GB2583946A

GB2583946A - Unibody haptics actuator

Info

Publication number: GB2583946A
Application number: GB1906818.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Keith Ansell Stephen; Carr Joshua; Flouris Andreas; matthew bunting Stephen; Van Wyk Peter
Original assignee: Cambridge Mechatronics Ltd
Current assignee: Cambridge Mechatronics Ltd
Priority date: 2019-05-15
Filing date: 2019-05-15
Publication date: 2020-11-18
Also published as: GB201906818D0

Abstract

An electronic device 100 has at least one haptic assembly for delivering a tactile response/sensation to a user of the device 100. The device 100 has a body having at least one rigid section 102 and at least one flexible section 104. A haptics assembly 112 is positioned within the body adjacent to the flexible section 104 and provides movement of the flexible section 104 to deliver a haptic sensation. A seal 200 may be provided to seal gaps 108 in the device 100. The device 100 may be gapless or seamless.

Description

Unibody Haptics Actuator The present techniques generally relate to apparatus for providing haptic feedback in electrical and electronic products, and in particular, relate to apparatus for providing haptic feedback in which the apparatus is a gapless or partly gapless apparatus.

Consumer electronics devices, such as laptops and smartphones, may employ different types of controls to give users of the devices some feedback indicating that they have successfully interacted with the device. This is generally known as haptic feedback, and haptic buttons, surfaces, areas or controls on a device may provide a tactile sensation to the user to confirm that the they have successfully pressed the button/surface/control/switch. A haptic button may be provided as a module or assembly for incorporation within an electronic device by a device manufacturer. However, space within mobile and portable consumer electronic devices is typically at a premium. Haptic buttons are typically located along or near edges of a smartphone or a portable computing device, for example, so that the display screen may be maximised. The ever-decreasing thickness of portable computing devices, and the increasing display screen size, means that there is relatively little free space within a smartphone for haptic buttons. It is therefore, advantageous to produce a haptic button having a low profile, e.g. having a low/small height such that the button is able to be incorporated into the free space along an edge of a portable computing device.

In a first approach of the present techniques, there is provided an electronic apparatus comprising: a body comprising at least one rigid section and at least one flexible section; and at least one haptics assembly provided within the body adjacent to the at least one flexible section and arranged to drive movement of the flexible section of the body to deliver a haptic sensation.

In a second approach of the present techniques, there is provided an electronic apparatus comprising: a cover; a frame comprising at least one rigid section and at least one flexible section, wherein the cover is fixedly attached to the frame to form an enclosure; and at least one haptics assembly provided within the enclosure adjacent to the at least one flexible section of the frame and arranged to drive movement of the flexible section of the frame to deliver a haptic sensation.

In a third approach of the present techniques, there is provided an electronic apparatus comprising: a first cover; a second cover; a frame comprising at least one rigid section and at least one flexible section, wherein the first cover and second cover are fixedly attached to the frame to form an enclosure; and at least one haptics assembly provided within the enclosure adjacent to the at least one flexible section of the frame and arranged to drive movement of the flexible section of the frame to deliver a haptic sensation.

In the present techniques, the at least one haptics assembly may is comprise at least one shape memory actuator (SMA) wire. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one haptics assembly may comprise any one or more of: an electromagnetic actuator, an Eccentric Rotating Mass (ERM), a Linear Resonant Actuator (LRA), an electrostatic friction device, an ultrasonic surface friction device, a smart material, a piezoelectric material, an electroactive polymer, and an electromechanical polymer.

The apparatus may be any one of: a smartphone, a protective cover or case for a smartphone, a functional cover or case for a smartphone or electronic device, a camera, a foldable smartphone, a foldable tablet computing device, a foldable communications device, a foldable phablet, a foldable image capture device, a foldable smartphone camera, a foldable consumer electronics device, a camera with folded optics, an image capture device, an array camera, a 3D sensing device or system, a servomotor, a consumer electronic device (including domestic appliances such as vacuum cleaners, washing machines and lawnmowers), a mobile or portable computing device, a mobile or portable electronic device, a laptop, a tablet computing device, a phablet, an e-reader (also known as an e-book reader or e-book device), a computing accessory or computing peripheral device (e.g. mouse, keyboard, headphones, earphones, earbuds, etc.), an audio device (e.g. headphones, headset, earphones, etc.), a security system, a gaming system, a gaming accessory (e.g. controller, headset, a wearable controller, joystick, etc.), a robot or robotics device, a medical device (e.g. an endoscope), an augmented reality system, an augmented reality device, a virtual reality system, a virtual reality device, a wearable device (e.g. a watch, a smartwatch, a fitness tracker, etc.), an autonomous vehicle (e.g. a driverless car), a vehicle, a tool, a surgical tool, a remote controller (e.g. for a drone or a consumer electronics device), clothing (e.g. a garment, shoes, etc.), a switch, dial or button (e.g. a light switch, a thermostat dial, etc.), a display screen, a touchscreen, a flexible surface, and a wireless communication device (e.g. near- field communication (NFC) device). It will be understood that this is a non-exhaustive list of possible apparatus.

Preferred features are set out in the appended dependent claims.

Implementations of the present techniques will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure lA shows an edge of an example electronic apparatus capable of providing haptic feedback; Figure 1B shows a plan view of the example electronic apparatus of Figure 1A; Figure 2A shows a zoomed-in view of a first sealing mechanism in an electronic apparatus, Figure 2B shows a cross-sectional view of the first sealing mechanism, and Figure 2C shows a zoomed-in cross-sectional view of the sealing mechanism; Figure 3A shows a perspective view of a second sealing mechanism in an electronic apparatus, and Figure 3B shows a cross-sectional view of the second sealing mechanism; Figure 4A shows a perspective view of a third sealing mechanism in an electronic apparatus, and Figure 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the third sealing mechanism; Figure 5A shows a zoomed-in plan view of an electronic apparatus, Figure 5B shows a zoomed-in plan view of a fourth sealing mechanism in the electronic apparatus of Figure 5A, and Figure 5C shows a cross-sectional view of the fourth sealing mechanism; Figure 6A shows a zoomed-in plan view of an electronic apparatus, Figure 6B shows a zoomed-in plan view of a haptics assembly in the electronic apparatus of Figure 6A, and Figure 6C shows a cross-sectional view of a fifth sealing mechanism; Figure 7A shows a zoomed-in plan view of a sixth sealing mechanism in an electronic apparatus, and Figure 73 shows a cross-sectional view of the sixth sealing mechanism; Figure 8A shows a zoomed-in plan view of an electronic apparatus, Figure 20 83 shows a zoomed-in plan view of a haptics assembly and pushrod in the electronic apparatus of Figure 8A, and Figure 8C shows a cross-sectional view of the haptics assembly of Figure 8B; Figure 8D shows a zoomed-in plan view of an alternative size of pushrod in the electronic apparatus of Figure 8A; Figure 8E shows a zoomed-in plan view of a seventh sealing mechanism for use with the haptics assemblies of Figures 8B and 8D, Figure 8F shows a cross-sectional view of the seventh sealing mechanism, and Figure 8G shows a cross-sectional view of two sealing mechanisms; Figure 8H shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the sealing mechanism of Figure 8G; Figure 81 shows a side view of the seventh sealing mechanism when the haptics assembly is not active and Figure 83 shows a side view of the seventh sealing mechanism when the haptics assembly is active; Figure 9 shows a zoomed-in plan view of an eighth sealing mechanism; Figure 10 shows schematic diagrams of gapless and partly gapless electronic devices comprising one or more haptic assemblies; and Figures 11A to 11E show schematic diagrams of five example sensing mechanisms for use with a haptic assembly.

Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide electronic devices which incorporate at least one haptic assembly for delivering localised haptic sensation (e.g. a tactile response/sensation) to a user of the device. Specifically, the electronic devices may be unibody, gapless or partlygapless devices, and may not have any protruding/visible mechanical buttons to operate the electronic device. Thus, the edges and surfaces of the electronic device may be substantially smooth, without protruding buttons/controls, which may be aesthetically pleasing for some users. The or each haptic assembly is located below an edge or surface of the electronic device, and is arranged to cause a portion of the edge/surface of the electronic device to move, thereby delivering haptic feedback to a user who is touching that portion of the device. This portion may be considered a moveable portion of the electronic device. The haptic feedback may be delivered to indicate to a user that they are touching or in the vicinity of a specific functional part of the device. This may be useful if there are no visible/protruding buttons, such that the user is provided with some confirmation feedback when they have located an 'invisible' or non-protruding button or control on the device. The haptic feedback may be delivered in response to a user interacting with the portion of the device, e.g. pressing, swiping, scrolling, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the haptic feedback may be provided in response to other triggers, actions or events. For example, haptic feedback may be delivered when a user receives an email, when a user makes a selection, or when a certain event takes place in a game. It will be understood these are just some non-limiting examples of situations in which haptic feedback may be desirable.

The term "gapless" is used herein to generally mean any electronic device having a haptic assembly in which there is no gap between the moveable portion of the electronic device (which is moved using the haptic assembly) and the rest of the electronic device. The term "gapless" is used interchangeably herein with the term "truly gapless" and "unibody".

The term "partly gapless" is used herein to mean any electronic device in which there is no visible gap or which appears to be gapless, but in which there is actually a gap between the moveable portion of the electronic device and the rest of the electronic device. The gap may be deliberately provided to enable the moveable portion to move relative to the rest of the electronic device. In some cases, the gap may only become visible when the button/moveable component is being actuated to deliver a haptic sensation. The term "partly gapless" is used interchangeably herein with the terms "gapless when not in use", "near gapless", "unibody", "apparently gapless", "apparently unibody" and "no visible gap". In some cases, a device such as a smartphone may be formed from two or more pieces/components to provide an apparently unibody or gapless device, and one or more gaps may exist or be created in the join between components. Where a gap exists in the electronic device, a sealing mechanism may be required to ensure the device is water-and/or dust-proof.

To help explain the difference between gapless and partly gapless electronic devices, Figure 10 shows schematic diagrams of a moveable portion of gapless and partly gapless devices, where the moveable portion is moveable by a haptic assembly to deliver haptic feedback. Specifically, Figure 10 shows schematic plan views of five different arrangements of a moveable portion 1100- 1114 of an electronic device. The moveable portion 1100-1114 may be provided along an edge or on a surface of the electronic device.

In arrangement 1100, short edges 1104 of moveable portion 1102 are mechanically fixed to a component (not shown) of the device (i.e. are mechanically constrained), while long edges 1106 are mechanically constrained to be 'free'. When the haptic assembly (not shown) in the vicinity of the moveable portion 1102 is in the equilibrium state (i.e. is not actively moving the moveable portion), the device may appear 'gapless' and may be substantially water-proof and/or dust-proof. However, when the haptic assembly is activated and the moveable portion 1102 moves, gaps may appear between the moveable portion 1102 and the component of the device along which the moveable portion 1102 is provided and therefore, the device may not be water-and/or dust-proof while the haptic assembly is delivering haptic feedback.

In arrangement 1108, the moveable portion 1102 comprises only one free' long edge 1106. In arrangement 1112, the short edges 1104 of the moveable portion 1102 are free while the long edges are fixed. In arrangement 1114, the moveable portion 1102 comprises only one free short edge. Arrangements 1100, 1108, 1112 and 1114 may be considered to be examples of partly gapless devices.

In arrangement 1110, the moveable portion 1102 comprises no free edges, i.e. both the long edges and short edges are fixed. Arrangement 1110, which has four fixed edges, is the stiffest and provides the most resistance against deflection by the haptic assembly (not shown), but is the only arrangement which is water-and dust-proof in both the equilibrium and active states. Arrangement 1110 may be considered to be a truly gapless device.

We now describe a number of gapless and partly-gapless electronic apparatus capable of delivering haptic feedback. Generally speaking, each electronic apparatus may comprise: a body comprising at least one rigid section and at least one flexible section; and at least one haptics assembly provided within the body adjacent to the at least one flexible section and arranged to drive movement of the flexible section of the body to deliver a haptic sensation.

Truly Gapless Electronic Apparatus As explained above with respect to Figure 10, a gapless apparatus comprises no gap between the moveable portion of the apparatus and the rest of the apparatus but, as a result, the moveable portion is stiff and resists the motion of the haptics assembly. To counteract this, the moveable portion of the apparatus is the flexible section of the apparatus. As mentioned above, the electronic apparatus may comprise one or more flexible sections, each able to move to deliver haptic feedback. The at least one flexible section may be a locally thinned section of the body, which is thinner than the at least one rigid section of the body. The relative thinness of the flexible section compared to the surrounding thicker rigid sections results in the flexible section (moveable portion) being less resistant to the motion of the haptics assembly. The flexible section may be provided by machining, forming, etching or half-etching the body to remove material. The flexible section may be provided by adding material to the apparatus, e.g. by adding an overmoulded part to the apparatus.

In this case, the at least one haptics assembly drives movement of the at least one flexible section relative to the at least one rigid section.

The body of the apparatus may be a truly gapless body, i.e. all 20 components of the apparatus may be formed of a single piece of material.

Where the electronic apparatus is a unibody device, gaps may be purposefully added to the device to increase the flexibility of the or each flexible section (moveable portion). For example, the electronic apparatus may comprise at least one gap in the body along an edge of the at least one flexible section (e.g. as per arrangement 1108 or 1114 of Figure 10). In another example, the electronic apparatus may comprise two gaps in the body along opposite sides of the at least one flexible section (e.g. as per arrangement 1112 of Figure 10, or as per arrangement 1100 where the long edges are free, and the short edges are mechanically constrained). Thus, even though the apparatus may itself be a unibody apparatus, gaps may be provided in the apparatus to enable the flexible section(s) to flex and deliver haptic feedback. The or each gap may be provided in the apparatus using any suitable manufacturing technique, such as machining or cutting.

Where the unibody apparatus comprises one or more gaps, a sealing mechanism may be required within the body in the vicinity of each gap to ensure the apparatus remains dust-and/or water-proof. Example sealing mechanisms are described below.

Partly-Gapless Electronic Apparatus As explained above with respect to Figure 10, a partly-gapless apparatus comprises at least one gap between the moveable portion of the apparatus and the rest of the apparatus. The or each gap provides the moveable portion with the flexibility to move relative to the rest of the apparatus when driven by the haptics assembly.

Figure 1A shows an edge of an example electronic apparatus 100 capable of providing haptic feedback, and Figure 13 shows a plan view of the example electronic apparatus 100. The electronic apparatus 100 comprises a body 102 and a moveable portion 104. In the case of a unibody electronic apparatus, body 102 is a single component which forms an enclosure in which at least one haptic assembly is provided adjacent to the or each moveable portion 104 of the body. In the case of a partly-gapless apparatus, the body 102 may be formed of a number of components, such as a frame and one or more covers. In Figure 1B, the body 102 may comprise a frame (shown) and at least one cover (not shown). As explained below, the cover may be a display screen (which may be formed of glass).

As mentioned above, body 102 comprises at least one flexible section 104. The term "flexible section" is used to mean a part of the body 102 which is moveable, and which may be driven by a haptics assembly to deliver haptic 30 feedback.

The flexible section 104 may be a locally-thinned part of the body 102 (either of the unibody, or of a frame, for example). By locally-thinning the frame, such that the flexible section 104 is thinner than the adjacent parts of the body 102, a gap 108 may be formed within the body 102. Figure 1B shows a cavity 106 or area within the body 102 where a haptics assembly (not shown) used to drive the movement of flexible section 104 may be provided. Other components, such as electronic circuits, batteries, etc. may be provided in area 110 of the body 102 when the enclosure has been formed. When a cover (or a front cover and back cover) is attached to the frame to form the enclosure in which the components are located, the or each gap 108 be covered but may not be entirely sealed. Accordingly, to form a water-tight apparatus, sealing mechanisms may be required in the gap, which provide a further barrier against water ingress.

In some cases, the electronic apparatus may be formed of two components, e.g. a cover (which in the case of a smartphone and similar devices, may be a screen), and a frame (which in the case of a smartphone, is may form the sides and back of smartphone). Thus, the body 102 of the electronic apparatus 100 may comprise: a cover; and a frame, wherein the cover is fixedly attached to the frame to form an enclosure, and the at least one haptics assembly is provided within the enclosure adjacent to the at least one flexible section of the frame.

The cover may be fixedly attached to the at least one rigid section of the frame to form the enclosure. The cover may not be fixedly attached to the at least one flexible section 104, thereby providing at least one gap 108 between the cover and the frame in the vicinity of the at least one flexible section of the frame. As a result of this, while the gap 108 may be covered by the cover(s), the apparatus requires a sealing mechanism that enables the flexible section to flex while also prevent dirt and/or liquid ingress into the apparatus.

In some cases, the electronic apparatus may be formed of more than two components, e.g. a front cover (which in the case of a smartphone and similar devices, may be a screen), a frame (which in the case of a smartphone, may form the sides of the smartphone), and a back cover (which may be a protective backing or may itself be a screen). Thus, the body 102 may comprise: a first cover; a second cover; and a frame comprising the at least one rigid section and the at least one flexible section 104, wherein the first cover and second cover are fixedly attached to the frame to form an enclosure, and the at least one haptics assembly is provided within the enclosure adjacent to the at least one flexible section 104 of the frame.

The first and second covers may be fixedly attached to the at least one rigid section of the frame to form the enclosure. One or both of the first and second covers may not be fixedly attached to the at least one flexible section 104, thereby providing at least one gap 108 between the first cover and the frame and/or between the second cover and the frame.

As one or more gaps 108 exist between the frame and the cover(s) in both cases, a sealing mechanism may be required within the body in the vicinity of the at least one gap to ensure the apparatus remains dust-and/or water-proof. Example sealing mechanisms are described below.

Sealing Mechanisms If a gapless or partly-gapless electronic device comprises at least one gap, 20 the device may comprise a sealing mechanism within the body of the device in the vicinity of the or each gap. Some example sealing mechanisms are now described with reference to Figures 2A to 9.

Figure 2A shows a zoomed-in view of a first sealing mechanism 200 in an electronic apparatus. Figure 2B shows a cross-sectional view of the first sealing mechanism 200 taken along line A-A, and Figure 2C shows a zoomed-in cross-sectional view of the sealing mechanism 200 along line A-A.

The electronic apparatus comprises a body 102 having at least one flexible section 104 and at least one rigid section. Although only one flexible section is depicted here, it will be understood that the electronic apparatus may have any number of flexible sections (and corresponding haptics assemblies). In this case, the sections of the body 102 either side of flexible section 104 may be rigid. The flexible section 104 is thinner than the rigid section(s) of the body 102. For example, the thickness of the flexible section may be in the range of 100pm to 300pm, while the thickness of the adjacent rigid sections of the body 102 may be greater than or equal to lmm (i.e. 1000pm). Thus, the flexible section may be an order of magnitude thinner than the rigid sections. The flexible section 104 may be formed by removing material from the body 102, e.g. by machining, forming, etching or half-etching the body to remove material. The body 102 may comprise at least one cover and a frame. Figure 2A shows a frame of the body 102 and a back cover (which may be part of the frame). The front cover is removed from the Figure to enable the interior to be seen clearly.

The cover may cover the gap, but does not seal the gap (as otherwise the flexible section 104 would be too stiff to be displaced sufficiently to deliver a haptic sensation).

The electronic apparatus comprises at least one haptics assembly 112.

The haptics assembly 112 is provided in cavity 106 of the body 102 adjacent to the flexible section 104, and is arranged to drive movement of the flexible section 104 to deliver a haptic sensation. The flexible section 104 may move along an axis substantially perpendicular to the external surface of the flexible section 104 (and the external surface of the body), as indicated by arrow H. The flexible section 104 may be able to move/be deflected into the body (i.e. towards the haptics assembly 112). This may happen when a user contacts the flexible section and exerts a force on the flexible section 104. The flexible section 104 may be able to move/be deflected away from the body. This may happen when the haptics assembly 112 is activated and exerts a pushing force on the flexible section 104.It will be understood that in some cases, the haptics assembly 112 may be arranged to exert a pulling force on the flexible section 104 in order to deliver a haptics sensation.

The electronic apparatus may comprise a pushrod or piston 114, which is provided between the flexible section 104 and the haptics assembly 112. The pushrod 114 is arranged to transmit motion (or force) from the haptics assembly 112 to the flexible section 104. The pushrod 114 may be used in cases where the haptics assembly 112 cannot be positioned within the apparatus in direct contact with the flexible section 104. This may be because there is not enough space at the very edge of the apparatus for the haptics assembly 112 to be positioned. For example, as shown more clearly in Figures 2B and 2C, the haptics assembly 112 may be longer than the length of the flexible section, and/or may be wider than the width of the flexible section. Depending on the type of actuator of the haptics assembly 112, it may not be possible to reduce the size of the haptics assembly 112 without also decreasing the stroke or force of the assembly. Accordingly, in some cases, it may be necessary for the haptics assembly 112 to be located within a cavity of the body 102 rather than in direct contact with the flexible section 104. For this reason, pushrod 114 may be used in conjunction with the haptics assembly 112 to effect movement of the flexible section 104 when the haptics assembly 112 is activated. Since there is a difference in size between the haptics assembly 112 and the flexible section 104, the pushrod may not entirely fill the space between the haptics assembly 112 and the flexible section 104. Accordingly, the electronics device may comprise one or more in-fill components 116, used to fill any space/void between the body 102 and the pushrod 114, thereby strengthening the body 102. The in-fill component(s) may act to support the flexible section 104 to improved robustness of the flexible section (e.g. to prevent damage to the flexible section 104 if the device were dropped). The in-fill component(s) may provide a rigid surface to which the cover(s) of the apparatus may be sealed.

In Figures 2A to 2C, the sealing mechanism 200 comprises a sheet or membrane of sealing material 202 between the pushrod and the haptics assembly. The sealing material 202 may be a flexible membrane seal. The sheet of sealing material 202 may be fixedly attached to the haptics assembly 112, the pushrod 114 and/or the in-fill component(s) 116. For example, the sheet of sealing material 202 may be glued or adhered in position. Additionally or alternatively, the sheet of sealing material 202 may simply be held in position between the pushrod 114 and the haptics assembly 112 by the force of the two components on each other. The sheet of sealing material is positioned to prevent any solid or liquid matter which may enter the apparatus through gap(s) 108 from reaching the haptics assembly (or travelling further into the device), where it may interfere or hinder the operation of the haptics assembly. Thus, the sheet of sealing material 202 does not cover the gap(s) 108 in the apparatus. For this reason, the sealing mechanism may further comprise one or more additional cover seals which cover the gap(s) 108 -see e.g. Figure 5C or Figure 6C. Alternatively, the seal between the cover(s) and the frame of the body 102 may be made by an adhesive provided along edge(s) of the frame to which the cover is attached. A possible location of such an adhesive is indicated by arrows S in Figure 2C.

Alternatively, the sealing mechanism 200 of Figure 2A -2C may be a gasket seal or 0-ring seal. In this case, the pushrod 114 may be in direct contact with the haptics assembly 112, and the pushrod 114 may extend through the gasket seal 202. The gasket seal 202 may be fixedly attached to the pushrod 114, and/or may be fixedly attached to the haptics assembly 112.

Figure 3A shows a perspective view of a second sealing mechanism 300 in an electronic apparatus (with the body 102 made transparent to show the internal components), and Figure 33 shows a cross-sectional view of the second sealing mechanism 300. Figures 3A and 3B show a number of components which have been described above with respect to Figures 1B to 2C, and for the sake of conciseness are not described again.

The sealing mechanism 300 comprises at least one profiled seal 302 provided within the body 102 to cover the at least one gap in the body, and arranged to flex while the pushrod 114 transmits motion from the haptics assembly 112 to the flexible section 104. The profiled seal may be designed to impart minimal mechanical constraint on the flexible section 104 when the flexible section 104 is pressed or is delivering haptic feedback. In Figures 3A and 3B, two profiled seals 302 are shown as there are two gaps in the body 102. However, it will be understood that if only one gap is present in the vicinity of the flexible section 104, then only one profiled seal 302 may be provided. The or each profiled seal 302 may comprise a first flat portion 302a which is fixedly attached to the flexible section 104, and a second flat portion 302b which is fixedly attached to the body 102 (e.g. to a cover 304 or to the frame). For example, the first and/or second flat portions 302a,b may be glued or adhered in position. When the haptics assembly 112 is activated, the flexible section 104 moves relative to the adjacent rigid sections of the body 102 but the profiled seal 302 is able to flex (extend or compress) during the movement, such that the sealing mechanism 300 does not resist the motion and prevent haptic feedback from being delivered. In this case, the shape and location of the profiled seal 302 means that the gap 108 is covered, thereby preventing any solid or liquid matter from entering the apparatus through gap(s) 108.

Figure 4A shows a perspective view of a third sealing mechanism 400 in an electronic apparatus, and Figure 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the third sealing mechanism 400. Figures 4A and 4B show a number of components which have been described above with respect to Figures 1B to 2C, and for the sake of conciseness are not described again.

The sealing mechanism 400 comprises at least one compression seal 402 provided in the at least one gap 108, and fixedly attached to the flexible section 104 and to a part of the body. For example, the compression seal 402 may be fixedly attached to a cover of the body which is in the vicinity of/adjacent to/proximal to the at least one gap 108, or may be fixedly attached to the frame of the body if the frame is in the vicinity of/adjacent to/proximal to the at least one gap 108. An edge of the compression seal 402 which abuts the flexible section 104 may be fixedly attached to the flexible section 104. For example, the edge of the compression seal 402 may be glued or adhered to the flexible section 104.

In Figures 4A and 4B, two compression seals 402 are shown as there are two gaps in the body 102. However, it will be understood that if only one gap is present in the vicinity of the flexible section 104, then only one compression seal 402 may be provided.

The compression seal 402 may be formed from a thin, flexible piece of material. The thinness of the compression seal 402 may mean that the edge of the compression seal 402 which is attached to the flexible section 104 may be thin. Therefore, to ensure good attachment of the compression seal 402 to the flexible section, the compression seal 402 may take the form shown in the bottom right of Figure 4B. Here, compression seal 402 may be L-shaped and comprise a first portion 402a which is attached to the flexible section 104, and a second portion 402b which is located in the gap 108. In either case, the compression seal 402 is arranged to compress while the pushrod 114 transmits motion from the haptics assembly 112 to the flexible section 104. The compression seal 402 may be designed to impart minimal mechanical constraint on the flexible section 104 when the flexible section 104 is pressed or is delivering haptic feedback. When the haptics assembly 112 is activated, the flexible section 104 moves relative to the adjacent rigid sections of the body 102 but the compression seal 302 is able to flex (extend or compress) during the movement, such that the sealing mechanism 400 does not resist the motion and prevent haptic feedback from being delivered. In this case, the shape and location of the compression seal 402 means that the gap 108 is substantially covered/filled, thereby preventing any solid or liquid matter from entering the apparatus through gap(s) 108.

In an alternative arrangement, compression seal 402 may not be fixedly attached to the frame/cover, but may still be fixedly attached to the flexible section 104. In this case, the sealing mechanism 400 may comprise at least one sliding seal 402 provided in the at least one gap 108 of the electronic apparatus.

The sliding seal 402 may be able to flex in the same way as the compression seal, but the sliding seal relies on frictional forces to stay within the gap. The sliding seal 402 may be able to move (slide) within the gap (i.e. along the body/frame/cover) as the haptics assembly 112 is active.

Figure 5A shows a zoomed-in plan view of an alternative form of electronic apparatus 100, Figure 5B shows a zoomed-in plan view of a fourth sealing mechanism 500 in the electronic apparatus of Figure 5A, and Figure 5C shows a cross-sectional view of the fourth sealing mechanism 500 through line A-A. Figures 5A to 5C show a number of components which have been described above with respect to Figures 1B to 2C, and for the sake of conciseness are not described again.

The sealing mechanism 500 comprises a bellows seal 502 provided over at least part of a length of the pushrod 114 and arranged to cover at least part of the at least one gap 108. The bellows seal 502 may fit around the pushrod 114. The bellows seal 502 may be shaped to fit within the gap 108. One form of the bellows seal is shown in the bottom right of Figure 5C. A surface of the bellows seal 502 which abuts the flexible section 104 may be fixedly attached to the flexible section. For example, the surface of the bellows seal 502 may be glued or adhered to the flexible section 104. As the bellows seal 502 fits around the pushrod 114, a single bellows seal 502 may at least partly cover the or each gap 108 located around the flexible section 104. In the depicted example, there are two gaps 108 on opposite sides of the flexible section 104, and the bellows seal 502 partly fills the gaps 108.

The side/edge of the bellows seal 502 may not completely fill the gap 108 to prevent the bellows seal 502 from mechanically constraining the movement of the haptics assembly 112, pushrod 114 and flexible section 104. However, this means a small part of the or each gap 108 is not filled/covered by the bellows seal 502. For this reason, the sealing mechanism may further comprise one or more additional cover seals 504 which cover the gap(s) 108. The or each cover seal 504 may be a sheet of sealing material provided within the body 102 to cover the at least one gap 108. The sheet of sealing material 504 may be a flexible sealing membrane. The sheet of sealing material 504 may be fixedly attached to at least the bellows seal 502. The sheet of sealing material 504 may extend over at least some of the gap 108. Preferably the sheet of sealing material 504 extends over the entirety of the gap 108. The sheet of sealing material 504 may extend further into the body 102. As shown in Figure 5C, each sheet of sealing material 504 may cover both the gap 108 and a side of the haptics assembly 112. When the cover (not shown) is attached to the body 102 to form the apparatus, the cover may be fixedly attached to the sheet of sealing material 504, or the sheet of sealing material 504 may remain in position due to frictional forces.

Figure 6A shows a zoomed-in plan view of an alternative form of electronic apparatus 100, Figure 63 shows a zoomed-in plan view of the location of the haptics assembly in the electronic apparatus of Figure 6A, and Figure 6C shows a cross-sectional view of a fifth sealing mechanism 600 through line A-A. Figures 6A to 6C show a number of components which have been described above with respect to Figures 1B to 2C, and for the sake of conciseness are not described again.

The sealing mechanism 600 comprises at least one sheet of sealing material 602 provided over the at least one gap 108. An edge of the sheet of sealing material 602 which abuts the flexible section 104 may be fixedly attached to the flexible section. For example, the edge of the sheet of sealing material 602 may be glued or adhered to the flexible section 104. Additionally or alternatively, when the cover (not shown) is attached to the body 102 to form the apparatus, the cover may be fixedly attached to the sheet of sealing material 602, or the sheet of sealing material 602 may remain in position due to frictional forces. The sheet of sealing material 602 may be a flexible sealing membrane.

The sheet of sealing material 602 may extend over the entirety of the gap 108. The sheet of sealing material 602 may extend further into the body 102. As shown in Figure 6C, each sheet of sealing material 602 may cover both the gap 108 and a side of the haptics assembly 112.

Figure 7A shows a zoomed-in plan view of a sixth sealing mechanism 700 in an electronic apparatus, and Figure 7B shows a cross-sectional view of the sixth sealing mechanism 700 through line A-A. Figures 7A and 7B show a number of components which have been described above with respect to Figures 1B to 2C, and for the sake of conciseness are not described again.

The sealing mechanism 700 comprises a gasket seal or 0-ring type of seal 702 similar to that described above with reference to Figures 2A-2C. The gasket seal 702 may be over-moulded onto pushrod 114. The haptics assembly 112 may compress the gasket seal 702, thereby keeping the gasket seal 702 in position while also positioning the pushrod 114 relative the haptics assembly 112 and flexible section 104. Thus, the gasket seal 702 does not cover the gap(s) 108 in the apparatus. For this reason, the sealing mechanism 700 may further comprise one or more additional cover seals which cover the gap(s) 108 -see e.g. Figure 5C or Figure 6C.

Figure 8A shows a zoomed-in plan view of an alternative form of electronic apparatus 100, Figure 83 shows a zoomed-in plan view of a haptics assembly in the electronic apparatus of Figure 8A, and Figure 8C shows a cross-sectional view of the haptics assembly of Figure 8B through line A-A. In Figures 83 and 8C, the pushrod 114 is smaller than the flexible section 104, such that the pushrod 114 does not contact the full length of the flexible section 104.

Figure 8D shows a zoomed-in plan view of an alternative size pushrod 114 in the electronic apparatus of Figure 8A. Here, the pushrod 114 is larger and contacts a larger extent of the flexible section 104 than the pushrod of Figure 8B.

Figure 8E shows a zoomed-in plan view of an seventh sealing mechanism for use with the haptics assemblies of Figures 83 and 8D, Figure 8F shows a cross-sectional view of the seventh sealing mechanism through line A-A, and Figure 8G shows a cross-sectional view through line A-A of two sealing mechanisms used to cover two gaps. The sealing mechanism comprises at least one sheet of sealing material comprising a body portion 800 and a tab portion 802, where the body portion 800 is arranged to cover the gap 108 and the tab portion 802 is fixedly attached to the flexible section 104 of the body 102. The tab portion 802 may be fixedly attached to the flexible section 104 using any suitable means, such as glue or adhesive. Thus, the sealing mechanism is similar to that provided by the combination of the profiled seal or bellows seal with the cover seal (sheet of sealing material), but advantageously is a single component.

Figure 8H shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the sealing mechanism of Figure 8G. Here, the tab portion 802 of each sealing mechanism can be seen more clearly. The tab portion 802 may be fixedly attached to the flexible section 104 before the body portion 800 is folded flat to cover the gap. When the haptics assembly 112 is activated and causes the flexible section 104 to move (via the pushrod 114), the tab portion 802 compresses and rolls. This is shown more clearly in the Figures 81 and 83. Figure 81 shows a side view of the seventh sealing mechanism when the haptics assembly is not active -the tab portion 802 is not compressed in this portion. Figure 83 shows a side view of the eight sealing mechanism when the haptics assembly is active -the tab portion 802 is compressed by the body portion 800 as the haptics assembly pushes against the flexible section 104 and causes the flexible section 104 to move. The dashed line helps to illustrate how the tab portion has been compressed in Figure 83 compared to in Figure 81.

Figure 9 shows a zoomed-in plan view of an eighth sealing mechanism 900. Here, the sealing mechanism 900 comprises at least one compressible rod 902 provided in the at least one gap 108. The compressible rod 902 may be a hollow tube. The compressible rod may be formed from any one of: a sponge material, rubber, a polymer, and a foam material. It will be understood that this is a non-exhaustive and non-limiting list of example materials.

In any of above described arrangements, the sealing mechanism may be formed of any one of: a flexible membrane material, a flexible material, a nonporous material, an elastic material, an elastomer, a hard plastic, a composite material, a thin metallic layer, a thin film polymer, a thin silicone film, and neoprene. The sealing mechanism may comprise components formed of different materials. For example, the bellows seal may be formed from a different material to the cover seal (sheet of sealing material). Alternatively, the sealing mechanism may comprise components formed of the same material.

Sensing Mechanisms Figures 11A to 11E show schematic diagrams of five example sensing mechanisms for use with a haptic assembly. In each of the arrangements described above for a gapless or partly-gapless electronic device, a sensing mechanism may be required to determine when a user has contacted the flexible section 104 of the electronic device and therefore, when the user should receive haptic feedback. The example mechanisms shown in Figures 11A to 11E are some ways of detecting the force applied by a user on the flexible section.

In Figure 11A, the sensing mechanism comprises a contact switch 1200 that is provided inside the haptics assembly 112. When a user presses or contacts the flexible section 104 of the electronic device, the flexible section 104 deflects (as indicated by the dashed lines). The force F is transferred from the flexible section 104 to the contact switch 1200, which is also caused to deflect.

The contact switch 1200 may be considered to be two springs in series, such that one half of the contact switch is one spring, and the other half of the contact switch is another spring. The springs are caused to deflect when the flexible section 104 is pressed. When the springs reach a certain displacement/compression, the haptic assembly 112 may be triggered to activate and produce a haptic sensation. For example, a 2N force applied by the user may cause the contact switch/springs to deflect by 80pm, which may cause the haptic assembly 112 to become active.

In Figure 11B, the contact switch 1200 is provided outside the haptics assembly 112. Specifically, the contact switch 1200 may be on the haptics assembly 112, between the flexible section 104 of the electronic device and the haptics assembly 112. When the flexible section 104 is not pressed, the flexible section is separated from the contact switch 1200. In this arrangement, deflection of the flexible section 104 may cause the flexible section to come into contact with the contact switch, and this contact may cause the haptics assembly 112 to become active.

In Figure 11C, the sensing mechanism comprises a strain gauge 1202 provided on the inner surface of the flexible section 104. When the flexible section 104 is pressed, the flexible section 104 and the strain gauge 1202 deflect/bend, and this deflection triggers the haptics assembly 112 to become active. The arrangement may be tuned such that the haptics assembly 112 becomes active when the strain is above some threshold value.

In Figure 11D, the sensing mechanism comprises a force sensor 1204. The force sensor may be integrated into the haptics assembly 112. The force sensor 1204 may change resistance as a force is applied to the haptics assembly 112 (by a user pressing the flexible section 104). The haptics assembly 112 may become active when the change in resistance is over some threshold value.

In Figure 11E, the sensing mechanism comprises a force sensor 1204. 5 The force sensor 1204 may be external to the haptics assembly 112. For example, the force sensor 1204 may be provided between the haptics assembly 112 and the flexible section 104.

Thus, the electronic apparatus may comprise at least one sensing mechanism for sensing contact on the at least one flexible section. The at least one sensing mechanism may comprise any one of: a contact sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, a strain gauge, a force sensor, a contact switch, and a pressure sensor. It will be understood that this is a non-exhaustive list of example sensing mechanisms, and is non-limiting.

Generally speaking, the electronic apparatus may be any one of: a smartphone, a protective case for a smartphone, a functional case or cover for a smartphone or electronic device, a camera, a foldable smartphone, a foldable tablet computing device, a foldable communications device, a foldable phablet, a foldable image capture device, a foldable smartphone camera, a foldable consumer electronics device, a camera with folded optics, an image capture device, an array camera, a 3D sensing device or system, a servomotor, a consumer electronic device, a domestic appliance, a mobile or portable computing device, a mobile or portable electronic device, a laptop, a tablet computing device, a phablet, an e-reader, a computing accessory or computing peripheral device, an audio device, a security system, a gaming system, a gaming accessory, a robot or robotics device, a medical device, an augmented reality system, an augmented reality device, a virtual reality system, a virtual reality device, a wearable device, an autonomous vehicle, a vehicle, a tool, a surgical tool, a remote controller, clothing, a switch, a dial, a button, a display screen, a touchscreen, and a wireless communication device.

In arrangements where the electronic apparatus comprises a cover and a frame, or a first cover, second cover and a frame, the cover, first cover and/or second cover may be formed of any of: a display screen, a metal, a metallic material, a metal alloy, glass, flexible glass, deformable glass, rubber, composite rubber, a polymer or plastic. For example, a smartphone may have a cover which is a display screen and a frame formed of plastic, or may have a first cover which is a display screen, a second cover formed of glass (to e.g. enable wireless charging) and a frame formed of plastic, glass or metal. The cover, and/or the first cover and second cover may be fixedly attached to the frame by an adhesive. The adhesive may also provide sealing between the cover/first cover/second cover and the frame. In such arrangements, the electronic apparatus may be any one of: a smartphone, a foldable smartphone, a foldable tablet computing device, a foldable communications device, a foldable phablet, a mobile or portable computing device, a mobile or portable electronic device, a laptop, a tablet computing device, a phablet, and an e-reader.

Where the electronic apparatus comprises a frame, the frame may be formed of any of: a metal, a metallic material, a metal alloy, glass, flexible glass, deformable glass, rubber, composite rubber, a polymer or a plastic.

The at least one haptics assembly may comprise at least one shape memory alloy (SMA) wire.

The at least one haptics assembly may comprise any one or more of: an electromagnetic actuator, an Eccentric Rotating Mass (ERM), a Linear Resonant Actuator (LRA), an electrostatic friction device, an ultrasonic surface friction device, a smart material, a piezoelectric material, an electroactive polymer (EAP), and an electromechanical polymer (EMP).

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that while the foregoing has described what is considered to be the best mode and where appropriate other modes of performing present techniques, the present techniques should not be limited to the specific configurations and methods disclosed in this description of the preferred embodiment. Those skilled in the art will recognise that present techniques have a broad range of applications, and that the embodiments may take a wide range of modifications without departing from any inventive concept as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An electronic apparatus comprising: a body comprising at least one rigid section and at least one flexible section; and at least one haptics assembly provided within the body adjacent to the at least one flexible section and arranged to drive movement of the flexible section of the body to deliver a haptic sensation.
2. The electronic apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the at least one flexible section is a locally thinned section of the body.
3. The electronic apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the at least one haptics assembly drives movement of the at least one flexible section relative to the at least one rigid section.
4. The electronic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 further comprising: at least one gap in the body along an edge of the at least one flexible section.
5. The electronic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 further comprising: two gaps in the body along opposite sides of the at least one flexible section.
6. The electronic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the body comprises: a cover; and a frame, wherein the cover is fixedly attached to the frame to form an enclosure, and the at least one haptics assembly is provided within the enclosure adjacent to the at least one flexible section of the frame.
7. The electronic apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein the cover is fixedly attached to the at least one rigid section of the frame to form the enclosure.
8. The electronic apparatus as claimed in claim 6 or 7 further comprising: at least one gap between the cover and the frame in the vicinity of the at least one flexible section of the frame.
9. The electronic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the body comprises: a first cover; a second cover; and a frame comprising the at least one rigid section and the at least one flexible section, wherein the first cover and second cover are fixedly attached to the frame to form an enclosure, and the at least one haptics assembly is provided within the enclosure adjacent to the at least one flexible section of the frame.
10. The electronic apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the first and second covers are fixedly attached to the at least one rigid section of the frame to form the enclosure.
11. The electronic apparatus as claimed in claim 9 or 10 further comprising; at least one gap between the first cover and the frame and/or between the second cover and the frame.
12. The electronic apparatus as claimed in any of claims 4, 5, 8 and 11 further 25 comprising: a sealing mechanism provided within the body in the vicinity of the at least one gap.
13. The electronic apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim further 30 comprising: a pushrod provided between the flexible section and the haptics assembly, the pushrod arranged to transmit motion from the haptics assembly to the flexible section.
14. The electronic apparatus as claimed in claim 13, when dependent on claim 12, wherein the sealing mechanism comprises: a sheet of sealing material between the pushrod and the haptics assembly.
15. The electronic apparatus as claimed in claim 13, when dependent on claim 12, wherein the pushrod is in contact with the haptics assembly, and wherein the sealing mechanism comprises: a gasket seal wherein the pushrod extends through the gasket seal.
16. The electronic apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein the gasket seal is attached to the pushrod.
17. The electronic apparatus as claimed in claim 16 wherein the gasket seal is attached to the haptics assembly.
18. The electronic apparatus as claimed in any of claims 12 to 17 wherein the sealing mechanism comprises: a sheet of sealing material provided within the body to cover the at least 20 one gap.
19. The electronic apparatus as claimed in claim 13, when dependent on claim 12, wherein the sealing mechanism comprises: at least one profiled seal provided within the body to cover the at least 25 one gap, and arranged to flex while the pushrod transmits motion from the haptics assembly to the flexible section.
20. The electronic apparatus as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein the sealing mechanism comprises: at least one compression seal provided in the at least one gap and fixedly attached to the flexible section and to a part of the body.
21. The electronic apparatus as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein the sealing mechanism comprises: at least one sliding seal provided in the at least one gap.
22. The electronic apparatus as claimed in claim 13, when dependent on claim 12, wherein the sealing mechanism comprises: a bellows seal provided over at least part of a length of the pushrod and arranged to cover at least part of the at least one gap.
23. The electronic apparatus as claimed in claim 22 wherein the bellows seal is fixedly attached to the flexible section.
24. The electronic apparatus as claimed in claim 22 or 23 wherein the sealing mechanism further comprises: at least one sheet of sealing material provided within the body to cover the at least one gap, wherein the sheet of sealing material is fixedly attached to the bellows seal.
25. The electronic apparatus as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein the sealing mechanism comprises: at least one sheet of sealing material comprising a body portion and a tab 20 portion, where the body portion is arranged to cover the gap, and the tab portion is fixedly attached to the flexible section
26. The electronic apparatus as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein the sealing mechanism comprises: at least one compressible rod provided in the at least one gap.
27. The electronic apparatus as claimed in claim 26 wherein the at least one compressible rod is a hollow tube.
28. The electronic apparatus as claimed in claim 26 or 27 wherein the at least one compressible rod is formed from any one of: a sponge material, rubber, a polymer, and a foam material.
29. The electronic apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 28 where the apparatus is any one of: a smartphone, a foldable smartphone, a foldable tablet computing device, a foldable communications device, a foldable phablet, a mobile or portable computing device, a mobile or portable electronic device, a laptop, a tablet computing device, a phablet, and an e-reader.
30. The electronic apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 29 wherein the cover, first cover and/or second cover is formed of any of: a display screen, a metal, a metallic material, a metal alloy, glass, flexible glass, deformable glass, rubber, composite rubber, a polymer or plastic.
31. The electronic apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 30 wherein the frame is formed of any of: a metal, a metallic material, a metal alloy, glass, flexible glass, deformable glass, rubber, composite rubber, a polymer or a plastic.
32. The electronic apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 31 wherein the cover, and/or the first cover and second cover are fixedly attached to the frame by an adhesive.
33. The electronic apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 32 wherein the sealing mechanism is formed of any one of: a flexible membrane material, a flexible material, a non-porous material, an elastic material, an elastomer, a hard plastic, a composite material, a thin metallic layer, a thin film polymer, a thin silicone film, and neoprene.
34. The electronic apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising at least one sensing mechanism for sensing contact on the at least one flexible section.
35. The electronic apparatus as claimed in claim 34 wherein the at least one sensing mechanism comprises any one of: a contact sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, a strain gauge, a force sensor, a contact switch, and a pressure sensor.
36. The electronic apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 35 wherein the at least one haptics assembly comprises any one or more of: an electromagnetic actuator, an Eccentric Rotating Mass (ERM), a Linear Resonant Actuator (LRA), an electrostatic friction device, an ultrasonic surface friction device, a smart material, a shape memory alloy, a shape memory alloy wire, a piezoelectric material, an electroactive polymer (EAP), and an electromechanical polymer (EMP).