Keypad module for character input, electronic devices utilizing the same, and method thereof
AssigneeChi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
InventorHUNG-CHEN WU
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A keypad module (114) including at least one key (20) is described. The key includes a keycap (24), a rocker (28) and a plurality of domes (32). The rocker includes a central shaft (281 ) and extending portions (282) extending from the central shaft. A top (2811a) of the central shaft joins with the keycap. The domes are located on a circuit board (50) corresponding to the central shaft and the extending portions. The corresponding dome is activated when the central shaft or the extending portions receive an external force.
Claims19
A keypad module including at least one key, the key comprising:
- a keycap;
- a rocker joined with the keycap, the rocker comprising a central shaft and a plurality of extending portions extending therefrom;
- a plurality of domes located on a circuit board corresponding to the central shaft and the extending portions;
- and
- wherein a corresponding dome is activated when the central shaft or the extending portions receive an external force.
An electronic device comprising a circuit board and a keypad module, the circuit board comprising a plurality of switches arranged thereon, the keypad module comprising at least one key, the key comprising:
- a keycap;
- a rocker joined with the keycap, the rocker comprising a central shaft and a plurality of extending portions extending therefrom;
- a plurality of domes on a circuit board corresponding to the central shaft and the extending portions;
- and
- wherein a corresponding dome triggers electrical switches on the circuit board when the central shaft or the extending portions receive an external force.
A method for character input for an electronic device, the electronic device comprising a display, a circuit board with a plurality of switches and a keypad module with at least one key, the method comprising:
- activating a character-input mode;
- applying external force to the at least one key and displaying a menu corresponding thereto;
- applying external force to at least one key in a downward direction to trigger a corresponding switch on the circuit board by a central dome of the key or applying external force to a central shaft of at least one key in a front, back, right, or left direction to trigger corresponding switches on the circuit board, wherein each dome corresponds to an option on the corresponding menu;
- and
- inputting the corresponding digits or characters in accordance with the activated domes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.