Abstract: The invention discloses a keyswitch and a keyboard which applies the keyswitch. The keyswitch includes a scissors-like supporting structure and a keycap. The scissors-like supporting structure includes a first arm member. The first arm member has a first axle. A retaining member is formed at the bottom of the keycap. The retaining member has a retaining portion and a block. The distal end of the retaining portion and the distal end of the block form an opening.

Abstract: Key antennas are provided for an electronic device such as a laptop computer. The electronic device may have radio-frequency transceivers that transmit and receive signals using the key antennas. An antenna resonating element may be mounted beneath a keycap of each key antenna. The antenna resonating element may be spirally wrapped and integrated into the keycap. The key antenna may function as an antenna and may also function as an input key for an electronic device. A flexible communications path may pass through a hole in a conductive housing of the electronic device and may be used to couple the antenna resonating element to the radio-frequency transceiver. The antenna resonating element may be coupled to the radio-frequency transceiver by a weak spring. The weak spring may form a portion of the antenna resonating element.

Abstract: A user interface component for use in an electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes a first part and a second part. The user interface component may include a structural part configured to provide structural stiffness for the user interface component. The structural part may include an aperture. The aperture may allow a fastener to pass through the structural part to couple the first part with the second part without removing the structural part from the electronic device. The aperture may also allow the fastener to be removed from the electronic device through the structural part without removing the structural part from the electronic device. The user interface component may also include a cover detachably coupled with the structural part. The cover may cover the aperture and may receive user input.

Abstract: The invention discloses a keyswitch, which includes a substrate, a plurality of switches, a keycap, and at least one support. The switches are fixed on the substrate. The keycap thereof defines a bottom surface, which has a plurality of protruding portions, each of which corresponds to one of the switches. In addition, the at least one support is used for supporting the keycap to move vertically relative to the substrate, and each of the at least one support corresponds to one of the switches. Particularly, when the keycap is pressed, the protruding portions and/or the at least one supporting portion can trigger at least one of the switches.

Abstract: An electromechanical device including a key top member (i.e., a push button cover device) used in a push button mechanism. The key top member has a main body, a frame surrounding the main body, and a hinge portion supporting the key top main body. The hinge portion is formed integrally to the frame. The electromechanical device can be used in an operation panel of an image forming apparatus. The hinge and the main body are less susceptible to breakage during transport, installation and maintenance because they are surrounded by the frame.

Abstract: A key structure comprises a membrane circuit, a substrate, a cover and a press element. The membrane circuit comprises at least one first signal generator and a second signal generator. The substrate is disposed below the membrane circuit to support the membrane circuit. The cover comprises a body and at least one protrusion, wherein the protrusion is disposed on the body corresponding to the first signal generator. The press element is disposed on the second signal generator, wherein when force is applied on the cover, the protrusion presses the first signal generator.

Abstract: A groove-like recess, substantially V-shaped, extending vertically is formed on the outer circumference of an operation shaft, and a projection engaging the recess is provided on a guide hole, namely the inner circumference of a hollow pipe. Such makeup provides an automotive push switch that reduces an impactive force caused when the recess hits the projection within the movable range of the operation shaft, by decomposing or dispersing the force according to the inclination angle of the slope, and so does the hitting sound.

Abstract: A dynamically self-stabilizing elastic keyswitch for a key of a keyboard includes a rigid keytop, a thin elastic sheet, and a downward-facing convex rigid key bottom. The rigid keytop has a central axis at least substantially perpendicular to a surface of the rigid keytop. The thin elastic sheet is disposed relative to the central axis, and the central axis is at least substantially perpendicular to a surface of the thin elastic sheet. The downward-facing convex rigid key bottom is disposed relative to the central axis and below the rigid keytop, and the central axis is at least substantially perpendicular to a surface of the downward-facing convex rigid key bottom.

Abstract: A key switch including a base section, a key top, a pair of link members and a switching mechanism. Each link member is provided, at one end region thereof, with a toothed portion meshable with a toothed portion of another link member in a gearing manner and a pivot axle pivotably joined to the base section, and at another end region, with a slide portion slidably engaged with the key top. The base section includes a support plate and a frame member, the frame member being fixedly attached to the upper surface of the support plate. The frame member is provided with a bearing portion pivotably receiving and supporting the pivot axle of each link member. The first end region of each link member is disposed on a lateral side of the frame member and closely to the upper surface of the support plate.

Abstract: A key structure, which comprises a key cap, a linkage mechanism, a fixed base, a resilient assembly and a membrane circuit board, of a computer keyboard is provided, The key cap has a top and a bottom. The fixed base, formed with a receiving space, has a top and a bottom. The linkage mechanism is disposed between the key cap and the fixed base. The resilient assembly fits into the receiving space of the fixed base and connected to the bottom of the key cap. The membrane circuit board is disposed on the bottom of the fixed base and located under the resilient assembly.

Abstract: A press-key structure is disclosed, which comprises: a keycap, configured with a bottom surface; a substrate, being disposed under the keycap; and a pressing part, being arranged between the keycap and the substrate. In an exemplary embodiment, the pressing part further comprising: a frame, disposed on the bottom surface to be used for sustaining a pressing force from the keycap directly; and a plurality of supporting legs, being arranged surrounding the edges of the frame while extending outwardly from the same; wherein by connecting the outward-extending ends of the plural supporting legs to the substrate, the frame is supported and propped up by a specific height.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a keycap, a pivot structure, a base and an X-structure. The keycap includes a bottom surface, a first edge and a second edge. The pivot structure includes two first engaging portions and two second engaging portions. The first engaging portions are disposed on the bottom surface and have a first distance away from the first edge. The second engaging portions are respectively disposed corresponding to the first engaging portions and have a second distance away from the second edge. The base is disposed under the keycap. One end of the X-structure is connected to the pivot structure of the keycap and the other end of the X-structure is movably connected to the base, thus, the keycap moves upward and downward corresponding to the base.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a keyboard includes a keyboard base, a plurality of keytops arranged on the keyboard base, and a plurality of keytop support sections which are made of a synthetic resin, and each of which supports the keytop so that the keytop can ascend and descend with respect to the keyboard base. The keytop includes a base section which is made of a synthetic resin, and to which the keytop support section is coupled, and an outermost layer covering the base section. The outermost layer is harder than the base section.

Abstract: The invention discloses a keyswitch, which includes a substrate, a plurality of switches, a keycap, and at least one support. The switches are fixed on the substrate. The keycap thereof defines a bottom surface, which has a plurality of protruding portions, each of which corresponds to one of the switches. In addition, the at least one support is used for supporting the keycap to move vertically relative to the substrate, and each of the at least one support corresponds to one of the switches. Particularly, when the keycap is pressed, the protruding portions and/or the at least one supporting portion can trigger at least one of the switches.

Abstract: The invention discloses a keyswitch, which includes a keycap and a balance member. The keycap thereof defines a lower surface, which has at least one mounting portion. The balance member has an axle thereof defines a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. Additionally, the axle is folded with a first angle and elongated from the first end to form a first side, and folded with a second angle and elongated from the second end to form a second side. The axle is mounted in the at least one mounting portion. Particularly, the second angle is between 30° and 60°.

Abstract: A press key structure is disclosed, which comprises: a keycap, configured with a bottom surface; a substrate; a first movable panel; and a second movable panel; wherein the substrate is arranged at a position underneath the keycap while disposing the first and the second movable panels in a space sandwiched between the substrate and the keycap and pivotally coupling the two by the use of a flange and a groove formed respectively on the two neighboring edges of the first and the second movable panels in a manner that the flange is slidably inset into the groove; and the each of the first and the second movable panels is coupled to the substrate by the center thereof while enabling the two edges of the first and the second movable panels that are away from each other to pivotally coupled to the bottom surface of the keycap.

Abstract: A side key assembly is mounted on a housing (60) which comprises a sidewall (610). A socket (62) is formed in the sidewall (610) of the housing. The side key assembly includes a button (70), two switches (80) and the socket. The button includes an operating portion (710), two touching blocks (740) and at least one elastic arm (750). The operating portion is slidingly received in the socket. One end of the at least one elastic arm connects with the operating portion while the other end is firmly fixed on the housing. Each switch includes a contact portion. Each contact portion is positioned adjacent to a corresponding touching block. Each switch is turned on when the corresponding touching block is moved to touch the contact portion thereof.

Abstract: An electrical switch system may include a contact-bearing support configured to delimit a recess in a substantially horizontal bottom, wherein at least two fixed electrical contacts are positioned in the recess. Additionally, the electrical switch system may include at least one dome-shaped first triggering device configured to be elastically deformable from a top rest position to form an electrical link between the at least two fixed electrical contacts. The electrical switch system may also include an actuating push-button mounted to be displaced substantially vertically downward relative to the support. Further, the electrical switch system may include a mechanism configured to return the push-button to the rest position and an elastic element configured to exert an elastic force on the push-button, wherein the elastic force is directed upward when the push-button is displaced downward beyond a contact position.

Abstract: A configurable switch matrix assembly with button assembly is disclosed for keypads used in devices such as primary control points for automation systems in homes vehicles, or commercial environments. The configurable switch matrix assembly preferably includes a frame for supporting a plurality of positionable cross members and optionally a baffle. The cross members and frame each preferably include cantilevers which can be deflected by pressing the button assemblies to activate switches associated with the keypad. Dynamic status lights and back lights may provide illumination of varying colors and intensities. Button labels may be easily replaced in the button assemblies. Button assemblies of different sizes and shapes may be easily attached to the configurable switch matrix assembly in various configurations without the need for different attaching devices for each situation and/or environment.

Abstract: The keyboard includes a rubber sheet fixed on key tops of a set of key-switch devices. The rubber sheet elastically urges the key tops upward so that they are borne away from the base of the key-switch devices. The rubber sheet is arranged so as to cover the key-switch devices from outside. According to the invention, the cost of a keyboard covered with a dustproof and watertight rubber sheet can be reduced.

Abstract: A gear-type key switch of a keyboard device of the present invention includes a key top, a holder member, four gears, a spring member, a film circuit board and a supporting plate. The spring member and the holder member are located above the supporting plate and below the key top. The film circuit board is located between the supporting plate and the spring member. The holder member forms four pairs of shafts and the four gears are respectively rotatably assembled to the four pairs of shafts. The key top forms at least four rack supporting members on a bottom thereof. The rack supporting members are respectively parallel to the four gears and engage with the four gears to provide the upward and downward movement of the key top. The gear-type key switch of a keyboard device is simple in structure, with low friction force and decreased height.

Abstract: Key structures are provided. A key structure comprises a key cap, a substrate, a resilient unit, a first rod and a second rod. The first and second rods connect the substrate and the key cap. When the resilient unit is in a first position, the resilient unit abuts the first rod and exerts a lateral pre-tension force on the first rod, to hold the key cap at a first height with respect to the substrate, such that the key structure is in a normal state. When the resilient unit moves to a second position, the first rod is released from the resilient unit, and the key cap descends to a second height by gravity or an external force, such that the key structure is in a depressed state.

Abstract: A key switch includes a base, a cap, an up-down mechanism and a blocker. The cap is disposed on the base. The up-down mechanism id disposed between the base and the cap and defines a maximum distance to allow the cap to move vertically relative to the base. The blocker is configured to block the cap when the cap moves vertically relative to the base with a traveling distance. The traveling distance is shorter than the maximum distance.

Abstract: A press key structure is disclosed, which comprises: a keycap, configured with a bottom surface; a substrate; a first movable panel; and a second movable panel; wherein the substrate is arranged at a position underneath the keycap while disposing the first and the second movable panels in a space sandwiched between the substrate and the keycap and pivotally coupling the two by the use of a flange and a groove formed respectively on the two neighboring edges of the first and the second movable panels in a manner that the flange is slidably inset into the groove; and the each of the first and the second movable panels is coupled to the substrate by the center thereof while enabling the two edges of the first and the second movable panels that are away from each other to pivotally coupled to the bottom surface of the keycap.

Abstract: A key structure comprises a base, a key support structure consisting of a first frame and a second frame, and a key cap, characterized in which a paired pivots are disposed on the first frame, and a paired duplex bearing members are configured beneath the key cap for jointing the paired pivots of the first frame.

Abstract: A key structure, which comprises a key cap, a linkage mechanism, a fixed base, a resilient assembly and a membrane circuit board, of a computer keyboard is provided, The key cap has a top and a bottom. The fixed base, formed with a receiving space, has a top and a bottom. The linkage mechanism is disposed between the key cap and the fixed base. The resilient assembly fits into the receiving space of the fixed base and connected to the bottom of the key cap. The membrane circuit board is disposed on the bottom of the fixed base and located under the resilient assembly.

Abstract: At least one key of a keypad of an electronic device, such as a wireless terminal, includes a polymer light emitting device, also referred to as a polymer LED, thereon. A polymer LED may be on the inner and/or outer surface of the face of the key and may be unpatterned and/or patterned to form a symbol.

Abstract: A key input device includes a key input unit and an illuminating unit. The key input unit has a key cap, movable mechanism, pressure sensing part, and a frame housing these components. The illuminating unit illuminates the key cap from the bottom of this key input unit through the movable mechanism and the pressure sensing part. The key input unit and the illuminating unit are configured in such a way that they are independently waterproofed.

Abstract: Key structures are provided. A key structure includes a key cover, a substrate, a slider movable with respect to the substrate, a first rod, a second rod and a resilient member. The first rod pivotally connects the key cover and a first guiding portion of the substrate. The second rod pivotally connects the key cover and a second guiding portion of the substrate. The resilient member connects the substrate and the first rod, and exerts a lateral force on the first rod. When the key structure is in a normal state, a first contact portion of the slider contacts and restricts the second rod. When the key structure is switched from the normal state to a depressed state, a second contact portion of the slider impels the second rod outward of the key structure, such that the key cover descends toward the substrate.

Abstract: A keyboard structure including a base, a key-cap, and a linking-up mechanism is provided. The key-cap is disposed on the base, and the linking-up mechanism is connected between the base and the key-cap. The linking-up mechanism includes a first frame and a second frame. The first frame is connected to the key-cap. The first frame has two openings and two guide slots on two opposite sides, and the openings are connected to the guide slots correspondingly. The second frame is pivoted to the base, and the first frame is pivoted to the second frame crosswise. The second frame has two pivotal arms and two open slots on two opposite sides. Each pivotal arm has a fixing protrusion pivoted in the opening.

Abstract: A gear-link type key switch including a pair of link members on a base panel, wherein the key switch has a constitution in that the pair of link members are not disengaged when a key top is attached to the link members. Furthermore, the key switch alleviates the need for an undesired attaching method because of its structure, when a key top is attached to the link members. In order to prevent the pair of link members from disengaging in an anteroposterior direction, wall members are provided on the base panel of the key switch. The wall members arranged on opposite sides of a contact section of the link members, abutting the outside of pivoting shafts, are made by cutting the plate member of the base panel and pulling up the cut plate member, and are an integral part of the plate member.

Abstract: A first bearing member is provided on a key top. A second bearing member is provided on the key top. A first guide member is provided on a board. A second guide member is provided on the board. A first link member is disposed between the board and the key top, and has a first end portion rotatably supported by the first bearing member and a second end portion engaged with the first guide member. A second link member is disposed between the board and the key top, and has a third end portion rotatably supported by the second bearing member and a fourth end portion engaged with the second guide member. A third link member is disposed between the board and the key top. The first link member, the second link member, and the third link member are not in contact with each other. The second end portion is slidable relative to the first guide member in a first horizontal direction so that the first end portion is movable in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A key switch device capable of preventing a key top from displacing in the horizontal direction when the key top is being depressed, and of minimizing wear and damage to the components thereof. A displacement restricting part, contacting each of a pair of link members, is formed by punching and bending a support plate. Further, on the back side of a trunk of each link member, an engaging portion capable of contacting the displacement restricting part is formed. When the key top is being depressed, the displacement restricting part always contacts the engaging portion, whereby the displacement of the link members in the horizontal direction or the slipping movement of the key top may be prevented.

Abstract: In a push switch, a keytop 40, a keytop returning coil spring 110 which upward urges the keytop 40, a slider 30 which is press-operated via the keytop 40, a slider returning coil spring 100 which upward urges the slider 30, and switch contacts 80, 81 which are contacted with and separated from each other in accordance with the operating position of the slider 30 are disposed. The slider returning coil spring 100 is placed at a position deviated from the axis L1 of the keytop 40. A push switch which is small in size, which less produces tilting or rattling even when a large keytop is attached, and which generates an excellent operation feeling is provided.

Abstract: A keyboard with a wobble prevention structure, which is substantially a substrate having at least one press key arranged thereon while enabling each press key to be driven to move in a reciprocating manner following a specific direction, and having a plurality of position limit devices disposed on the substrate and beneath the periphery of a corresponding press key. In a preferred aspect, each position device is integrally formed with the substrate, or can be formed on the substrate by stamp forming technique, that each is used to confine the corresponding press key to move following only the specific direction, such that the wobbling of the press keys is prevented.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus has a base component arranged under key switches. The base component has an embossed portion. A cooling material is filled into the embossed portion. The embossed portion may be formed continuously between the key switches along the length of key rows over substantially the entire length from the left end to the right end of the rows. On the base component, a membrane sheet having contact point portions corresponding to the key switches may be arranged. The membrane sheet may have a heat dissipation hole at a part opposing the embossed portion.

Abstract: A key mechanism is disclosed. A base plate includes a first pivoting portion and a second pivoting portion opposing the first pivoting portion. A keycap is disposed on the base plate and includes at least one engaging portion. A linking bar is connected between the base plate and the keycap and includes a first body portion, two second body portions, and two curved portions. The first body portion is rotatably engaged in the engaging portion of the keycap. The second body portions are connected to the first body portion and oppose each other. The curved portions are connected to the second body portions and pivot to the first and second pivoting portions of the base plate, respectively.

Abstract: A first bearing member is provided on a key top. A second bearing member is provided on the key top. A first guide member is provided on a board. A second guide member is provided on the board. A first link member is disposed between the board and the key top, and has a first end portion rotatably supported by the first bearing member and a second end portion engaged with the first guide member. A second link member is disposed between the board and the key top, and has a third end portion rotatably supported by the second bearing member and a fourth end portion engaged with the second guide member. A third link member is disposed between the board and the key top. The first link member, the second link member, and the third link member are not in contact with each other. The second end portion is slidable relative to the first guide member in a first horizontal direction so that the first end portion is movable in a vertical direction.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a button for engaging an electrical switch comprising: a button post that transmits a vertical motion of the button to the electrical switch, an alignment post that registers against the electrical switch and reduces lateral motion of the button, and at least two runners that connect the button to a frame and includes reinforcement that stiffens the vertical motion of the button.

Abstract: A key switch device capable of preventing a key top from displacing in the horizontal direction when the key top is being depressed, and of minimizing wear and damage to the components thereof. A displacement restricting part, contacting each of a pair of link members, is formed by punching and bending a support plate. Further, on the back side of a trunk of each link member, an engaging portion capable of contacting the displacement restricting part is formed. When the key top is being depressed, the displacement restricting part always contacts the engaging portion, whereby the displacement of the link members in the horizontal direction or the slipping movement of the key top may be prevented.

Abstract: A key mechanism is disclosed. A base plate includes a first pivoting portion and a second pivoting portion opposing the first pivoting portion. A keycap is disposed on the base plate and includes at least one engaging portion. A linking bar is connected between the base plate and the keycap and includes a first body portion, two second body portions, and two curved portions. The first body portion is rotatably engaged in the engaging portion of the keycap. The second body portions are connected to the first body portion and oppose each other. The curved portions are connected to the second body portions and pivot to the first and second pivoting portions of the base plate, respectively.

Abstract: A key mounted in a keyboard includes a key cap including a peg; a base plate including a central first opening a U-shaped first pivot frame including a pivot shaft at its interconnection portion pivotably secured to the base plate, and two end pins pivotably secured to the key cap; a rectangular second pivot frame including a pivot shaft at one end pivotably secured to the base plate, a central second opening, and two arms at the other end pivotably secured to the key cap; a hollow resilient member inserted through the first opening and including a conductive stem; a membrane PCB with the resilient member mounted thereon. A scissor-type resilient support is formed by the crossed first and second pivot frames with the resilient member inserted through the second opening and the peg aligned with the stem.

Abstract: In a keyboard including a plurality of keys, each key has a key top, a guiding structure that includes linking units pivotally movable in response to vertical motion of the key top, an elastic member to be pressed down by the vertical motion of the key top, and a contact which is operatively associated with the vertical motion of the key top. The guiding structure includes a common unit which is shared with all the other keys.

Abstract: A key structure has a support member that reduces manufacturing costs, assembly costs, and the total height of the manufactured product. The support member is mounted between a base and a key cap. The support member has a first frame and a second frame, which are both formed in a united manner by injection. The first frame has a base portion and a pair of side arms connected with the base. The side arms both have a penetrated transverse pivotal hole formed therein. The second frame is disposed between the side arms and has a pair of pivots protruded respectively from two sides thereof. The pivots are formed and mounted directly in the pivotal holes during ejection molding, and an annular channel is formed for receiving a tubular mold during ejection molding.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety switch unit (1) for electrically controlled machines for use in combination with the actual control elements of the machine control system in a hand-held application or for manual control, with at least one operating element which is displaced relative to a mounting frame (8) in accordance with the switching function desired by a user, which is designed to change the switch status of at least one electric switch element, the safety switch unit (1) having at least one switch position which is maintained only as long as a sufficiently high operating force is applied to the displaceable operating elements.

Abstract: The invention provides a manual operation button having a large operable area. A manual operation button is composed of a manual operation plane, a holder for assembling the manual operation plane and a stopper for fixing the holder to a casing. The casing has a mounting hole having substantially the same size and shape as the manual operation plane, so that when the manual operation plane is assembled to the mounting hole, the manual operation plane forms a substantially continuous flat plane with the casing. The holder includes a substantially L-shaped mounting portion for mounting to the casing, a flat plate-like mounting plane for mounting the manual operation plane, and a hinge portion connecting the mounting portion and the mounting plane. The whole width of the hinge portion is disposed within the outer projection plane of the manual operation plane.

Abstract: A key switch includes a guiding and supporting mechanism for guiding and supporting a key top. The guiding and supporting mechanism is so constructed that a substantially ring-shaped stabilizer and a substantially U-shaped stabilizer are pivotally connected by shafts and bearing parts each having a semi-circular sectional shape.

Abstract: A keyboard for an electronic device that incorporates a flexible carrier for the keys. The flexible carrier has cutouts or slots that aid in decoupling the actions of one from its neighbors. Moreover, in addition to or instead of cutouts or slots, the flexible carrier optionally has cutouts around its outer perimeter. In some embodiments, the keys are molded as part of the flexible carrier. In other embodiments, the keys are attached to or inserted in the flexible carrier during manufacture. Various embodiments of the invention employ various key shapes to aid the user's tactile experience while typing.

Abstract: A method of branding a wireless device, and a wireless device, are provided. The wireless device includes a housing having at least a first wall. The first wall includes a keypad area including a plurality of keypads. A logo is provided in a design of the keypads. The logo is provided by at least one of stenciling, embossing, silk screening, coloring, painting, texturing, indenting, or applying at least one sticker in the keypad area around one or more keypads; coloring or painting one or more keypads; or a combination of any of the foregoing.

Abstract: A key switch used for a keyboard incorporated as an input device in electronic equipment. The key switch includes a support plate; a key top arranged above the support plate; a pair of link members interlocked to each other to support the key top above the support plate and direct the key top in a vertical direction; and a switch mechanism capable of opening and closing a contact section of an electric circuit in accordance with a vertical movement of the key top. The switch mechanism includes a membrane switch sheet carrying the contact section at a position corresponding to the key top and placed on the support plate. Each of the link members includes a sliding part slidably engaged with the support plate. The membrane switch sheet is provided with a through-hole in a region where the sliding part of each link member is engaged with the support plate, the sliding part of the link member being slidably placed on the support plate through the through-hole in the membrane switch sheet.