Keyboard

Abstract

Embodiments of keyboards having variations of electrically connecting keys to an internal component of an electronic device are described. Some embodiments include positioning several rows of conductive layers below several rows of keys. The conductive layers may be configured to receive a signal indicating a key has been depressed. Also, the internal component may be configured to scan the conductive layers to determine whether a key or keys have been depressed. In some embodiments, the conductive layers lie outside a portion of the electronic device in which internal components are traditionally located. In some embodiments, a substrate may be integrally connected with the keyboard. The substrate may receive some internal components of the electronic device.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A portable computing device, comprising:
 a display panel for presenting visual information;   a display housing that carries the display panel;   a base portion rotatably coupled to the display housing, the base portion comprising:
 a bottom case portion, and 
 a top case portion that couples with the bottom case portion to define an internal volume, the top case having an indentation i) lacking a through hole to the internal volume, and ii) capable of retaining keys for inputting a command that alters the visual information. 
   
     
     
         2 . The portable computing device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a substrate coupled with the top case portion; and   a fan assembly attached with the substrate.   
     
     
         3 . The portable computing device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a circuit board disposed in the internal volume; and   an electrically conductive layer that electrically couples at least some of the keys to the circuit board.   
     
     
         4 . The portable computing device of  claim 3 , wherein the keys include a key, the key comprising:
 a button;   a switch covered by the button and carried by the electrically conductive layer; and   a light source covered by the button and carried by the electrically conductive layer, the light source capable of illuminating the button.   
     
     
         5 . The portable computing device of  claim 3 , wherein:
 the top case portion includes a first surface and a second surface,   the indentation terminates at the second surface, and   the electrically conductive layer is carried by the second surface.   
     
     
         6 . The portable computing device of  claim 3 , further comprising an opening between the bottom case portion and the top case portion, wherein the electrically conductive layer passes through the opening and into the internal volume, and wherein the second surface lacks any apertures. 
     
     
         7 . The portable computing device of  claim 1 , further comprising a touchpad defining a user input device separate from the keys, wherein the touchpad is carried the top case portion. 
     
     
         8 . A portable computing device, comprising:
 a display housing that carries a display panel;   a base portion rotatably coupled to the display housing, the base portion comprising:
 a substrate having an indentation formed in the substrate, the indentation that carries keys, 
 a planar surface integrally formed with the substrate and covered by the keys, wherein the indentation terminates at the planar surface, and 
 an electrically conductive layer carried by the planar surface, the electrically conductive layer extending along the indentation to electrically couple with the keys. 
   
     
     
         9 . The portable computing device of  claim 8 , further comprising a groove formed in the planar surface, the groove having a size and shape to receive the electrically conductive layer. 
     
     
         10 . The portable computing device of  claim 9 , wherein the electrically conductive layer, when positioned in the groove, is co-planar with respect to the planar surface. 
     
     
         11 . The portable computing device of  claim 8 , wherein the keys comprise a key, the key comprising:
 a keycap;   a hinge mechanism having a first part and a second part; and   a switch, wherein the first part and the second part are coupled to the keycap and the switch.   
     
     
         12 . The portable computing device of  claim 11 , further comprising a light source covered by the keycap and electrically coupled to the electrically conductive layer, wherein the keycap includes a symbol capable of illumination by the light source. 
     
     
         13 . The portable computing device of  claim 8 , wherein the planar surface lacks a through hole. 
     
     
         14 . The portable computing device of  claim 13 , further comprising an opening between the substrate and the planar surface, wherein the electrically conductive layer passes through the opening. 
     
     
         15 . A portable computing device, comprising:
 a keyboard assembly that includes keys; and   a substrate comprising a first surface and a second surface separate from the first surface, the substrate including a recess that extends from the first surface to the second surface, wherein the keys are positioned in the recess and carried by the second surface, and wherein the recess partially extends into the substrate and does not penetrate through the second surface.   
     
     
         16 . The portable computing device of  claim 15 , wherein the recess terminates at the second surface. 
     
     
         17 . The portable computing device of  claim 16 , wherein the second surface lacks a through hole. 
     
     
         18 . The portable computing device of  claim 15 , wherein the second surface is integrally formed with the substrate such that the substrate defines a unitary body. 
     
     
         19 . The portable computing device of  claim 15 , further comprising a display housing that carries a display, wherein the display housing is rotatably coupled to the substrate. 
     
     
         20 . The portable computing device of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 an electrically conductive layer that electrically couples to at least some of the keys; and   
       an opening between the first surface and the second surface, wherein the electrically conductive layer passes through the opening.