal illumination
source and transmitting
housing
Takashi
Waterproof case for
Shimamura
portable device
David Scott
Gordon
2005 年 12 月 13 日
portable device
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Waterproof case for
Guerrero
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Compute element
Wire cloth coffee filtering
Donnelly
2003 年 10 月 3 日
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Victor
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專利名稱
Electronic switch
assembly with
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Microsoft
Changeable console face
Corporation
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