Electrical equipment such as a tablet computer cover, a laptop computer, or other equipment may include a keyboard. The keyboard may have an array of key members. The key members may have key symbols that are illuminated with light from light-emitting diodes. Each key member may be supported by a corresponding key member support structure. A fabric layer such as a woven fabric layer having warp and weft strands formed from polymer or other materials may be sandwiched between each key member and corresponding key member support structure. Opaque masking material may be formed on peripheral portions of each key member support structure. Each key member may have a symbol formed from coating layers such as a white ink coating for light diffusing, a patterned black ink coating with a symbol-shaped opening, and a clear overcoat.

A low-cost electronic device capable of storing keycaps within a chassis is disclosed. The electronic device includes a support plate; a set of keycaps supported above the top face of the support plate, the keycaps moving up and down between the operating position and the storage position; and a frame functioning as a driving member that is movable relative to the keycaps in the direction parallel to the top face of the support plate. Each keycap has a pressure-receiving part. The frame has pressing parts that move relative to the keycaps to come in contact with the pressure-receiving parts.

A keyboard (110) comprises a base board (116), keys (112), pitfalls (120) and a mode control mechanism (118). The keys (112) include cups (1124), and the mode control mechanism (118) may switch the keyboard (110) especially the key cups (1124) between different modes. In case that the keyboard (110) is not in use, these cups (1124) can be received in the pitfalls (120) to reduce the profile of the keyboard (110). In case that the keyboard (110) is to be used, the keys (112) may be raised up and arranged on the base board (116) in order to enable long keystroke and provide good typing experience.

A portable device (e.g., a wireless device such as a cell phone) is provided with a flexible keyboard and a flexible display screen. Such flexible components may be stored in the housing of the portable device when not in use. The flexible display screen and flexible keyboard may be expanded from the housing when the flexible components are utilized by a user. Non-flexible display and input components may be provided on the exterior of the portable device such that the device may be used, in some form, while the flexible components are stored. In one embodiment, a portion of the flexible display (or flexible keyboard) may be utilized when the flexible display (or flexible keyboard) is stored in said first housing.

A low-cost electronic device capable of storing keycaps within a chassis is disclosed. The electronic device includes a support plate; a set of keycaps supported above the top face of the support plate, the keycaps moving up and down between the operating position and the storage position; and a frame functioning as a driving member that is movable relative to the keycaps in the direction parallel to the top face of the support plate. Each keycap has a pressure-receiving part. The frame has pressing parts that move relative to the keycaps to come in contact with the pressure-receiving parts.

A cover structure is suitable for a portable device. The cover structure includes a body, a first flexible component, an accommodation component, a second flexible component and a connection component. The first flexible component is connected to the body, and the accommodation component is connected to the first flexible component. The accommodation component has an accommodation groove configured for accommodating an object. The second flexible component is connected to the accommodation component, and the first flexible component. The connection component is connected to the second flexible component. The connection component is connected to the body, and the connection component is configured for being connected to a portable device. An electronic device is also provided.

A liftable keyboard for a portable electronic device is provided. The portable electronic device includes a top cover and a base. The liftable keyboard includes at least one key unit, a membrane switch circuit layer and a micro pump. Each key unit includes a keycap and an elastomer. When a sensing element within the base of the portable electronic device senses that the top cover is close to the base, the micro pump is enabled to perform a gas-extracting action. Consequently, the gas in the elastomeric chamber is extracted so that the elastomer is subjected to compressed deformation. The keycap is moved downwardly in response to the compressed deformation of the elastomer so as to reduce an altitude of the at least one key unit.

An electronic device includes an enclosure and a keyboard positioned within the enclosure. The keyboard includes a substrate and a key mechanism. The key mechanism includes a keycap support mechanism, a keycap supported by the keycap support mechanism and movable relative to the substrate, a ferromagnetic component attached to the keycap support mechanism, and a selectively magnetizable magnet. The selectively magnetizable magnet system may include a magnetizable material and a coil configured to selectively magnetize and demagnetize the magnetizable material. The key mechanism may include a collapsible dome biasing the keycap toward the extended position.

A portable device (e.g., a wireless device such as a cell phone) is provided with a flexible keyboard and a flexible display screen. Such flexible components may be stored in the housing of the portable device when not in use. The flexible display screen and flexible keyboard may be expanded from the housing when the flexible components are utilized by a user. Non-flexible display and input components may be provided on the exterior of the portable device such that the device may be used, in some form, while the flexible components are stored. In one embodiment, a portion of the flexible display (or flexible keyboard) may be utilized when the flexible display (or flexible keyboard) is stored in said first housing.

An information handling system integrated keyboard selectively retracts and extends keys based upon detected conditions, such as housing configuration, housing motion and end user indications. Extension and retraction shuttle plates motivated by actuator wires moves a sliding plate to extended and retracted positions that define the key positions. Nickel titanium alloy actuator wires shorten upon application of current to pull the shuttle plates to the extended or retracted positions that are maintained by a lock. Limit switches remove current at detection of a desired shuttle plate position. One or more controllers manage actuator wire operation based upon detected conditions and actuator wire temperature and electrical characteristics.