U.S. patent application number 13/902724 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-19 for keyboard with ultra-durable keys.
This patent application is currently assigned to Logitech Europe S.A. The applicant listed for this patent is Logitech Europe S.A.. Invention is credited to Nicolas Chauvin, Olivier Dumont, Jean-Marc Flueckiger, Baptiste Merminod, Patrick Monney, Gerd Schneider, Alain Tabasso.
Application Number | 20130336700 13/902724 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42353275 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130336700 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dumont; Olivier ; et
al. |
December 19, 2013 |
KEYBOARD WITH ULTRA-DURABLE KEYS
Abstract
A keyboard includes a plurality of keys, and a keyframe into
which the plurality of keys are assembled. Each of the keys
includes: i) a plunger on which a character is printed, and ii) a
keycap made of a transparent material. The keycap covers at least a
portion of a top of the plunger.
Inventors: |
Dumont; Olivier; (Morges,
CH) ; Merminod; Baptiste; (Vevey, CH) ;
Tabasso; Alain; (Essertines, CH) ; Flueckiger;
Jean-Marc; (Lausanne, CH) ; Monney; Patrick;
(Mex, CH) ; Chauvin; Nicolas; (Chexbres, CH)
; Schneider; Gerd; (Mex, CH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Logitech Europe S.A. |
Morges |
|
CH |
|
|
Assignee: |
Logitech Europe S.A
Morges
CH
|
Family ID: |
42353275 |
Appl. No.: |
13/902724 |
Filed: |
May 24, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12621349 |
Nov 18, 2009 |
8500348 |
|
|
13902724 |
|
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|
|
61117297 |
Nov 24, 2008 |
|
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61158036 |
Mar 6, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
400/494 ;
156/233 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29L 2031/466 20130101;
H01H 3/125 20130101; B29C 45/16 20130101; H01H 2209/052 20130101;
H01H 2009/187 20130101; H01H 2223/002 20130101; H01H 13/70
20130101; H01H 2219/028 20130101; H01H 13/83 20130101; H01H 11/00
20130101; H01H 2219/062 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
400/494 ;
156/233 |
International
Class: |
H01H 13/70 20060101
H01H013/70; H01H 11/00 20060101 H01H011/00 |
Claims
1-24. (canceled)
25. An input device comprising: a flexible silicon membrane; and a
plurality of keycaps disposed on the flexible silicon membrane,
wherein the silicon membrane is continuous without any holes formed
therein, such that none of the plurality of keycaps can pass
through.
26. The input device of claim 25 further comprising: a plurality of
keys disposed below the flexible silicon membrane, wherein each of
the plurality of keys is vertically aligned below one of the
plurality of keycaps.
27. The input device of claim 25 wherein the flexible silicon
membrane is pinched between the plurality of keycaps and the
plurality of keys.
28. The input device of claim 27 wherein each of the plurality of
keys includes a plunger portion, wherein the plunger portion is in
contact with the flexible silicon membrane.
29. The input device of claim 25 wherein the plurality of keycaps
are transparent.
30. The input device of claim 25 wherein the flexible membrane is
glued to each of the plurality of keycaps.
31. The input device of claim 25 further comprising: a top case;
and a bottom case, wherein the top case and the bottom case are
configured to enclose a input device, wherein the flexible membrane
extends and is sealed with the bottom case.
32. A keyboard comprising: a silicon membrane; a plurality of
keycaps disposed on the flexible silicon membrane, wherein the
silicon membrane is continuous without any holes formed therein,
such that none of the plurality of keycaps can pass through; and a
plurality of keys disposed below the flexible silicon membrane,
wherein each of the plurality of keys are vertically aligned below
one of the plurality of keycaps.
33. The keyboard of claim 32 wherein the flexible silicon membrane
is mechanically pinched between the plurality of keycaps and the
plurality of keys.
34. The keyboard of claim 33 wherein each of the plurality of keys
includes a plunger portion, wherein the plunger portion is in
contact with the flexible silicon membrane.
35. The keyboard of claim 32 wherein the plurality of keycaps are
transparent.
36. The keyboard of claim 25 wherein the flexible membrane is glued
to each of the plurality of keycaps.
37. The keyboard of claim 25 further comprising: a top case; and a
bottom case, wherein the top case and the bottom case are
configured to enclose a keyboard, wherein the flexible membrane
extends and is sealed with the bottom case.
38. The keyboard of claim 25 wherein the silicon membrane is
flexible.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/117,297, filed Nov. 24, 2008, titled "Keyboard
with Ultra-Durable Keys," of Olivier Dumont, et al., and to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/158,036, filed Mar. 6, 2009,
titled "Keyboard with Ultra-Durable Keys," of Olivier Dumont, et
al., both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their
entireties for all purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to keyboards, and
more particularly relates to a durable and sturdy keyboard.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] The use of computers is pervasive, and is becoming
increasingly common all around the world. Numerous computers, along
with their accompanying peripheral devices, are used in a
multi-user environment, such as Internet cafes, schools, colleges
etc. Especially in multi-user environments (where the computer and
accompanying peripheral devices are used by users who do not own
them), the usage of peripheral devices, such as keyboards and mice,
can be quite frequent and rough on the devices. As a result,
peripheral devices, and in particular input devices such as
keyboards are subjected to significant wear. Wear is exacerbated by
specific "heavy" users, such as gamers who can damage peripheral
devices, such as keyboards, very quickly.
[0006] Specific examples of damage to keyboards includes: (i) key
printing is often erased partially or fully, after a very short
time (e.g., only a few weeks); (ii) dust or other foreign materials
(e.g., food particles, cigarette ashes, liquids, and so on) enter
between the keys in the keyboard, often leading to functional
failure; and (iii) key switches are destroyed after a short time
(e.g., only a few weeks).
[0007] Therefore, new peripheral devices, such as new keyboards,
are needed that are durable and can withstand use in multi-user
environments.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention relates generally to keyboards, and
more particularly relates to a durable and sturdy keyboard.
[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a
keyboard includes a plurality of keys; and a keyframe into which
the plurality of keys are assembled. Each of the plurality of keys
includes a plunger on which a character is printed, and a bezel
made of a transparent material. Each bezel is configured to fit
into a recess formed in a plunger at a portion of a top of the
plunger at which the character is printed.
[0010] According to a specific embodiment of the keyboard, the
character is tampo printed. According to an alternative specific
embodiment, the character is laser printed before the bezel is
assembled on the top of the plunger. The character may be laser
printed after the bezel is assembled on the top of the plunger. The
bezel may be push-fitted onto the recess of the plunger.
[0011] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
keyboard includes a plurality of keys; and a keyframe into which
the plurality of keys are assembled. Each of the plurality of keys
is covered by a transparent material. The transparent material may
be placed onto each of the plurality of keys using a
shrink-wrapping process.
[0012] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
method for fabricating a keyboard, which includes a top case, a
bottom case, and a plurality of keys includes molding each of the
plurality of keys, and assembling the keycap into the top case. The
method further includes printing a character on top of each of the
plurality of keys, and stamping clear hot foil on the top of each
of the plurality of keys.
[0013] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
keyboard includes a plurality of keys each having a plunger, and a
keyframe into which the plurality of keys are assembled by
inserting the plurality of plungers into the keyframe. The keyboard
further includes a flexible membrane attached to each of a subset
of the plurality of keys to prevent foreign materials from entering
the keyboard from in-between the plurality of keys. The flexible
membrane may be attached to the plunger of each of the subset of
the plurality of keys. Each of the plurality of keys may further
include a keycap. According to a specific embodiment of the
keyboard, the plurality of keycaps is transparent, and the flexible
membrane is attached to the keycap of each of the subset of the
plurality of keys.
[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
keyboard includes a top case including a keyframe with a plurality
of keys fitted into the keyframe; and a bottom case removably
coupled to the top case. The bottom case includes a processor. The
top case is replaceable via removing the top case from the bottom
case.
[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
keyboard includes a plurality of keys; and a keyframe into which
the plurality of keys are assembled. Each of the plurality of keys
includes a plunger, and a bezel disposed in a recess formed in a
top portion of the plunger with an adhesive. The bezel has a
character printed on a side which attaches to the plunger.
[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
keyboard includes a plurality of keys; and a keyframe into which
the plurality of keys are assembled. Each of the plurality of keys
includes a plunger on which a character is printed; and a keycap
made of a transparent material. The keycap covers at least a
portion of a top of the plunger.
[0017] According to a specific embodiment of the keyboard, the
character is tampo printed. According to another specific
embodiment, the character is laser printed before the keycap is
assembled on the top of the plunger. The character may be laser
printed after the keycap is assembled on the top of the plunger.
The keycap may be push-fitted onto the top of the plunger. The
keycap may be clipped onto the top of the plunger. According to
another specific embodiment, the keycap covers an entire top of the
plunger and a plurality of sides of the plunger. Alternatively, the
keycap covers a partial portion of the top of the plunger. The
keycap covers an entirety of the top of the plunger, but not any
side of the plunger.
[0018] These and other embodiments of the present invention are
described in more detail in conjunction with the text below and the
attached figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1A is a simplified schematic of key for a keyboard
where the keys include a keycap and a plunger according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 1B is a simplified schematic of key for a keyboard
where the keys include a keycap and a plunger according to another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 1C is a simplified schematic of key for a keyboard
where the keys include a keycap and a plunger according to another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 1D is a simplified schematic of key for a keyboard
where the keys include a keycap and a plunger according to another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 1E is a simplified schematic of a key according to
another embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 2A is a simplified schematic of a key having a keycap
covering the top and side portions of a plunger;
[0025] FIG. 2B is a simplified schematic of a key that includes a
transparent or translucent bezel disposed in an opening formed in a
plunger;
[0026] FIG. 2C is a top-view of key according to one
embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 2D is a top-view of key having a bezel;
[0028] FIG. 3A is simplified schematic of a key having a character
formed on an under side of a keycap;
[0029] FIG. 3B is a simplified schematic of a key having
translucent bezel;
[0030] FIG. 3C is a simplified top view of keys with silicon oil
instead of glue between the keycap and the plunger;
[0031] FIG. 3D is a simplified schematic of a key having a keycap
with a print layer on the under side of the keycap;
[0032] FIG. 4A is a simplified schematic of a key having a two-part
assembly with a black silk screen layer and print layer where both
layers are formed on an under side of a keycap;
[0033] FIG. 4B is a simplified schematic of a key having a two-part
assembly with a black silk screen layer and a print layer both
formed on an under side of a bezel;
[0034] FIG. 4C is a simplified schematic of a key having a lens
coupled to a plunger;
[0035] FIG. 4D is a simplified schematic of a key having a groove
formed at the sides of a black silk screen layer; and
[0036] FIG. 4E is a simplified schematic of a key according to
another embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 4F is a simplified schematic of a key according to
another embodiment of the present invention; and
[0038] FIG. 4G is a simplified schematic of a key according to
another embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 5A is a simplified schematic of a keyboard including a
plurality of keys according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0040] FIG. 5B is an exploded view of the plurality of keys with
bezels;
[0041] FIG. 6 is a simplified schematic of a key coupled to
membrane according to one specific embodiment of the present
invention;
[0042] FIG. 7A is a simplified schematic of a key having a membrane
coupled to a plunger of a key; and
[0043] FIG. 7B is a simplified schematic of a key having a membrane
coupled between a keycap and a plunger.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0044] Keyboards in accordance with various embodiments of the
present invention have improved printing durability, reduced
penetration by foreign materials inside the keyboards, and
increased key switch life.
Reduce Print Wear-Off
[0045] One aspect of the present invention relates to making the
printing on keyboard keys stay without wearing off. In one
embodiment, this is accomplished by not having the user's fingers
touch the printing directly, as on conventional keyboards, but
rather providing a protective covering between the printing and the
part of the key that is contacted by the user's fingers. The
protective covering may be transparent or translucent, so that the
user can see the printing on the key through the protective
coating. A keyboard as referred to herein may include nearly any
type of keyboard for nearly any type of device, which includes a
keyboard.
[0046] According to one embodiment, a keyboard as referred to here
in is a computer keyboard for use with a computer, such as a
desktop computer, a laptop computer, or the like.
[0047] In one embodiment of the present invention, a key for a
keyboard includes two parts: a plunger and a keycap (e.g., a lid, a
cover, a bezel, or a lens). FIGS. 1A and 1B are simplified
schematics of keys 100 and 105, respectively, for a keyboard where
the keys include a keycap 110 and a plunger 115. In one embodiment,
one or more characters are printed as a print layer 120 on a top
portion 125 of plunger 115. It is noted that the same numeral
scheme is used throughout the specification and figures to identify
the same or substantially the same features for different key
embodiments.
[0048] According to one embodiment, plunger 115 is coupled to a
key-frame assembly (not shown) of the keyboard. A key-frame
assembly is typically an upper portion of a keyboard and is
configured to hold the keys. A key-frame assembly may include a
plurality of seats (not shown) where each seat is configured to
receive a plunger and provide for the substantially linear upward
and downward travel of the keys. A key-frame assembly may
alternatively be configured to include scissor mounts, rubber
domes, or the like to couple the keys to a keyboard and/or provide
for the upward and downward travel of the keys.
[0049] According to one embodiment, keycap 110 is transparent or
translucent and is configured to be assembled to plunger 115 to
protect print layer 120. That is, print layer 120 is protected from
being touched by a user's finger or the like because a user's
finger is prevented by keycap 100 from touching the print layer.
More specifically, the print layer may be sandwiched between keycap
110 and plunger 115.
[0050] According to one embodiment, print layer 120 may be in a
contrasting color compared to top portion 125 of plunger 115. For
example, if the top portion of the plunger is black, the print
layer may be white. Alternatively, if the top portion of the
plunger is white, the print layer may be black. The print layer
might be applied to the entire surface of the top portion of the
plunger and may be etched (e.g., laser etched) to form one or more
characters in the print layer. The one or more characters may be
any of the type of characters found on a conventional keyboard.
[0051] According to one embodiment, print layer 120 includes a
first paint layer and a second paint layer. The first and the
second paint layers may be contrasting colors. For example, the
first paint layer may be white and may be applied directly on top
portion 125 of the plunger, and the second paint layer may be black
and may be applied over the first paint layer. The second paint
layer may be etched (e.g., laser etched) to form one or more
characters in the second paint layer. The etched character in the
second paint layer exposes the contrasting color of the first paint
layer so that the character will be relatively easy to see through
the keycap.
[0052] According to one alternative embodiment, at least a portion
of print layer 120 is formed on an under side 130 of the keycap.
For example, a first paint layer may be formed on under side 130 of
the keycap, and a second paint layer may be formed on the top
portion 125 of the plunger. Alternatively, both the first and the
second paint layers may be formed on under side 130 of the keycap.
According to another alternative, only one paint layer may be
formed on the under side of the keycap, if, for example, the top
portion of the plunger is a contrasting color (e.g., white)
compared to the color (e.g., black) of the paint layer.
[0053] In one embodiment, print layer 120 is tampo printed onto the
keycap and/or the plunger. In another embodiment, a character
forming print layer 120 is laser printed onto the keycap or the
plunger. Laser printing may make localization of the printing
easier. Localization is discussed in further detail below. In some
embodiments, some additional elements (described in further detail
below), such as UV coating, are also included in a key. In one
embodiment, the UV coating is tampo printed.
[0054] According to one embodiment, a keyboard may be formed in
part by molding the plunger, assembling the plunger into the
key-frame assembly of the keyboard, printing a character (e.g., in
white or black) on the top portion of the plunger, molding the
transparent keycap, and assembling the transparent keycap on the
plunger.
[0055] According to one embodiment, the keycap of key 100 has a
beveled shape at sides 135 of the keycap. The undersides of the
bevel may be black (e.g., painted black, printed black, etc.) to
inhibit viewing of the plunger. FIG. 1B shows a variation of the
above-described embodiment where the shape of the keycap is
different from the shape of the keycap shown in FIG. 1A. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, the plunger is not hidden by the
keycap as the sides 135 of the keycap have a lesser sideways and
downward extent.
[0056] In one embodiment, the keycap is configured to "push-fit"
onto the plunger to couple keycap thereto. The keycap or the
plunger may include various mechanical features so that the keycap
may couple to the plunger if the keycap is push-fit onto the
plunger. In another embodiment, the keycap may be coupled to the
plunger by ultra-sonic welding, glue, etc.
[0057] FIG. 1C is a simplified schematic of a key 140 according to
another embodiment of the present invention. Key 140 includes
keycap 110 coupled to plunger 115. Print layer 120 is on the
plunger and the keycap (e.g., transparent keycap) covers the print
layer. Plunger 115 may have a downwardly extending stem (not shown)
or the like that is configured to couple to a base plate or the
like of the keyboard. Alternatively, plunger 115 may be coupled to
a scissor mount or the like for guiding the key up and down. The
keycap and plunger of key 140 might have shapes that are different
from keycaps and plunger shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. For example, the
sides 135 of the keycap and the sides 145 of the plunger might both
be beveled.
[0058] FIG. 1D is a simplified schematic of a key 150 according to
another embodiment of the present invention. Similar to key 150,
print layer 120 is on the plunger and a transparent keycap covers
the print layer. The plunger of key 150 may have a downwardly
extending stem (not shown) or the like that is configured to couple
to a base plate or the like of the keyboard. The keycap and plunger
of key 140 might have shapes that are different from keycaps and
plungers discussed above. For example, the sides 135 of the keycap
may have a beveled outer portion and an inner portion that extends
substantially straight downward. The sides 145 of the plunger may
similarly extend substantially straight downward.
[0059] FIG. 1E is a simplified schematic of a key 155 according to
another embodiment of the present invention. Key 155 includes a
plunger 115 and a coating 160 over print layer 120 and the plunger.
The coating may be configured to inhibit ultra-violet (UV)
radiation from reaching the print layer. The coating may be about
0.1 millimeters thick or thicker. The coating may be applied by a
spray technique.
[0060] In one embodiment, the print layer 120 is laser printed onto
the plunger through the transparent cap. This allows for easier
localization. Localization is important if keyboards used in
different places have different keyboard layouts (e.g., because of
different languages used in different countries, etc.). That is,
the characters to be printed in the print layer on the various keys
are different, based upon factors such as where the keyboard will
be used and/or sold. In such a situation, keyboards which already
have characters printed on them during initial
manufacture/assembly, and which are initially meant to be used in a
certain geographic place, generally are not re-assigned to be
used/sold in a different geographic place (e.g., due to a change in
the demand or supply etc.), since the "wrong" characters are
pre-printed on them. One solution to this problem is to not print
the characters on the keys at the place and time of initial
manufacture (e.g., in China), but rather to print the characters
onto the keys at a later time and/or at a different place (e.g.,
locally in Europe). This manufacturing approach provides
significant flexibility in supply chain management. Being able to
print the character in the print layer through the transparent
keycap makes the process much easier and cheaper for local
printing. In accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention, there is no need to disassemble and/or assemble the
transparent cap in order to print the characters.
[0061] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, a method similar to a shrink wrapping method used to
apply shrink wrap is used to apply a transparent film onto the top
of a set of keys. A transparent foil or transparent film is
positioned to cover the tops of the keycaps of the keys. The
transparent foil or transparent film is treated (e.g., by ionizing
rays) so that the transparent foil or transparent film shrinks when
heated with a heat gun. This makes it possible to apply the
transparent foil or transparent film on non-flat surfaces (e.g.,
non-flat keys). In one embodiment, a relatively thin transparent
adhesive/glue layer is applied on a side of the transparent foil or
transparent film that makes contact with the tops of the keycaps to
make the adhesion of the transparent foil or transparent film to
the keys permanent.
[0062] In accordance with another embodiment, hot foil stamping
method is used to protect the print layer on the keycaps. The
method includes, in one embodiment, molding the keycaps, assembling
the keycaps into the top case on the plungers, printing the
characters in the print layer (e.g., by tampo printing in white
print), and stamping clear hot foil on the tops of the keycaps. One
advantage of this technology is that it may be applied to all the
keys on the keyboard at one time. In one embodiment, a preformed
silicon sheet is added on the top of the keyframe, instead of the
hot foil. One advantage of this method include the fact that
silicon sheets can be easily washed and cleaned, and that
dust-proofing of the keys will also result. Dust-proofing is
discussed further later in the application. In one embodiment, a UV
coating is put on the keycaps instead. As with the hot foil
stamping, one of the advantages is that the UV coating can be
applied to the entire keyboard in one step.
[0063] In accordance with still another embodiment, double
injection technology is used to protect the print on the keycaps.
The process includes, in one embodiment, molding the keycap,
putting the keycap on a printing frame, printing a character in the
print layer (e.g., by tampo printing in white print), removing the
keycap from the printing frame, putting the keycap in the tooling,
molding a clear plastic on the top, and assembling the keycap in
the keyframe of a keyboard. In other embodiments, laser printing or
reductor technology may be used instead of tampo printing to apply
print layer 120 to the keys. Advantages of these technologies
include very long-lasting printing, as well as aesthetic
appeal.
[0064] In one embodiment, a character is engraved into the keycap.
The keycap is molded and then assembled into the keyframe of a
keyboard. The engraving will last for a relatively long time, and
will be low-cost. In one embodiment, the grooves that form the
character may be tampo printed. Further, in one embodiment, a UV
coating is tampo printed into the grooves. With an adequate
quantity of UV coating, it is possible to fill-in the engraved
grooves.
[0065] In yet another embodiment, Pictaflex technology developed by
ICI Imagedata of Europe may be used for the print layer to form
characters in the print layer. Various different designs can be
easily created, and the characters will be abrasion-resistant.
[0066] Various specific implementations in accordance with some
embodiments are possible. Examples of two families of key types in
accordance with the embodiments of the present invention can be
seen in FIGS. 2A-2C. FIG. 2A is a simplified schematic of a key
200. Key 200 includes keycap 110, which covers the top and side
portions of plunger 115. The key may be formed from a
dual-injection molding process where the keycap may first be molded
and then the plunger may be molded onto the keycap, or the plunger
may be first be molded and the keycap may be molded onto the
plunger. Print layer 120 may be formed on the keycap or the plunger
between the two molding steps. FIG. 2B is a simplified schematic of
a key 205 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Key 205 includes a transparent or translucent bezel 175, which may
be disposed in an opening 180 formed in the plunger. Bezel 175 may
cover print layer 120 formed between the bezel and the plunger. The
bezel and plunger may be formed in dual-injection molding process.
FIG. 2C shows a top-view of key 200, and FIG. 2D shows a top-view
of key 205 with bezel 175.
[0067] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention,
improvements include (i) reducing glare from the edges of the keys;
and (ii) improving the readability of the characters printed on the
keys. In one embodiment, the glare from the edges of the keys is
reduced by removing the air between the transparent keycap and the
plunger. Removing the air gap and the glare generally provides a
key that is darker, that is esthetically pleasing to look at, and
is more comfortable to look at. In one embodiment, readability of
characters is improved by printing the character on the under side
of the keycap. Such printing reduces the number of optical
interfaces that lie between the character and the eye. Optical
interfaces include the character to air interface, the air to
keycap interface, etc.
[0068] The keycap features described above may be seen in the keys
shown in FIGS. 3A-3D and 4A-4C. In particular, FIGS. 3A-3D are
simplified schematics of keys having a two part assembly put
together with adhesive. FIG. 3A is simplified schematic of a key
300 according to one specific embodiment. Key 300 includes print
layer 120 with a character formed therein on under side 130 of
keycap 110. A glue layer 185 may couple the keycap to the plunger.
FIG. 3B is a simplified schematic of a key 305 having translucent
bezel 175 glued by glue layer 185 to the plunger. Print layer 120
may be formed on the under side 130 of the bezel. FIG. 3C includes
simplified top views of keys with silicon oil instead of glue
between the keycap and the plunger. FIG. 3C illustrates the visual
differences between keys with an air gap and without an air gap
(silicon oil) between the keycap and the plunger. FIG. 3D is a
simplified schematic of a key 310 having a keycap and a plunger. In
this embodiment, print layer 120 is formed on the under side 130 of
the keycap. In one embodiment, the print layer has a partial black
background. A groove 190 may be formed in the keycap to prevent the
paint from being non-uniform at the inside edges of the keycap.
Groove 190 may be formed in the keycap after print layer 120 is
formed on under side 130.
[0069] FIG. 4A is a simplified schematic of a key 400 having a
two-part assembly with a black silk screen layer 195 and print
layer 120 where both layers are formed on under side 130 of keycap
110. FIG. 4B is a simplified schematic of a key 405 having a
two-part assembly with a black silk screen layer 195 and print
layer 120 where both layers are formed on under side 130 of bezel
175. For both key 400 and key 405, the silk screen layer 195 may be
formed on the under side of the keycap and may be formed to cover
print layer 120.
[0070] FIG. 4C is a simplified schematic of a key 410 according to
another embodiment of the present invention. Key 410 includes a
lens 415 coupled to plunger 115. A lens as referred to herein is a
top cover of a key that covers the entire top portion of the
plunger. A lens differs from a bezel in that a bezel only covers a
portion of the top of the plunger. Further, a lens differs from a
keycap in that a keycap may cover the sides of a plunger. According
to one embodiment, lens 415 is attached to the plunger via a clip
420. In this embodiment, clip 420 is integrally formed with the
plunger. However, in other embodiments, the clip is a discrete
component. Other technologies may be used to attach the lens to the
plunger. Black silk screen layer 195 and print layer 120 may be
formed on an under side 130 of lens 415. FIG. 4D is a simplified
schematic of a key 430 where groove 190 is formed at the sides of
black silk screen layer 195. While layer 195 is referred to as a
black silk screen layer, layer 195 may be a pad print black
layer.
[0071] FIGS. 4E-4G are respective simplified schematics of keys
450, 455, and 460 according to various embodiments of the present
invention. Keys 450, 455, and 460 are substantially similar to keys
400, 405, and 410, respectively, except that each of keys 450, 455,
and 460 includes a glue layer 470, which is configured to couple
the keycaps of the plungers of these keys. Glue layer 470 is hidden
by the black silk screen layer 195 (or alternatively a black paint
layer). The black silk screen layer is configured to block from
view any air bubbles than might form in the glue layer providing
for an esthetically pleasing appearance of these keys. According to
one embodiment, the black silk screen layer may extend down the
sides 135 of the keycaps so that the plunger is not visible through
the keycap. Because the plunger is not visible through the keycap,
the shape of the plunger may be adjusted as needed. That is, the
plunger might not extend by the same amount as the keycap to
provide an esthetically pleasing looking key. For instance, the
sides of the plunger may be removed altogether while the key
maintains a substantially uniform black appearance. As a result of
the ability to modify the shape/geometry of the plunger, the
plunger can be made significantly smaller, thus allowing for
smaller keys. FIGS. 4E and 4F show key embodiments with the
character printed on the under side of the keycap along with a full
black background. FIG. 4E shows a key embodiment with a partial
plunger (having no sides), whereas FIG. 4F shows a key embodiment
with a full plunger. FIG. 4G shows a key embodiment with the
character printed on the under side of the keycap. The key may
includes a full plunger and the keycap may have a partial black
background. That is, the sides of the keycap are not painted
black.
[0072] FIG. 5A is a simplified schematic of a keyboard 500
including a plurality of keys 505 according to one embodiment of
the present invention. Keys 505 may be any of the keys described
above that include a bezel 175 coupled to a plunger 115, for
example by a glue layer.
[0073] FIG. 5B is an exploded view of the plurality of keys 505
with the bezels 175 separated from the plungers 115. Each bezel may
include a print layer formed on the under surface. According to one
embodiment of the present invention, a process for manufacturing
keyboard 500 may include the following steps. The plungers may be
assembled to a keyframe of the keyboard. For the bezels, the
characters in the print layer 120 and the background color may be
printed onto the under side of the bezels. An adhesive may be
applied to the under side of the bezels. The outline of each
key/bezel may be punched out. Thereafter, each bezel is coupled to
the plungers on the keyframe. This final assembly can take place
either in a single step or key by key. It is to be noted that many
of the above-described technologies/processes may be combined with,
and/or be used in conjunction with, each other, and be used with
different printing processes.
Improve Key Guiding and Reduced Key Wear
[0074] One aspect of the present invention relates to improved
guiding of the keys as the keys move upward and downward and
relates to reduced wear of the keys during upward and downward
travel. For a keyboard in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention, the key height is increased as compared to
traditional key, so as to increase the guiding length. In another
embodiment, a silicon-loaded plastic bush (douille) is push-fitted
(or fitted in some other appropriate way) to reduce friction. In
another embodiment, the plungers of the keys are silicon
loaded.
Reduce Dust Penetration Inside the Keyboard
[0075] One aspect of the present invention relates to reducing the
penetration of foreign materials (e.g., dust, food particles,
liquids, cigarette ashes, and so on) into a keyboard.
[0076] In a keyboard in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention, a silicon membrane is positioned between the
keys and the keyframe (plunger guide) to prevent foreign material
from entering the keyboard from in-between the keys. One of the
purposes of the membrane is to prevent foreign material from
entering the "guiding" mechanism of the key. Further, any foreign
material to which the keyboard is exposed stays on top of the
membrane, thus allowing it to be removed/taken out (e.g., washed,
air sprayed) easily.
[0077] FIG. 6 is a simplified schematic of a key 600 coupled to
membrane 605 according to one specific embodiment of the present
invention. Membrane 605 is pinched between the keycap and plunger
during assembly of the key. According to one embodiment, membrane
605 is continuous without any holes formed therein. According to an
alternative embodiment, the membrane has a plurality of holed
formed therein where the positions of the holes correspond to the
key locations. During assembly, that membrane seals each plunger of
each key like an o-ring to inhibit foreign material from entering
into the body of a keyboard.
[0078] FIG. 7A is a simplified schematic of a key 700 having a
membrane 705 coupled to the plunger 115 of the key. Membrane 705
may be coupled to the plunger via a ring joint configuration. FIG.
7B is a simplified schematic of a key 710 according to another
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7B shows membrane 705
coupled to the keycap and/or the plunger.
[0079] In one embodiment, membrane 705 covers the whole "uncovered"
surface of the keyboard, and makes the keyboard (and its bottom
part) almost dustproof and spill-proof. In one embodiment, the
membrane 705 is specially designed and treated as it becomes
visible when removing the top case. In one embodiment, the membrane
extends and is sealed with the bottom case to provide an improved
spill-proof and dust-proof feature.
[0080] A keyboard in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention includes an easy to change keyframe. For example, such a
keyframe may clip in to the keyboard.
[0081] Replacement keyframes are provided, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention, so that the entire keyboard
does not need to be replaced when it malfunctions, but rather the
keyframe can be simply and easily replaced. This would lead to a
cost-saving for the users/owners of the keyboards, since such a
"maintenance" cost is less costly than replacing the entire
keyboard.
[0082] In one embodiment, the keyboard top case acts as a keyframe
and holds the keys. The top case is easy to detach from the bottom
case (e.g., via a set of side latches or the like). The bottom case
unit of the keyboard holds the rubber sheet, membranes, electronics
and cable, similar to a conventional keyboard, but the top surface
of the assembly is adapted for the replacement kit.
[0083] A service for changing the keyframe is provided in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and in one
embodiment, such a service includes recycling of the replaced
parts. A dedicated warranty service may be provided to the customer
for such a service. Additionally, other measures to extend the life
of a keyboard may include cleaning the inside of the keyboard in
addition to replacement of the worn-out components.
[0084] While particular embodiments and applications of the present
invention have been illustrated and described, it is to be
understood that the invention is not limited to the precise
construction and components disclosed herein. Various other
modifications, changes, and variations which will be apparent to
those skilled in the art may be made in the arrangement, operation
and details of the method and apparatus of the present invention
disclosed herein, without departing from the spirit and scope of
the invention as defined in the following claims.
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