US3773998A - Pedestal and spring member for key actuator of diaphragm switch - Google Patents
Pedestal and spring member for key actuator of diaphragm switch Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US3773998A US3773998A US00297636A US3773998DA US3773998A US 3773998 A US3773998 A US 3773998A US 00297636 A US00297636 A US 00297636A US 3773998D A US3773998D A US 3773998DA US 3773998 A US3773998 A US 3773998A
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- movable member
- pedestal
- base member
- resilient biasing
- keyboard
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
- H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
- H01H13/702—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
- H01H13/705—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches characterised by construction, mounting or arrangement of operating parts, e.g. push-buttons or keys
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
- H01H13/02—Details
- H01H13/12—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
- H01H13/14—Operating parts, e.g. push-button
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2209/00—Layers
- H01H2209/068—Properties of the membrane
- H01H2209/078—Conductive rubber
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2229/00—Manufacturing
- H01H2229/034—Positioning of layers
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2233/00—Key modules
- H01H2233/01—Key modules mounted on laykey
- H01H2233/024—Riveting
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2233/00—Key modules
- H01H2233/05—Actuator part on body
- H01H2233/054—Snap coupling
- H01H2233/056—Snap coupling with limited freedom
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2235/00—Springs
- H01H2235/004—Two parallel coil springs
Definitions
- ABSTRACT A keyboard actuator which includes a first member adapted to be supported over a circuit board having a conductive pattern thereon and supporting a resilient conductive layer by way of an insulator layer having a window therethrough in line with at least a portion of the conductive pattern, a second member snapable into the first member and slidable while held therein,
- first and second resilient biasing means the first biasing means separating the members and the second biasing means extending between the second member and the conductive layer.
- the present invention is directed to a new and improved keyboard construction in which two parts, one movable and the other fixed in place are snaped together and two resilient biasing means are provided one of which is used to bias the movable part away fromthe fixed in place part and the other resilient biasing means is positioned between the movable part and the conductive layer in order to apply a force thereto to cause the conductive layer to contactthe contact when a force is applied to the movable part.
- the present invention is usable in place of theswitch actuating means disclosed in copending US. Pat. applications Ser. No. 145,212 filed May 20, 1971 by Richard E. Seeger, Jr. and George T. Hodgson, Jr. and Ser. No. 154,752 filed June 12, 1971 by Richard E. Seeger, Jr. and William J. Lynn.
- the entire disclosure of these patent applications are incorporated herein by reference hereto.
- the present invention permits a keyboard to be constructed with a minimum of parts, with a reduction in fabrication and assembly costs.
- the major parts (those not resilient in nature) used herein may be constructed of plastic moldable in a conventional manner thus providing significant cost savings.
- the keyboard actuator of the disclosure includes a fixed in place member for mounting on a circuit board over a resilient conductive layer, the fixed in place member having means for retaining a movable member snapable therein and adapted for slidable movement therein and first and second resilient biasing or spring means, the first spring means separating the members and the other positioned to be forced against the conductive layer upon movement of the movable member towards the conductive layer.
- FIG. 1 is a top view with the parts removed of a keyboard utilizing the actuator of the invention
- FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1 illustrating the key in position when at rest;
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 2 illustrating the actuator when a force is applied thereto;
- FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 2;
- FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 55 in FIG. 2.
- FIGS. l-5 Reference should now be had to FIGS. l-5 for a description of the preferred embodiment of the disclosure.
- a keyboard which comprises an outer decorative frame 7 in which there is mounted the working parts of the invention.
- the frame may be mounted to the working parts as shown in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 145,122 or any other conventional manner.
- the operating parts of the invention include an insulator board 8 (e.g., Bakelite, Formica) of the conventional type used in printed circuit applications and having holes 8a formed therethrough.
- a window 10a extending therethrough in line with at least a portion of the electrical contact means and mounting holes 10b.
- a resilient conductive layer or sheet 11 Positioned on the layer 10 is a resilient conductive layer or sheet 11 having mounting holes 11a.
- the layer 11 is selected of a material which may be forced through the window 10a into contact with the contact means 9 (see FIG. 3) and then springs back to itsat rest position shown in FIG. 2 when a force applied thereto is removed.
- conductive layer As set forth in the aforementioned referred to applications with the preferred material being a conductive plastic formed of silicone rubber (rubber is defined as a plastic in the context used herein) filled with silver flakes e.g., between 10 to 80 percent by volume.
- silicone rubber rubber is defined as a plastic in the context used herein
- the actuator of the invention which includes a fixed in place or base member 13 having a hollow cavity 130 with a lip l3aa formed along the top thereof.
- the cavity 13a is provided with two guide channels or slots 13b within the sidewall thereof and has a pedestal 13c extending upwardly therefrom.
- the pedestal is provided with a bore 13d as shown.
- a movable or key member is shown at 14 on which indicia e.g., numbers or letters may be mounted thereon as shown in FIG. 1.
- the movable member 14 is positioned for slidable up and down movement with respect to the member 13 and has a portion thereof positioned within the confines of the cavity 13a.
- the member 14 is provided with projections 14a which are positionable in the slots 13b for travel therein.
- the projections 14a as well as the member 14 forming a part thereof are preferably formed of a plastic material which is sufficiently flexible and resilient e.g.,
- the base member or both members may be selected of a resilient type of material to allow the members to snap'together.
- the member 14 is also provided with first and second bores 14b and 14c.
- the bore 14c is constructed so that it is positionable over the pedestal 13c and is slidably shown at 16 and performs the function of urging the conductive layer 11 against the contact means 9 upon application of a force to member 14 (see FIG. 3).
- Each of the springs may be coil springs as shown.
- the spring 16 is selected such that when it is in the position shown in FIG. 2 it applies little or no force to the layer 11 and when it is forced downwardly by the member 14 it remains virtually uncompressed (see FIG. 3) and distorts the layer 11 so that it engages the contact means 9.
- the spring 16 is also preferably selected such that when the layer 11 bottoms against the contact means 9, it then slightly compresses so as not to substantially injure the layer 14 surface by penetrating into it.
- a protective cover layer e.g., of plastic may be positioned between the spring 16 and the layer 11 to provide further protection.
- the actuator 12 is preferably mounted to the board 8 by the provision of rods l3e extending from the member 13.
- the rods extend through the holes 8a, 10b, and 11a to join them together in a sandwich.
- the rods are preferably constructed of a plastic material e.g., polypropylene, nylon which may be softened with heat to form the heads 13f. Alternatively the rods may be threaded and nuts may then be used to hold the sandwich together.
- a plastic material e.g., polypropylene, nylon which may be softened with heat to form the heads 13f.
- the rods may be threaded and nuts may then be used to hold the sandwich together.
- the contact means may be segmented and thus the layer 1 1 may be used to close a circuit between the segments or alternatively the layer 11 may be grounded and the contact means made high so as to complete a circuit.
- Connector pins as shown in the aforementioned patent applications may be used to make contact with the layer 11 and the contact means 9. 1
- a keyboard or the like which includes an insulator board having electrical contact means thereon, insulator means having a window therethrough in alignment with at least a portion of the contact means and a resilient electrically conductive sheet means positioned on the insulator layer which has the property of being deformable by a force applied thereto to make electrical contact with the contact means by extending through the insulator means window and then springing back to a position out of electrical contact with the contact means, the improvement comprising a base member positioned over the conductive layer and having a portion of a movable member slidably positioned therein, first resilient biasing means'positioned between the base member and the movable member to urge the movable member and the base member apart, a lip forming a part of the base member to maintain at least a portion of the movable member within the confines of the base member by entrapping projections attached to the movable member, a second resilient biasing means positioned in contact with the movable member and positioned to apply a force
- the base member includes rods which extend through holes in the board, the conductive layer and the insulator layer to form a sandwich.
Abstract
A keyboard actuator which includes a first member adapted to be supported over a circuit board having a conductive pattern thereon and supporting a resilient conductive layer by way of an insulator layer having a window therethrough in line with at least a portion of the conductive pattern, a second member snapable into the first member and slidable while held therein, first and second resilient biasing means, the first biasing means separating the members and the second biasing means extending between the second member and the conductive layer.
Description
United States Patent 1 Seeger, Jr. et al.
[ Nov. 20, 1973 PEDESTAL AND SPRING MEMBER FOR KEY ACTUATOR OF DIAPHRAGM SWHTCH [75] Inventors: Richard E. Seeger, Jun, Topsfield;
John G. Coulter, Reading, both of Mass.
[73] Assignee: Chomerics, Inc., Wobum, Mass.
[22] Filed: Oct. 16, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 297,636
[52] U.S.'Cl. 200/159 B, 200/153 V, 200/172 A [51] Int. Cl. 1101111 13/06, 110111 13/52 [58] Field of Search 200/159 B, 159 R,
200/159 A, 153 V, 172 R, 172 A [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,165,611 1/1965 Hagberg 200/153 V UX 3,663,780 5/1972 Golbeck 200/159 R X 3,521,015 7/1970 Wooldridge et a1. 200/159 R 3,185,803 5/1965 Driscoll 200/159 A 3,676,615 7/1972 Wiedmer.... 200/159 B X 3,707,609 12/1972 Dapot 200/159 B X Primary ExaminerDavid Smith, Jr. Assistant ExaminerRobert A. Vanderhye Attorney-Sewall P. Bomstein et a1.
[5 7 ABSTRACT A keyboard actuator which includes a first member adapted to be supported over a circuit board having a conductive pattern thereon and supporting a resilient conductive layer by way of an insulator layer having a window therethrough in line with at least a portion of the conductive pattern, a second member snapable into the first member and slidable while held therein,
first and second resilient biasing means, the first biasing means separating the members and the second biasing means extending between the second member and the conductive layer.
7 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PEDESTAL AND SPRING MEMBER FOR-KEY ACTUATOR OF DIAPHRAGM SWITCH STATEMENT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention is directed to a new and improved keyboard actuator particularly adapted for use with a keyboard of the type utilizing a resilient conductive layer to make electrical contact with an electrical conductive contact.
In particular, the present invention is directed to a new and improved keyboard construction in which two parts, one movable and the other fixed in place are snaped together and two resilient biasing means are provided one of which is used to bias the movable part away fromthe fixed in place part and the other resilient biasing means is positioned between the movable part and the conductive layer in order to apply a force thereto to cause the conductive layer to contactthe contact when a force is applied to the movable part.
The present invention is usable in place of theswitch actuating means disclosed in copending US. Pat. applications Ser. No. 145,212 filed May 20, 1971 by Richard E. Seeger, Jr. and George T. Hodgson, Jr. and Ser. No. 154,752 filed June 12, 1971 by Richard E. Seeger, Jr. and William J. Lynn. The entire disclosure of these patent applications are incorporated herein by reference hereto.
The present invention permits a keyboard to be constructed with a minimum of parts, with a reduction in fabrication and assembly costs. The major parts (those not resilient in nature) used herein may be constructed of plastic moldable in a conventional manner thus providing significant cost savings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE The keyboard actuator of the disclosure includes a fixed in place member for mounting on a circuit board over a resilient conductive layer, the fixed in place member having means for retaining a movable member snapable therein and adapted for slidable movement therein and first and second resilient biasing or spring means, the first spring means separating the members and the other positioned to be forced against the conductive layer upon movement of the movable member towards the conductive layer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a top view with the parts removed of a keyboard utilizing the actuator of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1 illustrating the key in position when at rest;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 2 illustrating the actuator when a force is applied thereto;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 2; and
FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 55 in FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Reference should now be had to FIGS. l-5 for a description of the preferred embodiment of the disclosure. At 6 there is shown a keyboard which comprises an outer decorative frame 7 in which there is mounted the working parts of the invention. The frame may be mounted to the working parts as shown in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 145,122 or any other conventional manner. The operating parts of the invention include an insulator board 8 (e.g., Bakelite, Formica) of the conventional type used in printed circuit applications and having holes 8a formed therethrough.
having a window 10a extending therethrough in line with at least a portion of the electrical contact means and mounting holes 10b. Positioned on the layer 10 is a resilient conductive layer or sheet 11 having mounting holes 11a. The layer 11 is selected of a material which may be forced through the window 10a into contact with the contact means 9 (see FIG. 3) and then springs back to itsat rest position shown in FIG. 2 when a force applied thereto is removed.
Various materials may be used as the conductive layer as set forth in the aforementioned referred to applications with the preferred material being a conductive plastic formed of silicone rubber (rubber is defined as a plastic in the context used herein) filled with silver flakes e.g., between 10 to 80 percent by volume.
At 12 in the drawing there is shown the actuator of the invention which includes a fixed in place or base member 13 having a hollow cavity 130 with a lip l3aa formed along the top thereof. The cavity 13a is provided with two guide channels or slots 13b within the sidewall thereof and has a pedestal 13c extending upwardly therefrom. The pedestal is provided with a bore 13d as shown.
A movable or key member is shown at 14 on which indicia e.g., numbers or letters may be mounted thereon as shown in FIG. 1.
The movable member 14 is positioned for slidable up and down movement with respect to the member 13 and has a portion thereof positioned within the confines of the cavity 13a. The member 14 is provided with projections 14a which are positionable in the slots 13b for travel therein.
The projections 14a as well as the member 14 forming a part thereof are preferably formed of a plastic material which is sufficiently flexible and resilient e.g.,
polypropylene, polyethelene, etc., so that it may snap past the lip 13aa into the cavity 13a and the slots 13b. Alternatively the base member or both members may be selected of a resilient type of material to allow the members to snap'together.
The member 14 is also provided with first and second bores 14b and 14c. The bore 14c is constructed so that it is positionable over the pedestal 13c and is slidably shown at 16 and performs the function of urging the conductive layer 11 against the contact means 9 upon application of a force to member 14 (see FIG. 3). Each of the springs may be coil springs as shown.
The spring 16 is selected such that when it is in the position shown in FIG. 2 it applies little or no force to the layer 11 and when it is forced downwardly by the member 14 it remains virtually uncompressed (see FIG. 3) and distorts the layer 11 so that it engages the contact means 9. The spring 16 is also preferably selected such that when the layer 11 bottoms against the contact means 9, it then slightly compresses so as not to substantially injure the layer 14 surface by penetrating into it. A protective cover layer e.g., of plastic may be positioned between the spring 16 and the layer 11 to provide further protection.
The actuator 12 is preferably mounted to the board 8 by the provision of rods l3e extending from the member 13. The rods extend through the holes 8a, 10b, and 11a to join them together in a sandwich.
The rods are preferably constructed of a plastic material e.g., polypropylene, nylon which may be softened with heat to form the heads 13f. Alternatively the rods may be threaded and nuts may then be used to hold the sandwich together.
As shown in the aforementioned patent application or disclosed in the aforementioned patent applications, the contact means may be segmented and thus the layer 1 1 may be used to close a circuit between the segments or alternatively the layer 11 may be grounded and the contact means made high so as to complete a circuit. Connector pins as shown in the aforementioned patent applications may be used to make contact with the layer 11 and the contact means 9. 1
We claim 1. In a keyboard or the like which includes an insulator board having electrical contact means thereon, insulator means having a window therethrough in alignment with at least a portion of the contact means and a resilient electrically conductive sheet means positioned on the insulator layer which has the property of being deformable by a force applied thereto to make electrical contact with the contact means by extending through the insulator means window and then springing back to a position out of electrical contact with the contact means, the improvement comprising a base member positioned over the conductive layer and having a portion of a movable member slidably positioned therein, first resilient biasing means'positioned between the base member and the movable member to urge the movable member and the base member apart, a lip forming a part of the base member to maintain at least a portion of the movable member within the confines of the base member by entrapping projections attached to the movable member, a second resilient biasing means positioned in contact with the movable member and positioned to apply a force to the conductive sheet means to deform it in order to make electrical contact with the contact means, said basemember having guide slots along the inner wall thereof in which the projections are slidably movable, in which the base member includes a pedestal and in which the movable member includes a first bore, the first bore of the movable member positioned about at least a portion of the pedestal.
2. Ina keyboard as claimed in claim 1 in which the pedestal has a bore in which the second resilient biasing is positioned, said second resilient biasing means ex tending into the bore beyond the pedestal to engage the movable member.
3. In a keyboard as claimed in claim 2 in which the spring is of the type which will compress once bottoming the conductive layer against the contact means.
4. In a keyboard according to claim 3 in which the first resilient biasing means surrounds the pedestal.
5. In a keyboard according to claim 4 in which the second resilient biasing means rests directly on the conductive layer.
6. In a keyboard according to claim 5 in which the resilient biasing means are coil springs.
7. In a keyboard according to claim 6 in which the base member includes rods which extend through holes in the board, the conductive layer and the insulator layer to form a sandwich.
Claims (7)
1. In a keyboard or the like which includes an insulator board having electrical contact means thereon, insulator means having a window therethrough in alignment with at least a portion of the contact means and a resilient electrically conductive sheet means positioned on the insulator layer which has the property of being deformable by a force applied thereto to make electrical contact with the contact means by extending through the insulator means window and then springing back to a position out of electrical contact with the contact means, the improvement comprising a base member positioned over the conductive layer and having a portion of a movable member slidably positioned therein, first resilient biasing means positioned between the base member and the movable member to urge the movable member and the base member apart, a lip forming a part of the base member to maintain at least a portion of the movable member within the confines of the base member by entrapping projections attached to the movable member, a second resilient biasing means positioned in contact with the movable member and positioned to apply a force to the conductive sheet means to deform it in order to make electrical contact with the contact means, said base member having guide slots along the inner wall thereof in which the projections are slidably movable, in which the base member includes a pedestal and in which the movable member includes a first bore, the first bore of the movable member positioned about at least a portion of the pedestal.
2. In a keyboard as claimed in claim 1 in which the pedestal has a bore in which the second resilient biasing is positioned, said second resilient biasing means extending into the bore beyond the pedestal to engage the movable member.
3. In a keyboard as claimed in claim 2 in which the spring is of the type which will compress once bottoming the conductive layer against the contact means.
4. In a keyboard according to claim 3 in which the first resilient biasing means surrounds the pedestal.
5. In a keyboard according to claim 4 in which the second resilient biasing means rests directly on the conductive layer.
6. In a keyboard according to claim 5 in which the resilient biasing means are coil springs.
7. In a keyboard according to claim 6 in which the base member includes rods which extend through holes in the board, the conductive layer and the insulator layer to form a sandwich.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US29763672A | 1972-10-16 | 1972-10-16 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| US3773998A true US3773998A (en) | 1973-11-20 |
Family
ID=23147131
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| US00297636A Expired - Lifetime US3773998A (en) | 1972-10-16 | 1972-10-16 | Pedestal and spring member for key actuator of diaphragm switch |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US3773998A (en) |
Cited By (29)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2232060A1 (en) * | 1973-06-01 | 1974-12-27 | Burroughs Corp | |
| US3862381A (en) * | 1973-10-29 | 1975-01-21 | Chomerics Inc | Keyboard switch assembly with multilayer, coextensive contactor means |
| US3862382A (en) * | 1973-10-29 | 1975-01-21 | Chomerics Inc | Keyboards switch assembly with multilayer pattern contact means |
| US3911233A (en) * | 1973-02-20 | 1975-10-07 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Keyboard switch for desk top electronic calculators |
| US3961147A (en) * | 1974-04-10 | 1976-06-01 | Teletype Corporation | Keying contact assembly |
| FR2299711A1 (en) * | 1975-01-31 | 1976-08-27 | Finsterhoelzl Rafi Elekt | PUSH BUTTON FOR ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES |
| DE2651376A1 (en) * | 1975-11-12 | 1977-05-26 | Electronic Components Ltd | PUSH BUTTONS FOR AN ELECTRIC SWITCH |
| US4027129A (en) * | 1973-08-24 | 1977-05-31 | Giko Kabushiki Kaisha | Push button switch |
| FR2343323A1 (en) * | 1976-03-05 | 1977-09-30 | Schoeller & Co Elektrotech | DECLICK SWITCH ESPECIALLY FOR TELEVISION AND RADIO RECEIVERS |
| US4117292A (en) * | 1977-06-10 | 1978-09-26 | Telaris Telecommunications, Inc. | Dual spring actuator for keyboard switch assembly |
| US4129758A (en) * | 1977-06-10 | 1978-12-12 | Telaris Telecommunications, Inc. | Keyboard switch assembly having flexible contact carrying member between contact carrying substrate and flexible, resilient, key-depressible bubble protrusions |
| US4156802A (en) * | 1977-06-10 | 1979-05-29 | Telaris Telecommunications, Inc. | Electrical switch assembly |
| FR2416537A1 (en) * | 1978-02-03 | 1979-08-31 | Picart Lebas Telephones | Pushbutton keyboard for subscribers telephone set - has sliding tubes acting as guides for internal and external helical springs of buttons |
| US4249055A (en) * | 1978-05-25 | 1981-02-03 | Alps Electric Co., Ltd. | Push button switch |
| US4251703A (en) * | 1978-11-10 | 1981-02-17 | International Standard Electric Corporation | Pushbutton for use with pushbutton switches |
| DE3013115A1 (en) * | 1980-04-03 | 1981-10-08 | Schoeller & Co Elektrotechnische Fabrik Gmbh & Co, 6000 Frankfurt | ELECTRIC KEY SWITCH |
| US4334134A (en) * | 1980-11-13 | 1982-06-08 | Gte Automatic Electric Labs Inc. | Identification cap actuator assembly |
| US4350857A (en) * | 1980-10-03 | 1982-09-21 | Allen-Bradley Company | Illuminated industrial membrane switch |
| US4376239A (en) * | 1980-10-03 | 1983-03-08 | Allen-Bradley Company | Industrial membrane switch |
| DE3148299A1 (en) * | 1981-12-05 | 1983-07-21 | Krone Gmbh, 1000 Berlin | KEY SWITCH FOR TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICES, IN PARTICULAR TELEPHONE APPARATUS |
| FR2533362A1 (en) * | 1982-09-22 | 1984-03-23 | Seima | Abrupt-action electromechanical switching device. |
| US4440999A (en) * | 1982-08-13 | 1984-04-03 | Press On, Inc. | Membrane switch |
| US4471177A (en) * | 1982-08-13 | 1984-09-11 | Press On, Inc. | Enlarged switch area membrane switch and method |
| US4602138A (en) * | 1982-09-28 | 1986-07-22 | Ing. C. Olivetti & C., S.P.A. | Keyboard with removable modular keys |
| EP0572860A1 (en) * | 1992-06-03 | 1993-12-08 | VDO Adolf Schindling AG | Barshaped button |
| US5895901A (en) * | 1996-09-17 | 1999-04-20 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Long-stroke push-on switch with reduced height |
| US20080217155A1 (en) * | 2007-03-05 | 2008-09-11 | Coactive Technologies, Inc. | Electrical switch having a variable return force |
| US20170308178A1 (en) * | 2016-04-22 | 2017-10-26 | Primax Electronics Ltd. | Assemblable keyboard and assemblable key |
| US20220165518A1 (en) * | 2019-08-17 | 2022-05-26 | Kostal Automobil Elektrik Gmbh & Co. Kg | Electric Push-Button Switch |
Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3165611A (en) * | 1961-07-18 | 1965-01-12 | Carling Electric Inc | Spring biased-spring actuated momentary switch |
| US3185803A (en) * | 1964-09-11 | 1965-05-25 | Neil J Driscoll | Push button switch with flexible contact |
| US3521015A (en) * | 1968-05-13 | 1970-07-21 | Singer Co | Key switch with axially misaligned shuttle bridging member |
| US3663780A (en) * | 1970-06-08 | 1972-05-16 | Oak Electro Nectics Corp | Switch in a button |
| US3676615A (en) * | 1970-07-13 | 1972-07-11 | Ibm | Pushbutton keyboard switch array and associated printed circuit logic cards |
| US3707609A (en) * | 1971-10-27 | 1972-12-26 | Texas Instruments Inc | Diaphragm pushbutton switch array for keyboards |
-
1972
- 1972-10-16 US US00297636A patent/US3773998A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3165611A (en) * | 1961-07-18 | 1965-01-12 | Carling Electric Inc | Spring biased-spring actuated momentary switch |
| US3185803A (en) * | 1964-09-11 | 1965-05-25 | Neil J Driscoll | Push button switch with flexible contact |
| US3521015A (en) * | 1968-05-13 | 1970-07-21 | Singer Co | Key switch with axially misaligned shuttle bridging member |
| US3663780A (en) * | 1970-06-08 | 1972-05-16 | Oak Electro Nectics Corp | Switch in a button |
| US3676615A (en) * | 1970-07-13 | 1972-07-11 | Ibm | Pushbutton keyboard switch array and associated printed circuit logic cards |
| US3707609A (en) * | 1971-10-27 | 1972-12-26 | Texas Instruments Inc | Diaphragm pushbutton switch array for keyboards |
Cited By (32)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3911233A (en) * | 1973-02-20 | 1975-10-07 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Keyboard switch for desk top electronic calculators |
| FR2232060A1 (en) * | 1973-06-01 | 1974-12-27 | Burroughs Corp | |
| US4027129A (en) * | 1973-08-24 | 1977-05-31 | Giko Kabushiki Kaisha | Push button switch |
| US3862381A (en) * | 1973-10-29 | 1975-01-21 | Chomerics Inc | Keyboard switch assembly with multilayer, coextensive contactor means |
| US3862382A (en) * | 1973-10-29 | 1975-01-21 | Chomerics Inc | Keyboards switch assembly with multilayer pattern contact means |
| US3961147A (en) * | 1974-04-10 | 1976-06-01 | Teletype Corporation | Keying contact assembly |
| FR2299711A1 (en) * | 1975-01-31 | 1976-08-27 | Finsterhoelzl Rafi Elekt | PUSH BUTTON FOR ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES |
| DE2651376A1 (en) * | 1975-11-12 | 1977-05-26 | Electronic Components Ltd | PUSH BUTTONS FOR AN ELECTRIC SWITCH |
| FR2343323A1 (en) * | 1976-03-05 | 1977-09-30 | Schoeller & Co Elektrotech | DECLICK SWITCH ESPECIALLY FOR TELEVISION AND RADIO RECEIVERS |
| US4117292A (en) * | 1977-06-10 | 1978-09-26 | Telaris Telecommunications, Inc. | Dual spring actuator for keyboard switch assembly |
| US4129758A (en) * | 1977-06-10 | 1978-12-12 | Telaris Telecommunications, Inc. | Keyboard switch assembly having flexible contact carrying member between contact carrying substrate and flexible, resilient, key-depressible bubble protrusions |
| US4156802A (en) * | 1977-06-10 | 1979-05-29 | Telaris Telecommunications, Inc. | Electrical switch assembly |
| FR2416537A1 (en) * | 1978-02-03 | 1979-08-31 | Picart Lebas Telephones | Pushbutton keyboard for subscribers telephone set - has sliding tubes acting as guides for internal and external helical springs of buttons |
| US4249055A (en) * | 1978-05-25 | 1981-02-03 | Alps Electric Co., Ltd. | Push button switch |
| US4251703A (en) * | 1978-11-10 | 1981-02-17 | International Standard Electric Corporation | Pushbutton for use with pushbutton switches |
| DE3013115A1 (en) * | 1980-04-03 | 1981-10-08 | Schoeller & Co Elektrotechnische Fabrik Gmbh & Co, 6000 Frankfurt | ELECTRIC KEY SWITCH |
| US4376239A (en) * | 1980-10-03 | 1983-03-08 | Allen-Bradley Company | Industrial membrane switch |
| US4350857A (en) * | 1980-10-03 | 1982-09-21 | Allen-Bradley Company | Illuminated industrial membrane switch |
| US4334134A (en) * | 1980-11-13 | 1982-06-08 | Gte Automatic Electric Labs Inc. | Identification cap actuator assembly |
| DE3148299A1 (en) * | 1981-12-05 | 1983-07-21 | Krone Gmbh, 1000 Berlin | KEY SWITCH FOR TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICES, IN PARTICULAR TELEPHONE APPARATUS |
| US4440999A (en) * | 1982-08-13 | 1984-04-03 | Press On, Inc. | Membrane switch |
| US4471177A (en) * | 1982-08-13 | 1984-09-11 | Press On, Inc. | Enlarged switch area membrane switch and method |
| FR2533362A1 (en) * | 1982-09-22 | 1984-03-23 | Seima | Abrupt-action electromechanical switching device. |
| US4602138A (en) * | 1982-09-28 | 1986-07-22 | Ing. C. Olivetti & C., S.P.A. | Keyboard with removable modular keys |
| EP0572860A1 (en) * | 1992-06-03 | 1993-12-08 | VDO Adolf Schindling AG | Barshaped button |
| US5895901A (en) * | 1996-09-17 | 1999-04-20 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Long-stroke push-on switch with reduced height |
| US20080217155A1 (en) * | 2007-03-05 | 2008-09-11 | Coactive Technologies, Inc. | Electrical switch having a variable return force |
| US7442894B2 (en) * | 2007-03-05 | 2008-10-28 | Coactive Technologies, Inc. | Electrical switch having a variable return force |
| US20170308178A1 (en) * | 2016-04-22 | 2017-10-26 | Primax Electronics Ltd. | Assemblable keyboard and assemblable key |
| US9898094B2 (en) * | 2016-04-22 | 2018-02-20 | Primax Electronics Ltd. | Assemblable keyboard and assemblable key |
| US20220165518A1 (en) * | 2019-08-17 | 2022-05-26 | Kostal Automobil Elektrik Gmbh & Co. Kg | Electric Push-Button Switch |
| US11830686B2 (en) * | 2019-08-17 | 2023-11-28 | Kostal Automobil Elektrik Gmbh & Co. Kg | Electric push-button switch |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US3773998A (en) | Pedestal and spring member for key actuator of diaphragm switch | |
| US3860771A (en) | Keyboard switch assembly with dome shaped actuator having associated underlying contactor means | |
| US3721778A (en) | Keyboard switch assembly with improved operator and contact structure | |
| US3780237A (en) | Keyboard switch assembly with multi-sectional key actuator | |
| US3789167A (en) | Multi-output level keyboard switch assembly with improved operator and contact structure | |
| US4086451A (en) | Keyboard apparatus | |
| US3862382A (en) | Keyboards switch assembly with multilayer pattern contact means | |
| USRE32977E (en) | Key-holding structure of keyboard with curved operating surface of keys | |
| US4022993A (en) | Switch assembly having electrically illuminated character display devices between transparent actuators and switch arrays | |
| US3811025A (en) | Touch panel switch assembly | |
| US3965399A (en) | Pushbutton capacitive transducer | |
| US6303887B1 (en) | Pushbutton switch element for pushbutton switch structure | |
| US4636593A (en) | Light conducting, elastomeric membrane keypad | |
| EP0499449B1 (en) | Key switch | |
| US3862381A (en) | Keyboard switch assembly with multilayer, coextensive contactor means | |
| US3705276A (en) | Keyboard switch assembly with conductive plastic contactor and actuator spring sleeve biasing means | |
| US4520248A (en) | Keyboard assembly | |
| US4035593A (en) | Flexible pressure sensitive switch actuator module adaptable to a keyboard surface having fixed contact array | |
| US3806685A (en) | Linear cam slide switch with guide means and conductive sheet contact | |
| US4500758A (en) | Keyboard switch assembly having sensory feedback | |
| US3590195A (en) | Oilcan pushbutton switch | |
| GB1468384A (en) | Switching apparatus for use in making and breaking an electrical circuit and method of manufacture | |
| US5950810A (en) | Elastic apparatus for a keyswitch key of a keyboard and the keyswitch key using the same | |
| JPS5936375B2 (en) | keyboard | |
| KR900008724A (en) | Electrical connector assembly including pressure generating member |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| AS | Assignment |
Owner name: AMP INCORPORATED, HARRISBURG, PA., 17105, A CORP. Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:CHOMERICS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:003854/0523 Effective date: 19810511 |
|
| AS | Assignment |
Owner name: AMP KEYBOARD TECHNOLOGIES, INC., A WHOLLY OWNED SU Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:AMP INCORPORATED;REEL/FRAME:005258/0518 Effective date: 19890418 Owner name: LUCAS DURALITH AKT CORPORATION Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:AMP KEYBOARD TECHNOLOGIES INC.;REEL/FRAME:005258/0527 Effective date: 19890428 |