Magnetically biased retracting key assembly and keyboard
US9947493B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 24, 2014 |
| Grant date | Apr 17, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 13, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2221/04
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Magnetically biased retracting key assemblies and keyboards are provided. A key assembly includes a touch surface for receiving a press input from a user and a planar-translation-effecting (PTE) mechanism configured to guide as the keycap moves from an un-pressed position toward a pressed position. The key assembly also includes a ready-return mechanism configured to magnetically biased the keycap in the un-pressed position, the ready-return mechanism including a slider mechanism positioned beneath the keycap and coupled to the PTE mechanism. When the press surface receives a press input the slider mechanism translates away from the magnet as the PTE mechanism guides the keycap from the un-pressed position toward the pressed position. In some embodiments, the PTE mechanism and the ready-return mechanism translate with respect to a chassis layer providing a key retraction feature for the key assembly or keyboard.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.