Four-way key switch control mechanism
US4520240A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 1, 1983 |
| Grant date | May 28, 1985 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 1, 2003 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H25/04
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A four-way integral switch mechanism allows activation of any one of four switches. This mechanism may be used to position a cursor on a display in both the vertical and horizontal directions where there is a need to control four separate switches to properly locate the cursor. The switch mechanism includes two switch toppers, one of which snaps into and pivots within the other along an axis in a first direction. These two switch toppers then snap into a base which provides a second pivot axis for the second topper which is 90 degrees from the first. The base may have guide pin holes for positioning it as well as the two switch toppers. A spring mechanism engages each of the four lower surfaces of the switch toppers. The switch toppers thereby form one integral whole providing control of four switches by sliding a finger in the direction that cursor movement is desired. Each key has only one degree of freedom, that of rotation, which gives the key a firm controlled feel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.