Bridge structure for keyboards

Details Bridge structure for keyboards Bridge structure for keyboards

2002-02-21

2003-11-04

Friedhofer, Michael (Department: 2832)

Electricity: circuit makers and breakers

Electric switch details

Actuators

Reexamination Certificate

active

06642466

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an improved bridge structure for keyboards and particularly to a bridge structure for reducing sideward inclination angle and shaking.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A conventional bridge structure (as shown in
FIGS. 1A through 1D
) used in notebook computers generally consist of a first linkage element
1
and a second linkage element
2
which have respectively a leg section
11
,
21
. The leg sections
11
,
21
have respectively a symmetrical first axle
12
,
22
located on two sides thereof to pivotally engage with a latch section on a base, and connect two symmetrical arms
14
,
24
. There is an opening
15
,
25
formed between each pair of arms
14
,
24
. On each of the arms
14
,
24
, there is a pivotal connecting section
16
,
26
. The pivotal connecting section
16
,
26
have respectively a pivotal tough
17
,
27
and a pivotal axle
18
,
28
. The arms
14
,
24
further have respectively a symmetrical second axle
10
,
20
which are pivotally engaged with a latch section of a key cap.
When the first and second linkage element
1
,
2
are leveled, the pivotal connecting sections are completely matched and coupled. However, when the key cap is lifted by an elastic element, the position of the fulcrum also is raised along the changes of the angle. The movements incur a greater tolerance among the moving elements. When the key cap is depressed, there is no strong supporting point to transfer sideward pressure resulting from downward pressure the key cap received. Hence the key cap tends to tilt and shake at a greater angle when being pressed downwards. It could even cause the first and second linkage element to separate on the engaging location, or result in shaking or loosening off of the key cap.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The primary object of the invention is to resolve aforesaid disadvantages. The invention provides an improved bridge structure to reduce sideward inclination angle and shaking during operations.
To achieve the foregoing object, the invention includes a first and a second linkage element which have respectively two arms each has a pivotal connecting section. The pivotal connection section includes a pivotal trough and an axle. The pivotal trough has a first slant surface section on the bottom section thereof, and the axle has a second slant surface section on the bottom section thereof. The first and second slant surface sections intersect on a juncture to form a fulcrum. When the key cap is lifted by an elastic element, the fulcrum functions as a stationary center point and also as the center of a circle to allow related elements moving about the fulcrum at various angles. Moving tolerances can be maintained without enlarging. When the key cap is depressed, the stationary center point can transfer sideward forces resulting from the downward pressure received on the key cap. Hence sideward inclination angle and shaking can be effectively reduced.


REFERENCES:
patent: 5630501 (1997-05-01), Tsay
patent: 5842798 (1998-12-01), Su
patent: 6268578 (2001-07-01), Nakai
patent: 6392176 (2002-05-01), Tsai
patent: 6550993 (2003-04-01), Lu et al.

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