PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10635186-B1
Application Number: US-201715708962-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Devices having keyboards with fabric layers

Abstract:
Electrical equipment such as a tablet computer cover, a laptop computer, or other equipment may include a keyboard. The keyboard may have an array of key members. The key members may have key symbols that are illuminated with light from light-emitting diodes. Each key member may be supported by a corresponding key member support structure. A fabric layer such as a woven fabric layer having warp and weft strands formed from polymer or other materials may be sandwiched between each key member and corresponding key member support structure. Opaque masking material may be formed on peripheral portions of each key member support structure. Each key member may have a symbol formed from coating layers such as a white ink coating for light diffusing, a patterned black ink coating with a symbol-shaped opening, and a clear overcoat.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. Electrical equipment, comprising:
 an array of keys each of which includes a switch and a key member; 
 a layer of fabric having a first surface facing the key members and having an opposing second surface facing the switches; and 
 light-emitting diodes that emit light, wherein the layer of fabric has an array of fabric openings for each key through which the light passes, wherein the key member overlaps the array of fabric openings, and wherein the array of fabric openings under each key member is patterned to form an alphanumeric key symbol. 
 
     
     
       2. The electrical equipment defined in  claim 1  wherein the keys each include a key member support structure and wherein a portion of the layer of fabric is sandwiched between the key member support structure and the key member of each key. 
     
     
       3. The electrical equipment defined in  claim 2  wherein the fabric comprises woven fabric. 
     
     
       4. The electrical equipment defined in  claim 2  wherein the key members are formed from transparent polymer and wherein the key members further comprise light-scattering structures embedded in interior portions of the transparent polymer. 
     
     
       5. The electrical equipment defined in  claim 4  wherein the light-scattering structures are configured to form symbol-shaped light-diffusing structures in the keys. 
     
     
       6. The electrical equipment defined in  claim 5  wherein the light that is emitted by the light-emitting diodes is scattered by the light-diffusing structures in the keys. 
     
     
       7. The electrical equipment defined in  claim 1  further comprising opaque masking material on the key member support structures, wherein the opaque masking material has at least one opening through which the light passes. 
     
     
       8. The electrical equipment defined in  claim 1  wherein each key member has a light-scattering structure selected from the group consisting of: a light-scattering surface with protrusions and recesses on the key member, an injection-molding weld line in the key member, and phosphorescent material in the key member. 
     
     
       9. The electrical equipment defined in  claim 1  wherein each key has coatings on the key member of that key and wherein the coatings comprise a white ink layer on the key member, an opaque masking layer on the white ink layer that has a symbol-shaped opening, and a clear overcoat layer that covers the opaque masking layer. 
     
     
       10. The electrical equipment defined in  claim 1  further comprising a support structure with openings, wherein each of the openings receives a respective one of the keys. 
     
     
       11. The electrical equipment defined in  claim 10 , wherein the fabric is attached to the key members and not the support structure. 
     
     
       12. The electrical equipment defined in  claim 10  wherein the fabric is attached to the key members and the support structure. 
     
     
       13. A keyboard, comprising:
 a woven fabric layer having warp strands and weft strands; 
 an array of clear key members attached to a first surface of the woven fabric layer, wherein each clear key member has opposing upper and lower transparent surfaces; 
 an array of clear key member support structures on an opposing second surface of the woven fabric layer, each key member support structure supporting a respective one of the clear key members to form a corresponding keyboard key, wherein the woven fabric has at least one opening between each clear key member and each clear key member support structure; 
 an array of light-emitting diodes, each light-emitting diode being configured to emit light through the at least one opening of a respective one of the keys; and 
 a symbol-shaped light-diffusing pattern embedded in each of the clear key members, wherein the symbol-shaped light-diffusing pattern is interposed between the upper and lower transparent surfaces of each clear key member. 
 
     
     
       14. The keyboard defined in  claim 13  further comprising:
 a fabric wall that forms an external keyboard surface; and 
 a printed circuit on which the light-emitting diodes are mounted, wherein the printed circuit is interposed between the fabric wall and the array of light-emitting diodes. 
 
     
     
       15. The keyboard defined in  claim 14  further comprising an array of switches, each switch forming part of a respective key and being located between a respective key member support structure and the printed circuit. 
     
     
       16. The keyboard defined in  claim 14  further comprising black ink on each of the key member support structures, wherein the black ink on each of the key member support structures has an opening through which the light from a respective one of the light-emitting diodes passes. 
     
     
       17. The keyboard defined in  claim 16  further comprising:
 a light-diffusing coating on each key member; and 
 a layer of opaque masking material with a symbol-shaped opening on each light-diffusing coating. 
 
     
     
       18. An apparatus, comprising:
 a printed circuit; 
 at least one dome switch on the printed circuit; 
 a fabric layer that overlaps the dome switch; 
 a key member on the fabric layer, wherein the fabric layer is interposed between the key member and the switch and wherein the fabric layer has an array of fabric perforations that are covered by the key member and that have an alphanumeric symbol shape; and 
 a key symbol on the key member. 
 
     
     
       19. The apparatus defined in  claim 18  further comprising:
 a key member support structure between the switch and the fabric layer, wherein the fabric layer is sandwiched between the key member support structure and the key member. 
 
     
     
       20. The apparatus defined in  claim 19  wherein the key member comprises a clear polymer member with at least one concave surface, wherein the key member support structure comprises clear polymer, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a light-emitting diode that is configured to emit light that passes through the key member support structure, the array of fabric perforations in the fabric layer, the key member, and the key symbol on the key member. 
     
     
       21. Electrical equipment, comprising:
 a fabric layer that forms an exterior surface of the electrical equipment and that includes an array of fabric layer openings; 
 an array of keys, wherein each key is received within and aligned with a respective one of the fabric layer openings; and 
 a support structure having support structure openings each of which is aligned with a respective one of the fabric layer openings, wherein the fabric layer is attached to the support structure and not the keys. 
 
     
     
       22. The electrical equipment defined in  claim 21  wherein each key has a key member and has a key member support structure attached to the key member through a respective one of the fabric layer openings and a respective one of the support structure openings. 
     
     
       23. The electrical equipment defined in  claim 22  further comprising:
 an array of light-emitting diodes, wherein each light-emitting diode is configured to emit light through a respective one of the keys. 
 
     
     
       24. The electrical equipment defined in  claim 21  wherein the fabric layer openings each have a first lateral dimension and the array of keys each have a second lateral dimension that is smaller than the first lateral dimension.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/397,473, filed on Sep. 21, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This relates generally to electronic equipment, and, more particularly, to electronic equipment with input devices such as keyboards. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic equipment often contains keys. For example, laptop computers and detachable keyboards for tablet computers contain keys. 
     The incorporation of keys into electronic equipment can pose challenges. If care is not taken, may be uncomfortable to use or may be difficult to recognize. 
     SUMMARY 
     Electrical equipment such as a tablet computer cover, a laptop computer, or other equipment may include a keyboard. The keyboard may have an array of key members. The key members may have key symbols that are illuminated with light from light-emitting diodes. 
     Each key member may be supported by a corresponding key member support structure. A fabric layer such as a woven fabric layer having warp and weft strands formed from polymer or other materials may be sandwiched between each key member and corresponding key member support structure. 
     Opaque masking material may be formed on peripheral portions of each key member support structure. Each key member may have a symbol label formed from coating layers such as a white ink coating for light diffusing, a patterned black ink coating with a symbol-shaped opening, and a clear overcoat. Light from each light-emitting diode may pass through a corresponding key member support structure, fabric layer opening, symbol pattern, and key member. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of an illustrative item with keys in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional side view of illustrative fabric in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram of illustrative electronic equipment including a keyboard having a fabric layer in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded cross-sectional side view of a portion of an illustrative keyboard in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of a portion of an illustrative keyboard key in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of illustrative equipment for forming embedded light-scattering structures in the interior of a key member in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an illustrative key member with embedded light scattering structures in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative key having adjustable backlight structures in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative key member having a lower surface with light-scattering structures in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative key member having injection molding weld lines that serve as light-scattering structures in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative key member having upper and/or lower coating layers in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative key member that includes embedded phosphorescent material in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative key with a printed glyph in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded cross-sectional side view of a portion of an illustrative keyboard having concave key members in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIGS. 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19  show illustrative configurations for incorporating fabric into a keyboard in accordance with embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Fabric, polymer sheets, printed circuits, molded plastic parts, and other structures may be used in forming items with keys such as keyboards. Keys may, for example, be incorporated into electronic equipment such as cellular telephones, tablet computers, wristwatch devices, laptop computers, media players, pendant devices, devices embedded in eyeglasses or other equipment worn on a user&#39;s head, or other electronic equipment, may be used in straps, cases, covers, or other accessories for electronic devices (e.g., a cover or other accessory that includes a keyboard), may be used in accessories such as headphones, may be used in seating having circuits or other furniture with circuitry for a home or office, may be used in forming a seat with circuitry, dashboard, or other item in a vehicle, may be used in forming part of embedded systems such as systems in which electronic equipment is mounted in kiosks, may be used in forming wearable items with circuitry such as necklaces, wrist bands, arm bands, shoes, or other items of clothing, may be used in forming other equipment with circuitry, or may be used in forming structures that implement the functionality of two or more of these items. 
     Keys in these items may be used for gathering alphanumeric input and for gathering commands to adjust device functions (e.g., keys may be used as volume buttons, menu buttons, power buttons, etc.). Illustrative configurations in which keys are arranged in an array for forming an alphanumeric keyboard may sometimes be described herein as an example. This is, however, illustrative. Keys may be used for gathering any suitable user input. 
     Illustrative electronic equipment having keyboard keys or other keys is shown in  FIG. 1 . Equipment  10  may include an item with keys such as keyboard  12 . Keyboard  12  may form part of an electronic device with a built-in keyboard such as a laptop computer or may be a stand-alone keyboard that can be coupled to optional additional electronic devices such as electronic device  18 . For example, electrical equipment such as keyboard  12  may be part of removable case (sometimes referred to as a cover) for a tablet computer and electronic device  18  may be a tablet computer. Electronic device  18  and keyboard  12  may be mechanically coupled using magnets or other fasteners and can be electrically coupled using a wired and/or a wireless communications link. Other types of electrical equipment may include keyboard keys, if desired (e.g., cellular telephone, watches, media players, etc.). The configuration of  FIG. 1  is merely illustrative. 
     Keyboard  12  may include fabric. The fabric may be used in forming a rear wall or other housing wall for a cover, for forming part of a wall of an electronic device, or for forming other structures. For example, a layer of fabric may cover the upper (front) surface of keyboard  12 . This may help prevent moisture from entering keyboard  12  and may provide portions of keyboard  12  with an attractive fabric-like appearance. 
     Keyboard key members (e.g., plastic members formed from clear rigid polymer or key structures formed from other materials) may be attached to the outer surface of the fabric layer. The fabric of keyboard  12  may be soft (e.g., keyboard  12  may have a fabric surface that yields to a light touch), may have a rigid feel (e.g., a fabric surface in keyboard  12  may be formed from a stiff fabric), may be coarse, may be smooth, may have ribs or other patterned textures, and/or may be formed as part of a structure that has portions formed from non-fabric structures of plastic, metal, glass, crystalline materials, ceramics, or other materials. 
     Keyboard  12  of equipment  10  (and, if desired, device  18 ) may include control circuitry such as control circuitry  14 . Control circuitry  14  may include storage and processing circuitry for supporting the operation of keyboard  12 . The storage and processing circuitry may include storage such as hard disk drive storage, nonvolatile memory (e.g., flash memory or other electrically-programmable-read-only memory configured to form a solid state drive), volatile memory (e.g., static or dynamic random-access-memory), etc. Processing circuitry in control circuitry  14  may be used to gather keystroke information from an array of switches in keyboard  12  and may otherwise be used to control the operation of keyboard  12 . The processing circuitry may be based on one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, baseband processors and other wireless communications circuits, power management units, audio chips, application specific integrated circuits, etc. 
     Input-output circuitry in keyboard  12  such as input-output devices  16  may be used to allow data to be supplied to keyboard  12  and to allow data to be provided from keyboard  12  to external devices. During operation, control circuitry  14  may use keys and other input-output devices  16  to gather input from a user, external equipment, and/or the environment around item  10 . Control circuitry  16  may also use input-output devices  16  to provide output to a user or external equipment such as device  18 . 
     Input-output devices  16  may include keyboard keys and other buttons, joysticks, scrolling wheels, touch pads, key pads, microphones, speakers, tone generators, vibrators, cameras, sensors such as touch sensors, capacitive proximity sensors, light-based proximity sensors, ambient light sensors, compasses, gyroscopes, accelerometers, moisture sensors, force sensors, data ports, displays, and other input-output devices. 
     Keys such as keyboard keys, status indicators, displays, trim structures, and other portions of keyboard  12  may be illuminated. For example, light-emitting diodes, lamps, electroluminescent panels, or other sources of light may be used in illuminating patterned openings. The patterned openings may pass through layers of fabric, may be formed on keyboard key members, and/or may be formed from other materials in keyboard  12 . 
     The patterned openings may form symbols (e.g., letters and other alphanumeric characters, icons, etc.) or other illuminated shapes. The symbols or other patterned openings may form labels on keys or other input-output devices (sometimes referred to as glyphs or alphanumeric labels), may form labels on other illuminated structures, may form trim for a component (e.g., a halo surrounding a key), or may form other suitable illuminated areas. In some arrangements, transparent material (e.g., clear material, translucent material, and/or material that includes photoluminescent substances such as phosphors) may be formed in an opening and/or may overlap an opening. Light-transmitting windows in opaque structures may be formed from openings and optional transparent material overlapping the openings. 
     Arrangements in which keyboard keys in keyboard  12  have patterned openings or other transparent structures that form illuminated letters or other symbols that serve as labels for the keys may sometimes be described herein as an example. In general, however, input-output devices  18  may include one or more light sources that provide any suitable type of illumination for keyboard  12   
     Fabric for keyboard  12  may be formed from intertwined strands of material. A cross-sectional side view of an illustrative layer of fabric for keyboard  12  is shown in  FIG. 2 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , fabric  20  may include strands of material such as strands  22  and strands  24 . With one suitable arrangement, fabric  20  may be a woven fabric (e.g., strands  22  may be warp strands and strands  24  may be weft strands). Other arrangements may be used for intertwining strands of material for forming fabric  20  for keyboard  12 , if desired. In general, keyboard  12  may be woven, knitted, braided, may be intertwined to form felt, or may contain strands of material that have been intertwined using other intertwining techniques. In some arrangements, fabric  20  may include coatings (e.g., polymer coatings to prevent accumulation of dirt, materials that serve as moisture barrier layers, wear resistant coatings, transparent coatings such as patterned translucent coatings, etc.). These coating materials may penetrate into fabric  20  and/or may form layers on the inner and/or outer surfaces of fabric  20 . 
     The strands of material that form the fabric may be monofilaments, may be multifilament strands (sometimes referred to herein as yarns or threads), may be formed from metal (e.g., metal monofilaments and/or yarns formed from multiple monofilament wires), may be formed from dielectric (e.g., polymer monofilaments and yarns formed from multiple polymer monofilaments), may include dielectric cores covered with conductive coatings such as metal (e.g., metal coated dielectric monofilaments and yarns of metal coated polymer-core monofilaments may be used to form conductive monofilaments and conductive yarns, respectively), may include outer insulating coatings (e.g., coatings of polymers or other dielectrics may surround each metal-clad polymer monofilament or each collection of metal-clad polymer monofilaments in a yarn, polymer insulation may enclose a multifilament metal wire, etc.), or may be other suitable strands of material for forming fabric. 
     As shown in the illustrative configuration of fabric  20  of  FIG. 2 , for example, strands such as strands  22  and  24  may be formed from strands of yarn that each contain multiple monofilaments  26 . Configurations in which the fabric is formed from yarns (e.g., multifilament strands of material that are insulating or that contain metal wires and/or metal coatings on polymer monofilaments to render the yarns conductive) may sometimes be described herein as an example. This is, however, merely illustrative. Fabric  20  may be formed using monofilaments, multifilament strands of material (yarns), combinations of these arrangements, etc. The diameter of strands  22  and  24  that are formed from yarns containing multiple monofilaments may be, for example, 0.25 mm, may be 0.1 to 0.5 mm, may be more than 0.2 mm, may be less than 2 mm, or may be any other suitable diameter (width). 
     To allow light to pass through a layer formed from fabric and/or other materials in item  10 , the layer of material in item  10  may be provided with transparent regions. The transparent regions may be formed from air-filled openings in opaque fabric and/or other opaque materials, may be formed from openings that are filled with transparent material (e.g., haze-free clear material or hazy translucent material, transparent fabric, or other transparent material), or may be formed from other structures that allow light to pass. In some configurations, an opaque fabric coating layer or other opaque layer (e.g., a layer of black ink or other opaque masking layer on a key member or other structure) may be provided with a patterned opening in addition to or instead of providing fabric  20  with patterned openings. Combinations of these approaches and/or other arrangements for providing illuminated structures in item  10  may be used, if desired. 
       FIG. 3  is a diagram showing how keyboard  12  may be coupled to mating electrical equipment such as device  18 . Device  18  may be, for example, a tablet computer having a touch screen display such as display  32 . Display  32  may have a connector such as connector  30  that mates with a corresponding connector in keyboard  12  such as connector  28  or device  18  and keyboard  12  may communicate wirelessly. If desired, magnets or other fastening mechanisms may be provided in keyboard  12  and device  18  to hold keyboard  12  and device  18  together. Keyboard  12  may have a rectangular shape and may, if desired, have a folding flap (e.g., when keyboard  12  forms part of a cover for device  18 ). 
     Keyboard  12  may have an array of keyboard keys such as keys  26 . Keys  26  may be arranged on keyboard  26  using a QWERTY layout or other suitable layout. 
     An exploded cross-sectional side view of a portion of an illustrative keyboard key in keyboard  12  is shown in  FIG. 4 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , a viewer such as viewer  34  may view the front (upper) exterior surface of keyboard  12  in direction  36 . Keyboard key  26  may include a key member such as key member  38 . When a user desires to supply input with key  26 , the user may use a finger or other external object to press downward in direction  36  on upper surface  68  of key member  38 . A switch such as dome switch  58  on printed circuit  64  may be compressed when key member  38  moves downwardly and may supply an upward restoring force when key member  38  is released. Dome switch  58  or other suitable switch in key  26  may be placed in either a closed state or open state. Dome switches  58  in keyboard  12  may be mounted to printed circuit  64 . Control circuitry  14  may be coupled to printed circuit  64  and may monitor the state of switches  58  to determine whether keys  26  have been depressed. 
     Key member  68  may be attached to upper surface  70  of fabric layer  20  (e.g., using adhesive). One or more coating layers such as layer  40  may be formed on fabric layer  20 , on key member  38  and/or on key support structures and other structures in key  26 . These layers may include paint layers, photoluminescent layers, masking layers, clear protective overcoat layers, adhesive layers, and/or other layers of material. 
     Keyboard key member  38  may have a rectangular footprint (outline when viewed in direction  36 ) or may have other suitable shapes. To enhance the ability of fabric  20  to flex to accommodate vertical up and down movement of key member  38 , flexibility enhancement structures may be incorporated into fabric  20 . For example, one or more grooves or ridges such as illustrative peripheral groove  42  of  FIG. 4  may run along the periphery of key member  38 . These flexibility enhancement structures may provide surplus fabric to accommodate movement of key member  38  without distorting the planar upper surface of fabric  20 . Grooves, ridges, and/or other flexibility enhancement structures for key  26  such as groove  42  may therefore prevent tightness in fabric  20  that might otherwise restrict vertical movement of key member  38  and may be formed by embossing fabric  20  using elevated temperature and/or pressure and/or by weaving groove  42  and/or other flexibility enhancement structures into fabric  20 . 
     Key member  38 , which may serve as a smooth and rigid capping structure at the top of key  26 , may sometimes be referred to as a key cap. Key member support structure  46 , which may be used to support key member  38  and help maintain upper surface  68  of key member  38  parallel to the plane of keyboard  12 , may sometimes be referred to as a structural key cap. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , key member support structure  46  may have protrusions such as legs  48  that engage with corresponding arms of a key spring mechanism such as butterfly hinge mechanism  50  or other keyboard key mechanism for supporting key member  38  during operation of key  26 . Butterfly mechanism  50  may be mounted on printed circuit board  64  (e.g., a flexible printed circuit formed from a sheet of polyimide or a flexible substrate formed from a layer of other flexible polymer or a rigid printed circuit board formed from a layer of fiberglass-filled epoxy or other rigid printed circuit board substrate material). Dome switch  58  may be mounted to printed circuit  64  in the center of hinge mechanism  50  and key housing structure  60  (sometimes referred to as a key base, key housing structures, key support structures, etc.). Structure  60  may have flexible portions (e.g., elastomeric portions) that allow dome switch  58  to flex and/or may have light guiding structures (e.g., clear polymer structures) that help distribute illumination for key  26 . 
     Each key  26  in keyboard  12  may have an associated symbol. One or more light sources such as light-emitting diode  62  may be used to illuminate the symbol for each key  26 . Light from light-emitting diode  62  may be distributed laterally using a clear light guide structure in key  26  (see, e.g., structure  60 ) and may then be scattered upwardly through key member support structure  46 , layer  40 , and key member  38 . Light-emitting diode  62  may be a white light-emitting diode, a blue light-emitting diode that illuminates phosphorescent material in key  26 , or other suitable light-emitting diode for providing keyboard  12  with key illumination. Light-emitting diodes  62  may be mounted on printed circuit  64 . 
     Key member support structure  46  and key cap  38  may be formed from clear material (e.g., a rigid transparent polymer such as rigid polycarbonate, clear glass, transparent ceramic, or other suitable clear rigid material). A layer of opaque masking material such as black masking layer  52  may be formed on the upper surface and, if desired, edge surfaces of key member support structure  46  to block stray light from light-emitting diode  62 . Opening  54  in opaque masking layer  52  may allow light from light-emitting diode  62  to pass through structure  46  and member  38 . 
     Fabric  20  may have one or more openings such as openings  56  to allow light from light-emitting diode  62  to pass through fabric  20 . If desired, other patterns of openings  56  may be formed in fabric  20  and other patterns of openings such as opening  54  may be formed in opaque masking layer  52  on support  46 . The configuration of  FIG. 4  is merely illustrative. 
     Keyboard  12  may have a rear housing wall formed from layer  66  (e.g., a woven fabric layer or other layer of fabric on the rear external surface of keyboard  12 , a polymer layer, a layer of metal, etc.). 
     A top view of a portion of an illustrative key for keyboard  12  is shown in  FIG. 5 . In the example of  FIG. 5 , key  26  has been labeled with a “D” symbol. Fabric layer  20  has openings  56  that form paths through fabric layer  20  for light from light-emitting diode  62 . Openings  56  may be formed by laser-drilling holes in fabric  20  or otherwise forming perforations in the shape of the symbol for key  26  (e.g., a “D” symbol in the example of  FIG. 5 ). As shown in  FIG. 5 , opaque masking layer  52  may have a corresponding symbol-shaped opening (e.g., a “D-shaped” opening  54 ) that overlaps openings  56  and allows light from light-emitting diode  62  to pass through openings  56 . One or more coating layers  40 , which may be formed on key member  36 , on fabric  20 , and/or on key member support structure  46 , may include a light-diffusing material such as a polymer layer that includes titanium dioxide particles or other light-diffusing particles. Coating material  40  may overlap openings  56  and may help diffuse light that is traveling through opening  54  in opaque masking layer  52  and through openings  56 . 
     If desired, light-scattering features may be incorporated into key member  38 . In the illustrative configuration of  FIG. 6 , laser processing equipment  72  is being used to focus laser light  74  into interior  76  of key member  38 . Laser processing equipment  72  may include laser  80  for generating laser light  74  (e.g., continuous wave laser light, pulsed laser light, laser light at visible, ultraviolet and/or infrared wavelengths, etc.) and may include a computer-controlled positioner such as positioner  82  for positioning laser  80  relative to member  38 . Member  38  may be formed from a material such as glass, plastic, or other transparent material that can be damaged when exposed to high light intensities from laser  80 . By using positioner  82  and laser  80  to create localized focused laser light in interior  76  of member  38 , localized defects such as defect  78  may be formed in interior  76 . Defects such as defect  78  may serve as light-scattering structures that scatter light produced by light-emitting diode  62 . These light-scattering structures may be patterned to form light-diffusing symbols and other light-diffusing structures that are fully or partly embedded in the interior of key members  38 . In the configuration of  FIG. 7 , for example, an “A” symbol has been formed from light-diffusing structures formed in the interior of key member  38  using localized laser processing. 
     If desired, each key  26  in keyboard  12  may have multiple light-emitting diodes, as illustrated by light-emitting diodes  62 A,  62 B, and  62 C in  FIG. 8 . Holes  56  may pass vertically through fabric  20  and/or may be angled. In the  FIG. 8  example, hole  56 A has been angled to the left and receives key illumination (backlight)  84 A from light-emitting diode  62 A, hole  56 B has been oriented vertically and receives key illumination (backlight)  84 B from diode  62 B, and hole  56 C has been angled to the right and receives key illumination (backlight)  84 C from diode  62 C. By varying the relative intensity of light  84 A,  84 B, and  84 C, the direction of the backlight illumination and therefore the direction of the illumination for all or parts of the symbols that are illuminated in key  26  can be dynamically adjusted by control circuitry  14 . Adjustments to key illumination may be made, for example, to change the aesthetic appearance of keys  26 , to illuminate different parts of key symbols at different times, to illuminate different symbols for different users or for the same user when viewing keyboard  12  from different vantage points, etc. If desired, key member  38  of  FIG. 8  may include embedded light-diffusing structures (e.g., key symbols, etc.), opaque masking material, light-diffusing ink, photoluminescent material, and/or other structures. These structures may be incorporated into keys  26  in addition to the adjustable-illumination-direction structures of  FIG. 8 . 
       FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12  show additional key illumination structures that may be incorporated into key member  38 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 9 , protrusions and recesses such as grooves, ridges, pits, and bumps have been created to form light-scattering surface features  90  on the lower surface of key member  38 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 10 , key member  38  has been formed by injection molding (e.g., a first injection molding process that forms central portion  38 M and a second injection molding process that forms peripheral portion  38 P). The injection molding process forms weld lines  38 W, which may serve as light scattering structures in member  38 . 
       FIG. 11  shows how coating layers  40  may be formed on the upper and/or lower surfaces of member  38 . Coatings  40  may be formed from opaque masking material (e.g., black ink, etc.), may be formed from light-diffusing material (e.g., white ink, etc.), may be formed from protective clear coatings (e.g., encapsulant), may be formed from photoluminescent material (e.g., phosphors, etc.), and/or may be formed from colored ink or other materials. 
       FIG. 12  shows how key member  38  may include regions such as portion  38 R in which photoluminescent material  94  (e.g., phosphorescent material, etc.) has been incorporated into member  38 . 
     The light-scattering structures and other structures of  FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12  may be illuminated with light from one or more light-emitting diodes  62  and may, if desired, be used with patterned opaque masking layers on key member support structures  46 , patterned openings in fabric  20 , embedded light-diffusing structures in interior  76  of member  38 , and/or other key structures to provide keys  26  with a desired appearance. The structures of  FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12  may be patterned to form key symbols, key trim (e.g., key outline patterns), and/or other suitable illumination patterns for keys  26 . 
       FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative key  26  in which key illumination  94  is being produced by light-emitting diode  62 . Fabric  20  has a pattern of openings  56  that may form a key symbol (as an example). Key member  38  may be attached to upper surface  70  of fabric  20  using adhesive  96 . Coatings  40  on key member  38  may be patterned to form a key symbol or other pattern. Coatings  40  may include a light-diffusing layer such as white ink layer  102 . Opaque masking layer  98  (e.g., a patterned layer of black ink, etc.) may be formed on layer  102  and may be pattered to form openings  100  in the shape of a symbol (e.g., a key symbol for key  26 ) or other pattern. Overcoat layer  104  may be a clear protective polymer layer. If desired, some or all of the layers of coating  40  may extend down some or all of the sidewalls of member  38 , as shown by illustrative sidewall coating layers  106 . 
       FIG. 14  shows how member  38  may have a concave upper surface  110 . Concave surfaces such as surface  110  of key  26  of  FIG. 14  may help a user locate the center of keys  26  in keyboard  12 . Dome switches  58  and other key structures  108  (hinges, support members, light guides, etc.) may be located under each key member  38 . Key member  38  may have an associated key member support structure such as key member support structure  46 . Upper surface  112  of support structure (support member)  46  may have a concave surface or other surface that matches the surface curvature of the lower surface of key member  38 . Fabric  20  may be sandwiched between member  38  and support structure  46 . A layer of adhesive may be formed on both sides of fabric  20  so that structures  46  and member  38  adhere to fabric  20 . 
     Optional opaque masking material  52  may be formed around the periphery of support structure  46  and may extend partly or fully down the sidewalls of support structure  46 , as shown by optional sidewall material  52 ′. Coatings  40  (e.g., one or more of coatings  40  of  FIG. 13  and/or other coating layers) may be formed on upper surface  110  and, if desired, sidewall surfaces of member  38 . Coatings  40  may, for example, be patterned to form a desired key symbol for key  26 . 
       FIG. 15  shows how key  26  may have a key structure  202  (e.g., a structure including members such as key member  38 , key member support structure  46 , and/or other structures) that is mounted to fabric  20  (e.g., using adhesive, etc.). Key structure  202  may be mounted below fabric  20 , above fabric  20 , and/or may have portions above and below fabric  20  (e.g., key member  38  and key member support structure  46 , respectively). Key support structures such as key web  200  may be used to provide support to keys such as key  26  and/or the keyboard in which the keys are mounted. In the example of  FIG. 15 , fabric  20  is attached to keys  26  (e.g., fabric  20  is mounted only to the surface of key structure  202  in each key  26 ) and is not mounted to key web  200 . 
     In the illustrative configuration of  FIG. 16 , fabric  20  is mounted to the surface of key web  200  only and is not mounted to keys  26  (e.g., fabric  20  is not attached to the surfaces of key structures  202 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 17 , fabric  20  may have portions that are attached to both key web  200  and key structures  202 . Key structures  202  of  FIG. 17  may have structures mounted above fabric  20 , structures mounted below fabric  20 , and/or structures that are mounted both above and below fabric  20 . 
     Keys  26  may, if desired, include sensors such as force sensors, touch sensors, optical sensors, capacitive sensors, and/or other sensors for detecting input from a user&#39;s finger, a stylus, and/or other external objects and/or for gathering gesture input. These sensors may overlap keys  26  and, if desired, portions of key web  200  or other key support structures. As shown in  FIG. 17 , as an example, sensors  204  may be formed in portions of fabric  20  that overlap keys  26  (and, if desired that overlap key web  200 ) and/or may be formed in key structure  202 . Sensors  204  of  FIG. 17  may be force sensors, touch sensors, and/or other sensors and may be based on optical sensor components, capacitive sensor components, and/or other sensor components. As an example, sensors  204  may include an array of capacitive sensor electrodes for gathering touch input (and, if desired, proximity sensor input and/or gesture input), may include an array of conductive strands of material in fabric  20  that form capacitive sensor electrodes for gathering touch input, force input, and/or other input, and/or may be other types of sensor components. 
       FIGS. 18 and 19  show how key structures in keys  26  may be coupled to fabric  20 . In the example of  FIG. 18 , fabric  20  is sandwiched between key member  38  and key member support structure  46 . In this type of arrangement, fabric  20  may form a complete or nearly complete sheet of intertwined strands of material. Touch sensors can be formed from conductive strands of material in fabric  20  that serve as capacitive touch sensor electrodes (as an example). 
     In the example of  FIG. 19 , fabric  20  has key openings (void holes) under most or all of each key  26 . Key  26  may, for example, be formed from structures such as key member  38  and/or key member support structure  46  that pass through a key-shaped opening in fabric  20 . This type of configuration may be helpful in allowing key symbol illumination to pass to a viewer and allows member  38  to be rigidly joined to key member support structure  46  using adhesive. 
     Fabric  20  in configurations of the type shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19  may or may not be attached to key web  200  ( FIGS. 15, 16, and 17 ). 
     The foregoing is merely illustrative and various modifications can be made to the described embodiments. The foregoing embodiments may be implemented individually or in any combination.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20170919
Publication Date: 20200428
Grant Date: 20200428
Priority Date: 20160921
Inventors: WANG, PAUL XIAOPENG
DIEBEL, MARKUS
ZIMMERMAN, AIDAN N.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H03K17/9622", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K17/9622", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K17/9622", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2223/052", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2219/056", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2209/086", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2009/187", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/83", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 70332702