[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a manner by which to provide a keypad
assembly that includes a finish, such as a decoration or painting, applied to interstitial
portions of the keys of the keypad assembly. More particularly, the present disclosure
relates to a method by which to apply the finish to the keys including the interstitial
portions and to provide a keypad assembly to which the finish has been applied.
[0002] Keypad assemblies of small dimensions, having keys positioned close to one another,
are provided with painting, decoration, or other finish applied at desired locations
of the keys.
Background
[0003] Electronic devices, such as portable communication devices, typically include a user
interface that provides a user with the capability to interact with the device. The
user interface, for instance, typically includes one or more input actuators, such
as a key or a button, that is utilized by a user to provide input commands, instructions,
and information utilized during operation of the device.
[0004] A wireless device operable in a radio communication system is exemplary of an electronic
device that includes a user interface to provide a user with input actuation keys
to input information, control instructions, and input commands utilized pursuant to
operation of the wireless device.
[0005] A wireless device typically includes a telephonic keypad that at least includes input
keys associated with each of the ten numeric dialing digits and also a "asterisk"
and "number" key. The user interface of a wireless device typically further includes
one or more additional keys used for additional purposes. And, some wireless devices
include a keypad that includes alphabetical characters, such as keypads that are arranged
in QWERTY configuration.
[0006] An exemplary radio communication system is a cellular communication system. Cellular
communication systems have been deployed throughout the world, and wireless devices,
sometimes referred to as mobile stations, are used to communicate in a cellular communication
system. Other wireless networks are analogously deployed and are regularly utilized.
[0007] Early-generation, cellular communication systems generally provided primarily for
voice communication services and only limited data communication services. The keypads
of wireless devices constructed for use in such early-generation communication systems
generally provided user interfaces consisting of numeric input keys. Newer-generation
devices, operable in newer-generation systems, are generally capable of being utilized
for data-intensive communication services, such as messaging services and other communication
services in which data is communicated by, and with, the wireless device. When the
wireless device is capable of use pursuant to a service that utilizes communication
of textual data, the wireless device often times includes a QWERTY keypad.
[0008] Advancements in technologies have permitted the circuitry of the wireless devices,
and also of other electronic devices, to be significantly reduced in physical dimensions,
i.e., miniaturized. The physical dimensions of the resultant device, that is, a device
that incorporates the circuitry of the reduced dimensions can correspondingly be reduced.
The housing in which the circuitry of the device is positioned can be reduced, facilitating
hand carriage of the device.
[0009] Concomitant with the decrease in the physical dimensions of electronic devices has
been a decrease in the physical dimensions of the associated user interfaces for the
devices. A user interface, typically supported at the housing of the electronic device
is constrained in dimensions by the dimensions of the housing. As the size of the
housing decreases, the size of the user interface correspondingly must decrease.
[0010] WO 2010/049420 A1 discloses a method for the manufacture of a keyboard module.
[0011] The reduced physical dimensions permitted of the user interface poses various manufacturing
challenges to the manufacture and assembly of the user interfaces for such devices
of reduced dimensions.
[0012] For instance, due to the increased dimensional constraints imposed upon the user
interfaces, not only are the sizes of the user interfaces reduced, but, further, the
component parts of the user interfaces are also reduced. For example, the sizes of
the keys of a keypad that typically forms a user-interface input of an electronic
device must be of reduced dimensions. Both numeric, QWERTY, and other alphanumeric
keypads, and the respective keys thereof, must generally be of reduced dimensions.
And, the keys of the keypads are placed in the closer proximity with one another.
Positioning of the keys of the keypad in closer proximity to one another reduces the
manufacturing tolerances permitted of the components of the keypads. Additionally,
by placing the keys of the keypad in closer proximity to one another, application
of a finish, such as a decoration or painting, is more difficult during assembly of
the keypads.
[0013] A keypad, of small dimensions, upon which a finish, such as a painting or decoration
is applied, and an associated method for applying the finish to the keys of the keypad
is therefore needed.
[0014] It is in light of this background information related to user interfaces for electronic,
and other, devices that the significant improvements of the present disclosure have
evolved.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0015] Figure 1 illustrates a keypad assembly of an implementation of the present disclosure.
[0016] Figure 2 illustrates a side, elevational view of a portion of the keypad assembly
shown in Figure 1.
[0017] Figure 3 illustrates a representation of a wireless device that includes the keypad
assembly as a portion thereof.
[0018] Figure 4 illustrates a representation of the keypad assembly shown in Figures 1-2
in a convex carrier configuration upon a cylindrical fixture.
[0019] Figure 5 illustrates a method flow diagram representative of the method of operation
of an implementation of the present disclosure.
Detailed Description
[0020] The present disclosure, accordingly, advantageously provides an apparatus, and an
associated method, for a keypad assembly that includes a finish, such as a decoration
or a painting, that is applied, e.g., to interstitial portions of keys of the keypad
assembly.
[0021] Through operation of an implementation of the present disclosure, a manner is provided
by which to provide keys of a keypad with painting, decoration, or other finish at
desired portions of the keys, including interstitial portions of the keys. A keypad
having a painting, decoration, or other finish applied to interstitial portions of
the keys of the keypad is also provided.
[0022] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a keypad of small dimensions, having keys
positioned close to one another, is able to be decorated or painted in a desired manner
including a finish applied to an interstitial portion of a key of a keypad, if desired.
[0023] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a keypad is provided that includes a
plurality of keys that are arranged in a manner that defines an array of keys, i.e.,
a keypad array. The keypad array comprises, for instance, a numeric keypad array or,
e.g., a QWERTY keypad array.
[0024] In another aspect of the present disclosure, membrane pieces of a membrane are positioned
between undersurfaces of the keys of the keypad array positioned, e.g., between adjacent
keys of the keypad array.
[0025] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a carrier membrane is provided. The
carrier membrane is formed of a flexible material, such as a flexible thermoplastic
material and is of dimensions to carry the keys that are arranged in the keypad array
and also the key membrane pieces thereon. The keys and the key membrane pieces are,
e.g., affixed in position upon the carrier membrane or are formed integral therewith.
[0026] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the carrier membrane, with the plurality
of keys and key membrane pieces carried thereon, is permitting of a bending flex motion
to permit flexing of the carrier membrane between a horizontal, substantially planar
position, and a convex configuration, i.e., a convex carrier configuration, in which
the keys of the keypad array and the key membrane pieces are flexed together with
the carrier membrane such that the keys and the key member pieces exhibit increased
angular offsets relative to one another.
[0027] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a finish, such as painting or a decoration,
is applied to selected portions of the keys of the keypad array. The finish is applied
to any desired portion of a key of the keypad array that is visible to a user of an
electronic device to which the keypad assembly is associated. The desired finish is
applied to the keys of the keypad array at the desired portions of the keys of the
array, including at interstitial portions of the keys, irrespective of the spacing
between the adjacent keys of the key pad array when the carrier membrane, upon which
the keypad array is carried, is in a substantially planar, or flat, position.
[0028] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the carrier membrane, with the keypad
array and key membrane pieces carried thereon is positioned in the convex carrier
configuration by wrapping the carrier membrane about a cylindrical fixture. The cylindrical
fixture comprises, for instance, a spindle or other convex-surfaced piece capable
of supporting or providing for positioning of the carrier membrane thereon. When the
carrier membrane is wrapped about the cylindrical fixture, the corresponding flexing
imparted to the keys of the keypad array, which causes adjacent keys to be of increased
angular offsets relative to each other, places interstitial portions of the keys in
position to permit application of a finish thereto. The positioning of the carrier
membrane in the convex carrier configuration thereby opens the interstitial portions
of the keys to permit even and accurate application of the finish upon the interstitial
portions of the keys. Once the finish has been applied to the desired portions of
the keys of the keypad array, the carrier membrane, and the keys and key membrane
pieces carried thereon, are removed from the cylindrical fixture, and the key pad
assembly is assembled to form part of the wireless, or other electronic, device pursuant
to an assembly process.
[0029] A keypad assembly is therefore provided that is permitted to be of small physical
dimensions while also permitting a finish to be applied upon a desired portion of
one or more keys of the key pad assembly including at an interstitial portion of a
key of the keypad array.
[0030] In these and further aspects, a keypad assembly, and an associated method, is provided.
A plurality of keys are arranged a keypad array. A group of key membrane pieces are
provided. A key membrane piece of the group is positioned between under surfaces of
adjacent keys of the keypad array into which the plurality of keys is arranged. A
carrier membrane is configured to carry the plurality of keys and the group of key
membrane pieces thereon. The carrier membrane is permitting of a bending flex motion
to position the carrier membrane into a convex carrier configuration at which the
keys and the key member pieces exhibit increased angular offsets relative to one another.
[0031] Turning first to Figure 1, a keypad assembly 10 constructed pursuant to an implementation
of the present disclosure provides for input of information, control commands, and
instructions to an electronic device (not shown in Figure 1). The keypad assembly
includes a plurality of keys 14 that are arranged in rows and columns to form an array
of keys, i.e., a keypad array. Here, the keys define a QWERTY keypad with alphabetical
characters arranged in QWERTY style, of which individual ones of the keys are actuated
by a user to enter a character associated with the individual key. In the exemplary
implementation, the keys 14 are comprised of a thermoplastic material and are configured
in the form of upstanding buttons that extend above a face surface of the keypad assembly.
Individual ones of the keys are separated by separation distances 18. In one implementation,
the separation distance 18 differs in the horizontal and vertical directions. That
is to say, in one implementation, the separation distances between keys adjacent to
one another in a vertical direction are different than the separation distances that
separate keys adjacent to one another in a horizontal direction. And, in another implementation,
separation distances between adjacent keys are row and/or column dependent.
[0032] In the exemplary implementation, membrane pieces 22 are positioned to extend between
under surface portions (hidden from view in Figure 1) that support the keys 14 in
the arrayed configuration. The membrane pieces 22, in one implementation, are connected
together and define a pattern, which, in turn, defines the array by controlling the
positioning of the keys 14.
[0033] The keypad assembly further includes a carrier membrane 24. The carrier membrane
is positioned beneath the key membrane pieces 22 and the keys 14. Edge portions of
the carrier membrane are illustrated in the Figure 1. The edge portions extend beyond
the key membrane pieces thereby to permit carriage of the key membrane pieces together
with the keys when arranged in the array configuration.
[0034] The carrier membrane is comprised of a flexible material that is permitting of a
bending flex motion responsive to application of bending forces applied thereto, The
key membrane pieces 22 and the keys 14, when carried upon the carrier membrane, as
shown, are moved together with movement of the carrier membrane when the bending flex
forces are applied to bend the carrier membrane into a convex carrier configuration.
When the bending flex forces are applied, the bending of the carrier membrane into
the convex carrier configuration causes the keys 14 carried upon the carrier membrane
to be reoriented, to be repositioned relative to one another. The keys, and the key
member pieces extending between undersurfaces of adjacent ones of the keys are caused
to exhibit altered angular offsets relative to one another. And, when the carrier
membrane is returned to a non-flexed position, either through termination of application
of the bending flex forces or application of bending flex forces in a reverse direction,
i.e., to return the carrier membrane to a substantially planar configuration, such
as that shown in Figure 1, the keys and key member pieces are again reoriented relative
to one another.
[0035] The keypad 10 further includes a finish 26 applied portions of one or more of the
keys 14. The finish comprises, for instance, painting applied to the key or decoration
applied to the key. The finish 24 pursuant to an implementation of the present disclosure,
is applied at any desired portion of the key that might be visible to a user of the
keypad assembly during normal operation. Due to the small separation distances separating
adjacent keys 14 of the keypad array, the application of the finish to interstitial
portions of the adjacent keys is carried out by first applying the bending flex forces
to the carrier member, and the key and key membrane pieces carried thereon to position
the carrier membrane in the convex carrier configuration. Once positioned in the convex
carrier configuration, the finish is applied, and the carrier membrane is permitted
to return to a non-flexed position. The reorientation of the keys responsive to the
bending movement of the carrier membrane into the altered angular offsets relative
to one another opens areas of the keys or application of the finish that otherwise
would not be accessible. Interstitial portions of the keys, for instance, which otherwise
would not be accessible to apply the finish thereto are amenable for application of
the finish when the carrier membrane is positioned in the convex carrier configuration.
[0036] Figure 2 again illustrates the keypad assembly 10. The view shown in Figure 2 again
illustrates the keys 14, the key membrane pieces 22 positioned between undersurfaces
28 of adjacent ones of the keys, and the carrier membrane 22. The keys 14 are shown
to be seated at locations defined by the key membrane pieces 22, and the positioning
of the keys 14 define the separation distances 18 that separate the adjacent ones
of the keys 14.
[0037] The carrier membrane 24 is again shown to carry the keys 14 and key membrane pieces
22 and also to be of dimensions to extend beyond the keypad array formed of the keys
14 positioned at the locations defined by the key membrane pieces 22.
[0038] The arrows 34 represent bending flex forces that are applied to the carrier membrane
to position the carrier membrane in the convex carrier configuration to alter the
angular offsets of the keys 14 relative to one another. For example, in the illustration
of Figure 2, the keys 14 are upstanding and parallel to one another. The application
of the bending flex forces to the carrier membrane causes flexing motion of the membrane
to cause the keys to be reoriented to be offset from one another to make the interstitial
portions of the keys amendable for application of a finish thereto. The carrier membrane,
once the desired finish is applied to the keys, is returned to the position, as shown
in Figure 2, upon termination of application of the forces 34 or, alternately, by
application of forces reverse to those of arrows 34.
[0039] Figure 3 illustrates a wireless device 42 that includes the keypad assembly 10 as
a portion thereof. The keypad assembly 10 includes a finish applied to the keys 14
at any desired portions thereof visible to a viewer or user of the wireless device.
The keypad assembly 10 is here supported at a housing 46 of the wireless device, positioned
below, as shown, a display element 48. The display element 48 and the keyboard assembly
together form the user interface of the wireless device.
[0040] In operation, a user of the wireless device enters information, commands, and operational
control instructions by way of the keypad assembly 10. The user actuates individual
keys 14 of the keypad assembly to enter the information, commands, or instructions.
And, circuitry (not shown) housed within the housing 46 causes operation of the wireless
device in conformity with the entered instructions or commands or causes communication
of the entered information, as appropriate.
[0041] Figure 4 again illustrates the keypad assembly 10, again illustrating the key 14,
key membrane pieces 22, and carrier membrane 24. Here, the keypad assembly is positioned
at, or supported on, a cylindrical fixture 62. Because the carrier membrane is comprised
of a flexible material, the membrane is positionable to be supported or otherwise
positioned at the fixture. When positioned at the fixture, the keys and key membrane
pieces are reoriented relative to one another to alter the relative angular offsets
between the elements and to expose the interstitial portions of the keys and key membrane
pieces for application of the finish material thereon.
[0042] Once applied, the keypad assembly is removed from the fixture 62, and the keypad
assembly is available for assembly as part of an electronic device, such as the wireless
device 42 shown in Figure 3. The positioning of the keypad assembly at a cylindrical
fixture, or the like, is readily carried out, such as by an automated process during
assembly operations. Because the positioning of the carrier membrane in the convex
carrier configuration positions even interstitial portions of the keys of the keypad
assembly to permit application of a finish thereto, almost any desired finish, pattern,
decoration, or painting is able to be applied to any portion of the keys or key membrane
that are noticeable by a viewer positioned above the keypad assembly.
[0043] Figure 5 illustrates a method 82 of an implementation of the present disclosure.
The method facilitates formation of a keypad assembly.
[0044] First, and as indicated by the block 84, a plurality of keys are arranged to form
a keypad array. Then, and as indicated by the block 86, key membrane pieces are positioned
between undersurfaces of adjacent keys of the keypad array.
[0045] Then, and as indicated by the block 88, the keypad array and the key membrane pieces
are carried on a carrier membrane. The carrier membrane is permitting of a bending
flex motion into a convex carrier configuration at which the keypad array and the
key membrane pieces, carried on the carrier membrane, exhibit increased angular offsets
relative to one another. And, as indicated by the block 92, a coating is applied to
a desired portion of one or more keys of the keypad array.
[0046] Thereby, a manner is provided by which to apply a finish to any desired portion of
a key of a keypad array. The manner is amendable for automated assembly operations
in which the keypad assembly is created and a finish is applied thereto.
[0047] Presently preferred implementations of the disclosure and many of improvements and
advantages thereof have been described with a degree of particularity. The description
is of preferred examples of implementing the disclosure, and the description of examples
is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The scope of the
disclosure is defined by the following claims.
1. A method (82) for facilitating formation of a keypad assembly (10), the method comprising:
arranging (84) a plurality of keys (14) to form a keypad array;
positioning (86) key membrane pieces (22) between undersurfaces of adjacent keys of
the keypad array;
carrying (88) the keypad array and key membrane pieces on a carrier membrane (24),
the carrier membrane permitting of a bending flex motion (34) into a convex carrier
configuration at which the keypad array and the key membrane pieces, carried on the
carrier membrane, exhibit increased angular offsets relative to one another; characterised by
bending the carrier membrane and the keypad array and key membrane pieces carried
thereon in the bending flex motion into the convex carrier configuration; and applying
(92) a finish (26) to at least an interstitial portion of a key of the keypad array.
2. The method (82) of claim 1 wherein the bending the carrier membrane (24) comprises
wrapping the carrier membrane about a cylindrical fixture (62).
3. The method (82) of claim 1 wherein said applying (92) the finish (26) comprises applying
a coating to at least an interstitial portion of a key (14) of the keypad array.
4. The method (82) of claim 1 wherein said applying (92) the finish (26) comprises painting
at least an interstitial portion of a key (14) of the keypad array.
5. The method (82) of claim 1 wherein the bending flex motion (34) permitted of the carrier
membrane (24) comprises motion to position the carrier membrane in the convex carrier
configuration at which interstitial portions of keys (14) of the keypad array are
positioned to receive application of the finish.
6. The method (82) of claim 1 wherein the positioning (86) key membrane pieces (22) between
the undersurfaces comprises positioning the key membrane pieces at light-blocking
positions.
7. A keypad assembly (10) obtained by the method (82) of claim 1 comprising:
a plurality of keys (14) arranged in a keypad array;
a group of key membrane pieces (22), a key membrane piece of the group positioned
between undersurfaces of adjacent keys of the keypad array into which the plurality
of keys is arranged; and
a carrier membrane (24) configured to carry the plurality of keys and the group of
key membrane pieces thereon, the carrier membrane permitting of a bending flex motion
(34) into a convex carrier configuration at which the keys and the key membrane pieces
exhibit altered angular offsets relative to one another,
wherein a finish is applied to at least an interstitial portion of a key of the keypad
array.
8. The keypad assembly (10) of claim 7 wherein the finish comprises a decoration.
9. The keypad assembly (10) of claim 7 wherein the finish comprises paint.
10. The keypad assembly (10) of claim 7, wherein the key membrane pieces (22) of the group
of key membrane pieces are permitting of the bending flex motion (34) together with
the bending flex motion of the carrier membrane (24).
11. The keypad assembly (10) of claim 7 wherein the key membrane pieces (22) of the group
of key membrane pieces and the carrier membrane (34) are integrally formed.
12. The keypad assembly (10) of claim 11 wherein the plurality of keys (14) are further
integrally formed with the key membrane pieces (22) of the group of key membrane pieces
and the carrier member (24).
13. The keypad assembly (10) of claim 7 wherein the bending flex motion (34) permitted
of the carrier membrane (24) comprises motion to position the carrier membrane at
the convex carrier configuration at which interstitial portions of the keys (14) of
the plurality are positioned to receive application of the finish.
14. The keypad assembly (10) of claim 7, wherein the convex carrier configuration into
which the carrier membrane (24) is positionable comprises a cylindrical-fixture-seatable
configuration (62).
1. Ein Verfahren (82) zum Erleichtern einer Bildung einer Tastatur-Baugruppe (10), wobei
das Verfahren aufweist:
Anordnen (84) einer Vielzahl von Tasten (14), um eine Tastatur-Anordnung zu bilden;
Positionieren (86) von Tasten-Membranstücken (22) zwischen Unterseiten von angrenzenden
Tasten der Tastatur-Anordnung;
Tragen (88) der Tastatur-Anordnung und Tasten-Membranstücke auf einer Trägermembran
(24), wobei die Trägermembran eine Biege-Flex-Bewegung (34) in eine konvexe Träger-Konfiguration
erlaubt, bei der die Tastatur-Anordnung und die Tasten-Membranstücke, die auf der
Trägermembran getragen werden, größere Winkelversätze relativ zueinander zeigen;
gekennzeichnet durch
Biegen der Trägermembran und der darauf getragenen Tastatur-Anordnung und Tasten-Membranstücke
in der Biege-Flex-Bewegung in die konvexe Träger-Konfiguration; und
Anwenden (92) einer Oberflächenbehandlung (26) auf zumindest einen Zwischenteil einer
Taste der Tastatur-Anordnung.
2. Das Verfahren (82) gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei das Biegen der Trägermembran (24) ein Wickeln
der Trägermembran um eine zylindrische Einrichtung (62) aufweist.
3. Das Verfahren (82) gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei das Anwenden (92) der Oberflächenbehandlung
(26) ein Aufbringen einer Beschichtung auf zumindest einen Zwischenteil einer Taste
(14) der Tastatur-Anordnung aufweist.
4. Das Verfahren (82) gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei das Anwenden (92) der Oberflächenbehandlung
(26) ein Bemalen zumindest eines Zwischenteils einer Taste (14) der Tastatur-Anordnung
aufweist.
5. Das Verfahren (82) gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei die mögliche Biege-Flex-Bewegung (34) der
Trägermembran (24) eine Bewegung aufweist zum Positionieren der Trägermembran in die
konvexe Träger-Konfiguration, bei der Zwischenteile von Tasten (14) der Tastatur-Anordnung
positioniert sind, die Anwendung der Oberflächenbehandlung zu erhalten.
6. Das Verfahren (82) gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei das Positionieren (86) der Tasten-Membranstücke
(22) zwischen den Unterseiten ein Positionieren der Tasten-Membranstücke an Licht-blockierenden
Positionen aufweist.
7. Eine Tastatur-Baugruppe (10), erlangt durch das Verfahren (82) gemäß Anspruch 1, die
aufweist:
eine Vielzahl von Tasten (14), die in einer Tastatur-Anordnung angeordnet sind;
eine Gruppe von Tasten-Membranstücken (22), wobei ein Tasten-Membranstück der Gruppe
zwischen Unterseiten von angrenzenden Tasten der Tastatur-Anordnung positioniert ist,
in die die Vielzahl von Tasten angeordnet ist; und
eine Trägermembran (24), die konfiguriert ist zum darauf Tragen der Vielzahl von Tasten
und der Gruppe von Tasten-Membranstücken, wobei die Trägermembran eine Biege-Flex-Bewegung
(34) in eine konvexe Träger-Konfiguration erlaubt, bei der die Tasten und die Tasten-Membranstücke
veränderte Winkelversätze relativ zueinander zeigen,
wobei eine Oberflächenbehandlung auf zumindest einen Zwischenteil einer Taste der
Tastatur-Anordnung angewendet wird.
8. Die Tastatur-Baugruppe (10) gemäß Anspruch 7, wobei die Oberflächenbehandlung eine
Dekoration aufweist.
9. Die Tastatur-Baugruppe (10) gemäß Anspruch 7, wobei die Oberflächenbehandlung Farbe
aufweist.
10. Die Tastatur-Baugruppe (10) gemäß Anspruch 7, wobei die Tasten-Membranstücke (22)
aus der Gruppe von Tasten-Membranstücken die Biege-Flex-Bewegung (34) zusammen mit
der Biege-Flex-Bewegung der Trägermembran (24) ermöglichen.
11. Die Tastatur-Baugruppe (10) gemäß Anspruch 7, wobei die Tasten-Membranstücke (22)
aus der Gruppe von Tasten-Membranstücken und die Trägermembran (34) integral ausgebildet
sind.
12. Die Tastatur-Baugruppe (10) gemäß Anspruch 11, wobei die Vielzahl von Tasten (14)
weiter mit den Tasten-Membranstücken (22) der Gruppe von Tasten-Membranstücken und
der Trägermembran (24) integral ausgebildet sind.
13. Die Tastatur-Baugruppe (10) gemäß Anspruch 7, wobei die Biege-Flex-Bewegung (34),
die mit der Trägermembran (24) möglich ist, eine Bewegung aufweist zum Positionieren
der Trägermembran in die konvexe Träger-Konfiguration, bei der Zwischenteile der Tasten
(14) der Vielzahl positioniert sind, eine Anwendung der Oberflächenbehandlung zu erhalten.
14. Die Tastatur-Baugruppe (10) gemäß Anspruch 7, wobei die konvexe Träger-Konfiguration,
in die die Trägermembran (24) positionierbar ist, eine in eine zylindrische Einrichtung
setzbare Konfiguration (62) aufweist.
1. Procédé (82) facilitant la formation d'un ensemble clavier (10), le procédé comprenant
le fait :
d'agencer (84) une pluralité de touches (14) pour former un clavier ;
de positionner (86) des pièces de membrane à touches (22) entre des surfaces inférieures
de touches adjacentes du clavier ;
de supporter (88) le clavier et les pièces de membrane à touches sur une membrane
de support (24), la membrane de support autorisant un mouvement de flexion par pliage
(34) dans une configuration de support convexe à laquelle le clavier et les pièces
de membrane à touches, supportés sur la membrane de support, présentent des décalages
angulaires accrus les uns par rapport aux autres, caractérisé par le fait :
de plier la membrane de support et le clavier et les pièces de membrane à touches
supportés sur celle-ci lors du mouvement de flexion par pliage dans la configuration
de support convexe ; et d'appliquer (92) une finition (26) à au moins une partie interstitielle
d'une touche du clavier.
2. Procédé (82) de la revendication 1, dans lequel le pliage de la membrane de support
(24) comprend le fait d'enrouler la membrane de support autour d'un accessoire cylindrique
(62).
3. Procédé (82) de la revendication 1, dans lequel ladite application (92) de la finition
(26) comprend le fait d'appliquer un revêtement à au moins une partie interstitielle
d'une touche (14) du clavier.
4. Procédé (82) de la revendication 1, dans lequel ladite application (92) de la finition
(26) comprend le fait de peindre au moins une partie interstitielle d'une touche (14)
du clavier.
5. Procédé (82) de la revendication 1, dans lequel le mouvement de flexion par pliage
(34) autorisé de la membrane de support (24) comprend un mouvement permettant de positionner
la membrane de support dans la configuration de support convexe à laquelle les parties
interstitielles des touches (14) du clavier sont positionnées pour recevoir l'application
de la finition.
6. Procédé (82) de la revendication 1, dans lequel le positionnement (86) des pièces
de membrane à touches (22) entre les surfaces inférieures comprend le fait de positionner
les pièces de membrane à touches à des positions de blocage de lumière.
7. Ensemble clavier (10) obtenu par le procédé (82) de la revendication 1, comprenant
:
une pluralité de touches (14) agencées dans un clavier ;
un groupe de pièces de membrane à touches (22), une pièce de membrane à touches du
groupe étant positionnée entre des surfaces inférieures de touches adjacentes du clavier
où la pluralité de touches est agencée ; et
une membrane de support (24) configurée pour supporter la pluralité de touches et
le groupe de pièces de membrane à touches sur celle-ci, la membrane de support autorisant
un mouvement de flexion par pliage (34) dans une configuration de support convexe
à laquelle les touches et les pièces de membrane à touches présentent des décalages
angulaires altérés les uns par rapport aux autres,
où une finition est appliquée à au moins une partie interstitielle d'une touche du
clavier.
8. Ensemble clavier (10) de la revendication 7, dans lequel la finition comprend une
décoration.
9. Ensemble clavier (10) de la revendication 7, dans lequel la finition comprend la peinture.
10. Ensemble clavier (10) de la revendication 7, dans lequel les pièces de membrane à
touches (22) du groupe de pièces de membrane à touches autorisent le mouvement de
flexion par pliage (34) conjointement avec le mouvement de flexion par pliage de la
membrane de support (24).
11. Ensemble clavier (10) de la revendication 7, dans lequel les pièces de membrane à
touches (22) du groupe de pièces de membrane à touches et la membrane de support (34)
sont formées d'un seul tenant.
12. Ensemble clavier (10) de la revendication 11, dans lequel la pluralité de touches
(14) sont en outre formées d'un seul tenant avec les pièces de membrane à touches
(22) du groupe de pièces de membrane à touches et l'élément de support (24).
13. Ensemble clavier (10) de la revendication 7, dans lequel le mouvement de flexion par
pliage (34) autorisé de la membrane de support (24) comprend un mouvement permettant
de positionner la membrane de support à la configuration de support convexe à laquelle
des parties interstitielles des touches (14) de la pluralité sont positionnées de
façon à recevoir l'application de la finition.
14. Ensemble clavier (10) de la revendication 7, dans lequel la configuration de support
convexe, dans laquelle la membrane de support (24) peut être positionnée, comprend
une configuration permettant le placement sur l'accessoire cylindrique (62).