PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9502193-B2
Application Number: US-201414499209-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Low-travel key mechanisms using butterfly hinges

Abstract:
A key mechanism including one or more butterfly hinges. Each butterfly hinge may include a double wing design operative to move between a depressed position and non-depressed position. Hinged coupling mechanisms couple respective arms of the wings together. Additionally or alternatively, a key mechanism can include one or more half-butterfly hinges. Each half-butterfly hinge includes a double wing design operative to move between a depressed position and non-depressed position. A hinged coupling mechanism couples one set of corresponding arms of the wings together, while the other set of corresponding arms are not coupled together.

Claims:
We claim: 
     
       1. A key mechanism, comprising:
 a keycap assembly; 
 a support structure; 
 a half-butterfly hinge comprising two wings positioned adjacent to each other such that a cavity is formed between the two wings, each wing comprising:
 a major arm; 
 a minor arm shorter than the major arm; 
 a pair of pivot pins coupled to the support structure; and 
 a pair of keycap pins coupled to the keycap assembly; 
 
 a switch coupled to the support structure and within the cavity such that the keycap assembly engages with the switch through the cavity when the keycap assembly is depressed; and 
 a coupling mechanism coupling the major arms of the half-butterfly hinge together. 
 
     
     
       2. The key mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein the switch comprises an upper conductive deformable structure disposed over a lower conductive deformable structure, wherein the switch is closed when the upper conductive deformable structure comes in contact with the lower conductive deformable structure. 
     
     
       3. The key mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein the pivot pins of a first wing of the two wings is coupled to the support structure by a c-clip retaining member and the pivot pins of a second wing of the two wings is coupled to the support structure by an L-shaped retaining member. 
     
     
       4. The key mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein the pivot pins of a first wing of the two wings is coupled to the support structure by a c-clip retaining member and the pivot pins of a second wing of the two wings is coupled to the support structure by a slot. 
     
     
       5. The key mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein the keycap pins of a first wing of the two wings is coupled to the keycap assembly by a c-clip retaining member and the keycap pins of a second wing of the two wings is coupled to the keycap assembly by an L-shaped retaining member. 
     
     
       6. A key mechanism, comprising:
 a keycap assembly; 
 a support structure; 
 a half-butterfly hinge comprising two wings adjacent each other such that a cavity is formed between the two wings, each wing comprising:
 a keycap coupling member; 
 a major arm extending from the keycap coupling member to a first pivot pin coupled to the support structure; and 
 a minor arm extending from the keycap coupling member to a second pivot pin coupled to the support structure, the minor arm having a length shorter than the major arm; and 
 
 a coupling mechanism coupling ends of the major arms of the half-butterfly hinge together. 
 
     
     
       7. The key mechanism as in  claim 6 , further comprising a switch secured between the keycap assembly and the support structure, wherein the half-butterfly hinge is adjacent a first side of the switch. 
     
     
       8. The key mechanism as in  claim 7 , further comprising:
 an additional half-butterfly hinge adjacent a second side of the switch and comprising:
 two additional wings positioned adjacent to each other such that an additional cavity is formed between the two additional wings, each additional wing comprising:
 an additional major arm; and 
 an additional minor arm shorter than the additional major arm; and 
 
 a coupling mechanism coupling the additional major arms of the additional half-butterfly hinge together. 
 
 
     
     
       9. A half-butterfly assembly, comprising:
 two separate wings positioned adjacent to each other such that a cavity is formed between the two wings, each wing comprising:
 a keycap coupling member; 
 a major arm extending from the keycap coupling member to a first pivot member and defining a coupling end; and 
 a minor arm shorter than the major arm extending from the keycap coupling member to a second pivot member; and 
 
 a coupling mechanism coupling the coupling ends of the major arms of the half-butterfly assembly to one another. 
 
     
     
       10. The half-butterfly assembly of  claim 9 , further comprising a switch, the switch comprising:
 an upper conductive structure attached to a substrate; 
 a lower conductive structure disposed under the upper conductive structure and attached to the substrate, wherein the switch is closed when the upper conductive structure contacts the lower conductive structure. 
 
     
     
       11. The half-butterfly assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the upper and lower conductive structures each comprise a conductive deformable structure. 
     
     
       12. The half-butterfly assembly of  claim 11 , further comprising contact pads disposed between the substrate and the upper and lower conductive deformable structures at locations where the upper and lower conductive deformable structures are attached to the substrate. 
     
     
       13. The half-butterfly assembly of  claim 9 , further comprising a keycap assembly, comprising:
 a keycap; 
 a substructure secured to a bottom surface of the keycap and defining an opening therethrough to allow light to pass through; and 
 pin retaining mechanisms attached to the substructure. 
 
     
     
       14. A toggle switch, comprising:
 first and second wings; 
 first and second hinges that couple the first and second wings together; 
 a cavity formed between the first and second wings when the wings are hinged together; 
 a first switch positioned under the first wing; and 
 a second switch positioned under the second wing. 
 
     
     
       15. The toggle switch of  claim 14 , further comprising a deformable structure positioned in the cavity. 
     
     
       16. A method for producing a glyph for a top surface of a keycap, the method comprising:
 bonding a foil layer to an underlying first layer; 
 forming an opening in the foil layer; and 
 after bonding the foil layer to the underlying first layer, filling the opening with material of the underlying first layer to produce the glyph. 
 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 16 , wherein the underlying first layer comprises a thermoplastic layer. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 17 , wherein filling the opening with material in the underlying first layer comprises applying heat to the thermoplastic layer such that thermoplastic material flows into the opening. 
     
     
       19. A method for producing a top surface for a keycap, the method comprising:
 bonding a top liner layer to a bottom foil layer; 
 after bonding the top liner layer to the bottom foil layer, forming an opening in the foil layer; 
 filling the opening with a material to produce the glyph; and 
 removing the top liner layer. 
 
     
     
       20. The key mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein the coupling mechanism couples the major arms to each other at terminal ends of the major arms.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a nonprovisional patent application of and claims the benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/884,180, filed Sep. 30, 2013 and titled “Low-Travel Key Mechanisms Using Butterfly Hinges,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application is also a continuation-in-part patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/058,448, filed Oct. 21, 2013 and titled “Low-Travel Key Mechanisms Using Butterfly Hinges,” which is a nonprovisional patent application of and claims the benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/720,373, filed Oct. 30, 2012, and titled “Low-Travel Key Mechanisms Using Butterfly Hinges,” the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosed embodiments relate generally to electronic devices, and more particularly to input devices for electronic devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many electronic devices typically include one or more input devices such as keyboards, touchpads, mice, or touchscreens to enable a user to interact with the device. These devices can be integrated into an electronic device or can stand alone as discrete devices that can transmit signals to another device either via wired or wireless connection. For example, a keyboard can be integrated into the housing of a laptop computer or it can exist in its own housing. 
     It is often desirable to reduce the size of electronic devices and minimize machining costs and manufacturing time of such devices. For example, laptops may be designed to be as small and light as possible, but input devices such as a keyboard may occupy relatively large portions of the available interior space. One way to alleviate design constrains of a keyboard is to minimize the z-stackup of key mechanisms. Accordingly, what is needed is an improved key mechanism design. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, a key mechanism includes a butterfly hinge. The butterfly hinged key mechanism according to various embodiments enable substantially low travel distances with desired tactile response. The key mechanism uses a double wing design operative to move between a depressed position and non-depressed position. In one embodiment, a low travel key mechanism includes a keycap assembly, a support structure, and a butterfly hinge having two independently articulating wings, each wing coupled to the keycap assembly and the support structure, wherein each wing is operative to pivot about its own pivot axis during a keystroke of the key mechanism. 
     In another aspect, a low travel key mechanism includes a keycap assembly includes a support structure, and a butterfly hinge including two separate wings positioned adjacent to each other such that a cavity is formed between the two wings, each wing comprising a pair of pivot pins and a pair of keycap pins, wherein the pivot pins are coupled to the support structure and the keycap pins are coupled to the keycap assembly. In addition, a dome switch is secured within the cavity between the keycap assembly and the support structure, the dome switch operative to bias the keycap assembly in a first position. 
     In yet another aspect, a low-travel key mechanism includes a keycap assembly having a keycap and a substructure having a pair of locking pivot receiving members and a pair of sliding pivot receiving members. The key mechanism further includes a butterfly hinge having four pairs of pins, wherein a first pair of the pins is securely coupled to the pair of locking pivot receiving members and a second pair of pins is moveably coupled to the pair of sliding pivot receiving members. It includes a support structure that secures third and fourth pairs of the pins in place so that they rotate freely when the key mechanism is subjected to a keystroke, and wherein when the keycap assembly moves vertically up and down with respect to the support structure during the keystroke event, the second pair of pins moves horizontally within the pair of sliding pivot receiving members. 
     In another aspect, a low-travel key mechanism includes a keycap assembly, a carrier structure comprising a plate and arms fixed to opposite ends of the plate, wherein each arm includes a plurality of pivot pin retaining members, and a butterfly hinge comprising two separate wings positioned adjacent to each other, each wing comprising a pair of pivot pins and a pair of keycap pins, wherein the pivot pins are coupled to the carrier structure and the keycap pins are coupled to the keycap assembly. The carrier structure can house an electronics package that includes circuitry such as a switch, light source, or a display. 
     In another aspect, a butterfly assembly can include first and second wings, each wing comprising a pair of pivot pins and a pair of keycap pins, wherein the pins of each pair are coaxially aligned with their own respective pair axis, first and second hinges that couple the first and second wings together, and a cavity is formed between the first and second wings when the wings are hinged together. 
     In yet another aspect, a key mechanism can include a keycap assembly, a support structure, and a half-butterfly hinge. The half-butterfly hinge includes two separate wings positioned adjacent to each other such that a cavity is formed between the two wings. Each wing includes a full or major arm and a minor arm that is shorter than the major arm. Each wing includes a pair of pivot pins that couple to the support structure and a pair of keycap pins that couple to the keycap assembly. A coupling mechanism couples the major arms of the half-butterfly hinge together. The coupling mechanism can be, for example, a flexible or living hinge or a gear hinge. 
     In another aspect, a switch includes an upper conductive structure attached to a substrate, and a lower conductive structure disposed under the upper conductive structure and attached to the substrate. The upper and lower conductive structures can be conductive deformable structures. The switch is closed when the upper conductive structure contacts the lower conductive structure. 
     In another aspect, a toggle switch includes first and second wings and first and second hinges that couple the first and second wings together. A cavity is formed between the first and second wings when the wings are hinged together. A first switch positioned under the first wing and a second switch positioned under the second wing. 
     In yet another aspect, a method for producing a glyph for a top surface of a keycap can include bonding a foil layer to an underlying first layer and forming an opening in the foil layer. The foil layer can have a thickness that is less than 100 microns. For example, the thickness of the foil layer is approximately 50 microns in some embodiments. The opening is then filled with material in the underlying first layer to produce the glyph. The opening can be filled by applying heat and/or pressure to the underlying first layer. The underlying first layer can be, for example, a thermoplastic layer. 
     In another aspect, another method for producing a glyph for a top surface of a keycap can include bonding a top liner layer to a bottom foil layer and forming an opening in the foil layer. The foil layer can have a thickness that is less than 100 microns. For example, the thickness of the foil layer is approximately 50 microns in some embodiments. The opening is then filled with a material to produce the glyph and the top liner layer is removed. The opening can be filled with a liquid or ink. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other aspects and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a computing device having a keyboard incorporated therein in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  shows an illustrative perspective view of a section of a keyboard in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  shows a generic and illustrative exploded view of a key mechanism in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIGS. 4A-4B  show respective illustrative partial cross-sectional views of a key mechanism in a non-depressed position and depressed position in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIGS. 5A-5C  show illustrative views of butterfly hinge in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  shows illustrative top view of a key mechanism in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  shows an illustrative exploded view of the key mechanism of  FIG. 6  in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  shows an illustrative perspective view of a keycap assembly in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  shows an illustrative perspective view of an electronics package in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  shows an illustrative perspective view of keycap assembly and electronics package in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  shows an illustrative top view of a butterfly hinge in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  shows an illustrative top view of a support structure in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 13  shows an illustrative top view of a butterfly hinge coupled to support structure in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 14A  shows an illustrative top view of an alternative support structure in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 14B  shows an illustrative top view of a yet another alternative support structure in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIGS. 15-16  show illustrative cross-sectional views of a key mechanism in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 17  shows an illustrative perspective view of another key mechanism in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 18  shows an illustrative cross-sectional view of the key mechanism of  FIG. 17  in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 19  shows an illustrative perspective view of a butterfly hinge and support structure in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 20  shows an illustrative exploded view of a key mechanism in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 21  shows an illustrative top view of a butterfly hinge in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 22  shows an illustrative top view of a butterfly hinge coupled to a carrier structure in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 23  shows an illustrative bottom view of a butterfly hinge coupled to a carrier structure in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 24  shows an illustrative perspective view of a key mechanism in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 25  shows an illustrative cross-sectional view of key mechanism in accordance to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 26  shows an illustrative perspective view of a key mechanism in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 27  shows an illustrative cross-sectional view of key mechanism in accordance to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 28  shows an illustrative perspective view of carrier structure coupled to a support structure in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIGS. 29A-29B  show illustrative views of a butterfly hinge in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIGS. 30A-30C  show illustrative views of a butterfly hinge in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIGS. 31A-31C  show illustrative views of a butterfly hinge in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIGS. 32A-32C  show illustrative views of a butterfly hinge in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIGS. 33A-33B  show illustrative views of a butterfly hinge in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 34  shows an illustrative exploded view of a key mechanism in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIGS. 35A-35B  show respective illustrative cross-sectional views of the key mechanism of  FIG. 34  in a non-depressed position and depressed position in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIGS. 36-39  show various illustrative bottom views of a keycap assembly in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 40  shows an illustrative view of a half-butterfly hinge in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 41  shows an illustrative bottom view of a key mechanism with a half-butterfly hinge in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 42  is an illustrative perspective view of a switch in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIGS. 43-44  show illustrative cross-sectional views of switch of  FIG. 42  in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIGS. 45-49  show various illustrative bottom views of a keycap assembly in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIGS. 50-52  show various illustrative cross-sectional views of a keycap assembly and a substructure in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 53  shows an illustrative top view of a key mechanism in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 54  shows an illustrative cross-sectional view of keycap assembly of  FIG. 53  in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIGS. 55-57  show illustrative perspective views of a method for forming a keycap in accordance with an embodiment; and 
         FIGS. 58-61  show illustrative perspective views of another method for forming a keycap in accordance with an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Some embodiments described herein provide a key mechanism for an input device such as a keyboard that includes a butterfly hinge. The butterfly hinged key mechanism can enable substantially low travel distances with desired tactile response. For example, a butterfly hinged key mechanism can enable keystrokes ranging between 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm, and in some embodiments, the keystroke can be 0.5 mm or 0.75 mm. The key mechanism uses a double wing design operative to move between a depressed position and non-depressed position. Corresponding arms of the butterfly hinge are coupled together with coupling mechanisms. The coupling mechanisms can be, for example, a flexible or living hinge or a gear hinge. The wings of the butterfly hinge articulate independently with each wing operative to pivot about its own pivot axis during a keystroke of the key mechanism. 
     Other embodiments described herein provide a key mechanism for an input device such as a keyboard that includes a half-butterfly hinge. The half-butterfly hinged key mechanism can enable similar low travel distances with desired tactile response in a smaller space. One arm of each wing is a full or major arm while the other arm is a shorter or minor arm. The two major arms are coupled together with a coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism can be, for example, a flexible or living hinge or a gear hinge. The two minor arms are not coupled to each other but can be coupled to a component in the key mechanism, such as a switch housing. The wings of the half-butterfly hinge articulate independently with each wing operative to pivot about its own pivot axis during a keystroke of the key mechanism. 
     Various substructures are described herein that provide support to a keycap of a key mechanism. Additional support devices, such as rods or stiffener plates can be included in a key mechanism to provide support and/or to transfer an applied force across or over a key mechanism during a keystroke event. 
     Methods for producing a keycap or a top surface of a keycap are disclosed. One method bonds a first layer to a second layer and forms an opening through the first layer to expose the second layer. The first layer can be a foil layer, such as an aluminum foil layer. The first layer can have a thickness that is less than 100 microns. In some embodiments, the foil layer has a thickness of approximately 50 microns. The second layer can be a resin or thermoplastic layer. The opening can be in the shape of one or more glyphs that will be visible on the top surface of the keycap. Once the opening is formed in the first layer, pressure and/or heat is applied to the layers to cause the second layer to flow into the opening and produce the desired glyph or glyphs. 
     Another method bonds a first top layer and a second bottom layer together and forms an opening in the second bottom layer to expose the first top layer. The second bottom layer can be a foil layer, such as an aluminum foil layer. The first layer can have a thickness that is less than 100 microns. In some embodiments, the foil layer has a thickness of approximately 50 microns. The first top layer can be a liner layer. The opening can be in the shape of one or more glyphs that will be visible on the top surface of the keycap. Once the opening is formed in the second bottom layer, the opening is filled with a material to produce the desired glyph or glyphs. The opening can be filled, for example, using a liquid or ink. 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a computing device  10  having a keyboard  12  incorporated therein. Computing device  10  can be any suitable computing device, such as, for example, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a telephone, smart phone, or gaming device. Keyboard  12  can be integrally formed within computing device  10 . In other embodiments, a keyboard according to an embodiment can be separate from the computing device and can stand alone as a self-contained device. For example, a keyboard may be a communication interface such as, for example, a wired keyboard or a wireless keyboard that can transmit data to and from a computing device. 
       FIG. 2  shows an illustrative perspective view of a section of keyboard  12  including a key  14 .  FIG. 2  also shows a stackup of web  30  and support structure  70 . Web  30  can be a skeletal structure that surrounds each key of keyboard  12  and provides structural and cosmetic attributes to keyboard  12 . Web  30  can be secured to support structure  70  using any suitable approach such as, for example, by adhesive, glue, weld, pins, interface fits, or any combination thereof. Support structure  70  can provide the platform for components contained within a keyboard. Support structure  70  is sometimes referred to as a feature plate. As defined herein, support structure  70  can include any combination of a feature plate, circuit board, and retaining mechanisms for use in various keyboard mechanism embodiments. 
     Key mechanisms according to various embodiments discussed herein provide a substantially low travel keystroke while maintaining a desired tactile feel over the lifetime of the keyboard. Decreasing the keystroke distance enables keyboard  12  to be built thinner than contemporary keyboards. For example, key mechanisms according to various embodiments described herein can enable keystrokes ranging between 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm, and in some particular embodiments, the keystroke can be 0.5 mm or 0.75 mm. 
     The tactile performance of the key mechanism is consistent regardless of where a user presses down on key  14 . That is, the tactile response of key  14  is substantially the same if the user pressed down at the center (at region  15   a ), the corner (at region  15   b ), or the edge (at region  15   c ) of key  14 . In addition to having a uniform tactile response, the movement of key  14  during a keystroke is also uniform regardless of where it is depressed. For example, imagine a reference plane exists at the top surface of key  14 . When key  14  is pressed at region  15   a , its movement is one in which the top planar surface of key  14  remains parallel to the reference plane throughout the keystroke. The same is true when key  14  is depressed at a corner or edge; the top planar surface remains parallel or substantially parallel to the reference plane throughout the keystroke. Maintaining this parallel movement, with a relatively low travel, and desired tactile response, is accomplished using a butterfly hinge mechanism according to various embodiments. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a generic and illustrative exploded view of key mechanism  12  is shown. Reference will also be made to  FIGS. 4-5  to assist in the description of how key mechanism  12  operates. Key mechanism  12  can include keycap  14 , substructure  20 , web  30 , switch  40 , butterfly hinge  50 , and support structure  70 . Assembly of key mechanism is as follows. Keycap  14  is secured to substructure  20  to form a keycap assembly. The keycap assembly can fit within the inner perimeter of web  30 , and web  30  is secured to an outer boundary of support structure  70 . In other embodiments, the keycap assembly can exist above web  30 . Butterfly hinge  50  is secured to substructure  20  and support structure  70 , and is also contained within the inner perimeter of web  30 . Switch  40  resides within cavity  53  of butterfly hinge  50  and can be secured to either the keycap assembly or support structure  70 . 
     Keycap  14  is the portion of key mechanism that a user depresses during a keystroke. Keycap  14  can take any suitable shape and can be constructed from any suitable material. For example, keycap  14  can be constructed from plastic, glass, or metal. In some embodiments, keycap  14  can be constructed from a translucent material so that a backlight can shine through. Moreover, a translucent keycap can be masked so that it displays a character. 
     Substructure  20  can take any suitable shape and be constructed from any suitable material. Substructure  20  can fulfill several different functions in its use in key mechanism. In one function, it provides pin retaining mechanisms  22  for coupling to butterfly hinge  50 . In particular, substructure can include four pin retaining mechanisms  22 , each one operative to couple to one of keycap assembly pins  54  and  57  of butterfly hinge  50 . Additional details of pin retaining mechanisms  22  are discussed in more detail below. 
     As another function, substructure  20  can serve as a light guide panel (hereinafter “LGP”) for distributing backlight emitted from a light source such as, for example, a LED. In embodiments that use substructure  20  as a LGP, the shape of substructure  20  can be designed to minimize the impact of backlighting performance. For example, substructure  20  can occupy an outer periphery of keycap  14 , thereby leaving an interior portion of keycap largely unobfuscated. The use of a LGP as part of substructure  20  is discussed in more detail below. 
     The combination of keycap  14  and substructure  20  (and potentially other components such as switch  40 , electronics (not shown), and flex circuitry (not shown)) is sometimes referred to herein as a keycap assembly. In some embodiments, depending on the stiffness of keycap  14 , a relatively strong substructure is needed to provide the rigidity needed for property operation of key mechanism  12 . For example, if keycap  14  is constructed from a plastic, substructure  20  may be constructed from metal. In other embodiments, keycap  14  can be constructed from a relatively stiff material such as glass and substructure can be constructed from a plastic or metal material. In yet another embodiment, keycap  14  and substructure  20  can be an integrally formed keycap assembly. For example, keycap  14  and substructure  20  can be formed from a single plastic mold or a single piece of machined glass. 
     Switch  40  can be any suitable mechanical switch such as a dome switch. A metal dome switch or an elastomeric dome switch may be used, for example. As will be explained more detail in connection with  FIG. 4 , switch  40  can bias the keycap assembly to be in its natural, non-depressed position. In other words, when key mechanism is not undergoing a keystroke event, switch  40  can bias the keycap assembly to be in its non-depressed position. When key mechanism  12  is subjected to a keystroke event, switch  40  can buckle under the force applied to keycap  14 , thereby enabling the keycap assembly to be in its depressed position. When the keycap assembly is in its depressed position, the keystroke can be registered by circuitry associated with switch  40  or by other circuitry contained within key mechanism (e.g., a parallel plate sensor membrane). 
     Butterfly hinge  50  functions as the movable hinge that enables the keycap assembly to move relative to support structure  70 . Butterfly hinge  50  can include wings  51  and  52 , which are separate components coupled together by coupling mechanisms  60 . Wing  51  includes keycap assembly pins  54  and pivot pins  55 , and wing  52  includes keycap assembly pins  57  and pivot pins  56 . Wings  51  and  52  may each include a cutout such that when wings  51  and  52  are coupled together, cavity  53  exists. Cavity  53  can have any suitable shape such as, for example, a square, a rectangle, circle, or ellipse. 
     Keycap assembly pins  54  and  57  are coupled to pin retaining mechanisms  22   a ,  22   b  of substructure  20 . Pivot pins  55  and  56  are coupled to pivot pin retaining mechanisms  75  and  76 , respectively, of support structure  70 . The manner in which pins are coupled to substructure  20  and support structure  70  vary depending on specific embodiments, discussed below. 
     Coupling mechanisms  60 , though coupling wings  51  and  52  together, may enable wings  51  and  52  to move independent of each other. Thus, if one wing were locked in a position, the other wing would be free to move, and vice versa. However, as will be explained in  FIGS. 4-5 , wings  51  and  52  are both secured to support structure  70  and are operative to move (or flap) in concert with each other, with coupling mechanism  60  changing between substantially flat-shaped and v-shaped positions. Many different embodiments of coupling mechanisms  60  can be used with butterfly hinge  50 . These embodiments are discussed in more detail in connection with the description below accompanying  FIGS. 4-5 . In other embodiments, coupling hinges  60  can be omitted from butterfly hinge  50 . 
     Support structure  70  can be constructed from any suitable material or combination of different materials. The specific construction and materials used depends on particular key mechanism embodiment being employed, and thus these notable features are discussed in more detail below. One notable feature of structure  70  shown in  FIG. 3  is cutouts  77 . Cutouts  77  are positioned in predetermined positions on structure  70  so that pin retaining mechanism  22  of substructure  20  can fit into a respective cutout when the key mechanism is in its depressed position. This nestling of components within each other during a keystroke helps key mechanism  12  maintain its relatively thin z-height. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4A-4B , illustrative partial cross-sectional views of key mechanism  12  are shown in a non-depressed position ( FIG. 4A ) and depressed position ( FIG. 4B ). Both figures show keycap  14 , pin retaining mechanism  22   a ,  22   b  of substructure  20 , wing  51  with pivot pin  55  and keycap assembly pin  54 , wing  52  with pivot pin  56  and keycap assembly pin  57 , coupling member  60 , switch  40 , support structure  70 , and pivot pin retaining members  75  and  76 . Other components of key mechanism  12  have been omitted to provide less cluttered figures and to promote ease of discussion. 
       FIGS. 4A-4B  also show keycap plane  400 , pivot pin plane  410 , and structure plane  420 . Regardless of whether key mechanism  12  is in its depressed or non-depressed state, the position of pivot pin plane  410  and structure plane  420  remain fixed, as indicated by the set of double arrows demarcating the z-height (shown as Zfixed) between the two planes in both figures. The z-height between keycap plane  400  and the structure plane  420 , however, changes depending on the position of key mechanism  12 . In the depressed position, the z-height is Zdepressed, as shown, and in the non-depressed position, the z-height is Znon-depressed. 
     Pivot pin retaining mechanisms  75  and  76  are operative to securely hold pivot pins  55  and  56  in place, while enabling pivot pins  55  and  56  to rotate within pivot pins retaining mechanisms  75  and  76 . Keycap assembly pin  57  is coupled to pin retaining mechanism  22   a , which can secure keycap assembly pin  57  to substructure  20  (not shown) in a manner similar to how pivot pin retaining mechanisms  75  and  76  secure their pins. Thus, pin retaining mechanism  22   a  may rotate when keycap  14  is undergoing a keystroke. Keycap assembly pin  54  can be coupled to pin retaining mechanism  22   b , which is operative to enable keycap assembly pin  54  to slide horizontally within the pin retaining mechanism as key mechanism  12  travels up and down. Thus, the pin retaining system uses three sets of pin retaining mechanisms (one set for each pair of pins  57 ,  56 , and  55 ) for securing rotating pins  57 ,  56 , and  55  in place with minimal horizontal movement, and a fourth set (for pins  54 ) for securing sliding pins  54  in place with a fixed amount of horizontal movement. Additional aspects and features on the retaining mechanisms are discussed in more detail below for various different embodiments. 
     Referring collectively now to  FIGS. 4A-4B  and  FIGS. 5A-5C , wings  51  and wings  52  pivot about their own respective pivot axes. Wing  51  pivots about axis  510 , which runs co-axially with the center axis of pivot pins  55 , and wing  52  pivots about axis  520 , which runs co-axially with the center axis of pivot pins  56 . Since pivot pins  55  and  56  are secured in position with respect to structure  70  (as shown by fixed z-height Zfixed), it is the outer portions of wings  51  and  52  (particularly at keycap assembly pins  54  and  57 ) that move relative to pivot pins  55  and  56 . 
     In the non-depressed position, switch  40  is in its natural unbuckled position. In this position, switch  40  biases keycap  14  upwards when key mechanism  12  is not being subjected to a keystroke event. With the upward bias of switch  40 , it pushes keycap  14  up, resulting in having pin retaining mechanism  22   a ,  22   b  pull keycap assembly pins  54 ,  57  of wings  51 ,  52  up. Since, pivot pins  55  and  56  are secured in place, wings  51  and  52  pivot about their own respective pivot axes  510  and  520 , and keycap assembly pin  57  remains fixed in position, keycap assembly pin  54  slides horizontally to the left (shown here as the −X direction) within pin retaining mechanism  22   b . As shown, in the non-depressed position, wings  51  and  52  resemble a v-shaped hinge, with its outer portions (e.g., pin regions  57  and  54 ) raised relative to pin plane  410 . 
     In the depressed position, switch  40  is buckled, and keycap  14  has moved down vertically, thereby pushing the outer portions of wings  51  and  52  down towards support structure  70 . Pins  57 ,  56 , and  55  are secured in place and rotate within their secured positions, whereas keycap assembly pin  54  slides horizontally within its retaining mechanism in the +X direction. As shown in  FIGS. 4A-4B , the relative position of keycap assembly pin  54  moves to the +X direction when the key mechanism  12  is in the depressed position. Moreover, in the depressed position, wings  51  and  52  resemble a log shaped hinge, with all pins  54 - 57  in substantially the same plane. 
     Use of the butterfly hinge  50  in key mechanism  12  provides not only a low travel keystroke, but a stable key mechanism. The double wing design of butterfly hinge  50  distributes loading evenly with respect to the keycap assembly. The evenly distributed loading is accomplished by placing the load bearing keycap assembly pins  57  and  54  at the outer portions of wings  51  and  52 , respectively. This stable loading is translated to keycap  14  because regardless of where a user presses down on keycap  14 , the load will be distributed across the key, resulting in a tactically desirable and non-wavering keystroke. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6-16 , a low travel key mechanism according to an embodiment is discussed. Features discussed above in connection with  FIGS. 2-5  apply to similar features discussed in connection with  FIGS. 6-16 , however, notable features will be discussed in more detail.  FIG. 6  shows an illustrative top view of key mechanism  612 , showing keycap  614  and a few internal features shown by solid lines, although the components may be hidden. In particular, substructure  620  (with integrated light guide panel) and LED  648  are shown by solid line, but may be hidden by keycap  614 . 
       FIG. 7  shows an illustrative exploded view of key mechanism  612 . As shown, key mechanism  612  can include keycap  614 , substructure  620 , web  630 , electronic package  642 , butterfly hinge  650 , support structure  670 , and cover plate  680 . Support structure  670  includes pivot pin retaining members  675  and  676 . Cover plate  680  can be a printed circuit board or a heat spreader.  FIG. 8  shows an illustrative perspective view of the bottom of keycap  614  and substructure  620 , with substructure  620  secured to keycap  614 . In this embodiment, substructure  620  doubles as a pin retaining structure and a LGP. The LGP aspect of substructure  620  is evident in that it occupies a majority of the surface area of keycap  614  and includes notch  624  for enabling a light source, such as LED  648 , to fit adjacent to the LGP. 
     As shown, substructure  620  has pin retaining mechanisms  622   a  and  622   b  located near the corners of keycap  614 . Pin retaining mechanisms  622   a  are operative to securely couple pins and allow the pins to rotate freely within. In particular, pin retaining mechanisms  622   a  can be c-clip retaining members. Pin retaining mechanisms  622   b  are operative to slidably couple pins therein. That is, the pins are retained within the mechanism, but are allowed to slide horizontally within the mechanism when the key mechanism is undergoing a keystroke event. Pin retaining mechanism  622   b  can have an extruded L-shape that extends a minimum distance sufficient to contain the sliding pin. Note that both pin retaining mechanisms  622   b  may face each other. It is understood that any suitable number of different configurations of pin retaining mechanisms  622   b  can be used to achieve the desired coupling effect. 
       FIG. 9  shows an illustrative perspective bottom view of electronics package  642 . Electronics package can include switch  640 , which is mounted to flexible printed circuit board (PCB)  643 , connector portion  644 , support portion  645 , and LED  648 . In other embodiments, electronics package  642  can include a display such as OLED display. Referring to both  FIGS. 9 and 10 , electronics package  642  is mounted to substructure  620 . In this arrangement, the base of switch  640  is pressed against substructure  620 , and LED  648  fits within notch  624  ( FIG. 8 ). Support portion  645  floats relative to PCB  643  via connector portion  644  and surrounds keycap  614  and substructure  620 . Thus, when key mechanism  612  is assembled, the nipple side of switch  640  faces downward towards support structure  670  (not shown), and passes through cavity  653  of butterfly hinge  650  (shown in  FIG. 11 ). In addition, when assembled, support portion  645  can align with web  630  ( FIG. 7 ) and both web  630  and support portion  645  can be secured to support structure  670  ( FIG. 7 ). 
       FIG. 11  shows an illustrative top view of butterfly hinge  650 . Butterfly hinge  650  includes wings  651  and  652 . No coupling mechanisms are shown coupling wings  651  and  652  together in this detailed view. Wing  651  can include pivot pins  656 , keycap assembly pins  657 , and upstop members  658 . Wing  652  can include pivot pins  655 , keycap assembly pins  654 , and upstop members  659 . Both wings  651  and  652  are shaped so that cavity  653  exists when the wings are placed adjacent to one another. Pivot pins  655  and  656  and upstop members  658  and  659  extend away from the outside surface of butterfly hinge  650 , whereas keycap assembly pins  654  and  657  extend within butterfly hinge  650 . Pivot pins  655  and upstop members  659  may be coplanar with each other and extend about the same distance away from butterfly hinge  650 . Similarly, pivot pins  656  and upstop members  658  may be coplanar with each other and extend about the same distance away from butterfly hinge  650 . 
       FIG. 12  shows an illustrative top view of support structure  670 . Support structure  670  has pivot pin retaining members  675  and  676 , and upstops  678  and  679 . Pivot pin retaining members  675  and  676  are operative to secure pivot pins  655  and  656 , respectively, in place but enable the pins to rotate freely within. Pivot pin retaining members  675  and  676  may be c-clip types of retaining members. Upstops  678  and  679  may be hook shaped members operative to engage upstop members  658  and  659 , respectively. Upstops  678  and  679  ensure that wings  651  and  652  do not travel up beyond a pre-determined vertical distance when key mechanism is in its natural, un-depressed position. Support structure  670  can also include cutouts  677 . 
       FIG. 13  shows an illustrative top view of butterfly hinge  650  coupled to support structure  670 . In this view, pivot pins  655  and  656  are secured to support structure  670  via pivot pin retaining members  675  and  676 , respectively, and upstop members  658  and  659  are positioned under upstops  678  and  679 , respectively.  FIG. 13  also shows how end portions (centered around keycap assembly pins  654  and  657 ) are positioned over cutouts  677 .  FIG. 15  shows an illustrative cross-sectional view of key mechanism  612 , showing the interaction of pivot pins  655  and  656  with pivot pin retaining members  675  and  676  and, upstop members  658  and  659  with upstops  678  and  679 . 
       FIGS. 14A-14B  show perspective views of alternative support structures according to various embodiments. In particular,  FIG. 14A  shows a different retaining member configuration for securing butterfly hinge  650  to support structure  1400 . Support structure  1400  includes c-clip retaining members  1422 , and hook retaining members  1432  for retaining pins of a butterfly hinge (not shown). Structure  1400  also includes upstop members  1440 . 
       FIG. 14B  shows support structure  1450  that includes pivot pin retaining member  1462  and upstop members  1470 . Pivot pin retaining member  1462  is a one piece construction including two circular eyes for holding pivot pins. Pivot pin retaining member  1462  can have a spring loaded bias to press against the butterfly hinge when its pivot pins are secured within the eyes. 
       FIG. 16  shows another illustrative cross-sectional view of key mechanism  612  in a non-depressed position. This view shows switch  640  in a non-buckled position, wings  651  and  652  in a v-shaped arrangement, pin retaining mechanisms  622   a ,  622   b , keycap assembly pins  657  and  654 , and other components. 
       FIGS. 17-19  show various illustrative views of another key mechanism according to an embodiment. In particular,  FIG. 17  shows an illustrative perspective view of key mechanism  1712  in a non-depressed position.  FIG. 18  shows a cross-sectional view taken along line  18 - 18  in  FIG. 17 . And  FIG. 19  shows an illustrative perspective view of key mechanism without a keycap assembly. Key mechanism  1712  exhibits many of the same attributes of the generic key mechanism of  FIGS. 2-5 , but includes more details regarding its hinge and support structure. As shown in  FIG. 17 , key mechanism  1712  can include keycap  1714 , laminate layer  1716 , substructure  1720 , switch  1740 , butterfly hinge  1750 , and support structure  1770 . 
     Butterfly hinge  1750  can include wings  1751  and  1752 . Wing  1751  can include pivot pins  1755  and keycap assembly pins  1754 . Wing  1752  can include pivot pins  1756  and keycap assembly pins  1757 . Keycap assembly pins  1754  and  1757  are coupled to substructure  1720 , and pivot pins  1755  and  1756  are coupled to support structure  1770 . Pivot pins  1755  and  1756  are secured within slots  1775  and  1776  of support structure  1770 . Slots  1775  and  1776  may be cavities in the structure  1770  that are covered by laminate material  1716 . In some embodiments, laminate material  1716  can be the same as a web (such as web  30 ). In effect, laminate material  1716  locks pivot pins  1755  and  1756  in place within support structure  1770 . In this embodiment, pivot pins  1755 ,  1756  and keycap assembly pins  1754 ,  1757  all extend away from butterfly hinge  1750 . 
     Switch  1740  can fit in a cavity existing between wings  1751  and  1752 , as shown. In this particular embodiment, the base of switch  1740  can reside on support structure  1770 , as opposed to being fixed to substructure  1720 . When key mechanism  1712  is in its non-depressed position, switch  1740  is in its unbuckled state and props or biases the keycap assembly up. When key mechanism  1712  is in its depressed position, switch  1740  will be buckled and wings  1751  and  1752  will be pressed down in a log shaped position, with all pins  1754 ,  1755 ,  1756 ,  1757  in substantially the same plane. 
     Each wing can include upstops  1910 , which are operative to limit the up-travel of the wings when the key mechanism is in its undepressed position. Upstops  1910  may engage laminate layer  1716  in the undepressed position. Upstops  1910  may be shaped at an angle to enable flush interfacing with the laminate layer. 
       FIGS. 20-28  show various illustrations of a key mechanism  2012  using a carrier plate according to an embodiment. References to key mechanism  2012  include all  FIGS. 20-28 , with occasional specific reference to individual figures. The carrier plate, as opposed to the structural support is responsible for securing the pivot pins of the butterfly hinge in place. In addition, the carrier plate can also support an electronic package. Referring now to  FIG. 20 , there is shown an exploded view of key mechanism  2012 . Key mechanism  2012  can include keycap  2014 , substructure  2020 , carrier plate  2090 , electronics package  2042 , switch  2040 , butterfly hinge  2050 , web  2030 , and circuit board  2080 . Components discussed earlier in connection with  FIGS. 2-5  may share characteristics with similar components of key mechanism  2012 . For example, keycap  2014  and substructure  2020  and its interaction with keycap assembly pins of butterfly hinge  2050  is similar to how keycap  14  and substructure  20  interact with butterfly hinge  50 . 
     Carrier plate  2090  is constructed to fit within cavity  2053  ( FIG. 21 ) of butterfly hinge  2050  and be secured to circuit board  2080 . Carrier plate  2090  can be secured to circuit board  2080  in any number of suitable different ways. For example, it can be glued or welded to circuit board  2080 . As another example, carrier plate  2090  can have several posts that extend from a bottom surface of the carrier plate and engage with corresponding cavities in circuit board  2080 . As yet another example, carrier plate  2090  can be secured in place with two or more clips  2802 , as shown in  FIG. 28 . When carrier plate  2090  is secured to circuit board  2080 , it secures pivot pins  2056  and  2055  in place so that they are free to rotate in place within pivot pin retaining members  2095  and  2096 . The pin arrangement of butterfly hinge  2050  is shown in more detail in  FIG. 21 , and the pivot pin retaining members of carrier plate  2090  is shown in more detail in  FIGS. 22, 23, 24, and 25 . 
     Butterfly hinge  2050  can include two wings  2051 ,  2052  connected together using a coupling mechanism (not shown). Any suitable coupling mechanism can be used. Various examples of such coupling mechanism are described in more detail below. Cavity  2053  can exist between the two wings  2051 ,  2052  when placed adjacent to each other. 
     Carrier plate  2090  can be constructed from any suitable material such as metal or plastic. The construction of carrier plate  2090  can include a flat plate  2091 , which is flanked by two raised arm members  2092 . Each raised arm member  2092  can include pivot pin retaining member  2095  and pivot pin retaining member  2096 . In addition, each raised arm member  2092  can include two upstop protrusions  2099 . Upstop protrusions  2099  are operative to engage upstops  2059  of butterfly hinge  2050  when key mechanism  2012  is in its non-depressed position. Protrusions  2099  prevent wings  2051 ,  2052  of butterfly hinge  2050  from traveling beyond a fixed vertical up direction. 
     Flat plate  2091  can serve as a platform for electronics package  2042 , which can include among other features, switch  2040 , LED, light guide panel, display, and/or flex circuitry. This arrangement promotes easy connections between circuit board  2080  and electronics package  2042  because carrier plate  2090  is directly connected to circuit board  2080 . This is in contrast to the flex printed circuit board embodiment associated with key mechanism  612  (described earlier). Moreover, as shown in this embodiment, switch  2040  is mounted such that its dome is facing substructure  2020  and keycap  2014 . Thus, when switch  2040  is in its unbuckled position, it is operative to bias keycap  2014  and substructure  2020  upwards. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 26 and 27 , there are shown pin retaining mechanisms  2022   a ,  2022   b  of substructure  2020  interfacing with keycap assembly pins  2054  and  2057 . In particular,  FIG. 27  shows the different pin retaining mechanisms, pin retaining mechanism  2022   a  for securing keycap assembly pin  2054  in place so that it rotates in place, and pin retaining mechanism  2022   b  for enabling keycap assembly pin  2057  to slide horizontally when key mechanism  2012  is being depressed. 
       FIGS. 29-33  show several different butterfly hinge embodiments that can be used in conjunction with a key mechanism. Each of the embodiments discussed in connection with  FIGS. 29-33  include two wings that are coupled together with a coupling mechanism. The nature of the coupling mechanism varies and can include two general types: living hinge and gear hinge. A living hinge coupling mechanism can be a flexible material or combination of materials that physically attaches the two wings together. A gear hinge is a coupling mechanism built into the wings themselves that allows for a gear-like interaction between the wings. 
       FIGS. 29A-29B  show illustrative top and partial perspective views of butterfly hinge  2900  in accordance with an embodiment. Hinge  2900  includes wings  2910  and  2920  coupled together with living hinge  2930 . Wings  2910  and  2920  can include pins as shown and can be made, for example, from a glass-filled plastic. Living hinge  2930  can be made from a plastic material that is softer than the material used to make the wings. Wings  2910  and  2920  also include self-locking structures  2912  and  2922 . 
     Butterfly hinge  2900  can be manufactured using a double-shot process, wherein the first shot creates wings  2910  and  2920 , and the second shot forms living hinge  2930 . When the second shot is applied, it self-locks itself to self-locking structures  2912  and  2922  to couple wings  2910  and  2920  together. Note that the thickness of living hinge  2930  is substantially thinner at center axis  2940  of butterfly hinge  2900  than at other portions of living hinge  2930 . The thinner section at the junction between wings  2910  and  2920  can promote ease of flexing between wings  2910  and  2920 . 
       FIGS. 30A-30B  show illustrative top and perspective views of butterfly hinge  3000  in accordance with an embodiment. Butterfly hinge  3000  can be manufactured by insert molding wings  3010  and  3020  around living hinge  3030 . Molded wings  3010  and  3020  can include the pins, as shown. Living hinges  3030  can be part of a metal strip  3050  containing several living hinges  3030  (as shown in  FIG. 30C ). Including several living hinges  3030  on a single strip can increase manufacturing throughput of butterfly hinge  3000 . After wings  3010  and  3020  are molded on to strip  3050 , the strip can be cut away to yield an individual butterfly hinge  3000  that is suitable for use in a key mechanism. Wings  3010  and  3020  can be constructed, for example, with a plastic such as a glass filled plastic. 
     Living hinge  3030  can be a relatively thin piece of metal (e.g., steel) that is operative to bend to enable wings  3010  and  3020  to move when used in a key mechanism. Living hinge  3030  can include retention features  3012  and  3014  to promote adhesion to the wings when the wings are molded thereto. When wings  3010  and  3020  are molded onto strip  3050 , shutoffs can be used to prevent wings from completely covering living hinge  3030 , thereby leaving a portion of living hinge  3030  exposed. 
       FIGS. 31A-31C  show various views of butterfly hinge  3100  in accordance with an embodiment. Butterfly hinge  3100  can be constructed by coupling metal wings  3110  and  3120  together with an injection molded living hinge  3130 . Wings  3110  and  3120  can be constructed from a die cast or forged metal. In one embodiment, wings can be formed from a zinc die cast. In this embodiment, the pins are also formed in the die cast or forged metal. Wings  3110  and  3120  can be constructed to have retention features  3112  and  3122  to assist living hinge  3130  retention. Living hinge  3130  can be any suitable compliant material capable of bending. For example, living hinge  3130  can be constructed from a plastic or rubber material. 
       FIGS. 32A-32C  show illustrative views of butterfly hinge  3200  in accordance with an embodiment. Butterfly hinge  3200  can be constructed from two metal cores  3201  and  3202  (shown by hidden lines) that are overmolded with a molding material. The molding material fully encapsulates metal cores  3201  and  3202  to form wings  3210  and  3220 , which each include pins formed by the overmold, and living hinge  3230 . Cores  3201  and  3202  can be separate metal components with retention features  3205  incorporated therein. Retention features  3205  can enable the injected molded material to self-lock itself to cores  3201  and  3202 . 
     Living hinge  3230  can be formed from the overmold that couples cores  3201  and  3202  together. It can be sized to be relatively narrow at the junction between wings  3210  and  3220  to promote ease of movement. Hinge  3200  can be constructed in batch fashion in that strip  3250  can contain several cores. The cores can be overmolded and then die cut to yield each butterfly hinge  3200 . 
     In another embodiment (not shown), a butterfly hinge can be constructed from two metal cores, having forged or die cast pins, that are at least partially overmolded with a molding material, but in a way so that the pins are left exposed. This way, the metal pins are exposed and formed from metal, as opposed to an injection molded plastic. A living hinge is formed from the injection molded plastic coupling the two cores together. 
       FIGS. 33A-33B  show illustrative views of butterfly hinge  3300  in accordance with an embodiment. Hinge  3300  includes wings  3310  and  3320  that each include pins and upstops, as shown. Wing  3310  has gear members  3315  and wing  3320  has gear members  3325 . Gear members  3315 ,  3325  interface with each other to form a gear hinge. 
     Referring to  FIG. 33B , a close up of the gear hinge is shown. In particular the teeth of the gear members are shown. Wing  3310  has upper tooth  3315 U and lower tooth  3315 L, and wing  3320  has lower tooth  3325 L and upper tooth  3325 U. Upper tooth  3315 U interfaces with lower tooth  3325 L and upper tooth  3325 U interfaces with lower tooth  3315 L. This upper/lower tooth configuration can promote coupling of wings  3310  and  3320  when used in a key mechanism. 
       FIG. 34  shows an illustrative exploded view of a key mechanism in accordance with an embodiment. Key mechanism  3412  can include keycap  3414 , substructure  3420 , web  3430 , butterfly hinge  3450 , switch housing  3459 , membrane  3460  with switch  3440 , and feature plate  3470 . Components discussed previously in connection with  FIGS. 2-5  may share characteristics with similar components of key mechanism  3412 . For example, keycap  3414  and substructure  3420  and its interaction with keycap assembly pins  3454 ,  3457  of butterfly hinge  3450  is similar to how keycap  14  and substructure  20  interact with butterfly hinge  50 . 
     Butterfly hinge  3450  can include two wings  3451 ,  3452  connected together using a coupling mechanism (not shown). Any suitable coupling mechanism can be used. For example, living hinges or gear hinges can be used to connect wings  3451 ,  3452  together. Cavity  3453  can exist between the two wings  3451 ,  3452  when placed adjacent to each other. Pivot pins  3455 ,  3456  extend within cavity  3453  of butterfly hinge  3450 , whereas keycap assembly pins  3454  and  3457  extend away from an outside surface of butterfly hinge  3450 . 
     Switch housing  3459  is constructed to fit within cavity  3453  of butterfly hinge  3450  and be secured to feature plate  3470 . Switch housing  3459  can be secured to feature plate  3470  in any number of suitable different ways. For example, switch housing  3459  can be glued or welded to feature plate  3470 . As another example, heat staking can be used to secure switch housing  3459  to feature plate  3470  using studs  3472 . Alternatively, pins (not shown) on switch housing  3459  can couple with studs  3472  (e.g., snap into studs). 
     Pivot pins  3455  and  3456  are secured to switch housing  3459  using pivot pin retaining members  3495  and  3496 . Pivot pin retaining members  3495  and  3496  can be cavities or openings formed through the sides of switch housing  3459 . Pivot pin retaining members  3495  secure pivot pins  3455  on wing  3451  and pivot pin retaining members  3496  secure pivot pins  3456  on wing  3452 . Once secured, pivot pins  3455 ,  3456  are free to rotate in place within pivot pin retaining members  3495 ,  3496 . 
     The keycap assembly pins  3454  on wing  3451  couple to pin retaining mechanisms  3422   a  of substructure  3420 , and keycap assembly pins  3457  on wing  3452  couple to pin retaining mechanisms  3422   b  of substructure  3420 . 
     Feature plate  3470  can be constructed from any suitable material such as metal or plastic. Membrane  3460  can be secured to feature plate  3470 , for example, with pressure sensitive adhesive  3465 . Switch  3440  can be implemented as a deformable or rubber dome switch in some embodiments. Switch  3440  is connected to membrane  3460 , which can include the circuitry for switch  3440 . Switch  3440  can be connected to membrane  3460  in any number of suitable different ways. For example, an adhesive layer can be used to secure switch  3440  membrane  3460 . Switch  3460  is configured to fit into opening  3497  formed through the bottom surface of switch housing  3459 . Moreover, as shown in this embodiment, switch  3440  is mounted such that its dome is facing substructure  3420  and keycap  3414 . Thus, when switch  3440  is in its unbuckled position, it is operative to bias keycap  3414  and substructure  3420  upwards. 
     Membrane  3460  includes openings  3461 ,  3462 ,  3463 , and  3464  and PSA  3465  includes openings  3466 ,  3467 ,  3468 , and  3469 . Feature plate  3470  includes openings  3473  and  3474 . Openings  3463 ,  3468 , and  3473  and openings  3464 ,  3469 , and  3474  align with respective arms of the wings  3451  and  3452  of butterfly hinge  3450 . Openings  3461  and  3466  and openings  3462  and  3467  align with the outer portions of respective wings  3451  and  3452 . 
       FIGS. 35A-35B  show respective illustrative cross-sectional views of the key mechanism of  FIG. 34  in a non-depressed position and depressed position in accordance with an embodiment.  FIG. 35A  shows switch  3440  in a non-buckled position, wings  3451  and  3452  in a v-shaped arrangement, pin retaining mechanisms  3422   a ,  3422   b , keycap assembly pins  3457  and  3454 , and other components. In this position, switch  3440  can bias keycap  3414  upwards. 
     In the depressed position shown in  FIG. 35B , switch  3440  is buckled, and keycap  3414  has moved down vertically, thereby pushing the outer portions of wings  3451  and  3452  down towards feature plate  3470 . Keycap assembly pin  3454  is secured in place and rotated within its secured position, whereas keycap assembly pin  3457  slides horizontally within its retaining mechanism in the +X direction. As shown in  FIGS. 35A-35B , the relative position of keycap assembly pin  3457  moves to the +X direction when the key mechanism  3412  is in the depressed position. Moreover, in the depressed position, wings  3451  and  3452  over-travel using openings  3461 ,  3466  and  3462 ,  3467 , respectively to resemble a slightly inverted “v”. In  FIG. 35A , wings  3451  and  3452  are positioned to resemble a “v” shape, whereas in  FIG. 35B  wings  3451  and  3452  have moved to a position that resembles a “^” shape with the inner portions of the wings  3451 ,  3452  moved upwards toward substructure  3420 . Wings  3451  and  3452  articulate up and nest against or within substructure  3420 . For example, a cavity can be formed in the bottom of substructure  3420  for at least the portions of wings  3451  and  3452  connected together by coupling mechanisms. Nesting of the wings  3451 ,  3452  allows the key mechanism  3412  to travel or depress a greater distance. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 36-39 , there are shown various illustrative bottom views of a keycap mechanism in accordance with an embodiment. The bottom element of the keycap mechanism, such as a feature plate or circuit board, is not shown in the figures for clarity.  FIG. 36  depicts a square key mechanism that includes one switch (not shown; switch is attached to membrane  3660 ). For example, key mechanism  3612  can be used for an alphanumeric key mechanism, a page up and page down key mechanism, an arrow (&lt; or &gt;) key mechanism, and/or an end or home key mechanism in a keyboard. The key mechanism includes one butterfly hinge formed with wings  3651  and  3652  connected together by coupling mechanism  3630 . The switch in switch housing  3659  is disposed in the cavity formed by wings  3651  and  3652  of the butterfly hinge. 
     A rectangular key mechanism is illustrated in  FIG. 37 . Key mechanism  3712  can be used, for example, for the tab, shift, enter, and/or the backspace key mechanisms in a keyboard. Key mechanism  3712  includes a butterfly hinge formed with wings  3751  and  3752  coupled together by coupling mechanism  3730 . Switch housing  3759  is positioned in the cavity formed between the wings  3751  and  3752 . Switch housing  3759  includes a switch (not shown) secured to a membrane  3760 . Retaining mechanisms  3750  secure rods  3785  to wings  3751  and  3752 . Rods  3785  can be formed with any suitable material, examples of which include steel and carbon rods. Rods  3785  extend substantially across the width of the outer portions of wings  3751  and  3752 . When keycap  3714  is depressed, rods  3785  transfer the force across the wings  3751  and  3752 . Thus, if a user depresses key mechanism  3712  at or near an edge or corner of key mechanism  3712 , keycap  3714  will substantially maintain its horizontal position as the keycap travels downward, which can ensure the switch is depressed properly. 
       FIG. 38  depicts a larger rectangular key mechanism. The larger rectangular key mechanism  3812  can be used, for example, for the spacebar key mechanism in a keyboard. Key mechanism  3812  includes two butterfly hinges  3816  and  3818 . Each butterfly hinge is formed with wings  3851  and  3852  coupled together by coupling mechanism  3830 . Switch housing  3859  is positioned between the two butterfly hinges  3816  and  3818  and runs between wings  3851  and  3852  of butterfly hinges  3816  and  3818 . Near the center of key mechanism  3812 , switch housing  3859  includes a switch (not shown) secured to a membrane  3860 . Retaining mechanisms  3850  secure rods  3885  to wings  3851  and  3852  of butterfly hinges  3816  and  3818 . Rods  3885  extend substantially across the width of the outer portions of wings  3851  and  3852  and can transfer a depressing force at or near an edge or corner of key mechanism  3812  over the width of a respective butterfly hinge. 
       FIG. 39  illustrates another larger rectangular key mechanism. Key mechanism  3912  includes two butterfly hinges  3916  and  3918 . Each butterfly hinge is formed with wings  3951  and  3952  coupled together by coupling mechanism  3930 . Switch housing  3959  is positioned between the two butterfly hinges  3916  and  3918 . Stiffener plates  3970  are attached to wings  3951  and stiffener plates  3980  are attached to wings  3952  of butterfly hinges  3916  and  3918 . Stiffener plates  3970  and  3980  extend substantially across the width of the outer portions of wings  3951  and  3952  and increase the stiffness of key mechanism  3912 . LGP  3990  and  3995  can be positioned at each end of key mechanism  3912 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 40 , there is shown an illustrative view of a half-butterfly hinge in accordance with an embodiment.  FIG. 41  shows an illustrative bottom view of a key mechanism with a half-butterfly hinge in accordance with an embodiment. The bottom element of the keycap mechanism  4112 , such as a feature plate or circuit board, is not shown in the figures for clarity. 
     In some embodiments, a half-butterfly hinge can be included in key mechanisms having smaller keycaps. Other embodiments can include one or more half-butterfly hinge in larger keycaps. Half-butterfly hinge  4050  includes wing  4051  adjacent to wing  4052 . One full or major arm of wing  4051  is connected by coupling mechanism  4030  to a corresponding major arm of wing  4052 . The shorter or minor arms of wings  4051  and  4052  are secured to switch housing  4059  at  4056  and  4058 . The minor arms can be connected to switch housing  4059  by any suitable means. For example, a pivot pin (not shown) can extend out from the inner surfaces of the minor arms and secure into corresponding openings or slots in the switch housing. 
     Keycap assembly pins  4054  and  4057  extend away from an exterior surface of wings  4051  and  4052 , respectively. Keycap assembly pins  4054  and  4057  can attach to a keycap or substructure using pin retaining mechanisms  4122   a  and  4122   b  ( FIG. 41 ). Switch  4040  is disposed in the cavity formed between wings  4051  and  4052 . 
     Half-butterfly hinge  4050  can maintain the same travel distance as a butterfly hinge but in a smaller space. Additionally, key mechanism  4112  is stable when a user depresses a comer because the connection points  4056  and  4058  stabilize the key mechanism  4112  and transfer the applied force across wings  4051  and  4052 . For example, if a user depresses a lower right corner of wing  4051 , the force is transferred across the outer portion of wing  4051  to coupling mechanism  4130 , which in turn transfers the force to wing  4052 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 42 , there is shown an illustrative perspective view of a switch in accordance with an embodiment. Switch  4200  is a stacked dome switch that includes an upper conductive deformable structure  4205  and a lower conductive deformable structure  4210  disposed under the upper conductive deformable structure  4205 . The upper and lower conductive deformable structures  4205  and  4210  can have any desired shape and can be made of any suitable conductive material. For example, both the upper and lower conductive deformable structures can be made of a metal. Alternatively, the upper conductive deformable structure  4205  can be made of a metal and the lower conductive deformable structure  4210  of a conductive elastomer such as a conductive rubber. When the switch is depressed, the upper conductive deformable structure  4205  compresses and can contact the lower conductive deformable structure  4210 . The switch is closed or activated when the upper conductive deformable structure  4205  contacts the lower conductive deformable structure  4210 . 
       FIGS. 43-44  depict cross-sectional views of switch  4200  of  FIG. 42  in an embodiment. In  FIG. 43 , upper conductive deformable structure  4205  is electrically connected to outer terminals  4302  and lower conductive deformable structure  4210  is electrically connected to inner terminals  4306 . Outer and inner terminals  4302 ,  4306  connect to traces or leads that connect to other circuitry (not shown). The traces or leads can be disposed on or embedded within substrate  4308 . When switch  4200  is in a relaxed or non-depressed state as shown, the switch is open or not activated because upper and lower conductive deformable structures  4205  and  4210  are not in contact with each other. When upper conductive deformable structure  4205  contacts lower conductive deformable structure  4210 , the circuit path is complete and the switch is closed or activated. 
     Switch  4200  in  FIG. 44  is similar in design and operation to the switch of  FIG. 43  except for the shape of lower conductive deformable structure  4210 . The upper conductive deformable structure in  FIGS. 43 and 44  can provide the tactile feedback to a user while the lower conductive deformable structure can provide sound and/or feel to a key mechanism. The lower conductive deformable structure can be used to determine the travel distance of the key mechanism. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 45-49 , there are shown various illustrative bottom views of a keycap assembly in accordance with an embodiment. As described previously, a keycap assembly can be formed with a keycap secured to a substructure. In some embodiments, the keycap assembly can fit within the inner perimeter of another component, such as a web. The keycap assemblies shown in  FIGS. 45-49  can be backlit with light, such as with an LGP. 
       FIG. 45  depicts a substructure  4520  that extends along the inner surface of the sides of keycap  4514  and includes two substructure components  4506 ,  4504  secured to two sides of the keycap  4514 . Substructure components  4506 ,  4504  extend out from the sides of keycap  4514  into the inner bottom perimeter of keycap  4514 . The substructure  4520  can be formed with any suitable material, such as, for example, a sheet metal. The substructure  4520  can be affixed to the sides of keycap  4514  by any suitable method. For example, substructure  4520  can be attached with an adhesive or welded to the sides of keycap  4514 . 
     The first substructure component  4506  includes pin retaining mechanisms  4522   a  that are configured to couple to keycap assembly pins on a butterfly or half-butterfly hinge. Although not visible in  FIG. 45 , second substructure component  4504  also includes pin retaining mechanisms configured to secure to keycap assembly pins on the butterfly or half-butterfly hinge. The pin retaining mechanisms are oriented toward the underside surface of keycap  4514  and can have any given shape. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, pin retaining mechanisms  4522   a  are configured as c-clip retaining members while pin retaining mechanisms of second substructure component  4506  can have an extruded L-shape similar to pin retaining mechanisms  622   b  shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     The keycap  4614  in  FIG. 46  includes one or more pairs of opposing support shelves  4606  affixed to the inner surface of the sides of keycap  4614 . Substructure  4620  extends between two opposing shelves  4606  and can be secured to a pair of opposing support shelves  4606  using any suitable attachment means. By way of example only, substructure  4620  can be bonded or welded to support shelves  4606 . 
     Substructure  4620  includes pin retaining mechanisms  4622   a  and  4622   b  that couple with respective keycap assembly pins on a butterfly or half-butterfly hinge. In the illustrated embodiment, pin retaining mechanisms  4622   a  are c-clip retaining members and pin retaining mechanisms  4622   b  have an extruded L-shape similar to pin retaining mechanisms shown in  FIGS. 6 and 45 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 47 , substructure  4720  is configured as a frame that extends along the underside surface perimeter of keycap  4714 . Substructure  4720  can be made of any suitable material, such as a metal. Substructure  4720  is attached to the underside surface of keycap  4714  by any suitable method, such as with an adhesive or by welding. Substructure  4720  includes pin retaining mechanisms  4722   a  and  4722   b  that couple with respective keycap assembly pins on a butterfly or half-butterfly hinge. Pin retaining mechanisms  4722   a  and  4722   b  can be configured similarly to the pin retaining mechanisms shown in  FIGS. 45-46 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 48 , substructure  4820  is shaped like an “X” and extends across the underside surface of keycap  4814 . Substructure  4820  includes pin retaining mechanisms  4822   a  and  4822   b  that couple with respective keycap assembly pins on a butterfly or half-butterfly hinge. In the illustrated embodiment, pin retaining mechanisms  4822   a  are c-clip retaining members and pin retaining mechanisms  4822   b  have an extruded L-shape similar to pin retaining mechanisms shown in  FIGS. 45-47 . Substructure  4820  can be made of any suitable material, such as a plastic, and can be attached to the underside surface of keycap  4814  by any suitable method. 
       FIG. 49  illustrates a sheet or plate substructure  4920  that is attached to the inner bottom surface of keycap  4914 . Substructure  4920  includes pin retaining mechanisms  4922   a  and  4922   b  that couple with respective keycap assembly pins on a butterfly or half-butterfly hinge. The pin retaining mechanisms can be formed in any given shape and/or orientation. In the illustrated embodiment, pin retaining mechanisms  4922   a  are c-clip retaining members and pin retaining mechanisms  4922   b  have an extruded L-shape similar to pin retaining mechanisms shown in  FIGS. 45-48 . 
     Substructure  4920  can be made of any suitable material, such as a plastic, and can be attached to the underside of keycap  4914  by any suitable method. Substructure  4920  can include openings  4990  that emit light for a backlighting effect. In one embodiment, the light can be produced by an LED component and substructure  4920  can act as a LGP. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 50-52 , there are shown various illustrative cross-sectional views of a keycap assembly in accordance with an embodiment. Substructure  5020  includes pin retaining mechanisms  5022   a  and  5022   b  ( FIG. 50 ). As with the other embodiments described herein, pin retaining mechanisms  5022   a  and  5022   b  can be molded with, or affixed to substructure  5020 . Keycap  5014  can be secured to substructure  5020  using any suitable method, such as an adhesive. 
     In  FIG. 51 , pin retaining mechanisms  5122   a ,  5122   b  can be molded with, or affixed to beam  5130 , which is secured to substructure  5120 . Beam  5130  can be made of any suitable material, such as metal or plastic. Beam  5130  and keycap  5114  can be secured to substructure  5120  using any suitable method, including, but not limited to, an adhesive. 
     The substructure in  FIG. 52  is separated into two components  5220  and  5221 . Each component can be L shaped and attached to keycap  5214  in a spaced-apart relationship. Attachment component  5206  is disposed between the two L-shaped substructure components  5220  and  5221 . Attachment component  5206  includes pin retaining mechanisms  5222   a  and  5222   b , which can all be formed or molded in a single piece. 
       FIG. 53  shows an illustrative top view of a key mechanism in accordance with an embodiment. Key mechanism  5300  is single key that rocks about center axis  5306 . Glyphs  5302  and  5304  indicate a function or operation of key mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, glyph  5302  is an up arrow and glyph  5304  a down arrow. By way of example only, a user can press down on the up or down arrow to move a cursor displayed on a screen. 
     Key mechanism  5300  can be substantially horizontal when not depressed. If a user depresses the up arrow, the key mechanism rocks downward toward the up arrow. Similarly, the key mechanism rocks downward toward the down arrow when a user depresses the down arrow. 
       FIG. 54  shows an illustrative cross-sectional view of keycap assembly of  FIG. 53  in accordance with an embodiment. Keycap  5414  is attached to structure  5470  through wings  5451  and  5452 . Wings  5451  and  5452  can be included in a butterfly hinge or wings  5451 ,  5452  can be independent wings attached to structure  5470 . A coupling mechanism can be omitted when the wings are included in a butterfly hinge to allow the wings and the key mechanism to be balanced with respect to the center axis (e.g., axis  5306 ). 
     Pin retaining mechanisms  5422   a  and  5422   b  on wings  5451  and  5452  secure keycap assembly pins  5454  and  5457 , respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, pin retaining mechanisms  5422   a ,  5422   b  are attached to keycap  5414 . Other embodiments can position pin retaining mechanisms  5422   a ,  5422   b  on a substructure that is attached to keycap  5414 . Pivot pins (not shown) can be used to attach wings  5451  and  5452  to structure  5470 . Switches  5440  are disposed under each glyph (not shown) on keycap  5414 . Deformable structure  5490  can be disposed between wings  5451 ,  5452  to restrict the downward movement of keycap  5414  when depressed. For example, deformable structure  5490  can prevent keycap  5414  from activating both switches  5440  simultaneously or sequentially. Sequential activation of both switches is known as a double-click event. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 55-57 , there are shown illustrative perspective views of a method for forming a keycap in accordance with an embodiment. A first layer  5500  is bonded to a second layer  5502 , as shown in  FIG. 55 . First layer  5500  can be a foil layer, such as an aluminum foil layer. The first layer can have a thickness that is less than 100 microns. In some embodiments, the foil layer has a thickness of approximately 50 microns. Second layer  5502  can be a resin or thermoplastic layer. The first and second layers can form a keycap in some embodiments, with the first layer forming the top surface of the keycap. 
     Glyph opening  5600  is formed in first layer  5500  to expose second layer  5502  ( FIG. 56 ). Glyph opening  5600  can be formed, for example, by laser etching the top surface of first layer  5500 . Pressure and/or heat can be applied to the first and second layers, causing second layer  5502  to flow into glyph opening  5600  ( FIG. 57 ). In one embodiment, second layer  5502  fills glyph opening  5600  to form a glyph  5700  on the top surface of a keycap. Although only one glyph is formed in the illustrated embodiments, the process depicted in  FIGS. 55-57  can be used to produce one or more glyphs. The one or more glyphs can represent a letter, a number, a phrase, and a symbol, either individually or in various combinations. For example, on a QWERTY keyboard, the one or more glyphs can be formed on a keycap for a letter key mechanism, a number and symbol key mechanism, or a shift or tab key mechanism. 
       FIGS. 58-61  show illustrative perspective views of another method for forming a keycap in accordance with an embodiment. A first layer  5800  is bonded to a second layer  5802 , as shown in  FIG. 58 . First layer  5800  can be a liner layer. Second layer  5802  can be a foil layer, such as an aluminum foil layer. The aluminum foil layer can have a thickness that is less than 100 microns. In some embodiments, the foil layer has a thickness of approximately 50 microns. 
     Glyph opening  5900  is formed in second layer  5802  to expose first layer  5800  ( FIG. 59 ). Glyph opening  5900  can be formed, for example, by laser etching the back surface of second layer  5502 . A material  6000  is then deposited into glyph opening  5900  to fill glyph opening  5900  and form a glyph ( FIG. 60 ). For example, a liquid backfill can be performed to fill glyph opening  5900 . Next, as shown in  FIG. 61 , first layer  5800  is removed, leaving second layer  5802  and glyph  6002 . The second layer and the glyph can form a keycap or a top surface of a keycap in some embodiments. 
     Various embodiments have been described in detail with particular reference to certain features thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For example, a key mechanism can include a butterfly hinge and a half-butterfly hinge. Additionally, the switch can be constructed differently from the switch described herein. For example, the switch can include a first conductive structure positioned over a second conductive structure. The first conductive structure has a plunger that is positioned over the dome or top region of the second conductive structure. The switch is closed or activated when the plunger contacts the second conductive structure. 
     Even though specific embodiments have been described herein, it should be noted that the application is not limited to these embodiments. In particular, any features described with respect to one embodiment may also be used in other embodiments, where compatible. Likewise, the features of the different embodiments may be exchanged, where compatible.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20140928
Publication Date: 20161122
Grant Date: 20161122
Priority Date: 20121030
Inventors: NIU JAMES J.
HENDREN KEITH J.
LEONG CRAIG C.
WILSON, JR. THOMAS W.
BROCK JOHN M.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2227/028", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0238", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2221/016", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/705", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H23/12", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B38/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B43/006", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2398/20", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2227/036", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2237/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B38/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H3/122", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2037/243", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H3/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2310/0843", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B37/24", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2221/08", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2237/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2227/036", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2227/028", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/705", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H3/122", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0238", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H23/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H11/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2229/02", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/14", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2229/052", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/46", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2229/016", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2237/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2227/028", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H3/122", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0238", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/705", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2227/036", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H3/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2037/243", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2221/016", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B38/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2221/08", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2398/20", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B43/006", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2310/0843", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B38/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B37/24", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 53882883