A key structure includes a base plate, a switch element, a key pedestal and a keycap. The key pedestal includes an opening, a first hooking structure and a second hooking structure. The keycap includes an edge part, a triggering post, a third hooking structure and a fourth hooking structure. The third hooking structure and the fourth hooking structure are installed on the edge part. The switch element is installed on the base plate. The key pedestal is installed on the base plate. The triggering post is inserted into the opening to trigger the switch element. The third hooking structure of the keycap is movably connected with the first hooking structure of the key pedestal. The fourth hooking structure of the keycap is movably connected with the second hooking structure of the key pedestal. Consequently, the keycap is maintained in a horizontal state and not tilted.

A slim-type keyboard includes a first flexible layer, a pressed frame and a circuit board assembly. The first flexible layer includes plural pressed regions. The pressed frame includes plural cantilever strips. The circuit board assembly includes plural dome switches. The plural cantilever strips are covered by the first flexible layer. The pressed regions are aligned with the cantilever strips and the dome switches, respectively. When one of the pressed regions is pressed, the cantilever strip is pushed down to trigger the corresponding dome switch. Each cantilever strip includes a U-shaped groove and a suspension end. The U-shaped groove opens to the suspension end. Consequently, the tactile feel of pressing the cantilever strip is improved.

The keyboard having a plurality of plate-shaped keys which are connected to actuators stabilizes the keys by all the keys and all the actuators being connected to a bending-elastic but tension-resistant band-like membrane.

A pressure-activated membrane switch and methods of use are provided. The pressure-activated membrane switch includes a first electrically-conductive membrane, and a second electrically-conductive membrane. Contact between the first electrically-conductive membrane and the second electrically-conductive membrane is configured to cause an electrical circuit, of which the switch is a part, to close. The pressure-activated membrane switch further includes a plurality of spacers dispersed between the first electrically-conductive membrane and the second electrically-conductive membrane, and one or more columns positioned on an outer surface of the second electrically-conductive membrane. The plurality of spacers form one or more gaps between the first electrically-conductive membrane and the second electrically-conductive membrane, and the one or more columns are configured to pass through the one or more gaps when a pressure is applied to the one or more columns, which will cause the second electrically-conductive membrane to deform to contact the first electrically-conductive membrane.

A key module (110) for a keyboard is presented. The key module (110) comprises a key tappet (220). The key tappet (220) comprises a coupling portion (322) for coupling with a keycap for the key module (110). The key tappet (220) comprises at least one guiding portion (326, 328) for guiding a translational actuation movement of the key tappet (220) between a rest position and an actuated position. The key tappet (220) comprises at least one tappet stop (324) for limiting the actuation movement. The key module (110) also comprises a trigger element (350) for triggering a switch signal of the key module (110) in response to the actuation movement. The trigger element (350) is attachable to the key tappet (220). The key module (110) further comprises a module housing (230), wherein the module housing (230) is integrally formed. The module housing (230) comprises at least one positioning protrusion (334) for positioning the key module (110) and a circuit substrate of the keyboard. The module housing (230) is formed to movably accommodate the key tappet (220), in order to enable the actuation movement of the key tappet (220) relative to the module housing (230). The module housing (230) comprises at least one housing stop (332) for abutment against the at least one tappet stop (324) of the key tappet (220) in the rest position of the key tappet (220). Moreover, the key module (110) comprises elastic means (340). The elastic means (340) is configured to bias the key tappet (220) into the rest position in an assembled state of the key module (110).

A surgical instrument includes a switch base, a power bus coupled to the switch base, an electrical lead coupled to the power bus, an actuator operatively engaged with the power bus, an actuator operatively engaged with the power bus, a membrane, and a housing. The switch base has top, bottom, and side surfaces. The membrane is disposed over the top surface of the switch base and over the power bus to seal the top surface of the switch base. The housing defines proximal and distal ends and a switch base cavity between the proximal and distal ends. The housing includes bulkheads that form a plurality of fluid impermeable seals that are disposed adjacent one of the proximal and distal ends. The fluid impermeable seals are configured to deter fluid from penetrating a proximal portion of the switch base cavity within which the electrical lead is coupled to the power bus.

Disclosed is a push button including: a module that has a fixed contact part which is able to contact and separate from a movable contact part; an elastically deformable dynamic contact member that is supported in a cantilever state with a base part fixed to the module, and that has the movable contact part electrically contactable with the fixed contact part; and an operation receiving member that makes the movable contact part contact the fixed contact part by having one end acting on an acting portion. The movable contact part is arranged out of (i) a line connecting the acting portion and the base part and (ii) an extended line thereof, the dynamic contact member has a first movable part and a second movable part, the acting portion is arranged in the first movable part, and the movable contact part is arranged in the second movable part.

A key module (110) for a keyboard is presented. The key module (110) comprises a key tappet (220). The key tappet (220) comprises a coupling portion (322) for coupling with a keycap for the key module (110). The key tappet (220) comprises at least one guiding portion (326, 328) for guiding a translational actuation movement of the key tappet (220) between a rest position and an actuated position. The key tappet (220) comprises at least one tappet stop (324) for limiting the actuation movement. The key module (110) also comprises a trigger element (350) for triggering a switch signal of the key module (110) in response to the actuation movement. The trigger element (350) is attachable to the key tappet (220). The key module (110) further comprises a module housing (230), wherein the module housing (230) is integrally formed. The module housing (230) comprises at least one positioning protrusion (334) for positioning the key module (110) and a circuit substrate of the keyboard. The module housing (230) is formed to movably accommodate the key tappet (220), in order to enable the actuation movement of the key tappet (220) relative to the module housing (230). The module housing (230) comprises at least one housing stop (332) for abutment against the at least one tappet stop (324) of the key tappet (220) in the rest position of the key tappet (220). Moreover, the key module (110) comprises elastic means (340). The elastic means (340) is configured to bias the key tappet (220) into the rest position in an assembled state of the key module (110).

Disclosed is a push button including: a module that has a fixed contact part which is able to contact and separate from a movable contact part; an elastically deformable dynamic contact member that is supported in a cantilever state with a base part fixed to the module, and that has the movable contact part electrically contactable with the fixed contact part; and an operation receiving member that makes the movable contact part contact the fixed contact part by having one end acting on an acting portion. The movable contact part is arranged out of (i) a line connecting the acting portion and the base part and (ii) an extended line thereof, the dynamic contact member has a first movable part and a second movable part, the acting portion is arranged in the first movable part, and the movable contact part is arranged in the second movable part.

In a stationary state, a first fixture contact is electrically connected to a contact member, and the first fixture contact is electrically connected to a second fixture contact. When the stationary state is transited to a first operation state where the pressure receiving section is pressed through a press unit toward a surface of a case in an operation direction, a third movable contact becomes separated from the contact member, thereby breaking off the electrical connection between the first fixture contact and the contact member. When the first operation state is transited to a second operation state where the pressure receiving section is further pressed through the press unit, the first movable contact becomes separated from the first fixture contact, and the second movable contact becomes separated from the second fixture contact. The electrical connection between the first fixture contact and the second fixture contact is thereby broken off.