An electronic device includes a host, a display, a sliding plate, and a keyboard. The host has an operating surface. The display is pivoted to the host. The sliding plate is slidably disposed in the host, where the display is mechanically coupled to the sliding plate, and the sliding plate includes a plat portion and a recess portion that are arranged side by side. The keyboard is integrated to the host. The keyboard includes a key structure, where the key structure includes a key cap and a reciprocating element, and the key cap is exposed from the operating surface of the host. The reciprocating element is disposed between the key cap and the sliding plate and has a first end connected to the key cap and a second end contacting the sliding plate. The second end is located on a sliding path of the plat portion and the recess portion.

A key structure includes a supporting plate, a keycap, a scissors-type connecting element, a movable element and a coupling structure. The keycap is disposed over the supporting plate. The coupling structure is connected with the scissors-type connecting element and the movable element. For operating the key structure, the cooperation of the movable element and the coupling structure allows the keycap to be at a higher first height. Consequently, the tactile feel of depressing the key structure is enhanced. Moreover, the cooperation of the movable element and the coupling structure can lower the height of the keycap. Consequently, the key structure has a slim appearance.

A lock button status indicator for use with a key fob having depressable lock and unlock buttons for remotely activating a locking/unlocking mechanism communicating with a door, such as a vehicle door. The lock button status indicator has a cross member extending over the lock button in a first position and extending over the unlock button in a second position. Means are provided for allowing the lock button status indicator to be manually moved back and forth between the first position and the second position. Means are provided for releasably retaining the lock button status indicator member in either the first or second position.

A key structure includes a supporting plate, a keycap, a frame and a movable plate. The supporting plate is disposed over the movable plate. The keycap is disposed over the supporting plate. The frame is disposed over the supporting plate and arranged around the keycap. The frame includes a linking element. The linking element is inserted in a groove of the movable plate. While the movable plate is moved, the linking element is moved along the groove in response to the movement of the movable plate and the frame is ascended to a position at the same level with the keycap. Consequently, the top surface of the frame and the top surface of the keycap are collaboratively defined as a flat surface.

A key structure includes a first movable plate, a second movable plate, a keycap, a first linkage lever and a second linkage lever. The second movable plate is disposed over the first movable plate. The keycap is disposed over the second movable plate. The first linkage lever is connected with the keycap and the first movable plate. The second linkage lever is connected with the keycap and the second movable plate. While the first movable plate is moved in a first direction and the second movable plate is moved in a second direction, the first linkage lever and the second linkage lever are moved in different directions, so that a height of the keycap is reduced.

An appliance includes a position switch retention device for use with an appliance includes a body defining a generally cylindrical profile extending through a first portion thereof along an axis and having a first radius. The body further defines a pin-receiving channel open on at least a first end thereof and positioned within the generally cylindrical profile. The device further includes a first tab extending from a side of the body. The tab defines a ramp and an edge with the ramp extending away from the first end of the body to the edge. A cap extends outwardly from a second end of the body opposite the first end. The cap is spaced apart from the edge of the tab at a first distance and has a second radius greater than the first radius.

A disabler cover plate includes a generally flat longitudinal surface, an upper hook extending approximately 90° from a top of an underside of the flat longitudinal surface, a lower hook extending approximately 90° from a bottom of the underside of the flat longitudinal surface, and a bump out on the underside of the flat longitudinal surface, the bump out positioned to depress and maintain pressure on a button on a face of a PBS-3 fixture.

A key structure includes a supporting plate, a movable plate, a keycap and a limiting structure. The supporting plate has supporting plate opening. The movable plate has a movable plate opening. The supporting plate is disposed over the movable plate. The keycap is disposed over the supporting plate. The limiting structure is disposed on the keycap and inserted in the supporting plate opening. When the movable plate is moved to a disabled position, the limiting structure is not aligned with the movable plate opening and the limiting structure in the supporting plate opening is stopped by the movable plate. Consequently, the keycap is not allowed to be moved.

A control unit for controlling electrical apparatus. The control unit has (i) a control device which may be wall-mounted; (ii) an actuation plate which may be secured to the control device and comprises a cover surface which is at least partially transparent; (iii) a sensor member for detecting when a user's finger or another body comes into contact with a touch zone; and (iv) a control designed to control the electrical apparatus according to a specific function following detection of the contact action. The control device comprises a switching device associated with the touch zone through the control in such a way that the actuation of the switching device controls the electrical apparatus according to the same function associated with the touch zone.

In one aspect, an apparatus for receiving input and/or generating output comprises a key assembly. The key assembly comprises a key cover, a magnet, and an electromagnet. The magnet is coupled to the key cover. The electromagnet is operable to displace the key cover based on whether the key assembly is in an active state or an inactive state. In the active state, the electromagnet is operable to raise the key cover to a first position based on generation of a magnetic field. In the inactive state, the electromagnet is operable to lower the key cover to a second position based on cessation of the magnetic field.