Fabric signal path structures for flexible devices
First Claim
1. A cover for an electronic device, comprising:
- a body having first and second portions, wherein the body folds along a bend axis between the first and second portions and wherein the body has an exterior surface;
a keyboard on the first portion of the body;
a connector on the second portion of the body, wherein the connector is located on the exterior surface of the body; and
a flexible signal path that crosses the bend axis and that couples the keyboard to the connector, wherein the flexible signal path comprises conductive traces that are perpendicular to the bend axis.
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Abstract
An electronic device such as a cover for a portable device may be provided with a body having hinge portions. The hinge portions may allow the body to bend about one or more bend axes. The cover may have electrical components such as a keyboard. A keyboard may be mounted at one end of the cover and a connector may be mounted at an opposing end of the cover. A flexible fabric signal path structure may be formed from metal traces on a flexible fabric substrate. At one end of the cover, the flexible fabric signal path structure may be coupled to a printed circuit in the keyboard using conductive adhesive. At the opposing end of the cover, the metal traces on the flexible fabric substrate may be coupled to the connector.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A cover for an electronic device, comprising:
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a body having first and second portions, wherein the body folds along a bend axis between the first and second portions and wherein the body has an exterior surface; a keyboard on the first portion of the body; a connector on the second portion of the body, wherein the connector is located on the exterior surface of the body; and a flexible signal path that crosses the bend axis and that couples the keyboard to the connector, wherein the flexible signal path comprises conductive traces that are perpendicular to the bend axis. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A cover for a tablet computer, comprising:
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a housing having first and second portions separated by a flexible hinge, wherein the second portion folds along at least first and second fold axes; a keyboard in the first portion; a stiffener in the second portion; an electrical contact on an outer surface of the housing; and a conductive signal path that overlaps the flexible hinge and the stiffener, wherein the conductive signal path has a first end coupled to the keyboard and a second end coupled to the electrical contact. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A cover for an electronic device, comprising:
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a housing that folds along a bend axis; a plurality of electrical contacts on an outer surface of the housing; a keyboard; a first fabric layer that covers the keyboard; and a second fabric layer that crosses the bend axis and that includes metal traces coupled between the keyboard and the plurality of electrical contacts. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification