Keyboard switch
US4418257A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 23, 1981 |
| Grant date | Nov 29, 1983 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 23, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H1/029
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An improved switch assembly is disclosed having particular application as part of a key in a computer keyboard. The switch includes first and second pairs of spaced apart electrical contacts, the first pair extending above the second. A conductive and resilient diaphragm is disposed over both pairs of contacts physically contacting only the first. A deformable generally bell shaped actuator member is disposed over the diaphragm, the walls of the actuator member being tapered in thickness so as to buckle upon the application of a known vertical force. Actuator means are provided to deform the actuator member in response to the activation of the switch by a user, thereby forcing the diaphragm to physically contact the second electrical contact completing a circuit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.