CA1163725A - Electrical switch assembly and method of manufacture - Google Patents
Electrical switch assembly and method of manufactureInfo
- Publication number
- CA1163725A CA1163725A CA000391145A CA391145A CA1163725A CA 1163725 A CA1163725 A CA 1163725A CA 000391145 A CA000391145 A CA 000391145A CA 391145 A CA391145 A CA 391145A CA 1163725 A CA1163725 A CA 1163725A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- switch assembly
- electrically conductive
- shaped fingers
- contact members
- assembly according
- 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
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H1/00—Contacts
- H01H1/12—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage
- H01H1/36—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage by sliding
- H01H1/40—Contact mounted so that its contact-making surface is flush with adjoining insulation
- H01H1/403—Contacts forming part of a printed circuit
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- 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
-
- 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
- H01H13/7013—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 in which the movable contacts of each switch site or of a row of switch sites are formed in a single plate
Landscapes
- Push-Button Switches (AREA)
Abstract
-23-ELECTRICAL SWITCH ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention provides low cost electrical switch assemblies and methods for manufacturing same. The switch assembly comprises an array of resiliently flexible metallic conductors arranged in predetermined circuit pathways on a dielectric carrier panel. A plurality of apertures or cavities are provided at predetermined locations in the carrier panel. The switch contacts comprise a pair of generally L-shaped fingers which are integral extensions of the flexible conductors. The fingers extend from opposite edge surfaces of the carrier panel defining an associated aperture or cavity, to pass one another over or within their associated aperture or cavity, with the free ends of the fingers terminating adjacent one another. The free ends of the L-shaped fingers extend in part above or below the plane of the carrier panel, and are positioned in spaced relationship to one another so that the conductors they connect are normally open, but are sufficiently close to one another so that slight deflection of the fingers from their normal orientation moves the free ends in contact with each other to thereby close the switch. Alternatively, the free ends of the L-shaped fingers are positioned in contact with one another so that slight deflection of the fingers from their normal orientation breaks their contact. The metallic conductors and integral switch contacts may be formed by photoimaging and either chemical milling or additive techniques such as plating up or solder doming, and/or mechanical milling and/or precision die stamping techniques.
Description
, 3 63725 ELECTRICAL SWITCH ASSEMBLY
AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE
This invention relates generally to electrical switch assemblies, and more particularly to improved switch assemblies comprising a plurality of switches in a predefined arrangement, and to methods for 10 manufacturing such switch assemblies. The invention has particular utility in connection with keyswitches in a keyboard assembly and will be describe~ in connection with such utility.
Electrical switch assemblies for sensing the activation of keys in a keyboard system and for producing signals representative of keyboard activations are well known in the art. In general, prior art keyboard switches comprise a circuit board having a plurality of discontinuous, conductive pathways, separate from one another, on one or both surfaces thereof, and a plurality of switching means for selectively, electrically connecting the pathways, carried on one surface of the board. Typically the switching means comprise individual contact elements supported in a plane remote from that of the circuit board, and spaced from the conductive pathways.
Resilient spring means are provided for maintaining the contact elements in the remote plane so that the individual switches are normally open. For example, Robinson et al U.S. Patent 4018999 disclose a keyboard switch assembly comprising a plurality of switches in a ., ~.
~ J 63725 precle~ined arrangement formed on one face of an insulative circuit board, and having a protective insulative coating located over ~the entire circuit board to retain the switches on the board, and also to seal the switches. According to Robinson et al each switch has an annular outer contact and a concentric inner contact, and includes a resiliently deformable, dome-sllaped activating element. The activating element has an annular marginal edge which is shaped to 10 coincide with the outer contact and is positioned on top o~ the outer contact to protrude therefrom. In operation, a downward force is applied to the upwardly protruding portion of the actuating element so that the element is deformed downwardly and touches the inner 15 contact, thereby completing an electrical circuit between the inner and outer contacts.
Another type keyboard switch is disclosed in Webb et al U.S. Patent No. 3653038. Webb et al disclose a snap action capacitive electric signal device which may 20 be used as a switch. The basic structure comprises a metallic target which forms one "plate" of the capacitor. Located near the target and separated therefrom by air is a dome spring which forms the other plate of the capacitor. Located adjacent the dome 25spring and axially aligned therewith is a depressible button or key. The dome spring and associated depressible button are maintained in place in registration in suitably located circular apertures formed in a central insulating support board or guide 30plate.
Still other variations of keyboard switches are disclosed in Wiener U.S. Patent No. 3383487, Sudduth U.S. Patent No. 3,699,294, Seeger, Jr. et al U.S.
Patent No. 3,789,167, Lynn et al U.S. Patent No.
353,860,771, Flint et al U.S. Patent No. 4,0R3,100, i 1 fi3~25 Pounds U.S. Patent No. 4,042,439, Dunlap U.S. Patent No. 4,085,306, Pounds et al U.S. Patent 4,195,210, Satoh U.S. Patent 4,218,603, Kissner, U.S. Patent 4,218,600 and Johnson U.S. Patent 4,254,309.
Manufacturing keyboard switches of the above described prior art types is relatively expensive.
Such prior art types require a number of parts which must be separately manufactured and inventoried. Also, accurate positioning of the various actuating members 10with respect to their associated contacts presents manufacturing problems. With respect to the positioning problems the art has proposed certain solutions; however, as reported by Flint et al in U.S.
Patent 4083100, existing solutions to such positioning 15problems either have proved too inaccurate, or have required complex and expensive equipment. For example, Rohinson et al have suggested that the actuating me~ ers may be initially oriented with respect to the circuit board by means of an appropriate template.
20 However, before the insulation sheet can be secured over the circuit board the template has to be removed.
This presents a problem since the activating members have to be retained in place independently of the template once they are positioned with respect to the 2s circuit board. In order to solve this latter problem Robinson et al propose assembling the actuating members to the circuit board on a specially designed transfer base. The latter is constructed to receive the circuit board and to retain the domes with respect thereto by 30 means of an externally applied vacuum or-by means of magnet members. As will be appreciated, the transfer base not only constitutes an additional complication and expense in the assembly process, but also introduces difficulties in accurate alignment, because 35 the transfer base, the circuit board and the template i I fi3725 all have to be aligned accurately. Also, when the teml-late is removed, the actuating members are in an exposed position with respect to the circuit and altl~ough restrained with respect to the circuit board, could be damaged or accidentally moved out of position during assembly. Also, the insulation sheet necessarily is placed on top of the circuit board and actuating members prior to ~eing secured thereto, and, in being moved about, could accidentally displace one 0or more actuating members. Moreover, with this technique the insulation sheet is supported only on the tops of the actuating members and is not held flat immediately prior to being secured to the board. Thus, creases or similar imperfections in the insulation 15sheet material near the perimeter of an actuating member might not be secured to the board and thereby would permit some movement of the actuating member. As a result of the actuating member could move with respect to the circuit board during separation, so 20 that, even though accurately positioned initially, the actuating member could move out of position during use. The foregoing and other limitations of positioning accuracy, manufacturing convenience, switch reliability and manufacturing cost are believed 25 inherent in many prior art keyboard swi-tch assemblies and the manufacture of such switch assemblies.
Moreover many prior art keyboards are believed to be prone to failure in the field due to mechanical and/or electrical breakdown. With regard to this latter 30 problem, it has thus become a common practice in the art to plate switch contacting members with a non-corrosive metal such as gold. Such plating requirements add significantly to manufacturing costs.
Moreover, the inter-connections may also be subject to degradation due to metal loss from the switch ~ 1 6372~
contacting members upon repeated mating and unmating interconnections.
It is thus a principle object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved electrical switch assembly which overcomes the aforesaid and other problems of the prior art.
Yet other objects of the present invention are to provide highly reliable electrical switches, particularly for use in keyboard applications, and low-cost methods for producing electrical switches of the type above described. Still more specific objects are to provide novel and improved keyboard switches which are characterized by extreme reliability, and low-cost method for producing custom switch patterns.
Generally, the present invention provides an electrical switch assembly which comprises in combination a dielectric carrier panel having at least one cavity formed in one face thereof, an electrically conductive circuit formed of a resiliently flexible conductive material fixed in part to the dielectric carrier panel and actuating means. The electrically conductive circuit has an array of switch means and each of the switch means comprises a pair of contact members overlying the cavity. The pair of contact members comprise (a) integral extensions of the conductive circuits and include (b) a pair of generally L-shaped members (1) disposed inwardly for a distance and (2) cantilevered from the edge of their associated cavity.
The L-shaped fingers occupy the same plane adjacent the edge of their associated cavity, extend beyond the geometric center of --6~
the associated cavity and extend, in part, above or below the plane of the one face of the panel. The actuating means overlay the <-ontact members.
Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of fabricating the electrical switch assembly described above. In accordance with one method, there is provided the steps of (a) providing a resiliently flexible electrically conductive sheet; (b) removing material from areas of the electrically conductive sheet while leaving a pattern of conductors and the contact members but continuous to one another; (c) severing the continuous contact members to form the L-shaped fingers; (d) permanently deforming the L-shaped fingers at least in part; (e) providing a dielectric substrate having cavities at predetermined locations in one surface thereof; and ~f) fixedly positioning the pattern of conductors and L-shaped fingers resulting from step (d) relative to the one surface of the dielectric substrate with the L-shaped fingers positioned at least in part overlying or within the cavities.
In accordance with another method of this aspect of the invention, there is provided the steps of (a) providing a resiliently flexible circuit panel having an electrically conductive pattern in the form of the electrically conductive circuit and the contact members but continuous to one another;
(b) severing the continuous contact members to form the L-shaped fingers; (c) depositing electrically conductive material onto selected areas of the L-shaped fingers so as to produce raised areas thereon; (d) providing a dielectrical panel having I J ~3725 -6a-cavities at predetermined locations in one surface thereof; and (e) fixedly positioning the pattern of conductors and L-shaped fingers resulting from step (c) onto the one surface of the dielectric panel, with the raised areas of the L-shaped fingers positioned at least in part overlying or within the cavities.
For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numbers depict like parts and:
Fig. 1 is a top plan view of one form of electrical switch assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention, and incorporated in a keyboard;
Fig. 2 is an enlarged top plan view of a portion of the electrical switch assembly of Fig. 1 at an intermediate stage of formation;
Fig. 3a is an enlarged side elevational view, partly in section, of the electrical switch assembly of Fig. l; and showing the switch in open position;
Fig. 3b is an enlarged side elevational view similar to Fig. 3a, and showing the switch in closed position;
Fig. 4a is an enlarged geometric projection, partly in section, of a portion of the electrical switch assembly of Fig. 1, and showing the switch in open 5 position;
Fig. 4b is an enlarged geometric projection similar to Fig. 4a, and showing the switch in closed position;
Fig. 5 is a block flow diagram illustrating one process fo-r producing the electrical switch assembly of lOFig. ~;
Figs. 6 to 11 are top plan views of an electrical switch assembly at various stages of formation in accordance with the process of Fig. 5;
Fig. 12 is a geometric projection of a forming tool 15 use~ul in the process of Fig. 5.
Fig. 13 is an enlarged geometric projection, partly in section, of a portion of the electrical switch assembly at the Fig. 12 stage of formation in accordance with the process of Fig. 5;
Fig. 14 is a block flow diagram illustrating an alternative process for producing the electrical switch assembly of the present invention;
Fig. 15a is an enlarged side elevational view, partly in section, showing one alternative form of 25 electrical switch assembly made in accordance with the present invention, and showing the switch in open position;
Fig. 15b is an enlarged side elevational view, similar to Fig. 15a, and showing the one alternative form of electrical switch assembly according to the present invention in closed portion;
Pig. 16a is an enlarged side elevational view, partly in section, of another alternative form of electrical switch assembly according to the present invention, and showing the switch in open position;
`iJ63725 Fig. 16b is an enlarged side elevational view similar to Fig. 16a, and showing the other alternative form of electrical switch assembly according to the present invention in closed position.
Fig. 17a is an enlarged side elevational view, partly in section, of still another alternative form of electrical switch assembly according to the present invention, and showing the switch in closed position;
Fig. 17b is an enlarged side elevational view, similar to Pig. 17a, and showing the still another alternative form of electrical switch assembly according to the present invention, in open position;
Fig. 18a is an enlarged side elevational view, partly in section, of yet another alternative form of IS electrical switch assembly according to the present invention, and showing the switch in open position;
Fig. 18b is an enlarged side elevational view similar to Fig. 18a, and showing the still another alternative form of electrical switch assembly in 20 closed position, Fig. l9a is an enlarged geometric projection, partly in section, of still yet another form of electrical switch assembly according to the present invention, and showing the switch in open position; and Fig. l9b is an enlarged geometric projection similar to Pig. l9a, and showing the switch in closed position;
As used herein the terms "left" and "right", "upper" and "lower", and "upwardly" and "downwardly", 30 respectively, are used to denote relative direction solely with reference to the illustrations in the accompanying drawings. One skilled in the art will recognize, however, that in actual practice the switch assembly may be oriented other than as shown in the 35 drawings.
i 1 637~5 g One embodiment of electrical switch assembly in accordance with the present invention, assembled as a keyhoard, is shown in Figs. 1 to 4 of the drawings. In th~ embodiment of Figs. 1 to 4 the keyboard, indicated 5 generally at 18 comprises a flexible laminated circuit assembly 20 including a flexible dielectric film or base sheet 62 of conventional flexible printed circuit insu~.iting material, e.g. 0.001 to 0.005 inch thick or more Mylar~(available from E.I. DuPont de Nemours) and llaving a plurality of electrically conductive circuit pathways 24a,b, each formed of electrically conductive, flexi~le metal such as 0.0005 to 0.0010 inch thick or more supported copper adhesively fixed to surface 26 of base sheet 62. (Material thickness may vary over a 15 wide range dependent on materials selection and switch size. As will become clear from the description folLowing, as a general rule geometrically larger ss~itches require heavier, i.e., thicker materials, while geometrically smaller switches require lighter, 20 i.e., thinner materials.) The flexible circuit assernbly 20 is formed by phGtoimaging and chemical milling (etching) techniques as will be described in detail hereinafter. (For convenience of illustration only a portion of circuit assembly 20 is shown in the 25 drawings, and base sheet 62 has been omitted for clarity.) Alternatively circuit assembly 20 may comprise a flexible conductive material such as a screened silver filled epoxy supported on a flexible dielectric polymeric substrate, or the circuit assembly 20 may comprise a plurality of flexible insulating sheets and including one or more internally carried layers of conductive pathways. The conductive pathways have dimensions and shapes corresponding to desired design criteria, e.g. current carrying capacity and circuit and switch geometry.
i 1 ~372~
- 1 o -The circuit assembly 20 is fixed to a rigid molded base member 30 as by adhesive means or by mechanical means as will be described in detail hereinafter. Base member 30 comprises a generally planar rigid body 5 formed of electrically insulating material such as a glass filled thermoplastic polyester polymer, and has a plurality of cavities or blind holes 32 in predetermined locations corresponding to the desired location for the switch contacts 34 as will be 10described in detail hereinafter. Alternatively base -member 30 may comprise a rigid board formed of electrically insulating material such as 0.062 inch thick phenolic resin board and having apertures or blind holes in the aforesaid predetermined locations.
Circuit pathways 24 a, b... terminate at one end at bus members or contact fingers 36 a, 36 b...
respectively and at their respective other ends at switch contacts 34. The latter are in normally open position. Each switch contact 34 comprises a first 20 "left" contact memher 40 which is an integral extension of pathway 24b, and a second "right" contact member 42 which is an integral extension of pathway 24a.
Obviously bus members or contact fingers 36a and 36b provide an electrical connection to circuits (not 25 shown) external of circuit assembly 20.
Contact members 40 and 42 each constitute a generally L-shaped or golf club-like shaped member, the supporting beams or legs 48 and 50 of which are fixedly positioned at the edges of holes 32 to the top side 30 surface 52 of base member 30. Supporting legs 48 and 50 extend across holes 32 for a distance beyond each other within of their associated hole 32. As seen in Fig. 2 of the drawings supporting legs 48 and 50 are approximately of identical length. Alternatively, one 35 leg may be longer than the other, if desired. The free 3 7 2 ~
ends 54 and 56 of members 40 and 42, respectively, are forme~ (deflected) at an angle to the plane of top side surface 52 and supporting legs 48 and 50, respectively, i.e., so as to extend downwardly at an angle from the 5 plane of surface 52. Alternatively, free ends 54 and 56 may be formed (deflected) upwardly at an angle, to the plane of surface 52, i.e., as shown in Figs. 16a and 16b or Figs. 17a and 17b. As seen in Fig. 2, free ends 54 and 56 terminate a short distance from each other over or within their associated hole 32.
Completing the illustrated electrical switch assembly is a protective overlay covering 100 of flexible insulative sheet material which is fixedly positioned over the upper surface of circuit assembly 15 20- Preferably, but not necessarily, overlay covering 100 includes actuator elements 102 which are located to overlie the switch contact members' free ends 54 and 56 (see Figs. 3 and 4. For convenience of illustration dielectric film 22 has been omitted from Figs. 4a and 20 ~b). Alternatively, the switch assembly may comprise actuator elements which are located to directly overlie the switch contact members' free ends 54 and 56, i.e., without any intervening overlay covering.
Figs. 5 to 13 illustrate a preferred method of 25 forming an electrical switch assembly in accordance with the present invention, employing photoimaging and chemical milling techniques for forming the circuit and switch patterns. It will be understood, however, that the circuit and/or switch patterns may be formed 30 employing additive techniques, e.g. plating up, mechanical stamping techniques, screening on of conductive inks such as metal filled epoxy, or using formed, i.e. shaped wires or conductors.
A resiliently flexible laminated sheet material 60 35 comprising a thin metal film or foil 64 such as 0.0005 ï ~ fi3725 inch thick copper adhered to an ad~lesive coated polylneric film substrate such as 0.005 inch tllick Mylar 62 (Trademark of E.I. DuPont de Nemours for polyester film) is provided as shown in Fig. 6a. The top, i.e.
5 metal film surface 64 of laminated sheet 60 is then clcaned employing conventional cleanin~ techniques, and the cleansed surface is then coated at a coating station 68 (Fig. 5) with conventional resist layer 70 as shown in Fig. 6b. A positive resist is preferre~ so that multiple imaging and ~eveloping stages may be em~loyed as will become clear from the description following. Various positive resists are known in tlle art and are available commercially. For the purposes of this example A~ type positive resist available from the Shipley Co., Newton, ~ass., is used. Resist layer 70 then is exposed to light, at an imaging station 72 to a positive art work image of the circuit pathways an~l contacts 40 and 42. Those areas 70a (Fig. 6c) of the resist exposed to light are altered and removed frorn the sheet in a later developing operation. The laminate is then immersed in a preferential solvent for the resist ~e.g., sodium hydroxide solution), and developed at a treating station 73, with the result that the exposed portions of resist layer 70a are S dissolved leaving resist layer 70b in a positive image of the circuit pathways and switch contacts overall plan, i.e. as shown in Fig. 7.
The next step in the process involves chemically milling the exposed metallic areas of metal foil 64 by contacting the laminated sheet with an acid etching solution at an etching station 74. Etching removes metal from all the uncovered areas of the metal film, leaving the areas of metal film covered by the resist intact (see Fig. 8).
The next step in the process involves sslectively c/e / fq r~;
~ 1 637'25 re-e~posing and developing the resist so as to expose selected areas 75 of the resist layer 70, which areas suhsequently become the switch contact free ends 54 and 56 (see Fig 2) to light, at imaging station 72. Those 5 areas of the resist layer 70 exposed to light are ;lltered as before, and removed from the sheet by immersing the sheet in a preferential solvent and developing at treating station 73, with the result that th~ exposed portions of resist layer 70 are dissolved 10 to expose metallic areas 75 o~ foil 64, and leaving resist layer 70 intact as a protective coating on the circuit pathways and contact supporting legs ~8 and 50 (see Fig. 9).
The next step involves plating the exposed meta~lic lS areas 75 of foil 64 by a conventional plating technique, e.g., electrodeposition, in known manner, with a non-corrosive metal 76 at a plating station 79.
Mylar film 62 effectively masks the entire bottom surface of circuit pathways and contacts 40 and 42 while resist areas 70 effectively mask the entire top surface of the metal foil (other than exposed areas 75), so that electrodeposition of metal is selectively restricted to those areas of the switch contacts which ultimately will become the actual contact areas of the switches- As a result plating the switch contacts thus is an especially simple procedure, and one which may result in relatively low metal consumption in the plating operation. The resulting structure is shown in Fig. 10.
The next steps in the process involve cutting and shaping (forming) the actual switch contacts. Cutting and shaping may be accomplished either in a single precision die cutting and shaping step in cutting and forming station 92, or in separate cutting and shaping 35 steps. For convenience of illustration the cutting and `, ~ 63725 shaping steps are described as two separate steps. In the first step the Mylar substrate 62, plated areas 76 and legs 48 and 50 are cut free at 77 in known manner, by means of a steel rule die, to outline plated areas 5 76 and legs 48 and 50. T~e resulting structure is as shown in Fig. 11. In the second step plated areas 76 of the contact members are shaped or formed (deflected) permanently upwardly from the plane of surface 62 as shown by heat forming and cooling the cut free plated areas 76 under pressure Usillg a heated steel ruled die.
an(l mating anvil (see Figs. 12 and 13) or by vacuum f~rming techniques as are known per se in the art.
(~or convenience of illustration Fig. 13 shows the structure in inverted obli~ue view.) In this step, plated areas 76 are shaped or deflected so as to extend at an angle, preferably in the range of 45 to 115 , as measured from the plane of surface 62, and the deflection is permanently set in the Mylar film by heat forming or other known means, whereby to form 20shaped free ends 54 and 56 (see Figs. 2 and 3). By way of example, as shown in Fig. 13, plated areas 76 may be located over a suitably dimensioned template 91 (metallic area to template), covered with a silicon ruhber pad 93, and pressure and heat (150 F) applied 2sto the silicon pad for sufficient time to permanently set the captured Mylar layer 62. Deflection is controlled so that the closest edges of ~ree ends 5-1 and 56 are located a short distance from one another, for example, to provide a 0.010 to 0.025 inch spacing 30 between the free ends 54 and 56. Obviously, the spacing between free ends 54 and 56 is a matter of design choice and may be adjusted for a particular application.
Thereafter, the structure resulting from Figs. 12 35 and 13 is secured at a mounting station 90 to rigid i 1 63725 apertured panel or molded base member 30 with the severed free ends 54 and 56 centered over the geometric centers of the panel cavities or holes 32. Obviously cavities or holes 32 are in a predefined pattern in S accordance with the particular switch pattern.
The final step involves covering the resulting switch structure with a flexible dielectric overlay covering 100. Overlay covering 100 preferably includes actuator elements 102 in the form of curved, 10disc-shaped resiliently flexible members such as molded key caps or domes or the like which are located to overlie the switch contacts. Actuator elements 102 preferably but not necessarily are formed integrally with overlay covering 100. Overlay covering 100 may be 15adhesively fixed to the switch assembly along the edges thereof so as to provide a sealed unit. Alternatively, ove~lay covering 100, base member 30 and circuit board assenlbly 20 may be mechanically joined as a Ullit, as by heat swaging suitably located locking posts 109.
20Locking posts 109, which may be molded integrally with hase member 30, are located to mate with and extend through suitable located apertures 108 in circuit board assembly 20 and overlay covering 100, respectively.
(See Figs. 3a and 3b in which a locking post 109 is 2sil1ustrated prior to and following swaging). One skilled in the art will recognize that the provision of posts and mating apertures permits simple and reliable registration of the switch assembly.
The resulting structure is as shown in Figs. 1 to 4 30Of the drawings.
One skilled in the art will recognize a number of advantages of the present invention over prior art switches. For one, the switches and supporting electrical circuits may be formed by simple 35photo-imaging and etching techniques, and a simple , 1 637~5 l ~
mechanical die cutting and forming operation.
Moreover, the switch assembly may have virtually unlimited geometric design. The switch assembly has few par~s, and assembly alignment problems normally 5 associated with prior art switches essentially are eliminated. Additionally, switch throw and switch spring constant are dependent on readily modified variables including aperture size, actuator geometry and selection of materials employed. Moreoyer, the invention provides particular manufacturing advantages of simple assembly techniques, and high field use reliability since the switch contact areas can be plated with precious metal (e.g. gold) at minimum materials cost. Additionally, the natural motion of lS the switch provides a wiping action of the switch contact surfaces whereby to remove any oxidation which ma~ form on the switch, and thus increase switch reliability.
The aforesaid invention is susceptible to 20 modification. Thus, for example as shown in Fig. 14, the desired circuit and switch pattern may be produced by stamping or cutting the circuit and switch pattern directly from a spring metal sheet such as 0.005 inch thick phosphor bronze. The switch contacts may then be 25 shaped in a precision die stamping station 200, with the spring metal itself taking permanent set.
Alternatively, the circuit cutting and shaping operation may be combined in a single step. The resulting structure may then be assembled, at a mounting station 204, to suitably provided molded base member 30 and cover member 100 as before. The resulting structure is as shown in Figs. 15a and 15b which illustrate the resulting switch contact in open and closed positions, respectively. A particular feature and advantage of the procedure of Fig. 14 is i ~ ~37~
that ~eyboard or other switch assemblies having re~ularly positioned switches can be manufactured quite inexpensively by a simple stamping operation.
Moreover, by using strip-plated laminate as the 5 starting metallic sheet material and employing suitable circuit/switch design low cost switches with plated contacts may be produced. Strip plated laminate is available commercially in various weights and dimensions.
Moreover, as shown in Figs. 16a and 16b, switch contact free ends 54 and 56 may be formed upwardly (relative to surface 52), i.e., toward actuator element 102. In still another modification as shown in Fig.
17a, the switch contact free ends 54 and 56 extend 15upwardly from the face of base member 30 in normally closed position. Actuation of such switches will result in switch opening as shown in Fig. 17b. Note in Pigs. 17a and 17b the switch contacts are formed upwardly from molded base 30 into a molded bubble 20 formed in a dielectric cover member 100. (In the Figs.
17a and 17b embodiment dielectric cover member 100 constitutes the "carrier panel" while the molded bubble constitutes the "cavity" for accomodating the switch contacts in accordance with the present invention.) A
25 particular advantage of the switch modification of Figs. 17a and 17b is that the switch may be made especially thin in cross-section. Moreover, base member 30 need not be generally planar as shown, but may be made rounded, at least in part.
In still another modification as shown in Figs. 18a and 18b, the switch contacts comprise L-shaped (formed) spring wires 213 which are plated at the free ends thereof, i.e. at 210. With this latter embodiment the heat forming operation may be eliminated.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, shown `i ~ 63725 in ~igs. l9a and l9b, the switch contacts and associated circuitry are sandwiched between a pair of flexible dielectric polymer bubbled sheets 210 and 212. Operation of the switch is as above described.
Still other changes will be obvious to one skilled in the art. Thus, switches other than keyboard switches, for example, rotary type switches or dual-in-line package type switches (so-called ~IP switches) advantageously may be produced using the teachings of 10 the present invention. It is therefore intended that all matter contained in the above description shall be interpreted in an illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE
This invention relates generally to electrical switch assemblies, and more particularly to improved switch assemblies comprising a plurality of switches in a predefined arrangement, and to methods for 10 manufacturing such switch assemblies. The invention has particular utility in connection with keyswitches in a keyboard assembly and will be describe~ in connection with such utility.
Electrical switch assemblies for sensing the activation of keys in a keyboard system and for producing signals representative of keyboard activations are well known in the art. In general, prior art keyboard switches comprise a circuit board having a plurality of discontinuous, conductive pathways, separate from one another, on one or both surfaces thereof, and a plurality of switching means for selectively, electrically connecting the pathways, carried on one surface of the board. Typically the switching means comprise individual contact elements supported in a plane remote from that of the circuit board, and spaced from the conductive pathways.
Resilient spring means are provided for maintaining the contact elements in the remote plane so that the individual switches are normally open. For example, Robinson et al U.S. Patent 4018999 disclose a keyboard switch assembly comprising a plurality of switches in a ., ~.
~ J 63725 precle~ined arrangement formed on one face of an insulative circuit board, and having a protective insulative coating located over ~the entire circuit board to retain the switches on the board, and also to seal the switches. According to Robinson et al each switch has an annular outer contact and a concentric inner contact, and includes a resiliently deformable, dome-sllaped activating element. The activating element has an annular marginal edge which is shaped to 10 coincide with the outer contact and is positioned on top o~ the outer contact to protrude therefrom. In operation, a downward force is applied to the upwardly protruding portion of the actuating element so that the element is deformed downwardly and touches the inner 15 contact, thereby completing an electrical circuit between the inner and outer contacts.
Another type keyboard switch is disclosed in Webb et al U.S. Patent No. 3653038. Webb et al disclose a snap action capacitive electric signal device which may 20 be used as a switch. The basic structure comprises a metallic target which forms one "plate" of the capacitor. Located near the target and separated therefrom by air is a dome spring which forms the other plate of the capacitor. Located adjacent the dome 25spring and axially aligned therewith is a depressible button or key. The dome spring and associated depressible button are maintained in place in registration in suitably located circular apertures formed in a central insulating support board or guide 30plate.
Still other variations of keyboard switches are disclosed in Wiener U.S. Patent No. 3383487, Sudduth U.S. Patent No. 3,699,294, Seeger, Jr. et al U.S.
Patent No. 3,789,167, Lynn et al U.S. Patent No.
353,860,771, Flint et al U.S. Patent No. 4,0R3,100, i 1 fi3~25 Pounds U.S. Patent No. 4,042,439, Dunlap U.S. Patent No. 4,085,306, Pounds et al U.S. Patent 4,195,210, Satoh U.S. Patent 4,218,603, Kissner, U.S. Patent 4,218,600 and Johnson U.S. Patent 4,254,309.
Manufacturing keyboard switches of the above described prior art types is relatively expensive.
Such prior art types require a number of parts which must be separately manufactured and inventoried. Also, accurate positioning of the various actuating members 10with respect to their associated contacts presents manufacturing problems. With respect to the positioning problems the art has proposed certain solutions; however, as reported by Flint et al in U.S.
Patent 4083100, existing solutions to such positioning 15problems either have proved too inaccurate, or have required complex and expensive equipment. For example, Rohinson et al have suggested that the actuating me~ ers may be initially oriented with respect to the circuit board by means of an appropriate template.
20 However, before the insulation sheet can be secured over the circuit board the template has to be removed.
This presents a problem since the activating members have to be retained in place independently of the template once they are positioned with respect to the 2s circuit board. In order to solve this latter problem Robinson et al propose assembling the actuating members to the circuit board on a specially designed transfer base. The latter is constructed to receive the circuit board and to retain the domes with respect thereto by 30 means of an externally applied vacuum or-by means of magnet members. As will be appreciated, the transfer base not only constitutes an additional complication and expense in the assembly process, but also introduces difficulties in accurate alignment, because 35 the transfer base, the circuit board and the template i I fi3725 all have to be aligned accurately. Also, when the teml-late is removed, the actuating members are in an exposed position with respect to the circuit and altl~ough restrained with respect to the circuit board, could be damaged or accidentally moved out of position during assembly. Also, the insulation sheet necessarily is placed on top of the circuit board and actuating members prior to ~eing secured thereto, and, in being moved about, could accidentally displace one 0or more actuating members. Moreover, with this technique the insulation sheet is supported only on the tops of the actuating members and is not held flat immediately prior to being secured to the board. Thus, creases or similar imperfections in the insulation 15sheet material near the perimeter of an actuating member might not be secured to the board and thereby would permit some movement of the actuating member. As a result of the actuating member could move with respect to the circuit board during separation, so 20 that, even though accurately positioned initially, the actuating member could move out of position during use. The foregoing and other limitations of positioning accuracy, manufacturing convenience, switch reliability and manufacturing cost are believed 25 inherent in many prior art keyboard swi-tch assemblies and the manufacture of such switch assemblies.
Moreover many prior art keyboards are believed to be prone to failure in the field due to mechanical and/or electrical breakdown. With regard to this latter 30 problem, it has thus become a common practice in the art to plate switch contacting members with a non-corrosive metal such as gold. Such plating requirements add significantly to manufacturing costs.
Moreover, the inter-connections may also be subject to degradation due to metal loss from the switch ~ 1 6372~
contacting members upon repeated mating and unmating interconnections.
It is thus a principle object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved electrical switch assembly which overcomes the aforesaid and other problems of the prior art.
Yet other objects of the present invention are to provide highly reliable electrical switches, particularly for use in keyboard applications, and low-cost methods for producing electrical switches of the type above described. Still more specific objects are to provide novel and improved keyboard switches which are characterized by extreme reliability, and low-cost method for producing custom switch patterns.
Generally, the present invention provides an electrical switch assembly which comprises in combination a dielectric carrier panel having at least one cavity formed in one face thereof, an electrically conductive circuit formed of a resiliently flexible conductive material fixed in part to the dielectric carrier panel and actuating means. The electrically conductive circuit has an array of switch means and each of the switch means comprises a pair of contact members overlying the cavity. The pair of contact members comprise (a) integral extensions of the conductive circuits and include (b) a pair of generally L-shaped members (1) disposed inwardly for a distance and (2) cantilevered from the edge of their associated cavity.
The L-shaped fingers occupy the same plane adjacent the edge of their associated cavity, extend beyond the geometric center of --6~
the associated cavity and extend, in part, above or below the plane of the one face of the panel. The actuating means overlay the <-ontact members.
Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of fabricating the electrical switch assembly described above. In accordance with one method, there is provided the steps of (a) providing a resiliently flexible electrically conductive sheet; (b) removing material from areas of the electrically conductive sheet while leaving a pattern of conductors and the contact members but continuous to one another; (c) severing the continuous contact members to form the L-shaped fingers; (d) permanently deforming the L-shaped fingers at least in part; (e) providing a dielectric substrate having cavities at predetermined locations in one surface thereof; and ~f) fixedly positioning the pattern of conductors and L-shaped fingers resulting from step (d) relative to the one surface of the dielectric substrate with the L-shaped fingers positioned at least in part overlying or within the cavities.
In accordance with another method of this aspect of the invention, there is provided the steps of (a) providing a resiliently flexible circuit panel having an electrically conductive pattern in the form of the electrically conductive circuit and the contact members but continuous to one another;
(b) severing the continuous contact members to form the L-shaped fingers; (c) depositing electrically conductive material onto selected areas of the L-shaped fingers so as to produce raised areas thereon; (d) providing a dielectrical panel having I J ~3725 -6a-cavities at predetermined locations in one surface thereof; and (e) fixedly positioning the pattern of conductors and L-shaped fingers resulting from step (c) onto the one surface of the dielectric panel, with the raised areas of the L-shaped fingers positioned at least in part overlying or within the cavities.
For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numbers depict like parts and:
Fig. 1 is a top plan view of one form of electrical switch assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention, and incorporated in a keyboard;
Fig. 2 is an enlarged top plan view of a portion of the electrical switch assembly of Fig. 1 at an intermediate stage of formation;
Fig. 3a is an enlarged side elevational view, partly in section, of the electrical switch assembly of Fig. l; and showing the switch in open position;
Fig. 3b is an enlarged side elevational view similar to Fig. 3a, and showing the switch in closed position;
Fig. 4a is an enlarged geometric projection, partly in section, of a portion of the electrical switch assembly of Fig. 1, and showing the switch in open 5 position;
Fig. 4b is an enlarged geometric projection similar to Fig. 4a, and showing the switch in closed position;
Fig. 5 is a block flow diagram illustrating one process fo-r producing the electrical switch assembly of lOFig. ~;
Figs. 6 to 11 are top plan views of an electrical switch assembly at various stages of formation in accordance with the process of Fig. 5;
Fig. 12 is a geometric projection of a forming tool 15 use~ul in the process of Fig. 5.
Fig. 13 is an enlarged geometric projection, partly in section, of a portion of the electrical switch assembly at the Fig. 12 stage of formation in accordance with the process of Fig. 5;
Fig. 14 is a block flow diagram illustrating an alternative process for producing the electrical switch assembly of the present invention;
Fig. 15a is an enlarged side elevational view, partly in section, showing one alternative form of 25 electrical switch assembly made in accordance with the present invention, and showing the switch in open position;
Fig. 15b is an enlarged side elevational view, similar to Fig. 15a, and showing the one alternative form of electrical switch assembly according to the present invention in closed portion;
Pig. 16a is an enlarged side elevational view, partly in section, of another alternative form of electrical switch assembly according to the present invention, and showing the switch in open position;
`iJ63725 Fig. 16b is an enlarged side elevational view similar to Fig. 16a, and showing the other alternative form of electrical switch assembly according to the present invention in closed position.
Fig. 17a is an enlarged side elevational view, partly in section, of still another alternative form of electrical switch assembly according to the present invention, and showing the switch in closed position;
Fig. 17b is an enlarged side elevational view, similar to Pig. 17a, and showing the still another alternative form of electrical switch assembly according to the present invention, in open position;
Fig. 18a is an enlarged side elevational view, partly in section, of yet another alternative form of IS electrical switch assembly according to the present invention, and showing the switch in open position;
Fig. 18b is an enlarged side elevational view similar to Fig. 18a, and showing the still another alternative form of electrical switch assembly in 20 closed position, Fig. l9a is an enlarged geometric projection, partly in section, of still yet another form of electrical switch assembly according to the present invention, and showing the switch in open position; and Fig. l9b is an enlarged geometric projection similar to Pig. l9a, and showing the switch in closed position;
As used herein the terms "left" and "right", "upper" and "lower", and "upwardly" and "downwardly", 30 respectively, are used to denote relative direction solely with reference to the illustrations in the accompanying drawings. One skilled in the art will recognize, however, that in actual practice the switch assembly may be oriented other than as shown in the 35 drawings.
i 1 637~5 g One embodiment of electrical switch assembly in accordance with the present invention, assembled as a keyhoard, is shown in Figs. 1 to 4 of the drawings. In th~ embodiment of Figs. 1 to 4 the keyboard, indicated 5 generally at 18 comprises a flexible laminated circuit assembly 20 including a flexible dielectric film or base sheet 62 of conventional flexible printed circuit insu~.iting material, e.g. 0.001 to 0.005 inch thick or more Mylar~(available from E.I. DuPont de Nemours) and llaving a plurality of electrically conductive circuit pathways 24a,b, each formed of electrically conductive, flexi~le metal such as 0.0005 to 0.0010 inch thick or more supported copper adhesively fixed to surface 26 of base sheet 62. (Material thickness may vary over a 15 wide range dependent on materials selection and switch size. As will become clear from the description folLowing, as a general rule geometrically larger ss~itches require heavier, i.e., thicker materials, while geometrically smaller switches require lighter, 20 i.e., thinner materials.) The flexible circuit assernbly 20 is formed by phGtoimaging and chemical milling (etching) techniques as will be described in detail hereinafter. (For convenience of illustration only a portion of circuit assembly 20 is shown in the 25 drawings, and base sheet 62 has been omitted for clarity.) Alternatively circuit assembly 20 may comprise a flexible conductive material such as a screened silver filled epoxy supported on a flexible dielectric polymeric substrate, or the circuit assembly 20 may comprise a plurality of flexible insulating sheets and including one or more internally carried layers of conductive pathways. The conductive pathways have dimensions and shapes corresponding to desired design criteria, e.g. current carrying capacity and circuit and switch geometry.
i 1 ~372~
- 1 o -The circuit assembly 20 is fixed to a rigid molded base member 30 as by adhesive means or by mechanical means as will be described in detail hereinafter. Base member 30 comprises a generally planar rigid body 5 formed of electrically insulating material such as a glass filled thermoplastic polyester polymer, and has a plurality of cavities or blind holes 32 in predetermined locations corresponding to the desired location for the switch contacts 34 as will be 10described in detail hereinafter. Alternatively base -member 30 may comprise a rigid board formed of electrically insulating material such as 0.062 inch thick phenolic resin board and having apertures or blind holes in the aforesaid predetermined locations.
Circuit pathways 24 a, b... terminate at one end at bus members or contact fingers 36 a, 36 b...
respectively and at their respective other ends at switch contacts 34. The latter are in normally open position. Each switch contact 34 comprises a first 20 "left" contact memher 40 which is an integral extension of pathway 24b, and a second "right" contact member 42 which is an integral extension of pathway 24a.
Obviously bus members or contact fingers 36a and 36b provide an electrical connection to circuits (not 25 shown) external of circuit assembly 20.
Contact members 40 and 42 each constitute a generally L-shaped or golf club-like shaped member, the supporting beams or legs 48 and 50 of which are fixedly positioned at the edges of holes 32 to the top side 30 surface 52 of base member 30. Supporting legs 48 and 50 extend across holes 32 for a distance beyond each other within of their associated hole 32. As seen in Fig. 2 of the drawings supporting legs 48 and 50 are approximately of identical length. Alternatively, one 35 leg may be longer than the other, if desired. The free 3 7 2 ~
ends 54 and 56 of members 40 and 42, respectively, are forme~ (deflected) at an angle to the plane of top side surface 52 and supporting legs 48 and 50, respectively, i.e., so as to extend downwardly at an angle from the 5 plane of surface 52. Alternatively, free ends 54 and 56 may be formed (deflected) upwardly at an angle, to the plane of surface 52, i.e., as shown in Figs. 16a and 16b or Figs. 17a and 17b. As seen in Fig. 2, free ends 54 and 56 terminate a short distance from each other over or within their associated hole 32.
Completing the illustrated electrical switch assembly is a protective overlay covering 100 of flexible insulative sheet material which is fixedly positioned over the upper surface of circuit assembly 15 20- Preferably, but not necessarily, overlay covering 100 includes actuator elements 102 which are located to overlie the switch contact members' free ends 54 and 56 (see Figs. 3 and 4. For convenience of illustration dielectric film 22 has been omitted from Figs. 4a and 20 ~b). Alternatively, the switch assembly may comprise actuator elements which are located to directly overlie the switch contact members' free ends 54 and 56, i.e., without any intervening overlay covering.
Figs. 5 to 13 illustrate a preferred method of 25 forming an electrical switch assembly in accordance with the present invention, employing photoimaging and chemical milling techniques for forming the circuit and switch patterns. It will be understood, however, that the circuit and/or switch patterns may be formed 30 employing additive techniques, e.g. plating up, mechanical stamping techniques, screening on of conductive inks such as metal filled epoxy, or using formed, i.e. shaped wires or conductors.
A resiliently flexible laminated sheet material 60 35 comprising a thin metal film or foil 64 such as 0.0005 ï ~ fi3725 inch thick copper adhered to an ad~lesive coated polylneric film substrate such as 0.005 inch tllick Mylar 62 (Trademark of E.I. DuPont de Nemours for polyester film) is provided as shown in Fig. 6a. The top, i.e.
5 metal film surface 64 of laminated sheet 60 is then clcaned employing conventional cleanin~ techniques, and the cleansed surface is then coated at a coating station 68 (Fig. 5) with conventional resist layer 70 as shown in Fig. 6b. A positive resist is preferre~ so that multiple imaging and ~eveloping stages may be em~loyed as will become clear from the description following. Various positive resists are known in tlle art and are available commercially. For the purposes of this example A~ type positive resist available from the Shipley Co., Newton, ~ass., is used. Resist layer 70 then is exposed to light, at an imaging station 72 to a positive art work image of the circuit pathways an~l contacts 40 and 42. Those areas 70a (Fig. 6c) of the resist exposed to light are altered and removed frorn the sheet in a later developing operation. The laminate is then immersed in a preferential solvent for the resist ~e.g., sodium hydroxide solution), and developed at a treating station 73, with the result that the exposed portions of resist layer 70a are S dissolved leaving resist layer 70b in a positive image of the circuit pathways and switch contacts overall plan, i.e. as shown in Fig. 7.
The next step in the process involves chemically milling the exposed metallic areas of metal foil 64 by contacting the laminated sheet with an acid etching solution at an etching station 74. Etching removes metal from all the uncovered areas of the metal film, leaving the areas of metal film covered by the resist intact (see Fig. 8).
The next step in the process involves sslectively c/e / fq r~;
~ 1 637'25 re-e~posing and developing the resist so as to expose selected areas 75 of the resist layer 70, which areas suhsequently become the switch contact free ends 54 and 56 (see Fig 2) to light, at imaging station 72. Those 5 areas of the resist layer 70 exposed to light are ;lltered as before, and removed from the sheet by immersing the sheet in a preferential solvent and developing at treating station 73, with the result that th~ exposed portions of resist layer 70 are dissolved 10 to expose metallic areas 75 o~ foil 64, and leaving resist layer 70 intact as a protective coating on the circuit pathways and contact supporting legs ~8 and 50 (see Fig. 9).
The next step involves plating the exposed meta~lic lS areas 75 of foil 64 by a conventional plating technique, e.g., electrodeposition, in known manner, with a non-corrosive metal 76 at a plating station 79.
Mylar film 62 effectively masks the entire bottom surface of circuit pathways and contacts 40 and 42 while resist areas 70 effectively mask the entire top surface of the metal foil (other than exposed areas 75), so that electrodeposition of metal is selectively restricted to those areas of the switch contacts which ultimately will become the actual contact areas of the switches- As a result plating the switch contacts thus is an especially simple procedure, and one which may result in relatively low metal consumption in the plating operation. The resulting structure is shown in Fig. 10.
The next steps in the process involve cutting and shaping (forming) the actual switch contacts. Cutting and shaping may be accomplished either in a single precision die cutting and shaping step in cutting and forming station 92, or in separate cutting and shaping 35 steps. For convenience of illustration the cutting and `, ~ 63725 shaping steps are described as two separate steps. In the first step the Mylar substrate 62, plated areas 76 and legs 48 and 50 are cut free at 77 in known manner, by means of a steel rule die, to outline plated areas 5 76 and legs 48 and 50. T~e resulting structure is as shown in Fig. 11. In the second step plated areas 76 of the contact members are shaped or formed (deflected) permanently upwardly from the plane of surface 62 as shown by heat forming and cooling the cut free plated areas 76 under pressure Usillg a heated steel ruled die.
an(l mating anvil (see Figs. 12 and 13) or by vacuum f~rming techniques as are known per se in the art.
(~or convenience of illustration Fig. 13 shows the structure in inverted obli~ue view.) In this step, plated areas 76 are shaped or deflected so as to extend at an angle, preferably in the range of 45 to 115 , as measured from the plane of surface 62, and the deflection is permanently set in the Mylar film by heat forming or other known means, whereby to form 20shaped free ends 54 and 56 (see Figs. 2 and 3). By way of example, as shown in Fig. 13, plated areas 76 may be located over a suitably dimensioned template 91 (metallic area to template), covered with a silicon ruhber pad 93, and pressure and heat (150 F) applied 2sto the silicon pad for sufficient time to permanently set the captured Mylar layer 62. Deflection is controlled so that the closest edges of ~ree ends 5-1 and 56 are located a short distance from one another, for example, to provide a 0.010 to 0.025 inch spacing 30 between the free ends 54 and 56. Obviously, the spacing between free ends 54 and 56 is a matter of design choice and may be adjusted for a particular application.
Thereafter, the structure resulting from Figs. 12 35 and 13 is secured at a mounting station 90 to rigid i 1 63725 apertured panel or molded base member 30 with the severed free ends 54 and 56 centered over the geometric centers of the panel cavities or holes 32. Obviously cavities or holes 32 are in a predefined pattern in S accordance with the particular switch pattern.
The final step involves covering the resulting switch structure with a flexible dielectric overlay covering 100. Overlay covering 100 preferably includes actuator elements 102 in the form of curved, 10disc-shaped resiliently flexible members such as molded key caps or domes or the like which are located to overlie the switch contacts. Actuator elements 102 preferably but not necessarily are formed integrally with overlay covering 100. Overlay covering 100 may be 15adhesively fixed to the switch assembly along the edges thereof so as to provide a sealed unit. Alternatively, ove~lay covering 100, base member 30 and circuit board assenlbly 20 may be mechanically joined as a Ullit, as by heat swaging suitably located locking posts 109.
20Locking posts 109, which may be molded integrally with hase member 30, are located to mate with and extend through suitable located apertures 108 in circuit board assembly 20 and overlay covering 100, respectively.
(See Figs. 3a and 3b in which a locking post 109 is 2sil1ustrated prior to and following swaging). One skilled in the art will recognize that the provision of posts and mating apertures permits simple and reliable registration of the switch assembly.
The resulting structure is as shown in Figs. 1 to 4 30Of the drawings.
One skilled in the art will recognize a number of advantages of the present invention over prior art switches. For one, the switches and supporting electrical circuits may be formed by simple 35photo-imaging and etching techniques, and a simple , 1 637~5 l ~
mechanical die cutting and forming operation.
Moreover, the switch assembly may have virtually unlimited geometric design. The switch assembly has few par~s, and assembly alignment problems normally 5 associated with prior art switches essentially are eliminated. Additionally, switch throw and switch spring constant are dependent on readily modified variables including aperture size, actuator geometry and selection of materials employed. Moreoyer, the invention provides particular manufacturing advantages of simple assembly techniques, and high field use reliability since the switch contact areas can be plated with precious metal (e.g. gold) at minimum materials cost. Additionally, the natural motion of lS the switch provides a wiping action of the switch contact surfaces whereby to remove any oxidation which ma~ form on the switch, and thus increase switch reliability.
The aforesaid invention is susceptible to 20 modification. Thus, for example as shown in Fig. 14, the desired circuit and switch pattern may be produced by stamping or cutting the circuit and switch pattern directly from a spring metal sheet such as 0.005 inch thick phosphor bronze. The switch contacts may then be 25 shaped in a precision die stamping station 200, with the spring metal itself taking permanent set.
Alternatively, the circuit cutting and shaping operation may be combined in a single step. The resulting structure may then be assembled, at a mounting station 204, to suitably provided molded base member 30 and cover member 100 as before. The resulting structure is as shown in Figs. 15a and 15b which illustrate the resulting switch contact in open and closed positions, respectively. A particular feature and advantage of the procedure of Fig. 14 is i ~ ~37~
that ~eyboard or other switch assemblies having re~ularly positioned switches can be manufactured quite inexpensively by a simple stamping operation.
Moreover, by using strip-plated laminate as the 5 starting metallic sheet material and employing suitable circuit/switch design low cost switches with plated contacts may be produced. Strip plated laminate is available commercially in various weights and dimensions.
Moreover, as shown in Figs. 16a and 16b, switch contact free ends 54 and 56 may be formed upwardly (relative to surface 52), i.e., toward actuator element 102. In still another modification as shown in Fig.
17a, the switch contact free ends 54 and 56 extend 15upwardly from the face of base member 30 in normally closed position. Actuation of such switches will result in switch opening as shown in Fig. 17b. Note in Pigs. 17a and 17b the switch contacts are formed upwardly from molded base 30 into a molded bubble 20 formed in a dielectric cover member 100. (In the Figs.
17a and 17b embodiment dielectric cover member 100 constitutes the "carrier panel" while the molded bubble constitutes the "cavity" for accomodating the switch contacts in accordance with the present invention.) A
25 particular advantage of the switch modification of Figs. 17a and 17b is that the switch may be made especially thin in cross-section. Moreover, base member 30 need not be generally planar as shown, but may be made rounded, at least in part.
In still another modification as shown in Figs. 18a and 18b, the switch contacts comprise L-shaped (formed) spring wires 213 which are plated at the free ends thereof, i.e. at 210. With this latter embodiment the heat forming operation may be eliminated.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, shown `i ~ 63725 in ~igs. l9a and l9b, the switch contacts and associated circuitry are sandwiched between a pair of flexible dielectric polymer bubbled sheets 210 and 212. Operation of the switch is as above described.
Still other changes will be obvious to one skilled in the art. Thus, switches other than keyboard switches, for example, rotary type switches or dual-in-line package type switches (so-called ~IP switches) advantageously may be produced using the teachings of 10 the present invention. It is therefore intended that all matter contained in the above description shall be interpreted in an illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
Claims (59)
1. An electrical switch assembly comprising in combination:
A dielectric carrier panel having at least one cavity formed in one face of said panel;
An electrically conductive circuit formed of a resiliently flexible conductive material fixed in part to said dielectric carrier panel, said electrically conductive circuit having an array of switch means, each of said switch means comprising a pair of contact members overlying said cavity, said pair of contact members comprising (a) integral extensions of such said conductive circuits and including (b) a pair of generally L-shaped fingers (1) disposed inwardly for a distance and (2) cantilevered from the edge of their associated cavity, said L-shaped fingers occupying the same plane adjacent the edge of their associated cavity, extending beyond the geometric center of said associated cavity, and extending, in part, above or below the plane of said one face; and actuating means overlaying said contact members.
A dielectric carrier panel having at least one cavity formed in one face of said panel;
An electrically conductive circuit formed of a resiliently flexible conductive material fixed in part to said dielectric carrier panel, said electrically conductive circuit having an array of switch means, each of said switch means comprising a pair of contact members overlying said cavity, said pair of contact members comprising (a) integral extensions of such said conductive circuits and including (b) a pair of generally L-shaped fingers (1) disposed inwardly for a distance and (2) cantilevered from the edge of their associated cavity, said L-shaped fingers occupying the same plane adjacent the edge of their associated cavity, extending beyond the geometric center of said associated cavity, and extending, in part, above or below the plane of said one face; and actuating means overlaying said contact members.
2. An electrical switch assembly according to claim 1, wherein said resiliently flexible conductive material comprises a metallic conductor.
3. An electrical switch assembly according to claim 2, wherein said resiliently flexible conductive material comprises a phosphor bronze.
4. An electrical switch assembly according to claim 2, wherein said resiliently flexible conductive material comprises a thin metallic foil supported at least in part on a flexible dielectric substrate.
5. An electrical switch assembly according to claim 2, wherein said resiliently flexible conductive material comprises a screened-on circuit pattern of metal filled epoxy supported on a flexible dielectric substrate.
6. An electrical switch assembly according to claim 1, wherein contacting ends of said fingers are plated at least in part with a non-corrosive conductive metal.
7. An electrical switch assembly according to claim 1, wherein said contacting ends are normally spaced from one another a short distance and are selectively operable to be displaced in contact with one another.
8. An electrical switch assembly according to claim 1, wherein said contacting ends are normally in contact with one another whereby to provide an electrical circuit between said ends, and are selectively operable so as to break said electrical circuit.
9. An electrical switch assembly according to claim 1, and including actuating means overlaying said contact members at least in part.
10. An electrical switch assembly according to claim 9, wherein said actuating means comprises a flexible dielectric material, and including actuator elements integral with said flexible, dielectric material.
11. An electrical switch assembly according to claim 1, wherein said switch means are arranged on said one face in a predefined keyboard pattern.
12. A dual-in-line electrical switch assembly comprising, in combination:
a dielectric base member having at least one cavity formed therein;
an electrically conductive circuit formed of a resiliently flexible conductive material fixed in part to said dielectric base, said electrically conductive circuit having an array of switch means, each of said switch means comprising a pair of contact members overlying said cavity, each pair of contact members comprising (a) integral extensions of such said conductive circuits and including (b) a pair of generally L-shaped fingers (1) disposed inwardly for a distance and (2) cantilevered from the edge of their associated cavity, said L-shaped fingers occupying the same plane adjacent the edge of their associated cavity, extending beyond the geometric center of said associated cavity, and extending, in part, above or below the plane of said one face; and actuating means overlying said contact members.
a dielectric base member having at least one cavity formed therein;
an electrically conductive circuit formed of a resiliently flexible conductive material fixed in part to said dielectric base, said electrically conductive circuit having an array of switch means, each of said switch means comprising a pair of contact members overlying said cavity, each pair of contact members comprising (a) integral extensions of such said conductive circuits and including (b) a pair of generally L-shaped fingers (1) disposed inwardly for a distance and (2) cantilevered from the edge of their associated cavity, said L-shaped fingers occupying the same plane adjacent the edge of their associated cavity, extending beyond the geometric center of said associated cavity, and extending, in part, above or below the plane of said one face; and actuating means overlying said contact members.
13. A dual-in-line switch assembly according to claim 12, wherein said resiliently flexible conductive material comprises a metallic conductor.
14. A dual-in-line switch assembly according to claim 13, wherein said resiliently flexible conductive material comprises a phosphor bronze.
15. A dual-in-line switch assembly according to claim 13, wherein said resiliently flexible conductive material comprises a thin metallic foil supported at least in part on a flexible dielectric substrate.
16. A dual-in-line switch assembly according to claim 13, wherein said resiliently flexible conductive material comprises a screened-on circuit pattern of metal filled epoxy supported on a flexible dielectric substrate.
17. A dual-in-line switch assembly according to claim 12, wherein contacting ends of said fingers are plated at least in part with a non-corrosive conductive metal.
18. A dual-in-line switch assembly according to claim 12, wherein said contacting ends are normally spaced from one another a short distance and are selectively operable to be displaced in contact with one another.
19. A dual-in-line switch assembly according to claim 12, wherein said contacting ends are normally in contact with one another whereby to provide an electrical circuit between said ends, and are selectively operable so as to break said electrical circuit.
20. A dual-in-line switch assembly according to claim 12, and including actuating means overlaying said contact members at least in part.
21. A dual-in-line switch assembly according to claim 20, wherein said actuating means comprises a flexible dielectric material, and including actuator elements integral with said flexible, dielectric material.
22. A dual-in-line switch assembly according to claim 12, wherein said switch means are arranged on said one face in a predefined keyboard pattern.
23. A rotary switch assembly comprising, in combination:
a dielectric base member having at least one cavity formed therein;
an electrically conductive circuit formed of a resiliently flexible conductive material fixed in part to said dielectric base, said electrically conductive circuit having an array of switch means, each of said switch means comprising a pair of contact members overlying said cavity; and, rotary actuating means overlying said contact members, the rotary periphery defining a generally circular area in which said pairs of contact members are located, said pairs of contact members comprising (a) integral extensions of such said conductive circuits and including (b) a pair of generally L-shaped fingers (1) disposed inwardly for a distance and (2) cantilevered from the edge of their associated cavity, said L-shaped fingers occupying the same plane adjacent the edge of their associated cavity, extending beyond the geometric center of said associated cavity and, extending in part, above or below the plane of said face of said base.
a dielectric base member having at least one cavity formed therein;
an electrically conductive circuit formed of a resiliently flexible conductive material fixed in part to said dielectric base, said electrically conductive circuit having an array of switch means, each of said switch means comprising a pair of contact members overlying said cavity; and, rotary actuating means overlying said contact members, the rotary periphery defining a generally circular area in which said pairs of contact members are located, said pairs of contact members comprising (a) integral extensions of such said conductive circuits and including (b) a pair of generally L-shaped fingers (1) disposed inwardly for a distance and (2) cantilevered from the edge of their associated cavity, said L-shaped fingers occupying the same plane adjacent the edge of their associated cavity, extending beyond the geometric center of said associated cavity and, extending in part, above or below the plane of said face of said base.
24. A rotary switch assembly according to claim 23, wherein said resiliently flexible conductive material comprises a metallic conductor.
25. A rotary switch assembly according to claim 24, wherein said resiliently flexible conductive material comprises a phosphor bronze.
26. A rotary switch assembly according to claim 24, wherein said resiliently flexible conductive material comprises a thin metallic foil supported at least in past on a flexible dielectric substrate.
27. A rotary switch assembly according to claim 24, wherein said resiliently flexible conductive material comprises a screened-on circuit pattern of metal filled epoxy supported on a flexible dielectric substrate.
28. A rotary switch assembly according to claim 23, wherein contacting ends of said fingers are plated at least in part with a non-corrosive conductive metal.
29. A rotary switch assembly according to claim 23, wherein said contacting ends are normally spaced from one another a short distance and are selectively operable to be displaced in contact with one another.
30. A rotary switch assembly according to claim 23, wherein said contacting ends are normally in contact with one another whereby to provide an electrical circuit between said ends, and are selectively operable so as to break said electrical circuit.
31. A rotary switch assembly according to claim 23, and including actuating means overlaying said contact members at least in part.
32. A rotary switch assembly according to claim 31, wherein said actuating means comprises a flexible dielectric material, and including actuator elements integral with said flexible, dielectric material.
33. A rotary switch assembly according to claim 23, wherein said switch means are arranged on said one face in a predefined keyboard pattern.
34. A method of fabricating an electrical switch assembly comprising a dielectric substrate having at least one cavity formed in one face of said substrate and one or more electrically conductive circuits formed of resiliently flexible conductive material fixed in part to said dielectric substrate, each of said electrically conductive circuits having an array of switch means, each of said switch means comprising a pair of contact members overlying said cavity, said pair of contact members comprising (a) integral extensions of such said conductive circuits and including (b) a pair of generally L-shaped fingers (l) disposed inwardly for a distance and (2) cantilevered from the edge of their associated cavity, said L-shaped fingers occupying the same plane adjacent the edge of their associated cavity, extending beyond the geometric center of said associated cavity, and extending, in part, above or below the plane of said one face; said method comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a resiliently flexible electrically conductive sheet;
(b) removing material from areas of said electrically conductive sheet while leaving a pattern of conductors and said contact members but continuous to one another;
(c) severing the continuous contact members to form said L-shaped fingers;
(d) permanently deforming said L-shaped fingers at least in part;
(e) providing a dielectric substrate having cavities at predetermined locations in one surface thereof; and (f) fixedly positioning said pattern of conductors and L-shaped fingers resulting from step (d) relative to said one surface of the dielectric substrate, with said L-shaped fingers positioned at least in part overlying said cavities.
(a) providing a resiliently flexible electrically conductive sheet;
(b) removing material from areas of said electrically conductive sheet while leaving a pattern of conductors and said contact members but continuous to one another;
(c) severing the continuous contact members to form said L-shaped fingers;
(d) permanently deforming said L-shaped fingers at least in part;
(e) providing a dielectric substrate having cavities at predetermined locations in one surface thereof; and (f) fixedly positioning said pattern of conductors and L-shaped fingers resulting from step (d) relative to said one surface of the dielectric substrate, with said L-shaped fingers positioned at least in part overlying said cavities.
35. A method according to claim 34, wherein said material is removed from selected areas of said electrically conductive sheet by chemical milling.
36. A method according to claim 34, wherein said material is removed from selective areas of said electrically conductive sheet by precision die stamping.
37. A method according to any one of claims 34, 35 or 36, wherein said L-shaped fingers are permanently deformed by heat forming. I
38. A method according to claim 34, wherein said electrically conductive sheet comprises a laminate of a metallic foil and a polymeric substrate material underlying said metallic foil, and including the step of permanently deforming said L-shaped fingers by heat forming portions of said substrate underlying said fingers.
39. A method according to claim 34, wherein said electrically conductive sheet comprises unsupported metallic sheet, and including the step of permanently deforming said L-shaped fingers by forming the metal under pressure.
40. A method according to any one of claims 34, 38 or 39 and wherein said severing step (c) and said deforming step (d) are accomplished in a single stamping and forming operation.
41. A method according to claim 34, including the step of covering the structure resulting from step (f) with a flexible dielectric overlay.
42. A method of fabricating an electrical switch assembly comprising a carrier substrate having at least one cavity formed in one face of said substrate, and one or more electrically conductive circuits formed of resiliently flexible conductive material fixed in part to said carrier substrate, each of said electrically conductive circuits having an array of switch means, each said switch means comprising a pair of contact members overlying said cavity, said pair of contact members comprising (a) integral extensions of such said conductive circuits and including (b) a pair of generally L-shaped fingers (l) disposed inwardly for a distance and (2) cantilevered from the edge of their associated cavity, said L-shaped fingers occupying the same plane adjacent the edge of their associated cavity, extending beyond the geometric center of said associated cavity, and extending, in part, above or below the plane of said one face; said method comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a resiliently flexible circuit panel having an electrically conductive pattern in the form of said electrically conductive circuit and said contact members but continuous to one another;
(b) severing the continuous contact members to form said L-shaped fingers;
(c) depositing electrically conductive material onto selected areas of said L-shaped fingers so as to produce raised areas thereon;
(d) providing a dielectrical panel having cavities at predetermined locations in one surface thereof; and (e) fixedly positioning the pattern of conductors and L-shaped fingers resulting from step (c) onto said one surface of said dielectric panel, with said raised areas of said L-shaped fingers positioned at least in part overlying said cavities.
(a) providing a resiliently flexible circuit panel having an electrically conductive pattern in the form of said electrically conductive circuit and said contact members but continuous to one another;
(b) severing the continuous contact members to form said L-shaped fingers;
(c) depositing electrically conductive material onto selected areas of said L-shaped fingers so as to produce raised areas thereon;
(d) providing a dielectrical panel having cavities at predetermined locations in one surface thereof; and (e) fixedly positioning the pattern of conductors and L-shaped fingers resulting from step (c) onto said one surface of said dielectric panel, with said raised areas of said L-shaped fingers positioned at least in part overlying said cavities.
43. A method according to claim 42, wherein said electrically conductive pattern (step a) is formed by an additive technique.
44. A method according to claim 42, wherein said depositing (step c) is by plating-up.
45. A method according to claim 42, wherein said depositing (step c) is by solder doming.
46. A method according to any of claims 42, 43 or 44, and including the step of covering the structure resulting from step (e) with a flexible dielectric overlay.
47. A method of fabricating an electrical switch assembly comprising a dielectric substrate having at least one cavity formed in one face of said substrate and one or more electrically conductive circuits formed of resiliently flexible conductive material fixed in part to said dielectric substrate, each of said electrically conductive circuits having an array of switch means, each of said switch means comprising a pair of contact members overlying said cavity, said pair of contact members comprising (a) integral extensions of said conductive circuits and including (b) a pair of generally L-shaped fingers (1) disposed inwardly for a distance and (2) cantilevered from the edge of their associated cavity, said L-shaped fingers occupying the same plane adjacent the edge of their associated cavity, extending beyond the geometric center of said associated cavity, and extending, in part, above or below the plane of said one face; said method comprising the steps of;
(a) providing a resiliently flexible electrically conductive sheet;
(b) removing material from areas of said electrically conductive sheet while leaving a pattern of the conductors and said contact members but continuous to one another;
(c) severing the continuous contact members to form said L-shaped fingers;
(d) permanently deforming said L-shaped fingers at least in part;
(e) providing a dielectric substrate having cavities at predetermined locations in one surface thereof; and (f) fixedly positioning said pattern of conductors and L-shaped fingers resulting from step (d) relative to said one surface of said dielectric substrate with said L-shaped fingers positioned at least in part within said cavities.
(a) providing a resiliently flexible electrically conductive sheet;
(b) removing material from areas of said electrically conductive sheet while leaving a pattern of the conductors and said contact members but continuous to one another;
(c) severing the continuous contact members to form said L-shaped fingers;
(d) permanently deforming said L-shaped fingers at least in part;
(e) providing a dielectric substrate having cavities at predetermined locations in one surface thereof; and (f) fixedly positioning said pattern of conductors and L-shaped fingers resulting from step (d) relative to said one surface of said dielectric substrate with said L-shaped fingers positioned at least in part within said cavities.
48. A method according to claim 47, wherein said material is removed from areas of said electrically conductive sheet by chemical milling.
49. A method according to claim 47, wherein said material is removed from areas of said electrically conductive sheet by precision die stamping.
50. A method according to any one of claims 47, 48 or 49, wherein said L-shaped fingers are permanently deformed by heat forming.
51. A method according to claim 47, wherein said electrically conductive sheet comprises a laminate of a metallic foil and a polymeric substrate material underlying said metallic foil, and including the step of permanently deforming said L-shaped fingers by heat forming portions of said polymeric substrate underlying said fingers.
52. A method according to claim 47, wherein said electrically conductive sheet comprises unsupported metallic sheet, and including the step of permanently deforming said L-shaped fingers by forming the metal under pressure.
53. A method according to any one of claims 47, 51 or 52, and wherein said severing step (c) and said deforming step (d) are accomplished in a single stamping and forming operation.
54. A method according to claim 47, including the step of covering the structure resulting from step (f) with a flexible dielectric overlay.
55. A method of fabricating an electrical switch assembly comprising a carrier substrate having at least one cavity formed in one face of said substrate, and one or more electrically conductive circuits formed of resiliently flexible conductive material fixed in part to said carrier substrate, each of said electrically conductive circuits having an array of switch means, each of said switch means comprising a pair of contact members overlying said cavity, said pair of contact members comprising (a) integral extensions of such said conductive circuits and including (b) a pair of generally L-shaped fingers (1) disposed inwardly for a distance and (2) cantilevered from the edge of their associated cavity, said L-shaped fingers occupying the same plane adjacent the edge of their associated cavity extending beyond the geometric center of said associated cavity, and extending, in part, above or below the plane of said one face; said method comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a resiliently flexible circuit panel having an electrically conductive pattern in the form of said electrically conductive circuit and said contact members but continuous to one another;
(b) severing the continuous contact members to form said L-shaped fingers;
(c) depositing electrically conductive material onto selected areas of said L-shaped fingers so as to produce raised areas thereon;
(d) providing a dielectrical panel having cavities at predetermined locations in one surface thereof; and (e) fixedly positioning the pattern of conductors and L-shaped fingers resulting from step (c) onto said one surface of said dielectric panel, with said raised areas of said L-shaped fingers positioned at least in part within said cavities.
(a) providing a resiliently flexible circuit panel having an electrically conductive pattern in the form of said electrically conductive circuit and said contact members but continuous to one another;
(b) severing the continuous contact members to form said L-shaped fingers;
(c) depositing electrically conductive material onto selected areas of said L-shaped fingers so as to produce raised areas thereon;
(d) providing a dielectrical panel having cavities at predetermined locations in one surface thereof; and (e) fixedly positioning the pattern of conductors and L-shaped fingers resulting from step (c) onto said one surface of said dielectric panel, with said raised areas of said L-shaped fingers positioned at least in part within said cavities.
56. A method according to claim 55, wherein said raised areas are formed by plating-up metal.
57. A method according to claim 55, wherein said raised areas are formed by solder doming.
58. A method according to claim 55, and including the step of covering the structure resulting from step (e) with a flexible dielectric overlay.
59. A method according to claim 55, wherein said conductive pattern is formed by additive techniques.
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US21616280A | 1980-12-15 | 1980-12-15 | |
| US216,162 | 1980-12-15 | ||
| US06/290,220 US4446342A (en) | 1980-12-15 | 1981-08-05 | Electrical switch assembly and method of manufacture |
| US06/318,202 US4402131A (en) | 1981-08-05 | 1981-11-04 | Electrical switch assembly and method of manufacture |
| US318,202 | 1981-11-04 | ||
| US290,220 | 1994-08-15 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1163725A true CA1163725A (en) | 1984-03-13 |
Family
ID=27396239
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000391145A Expired CA1163725A (en) | 1980-12-15 | 1981-11-30 | Electrical switch assembly and method of manufacture |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0055053B1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1163725A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3175487D1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2089573B (en) |
| IE (1) | IE52804B1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2135827B (en) * | 1983-03-01 | 1987-04-29 | Plessey Comapny Plc The | Keyboard push buttons |
| US4523063A (en) * | 1983-12-05 | 1985-06-11 | Gte Valeron Corporation | Touch probe having nonconductive contact carriers |
| DE19538767A1 (en) * | 1995-10-18 | 1997-04-24 | Teves Gmbh Alfred | Switches with flexible conductor foil as a fixed contact and connection to connection contacts |
| GB2435448B (en) * | 2006-02-20 | 2009-12-02 | Devlin Electronics Ltd | A Healthcare keyboard |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NL250292A (en) * | 1900-01-01 | |||
| GB957801A (en) * | 1960-05-02 | 1964-05-13 | Ralph William Furness | Improvements in or relating to the manufacture of decorative or electrical conducting patterns |
| US3294927A (en) * | 1965-02-01 | 1966-12-27 | George A Hill | Resilient flap element for switch apparatus |
| US3987259A (en) * | 1975-06-12 | 1976-10-19 | Globe-Union Inc. | Membrane switch apparatus having sequential bridging contact arrangement |
| JPS5927940B2 (en) * | 1976-09-14 | 1984-07-09 | キヤノン株式会社 | small calculator |
-
1981
- 1981-11-30 CA CA000391145A patent/CA1163725A/en not_active Expired
- 1981-12-03 IE IE283781A patent/IE52804B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1981-12-09 GB GB8137081A patent/GB2089573B/en not_active Expired
- 1981-12-09 EP EP19810305809 patent/EP0055053B1/en not_active Expired
- 1981-12-09 DE DE8181305809T patent/DE3175487D1/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0055053B1 (en) | 1986-10-15 |
| IE812837L (en) | 1982-06-15 |
| EP0055053A1 (en) | 1982-06-30 |
| DE3175487D1 (en) | 1986-11-20 |
| GB2089573A (en) | 1982-06-23 |
| GB2089573B (en) | 1985-04-17 |
| IE52804B1 (en) | 1988-03-16 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |
Effective date: 20010313 |