US Patent 7683280 Keyboards and key structures thereof

Key structures are provided. A key structure comprises a substrate, a first rod, a second rod, and a key cover. The substrate comprises a first surface, a through hole, and a plurality of contact portions fixed to the first surface. Each of the contact portions has a contact surface partially covering the through hole. The first rod comprises a first primary pivot accommodated in the through hole and slidable on one of the contact surfaces, and a first auxiliary pivot slidable on the first surface. The second rod is movably connected to the first rod, comprising a second primary pivot accommodated in the through hole and a second auxiliary pivot abutting the first surface. The key cover is movable with respect to the substrate and connected to the first and second rods.