Mechanism To Keep Key Level Patents (Class 200/344)
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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: 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: 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: 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: 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
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Patent number: 10867759Abstract: 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: March 18, 2020Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: DARFON ELECTRONICS CORP.Inventor: Ling-Hsi Chao
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Patent number: 10825619Abstract: A resilient body and a keyboard structure are disclosed. The resilient body has a top portion, a bottom portion, a conducting post and an annular wall. The top portion has a first side wall and a first bottom surface. Before the resilient body is pressed, an angle is formed between the first side wall and the first bottom surface, wherein the angle is greater than 90°. The bottom portion has a second bottom surface. The conducting post is disposed under the first bottom surface. When the resilient body is pressed, the fire point of the resilient body is reached before the resilient body reaches the bottom point.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2019Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: CHICONY ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Fei-Wu Wu, Tsung-Min Chen, Liang-Yuan Yang
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Patent number: 10796861Abstract: A key module including a key cap, a bottom plate, and a scissors structure is provided. The scissors structure has a first supporting member and a second supporting member pivoted to the key cap and the bottom plate respectively. The first supporting member has a plurality of protruding shafts, the second supporting member has a plurality of axle holes, and the protruding shafts are movably pivoted to the axle holes respectively.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2018Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignees: LITE-ON ELECTRONICS (GUANGZHOU) LIMITED, Lite-On Technology CorporationInventors: Chun-Lin Chen, Ko-Hsiang Lin, Jui-Yu Wu
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Patent number: 10755878Abstract: A keyboard device includes keyboard device includes a membrane circuit board, a base plate and a key structure. The key structure includes a keycap, a connecting element, an elastic element and a buffering structure. The connecting element is arranged between the base plate and the keycap. The elastic element is arranged between the keycap and the membrane circuit board. The buffering structure is disposed on a bottom surface of the keycap. While the keycap is depressed, the buffering structure collides with the elastic element or the connecting element. Consequently, the buffering structure provides a buffering effect.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2019Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.Inventor: Chien-Hung Liu
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Patent number: 10748721Abstract: A push button device can stabilize an operation of a guide mechanism and can enhance product quality. A keyboard device includes the push button device and electronic apparatus includes the keyboard device. A key switch that is a push button device includes a key cap as a push button, a base plate, and a guide mechanism. The guide mechanism includes an outer frame member and an inner member. An outer frame member has a pair of inner surfaces opposed to each other with interposition of an opening in which the inner member is disposed, and each of the pair of inner surfaces is provided with a bearing hole to serve as a first engagement part. The inner member has a pair of outer surfaces opposed to the pair of inner surfaces of the outer frame member, and each of the pair of outer surfaces is provided with a rotation shaft to be a second engagement part. An outer peripheral surface of the rotation shaft has a tapered portion whose outer diameter gradually decreases in an insertion direction of the bearing hole.Type: GrantFiled: July 4, 2018Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: LENOVO (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.Inventors: Masahiro Kitamura, Mitsuo Horiuchi
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Patent number: 10747332Abstract: An interface device includes a movable button connected to a frame structure by resilient structures positioned laterally between the button and the frame structure. Multiple layers or diaphragms of material can be used to make the button, frame, and resilient structures. Movement of the button can trigger a switch or sensor in a manner allowing an electronic device to detect interaction with the button. The interface device can be implemented in an electronic device such as a keyboard that has a low number of parts yet also providing tactile, stabilized key travel, support for various sensor or switch types for the keys, and, in some cases, haptic feedback.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2019Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Craig C. Leong, Alex J. Lehmann
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Patent number: 10720288Abstract: A keyboard device includes a bottom plate, key caps, a circuit board, reset members, and assembly structures. The bottom plate has assembly regions. The key caps are above the bottom plate and correspond to the assembly regions. The circuit board is under the key caps. The key caps are abutted by the reset members. The assembly structures are between the bottom plate and the key caps. Each assembly structure includes an assembly member and a long rod. The assembly member is on the assembly region. The long rod is on the assembly member and is capable of moving up and down relative to the bottom plate. Each key cap includes a clamp portion. The clamp portion is on the long rod. The key cap is connected to the bottom plate via the clamp portion and is swingable about the long rod relative to the bottom plate.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2018Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: Chicony Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chao-Chin Hsieh, Yeong-Sheng Jang, Yi-Cheng Chang
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Patent number: 10714277Abstract: A key device includes a key cap and a base plate unit. The key cap includes a top wall and a peripheral wall cooperatively defining a receiving space. The top wall has a plurality of spaced-apart studs protruding into the receiving space. The base plate unit is disposed in the receiving space and is riveted to the top wall through the studs. The base plate unit includes a base plate, and a plurality of engaging members secured to the base plate. The base plate includes a plurality of stud holes for extension of the studs respectively therethrough, and a plurality of spaced-apart anchor members. The engaging members are injection molded to the anchor members, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2018Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: SUNREX TECHNOLOGY CORP.Inventor: Shih-Pin Lin
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Patent number: 10714282Abstract: A switch has a base, an operation unit disposed above the base and moving in a contacting-separating direction with respect to the base in response to an external force, a pair of link members configured to guide movement of the operation unit in the contacting-separating direction, and a coupling portion configured to turnably couple the pair of link members to each other. Each of the pair of link members each includes a coupling-portion-side supported portion supported on one of the base and the operation unit and an end-side supported portion supported on the other of the base and the operation unit. One of the base and the operation unit on which the coupling-portion-side supported portion is supported includes a wall surface provided with a movement space.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2018Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: Omron CorporationInventors: Kazuhira Izawa, Hiroaki Fujino, Mamiko Naka, Kenshi Nagata
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Patent number: 10714281Abstract: 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: March 14, 2019Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: Acer IncorporatedInventors: Hung-Chi Chen, Yung-Cheng Teng, Chen-Chih Hou, Cheng-Han Lin, Yung-Hui Hou
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Patent number: 10699856Abstract: A key mechanism including one or more butterfly hinges. Each butterfly hinge may include a double wing design operative to move between a depressed position and non-depressed position. Hinged coupling mechanisms couple respective arms of the wings together. Additionally or alternatively, a key mechanism can include one or more half-butterfly hinges. Each half-butterfly hinge includes a double wing design operative to move between a depressed position and non-depressed position. A hinged coupling mechanism couples one set of corresponding arms of the wings together, while the other set of corresponding arms are not coupled together.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2019Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: James J. Niu, Keith J. Hendren, Craig C. Leong, Thomas W. Wilson, Jr., Bruce E. Berg, John M. Brock
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Patent number: 10692667Abstract: A keyboard device includes a base, a wing-type connecting element and a keycap. The base plate includes a close-type connecting bracket. The wing-type connecting element includes a first frame and a second frame. A connecting shaft of the second frame is received within the close-type connecting bracket. Consequently, the wing-type connecting element is connected with the base plate. While the keycap is depressed, the connecting shaft is only allowed to be rotated and limited within the close-type connecting bracket. Since the swinging range of the wing-type connecting element is reduced, the keyboard device of the present invention is capable of improving the depressing stability of the keycap.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2019Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.Inventors: Chuang-Shu Jhuang, Sheng-Huang Huang, Zhi-Hui Zeng
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Patent number: 10692478Abstract: A keyboard apparatus includes a key, a frame, a flexible section configured to rotate the key with respect to the frame, the flexible section having a longitudinal direction, and including a region where a length of the flexible section in a first direction continuously increases toward a first end and a second end of the flexible section in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the flexible section, and a first supporting section supporting side closer to the first end than the region, the first supporting section including a bonding section bonded to the first end, the bonding section including a first section and a second section, the first section and the second section keeping continuity with the flexible section, and a recessed section being arranged at a position, in a scale direction and sandwiched between the first section and the second section, of the bonding section.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2019Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: YAMAHA CORPORATIONInventors: Shunsuke Ichiki, Akito Ohba
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Patent number: 10685791Abstract: A keyswitch device includes a base plate, a hook, a scissors-like linkage mechanism, a keycap, and a blocking structure. The hook is located on the base plate. The scissors-like linkage mechanism is located on the base plate and includes a connection member. The connection member includes a shaft rotatably engaged with the hook. The keycap is engaged with the scissors-like linkage mechanism and configured to move relative to the base plate with the guidance of the scissors-like linkage mechanism. The blocking structure is located on the base plate. When the keycap is located at a highest position relative to the base plate, the blocking structure and a part of the connection member abut against each other.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2018Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: Chicony Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kuo-Nan Wu
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Patent number: 10679803Abstract: A keycap detachably provided on a guide mechanism of a key switch includes a cap main body having a front face pressed at the time of key input and a rear face on the opposite side to the front face; and a first engaging projection and a second engaging projection, both of which protrude from the rear face of the cap main body with a gap therebetween so that an engaging portion of the guide mechanism is detachably engaged into the gap. At least a part of an area around the first engaging projection and the second engaging projection in the cap main body has a thin part thinner than other parts of the cap main body. As a result, the falling off of the keycap can be prevented.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2019Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: LENOVO (SINGAPORE) PTE LTDInventors: Masahiro Kitamura, Mitsuo Horiuchi, Satoshi Douzono
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Patent number: 10672570Abstract: A keyswitch structure includes a base plate, a keycap, a first support, and a second support. The keycap is located above the base plate. The first support is connected to and between the keycap and the base plate and has an upper connection portion, a lower connection portion, and a protruding limitation portion. The upper connection portion is located between the lower connection portion and the protruding limitation portion. The first support is rotatably connected to the keycap and the base plate through the upper connection portion and the lower connection portion respectively. The protruding limitation portion is located close to and under the cap body. The second support is connected to and between the keycap and the base plate. The keycap moves up and down relative to the base plate through the first support and the second support.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2019Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: DARFON ELECTRONICS CORP.Inventors: Chih-Hao Chen, Po-Wei Tsai, Chun-Yuan Wang, Kuan-Te Lin, Shao-Wei Yang, Ling-Hsi Chao
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Patent number: 10599187Abstract: A low-cost electronic device capable of storing keycaps within a chassis is disclosed. The electronic device includes a support plate; a set of keycaps supported above the top face of the support plate, the keycaps moving up and down between the operating position and the storage position; and a frame functioning as a driving member that is movable relative to the keycaps in the direction parallel to the top face of the support plate. Each keycap has a pressure-receiving part. The frame has pressing parts that move relative to the keycaps to come in contact with the pressure-receiving parts.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2019Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: LENOVO SINGAPORE PTE LTDInventors: Fumiio Tamura, Masato Itoh, Tabito Miyamoto, Yoshiyuki Shibayama
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Patent number: 10509482Abstract: A keyboard device includes a base plate with a base plate with a connecting bracket, a wing-type connecting element and a keycap. A first connecting shaft of the wing-type connecting element is inserted into the connecting bracket, so that the wing-type connecting element is connected with the base plate. While the keycap is depressed, the first connecting shaft is inserted into a first receiving space of the connecting shaft and used as a swinging fulcrum. Since the vertical movement of the wing-type connecting element is restricted by the first receiving space, the swinging range of the wing-type connecting element is reduced. Consequently, the keyboard device of the present invention is capable of improving the depressing stability of the keycap.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2018Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Assignee: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.Inventors: Lei-Lung Tsai, Yi-Shu Lee
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Patent number: 10475598Abstract: A keyswitch structure includes a keycap, a base plate, a first support, and a second support. The first support and the second support are pivotally connected with each other and are connected to and between the keycap and the base plate. The first support includes a shaft socket, a shaft portion, and a protruding interference portion which are adjacently arranged. Correspondingly, the second support includes a shaft portion, a shaft socket, and a recess interference portion which are adjacently arranged. The recess interference portion has a relief space and a block beside the relief space. The first support and the second support are pivotally connected by engaging the shaft sockets with the corresponding shaft portions; therein, the protruding interference portion is located in the relief space, and the block obstructs the protruding interference portion moving out of the relief space.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2018Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: DARFON ELECTRONICS CORP.Inventors: Li-Te Chang, Chih-Chung Yen
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Patent number: 10446338Abstract: A linkage assembly is provided for guiding movement of a key cap relative to a support board between a normal position and a pressed position. The linkage assembly includes a left modular linking member, a right modular linking member, and a pair of synchronizing units for synchronize movement of the left and right modular linking members. Each of the synchronizing units has a first pin, a second pin, a first hole, and a second hole. In the normal position, the first and second pins are in substantially full frictional engagement within the first and second holes, respectively. In the pressed position, the first and second pins are in loose frictional engagement within the first and second holes, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2018Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Sunrex Technology Corp.Inventor: Shih-Pin Lin
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Patent number: 10438761Abstract: According to various embodiments, a depressible key may be provided. The depressible key may include: a keytop; a scissors mechanism connected to the keytop; and a mechanical switch connected to the scissors mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2015Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: RAZER (ASIA-PACIFIC) PTE. LTD.Inventor: Kok Kiong Low
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Patent number: 10410801Abstract: A scissor structure for a key of a keyboard includes an inner scissor and an outer scissor, wherein the inner scissor is fixedly connected with the outer scissor through an elastic connecting pin; when the key is pressed, the inner scissor and the outer scissor are pressed therewith, and drive the elastic deformation of the connecting pin; when the key is loosened, the inner scissor and the outer scissor are restored to an initial state under the elastic restoring force of the connecting pin, so as to transmit the key.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2017Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: Jiangsu Transimage Technology Co., Ltd.Inventor: Qing Zhang
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Patent number: 10403452Abstract: A keyboard device includes a base plate, a butterfly-type connecting element and a keycap assembly. The keycap assembly includes a coupling frame and a keycap. The coupling frame includes a first coupling part. The keycap includes a second coupling part. The butterfly-type connecting element is connected with the base plate and the coupling frame. The coupling frame and the butterfly-type connecting element are combined together through the first coupling part and the second coupling part. When the pressing force is acted on a corner of the keycap, the pressing force can be transferred to the whole keycap through the coupling frame. Consequently, the pressing force can be effectively transferred.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2018Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.Inventors: Yi-Shu Lee, Lei-Lung Tsai