US3796843A - Calculator keyboard switch with disc spring contact and printed circuit board - Google Patents

Calculator keyboard switch with disc spring contact and printed circuit board Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3796843A
US3796843A US00320147A US3796843DA US3796843A US 3796843 A US3796843 A US 3796843A US 00320147 A US00320147 A US 00320147A US 3796843D A US3796843D A US 3796843DA US 3796843 A US3796843 A US 3796843A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
dome
conductor
assembly
switch
board
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
US00320147A
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
G Durkee
P Wareberg
A Yoder
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.)
Mercury Systems Inc
Original Assignee
Bowmar Instrument Corp
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 Bowmar Instrument Corp filed Critical Bowmar Instrument Corp
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3796843A publication Critical patent/US3796843A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70Switches 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
    • H01H13/78Switches 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 characterised by the contacts or the contact sites
    • H01H13/785Switches 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 characterised by the contacts or the contact sites characterised by the material of the contacts, e.g. conductive polymers
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70Switches 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
    • H01H13/7006Switches 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 comprising a separate movable contact element for each switch site, all other elements being integrated in layers
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2201/00Contacts
    • H01H2201/022Material
    • H01H2201/026Material non precious
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2203/00Form of contacts
    • H01H2203/036Form of contacts to solve particular problems
    • H01H2203/04Form of contacts to solve particular problems to facilitate connections
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2203/00Form of contacts
    • H01H2203/036Form of contacts to solve particular problems
    • H01H2203/042Form of contacts to solve particular problems to avoid cross-overs
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2205/00Movable contacts
    • H01H2205/016Separate bridge contact
    • H01H2205/024Means to facilitate positioning
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2209/00Layers
    • H01H2209/024Properties of the substrate
    • H01H2209/032Properties of the substrate non elastomeric
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2227/00Dimensions; Characteristics
    • H01H2227/026Separate dome contact
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2229/00Manufacturing
    • H01H2229/014Electro deposition
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2229/00Manufacturing
    • H01H2229/016Selective etching
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2229/00Manufacturing
    • H01H2229/024Packing between substrate and membrane
    • H01H2229/026Riveting
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2231/00Applications
    • H01H2231/002Calculator, computer

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT A keyboard switch assembly including a printed circuit board having four switch terminals on one side of the board, three of the terminals being arranged in a triangle and the fourth disposed within the triangle. Conductors on the one side of the board are respectively joined to the interior terminal and at least one of the three terminals.
  • Another sheet of insulating material covers the first sheet and the switch member.
  • a plate covers the second insulating sheet and has an opening therein which receives a push button in registry with the switch element, depression of the push button actuating the dome of the switch member to a nonovercenter, deflected position in which the interior projection on the dome engages the interior switch terminal.
  • FIGJZ FIGH PATENTED AR 1 2 I874 sum u BF 4 FIGJO CALCULATOR KEYBOARD SWITCH WITH DISC SPRING CONTACT AND PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1.
  • Field of the Invention A This invention relates generally to a keyboard switch assembly of the type used in electronic calculator apparatus.
  • keyboard switch manufactured by Colorodo Instruments Corp. incorporates a printed circuit board having conductors on both surfaces thereof, the board having plated openings extending therethrough connected to certainv conductors, and snap-acting domes cooperating with the plated openings to perform the switching function.
  • the keyboard switch assemblies of the type described above known to the present applicants employ some combination of double sided printed circuit boards, soldered connections, and/or a conductive ground plate in addition to a printed circuit board, these features complicating assembly thus adding appreciably to the cost. It is therefore desirable to provide a keyboard switch assembly of the general type described above which utilizes a single sided printed circuit board and which does not require soldered connections or an additional conductive ground plate.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide an improved keyboard'switch assembly of the type employing a snap-acting dome member as the switch element in which a single sided printed circuit board is utilized and soldered connections and/or conductive ground plates are eliminated.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a simplified
  • FIG. 2 is a top view showing an insulative board with XY conductors and switch terminals thereon arranged in a pattern in accordance with the invention to provide the keyboard switch matrix of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the line 22 of FIG. 2 and showing the basic switching element employed in the invention
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 55 of FIG. 4; 7
  • FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 77 of FIG. 6;
  • FIG. 8 is a top view showing the snap-acting dome switch member employed in the preferred embodiment
  • FIG. 9 is a fragmentary view showing the configuration of one of the openings in the switch element retaining member
  • FIG. 10 is a fragmentary, exploded perspective view further showing .the preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 13 is a top view of a modified form of the switch element shown in FIGS. 11 and 12;
  • FIG. 14 is a top view of a modified form of the switch element shown in FIGS. 410.
  • the Texas Instruments keyboard switch assembly referred to above employs a single sided printed circuit board with the requisite insulation at the XY crossovers being provided by conducting U-shaped staples extending through the board with their legs soldered to the conductors on one side and their bight portions engaging the other side of the board.
  • the Colorado Instruments keyboard switch assembly referred to employs a two-sided printed circuit board with the X conductors on one side thereof and the Y conductors on the other, plated through-holes being used to provide X contacts on the same side of the board as the Y contacts. In both of those assemblies, the printed circuit board serves as an insulator between the X and Y conductors with staples or plated through-holes being used to bring the X and Y contact points to the switching side of the board.
  • the thickness of the printed circuit board is not used as an insulator between the X and Y conductors, there being no conductors extending through the board to provide electrical contact from one sideto the other.
  • an insulative board'l is provided having X and Y conductors secured to the switching side thereof, the conductors being arranged in a pattern and having terminal portions 2, 3 arranged to cooperate with the respective switching elements S so as to make contact between selected X and Y conductors without touching other conductors.
  • Switching elements S are formed of conductive, resilient material, each switching element S having edge or peripheral contact areas 5 engaging one or more Y terminal portions 2 and having a normal position, as shown in solid lines in FIG. 3, with it center contact area 6 spaced from a respective X terminal portion 3, switching element 4 also being spaced from other X and/or Y conductors, as shown.
  • switching element 4 Upon application of a downward force on switching element 4, as shown by arrow 7, such as that applied by manual actuation of a push button, switching element 4 is deflected to a position as shown in dashed lines at 4a with its center contact area 6 making contact with a respective X terminal portion 3 thus electrically connecting the respective X'and Y conductors.
  • switching switching element 4 in its deflected position, switching switching element 4 does not contact the other conductors, such as conductors Y therebeneath. Upon release of the downward force 7, switching element 4 resiliently returns to its normal position thus breaking the electrical connection between the respective X and Y conductors.
  • switching element S1 may be of the type shown in FIG. 13
  • switching element S2 may be of the type shown in FIGS. 4-10
  • switching element S3 may be the type shown in FIG. 14,
  • switching element S4 may be the type shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, it being understood that all switching elements in a given keyboard switch assembly will generally have the sa'me configuration.
  • the preferred embodiment of the improved keyboard switch assembly of the invention comprises single sided printed circuit board 12,
  • keyboard switch assembly 10 is intended for use in an electronic calculator.
  • terminal 30-3 of switching sub-assembly 28-1 does not have a conductor connected thereto however, in other of the switching sub-assemblies 29, all three of the switching terminals 30 may be connected by one conductor.
  • outer terminal 30-3 of switching sub-assembly 28-2 is also connected to conductor 34.
  • Conductor 48 on upper surface 26 of board 12 partially surrounds central terminal 32 of switching subassembly 28-1 being spaced therefrom and from conductor 38.
  • conductor 48 is connected in conductor 50 on upper surface 26 of board 12 which connects external terminal 52 to a terminal of another switching subassembly 28.
  • conductor 48' completely surrounds central terminal 32' and is connected to conductor 38' on upper surface 26 which connects central terminal 32' to external terminal 54.
  • terminals 30, 32 are masked during application of insulative coating 56 so that the terminals are not so-coated.
  • Terminals 30, 32 are preferably plated, such as by plating with gold over nickel, as at 58.
  • snap-acting dome switch member has a generally triangular configuration with apices 60 whicn are arcuately curved about center 62, apices defining flat sides 62 therebetween.
  • Switch member 14 may also be said to be generally circular with portions removed to form chords 62 between arcuate portions 60.
  • Projections or dimples 64 are formed downwardly from apices 60 and a center projection or dimple 66 is formed projecting into the interior of the dome.
  • Snap-acting dome switch member 14 of switching sub-assembly 28-1 is disposed over and facing upper surface 26 of board 12, conductors 34-48, and center terminal 32, outer projections 64 respectively engaging outer terminals 30 and thus spacing the periphery of switch member 14 above the conductors and terminals, as best seen in FIG. 7.
  • Center projection 66 is in registry with and spaced from center terminal 32 in the normal position of snap-acting dome switch member 14, as shown in solid lines in FIG. 7.
  • Conductor 48 partially surrounding center terminal 32 (or 48' completely surrounding center terminal 32' and its insulative coating 56, forms a pad preventing damage to center projection 66 on snap-acting dome switch member 14, i.e., application of excessive force in direction 68 on switch member 14 will cause the area surrounding projection 66 to move into engagement with the insulation covering conductor 48 thus preventing further downward movement of the dome and damage to projection 66.
  • Cover sheet 18 is formed of an imperforate sheet of relatively thin, flexible insulating material and covers retaining sheet 16 and switch members 14. Cover member covers sheet 18 and has openings 76 therein which receive push buttons 22.
  • Each push button 22 has an X-shaped projection 78 formed on its bottom surface 80, projection 78 being in registry with center projection 66 of the respective switch member 14. Projection 78 engages the area of cover sheet 18 over center projection 66 but normally applies no force thereto I manual finger pressure on push button 22, the respec-' tive switch member 14 resiliently returns to its normal position thus opening the circuit previously established and returning the respective push button 22 to its normal, inactive position.
  • snap-acting dome switch member 14 has a generally rectangular configuration with flat portion integrally joined to the periphery of domed portion 92.
  • Projection 64 is formed from flat portion 90 and projection 66 is formed from the center area of dome 92.
  • Flat portion 90 of switch member 14 is supported on the upper surface of insulator 82 with projection 64' extending through opening 86 and engaging terminal 30', and with projection 66 in registry with opening 88 and terminal 32.
  • insulative retaining member 16 covers insulator 82 and has openings 72 therein which receive and locate switch members 14, openings 72 conforming to the rectangular configuration of switch members 14.
  • Cover sheet 18 covers retaining member 16 and cover member 20 (not shown in FIG. 11) in turn covers cover sheet 18 and has openings 76 therein which receive and locate push buttons 22.
  • FIGS. 1 1 and 12 The switching action of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 1 and 12 is virtually identical to that of FIGS. 4-10, i.e., applicationof manual finger pressure on a push button 22 causes X-shaped projection 78 to apply downward force on the center area of a respective dome 92 through cover sheet 18 thereby actuating doem 92 from its normal position, as shown in FIG. 11, to its non-overcenter, deflected position in which projection 66 extends through opening 88 in insulator 82 and engages center contact 32 thereby to provide the switching function.
  • FIG. 13 in which like elements are indicated by like reference numbers and similar elements by primed reference numerals, a modification of the switch element of FIGS. 11 and 12 is shown having an additional contact projection 65 formed in flat portion 90 on the opposite side of domed portion 92 from projection 64.
  • switching element 14 has a generally rectangular configuration with arcuate corners 60" joined by straight sides 62", contact projections or dimples 64 being formed in corners 60'. It will be observed that switching element 14 may be formed by cutting straight edges 62" from a circular snap-acting dome.
  • dome switching elements While snap-acting dome switching elements have been shown in the preferred embodiment, it will be understood that the audible and tactile feedback provided by the oil canning action of a dome is not required for the switching function and that other types of switching elements can be employed; the basic requirement of the switching element is that it be capable of being depressed to complete a circuit between respective X and Y lines, have the required memory or resilience to return to its initial position upon removal of the actuating force, and have a configuration which will make the required electrical connection between a selected XY conductor pair when depressed without touching other conductors interconnecting contact points for other switches on the same board. While an insulating coating or layer is disclosed covering the circuitry other than the terminal portions, such an insulative coating'or layer is not a requirement since with proper arrangement of the conductive pattern and proper switch element deflection characteristics, the insulating coating can be eliminated.
  • the switching element configuration shown in FIGS. 8 and 14 is preferred since the provision of three or four apices or corners with contact projections or dimples therein provides resting points for the dome around the periphery thereof, the intermediate flat sides cut from the dome insuring proper alignment of the contact projections by the dome retaining sheet 16.
  • a keyboardswitch assembly including a push button manually actuable from an inactive-to a switchactuating position, and a conductive switch member including a resilient element actuated by said push button from a normal to a deflected position and resiliently returning to its normal position upon removal of force from said bush button, the improvement comprising an insulative board having opposite surfaces, one only of said surfaces having first and second elongated conductors thereon, said first conductor including a first switch terminal portion and said second conductor including a second switch terminal portion, said conductors and terminal portions being generally coplanar, said switch element being positioned in facing relationship with said'one surface and said conductors, said switch element having first and second spaced contact areas thereon, said first contact area engaging said first terminal portion, said second contact area being in registry with said second terminal portion and engaging the same when said element is in said deflected position thereby electrically connecting said first and second terminal portions, and mean for holding said push button, switch member and board in operative relationship.
  • said element is a snap-acting dome, said second contact area being at the center of said dome, said one surface of said board having a third conductor thereon at least partially surrounding said second terminal portion, closely spaced therefrom and generally coplanar therewith, the area of said dome surrounding said second contact 'area engaging the insulation covering said third conductor upon further deflection of said dome following engagement of said second contact area with said second terminal portion thereby to protect said second contact area.
  • said one surface of said board has at least a third conductor thereon intermediate and spaced from said first and second conductors and generally coplanar therewith, said third conductor extending under said element from a location on said one surface remote therefrom, said element in its deflected position being spaced from said third conductor, there being no electrical connection between said third conductor and said element in either position thereof.
  • the assembly of claim contact area comprises a projection said dome.
  • the assembly of claim 8 further comprising third, fourth and fifth switch terminals on said one surface of said board, said third through fifth terminals and said first terminal portion being arranged in a rectangle with said second terminal portion in the interior therof, said first contact area comprising a first projection formed from said dome adjacent the periphery thereof, said dome having second, third, and fourth. projections formed therefrom adjacent the periphery thereof and respectively engaging said third, fourth and fifth switch terminals, said projections spacing the periphery of said 8 wherein said second on the interior of dome from said one surface of said board and said conductor, said second contact area comprising a fifth projection formed from the interior of said dome.
  • said first contact area comprises a projection on said switch element spacing the periphery of said dome from said one surface of said board and said conductors.
  • said switch member includes a flat portion joined to the periphery of said dome, said projection being formed from said flat portion.
  • the assembly of claim 8 further comprising third and fourth switch terminals on said one surface of said board, said third and fourth terminals and said first terminal portion being arranged in a triangle with said second terminal portion in the interior thereof, said first contact area comprising a first projection formed from said dome adjacent the periphery thereof, said dome having second and third projections formed therefrom adjacent the periphery thereof and respectively engaging said third and fourth switch terminals, said projections spacing the periphery of said dome from said one surface of said board and said conductors, said second contact area comprising a fourth projection formed from the interior of said dome.
  • said holding means comprises a layer of insulating material covering said conductors excluding said terminal portions and terminals, a first sheet of insulating material covering said layer and having an opening therein receiving said switch element and conforming thereto for locating the same, a second sheet of insulating material covering said first sheet and switch element, and a plate member covering said second sheet and having an opening therein receiving said push button, said push button acting on said dome through said second sheet.

Landscapes

  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
  • Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)
US00320147A 1973-01-02 1973-01-02 Calculator keyboard switch with disc spring contact and printed circuit board Expired - Lifetime US3796843A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US32014773A 1973-01-02 1973-01-02

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3796843A true US3796843A (en) 1974-03-12

Family

ID=23245080

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US00320147A Expired - Lifetime US3796843A (en) 1973-01-02 1973-01-02 Calculator keyboard switch with disc spring contact and printed circuit board

Country Status (14)

Country Link
US (1) US3796843A (hu)
JP (1) JPS557643B2 (hu)
AR (1) AR199821A1 (hu)
AU (1) AU6390273A (hu)
BR (1) BR7310277D0 (hu)
CA (1) CA992124A (hu)
DE (1) DE2365083C3 (hu)
FR (1) FR2212950A5 (hu)
GB (1) GB1430399A (hu)
HK (1) HK24077A (hu)
HU (1) HU170381B (hu)
IT (1) IT1005548B (hu)
SE (1) SE393695B (hu)
SU (1) SU597352A3 (hu)

Cited By (47)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3858020A (en) * 1973-07-30 1974-12-31 Staco Switch Inc Pushbutton with spring contactor
US3860771A (en) * 1973-10-29 1975-01-14 Chomerics Inc Keyboard switch assembly with dome shaped actuator having associated underlying contactor means
US3898421A (en) * 1972-08-18 1975-08-05 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Push button switch with elastic conductive sheet
US3905233A (en) * 1974-03-26 1975-09-16 Us Army Package penetration indicating apparatus
US3908109A (en) * 1974-06-14 1975-09-23 Mohawk Data Sciences Corp Dome shaped switch member
US3928736A (en) * 1973-05-11 1975-12-23 Sumlock Anita Electronics Ltd Keyboard switch assembly having discrete helical conductors providing wiping action
US3941964A (en) * 1974-12-09 1976-03-02 Bowmar Instrument Corporation Push-button type binary switch device
US3973091A (en) * 1975-02-03 1976-08-03 Texas Instruments Incorporated Pushbutton keyboard assembly having pole and inner contacts simultaneously engaged by a bridging contact
US3995128A (en) * 1975-01-10 1976-11-30 Texas Instruments Incorporated Pushbutton keyboard system having preformed recessed support with contacts mounted on face and in recesses
US3995126A (en) * 1975-04-03 1976-11-30 Magic Dot, Inc. Membrane keyboard apparatus
US3996427A (en) * 1975-01-10 1976-12-07 Texas Instruments Incorporated Pushbutton keyboard system and method of making same
US3996430A (en) * 1974-05-07 1976-12-07 Preh Elektrofeinmechanische Werke Keyboard switch assembly having multilayer printed circuit structure
US3996429A (en) * 1975-04-18 1976-12-07 Northern Electric Company Limited Multi-contact push-button switch having plural prestressed contact members designed to provide plural circuit simultaneous switching inputs
US4000389A (en) * 1971-08-23 1976-12-28 Hewlett-Packard Company Printed circuit board and contact assembly for keyboard switch assemblies
US4018999A (en) * 1974-09-12 1977-04-19 Mohawk Data Sciences Corporation Keyboard switch assembly having adhesive position retainer element
US4029916A (en) * 1975-04-18 1977-06-14 Northern Electric Company Limited Multi-contact push-button switch and plural embodiment for keyboard switch assembly
US4032728A (en) * 1974-12-20 1977-06-28 Olympia Werke Ag Push button switch
US4045636A (en) * 1976-01-28 1977-08-30 Bowmar Instrument Corporation Keyboard switch assembly having printed circuit board with plural layer exposed contacts and undersurface jumper connections
US4046981A (en) * 1975-12-24 1977-09-06 Texas Instruments Incorporated Keyboard switch with printed wiring board structure and its method of manufacture
US4074088A (en) * 1974-05-21 1978-02-14 Texas Instruments Incorporated Keyboard apparatus and method of making
US4085306A (en) * 1977-06-09 1978-04-18 Kb-Denver, Inc. Keyboard switch assemblies
DE2747425A1 (de) * 1976-10-22 1978-04-27 Bowmar Instrument Corp Flacher schalterfeldaufbau
US4123627A (en) * 1976-12-06 1978-10-31 Texas Instruments Incorporated Keyboard apparatus
US4127752A (en) * 1977-10-13 1978-11-28 Sheldahl, Inc. Tactile touch switch panel
US4195210A (en) * 1979-02-27 1980-03-25 Kb-Denver, Inc. Switching assemblies
US4254309A (en) * 1978-12-18 1981-03-03 Texas Instruments Incorporated Snap-through characteristic keyboard switch
US4287394A (en) * 1976-07-31 1981-09-01 Wilhelm Ruf Kg Keyboard switch assembly with printed circuit board
US4314117A (en) * 1980-07-24 1982-02-02 Re-Al, Inc. Membrane contact switch
US4349708A (en) * 1979-08-22 1982-09-14 Atari, Inc. Joystick control
US4355483A (en) * 1981-01-05 1982-10-26 The Quaker Oats Company Switch mechanism
EP0114533A2 (en) * 1983-01-24 1984-08-01 AMP INCORPORATED (a New Jersey corporation) Membrane switch having crossing circuit conductors
EP0268497A2 (en) * 1986-11-20 1988-05-25 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Printed circuit board
GB2214352A (en) * 1988-01-12 1989-08-31 Electronic Components Ltd Sealed electrical switch
EP0602462A1 (de) * 1992-12-14 1994-06-22 ABBPATENT GmbH Elektrisches Schaltgerät
WO1995009431A1 (en) * 1993-09-28 1995-04-06 Unisurge, Inc. Autoclavable electrical switch assembly and medical device
US5755026A (en) * 1996-08-15 1998-05-26 Delco Electronics Corporation Method of preventing condensation on a surface housing an electronic apparatus
EP1207543A2 (en) * 2000-11-15 2002-05-22 Hosiden Corporation Pushbutton switch
US20040160414A1 (en) * 1996-07-05 2004-08-19 Armstrong Brad A. Image controller
US20050231476A1 (en) * 1996-07-05 2005-10-20 Armstrong Brad A Image controller
US20060022941A1 (en) * 1992-03-05 2006-02-02 Armstrong Brad A Image controller
US20060060458A1 (en) * 2004-09-17 2006-03-23 Meagher James P Low profile automotive latch release switch assembly
US20060131157A1 (en) * 2004-12-17 2006-06-22 Siemens Communications, Inc. Multi-tier keypad assembly
WO2007101775A1 (de) * 2006-03-07 2007-09-13 Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst Gmbh & Co. Kg Schaltelement
US20090008234A1 (en) * 2007-07-03 2009-01-08 William Haywood Tolbert Input device and an electronic device comprising an input device
US20090178911A1 (en) * 2008-01-15 2009-07-16 Chao Chen Key dome assembly with improved tactile feedback
CN102751110A (zh) * 2011-04-22 2012-10-24 阿尔卑斯电气株式会社 可动触点部件以及使用了该可动触点部件的开关装置
US20120326625A1 (en) * 2007-12-18 2012-12-27 Sharrah Raymond L Electrical Switch, As For Controlling a Flashlight

Families Citing this family (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USRE30923E (en) 1973-01-02 1982-05-04 Bowmar Instrument Corporation Calculator keyboard switch with disc spring contact and printed circuit board
JPS5133876A (hu) * 1974-09-18 1976-03-23 Gikoo Kk
JPS5180975A (ja) * 1975-01-10 1976-07-15 Gikoo Kk Putsushubotansuitsuchi
CA1034175A (en) * 1975-04-16 1978-07-04 Pak-Jong Chu Multi-contact push-button switch
JPS5838494Y2 (ja) * 1975-09-10 1983-08-31 アルプスデンキ カブシキガイシヤ オシボタンスイツチ
FR2343323A1 (fr) * 1976-03-05 1977-09-30 Schoeller & Co Elektrotech Commutateur a declic notamment pour recepteurs de television et de radio
JPS52119071U (hu) * 1976-03-08 1977-09-09
JPS538585U (hu) * 1976-07-07 1978-01-25
DE2705756C2 (de) * 1977-02-11 1982-09-02 Alps Electric Co., Ltd., Tokyo Druckknopfschalter für elektronische Tischrechner o.dgl.
JPS5463279A (en) * 1977-10-28 1979-05-22 Fujitsu Ltd Pushhbutton switch
JPS5470072U (hu) * 1977-10-28 1979-05-18
JPS6196650U (hu) * 1984-11-30 1986-06-21
JPS62171126U (hu) * 1986-04-18 1987-10-30
JPS62136026U (hu) * 1986-02-22 1987-08-27
JPS6328220U (hu) * 1986-08-11 1988-02-24
GB2229577A (en) * 1989-03-23 1990-09-26 Well Treasure Ind Ltd Mounting contact elements on printed circuit boards
JP2003068158A (ja) * 2001-08-30 2003-03-07 Shin Etsu Polymer Co Ltd 押釦スイッチ装置
US20080164133A1 (en) * 2004-06-15 2008-07-10 Japan Aviation Electronice Industry Limited Dome-Shaped Contact and Multi-Step Operation Electrical Switch Incorporating the Same

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1165129B (hu) * 1960-07-01
JPS427547Y1 (hu) * 1964-03-19 1967-04-12
JPS4718061U (hu) * 1971-03-31 1972-10-31

Cited By (74)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4000389A (en) * 1971-08-23 1976-12-28 Hewlett-Packard Company Printed circuit board and contact assembly for keyboard switch assemblies
US3898421A (en) * 1972-08-18 1975-08-05 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Push button switch with elastic conductive sheet
US3928736A (en) * 1973-05-11 1975-12-23 Sumlock Anita Electronics Ltd Keyboard switch assembly having discrete helical conductors providing wiping action
US3858020A (en) * 1973-07-30 1974-12-31 Staco Switch Inc Pushbutton with spring contactor
US3860771A (en) * 1973-10-29 1975-01-14 Chomerics Inc Keyboard switch assembly with dome shaped actuator having associated underlying contactor means
US3905233A (en) * 1974-03-26 1975-09-16 Us Army Package penetration indicating apparatus
US3996430A (en) * 1974-05-07 1976-12-07 Preh Elektrofeinmechanische Werke Keyboard switch assembly having multilayer printed circuit structure
US4125934A (en) * 1974-05-21 1978-11-21 Texas Instruments Incorporated Keyboard apparatus and method of making
US4074088A (en) * 1974-05-21 1978-02-14 Texas Instruments Incorporated Keyboard apparatus and method of making
US3908109A (en) * 1974-06-14 1975-09-23 Mohawk Data Sciences Corp Dome shaped switch member
US4018999A (en) * 1974-09-12 1977-04-19 Mohawk Data Sciences Corporation Keyboard switch assembly having adhesive position retainer element
US3941964A (en) * 1974-12-09 1976-03-02 Bowmar Instrument Corporation Push-button type binary switch device
US4032728A (en) * 1974-12-20 1977-06-28 Olympia Werke Ag Push button switch
US3996427A (en) * 1975-01-10 1976-12-07 Texas Instruments Incorporated Pushbutton keyboard system and method of making same
US3995128A (en) * 1975-01-10 1976-11-30 Texas Instruments Incorporated Pushbutton keyboard system having preformed recessed support with contacts mounted on face and in recesses
US4068369A (en) * 1975-01-10 1978-01-17 Texas Instruments Incorporated Method of making pushbutton keyboard system
US3973091A (en) * 1975-02-03 1976-08-03 Texas Instruments Incorporated Pushbutton keyboard assembly having pole and inner contacts simultaneously engaged by a bridging contact
US3995126A (en) * 1975-04-03 1976-11-30 Magic Dot, Inc. Membrane keyboard apparatus
US3996429A (en) * 1975-04-18 1976-12-07 Northern Electric Company Limited Multi-contact push-button switch having plural prestressed contact members designed to provide plural circuit simultaneous switching inputs
US4029916A (en) * 1975-04-18 1977-06-14 Northern Electric Company Limited Multi-contact push-button switch and plural embodiment for keyboard switch assembly
US4046981A (en) * 1975-12-24 1977-09-06 Texas Instruments Incorporated Keyboard switch with printed wiring board structure and its method of manufacture
US4045636A (en) * 1976-01-28 1977-08-30 Bowmar Instrument Corporation Keyboard switch assembly having printed circuit board with plural layer exposed contacts and undersurface jumper connections
US4287394A (en) * 1976-07-31 1981-09-01 Wilhelm Ruf Kg Keyboard switch assembly with printed circuit board
DE2747425A1 (de) * 1976-10-22 1978-04-27 Bowmar Instrument Corp Flacher schalterfeldaufbau
US4123627A (en) * 1976-12-06 1978-10-31 Texas Instruments Incorporated Keyboard apparatus
US4085306A (en) * 1977-06-09 1978-04-18 Kb-Denver, Inc. Keyboard switch assemblies
US4127752A (en) * 1977-10-13 1978-11-28 Sheldahl, Inc. Tactile touch switch panel
US4254309A (en) * 1978-12-18 1981-03-03 Texas Instruments Incorporated Snap-through characteristic keyboard switch
US4195210A (en) * 1979-02-27 1980-03-25 Kb-Denver, Inc. Switching assemblies
US4349708A (en) * 1979-08-22 1982-09-14 Atari, Inc. Joystick control
US4314117A (en) * 1980-07-24 1982-02-02 Re-Al, Inc. Membrane contact switch
US4355483A (en) * 1981-01-05 1982-10-26 The Quaker Oats Company Switch mechanism
EP0114533A2 (en) * 1983-01-24 1984-08-01 AMP INCORPORATED (a New Jersey corporation) Membrane switch having crossing circuit conductors
EP0114533A3 (en) * 1983-01-24 1985-12-04 AMP INCORPORATED (a New Jersey corporation) Membrane switch having crossing circuit conductors
EP0268497A2 (en) * 1986-11-20 1988-05-25 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Printed circuit board
EP0268497A3 (en) * 1986-11-20 1989-02-08 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Printed circuit board
GB2214352A (en) * 1988-01-12 1989-08-31 Electronic Components Ltd Sealed electrical switch
US20060022941A1 (en) * 1992-03-05 2006-02-02 Armstrong Brad A Image controller
US9081426B2 (en) 1992-03-05 2015-07-14 Anascape, Ltd. Image controller
US7345670B2 (en) 1992-03-05 2008-03-18 Anascape Image controller
US20060028437A1 (en) * 1992-03-05 2006-02-09 Armstrong Brad A Image controller
US20060028441A1 (en) * 1992-03-05 2006-02-09 Armstrong Brad A Image controller
US20060028436A1 (en) * 1992-03-05 2006-02-09 Armstrong Brad A Image controller
EP0602462A1 (de) * 1992-12-14 1994-06-22 ABBPATENT GmbH Elektrisches Schaltgerät
WO1995009431A1 (en) * 1993-09-28 1995-04-06 Unisurge, Inc. Autoclavable electrical switch assembly and medical device
US5512721A (en) * 1993-09-28 1996-04-30 Unisurge, Inc. Autoclavable electrical switch assembly for use with a medical device and medical device using the same
US20060038777A1 (en) * 1995-02-23 2006-02-23 Armstrong Brad A Image controller
US20060050056A1 (en) * 1995-02-23 2006-03-09 Armstrong Brad A Image controller
US20060028434A1 (en) * 1995-02-23 2006-02-09 Armstrong Brad A Image controller
US20060028435A1 (en) * 1995-02-23 2006-02-09 Armstrong Brad A Image controller
US20060022940A1 (en) * 1995-02-23 2006-02-02 Armstrong Brad A Image controller
US20060033708A1 (en) * 1995-02-23 2006-02-16 Armstrong Brad A Image controller
US20060028439A1 (en) * 1995-02-23 2006-02-09 Armstrong Brad A Image controller
US20060028440A1 (en) * 1995-02-23 2006-02-09 Armstrong Brad A Image controller
US20040160414A1 (en) * 1996-07-05 2004-08-19 Armstrong Brad A. Image controller
US20050231476A1 (en) * 1996-07-05 2005-10-20 Armstrong Brad A Image controller
US8674932B2 (en) 1996-07-05 2014-03-18 Anascape, Ltd. Image controller
US5755026A (en) * 1996-08-15 1998-05-26 Delco Electronics Corporation Method of preventing condensation on a surface housing an electronic apparatus
EP1207543A3 (en) * 2000-11-15 2004-08-18 Hosiden Corporation Pushbutton switch
EP1207543A2 (en) * 2000-11-15 2002-05-22 Hosiden Corporation Pushbutton switch
US20060060458A1 (en) * 2004-09-17 2006-03-23 Meagher James P Low profile automotive latch release switch assembly
US7091433B2 (en) * 2004-09-17 2006-08-15 Emerson Electric Co. Low profile automotive latch release switch assembly
US7067757B1 (en) 2004-12-17 2006-06-27 Siemens Communications Inc. Multi-tier keypad assembly
US20060131157A1 (en) * 2004-12-17 2006-06-22 Siemens Communications, Inc. Multi-tier keypad assembly
WO2007101775A1 (de) * 2006-03-07 2007-09-13 Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst Gmbh & Co. Kg Schaltelement
US20090008234A1 (en) * 2007-07-03 2009-01-08 William Haywood Tolbert Input device and an electronic device comprising an input device
US7829812B2 (en) * 2007-07-03 2010-11-09 Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab Input device and an electronic device comprising an input device
US20120326625A1 (en) * 2007-12-18 2012-12-27 Sharrah Raymond L Electrical Switch, As For Controlling a Flashlight
US9478371B2 (en) * 2007-12-18 2016-10-25 Streamlight, Inc. Electrical switch, as for controlling a flashlight
US20090178911A1 (en) * 2008-01-15 2009-07-16 Chao Chen Key dome assembly with improved tactile feedback
US7700890B2 (en) * 2008-01-15 2010-04-20 Research In Motion Limited Key dome assembly with improved tactile feedback
CN102751110A (zh) * 2011-04-22 2012-10-24 阿尔卑斯电气株式会社 可动触点部件以及使用了该可动触点部件的开关装置
EP2515315A1 (en) * 2011-04-22 2012-10-24 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Movable contact member and switch device using movable contact member
CN102751110B (zh) * 2011-04-22 2015-10-28 阿尔卑斯电气株式会社 可动触点部件以及使用了该可动触点部件的开关装置

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA992124A (en) 1976-06-29
AU6390273A (en) 1975-06-26
FR2212950A5 (hu) 1974-07-26
IT1005548B (it) 1976-09-30
HU170381B (hu) 1977-06-28
JPS557643B2 (hu) 1980-02-27
AR199821A1 (es) 1974-09-30
HK24077A (en) 1977-05-27
SE393695B (sv) 1977-05-16
BR7310277D0 (pt) 1974-08-29
DE2365083A1 (de) 1974-07-18
GB1430399A (en) 1976-03-31
DE2365083B2 (de) 1977-02-17
JPS49102245A (hu) 1974-09-27
DE2365083C3 (de) 1980-02-07
SU597352A3 (ru) 1978-03-05

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3796843A (en) Calculator keyboard switch with disc spring contact and printed circuit board
US4164634A (en) Keyboard switch assembly with multiple isolated electrical engagement regions
US4652704A (en) Keyboard switch
CA1131733A (en) Keyboard assembly and keyboard switch
US4862499A (en) Deformable membrane keypad assembly for public telephones
US3590195A (en) Oilcan pushbutton switch
US3673357A (en) Tactile response switch with unitary control strip of independently operably plural disc contacts
US3842230A (en) Pushbutton switch with coil spring contact
US3928741A (en) Momentary contact single pole switch
US4314117A (en) Membrane contact switch
GB1584018A (en) Keyboard with electrical contacts
GB1431091A (en) Electrical keyboard
US4129758A (en) Keyboard switch assembly having flexible contact carrying member between contact carrying substrate and flexible, resilient, key-depressible bubble protrusions
US3996428A (en) Pushbutton keyboard assembly with over center diaphragm contact
EP0084734A1 (en) Membrane switch with sequentially closeable contacts
US3697711A (en) Snap action switch
US3210484A (en) Push button device
CA1105971A (en) Dome switch actuating apparatus
JPS5858771B2 (ja) マルチコンタクト・プツシユボタンスイツチ
US4694126A (en) Membrane keyboard switch assembly having spacer structure and method of making
USRE29440E (en) Calculator keyboard switch with disc spring contact and printed circuit board
US4375585A (en) Deformable switch keyboard
USRE30923E (en) Calculator keyboard switch with disc spring contact and printed circuit board
US4354068A (en) Long travel elastomer keyboard
US3819882A (en) Matrix keyboard assembly