Keys with double-diving-board spring mechanisms
US8362373B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 2, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jan 29, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 2, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2221/058
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Keys may be formed for keyboards. The keyboards may be attached to electronic devices such as computers or may be formed within a portable computer or other electronic equipment. A keyboard may be provided with a planar housing member such as a top plate. The top plate may have openings through which key caps protrude. Each key cap may be attached to a respective spring mechanism. The spring mechanism for each key may have first and second diving-board structures that flex about respective parallel flex axes. A dome switch may be mounted under each spring mechanism. The dome switch is compressed when the key cap is pressed and the first diving-board structure moves towards the dome switch. The top plate may have edge portions surrounding each key opening that form upstop structures that prevent the key caps and spring mechanisms from tilting when the dome switch is compressed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.