GB2463341A - Key Switch - Google Patents

Key Switch Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2463341A
GB2463341A GB0909544A GB0909544A GB2463341A GB 2463341 A GB2463341 A GB 2463341A GB 0909544 A GB0909544 A GB 0909544A GB 0909544 A GB0909544 A GB 0909544A GB 2463341 A GB2463341 A GB 2463341A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
connecting portion
key switch
key
resilient assembly
downwards
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB0909544A
Other versions
GB0909544D0 (en
GB2463341B (en
Inventor
Chia-Fa Cheng
Yu-Hsiang Ting
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co Ltd filed Critical Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co Ltd
Priority to GB0909544A priority Critical patent/GB2463341B/en
Publication of GB0909544D0 publication Critical patent/GB0909544D0/en
Publication of GB2463341A publication Critical patent/GB2463341A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2463341B publication Critical patent/GB2463341B/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/702—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
    • H01H13/705—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches characterised by construction, mounting or arrangement of operating parts, e.g. push-buttons or keys
    • H01H13/7065—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches characterised by construction, mounting or arrangement of operating parts, e.g. push-buttons or keys characterised by the mechanism between keys and layered keyboards
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
    • G06F3/0202—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/702—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
    • H01H13/705—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches characterised by construction, mounting or arrangement of operating parts, e.g. push-buttons or keys
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
    • H01H3/02—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch
    • H01H3/12—Push-buttons
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2221/00—Actuators
    • H01H2221/024—Transmission element
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2221/00—Actuators
    • H01H2221/024—Transmission element
    • H01H2221/026—Guiding or lubricating nylon
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2221/00—Actuators
    • H01H2221/058—Actuators to avoid tilting or skewing of contact area or actuator

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)

Abstract

A key switch assembly, usable such as with computer keyboards, has a base 120 with a number of vertical rods 124, 125 which guide the up down motion of a key cap 110. In between the base 120 and the key cap 110 is a flexible resilient member 130, with a cap (134, fig.5) to provide an electrical contact made when pressing the key cap 110 down. The assembly may have a simpler design and/or use less parts than prior art key assemblies with more complex mechanical linkages.

Description

KEY SWITCH
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a key switch, and more particularly to a key switch which is flexible for use in a computer keyboard.
2. The Related Art [0002] The most common way of inputting information into a computer is through a keyboard including a number of key switches to be pressed. Each key switch is required to be vertically pressed downwards to trigger a circuit for generating a signal, without stuck key. U.S. Pat. No. 7,498,536 describes a key structure of a computer keyboard which comprises a key cap, a linkage mechanism, a fixed base, a resilient assembly, a membrane circuit board and a supporting board under the membrane circuit board. The linkage mechanism is disposed between the key cap and the fixing base, and includes a first supporting frame and a second supporting frame, which pivot together to form a scissors-shaped structure. The resilient assembly is placed on the membrane circuit board and passes through the fixing base to elastically support the key cap, and functioned as a switch. When the key cap is pressed, the resilient assembly is driven downwards and then becomes the switch that can trigger the corresponding circuit on the membrane circuit board to generate the electronic signal. However, the engagement between the first supporting frame and the second supporting frame and the means for the linkage mechanism connecting with the key cap and the fixed base are complicated and not flexible enough, which are possible to result in the failure for inputting information because of the key stuck or biased. In addition, such key structure may increase the difficulties of manufacturing and take more assembling time. So it is desirable to design a key switch which overcomes the disadvantages mentioned above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a key switch which is flexible for use in a computer keyboard. The key switch includes a fixing base having a fixing board. The fixing board has an installing trough at a top thereof and a plurality of positioning rods extending upwards therefrom and arranged around the installing trough. A resilient assembly adhered onto the fixing board has a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion engaged in the installing trough. A key cap includes a rectangular top plate and lateral plates extending downwards from edges of the top plate and connecting with one another. The top plate has a substantial middle portion connected with the first connecting portion of the resilient assembly, with the positioning rods substantially disposed at inner corners of the key cap to lean against the corresponding lateral plates. The lateral plates are suspended above the fixing board for leaving a vertical displacement so that the key cap can be urged to move upwards and downwards along the positioning rods.
[0004] As described above, the positioning rods are substantially disposed at the inner corners of the key cap and rely on the corresponding lateral plates, which makes the key cap move upwards and downwards smoothly along the positioning rods, preventing the stuck key condition. Meanwhile, such structure of the key switch is simple and easier to manufacture and assembly.
BRIEF DESCRJPTION OF THE DRAWNGS
[0005] The present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art by reading the following description, with reference to the attached drawings, in which: [0006] FIG. 1 is an assembled, perspective view of a key switch of an embodiment according to the present invention; [0007] FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of the key switch shown in FIG. 1; [0008] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a key cap of the key switch shown in FIG. 2 viewed from a bottom angle; [0009] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a resilient assembly of the key switch shown in FIG. 2 viewed from a bottom angle; [0010] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the key switch shown in FIG. 1; and [0011] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the key switch shown in FIG. 1, wherein the key cap is pressed downwards.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT
[0012] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, a key switch 100 in accordance with the present invention generally comprises a key cap 110, a fixing base 120 disposed under and spaced away from the key cap 110, and a resilient assembly 130 placed between the key cap 110 and the fixing base 120. The key cap 110 is substantially shaped like a square cap, and has a top plate 111 for receiving an external pressing force and four lateral plates 112 extending downwardly from edges of the top plate 111, connecting with each other. The top plate 111 is extended downwards from a middle portion of an inner surface thereof to form a barrel 113. In this embodiment, one of the lateral plates 112 is formed with two guiding grooves 114 at two opposite ends of an inner surface thereof, extending upwards and downwards.
[0013] The fixing base 120, which may be made of plastic material, has a rectangular fixing board 121. The fixing board 121 has a circular installing trough 122 at a middle portion of a top thereof for fixing the resilient assembly 130, and a plurality of positioning rods 123 extending upwards from the top thereof and around the installing trough 122. In this embodiment, there are four the positioning rods 123 arranged in two rows, designated 124 and 125. The positioning rods 124 are movably received in the guiding grooves 114, and the positioning rods 125 are respectively located at two contiguous corners of the key cap 110, each leaning against inner surfaces of the two intersecting lateral plates 112, for guiding the key cap 110 to move upwards and downwards.
[0014] Please refer to FIG. 2 and FIGS. 4-5, the resilient assembly 130, made of an elastomer such as rubber, is substantially an inverted-bowl shape and defines a first connecting portion 131 at an upper end thereof and connecting with the key cap 110, a second connecting portion 132 at a lower end thereof, and a chamber 133. The first connecting portion 131 has an outer diameter substantially the same as that of the barrel 113. Herein, the first connecting portion 131 faces and is stuck to the bottom of the barrel 113 by adhesive. The second connecting portion 132 is a ring shape and has an outer diameter larger than that of the first connecting portion 131 and substantially the same as a diameter of the installing trough 122 for being engaged with each other. The chamber 133 has a contact pin 134 extending downwards from a top thereof. The contact pin 134 is within the chamber 133 and has a distal end spaced away from a plane of a bottom of the installing trough 122 with a predetermined distance when the resilient assembly 130 is assembled to the fixing base 130.
[0015] Referring to FIGS. 5-6, the resilient assembly 130 is placed on the fixing base 120, with the second connecting portion 132 received in the installing trough 122. A circuit board (not shown) is located on the bottom of the installing trough 122 and within the second connecting portion 132, spaced away from the contact pin 134. The key cap is supported by the resilient portion 132 to suspend above the fixing board 121, with bottom edges of the lateral plates 112 spaced away from the fixing board 121 with a predetermined distance to leave a sufficient vertical displacement for activating the circuit board. The positioning rods 124 and 125 are slidably and respectively received in the corresponding guiding grooves 114 and the corresponding corners between the lateral plates 112, for guiding the key cap 110 to move upwards and downwards with respect to the fixing base 120. When the key cap 110 is pressed downwards along the positioning rods 123, the resilient assembly 130 is compressed to make the contact pin 134 move downwards to trigger the circuit board for generating an electronic signal.
[0016] As described above, the positioning rods 123 are substantially disposed at four corners of the key cap 110 and rely on the corresponding lateral plates 112, which makes the key cap 110 move upwards and downwards smoothly along the positioning rods 123, preventing the stuck key condition. Meanwhile, such structure of the key switch 100 is simple and easier to manufacture and assembly.
[0017] The foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. Such modifications and variations that may be apparent to those skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

Claims (6)

  1. WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A key switch, comprising: a fixing base having a fixing board, the fixing board having an installing trough at a top thereof and a plurality of positioning rods extending upwards therefrom and arranged around the installing trough; a resilient assembly adhered onto the fixing board having a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion engaged in the installing trough; and a key cap having a rectangular top plate and lateral plates extending downwards from edges of the top plate and connecting with one another, the top plate having a substantial middle portion connected with the first connecting portion of the resilient assembly, with the positioning rods substantially disposed at inner corners of the key cap to lean against the corresponding lateral plates, the lateral plates suspended above the fixing board for leaving a vertical displacement so that the key cap can be urged to move upwards and downwards along the positioning rods.
  2. 2. The key switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of the lateral plates is formed with two guiding grooves at two opposite ends of an inner surface thereof, extending upwards and downwards for guiding the positioning rods.
  3. 3. The key switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the resilient assembly is an inverted-bowl shape, and defines the first connecting portion at an upper end thereof and the second connecting portion at a lower end thereof to show a ring shape, an outer diameter of the first connecting portion is less than that of the second connecting portion.
  4. 4. The key switch as claimed in claim 3, wherein the top plate of the key cap is extended downwards to form a barrel, the barrel has an outer diameter substantially the same as that of the first connecting portion, and is stuck with the first connecting portion by the use of adhesive.
  5. 5. The key switch as claimed in claim 3, wherein the resilient assembly has a chamber, a top of the chamber is extended downwards to form a contact pin, spaced away from a bottom of the installing trough with a predetermined distance when the resilient assembly is assembled to the fixing base.
  6. 6. A key switch constructed and arranged substantially as described in relation to Figs. 1,2, and 6 of the accompanying drawings.Amendment to the claims have been filed as follows WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A key switch, comprising: a fixing base having a fixing board, the fixing board having an installing trough at a top thereof and a plurality of positioning rods extending upwards therefrom and arranged around the installing trough; a resilient assembly adhered onto the fixing board having a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion engaged in the installing trough; and a key cap having a rectangular top plate and lateral plates extending downwards from edges of the top plate and connecting with one another, the top plate having a middle portion connected with the first connecting portion of the resilient assembly, with the positioning rods substantially disposed at inner corners of the key cap to lean against the corresponding lateral plates, the lateral plates suspended above the fixing board for leaving a vertical displacement so that the key cap can be urged to move upwards and 0) downwards along the positioning rods.Q 15 2. The key switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of the lateral plates is formed with two guiding grooves at two opposite ends of an inner surface thereof, extending upwards and downwards for guiding the positioning rods.Q 3. The key switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the resilient assembly is an C\J inverted-bowl shape, and defines the first connecting portion at an upper end thereof and the second connecting portion at a lower end thereof to show a ring shape, an outer diameter of the first connecting portion is less than that of the second connecting portion.4. The key switch as claimed in claim 3, wherein the top plate of the key cap is extended downwards to form a balTel, the barrel has an outer diameter substantially the same as that of the first connecting portion, and is stuck with the first connecting portion by the use of adhesive.5. The key switch as claimed in claim 3, wherein the resilient assembly has a chamber, a top of the chamber is extended downwards to form a contact pin, spaced away from a bottom of the installing trough with a predetermined distance when the resilient assembly is assembled to the fixing base.6. A key switch constructed and arranged substantially as described in relation to Figs. 1,2, and 6 of the accompanying drawings.
GB0909544A 2009-06-04 2009-06-04 Key switch Expired - Fee Related GB2463341B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0909544A GB2463341B (en) 2009-06-04 2009-06-04 Key switch

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0909544A GB2463341B (en) 2009-06-04 2009-06-04 Key switch

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0909544D0 GB0909544D0 (en) 2009-07-15
GB2463341A true GB2463341A (en) 2010-03-17
GB2463341B GB2463341B (en) 2011-09-14

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0909544A Expired - Fee Related GB2463341B (en) 2009-06-04 2009-06-04 Key switch

Country Status (1)

Country Link
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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10124249B2 (en) 2015-05-01 2018-11-13 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Game controller with removable controller accessory
US10130874B2 (en) 2015-05-01 2018-11-20 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Removable controller accessory for a game controller
US10427035B2 (en) 2015-06-09 2019-10-01 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Game controller with removable trigger accessory

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5380969A (en) * 1993-04-28 1995-01-10 Sen-Cheng Wang Computer key
US5442152A (en) * 1994-09-28 1995-08-15 Focus Electronic Co., Ltd. Computer key switch
GB2341005A (en) * 1998-08-25 2000-03-01 Silitek Corp Key switch for a keyboard
US20080023312A1 (en) * 2006-07-25 2008-01-31 Darfon Electronics Corp. Keyboard and key assembly thereon
US7462796B1 (en) * 2007-09-20 2008-12-09 Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. Push button
US7498536B2 (en) * 2006-11-27 2009-03-03 Behavior Tech Computer Corp. Key structure of a computer keyboard
US20090224948A1 (en) * 2008-03-04 2009-09-10 Fujitsu Component Limited Keyboard

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5380969A (en) * 1993-04-28 1995-01-10 Sen-Cheng Wang Computer key
US5442152A (en) * 1994-09-28 1995-08-15 Focus Electronic Co., Ltd. Computer key switch
GB2341005A (en) * 1998-08-25 2000-03-01 Silitek Corp Key switch for a keyboard
US20080023312A1 (en) * 2006-07-25 2008-01-31 Darfon Electronics Corp. Keyboard and key assembly thereon
US7498536B2 (en) * 2006-11-27 2009-03-03 Behavior Tech Computer Corp. Key structure of a computer keyboard
US7462796B1 (en) * 2007-09-20 2008-12-09 Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. Push button
US20090224948A1 (en) * 2008-03-04 2009-09-10 Fujitsu Component Limited Keyboard

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10124249B2 (en) 2015-05-01 2018-11-13 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Game controller with removable controller accessory
US10130874B2 (en) 2015-05-01 2018-11-20 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Removable controller accessory for a game controller
US10427035B2 (en) 2015-06-09 2019-10-01 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Game controller with removable trigger accessory

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0909544D0 (en) 2009-07-15
GB2463341B (en) 2011-09-14

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Date Code Title Description
PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20180604