Input device securing techniques

• US 8,791,382 B2
• Filed: 05/14/2012
• Issued: 07/29/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 03/02/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
• Inventors: Whitt, David Otto III, Shaw, Timothy C., Huala, Rob, Vandervoort, David C., Mickelson, Matthew David, Stoumbos, Christopher Harry, Pelley, Joel Lawrence, Pleake, Todd David, Wang, Hua
• Primary Examiner(s): Figueroa, Felix O
• Application Number:
  US13/471,139
• Publication Number:
  US 20130228439A1
• Time in Patent Office: 806 Days
• Field of Search: 200/515, 200/512
• US Class Current: 200/512
• CPC Class Codes: E05D 11/1064 with a coil spring perpendicular to the pivot axis
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 5/08 with springs
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2201/46 Magnets
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/38 by folding , e.g. pivoting or scissors tong mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 11/01 electric
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1616 with folding flat displays, e.g. laptop computers or notebooks having a clamshell configuration, with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1618 the display being foldable up to the back of the other housing with a single degree of freedom, e.g. by 360° rotation over the axis defined by the rear edge of the base enclosure
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1637 Details related to the display arrangement, including those related to the mounting of the display in the housing
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1654 the display being detachable, e.g. for remote use
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1656 Details related to functional adaptations of the enclosure, e.g. to provide protection against EMI, shock, water, or to host detachable peripherals like a mouse or removable expansions units like PCMCIA cards, or to provide access to internal components for maintenance or to removable storage supports like CDs or DVDs, or to mechanically mount accessories mounting of accessories to a computer display G06F1/1607; display hoods G06F1/1603; cooling arrangements for portable computers G06F1/203
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/166 related to integrated arrangements for adjusting the position of the main body with respect to the supporting surface, e.g. legs for adjusting the tilt angle
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1662 Details related to the integrated keyboard
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1669 Detachable keyboards
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1681 Details related solely to hinges hinge details related to the transmission of signals or power are classified in G06F1/1683
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1683 for the transmission of signal or power between the different housings, e.g. details of wired or wireless communication, passage of cabling
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1684 Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1686 the I/O peripheral being an integrated camera
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/3089 Monitoring arrangements determined by the means or processing involved in sensing the monitored data, e.g. interfaces, connectors, sensors, probes, agents software debugging using additional hardware using a specific debug interface G06F11/3656; performance evaluation by tracing or monitoring G06F11/3466
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 13/102 where the programme performs an interfacing function, e.g. device driver G06F13/105 takes precedence; scheduling within device drivers G06F9/52; contention policies within device drivers G06F9/4881
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/002 Specific input/output arrangements not covered by G06F3/01 - G06F3/16 other optical apparatus G02B27/00
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/01 : Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer G06F3/16 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/02 : Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0202 : Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0219 : Special purpose keyboards
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/023 : Arrangements for converting discrete items of information into a coded form, e.g. arrangements for interpreting keyboard generated codes as alphanumeric codes, operand codes or instruction codes
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0233 : Character input methods
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0414 : using force sensing means to determine a position
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0416 : Control or interface arrangements specially adapted for digitisers
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0487 : using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0488 : using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04886 : by partitioning the display area of the touch-screen or the surface of the digitising tablet into independently controllable areas, e.g. virtual keyboards or menus
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/541 : via adapters, e.g. between incompatible applications
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 11/00 : Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of electric switches processes specially adapted for manufacture of rectilinearly movable switches having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboards, H01H13/88
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/14 : Operating parts, e.g. push-button
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/702 : with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/703 : characterised by spacers between contact carrying layers
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/704 : characterised by the layers, e.g. by their material or structure H01H13/703 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/78 : characterised by the contacts or the contact sites
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/785 : characterised by the material of the contacts, e.g. conductive polymers
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/79 : characterised by the form of the contacts, e.g. interspersed fingers or helical networks
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/807 : characterised by the spatial arrangement of the contact sites, e.g. superimposed sites
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/82 : characterised by contact space venting means
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2201/036 : Variable resistance
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2203/02 : Interspersed fingers
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2203/036 : to solve particular problems
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2203/058 : Contact area function of position on layered keyboard
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2205/006 : mounted on spacer
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2211/004 : Adhesive
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2211/006 : Individual areas
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2213/016 : in adhesive layer
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2217/004 : Larger or different actuating area
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2217/006 : Different feeling for different switch sites
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2217/01 : Off centre actuation
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2227/032 : Operating force
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 9/26 : for interlocking two or more switches H01H13/568 takes precedence; by a detachable member H01H9/28 ; for electromagnetic relays H01H50/323
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0216 : Foldable in one direction, i.e. using a one degree of freedom hinge
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0245 : using open/close detection
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0254 : comprising one or a plurality of mechanically detachable modules
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72409 : by interfacing with external accessories hands-free H04M1/60
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0226 : Hinges
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0234 : Feet; Stands; Pedestals, e.g. wheels for moving casing on floor
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 10/00 : Energy efficient computing, e.g. low power processors, power management or thermal management
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 : Assembling or joining

Abstract

Input device adhesive techniques are described. A pressure sensitive key includes a sensor substrate having one or more conductors, a spacer layer, and a flexible contact layer. The spacer layer is disposed proximal to the sensor substrate and has at least one opening. The flexible contact layer is spaced apart from the sensor substrate by the spacer layer and configured to flex through the opening in response to an applied pressure to initiate an input. The flexible contact layer is secured to the spacer layer such that at first edge, the flexible contact layer is secured to the spacer layer at an approximate midpoint of the first edge and is not secured to the spacer along another portion of the first edge and at a second edge, the flexible contact layer is not secured to the spacer layer along an approximate midpoint of the second edge.

Claims

1. An input device comprising:

a sensor substrate having a first set of one or more conductors of a first pressure sensitive key and a second set of one or more conductors of a second pressure sensitive key;

a spacer layer disposed proximal to the sensor substrate and having first and second openings that expose the first and second sets of conductors, respectively; and

a flexible contact layer spaced apart from the sensor substrate by the spacer layer and configured to flex through the first and second openings responsive to an applied pressure to contact, respectively, the first and second sets of conductors to initiate respective first and second inputs, in which an arrangement of adhesive that secures the flexible contact layer to the spacer layer along one or more edges of the first opening corresponding to the first pressure sensitive key is different than an arrangement of adhesive that secures the flexible contact layer to the spacer layer along one or more edges of the second opening corresponding to the second pressure sensitive key, the arrangements including discrete portions of applied adhesive, and defining portions along the edges of the openings corresponding to the first and second pressure sensitive keys, respectively, that do not include adhesive.

2. An input device as described in claim 1, wherein the arrangements define portions along the edges of the first and second pressure sensitive keys, respectively, that do not include adhesive thereby permitting greater flexibility of the flexible contact layer to contact the sensor substrate at a location disposed proximal to the portion of the edge that does not include the adhesive in comparison with a portion of the edge that does include the adhesive.

3. An input device as described in claim 1, wherein the first pressure sensitive key is configured for inclusion as part of a home row of a keyboard and the second pressure sensitive key is not included as part of the home row of the keyboard.

4. An input device as described in claim 1, wherein the arrangements are configured to address a likelihood of missed hits of the respective first and second pressure sensitive keys.

5. An input device comprising:

a sensor substrate having a first set of one or more conductors of a first pressure sensitive key and a second set of one or more conductors of a second pressure sensitive key;

a spacer layer disposed proximal to the sensor substrate and having first and second openings that expose the first and second sets of conductors, respectively; and

a flexible contact layer spaced apart from the sensor substrate by the spacer layer and configured to flex through the first and second openings responsive to an applied pressure to contact, respectively, the first and second sets of conductors to initiate respective first and second inputs using a force sensitive ink, in which an arrangement of adhesive that secures the flexible contact layer to the spacer layer along one or more edges of the first opening corresponding to the first pressure sensitive key is different than an arrangement of adhesive that secures the flexible contact layer to the spacer layer along one or more edges of the second opening corresponding to the second pressure sensitive key, the arrangements including discrete portions of applied adhesive, and defining portions along the edges of the openings corresponding to the first and second pressure sensitive keys, respectively, that do not include adhesive.

6. An input device as described in claim 5, wherein the arrangements define portions along the edges of the first and second pressure sensitive keys, respectively, that do not include adhesive thereby permitting greater flexibility of the flexible contact layer to contact the sensor substrate at a location disposed proximal the portion of the edge that does not include the adhesive in comparison with a portion of the edge that does include the adhesive.

7. An input device as described in claim 5, wherein the first pressure sensitive key is configured for inclusion as part of a home row of a keyboard and the second pressure sensitive key is not included as part of the home row of the keyboard.

8. An input device as described in claim 5, wherein the arrangements are configured to address a likelihood of missed hits of the respective first and second pressure sensitive keys.

9. An input device as described in claim 5, wherein an amount of pressure applied to the flexible contact layer that is usable to initiate an input for the first pressure sensitive key is different than an amount of pressure applied to the flexible contact layer that is usable to initiate an input for the second pressure sensitive key.

10. An input device as described in claim 5, wherein flexibility of the flexible contact layer for the first pressure sensitive key is different than flexibility of the flexible contact layer for the second pressure sensitive key.

11. An input device as described in claim 5, wherein flexibility of the flexible contact layer along edges of the first pressure sensitive key or the second pressure sensitive key is different, one to another, for the first pressure sensitive key or the second pressure sensitive key.

12. An input device comprising:

a sensor substrate having a plurality of conductors that support a plurality of pressure sensitive keys;

a spacer layer disposed proximal to the sensor substrate and having openings that expose the plurality of conductors of the plurality of pressure sensitive keys, respectively; and

a flexible contact layer spaced apart from the sensor substrate by the spacer layer and configured to flex through the openings responsive to an applied pressure to contact respective said conductors of the respective said keys, in which arrangements of adhesive along edges of the openings that secures the flexible contact layer to the spacer layer varies for first and second said pressure sensitive keys, one to another, the arrangements including discrete portions of applied adhesive, and defining portions along edges of the openings corresponding to the first and second said pressure sensitive keys, respectively, that do not include adhesive.

13. An input device as described in claim 12, wherein the arrangements define portions along edges of the first and second pressure sensitive keys, respectively, that do not include adhesive thereby permitting greater flexibility of the flexible contact layer to contact the sensor substrate at a location disposed proximal the portion of the edge that does not include the adhesive in comparison with a portion of the edge that does include the adhesive.

14. An input device as described in claim 12, wherein the first said pressure sensitive key is configured for inclusion as part of a home row of a keyboard and the second said pressure sensitive key is not included as part of the home row of the keyboard.

15. An input device as described in claim 12, wherein the arrangements are configured to address a likelihood of missed hits of the respective first and second said pressure sensitive keys.

16. An input device as described in claim 12, wherein an amount of pressure applied the flexible contact layer that is usable to initiate an input for the first said pressure sensitive key is different than an amount of pressure applied to the flexible contact layer that is usable to initiate an input for the second said pressure sensitive key.

17. An input device as described in claim 12, wherein flexibility of the flexible contact layer for the first said pressure sensitive key is different than flexibility of the flexible contact layer for the second said pressure sensitive key.

18. An input device as described in claim 12, wherein flexibility of the flexible contact layer along edges of the first said pressure sensitive key or the second said pressure sensitive key is different, one to another, for the first pressure said sensitive key or the second said pressure sensitive key.