Patent Description:
The described embodiments relate generally to keyboards. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to structures that prevent ingress of contaminants such as dust or liquid into keyboards according to the features of independent claim <NUM>.

Electronic devices use a variety of different input devices. Examples of such input devices include keyboards, computer mice, touch screens, buttons, trackpads, and so on. Some input devices may be incorporated into an electronic device. The electronic device may be vulnerable to contaminants, such as dust or liquid, entering though openings or connections in or around one or more incorporated input devices or external input devices. The external input devices may themselves be vulnerable to contaminants entering through various openings or connections.

For example, keyboards typically involve a number of moving keys. Liquid ingress around the keys into the keyboard can damage electronics. Residues from such liquids, such as sugar, may corrode or block electrical contacts, prevent key movement by bonding moving parts, and so on. Solid contaminants (such as dust, dirt, food crumbs, and the like) may lodge under keys, blocking electrical contacts, getting in the way of key movement, and so on.

<CIT> and <CIT> disclose keyboard assemblies.

<CIT> discloses an input device including a plurality of input portions and a protective sheet capable of covering at least regions between the input portions, the protective sheet formed of a plurality of layers including at least a first layer and a second layer, the first layer contains a material having elasticity, the second layer contains a material having a buffering property.

The present invention is defined by the features of the independent claim(s). Preferred advantageous embodiments thereof are defined by the sub-features of the dependent claims.

The present disclosure relates to keyboards and/or other input devices that include mechanisms that prevent and/or alleviate contaminant (such as dust, liquid, and so on) ingress. These mechanisms may include membranes or gaskets that block contaminant ingress; structures such as brushes, wipers, or flaps that block gaps around key caps; funnels, skirts, bands, or other guard structures coupled to key caps that block contaminant ingress into and/or direct contaminants away from areas under the key caps; bellows that blast contaminants with forced gas out from around the key caps, into cavities in a substrate of the keyboard, and so on; and/or various active or passive mechanisms that drive contaminants away from the keyboard and/or prevent and/or alleviate contaminant ingress into and/or through the keyboard.

In various embodiments, a key includes a foundation, an actuator moveably coupled to the foundation between a depressed position and an undepressed position, and a skirt coupled to the actuator that is configured to form a perimeter around the actuator. The skirt is in contact with the foundation when the actuator is in the undepressed position and in compression between the actuator and the foundation when the actuator is in the undepressed position.

In some examples, the skirt is an elastomer. In some implementations, the skirt may be an elastomer band. The elastomer band may extend from the actuator at an angle between the actuator and the substrate, change the angle at which the elastomer band extends between the actuator and the foundation, extend from all sides of the actuator, define a vent, and be operable to force contaminants into a cavity defined in the foundation using gas forced from the vent.

In various examples, the skirt expands when the actuator moves toward the depressed position. In numerous examples, the skirt forms a seal between the actuator and the foundation. In some examples, the skirt defines a vent skirt defines a vent with dimensions that allow the passage of gas but restrict the passage of liquid.

In some examples, the skirt forces gas through an aperture when the actuator moves toward the depressed position. In various examples, the skirt biases the actuator toward the undepressed position. In some examples, the skirt extends from a side of the actuator at an angle and the angle at which the actuator extends changes when the actuator travels toward the depressed position.

In various examples, the substrate defines a cavity and the guard structure funnels the contaminants into the cavity. In some examples, the guard structure surrounds the key cap. In numerous examples, the guard structure is rigid, is separated from the substrate when the key cap is in an undepressed position, includes a mouth positioned over a hole in the substrate, and moves with the key cap. In various implementations of such examples, the guard structure does not contact the substrate when the key cap is in a depressed position.

In some embodiments, a keyboard includes a base, a web that defines apertures, keys moveably coupled to the base within the apertures, and a gasket having raised portions coupled to the keys and unraised portions fixed between the web and the base. The gasket is operable to block passage of contaminants into the apertures. Compression of the gasket may force gas through a vent.

In some examples, the gasket is a layer of fabric and a layer of silicone. In various implementations, the unraised portions are coupled to one of the key caps of the keys, a region between outer and inner key caps of the keys, or a movement mechanism of the keys. In various examples, the gasket is a membrane. In numerous examples, the gasket resists depression of the keys. In some examples, the unraised portions include a first region fixed between the web and the base that is coupled to the web and the base and a second region fixed between the web and the base that is uncoupled from the web and the base.

The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements.

Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The invention is as set out in the independent claim.

The description that follows includes sample systems and apparatuses that embody various elements of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the described disclosure may be practiced in a variety of forms in addition to those described herein.

The following disclosure relates to keyboards and/or other input devices that include mechanisms that prevent and/or alleviate contaminant ingress. These mechanisms may include keyboard membranes or gaskets; structures such as brushes, wipers, or flaps in gaps between key caps of the keys; funnels, skirts, elastomer or other bands, or other guard structures coupled to key caps; bellows that blast contaminants with forced gas; and/or various active or passive mechanisms that drive contaminants away from the keyboard and/or prevent and/or alleviate contaminant ingress into and/or through the keyboard.

<FIG> depicts an electronic device <NUM> including a keyboard <NUM>. The keyboard <NUM> includes keys or key assemblies with key caps <NUM> or actuators that move within apertures defined in a web <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> includes one or more mechanisms that prevent and/or alleviate contaminant ingress into and/or through the keyboard <NUM>, such as between the key caps <NUM> and the web <NUM>. Contaminants may include liquids (e.g., water, soft drinks, sweat, and the like), solids (e.g., dust, dirt, food particles, and the like), and/or any foreign material that may ingress into and/or through the keyboard <NUM>.

As described in detail below, one or more various contaminant ingress prevention and/or alleviation mechanisms may be used in one or more embodiments. In some embodiments, the keyboard <NUM> may include a membrane, gasket, or similar component that blocks contaminant ingress. Structures such as brushes, wipers, or flaps may block gaps around key caps <NUM> or other actuators in various embodiments. In numerous embodiments, funnels, skirts, elastomer or other bands, or other guard structures coupled to each of the key caps <NUM> may block contaminant ingress into and/or direct contaminants away from areas under the key caps <NUM>. Bellows mechanisms may blast contaminants with forced gas in some embodiments, such as out from around key caps <NUM>, into cavities in a substrate of the keyboard <NUM>, and so on. In various embodiments, the key caps <NUM> may contact surrounding structures to block gaps around the key caps <NUM>. In still other embodiments, various active or passive mechanisms may drive contaminants away from the keyboard <NUM> and/or prevent and/or alleviate contaminant ingress into and/or through the keyboard <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts an example exploded view of the keyboard <NUM> or keyboard assembly of <FIG>. In this example, the keyboard <NUM> includes a web <NUM> that fixes a membrane <NUM>, gasket, or the like to a substrate <NUM>, base, foundation, or the like (e.g., a printed circuit board). Keys or key assemblies include movement mechanisms <NUM> coupled to the substrate <NUM>, inner key caps <NUM> or actuators coupled to the movement mechanisms <NUM> on an internal side of the membrane <NUM>, and key caps <NUM> or actuators disposed in apertures <NUM> defined by the web <NUM> on an external side of the membrane <NUM>. The movement mechanisms <NUM> moveably couple the inner key caps <NUM> and the key caps <NUM> to the substrate <NUM>. Key assemblies include one or more activation mechanisms (such as one or more switches, capacitive sensors, optical sensors, and the like, which may be included with the movement mechanisms <NUM>) that detect touch to and/or movement of the key caps <NUM>.

The web <NUM> may be coupled to the substrate <NUM> using attachment connectors <NUM> that engage attachment points <NUM> defined in the substrate <NUM>. For example, the attachment connectors <NUM> may be screws, bolts, or the like and the attachment points <NUM> may be threaded apertures and so on. The attachment connectors <NUM> pass through the membrane <NUM>, coupling the membrane <NUM> to the web <NUM> and the substrate <NUM>. Thus, the membrane <NUM> may not be coupled to the web <NUM> and/or the substrate <NUM> at every point where the membrane <NUM> is fixed to the substrate <NUM> by the web <NUM> (e.g., where the web <NUM> and/or the substrate <NUM> constrain the membrane <NUM>). A first region of the membrane <NUM> fixed to the substrate <NUM> by the web <NUM> is coupled (the region through which the attachment connectors <NUM> pass through the membrane <NUM>) whereas a second region of the membrane <NUM> fixed to the substrate <NUM> by the web <NUM> is uncoupled.

However, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, the membrane <NUM> may be coupled in a variety of manners (such as one or more adhesives and so on) to all or portions of the web <NUM>, the substrate <NUM> (or base, foundation, or the like), the key caps <NUM>, the inner key caps <NUM>, the movement mechanisms <NUM>, and so on.

The membrane <NUM> blocks and/or restricts contaminants passing into areas of the key assemblies under the membrane <NUM>. For example, the membrane <NUM> may block ingress of contaminants such as dust or liquid into areas occupied by the inner key caps <NUM> and/or movement mechanisms <NUM>. As such, the membrane <NUM> may function as a gasket, sealing internal areas of the keyboard <NUM> from an external environment.

The membrane <NUM> may be formed from a variety of different materials. Examples of such materials include fabrics such as nylon, polyester, polyurethane or other elastomers, plastic films, and so on. In various implementations, the membrane <NUM> may be waterproof and/or water resistant (e.g., resists and/or blocks the passage of water or other liquid). For example, a membrane <NUM> formed of elastomer may be waterproof. By way of another example, the membrane <NUM> may include a layer of nylon, polyester, or other fabric coupled to a layer of silicone or other elastomer. By way of still another example, the membrane <NUM> may be formed of a fabric coated or otherwise treated with a hydrophobic material.

The membrane <NUM> or gasket may include embossed or raised portions and unembossed or unraised portions in various implementations. Portions of the key assemblies such as the inner key caps <NUM> and the movement mechanisms <NUM> may be disposed within these embossed or raised portions rather than the unembossed or unraised portions.

<FIG> depicts a first example cross-sectional view of a key assembly of the keyboard <NUM> of <FIG>, taken along line A-A of <FIG>. The web <NUM> fixes the unraised portion of the membrane <NUM> to the substrate <NUM> (or base, foundation, or the like). An embossed area or raised portion of the membrane <NUM> forms an internal area <NUM> around the inner key cap <NUM> or other actuator and the movement mechanism <NUM>. The membrane <NUM> blocks contaminants that enter into a gap between the key cap <NUM> and the web <NUM> from ingress into the internal area <NUM>. The key cap <NUM> is coupled to an exterior surface of the embossed area of the membrane <NUM>. The inner key cap <NUM> is coupled to an interior surface of the embossed area of the membrane <NUM>. Thus, the embossed area of the membrane <NUM> is coupled to a region of the key assembly between the key cap <NUM> and the inner key cap <NUM>.

The movement mechanism <NUM> has a particular force curve response to force applied to the key cap <NUM> that moves the key cap <NUM> from an undepressed position or state towards a depressed position or state. The membrane <NUM> may affect this force curve response, in some implementations resisting depression of the key cap <NUM> and/or biasing the depression of the key cap <NUM> towards an undepressed position. Various characteristics of the membrane <NUM> may be configured to prevent the membrane <NUM> from undesirably affecting the force curve response.

For example, the material(s) from which the membrane <NUM> is formed may alter the force curve response of the key assemblies (such as forming the membrane <NUM> of elastomer having a greater effect on the force curve response than forming the membrane <NUM> of fabric). The configuration and/or shape of the embossed areas may also affect the force curve response, as well as any compression and/or tension the movement places the membrane <NUM> into. The coupling between the membrane <NUM> and the web <NUM> and/or the substrate <NUM> (including the amount of the coupled area, the location of the coupled area, and so on) may further affect the force curve response. One or more of these characteristics, and/or other membrane <NUM> characteristics, may be configured to prevent the membrane <NUM> from undesirably affecting the force curve response.

By way of example, the embossed area of the membrane <NUM> or gasket illustrated in <FIG> includes sides 318A. In this example implementation, the sides 318A of the raised portion are sloped between the key cap <NUM> and the substrate <NUM> (or base, foundation, or the like) and change direction to form an acute angle (such as an approximately <NUM> degree or other acute angle) between the key cap <NUM> and the substrate <NUM> when the key cap <NUM> is undepressed. This may form an "angled" edge. In a first alternative example implementation shown in <FIG>, the sides 318B of the raised portion of the membrane <NUM> are sloped between the key cap <NUM> and the substrate <NUM> without changing direction to form an angle when the key cap <NUM> is undepressed. This may form a "drafted edge. " In a second alternative example implementation shown in <FIG>, the sides 318C of the raised portion of the membrane <NUM> may be straight and not sloped between the key cap <NUM> and the substrate <NUM> when the key cap <NUM> is undepressed. This may form a "straight edge. " The sides 318A may add to the force curve response less than the sides 318B, which may add to the force curve response less than the sides 318C. Thus, the configuration of the sides of the raised portion may be selected to obtain the desired effect on the force curve response.

Although particular example sides 318A-318C are illustrated and described, it is understood that these are examples. In various implementations, variously configured sides of the raised portion of membrane <NUM> may be used.

Further, movement of the key cap <NUM> between undepressed and depressed positions or states may place the membrane <NUM> into compression and/or tension. For example, the embossed area or raised portion of the membrane <NUM> may not be in compression or tension when the key cap <NUM> is in the undepressed state. However, the key cap <NUM> moving towards the depressed position may then put the embossed area of the membrane <NUM> in compression.

By way of another example, the embossed area or raised area of the membrane <NUM> may be in tension when the key cap <NUM> is in an undepressed position, biased toward the undepressed position and kept in tension by the movement mechanism <NUM>. When force is exerted on the key cap <NUM> to move the key cap <NUM> towards the undepressed position, the tension causes the embossed area of the membrane <NUM> to aid in moving the key cap <NUM> towards the depressed position. Essentially, the embossed area of the membrane <NUM> aids by pulling the key cap <NUM> downward until the embossed area of the membrane <NUM> is no longer in tension. In such cases, movement of the key cap <NUM> towards the depressed position may not put the embossed area of the membrane <NUM> in compression, or may put the embossed area of the membrane <NUM> in less compression than the example discussed above where the embossed area of the membrane <NUM> is not in tension when the key assembly is undepressed. The embossed area of the membrane <NUM> may be put in less compression as the key cap <NUM> movement may start to put the embossed area of the membrane <NUM> in compression after the key cap <NUM> already moves to where the embossed area of the membrane <NUM> is no longer in tension.

Thus, the key cap's <NUM> movement placing the membrane <NUM> into compression and/or tension influences how the membrane <NUM> affects the force curve response. This relationship may be configured accordingly to achieve different force curve responses.

Moreover, as described above, the web <NUM> and/or the substrate <NUM> constrain the membrane <NUM> (e.g., the unraised portion) but the membrane <NUM> may not be coupled to the web <NUM> and/or the substrate <NUM> at every point where the unraised portion of the membrane <NUM> contacts the substrate <NUM> by the web <NUM>. Less coupling (such as shown in <FIG>) causes the membrane <NUM> to affect the force curve response less than more coupling (such as where the membrane <NUM> is adhesively or otherwise bonded to both the substrate <NUM> and the web <NUM> at all contacting points). Thus, different amounts of coupling can be used to cause the membrane <NUM> to affect the force curve response differently.

Additionally, the embossed area of the membrane <NUM> may expand when the key cap <NUM> is depressed if unvented. The different configurations of sides 318A-318C result in the membrane <NUM> expanding in different configurations when the key cap <NUM> moves towards a depressed position or state. In some examples, expansion of the embossed area of the membrane <NUM> may direct contaminants in the aperture <NUM> away from the internal area <NUM>, out of the aperture <NUM>, and so on. Expansion may include putting the membrane <NUM> in compression, and thus affecting the force curve response.

Although the example key assemblies of <FIG> are illustrated and described as being unvented, it is understood that these are examples. In various implementations, one or more vents and/or venting mechanisms may be included.

For example, <FIG> depicts a third alternative example of the key assembly of <FIG>. In this example, the membrane <NUM> or gasket defines a vent <NUM>, aperture, or other hole in one of the sides 318A. When the key cap <NUM> is moved towards a depressed position, the membrane <NUM> compresses gas inside the internal area <NUM>, forcing the gas through the vent <NUM>. This allows the embossed area of the membrane <NUM> to act as a bellows mechanism, forcing gas in a direction <NUM>. This may force contaminants away from the internal area <NUM> and/or out of the aperture <NUM>. This may also reduce compression of the membrane <NUM>, reducing how much the membrane <NUM> affects the force curve response. In various implementations, the vent <NUM> may be configured with sufficiently small dimensions that gas can be forced through the vent <NUM> without easily allowing liquids, dust, and/or other particles to enter the internal area <NUM> from the aperture <NUM>.

Although this third alternative example illustrates and describes the key assembly externally venting through a vent <NUM> in the membrane <NUM>, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, key assemblies may vent internally and/or may vent through holes, apertures, or other structures in components other than the membrane <NUM> and/or other portions of the membrane <NUM>, such as one or more unraised portions.

For example, <FIG> depicts a fourth alternative example of the key assembly of <FIG> that includes a hole <NUM> extending from the internal area <NUM> through the substrate <NUM>, base, foundation, or the like. When the key cap <NUM> or actuator is moved towards a depressed position, the membrane <NUM> or gasket compresses gas inside the internal area <NUM>, forcing the gas through the holes <NUM>. This forces gas in a direction <NUM>. This may force contaminants that have managed to enter the internal area <NUM> out into an internal volume of the electronic device.

<FIG> illustrate and describe the membrane <NUM> or gasket as a single, uninterrupted sheet or other structure with the inner key caps <NUM> of the keys and the key caps <NUM> (functioning as outer key caps, key pads, or the like) coupled on opposing sides thereof. However, it is understood that these are examples and that other configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

For example, <FIG> depicts a second example cross-sectional view of a key assembly of the keyboard <NUM> of <FIG>, taken along line A-A of <FIG>. The membrane <NUM> and the movement mechanism <NUM> couple directly to the key cap <NUM> or actuators rather than to any inner key cap. Further, the raised portion of the membrane <NUM> defines an aperture <NUM> between an interior surface of the key cap <NUM> and the internal area <NUM> of the key assembly. As the membrane <NUM> is coupled to the key cap <NUM>, the membrane <NUM> may still function as a barrier sealing the internal area <NUM> above the substrate <NUM> within the web <NUM> from an external environment despite the aperture <NUM> in the membrane <NUM>.

However, it is understood that this is an example. The membrane <NUM> may be continuous in various implementations that do not use an inner key cap. In such implementations, the movement mechanism <NUM> and the key cap <NUM> may couple to opposing surfaces of the membrane <NUM>.

Further, in various implementations, the membrane <NUM> may not couple to the key cap <NUM>. For example, <FIG> depicts an alternative example of the key assembly of <FIG>. In this implementation, the raised portion of the membrane <NUM> couples to the movement mechanism <NUM> and the web <NUM> and substrate <NUM> rather than the key cap <NUM> or actuator.

By way of another example, <FIG> depicts a third example cross-sectional view of a key assembly of the keyboard <NUM> of <FIG>, taken along line A-A of <FIG>, where the membrane <NUM> forms the external surface of the keyboard <NUM>. In this example, the membrane <NUM> contacts (and may be bonded to) the top of the web <NUM> rather than being constrained between the web <NUM> and the substrate <NUM>, base, foundation, or the like.

The membrane <NUM> includes a first layer <NUM> and a second layer <NUM>. In this example, the first layer <NUM> is a layer of fabric (such as nylon, polyester, or the like) and the second layer <NUM> is an elastomer layer (such as silicone or the like). In this way, the membrane <NUM> may be waterproof while balancing other considerations such as texture, appearance, effect on force curve response, and so on. However, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, other membrane <NUM> configurations (and/or any of the other membranes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or associated structures discussed herein) are possible and contemplated.

For example, in some implementations, the membrane <NUM> may include more than two layers. In various implementations, the first layer <NUM> may be formed of elastomer and the second layer <NUM> may be formed of fabric. In still other implementations, the membrane <NUM> may include one or more layers of fabric coated or otherwise treated with one or more hydrophilic materials.

Further in this example, the key assembly includes the inner key cap <NUM> or actuator without the use of an external key cap. However, in various implementations, an external key cap, key pad, or the like may be coupled to the external surface of the membrane <NUM>.

In various implementations, the keyboard <NUM> may include components that illuminate one or more of the key assemblies. For example, light emitting diodes and/or other components that illuminate may be positioned in the internal areas of key assemblies. Light from these components may be visible through the key assemblies, having travelled through one or more key assembly components in between.

For example, the key caps <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the keys and/or portions thereof (such as areas forming a key legend, an area around a key legend, and so on) may allow the light to pass. Similarly, the inner key caps <NUM>, <NUM> and/or the movement mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and/or portions thereof may allow light to pass. In embodiments where the membrane <NUM>, <NUM> may be positioned over a light source (as opposed to embodiments such as <FIG> where light may pass through the aperture <NUM> in the membrane <NUM>), the membrane <NUM>, <NUM> and/or portions thereof may allow light to pass. One or more of these components may include light guides and/or other elements that contribute to light evenly distributing as the light exits the key assemblies.

In various implementations where the membrane <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> forms side walls of an internal area of the key stack, inner portions of the membrane <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be reflective, treated with reflective material (such as a reflective coating), and/or may be otherwise configured to concentrate and/or direct the light out of the key assembly, prevent and/or reduce light leakage from the sides, and so on. The substrate <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> (or base, foundation, or the like) and/or the web <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be similarly configured in various embodiments.

<FIG> depicts a fourth example cross-sectional view of a key assembly of the keyboard <NUM> of <FIG>, taken along line A-A of <FIG>. In this example, guard structures <NUM> block passage of contaminants into the keyboard <NUM> by occupying the gap between the key cap <NUM> or actuator and the web <NUM>. The guard structures <NUM> may be coupled to the key cap <NUM>, the web <NUM>, and/or other components. The guard structures <NUM> may be one or more brushes, wipers, flaps, or the like formed of various flexible and/or inflexible materials such as rubber, silicone, and so on. The guard structures <NUM> may deform, flex, and/or otherwise move to maintain contact with the web <NUM> to prevent passage of contaminants into the key assembly.

Although, the web <NUM> is illustrated as having a solid surface parallel to the key cap <NUM> travel, it is understood that this is an example. In some implementations, the web <NUM> may include a cavity in a lower portion of the surface parallel to key cap <NUM> travel. Contaminants resting on the guard structure <NUM> may empty into such a cavity when the guard structure <NUM> is aligned with the cavity.

Although the embodiments illustrated and described in <FIG> utilize a shared membrane <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in various implementations, one or more individual key assemblies (or groups of key assemblies) may include their own membranes for blocking contaminant ingress. <FIG> depicts a fifth example cross-sectional view of a key assembly of the keyboard <NUM> of <FIG>, taken along line A-A of <FIG> that includes a guard structure 828A coupled to an underside of the key cap <NUM> or actuator. As shown in <FIG>, the guard structure 828A is configured as a skirt, elastomer band, or the like that forms a perimeter around the key cap <NUM>.

The guard structure 828A forms and maintains a seal between the key cap <NUM> and the substrate <NUM>, base, foundation, or the like, blocking contaminant ingress. The guard structure 828A may be placed in compression between the key cap <NUM> and the substrate <NUM> when the key cap <NUM> is in an undepressed state and is flexible so as to deform and allow the key cap <NUM> to move toward a depressed state. For example, the guard structure 828A may be formed by injection molding liquid silicone to the key cap <NUM>.

The guard structure 828A may expand when the key cap <NUM> moves toward a depressed position, particularly when unvented. This expansion drives contaminants out of the aperture <NUM> into cavities formed in the substrate <NUM> so the contaminants do not get under the key cap <NUM> and/or into the movement mechanism <NUM>, blocking travel of the movement mechanism <NUM> and/or key cap <NUM> and so on.

As the guard structure 828A is placed in compression, the guard structure 828A may affect the force curve response of the key assembly (biasing the key cap <NUM> towards an undepressed position). Thus, the configuration of the guard structure 828A, the material from which the guard structure 828A is formed (thinner for less effect on the force curve response, thicker for more effect on the force curve response, more flexible for less effect on the force curve response, less flexible for more effect on the force curve response, more resistive to key cap movement <NUM> for more effect on the force curve response, less resistive to key cap movement <NUM> for less effect on the force curve response), whether or not the guard structure 828A is vented, and/or other such characteristics may be selected to adjust how the guard structure 828A affects the force curve response.

The guard structure 828A is illustrated as coupled to the underside of the key cap <NUM> and extending to the substrate <NUM>. By way of contrast, the guard structure 828B or skirt configured as an elastomer band of the key assembly of <FIG> is coupled to the sides of the key cap <NUM>. The guard structure 828B extends toward the web <NUM> and then switches direction to form an approximately <NUM> degree angle with respect to the substrate <NUM> and extends toward the substrate <NUM>. However, it is understood that this is an example and that in various implementations the guard structure 828B may be otherwise coupled, extend in different directions, and switch directions to form various angles other than approximately <NUM> degrees and with respect to other components other than the substrate <NUM>.

For example, <FIG> depicts a second alternative example of the key assembly of <FIG> having a guard structure 828C or skirt configured as an elastomer band. The guard structure 828C extends from the bottom of the key cap <NUM> to form an acute angle with respect to the substrate <NUM>. The guard structure 828C then switches direction to form an acute angle with respect to the substrate <NUM> before meeting the substrate <NUM>. By way of yet another example, the guard structure 828D or skirt configured as an elastomer band of <FIG> extends from the bottom of the key cap <NUM> to form an acute angle with respect to the substrate <NUM> and contacts the substrate <NUM> without switching directions.

The guard structure 828A may have the most effect on the force curve response of the guard structures 828A, 828B, 828C, 828D, and the guard structure 828B may have the least. Similarly, the guard structure 828C may have more effect on the force curve response than the guard structure 828B, but less than the guard structures 828A, 828D. Further, the guard structure 828D may have more effect on the force curve response than the guard structures 828B, 828C but less than the guard structure 828A. Thus, the configuration of the guard structure 828A may be selected to obtain the desired effect on the force curve response.

<FIG> depicts a fourth alternative embodiment of the key assembly of <FIG> according to the invention where the guard structure 828A or skirt configured as an elastomer band defines a vent <NUM>, aperture, or other hole. When the key cap <NUM> is moved towards a depressed position, the guard structure 828A compresses gas inside the internal area of the key assembly, forcing the gas through the vent <NUM>. This allows the guard structure 828A to act as a bellows mechanism, forcing gas out of the key assembly. This may force contaminants into the cavity <NUM>, out of the aperture <NUM>, and so on. This may also reduce compression of the guard structure 828A, reducing how much the guard structure 828A affects the force curve response. The vent <NUM> is configured with sufficiently small dimensions that gas can be forced through the vent <NUM> without easily allowing liquids, dust, and/or other particles to enter the internal area of the key assembly from the aperture <NUM>.

Although <FIG> illustrate a particular configuration and placement of the cavity <NUM> in the substrate <NUM>, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, which may use or omit the guard structures 828A-828D or skirts, cavities in the substrate <NUM>, holes through the substrate <NUM>, and/or similar structures may be configured in a variety of locations in the substrate <NUM> and/or other structures. Such structures may alleviate issues caused by contaminant entry.

Further, although the embodiments illustrated and described with respect to <FIG> and <FIG> are illustrated and described as including particularly configured guard structures <NUM>, 828A, 828B, 828C, 828D or skirts, it is understood that these are examples. Other guard structures may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

For example, <FIG> depicts a sixth example cross-sectional view of a key assembly of the keyboard <NUM> of <FIG>, taken along line A-A of <FIG>, including a guard structure <NUM> that may funnel and/or otherwise direct contaminants into cavities <NUM> in the substrate <NUM>, base, foundation, or the like. This may prevent the contaminants from blocking movement of the key cap <NUM> or actuator and/or the movement mechanism <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts an isometric view of the key cap <NUM> and guard structure <NUM> of the key assembly of <FIG> with other components removed for clarity. The guard structure <NUM> includes a number of facets including side portions <NUM> disposed around lower center portions <NUM> so as to form a "funnel" shape. This allows the guard structure <NUM> to direct contaminants toward a mouth <NUM> where the lower center portions <NUM> meet the side portions <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, contaminants or other material landing on lower center portions <NUM> and/or the side portions <NUM> are directed down the guard structure <NUM> and off of the mouth <NUM> toward the cavities <NUM>.

The guard structure <NUM> may form a perimeter around the key cap <NUM>. Due to the guard structure <NUM> directing contaminants toward the cavities <NUM> via the mouth <NUM>, fewer cavities <NUM> may be used than would otherwise be possible while ensuring contaminants are directed into cavities <NUM> rather than getting inside key assemblies.

In this example, the guard structure <NUM> may be positioned over the cavities <NUM> and not contact the substrate <NUM> during the full range of motion of the key cap <NUM> and the movement mechanism <NUM>. As such, the guard structure <NUM> may be rigid, flexible, or otherwise without affecting performance, directing contaminants away from the key assembly. However, in other implementations, the guard structure <NUM> may be configured in different manners.

For example, in some implementations, the guard structure <NUM> may contact the substrate <NUM> either regardless of the motion of the key cap <NUM> or partway during travel of the key cap <NUM> from an undepressed to a depressed position. In such an implementation, the guard structure <NUM> may be flexible to accommodate such movement, may move at least partially into the cavity <NUM>, and/or be otherwise configured to accommodate the movement.

In various embodiments, various key assembly components such as key caps of the keys may include flanges or other structures that engage flanges or other structures of webs or other keyboard components to block passage of contaminants into key assemblies. For example, <FIG> depicts a seventh example cross-sectional view of a key assembly of the keyboard <NUM> of <FIG>, taken along line A-A of <FIG>, where the web <NUM> includes first flanges <NUM> that interact with second flanges <NUM> of the key cap <NUM> or actuator.

The movement mechanism <NUM> may bias the key cap <NUM> towards an undepressed position. In the undepressed position, the movement mechanism <NUM> may bias the second flanges <NUM> against the first flanges <NUM>, forming a barrier against contaminant ingress.

However, the second flanges <NUM> may move away from the first flanges <NUM> when the key cap <NUM> moves towards an undepressed position. This may allow contaminant ingress. As such, cavities <NUM> or holes may be defined in the substrate <NUM>, base, foundation, or the like that are aligned with ends of the second flanges <NUM>. When contaminants ingress due to gaps formed between the first and second flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, the contaminants may fall into the cavities <NUM> rather than lodge under the key cap <NUM> and/or within the movement mechanism <NUM>.

By way of another example, <FIG> depicts an alternative example of the key assembly of <FIG> where the first flanges <NUM> include a first protrusion <NUM> that interacts with a second protrusion <NUM> of the second flanges <NUM>. In this implementation, the first and second protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> may travel with respect to each other to block contaminant ingress during part or all of motion of the key cap <NUM>. Thus, even though the first and second flanges <NUM>, <NUM> cease blocking contaminant ingress during key cap <NUM> motion, the first and second protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> may continue to block.

In some implementations, the first and second protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured with sufficient dimensions to block contaminant entry during all motion of the key cap <NUM>. However, in other implementations, the first and second protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> may have dimensions that form a gap between the first and second protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> when the key cap <NUM> travels a sufficient distance toward the substrate <NUM>.

Although particular contaminant ingress prevention and/or alleviation mechanisms have been illustrated and discussed above with respect to <FIG>, it is understood that these are examples. One or more of the contaminant ingress prevention and/or alleviation mechanisms illustrated and discussed above with respect to <FIG> may be combined without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, other contaminant ingress prevention and/or alleviation mechanisms may be used and/or combined with one or more of the contaminant ingress prevention and/or alleviation mechanisms illustrated and discussed above with respect to <FIG> without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

For example, in some implementations, key assembly movement mechanisms may include one or more crushing components, such as knobs, spikes, and the like. If contaminants such as chip crumbs reach internal areas of key assemblies, the contaminants may be broken down by the crushing components during motion of the key assemblies. This may prevent the contaminants from blocking key motion. Cavities, holes, or other features may also be combined with such implementations so that the crushed contaminants may be able to exit the internal areas. In implementations using bellows elements, forced gas may blast the crushed components from the internal areas.

By way of another example, in some implementations, the electronic device that includes the keyboard <NUM> may include one or more fans, such as one or more cooling fans. Air from these fans may be directed to blast contaminants away from key assemblies and/or to prevent contaminant ingress into key assemblies. In other implementations, similar functions may be performed by various transducers, actuators, vibrators, or other such components. For example, speaker membranes and/or haptic actuators (such as a haptic trackpad) may be vibrated to dislodge contaminants from key assemblies. By way of other examples, acoustic devices may resonate at frequencies that break up lodged contaminants and/or drive contaminants away from key assemblies.

In other examples, hollow passageways may connect key assemblies to an external port. Compressed air or other gas may be forced into the port to blast contaminants out of the key assemblies.

By way of other examples, contaminants like dust may be electrically charged. Substrates and/or other components may be operative to oppositely charge, driving the contaminants from key assemblies. For example, a keyboard <NUM> may emit an electrostatic discharge to drive out dust or other contaminants.

In still other examples, various combinations of hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic coatings may be disposed on surfaces around apertures between key assemblies and keyboard webs. These coatings may prevent ingress of liquid, guide liquid ingress towards exits, and so on.

In yet other examples, the liquid seals provided by membranes or other guard structures may allow solvents or other liquid cleaners to be applied to a keyboard. The liquid seals may prevent the solvents or other liquid cleaners from damaging sensitive keyboard components while the solvents or other liquid cleaners break up and/or remove dust, dirt, sugars or other residues, and/or other contaminants that have lodged in various areas of the keyboard.

In still other examples, heating elements may be included. These heating elements may liquefy residues, such as sugars, that have lodged in a keyboard. Once liquefied, the residues may be able to exit the keys or the keyboards. In other examples, the heating elements may evaporate or burn off residues and/or other contaminants rather than liquefying the residues and/or other contaminants.

By way of other examples, gaskets may extend between key caps of the keys. These gaskets may be formed of rubber, elastomer, and/or other flexible materials and may block entry of contaminants into key stack assemblies.

Although the contaminant ingress prevention and/or alleviation mechanisms are illustrated and discussed above with respect to keys or key assemblies and keyboards, it is understood that these are examples. In various implementations, one or more of the mechanisms discussed herein may be utilized with other devices without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Further, the movement mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are illustrated as a representative structure (movement mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> illustrated as butterfly mechanisms and movement mechanism <NUM> illustrated as a scissor mechanism). It is understood that any movement mechanism or structure may be used. Living hinge structures, butterfly mechanisms, scissor mechanisms, spring mechanisms, and the like are all examples of suitable movement mechanisms that may be incorporated into various embodiments.

Additionally, the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> is illustrated as a laptop computing device with an incorporated keyboard <NUM>. However it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, the electronic device <NUM> may be a variety of different electronic devices with internal and/or external keyboards and/or other input devices. For example, in some implementations the electronic device <NUM> may be an external keyboard. By way of other examples, the electronic device <NUM> may be a phone, a desktop computing device, a digital media player, a display, a printer, and so on. As described above and illustrated in the accompanying figures, the present disclosure relates to keyboards and/or other input devices that include mechanisms that prevent and/or alleviate contaminant ingress. These mechanisms may include keyboard membranes or gaskets; structures such as brushes, wipers, or flaps in gaps between key caps of the keys; funnels, skirts, elastomer or other bands, or other guard structures coupled to key caps; bellows that blast contaminants with forced gas; and/or various active or passive mechanisms that drive contaminants away from the keyboard and/or prevent and/or alleviate contaminant ingress into and/or through the keyboard.

Claim 1:
A keyboard assembly, comprising:
a substrate (<NUM>); and
a key assembly comprising:
a key cap (<NUM>);
a movement mechanism (<NUM>) moveably coupling the key cap (<NUM>) to the substrate (<NUM>); and
a guard structure (828A) extending from the key cap (<NUM>) to the substrate that funnels contaminants away from the movement mechanism (<NUM>);
a vent (<NUM>) defined by the guard structure (828A) and configured with sufficiently small dimensions that, upon compression of the guard structure (828A), gas can be forced through the vent (<NUM>) without easily allowing liquids, dust, or other particles to enter an internal area of the key assembly.