EP0423924B1 - Touche de commutateur à grand déplacement et rétroaction accentuée - Google Patents

Touche de commutateur à grand déplacement et rétroaction accentuée Download PDF

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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
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0423924A1 (fr
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/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0423924B1 publication Critical patent/EP0423924B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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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. Structure d'interrupteur pour relier électriquement des contacts (23) situés sur une carte à circuit imprimé (21), la structure d'interrupteur comportant:
       une touche (11) pouvant être enfoncée de manière manuelle, ayant une partie supérieure (11a) et un piston (11b),
       des moyens de retenue(13, 15) dans lesquels le piston (11b) est monté de manière coulissante et retenue, et dans lesquels la carte à circuit imprimé (21) peut être reçue,
       un commutateur (17) formant dôme en élastomère ayant une paroi latérale conique (17a), une paroi centrale (17b) formée à la périphérie de la paroi latérale (17a) et un rebord circulaire (17c) formé sur la paroi centrale (17b); le commutateur (17) formant dôme ayant aussi un contact (25) destiné à venir en contact avec les contacts (23) de la carte à circuit imprimé lorsque la touche (11) est enfoncée; le rebord circulaire (17c) venant en contact avec le piston (11b) de telle sorte que lorsque le piston (11b) est enfoncé, le commutateur (17) formant dôme tente de résister à l'enfoncement manuel de la touche (11) et ensuite se déforme, en ayant une résistance plus faible, pour fournir un retour tactile, avant que le contact (25) du commutateur formant dôme ne vienne en contact avec les contacts (23) de la carte à circuit imprimé; la paroi centrale (17b) et le rebord circulaire(17c) du commutateur (17) formant dôme étant nettement plus épais que sa paroi latérale conique (17a) de telle sorte que lorsque la touche (11) est enfoncée, la paroi latérale conique se déforme de manière élastique plus facilement que la paroi centrale (17b) et le rebord circulaire (17c),
       caractérisée en ce qu'une partie des moyens de retenue (13) agit en tant qu'arrêt, qui permet un déplacement limité du piston (11b) après venue en contact du contact (25) du commutateur formant dôme avec les contacts (23) de la carte à circuit imprimé ; et en ce que les moyens de retenue (13), la touche (11) et le commutateur (17) formant dôme sont configurés de telle sorte que
    (a) la partie supérieure (11a) de la touche vient heurter les moyens de retenue (13) après ledit déplacement limité pour assurer un retour audible;
    (b) la paroi centrale (17b) se déforme et la paroi latérale conique (17a) subit une contrainte sans vrillage pendant le déplacement limité, et
    (c) seule une force limitée est transmise aux contacts (23, 25) mis en contact, du fait du déplacement limité, ce qui assure les connexions électriques mais empêche qu'une force excessive soit transmise à la carte à circuit imprimé (21).
  2. Structure d'interrupteur selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle la touche (11) et les moyens de retenue(13, 15) sont configurés de telle sorte que le commutateur (17) formant dôme soit préchargé lorsque la touche (11) est dans un état non-enfoncé.
  3. Structure d'interrupteur selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans laquelle la paroi centrale comporte une bosse centrale (17d) agrandie s'étendant dans la même direction que le rebord circulaire (17c), la bosse (17d) étant plus courte que le rebord circulaire (17c) et étant positionnée au-dessus du contact (25), dans le commutateur (17) formant dôme, de sorte qu'une partie de la paroi centrale (17b) s'étende au-delà du contact (25) du commutateur formant dôme.
  4. Structure d'interrupteur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle la partie des moyens de retenue (13) qui agit en tant qu'arrêt a la forme d'un manchon agencé vers le haut ayant une partie formant bord supérieur qui est heurtée par la partie supérieure (11a) de la touche.
  5. Structure d'interrupteur selon la revendication 4, dans laquelle le piston (11b) est monté de manière coulissante dans le manchon et comporte des pattes analogues à des arêtes venant en contact avec une extrémité inférieure du manchon de manière à retenir le piston (11b), les pattes s'étendant à travers le rebord circulaire(17c).
EP19900308425 1989-09-27 1990-07-31 Touche de commutateur à grand déplacement et rétroaction accentuée Expired - Lifetime EP0423924B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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

Publications (2)

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

Family

ID=23635521

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19900308425 Expired - Lifetime EP0423924B1 (fr) 1989-09-27 1990-07-31 Touche de commutateur à grand déplacement et rétroaction accentuée

Country Status (4)

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

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 Tastenelement mit Führungskontur
EP0556426A1 (fr) * 1992-02-19 1993-08-25 Acer Incorporated Ensemble d'interrupteur de clavier
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
JPH0357837U (fr) 1991-06-04
DE69016569T2 (de) 1995-05-24
EP0423924A1 (fr) 1991-04-24
CA2014651A1 (fr) 1991-03-27
DE69016569D1 (de) 1995-03-16

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