PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10134539-B2
Application Number: US-201514867712-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Venting system and shield for keyboard

Abstract:
A venting system for a keyboard assembly is disclosed. A keyboard assembly including a printed circuit board defining a set of apertures, and a group of switch housings coupled to the printed circuit board. Each switch housing of the group of switch housings may define a switch opening positioned above one of the set of apertures of the printed circuit board. The keyboard assembly may also include a shield defining at least one channel of a venting system formed below the printed circuit board. The at least one channel may be in fluid communication with at least one aperture, and at least one of the switch openings positioned above the at least one aperture.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A keyboard assembly, comprising:
 a set of keycaps arranged along a row extending across a width of the keyboard assembly; 
 a printed circuit board positioned below the set of keycaps and defining a set of apertures, each aperture of the set of apertures aligned with a corresponding one of the set of keycaps; 
 a group of switch housings coupled to the printed circuit board, each switch housing of the group of switch housings defining a switch opening positioned above one of the set of apertures of the printed circuit board; and 
 a shield defining a channel formed below the printed circuit board along the row, the channel in fluid communication with each aperture of the set of apertures, the channel comprising an exit in fluid communication with atmosphere external to the set of keycaps. 
 
     
     
       2. The keyboard assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the shield comprises an adhesive sheet coupled to the printed circuit board. 
     
     
       3. The keyboard assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the channel of the venting system is formed in the adhesive sheet. 
     
     
       4. The keyboard assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the adhesive sheet is formed from a gas-permeable material. 
     
     
       5. The keyboard assembly of  claim 4 , further comprising a reservoir connected to the channel and formed in the adhesive sheet. 
     
     
       6. The keyboard assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the selectively permeable material is permeable to gas and impermeable to solids. 
     
     
       7. The keyboard assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the shield is at least partially electrically conductive. 
     
     
       8. The keyboard assembly of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the row is a first row; 
 the channel is a first channel; 
 the set of keycaps is a first set of keycaps; 
 the keyboard assembly further comprises a second set of keycaps arranged along a second row; and 
 the shield defines a second channel formed below the printed circuit board along the second row. 
 
     
     
       9. The keyboard assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the first channel and the second channel are in fluid communication with one another. 
     
     
       10. A keyboard assembly, comprising:
 a group of keys arranged along a row of a keyboard, each key comprising:
 a keycap; 
 a dome switch positioned below the keycap; 
 a support structure movably supporting the keycap to the dome switch; 
 a switch housing surrounding the dome switch; 
 
 a substrate having a top surface that defines a group of recesses, each recess defining a hole and a mounting surface attached to a respective switch housing; and 
 a shield beneath the substrate and defining a venting system in fluid communication with the group of keys. 
 
     
     
       11. The keyboard assembly of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the substrate comprises a circuit board; and 
 the circuit board comprises a plated layer over the recesses and the surface. 
 
     
     
       12. The keyboard assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the shield electromagnetically shields the circuit board from electrical noise. 
     
     
       13. A keyboard assembly, comprising:
 an input surface; and 
 a shield positioned below the input surface and comprising:
 a base layer; 
 an aluminum layer positioned over the base layer; 
 a graphite layer positioned over the aluminum layer; 
 an intermediate layer positioned over the graphite layer; 
 an adhesive sheet positioned over the intermediate layer and defining a venting system below the input surface; and 
 a conductive ring substantially surrounding the adhesive sheet. 
 
 
     
     
       14. The keyboard assembly of  claim 13 , wherein the conductive ring is in contact with the intermediate layer. 
     
     
       15. The keyboard assembly of  claim 13 , wherein the base layer is formed from an electrically insulating material. 
     
     
       16. The keyboard assembly of  claim 13 , wherein the intermediate layer is formed from an electrically insulating material. 
     
     
       17. The keyboard assembly of  claim 13 , further comprising a circuit board positioned between the aluminum layer and the intermediate layer. 
     
     
       18. The keyboard assembly of  claim 17 , wherein the graphite layer is positioned adjacent the circuit board and conducts heat generated by the circuit board. 
     
     
       19. The keyboard assembly of  claim 17 , further comprising a conductive gasket formed below the base layer, and in electrical communication with the circuit board. 
     
     
       20. The keyboard assembly of  claim 17 , wherein the aluminum layer is configured as an electromagnetic interference shield. 
     
     
       21. The keyboard assembly of  claim 17 , wherein the adhesive sheet is in electrical communication with one or more electrical connectors formed within the printed circuit board, each of the electrical connectors corresponding to a key assembly of the keyboard assembly. 
     
     
       22. The keyboard assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the channel is configured to evacuate fluid from the multiple switch openings aligned along the row of apertures from the keyboard assembly using an exit formed along an exterior surface of the keyboard assembly. 
     
     
       23. The keyboard assembly of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the group of keycaps are arranged in a row extending from a first end of the keyboard assembly to a second, opposite end of the keyboard assembly; and 
 the shield defines a channel extending from the recesses and extending along the row. 
 
     
     
       24. The keyboard assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the channel is configured to transfer fluid from a first switch housing of the group of switch housing to a second switch housing of the group of switch housings when a keycap of the group of keycaps positioned above the first switch housing is depressed. 
     
     
       25. A keyboard assembly, comprising:
 a first set of keycaps arranged along a first row extending across a width of the keyboard assembly; 
 a second set of keycaps arranged along a second row; 
 a printed circuit board positioned below the first set of keycaps and defining a set of apertures, each aperture of the set of apertures aligned with a corresponding one of the first set of keycaps; 
 a group of switch housings coupled to the printed circuit board, each switch housing of the group of switch housings defining a switch opening positioned above one of the set of apertures of the printed circuit board; 
 a shield defining a first channel formed below the printed circuit board along the first row, the first channel in fluid communication with each aperture of the set of apertures, wherein the shield defines a second channel formed below the printed circuit board along the second row, wherein the first channel and the second channel are in fluid communication with one another. 
 
     
     
       26. A keyboard assembly, comprising:
 a set of keycaps arranged along a row extending across a width of the keyboard assembly; 
 a printed circuit board positioned below the set of keycaps and defining a set of apertures, each aperture of the set of apertures aligned with a corresponding one of the set of keycaps; 
 a group of switch housings coupled to the printed circuit board, each switch housing of the group of switch housings defining a switch opening positioned above one of the set of apertures of the printed circuit board; and 
 a shield defining a channel formed below the printed circuit board along the row, the channel in fluid communication with each aperture of the set of apertures; 
 wherein the channel is configured to evacuate fluid from the multiple switch openings aligned along the row of apertures from the keyboard assembly using an exit formed along an exterior surface of the keyboard assembly.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a non-provisional patent application of and claims the benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/058,087, filed Sep. 30, 2014, and titled “Keyboard Assembly,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/129,842, filed Mar. 7, 2015, and titled “Venting System for Keyboard Assembly,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/058,081, filed Sep. 30, 2014, and titled “Keyboard Assembly,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/129,843, filed Mar. 7, 2015, and titled “Light Assembly for Keyboard Assembly,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/058,074, filed Sep. 30, 2014, and titled “Keyboard Assembly,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/129,841, filed Mar. 7, 2015, and titled “Key for Keyboard Assembly,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/058,067, filed Sep. 30, 2014 and titled “Keyboard Assembly,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/129,840, filed Mar. 7, 2015, and titled “Dome Switch for Keyboard Assembly,” the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The disclosure relates generally to a keyboard assembly and, more particularly, to a venting system for a keyboard assembly. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic devices typically include one or more input devices such as keyboards, touchpads, mice, or touchscreens to enable a user to interact with the device. These devices can be integrated into an electronic device or can stand alone as discrete devices that can transmit signals to another device via wired or wireless connection. For example, a keyboard can be integrated into the casing of a laptop computer. When integrated within the casing of the laptop computer, all of the components of the keyboard must be included within the casing of the laptop computer. 
     Conventional keyboards can provide inputs to electronic devices using a variety of input interfaces including one or more switches, buttons, actuators, or sensors (e.g., touch sensors), the actuation of which can be detect by the electronic device. In an example, the keyboard of the electronic device can include a button having a dome switch, which can be depressed to provide a detectable input. The dome switch is typically constructed by placing a conductive dome over a contact pad on a circuit board. When the dome is pressed, it may collapse such that an inner surface of the dome contacts the contact pad to form an electrical signal or input to the electronic device. 
     A dome switch can enclose a volume of air between the inner surface of the dome and the circuit board to which the dome is mounted. When the dome is depressed, the air within the enclosed volume needs to be displaced so that the center of the dome can contact the circuit board contact pad. Conventional key assemblies include an outer layer or membrane covering the dome switch that may allow the air to move through openings formed in the dome switch and subsequently permeate through the outer layer. 
     However, these openings in the dome switch and the permeable properties of the outer layer may leave the dome switch, the circuit board under the dome switch and/or the keyboard assembly vulnerable to damage. For example, water may pass through the outer layer and/or the openings formed in the dome switch and may damage the circuit board. As a result, the circuit board may be damaged or inoperable, rendering the keyboard of the electronic device partially or completely inoperable. 
     SUMMARY 
     A keyboard assembly is disclosed. The keyboard assembly comprises a printed circuit board defining a set of apertures; a group of switch housings coupled to the printed circuit board, each switch housing of the group of switch housings defining a switch opening positioned above one of the set of apertures of the printed circuit board; and a shield defining at least one channel formed below the printed circuit board, the at least one channel in fluid communication with at least one aperture, and at least one of the switch openings above the at least one aperture. 
     A keyboard assembly is disclosed. The keyboard assembly comprises: a substrate comprising a surface defining recesses; an array of key assemblies, each of the array of key assemblies positioned at least partially within a unique one of the recesses; and a shield beneath the printed circuit board and defining a venting system in fluid communication with each of the array of key assemblies; wherein the array of key assemblies is affixed to the substrate. 
     A shield for an input device is disclosed. The shield comprises a base layer, an aluminum layer positioned over the base layer, a graphite layer positioned over the aluminum layer, and an intermediate layer positioned over the graphite layer. The shield also comprises an adhesive sheet comprising a venting system positioned over the intermediate layer and a conductive ring substantially surrounding the adhesive layer. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows an electronic device including a low-travel keyboard assembly, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  shows an exploded view of a low-travel keyboard assembly for the electronic device of  FIG. 1 , according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  shows an exploded view of a single key assembly and related support structures of the low-travel keyboard assembly of  FIG. 2 , according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  shows a cross-section view of a low-travel keyboard assembly including a venting system formed within a shield, taken along line CS-CS of  FIG. 3 , according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  shows a cross-section detailed view of a portion of a low-travel keyboard assembly including a venting system formed within a shield and a top case, taken along line CS-CS of  FIG. 3 , according to additional embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  shows an enlarged view of a portion of an adhesive sheet including a venting system of a shield of a low-travel keyboard assembly having linear channels, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  shows an enlarged view of a portion of an adhesive sheet including a venting system of a shield of a low-travel keyboard assembly having tapered channels, according to additional embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  shows a top view of a venting system formed within a shield of a low-travel keyboard assembly having individual channels for each row of keys and multiple exits formed on distinct sides of the channel, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  shows a top view of a venting system formed within a shield of a low-travel keyboard assembly having individual channels for each row of keys and a single exit formed on a single side of each channel, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 10  shows a top view of a venting system formed within a shield of a low-travel keyboard assembly having a single channel for multiple rows of keys and multiple exits formed on distinct sides of the single channel, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 11  shows a top view of a venting system formed within a shield of a low-travel keyboard assembly having a single channel for multiple rows of keys and a single exit formed on a single side of the single channel, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 12  shows a cross-section front view of a low-travel keyboard assembly including a venting system formed within a switch housing, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 13  shows an exploded view of a shield of a low-travel keyboard assembly, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 14  shows a cross-section view of a low-travel keyboard assembly including a plating layer and an encapsulating layer, taken along line CS-CS of  FIG. 3 , according to embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     The following disclosure relates generally to a keyboard assembly and, more particularly, to a venting system for a keyboard assembly. The venting system may provide an exit path for air beneath a switch, such as a dome switch, of a key. When the key is pressed, the dome switch at least partially collapses. If the air beneath the dome switch and/or within the switch housing cannot escape, then the force required to collapse the dome may be greater than desired. Further, the dome switch may rupture rather than collapse. 
     In a particular embodiment, a venting system may be formed within a shield below a substrate, such as a printed circuit board, on which a switch housing is affixed. The switch housing may house a dome switch. The substrate may define a set of apertures positioned below the dome switch and is in fluid communication with a channel formed in a portion of a shield for the keyboard. The shield may be configured as a planar element having multiple layers, in some embodiments. 
     When the dome switch collapses, air below the dome switch may flow through an aperture and into the channel formed in the shield. This may provide an exit path for air below the dome switch (and/or within the dome switch housing) so the dome switch can collapse to close an electrical circuit and generate an input signal. 
     In another particular embodiment, a shield is formed from multiple components and/or sub-layers to improve functionality and reduce the thickness of the keyboard assembly. For example, the shield includes various conductive components that facilitate or improve electrical connection within the various portions of the electronic device. The shield and/or its various components may electromagnetically shield circuit boards and other noise-sensitive parts of an input device. 
     Additionally, the shield can include an adhesive sheet, and channels can be at least partly formed in the adhesive sheet to form a venting system, as discussed herein. Further, the configuration and/or position of each component and/or sub-layer within the shield reduces the size of the shield, which in turn, reduces the required space for the shield within the keyboard assembly and/or the electronic device. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-14 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG. 1  shows an electronic device  100 , including a low-travel keyboard assembly  200  that may incorporate a venting system, as described in more detail below with respect to  FIGS. 2-14 . In a non-limiting example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , electronic device  100  may be a laptop computer. However, it is understood that electronic device  100  may be configured as any suitable electronic device that may utilize low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . Other embodiments can implement electronic device  100  differently, such as, for example, a desktop computer, a tablet computing device, a smartphone, a gaming device, a display, a digital music player, a wearable computing device or display, a health monitoring device, and so on. 
     Electronic device  100  may include a top case  102 . Top case  102  may take the form of an exterior, protective casing (e.g., housing) or shell for electronic device  100  and the various internal components (for example, low-travel keyboard assembly  200 ) of electronic device  100 . Top case  102  may be formed as a single, integral component or may have a group of distinct components that may be configured to be coupled to one another, as discussed herein. Additionally, top case  102  may be formed from any suitable material that provides a protective casing or shell for electronic device  100  and the various components included in electronic device  100 . In non-limiting examples, top case  102  may be made from metal, a ceramic, a rigid plastic or another polymer, a fiber-matrix composite, and so on. 
     Low-travel keyboard assembly  200  may be included within electronic device  100  to allow a user to interact with electronic device  100 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , low-travel keyboard assembly  200  is positioned within and/or may be received by top case  102  of electronic device  100 . Low-travel keyboard assembly  200  may include a set of keycaps  300  positioned within and partially protruding through and/or surrounded by top case  102  of electronic device  100 . As discussed herein, keycaps  300  are depressed and displaced to interact with and/or collapse a dome switch of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 , which in turn forms an electrical signal or input to electronic device  100 . 
     As discussed herein, low-travel keyboard assembly  200  can include a venting system that provides an exit path for air beneath a dome switch of keyboard assembly  200  when a keycap  300  is depressed. That is, the venting system may provide a flow path for air displaced when a key is pressed and an associated dome switch collapses. The venting system can be formed in a shield positioned below a substrate, such as a printed circuit board (PCB). A switch housing may surround a dome switch and be affixed or otherwise connected to the printed circuit board. The PCB includes an aperture positioned below the dome switch in fluid communication with a channel of the venting system formed in a portion of the shield. When the dome switch collapses, air below the dome switch flows through the aperture formed within the PCB and into the channel formed in the shield. Evacuation of the air may reduce the force necessary to collapse the dome switch and/or prevent the dome switch from rupturing. 
     As the dome switch partially or fully collapses, it may generate an electrical signal for electronic device  100 . By encasing the dome switch within a dome switch housing, the dome switch and corresponding electrical connectors or contacts of the PCB are sealed and protected from damage or debris. Additionally, by forming the venting system below the dome switch and/or PCB, the dome switch remains sealed and/or protected from contaminants, while also providing an exit path for air beneath a collapsing dome switch. This ensures contact between the dome switch and the PCB to form an electrical signal in electronic device  100  including low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . 
     Additionally, and as discussed herein, the air expelled from the switch housing of the low-travel keyboard assembly  200  may be expelled from various positions or portions of electronic device  100 . Specifically, the air expelled from the switch housing can flow through the channels of the venting system and can be expelled into the atmosphere through openings formed in top case  102  provide a gaseous exit path within keyboard assembly  200 . Additionally, in another non-limiting example, the switch housing can include a passageway formed through a side wall, such that the air under the dome switch can be expelled through the passageway formed through the switch housing when keycap  300  and/or the dome switch translate (e.g., move, collapse, and the like). In one embodiment, the air may be expelled through the passageway and into the atmosphere by flowing around keycap  300  and out through an opening formed in top case  102  of electronic device  100 . In other embodiments, the air may be expelled through a dedicated exit that is not associated with any keycap. In still other embodiments, one or more reservoirs may be connected to the passageway(s), such that air may flow into the reservoir when the key is depressed and from the reservoir when the key is released. In such embodiments, the passageway or channel may not atmospherically vent at all. In still other embodiments, some combination of the foregoing may be used. 
     In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 1 , where electronic device  100  is a laptop computer, low-travel keyboard assembly  200  may be positioned within and/or may be received by electronic device  100 . In an additional embodiment, low-travel keyboard assembly  200  may be a distinct, standalone component and may be in wired or wireless electrical communication with electronic device  100 . Low-travel keyboard assembly  200  may be configured to allow a user to interact with electronic device  100 . 
       FIG. 2  shows an exploded view of electronic device  100  of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment. Specifically,  FIG. 2  shows an exploded view of top case  102  of electronic device  100 , and low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . Additionally,  FIG. 3  shows a detailed exploded view of a portion of top case  102  of electronic device  100  and a single key assembly of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . It is understood that similarly named components or similarly numbered components may function in a substantially similar fashion, may include similar materials and/or may include similar interactions with other components. Redundant explanation of these components has been omitted for clarity. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , top case  102  of electronic device  100  (see,  FIG. 1 ) may include one or more keyholes  104  formed there through. Top case  102  may also include skeletal ribs  106  configured to be positioned between the keycaps  300 , and may substantially surround and/or may be positioned within the space between the keycaps  300  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . 
     Low-travel keyboard assembly  200  may be formed from a number of layers or components positioned adjacent to and/or coupled to one another. The components positioned in layers may be positioned adjacent to and/or coupled to one another and may be sandwiched between top case  102  and a bottom case (not shown) of electronic device  100 . 
     The keycaps  300  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200  may be positioned within, and extend through and/or partially above keyholes  104  of top case  102 . Each of the keycaps  300  may include a glyph  302  positioned on a top or exposed surface of the keycap  300 . Each glyph  302  of keycap  300  may be substantially transparent to allow a light to be emitted through and/or illuminate keycap  300 . In the non-limiting example shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , keycap  300  may be substantially opaque, except for glyph  302 , such that glyph  302 , and the perimeter of keycap  300 , may be substantially illuminated by light emitted within low-travel keyboard assembly. 
     Switch housings  400  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200  may be positioned below corresponding keycaps  300  and may be configured to interact with keycaps  300 . Each switch housing  400  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200  may include a dome switch opening  402  formed completely through switch housing  400 , and a light emitting diode (LED) recess  404  (see,  FIG. 3 ) formed within each switch housing  400 . As discussed herein, dome switch opening  402  may receive and/or house a dome switch for low-travel keyboard assembly  200  which forms an electrical signal to interact with electronic device  100  (see,  FIG. 1 ). LED recess  404  formed in switch housing  400  may receive an LED assembly  800  (see,  FIG. 4 ), which may emit light through switch housing  400  for illuminating keycap  300  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . 
     Low-travel keyboard assembly  200  may also include a printed circuit board (PCB)  500  positioned below the group of switch housings  400 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , PCB  500  may include a number of recesses  502  formed within PCB  500 , and a set of apertures  504  formed completely through PCB  500  in recess  502 . Each recess  502  of PCB  500  may receive a corresponding switch housing  400  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . Additionally as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , aperture  504  of PCB  500  may be substantially aligned with dome switch opening  402  of switch housing  400  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . As discussed herein in detail, the apertures  504  of PCB  500  may be utilized to vent air and/or relieve pressure from within dome switch opening  402  of switch housing  400  when the dome switch is collapsed by keycap  300 . PCB  500  may provide a rigid support structure for switch housing  400  and the various components forming low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . 
     Low-travel keyboard assembly  200 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , may also include a keyboard shield  600  positioned below PCB  500 . As discussed in detail herein, shield  600  may be formed from a number of layers or components. The embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  may only depict one layer or component of shield  600  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . Specifically,  FIGS. 2 and 3  depict an adhesive sheet  602  of shield  600 . Adhesive sheet  602  may be adhered to PCB  500  opposite switch housing  400 . Adhesive sheet  602  of keyboard shield  600  may be at least partially conductive; the adhesive itself may be conductive, or a conductive adhesive may be used to form certain portions of the shield  600 , or conductive elements may form electrically conductive paths in or through adhesive sheet. Where a conductive adhesive is used, the adhesive itself may be electrically conductive and/or the adhesive may be doped with electrically conductive particles, either in localized regions or throughout the whole sheet. Accordingly, in some embodiments, adhesive sheet may transmit signals to and/or from keyboard assembly  200  of electronic device  100  during user interaction. The electrically conductive sheet, or portions thereof, may provide a ground path to a ground plane for certain electrical components of the keyboard. In some embodiments, the ground plane may be another part of shield  600 . 
     Additionally, adhesive sheet  602  of shield  600  may include a venting system  604 . Venting system  604  may vent air expelled from switch housing  400  when dome switch is collapsed by keycap  300 , as discussed herein. As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , venting system  604  may include a group of channels  606  formed within and/or partially through adhesive sheet  602  of shield  600 . Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 3 , channels  606  formed in adhesive sheet  602  may be in fluid communication and/or may be substantially aligned with dome switch openings  402  formed in switch housings  400 , and apertures  504  formed through PCB  500 . 
     In some embodiments, an upper and/or lower surfaces of the channels  606  may be formed by the adjacent layers of the shield  600 , and/or by layers of the keyboard assembly adjacent the shield. These upper and/or lower surfaces may be flat, stepped, or they may be curved, scalloped, indented or otherwise non-planar with the portions of such layers that do not form parts of the channels. As one non-limiting example, a surface of an intermediate layer (see,  FIG. 5 ) adjacent to the adhesive sheet  602  may be shaped to form indentations that correspond to the locations of the channels  606  (or some of the channels) when the adhesive sheet  602  is positioned atop or otherwise adjacent to the intermediate layer. Such indentations may form a portion of the overall channel or channels  606  for venting keys. In such an embodiment, the channels  606  may extend partially or fully through the adhesive layer  602 . In a similar manner, an underside of the PCB  500  (as viewed when looking down on the keyboard) may be similarly shaped to define an upper portion of a venting channel  606  or channels. It should be appreciated that the cooperation of multiple layers to form a multi-layer venting channel is but one embodiment; the following description contemplates both such an embodiment and embodiments where the channel  606  or channels are formed fully or substantially fully within the adhesive layer (which, in some embodiments, need not be conductive). 
       FIG. 4  shows a cross-sectional view of a single key assembly of low-travel keyboard assembly  200  taken along line CS-CS in  FIG. 3 . Top case  102  of electronic device  100  is omitted from  FIG. 4  for clarity. Additionally, adhesive sheet  602  of shield  600  is shown to be separated from PCB  500  of keyboard assembly  200  as a result of the line CS-CS forming cross-section of  FIG. 4  being taken through a channel  606  (see,  FIG. 2 ) of shield  600 . It is understood that similarly named components or similarly numbered components may function in a substantially similar fashion, may include similar materials and/or may include similar interactions with other components. Redundant explanation of these components has been omitted for clarity. 
     Keycap  300  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200  may include retaining members  304 ,  306  positioned on keycap  300 . More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 4 , keycap  300  may include at least one first retaining member  304  positioned on a first side of keycap  300  and at least one second retaining member  306  positioned on a second side of keycap  300 , opposite the first side. Retaining members  304 ,  306  may be formed on an underside  312  of keycap  300  adjacent switch housing  400  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . 
     The retaining members  304 ,  306  may be utilized to couple keycap  300  within low-travel keyboard assembly  200  and, specifically, to a hinge mechanism  322  coupled to PCB  500 . Hinge mechanism  322 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , may include any suitable hinge mechanism  322  capable of moving keycap  300  from a rest or undepressed state to a depressed state, including, but not limited to, a butterfly hinge mechanism, a scissor hinge mechanism, a telescoping hinge mechanism and a sliding hinge mechanism. Hinge mechanism  322  may be coupled to and/or positioned within recess  502  of PCB  500 . 
     Low-travel keyboard assembly  200  may include switch housing  400  positioned between keycap  300  and PCB  500 . Switch housing  400  may be positioned within recess  502  of PCB  500  and may be coupled to a first surface  512  of PCB  500 , adjacent keycap  300 . Additionally, as discussed herein with respect to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , switch housing  400  may include dome switch opening  402  formed through switch housing  400  and LED recess  404  formed through a portion of switch housing  400 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , dome switch opening  402  may receive and/or house dome switch  406 , which may be collapsed by keycap  300  to form an electrical connection to interact with electronic device  100  (see,  FIG. 1 ). Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 4 , LED recess  404  of switch housing  400  may receive an LED assembly  800 , which may emit a light through switch housing  400  to provide a light around the perimeter of keycap  300  and/or through transparent glyph  302  (see,  FIGS. 2 and 3 ) formed through keycap  300 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , switch housing  400  may include a body portion  410  and a top panel  412  formed integrally and molded to body portion  410 . Body portion  410  of switch housing  400  may include dome switch opening  402  and LED recess  404  formed adjacent dome switch opening  402 . Body portion  410  may be directly coupled to PCB  500  within recess  502 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . Top panel  412  of switch housing  400  may be formed integrally with body portion  410 . More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 4 , top panel  412  may be molded to and formed integrally with body portion  410  and may cover switch opening  402  formed in body portion  410 . In a non-limiting example, top panel  412  may be formed integrally with body portion  410  using a double-shot housing formation process. Body portion  410  provides rigid structure to protect dome switch  406 , and top panel  412  provides an intermediate protective layer positioned between dome switch  406  and keycap  300 , such that top panel  412  prevents wear to dome switch  406  caused by keycap  300  over the operational life of keyboard assembly  200 . In some embodiments, top panel  412  may act as a light guide and thus may and disperse light from LED assembly  800  toward keycap  300  to illuminate keyboard assembly  200  as discussed herein. 
     As discussed herein, and shown in  FIG. 4 , PCB  500  may have one or more recesses  502  for receiving and/or positioning switch housing  400  and hinge mechanism  322  within recess  502 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , recess  502  of PCB  500  may have a perimeter  528  that may substantially surround switch housing  400 . Perimeter  528  of recess  502  may be larger than a perimeter of keycap  300 . In a non-limiting example, the perimeter of keycap  300  may be smaller than perimeter  528  of recess  502  of PCB  500 . As a result, a portion of keycap  300  may extend into recess  502  of PCB  500  when keycap  300  and/or dome switch  406  of switch housing  400  is in a partially-collapsed or fully collapsed state. 
     Adhesive sheet  602  of shield  600  may be coupled and/or adhered to second surface  518  of PCB  500 . The portion of adhesive sheet  602  that may be coupled and/or adhered to second surface  518  of PCB  500  may include the portion of adhesive sheet  602  positioned adjacent to and/or substantially surrounding channels  606  of venting system  604 . That is, the portions of adhesive sheet  602  substantially surrounding channels  606  may be coupled to second surface  518  of PCB  500  to couple adhesive sheet  602  to PCB  500  within keyboard assembly  200 . 
     Adhesive sheet  602  of shield  600  may define or otherwise include a venting system  604  in fluid communication with switch housing  400 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , venting system  604  may include channel  606  formed below PCB  500 . More specifically, channel  606  may be formed in adhesive sheet  602  of shield  600 , adjacent PCB  500 . Channel  606  may be in fluid communication with aperture  504  formed in PCB  500 , and dome switch opening  402  positioned above and substantially aligned with aperture  504 . As discussed herein, adhesive sheet  602  (including channel  606 ) may be formed from a conductive, selectively permeable material that is impermeable to solids and liquids, but permeable to gases. 
     In some embodiments, the adhesive sheet  602  (or select parts thereof) may be both gas- and liquid-impermeable. In still other embodiments, the adhesive sheet  602  may be gas-permeable but may have a relatively moderate or low permeability, such that gases pass slowly through the sheet. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , air from within dome switch opening  402  of switch housing  400  may pass through channel  606  when dome switch  406  is collapsed by keycap  300 . In a non-limiting example, as dome switch  406  of switch housing  400  is collapsed, air under dome switch  406  may be forced through aperture  504  of PCB into channel  606  of shield  600  to provide an exit path for air. The air flowing from under dome switch  406  in switch housing  400  may pass through channel  606  of adhesive layer  602  to other portions of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . In the non-limiting example, the air under dome switch  406  flowing into channel  606  via aperture  504  of PCB  500  may flow in either direction of channel  606 , which may be in fluid communication with other channels  606  and/or other switch housings  400  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 , as discussed herein. 
     In response to a key press, air may flow through channel  606  and exit low-travel keyboard assembly  200 .  FIG. 5  shows a cross-sectional, detailed view of keyboard assembly  200  including top case  102 . The detailed view of  FIG. 5  only shows a portion of top case  102 , keycap  300 , hinge mechanism  322 , switch housing  400  (including body portion  410  and top panel  412 ), dome switch  406 , PCB  500  and shield  600 . It is understood that the portions of keyboard assembly  200  not shown in  FIG. 5  may be substantially similar and/or may function substantially similar to those portions previously discussed and shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     As shown, channel  606  of adhesive sheet  602  may be in fluid communication with the atmosphere or ambient air surrounding low-travel keyboard assembly  200  via an exit  630   a ,  630   b . Exits  630   a ,  630   b  may be formed through a variety of distinct parts or components of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 5 , exit  630   a  may be formed in top case  102  of electronic device  100 , to vent air from channel  606  through top case  102 . In another non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 5 , exit  630   b  may be formed through PCB  500 , adjacent switch housing  400 . Exit  630   b  may vent air from channel  606  through recess  502  and out into the atmosphere around keycap  300 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , a top view of a portion of adhesive sheet  602 , including channel  606 , is shown. More specifically,  FIGS. 6 and 7  may depict how channels  606  are in fluid communication with one another. Channels  606  of venting system  604  may include substantially circular portions  632  that may be in alignment with aperture  504  formed through PCB  500  and/or dome switch opening  402  of switch housing  400  (see,  FIG. 4 ). In a non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 6 , the portions of channel  606  formed between circular portions  632  may have a substantially conical shape, V-shape, diamond shape and/or varying width. In another non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 7 , the portions of channel  606  formed between circular portions  632  may have a uniform shape and/or uniform width. 
     The components (e.g., keycaps  300 , switch housing  400 , and so on) of low-travel keyboard assembly  200  may be arranged in distinct rows. As such, and as shown in  FIGS. 8-11 , venting system  604  may include channels  606 , where each of the channels  606  may correspond to a distinct row of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . More specifically, each of the channels  606  of venting system  604  of shield  600  may be positioned in alignment with a distinct row of keycaps  300  (shown in phantom) of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . Each channel  606  may be in alignment with and in fluid communication with dome switch openings  402  of switch housing  400  and apertures  504  in PCB  500  in the distinct row of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 , as discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 4 . Likewise, channels  606  may be associated with all keys in a particular column, or a group of adjacent keys, and so on. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , each distinct row of keycaps  300  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200  may include an individual channel  606  formed in adhesive sheet  602 . Each channel  606  in  FIG. 8  may have an exit  630  positioned adjacent either side  108 ,  110  of top case  102  for venting air within low-travel keyboard assembly  200  to the atmosphere on either side of top case  102 . In another non-limiting embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 9 , each channel  606  of venting system  604  may have exit  630  positioned adjacent a single side  108  of top case  102 , such that air traveling through channels  606  may only be vented to the atmosphere on a single side  108  of top case  102 . Other embodiments may vary the exit&#39;s location. 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  depict groups of channels  606  that are in fluid communication within one another. In a non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 10 , all channels  606 , except for the channel  606   a  beneath the bottom row of keycaps  300 , may be in fluid communication with one another, thereby allowing air to flow between channels  606 . The keycaps  300  are shown in phantom to illustrate their placement relative to the channels  606 . Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 10 , each row of channels  606 , although in fluid communication, may include individual exits  630  for venting air from channels  606  to the atmosphere. Again, this may vary between embodiments; more or fewer exits may be implemented. 
     In another non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 11 , all channels  606  of venting system  604  are in fluid communication with one another. This may allow air displaced by key travel to flow through from any individual channel  606  to adjacent channels. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the channels  606  may include only a single exit  630 . Here, the exit is positioned on a single side  108  of top case  102 . As such, the air flowing through channel  606  may only be vented to the atmosphere through the single exit  630  of venting system  604  shown in  FIG. 11 . As with other embodiments, more or fewer exits may be implemented and the locations of such exits may be changed. 
     Although venting system  604  is shown in shield  600  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 , it is understood that venting system  604   a  may be formed directly in switch housing  400 . In a non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 12 , at least one passageway  634  may be formed in fluid communication with dome switch opening  402  of switch housing  400 . More specifically, passageway  634  may be formed through switch housing  400  opposite LED recess  404  formed in switch housing  400 . A group of passageways  634  may be positioned through switch housing  400  opposite LED recess  404 . Additionally, passageways  634  may be formed through switch housing  400  adjacent LED recess  404 , as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , venting system  604   a  may be formed in switch housing  400 , instead of (or in addition to) in shield  600 . As shown, adhesive sheet  602  may be a substantially solid and adhered to second surface  518  of PCB  500 . When dome switch  406  is collapsed by keycap  300 , the air under dome switch  406  may be expelled through openings formed in dome switch  406  (not shown). When air is expelled from underneath dome switch  406  during collapse, the air may flow from dome switch opening  402  to the atmosphere via passageway(s)  634  formed through switch housing  400 . 
       FIG. 13  depicts an exploded view of shield  600  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , shield  600  may include base layer  608 . Base layer  608  may act as a bottom, supporting layer for shield  600  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , base layer  608  may have an opening  610  formed through a portion of base layer  608 . As discussed herein, opening  610  may be formed through base layer  608  to electrically couple the components positioned above and below base layer  608 . Base layer  608  may be formed from an electrically insulating material including, but not limited to, polyethylene terephthalate (PET). 
     Shield  600  may also have an aluminum layer  612  positioned over base layer  608 . Aluminum layer  612  may be in electrical communication with a circuit board  618  for low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 13 , aluminum layer  612  may act as an electrical conduit for circuit board  618  positioned over aluminum layer  612 . Additionally, aluminum layer  612  may provide electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding for circuit board  618  during operation of low-travel keyboard assembly  200  in electronic device  100 . 
     Aluminum layer  612  may act as an electrical conduit to circuit board  618  for a conductive gasket  620  of shield  600 . That is, aluminum layer  612  may be in electrical communication with circuit board  618 , and conductive gasket  620  may contact aluminum layer  612  to be in electrical communication with circuit board  618  as well. Conductive gasket  620  may contact aluminum layer  612  by positioning a contact portion  622  of conductive gasket  620  through opening  610  of base layer  608 , where the contact portion  622  directly contacts aluminum layer  612 . Conductive gasket  620  may be in electrical communication with circuit board  618  of shield  600  to provide a ground for various components, contacts and/or other electronic features of circuit board  618  within low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . 
     Shield  600 , as shown in  FIG. 13 , may also have a graphite layer  624  positioned over aluminum layer  612 . More specifically, graphite layer  624  may be positioned over aluminum layer  612  and may be positioned adjacent circuit board  618 , such that both graphite layer  624  and circuit board  618  may be positioned over aluminum layer  612 . As such, circuit board  618  and graphite layer  624  may both be stacked on aluminum layer  612  and/or may be in the same plane within shield  600 . Graphite layer  624  may be positioned adjacent circuit board  618  to spread heat generated and/or emitted by circuit board  618  during operation of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . In some embodiments, the aluminum layer may serve as an electrical ground for certain components of the keyboard. 
     An intermediate layer  626  may be positioned over graphite layer  624 . More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 13 , circuit board  618  and graphite layer  624  may be positioned between intermediate layer  626  and aluminum layer  612  of shield  600 . Similar to base layer  608  of shield  600 , intermediate layer  626  may be formed from an electrically insulating material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), to electrically insulate circuit board  618  and/or aluminum layer  612 . More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 13 , intermediate layer  626  and base layer  608  may be formed from electrically insulating material to electrically insulate circuit board  618  and aluminum layer  612  positioned between base layer  608  and intermediate layer  626 . 
     Shield  600  may further include adhesive sheet  602  including venting system  604  formed within adhesive sheet  602 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , adhesive sheet  602  may be positioned over intermediate layer  626 . As discussed in detail below, adhesive sheet  602  may be coupled to second surface  518  of PCB  500  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200  and may be in electrical communication with electrical connectors  522 ,  524  formed on, through, or within PCB  500  (see,  FIG. 14 ). Adhesive sheet  602  may be formed from a material substantially impermeable to liquids and permeable to gases. 
     A conductive ring  628  may substantially surround adhesive layer  602 . More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 13 , conductive ring  628  of shield  600  may be positioned substantially around a perimeter of adhesive layer  602  and may be positioned on intermediate layer  626 . Like adhesive sheet  602 , conductive ring  628  may also be coupled to second surface  518  of PCB  500  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200  and may be in electrical communication with electrical connectors  522 ,  524  of PCB  500  to ground components of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . 
     Although not shown in  FIG. 13 , it is understood that the components of the shield  600  may include electrical vias and/or electrical traces for electrically coupling the various layers and components of shield  600 . That is, electrical vias and/or electrical traces may be formed on or through adhesive sheet  602  and intermediate layer  626  to electrically couple adhesive sheet  602  to circuit board  618 . The electrical vias and/or electrical traces formed within shield  600  may allow an electrical signal to be sent from PCB  500  to circuit board  618 , when dome switch  406  is collapsed to contact electrical connectors  522 ,  524  of PCB  500  (see,  FIG. 14 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , LED assembly  800  may be in electrical contact with LED contact  510  formed through PCB  500 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , LED contact  510  may be in communication with an LED driver  530  positioned on second surface  518  of PCB  500 . In the non-limiting example, PCB  500  may have a number of LED drivers  530  positioned on second surface  518 , where each LED driver  530  corresponds to, and is in electrical communication with, LED assembly  800  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . LED contact  510  and LED drivers  530  may be formed adjacent and/or approximate electrical connectors or contacts  522 ,  524  of PCB  500 , which are configured to provide an electrical signal to electronic device  100  when dome switch  406  is collapsed by keycap  300 , as discussed herein. LED drivers  530  positioned on second surface  518  of PCB  500  may be configured to provide power and/or control to LED assembly  800  during operation of low-travel keyboard assembly  200  included in electronic device  100  (see,  FIG. 1 ). 
     PCB  500 , as discussed herein with respect to  FIGS. 2-4 , may also have a plated layer  532 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , plated layer  532  may be formed over first surface  512  (see,  FIG. 4 ) of PCB  500 . More specifically, plated layer  532  may be formed over a portion of first surface  512  of PCB within recess  502  and/or over a surface of PCB  500  substantially surrounding recess  502 . Plated layer  532  may be formed from any metal material that may substantially protect first surface  512  of PCB  500  from undesirable wear or damage during the operational life of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , PCB  500  may also have an encapsulating layer  534  covering first surface  512  (see,  FIG. 4 ) of recess  502  of PCB  500  and/or a portion of switch housing  400  positioned within recess  502 . That is, encapsulating layer  534  may be formed within recess  502  and may substantially cover first surface  512  and at least a portion of the various components (e.g., switch housing  400 , hinge mechanism  322 ) of low-travel keyboard assembly  200  to maintain the position of the components within recess  502 . Specifically, encapsulating layer  534  may maintain the coupling between switch housing  400  and PCB  500 . Encapsulating layer  534  may be formed from any suitable transparent, bonding material that may not affect the illumination features and/or electrical connections of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . 
     Although shown in  FIG. 14  as including both plated layer  532  and encapsulating layer  534 , it is understood that PCB  500  may include only plated layer  532  or encapsulating layer  534 . That is, PCB  500  may have only plated layer  532 , only encapsulating layer  534  or both plated layer  532 , and encapsulating layer  534 , as shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     In addition to the various channels, vents, and venting systems shown herein, it should be understood that other embodiments may include additional features. For example, some embodiments may include one or more reservoirs connected to one or more venting channels and/or exits. A group of keys may be connected by a channel to an exit, as described above; the channel may have a reservoir positioned at some point along its length between the exit and one or more of the group of keys. The reservoir may permit air or other gases to flow in and out of the reservoir instead of requiring the air to be forced all the way to the exit or drawn all the way from the exit. Such reservoirs are entirely optional and may be used with any or all keys, key groups, and/or other structures (including switches, switch housings, and the like) discussed herein. 
     Although discussed herein as a keyboard assembly, it is understood that the disclosed embodiments may be used in a variety of input devices associated with various electronic devices. That is, low-travel keyboard assembly  200  and the components of the assembly discussed herein may be utilized or implemented in a variety of input devices for an electronic device including, but not limited to, mice, track pads, buttons, switches, toggles, wheels, touch- and/or force-sensitive surfaces, and so on. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20150928
Publication Date: 20181120
Grant Date: 20181120
Priority Date: 20140930
Inventors: LEONG, Craig C.
ZERCOE, BRADFORD J.
LA, THAI QUOC
Reid, Nicholas I
HENDREN, KEITH J.
BROCK, JOHN M.
BLUM, MATTHEW W.
Assignee: APPLE INC
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Family ID: 54291684