Optically transmissive key switch mechanism for display-capable keyboards, keypads, or other user input devices
US9087659B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 29, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jul 21, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 29, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2223/038
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Key switch mechanisms are typically used for mediating user input to computing devices. A key switch mechanism provides immediate tactile feedback to a user upon user-actuation thereof. Unlike touchscreen interfaces, existing key switch mechanisms of conventional keyboards do not provide a user with a dynamically changeable interface. Described is a key switch mechanism that comprises a circuit module, a key cap and a linkage mechanism for guiding travel of the key cap substantially along a travel axis. The linkage mechanism comprises a positioning board and a main link pivotably inter-coupling the positioning board and the key cap. The main link substantially impedes tilt of the key cap away from the travel axis during travel of the key cap therealong from a released position, whereat the key cap is biased, to a depressed position whereat a control signal is generated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.