PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9870880-B2
Application Number: US-201514867598-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Dome switch and switch housing for keyboard assembly

Abstract:
A dome switch utilized in a keyboard assembly is disclosed. The keyboard assembly may include a printed circuit board having a first electrical connector formed in the printed circuit board, and a second electrical connector formed in the printed circuit board adjacent the first electrical connector. The keyboard assembly may also include an inner contact component contacting the second electrical connector of the printed circuit board. The inner contact component may be in electrical communication with the second electrical connector of the printed circuit board. Additionally, the keyboard assembly can include a dome switch surrounding the inner contact component. The dome switch may contact and may be in electrical communication with the first electrical connector of the printed circuit board.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A keyboard assembly comprising:
 a printed circuit board comprising:
 a first electrical connector; and 
 a second electrical connector adjacent the first electrical connector; 
 
 an inner contact component contacting and in electrical communication with the second electrical connector; and 
 a dome switch surrounding the inner contact component, the dome switch contacting and in electrical communication with the first electrical connector, wherein: 
 the printed circuit board defines an opening beneath the inner contact component; and 
 the dome switch and the inner contact component are configured to contact one another in response to a depression of a keycap, thereby triggering a switch event; and 
 the inner contact component is configured to displace at least partially into the opening and remain spaced apart from the printed circuit board within the opening in response to the depression of the keycap. 
 
     
     
       2. The keyboard assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the inner contact component comprises a strip formed from a substantially flexible, conductive material. 
     
     
       3. The keyboard assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the dome switch and the strip are operative to cooperatively generate an electrical signal. 
     
     
       4. The keyboard assembly of  claim 2 , wherein:
 the dome switch contacts the strip when the dome switch is partially collapsed; and 
 the strip is undeformed when the dome switch is partially collapsed. 
 
     
     
       5. The keyboard assembly of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the inner contact component comprises a conductive plug positioned in the opening; and the conductive plug is in electrical communication with the second electrical connector. 
 
     
     
       6. The keyboard assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the dome switch contacts a contact surface of the conductive plug. 
     
     
       7. A keyboard assembly, comprising:
 a dome switch comprising:
 a domed structure defining:
 a top portion positioned adjacent a keycap of the keyboard assembly; 
 a bottom portion extending from the top portion; and 
 an end extending from the bottom portion; and 
 
 a set of contact protrusions extending angularly from the top portion and toward the printed circuit board; and 
 
 a printed circuit board positioned beneath the dome switch and supporting the dome switch, the printed circuit board comprising a first electrode and a second electrode separated along a top surface; wherein the end:
 passes at least partially through at least one of the printed circuit board and a switch housing coupled to the printed circuit board; and 
 is electrically grounded within at least one of the printed circuit board or the switch housing. 
 
 
     
     
       8. The keyboard assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the domed structure is operative to collapse at least partially through an aperture formed in the printed circuit board. 
     
     
       9. The keyboard assembly of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the printed circuit board comprises: 
 a first surface positioned adjacent the bottom portion of the dome switch; and 
 a second surface positioned opposite the first surface; wherein 
 the end of the dome switch extends completely through the printed circuit board and onto the second surface of the printed circuit board. 
 
     
     
       10. The keyboard assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the end is positioned partially through the printed circuit board and is grounded within the printed circuit board. 
     
     
       11. A keyboard assembly, comprising:
 a printed circuit board; 
 a switch housing positioned on the printed circuit board, the switch housing defining a switch opening; and 
 a dome switch positioned within the switch opening of the switch housing, the dome switch comprising:
 a domed body; and 
 one or more contact protrusions fixed to the domed body at a first end and having a second free end, opposite the first end, extending angularly from the domed body and configured to deform in response to contact with the printed circuit board. 
 
 
     
     
       12. The keyboard assembly of  claim 11 , further comprising a keycap positioned above the switch housing, and collapsing the dome switch to form an electrical connection. 
     
     
       13. The keyboard assembly of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 a first electrical connector in the printed circuit board, and in contact with a bottom portion of the dome switch; 
 a second electrical connector in the printed circuit board and substantially aligned with the one or more contact protrusions of the dome switch; and 
 an aperture formed in the printed circuit board adjacent the second electrical connector, the opening aligned with the switch opening of the switch housing. 
 
     
     
       14. The keyboard assembly of  claim 13 , wherein the one or more contact protrusions of the dome switch contact the second electrical connector. 
     
     
       15. The keyboard assembly of  claim 13 , wherein the one or more contact protrusions of the dome switch are positioned above the second electrical connector formed in the printed circuit board when the dome switch is uncollapsed. 
     
     
       16. The keyboard assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the one or more contact protrusions of the dome switch contact the second electrical connector at a first position when the dome switch is partially collapsed. 
     
     
       17. The keyboard assembly of  claim 16 , wherein the one or more contact protrusions of the dome switch contact the second electrical connector at a second position when the dome switch is fully collapsed. 
     
     
       18. The keyboard assembly of  claim 17 , wherein the one or more contact protrusions of the dome switch collapse in order to contact the second electrical connector at the second position. 
     
     
       19. The keyboard assembly of  claim 17 , wherein a portion of the dome switch is positioned within the aperture formed in the printed circuit board when the dome switch is fully collapsed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a nonprovisional patent application of and claims the benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/058,067, filed Sep. 30, 2014 and titled “Keyboard Assembly,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/129,840, filed Mar. 7, 2015, and titled “Dome Switch for Keyboard Assembly,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/058,074, filed Sep. 30, 2014, and titled “Keyboard Assembly,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/129,841, filed Mar. 7, 2015, and titled “Key for Keyboard Assembly,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/058,087, filed Sep. 30, 2014, and titled “Keyboard Assembly,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/129,842, filed Mar. 7, 2015, and titled “Venting System for Keyboard Assembly,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/058,081, filed Sep. 30, 2014, and titled “Keyboard Assembly,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/129,843, filed Mar. 7, 2015, and titled “Light Assembly for Keyboard Assembly,” the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The disclosure relates generally to a keyboard assembly and, more particularly, to a dome switch utilized in a keyboard assembly. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic devices typically include one or more input devices such as keyboards, touchpads, mice, or touchscreens to enable a user to interact with the device. These devices can be integrated into an electronic device or can stand alone as discrete devices that can transmit signals to another device via wired or wireless connection. For example, a keyboard can be integrated into the casing of a laptop computer. When integrated within the casing of the laptop computer, all of the components of the keyboard must be included within the casing of the laptop computer. 
     In a conventional keyboard, users can provide inputs to electronic devices using one or more dome switches included within the key assemblies of the keyboard. Using a traditional dome switch, a user can at least partially invert a dome to close an electrical circuit underneath the dome and provide a detectable input. The dome switch is typically constructed by placing a conductive dome over a contact pad on a circuit board. When the dome is pressed, the dome can invert such that the inner surface of the dome contacts the contact pad and provides a conductive path between the periphery of the dome and the contact pad. The dome inversion can also provide a tactile ‘click’ that enhances the user&#39;s interaction with the switch. A user can actuate a dome switch using any suitable approach including, for example, by applying a force directly to the dome or by pressing a cosmetic component having a nub that is aligned with the dome. 
     However, as a result of the construction of conventional dome switches and the electrical contacts used to provide an input to electronic device, the electrical input signal may only be sent after the dome switch has been inverted and released. For example, an electrical input signal may only be sent when a conventional dome switch is inverted and subsequently released or reshaped, using a conventional dome switch. As a result, the user input may be delayed and/or not able to provide accurate input when a user provides multiple inputs in a short amount of time. Additionally, where a user does not provide enough force to completely invert the dome switch, an input may not even be provided to the electronic device. 
     SUMMARY 
     A keyboard assembly is disclosed. The keyboard assembly comprises: a printed circuit board comprising: a first electrical connector; and a second electrical connector adjacent the first electrical connector; an inner contact component contacting and in electrical communication with the second electrical connector; and a dome switch surrounding the inner contact component, the dome switch contacting and in electrical communication with the first electrical connector; wherein the printed circuit board defines an aperture beneath the inner contact component; and the inner contact component is configured to extend into the aperture when deformed. 
     A keyboard assembly is disclosed. The keyboard assembly comprises a dome switch comprising a top portion positioned adjacent a keycap of the keyboard assembly, a bottom portion positioned opposite the top portion, and an end extending from the bottom portion. The keyboard assembly also comprises a printed circuit board positioned beneath the dome switch and supporting the dome switch. The end passes at least partially through at least one of the printed circuit board and a switch housing coupled to the printed circuit board, and the end is electrically grounded within at least one of the printed circuit board and the switch housing. 
     A keyboard assembly is disclosed. The keyboard assembly comprises a printed circuit board and a switch housing positioned on a first surface of the printed circuit board. The switch housing defining a switch opening. The keyboard assembly also comprises a dome switch positioned within the switch opening of the switch housing. The dome switch includes a set of contact protrusions extending from a body of the dome switch. Each of the set of contact protrusions extends angularly toward the printed circuit board. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       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, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows an electronic device including a low-travel keyboard assembly, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  shows an exploded view of a single key of the low-travel keyboard assembly of  FIG. 1 , according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  shows a cross-section view of the single key of the low-travel keyboard assembly including a dome switch and a switch housing, taken along line CS-CS of  FIG. 2 , according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  shows an enlarged cross-section view of a portion of the low-travel keyboard assembly including the dome switch and the switch housing as shown in  FIG. 3 , according to embodiments. The switch housing includes barbs for securing the dome switch within the housing. 
         FIG. 5  shows an enlarged cross-section view of a portion of the low-travel keyboard assembly including the dome switch and the switch housing as shown in  FIG. 3 , according to additional embodiments. An adhesive is positioned in a portion of the switch housing to secure the dome switch within the housing. 
         FIG. 6  shows an enlarged cross-section view of a portion of the low-travel keyboard assembly including the dome switch and the switch housing as shown in  FIG. 3 , according to embodiments. The dome switch is secured within the switch housing using a compression fit or a friction fit. 
         FIG. 7  shows a cross-section view of a low-travel keyboard assembly including a dome switch and a PCB, according to embodiments. An end of the dome switch is positioned completely through the PCB to secure the dome switch in the low-travel keyboard assembly. 
         FIG. 8  shows a cross-section view of a low-travel keyboard assembly including a dome switch and a PCB, according to various embodiments. An end of the dome switch is positioned partially through the PCB to secure the dome switch in the low-travel keyboard assembly. 
         FIG. 9  shows a dome switch of a low-travel keyboard assembly, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 10  shows a dome switch of a low-travel keyboard assembly, according to additional embodiments. 
         FIG. 11A  shows a cross-section view of the dome switch of  FIG. 9 , taken along line  11 - 11 , according to embodiments. The dome switch is shown in an uncollapsed state. 
         FIG. 11B  shows a cross-section view of the dome switch of  FIG. 11A  in a partially-collapsed state after a force is applied, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 11C  shows a cross-section view of the dome switch of  FIG. 11B  in a collapsed state after a force is applied, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 12A  shows a cross-section view of another dome switch and an inner contact component, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 12B  shows a cross-section view of the dome switch of  FIG. 12A  in a partially-collapsed state after a force is applied, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 12C  shows a cross-section view of the dome switch and the contact plate of  FIG. 12B , the dome switch is in a collapsed state after a force is applied, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 13  shows a cross-section front view of an additional dome switch including a conductive plug, according to embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     The following disclosure relates generally to a keyboard assembly and, more particularly, to a dome switch utilized in a keyboard assembly. 
     In a particular embodiment, the dome switch may include a set of tuning members integrated within a body of the dome switch and a set of contact protrusions extending from the body. The tuning members may be apertures or void spaces, for example. The contact protrusions may extend into the tuning members and may be positioned angularly toward a bottom portion of the body of the dome switch. The protrusions may contact an electrical connector to cooperatively generate an electrical signal when the dome switch is in a partially-collapsed state. As such, a user may not need to completely collapse the dome switch before an electrical connection is made within a keyboard assembly. This may result in faster response and/or interaction time between a user and the electronic device utilizing a keyboard assembly including the dome switch. Additionally, the travel distance of the dome switch of the keyboard assembly is also reduced. With a reduced travel distance, the height and/or size of the keyboard assembly, the components of the keyboard assembly and/or the electronic device utilizing the keyboard assembly can also be reduced. 
     In another particular embodiment, the dome switch may surround an inner contact component contacting and in electrical communication with electrical connectors formed on a printed circuit board. The inner contact component may be configured as a plate, a second dome switch, a strip, a plug, or any other component that may be in electrical communication with the printed circuit board. The inner contact component is also positioned above the printed circuit board and positioned below and/or surrounded by the dome switch. 
     When the dome switch is partially collapsed, it contacts the inner contact component and an electrical connection is formed, thereby generating an input signal for the electronic device. In some embodiments, the dome switch and inner contact component may thus cooperatively form the electrical connection. Further, the use of the inner contact component with the dome switch improves response and/or interaction time with the electronic device, and/or reduces the travel distance of the dome switch for forming an electrical signal. The reduction in the travel distance allows the keyboard assembly including the dome switch and inner contact component to require less space within the electronic device, which can results in a reduction in size of the keyboard assembly and/or the electronic device. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-13 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG. 1  shows an electronic device  100  including a low-travel keyboard assembly  200  that may incorporate a dome switch with tuning members and contact protrusions, as described in more detail below with respect to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . In a non-limiting example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , electronic device  100  may be a laptop computer. However, it is understood that electronic device  100  may be configured as any suitable electronic device that may utilize low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . Other embodiments can implement electronic device  100  differently, such as, for example, a desktop computer, a tablet computing device, a smartphone, a gaming device, a display, a digital music player, a wearable computing device or display, a health monitoring device, and so on. Electronic device  100  may include a top case  102 . Top case  102  may take the form of an exterior, protective casing or shell for electronic device  100  and the various internal components (for example, low-travel keyboard assembly  200 ) of electronic device  100 . Top case  102  may be formed as a single, integral component or may have a group of distinct components that may be configured to be coupled to one another, as discussed herein. Additionally, top case  102  may be formed from any suitable material that provides a protective casing or shell for electronic device  100  and the various components included in electronic device  100 . In non-limiting examples, top case  102  may be made from metal, a ceramic, a rigid plastic or another polymer, a fiber-matrix composite, and so on. 
     Low-travel keyboard assembly  200  may be included within electronic device  100  to allow a user to interact with electronic device  100 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , low-travel keyboard assembly  200  is positioned within and/or may be received by top case  102  of electronic device  100 . Low-travel keyboard assembly  200  may include a set of keycaps  300  positioned within and partially protruding through and/or surrounded by top case  102  of electronic device  100 . As discussed herein, keycaps  300  are depressed and displaced to interact and/or collapse a dome switch of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 , which in turn forms an electrical signal or input to electronic device  100 . 
     As discussed herein, each key of the low-travel keyboard assembly  200  includes a dome switch positioned below a keycap  300 . The dome switch is configured to provide input to electronic device  100  when keycap  300  is depressed by a user. The dome switch can include a set of contact protrusions extending from the body. The contact protrusions extend into tuning members, toward electrical connectors or contacts formed on an internal component (e.g., a printed circuit board or other substrate) of the electronic device  100 . The protrusions can contact an electrical connector and thus generate an electrical signal (e.g., an input to electronic device  100 ) when the dome switch is only partially collapsed. 
     In another embodiment, the dome switch of the low-travel keyboard assembly  200  can include a contact plate, second dome, strip or plug formed below the dome switch and in electrical communication with the electrical connectors or contacts formed on an internal component of the electronic device  100 . Dependent on the size and/or position on the dome switch, contact plate and/or plug, the dome switch can contact the plate or plug form the electrical signal in electronic device  100  without necessarily being completely compressed or collapsed. Similar to the dome switch having the contact protrusions, the dome switch contacting the plate or plug to form the electrical signal may do so without being completely collapsed, thereby increasing input response speed and/or interaction time with electronic device  100 , as well as decreasing a travel distance of keycap  300 , and thereby reducing a required height of keycap  300  and/or low-travel keyboard assembly  200 , as compared to conventional keyboards. 
     Additionally, and as discussed herein, the dome switch is positioned within and substantially surrounded by a switch housing of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . The switch housing substantially protects and/or seals the dome switch from being damaged over the operational life of electronic device  100 . A portion of the dome switch can be positioned through a portion of the switch housing of low-travel keyboard assembly  200  and/or at least a portion of an internal component (e.g., printed circuit board) of the electronic device  100  coupled to and/or positioned adjacent the switch housing. Positioning a portion of the dome switch through the switch housing of low-travel keyboard assembly  200  and/or at least a portion of an internal component of the electronic device  100  secures the dome switch within low-travel keyboard assembly  200 , and prevents the dome switch from becoming misaligned or removed from electronic device  100 . 
     In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 1 , where electronic device  100  is a laptop computer, low-travel keyboard assembly  200  may be positioned within and/or may be received by electronic device  100 , as discussed herein. In an additional embodiment, low-travel keyboard assembly  200  may be a distinct, standalone component and may be in electronic communication (for example, wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.) with electronic device  100 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a detailed exploded view of a portion of top case  102  of electronic device  100  and a single key structure  202  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 .  FIG. 3  shows a cross-section view of electronic device  100  and low-travel key structure  202 , taken along line CS-CS in  FIG. 2 . It is understood that similarly named components or similarly numbered components may function in a substantially similar fashion, may include similar materials and/or may include similar interactions with other components. Redundant explanation of such components has been omitted for clarity. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , top case  102  of electronic device  100  may include one or more key holes  104  formed therethrough. Top case  102  may also include supports, such as ribs, positioned between the keycaps  300 , and may substantially surround and/or may be positioned within the space between the keycaps  300  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . 
     Low-travel keyboard assembly  200  may be formed from a number of layers or components positioned adjacent to and/or coupled to one another. The components positioned in layers may be positioned adjacent to and/or coupled to one another and may be sandwiched between top case  102  and a bottom case (not shown) of electronic device  100 . 
     The keycaps  300  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200  may be positioned within, and extend through and/or partially above key holes  104  of top case  102 . Each of the keycaps  300  may include a glyph  302  positioned on a top or exposed surface of the keycap  300 . Each glyph  302  of keycap  300  may be substantially transparent to allow a light to be emitted through and/or illuminate keycap  300 . In the non-limiting example shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , keycap  300  may be substantially opaque, except for glyph  302 . As a result, glyph  302  and the perimeter of keycap  300  may be substantially illuminated by light emitted within low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . The keycaps  300  may be positioned above corresponding switch housings  400  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 , and may interact with, a corresponding switch housing  400  and components positioned therein (e.g., dome switch). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , each switch housing  400  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200  may include a dome switch opening  402  formed partially or completely through switch housing  400 , and a light source recess  404  formed within each switch housing  400 . Additionally shown in  FIG. 3 , dome switch opening  402  may receive and/or house a dome switch  406  for low-travel keyboard assembly  200  which forms an electrical signal to interact with electronic device  100  (see,  FIG. 1 ). Light source recess  404  is formed in switch housing  400  and may receive a light source assembly  800  (see,  FIG. 3 ), which may emit light through switch housing  400  for illuminating keycap  300  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3  and discussed herein in detail, dome switch opening  402  may receive and/or house dome switch  406 , which may be collapsed by keycap  300  to form an electrical connection or signal to interact with electronic device  100 . Dome switch  406  (positioned within dome switch opening  402 ) may include a distinct configuration or structure that facilitates an electrical connection, although this is not necessary and some dome switches  406  may lack such configurations/structures. Briefly, dome switch  406  may include one or more protrusion extending toward PCB  500 . These protrusions may be angled toward the PCB and/or may contact PCB  500  to generate an electrical signal when dome switch  406  is at least partially collapsed, as discussed herein. Additionally, dome switch  406  includes an end and/or bottom portion that is secured within switch housing  400  and/or PCB  500  to prevent dome switch from becoming removed from and/or misaligned within switch housing  400 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , switch housing  400  may include a body portion  410  and a top panel  412  formed integrally and molded to body portion  410 . Body portion  410  of switch housing  400  may include dome switch opening  402  and light source recess  404  formed adjacent dome switch opening  402 , and may be directly coupled to PCB  500  within recess  502 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . Top panel  412  may cover switch opening  402  formed in body portion  410 . Body portion  410  may be formed from a rigid material for supporting keycap  300  during operation of low-travel keyboard assembly  200  and/or protecting the various components (e.g., dome switch  406 , light source assembly  800 ) included within switch housing  400 . Top panel  412  may be formed from a substantially flexible or deformable material to protect dome switch  406  from undesired wear caused by keycap  300  impacting dome switch  406  causing dome switch to collapse, as discussed herein. The materials forming body portion  410  and/or top panel  412  may include transparent properties to allow light emitted by the light source assembly  800  to pass through body portion  410  toward keycap  300 , and/or reflective properties for reflecting the light emitted by the light source assembly  800  to be redirected toward keycap  300 . The light source of the light source assembly may be a light-emitting diode, organic light-emitting diode, quantum dot, cold cathode fluorescent lamp, or any other suitable light source. 
     Low-travel keyboard assembly  200  may also include a printed circuit board (PCB)  500  positioned below the group of switch housings  400 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , PCB  500  may include a number of recesses  502  formed within PCB  500 ; each recess  502  of PCB  500  may receive and secure a corresponding portion of switch housing  400 . PCB  500  may also include one or more apertures  504  formed completely through PCB  500  in recess  502 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , aperture  504  of PCB  500  may be substantially aligned with dome switch opening  402  of switch housing  400  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . As discussed herein, the apertures  504  of PCB  500  may be utilized to receive a portion of dome switch  406  positioned within switch housing  400  when dome switch  406  is collapsed by keycap  300 . PCB  500  may provide a rigid support structure for switch housing  400  and the various components forming low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . 
     Low-travel keyboard assembly  200 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , may include a keyboard shield  600  positioned below PCB  500 . Keyboard shield  600  may be formed from a conductive adhesive sheet  602  adhered to PCB  500  opposite switch housing  400 . Conductive adhesive sheet  602  of shield  600  may include a venting system  604  which vents air expelled from switch housing  400  when dome switch  406  is collapsed by keycap  300 , as discussed herein. As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , venting system  604  may include a group of channels  606  formed within and/or partially through conductive adhesive sheet  602  of shield  600  which may be in fluid communication and/or may be substantially aligned with dome switch opening  402  formed in switch housing  400  and aperture  504  formed through PCB  500 . Conductive adhesive sheet  602  of keyboard shield  600  may be utilized to transmit signals to and/or from PCB  500  of keyboard assembly  200  during user interaction. Adhesive sheet  602  of shield  600  is shown as separated from PCB  500  of keyboard assembly  200  in this cross-sectional view, insofar as the cross-section is taken through a channel  606  (see,  FIG. 2 ) of shield  600 . 
     As discussed herein, and shown in  FIGS. 3-8 , dome switch  406  may be positioned within dome switch opening  402  of switch housing  400  and may form an electrical contact within low-travel keyboard assembly  200  when a user interacts with electronic device  100  (e.g., presses a key). Dome switch  406  may be substantially secured within dome switch opening  402  of switch housing  400  to prevent dome switch  406  from moving within dome switch opening  402  and ultimately being electrically disconnected and/or unable to form an electrical contact within low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . Dome switch  406  may be coupled to and/or positioned at least partially through switch housing  400  and/or PCB  500  to secure dome switch  406  within switch housing  400 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , dome switch  406  may have a top portion  452  positioned adjacent (but not necessarily touching) keycap  300  and top panel  412  of switch housing  400 . Dome switch  406  may also have a bottom portion  454  positioned opposite top portion  452 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , bottom portion  454  may be coupled and positioned at least partially through switch housing  400  coupled to PCB  500 . More specifically, an end  456  of bottom portion  454  of dome switch  406  may be positioned within and/or coupled to a recess  458  formed through the sidewalls of switch housing  400 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , recess  458  may extend only partially through switch housing  400  and may be formed in switch housing  400 , adjacent PCB  500 . The end  456  of dome switch  406  may be a protrusion, projection, semicircular section, or the like. Typically, although not necessarily, multiple ends project from a single dome switch. 
       FIGS. 4-6  show an enlarged portion of dome switch  406  positioned within recess  458  of switch housing  400  of  FIG. 3 , according to embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 4  and discussed herein, end  456  of bottom portion  454  (see.  FIG. 3 ) of dome switch  406  may be positioned within and/or coupled or secured within recess  458  of body portion  410  of switch housing  400 . Recess  458  formed in switch housing  400  may have barbs  460  formed within recess  458 . More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 4 , barbs, detents, protrusions and other retaining elements  460  (collectively, “barbs”) may be formed within recess  458  and may contact and/or secure end  456  of dome switch  406  within recess  458  between switch housing  400  and PCB  500 . The barbs  460  may secure end  456  within recess  458  by gripping or partially inserting a portion of each barb  460  into end  456  of dome switch  406 . 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  depict additional features for securing end  456  within recess  458  of switch housing  400 . Specifically,  FIG. 5  depicts switch housing  400  including an adhesive  462  positioned within recess  458  for securing or adhering end  456  within recess  458 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , adhesive  462  may be formed or positioned within recess  458  and may adhere to end  456  of dome switch  406  to body portion  410  of switch housing and PCB  500 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , adhesive  462  may be positioned on a first surface  512  of PCB  500 , adjacent recess  458 , to secure end  456  of dome switch  406  within recess  458  of switch housing  400 . 
       FIG. 6  depicts end  456  of bottom portion  454  (see,  FIG. 3 ) of dome switch  406  being secured within recess  458  of switch housing  400  via a compression fit or friction fit. Recess  458  formed in body portion  410  may have a height (H) substantially equal to a thickness (T) of end  456  of dome switch  406 . As such, when end  456  is positioned within recess  458 , end  456  may be sandwiched between recess  458  of switch housing  400  and PCB  500 . As a result, a compression or friction fit may be formed between end  456  of dome switch  406  of switch housing  400  and PCB  500  for securing end  456  within recess  458 . 
       FIG. 7  shows end  456  of dome switch  406  positioned completely through and/or secured only to PCB  500 , according to embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 7 , end  456  of dome switch  406  may be positioned through a through hole  520  of PCB  500  and may be secured to a second surface  518  of PCB  500  opposite first surface  512 . Through hole  520  of PCB  500  may be formed adjacent a first electrical connector  522  of PCB  500  and opposite second electrical connector  524 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , through hole  520  may be formed in PCB  500  for allowing end  456  of dome switch  406  to be secured to PCB  500 , specifically, second surface  518 , while also allowing dome switch  406  to remain in continuous electrical contact with first electrical connector  522 . Bottom portion  454  of dome switch  406  may remain in electrical contact with first electrical connector  522  of PCB  500 , and dome switch  406  may be maintained within dome switch opening  402  by passing end  456  through PCB  500  and securing end  456  to second surface  518  of PCB  500 . In some embodiments, the electrical connector  522  may be positioned within the recess  458  or on second surface  518 , such that the end  456  of the dome switch is in electrical connection with the electrical connector instead of (or in addition to) another portion of the dome switch. 
       FIG. 8  shows end  456  of dome switch  406  positioned partially through and/or secured to PCB  500 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , end  456  of dome switch  406  may be positioned partially through PCB  500  and may be secured within a PCB recess  526  of PCB  500 . PCB recess  526  may be formed partially through PCB  500 , such that end  456  of dome switch  406  is positioned and/or secured within PCB  500  between first surface  512  and second surface  518  of PCB  500 . End  456  of dome switch  406  may be secured within PCB recess  526  using barbs, adhesive, or a compression/friction fit, as previously discussed herein with respect to  FIGS. 4-6 . Additionally, PCB recess  526  of PCB  500 , like through hole  520  (see,  FIG. 7 ), may be formed in PCB  500  for allowing end  456  of dome switch  406  to be secured to PCB  500 , while also allowing bottom portion  454  of dome switch  406  to remain in continuous electrical contact with first electrical connector  522 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3-8 , end  456  may be electrically grounded on PCB  500 . More specifically, as shown in  FIGS. 3-8 , end  456 , whether positioned in recess  458  of switch housing  400  (see,  FIGS. 3-6 ), completely through PCB  500  (see,  FIG. 7 ) or partially though PCB  500  (see,  FIG. 8 ), may contact PCB  500  and may be electrically grounded. 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  depict illustrative top views of dome switch  406  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . As discussed herein with respect to  FIGS. 3-8 , dome switch  406  may include top portion  452  and bottom portion  454  positioned adjacent top portion  452 . Dome switch  406  may also have a number of tuning members  464  integrated within dome switch  406 . As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , tuning members  464  may be apertures, void spaces, stiffened or strengthened regions, and so on, formed through dome switch  406 , between top portion  452  and bottom portion  454 . Tuning members  464  may be formed in dome switch  406  to adjust and/or tune the amount of force required to move dome switch from an uncollapsed state to a collapsed state, as discussed herein. 
     Dome switch  406  may also have one or more arms  466  extending from bottom portion  454  to top portion  452 . As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , as a result of forming tuning members  464  in dome switch  406 , arms  466  may be formed in dome switch  406  to connect top portion  542  and bottom portion  454 . Additionally, the arms  466  may provide structural support to dome switch  406  in an uncollapsed state and may substantially deform in a collapsed state, as discussed herein. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , dome switch  406  may also have one or more contact protrusions  468 . The contact protrusions  468  may extend into tuning members  464 . More specifically, the contact protrusions  468  may extend partially into tuning members  464  from top portion  452  of dome switch  406  (see,  FIG. 9 ), or at least one of the arms  466  of dome switch  406  (see,  FIG. 10 ). As shown in  FIG. 9 , each tuning member  464  of dome switch  406  may have a distinct contact protrusion  468  extending from top portion  452  in tuning member  464 . Distinct from  FIG. 9 , dome switch  406  shown in  FIG. 10  may only include two distinct contact protrusions  468  that may extend from a distinct arm  466  into tuning member  464 . The contact protrusions  468  may be any suitable shape or size, and may be formed integrally with (or separately from) the dome switch  406 . The contact protrusions may be stepped or otherwise discontinuously joined to the dome switch or may form a uniform surface therewith. 
     Dome switch  406 , as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , may be at least partially formed from a conductive material for forming an electrical contact within low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . In a non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 9 , the contact protrusions  468  may be formed integrally within dome switch  406 , where dome switch  406  is formed entirely from an electrically conductive material that may be substantially deformable. In another non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 10 , the contact protrusions  468  may be distinct from and separately coupled to the arms  466  of dome switch  406 . The contact protrusions  468  in  FIG. 10  may be formed from an electrically conductive material, and the remainder of dome switch  406  (e.g., top portion  452 , bottom portion  454 , arms  466 ) may be formed from a distinct electrically conductive material. As discussed herein, dome switch  406 , as a whole, may be formed (partially or fully) or incorporate a structure made from electrically conductive material to form an electrical contact or signal within low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . 
       FIGS. 11A-11C  show a front cross-sectional view of dome switch  406  taken along line  11 - 11  in  FIG. 9  in various states of collapse/compression. In addition to extending into tuning member  464  of dome switch  406 , as shown in  FIG. 9 , the contact protrusions  468  may extend and/or be positioned angularly toward bottom portion  454  of dome switch  406 . In a non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 11A , the contact protrusions  468  may extend angularly toward PCB  500  and may be positioned between top portion  452  and bottom portion  454  of dome switch  406  in an uncollapsed state. The contact protrusions  468  may also be substantially aligned with and/or positioned above second electrical connector  524  of PCB  500  in an uncollapsed state of dome switch  406 . As discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 7 , bottom portion  454  of dome switch may remain in electrical contact with first electrical connector  522  of PCB  500 . 
     The contact protrusions  468  may have a substantially linear armature  470  extending from dome switch  406  and a curved portion  472  extending from an end of the linear armature  470 . As shown in  FIG. 11A , curved portion  472  may be formed integrally with and extend from substantially linear armature  470  toward second electrical connector  524  of PCB  500 . Also, curved portion  472  may be positioned between top portion  452  and bottom portion  454  in an uncollapsed state of dome switch  406 . Contact protrusion  468  may include a curved contact surface  474  for contacting a second electrical connector  524  of PCB  500 . As discussed herein, substantially linear armature  470  and curved portion  472  may be formed from an electrically conductive material. 
       FIG. 11B  shows dome switch  406  in a partially-collapsed state. As discussed herein, a force (F) may be applied to top portion  452  via keycap  300  and/or top panel  412  of switch housing  400  to deform dome switch  406  to form an electrical connection or signal within low-travel keyboard assembly  200  of electronic device  100  (see,  FIG. 1 ). In a partially-collapsed state of dome switch  406 , top portion  452  and/or armatures or arms  466  (see,  FIG. 9 ) may only partially-deform and/or may not be completely collapsed. In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 11B , top portion  452  of dome switch  406  may be substantially parallel with PCB  500  in a partially-collapsed state. 
     Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 11B , the contact protrusions  468  may contact second electrical connector  524  of PCB  500  when dome switch  406  is at least partially collapsed. More specifically, curved contact surface  474  of contact protrusion  468  may contact second electrical connector  524  of PCB  500  when dome switch  406  is in a partially-collapsed state. As shown in  FIG. 11B , when dome switch  406  is at least partially collapsed, curved contact surface  474  and curved portion  472  may contact second electrical connector  524  at a first position (P 1 ). As a result of contact protrusion  468  contacting second electrical connector  524  of PCB  500 , an electrical connection may be formed between dome switch  406  and PCB  500 , creating an electrical signal within low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . 
       FIG. 11C  depicts dome switch  406  in a completely collapsed/compressed state. When dome switch  406  is completely collapsed/compressed, top portion  452  and/or arms  466  (see,  FIG. 9 ) may deform and/or may collapse such that top portion  452  of dome switch  406  is substantially in alignment with bottom portion  454 . In a non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 11C , top portion  452  of dome switch  406  may also be positioned within aperture  504  formed in PCB  500  in the collapsed state of dome switch  406 . By extending top portion  452  through aperture  504  of PCB  500  in a collapsed state of dome switch  406 , an improved tactile feel or click may be experienced by the user of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . 
     Like  FIG. 11B , the contact protrusions  468  may contact second electrical connector  524  of PCB  500  when dome switch  406  is collapsed/compressed. As shown in  FIG. 11C  curved contact surface  474  (see,  FIG. 11A ) of contact protrusion  468  may remain in contact and/or slidingly contact second electrical connector  524  of PCB  500  during collapse of the switch. In the non-limiting example, when dome switch  406  is in the collapsed state, curved contact surface  474  of curved portion  472  may contact second electrical connector  524  at a second position (P 2 ). The second position (P 2 ) of contact for curved portion  472  of contact protrusion  468  may be closer to first electrical connector  522  of PCB  500  than the first position (P 1 ) in the partially-collapsed state of dome switch  406 , as shown in  FIG. 11B . That is, when dome switch  406  moves from a partially-collapsed state (see,  FIG. 11B ) to a fully collapsed state (see,  FIG. 11C ), curved portion  472  of contact protrusion  468  may maintain its contact with second electrical connector  524  and slide toward first electrical connector  522 . As a result of contact protrusion  468  maintaining its contact with second electrical connector  524  of PCB  500 , an electrical connection may continue to be formed between dome switch  406  and PCB  500 , creating an electrical signal within low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . 
     Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 11C , a portion of substantially linear armature  470  may also contact second electrical connector  524  of PCB  500  in a collapsed state of dome switch  406 . In the non-limiting example, as curved portion  472  slidingly contacts second electrical connector  524  and top portion  452  of dome switch  406  deforms or collapses, substantially linear armature  470  of contact protrusion  468  may move toward PCB  500  and may contact second electrical connector  524  to also aid in maintaining the electrical connection formed between dome switch  406  and PCB  500 . 
     As a result of the configuration of the contact protrusions  468  in dome switch  406  and contact protrusion  468  contacting second electrical connector  524  of PCB  500  in a partially-collapsed state, an electrical connection may be formed between dome switch  406  and PCB  500  before dome switch  406  is completely collapsed. As such, a user may not be required to completely depress the keycap  300  and/or collapse dome switch  406  before an electrical connection is made within low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . This may result in faster response and/or interaction time between a user and electronic device  100  including low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . 
     Although shown in  FIGS. 11A-11C  as having contact protrusions  468  that extend angularly toward PCB  500 , dome switch  406  may have distinct configurations. In a non-limiting example shown in  FIGS. 12A-12C , dome switch  406  may substantially surround an inner contact component, such as for example, a contact plate, strip, or second dome  476  (hereafter, “contact plate  476 ”) contacting and/or in electrical communication with second electrical connector  524  of PCB  500 . Dome switch  406  and contact plate  476  may be partially or fully formed from a substantially flexible, conductive material (or may incorporate a structure made of a conductive material), such that when dome switch  406  is partially-collapsed (see,  FIG. 12B ) or completely collapsed (see,  FIG. 12C ), dome switch  406  contacts contact plate  476  to complete an electrical circuit and/or form an electrical signal within low-travel keyboard assembly  200 , as discussed herein. Thus, the dome switch and contact plate may cooperatively generate the electrical signal. 
     Additionally, contact plate  476  may be configured as a substantially flat strip of conductive material that may be contacted by dome switch  406  to generate an electrical signal. As shown in  FIG. 12B , when dome switch  406  is partially-collapsed, dome switch  406  contacts contact plate  476  to generate the electrical signal within low-travel keyboard assembly  200  (see,  FIGS. 1-3 ), without necessarily deforming or deflecting contact plate  476  (e.g., the contact plate is undeformed). 
     In another non-limiting embodiment, contact plate  476  may be a substantially curved plate or strip that may have a curvature similar to the curvature of the collapsed or deformed dome switch  406 , when dome switch  406  contacts contact plate  476  to create an electrical signal. In the non-limiting example, the curvature of contact plate  476  may substantially receive and/or match dome switch  406  when dome switch  406  is collapsed. In the non-limiting examples, contact plate  476  may be formed from a substantially compliant conductive material, as discussed herein, or alternatively, may be formed from a substantially rigid conductive material. 
     Additionally, and as similarly discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 12C , both dome switch  406  and contact plate  476  may deform when dome switch  406  is in a collapsed state and at least a portion of one or both may be positioned within aperture  504  of PCB  500 . In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 12C , both dome switch  406  and contact plate  476  may deform or deflect when dome switch  406  is completely collapsed, and a portion of dome switch  406  and/or contact plate  476  may be enter into aperture  504  of PCB  500 . In some embodiments, contact plate  476  and/or dome switch  406  may deform to such an extent that it (or they) extend completely through the aperture  504  and are flush with a base of PCB  500 , or even extend below the base. By permitting one or both of the contact plate  476  (e.g., inner contact component) and dome switch  406  to enter into and/or pass through aperture  504 , the overall space above the PCB  500  that is required for the dome switch  406  and/or inner contact component  476  to deform, collapse, and/or cooperatively form an electrical signal may be reduced. 
       FIG. 13  shows another configuration of dome switch  406  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 , according to embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 13 , aperture of PCB  500  (see,  FIGS. 11A-12C ) may be substantially filled with an inner contact component, such as a conductive plug  478 . Conductive plug  478  is in electrical communication with second electrical connectors  524 . Conductive plug  478  may be formed from a substantially conductive material that may be molded, deposited or formed and subsequently pressed into aperture  504  of PCB  500 , for forming an electrical connection within low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . When dome switch  406  is in a collapsed state (shown in phantom), dome switch  406  may contact an enlarged contact surface  480  of conductive plug  478  to complete an electrical circuit and/or form an electrical signal within low-travel keyboard assembly  200 , as discussed herein. 
     Although discussed herein as a keyboard assembly, it is understood that the disclosed embodiments may be used in a variety of input devices used in various electronic devices. That is, the low-travel keyboard assembly and the components of the assembly discussed herein may be utilized or implemented in a variety of input devices for an electronic device including, but not limited to: buttons, switches, toggles, wheels, and touch screens. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20150928
Publication Date: 20180116
Grant Date: 20180116
Priority Date: 20140930
Inventors: ZERCOE BRADFORD J.
LEONG CRAIG C.
NIU JAMES J.
BROCK JOHN M.
HENDREN KEITH J.
Assignee: APPLE INC
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