MULTI-LAYER INTEGRAL KEYPAD
A multi-layer integral keypad is provided with a plurality of key tops each having a plastic layer coupled to a display layer. A key top support layer integrally couples a plurality of the key tops to one another. A method for producing a multi-layer integral keypad is also provided.
Latest Angell-Demmel North America Corporation Patents:
This application is a continuation under 35 U.S.C. §120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/119,113, having a 35 U.S.C. §371(c) date of May 20, 2011, and entitled “Multi-Layer Integral Keypad”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/119,113 is a national stage filing (35 U.S.C. §371) of PCT/US2009/057145, filed on Sep. 16, 2009 which claims priority to and benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/097,417, filed on Sep. 16, 2008.
TECHNICAL FIELDThis invention pertains to keypads, and more specifically to keypads having a plurality of keys coupled to one another as an integral unit.
BACKGROUNDA variety of keypads exist that are used for actuating corresponding switches of an electronic device. For example, computer keyboards often comprise a plurality of separate non-integral keycaps that are individually affixed to the computer keyboard. The keycaps may be individually actuated by a user, thereby causing the keycap to actuate a corresponding switch of the keyboard that is in electrical communication with an electrical circuit of the keyboard.
A multi-layer integral keypad is provided with a plurality of key tops each having a plastic layer coupled to a display layer. A resilient key top support layer integrally couples a plurality of the key tops to one another. A method for producing a multi-layer integral keypad is also provided.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONIt is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” “in communication with” and “mounted,” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. Furthermore, and as described in subsequent paragraphs, the specific mechanical configurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to exemplify embodiments of the invention and that other alternative mechanical configurations are possible.
Referring now to
Coupled to back surface 24 of display layer 21 and forming part of each key top 20 is a plastic layer 30. In some embodiments of the invention the plastic layer may be poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). In other embodiments, plastic layer 30 may comprise another plastic, such as, for example, nylon, polycarbonate, or acrylic fiber. In the depicted embodiment of
Symbols may also be provided on key tops 20. In some embodiments one or more symbols 26 are provided through display layer 21 of key tops 20. In some embodiments display surfaces 22 are additionally or alternatively printed with symbols. The depicted symbols 26 are circular apertures provided through display layer 21 of key tops 20 and are merely provided for exemplary purposes. With particular reference to
Plastic layer 30 may be transparent, translucent, or opaque. In embodiments where plastic layer 30 is transparent or translucent it will be appreciated that multi-layer integral keypad 10 may be installed over one or more light sources that are in optical communication with plastic layer 30 of one or more key tops 20 to illuminate one or more plastic layers 30. For example, in some embodiments one or more electroluminescent panels, including, but not limited to, CeeLite's Light Emitting Capacitor, may be provided on a keyboard mounting surface or base and the multi-layer integral keypad 10 installed over the electroluminescent panels. Thus, those plastic layers 30 in optical communication with the electroluminescent panels will be illuminated and portions of those illuminated plastic layers 30 will be visible to a user. This includes, but is not limited to, the portions of plastic layer 30 that surround display layer 21 in some embodiments. This also includes, but is not limited to, any symbols 26 through which plastic layer 30 is visible. In other embodiments other light source may be used to illuminate plastic layer 30 of some or all of key tops 20 such as, for example, one or more light emitting diodes.
In some embodiments a actuating structure forms part of plastic layer 30. Referring to
With continuing reference to
In the embodiment of
When multi-layer integral keypad 10 is installed on an electronic device having a plurality of switches, base 45 also provides a surface that can contact a corresponding mounting surface of the electronic device. Base 45 may also provide counterpressure to force supplied by a user on key top 20. In some embodiments base 45 may be adhered to a corresponding mounting surface or may have protrusions, snaps, receptacles, or other securing devices that interact with a corresponding mounting surface to secure multi-layer integral keypad 10 to the mounting surface. Base 45 may also be provided with air passageway notches 47 that allow air to enter and exit therethrough when key top 20 moves between a stationary and activation position. Air passageways 47 minimizes vacuum when key tops 20 move between the stationary and activation positions. In other embodiments air passageways 47 may be omitted. In some embodiments air passageways may be provided through key tops 20, key top supports 42, or the electronic device with which multi-layer integral keypad is installed.
Key top support layer 40 may be comprised of any one of a variety of resilient materials of a durometer that is appropriate to enable a user to contact and depress a key top 20 and to provide tactile feedback to a user. Such materials include, but are not limited to, ethylene propylene diene Monomer rubber (EPDM), Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and ThermoPlastic Olefin (TPO). In some embodiments, such as those shown in the Figures, each key top support 42 and base 45 of key top support layer 40 are coupled to each key top 20 and to one another without any openings or gaps, so as to form a water and/or debris resistant multi-layer integral keypad 10. When multi-layer integral keypad 10 is installed on an electronic device having a plurality of switches, water or debris that falls between key tops 20 will contact support layer 40 and will not immediately contact any internal electronics of the electronic device. It will be appreciated that the periphery of multi-layer integral keypad 10 may be appropriately installed and sealed with an electronic device so as to make the entire electronic device more water and/or debris resistant.
The configuration of key top support layer 40 and multi-layer integral keypad 10 may vary in many respects to accommodate varying electronic devices. For example, laptop keys have shorter travel distance for the keystroke than desktop keyboard keys. Thus, key top support layer 40 may be made “taller” or “shorter” and configured for either. Also, for example, actuating structure 32 may be adjusted dependent on keystroke distance. Likewise, for example, different amounts of spacing between key tops 20 may be required for different keyboards or other electronic devices.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring now to
It should also be noted that
Referring now to the left half section of
Referring now to the left half section of
Referring now to the left half section of
Referring now to
Stamping parts may be used to create a variety of symbols through metal layer 321, including web free symbols, and to cause metal layer 321 be a variety of shapes. For example, stamping parts, such as stamping parts 77 and 78 may be left within the apertures they create through metal layer 321, while plastic layer 330 is deposited to aide in the creation of web free symbols. Also, for example, any apertures created may be unfilled, partially filled, or completely filled with plastic layer 330. Also, for example, stamping parts may be used to cut out all or portions of the outer periphery of metal layer 321 if it is desired to have plastic layer 330 extend beyond the outer periphery of metal layer 321.
Referring now to
The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is understood that while certain forms of the multi-layer integral keypad have been illustrated and described, it is not limited thereto except insofar as such limitations are included in the following claims and allowable functional equivalents thereof.
Claims
1. A keypad for actuating a plurality of switches of an electronic device, comprising:
- a plurality of key tops, at least some of said key tops having a display layer and a plastic layer; said display layer having an upward facing display surface and a downward facing back surface; said plastic layer coupled to said back surface of said display layer and having an actuating structure extending downward and away from said display layer;
- a resilient key top support layer coupled to said plastic layer of said key tops and integrally connecting said key tops to one another; said key top support layer having a support layer leg section extending downward and away from said key tops toward a support layer base;
- wherein said key top support layer extends only partially underneath said key tops; and
- wherein said key top support layer is configured to allow said key tops to be in a stationary position when no force is applied to said key tops by a user and to allow a single of said key tops to be in an activation position and actuate at least one of the switches when a predetermined force is applied to said single of said key tops.
2. The keypad of claim 1, wherein said display layer of said key tops has at least one aperture therethrough.
3. The keypad of claim 2, wherein said plastic layer is translucent.
4. The keypad of claim 3, wherein said aperture is filled by said plastic layer.
5. The keypad of claim 1, wherein said key top support layer is coupled to a downward facing surface of said plastic layer.
6. The keypad of claim 5, wherein said leg section is arcuate.
7. The keypad of claim 6, wherein said leg section is convex.
8. The keypad of claim 7, wherein said plastic layer of a plurality of said key tops is translucent and extends beyond the periphery of said display layer.
9. A keyboard having a multilayer keypad, comprising:
- a mounting surface supporting a plurality of switches in electrical communication with a keyboard circuit;
- a plurality of key tops, at least some of said key tops having a display layer, a translucent plastic layer, and an actuating structure; said display layer having an upwardly facing display surface and a downward facing back surface; said plastic layer having an upper surface coupled to said back surface of said display layer and a lower surface facing toward said mounting surface; said actuating structure coupled to said lower surface of said plastic layer and positioned over a one of said switches;
- a resilient key top support layer coupled to said plastic layer of at least two of said key tops and connecting said key tops to one another; said key top support layer having a support layer arcuate leg section extending downward and away from said key tops toward a support layer base contacting said mounting surface;
- wherein said key top support layer is operable to allow a plurality of said key tops to be in a stationary position when no force is applied to said key tops and to allow a single of said key tops to be in an activation position and actuate at least one of said switches when a predetermined force is applied to said single of said key tops;
- wherein said key top support layer is free from contact with any of said switches in said stationary position and in said activation position.
10. The keyboard having a multilayer keypad of claim 9, further comprising a light source in optical communication with said plastic layer of said plurality of key tops.
11. The keyboard having a multilayer keypad of claim 9, wherein said plastic layer extends beyond the periphery of said display layer.
12. The keyboard having a multilayer keypad of claim 11, wherein said actuating structure comprises a protrusion extending in a direction downward and away from said lower surface of said plastic layer.
13. The keyboard having a multilayer keypad of claim 12, wherein said actuating structure is integrally formed with said lower surface of said plastic layer.
14. The keyboard having a multilayer keypad of claim 13, wherein each of said switches is a dome-switch.
15. A keypad for actuating a plurality of switches, comprising
- a plurality of key tops, each of said key tops having a metal layer and a translucent plastic layer, said metal layer of each of said key tops having a display surface and a back surface, and said plastic layer of each of said key tops coupled to said back surface of said metal layer and having an actuating structure extending in a direction downward and away from said back surface of said metal layer;
- a key top support layer, said key top support layer coupled to said plastic layer of each of said key tops and surrounding each said actuating structure of each of said key tops;
- said key top support layer having leg section extending downward from each said plastic layer to a key top base;
- wherein the entirety of said key top support layer is downward and below said metal layer and wherein said key top support layer extends only partially underneath said key tops; and
- wherein said key top support layer is configured to allow a plurality of said key tops to be in a stationary position when no force is applied to said key tops and to allow a single of said key tops to be in an activation position and actuate at least one of the switches when a predetermined force is applied to said single of said key tops.
16. The keypad of claim 15, wherein said metal layer of said key tops has at least one aperture therethrough.
17. The keypad of claim 16, wherein said leg section is convex.
18. The keypad of claim 17, wherein said key top support layer is coupled to a downward facing surface of said plastic layer.
19. The keypad of claim 18, wherein said plastic layer of a plurality of said key tops is translucent and extends beyond the periphery of said metal layer.
20. The keypad of claim 19, wherein said metal layer is aluminum.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 1, 2013
Publication Date: Sep 12, 2013
Applicant: Angell-Demmel North America Corporation (Dayton, OH)
Inventors: Bryan Adams (Dayton, OH), Chad J. Mefford (Dayton, OH)
Application Number: 13/854,567
International Classification: H01H 13/705 (20060101);