Electronic device keypad

Abstract

A keypad (102) for entering data in an electronic device (100) is disclosed. The keypad includes a thin circuit (202) with a first side (302) and a second side (304). The keypad also includes a user interface (204) located on the first side of the thin circuit. In addition, the keypad includes a dome array system (206) coupled to the second side of the thin circuit.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not limitation, in the accompanying figures, in which like references indicate similar elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an electronic device incorporating a keypad coupled to a housing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates various components of the keypad, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a section of a key of the keypad, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a section of a key of the keypad, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a section of a key of the keypad, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a thin circuit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates an arrangement of the various components of the keypad, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A keypad for entering data in an electronic device, the keypad comprising: a thin circuit having a first side and a second side;a user interface having one or more keys, the user interface located on the first side of the thin circuit; anda dome array system located on the second side of the thin circuit.

2. The keypad of claim 1, wherein the dome array system comprises: one or more domes; andone or more plungers engaged to the one or more domes.

3. The keypad of claim 2, wherein the one or more domes are in contact with the second side of the thin circuit.

4. The keypad of claim 3, wherein the one or more plungers are engaged to curved portion of the one or more domes.

5. The keypad of claim 1, wherein the thin circuit comprises a touch sensing circuitry to enable touchpad functions.

6. The keypad of claim 1, wherein the keypad further comprises an Electro Luminescent panel.

7. The keypad of claim 1, wherein the thin circuit is a flexible printed circuit.

8. The keypad of claim 1, wherein the one or more keys are position variable.

9. An electronic device comprising: a housing; anda keypad coupled to the housing, the keypad comprising: a thin circuit having a first side and a second side, the first side facing an exterior of the housing;a user interface coupled directly to the first side of the thin circuit, the user interface having one or more keys; anda dome array system located on the second side of the thin circuit.

10. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the dome array system comprises: one or more domes; andone or more plungers engaged to the one or more domes.

11. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein the one or more domes are in contact with the second side of the thin circuit.

12. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein the one or more plungers are engaged to curved portion of the one or more domes.

13. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein the one or more plungers are integrated with the housing.

14. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein the one or more plungers are integrated with the one or more domes.

15. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the thin circuit comprises a touch sensing circuitry to enable touchpad functions.

16. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the keypad further comprising an Electro Luminescent panel.

17. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the thin circuit is a flexible printed circuit.

18. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the one or more keys are position variable.

19. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the housing is at least one of a flat housing and a curved housing.

20. The electronic device of claim 19, wherein the curved housing is at least one of a concave housing and a convex housing.