Back to results
US 7,842,895 B2Granted
Key switch structure for input device
OwnerChing-Ping Leeinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Loading patent…
Loading patent…
OwnerChing-Ping Leeinventor
Estimating the term…
A key switch structure used in an input device is disclosed to include a circuit module, a key cap supported on a vertically compressible and elastically deformable hollow actuation member of a rubber membrane of the circuit board, a positioning board fastened to the circuit module, and two links arranged in a crossed manner and coupled between coupling portions of the positioning and the key cap to guide vertical movement of the key cap by means of a scissor action when the key cap is pressed by a user to compress the vertically compressible and elastically deformable hollow actuation member in triggering a circuit module to produce a control signal.
A key switch structure, comprising a circuit module, a key cap, and a linking mechanism set between said key cap and said circuit module to guide vertical movement of said key cap relative to said circuit member for enabling said key cap to be pressed by a user to trigger said circuit module in producing a control signal, wherein said linking mechanism comprises:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.
From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.
With enlarged actuating area, e.g. of the elongated bar-type; Stabilising means therefor: using a scissor mechanism as stabiliser
With contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches: characterised by construction, mounting or…
Electric switches
About 2 years 7 months of term left · ends 26 May 2029 (estimated)
Drawings are temporarily unavailable. Open the PDF at USPTO
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an input device and more particularly, to a key switch structure for input device, which uses two links arranged in a cross manner for performing a scissors action to support a key cap in balance, stabilizing vertical movement of the key cap when the key cap is clicked to drive a circuit module in producing a control signal. This simple design of key switch structure is suitable for mass production, lowering the manufacturing cost.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a key switch structure for input device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a sectional side view in an enlarged scale of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the first link and the second link according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIGS. 1˜4, a key switch structure of an input device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is shown comprising a circuit module 1, a key cap 2 and a linking mechanism 3.
The circuit module 1 comprises a circuit board 11, and a rubber membrane 12 positioned on the circuit board 11. The circuit board 11 has arranged therein a circuit layout with multiple switching contacts. The rubber membrane 12 comprises at least one compressible and elastically deformable hollow actuation member 121 that has a contact portion 122 downwardly extended from the top thereof and spaced above one switching contact of the circuit board 11.
The key cap 2 is supported on the one compressible and elastically deformable hollow actuation member 121 of the rubber membrane 12 above the circuit board 11, comprising a trapezoidal key cap body 21, a bottom accommodation space 210 defined in the bottom side of the trapezoidal key cap body 21, two pairs of coupling devices 22 bilaterally located on the bottom side of the trapezoidal key cap body 21 within the bottom accommodation space 210 and coupled to the linking mechanism 3. Each coupling device 22 of the first pair defines a downwardly extending water drop-like coupling hole 221 and a smoothly curved guide surface portion 2211 at the bottom side of the downwardly extending water drop-like coupling hole 221. Each coupling device 22 of the second pair defines a horizontal sliding groove 222, and a bottom entrance 2221 in communication with the horizontal sliding groove 222.