Low noise key structure of computer keyboard

Details Low noise key structure of computer keyboard Low noise key structure of computer keyboard

1999-09-22

2001-01-09

Hilten, John S. (Department: 2854)

Typewriting machines

Key-board or key lever-actuating mechanism

Key-cap or key-stem structure

C400S490000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06171003

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a key structure of a computer keyboard, and in particular to a key structure having reduced noise level during operation thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Keyboards are commonly used computer input devices. A computer keyboard comprises a base on which a plurality of keys movably supported by corresponding resilient biasing members. The keys, when struck by a user, move toward the base of the keyboard and deforms the corresponding biasing member to contact and trigger an associated circuit for generating a corresponding signal. The keys have a cap from which a post extends. The post is movably received in a guide channel formed in the keyboard base for guiding the movement of the key. Examples of the conventional key structure are disclosed in Taiwan Patent Publication Nos. 81207039 and 81209527.
A drawback of the conventional key structure is that the stroke of the keys is in general not specifically limited. In other words, the movement of the keys cannot be stopped until they hit the base of the keyboard. Under such a condition, the resilient biasing members of the keyboard that are deformed by the movement of the keys will be subject to a severe impact and deformation thereby shortening the service life thereof. In addition, the strong hit of the post on the associated circuit may cause damage to the circuit.
Furthermore, the post of the cap is loosely received in the guide channel whereby the movement of the post with respect to the guide channel is not well guided leading to unstable operation thereof and a high level of noise. In addition, the loose engagement between the post and the guide channel allows the key to be quickly returned to its un-struck position by the resiliency of the corresponding biasing member of the keyboard the when the striking force is removed. This quick movement also causes a high level noise and potential damage to the keyboard.
Thus, it is desired to provide an improved key structure of a computer keyboard that overcomes the above-discussed problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a key structure of a computer keyboard which extends the service life of the keyboard.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a key structure of a computer keyboard having a reduced level of noise during operation thereof.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a key structure of a computer keyboard providing a stable operation.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a key structure of a computer keyboard of which a stroke thereof is limited by an additional stop member thereby reducing the likelihood of damage caused by severe impact.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a key structure of a computer keyboard wherein the movement of the key with respect to a guide channel of the keyboard is smooth and stable.
To achieve the above object, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a key structure of a computer keyboard comprising a cap and a post axially extending from an underside of the cap and being movably inserted into and received in a guide channel of the keyboard. The post has a quadrilateral cross section having pairs of opposite first and second side faces. Each first side face forms two first resilient members each having a contacting portion of a V-shaped configuration laterally extending beyond the post for biasingly engaging with a corresponding inside surface of the guide channel thereby stabilizing the movement of the key with respect to the guide channel and thus reducing the noise level thereof. Each second side face forms a second resilient member defining an elongate slot movably receiving and engaging with a corresponding stop block formed inside the guide channel. The engagement between the slot and the stop block limits the stroke of movement of the key thereby preventing the post from severely impacting and thus damaging the keyboard and associated parts thereof.


REFERENCES:
patent: 5209588 (1993-05-01), Chen
patent: 5333961 (1994-08-01), Capigatti et al.
patent: 5372442 (1994-12-01), Wang
patent: 5496982 (1996-03-01), Tsai
patent: 5669723 (1997-09-01), Chang
patent: 5907612 (1999-08-01), Aggus et al.
patent: 5938009 (1999-08-01), Huang

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