WO2018194550A1

WO2018194550A1 - Antenna on dome for keyboards

Info

Publication number: WO2018194550A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/027953
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chun-Chih Liu; Chih-Chen Hung
Original assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
Priority date: 2017-04-17
Filing date: 2017-04-17
Publication date: 2018-10-25

Abstract

Examples of dome membranes for keyboards are described herein. In an example, the dome membrane may include a base layer and a plurality of non-conductive domes protruding from the base layer. Further, an antenna is disposed on a non-conductive dome of the plurality of non-conductive domes.

Description

ANTENNA ON DOME FOR KEYBOARDS BACKGROUND

[0001] Wireless communication devices, such as a notebook computer or a mobile phone, are provided with an antenna for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves. Manufacturers of the wireless communication devices are striving to implement antennas within the wireless communication devices to provide wireless communication devices with small form factors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0002] The following detailed description references the drawings, wherein:

[0003] FIG. 1 illustrates a dome membrane, according to an example;

[0004] FIG.2 illustrates of a keyboard, according to another example;

[0005] FIG. 3 illustrates a key assembly, according to an example;

[0006] FIG.4 illustrates a key assembly, according to another example; and

[0007] FIG. 5 illustrates an electronic device, according to an example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Antennas may be provided in electronic devices to impart wireless communication capabilities in the electronic devices. Examples of the electronic devices may include, but are not limited to, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. The way an antenna is designed and a location where the antenna is mounted on the electronic device may influence a radiation pattern and a quality of signal transmission, respectively. [0009] For example, external antenna may permanently protrude from tiie electronic device's housing and may have an unattractive appearance. Moreover, the external antennas may be susceptible to damage. To prevent damages to the external antennas, the antennas may be internally deployed within an electronic device. Electronic devices, such as a laptop or a notebook computer, generally include a metal housing or chassis. Since metal has a high conductivity, the internal metal housing or chassis may interfere with wireless communication from the antenna deployed within the electronic device.

[0010] The antennas may also be employed in a keyboard of an electronic device. The keyboard may include conductive domes surrounded by conductive rings forming a part of the antenna. However, the conductive domes and conductive rings may interfere with an overall performance of the antenna. Thus, the antenna is positioned away from the keys when the keypad employs the conductive domes, thereby resulting in the electronic device having a larger dimensional.

[0011] The present subject matter describes an antenna on a non- conductive dome which is present under a keycap of a keyboard. A dome is a supporting element in the keyboard that provides tactility to the keycap. The approaches of the present subject matter facilitate in efficient placement of the antenna and improvement in the performance and quality of wireless communication.

[0012] According to an aspect, the keyboard has a dome membrane placed under the key caps. The dome membrane may include a base layer and a plurality of non-conductive domes protruding from the base layer. Further, an antenna is disposed on a non-conductive dome of the plurality of non- conductive domes. The antenna may be disposed on more than one non- conductive domes of the dome membrane. The antenna may be a resonating antenna. In an example, the antenna may be printed on the non-conductive dome and may have a vertical radiating source. The vertical radiating source indicates a radiator which is vertically oriented. The non-conductive dome does not influence the performance of the antenna. Further, a form factor of the electronic device remains unaffected by the implementation of the antenna on the non-conductive dome.

[0013] The above aspects are further described in conjunction with the following figures and associated description below. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. Further, various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scope. The manner in which the systems depicting various implementation of an antenna are explained in detail with respect to FIGS. 1-5.

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a dome membrane 100, according to an example. The dome membrane 100 may be implemented in various input devices, such as a keyboard. The dome membrane 100 includes a base layer

102 and a plurality of non-conductive domes 104-1, 104-2, 104-3 104-N, protruding from the base layer 102. in an example, the base layer 102 may be an elastic layer. The plurality of non-conductive domes 104-1, 104-2.104-3

104-N collectively and individually referred to as non-conductive domes 104 may also be made of an elastic material. The dome membrane 100 is of a light weight material and hence does not affect an overall weight of the keyboard.

[0015] In the present example, the non-conductive domes 104 are shown as hemispherical in shape. The non-conductive domes 104 may be of any other shape, such as rectangular, square, and the like, without deviating from the scope of the present subject matter. Further, one of the norv conductive domes 104 is disposed with an antenna 106. In an example, the antenna 106 may be mounted on multiple non-conductive domes 104. The non-conductive dome, therefore, acts as a substrate for the antenna 106.

[0016] In an example, the antenna 106 may be printed on an outer surface of the non-conductive dome 104. Examples of the printing techniques may include, but are not limited to, 3-dimensk>nai (3D) printing technique, sputtering, and painting. In an example, the antenna 106 may be printed based on the shape of the non-conductive domes 104. As depicted in FIG. 1, the antenna 106 may be printed in the form of circular rings over the outer surface of the non-conductive dome 104. In another example, the antenna 106 may be rectangular. The antenna 106 may have different shapes based an application thereof. As the antenna 106 is printed on the non-conductive dome 104, the antenna 106 occupies less space thereby enabling miniaturization of components of computing devices.

[0017] In an aspect, the antenna 106 may transceive signals in a frequency range of 1.559 GHz -1.610 GHz for Global Positioning System (GPS). The antenna 106 may also be employed in Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). In case of WLAN, the antenna 106 may transceive signals in the frequency range of 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz and 5.15 GHz to 5.25 GHz.

[0018] In an aspect, the antenna 106 may be connected to a conductive plate (not shown in FIG. 1). The conductive plate may act as a ground plane for the antenna 106. The conductive plate may be connected to the antenna 106 through a cable (not shown in FIG. 1). The connection between the antenna 106 and conductive plate enables transmission and reception of communication signals in a computing device.

[0019] Further, the antenna 106 may include a vertical radiating source to enhance the efficiency of the antenna 106. In an aspect, the antenna 106 may operate in accordance with an image theory, where virtual radiating sources (images) are considered to be placed below the conductive plate. The images may account for reflections from the conductive plate. Therefore, the electromagnetic field above the conductive plate may be a sum of the electromagnetic fields due to real sources and the images. In case of the vertical radiating source, a real current is in phase with an image current and results in enhanced efficiency of the antenna 106.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 2, a keyboard 200 is illustrated, in accordance with an example. The keyboard 200 may be a peripheral device for inputting characters or commands into a computing device. The keyboard 200 may be integrated within or external to the computing device. Examples of the computing device may include, but are not limited to, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, and a desktop computer. In an example, the keyboard 200 may be a dome-switch keyboard or a scissor- switch keyboard.

[0021] The keyboard 200 includes a plurality of key caps 202-1. 202-2,

202-3 202-N. The plurality of key caps 202-1, 202-2, 202-3 202-N is collectively and individually hereinafter referred to as key cap 202. In an example, the key caps 202 may be mounted on a key mat (not shown in FIG. 2). The key mat may include slots for mounting the key caps 202. The key caps 202 may be made of a plastic material, for example, an injection molded thermoplastic or other similar material. The key caps 202 may define a hollow space thereunder. In an example, the key caps 202 may be low-profile key caps 202. A low-profile key cap may be a compact key cap embedded in the keyboard 200 to make the entire keyboard 200 compact.

[0022] Further, the keyboard 200 includes the dome membrane 100. The dome membrane 100 includes the plurality of non-conductive domes 104 protruding from the dome membrane 100. In an example, the non-conductive domes 104 are elastic and may be made of a rubber material. The dome membrane 100 may be placed under the key caps 202, such that each key cap 202 accommodates corresponding non-conductive dome 104 thereunder. Owing to their elastic material, the non-conductive domes 104 facilitate the key caps 202 to restore their original position, after the key caps 202 are released.

[0023] The keyboard 200 further includes an antenna, such as the antenna 106 disposed on an outer surface of one of the non-conductive domes 104. The antenna 106 may be a resonant antenna. In an aspect, the antenna 106 may be printed on the outer surface of the non-conductive dome 104. For example, the antenna 106 may be printed on the non-conductive dome 104 using a 3D printing technique, a sputtering technique, a painting technique, and so on. The antenna 106 may be printed using a conductive ink on the non- conductive dome 104. In an example, the conductive ink may include silver, silver chloride, carbon, dielectric and the like. In another example, the antenna 106 may be attached to the non-conductive dome 104. As the antenna 106 is disposed on the non-conductive dome 104, the antenna 106 does not require a dedicated space, resulting in a compact keyboard.

[0024] In an example, the antenna may be located on the non- conductive dome 104 corresponding to the key cap which is least used, so that interference with the antenna performance may be minimum. For example, the antenna 106 may be located at left bottom or right bottom parts of the keyboard 200. In an example, the antenna 106 may include a vertical radiating source to enhance the efficiency of the antenna, as described earlier.

[0025] In addition, the keyboard 200 may include the conductive plate (not shown in FIG.2) placed below the dome membrane 100 for supporting the dome membrane 100. The conductive plate facilitates in protecting the keyboard 200 against any electrostatic discharge. Further, the combination of tiie key caps 202 and the dome membrane 100, coupled to the conductive plate provides structural rigidity to the keyboard 200. In an example, the conductive plate may be a thin metal plate, for example, made of copper. In an aspect, the antenna 106 may be connected to the conductive plate through an antenna cable (not shown in FIG. 2).

[0026] To assemble the keyboard 200, the dome membrane 100 is mounted over the conductive plate. The antenna cable is then connected to the conductive plate to enable signal transmission. Further, the key caps 202 are aligned above the dome membrane 100 to superimpose the key caps 202 over the non-conductive domes 104. In an example, the key caps 202 may include a sliding mechanism (not shown in FIG. 2) that may facilitate in mounting the key caps 202 over the non-conductive domes 104. In another example, the key caps 202 may be attached to the non-conductive domes 104 by a scissor mechanism (not shown in FIG. 2).

[0027] When one of key caps 202 is pressed by a user, the key cap 202 is moved downwardly and causes the non-conductive dome 104 to collapse. As a result, the non-conductive dome 104 comes in contact with the conductive plate, thereby completing a circuit. The pressing of the key cap 202 causes a corresponding signal to be issued to the computing device for execution of a function.

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a key assembly 300, according to an example of the present subject matter. The key assembly 300 shows a working mechanism of a key 302 in a keyboard, such as the keyboard 200. The key assembly 300 depicts a scissor-switch mechanism. For example, each key 302 may include a plunger 304 that extends from an underside 306 of a key cap, such as the key cap 202 of the keyboard 200. The plunger 304 may attach the key cap 202 with a non-conductive dome, such as the non-conductive dome 104. The non-conductive dome 104, as shown in FIG. 3, protrudes from the base layer 102 and has the antenna 106 disposed thereon, in use, when the key cap 202 is depressed, the plunger 304 collapses the non-conductive dome 104. As a result, the non-conductive dome 104 comes in contact with a conductive plate 308, thereby completing a circuit. The pressing of the key cap 202 causes a corresponding signal to be issued to an electronic device for execution of a function.

[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates a key assembly 400, according to an example of the present subject matter. The key assembly 400 shows a working mechanism of a key 402 in a keyboard, such as the keyboard 200. The key assembly 400 depicts a dome-switch mechanism. In this case, the key 402 may include a slider 404, which enables the key cap 202 to fit on to the non- conductive dome 104. The non-conductive dome 104, as shown in Fig. 3, protrudes from the base layer 102 and has the antenna 106 disposed thereon. When the key cap 202 is pressed, the slider 404 causes the key cap 202 to fit onto the non-conductive dome 104 and causes the non-conductive dome 104 to depress. As a result, the non-conductive dome 104 comes in contact with a conductive plate 408, thereby completing a circuit.

[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates an electronic device 500 according to an example. Examples of the electronic device 500 may include, but are not limited to, a tablet computer, a laptop, a desktop, a notebook computer. Further, the electronic device 500 may include a hybrid computer, such as a convertible computer.

[0031] In an example, the electronic device 500 may include a housing for accommodating different components of the electronic device 500. Further, the electronic device 500 includes a keyboard 502. In an example, the keyboard 502 may be similar to the keyboard 200 as explained with reference to FIG.2.

[0032] The keyboard 502 may be coupled to the housing by fasteners (not shown in FIG. 5). Further, the keyboard 502 includes a plurality of keys

504-1, 504-2, 504-3 504-N. The plurality of keys is collectively and individually hereinafter referred to as 504. Each of the keys 504 includes a key cap, such as the key cap 202 and a non-conductive dome, such as the non- conductive dome 104. In an example, the non-conductive dome 104 may be a rubber dome and may be positioned under the key cap 202.

[0033] Further, the non-conductive dome 104 under the key cap 202 of one or more keys 504 includes an antenna, such as the antenna 106 printed thereon. In an example, the antenna 106 may include vertical radiating sources. Further, the antenna 106 may be a 3D printed antenna made of a conductive ink. Examples of the conductive ink may include, but are not limited to, silver, silver chloride, and carbon. The keyboard 502 is assembled in a manner similar to the manner explained with reference to FIG. 2.

[0034] Although implementations of the dome membrane, the keyboard, and the electronic device, have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed and explained in the context of a few example implementations of the dome membrane, the keyboard, and the electronic device.

Claims

I/We claim:

1. A dome membrane for a keyboard, the dome membrane comprising:

a base layer; and

a plurality of non-conductive domes protruding from the base layer; and

an antenna disposed on one of a non-conductive dome of the plurality of non-conductive domes.

2. The dome membrane as claimed in daim 1, wherein the antenna comprises a vertical radiating source.

3. The dome membrane as daimed in daim 1 , wherein the antenna is to transceive signals in a frequency range of 1.559 GHz to 1.610 GHz for Global Positioning System (GPS) and 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz and 5.15 GHz to 5.25 GHz for Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN).

4. The dome membrane as claimed in claim 1, wherein the antenna is disposed on an outer surface of the non-conductive dome.

5. The dome membrane as claimed in claim 1, wherein the antenna is a printed antenna.

6. A keyboard comprising:

a plurality of key caps;

a dome membrane comprising a plurality of non-conductive domes protruding therefrom, wherein the dome membrane is aligned under the plurality of key caps to superimpose the plurality of key caps over the plurality of non-conductive domes; and

an antenna disposed on an outer surface of one of a non- conductive dome of the plurality of non-conductive domes.

7. The keyboard as claimed in claim 6, wherein the antenna comprises a vertical radiating source.

8. The keyboard as claimed in claim 6, wherein the plurality of non- conductive domes is made of an elastic material.

9. The keyboard as claimed in claim 6, wherein the antenna is a conductive ink printed antenna.

10. The keyboard as claimed in claim 6, wherein the plurality of key caps is arranged on a key mat.

11. An electronic device comprising:

a keyboard comprising a key cap and a non-conductive dome positioned under the key cap, wherein

the non-conductive dome under the key cap, from amongst the plurality of keys, has an antenna printed thereon.

12. The electronic device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the non- conductive dome is a rubber dome.

13. The electronic device as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the antenna is a 3D printed antenna.

14. The electronic device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the antenna is made of a conductive ink.

15. The electronic device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the antenna comprises a vertical radiating source.