TECHNICAL FIELD The disclosure relates to a switch assembly for an electronic device and a button structure comprising such a switch assembly.

BACKGROUND

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

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

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

SUMMARY

It is an object to provide a switch assembly and a button structure which addresses at least some of the drawbacks identified above.

The foregoing and other objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further implementation forms are apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the figures .

According to a first aspect, there is provided a switch assembly comprising a switch and a connector, the switch and the connector being configured to interlock, and wherein the switch comprises connection means extending at least partially along a center axis of the switch, the connection means being configured to receive at least a part of the connector. Such as solution results in quick yet stable assembly due to the simple step of only interlocking two main components, i.e. a switch component and a connector component. Fewer piece parts leads to smaller space requirements within the electronic device. Further, tolerance stack up is reduced, and the tactile qualities of the push-button corresponding to the switch assembly are improved . The center axis C of the switch extends between the opposing free ends the switch body, i.e. in a direction which also corresponds to the center axis of a through-going opening into which the switch assembly is to be mounted. This may correspond, when the switch assembly is mounted into an electronic device, to the direction of the width of the electronic device. Hence, a first perpendicular axis extends in the direction of the height of the electronic device, and a second perpendicular axis extends in the direction of the thickness of the electronic device. It may also correspond to the direction of the height of the electronic device. In this case, a first perpendicular axis extends in the direction of the width of the electronic device, and a second perpendicular axis extends in the direction of the thickness of the electronic device.

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

In a second possible implementation form of the first aspect,

the connection means comprises at least one slot. This solution requires significantly less space compared to prior art . In a third possible implementation form of the first aspect, the connection means further comprises at least one wedge- shaped groove extending from the slot, the groove being tapered in the direction of the center axis, and wherein the connector comprises at least one corresponding wedge-shaped protrusion. This way, the protrusion can be easily inserted into the slot and groove, yet being interlocked such that the connector cannot be easily removed from the switch.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In a first possible implementation form of the second aspect, the connector is configured to be arranged at least partly inside a slot extending at least partially along the center axis. This solution is significantly less space consuming than prior art. In a second possible implementation form of the second aspect, the switch further comprises at least one wedge- shaped groove extending from the slot, the groove being tapered in the direction of the center axis, and wherein the connector further comprises at least one corresponding wedge-shaped protrusion. This allows the protrusion to be easily inserted into the corresponding slot and groove, yet being interlocked such that the connector cannot be easily separated from the switch. In a third possible implementation form of the second aspect, the connector comprises stopper means preventing the button structure from exiting the opening in a direction towards the external surface. In a fourth possible implementation form of the second aspect, crush ribs protrude from a circumference of the switch, the crush ribs being configured to provide a tight fit between the switch and the opening. In a fifth possible implementation form of the second aspect, the connector is configured to be arranged outside of the opening, in abutment with the internal surface.

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

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

According to a third aspect, there is provided an electronic device configured to receive a button structure according to the above, the electronic device comprising a housing having an external surface and an internal surface, the surfaces being connected by a through-going opening, the button structure comprising a switch and a connector, the switch being configured to be inserted into the through-going opening, and the connector being configured to interlock with the switch such that the switch cannot be separated from the connector by means of movement in a direction out of the through-going opening. This solution reduces the tolerance stack up between push-button and switch, hence improving the tactility of the push-button even if the pushbutton is not perfectly centered with the switch. In a first possible implementation form of the third aspect, the switch comprises a slot and at least one wedge-shaped groove extending from the slot, and the connector comprises at least one resilient contact blade configured to interlock with the wedge-shaped groove. This allows the switch to be easily connected to the connector, yet interlocking the two such that they cannot be easily separated.

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

According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of providing an electronic device with a button structure according to the above, the electronic device comprising a housing having an external surface and an internal surface, the surfaces being connected by a through-going opening, the method comprising the steps of connecting the pushbutton to the switch, inserting the switch into the opening, in a direction from the external surface, connecting the connector to the switch such that the switch cannot be separated from the connector by means of movement in a direction of the opening. Such as method results in quick yet stable assembly due to the simplicity of only interlocking two main components, i.e. a switch component and a connector component. In a first possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the last step comprises inserting the connector into the slot extending within the switch, in a direction from the internal surface, the connector interlocking with the slot such that the switch cannot be removed from the opening. This allows the switch to be easily connected to the connector, yet interlocking the two such that they cannot be easily separated.

In a second possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the last step comprises interlocking the at least one slit and at least one pin, in a direction which is perpendicular to the opening, such that the connector abuts the internal surface and the switch cannot be removed from the opening without removing the connector from the housing. This way, the connector can be easily, and releasably, connected to the switch. These and other aspects will be apparent from and the embodiments described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the following detailed portion of the present disclosure, the aspects, embodiments and implementations will be explained in more detail with reference to the example embodiments shown in the drawings, in which: Fig. la shows an exploded and elevated view of a button structure and a partial housing in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; Fig. lb shows an elevated view of a connector in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. lc shows an exploded and elevated view of the embodiment shown in Fig. lb;

Fig. 2a shows an elevated front view of a switch in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2b shows an elevated rear view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 2a;

Fig. 3 shows an exploded and elevated view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 2a; Fig. 4a shows a cross-sectional view of the button structure and housing shown in Fig. la, with the button structure separated from the housing;

Fig. 4b shows a cross-sectional view of the button structure and housing shown in Fig. 4a, with the button structure inserted into an opening in the housing;

Fig. 5a shows a further cross-sectional view of the button structure and housing shown in Fig. la, with the connector separated from the switch and housing; Fig. 5b shows a cross-sectional view of the button structure and housing shown in Fig. 5a, with the connector inserted into the switch; Fig. 6 shows an exploded and elevated view of a button structure and a partial housing in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 7a shows an elevated front view of the switch of the embodiment shown in Fig. 6;

Fig. 7b shows an exploded and elevated view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 7a; Fig. 8 shows an elevated rear view of a connector in accordance with the embodiment shown in Fig. 6;

Fig. 9 shows an elevated view of the button structure and a partial housing shown in Fig. 6, with the connector separated from the switch and housing, and seen from inside the housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Fig. 1 shows an embodiment comprising a section of the housing 7 of an electronic device, a switch assembly 1 comprising a switch 2 and a connector 3, and a push-button 10. The components are adapted for being mechanically connected, and the switch 2 is also adapted for being electrically connected to the connector 3. This will be described in more detail below. Figs. 2, 3, and 7 show embodiments of a switch wherein the switch comprises a switch body 2a, a switch contact 2b, and a switch contact cover 2c. The switch may also comprise sealing means 5.

In one embodiment, the sealing means 5 are configured to at least partially cover the circumference of the switch 2. The sealing means 5 may comprise a gasket with a circumferentially extending ridge. The sealing means/gasket 5 may be a separate rubber component, or may be molded directly onto the switch body 2a, preferably the second switch body section, by means of liquid injection molding. The switch body 2a comprises plastic material and is preferably manufactured by means of insert molding. The switch body 2a comprises of two sections, a first switch body section and a second switch body section, arranged along the center axis C of the switch body 2a.

In one embodiment, the first switch body section has a cross-section which is larger than that of the second switch body section. I.e., a side cross-sectional view of the switch reveals an essentially T-shaped switch body 2a, while a frontal or rear cross-sectional view reveals one or two essentially rectangular surface areas, depending on if the cut has been made through the first switch body section or the second switch body section. The switch contact 2b, in one embodiment comprising a dome, is configured to be arranged in a slot arranged at the free end of the first switch body section. A switch contact cover 2c is provided to cover the switch contact/dome 2b and the slot, e.g. by means of laser welding or adhering the switch contact cover 2c to the above mentioned free end.

The switch assembly 1 comprises a switch 2 and a connector 3 configured to interlock. The switch 2 comprises connection means 4 extending at least partially along a center axis C of the switch, and the connection means 4 is configured to receive at least a part of the connector 3.

The center axis C of the switch 2 extends between the switch contact cover 2c and the free end of the second switch body, i.e. in a direction which corresponds to the center axis of the through-going opening 9 in the housing 7. This corresponds, when the switch assembly is mounted into an electronic device, to the direction of the width of the electronic device. A first perpendicular axis extends in the direction of the height of the electronic device, and a second perpendicular axis extends in the direction of the thickness of the electronic device. Figs. 1 and 6 show the thickness of the electronic device, while only sections of the height and width. In one embodiment, the switch 2 is provided with crush ribs protruding from the circumference of the switch 2.

In one embodiment, the switch 2 cannot be separated from the connector 3 by means of movement in the direction of the center axis C. I.e., once the switch 2 and the connector 3 have been connected, the switch 2 cannot be detached from the connector 3 by pulling them in opposite directions. The connection means 4 and/or connector 3 comprises at least one recess, and the connector 3 and/or connection means 4 correspondingly comprises at least one protrusion, the protrusion being configured to interlock with the recess.

In one embodiment, the connection means 4 extends along the center axis C of the switch 2, at least through the second section of the switch body 2a. The connection means 4 is configured to extend all the way up until the switch contact/dome 2b, such that the switch contact can interact with the connector 3 by means of the above mentioned electrical connection.

In one embodiment, the connection means 4 comprises at least one slot 4a, seen in Fig. 2b. The connection means 4 further comprises at least one wedge-shaped groove 4b extending from the slot 4a. See Figs. 5a and 5b. The groove 4b is tapered in the direction of the center axis C. More specifically, the depth of the groove, in a direction perpendicular to the center axis C, is at its largest at the section which is farthest from the switch contact 2b and eventually the push ^¬ button 10. I.e. the wedge declines in the direction from the second switch body section towards the first switch body section .

The connector 3 comprises at least one corresponding wedge- shaped protrusion 3a, soldered onto a flex 3c. A flex stiffener 3d is connected to the flex 3c in order to keep the connector 3 stiff when connected to the switch 2. In one embodiment, the protrusion 3a comprises a resilient contact blade configured to interlock with the wedge-shaped groove 4b. This way, the connector/contact blade 3 can be easily inserted into the slot 4a and groove 4b, while being interlocked such that the connector/contact blade 3 cannot be easily removed from the slot 4a and groove 4b. The resilient contact blade may comprise of a stamped metal blade. The switch body 2a may be insert molded onto the stamped metal blade (s) . In a further embodiment shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the connection means 4 comprises at least one pin 4c protruding in the direction of the center axis C. I.e., the center axis of the switch and the center axis of the pin extend in parallel. The pin extends at least through the second section of the switch body 2a, and partially into the first section of the switch body 2a. The pin 4c is configured to extend all the way up until the switch contact/dome 2b, such that the switch contact can interact with the connector 3 by means of the above mentioned electrical connection.

In one embodiment, the pin 4c comprises an end section 4d having an increased cross-section. The pin may comprise a further, oppositely arranged end section also having an increased cross-section, as seen in Fig. 7b. The pin 4c preferably comprises an insert molded metal pin.

As shown in Figs. 6 and 8, this embodiment comprises a connector 3 having at least one partially open-ended slit

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

Hence, the slit 3b is adapted for being slid over the end section 4d of the pin 4c in a direction perpendicular to the center axes of the switch and the pin(s) . The switch 2/pin 4c cannot be separated from the connector 3/slit 3b by means of movement in the direction of the center axis C. I.e., once the switch 2 and the connector 3 have been connected, the switch 2/pin 4c cannot be detached from the connector 3/slit 3b by pulling them in opposite directions. However, the switch 2/pin 4c can be separated from the connector 3/slit 3b by sliding the connector 3/slit 3b in a direction perpendicular to the center axes of the switch 2 and the pin(s) 4c, but opposite to the direction used when connecting the slit 3b and pin 4c.

Figs. 1, 4, 6, and 9 show embodiments of a button structure 6 arranged in an electronic device such as a mobile phone. The electronic device comprises a housing 7 having an external surface 8a and an internal surface 8b connected by a through-going opening 9. The button structure 6 comprises a push-button 10 and an embodiment of the above-mentioned switch assembly 1. The switch 2 is configured to be inserted into the through-going opening 9 in a direction from said external surface 8a towards the internal surface 8b. The connector 3 is configured to be connected to the switch 2 such that the switch assembly 1 is secured to the housing 7.

In one embodiment, the connector 3 is configured to be arranged at least partly inside the slot 4a extending at least partially along the center axis C of the switch 2. As mentioned above, the switch may further comprise at least one wedge-shaped groove 4b extending from the slot 4a, the groove 4b being tapered in the direction of the center axis C, and

the connector 3 comprises at least one corresponding wedge- shaped protrusion 3a.

The connector 3 may comprise stopper means 11 preventing the assembled button structure 6 from exiting the opening 9 in a direction towards the external surface 8a. I.e., the stopper means 11 has dimensions which are at least partially larger than the dimensions of the slot 4a.

As mentioned above, the switch 2 may be provided with crush ribs protruding from the circumference of the switch 2. The crush ribs are configured to provide a tight fit between the exterior of the switch 2 and the interior of the opening 9.

In a further embodiment, the connector 3 is configured to be arranged outside of the opening 9, in abutment with the internal surface 8b. This embodiment comprises a switch 2 provided with at least one pin 4c protruding in the direction of the center axis C. As mentioned above, the pin 4c comprises an end section 4d having an increased cross- section, and

the connector 3 comprises at least one partially open-ended slit 3b. The slit 3b is configured to interlock releasably with the pin 4c in a direction which is perpendicular to the center axis C, and interlock unreleasably with the pin 4c in the direction of the center axis C.

In one embodiment, the button structure 6 further comprises a compressive means arranged between the internal surface and the connector, e.g. a gasket. The compressive means may be made of rubber or a foam material. The compressive means is compressed between internal surface 8b and connector 3, hence providing a constant force on the connector 3, and hence the switch 2, in a direction inwards towards the interior of the electronic device. Figs. 1 and 6 show embodiments of an electronic device configured to receive the above-mentioned button structure 6. The electronic device comprises a housing 7 having an external surface 8a and an internal surface 8b, the surfaces 8a, 8b being connected by a through-going opening 9. The button structure 6 comprises a switch 2 and a connector 3. The switch 2 is configured to be inserted into the through- going opening 9, and the connector 3 is configured to interlock with the switch 2 such that the switch 2 cannot be separated from the connector 3 by means of movement in a direction out of the through-going opening 9. In one embodiment, the switch 2 comprises a slot 4a and at least one wedge-shaped groove 4b extending from the slot 4a, and the connector 3 comprises at least one resilient contact blade 3a configured to interlock with the wedge-shaped groove 4b.

In a further embodiment, the switch 2 comprises at least one pin 4c provided with an end section 4d having an increased cross-section, and the connector 3 comprises at least one partially open-ended slit 3b. The slit 3b is configured to interlock releasably with the pin end section 4d in a direction which is perpendicular to the through-going opening 9. In one embodiment, the electronic device is provided with a button structure 6 by means of the following steps. Firstly, the push-button 10 is connected to the switch 2. In one embodiment, this is done in a direction which is perpendicular to the center axis C of the switch 2. Secondly, the switch 2 is inserted into the opening 9, in a direction from the external surface 8a. Thirdly, the connector 3 is connected to the switch 2 such that the switch 2 cannot be separated from the connector 3 by means of movement in the direction of the opening 9.

In one embodiment, the third step comprises inserting the connector 3 into the slot 4a extending within the switch 2, in a direction from the internal surface 8b, and the connector 3 interlocking with the slot 4a such that the switch 2 cannot be removed from the opening 9. In a further embodiment, the third step comprises interlocking the at least one slit 3b and at least one pin 4c, in a direction which is perpendicular to the opening 9, such that the connector 3 abuts the internal surface 8b and the switch 2 cannot be removed from the opening 9 without removing the connector 3 from the housing 7.

The various aspects and implementations have been described in conjunction with various embodiments herein. However, other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed subject-matter, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage.

The reference signs used in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope.