A mechanical computer keyboard including a plurality of keys and an input/output (i/o) interface for output of registration of pressing one or more of the plurality of keys. Each key includes a keycap, a key switch including a stem, a key registration unit for registering a keystroke, and a spring for forcing the keycap in a neutral release position and providing a perceptible increase in pressing force. The keyboard further includes an analog-to-digital converter and the keys include a distance sensor unit for determining a travel distance of the pushing-down of the keycap by measuring a complex electrical impedance corresponding to the travel distance of the pushing-down the keycap, wherein the analog-to-digital converter is configured to convert the complex electrical impedance to a digital input signal including a digitalized keystroke travel distance for outputting of the digital input signal by the i/o interface towards the computer.

The invention relates to a device for detecting a key press of a keyboard, comprising a key module, a circuit substrate, a planar coil arranged on or in the circuit substrate, and at least one damping element, wherein the at least one damping element for damping the planar coil is movably arranged in the key module between a rest position and an actuation position, wherein the damping element executes a first actuating movement during the movement in the direction of the actuation position and executes a second actuating movement) during the movement towards the rest position, and wherein the device (10) outputs at least one electrical signal when carrying out the first actuating movement and/or the second actuating movement.

The invention also relates to a keyboard comprising one or more such devices and to a method for detecting a key press of a key module with such a device.

A self-powered wireless keyboard by modifying the structure of a traditional membrane keyboard having a volcanic crater structure. Not damaging the original membrane keyboard structure, a micro magnet core is installed inside a cylindrical protrusion block under the key cap as a mover of the induction power generation device, and an induction coil is wound in a key slot of the keyboard base as the stator of the induction power generation device. In this way, when each key is pressed, it will produce induction current. A layer of flexible solar cell can be laid on the upper surface of the key, which can generate electricity by collecting the light energy in the surrounding environment during the time of daily illumination.

A mechanical computer keyboard including a plurality of keys and an input/output (i/o) interface for output of registration of pressing one or more of the plurality of keys. Each key includes a keycap, a key switch including a stem, a key registration unit for registering a keystroke, and a spring for forcing the keycap in a neutral release position and providing a perceptible increase in pressing force. The keyboard further includes an analog-to-digital converter and the keys include a distance sensor unit for determining a travel distance of the pushing-down of the keycap by measuring a complex electrical impedance corresponding to the travel distance of the pushing-down the keycap, wherein the analog-to-digital converter is configured to convert the complex electrical impedance to a digital input signal including a digitalized keystroke travel distance for outputting of the digital input signal by the i/o interface towards the computer.

A key switch includes a key cap, a base, a support device and a bracket. The base has a first magnetic area. The support device is disposed between the key cap and the base. The bracket is movably connected to the support device. The bracket has a second magnetic area corresponding to the first magnetic area. When the key cap is not pressed, a magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic areas keeps the key cap at a non-pressed position. When the key cap is pressed by an external force, the key cap moves with the support device from the non-pressed position to a pressed position. When the external force is released, the second magnetic area moves toward the first magnetic area due to the magnetic attraction force, such that the key cap moves with the support device from the pressed position to the non-pressed position.

A replaceable key structure includes a key holder and a circuit board. The key holder is disposed above a circuit board. The key holder is formed with a mounting slot for selectively receiving a first key module or a second key module therein. A magnetic sensor and a contact connector are disposed on the circuit board positionally corresponding to the mounting slot of the key holder. The first key module has a shaft, and a magnetic element disposed on the bottom of the shaft. The magnetic sensor can output an analog signal when the magnetic element approaches. The second key module has a trigger switch which has two electrical terminals disposed on the bottom surface of the second key module. When the second key module is installed in the mounting slot, the electrical terminals can be electrically connected to the contact connector.

A user interface assembly that can be selectively attached to a housing of a tool, including mobile and handheld tools. The assembly can include a housing having an opening that extends through a first side of the housing. A user input device in the form of a rotatable and linearly displaceable control ring, which is housed in the housing, can extend within a portion of the opening such that the control ring is recessed from the first side of the housing. A display that can visually communicate tool information and selectable settings to the user can be positioned within the housing, and centrally located relative to a central bore of the control ring. The display, which can remain relatively static relative to a rotational displacement of the control ring, can be inwardly offset from a first side of the control ring, and thus also recessed within the housing.

A key switch includes a key cap, a base, a support device and a bracket. The base has a first magnetic area. The support device is disposed between the key cap and the base. The bracket is movably connected to the support device. The bracket has a second magnetic area corresponding to the first magnetic area. When the key cap is not pressed, a magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic areas keeps the key cap at a non-pressed position. When the key cap is pressed by an external force, the key cap moves with the support device from the non-pressed position to a pressed position. When the external force is released, the second magnetic area moves toward the first magnetic area due to the magnetic attraction force, such that the key cap moves with the support device from the pressed position to the non-pressed position.

A multi-function key system and method is provided that includes key identification system, a first key, and a second key. The multi-function key system is in communication with an item of power equipment, and comprises first and second sensors for detecting magnetic fields. The first key is configured to interact with the key identification system, the first key comprises a first magnet generating a first magnetic field. The second key is configured to interact with the key identification system. The second key comprises a second magnet generating a second magnetic field. Wherein the first and second sensors differentiate between the first and second key based upon the first and second magnetic fields. The key identification system initiates a first functionality of the power equipment responsive to identifying the first key, and initiates a second functionality of the power equipment responsive to identifying the second key.

Disclosed herein is a controller of a hoist. The controller of the hoist includes a lift up button which is adjustable in a pressed degree; a lift down button which is adjustable in a pressed degree; a lift up switch disposed below the lift up button so as to be immediately operated when the lift up button is pressed; a lift down switch disposed below the lift down button so as to be immediately operated when the lift down button is pressed; a magnet body connected to both of the lift up button and the lift down button and disposed to descend during a pressing operation of the lift up button or the lift down button; and a Hall sensor disposed to correspond to the magnet body so as to detect a descending degree of the magnet body being pressed by the lift up button or the lift down button.