BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention can be more fully understood by reading the subsequent detailed description and examples with references made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a key structure according to the invention;
FIG. 2
a shows a cover of a key structure in a first position according to the invention;
FIG. 2
b shows the cover of a key structure in a second position according to the invention;
FIG. 3 shows force applied on a side region of the cover of a: key structure according to the invention;
FIG. 4 shows a modified embodiment of a key structure according to the invention; and
FIG. 5 shows another modified embodiment of a key structure according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following description is of the best-contemplated mode of carrying out the invention. This description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention and should not be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the invention is best determined by reference to the appended claims.
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a key structure 100 according to the invention, comprising a membrane circuit 110, a substrate 120, a cover 130, a press element 140 and elastic mechanisms 150. The membrane circuit 110 comprises a plurality of first signal generators 111 and a second signal generator 112. The substrate 120 is disposed below the membrane circuit 110 to support the membrane circuit 110. The cover 130 comprises a body 131, a plurality of protrusions 132 and a major axis 101. The protrusions 132 are located on the major axis 101 and disposed on the body 131 corresponding to the first signal generators 111. The press element 140 is disposed on the second signal generator 112 corresponding to the center of the cover 130. When the key structure 100 is assembled, the press element 140 is located between the protrusions 132, and the elastic mechanisms 150 are disposed between the cover 130 and the substrate 120.
As shown in FIG. 2a, the cover 130 is in a first position (un-pressed position) P1 without force applied thereon. With reference to FIG. 2b, when a force F is applied on the center of the cover 130, the cover 130 is moved to a second position P2, wherein the protrusions 132 press the first signal generators 111, and the press element 140 presses the second signal generator 112 to generate an electric signal.
With reference to FIG. 3, when force F is applied on a side Region of the cover 130, the protrusion 132 presses the first signal generator 111 to generate electronic signal even though the press element 140 does not press the second signal generator 112. It does not matter where on the cover 130 force F is applied (e.g. center or side region), the signal generator will be effectively actuated thus, increasing user's work efficiency and convenience.
The elastic mechanisms 150 are scissors-type structures providing a recovery force moving the cover from the second position to the first position. The elastic mechanisms 150 are disposed above the first signal generators 111 passing the membrane circuit 1110 abutting the substrate 120 and the cover 130. In the Figures of the embodiment, the movement of the elastic mechanisms 150 are omitted to show the protrusions contacting the first signal generators more clearly.
In the embodiment, the press element is a dome rubber element. The protrusions are also rubber elements. However, the invention is not limited thereto. The press element and protrusions can be made with other materials or in other shapes.
FIG. 4 shows a modified embodiment of a key structure 100′ according to the invention, wherein the second signal generator 112 is omitted, and the electric signal is generated by the first signal generators 111. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the press element 140 provides a click feeling.
FIG. 5 shows another modified embodiment of a key structure 100″ according to the invention, wherein the second signal generator 112 and the press element 140 are omitted, and the electric signal is generated by the first signal generators 111.
In the embodiments, the elastic mechanisms 150 are disposed above the first signal generators. However, the invention is not limited thereto. The elastic mechanisms 150 can be disposed in other positions between the cover 130 and the substrate 120.
While the invention has been described by way of example and in terms of preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. To the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements (as would be apparent to those skilled in the art). Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements.
Patent Application
20080075516
