GB2407363A

GB2407363A - Scroll wheel with sealed housing

Info

Publication number: GB2407363A
Application number: GB0324695A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Astanovsky; Micha Manassen; Boaz Siman-Tov
Original assignee: Motorola Inc
Current assignee: Motorola Solutions Inc
Priority date: 2003-10-23
Filing date: 2003-10-23
Publication date: 2005-04-27
Anticipated expiration: 2023-10-23
Also published as: GB0324695D0; GB2407363B

Abstract

An encoder 100 for use in electronic or computing devices comprises a housing 102 having a top part opened and a rotational wheel 104 fixed on an axle 108 which is connected to the side walls of the housing 102 with at least one end of the axle 108 extending outside of the housing 102. The wheel 104 is adapted to move downwards when a pressure is applied to its top part and a plunger 112 is fixed to a bottom wall of the housing 102. The wheel 104 may comprise a flexible section 106 between the axle 108 and external surface of the wheel. The axle 108 may feature a section between the side walls of the housing made from a flexible material (202,204, figure 2). The encoder 100 may feature a gasket 110 located in a circular recess in the housing 102 to seal the housing 102. The plunger 112 may be fixed on a flexible membrane 114, the plunger 112 and membrane 114 may be formed as an integral unit. The connections between the plunger 112 and the membrane 114 and the membrane 114 and the housing 102 may be sealed. The plunger 112 may be connected to a switch with the axle 108 connected to a second switch and/or potentiometer.

Description

ENCODER FOR USE IN ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a multi-functional encoder for control of electronic devices.

Background of the Invention

Modern electronic devices are capable of operate in different modes and to switch the mode a user of the device uses a dedicated switch. Mobile or portable communication devices such as mobile phones or portable digital radio can perform many different functions and switching between these functions must be performed in a convenient way. Typically the user can choose from the device's options by turning a scroll wheel or by pressing the buttons. In general the scroll wheels and other input devices are termed as encoders.

Additionally, as the devices are intended to be used outside the buildings, the mechanical parts should be sealed to prevent water or moisture from penetrating interior of the device. It is especially important in the case of equipment for emergency services like police, fire brigades, army, which must operates irrespective of weather conditions.

The solutions known in the art do not combine different types of switching in one device and do not provide adequate protection against environmental conditions.

Summary of the Invention

There is a need for an encoder for control of electronic devices, which alleviates or overcomes the

disadvantages of the prior art.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is thus provided an encoder for control of an electronic device as claimed in claim 1.

The present invention beneficially combines functions of scrolling and switching in one simple device, which makes operation easier and faster.

Additionally its mechanical construction ensures that the interior of the electronic device is sealed and prevented from water and moisture.

Brief description of the drawings

The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an encoder for control of electronic device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an encoder for control of electronic device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

Description of an embodiment of the invention

Referring to FIG. 1 one embodiment of an encoder 100 for use in electronic devices according to the present invention is shown. The encoder 100 comprises a housing 102 having the top part opened. A rotational wheel 104 is fixed on an axle 108, which is fixed to the side walls of the housing 102. The axle is fixed in two nests which perform function of slide bearings. At least one end of the axle 108 extends outside of the housing 102. The wheel 104 is adapted to move downward when a pressure is applied to its top part and in result of this move a plunger 112, which is fixed to a bottom wall of the housing 102 is pushed downward.

In one embodiment the internal part 106 of the wheel 104 which is located between its external surface and the axle 108 is made of flexible material.

In operation, when a pressure is applied to the top surface of the wheel 104 a deformation of the internal part 106 of the wheel 104 causes that the plunger 112 fixed to a bottom wall of the housing 102 is pushed downward.

It is obvious for those skilled in the art that the internal part 106 of the wheel 104 can be made of rubber, silicon gel or any other suitable material.

Alternatively the axle 108 can have sections made of flexible material. If at least portion 202, 204 of the axle 108, which is between side walls of the housing 102, is made of flexible material, the flexible part or parts 202, 204 of the axle deform when a pressure is applied to the top surface of the wheel 104. This causes a dislocation of the wheel 104 and the plunger 112 fixed to a bottom wall of the housing 102 is pushed downward.

To ensure that the encoder is sealed and can be embodied in devices that will operate in harsh conditions a gasket 110 is placed in a circular recess in the housing 102. Flexible lips of the gasket 110 close the slot between the housing 102 and the axle 108 preventing water and moisture from penetrating the interior of the electronic device.

The plunger 112, which is located on the bottom wall of the housing 104, is fixed on a flexible membrane 114. The connections between the plunger 112 and the membrane 114 and between the membrane 114 and the housing 104 are also sealed to prevent water and moisture from penetrating the interior of the electronic device.

Alternatively the plunger 112 and the membrane 114 form a single unit.

In any embodiment the external surface of the wheel 104 can have a special texture to make scrolling easier.

The encoder 100 in one of the embodiments can be implemented in an electronic device and a first pulse switch can be connected to the plunger 112 and a second pulse switch can be attached to the axle 108.

Alternatively a rotational multi-position switch and/or potentiometer can be attached to the axle 108 instead of the second pulse switch. It is obvious for those skilled in the art that different types of switches, depending on required function, can be attached to the axle or the plunger. It is worth to note that the scrolling and pushing functions can be used simultaneously as this allows for wider application of the encoder.

Claims

Claims 1. An encoder (100) for use in electronic devices comprising a

housing (102) having a top part opened and a rotational wheel (104) fixed on an axle (108) which is fixed to side walls of the housing (102) and at least one end of the axle (108) extends outside of the housing (102) characterized in that the wheel (104) is adapted to move downward when a pressure is applied to its top part and a plunger (112) is fixed to a bottom wall of the housing (102).
2. The encoder (100) according to claim 1, wherein a section (106) of the wheel (104), which is between an external surface of the wheel (104) and the axle (108), is made of flexible material.
3. The encoder (100) according to claim 1, wherein at least portion (202, 204) of the axle (108), which is between side walls of the housing (102) is made of flexible material.
4. The encoder according to any one of claim 1 to claim 3, wherein a slot between the housing and the axel is sealed with a gasket (110).
5. The encoder according to claim 4, wherein the gasket (110) is placed in a circular recess in the housing (102).
6. The encoder according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the plunger (112) is fixed on a flexible membrane (114).
7. The encoder (100) according to claim 6, wherein the connections between the plunger (112) and the membrane (114) and between the membrane and the housing are sealed.
8. The encoder (100) according to claim 6, wherein the plunger (112) and the membrane (114) form a single unit.
9. An electronic device with an encoder according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a first switch is connected to the plunger and a second switch and/or a potentiometer is connected to the axle.
10. An encoder substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 of the accompanying drawings.