Mechanism To Keep Key Level Patents (Class 200/344)
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Patent number: 11615928Abstract: The shell is provided with an axial opening at the top and a guide track structure inside. The movable terminal is provided inside the shell and forms an arm spring. The actuating lever is threaded through the axial opening, with a flat slope on one side and a positioning slope on the other. The actuating lever is provided with a guiding structure, and the positioning slope is provided with a positioning structure. Moving upwards along the circumference, the actuating lever has a position 1 and a position 2. When the actuating lever is at position 1 or position 2, the guiding structure joins the guide track structure. When the actuating lever is at position 1, the arm spring comes into contact with the flat slope and slips. When the actuating lever is at position 2, the arm spring comes into contact with the positioning slope and slips.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2021Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: Voyetra Turtle Beach, Inc.Inventor: Kristian Zirr
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Patent number: 11605512Abstract: A key structure is provided. The key structure includes a base plate, a key cap and a lifting mechanism is provided. The base plate includes a first bottom wall. The key cap is disposed opposite to the base plate and includes a first cap wall. The lifting mechanism is movably connected between the key cap and the base plate, so that the key cap could reciprocate with respect to the base plate. The lifting mechanism includes a first lower shaft portion and a first upper shaft portion, which are respectively movably connected on the same side of the key cap and the base plate. When the key cap is in a released state, the first upper shaft portion presses against the first cap wall, but the first lower shaft portion is separated from the bottom wall by a maintaining gap.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2022Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Assignee: Darfon Electronics Corp.Inventors: Po-Chun Hou, Chin-Hung Lin
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Patent number: 11574780Abstract: A key structure includes a keycap, a scissors-type connecting element, a first knocking part, a resilience element and a second knocking part. The scissors-type connecting element is coupled to a bottom surface of the keycap. The scissors-type connecting element includes an inner frame and an outer frame. The first knocking part is disposed within a space surrounded by the inner frame. The resilience element is located under the first knocking part. The second knocking part is coupled to the bottom surface of the keycap and faces the first knocking part. While the keycap is pressed down, the second knocking part knocks on the first knocking part, and the first knocking part is moved downwardly. When the keycap is not pressed down, the first knocking part is moved upwardly and returned to an original position in response to an elastic force of the resilience element.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2021Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.Inventor: Lei-Lung Tsai
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Patent number: 11557446Abstract: A keyboard stabilizer is adapted to reduce the clanking and rattling sounds that it makes during operation. The invention takes advantage of the surprising result that adhesive, in proper amounts, can act as a sound dampener. First, a circumferential score is cut near each tip of the wire. Second, adhesive is applied to several critical points on the housings, stems, and wire. Third, lubricant is applied to several critical points on the housings, stems, and wire. The stabilizer is then assembled from the prepared parts.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2021Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Inventor: Jeremy Atienza
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Patent number: 11551890Abstract: A keyswitch includes a cap, first and second support members slidably connected to the cap and opposite to each other, and first and second blocks formed on the cap. The cap is movable between a non-pressed position and a pressed position. The first support member abuts against the first block when the cap is located at the non-pressed position. The first block moves away from the first support member at a first gap when the cap moves downward from the non-pressed position. The first support member abuts against the cap when the cap is located at the non-pressed position, and abuts against the second block when the cap continues moving downward to the pressed position.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2020Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: DARFON ELECTRONICS CORP.Inventors: Jin-Long Chan, Yu-Chih Chang, Cheng-Min Su
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Patent number: 11551882Abstract: A push switch and a motor vehicle in which such a push switch is used. The push switch has a push cap, a baseplate, a switch element which is actuatable by the push cap, a first lever, and a second lever. The first lever and the second lever are mounted rotatably on the baseplate by means of bearing blocks and are each connected movably to the push cap at a first lever end. At a second lever end, the first lever and the second lever are connected movably to one another. The first lever and the second lever are designed such that they form mass compensation for the push cap.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2019Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventor: Markus Thrien
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Patent number: 11551889Abstract: A key switch is provided, which includes a base, a cap, a first linkage rod, a second linkage rod, an elastic contraction element, at least one activate member and a thin film circuit unit. The base includes a plurality of first connection portions and a plurality of second connection portions. The first linkage rod is movably connected to the first connection portions and the cap. The second linkage rod is movably connected to the second connection portions and the cap. One end of the elastic contraction element is connected to the first linkage rod, and the other end thereof is connected to the second linkage rod. The activate member is disposed on one of the first linkage rod, the second linkage rod and the cap. The thin film circuit unit includes an activate portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2020Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: DARFON ELECTRONICS CORP.Inventors: Yu-Chih Chang, Chin-Lung Chan, Cheng-Min Su
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Patent number: 11551886Abstract: An enhanced push-button includes a keycap disposed on an elastic member and having a top surface and an opposing bottom surface, and a reinforcing member mounted on the bottom surface of the keycap and having an outer surface facing the elastic member and an abutting portion located on the outer surface. The abutting portion has a contact surface recessed on the outer surface. The elastic member extends into the abutting portion such that the contact surface is abutted against the elastic member for allowing the keycap to be pressed with the reinforcing member against the elastic member to trigger a circuit switch. The invention can have better overall structural rigidity and operating feel and can maintain the pressing quality of the push-button and is suitable for low profile keyboards.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2019Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: SOLID YEAR CO., LTD.Inventors: Chi-Tsung Huang, Chao-Hsin Lin, Shen-Jun Tang
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Patent number: 11532445Abstract: A key structure includes a keycap, a base plate and a supporting element. The supporting element includes a first frame and a second frame. The supporting element is connected with the keycap and the base plate. Consequently, the keycap is movable upwardly or downwardly relative to the base plate. When the first frame and a second frame are combined together, a first span and a second span are formed sequentially. The second span is smaller than the first frame.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2021Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.Inventors: De-Guang Zhu, Rong-Biao Xu
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Patent number: 11480990Abstract: The present invention discloses a pressing mechanism, comprising a pressing member, a support, a pressing member supporting spring, and a first sliding member and a second sliding member which synchronously slide in opposite directions, the first sliding member being provided with first inclined grooves, the second sliding member being provided with second inclined grooves, the first and second inclined grooves being oppositely inclined and inclined with respect to the lifting direction of the pressing member, and the first and second inclined grooves being provided in pairs; the first and second inclined grooves are provided on both sides, corresponding to the pressing member, of the first and second sliding members, and are respectively formed in pairs, the pressing member is movably connected to the first inclined grooves and the second inclined grooves by means of movable connection shafts, each movable connection shaft penetrating through the paired first and second inclined grooves, and the support is pType: GrantFiled: February 17, 2020Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: HANGZHOU AMPHENOL PHOENIX TELECOM PARTS CO., LTD.Inventors: Yuanyue Zhou, Kyoung-Hong Son
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Patent number: 11457696Abstract: Systems and apparatus related to an automated footwear platform including an actuator assembly for controlling a footwear lacing apparatus are discussed. In an example, an actuator assembly can include an actuator frame with a plurality of integrated actuators. The actuator frame is adapted to interconnect elements of the actuator assembly, the actuator frame including a width, a length, and a thickness where the width and length form an exterior surface and an interior surface separated by the thickness. The plurality of actuators are integrated into the actuator frame, each actuator of the plurality of actuators including an actuator head extending from the exterior surface and a button interface extending from the backside of the actuator head through the interior surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2018Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Eric P. Avar, Narissa Chang, Fanny Yung Ho
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Patent number: 11450493Abstract: A key assembly includes a bottom plate, a keycap disposed on the bottom plate, an elastic member disposed between the bottom plate and the keycap, a link member, and a protruding member. The keycap has an inner surface facing the bottom plate and includes a link member pivoting portion protruding from the inner surface. The link member pivoting portion has a pivot hole and an opening communicating with the pivot hole and away from the inner surface. A size of the opening is smaller than a size of the pivot hole. The link member is rotatably disposed in the pivot hole. The protruding member is disposed between the inner surface of the keycap and the link member. The link member is supported by the protruding member and contacts a part of the link member pivoting portion near the opening on a wall surface surrounding the pivot hole.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2021Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: Lite-On Technology CorporationInventors: Chun-Lin Chen, Jui-Yu Wu
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Patent number: 11437201Abstract: A key structure includes a keycap and a connecting member. The keycap has a bottom surface and includes a fixing portion and an elastic arm. The fixing portion is disposed on the bottom surface, and the fixing portion has a connection hole and a first opening communicating with each other. At least one end of the elastic arm connects to a side surface of the fixing portion, and the elastic arm is adjacent to the first opening. The elastic arm has an open end communicating with the opening and a limiting surface toward the bottom surface. The connecting member includes a connection pin, one end of which connects to the connection hole and the other end of which has an extension portion. The connection pin is disposed in the connection hole, and the extension portion is disposed between the bottom surface and the limiting surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2021Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: CHICONY ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Chao-Chin Hsieh, Wei-Yi Lin
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Patent number: 11430619Abstract: This disclosure relates to a key module including a base, a first pivotable frame, a second pivotable frame and a keycap. The base includes two assembly frames. Each of the assembly frames includes an engagement portion and two guide portions. The engagement portion is connected to and located between the guide portions. The first pivotable frame is engaged with the engagement portion by being guided by the guide portions of the assembly frames. The second pivotable frame is engaged with the engagement portion by being guided by the guide portions of the assembly frames. The keycap includes a press part, a first engagement part and a second engagement part. The first engagement part and the second engagement part are connected to the press part. The first pivotable frame is engaged with the first engagement part, and the second pivotable frame is engaged with the second engagement part.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2021Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: WISTRON CORP.Inventors: Yuyin Liu, Zhuhua Lu, Minghui Xu, Ximing Liang, Guoqun Su, Jiaqi Chen
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Patent number: 11424092Abstract: In one example, a keyboard device may include a base plate, a pivoting support fixedly disposed on the base plate and having a recess portion, a key cap support having a shaft portion rotatably received in the recess portion, a rolling element disposed between the shaft portion and the pivoting support, and a key cap assembled to the key cap support.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2018Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Chih-Chen Hung, Hung-Ming Chen, Kun-Chih Wang, Ke-Jian Liou
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Patent number: 11410822Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein describe a base, an operation unit that moves in a contacting/separating direction with respect to the base in response to an external force, and a pair of link members turnably coupled to each other by a coupling portion and configured to guide movement of the operation unit in the contacting/separating direction. The pair of link members includes a first curved portion and a second curved portion that are supported on the base, and a first rotary spindle and a second rotary spindle that are supported on the operation unit. When the operation unit moves in the contacting/separating direction with respect to the base, the first curved portion and the second curved portion slide with respect to the base in a direction substantially perpendicular to the contacting/separating direction and in a direction substantially perpendicular to a turning shaft of the pair of link members.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2017Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Assignee: Omron CorporationInventors: Kazuhira Izawa, Hiroaki Fujino, Mamiko Naka, Kenshi Nagata
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Patent number: 11367582Abstract: A keyswitch includes a base, a keycap, a lift mechanism, a touch circuitry portion, and an outer covering layer. The keycap is connected to the base through the lift mechanism so as to move up and down relative to the base. The touch circuitry portion is disposed on the top surface of the keycap. A connection circuitry portion extends from the touch circuitry portion. The outer covering layer covers the touch circuitry portion and at least a portion of the connection circuitry portion. Thereby, the keyswitch can provide touch function without excessively increasing the whole thickness of the keyswitch. A keyboard includes a plurality of the keyswitches and therefore can provide touch function without excessively increasing the whole thickness of the keyboard.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2020Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: DARFON ELECTRONICS CORP.Inventors: Che-Wei Lee, Chih-Ho Hsu, Zheng-Hong Lai
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Patent number: 11362659Abstract: A thin keyboard apparatus includes a base plate and a supporting unit. The base plate has a plate body which is formed with four retaining openings and four retaining members. Each retaining opening is bordered by a peripheral edge which has first and second edge sections extending along two different and intersecting directions. Each retaining member has an upper wall, a first connecting wall interconnecting the upper wall and the first edge section, a second connecting wall interconnecting the upper wall and the second edge section, and a broken hole dividing the first edge section from the second edge section. The supporting unit is slidably pivoted to the retaining members.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2020Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: SUNREX TECHNOLOGY CORP.Inventor: Shih-Pin Lin
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Patent number: 11355293Abstract: A reaction force generating member includes: a first dome that gives a reaction force to an operation member according to the depression of the operation member; and a second dome that includes a hemispherical bowl part disposed inside the first dome, and a projection projecting downward from the center of the bowl part and depressing a switch disposed below the operation member.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2019Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: FUJITSU COMPONENT LIMITEDInventor: Shinnosuke Okutani
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Patent number: 11335517Abstract: A key structure includes a frame member, a keycap and a stabilizer bar. The keycap includes first and second clamping members. The first clamping member includes a first upper stopping part, a first lower stopping part and a first lateral stopping part. The second clamping member includes a second upper stopping part, a second lower stopping part and a second lateral stopping part. The stabilizer bar includes a shaft part, a first leg part and a second leg part. The shaft part is received within a hook of the frame member. The first leg part is received within the first clamping member. The second leg part is received within the second clamping member. The first lateral stopping part is pushed against the first leg part along a first direction. The second lateral stopping part is pushed against the second leg part along a second direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2021Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.Inventors: Chun-Lin Chu, Shu-An Huang
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Patent number: 11328880Abstract: A key includes a substrate, a keycap, a connection component, and protruding structures. The connection component includes a first connection member and a second connection member, and the first connection member and the second connection member are between the substrate and the keycap. The protruding structures are disposed on the upper surface of the first connection member and disposed on the upper surface of the second connection member. When the keycap is pressed to a pressed position, the protruding structures on the first connection member and on the second connection member abut against the bottom surface of the keycap, so that a gap is formed between the keycap and the connection component. Therefore, the bottom surface of the keycap does not contact the upper surface of the first connection member and the upper surface of the second connection member so as to prevent from generating keystroke noises.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2021Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: CHICONY ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Chih-Ping Lin, Shin-Chin Weng, Shih-Yu Hsu, Chih-Feng Chen
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Patent number: 11309142Abstract: A keyboard device includes a base plate and a key structure. The base plate includes a first coupling part. The first coupling part includes a first locking hole. The key structure includes a keycap, a stabilizer bar and a first connecting element. The stabilizer bar is arranged between the keycap and the base plate. The stabilizer bar includes a transverse bar part and a first hook part. The transverse bar part is pivotally coupled to the keycap. The first hook part is penetrated through the first locking hole of the first coupling part. The first connecting element includes a first supporting structure. The first supporting structure is arranged between the first hook part of the stabilizer bar and the base plate. The first hook part is supported by the first supporting structure. Consequently, the first hook part is contacted with an inner wall of the first locking hole.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2021Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.Inventors: Chia-Wei Chang, Chin-Sung Pan
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Patent number: 11289284Abstract: A keyswitch structure includes a base plate, a keycap, and two supports connected to the base plate and the keycap. The keycap is movable relative to the base plate through the two supports. The support is pivotally connected to the base plate through a pivotal connection structure that includes a guiding slot and a protruding shaft oppositely disposed on the support and the base plate. The guiding slot has an opening and an indentation portion. The opening is located at an upper end of the guiding slot. The protruding shaft enters the guiding slot from the opening to rotatably fit in the indentation portion, so that the support is pivotally connected to the base plate.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2021Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: DARFON ELECTRONICS CORP.Inventors: Cheng-Min Su, Chin-Lung Chan, Yu-Chih Chang
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Patent number: 11289281Abstract: A key structure includes a keycap and a scissors-type connecting element. The scissors-type connecting element is connected with the keycap. The scissors-type connecting element includes an inner frame and an outer frame. A first end of the inner frame is connected with the keycap. The outer frame is connected with the inner frame and swingable relative to the inner frame. A first end of the outer frame is connected with the keycap and located near a second end of the inner frame. A second end of the inner frame includes a first protrusion. A first end of the outer frame includes a second protrusion near the first protrusion. The first protrusion includes a first knocking surface. The second protrusion includes a second knocking surface. While the keycap is pressed down, the first knocking surface and the second knocking surface knock on each other.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2021Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.Inventors: Chia-Wei Chang, Lei-Lung Tsai
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Patent number: 11282656Abstract: Key assemblies having a foldable stabilizer are disclosed. The stabilizer can be positioned under a keycap to help guide the keycap and limit rotation or movement when the key is pressed. The stabilizer can have a pointed-star shape with multiple folding axes and can have multiple points of connection or linkage to the keycap or other surrounding components. The stabilizer can unfold or flatten as the keycap is pressed and can fold as the keycap is raised.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2019Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Ian A. Guy, Ari P. Miller, Edward J. Cooper, Houtan R. Farahani, Kevin M. Robinson
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Patent number: 11264186Abstract: A keyswitch structure includes a keycap, a base, and two supports pivotally connected to each other relative to a rotation axis and connected to and between the keycap and the base. One of the supports includes a first shaft recess, a first shaft portion, and a division slot formed therebetween; the other support includes a second shaft recess, a second shaft portion, and a division wall therebetween. The two supports are pivotally connected relative to the rotation axis by the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion rotatably disposed in the first shaft recess and the second shaft recess respectively. Therein, the division wall is inserted into the division slot. The keycap can move up and down relative to the base through the two supports.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2020Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: DARFON ELECTRONICS CORP.Inventor: Ling-Hsi Chao
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Patent number: 11257635Abstract: What is presented is a key module for a keyboard. The key module includes a first wing element and a second wing element for guiding a movement of the key module upon actuation. Each wing element includes a bar, a first arm and a second arm. The arms extend away from the bar. A mounting portion is formed on the bar. A first bearing portion for bearing the wing element is formed on the first arm. A second bearing portion for bearing the wing element is formed on the second arm. The first wing element and the second wing element are mechanically coupleable to each other. The key module also includes at least one spring element for providing a reset force upon actuation of the key module. The at least one spring element is mountable to the mounting portion of the first wing element and the mounting portion of the second wing element. The key module further includes a support element for supporting the wing elements.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2018Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: CHERRY GMBHInventor: Eduard Ruff
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Patent number: 11251000Abstract: A keyboard includes a base plate, a keycap, and a link bar. The base plate includes a plate body and a linkage structure. The linkage structure is connected to and bended relative to the plate body. A through hole is formed at a connecting edge between the plate body and the linkage structure. The keycap is located over the base plate. The link bar includes a first rod body, a second rod body, and an engaging block. The first rod body is engaged with the keycap. The second rod body is connected to the first rod body and passes through the through hole. The engaging block is connected to an end of the second rod body and blocked by the linkage structure.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2021Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: Chicony Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chao-Chin Hsieh, Chun-Chieh Chan
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Patent number: 11239036Abstract: The disclosure provides a key assembly, including: a baseplate, having a top surface and a recess groove recessed from the top surface, in which the recess groove is a blind hole; a hook, disposed on the baseplate, and extending upward from the top surface to form a hole between the hook and the top surface, in which an orthographic projection range of the hook and an orthographic projection range of the recess groove do not overlap each other; a key cap, disposed on the baseplate; an elastic member, disposed between the key cap and the baseplate; a link bar, connecting the key cap and the baseplate, in which the link bar has an extension portion passing through the hole; and a membrane, disposed on the top surface of the baseplate, in which the membrane covers at least part of the recess groove, and the extension portion abuts the membrane.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2020Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignees: LITE-ON ELECTRONICS (GUANGZHOU) LIMITED, Lite-On Technology CorporationInventors: Ming-Fu Yen, Wei-Pin Chuang
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Patent number: 11217404Abstract: A keyswitch device includes a bottom plate, a keycap, and a position-returning member. The keycap includes a metal cover and a covering member. The metal cover includes a first main body. The first main body has a first surface and a second surface respectively facing toward and facing away from the bottom plate. The first surface presents a pattern. The covering member includes a second main body covering the first surface. The second main body has a light-transmitting area covering the pattern. The position-returning member is disposed between the bottom plate and the keycap and contacts the first main body.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2021Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: Chicony Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chao-Chin Hsieh, Wei-Yi Lin, Yeong-Sheng Jang, Sung-Ying Chen
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Patent number: 11204651Abstract: A keyboard device includes a membrane circuit board and a key structure over the membrane circuit board. The key structure includes a keycap, a plunger structure, a key pedestal and an elastic element. The plunger structure is arranged between the keycap and the elastic element. At least a portion of the keycap is disposed within a pedestal dust-storage chamber of the key pedestal. At least a portion of the plunger structure is disposed within a guiding chamber of the key pedestal. Due to the relative location between the keycap, the plunger structure and the key pedestal, the path of the dust to enter the guiding chamber is extended or blocked. Consequently, the dust-proof efficacy is enhanced.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2020Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.Inventors: Liu-Bing Cai, Li-Qiang Chen
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Patent number: 11201022Abstract: The disclosure provides a key structure including a base plate, a keycap, and a compressible supporting mechanism. The keycap is disposed above the base plate. The keycap has a top surface and a bottom surface opposite to each other and includes a bonding member protruding from the base surface. The bonding member has a groove and a guiding surface. The compressible supporting mechanism is disposed between the base plate and the keycap. The compressible supporting mechanism is assembled into the groove as being guided by the guiding surface. In the key structure provided by the disclosure, since the compressible supporting mechanism is guided by the guiding surface, interference generated when the compressible supporting mechanism and the keycap are assembled may be reduced, so that the bonding member is prevented from being damaged or collapsing when being pressed in a process of assembling.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2020Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignees: LITE-ON ELECTRONICS (GUANGZHOU) LIMITED, Lite-On Technology CorporationInventors: Kuo-Hui Hsu, Cheng-Kun Liao
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Patent number: 11189441Abstract: A key switch device includes a base, a button mounted on the base so as to be contactable and separable, an elastic body disposed between the base and the button and configured to urge the button in a direction away from the base, and a linear reinforcement member provided on the button and configured to prevent the button from being inclined when the button is operated in a direction toward the base. An outer surface portion of the button includes a recessed support portion in which a part of the linear reinforcement members is disposed.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2017Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: Omron CorporationInventors: Kazuhira Izawa, Mamiko Naka, Kenshi Nagata, Hiroaki Fujino
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Patent number: 11189436Abstract: A key structure includes a keycap, a base plate and a scissor-type connecting assembly. The scissor-type connecting assembly includes a first connecting member and a second connecting member. One end of the first connecting member connects to the base plate, and the other end connects to the keycap. The first connecting member includes at least one pivot having a convex portion. One end of the second connecting member connects to the base plate, and the other end connects to the keycap. The second connecting member comprises at least one pivot hole, and the pivot is disposed in the pivot hole.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2019Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: CHICONY ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventor: Jun-Way Chien
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Patent number: 11152168Abstract: A keyboard device includes a membrane circuit board, a base plate and a key structure. The key structure a keycap, a first connecting element, a second connecting element, a stabilizer bar and an auxiliary bar. The first connecting element and the second connecting element are connected between the keycap and the base plate. The first connecting element has a first lateral side and a second lateral side. The second connecting element has a third lateral side and a fourth lateral side. The third lateral side faces the second lateral side. The stabilizer bar is pivotally coupled to the keycap, the first lateral side of the first connecting element and the fourth lateral side of the second connecting element. The auxiliary bar is pivotally coupled to the keycap, the second lateral side of the first connecting element and the third lateral side of the second connecting element.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2020Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.Inventors: Ming-Han Wu, Che-Wei Yang
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Patent number: 11126272Abstract: A sinkable keyboard device includes a substrate, keycaps, a slide plate, and a driving member. The keycaps are above the substrate and capable of lifting and sinking. Each keycap is provided with a first guide member. The slide plate is below and in parallel with the substrate. The slide plate includes a long side and a short side connected to the long side. The slide plate is provided with second guide members respectively corresponding to the first guide members. The driving member is on the short side of the slide plate. The driving member includes a driving motor. The driving motor drives the slide plate to slide relative to the substrate along the long side to make the second guide members respectively against the first guide members to drive the keycaps to relatively sink.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2019Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: CHICONY ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventor: Po-Hsin Li
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Patent number: 11108394Abstract: A method for assembling an electro-permanent magnet (EPM) key assembly of an information handling system may comprise disposing a pair of scissor plate mounts framed onto a base contact assembly upward through a cap support plate opening within a cap support plate comprising a printed circuit board with pressure sensors to record keystrokes for mounting the EPM key assembly, operably connecting the base contact assembly to the cap support plate, disposing a ferromagnetic flange operably coupled to rotate with at least one scissor plate about a hinge downward through the cap support plate opening, operably connecting the pair of scissor plates to the base contact assembly such that each of the pair of scissor plates may rotate away from one another in the presence of downward force on a key cap, and situating the key cap atop the pair of scissor plates.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2019Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: Dell Products, LPInventor: Jason S. Morrison
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Patent number: 11099656Abstract: A low-height key structure includes a keycap, a supporting plate, a connecting element, a circuit board and an elastic element. The circuit board is disposed on the supporting plate. A switch element is installed on the circuit board. The connecting element is connected with the keycap and the supporting plate. The keycap is movable upwardly or downwardly relative to the supporting plate through the connecting element. The elastic element is arranged between the keycap and the circuit board. The elastic element includes a contacting part and an elastic support part, which are connected with each other. The contacting part includes a bowl-shaped concave structure. A raised structure is protruded from a middle region of a bottom side of the bowl-shaped concave structure. A top surface of the raised structure is at a level lower than or equal to a top surface of the contacting part.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2020Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.Inventors: Bo-An Chen, Yi-Wei Chen
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Patent number: 11017966Abstract: A key structure including a circuit board, a membrane, a positioning frame, a sensor module, a scissor leg, and a key cap is provided. The membrane is disposed on the circuit board and is electrically connected to each other. The positioning frame is disposed on the membrane. The sensor module is disposed on the membrane and is electrically connected to the circuit board. The scissor leg is connected to the positioning frame and is adapted to move up and down relative to the positioning frame. The key cap is detachably disposed at the scissor leg and is spaced with positioning frame. The key cap has a reflective plane and a shaft component. The reflective plane faces the membrane. The shaft component is extended from the reflective plane and penetrates through the scissor leg and the positioning frame to abut the membrane. The sensor module is aligned with the reflective plane.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2020Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: Acer IncorporatedInventors: Hung-Chi Chen, Yung-Cheng Teng, Chen-Chih Hou, Cheng-Han Lin, Yung-Hui Hou
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Patent number: 11004630Abstract: A button assembly is disposed in a rocker. The button assembly including a base, a pressure sensor and a keycap. The base has two lower pivoting portions with each of the two lower pivoting portions protruding outwardly from respective sides of the base. The pressure sensor is mounted on the base. The keycap overlies the pressure sensor. The keycap has two upper pivoting portions with each of the two upper pivoting portions protruding outwardly from respective sides of the keycap. The two lower pivoting portions are pivoted with the two upper pivoting portions to allow the two upper pivoting portions to be rotatable relative to the two lower pivoting portions. As described above, a push-button structure is thus formed by the two lower pivoting portions and the two upper pivoting portions configured among the base, the pressure sensor and the keycap to achieve the modularization of the button assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2019Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: CHENG UEI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: Chi-Ming Tseng, Tsung-Shih Lee
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Patent number: 10991523Abstract: A keyboard device includes a base plate and a plurality of keyswitches disposed on the base plate. At least one of the keyswitches includes a keycap, two linkages, and two magnetic attraction members. The linkages are connected between the base plate and the keycap and configured to guide the movements of the keycap toward and away from the base plate. The magnetic attraction members are rotatably connected to the linkages, respectively, and are configured to attract each other. When the magnetic attraction members abut against each other, the keycap is at a highest position relative to the base plate. When the keycap moves toward the base plate from the highest position, the magnetic attraction members are separated from each other.Type: GrantFiled: December 25, 2018Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: Chicony Electronics Co, , Ltd.Inventors: Shin-Chin Weng, Chun-Chieh Chan, Chao-Chin Hsieh, Chih-Feng Chen
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Patent number: 10984968Abstract: A keyswitch structure includes a base plate, a keycap, and two supports connected to the base plate and the keycap. The keycap is movable relative to the base plate through the two supports. In an embodiment, the support is pivotally connected to the base plate through a pivotal connection structure that includes a guiding slot and a protruding shaft oppositely disposed on the support and the base plate. The guiding slot has an indentation portion and can guide the protruding shaft to fit in the indentation portion. In another embodiment, the support includes a support body connected to the base plate, and an abutting arm extending from the support body. The base plate structurally constrains the support through a hook and a limitation post thereof. The abutting arm of one support extends under the other support, so that the two supports can move each other through the abutting arms.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2020Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: DARFON ELECTRONICS CORP.Inventors: Cheng-Min Su, Chin-Lung Chan, Yu-Chih Chang
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Patent number: 10971315Abstract: The disclosure provides a key module including a bottom plate, a keycap and a scissor structure. The keycap is located above the bottom plate. The key cap includes a pivoting member protruding from the bottom surface and a sliding member. The pivoting member has a pivot hole and a hollowed-out area communicating with the pivot hole. The scissor structure is disposed between the bottom plate and the keycap, and includes a first leg and a second leg pivotally connected to each other, the first side of the first leg and the second side of the second leg are connected to the bottom plate, the third side of the first leg is rotatably connected to the pivoting member of the keycap, and the fourth side of the second leg is slidably connected to the sliding member of the keycap.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2020Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignees: LITE-ON ELECTRONICS (GUANGZHOU) LIMITED, Lite-On Technology CorporationInventors: Kuo-Hui Hsu, Cheng-Kun Liao
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Patent number: 10960587Abstract: A keycap forming method includes the following steps. Firstly, a stabilizer bar is fixed on a first male mold. Then, a keycap is formed through a second male mold and a female mold according to an injection molding process. Then, the second male mold and the female mold are separated from each other, so that the keycap is fixed on the female mold. Then, the first male mold and the female mold are stacked on each other, so that the stabilizer bar and the keycap are combined together. Then, the first male mold and the female mold are separated from each other. Consequently, the stabilizer bar is detached from the first male mold. By using the keycap forming method, it is not necessary to manually assemble the stabilizer bar with the keycap.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2018Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTDInventors: Yi-Te Chou, Che-An Li
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Patent number: 10963072Abstract: Provided is a key structure including a base plate having at least one connecting seat and at least one notch adjacent to a lower portion of the connecting seat; a keycap disposed above the base plate in a liftable manner; a thin film circuit assembly disposed on the base plate and located between the base plate and the keycap; and a supporting rod connected to the keycap and the base plate and located between the thin film circuit assembly and the keycap. An accommodating space formed by the notch extends from and communicates with a through hole of the connecting seat. The connecting seat protrudes out from an opening of the thin film circuit assembly. A vertical projection region of the notch on the base plate is located within a vertical projection region of the opening on the base plate. The invention also provides a keyboard module.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2020Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignees: LITE-ON ELECTRONICS (GUANGZHOU) LIMITED, Lite-On Technology CorporationInventors: Kuo-Hui Hsu, Cheng-Kun Liao
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Patent number: 10957503Abstract: A sinkable keyboard device includes a substrate, a first keycap, a second keycap, and a sliding plate. The substrate has an upper surface. The first keycap is liftably disposed on the upper surface and includes a first abutting portion. The second keycap is liftably disposed on the upper surface and includes a second abutting portion. The sliding plate is parallel to the substrate and movable relative to the upper surface along a sliding direction. The sliding plate includes a first guiding member and a second guiding member arranged along the sliding direction. The first guiding member has a first inclined guiding surface, and a first inclined angle is between the first inclined guiding surface and the upper surface. The second guiding member has a second inclined guiding surface, and a second inclined angle different from the first inclined angle is between the second inclined guiding surface and the upper surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2019Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: Chicony Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Po-Hsin Li
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Patent number: 10903024Abstract: A keyboard device includes a membrane circuit board, a base plate, a coupling structure and a key structure. The base plate includes a substrate and a protrusion structure. The protrusion structure is bent and protruded upwardly from the substrate. A bent region is formed between the protrusion structure and the substrate. A coupling opening is formed in the bent region. The coupling structure filled in the coupling opening to cover the protrusion structure. The key structure includes a keycap and a connecting element. The connecting element is connected between the keycap and the coupling structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2020Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.Inventors: Chun-Yuan Liu, Tsu-Yi Chen, Lei-Lung Tsai
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Patent number: 10892117Abstract: A method for control device adjustment comprising applying a preload simultaneously to a plurality of shafts of a control device so as to take up initial assembly play, wherein the control device comprises an upper actuating element that is movable relative to a lower supporting mounting, a lower supporting mounting, a switch that is actuated by the upper actuating element, and an articulated structure that is interposed vertically between the upper actuating element and the lower mounting to keep the upper actuating element parallel to a horizontal plane during its vertical downward movement relative to a frame, and the at least one shaft. The method also comprises providing an adjustment stop fixed relative to the lower mounting and forming a stop surface that interacts with a facing portion of the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2017Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: C&K Components S.A.S.Inventor: Jean-Christophe Villain
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Patent number: 10886079Abstract: A keyboard includes a substrate, a limit connecting member, a keycap, and a liftable connecting member. The assembly area of the substrate includes a through hole and a curved side wall standingly disposed on the substrate. The bottom edge of the curved side wall is adjacently connected to a periphery portion of the through hole. One side of the curved side wall facing the through hole includes a recessed groove. The limit connecting member is disposed on the assembly area and includes an inner fixing portion received in the through hole and an outer fixing portion enclosing the curved side wall and fixing with the inner fixing portion. The inner fixing portion has a protruding portion received in the recessed groove. The keycap is disposed on the assembly area. The liftable connecting member is connected between the keycap and the assembly area and is assembled with the limit connecting member.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2020Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Inventors: Po-Hsin Li, Chi-Hung Cheng
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Patent number: 10879021Abstract: A keyboard includes a base, a keycap, and a connecting assembly. The keycap is located over the base. The connecting assembly is located between the base and the keycap and includes a first connecting member and a second connecting member connected to each other. Each of the first and second connecting members is connected to the base and the keycap. Two connected members of the base, the keycap, and the first and second connecting members are fixedly connected. When the keycap is pressed toward the base, at least one of the first and second connecting members elastically deforms to store elastic potential energy. When the keycap is released, said at least one of the first and second connecting members elastically recovers to return the keycap to its original position.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2019Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: Chicony Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ji-Hung Lu, Cheng-Chi Hsu