Two-layer membrane switch
US5438177A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 6, 1992 |
| Grant date | Aug 1, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 6, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2227/036
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A two-layer membrane switch particularly suited for application as a keyswitch in low-profile keyboard applications, such as keyboards for notebook or laptop type personal computers. When used as a keyswitch, the switch comprises a first conductor layer including a conductive ink patterned as an electrical contact on a polyester dielectric film around an opening through the film. A second conductor layer, also includes a conductive ink patterned as an electrical contact on a polyester dielectric film. With the electrical contact of the second conductor layer located under the corresponding opening in the first conductor layer, a moveable, conductive elastomer switch closure is used to establish electrical contact between the electrical contact of the first conductor layer and the electrical contact of the second conductor layer through the opening in the first conductor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.