US20030002905A1

US20030002905A1 - Push key with replaceable key cap

Info

Publication number: US20030002905A1
Application number: US09/893,282
Authority: US
Inventors: Ching-Chiang Yu; Chih Su
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Behavior Technical Computer Corp
Priority date: 2001-06-28
Filing date: 2001-06-28
Publication date: 2003-01-02
Anticipated expiration: 2021-06-28
Also published as: US6499894B1

Abstract

A push key with replaceable key cap, comprising a key cap unit, an external ring on top of the key cap unit, the formation of a hollow accommodating chamber inside the external ring, and a key cap. Below the key cap and in keeping with the shape of the external ring is a coupling unit that can be coupled with the external ring. Inside the key cap and extending downward is a key post reaching into the accommodating chamber. Basically, the key cap and the external ring are coupled with each other to enable convenient replacement of the key cap.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a push key with replaceable key cap, particularly to a structure wherein a key cap is coupled onto a key cap unit, so the key cap can be replaced conveniently to suit the user's requirement.

2. Background of the Invention

At the present, a keyboard no longer designed to include only alphabet keys, number keys, cursor up, down, left and right keys, and F 1˜-F12 function keys. More than that, many various keys are now added for multi-media functions. These multi-media keys are normally of a smaller size and installed at the top row of the keyboard.

Conventional push key design, particularly multi-media keys, still employ the approach for regular push keys with the emphasis on easy production and reduced key height. To the manufacturers, however, the number of push keys produced month by month in the millions. In case some of the key caps are already printed (generally, function signs are printed on the key caps), they cannot be replaced for other purposes, which would result in significant waste of resources.

Most users, especially young people, sometimes feel the need to change the color of the keys. In that case, the entire keyboard must be changed if it is designed to have conventional keys. They cannot change the keys without changing the whole keyboard unit. In case some keys are designed to suit the user's own definitions, the traditional keys simply could not be labeled with their individual functions separately.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The primary objective of this invention is to provide a push key with replaceable key cap, comprising a key cap unit and a key cap, wherein the key cap and key cap unit are coupled to each other, so the key cap can be replaced readily to suit instant requirement.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a push key with replaceable key cap, wherein the key cap is transparent, so the user can place a label indicating the function of the key inside the key cap, in order to display the function of the key.

Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a push key with replaceable key cap, wherein the key cap is transparent, so that a light emitting unit can be installed inside the keyboard to make the keys look bright and beautiful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The drawings of preferred embodiments of this invention are described in following details to enable better understanding. [0010]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention. [0011]
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the invention. [0012]
FIG. 3 is a section view of the invention.[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in FIG. 1, the invention of [0014] keyboard key 100 with replaceable key cap comprises a key cap unit 10 and a key cap 20, the key cap 20 being joined onto the key cap unit 10.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, on top of the [0015] key cap unit 10 is an external ring 11, inside the external ring 11 is the formation of an accommodating chamber 12, at the bottom of the accommodating chamber 12 is a bottom plate 13, at the center of the bottom plate 13 are several ribs 14.
Below the [0016] key cap 20 and in keeping with the shape of the external ring 11 is a coupling unit 21 that can be coupled with the external ring 11. As a principle, the shape of the external ring 11 and the coupling unit 21 is preferably non-circular so that the two units can be effortlessly coupled or separated. Inside the key cap 20 is a key post 22 extending downward, so designed that when the key cap 20 is coupled onto the key cap unit 10, the key post 22 extends into the accommodating chamber 12 of the key cap unit 10, so the key post 22 is fastened to the ribs 14 on the bottom plate 13 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3).
Since the [0017] key cap 20 and the key cap unit 10 can be easily separated and disassembled, the key cap 20 can be replaced at any time as required. Therefore, when the push keys produced by the manufacturer are modified to suit specific requirements, the key caps 20 can be instantly replaced for ready use. Likewise, the user can feel free to change different key caps 20, of different colors for example, without having to change the entire set of keyboard.
In the same way, when the user tries to redefine the function of the keys, all the user has to do is remove and replace the [0018] key cap 20. In case the key caps 20 or even the entire key 100 is designed to look transparent, the user will be able to put the label indicating its function inside the key cap 20, so that the user is capable of directly see and understand what function the key is designed for. Furthermore, due to the transparent material, a light-emitting element can be installed inside the keyboard to make the keys look brighter and beautiful.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A push key with replaceable key cap, comprising a key cap unit and a key cap, the key cap being joined to the key cap unit, wherein:

on top of the key cap unit is an external ring, inside the external ring being the formation of an accommodating chamber, at the bottom of the accommodating chamber being a bottom plate, at the center of the bottom plate being several ribs; below the key cap and in keeping with the shape of the external ring being a coupling unit for coupling purpose with the external ring, inside the key cap being a key post extending downward; when the key cap is coupled onto the key cap unit, the key post reaches into the accommodating chamber of the key cap unit, so that the key post is fastened to the ribs on the bottom plate.