PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11023081-B2
Application Number: US-201916290624-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Multi-functional keyboard assemblies

Abstract:
Multi-functional keyboard assemblies include an array of keys formed from stacked component layers. A top portion of the key may be capable of travelling vertically with respect to a base of the key. The top portion can include a keycap and a circuitry module coupled to the keycap. The keys may be capable of receive at least two distinct types of inputs and/or receiving at least one type of input and providing at least one type of output. Such output may include use of one or more light sources, displays, and/or haptic feedback devices.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A keyboard input assembly, comprising:
 a base layer; and 
 a set of keys, wherein each key of the set of keys comprises:
 a keycap; 
 a support mechanism positioned between the keycap and the base layer; and 
 a collapsible switch having a dome portion positioned between the keycap and the base layer, wherein the dome portion comprises a convex outer surface facing the base layer; 
 
 wherein the support mechanism is a butterfly-type support mechanism having a central opening within which the dome portion is positioned, wherein the convex outer surface is downward-facing, and wherein the dome portion is configured to collapse upon movement of the key relative to the base layer and to close an electrical circuit. 
 
     
     
       2. A keyboard input assembly, comprising:
 a base layer; 
 a set of keys, wherein each key of the set of keys comprises:
 a keycap; 
 a support mechanism positioned between the keycap and the base layer, the support mechanism comprising a butterfly mechanism or a scissor mechanism; 
 a compressible dome switch having a dome portion positioned between the keycap and the base layer, wherein the dome portion comprises a convex outer surface facing the base layer. 
 
 
     
     
       3. The keyboard input assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the convex outer surface is positioned within an opening of the support mechanism. 
     
     
       4. The keyboard input assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the collapsible switch is electrically connected to the base layer. 
     
     
       5. The keyboard input assembly of  claim 2 , wherein a sensor membrane is positioned between the dome portion and the keycap. 
     
     
       6. The keyboard input assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the compressible dome switch is coupled to a flex. 
     
     
       7. A key mechanism, comprising:
 a frame; 
 a keycap; 
 a support mechanism configured to stabilize vertical movement of the keycap relative to the frame; 
 a switch positioned between the keycap and the frame; and 
 a sensor membrane layer having a portion positioned between the switch and the keycap at a location above the switch, the sensor membrane layer configured to move with the keycap relative to the frame and to detect a change in position of the switch relative to the frame. 
 
     
     
       8. The key mechanism of  claim 7 , wherein the sensor membrane layer comprises a circuit, the circuit being closable in response to movement of the switch. 
     
     
       9. The key mechanism of  claim 7 , wherein the switch is configured to provide increased resistance, a click, or a vibration using a compressible dome in response to movement of the keycap relative to the frame. 
     
     
       10. The key mechanism of  claim 7 , wherein the switch extends through an opening in the support mechanism. 
     
     
       11. The key mechanism of  claim 7 , further comprising a flex coupled to the keycap, the sensor membrane layer being coupled to the flex. 
     
     
       12. The key mechanism of  claim 11 , wherein the flex comprises a first conductive portion and the sensor membrane layer comprises a second conductive portion, the first and second conductive portions being in electrical communication with each other. 
     
     
       13. A keyboard, comprising:
 a base; 
 a keycap; 
 a support mechanism coupled to the base and coupled to the keycap; 
 a switch positioned between the keycap and the base, the switch being compressible in response to movement of the keycap relative to the base; 
 a flexible membrane having a first portion positioned between the switch and the keycap, the flexible membrane being coupled to the keycap, the flexible membrane comprising a conductive material configured to route electrical signals through the flexible membrane; and 
 the flexible membrane having a second portion positioned between a second switch and a second keycap. 
 
     
     
       14. The keyboard of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 an electronic device in electrical communication with the conductive material; and 
 a flexible tail positioned electrically between the flexible membrane and the electronic device; 
 wherein the flexible membrane is compressible to close a circuit and transfer a signal to the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       15. The keyboard of  claim 13 , wherein the flexible membrane is bendable in response to movement of the keycap relative to the base. 
     
     
       16. The keyboard of  claim 13 , wherein the switch is closable to indicate a change in position of the keycap relative to the base. 
     
     
       17. The keyboard of  claim 13 , wherein the switch is closable to complete a circuit, the circuit including the conductive material of the flexible membrane. 
     
     
       18. The keyboard of  claim 13 , wherein the flexible membrane is movable relative to the base. 
     
     
       19. The keyboard of  claim 13 , wherein the switch is coupled to the flexible membrane. 
     
     
       20. The keyboard of  claim 13 , wherein the flexible membrane comprises a tail extending toward the base. 
     
     
       21. The keyboard of  claim 20 , wherein the tail electrically connects the flexible membrane to the base.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/649,840, filed Jul. 14, 2017 and titled “Keyboard Key Employing a Capacitive Sensor and Dome,” which is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/058,316, filed Oct. 21, 2013 and titled “Flexible Printed Circuit Having Flex Tails Upon Which Keyboard Keycaps are Coupled”, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,710,069, issued Jul. 18, 2017, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/720,366, filed Oct. 30, 2012 and titled “Systems and Methods for Providing Multi-Functional Keyboard Assemblies,” the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This can relate to systems and methods for providing multi-functional keyboard assemblies and, more particularly, to systems and methods for providing multi-functional keystacks for keyboard assemblies of electronic devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic devices, such as desktop computers, laptops, netbooks, and tablets, typically include one or more user input mechanisms that facilitate interaction between a user and the electronic device. Such user input mechanisms include keyboards, mice, joysticks, and the like. Keyboards conventionally include an array of keys that are formed from stacked or layered components. Each keystack in such keyboards is often only able to perform one simple task, such as providing input to the electronic device, when a user presses the key. 
     SUMMARY 
     Multi-functional keystacks for electronic devices are disclosed. Multi-functional keystacks can improve the functionality of keyboard keys in a variety of ways. For instance, besides being configured with an first independent input component for providing a specific first input to an electronic device when pressed by a user, a multi-functional keystack can include a second independent input component that can provide a second distinct input to the electronic device and/or an independent output component that can provide an independent visual feedback to the user. 
     According to some embodiments, each multi-functional keystack can include a keycap, a circuitry module coupled to the keycap, a support mechanism, and a base. The components of the circuitry can include, for example, a light guide panel (“LGP”), at least one light source, a flexible circuit board (“flex”), and/or a switch. The base may support the other components of the keystack, and may be operably coupled to a housing of the keyboard and/or the electronic device. 
     The keycap, which can be at least partially transparent, may be coupled to the top of the support mechanism, which can support the keycap above the base and can allow the keycap to travel vertically relative to the base (e.g., for activating/deactivating a mechanical switch that may provide a key-stack specific input for the electronic device). Furthermore, the circuitry module may be coupled to the keycap such that the circuitry module can also travel vertically with the keycap relative to the base. In some embodiments, a flex may be incorporated into the circuitry module, and a flex tail may extend from the flex to permit communication between the circuitry module and one or more various system components that may be located external to the keystack (e.g., one or more processors of the electronic device). 
     According to some embodiments, the circuitry module that may be included in each keystack may include an electronic visual display (“display”). The electronic visual display may fully replace, or be disposed above or below, other circuitry components (e.g., an LGP) of the circuitry module. The display may be operably coupled to a top side of a flex such that a user can view information presented on the display through a transparent section of the keycap. Additionally or alternatively, the circuitry module of one or more keystacks may include a capacitive sensor for sensing single or multi-touch gestures provided by a user on each key or across multiple keys of the keyboard. The capacitive sensor may be stacked beneath one or more other circuitry components of the circuitry module (e.g., above or below an LGP). 
     In some embodiments, the keycap can be a rigid and durable material that may be made thinner than typical keyboard keycaps for reducing the overall thickness of the keystack. For example, the keycap may be formed from glass. Thus, the rigid and durable keycap can be thinner and stronger than traditional keycaps while also providing desired transparency characteristics (e.g., for passing light therethrough from an LGP of the keystack) and/or providing desired conductivity (e.g., for enabling capacitive sensing of a sensor of the keystack). Various sub-structures can be included to support and retain the rigid and durable keycap within the keystack. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other aspects of the invention, its nature, and various features will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters may refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an electronic device with a keyboard assembly in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a keystack in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of a keystack in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the keystack of  FIG. 3  in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 5  is a second cross-sectional view of the keystack of  FIG. 3  in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the bottom side of the upper portion of the keystack of  FIGS. 3-5  in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the bottom portion of the keystack of  FIGS. 3-6  in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 8  is a top plan view of a frame in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a keystack in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the keystack  300  of  FIG. 9  in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of a keystack in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of a keystack in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIGS. 13A and 13B  show perspective views of a portion of a key  FIGS. 13A and 13B  show perspective views of a portion of a key  1300  in accordance with some embodiments; and 
         FIGS. 14 and 15  show perspective views of substructures for a keycap in accordance with some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Some embodiments disclosed herein may take the form of a keyboard assembly for an electronic device or computing device. The keyboard assembly may transfer user input to the electronic device and may include an array of keys, buttons, and/or switches that may represent different inputs to the electronic device. For example, each of the keys may include a glyph. As used herein, a glyph can be a legend or symbol (e.g., one or more alphanumeric symbols and/or words) that may be visible on and/or through a keycap of the key. The corresponding input can be initiated within the electronic device when the key is pressed or otherwise actuated. The keyboard may be in communication with the electronic device and can be integrated with or external to the electronic device. In some embodiments, the keyboard may be operably connected to an enclosure of the electronic device. 
     Additionally, each key of the keyboard can include dedicated circuitry that may be independently addressable by one or more processors of the electronic device. Thus, the functionality of each key can be significantly increased over the functionality of conventional keyboard keys. For example, each key may be capable of providing independent visual and/or tactile information to the user and/or receiving independent tactile information from the user. Additional input modes may also be facilitated that can take advantage of the independently addressable circuitry of each key. 
     A top portion of the keystack for each key of the keyboard may include the keycap, which may be accessible to the user from the outside of the keyboard, and a circuitry module coupled to the keycap. In some embodiments, the circuitry module can include one or more light sources (e.g., one or more LEDs) and an LGP coupled to a top side of a flex, between the flex and the keycap. Additionally or alternatively, a switch (e.g., a compressible dome switch) may be coupled to a bottom side of the flex. A flex tail may extend from a main portion of the flex and can be communicatively coupled to the flex portion of the circuitry module that may be coupled to a bottom portion of the keycap for bidirectional transmission of signals between components of the keystack and one or more processors of the electronic device coupled to the keyboard. 
     The bottom portion of the keystack may be fixed in an X-Y plane beneath and parallel to the keycap. The bottom portion may include a feature plate mounted on a base. The base may be a rigid, planar surface that may span the entirety or a subset of the keyboard assembly. In some embodiments, the base may be the housing of the keyboard assembly or of the entire electronic device. Like the base, the feature plate may span the entirety or a subset of the keyboard. For example, each keystack may include a separate feature plate coupled to the base or every keystack of the entire keyboard may share a single feature plate. The feature plate can include anchor features for engaging and retaining anchor portions of a support mechanism included within each keystack. In some embodiments, the feature plate and base may be a single, unitary component. 
     The support mechanism can be any suitable mechanism for facilitating vertical movement of the keycap with respect to the feature plate (e.g., along the Z-axis). For example, the support mechanism can be a “scissor” or a “butterfly” support mechanism that may evenly translate pressure on the keycap into vertical motion of the top portion of the keystack towards the bottom portion of the keystack. According to various embodiments, features can be included on the keycap and/or the circuitry module (e.g., the LGP) for coupling to the support mechanism. Some of these features may permit transmission of light emitted from a light source of the circuitry module to the outer perimeter of the keystack to generate a halo effect around the keycap. 
     The bottom portion of each keystack may further include one or more flex circuits coupled to the feature plate and/or base. Each flex circuit may facilitate bidirectional communication between the processor(s) of the electronic device and each keystack of the keyboard (e.g., the circuitry module of each keystack). In some embodiments, a single flex circuit can be shared by each keystack of the keyboard, with a portion of the flex circuit dedicated to each keystack and communicatively coupled to the rest of the flex circuit with a flex tail. The bottom portion of each keystack may be capped and protected from the environment with an enclosure stacked above each flex circuit. The enclosure may be physically coupled to the flex circuits (e.g., with an adhesive) or, alternatively, the enclosure may lie on top of or float over the flex circuits. 
     According to some embodiments, a glyph that is visible on or through the keycap can be static and illuminated by one or more light sources included within the keystack. For example, an LGP that may be included within a keystack may include one or more apertures that may permit propagation of light emitted from the light sources in predefined patterns up through the keycap. Accordingly, the glyph can be illuminated through the keycap by light emitted from the light sources and propagated through the LGP. Additionally or alternatively, the LGP may diffuse the light emitted from the light sources. In still further embodiments, allowing light to selectively propagate through transparent sections of the keycap can result in an illuminated static glyph. 
     A glyph visible on or through a keycap of a key may also be dynamic. In some embodiments, dynamic glyphs can be generated using multiple light sources and filters of a circuitry module within the keystack. For example, a first glyph (e.g., a capital ‘A’) can be generated using a first light source that may emit light at a first wavelength (e.g., at a red wavelength), and a second glyph (e.g., a lower case ‘a’) can be generated using a second light source that may emit light at a second wavelength (e.g., at a blue wavelength). One or more filters can be included to selectively allow light to propagate from each of the light sources to illuminate the desired glyph. Switching between the two light sources can result in the first or second glyph being illuminated. A display included within the keystack may also be used to generate dynamic glyphs. 
     In some embodiments, the circuitry module of a keystack can include a sensing component that may be configured to sense when a user has selected or depressed the key. The sensing component may be located on the bottom surface of a flex of the circuitry module and may be arranged to interact with a switch of the keystack. For example, the switch can be a compressible dome switch that may interact with the sensing component when the key is depressed (e.g., in along the Z-axis towards the base and/or feature plate. The sensing component can relay a signal that they key has been depressed through the flex and ultimately to one or more processors of an electronic device coupled to the keyboard. 
     Additionally or alternatively, the circuitry module of a keystack can include a sensing member that may be configured to detect changes in capacitance. In some embodiments, such a sensing member may include a capacitive sensor that can be positioned within the keystack to detect when a user has touched or come close to touching the top surface of the keycap (e.g., along the X-Y plane of the keycap, as opposed to detecting when a user has depressed the key along the Z-axis). In such embodiments, the keyboard may be able to detect any or all of: the keycap approaching the base; varying forces applied to the keycap; and the position and/or presence of one or more user fingers on the various keycaps. The capacitive sensors included in each keystack may be further configured to transmit a single or multi-touch gesture instruction to the processor(s) of the electronic device, thereby potentially obviating the need for additional input mechanisms, such as, for example, a separate mouse, trackball, trackpad, or touchscreen. 
     Turning to the figures and as described above, the keyboard may be incorporated within an electronic device.  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an electronic device  10  including a keyboard assembly  12 . Electronic device  10  may be any type of electronic device such as, for example, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a tablet, a server, a smart telephone, or a portable gaming device. Additionally, it should be noted that although keyboard assembly  12  may be shown as integrated within electronic device  10  in  FIG. 1 , keyboard assembly  12  may be separate from, and communicatively coupled to, electronic device  10 . For example, keyboard assembly  12  may be a self-contained, standalone unit that can include a communication device (e.g., a cable or wireless interface) for transferring data to and from electronic device  10 . 
     In some embodiments, device  10  may further include an enclosure  14  that may surround keyboard assembly  12 . Enclosure  14  can define multiple apertures, each of which can receive a key  16  of keyboard assembly  12 . However, in other embodiments, enclosure  14  may define a single aperture or fewer apertures than the number of keys, such that all keys  16  may be received within a single aperture or groups of keys  16  may be received through a single aperture. 
     Keys  16  may be of varying sizes and/or shapes. Additionally, each one of keys  16  may include a glyph visible on or through a top surface of a keycap. For example, the symbol (not shown) for each key  16  may be painted, etched, or illuminated through an aperture or transparent portion of the keycap of key  16 . Each key  16  may represent one or more different inputs, and depressing a key may provide an input associated with that key to a processor or other component of device  10 . For example, each key  16  can include a sensor to detect when it is depressed, and the sensor may transmit a signal to a processor within device  10  indicating that key  16  has been depressed or otherwise actuated. In other embodiments, as key  16  is depressed, it may complete a switch circuit indicating that the key has been selected. 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a keystack  100  in accordance with some embodiments. Keystack  100  may correspond, for example, to a key  16  of  FIG. 1  and can include a circuitry module  101 , a keycap  102 , a base  120 , and a support mechanism  130 . When pressure is applied to the top surface of keycap  102  (e.g., in the −Z-direction), support mechanism  130  can facilitate vertical movement of both circuitry module  101  and keycap  102  (e.g., in the −Z-direction towards base  120 ). That is, circuitry module  101  and keycap  102  can travel together in a direction perpendicular to the plane of base  120  while being supported by support mechanism  130 . According to various embodiments, circuitry module  101  can be any suitable electronic circuitry that may include components such as, for example, a rigid or flexible printed circuit board (“PCB”), a mechanical switch, a light source, a light guide panel, an electronic visual display, and/or a capacitive sensor. One skilled in the art will appreciate that circuitry module  101  can represent any suitable electronic circuitry component or any suitable combination of electronic circuitry components. 
       FIGS. 3-7  show a keystack  200  in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG. 3  is a perspective view of keystack  200  in accordance with some embodiments. Keystack  200  can include a keycap  202 , a base  220 , a supporting mechanism  230 , and a circuitry module that may include an LGP  204 , a light source  206 , and a flex  208  that may include a flex tail  209 . The components of the circuitry module may correspond to circuitry module  101  of  FIG. 2 . 
     Keycap  202  can be at least partially transparent to allow light emitted from light source  206  and/or transmitted through LGP  204  to be visible through the top side  202   a  of keycap  202 . Thus, keycap  202  may be an at least semi-transparent material such as, for example, a glass or a plastic. As described with respect to  FIGS. 9A-11 , for example, keycap  202  may include features, or may be coupled to a subassembly that can include features, for coupling to support mechanism  230 . For example, keycap  202  (or a subassembly coupled to keycap  202 ) can include a series of hooks, clasps, or other suitable features for engaging coupling features of support mechanism  230 . Furthermore, keycap  202  may have beveled, chamfered, rounded, or other suitably shaped edges. 
     According to some embodiments, at least a portion of keycap  202  may be opaque to block light emitted from light source  206 , LGP  204 , and/or any other component of keystack  200 . For example, as depicted in  FIG. 3 , light source  206  can be co-planer with and disposed in a cutout of LGP  204 . If the portion of keycap  202  above light source  206  is not opaque, light emitted from light source  206  could propagate directly through keycap  202 , thus limiting the proportion of light that is directed through LGP  204 , which may result in a potentially undesirable direct view of light source  206 . 
     Accordingly, an outer periphery of keycap  202  may be made opaque using paint, for example. The opaque portion of keycap  202  may extend from the edges of keycap  202  at least up to the portion of keycap  202  that may be positioned directly over LGP  204 . A person skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that any suitable portion of keycap  202  may be opaque. As one example, an opaque portion of keycap  202  may extend along the portion of keycap  202  that is positioned directly along the sides of LGP  204  in order to prevent light from leaking out at the edges of LGP  204 . As another example, the entire surface of keycap  202  may be opaque except for specially shaped apertures (e.g., apertures that define glyphs to be illuminated through keycap  202 ). 
     LGP  204  can be any suitable component for redirecting and/or modifying light emitted from light source  206 . According to some embodiments, LGP  204  can include a plate for dispersing light emitted by light source  206 . Dispersing the light emitted by light source  206  can create the impression of a light source that has the dimensions of LGP  204 , with the emitted light being evenly spread over the surface area of LGP  204 . Thus, a pleasing, evenly emitted light source can be generated in keystack  200  even if only one light source  206  is provided. A highly dispersive LGP  204  may provide even emission of light even if light source  206  is off center, as shown in  FIG. 3 . A highly dispersed light source may be advantageous for backlighting one or more components of keystack  200  (e.g., keycap  202 ). 
     At least a portion of circuitry module  101  of keystack  200  (e.g., LGP  204 ) can be physically coupled to keycap  202 . According to some embodiments, LGP  204  may be directly coupled to keycap  202  with an adhesive, such as, for example, a thermoplastic pressure-sensitive adhesive (“PSA”). The adhesive used may be transparent to the wavelength of light generated by light source  206  such that the light profile emitted from LGP  204  and striking a bottom side of keycap  202  may be controlled by the properties of LGP  204 . That is, light emitted from LGP  204  may pass through the adhesive without being appreciably altered. In other embodiments, attributes of the adhesive, including, but not limited to, the thickness and color, may be chosen to further alter the light emitted by LGP  204  and striking the bottom side of keycap  202 . 
     LGP  204  may also include one or more apertures  205  for allowing propagation of light without significant dispersion. The apertures may be any suitable portions of LGP  204  that may be transparent to light generated by light source  206 . According to various embodiments, the apertures may be physical apertures cut, machined, or otherwise removed from LGP  204 . Such apertures may extend fully or partially through LGP  204  depending on the desired light profile. For example, for a sharply delineated light profile, the physical apertures may extend all the way through LGP  204 , while apertures that extend only partially through LGP  204  may give a softer, more diffuse light profile. The light profile generated by an LGP including apertures may result in illuminated glyphs that may be visible through keycap  202 . 
     In other embodiments, apertures in LGP  204  can be formed from a material that may be transparent to light at the wavelength generated by light source  206 . That is, LGP  204  may be formed from two different materials, one that may block or diffuses light generated from light source  206  and one that may be transparent to light generated from light source  206 . A dual-material LGP may be formed by removing material from a homogeneous LGP (e.g., by machining or sawing) and filling those areas with a second material. 
     Light source  206  may be any type of light source (e.g., an LED, a LASER, an incandescent lamp, or a gas discharge lamp). However, due to space constraints, LEDs may be the most appropriate choice. Furthermore, LEDs are inexpensive, easy to mount onto flexible circuit boards, and may be capable of emitting light in a wide range of colors. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 3 , light source  206  can be mounted on a top surface of flex  208  and may be disposed in a cutout  203  formed in LGP  204 . Cutout  203  in LGP  204  can help to reduce the total thickness of keystack  200  by allowing light source  206  to be arranged roughly co-planar with LGP  204 , rather than stacking light source  206  and LGP  204  in separate layers. In some embodiments, flex  208  can be directly coupled to the bottom side of LGP  204 . If the portion of keycap  202  layered directly above light source  206  is opaque, the light emitted from light source  206  can be directed into LGP  204  and redirected and manipulated as described above. 
     According to some embodiments, two or more light sources  206  may be provided, each with a different wavelength for illuminating different glyphs in keycap  202 . Two or more filters may also be provided for selectively blocking light emitted from the light sources  206 . As one particular example, a first light source may emit red light, and a second light source may emit blue light. A first filter layered within keystack  200  (e.g., between LGP  204  and keycap  202 ) may be configured to block red light but allow blue light to propagate; and a second filter may be layered within keystack  200  (e.g., between the first filter and keycap  202 ) that may be configured to block blue light but allow red light to propagate. An aperture included within the first filter may allow red light to selectively propagate through the first filter. The light can then pass through the second filter and to the bottom surface of keystack  200 , thus illuminating a glyph formed using the aperture in the first filter. Similarly, blue light emitted from the second light source can propagate through the first filter, and an aperture included within the second filter may allow blue light to selectively propagate through the second filter, thus illuminating a glyph formed using the aperture in the first filter. 
     Flex  208  may be a flexible printed circuit board that may include one or more mounting points for various components (e.g., light source  206 ) of circuitry module  101  of keystack  200  and conductive traces for routing signals between those components. The conductive traces may also route signals between components mounted on flex  208  and components within a keyboard (e.g., keyboard  12  of  FIG. 1 ) and/or an electronic device communicatively coupled to the keyboard (e.g., electronic device  10  of  FIG. 1 ). Conductive traces may be formed on flex  208  using any suitable materials (e.g., Cu or Au metal foil). Because flexes can be considerably thinner than traditional rigid PCBs, incorporating a flex into keystack  200  can significantly decrease the overall thickness of the key. 
     Furthermore, flex  208  can be part of an upper portion of keystack  200  that may travel vertically (e.g., along the z-axis) with respect to base  220 , which may remain fixed with respect to the remainder of a keyboard assembly (e.g., in an x-y plane). Thus, a main portion of flex  208  can be fixedly coupled to one or more components of the upper portion of keystack  200  (e.g., LGP  204  and/or keycap  202  and/or an upper portion of support mechanism  230 ). Flex  208  may be coupled to these components in any suitable manner including, for example, with an adhesive (e.g., PSA), solder joints, or mechanical fasteners (e.g., hooks, clasps, screws, or rivets). 
     Flex tail  209  may be a portion of flex  208  that may extend away at a first end from the main portion of flex  208  and that may not be fixedly coupled to any other component of the movable upper portion of keystack  200  at a second end. Instead, flex tail  209  may extend from flex  208  to one or more components of a lower portion of keystack  200  that may be fixed (e.g., in an X-Y plane), such as base  220 . Thus, as flex  208  may travels vertically along with the upper portion of keystack  200  (e.g., along with keycap  202  and along with other portions of circuitry module  101 , such as LGP  204  and light source  206 ), a first end  209   a  of flex tail  209  may be coupled to flex  208  such that first end  209   a  can also travel vertically, while a second end  209   b  of flex tail  209  may be coupled to a bottom portion of keystack  200  that may remain fixed. Flex tail  209  can include one or more conductive traces for routing signals from components in the upper portion of keystack  200  to the lower portion of keystack  200 . 
     Flex tail  209  can extend in any suitable direction from the main portion of flex  208 . As one example and as depicted in  FIG. 3 , flex tail  209  may extend perpendicularly from one side of flex  208 , make two 90° bends, and extend perpendicularly to one side of base  220 . Such an embodiment may be advantageous, as it may reduce bunching of flex tail  209  as the top portion of keystack  200  travels vertically (e.g., such that tail  209  may extend along the z-axis as the top portion of keystack  200  is moved vertically). Therefore, the overall thickness required to house flex tail  209  within keystack  200  may be reduced. As another example, flex tail  209  may extend perpendicularly from the main portion of flex  208 , form a loop, and extend perpendicularly to one side of base  220 . One skilled in the art will appreciate that other arrangements of flex tail  209  within keystack  200  may be possible to enable extension of tail  209  along the Z-axis to permit vertical movement of the top portion of keystack  200  with respect to the bottom portion of keystack  200 . 
     The upper portion of keystack  200  (e.g., keycap  202  and circuitry module  101  (e.g., LGP  204 , light source  206 , and flex  208 )) can be supported by a top portion of support mechanism  230 . Support mechanism  230  can support the upper portion of keystack  200  over base  220  with a switch positioned within a cavity  250  (shown and discussed below with respect to  FIGS. 4-6 ) that may be defined by support mechanism  230 . According to various embodiments, the switch may be provided by circuitry module  101  (see e.g.,  FIG. 4  below in which switch  210  is coupled to the bottom surface of flex  208 ) or the switch may be coupled to a portion of base  220  underlying flex  208  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 12  below). 
     Support mechanism  230  is discussed in more detail below with respect to  FIG. 4 . Briefly, a top portion of support mechanism  230  may be operably coupled to the movable top portion of keystack  200  (e.g., to keycap  202  and/or circuitry module  101 ) and a bottom portion of support mechanism  230  may be operably coupled to the fixed bottom portion of keystack  200  (e.g., to base  220 ). Support mechanism  230  can translate the upper portion of keystack  200  vertically downward in response to a downward force on keycap  202  and/or vertically upward in response to the termination of a downward force on keycap  202 . In some embodiments, support mechanism  230  may be operably coupled to a bottom surface of keycap  202 , LGP  204 , or any other suitable mounting point of the upper portion of keystack  200 , such that as a force is exerted on keycap  202 , the force may also be transferred to support mechanism  230 . Additionally, support mechanism  230  may attach to base  220  using one or more anchoring members (not shown). Thus, support mechanism  230  may move vertically, with its lateral motion substantially restricted. 
     Any suitable structure may be used to provide support mechanism  230 . One example can be a scissor mechanism created out of a rigid material as disclosed in U.S. Patent Ser. No. 61/578,687, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. A second example can be a butterfly mechanism. 
     In some embodiments, as the upper portion of keystack  200  can be operably coupled to base  220  (e.g., via support mechanism  230  and flex tail  209 ), base  220  may operably couple keystack  200  to enclosure  240 . Base  220  may include a base plate  222  for supporting multiple keystacks within a keyboard assembly. A feature plate  224  can be coupled to a top surface of base plate  222  and can include one or more anchoring members that may secure a bottom portion of support mechanism  230  to base  220 . In still further embodiments, base  220  may be formed from a feature plate that may be shared over all or a portion of the keyboard assembly, and the other components of keystack  200  can be physically coupled to base  220  with an adhesive such as, for example, PSA. 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of keystack  200  taken along the line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3  in accordance with some embodiments. In particular,  FIG. 4  depicts keycap  202  coupled to LGP  204  with an adhesive  207  (e.g., PSA), LGP  204  and light source  206  operably coupled to flex  208 , and flex tail  209  operably coupled between flex  208  and base  220 . Additionally,  FIG. 4  depicts a generic support mechanism  230  that may be layered between the upper portion of keystack  200  and base  220 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 4 , an enclosure  240  may define a key aperture  242  in which enhanced keystack  200  may be positioned. The dimensions of key aperture  242  can be slightly smaller than the dimensions of keycap  202 , such that keycap  202  may overlap at least a portion of enclosure  240 . In other embodiments, key aperture  242  can be slightly larger than keystack  200  such that keystack  200 , including keycap  202 , may be free to move vertically within key aperture  242 . In some embodiments, keystack  200  may have a resting or normal position where keycap  202  may be positioned even with or slightly higher than a top surface  244  of enclosure  240 . As a user depresses keycap  202  of keystack  200  (e.g., in the −z-direction), the upper portion of keystack  200  may translate downward with respect to top surface  244  of enclosure  240 . 
     Also depicted in  FIG. 4  may be a switch  210 , which can be operably coupled to the bottom side of flex  208 . Switch  210  may be provided by circuitry module  101  and may be any type of device capable of providing input to keystack  200  in response to the user downwardly moving keycap  202 . In some embodiments, switch  210  can include a compressible dome  212  that may be bonded or otherwise coupled to the bottom side of flex  208 . For example, compressible dome  212  may mechanically compress between flex  208  and another portion of keystack  200  (e.g., base  220  or base plate  222 ) as the user provides a downward force on keycap  202 . In further embodiments, switch  210  may be operably coupled to base  220  as described below with respect to  FIG. 12 . 
     A second, distinct mode of input may be provided with a capacitive sensor included within circuitry  101 , which may sense input when the top of keycap  202  is merely touched or swiped. Such embodiments are described in more detail below with respect to  FIG. 10 . 
     According to some embodiments, switch  210  can be operably connected to a sensor membrane layer  214  of circuitry module  101 . In these embodiments, switch  210  can provide an input to sensor membrane  214  that may indicate that keystack  200  has been selected  20  (e.g., depressed). For example, switch  210  may complete a circuit or switch within sensor membrane  214  when keycap  202  is depressed by a user. In additional or alternative embodiments, switch  210  may be in communication with a sensing member that can detect changes in position of switch  210 . In some embodiments, switch  210  can also provide haptic feedback to the user, such as, for example, by providing an increased resistance, a click, or a vibration when compressed. 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of keystack  200  taken along the line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 3  in accordance with some embodiments. In particular,  FIG. 5  depicts keycap  202  coupled to LGP  204  with an adhesive  207  (e.g., PSA), LGP  204  operably coupled to flex  208 , and flex tail  209  operably coupled between flex  208  and base  220 . Additionally,  FIG. 4  depicts a generic support mechanism  230  that may be coupled to anchoring features  232  of keystack  200  with corresponding anchoring mechanisms  234 . Because flex tail  209  is a flexible material, the top portion of keystack  200 , including keycap  202 , LGP  204 , flex  208 , anchoring features  232 , and anchoring mechanisms  234 , can travel vertically (i.e., in the z-direction with respect to base  220 . 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the bottom side of the upper portion of keystack  200  in accordance with some embodiments. As shown, switch  210  may be mounted on the bottom side of the main portion of flex  208 , light source  206  and LGP  204  may be mounted on the top side of the main portion of flex  208 , and flex tail  209  may extend from the main portion of flex  208  to a frame  226  (e.g., frame  226  may be a portion of fixed base  220 ). A portion of keycap  202 , which can be fixedly coupled to LGP  204  or any other suitable portion of circuitry module  101  with an adhesive, for example, may also be shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     Flex tail  209  may be operably coupled to frame  226  with any suitable combination of fasteners (e.g., screws or rivets), adhesives (e.g., PSA), and/or electrical connections (e.g., solder joints). Thus, second end  209   b  of flex tail  209  can be both fixedly coupled and communicatively/electrically coupled to frame  226 . In turn, frame  226  may include conductive traces for routing signals to and from flex  208  via conductive traces in flex tail  209 . 
     According to some embodiments, frame  226  may include conductive traces for routing signals between the keystack and components outside of the keyboard (e.g., between flex  208  of circuitry module  101  of each keystack and one or more processor(s) of an electronic device that uses the keyboard assembly). In some embodiments, each keystack  200  may include its own frame  226 , which may be directly electrically coupled to one or more processors of an electronic device. 
     Alternatively, frame  226  can be a portion of a flex circuit that may extend over a portion or the entirety of a keyboard assembly, such that each one of two or more distinct keystacks  200  may be electrically coupled to the same frame  226  (e.g., via its own tail  209 ), and such a shared frame  226  may electrically couple all of those distinct keystacks  200  to one or more shared processors, which may be positioned within keyboard assembly  212  or elsewhere within electronic device  10  (e.g., as described in more detail below with respect to  FIG. 7 ). In some embodiments, flex  208 , flex tail  209 , and frame  226  may all be portions of the same integrally formed flex circuit, and frame  226  may have the same or a similar shape as enclosure  240  of  FIG. 3 . Additionally, frame  226  may be physically coupled to the enclosure with an adhesive (e.g., adhesive  227  of  FIG. 4 ). 
     LGP  204  or any other portion of circuitry module  101  may include one or more anchoring features  232  for anchoring corresponding anchoring members of a support mechanism (e.g., support mechanism  230  of  FIG. 2 ) to the upper portion of keystack  200 . Anchoring features  232  may take any suitable form depending on the nature and positioning of the anchoring members of the support mechanism. As depicted in  FIG. 6 , anchoring features  232  may be configured to support anchoring members at each of the four corners of LGP  204 . In some embodiments, anchoring members  232  can be integrally formed with LGP  204  or any other portion of circuitry module  101  and/or any portion of keycap  202 . However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that anchoring members  232  may be formed separately and physically coupled to LGP  204  or another component of keystack  200  (e.g., keycap  202 ). 
       FIG. 7  is a top perspective view of the bottom portion of keystack  200  in accordance with some embodiments. In particular,  FIG. 7  depicts base  220  including feature plate  224  mounted above base plate  222 . Feature plate  224  may be coupled to base plate  222  in any suitable manner including adhesives (e.g., PSA) and/or fasteners (e.g., screws or rivets). 
     Keystack  200  may also include a bias plate  228 , which can provide a sturdy surface in the fixed base  220  that may allow switch  210  to be activated through support mechanism  230  when keycap  202  is depressed. In some embodiments, bias plate  228  may be an integrally formed portion of base plate  220 . In other embodiments, however, bias plate  228  may be a separately formed structure that is fixedly coupled to a portion of base  220  with any suitable combination of fasteners and adhesives. Alternatively, switch  210  may be coupled to a portion of base  220  (e.g., bias plate  228 , feature plate  224 , and/or base plate  222 ) and may be engaged by the bottom of circuitry module  101  or any other suitable portion of the movable top portion of keystack  200  when keycap  202  is depressed. 
     Feature plate  224  can include a number of anchor features  223  configured to engage and retain anchor members  236  of a lower portion of support mechanism  230 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 7 , support mechanism  230  may be a butterfly-type support mechanism with two wings that may rotate about anchor members  236  with anchor features  223  of feature plate  224  as keycap  202  of keystack  200  is depressed and released. Support mechanism  230  may also include anchor members  234  at an upper portion of support mechanism  230  for engaging anchoring features  232  of LGP  204  (as shown in  FIG. 5 ) or of keycap  202  or of any other suitable component of the top portion of keystack  200  (not shown). 
       FIG. 8  is a top plan view of frame  226  in accordance with some embodiments. Frame  226  can be a flex that spans the entirety of a keyboard (e.g., keyboard  12  of  FIG. 1 ) and facilitates connectivity between individual keys of the keyboard and external circuitry (e.g., one or more processers of an electronic device). Frame  226  can include conductive traces that allow electrical connection to an array of keys of the keyboard. Each key can include a keystack, of which flex  208  can be a part. Flex  208  of each keystack may be coupled to the main portion of frame  226  via flex tail  209 . In other embodiments, frame  226 , flex  208 , and flex tail  209  need not be integrally formed. For example, each keystack can include a separate flex  208  and flex tail  209 , and frame  226  can be an independent circuit (e.g., a PCB) electrically and physically coupled to flex  208  via flex tail  209  using, for example, solder joints. The top side of frame  226  may be coupled to enclosure  240  with adhesive  227 , while the bottom side of frame  226  may be coupled to feature plate  224  with adhesive  225 . 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of keystack  300  in accordance with some embodiments. Keystack  300  may be similar to keystack  200  with the exception of circuitry module  101 . That is, circuitry module  101  of  FIG. 9  can include a display  306  coupled to the top side of flex  308 . Display  306  may be any suitable display type including, for example, an organic light emitting diode (“OLED”) display, an LED display, a liquid crystal display (“LCD”), a plasma display, an electronic ink display (“e-ink”), or any other suitable thin film display. Keystack  300  can further include a keycap  302 , a base  320 , and a supporting mechanism  330 , which may correspond to keycap  202 , base  220 , and supporting mechanism  230  of  FIG. 3 . 
     Display  306  may be capable of displaying glyph  305 . As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, however, display  306  may be capable of displaying any renderable image or series of images. Thus, display  306  can display dynamic glyphs, images, movie clips, etc. to a user based upon input from a processor coupled to display  306 , for example. 
       FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of keystack  300  taken along the line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9  in accordance with some embodiments. In particular,  FIG. 10  depicts keycap  302  coupled to circuitry module  101  with an adhesive  307  (e.g., PSA). Circuitry module  101  can include one or more layers of image altering layers  304  coupled to display  306 , display  306  and a backlight  303  operably coupled to flex  308 , and flex tail  309  operably coupled between flex  308  and base  320 . Additionally,  FIG. 10  depicts a generic support mechanism  330  that may be layered between the upper portion of keystack  300  and base  320 .  FIG. 10  may correspond generally to  FIG. 4  with the exception of circuitry module  101 , which can include display  306  and image-altering layers  304  in the place of light source  206  and LGP  204 . Backlight  303  may be included to illuminate display  306  in embodiments in which display  306  does not emit its own light (e.g., if display  306  is an LCD). 
     Image-altering layers  304  can include any suitable layers that alter the image generated by display  306 . For instance, in some embodiments, image-altering layers  304  can include one or more optical filters (e.g., a polarizing filter) for clarifying, reducing glare, or otherwise improving the image generated by display  306 . Additionally or alternatively, image-altering layers can include one or more filters that selectively block light emitted from display  306 . For example image-altering layers  304  may include one or more filters with apertures that selectively allow light to strike the back side of keycap  302 . Accordingly, such a filter may generate an illuminated glyph (e.g., glyph  305 ) visible on and/or through keycap  302 . 
       FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of keystack  400  in accordance with some embodiments. In particular,  FIG. 11  depicts keycap  402  coupled to circuitry module  101  with an adhesive  407  (e.g., PSA). Circuitry module  101  can include a capacitive touch sensor  406  operably coupled to flex  408  and flex tail  409  operably coupled between flex  408  and base  420 . Additionally,  FIG. 11  depicts a generic support mechanism  430  that may be layered between the upper portion of keystack  400  and base  420 .  FIG. 10  may correspond generally to  FIG. 4  with the exception of circuitry module  101 , which can include capacitive touch sensor  406  in the place of light source  206  and LGP  204 . 
     Capacitive touch sensor  406  may provide a second input mode (distinct from the input generated when a user initiates a downward motion on keycap  402  (i.e., in the −z-direction). Thus, capacitive touch sensor  406  may be capable of sensing more subtle inputs including, for example, light touches on or swipes across keycap  402 . The second input mode for each keystack  400  in a keyboard can greatly increase the number and type of inputs a user may send to an electronic device coupled to the keyboard including keystack  400 . For example, capacitive touch sensors  406  across multiple keystacks  400  may facilitate single or multi-touch gestures across the keyboard. As just one example, swiping from right to left across a series of keys (e.g., the L-K-J keys) may initiate a ‘turn 30 page forward’ command to an eBook (e.g., iBooks made available by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.) application running on the electronic device. 
     According to some embodiments, capacitive touch sensor  406  may be combined with one or more other components of circuitry module  101 . For example, capacitive touch sensor  406  may be layered under light source  206  and LGP  204  of  FIG. 4 . Accordingly, a capacitive touch sensor can be incorporated into the embodiments discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 3-7 . Similarly, capacitive touch sensor  406  may be incorporated into the embodiments disclosed above with respect to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , which include display  306 . That is, display  306  could be a touch sensitive display. 
     According to some embodiments, display  306  may be an OLEO display that is grown on a glass substrate. The glass substrate, including display  306 , may be sawn, diced, or otherwise cut into the shape of keycap  302 . In these embodiments, display  306  may not need to be transferred from a first growth substrate to keycap  302 . 
       FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of keystack  500  in accordance with some embodiments. Keystack  500  may be identical to keystack  200  of  FIG. 4  with the exception that the switch is not a component of circuitry  101 . As depicted in  FIG. 12 , switch  510  can be operably coupled to base  220 . According to various, switch  510  may be operably coupled to base plate  220 , feature plate  224 , and/or bias plate  228  of base  220 . 
     Switch  510  can include dome switch  512  and sensor membrane  214 . As depicted, sensor membrane  214  is coupled to the bottom side of flex  208  and, therefore, it travels vertically when a user depresses keycap  202 . In other embodiments, sensor membrane  214  may be mounted on a component of base  220  beneath dome switch  212 . In these embodiments, additional conductive traces may be required on base  220  to transfer signals from sensor membrane  214  out of keystack  200 . 
       FIGS. 13A and 13B  show perspective views of a portion of a key  1300  in accordance with some embodiments. Key  1300  can include keycap  1302  and substructure  1360 . Keycap  1302  may correspond to keycap  202  of  FIG. 3 , for example. Accordingly, keycap  1302  may be formed from a rigid and durable material such as glass, for example. However, other materials, such as plastics or metals may be substituted to form keycap  1302  without straying from the spirit of the embodiments disclosed herein. 
     Substructure  1360  may be any suitable structure that can be attached to keycap  1302  to facilitate the coupling of keycap  1302  to a support mechanism (e.g., support mechanism  130  of  FIG. 4 ). Substructure  1360  can form a perimeter around and fixedly retain keycap  1302 . The back side of key  1300  may include anchoring features  1332  for engaging anchoring mechanisms of the support mechanism. Anchoring features  1332  may correspond to anchoring features  232  of  FIG. 6 , for example. 
       FIGS. 14 and 15  show perspective views of substructures  1460  and  1560  in accordance with some embodiments. Substructures  1460  and  1560  may be similar to substructure  1360  except that substructures  1460  and  1560  may be affixed directly to a back side of a keycap (e.g., keycap  202  of  FIG. 3 ) with, for example, and adhesive such as PSA. In some embodiments, substructures  1460  and  1560  may correspond to LGP  204  of  FIG. 6 . Substructures  1360 ,  1460 , and  1560  may be formed from any suitable materials including, for example, metals (e.g., stainless steel) or plastics. 
     While there have been described Systems and methods for providing multi-functional keyboard assemblies, it is to be understood that many changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. 
     The described embodiments of the invention are presented for the purpose of illustration and not of limitation.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20190301
Publication Date: 20210601
Grant Date: 20210601
Priority Date: 20121030
Inventors: LEONG, Craig C.
NIU, JAMES J.
BROCK, JOHN M.
HENDREN, KEITH J.
WILSON, JR., THOMAS W.
ANDRE, BARTLEY K.
SILVANTO, MIKAEL
MATHEW, DINESH C.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/70", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0238", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0238", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0443", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/021", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/83", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0443", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0443", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/83", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0238", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/70", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/021", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 50546615