EP2521153A1 - Apparatus and method pertaining to a key assembly having a plinth-receiving key mat - Google Patents
Apparatus and method pertaining to a key assembly having a plinth-receiving key mat Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2521153A1 EP2521153A1 EP11163790A EP11163790A EP2521153A1 EP 2521153 A1 EP2521153 A1 EP 2521153A1 EP 11163790 A EP11163790 A EP 11163790A EP 11163790 A EP11163790 A EP 11163790A EP 2521153 A1 EP2521153 A1 EP 2521153A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- key
- keycap
- plinth
- key mat
- recessed area
- 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.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 15
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000004433 Thermoplastic polyurethane Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920002803 thermoplastic polyurethane Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 abstract description 16
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 9
- 239000012858 resilient material Substances 0.000 description 7
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 2
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- 238000010295 mobile communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007639 printing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012552 review Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- 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
- H01H13/702—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
- H01H13/705—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 construction, mounting or arrangement of operating parts, e.g. push-buttons or keys
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2221/00—Actuators
- H01H2221/002—Actuators integral with membrane
- H01H2221/006—Adhesive
Definitions
- This disclosure relates generally to key assemblies.
- Key assemblies are known in the art. Key assemblies often comprise a keycap that works in combination with a contact-responsive switch.
- the keycap typically provides a surface configured to interact with an end-user's finger.
- the end user can selectively press the keycap towards the contact-responsive switch to momentary close (or open, if desired) the latter.
- the keycap Upon releasing this pressure the keycap then returns to its stand-by position.
- Such an assembly can comprise a silicone key mat having a raised area (presenting, for example, a relatively short isosceles-trapezoidal cross section) and a corresponding conformal upper layer comprised of a resilient material such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
- TPU thermoplastic polyurethane
- the key mat typically serves to make physical contact with the contact-responsive switch (or to at least transfer the end-user's finger pressure to that switch) while the resilient material typically serves to bias a corresponding keycap (which often has a flat, planar bottom surface that rests atop the aforementioned raised area) away from the contact-responsive switch.
- the keycap in such an assembly can sometimes be inadvertently peeled away from the raised area when subjected to a pulling force.
- such a key assembly can exhibit relatively poor tactile feel owing, at least in part, to having the resilient material conformally track the sides of the raised area of the silicone key mat.
- this configuration permits the resilient material to considerably increase the actuation force needed to urge the keycap towards the contact-responsive switch and hence increases the overall rigidity of the key assembly.
- This resilient material can also laterally transfer actuation forces in a manner that can permit unwanted interaction between, for example, adjacent key assemblies as comprise a part of a keyboard.
- FIG. 1 comprises a flow diagram as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure
- FIG. 2 comprises a perspective view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure
- FIG. 3 comprises a top-plan view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure
- FIG. 4 comprises a perspective view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure.
- FIG. 5 comprises a side-elevational sectioned view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure
- FIG. 6 comprises a perspective view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure.
- FIG. 7 comprises a side-elevational sectioned detail view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure.
- FIG. 8 comprises a block diagram as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure.
- a key assembly comprises a keycap having a plinth extending from an underside surface thereof and a contact-responsive switch.
- a key mat disposed between the keycap and the contact-responsive switch has a recessed area formed therein. This recessed area is sized and configured to receive the plinth.
- this recessed area is sized and configured to conformally receive the plinth.
- an adhesive can serve to physically adhere the keycap to the key mat.
- the key assembly also comprises an elastic layer disposed between the keycap and the contact-responsive switch. If desired, this elastic layer and the aforementioned key mat are integrally coupled to one another. By one approach this elastic layer has at least one opening disposed therethrough. This opening (or these openings) can be disposed at least in part in common with the aforementioned recessed area of the key mat.
- the elastic material serves to aid in biasing the keycap away from the contact-responsive switch while avoiding undue perpendicular rigidity that can contribute to a poor tactile feel.
- Such an approach also serves to reduce the likelihood that the keycap can be inadvertently peeled away from the key assembly. The result is a key assembly that is both more durable and that has a better feel during use.
- This process 100 describes, in general, an approach to forming a key assembly. It will be understood that these steps can be carried out a plurality of times in order to form a plurality of key assemblies that together comprise, for example, a keyboard.
- this process 100 provides a contact-responsive switch.
- Such switches are well known in the art and often (though not always) comprise normally-open switches. Accordingly, and further as these teachings are not necessarily overly sensitive to particular choices in these regards, further elaboration regarding the construction of such switches will not be provided here aside from noting that contact-responsive switches designed for use in a mobile communication device application setting often have a dome size of about 3 to 6 millimeters.
- this process 100 accommodates, as will be described below, the use of a key mat.
- this process 100 will also accommodate forming this key mat and an elastic layer as an integral component.
- this elastic layer 200 can be comprised of a resilient material of choice.
- this resilient material can comprise thermoplastic polyurethane.
- this elastic layer 200 can have at least one opening 201 disposed therethrough.
- this can comprise providing a plurality of such openings 201.
- this opening 201 can be disposed at least in part in common with a recessed area of the aforementioned key mat.
- a plurality of such openings 201 can be disposed axially symmetrical with respect to a central point of reference 202.
- this central point of reference 202 can, in turn, also be disposed within the aforementioned recessed area of the key mat (i.e., in common registration with that recessed area).
- this elastic layer 200 can be formed in conjunction with an ink pattern 203.
- this ink pattern 203 can have a centrally-disposed open area 301 that surrounds the aforementioned openings 201.
- this ink pattern 203 will typically be applied to the elastic layer 200. This may comprise, by one approach, printing this ink pattern 203 on the underside surface of the elastic layer 200.
- This ink pattern 203 can serve, for example, to occlude light when the completed key assembly comprises an illuminated key assembly.
- the use of such ink patterns in a key assembly comprises a known area of endeavor. Accordingly, no further elaboration in these regards is provided here.
- this elastic layer 200 (formed, for example, of thermoplastic polyurethane) can be integrally formed with a corresponding key mat 400 (formed, for example, of silicone) to yield an integral component.
- a corresponding key mat 400 formed, for example, of silicone
- this reference to "integral” will be understood to refer to a combination and joinder that is sufficiently complete so as to consider the combined elements to be as one. Accordingly, two items would not be considered “integral” with respect to one another if they are merely connected to one another by the action of a holding member such as a screw, bolt, clamp, clip, or the like.)
- a holding member such as a screw, bolt, clamp, clip, or the like.
- this can comprise forming the elastic layer 200 on a first side of the key mat 400.
- Raised portions 402 of the key mat 400 can extend into the aforementioned openings 201 in the elastic layer 200. By one approach these raised portions 402 can be coextensive with the boundaries of those openings 201 to thereby fully fill those openings 201.
- This key mat 400 further includes a raised wall 401 that extends outwardly of the key mat 400 and that forms within its boundaries the aforementioned recessed area. As will be shown below, this recessed area is sized and configured to receive the plinth of a keycap to facilitate physically coupling the keycap to the key mat 400.
- FIG. 4 also serves to illustrate one illustrative way (of many) by which the aforementioned central point of reference 202 of the elastic layer 200 is disposed within this recessed area of the key mat 400. In this particular example, this central point of reference 202 (and other portions of the elastic layer 200 that lead to this central point of reference 202) are shown in phantom lines because these structural elements are covered by the material comprising the key mat 400. Other possibilities in these regards are possible, of course.
- FIG. 4 also serves to illustrate a point noted earlier that at least a portion of the elastic layer openings 201 can also be located within the registration ambit of this recessed area.
- the aforementioned elastic layer 200 comprises a substantially-planar member.
- this elastic layer 200 does not arc outwardly in order to conform to an outwardly-disposed bulge in the key mat 400 as typifies many prior art embodiments. Accordingly, although this elastic layer 200 can still serve to bias a keycap away from the opposing side of the key mat 400, such a planar configuration serves to improve the tactile feel of a resultant key assembly.
- the key mat 400, the elastic layer 200, or both may be comprised of transparent or highly translucent material. Such an approach can serve to support the provision of an internally-illuminated key assembly. Internally-illuminated keyboards and the like comprise a known area of endeavor that requires no further description here.
- this process 100 provides for disposing a key mat (having a recessed area formed therein that is sized and configured to receive a keycap plinth) over the previously provided contact-responsive switch.
- FIG. 5 presents one illustrative example in these regards.
- the previously described key mat 400 (which in this example is integrally combined with an elastic layer 200 as explained above) is shown to also have a key feature 501 that is closely disposed with respect to a contact-responsive switch 502 of choice.
- the degree of proximity between these two elements can vary with respect to the details of a given application setting. Generally speaking, these elements should be close enough that the key feature 501 can actuate the contact-responsive switch 502 when an end user properly interacts with the key assembly in an ordinary and expected manner.
- the key mat's recessed area is sized and configured to receive a keycap's plinth.
- FIG. 5 illustrates such a plinth 503.
- the plinth 503 is not yet disposed within the key mat's recessed area.
- FIG. 6 offers a view of the underside of a keycap 600 having such a plinth 503.
- this plinth 503 can comprise a unitary part of the keycap 600 as when these two elements comprise features of a single molded part.
- part or all of the plinth 503 can be permanently or removably attached to the keycap 600 using any attachment methodology of choice.
- the plinth 503 can itself be comprised of a plurality of separate elements that may, or may not, be in physical contact with one another as desired.
- the key mat's recessed area can be sized and configured to tightly conform to the keycap's plinth 503. In this case, it is possible that the resultant compressive force may suffice to retain the keycap in an installed orientation.
- this process 100 will also accommodate disposing an adhesive in this recessed area to adhere the plinth 503 to the key mat 400.
- FIG. 7 depicts the use of such an adhesive 701 in this manner.
- the particular adhesive 701 employed can vary with respect to the application setting, the choice of materials used for the plinth 503 and the key mat 400, and so forth. For many application settings a so-called instant glue or a glue that cures with exposure to ultraviolet light may be used with satisfactory results.
- this process 100 then provides for disposing a keycap 600 having a plinth 503 extending from an underside surface thereof such that the plinth 503 is disposed within the key mat's recessed area to thereby form a corresponding key assembly 700. So configured (and with reference to both FIGS. 5 and 7 ), the key assembly 700 will rest in a quiescent state that leaves the contact-responsive switch 502 disengaged.
- the key mat 400 When an end user presses on the keycap 600, however, the key mat 400 will be urged towards the contact-responsive switch 502 until the key feature 501 makes operable contact therewith to close (or open, as the case may be) the contact-responsive switch 502. This state persists until the end user releases this pressure. The key mat 400, assisted in considerable part by the elastic layer 200, then returns to its quiescent state of rest and the key feature 501 disengages with the contact-responsive switch 502.
- the aforementioned openings 201 in the elastic layer 200 are not so large as to unduly interfere with the elastic layer's 200 significant contribution in the above-described regards. These openings 201 are of sufficient size, however, to both improve the perceptible tactile feel of the key assembly 700 and also to considerably reduce any physical lateral crosstalk between this particular key assembly 700 and any adjacent key assemblies.
- an assembly 800 such as a wireless communications apparatus (such as a cellular telephony device, a push-to-talk device, and so forth) can include a keyboard 801 that itself comprises, at least in part, a plurality of such key assemblies 700.
- a keyboard 801 might comprise, for example, a standard alphabetic-character keyboard (having, for example, a traditional offset QWERTY-style arrangement of keys).
- Such a keyboard 801 can, in turn, operably couple to a control circuit 802 that itself operably couples to a wireless transceiver 803 of choice.
- a control circuit 802 can comprise a fixed-purpose hard-wired platform or can comprise a partially or wholly programmable platform.
- Such architectural options are well known and understood in the art and require no further description here. So configured, the keyboard 801 can permit an end user to provide instructions or content to the control circuit 802 as appropriate to control circuit's functionality and capabilities.
- Such a key assembly can be readily manufactured using readily-available materials and fabrication techniques. Accordingly, these teachings can be employed to leverage and further extend the use and value of such existing approaches. These teachings are also readily scaled to accommodate a variety of differently-sized contact-responsive switches and key caps and a variety of differently-arranged keyboards. These teachings can be economically practiced and serve to provide a key assembly that is reliable and durable during use.
Landscapes
- Push-Button Switches (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This disclosure relates generally to key assemblies.
- Key assemblies are known in the art. Key assemblies often comprise a keycap that works in combination with a contact-responsive switch. The keycap typically provides a surface configured to interact with an end-user's finger. By ordinarily biasing the keycap away from the contact-responsive switch, the end user can selectively press the keycap towards the contact-responsive switch to momentary close (or open, if desired) the latter. Upon releasing this pressure the keycap then returns to its stand-by position.
- Some key assemblies are so-called film-style key assemblies. Such an assembly can comprise a silicone key mat having a raised area (presenting, for example, a relatively short isosceles-trapezoidal cross section) and a corresponding conformal upper layer comprised of a resilient material such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The key mat typically serves to make physical contact with the contact-responsive switch (or to at least transfer the end-user's finger pressure to that switch) while the resilient material typically serves to bias a corresponding keycap (which often has a flat, planar bottom surface that rests atop the aforementioned raised area) away from the contact-responsive switch.
- While satisfactory for many application settings, such a film-style key assembly nevertheless poses certain concerns. For example, the keycap in such an assembly can sometimes be inadvertently peeled away from the raised area when subjected to a pulling force. As another example, such a key assembly can exhibit relatively poor tactile feel owing, at least in part, to having the resilient material conformally track the sides of the raised area of the silicone key mat. In particular, this configuration permits the resilient material to considerably increase the actuation force needed to urge the keycap towards the contact-responsive switch and hence increases the overall rigidity of the key assembly. This resilient material can also laterally transfer actuation forces in a manner that can permit unwanted interaction between, for example, adjacent key assemblies as comprise a part of a keyboard.
-
FIG. 1 comprises a flow diagram as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure; -
FIG. 2 comprises a perspective view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure; -
FIG. 3 comprises a top-plan view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure; -
FIG. 4 comprises a perspective view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure; -
FIG. 5 comprises a side-elevational sectioned view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure; -
FIG. 6 comprises a perspective view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure; -
FIG. 7 comprises a side-elevational sectioned detail view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure; and -
FIG. 8 comprises a block diagram as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure. - Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present disclosure. Certain actions or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. The terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.
- Generally speaking, pursuant to these various embodiments, a key assembly comprises a keycap having a plinth extending from an underside surface thereof and a contact-responsive switch. A key mat disposed between the keycap and the contact-responsive switch has a recessed area formed therein. This recessed area is sized and configured to receive the plinth.
- By one approach this recessed area is sized and configured to conformally receive the plinth. If desired, an adhesive can serve to physically adhere the keycap to the key mat.
- By one approach, the key assembly also comprises an elastic layer disposed between the keycap and the contact-responsive switch. If desired, this elastic layer and the aforementioned key mat are integrally coupled to one another. By one approach this elastic layer has at least one opening disposed therethrough. This opening (or these openings) can be disposed at least in part in common with the aforementioned recessed area of the key mat.
- So configured, the elastic material serves to aid in biasing the keycap away from the contact-responsive switch while avoiding undue perpendicular rigidity that can contribute to a poor tactile feel. Such an approach also serves to reduce the likelihood that the keycap can be inadvertently peeled away from the key assembly. The result is a key assembly that is both more durable and that has a better feel during use.
- These teachings are readily implemented using common and ordinary materials and fabrication methodologies. Accordingly such benefits can be achieved in an economical manner. These teachings are also highly scalable and can serve with a wide variety of keycap sizes, shapes, and form factors.
- These and other benefits may become clearer upon making a thorough review and study of the following detailed description. Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to
FIG. 1 , anillustrative process 100 that is compatible with many of these teachings will now be presented. Thisprocess 100 describes, in general, an approach to forming a key assembly. It will be understood that these steps can be carried out a plurality of times in order to form a plurality of key assemblies that together comprise, for example, a keyboard. - At
step 101 thisprocess 100 provides a contact-responsive switch. Such switches are well known in the art and often (though not always) comprise normally-open switches. Accordingly, and further as these teachings are not necessarily overly sensitive to particular choices in these regards, further elaboration regarding the construction of such switches will not be provided here aside from noting that contact-responsive switches designed for use in a mobile communication device application setting often have a dome size of about 3 to 6 millimeters. - This
process 100 accommodates, as will be described below, the use of a key mat. As anoptional step 102, thisprocess 100 will also accommodate forming this key mat and an elastic layer as an integral component. By way of illustration and not by way of limitation, and referring momentarily toFIG. 2 , thiselastic layer 200 can be comprised of a resilient material of choice. For many application settings this resilient material can comprise thermoplastic polyurethane. - As illustrated, this
elastic layer 200 can have at least oneopening 201 disposed therethrough. By one approach this can comprise providing a plurality ofsuch openings 201. As will become more evident below, thisopening 201 can be disposed at least in part in common with a recessed area of the aforementioned key mat. By one approach, and as shown inFIG. 2 , a plurality ofsuch openings 201 can be disposed axially symmetrical with respect to a central point ofreference 202. As shown below, this central point ofreference 202 can, in turn, also be disposed within the aforementioned recessed area of the key mat (i.e., in common registration with that recessed area). - Optionally, if desired, this
elastic layer 200 can be formed in conjunction with anink pattern 203. As shown inFIG. 3 , thisink pattern 203 can have a centrally-disposedopen area 301 that surrounds theaforementioned openings 201. Though shown inFIG. 2 for the sake of clarity as being separated from theelastic layer 200, it will be understood that thisink pattern 203 will typically be applied to theelastic layer 200. This may comprise, by one approach, printing thisink pattern 203 on the underside surface of theelastic layer 200. Thisink pattern 203 can serve, for example, to occlude light when the completed key assembly comprises an illuminated key assembly. The use of such ink patterns in a key assembly comprises a known area of endeavor. Accordingly, no further elaboration in these regards is provided here. - As noted above, this elastic layer 200 (formed, for example, of thermoplastic polyurethane) can be integrally formed with a corresponding key mat 400 (formed, for example, of silicone) to yield an integral component. (As used herein, this reference to "integral" will be understood to refer to a combination and joinder that is sufficiently complete so as to consider the combined elements to be as one. Accordingly, two items would not be considered "integral" with respect to one another if they are merely connected to one another by the action of a holding member such as a screw, bolt, clamp, clip, or the like.) One can employ, for example, a co-molding process as known in the art to achieve this result.
- Referring now momentarily to
FIG. 4 , this can comprise forming theelastic layer 200 on a first side of thekey mat 400. Raised portions 402 of thekey mat 400 can extend into theaforementioned openings 201 in theelastic layer 200. By one approach these raised portions 402 can be coextensive with the boundaries of thoseopenings 201 to thereby fully fill thoseopenings 201. - This
key mat 400 further includes a raisedwall 401 that extends outwardly of thekey mat 400 and that forms within its boundaries the aforementioned recessed area. As will be shown below, this recessed area is sized and configured to receive the plinth of a keycap to facilitate physically coupling the keycap to thekey mat 400.FIG. 4 also serves to illustrate one illustrative way (of many) by which the aforementioned central point ofreference 202 of theelastic layer 200 is disposed within this recessed area of thekey mat 400. In this particular example, this central point of reference 202 (and other portions of theelastic layer 200 that lead to this central point of reference 202) are shown in phantom lines because these structural elements are covered by the material comprising thekey mat 400. Other possibilities in these regards are possible, of course.FIG. 4 also serves to illustrate a point noted earlier that at least a portion of theelastic layer openings 201 can also be located within the registration ambit of this recessed area. - So configured, the aforementioned
elastic layer 200 comprises a substantially-planar member. In particular, thiselastic layer 200 does not arc outwardly in order to conform to an outwardly-disposed bulge in thekey mat 400 as typifies many prior art embodiments. Accordingly, although thiselastic layer 200 can still serve to bias a keycap away from the opposing side of thekey mat 400, such a planar configuration serves to improve the tactile feel of a resultant key assembly. - By one approach, the
key mat 400, theelastic layer 200, or both may be comprised of transparent or highly translucent material. Such an approach can serve to support the provision of an internally-illuminated key assembly. Internally-illuminated keyboards and the like comprise a known area of endeavor that requires no further description here. - In any event, and regardless of whether the key mat has been integrally combined with an elastic layer, with reference to
FIG. 1 , atstep 103 thisprocess 100 provides for disposing a key mat (having a recessed area formed therein that is sized and configured to receive a keycap plinth) over the previously provided contact-responsive switch. -
FIG. 5 presents one illustrative example in these regards. Here, the previously described key mat 400 (which in this example is integrally combined with anelastic layer 200 as explained above) is shown to also have akey feature 501 that is closely disposed with respect to a contact-responsive switch 502 of choice. The degree of proximity between these two elements can vary with respect to the details of a given application setting. Generally speaking, these elements should be close enough that thekey feature 501 can actuate the contact-responsive switch 502 when an end user properly interacts with the key assembly in an ordinary and expected manner. - As explained above, the key mat's recessed area is sized and configured to receive a keycap's plinth.
FIG. 5 illustrates such aplinth 503. In this particular illustration theplinth 503 is not yet disposed within the key mat's recessed area.FIG. 6 offers a view of the underside of akeycap 600 having such aplinth 503. For many application settings thisplinth 503 can comprise a unitary part of thekeycap 600 as when these two elements comprise features of a single molded part. These teachings will accommodate other approaches in these regards, however. For example, part or all of theplinth 503 can be permanently or removably attached to thekeycap 600 using any attachment methodology of choice. It would also be possible for theplinth 503 to itself be comprised of a plurality of separate elements that may, or may not, be in physical contact with one another as desired. - By one approach the key mat's recessed area can be sized and configured to tightly conform to the keycap's
plinth 503. In this case, it is possible that the resultant compressive force may suffice to retain the keycap in an installed orientation. Referring again toFIG. 1 , atoptional step 104 thisprocess 100 will also accommodate disposing an adhesive in this recessed area to adhere theplinth 503 to thekey mat 400.FIG. 7 depicts the use of such an adhesive 701 in this manner. Theparticular adhesive 701 employed, of course, can vary with respect to the application setting, the choice of materials used for theplinth 503 and thekey mat 400, and so forth. For many application settings a so-called instant glue or a glue that cures with exposure to ultraviolet light may be used with satisfactory results. - In any event, with continued reference to both
FIGS. 1 and7 , atstep 105 thisprocess 100 then provides for disposing akeycap 600 having aplinth 503 extending from an underside surface thereof such that theplinth 503 is disposed within the key mat's recessed area to thereby form a correspondingkey assembly 700. So configured (and with reference to bothFIGS. 5 and7 ), thekey assembly 700 will rest in a quiescent state that leaves the contact-responsive switch 502 disengaged. - When an end user presses on the
keycap 600, however, thekey mat 400 will be urged towards the contact-responsive switch 502 until thekey feature 501 makes operable contact therewith to close (or open, as the case may be) the contact-responsive switch 502. This state persists until the end user releases this pressure. Thekey mat 400, assisted in considerable part by theelastic layer 200, then returns to its quiescent state of rest and thekey feature 501 disengages with the contact-responsive switch 502. - The
aforementioned openings 201 in theelastic layer 200 are not so large as to unduly interfere with the elastic layer's 200 significant contribution in the above-described regards. Theseopenings 201 are of sufficient size, however, to both improve the perceptible tactile feel of thekey assembly 700 and also to considerably reduce any physical lateral crosstalk between this particularkey assembly 700 and any adjacent key assemblies. - Such a
key assembly 700 can comprise a part of a larger assembly. As one illustrative example in these regards, and referring now toFIG. 8 , anassembly 800 such as a wireless communications apparatus (such as a cellular telephony device, a push-to-talk device, and so forth) can include akeyboard 801 that itself comprises, at least in part, a plurality of suchkey assemblies 700. Such akeyboard 801 might comprise, for example, a standard alphabetic-character keyboard (having, for example, a traditional offset QWERTY-style arrangement of keys). - Such a
keyboard 801 can, in turn, operably couple to acontrol circuit 802 that itself operably couples to awireless transceiver 803 of choice. Such acontrol circuit 802 can comprise a fixed-purpose hard-wired platform or can comprise a partially or wholly programmable platform. Such architectural options are well known and understood in the art and require no further description here. So configured, thekeyboard 801 can permit an end user to provide instructions or content to thecontrol circuit 802 as appropriate to control circuit's functionality and capabilities. - Such a key assembly can be readily manufactured using readily-available materials and fabrication techniques. Accordingly, these teachings can be employed to leverage and further extend the use and value of such existing approaches. These teachings are also readily scaled to accommodate a variety of differently-sized contact-responsive switches and key caps and a variety of differently-arranged keyboards. These teachings can be economically practiced and serve to provide a key assembly that is reliable and durable during use.
- Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambit of the inventive concept.
Claims (15)
- An apparatus comprising:a key assembly comprising:a keycap (600) having a plinth (503) extending from an underside surface thereof;a contact-responsive switch (502);a key mat (400) disposed between the keycap and the contact-responsive switch and having a recessed area formed therein sized and configured to receive the plinth.
- The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the key mat is comprised of silicone.
- The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:an adhesive disposed within the recessed area to adhere the plinth to the key mat.
- The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the recessed area is sized and configured to conformally receive the plinth.
- The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising:an elastic layer disposed between the keycap and the contact-responsive switch.
- The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the elastic layer is comprised of thermoplastic polyurethane.
- The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the elastic layer has at least one opening disposed therethrough, which opening is disposed at least in part in common with the recessed area of the key mat.
- The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the at least one opening comprises a plurality of openings.
- The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the plurality of openings are axially symmetrical with respect to a central point of reference that is disposed within the recessed area of the key mat.
- The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the plurality of openings are peripherally aligned with a periphery of the keycap.
- The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the elastic layer and the key mat are integrally coupled to one another.
- The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:a keyboard comprised of a plurality of the key assemblies.
- A wireless communications apparatus comprising:a wireless transceiver (803);a control circuit (802) operably coupled to the wireless transceiver;a keyboard (801) operably coupled to the control circuit, the keyboard comprising a plurality of key assemblies (700) wherein at least some of the key assemblies each comprise:a keycap (600) having a plinth (503) extending from an underside surface thereof;a contact-responsive switch (502);a key mat (400) disposed between the keycap and the contact-responsive switch and having a recessed area formed therein sized and configured to receive the plinth.
- A method comprising:providing (101) a contact-responsive switch (502);disposing (103) a key mat (400) over the contact-responsive switch, the key mat having a recessed area formed therein sized and configured to receive a keycap plinth;disposing (105) a keycap (600) having a plinth (503) extending from an underside surface thereof such that the plinth is disposed within the recessed area of the key mat.
- The method of claim 14 further comprising:disposing an adhesive in the recessed area of the key mat to adhere the plinth to the key mat.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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EP11163790.6A EP2521153B1 (en) | 2011-04-26 | 2011-04-26 | Apparatus and method pertaining to a key assembly having a plinth-receiving key mat |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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EP11163790.6A EP2521153B1 (en) | 2011-04-26 | 2011-04-26 | Apparatus and method pertaining to a key assembly having a plinth-receiving key mat |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP2521153A1 true EP2521153A1 (en) | 2012-11-07 |
EP2521153B1 EP2521153B1 (en) | 2017-03-22 |
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EP11163790.6A Active EP2521153B1 (en) | 2011-04-26 | 2011-04-26 | Apparatus and method pertaining to a key assembly having a plinth-receiving key mat |
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Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2015041501A (en) * | 2013-08-22 | 2015-03-02 | 日本精機株式会社 | Switch operation device |
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EP0859388A2 (en) * | 1997-02-18 | 1998-08-19 | Sunarrow Co., Ltd. | Illumination key and method of manufacture thereof |
GB2346484A (en) * | 1999-01-26 | 2000-08-09 | Nec Corp | Button structure of an electronic apparatus |
EP1959468A1 (en) * | 2005-11-08 | 2008-08-20 | Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd. | Covering member for push-button switch |
US20090107816A1 (en) * | 2007-10-29 | 2009-04-30 | Chao Carl Chen | Illuminated key-pad assembly |
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2011
- 2011-04-26 EP EP11163790.6A patent/EP2521153B1/en active Active
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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EP0859388A2 (en) * | 1997-02-18 | 1998-08-19 | Sunarrow Co., Ltd. | Illumination key and method of manufacture thereof |
EP1316979A1 (en) * | 1997-02-18 | 2003-06-04 | Sunarrow Ltd. | Illumination key |
GB2346484A (en) * | 1999-01-26 | 2000-08-09 | Nec Corp | Button structure of an electronic apparatus |
EP1959468A1 (en) * | 2005-11-08 | 2008-08-20 | Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd. | Covering member for push-button switch |
US20090107816A1 (en) * | 2007-10-29 | 2009-04-30 | Chao Carl Chen | Illuminated key-pad assembly |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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JP2015041501A (en) * | 2013-08-22 | 2015-03-02 | 日本精機株式会社 | Switch operation device |
Also Published As
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EP2521153B1 (en) | 2017-03-22 |
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