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Low-travel illuminated key mechanism

A technology of buttons and keycaps, which is applied in the field of electronic equipment and can solve problems such as hindering keyboard lighting

Active Publication Date: 2019-03-01
APPLE INC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Many traditional keyboards can have significant disadvantages, including occupying a relatively large portion of the available interior space of the case
In many cases, traditional keyboards include various mechanical and electronic components that can obstruct keyboard lighting and cause undesired z-stacking of mechanisms

Method used

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  • Low-travel illuminated key mechanism
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Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0036] The following description includes sample systems, methods, and devices that embody various elements of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the described disclosure can be implemented in various forms other than those described herein.

[0037] The present disclosure describes systems, devices, and technologies related to key components of input devices, such as keyboards. The key assembly can enable a substantially low travel distance of an input surface with illuminable symbols (such as illuminable keycaps) with a desired tactile response. The key assembly uses a support structure with overmolded living hinges to support and guide the movement of the keycap. The switch housing can support and engage the support structure within the keycap assembly, and can at least partially surround a tactile switch used to detect input or mechanical pressing along the keycap. In many embodiments, the support structure may surround the switch housing, or othe...

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PUM

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Abstract

The invention provides a low-travel illuminated key mechanism. Embodiments are directed to a low profile key for a keyboard having an overmolded support structure. In one aspect, an embodiment includes a key cap having an illuminable symbol. A support structure having a pair of overmolded wings may pivotally couple to the key cap. A switch housing may surround the support structure and connect each of the first and second wings. A tactile dome may be at least partially positioned within the switch housing and configured to bias the key cap upward. A sensing membrane may be positioned along anunderside surface of the tactile dome and configured to trigger a switch event in response to a collapsing of the tactile dome caused by a depression of the key cap. A feature plate may be positionedbelow the sensing membrane. A light guide panel may define at least one light extraction feature that may be configured to propagate light toward the key cap and cause illumination of the illuminablesymbol.

Description

Technical field [0001] The described embodiments of the present invention relate generally to electronic devices, and more specifically to input devices of electronic devices. Background technique [0002] In computing systems, keyboards can be used to receive input from users. Many conventional keyboards may have significant disadvantages, including occupying a relatively large portion of the available internal space of the housing. In many cases, traditional keyboards include various mechanical and electronic components that may obstruct keyboard lighting and cause undesirable z-stacks of the mechanism. Summary of the invention [0003] Embodiments of the invention relate to electronic devices with hidden or concealed input areas. [0004] In the first aspect, the present disclosure includes the keys of a keyboard. The keys include keycaps. The key also includes a support structure that supports the keycap above the tactile switch. The supporting structure includes compliant ...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(China)
IPC IPC(8): H01H13/7065H01H13/7073H01H13/83
CPCH01H13/7065H01H13/7073H01H13/83G06F3/0202H01H3/122H01H2229/048H01H2219/044H01H2219/062H01H2219/056H01H2203/02H01H13/88H01H13/14H01H13/705H01H11/00H01H3/12
Inventor M·R·格德博格K·A·博格伦P·X·王A·J·勒哈曼W·P·亚拉克三世K·C·阿门达瑞兹高政
Owner APPLE INC
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