Retractable keyboard keys

摘要

A laptop computer comprising a keyboard including a bezel having a plurality of key openings and a plurality of key holding features configured adjacent to the plurality of key openings on a bottom side of the bezel. The laptop computer also includes a plurality of keycaps having a touch surface for receiving a press force, each keycap positioned within a respective one of the plurality of key openings. The laptop computer also includes a chassis having a plurality of planar-translation effecting mechanisms each supporting a respective one of the plurality of keycaps such that, in response to receiving the press force, the respective keycap moves in a press direction and a second direction orthogonal to the press direction from an unpressed position toward a pressed position.

主权项

1. A laptop computer comprising a keyboard, the keyboard comprising:
a bezel having a plurality of key openings and a plurality of key holding features configured adjacent to the plurality of key openings on a bottom side of the bezel; a plurality of keycaps having a touch surface for receiving a press force, each keycap positioned within a respective one of the plurality of key openings; a chassis having a plurality of planar-translation effecting mechanisms each supporting a respective one of the plurality of keycaps such that, in response to receiving the press force, the respective keycap moves in a press direction and a second direction orthogonal to the press direction from an unpressed position toward a pressed position; and a key retraction mechanism configured to move the chassis relative to the bezel such that, in response to movement of the chassis relative to the bezel, the key holding features limit movement of the plurality of keycaps in the second direction and the plurality of keycaps moves in the press direction from the unpressed position toward a retracted position.