Abstract: A key for a keyboard consisting of a base part (1) with a recess (7), an intermediate part (2), a key head (3) and an elastic return part (4). The cylindrical intermediate part (2) is arranged between the bottom part (14) of the key head (3) and the recess (7), with the intermediate part (2) moving into the recess (7) when the key head (3) is pressed. The intermediate part (2) is in a screw-like engagement with the bottom part (14) of the key head (3) and with the recess (7) in each case, with the one engagement running in the opposite direction to the other engagement.

Abstract: A key switch comprising a base, a key top arranged above the base, a pair of link members interlocked to each other and operatively engaged with the base and the key top to support the key top above the base and direct the key top in a vertical direction, a switching mechanism for selectively opening and closing an electric circuit in connection with a vertical movement of the key top. Each of the link members includes a sliding portion slidably and shiftably engaged with either one of the base and the key top. At least one elastic member is disposed between at least one of the link members and either one of the base and the key top with which the sliding portion of each link member is engaged. The elastic member exerts biasing force, relative to a displacement or shifting amount of the sliding portion, onto at least one of the link members in a direction different from, e.g., substantially orthogonal to, the vertical shifting direction of the key top.

Abstract: An improved keyswitch includes a stage having a mounting hole and a keycap having a plunger on a bottom thereof. The plunger is movably arranged within the mounting hole. The keyswitch is characterized in that one of the keycap and the stage is provided with at least one guiding rib, while the other of the keycap and the stage is provided with at least one dent corresponding to the guiding rib. The guiding rib is fit within the dent and the dent and guiding rib have multiple point contacts to restrict movement of the keycap with respect to the stage.

Abstract: A composite molded product has a frame body (1) with a through bore that terminates at openings, and a button portion (2) with a pressing portion (3) extended through the through bore and a flange portion (4) fused to the frame body (1). A silicone resin layer (5, 24) is interposed between the frame body and the flange portion, and surrounds one of the openings. A method of manufacturing a composite molded product by molding a frame body, forming a silicone resin layer on a surface of the frame body, and simultaneously molding a button portion to a predetermined shape while fusion boding areas of the button portion contacting the frame body.

Abstract: A pushbutton arrangement includes a pushbutton switch mounted on a substrate and the pushbutton switch has an actuating position. The pushbutton arrangement further includes a supporting member fixed to the substrate and a button operation member for pushing the actuating portion of the pushbutton switch. An elastic connection member is fixed to the supporting member at one end thereof and has the button operation member fixed at the other end thereof so that the button operation member is placed on the actuating portion of the pushbutton switch.

Abstract: An ergonomic keyboard includes a top case having a plurality of key planes that are non-parallel with one another. A plurality of keyswitch bases are positioned within respective ones of the plurality of key planes and are formed with the top case as a single, continuous piece of material.

Abstract: A key pad with rigid resin key top, preventing key top detachment or dislocation, and allowing to omit key detachment prevention means such as collar and to simplify the structure, and adhering to a silicone rubber key pad 1,7 with silicone base adhesive 15, 20, by preparing urethane base adhesion substrate layer 3, 9 on a back 2, 8 of a key top made of rigid resin.

Abstract: An illuminated pushbutton has a display assembly which is movable relative to a fixed part containing a switch assembly. The display assembly contains a plurality of solid state light generating devices which can individually or in combination provide illumination with variable coloring characteristics. A flexible circuit element connects these devices to electronic circuitry in the fixed part which controls the coloration of the display.

Abstract: An improved keyswitch comprises a stage having a mounting hole and a keycap having a plunger on bottom thereof. The plunger is movably arranged within the plunger. At least one guiding rib is provided within the stage or on lateral side of the keycap; and at least one groove corresponding to the guiding rib is provided on lateral side of the keycap or within the stage, the guiding rib fit within the groove such that the keycap is movable upward and downward within the mounting hole without shaking. The keycap is in contact with the stage on lateral side thereof, the friction therebetween is reduced.

Abstract: Operating rod 21 is provided with a spherical portion 21B that has a polygon shape in the horizontal cross section, which is engaged with a polygonal opening 23C provided above a central opening 23A of a revolving member 23 so that the two items make a same revolution together, yet the operating rod 21 can make a free up-down movement independently. The operating rod 21 has a pushing portion 21D at the lower end; upper surface of which pushing portion 21D is keeping an elastic contact to a middle ring-platform 23B of the revolving member 23 via a washer 4. So, even when the operating rod 21 is positioned slightly aslant, it can perform both revolving and up-down actions smoothly. In an electronic appliance incorporating the revolving operation electronic component of the above structure, the clearance margin to be provided in relation to an operating knob and an aperture for the knob can be made small.

Abstract: A key switch includes a key base having a rectangular hole at the top, a conductive rubber cone received inside the key base at the bottom and supported on a circuit board, a plunger received in the rectangular hole and having a mounting slot at the top and two unitary spring strips extended from two opposite sides thereof and terminating in a respective hooked portion hooked on a respective retaining groove on the key base from the bottom, and a key cap having a hollow projecting rod fitted into the mounting slot on the plunger for permitting the plunger to be moved downward to trigger an electric contact on the circuit board through the conductive rubber cone upon each striking against the key cap.

Abstract: A keyboard device and a personal computer including a housing member made slidable, so that a membrane switch is not slid. Such a structure, designed to make the keyboard device and the personal computer thinner, makes it possible to provide very reliable, cheap, thin keyboard devices and personal computers which allow an electrical circuit in the personal computer and the membrane switch to be easily connected. Accordingly, the keyboard device and the personal computer having the above-described structure overcome the problems produced in conventional keyboard devices and personal computers using conventional keyboard devices. These were made thinner by making the membrane switch slide, which has resulted in a complicated electrical connection between an electrical circuit in the personal computer and the membrane switch, increased costs, and lack of electrical reliability.

Abstract: A computer key switch, which includes a hollow key switch base supported on a membrane circuit above a frame, a rubber cone mounted on the membrane circuit inside the key switch base, and a key cap supported on the rubber cone for depressing with the finger to compress the rubber cone in triggering the membrane circuit, wherein the key cap has a plunger of H-shaped cross section supported on the rubber cone, and two hook rods symmetrically longitudinally suspended in open spaces defined in the plunger at two opposite sides, the plunger has longitudinally extended guide ribs formed integral with the periphery thereof and disposed in contact with the inside wall of the key switch base to guide vertical movement of the key cap relative to the key switch base; the key switch base has two hooks bilaterally disposed on the inside at the top for stopping hooks at the hook rods to limit up stroke of the key cap.

Abstract: A keyboard device includes a plurality of keyswitches each having a keytop movable up and down, wherein the angle of the keytop varies depending on whether the keytop is in an initial position or in a pressed position. In this structure, the keytop moves in a direction corresponding to the motion of an operator's finger and thus smooth operations can be achieved, as opposed to a conventional keyboard device in which a keytop moves vertically while maintaining itself horizontal and thus the motion of the keytop occurs in a direction different from the motion of an operator's finger.

Abstract: A steering switch module mounted on a steering wheel for controlling electronic equipments disposed on a vehicle is disclosed. The module comprises a switch board on which a plurality of switches are provided to control the electronic equipments, a plurality of operation buttons for press-operating the switches, a holding member for holding so each of the operation buttons as to be capable of moving only in the press-operation direction, the holding member secured to the switch board, and a steering cover for covering the switch board and the holding member such that only the operation buttons are exposed.

Abstract: A key switch comprises a key cap, a support device, a support board, a membrane circuit, and a base. A number of slots formed on sides of the support device engage with hooks of the key cap whereby the key cap is slidably engaged with the support device. A number of protrusions outwardly extends from edges of a bottom surface of the support device to engage corresponding U-shaped positioning portions. Thus, the height of the key switch is limited and the assembly thereof is simplified.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved keyswitch structure to overcome the shaking and friction problem in the conventional keyswitch. The improved keyswitch structure is characterized in that at least one guiding slit is formed on the outer wall of the frame, at least one guiding body is formed on the inner wall of the guiding groove and corresponding to the guiding slit; and two slim flanges are provided on each corner of the outer wall of the frame whereby the slim flanges are in contact with the four corners of the inner wall of the guiding stage and can move upward and downward smoothly.

Abstract: A switch formed with a repulsive spring between a key top and a lower contact wherein the switch is provided with a repulsive spring for separating the key top and the lower contact. The switch is horizontally shiftable by a driving board which extends from an adjacent switch and the repulsive spring is shifted by the driving board to allow the key top to fall by the weight of the key top.

Abstract: A switch structure that is particularly suited for gaming equipment is tolerant of the spillage of food or of contamination resulting from beverage, or continued operation thereof by individuals with soiled hands. The switch structure has an actuatable member having an manipulable portion and a tube extending from the manipulable portion in the direction to be pushed. A protuberance is installed in a core of the tube and arranged to guide the motion of the actuatable member in response to the application of a pushing force to the manipulable portion thereof. A switch is provided for producing a variation in an electrical condition in response to the actuatable member being pushed. A support element has a recess for accommodating therein the actuatable member, there remaining a space surrounding the periphery of the actuatable member sufficient to accommodate contaminants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pushbutton switch having a ring in which a spring-prestressed button is arranged such that it can be pushed in a predetermined actuating displacement. The button has a top side terminating flush with the top edge of the ring, and from at least one side of the ring parallel to the longitudinal axis of an actuating finger, the edge of the ring is reduced continuously in height substantially to the level of the actuating displacement.

Abstract: A keyboard device, in which the rotation of a cover to a closed position is transferred to racks via pawls attached to the shaft of the cover. The force applied by the pawls forces the racks to slide in the direction E and causes cam gears to rotate in the counterclockwise direction. Cam grooves in the cam gears also move in the rotated direction of the cam gears, forcing operating pins engaged in the cam grooves to slide from a first engaging position to a second engaging position. While the operating pins slide relative to the cam grooves, sliding of a circuit board orthogonal to the direction C is corrected by the engaged condition of guide slots and guide pins. Therefore, the operating pins are pressed against the supporting shaft sides of the cam grooves and slid in the C direction, relative to the cam grooves, to the second engaging position. Accordingly, a reinforcer on which the operating pin is fixed and the circuit board are slid in the direction C.

Abstract: An illuminated keypad key and method of manufacture thereof, having a light-permeable resin key top, a film having a pattern formed in one side thereof, the film being fixed to the upper and side surfaces of the transparent resin key top, cutting away portions of the film that extend beyond the lower periphery of the key top, and upper surface of a key operating portion made from transparent rubber or thermoplastic elastomer, being fixed to the underside surface of the key top by means of a transparent adhesive. The above mentioned film has a thickness of 100 mm-200 mm.

Abstract: A switch mechanism for an electronic mechanism, particularly in an automobile or other vehicle. The switch member or button has a pair of post members which are positioned on supporting members on a retainer member. The support members also position the switch member or button in the retainer member and hold it fictionally in alignment along its side surfaces. Pad members also can be provided on the support members. The switch mechanism minimizes noise, undesirable side-to-side movement and undesirable twisting movement of the button member. The switch mechanism also allows control of the "feel" of the button actuation.

Abstract: A push button support structure for a push switch is provided with a housing, a push switch secured to the housing which has an actuator thereon, and a push button reciprocally moveable between on and off positions so as to responsively engage the actuator and thereby perform on and off switching actions, respectively. A pair of first elongate engagement posts is provided on one of the push button or housing which defines a circular cross-sectional geometry. Each elongate engagement post is positioned on a respective side of the push switch so that the push switch is disposed between the pair of first elongate engagement posts. A pair of second elongate engagement posts, in alignment with the pair of first elongate engagement posts, is also provided on the other of the push button or housing and defines a square cross-sectional geometry.

Abstract: A push button structure that is particularly suited for gaming equipment is tolerant of the spillage of food or beverage, or of continued operation thereof by individuals with soiled hands. The push button structure has an actuatable member having an outwardly extending flange and a manipulable portion. A retaining member is provided with an opening through which is exposed the manipulable portion of the actuatable member. A protrusion is formed on the inner surface of the retaining member or on the outer surface of the outwardly extending flange of the actuatable member to prevent the surfaces from communicating with each another over a large contact area. The reduction in the contact area reduces the strength of adhesion therebetween resulting from the contaminants.

Abstract: Upon depression of a depression surface of an operating knob of a switch assembly, a depression working surface pushes down the head portion of a rubber contact, and a switching operation is performed. The operating knob is pushed up by the return elastic force of the rubber contact and returned to its original position. Then the upper face of the depression portion abuts against the correction member. As the correction member is positioned directly above the rubber contact, the moment generated by the return elastic force of the rubber contact is offset and the operating knob is straightened and maintained to be in a horizontal position. Therefore, the side surfaces of the head portion projecting from the operation hole of the switch case barely rub against the side edges of the operation hole in a depressed state owing to inclination of the operating knob.

Abstract: A keyswitch for use with a keyboard comprises a base forming at least a pair of mounting sockets. A first sliding member is movably assembled to one of the mounting sockets. The first sliding member is formed with a slide at a free end thereof. A second sliding member is movably assembled to another of the mounting sockets. The second sliding member is formed with a slide at a free end thereof. Hinging means is arranged between the first and second sliding members and includes at least a sliding groove defined in one of the first and second traversal rods, and a bud formed on one another of the first and second traversal rods corresponding to the sliding groove. A keycap defines a depressing face and a peripheral flange extending from edges of the depressing face. At least a pair of sliding slots are defined in corners of the depressing face for movably receiving the slides of the first and second sliding members.

Abstract: A button with at least one flexible cantilever and an actuating portion coupled to the button can either be integrally formed from a single piece of material or assembled into a single device so that the button can be easily and quickly installed into a button housing. Additionally, because of the simplified one-piece design of the button, the button housing is further simplified.

Abstract: Several different types of electrical switches are disclosed. In one particular embodiment, an electrical switch is disclosed comprising: a molded case having a pair of conductive terminal contacts; and a molded actuator for mating with the case. The actuator is movable between a conducting position and a non-conducting position within the case, and the actuator has at least one spring member and a conductive contact surface. The spring member forces the actuator into the non-conducting position, and the conductive contact surface provides an electrical connection between the pair of conductive terminal contacts when the actuator is in the conducting position. The actuator is retained within the case by a retaining member and/or a snap member. The case and the actuator are molded about the conductive terminal contacts and the spring members, respectively. Furthermore, the conductive contact surface is formed of a conductive elastomer that is grafted to the actuator.

Abstract: The push button switch provided includes a housing, a key cap, an elastic actuator, and a membrane switch layer. The housing has a key top guide integral with the housing, and two slots are provided at the vicinity of the key top guide. The key top has a cap and two deformable hooks. The cap has a bottom surface, and a plunger is provided and extends from the bottom surface. The two deformable hooks are provided and extend from an edge of the cap. Each deformable hook corresponds to one of the slots and is disposed within the corresponding slot. The plunger is slidably disposed within the key top guide, which allows a reciprocal movement of the key top with respect to the housing. The actuator has an elastic dome and a deformable sheet membrane integral with the elastic dome. The elastic dome supports the plunger and deforms responsive to the reciprocal movement of the key top. The membrane switch layer is disposed underneath the actuator.

Abstract: In conventional keyboard devices, since an elastic member is disposed between an insulating substrate and the central crossing part of levers, it is impossible to realize a thin keyswitch, and a high cost is required to modify the height of the keyswitch to a desired value required in a specific application. The invention provides a keyboard device having no such problems. In the keyboard device of the invention, a first and second levers are combined with each other via a shaft such that they cross each other; an elastic member is disposed in a hollow formed in the first or second lever; and the top portion of the elastic member is in contact with the pedestal formed on the back surface of the keytop. This structure allows a reduction in space between the keytop and the top portion of the elastic member. Thus, it is possible to realize a thin-type keyboard device, and it is also possible to accommodate the requirement of various heights of keyswitches simply by making a modification on the keytop.

Abstract: A push-button assembly (10) is constituted by a push-button (12) having a side wall outer surface located adjacent to a side wall inner surface of a surrounding body (14). In the assembly, at least one of the side wall surfaces is recessed (22; 22a, 22c; 22b, 22d), thereby reducing the contact area of the opposed surface areas likely to be adversely affected by stickiness.

Abstract: A self-adjusting electric tappet switch includes a slider linearly guided in a housing for activation or closure of one of several electrical contacts and a tappet which is selectively rotatable relative to the slider for adjustment of the travel limit of the switch. The slider has a first engagement portion provided with engagements parts, and the tappet includes a corresponding second engagement portion having an oblong cross-section provided with spaced apart circumferential grooves. The switch is self-adjusted by relative rotational movement between the slider and the tappet to lock the pair together. In an installation and adjustment position of the tappet and slider system, the slider is held in a predetermined fixed switching position in the housing to permit relative longitudinal slidable movement between the tappet and the slider for adjustment of the tappet without causing any movement of affecting the position of the slider within the housing.

Abstract: A switch for a washing lid or the like has a collapsing operator. Over travel in the adjustment of the switch with the first lid closure is prevented by the incorporation of a deformable dampening element fitting within the collapsible portion of the operator.

Abstract: A key switch includes a rubber cone supported on a membrane circuit board inside a keyboard, a key base covered on the rubber cone to hold a vertically slidably key cap, a spring holder cap vertically slidably coupled to the key cap inside the key base to hold spring between the key cap and the spring holder cap, the key cap has two inner hooks respectively extended from two opposite sides of a bottom coupling frame thereof for engagement with the spring holder cap, the spring holder cap having outward hooks raised from the topmost edge thereof at two opposite sides for engagement with the inner hooks of the key cap, the rubber cone being compressed by the spring holder cap to trigger a contact at the membrane circuit board and the spring suddenly extending out to produce a click sound when the key cap is depressed.

Abstract: A plunger actuated switch, suitable for automotive brake light applications where the plunger is held depressed in de-actuated condition. Upon installation, the switch housing is moved on an adjustable mounting to cause the plunger to contact a user moveable operating member such as a brake pedal arm. The switch mounting is adjusted to cause the plunger to depress and move the internal switch actuator to its limit of travel; and, the switch is further adjusted to cause the plunger to ratchet over an adjustment member carried by the actuator to provide an adjusted position of the switch. The adjustment member has spring fingers which are bowed during the adjustment; and, upon subsequent release of the user moved operating member, i.e., a brake pedal arm, the plunger is spring biased away from the fingers which snap inwardly to thereafter permit relative motion of the plunger with respect to the actuator when the actuator is at its travel limit to thereby provide overtravel absorption.

Abstract: A keyswitch assembly suitable for being disposed on a computer keyboard that can prevent wobbling of its key cap when the key cap is at its elevated position. The keyswitch comprises a key cap capable of being urged to move between an elevated position and a pressed down position; a first connecting member connected to the cap and the substrate; a second connecting member connected to the cap and the substrate; and an elastic member disposed between the substrate and the key cap in such a way that it always urges the cap toward its first position. A positioning slot and a positioning pin or a guide slot and a protrusion formed on one connecting member are provided for keeping the cap from wobbling at its elevated position.

Abstract: A selectively lockable button structure allows for simple and easy mechanical button deactivation and reactivation. The button structure is especially adapted for interface panels of various types of electrical equipment wherein there may be a need for button lockout once the equipment is installed. The button structure includes a button and button retention/housing portion. The button has a head and body with the body terminating in radially outwardly extending flanges that allows easy button installation into the button retention portion of the interface panel but inhibits button removal therefrom. The button retention portion includes angled, diametrically opposed shelves, each shelf of which has a pair of positive lock interference tabs. The button head and the shelves/tabs co-act such that in one rotational position the button is depressible (unlocked) while in another rotational position, the button is not depressible (locked).

Abstract: In a keyboard which drives membrane switches by selectively depressing key tops, hinge portions are formed integrally with a housing in an array of hinge receiving holes made therein in correspondence with a desired array of key tops, a top panel having openings corresponding to the hinge receiving holes is bonded to the top of the housing and the key tops are each disposed to cover the corresponding opening and the entire length of the corresponding hinge portion and is fixedly engaged with the free end of the hinge portion through the opening. By the application of pressure to and its removal from each key top, the lower end of the free end of the corresponding hinge portion operates to make and break the underlying membrane switch.

Abstract: A button which is removable from and insertable into a keypad from the exterior of a housing containing the keypad. The button fits within an opening of the keypad and is formed with resilient fingers in its side walls. The fingers have interfering flanges at their lower ends. The flanges are chamfered to provide a camming action to deflect the fingers when the button is removed or inserted.

Abstract: A portable information processing unit, such as a personal computer, has a keyboard in which the normal, operating height of key switches is reduced to a more compact, reduced height automatically when a cover of the unit is closed and is automatically reinstated to the normal operating height when the cover is opened. Each key switch has a key top, a base, an actuating mechanism connecting the key top to the base, an elastic member and a switching layer, the elastic member extending through an opening in the base and interconnecting the key top and the switch. Depression of the key top produces movement thereof in a depressing direction and a depression force transferred through the elastic member to the switch, switching same from an off to an on state; upon release of the key top, the elastic member returns the key top to the normal position.

Abstract: A plunger mechanism is disclosed comprising: a plunger slidable in a generally cylindrical body between an extended position and a retracted position. A bush receives the body for relative rotation about the axis. The body and the bush are formed with co-operating means allowing the body to slide axially when the body is in one rotational position relative to the bush and to be locked axially when the body is in another rotational position relative to the bush. A stop member is slidable in the body and biassed in one direction. The stop member is formed with a lug projecting through a slot in the body and into a slot in the bush. The plunger is provided with means for engaging the stop member to slide it in the body against the bias. The slots in the body and in the bush each have a narrow section in which the lug locates when the stop member is in a first position in the direction in which it is biassed.

Abstract: A self-adjusting plunger switch having a housing (3) carrying contacts (7, 19) with an actuation element (5, 27) for actuation of the contacts (7, 19). A resilient element (11) biases the actuating element outwardly of the housing toward an inoperative position. The actuating element comprises a housing-guided slider (5) and a plunger (27) adjustably connected with the slider. The plunger (27) has a first stop arrest (45) which can be brought from an adjustment between the plunger (27) and the slider (5) through rotational movement around the longitudinal axis of the plunger to engage with a second stop arrest (29a) of the slider as a result of which an arrest of the position between the plunger (27) and slider (5) is attainable.

Abstract: A switch and plunger mechanism which allows for simple, inexpensive and reliable actuation of a switch is disclosed. A plunger having two flanges and a plunger pin is disposed in an opening within a computer housing which includes angled surfaces. When the plunger is pushed in, the flanges press against the tapered surfaces so as to deflect each of the flanges inwardly. Continued movement of the plunger into the engaged position moves the plunger pin such that it engages the switch. As the plunger moves into the engaged position, changing contact surfaces between the plunger and the surfaces of the plunger receptacle causes an audible and tactile snap to be emitted. The movement of the plunger into the fully depressed position deflects the flanges so as to store potential energy. When the finger pressure is released from the plunger, the stored energy is released so as to straighten the flanges and push the plunger pin back into the fully extended position.

Abstract: A keyswitch includes a keytop, a base, an elastic actuator between the keytop and the base, a switch actuated by the actuator, and a link mechanism disposed between the base and the keytop, the link mechanism including first and second link members engaged with each other mechanically at respective first ends thereof, wherein the first and second link members further establish a slide engagement with a rear surface of the keytop at respective second ends thereof.

Abstract: A push-button mechanism for plunger-type electrical switches of the type having a push rod actuator, is provided with a base unit having a pair of undercut tabs. A button member has a pair of heels respectively receivable in the undercut of the tabs for sliding movement of the button to move the push rod actuator to thereby change state of the switch. The button member is retained to the base unit by snap-fit between the heels and the tab undercuts. The switch has a pair of flanges; and the base unit has a pair of tapered slots respectively aligned with the flanges and adapted to releasably receive the flanges upon assembly of the switch to the base unit. The push rod actuator has a recess; and the button member has a pair of opposed ribs aligned with the recess and adapted to be received by the recess upon assembly of the switch to the base unit.

Abstract: In a pantograph type keyboard switch, a leaf spring projects from a linkage member and slidably engages the underside of a keytop and the resulting reaction force is used to remove play between the keytop and the linkage member. Further, a frictional slope is formed in each slide groove in the underside of the keytop so that frictional force increases as the keytop approaches the top dead point position.

Abstract: A key switch assembly for use in a keyboard employing pressure sensitive electric switches disposed within a keyboard housing is provided. The key switch assembly includes a key switch socket member integrally formed on an upper panel of the keyboard housing to project axially upward therefrom. The key switch socket member includes an inner wall portion defining a receiving bore which has formed thereon an axially extended guiding slot spaced from a pair of appropriately spaced and radially protruding guiding projections which are provided with upwardly exposed beveled surfaces. The key switch assembly also includes a key top member displaceably coupled to the key switch socket member which is formed with an axially extended key stem.

Abstract: A notebook computer is provided with a collapsible keyboard structure having keys supported on scissored linkage arm assemblies. In response to closing of the computer lid, key return spring portions of the keyboard are shifted away from their normal underlying relationships with the keys, and the scissored linkage arm assemblies and keys are forcibly retracted to storage and transport orientations. When the lid is subsequently opened, the key return spring portions, and a specially designed key preload member, are shifted relative to the retracted keys through an elevation stroke. During an initial portion of the elevation stroke, the key return spring portions engage the retracted keys and move them to extended positions in which the spring portions underlie the extended keys.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a keyboard switch which comprises first and second elements alternately engaged with each other and supporting a keycap at the top ends of the elements. The inner edges of the first and second elements are each respectively provided with a corresponding pressing board. The external edges of the first and second elements are provided with a corresponding protruded shaft and a slot to enable restricted movement. When the keycap is pressed at any position, due to the restricted movement, the keycap will move downwardly with a well balanced and stable motion along a shortest distance path to trigger the electrical contact assembly located below when the keycap; when the keycap is released, it will be restored to its original position as a result of a force exerted by an elastic rubber pad mounted within a keyseat.