EP2226822B1 - Schlüsselanordnung für eine tragbare elektronische Vorrichtung mit einer einteiligen Schlüsselkappe - Google Patents

Schlüsselanordnung für eine tragbare elektronische Vorrichtung mit einer einteiligen Schlüsselkappe Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2226822B1
EP2226822B1 EP09153733.2A EP09153733A EP2226822B1 EP 2226822 B1 EP2226822 B1 EP 2226822B1 EP 09153733 A EP09153733 A EP 09153733A EP 2226822 B1 EP2226822 B1 EP 2226822B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
key
key assembly
electronic device
portions
keycap
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP09153733.2A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2226822A1 (de
Inventor
Chao Chen
Dietmar Frank Wennemer
Jana Lynn Papke
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
BlackBerry Ltd
Original Assignee
Research in Motion Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Research in Motion Ltd filed Critical Research in Motion Ltd
Priority to EP09153733.2A priority Critical patent/EP2226822B1/de
Priority to CA2674406A priority patent/CA2674406C/en
Priority to EP09171439A priority patent/EP2226823B1/de
Priority to EP11156716.0A priority patent/EP2323151B1/de
Priority to AT09171439T priority patent/ATE515049T1/de
Priority to CA2694574A priority patent/CA2694574C/en
Publication of EP2226822A1 publication Critical patent/EP2226822A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2226822B1 publication Critical patent/EP2226822B1/de
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/83—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by legends, e.g. Braille, liquid crystal displays, light emitting or optical elements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/702—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
    • H01H13/704—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches characterised by the layers, e.g. by their material or structure
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/84—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by ergonomic functions, e.g. for miniature keyboards; characterised by operational sensory functions, e.g. sound feedback
    • H01H13/85—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by ergonomic functions, e.g. for miniature keyboards; characterised by operational sensory functions, e.g. sound feedback characterised by tactile feedback features
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H1/00—Contacts
    • H01H1/58—Electric connections to or between contacts; Terminals
    • H01H1/5805—Connections to printed circuits
    • H01H2001/5816—Connections to flexible or curved printed circuit boards
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/054—Optical elements
    • H01H2219/056—Diffuser; Uneven surface
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2221/00—Actuators
    • H01H2221/002—Actuators integral with membrane
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2221/00—Actuators
    • H01H2221/07—Actuators transparent
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2227/00—Dimensions; Characteristics
    • H01H2227/036—Minimise height
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2229/00—Manufacturing
    • H01H2229/044—Injection moulding
    • H01H2229/046—Multi-colour or double shot injection moulding
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2231/00—Applications
    • H01H2231/022—Telephone handset
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2233/00—Key modules
    • H01H2233/002—Key modules joined to form button rows
    • H01H2233/004—One molded part

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates generally to input devices, and more particularly to key assemblies for handheld electronic devices, and more particularly to a key assembly for a handheld electronic device having a one-piece keycap.
  • Keypad and keyboard designs in handheld electronic devices attempt to balance several design constraints which often include the ability to provide illuminated keys, a visual separation between keys, a tactile separation between keys, tactile feedback to device users in response to a key press, and providing such features within a relatively thin device profile.
  • Dome switches provide “soft closing” switches compared to mechanical "hard closing” switches which, depending on the key assembly in which the switches are used, may result in poor tactile feedback to device users in response to a key press (often described as a soft or "spongy” key press).
  • a key press often described as a soft or "spongy” key press.
  • the use of dome switches may result in keys which are wobbly and unstable, and more prone to damage.
  • JP 11 126 536 discloses a keypad assembly comprising a top sheet which is adhered to a flexible substrate formed from a silicone rubber.
  • the flexible substrate has actuators formed on its lower surface for actuating dome switches to form movable projected parts.
  • the top sheet has key tops which project through a casing of the host device.
  • the top sheet is formed from a plastic resin using pneumatic forming and cutting.
  • U.S. Patent Pub. No. 2008/0018499 discloses a keypad assembly that includes a key group 20, a base 30 and an elastic member 40.
  • the key group 20 comprises a number of keys.
  • the keys in the key group are formed by a flexible material and the base 30 and elastic member 40 are both formed of an elastic material.
  • EP 1 758 139 A1 discloses a key unit with individual key tops arranged on a key pad formed of a metal reinforcing plate and an elastic pad member.
  • 5,664,667 discloses a pushbutton switch wherein the keypad is comprised of working portions and non-working portions integrally formed from a rubber or elastomeric material.
  • hard resin key tops are affixed to the working portions or key tops of the keypad.
  • EP 0 845 795 B1 discloses a keytop plate which includes a molded elastomer sheet of a flat plate configuration and a plurality of keytops attached to the upper surface of the molded elastomer sheet. The key tops 21 are shown as being as individual key tops.
  • EP 1 350 826 B1 discloses a keypad with a base portion made of a rubbery elastic material that elastically supports a flexible key top portion and a hard key top portion.
  • WO 2007/142211 A1 discloses a film-style keypad, referred to as a key top.
  • the key top comprises a generally thin metal sheet 6 between flexible sheets.
  • the key top is joined to a sheet-like key base made of an elastic material thereby forming a key sheet.
  • JP 2009 021108 discloses a film-style keypad comprising a key-top board with several key-tops.
  • the key-top board is made of a silicone rubber and is attached to a synthetic resin film.
  • WO 03/017300 A2 discloses a communications terminal with a keypad having a plurality of individual keys or key tops positioned on an underlying member. The keys or key tops have guide elements to guide a key displacement during operation or use.
  • EP 1 450 385 A2 discloses a keypad with a plurality of keys inserted into holes formed in an upper surface of a sheet. An adhesion layer is adhered to the lower surface of the sheet and provides an additional force for fixing the keys into the holes of the sheet.
  • US 2008/094373 discloses a keypad assembly including a keytop layer which includes keytops which protrude from the keypad. The keytops are separated by grooves and the keytop layer comprises a flexible film layer.
  • EP 1 918 953 discloses a key inputting device including a flexible sheet and a keytop composed of hard plastic mounted on the upper surface side of the sheet. The materials that forms the sheet are both softer than the material that forms the keytop.
  • FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a key assembly in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded sectional view of the key assembly of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is a top view of the key subassembly of FIG.
  • FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a key assembly in accordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a light guide subassembly for the key assembly of FIG. 4 ;
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the light guide subassembly of FIG. 5 with a keycap;
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the main portions of the key assembly of FIG. 4 showing the path of light through the light guide subassembly;
  • FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a keycap in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a handheld electronic device in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the present disclosure provides a key assembly for a handheld electronic device (such as a mobile communication device) having a one-piece keycap.
  • the keycap has mechanically deforming portions between key portions.
  • the key assembly provides improved key stability, provides improved tactile feedback in response to key presses (i.e., firm key presses), and reduces the likelihood of damaging keys compared with at least some of the known key assemblies.
  • the mechanically deforming portions are provided using grooves formed in the one-piece keycap which, when provided on the externally facing side of the keycap, provides a visual separation between key portions of the keycap for key identification by device users.
  • a key assembly according to claim 1 for use in an electronic device comprising: a keycap having a plurality of rigid key portions separated by mechanically deforming portions; and a flexible member having opposed first and second sides, the first side having a plurality of key stems which are attached to the plurality of key portions, the second side having a plurality of actuators for actuating dome switches of the electronic device.
  • an electronic device comprising: a controller for controlling the operation of the device; a dome sheet comprising a plurality of dome switches connected to the controller for generating an input signal in response to actuation thereof; and a key assembly according to claim 1 comprising: a keycap having a plurality of rigid key portions separated by mechanically deforming portions; and a flexible member having opposed first and second sides, the first side having a plurality of key stems which are attached to the plurality of key portions, the second side having a plurality of actuators for actuating the dome switches; the controller being configured for receiving input signals in response to the actuation of the dome switches and for recognizing corresponding inputs in response to the received input signals.
  • a printed circuit board connects the dome switch sheet and the controller.
  • the teachings of the present disclosure relate generally to handheld electronic devices such as mobile (e.g., wireless) communication devices such as pagers, cellular phones, Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation devices and other satellite navigation devices, smartphones, wireless organizers and wireless personal digital assistants (PDA).
  • the handheld electronic devices could be a device without wireless communication capabilities such as a PDA, electronic gaming device, digital photograph album or picture frame, digital camera, or digital video recorder such as a camcorder.
  • the portable electronic device may comprise a touchscreen display as well as a keypad. These examples are intended to be nonlimiting. It is also possible that the teachings of the present disclosure could be applied to electronic devices other than handheld electronic devices such as notebook computers.
  • FIG. 1 to 3 illustrate a key assembly 102 for use in an electronic device in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the key assembly 102 comprises a single-piece keycap 104 having a plurality of hard key portions 106 separated by mechanically deforming portions 108, a key subassembly 120, and a dome sheet 130 comprising a plurality of dome switches 132.
  • the dome sheet 130 may be considered part of the host electronic device such as a handheld electronic device 201 ( FIG. 9 ).
  • the key subassembly 120 comprises a hard frame (126,128) formed of a rigid plastic and a flexible member (122, 124) formed of soft rubber.
  • the hard frame (126,128) is formed of a rigid polycarbonate using injection molding (which is polycarbonate L1225L in some embodiments) and the flexible member (122, 124) is formed from silicone rubber 60, Shore A using compression molding.
  • the keycap 104 is formed of a rigid polycarbonate using injection molding (which is polycarbonate L1225L in some embodiments).
  • the hard frame (126,128) is comolded with the flexible member (122, 124).
  • each dome switch 132 comprises a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film which overlays a collapsible metal dome having a nickel plating over a gold plating on a flexible printed circuit board (PCB).
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • PCB flexible printed circuit board
  • the key subassembly 120 comprises a flexible member having opposed first and second sides represented by references 125 and 127.
  • the flexible member has a plurality of key stem protrusions 122 on the first side 125 for attaching the flexible member to the plurality of key portions 106 of the keycap 104.
  • the key stem protrusions 122 are sometimes referred to as key gluing stems, and are attached to the plurality of key portions 106 on an opposed internally facing side 107 of the keycap 104 using a suitable adhesive.
  • the flexible member also has a plurality of actuators 124 on the second side 127 for actuating the dome switches 132 of the dome sheet 130.
  • the key subassembly 120 also includes a stiffening member 128 which surrounds at least a portion of each of the plurality of key stem protrusions 122.
  • the stiffening member 128 may be formed of metal or rigid plastic (i.e., a hard plastic or inflexible plastic) in some embodiments.
  • the stiffening member 128 includes or has attached thereto support pins 126 extending away from the keycap 104 for supporting the key assembly 102 and attaching it to the housing (not shown) of the host electronic device.
  • the pins 126 are typically heat stake pins but could be alignment pins.
  • the stiffening member 128 supports the key assembly 102 and prevents it from bowing out of the housing of the host electronic device or deforming the key assembly 102 while allowing local flexing and deformation of the flexible member and key portions 106 of the key cap 104.
  • the stiffening member 128 is disposed between the keycap 104 and the flexible member and surrounds the entirety of each of the plurality of key stem protrusions 122.
  • the stiffening member 128 could be comolded with the flexible member, or disposed below the flexible member provided it is properly adhered to the bottom of the flexible member at the location of the support pins 126.
  • the mechanically deforming portions 108 of the keycap 104 are thinner than the key portions 106 of the keycap 104.
  • the mechanically deforming portions 108 may be defined by grooves in the keycap as shown, for example, in FIG. 1 to 3 .
  • the grooves may be formed on one side of the keycap 104 as shown, for example, in FIG. 1 to 3 .
  • the grooves may be formed on opposed sides of the keycap 104 as shown in FIG. 8 .
  • the mechanically deforming portions 108 are approximately 0.25 mm in thickness.
  • the mechanically deforming portions 108 may have a thickness which is relatively constant in some embodiments, the thickness of the keycap 104 may vary in other portions of the keycap 104 such as across and/or between the key portions 106. While an example thickness of the mechanically deforming portions 108 of some embodiments has been described, the thickness of the mechanically deforming portions 108 may vary between different embodiments, typically as a function of the material from which the keycap 104 is constructed, the overall thickness of the keycap 104, or both.
  • the grooves may be provided on an externally facing side 105 of the keycap 104 to provide the dual functions of mechanical deformation to allow for key presses of the respective key portions 106 of the keycap 104, and visual separation between key portions 106 of the keycap 104 for key identification by device users.
  • the grooves may be provided on the internally facing side 107 of the keycap 104 to provide mechanical deformation to allow for key presses of the respective key portions 106 of the keycap 104.
  • visual indications of the individual key portions 106 of the keycap 104 are provided by other means.
  • the mechanically deforming portions 108 could be comprised of a flexible material and the key portions 106 are comprised of a rigid material.
  • the mechanically deforming portions 108 may be formed of a flexible rubber and the key portions 106 formed of a rigid plastic such as polycarbonate.
  • the mechanically deforming portions 108 could be formed of a flexible rubber comolded with a rigid plastic which forms the key portions 106.
  • each key portion 106 is separated by respective mechanically deforming portions 108, however in other embodiments more than one key portion 106 may be defined by respective mechanically deforming portions 108.
  • a pair of spaced apart mechanically deforming portions 108 may define a two-key pair having a toggle key construction as in the key assembly 402 of FIG. 4 .
  • a key assembly 402 for use in an electronic device in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.
  • the key assembly 402 is similar to the key assembly 102 in many respects with notable differences being that the key assembly 402 provides backlighting of its key portions, circuitry for actuating the domes, and structural elements for mounting/attaching the key assembly 402 to the host electronic device.
  • the key assembly 402 of FIG. 4 to 7 is used in the construction of a control key panel or keypad of front face of a handheld electronic device such as a smartphone.
  • the key portions represent a phone call key, a menu key, escape (ESC) key, and an end phone key.
  • the key assembly 402 comprises a single-piece keycap 404 having a plurality of key portions 406 separated by mechanically deforming portions 408, a light guide subassembly 410, a dome sheet 430 comprising domes switches 432, a flexible PCB 440 including light emitting diodes (LEDs) 442, and a mounting subassembly 450 for mounting the key assembly 402 to the host electronic device, for example, the handheld electronic device 201 described below.
  • At least some of the key portions 406 have a transparent portion or window 460 ( FIG. 7 ) for transmitting light therethrough. In the shown embodiment, each of the key portions 406 have a transparent portion 460 for transmitting light therethrough to provide backlighting of the key portions 406.
  • the keycap 404 is formed of a rigid polycarbonate.
  • the key portions 406 and mechanically deforming portions 408 of the keycap 404 are formed in a manner similar to the keycap 104 described above. However, the keycap 404 includes only 2 mechanically deforming portions 408.
  • the keycap 404 is formed of a transparent material such as a light diffusing polycarbonate which is painted with a desired colour or colours and laser-etched to remove a portion of the paint and expose the transparent material for transmitting light therethrough.
  • the key portions 406 are painted a first colour which will provide the backlight colour and then painted a second colour which, for example, matches a colour of the housing of the host electronic device 201.
  • the second colour is then laser-etched in predefined shapes to expose the first colour.
  • the predefined shape may be used to provide a visual representation will informs the device user of a function of the respective key portions 406.
  • the predefined shape is typically different for each key portion 406.
  • the first colour may vary between key portions 406.
  • the light guide subassembly 410 shown in greater detail in FIG. 4 and 5 , comprises an opaque light blocking sheet 412, a stiffening member 414, a pair of transparent members 416 formed of a light diffusing material such as a light diffusing polycarbonate, and a pair of flexible members 420 each comprising a pair of key stem protrusions 422 on a first side thereof and a pair of actuators 424 (only one actuator 424 in each pair being shown in FIG. 4 ) on a second side of the flexible members 420 opposite the first side.
  • a single flexible member rather than a pair of flexible members 420 could be used.
  • the flexible members 420 are formed of a transparent material for transmitting light therethrough.
  • the transparent material from which the flexible members 420 are formed is also a resilient deformable material which, in some embodiments, is a transparent silicon rubber 60, Shore A using compression molding.
  • the stiffening member 414 is formed of an opaque light blocking to provide light blocking as well as stiffening of the key assembly 402.
  • the stiffening member 414 also includes or has attached thereto support pins 426 extending away from the keycap 404 for supporting the key assembly 402 and attaching the key assembly 402 to the housing (not shown) of the host electronic device along with the mounting subassembly 450.
  • the pins 426 are typically heat stake pins but could be alignment pins.
  • the light blocking sheet 412 is a black or other opaque paper sheet.
  • the stiffening member 414 is formed of a black polycarbonate and the transparent members 416 are a clear light diffusing polycarbonate.
  • the stiffening member 414 and transparent members 416 may be comolded using a two-shot injection molding process in which the stiffening member 414 is formed from a black polycarbonate in the first shot and the transparent members 416 are formed from a clear light diffusing polycarbonate in the second shot.
  • the stiffening member 414 could be shaped or otherwise configured to perform all of the light blocking obviating the need for the light blocking sheet 412.
  • the light blocking sheet 412 could be shaped or otherwise configured to perform all of the light blocking so that the stiffening member 414 need not be formed from a light blocking material in which case the stiffening member 414 and transparent members 416 could be one piece.
  • the light blocking material surrounds the entirety of the key stem protrusions 422; however, in other embodiments the light blocking material need only surround the periphery of the light guide assembly 410 in a manner that light is blocked from escaping from the periphery of the keycap 404.
  • the flexible PCB 440 includes a pair of LEDs 442 positioned adjacent to the second side of the flexible members 420 and the actuators 424 are located for illuminating adjacent key portions 406 having a transparent portion and the via the corresponding key stem protrusions 422 and transparent members 416 when the LEDs 442 are activated.
  • the transparent members 416 are located directly above the LEDs 442 and, in combination with the key stem protrusions 422 and actuators 424, provide the light transmissive materials of the light guide allowing the transmission of light out through the transparent portions 460 of the keycap 404.
  • the light blocking sheet 412 and stiffening member 414 provide the blocking transmissive materials of the light guide and prevent light from escaping around the outer boundary of the keycap 404 when assembled in the host electronic device 201.
  • the LEDs 442 are positioned to avoid interference with the plurality of actuators 424 when the dome switches 432 are actuated. In the shown embodiment, the LEDs 442 are positioned adjacent to the dome switches 432.
  • the flexible PCB 440 also includes contacts connected to the dome switches 432 of the dome switch sheet 430 and a communication interface 444 for connecting to a communication interface of the PCB of the host electronic device for communicating with its controller 244 ( FIG. 9 ).
  • the mounting subassembly 450 comprises a first double-sided adhesive layer 452, a secondary stiffener 454 having three clips 455 for attaching the key assembly 402, and a second double-sided adhesive layer 456 for mounting the key assembly 402 to the host electronic device.
  • the secondary stiffener 454 provides support for the PCB 440.
  • the first double sided adhesive 452 layer adheres the PCB 440 to the secondary stiffener 454.
  • the secondary stiffener 454 is formed of metal or rigid plastic and provides additional stiffening of the key assembly 402.
  • the PCB 440 and the layers 452, 454 and 456 of the mounting subassembly 450 each define a plurality of holes which are arranged within each layer and aligned between layers for allowing the heat stake pins 426 to extend therethrough.
  • the heat stake pins 426, clips 455 on the secondary stiffener 454, and the second double-sided adhesive layer 456 attach the key assembly 402 to the device housing.
  • the mounting assembly 450 could be omitted if the dome sheet 430 and PCB 440 are omitted because a primary dome sheet and PCB of the host electronic device are being used.
  • the key assembly 402 using the light guide subassembly 410, creates a path of light 470 from the LEDs 442 of the PCB layer 440, through the transparent members 416 and 420, and through the transparent portions 460 of the key portions 406 of the keycap 404 to illuminate the predefined shapes of the transparent portions 460.
  • the light emitted from the LEDs 442 first passes into the transparent members 416 of the light guide subassembly 410.
  • the light blocking materials of the light guide subassembly 410 direct the light outwardly towards the transparent flexible members 420 and block the light from escaping from the periphery of the keycap 404. Next, the light passes from the transparent flexible members 420 through the transparent portions 460 in the adjacent key portions 406 of the key cap 404.
  • the light guide subassembly 410 provides the dual functions of a light guide and a stiffener.
  • a stiffening member without light guiding could be used instead of the light guide subassembly 410.
  • the stiffening member is similar to the stiffening member 128 described above in connection with FIG. 1 to 3 and surrounds at least a portion of each of the plurality of key stem protrusions 422 which are attached to the plurality of key portions 406.
  • the stiffening member surrounds the entirety of each of the plurality of key stem protrusions 422.
  • the stiffening member 128 may be formed of metal or rigid plastic (i.e., a hard plastic or inflexible plastic) in some embodiments.
  • the stiffening member could take the shape of the light blocking sheet 412 or the stiffening member 414 of the light guide subassembly 410 shown in FIG. 4 .
  • the stiffening member includes or has attached thereto the support pins 426. The stiffening member supports the key assembly 402 and prevents it from bowing out of the housing of the host electronic device or deforming the key assembly 402 while allowing local flexing and deformation of the flexible member and key portions 406 of the key cap 404.
  • the stiffening member could surround the entirety of each of the plurality of key stem protrusions 422, and could be disposed between the keycap 404 and the flexible members 420, comolded with the flexible members 420, or disposed below the flexible members 420 provided it is proper adhered to the bottom of the flexible members 420 at the location of the support pins 426.
  • portions of the key assemblies 102 and 402 are shown as separate elements, some of these elements may be combined in other embodiments or formed together using comolding in other embodiments. It is also possible that some of the elements described as a single element may be implemented using multiple elements in other embodiments.
  • key portions 106 and 406 of the key assemblies 102 and 402 are substantially similar in size and shape, in other embodiments the key portions 106 and 406 may differ in size, shape, or both.
  • one dome switch is provided for every key portion 106, 406 in the keycaps 104, 404 of the shown embodiments, more or less than one dome switch could be used per key portion 106, 406 in other embodiments.
  • the key assembly 402 of FIG. 4 to 7 is used in the construction of a control key panel or keypad of a handheld electronic device, in other embodiments the keypad may be located elsewhere, may be used for other functions, and may have a different number of keys.
  • the key assembly 402 may utilize a primary dome switch sheet and circuitry of the handheld electronic device which, for example, may be used by a keyboard of the handheld electronic device.
  • the key assemblies 102 and 402 are shown as being a row of keys, it will be appreciated that the teachings of the present disclosure may be applied to the construction of any two or more adjacent keys, such as a row of keys, a column of keys, or a two-dimensional arrangement of keys.
  • control keys in a control panel of an electronic device such as a handheld electronic device, a keypad such as a standard numeric keypad, or a full keyboard (which could be configured in a familiar QWERTY, QWERTZ, AZERTY, or Dvorak layout known in the art).
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a handheld electronic device 201 in which example embodiments described in the present disclosure can be applied.
  • the handheld electronic device 201 is a two-way communication device having data and voice communication capabilities, and the capability to communicate with other computer systems, for example, via the Internet.
  • the handheld electronic device 201 may be a multiple-mode communication device configured for both data and voice communication, a smartphone, a mobile telephone or a PDA (personal digital assistant) enabled for wireless communication, or a computer system with a wireless modem.
  • the handheld electronic device 201 includes a rigid case (not shown) housing the components of the device 201.
  • the internal components of the device 201 are constructed on, or connected via, a printed circuit board (PCB).
  • the handheld electronic device 201 includes a controller comprising at least one processor 240 (such as a microprocessor) which controls the overall operation of the device 201.
  • the processor 240 interacts with device subsystems such as a wireless communication subsystem 211 for exchanging radio frequency signals with the wireless network 203 to perform communication functions.
  • the processor 240 interacts with additional device subsystems including a display (screen) 204 such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, a keypad 202 constructed using a key assembly in accordance with the present disclosure such as the key assembly 102 of FIG.
  • a display screen
  • LCD liquid crystal display
  • the handheld electronic device 201 may comprise a keyboard constructed using a key assembly in accordance with the present disclosure such as the key assembly 102 of FIG. 1 or the key assembly 402 of FIG. 4 .
  • the device 201 may comprise a touchscreen display in some embodiments.
  • the touchscreen display may be constructed using a touch-sensitive input side connected to an electronic controller and which overlays the display screen 204.
  • the touch-sensitive overlay and the electronic controller provide a touch-sensitive input device and the processor 240 interacts with the touch-sensitive overlay via the electronic controller.
  • the communication subsystem 211 includes a receiver 214, a transmitter 216, and associated components, such as one or more antenna elements 218 and 220, local oscillators (LOs) 222, and a processing module such as a digital signal processor (DSP) 224.
  • the antenna elements 218 and 220 may be embedded or internal to the handheld electronic device 201 and a single antenna may be shared by both receiver and transmitter, as is known in the art.
  • the particular design of the wireless communication subsystem 211 depends on the wireless network 203 in which handheld electronic device 201 is intended to operate.
  • the handheld electronic device 201 may communicate with any one of a plurality of fixed transceiver base stations 108 of the wireless network 203 within its geographic coverage area.
  • the handheld electronic device 201 may send and receive communication signals over the wireless network 203 after the required network registration or activation procedures have been completed.
  • Signals received by the antenna 218 through the wireless network 203 are input to the receiver 214, which may perform such common receiver functions as signal amplification, frequency down conversion, filtering, channel selection, etc., as well as analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion.
  • A/D conversion of a received signal allows more complex communication functions such as demodulation and decoding to be performed in the DSP 224.
  • signals to be transmitted are processed, including modulation and encoding, for example, by the DSP 224.
  • These DSP-processed signals are input to the transmitter 216 for digital-to-analog (D/A) conversion, frequency up conversion, filtering, amplification, and transmission to the wireless network 203 via the antenna 220.
  • the DSP 224 not only processes communication signals, but may also provide for receiver and transmitter control. For example, the gains applied to communication signals in the receiver 214 and the transmitter 216 may be adaptively controlled through automatic gain control algorithms implemented in the DSP 224.
  • the processor 240 operates under stored program control and executes software modules 221 stored in memory such as persistent memory, for example, in the flash memory 244.
  • the software modules 221 comprise operating system software 223 and software applications 225.
  • the software modules 221 or parts thereof may be temporarily loaded into volatile memory such as the RAM 246.
  • the RAM 246 is used for storing runtime data variables and other types of data or information, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Although specific functions are described for various types of memory, this is merely one example, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that a different assignment of functions to types of memory could also be used.
  • the handheld electronic device 201 also includes a removable memory card 230 (typically comprising flash memory) and a memory card interface 232.
  • Network access is typically associated with a subscriber or user of the handheld electronic device 201 via the memory card 230, which may be a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card for use in a GSM network or other type of memory card for use in the relevant wireless network type.
  • SIM Subscriber Identity Module
  • the memory card 230 is inserted in or connected to the memory card interface 232 of the handheld electronic device 201 in order to operate in conjunction with the wireless network 203.
  • the handheld electronic device 201 stores data 227 in an erasable persistent memory, which in one example embodiment is the flash memory 244.
  • the data 227 includes service data comprising information required by the handheld electronic device 201 to establish and maintain communication with the wireless network 203.
  • the data 227 may also include user application data such as email messages, address book and contact information, calendar and schedule information, notepad documents, image files, and other commonly stored user information stored on the handheld electronic device 201 by its user, and other data.
  • the data 227 stored in the persistent memory (e.g. flash memory 244) of the handheld electronic device 201 may be organized, at least partially, into a number of databases each containing data items of the same data type or associated with the same application. For example, email messages, contact records, and task items may be stored in individual databases within the device memory.
  • the serial data port 252 may be used for synchronization with a user's host computer system (not shown).
  • the serial data port 252 enables a user to set preferences through an external device or software application and extends the capabilities of the handheld electronic device 201 by providing for information or software downloads to the handheld electronic device 201 other than through the wireless network 203.
  • the alternate download path may, for example, be used to load an encryption key onto the handheld electronic device 201 through a direct, reliable and trusted connection to thereby provide secure device communication.
  • the handheld electronic device 201 is provided with a service routing application programming interface (API) which provides an application with the ability to route traffic through a serial data (i.e., USB) or Bluetooth® (Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.) connection to the host computer system using standard connectivity protocols.
  • API application programming interface
  • a serial data i.e., USB
  • Bluetooth® Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
  • traffic that was destined for the wireless network 203 is automatically routed to the handheld electronic device 201 using the USB cable or Bluetooth® connection.
  • any traffic destined for the wireless network 203 is automatically sent over the USB cable Bluetooth® connection to the host computer system for processing.
  • the handheld electronic device 201 also includes a battery 238 as a power source, which is typically one or more rechargeable batteries that may be charged, for example, through charging circuitry coupled to a battery interface 236 such as the serial data port 252.
  • the battery 238 provides electrical power to at least some of the electrical circuitry in the handheld electronic device 201, and the battery interface 236 provides a mechanical and electrical connection for the battery 238.
  • the battery interface 236 is coupled to a regulator (not shown) which provides power V+ to the circuitry of the handheld electronic device 201.
  • the short-range communication subsystem 262 is an additional optional component which provides for communication between the handheld electronic device 201 and different systems or devices, which need not necessarily be similar devices.
  • the subsystem 262 may include an infrared device and associated circuits and components, or a wireless bus protocol compliant communication mechanism such as a Bluetooth® communication module to provide for communication with similarly-enabled systems and devices.
  • a predetermined set of applications that control basic device operations, including data and possibly voice communication applications will normally be installed on the handheld electronic device 201 during or after manufacture. Additional applications and/or upgrades to the operating system 221 or software applications 225 may also be loaded onto the handheld electronic device 201 through the wireless network 203, the auxiliary I/O subsystem 250, the serial port 252, the short-range communication subsystem 262, or other suitable subsystem 264.
  • the downloaded programs or code modules may be permanently installed, for example, written into the program memory (i.e. the flash memory 244), or written into and executed from the RAM 246 for execution by the processor 240 at runtime.
  • Such flexibility in application installation increases the functionality of the handheld electronic device 201 and may provide enhanced on-device functions, communication-related functions, or both.
  • secure communication applications may enable electronic commerce functions and other such financial transactions to be performed using the handheld electronic device 201.
  • the handheld electronic device 201 may provide two principal modes of communication: a data communication mode and an optional voice communication mode.
  • a received data signal such as a text message, an email message, or Web page download will be processed by the communication subsystem 211 and input to the processor 240 for further processing.
  • a downloaded Web page may be further processed by a browser application or an email message may be processed by the email message messaging application 272 and output to the display 204.
  • a user of the handheld electronic device 201 may also compose data items, such as email messages, for example, using the input devices in conjunction with the display screen 204. These composed items may be transmitted through the communication subsystem 211 over the wireless network 203.
  • the handheld electronic device 201 provides telephony functions and operates as a typical cellular phone. The overall operation is similar, except that the received signals would be output to the speaker 256 and signals for transmission would be generated by a transducer such as the microphone 258.
  • the telephony functions are provided by a combination of software/firmware (i.e., the voice communication module) and hardware (i.e., the microphone 258, the speaker 256 and input devices).
  • Alternative voice or audio I/O subsystems such as a voice message recording subsystem, may also be implemented on the handheld electronic device 201.
  • voice or audio signal output is typically accomplished primarily through the speaker 256, the display screen 204 may also be used to provide an indication of the identity of a calling party, duration of a voice call, or other voice call related information.

Landscapes

  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
  • Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)

Claims (11)

  1. Eine Tasten-Baugruppe (102, 402) zur Verwendung in einer elektronischen Vorrichtung (201), die aufweist:
    eine einstückige Tastenkappe (104, 404) mit einer Vielzahl von starren Tastenteilen (106, 406), die durch mechanisch verformende Teile (108, 408) getrennt sind, die durch in der einstückigen Tastenkappe (104, 404) ausgebildete Rillen definiert sind; und
    ein flexibles Element (120, 420) mit gegenüberliegenden ersten und zweiten Seiten, wobei die erste Seite eine Vielzahl von Tastenschaften (122, 422) hat, die an der Vielzahl von Tastenteilen (106, 406) angebracht sind, wobei die zweite Seite eine Vielzahl von Aktuatoren (124, 424) hat zum Betätigen von Kuppelschaltern (132, 432) der elektronischen Vorrichtung (201).
  2. Die Tasten-Baugruppe (102, 402) gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei die mechanisch verformenden Teile (108, 408) eine Dicke von ungefähr 0,25 mm haben.
  3. Die Tasten-Baugruppe (102, 402) gemäß Anspruch 1 oder Anspruch 2, wobei die einstückige Tastenkappe (104, 404) eine nach außen gewandte Seite und eine gegenüberliegende nach innen gewandte Seite hat, wobei die gegenüberliegende nach innen gewandte Seite an der Vielzahl von Tastenschaften (122, 422) des flexiblen Elements (120, 420) angebracht ist, wobei die Rillen auf der nach außen gewandten Seite vorgesehen sind, wodurch eine visuelle Trennung der Tastenteile (106, 406) vorgesehen ist.
  4. Die Tasten-Baugruppe (102, 402) gemäß Anspruch 1 oder Anspruch 2, wobei die Rillen auf gegenüberliegenden Seiten der einstückigen Tastenkappe (104, 404) vorgesehen sind.
  5. Die Tasten-Baugruppe (102, 402) gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1-4, die weiter ein Versteifungselement (128) aufweist, das zumindest einen Teil von jeder der Vielzahl von Tastenschaften (122, 422) umgibt und eine Vielzahl von Unterstützungsstiften (126, 426) hat, die sich weg von der einstückigen Tastenkappe (104, 404) erstrecken, um die Tasten-Baugruppe (102, 402) zu unterstützen und die Tasten-Baugruppe (102, 402) an dem Gehäuse der elektronischen Vorrichtung (201) zu befestigen.
  6. Die Tasten-Baugruppe (402) gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, wobei zumindest einige der Tastenteile (406) einen transparenten Teil (460) haben, die entsprechenden Tastenschafte (422), die an den zumindest einigen der Tastenteile (406) angebracht sind, einen transparenten Teil (460) haben, der aus einem transparenten Material gebildet ist, wobei die Tasten-Baugruppe (402) weiter lichtemittierende Dioden (LED - light emitting diodes) (442) aufweist, die angrenzend an die zweite Seite des flexiblen Elements (420) mit der Vielzahl von Aktuatoren (424) positioniert sind zum Beleuchten der zumindest einigen der Tastenteile (406) mit einem transparenten Teil (460) und den entsprechenden Tastenschaften (422), wenn die LEDs (442) aktiviert sind.
  7. Die Tasten-Baugruppe (402) gemäß Anspruch 6, wobei die LEDs (442) positioniert sind zum Vermeiden einer Interferenz mit der Vielzahl von Aktuatoren (424), wenn die Kuppelschalter (432) betätigt werden.
  8. Die Tasten-Baugruppe (402) gemäß Anspruch 7, wobei die LEDs (442) angrenzend an zumindest einige der Kuppelschalter (432) positioniert sind.
  9. Die Tasten-Baugruppe (402) gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, wobei die einstückige Tastenkappe (404) aus einem starren Polykarbonat gebildet ist.
  10. Eine elektronische Vorrichtung (201), die aufweist:
    eine Steuervorrichtung (240) zum Steuern des Betriebs der Vorrichtung (201);
    eine Kuppelplatte (130, 430), die mit der Steuervorrichtung verbunden ist, die eine Vielzahl von mit der Steuervorrichtung (240) verbundenen Kuppelschaltern (132, 432) aufweist, zum Erzeugen eines Eingabesignals in Reaktion auf deren Betätigung;
    eine Tasten-Baugruppe (102, 402) gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9; wobei die Steuervorrichtung (240) konfiguriert ist zum Empfangen von Eingabesignalen in Reaktion auf die Betätigung der Kuppelschalter (132, 432) und zum Erkennen entsprechender Eingaben in Reaktion auf die empfangenen Eingabesignale.
  11. Die elektronische Vorrichtung (201) gemäß Anspruch 10, wobei die Tasten-Baugruppe (102, 402) zumindest einen Teil eines Tastenfelds (202) oder einer Tastatur bildet.
EP09153733.2A 2009-02-26 2009-02-26 Schlüsselanordnung für eine tragbare elektronische Vorrichtung mit einer einteiligen Schlüsselkappe Active EP2226822B1 (de)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP09153733.2A EP2226822B1 (de) 2009-02-26 2009-02-26 Schlüsselanordnung für eine tragbare elektronische Vorrichtung mit einer einteiligen Schlüsselkappe
CA2674406A CA2674406C (en) 2009-02-26 2009-07-31 A backlit key assembly having a reduced thickness
EP09171439A EP2226823B1 (de) 2009-02-26 2009-09-28 Rückbeleuchtete Tastenanordnung mit einer reduzierten Dicke
EP11156716.0A EP2323151B1 (de) 2009-02-26 2009-09-28 Schlüsselanordnung für eine tragbare elektronische Vorrichtung mit einer einteiligen Schlüsselkappe
AT09171439T ATE515049T1 (de) 2009-02-26 2009-09-28 Rückbeleuchtete tastenanordnung mit einer reduzierten dicke
CA2694574A CA2694574C (en) 2009-02-26 2010-02-23 A key assembly for a handheld electronic device having a one-piece keycap

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP09153733.2A EP2226822B1 (de) 2009-02-26 2009-02-26 Schlüsselanordnung für eine tragbare elektronische Vorrichtung mit einer einteiligen Schlüsselkappe

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EP2226822A1 EP2226822A1 (de) 2010-09-08
EP2226822B1 true EP2226822B1 (de) 2013-07-24

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EP09153733.2A Active EP2226822B1 (de) 2009-02-26 2009-02-26 Schlüsselanordnung für eine tragbare elektronische Vorrichtung mit einer einteiligen Schlüsselkappe
EP11156716.0A Active EP2323151B1 (de) 2009-02-26 2009-09-28 Schlüsselanordnung für eine tragbare elektronische Vorrichtung mit einer einteiligen Schlüsselkappe
EP09171439A Active EP2226823B1 (de) 2009-02-26 2009-09-28 Rückbeleuchtete Tastenanordnung mit einer reduzierten Dicke

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EP09171439A Active EP2226823B1 (de) 2009-02-26 2009-09-28 Rückbeleuchtete Tastenanordnung mit einer reduzierten Dicke

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2694574C (en) 2014-07-15
EP2226823A1 (de) 2010-09-08
EP2226823B1 (de) 2011-06-29
EP2226822A1 (de) 2010-09-08
EP2323151B1 (de) 2014-04-09
ATE515049T1 (de) 2011-07-15
CA2674406A1 (en) 2010-08-26
EP2323151A1 (de) 2011-05-18
CA2694574A1 (en) 2010-08-26
CA2674406C (en) 2013-09-10

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