H01H2211/002

Keyboard containing airbag and method for adjusting tactile feedback to user operating the keyboard

A keyboard includes a substrate, a plurality of key structures, and an air pump. Each key structure includes a keycap disposed on the substrate, an air bag between the keycap and the substrate, and an electrical contact point between the keycap and the substrate. The airbag deformed when the keycap moves towards the substrate, applying a reaction force onto the substrate, and returns to an original state when the keycap is released. The air pump can adjust an air pressure in the airbag by charging or allowing discharge of air, so as to adjust the force applied by the deformed airbag to the substrate, thereby adjusting a tactile feedback to user for pressing the keycap.

KEYBOARD CONTAINING AIRBAG AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING TACTILE FEEDBACK TO USER OPERATING THE KEYBOARD
20220254583 · 2022-08-11 ·

A keyboard includes a substrate, a plurality of key structures, and an air pump. Each key structure includes a keycap disposed on the substrate, an air bag between the keycap and the substrate, and an electrical contact point between the keycap and the substrate. The airbag deformed when the keycap moves towards the substrate, applying a reaction force onto the substrate, and returns to an original state when the keycap is released. The air pump can adjust an air pressure in the airbag by charging or allowing discharge of air, so as to adjust the force applied by the deformed airbag to the substrate, thereby adjusting a tactile feedback to user for pressing the keycap.

Keyboard module and electronic device using the same

A keyboard module and an electronic device using the keyboard module are provided. The keyboard module includes a housing, a plurality of keys, a micro pump chamber and an actuator. The housing has multiple openings with the keys disposed in the housing. Each key includes a switch membrane, a key cover, an elastic element and a scissor unit. The switch membrane has a key switch, the key cover is above the switch membrane, and the elastic element disposed between the switch membrane and the key cover triggers the key switch when being pressed and deformed. The scissor unit is disposed between the key cover and the switch membrane to support the key cover. The micro pump chamber disposed below the key cover includes a first chamber, a second chamber communicating with the first chamber, a check valve disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber, and an actuator driving the keys to be withdrawn into or protrude out of the openings.

KEYBOARD MODULE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE USING THE SAME

A keyboard module and an electronic device using the keyboard module are provided. The keyboard module includes a housing, a plurality of keys, a micro pump chamber and an actuator. The housing has multiple openings with the keys disposed in the housing. Each key includes a switch membrane, a key cover, an elastic element and a scissor unit. The switch membrane has a key switch, the key cover is above the switch membrane, and the elastic element disposed between the switch membrane and the key cover triggers the key switch when being pressed and deformed. The scissor unit is disposed between the key cover and the switch membrane to support the key cover. The micro pump chamber disposed below the key cover includes a first chamber, a second chamber communicating with the first chamber, a check valve disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber, and an actuator driving the keys to be withdrawn into or protrude out of the openings.

User interface system and method

One embodiment of the user interface system comprises: A tactile layer defining a tactile surface touchable by a user and plurality of deformable regions operable between a retracted state, wherein the deformable regions are flush with an undeformable region of the tactile layer; and an expanded state, wherein the deformable regions are proud of the undeformable region. A substrate joined to the undeformable region and defining a fluid port per deformable region and a fluid channel. A displacement device displacing the fluid through the fluid channel and the fluid ports to transition the deformable regions from the retracted state to the expanded state. A first and a second pressure sensor detecting changes in fluid pressure within the fluid due to a force applied to a particular deformable region. A processor determining the particular deformable region to be location of the input force based upon the detected fluid pressure changes.