Stabilization techniques for key assemblies and keyboards

摘要

Key stabilization techniques for a key assembly or keyboard are provided. In one embodiment, a key assembly includes a keycap having a touch surface for receiving a press force that moves the keycap from an unpressed position toward a pressed position. The key assembly also includes a base having a planar-translation effecting mechanism supporting the keycap to guide the keycap in the press direction and the second direction as the keycap moves from the unpressed position toward the pressed position. A key stabilization mechanism positioned in the keycap, the base or both the keycap and the base configured to the stabilize the keycap so that the touch surface remains substantially planar while the keycap moves from the unpressed position toward the press position to resist tilt of the keycap and rotation of the keycap about an axis in the press direction as keycap moves toward the pressed position.

主权项

1. A key assembly, comprising:
a keycap having a touch surface for receiving a press force that moves the keycap from an unpressed position toward a pressed position, the unpressed position and pressed position separated in a press direction and a second direction orthogonal to the press direction; a base having a planar-translation effecting mechanism comprising a ramp, the ramp supporting the keycap to guide the keycap in the press direction and the second direction as the keycap moves from the unpressed position toward the pressed position; and a stabilizing wire coupled to the base, the stabilizing wire configured to transfer motion from a first side of the keycap to a second side of the keycap so that the touch surface remains substantially planar while the keycap moves from the unpressed position toward the pressed position, wherein the stabilizing wire resists tilt of the keycap and rotation of the keycap about an axis in the press direction as the keycap moves toward the pressed position.