Compact pivoting input device
AssigneeApple Inc.
InventorsMichael J. Beyhs, Mark A. Salada, Megan A. McClain, Brenton A. Baugh, Brian T. Gleeson, Thayne M. Miller
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An input device includes an input structure, a magnet attached to the input structure, and an electromagnet. The magnet rotates when the electromagnet is activated, thereby rotating the input structure. The magnet and input structure rotate about a pivot in order to provide haptic and/or visual feedback to a user. The pivot may attach the magnet and input structure to a body, which in turn may be affixed to, or part of, an electronic device. The electromagnet can encircle the body and/or magnet.
Claims20
An input device for use with an electronic device, comprising:
- a button defining an input surface;
- a force sensor configured to sense an input force applied to the input surface along an input direction oriented perpendicular to the input surface;
- a permanent magnet attached to the button;
- a body;
- a pivot coupling the body to the button, the pivot having a pivot axis, the input direction intersecting the pivot axis;
- and
- an electromagnet adjacent the permanent magnet;
- wherein
- the electromagnet is configured to generate a magnetic field in response to the force sensor sensing the input force, thereby rotating the permanent magnet and the button about the pivot axis to provide haptic feedback to the button.
An electronic device, comprising:
- an enclosure defining an opening;
- a body attached to the enclosure;
- a button extending through the opening and defining an input surface, the button pivotally attached to the body through a pivot axis;
- a sensor configured to detect an input force applied to the input surface along an input direction intersecting the pivot axis;
- a permanent magnet attached to the button and positioned within the enclosure;
- and
- an electromagnet attached to the body, positioned within the enclosure, and encircling the permanent magnet;
- wherein
- motion of the button is configured to provide haptic feedback at the input surface.
An input device, comprising:
- an input structure defining an input surface;
- a sensor configured to detect a force applied in a direction oriented into the input surface;
- a pivot below the input surface and about which the input structure rotates;
- and
- an actuator configured to rotate the input structure about the pivot to provide haptic feedback at the input structure in response to the sensor detecting the force;
- wherein:
- rotation of the input structure moves the input surface in a direction substantially transverse to a direction of the force.
An input device, comprising:
- an input structure defining an input surface;
- a sensor configured to detect a force applied in a direction oriented into the input surface;
- a pivot below the input surface and about which the input structure rotates;
- and
- an actuator configured to rotate the input structure about the pivot in response to the sensor detecting the force;
- wherein:
- rotation of the input structure moves the input surface in a direction substantially transverse to a direction of the force;
- and wherein:
- the sensor is a first sensor;
- the actuator is an electromagnet;
- the input device further comprises a second sensor configured to detect a back electromotive force of the electromagnet;
- and
- the electromagnet is configured to receive additional power if the back electromotive force exceeds a threshold.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.