EP0423924B1 - Langhubtastschalter mit verstärktem Benutzer-Feedback - Google Patents

Langhubtastschalter mit verstärktem Benutzer-Feedback Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0423924B1
EP0423924B1 EP19900308425 EP90308425A EP0423924B1 EP 0423924 B1 EP0423924 B1 EP 0423924B1 EP 19900308425 EP19900308425 EP 19900308425 EP 90308425 A EP90308425 A EP 90308425A EP 0423924 B1 EP0423924 B1 EP 0423924B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
keycap
plunger
dome switch
printed circuit
switch
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 - Lifetime
Application number
EP19900308425
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0423924A1 (de
Inventor
Christopher Karl Schroeder
Curt N. Torgerson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
HP Inc
Original Assignee
Hewlett Packard Co
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hewlett Packard Co filed Critical Hewlett Packard Co
Publication of EP0423924A1 publication Critical patent/EP0423924A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0423924B1 publication Critical patent/EP0423924B1/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • 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
    • H01H13/702—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 with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
    • H01H13/705—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 with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches characterised by construction, mounting or arrangement of operating parts, e.g. push-buttons or keys
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2215/00—Tactile feedback
    • H01H2215/004—Collapsible dome or bubble
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2215/00—Tactile feedback
    • H01H2215/03—Sound
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2221/00—Actuators
    • H01H2221/064—Limitation of actuating pressure

Definitions

  • the disclosed invention is directed generally to a keyboard pushbutton switch, and more specifically is directed to a keyboard pushbutton switch having a long travel, and enhanced tactile and audible feedback, and improved contact reliability.
  • Pushbutton switches are utilized in keyboards for calculators, device control panels, and the like.
  • a known pushbutton switch structure includes a dome-shaped metallic contact which contactively engages contacts on a printed circuit board when deformed by actuation of an associated keycap. The deformation of the metallic dome provides both tactile feedback and audible feedback.
  • a further consideration with pushbutton switches having metallic dome contacts is a limitation on the amount of key travel imposed by the metallic dome. Relatively longer key travel provides for a more comfortable keypress.
  • US-A-3 668 356 discloses a switch structure in which a manually depressible keytop has a stem for engaging an actuator assembly.
  • the latter assembly includes a cantilever arrangement which deforms to provide tactile feedback.
  • the keytop contacts a base to provide audible feedback.
  • the actuating assembly is used to operate a diaphragm switch.
  • DE-U-8 105 649 discloses a dome switch according to the first part of claim 1.
  • Another advantage would be to provide a keyboard pushbutton switch structure which reduces the amount of keypress force transmitted to the printed circuit board utilized therewith.
  • a further advantage would be to provide a keyboard pushbutton switch structure which provides for sufficient key travel.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective illustration of a pushbutton switch in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is an elevational sectional view illustrating the pushbutton switch of FIG. 1 with the keycap plunger in the non-actuated position and exerting a slight preload on the switch dome.
  • FIG. 3 is an elevational sectional view illustrating the pushbutton switch of FIG. 1 with the keycap plunger sufficiently displaced to cause deformation of the switch dome and contactive closure of the switching elements.
  • FIG. 4 is an elevational sectional view illustrating the pushbutton switch of FIG. 1 with the keycap plunger sufficiently displaced to cause audible feedback from the impact of the keycap top on the retaining bezel.
  • a pushbutton switch assembly that includes a keycap 11 having a keycap top 11a and a keycap plunger 11b.
  • the keycap plunger 11a is slidably engaged and retained in a guiding and retaining bezel 13 which, for example, is integrally formed with other bezels in a bezel structure 15.
  • the keycap plunger includes barb-like tabs for engaging the bottom portions of the bezel 13 to limit the upward displacement of the keycap.
  • An elastomeric dome switch button 17 is located beneath the keycap 11.
  • the switch button 17 is integrally formed in an elastomeric sheet 19, comprising rubber, for example, with other switch buttons.
  • the elastomeric sheet 19 rests on a printed circuit board 21 having a conductive pattern 23 aligned with the switch button 17.
  • the conductive pattern 23 can comprise interleaved conductive traces to provide redundant contact elements.
  • the printed circuit board 21 is attached to the bezel structure 15 to prevent relative displacement thereof.
  • the elastomeric dome switch button 17 comprises a conical side wall 17a secured to the elastomeric sheet 19 at its lower boundary.
  • a horizontal top wall 17b is formed on the upper boundary of the conical side wall 17a, and a circular ridge 17c is formed on the top wall 17b.
  • a cylindrical bump 17d of shorter height than the circular ridge 17c is formed in the center of the top wall 17b.
  • the thicknesses of the top wall 17b, the circular ridge 17c, and the central bump 17d are greater than the thickness of the conical side wall so that the conical side wall resiliently deforms more easily than the thicker elements.
  • the keycap 11, the bezel 13, and the bezel structure 15 are configured to provide a slight preload on the switch button 17 when the keycap 11 is not actuated, as shown in FIG. 2. Further, the keycap 11 and bezel 13 are configured so that the bottom of the keycap top is against the top of the bezel 13 when the switch button 17 is fully deformed, which transfers further force to the bezel 13.
  • the pushbutton switch operates as follows.
  • the user presses the top of the keycap top 11a to displace the keycap 11 downwardly.
  • the conical side wall 17a collapses just before the contact pad 25 engages the conductive pattern 23 on the printed circuit board, which causes a distinct variation in the resistance felt by the user's finger.
  • the sudden collapse of the conical side wall 17a reduces the resistance on the keycap which, pursuant to the keypress force, then travels quickly to impact the bezel 13 and produce an audible feedback click.
  • FIG. 3 shows the contact pad 25 against the conductive pattern 23 just after the conical side wall has collapsed
  • FIG. 4 shows the keycap at its downward travel limit against the bezel 13.
  • the keycap 11 when the keycap 11 is fully depressed against the bezel 13, the side wall 17a is collapsed, and the top wall 17b is slightly deformed around the contact pad 23, but does not touch the printed circuit board 19. Any keypress force applied to the keycap beyond that required to collapse the side wall 17a and deform the top wall as shown in FIG. 4 will be transmitted to the bezel 13 and not to the printed circuit board 19.
  • the keycap 11, the bezel 13, and the switch button 17 are configured so that a limited amount of force is transmitted to the printed circuit board, for example, an amount determined to be sufficient to assure appropriate contact between the contact pad 25 and the conductive pattern 23. In this manner, contact is assured while preventing excessive forces on the printed circuit board 21.
  • the keycap travel and the nature of the tactile feedback are selected to provide for a comfortable keypress that provides a distinct indication that contact has been made.
  • the keycap travel is determined by the difference between (a) the top to bottom height of the retaining bezel 13, and (b) the distance on the keycap plunger 11b between the barb-like tabs and the underside of the keycap top 11a.
  • the distance between the contact pad 23 and the printed circuit conductive pattern should be selected so that appropriate contact is assured while avoiding the application of excessive force when the keycap is fully depressed.
  • the nature of the tactile feedback which is the force-to-displacement characteristic of the switch button 17, is determined by the thickness of the conical sidewall 17a, the thickness of the top wall 17b, the outside diameter of the top wall 17b, and the inside diameter of the lower boundary of the conical sidewall 17a.

Landscapes

  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)

Claims (5)

  1. Eine Schalterstruktur zur elektrischen Verbindung von Kontakten (23) auf einer gedruckten Schaltungsplatine (21), wobei die Schalterstruktur folgende Merkmale aufweist:
    eine von Hand niederdrückbare Tastenabdeckung (11) mit einer Oberfläche (11a) und einem Druckkolben (11b);
    eine Rückhalteeinrichtung (13, 15), in der der Druckkolben (11b) gleitbar befestigt und zurückgehalten ist, und in der die gedruckte Schaltungsplatine (21) aufgenommen werden kann;
    einen elastomeren Kuppelschalter (17) mit einer konischen Seitenwand (17a), einer mittleren Wand (17b), die auf einer Peripherie der Seitenwand (17a) gebildet ist, und einem kreisförmigen Steg (17c), der auf der mittleren Wand (17b) gebildet ist; wobei der Kuppelschalter (17) ebenfalls einen Kontakt zur Ineingriffnahme mit den Kontakten (23) der gedruckten Schaltungsplatine aufweist, wenn die Tastenabdeckung (11) niedergedrückt ist; wobei der kreisförmige Steg (17c) mit dem Druckkolben (11b) Eingriff nimmt, so daß, wenn der Druckkolben (11b) niedergedrückt ist, der Kuppelschalter (17) nachgibt, um einer manuellen Niederdrückung der Tastenabdeckung (11) zu widerstehen, und sich dann mit geringem Widerstand verformt, um eine fühlbare Rückwirkung zu schaffen, bevor der Kuppelschalterkontakt (25) mit den Kontakten (23) der gedruckten Schaltungsplatine Eingriff nimmt; wobei die mittlere Wand (17b) und der kreisförmige Steg (17c) des Kuppelschalters (17) wesentlich dicker sind als dessen konische Seitenwand (17a), so daß sich, wenn die Tastenabdeckung (11) niedergedrückt ist, die konische Seitenwand (17a) leichter als die mittlere Wand (17b) und der ringförmige Steg (17c) elastisch verformt,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet,
    daß ein Teil der Rückhalteeinrichtung (13) als ein Anschlag wirkt, der eine begrenzte Verschiebung des Druckkolbens (11b) ermöglicht, nachdem der Kuppelschalterkontakt (25) mit den Kontakten (23) der gedruckten Schaltungsplatine Eingriff nimmt; und
    daß die Rückhalteeinrichtung (13), die Tastenabdeckung (11) und der Kuppelschalter (17) konfiguriert sind, so daß:
    (a) die Tastenabdeckungsoberfläche (11a) nach der begrenzten Verschiebung auf die Rückhalteeinrichtung (13) aufprallt, um eine hörbare Rückwirkung zu erzeugen;
    (b) sich die mittlere Wand (17b) verformt und sich die konische Seitenwand (17a) streckt, ohne während der begrenzten Verschiebung zu knicken, und
    (c) lediglich eine begrenzte Kraft an die in Eingriff genommenen Kontakte (23, 25) als ein Ergebnis der begrenzten Verschiebung übertragen wird, was elektrische Verbindungen sicherstellt, aber verhindert, daß eine übermäßige Kraft an die gedruckte Schaltungsplatine (21) übertragen wird.
  2. Eine Schalterstruktur gemäß Anspruch 1, bei der die Tastenabdeckung (11) und die Rückhalteeinrichtung (13, 15) derart konfiguriert sind, daß der Kuppelschalter (17) vorgeladen ist, wenn die Tastenabdeckung (11) in einem nicht-gedrückten Zustand ist.
  3. Eine Schalterstruktur gemäß Anspruch 1 oder 2, bei der die mittlere Wand eine vergrößerte mittlere Erhöhung (17d) aufweist, die sich in die Richtung des ringförmigen Steges (17c) erstreckt, wobei die Erhöhung (17d) kürzer ist als der ringförmige Steg (17c) und innerhalb des Kuppelschalters (17) oberhalb des Kontaktes (25) angeordnet ist, so daß sich ein Abschnitt der mittleren Wand (17b) über den Kuppelschalterkontakt (25) erstreckt.
  4. Eine Schalterstruktur gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei der der Teil der Rückhalteeinrichtung (13), der als Anschlag wirkt, in der Form einer aufrecht stehenden Buchse mit einem oberen Randabschnitt ist, der auf die Tastenabdeckungsoberfläche (11a) aufprallt.
  5. Eine Schalterstruktur gemäß Anspruch 4, bei der der Druckkolben (11b) gleitend in der Buchse befestigt ist und widerhakenförmige Streifen aufweist, die mit einem unteren Ende der Buchse Eingriff nehmen, um den Druckkolben (11b) zurückzuhalten, wobei sich die Streifen über den ringförmigen Steg (17c) erstrecken.
EP19900308425 1989-09-27 1990-07-31 Langhubtastschalter mit verstärktem Benutzer-Feedback Expired - Lifetime EP0423924B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US41303289A 1989-09-27 1989-09-27
US413032 1999-10-06

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0423924A1 EP0423924A1 (de) 1991-04-24
EP0423924B1 true EP0423924B1 (de) 1995-02-01

Family

ID=23635521

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19900308425 Expired - Lifetime EP0423924B1 (de) 1989-09-27 1990-07-31 Langhubtastschalter mit verstärktem Benutzer-Feedback

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0423924B1 (de)
JP (1) JPH0357837U (de)
CA (1) CA2014651A1 (de)
DE (1) DE69016569T2 (de)

Families Citing this family (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4129234A1 (de) * 1991-09-03 1993-03-04 Bizerba Werke Kraut Kg Wilh Tastatur
DE9113199U1 (de) * 1991-10-23 1992-11-26 Cherry Mikroschalter Gmbh, 8572 Auerbach, De
EP0556426A1 (de) * 1992-02-19 1993-08-25 Acer Incorporated Tastaturschalteranordnung
JP3099165B2 (ja) * 1993-06-28 2000-10-16 セイコーインスツルメンツ株式会社 スイッチ機構を有する電子機器及び基板の製造方法
DE19537144C2 (de) * 1995-10-05 1998-11-26 Siemens Nixdorf Inf Syst Einzeltaste
DE19631310A1 (de) * 1996-08-02 1998-02-05 Teves Gmbh Alfred Mit Kontakten auf der Leiterplatte zusammenwirkender Mikroschalter
JPH10289631A (ja) * 1997-04-14 1998-10-27 Alps Electric Co Ltd 押釦スイッチ
JP3819124B2 (ja) * 1997-08-29 2006-09-06 アルゼ株式会社 スイッチ構造
DE10203510C1 (de) * 2002-01-30 2003-02-20 Whirlpool Co Elektrischer Schalter, der in eine Bedien/Anzeigeblende einbaubar ist
JP5135738B2 (ja) * 2006-08-30 2013-02-06 大日本印刷株式会社 種子用包材および種子用袋
US8404990B2 (en) 2010-06-30 2013-03-26 3M Innovative Properties Company Switch system having a button travel limit feature

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3668356A (en) * 1971-01-04 1972-06-06 Ibm Mechanical key actuator including a cantilever beam restoring force means
DE8105649U1 (de) * 1981-02-27 1981-08-13 Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München Tastatur für Fernsprechgeräte
US4496803A (en) * 1983-05-04 1985-01-29 Key Concepts, Incorporated Data entry switch
DE8401137U1 (de) * 1984-01-17 1984-05-03 Deutsche Fernsprecher Gesellschaft Mbh Marburg, 3550 Marburg Taste, insbesondere für Tastenwahlblöcke von Fernsprechapparaten

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69016569D1 (de) 1995-03-16
EP0423924A1 (de) 1991-04-24
CA2014651A1 (en) 1991-03-27
JPH0357837U (de) 1991-06-04
DE69016569T2 (de) 1995-05-24

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US4839474A (en) Switches and keyboards
US4677268A (en) Elastomeric switch control device
US4190748A (en) Keyboard switch assembly
US5228561A (en) Long traveling button switch with enhanced user feedback
EP1202311B1 (de) Schiebeschalter
US9959994B1 (en) Keyboard
KR100293611B1 (ko) 푸시온스위치
EP0707327A1 (de) Komputertastatur mit freitragende Hebelentwurf für Schalter und Betätiger
US5278374A (en) Assembly with an asymmetrical resilient spring
EP0423924B1 (de) Langhubtastschalter mit verstärktem Benutzer-Feedback
US20140001021A1 (en) Press key
US4362408A (en) Means for avoiding accidental actuation of a critical function key
US4978818A (en) Key for a circuit board
JPH08124453A (ja) キースイッチ
US5738450A (en) Keyboard with simplified switch pad having a stabilization element
JP2673288B2 (ja) キースイッチのラバースプリング
US4471176A (en) Keyboard switch
JPS6311728B2 (de)
JP2876227B2 (ja) キーボードスイッチ
GB2157497A (en) Elastomeric dome with tactile feedback
JPH036992Y2 (de)
JPH0538500Y2 (de)
JPS6026422Y2 (ja) 押釦スイツチ
JPH0119297Y2 (de)
JP2872304B2 (ja) キーボードスイッチ

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): DE FR GB IT

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19910718

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19930909

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE FR GB IT

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69016569

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19950316

ET Fr: translation filed
ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed

Owner name: SOCIETA' ITALIANA BREVETTI S.P.A.

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: 732E

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: TP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20050718

Year of fee payment: 16

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20050727

Year of fee payment: 16

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20050831

Year of fee payment: 16

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20060731

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20060731

Year of fee payment: 17

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070201

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20060731

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20070330

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20060731

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070731