Flexible stabilized button input device
AssigneeApple Inc.
InventorsPaul X. Wang, Craig C. Leong, Alex J. Lehmann
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An interface device includes a movable button connected to a frame structure by resilient structures positioned laterally between the button and the frame structure. Multiple layers or diaphragms of material can be used to make the button, frame, and resilient structures. Movement of the button can trigger a switch or sensor in a manner allowing an electronic device to detect interaction with the button. The interface device can be implemented in an electronic device such as a keyboard that has a low number of parts yet also providing tactile, stabilized key travel, support for various sensor or switch types for the keys, and, in some cases, haptic feedback.
Claims20
A keyboard, comprising:
- a rigid web;
- a set of movable buttons connected to the rigid web, each movable button of the set of movable buttons comprising:
- a button body having a central axis;
- a first resilient structure connecting an outer portion of the button body to the rigid web;
- a second resilient structure connecting an inner portion of the button body to the rigid web, the inner portion being spaced inward along the central axis relative to the outer portion, the first and second resilient structures being spaced apart from each other along the central axis;
- a set of transducers to transduce application of forces to the button bodies of the set of movable buttons;
- a controller connection to link the set of transducers to a controller.
An interface button, comprising:
- a frame structure;
- a button body having a periphery and an upper end;
- a first resilient structure laterally connecting the periphery of the button body to the frame structure;
- a second resilient structure laterally connecting the periphery of the button body to the frame structure, the second resilient structure being spaced from the first resilient structure and from the upper end;
- a sensor to detect interaction of a user with the button body.
An interface key, comprising:
- an upper layer of material having an upper central portion, an upper outer portion, and an upper resilient portion, the upper resilient portion connecting the upper central portion and the upper outer portion;
- a lower layer of material having a lower central portion, a lower outer portion, and a lower resilient portion, the lower resilient portion connecting the lower central portion and the lower outer portion, the lower layer of material being spaced below the upper layer of material;
- a joining material connecting the upper central portion to the lower central portion and forming a central body with a central axis extending through the central body;
- wherein upon application of a force to the central body, the force being offset from the central axis, the upper and lower central portions are movable along the central axis while remaining parallel to the upper and lower outer portions;
- a transducer configured to produce a signal in response to the application of the force to the central body.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.