Abstract:
A key mechanism can include one or more butterfly hinges. Each butterfly hinge includes a double wing design operative to move between a depressed position and non-depressed position. Hinged coupling mechanisms couple respective arms of the wings together.
Abstract:
Embodiments of a backlit keyboard assembly are described. A keycap (202) assembly is mounted into a case web (104) having intersecting ribs. A flange (210), which can be angled, is on the bottom perimeter of the keycap (202) and a correspondingly shaped flange (212) is on each rib of the case web (104). An overlap of the keycap flange (210) and the case web flanges (212) prevents direct sighting of the backlight light source (208) and also provides a more evenly distributed halo around the keycap (202), thereby improving both aesthetics and functionality by providing better light control and contrast.
Abstract:
A key mechanism including one or more butterfly hinges. Each butterfly hinge may include a double wing design operative to move between a depressed position and non-depressed position. Hinged coupling mechanisms couple respective arms of the wings together. Additionally or alternatively, a key mechanism can include one or more half-butterfly hinges. Each half-butterfly hinge includes a double wing design operative to move between a depressed position and non-depressed position. A hinged coupling mechanism couples one set of corresponding arms of the wings together, while the other set of corresponding arms are not coupled together.
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.
Abstract:
A dome switch utilized in a keyboard assembly is disclosed. The keyboard assembly may include a printed circuit board having a first electrical connector formed in the printed circuit board, and a second electrical connector formed in the printed circuit board adjacent the first electrical connector. The keyboard assembly may also include an inner contact component contacting the second electrical connector of the printed circuit board. The inner contact component may be in electrical communication with the second electrical connector of the printed circuit board. Additionally, the keyboard assembly can include a dome switch surrounding the inner contact component. The dome switch may contact and may be in electrical communication with the first electrical connector of the printed circuit board.
Abstract:
A key mechanism including one or more butterfly hinges. Each butterfly hinge may include a double wing design operative to move between a depressed position and non-depressed position. Hinged coupling mechanisms couple respective arms of the wings together. Additionally or alternatively, a key mechanism can include one or more half-butterfly hinges. Each half-butterfly hinge includes a double wing design operative to move between a depressed position and non-depressed position. A hinged coupling mechanism couples one set of corresponding arms of the wings together, while the other set of corresponding arms are not coupled together.
Abstract:
An illuminated metal keycap having a legend diffuser material that may diffuse light through a legend opened in a background layer. The background layer may be opaque and the legend may be transparent. The metal keycap is adhered to a scissor mechanism positioned above electrical switch circuitry. Included within, below, or adjacent to the scissor mechanism may be one or more light sources positioned to emit light through the metal keycap, around the perimeter of the metal keycap, and/or through the background layer.
Abstract:
A bonded keyboard and method for making the same are disclosed. The bonded keyboard uses adhesive as the primary agent, and in some embodiments, as the sole agent for coupling various components of the keyboard stackup together. The keyboard stackup uses a skeletal adhesive to couple a top case to a backcase assembly. In one embodiment, the skeletal adhesive is an interconnected matrix of ribs dimensioned to fit within the spacing existing between adjacent keys, which are mounted on the backcase assembly. The skeletal adhesive is fixed to the backcase assembly, occupies a portion of the spacing that exists between keys, and the top case is fixed to the top of the skeletal adhesive.