Dual spring actuator for keyboard switch assembly
US4117292A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 10, 1977 |
| Grant date | Sep 26, 1978 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 10, 1997 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2235/018
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An economical yet versatile dual spring actuator switch assembly providing an excellent tactile impression includes a planar switch closure assembly having domed protrusions extending from a surface thereof to provide switch closure when depressed and a switch actuator assembly. The easily assembled switch actuator assembly includes a cover plate with a guiding, key receiving plate aperture disposed therein opposite each protrusion, a plurality of keys, each key having a central key aperture, and a guide post within the central key aperture and being slideably received by a different plate aperture, a plurality of followers, each disposed adjacent a different protrusion and having a central aperture slideably receiving a guide post in guiding, mating relationship, a plurality of first springs, each maintaining a repulsive force between a different key and the surface, and a plurality of second springs, each coupling a different key to a follower to communicate a switch closure force to a protrusion upon depression of a key. The double spring arrangement permits independent selection of key and protrusion actuation forces and buffers each protrusion from its associated key for longe…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.