US3916131A - Low profile keyboard switch - Google Patents

Low profile keyboard switch Download PDF

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Publication number
US3916131A
US3916131A US465112A US46511274A US3916131A US 3916131 A US3916131 A US 3916131A US 465112 A US465112 A US 465112A US 46511274 A US46511274 A US 46511274A US 3916131 A US3916131 A US 3916131A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
base
button
contact arm
further characterized
arm
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
US465112A
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English (en)
Inventor
Bernard J Golbeck
Raymond F Lewandowski
William C Markison
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.)
Oak Industries Inc
Original Assignee
Oak Industries Inc
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
Priority to AU49153/72A priority Critical patent/AU466541B2/en
Priority to NL7216680.A priority patent/NL167267C/xx
Priority to GB5766572A priority patent/GB1374544A/en
Priority to DE2301853A priority patent/DE2301853C3/de
Priority to FR7305156A priority patent/FR2195832B1/fr
Application filed by Oak Industries Inc filed Critical Oak Industries Inc
Priority to US465112A priority patent/US3916131A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3916131A publication Critical patent/US3916131A/en
Assigned to ZENITH ELECTRONICS CORPORATION, A CORP. OF DE reassignment ZENITH ELECTRONICS CORPORATION, A CORP. OF DE LICENSE (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: OAK INDUSTRIES, INC.
Assigned to ZENITH ELECTRONICS CORPORATION, A CORP OF DELAWARE reassignment ZENITH ELECTRONICS CORPORATION, A CORP OF DELAWARE LICENSE (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: OAK INDUSTRIES, INC.,
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
    • H01H13/02—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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to pushbutton switches and in particular to a pushbutton switch having a long life cycle.
  • a primary purpose of the invention is a pushbotton switch in which the contact arm has an effective length greater than its actual length.
  • Another purpose is a pushbutton switch in which the contact arm is diagonally positioned within the switching chamber.
  • Another purpose is a pushbutton switch having a contact arm of extended length to provide a longer life cycle for the switch.
  • Another purpose is a pushbutton switch of the type described having guide means to maintain alignment between the button and base.
  • Another purpose is a reliably operable simply constructed pushbutton switch of the type described.
  • Another purpose is a pushbutton switch in which the guide means has portions thereof arranged to provide a snap-on connection between the button and base.
  • buttons have an outwardly extending skirt, completely masking the base, to prevent spilled material from coming in contact with the electrical portions of the switch.
  • FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a portion of a keyboard with the pushbutton switch of the invention used thereon,
  • FIG. 2 is a section along plane 22 of FIG. 1,
  • FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the switch base
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged top view of the switch base
  • FIG. 5 is an enlarged bottom view of the button
  • FIG. 6 is a partial section through the button and base illustrating a snapon connection
  • FIG. 7 is a section along plane 77 of FIG. 4,
  • FIG. 8 is a partial vertical section showing a modified form of button
  • FIG. 9 is a side view of a modified form of switch construction
  • FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the base for the switch in FIG. 9,
  • FIG. 11 is an end view of the switch base of FIG. 10 with parts in section,
  • FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the button, for the switch in FIGS. 9, l0 and 11, and
  • FIG. 13 is a partial vertical section of a modified form of snap-on arrangement.
  • the present invention is useful as a keyboard switch, although it has wider application.
  • An important consideration in such a switch is the contact arm, as it is one element which receives substantial wear and can cause the switch to become defective.
  • the present invention is particularly directed to a pushbutton switch in which the effective length of the contact arm is greater than its actual length and is greater than the length of any side of the switch button.
  • a typical keyboard includes a plurality of switches 10, generally square in configuration, and a switch 12 which is approximately twice the size of the switch 10.
  • the switches 10 and 12 may be conveniently mounted in a keyboard 14.
  • the keyboard may include a printed circuit board 16 with the terminals 18 of each of the switches extending through and being soldered into the printed circuit board.
  • the switch 10 may include a base 20 and a button 22, each of which may be formed of a suitable plastic.
  • the button is telescopically mounted on the base 20 for in and out movement.
  • the base 20 may have four sides,
  • each of which is indicated at 24, and is generally square in cross section, although obviously the invention should not be limited to this configuration.
  • There is a switching chamber 26 within the base 20 which is effectively formed by the four sides 24 and by the diagonal sides 50.
  • the bottom 29 of the base has a plurality of feet 28 which are seated upon the printed circuit board when the switch is used in that application. Note particularly FIG. 2.
  • the stress relieving plate 32 may be formed of steelor the like and will be spaced slightly away from i the printed circuit board. It will resist the applied force to the switch button so that the printed circuit board cannot be damaged by operation of the switch.
  • Terminal 34 and 36 extend outwardly through openings 38 and 40 in the base 20.
  • Terminal 34 has an inwardly bent portion 42 which extends inside of the switching chamber 26.
  • Terminal 36 has a relatively thin substantially flat integral contact are 44, illustrated in detail in FIGS. 4 and 7.
  • the contact arm 44 has a wedge-shaped portion 46 and a cut-out relatively thin substantially flat interior portion 48 which is bent upwardly toward the button 22. Note that the contact arm 44 extends diagonally from one comer of the base toward the opposite comer. The actual length of the contact arm 44 is greater than any one of the sides 24 of the base.
  • the effective length of the contact arm is that portion which can be flexed when the button is operated, the effective length of the arm includes the length of the cutout portion 48, as well as the entire length of the contact arm itself. Thus, the effective length is substantially greater than the actual length.
  • the button 22 has the same number of sides and the same overall configuration as the base 20 and it is telescopically mounted on the base. Extending downwardly from the top of the button 22 is a switch operator 54 which is positioned to contact the cut-out portion 48 of the contact arm 44. Note particularly FIG. 7. Thus, as the button is depressed, the switch operator 54 will contact portion 48 of the contact arm to flex it, as well as the entire length of the contact arm, and
  • Coil spring 56 positioned between the button and the base will normally hold the button in the out position and thus the switch in the open position.
  • the switch could be arranged for normally closed operation.
  • guide means preferably formed along each of the mating sides of the button and base. Looking particularly at FIGS. 4 and 5, there may be a groove 58 formed along each of the sides 24 of the base. There are mating rails 60 formed along the interior of the button, with the rails riding in the grooves 58. Note that the width of the rails and grooves is small, as compared to the total width of the sides 24, thus assuring maximum alignment between the button and base.
  • By having at least one guide means on each side of the button it is possible to have close alignment between the button and the base. By maintaining a small width of groove in relation to rail engagement, the actual bearing surface between these elements is such as to provide minimum tilt of button 22 to base as viewed in FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates the means for providing a snap-on connection between the button and the base.
  • a shoulder forming an ouwardly-extending hook 62.
  • a shoulder forming an inwardlyextending hook 64.
  • the button in assembly, is pushed down until the hook 64 snaps over the hook 62, thus securing the button to the base.
  • the button may move up and down on the base, but it cannot be removed from the base unless there is an outward lateral pull on the bottom of the button to release the interlocking hooks.
  • the button completely masks the base.
  • the switch is used in a keyboard configuration there is always the possibility of coffee or some other liquid or food being spilled on top of the keyboard.
  • the skirt of the button By having the skirt of the button totally mask or shroud the base, there is no possibility of liquid getting into the electrical switching area.
  • the button in the modified form of FIG. 8, has an outwardly-extending skirt 66 which bridges the area between adjacent buttons and further masks or shrouds the base member of the switch.
  • the switch 12 is effectively twice the size of the switch 10.
  • the operating portion of the base 70 is the same as the base 20 of FIG. 4. However, extending outwardly from opposite sides of the base 70 are mounting portions 72 which provide the guide means. Opposite sides 74 and 76 do not have the guide means which were on each of the sides in the construction of FIGS. l-7.
  • hooks 90 on the rails are more gentle in slope. Either form of hook is satisfactory. There is no snap-on interconnection between grooves 84 and rails 86.
  • the switching elements are formed and arranged to have exceptionally long life. This is brought about by having a contact arm which has an effective length greater than its actual length, with the actual length being greater than any one of the sides of the base. The greater the effective length of the contact arm, the greater the permissible flexing of the arm without excessive fatigue of the contact arm material.
  • Both the contact arm portion and the contact arm itself are cantilever elements. Each are relatively thin and substantially flat, whereby the application of force to the end of the arm portion is distributed generally uniformly throughout the arm portion and the contact arm itself, thus distributing the application force over a substantial length of the metal to provide substantially longer contact life.
  • the guide means along each of the sides of the button maintain appropriate alignment of the button on the base and prevent the button from being cocked or misaligned. This is a substantial improvement over prior switch constructions in which the guide means were at the center of the base. In order to have a centertype arrangement and yet one which provides precise alignment between the button and the base, it would be necessary to have such a small rail and groove cross section, or a combination having such a small bearing surface that there would be no strength in the rail and hence it would be easily broken. By providing a plurality of guide means and by moving them out to the outside of the switch, the advantages of small bearing surfaces can be utilized in such a manner that there is no loss of strength in the interconnection between the button and the base.
  • a pushbutton switch including a base, a button, cooperating means on said button and said base for mounting said button for telescopic movement toward and away from said base, spring means positioned between said button and said base and normally biasing said button away from said base, a pair of terminals extending outwardly from the base, one of said terminals supporting a relatively thin substantially flat flexible cantilever contact arm positioned within the base, said contact arm extending to a position immediately adjacent the other terminal and having an area disposed for contact with said other terminal, said contact arm having a relatively thin substantially flat flexible cantilever portion which extends outwardly from adjacent said area toward the button, means on the button positioned to contact said arm portion and apply force thereto in the direction of button movement and thus move said arm into contact with the other terminal when the but ton is moved relative to the base, said contact arm and arm portion having generally uniform flexibility over their entire path of movement, with said arm area beginning its movement toward said other terminal substantially simultaneously with initial engagement of said button means and said arm portion, the application force of the button being distributed along the can
  • the structure of claim 1 further characterized in that said base has a plurality of sides, said contact arm extending generally from one corner of the base toward another corner of the base.
  • the structure of claim 2 further characterized in that said base has four sides, with the contact arm extending between opposite corners thereof.
  • said relatively thin substantially flat flexible cantilever contact arm includes a wedge-shaped area positioned immediately adjacent the other terminal and a thin area connecting the wedge-shaped area to the terminal portion, said flexible cantilever portion of said contact arm being integral with said contact arm and a cut-out portion of said wedge-shaped area.
  • the structure of claim 2 further characterized in that the button has the same number of sides as the base and has generally the same configuration, cooperating guide means positioned between at least two of the mating sides of the button and base to align the button as it telescopically moves on the base.
  • said cooperating guide means includes grooves along the sides of the base and mating rails formed along adjacent sides of the button.
  • each of the rails closely fits within its mating groove, with the width of the rail and groove being substantially less than the length of the sides of the base and button including the rail and groove.
  • the structure of claim 6 further characterized by and including means on each of the guide means for forming a snap-on connection between the button and base.
  • each of said cooperating guide means includes a groove on one of the base and button and a rail on the other, with each of the grooves and rails including cooperating hood members for forming the snap-on connection.
  • the structure of claim 2 further characterized by and including a ledge along the bottom of each side of the base, said ledge being formed and adapted to receive a strain relieving member.
  • the structure of claim 11 further characterized by and including a plurality of downwardly-extending feet on the bottom of the base.

Landscapes

  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
US465112A 1972-08-10 1974-04-29 Low profile keyboard switch Expired - Lifetime US3916131A (en)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU49153/72A AU466541B2 (en) 1972-08-10 1972-11-22 Low profile keyboard switch
NL7216680.A NL167267C (nl) 1972-08-10 1972-12-08 Drukknopschakelaar.
GB5766572A GB1374544A (en) 1972-08-10 1972-12-14 Electric pushbutton switches
DE2301853A DE2301853C3 (de) 1972-08-10 1973-01-15 Tastschalter
FR7305156A FR2195832B1 (de) 1972-08-10 1973-02-14
US465112A US3916131A (en) 1972-08-10 1974-04-29 Low profile keyboard switch

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US27937872A 1972-08-10 1972-08-10
US465112A US3916131A (en) 1972-08-10 1974-04-29 Low profile keyboard switch

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3916131A true US3916131A (en) 1975-10-28

Family

ID=26959621

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US465112A Expired - Lifetime US3916131A (en) 1972-08-10 1974-04-29 Low profile keyboard switch

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US3916131A (de)
AU (1) AU466541B2 (de)
DE (1) DE2301853C3 (de)
FR (1) FR2195832B1 (de)
GB (1) GB1374544A (de)
NL (1) NL167267C (de)

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4016388A (en) * 1973-07-27 1977-04-05 Oak Industries Inc. Keyboard switch
US4035596A (en) * 1975-03-13 1977-07-12 J. & J. Marquardt Electrical switch construction
FR2355366A1 (fr) * 1976-06-16 1978-01-13 Isostat Contacteur electrique miniature a bouton-poussoir
US4177367A (en) * 1978-07-18 1979-12-04 Amf Incorporated Push button switch
FR2498394A1 (fr) * 1981-01-21 1982-07-23 Illinois Tool Works Commutateur capacitif de touche de clavier
FR2498395A1 (fr) * 1981-01-21 1982-07-23 Illinois Tool Works Commutateur capacitif de touche de clavier
US4918271A (en) * 1984-04-19 1990-04-17 Standard Elektric Lorenz Ag Pushbutton type keyboard switch
US5448032A (en) * 1992-02-24 1995-09-05 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Contact unit for a switch
US6096990A (en) * 1998-03-11 2000-08-01 Marin; Jorge Orlando Appliance switch
US20080190750A1 (en) * 2006-11-16 2008-08-14 Metrologic Instruments, Inc. Button actuation assembly
US20160352333A1 (en) * 2015-05-27 2016-12-01 Zodiac Aero Electric Hall-effect universal control button for a man-machine interface, and man-machine interface equipped with such a control button

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2504091B2 (de) * 1975-01-31 1977-12-01 Rafi Raimund Finsterhölzl Elektrotechnische Spezialfabrik, 7981 Berg Taster fuer elektrische geraete
DE2551143A1 (de) * 1975-11-14 1977-05-26 Hagenuk Neufeldt Kuhnke Gmbh Mechanisch codierende waehltastatur fuer fernmeldeeinrichtungen, insbesondere fernsprechapparate
DE7908408U1 (de) * 1979-03-26 1979-06-21 Siemens Ag, 1000 Berlin Und 8000 Muenchen Tastenkopf für Schnellschreibtasten
DE3329698A1 (de) * 1983-08-17 1985-03-07 Preh, Elektrofeinmechanische Werke Jakob Preh Nachf. Gmbh & Co, 8740 Bad Neustadt Drucktaste

Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1295912A (en) * 1914-05-18 1919-03-04 Garford Mfg Co Circuit-controller.
US1499370A (en) * 1920-11-20 1924-07-01 Westinghouse Electric & Mfg Co Push-button switch
US2499958A (en) * 1947-12-18 1950-03-07 Sylvania Electric Prod Interlock switch
US2584460A (en) * 1947-12-24 1952-02-05 Acro Mfg Co Snap action switch
US3131265A (en) * 1960-12-30 1964-04-28 Gen Motors Corp Electric switch having a plurality of pivotally mounted switch actuators
US3139500A (en) * 1960-03-02 1964-06-30 Wilcolator Co Thermally actuated double throw switch mechanism
US3185803A (en) * 1964-09-11 1965-05-25 Neil J Driscoll Push button switch with flexible contact
US3274355A (en) * 1965-02-08 1966-09-20 Scantlin Electronics Inc Cam operated snap switch having wire contacts
US3663780A (en) * 1970-06-08 1972-05-16 Oak Electro Nectics Corp Switch in a button
US3749872A (en) * 1970-04-01 1973-07-31 Sumlock Anita Electronics Ltd Switch mounted on printed circuit board

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1295912A (en) * 1914-05-18 1919-03-04 Garford Mfg Co Circuit-controller.
US1499370A (en) * 1920-11-20 1924-07-01 Westinghouse Electric & Mfg Co Push-button switch
US2499958A (en) * 1947-12-18 1950-03-07 Sylvania Electric Prod Interlock switch
US2584460A (en) * 1947-12-24 1952-02-05 Acro Mfg Co Snap action switch
US3139500A (en) * 1960-03-02 1964-06-30 Wilcolator Co Thermally actuated double throw switch mechanism
US3131265A (en) * 1960-12-30 1964-04-28 Gen Motors Corp Electric switch having a plurality of pivotally mounted switch actuators
US3185803A (en) * 1964-09-11 1965-05-25 Neil J Driscoll Push button switch with flexible contact
US3274355A (en) * 1965-02-08 1966-09-20 Scantlin Electronics Inc Cam operated snap switch having wire contacts
US3749872A (en) * 1970-04-01 1973-07-31 Sumlock Anita Electronics Ltd Switch mounted on printed circuit board
US3663780A (en) * 1970-06-08 1972-05-16 Oak Electro Nectics Corp Switch in a button

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4016388A (en) * 1973-07-27 1977-04-05 Oak Industries Inc. Keyboard switch
US4035596A (en) * 1975-03-13 1977-07-12 J. & J. Marquardt Electrical switch construction
FR2355366A1 (fr) * 1976-06-16 1978-01-13 Isostat Contacteur electrique miniature a bouton-poussoir
US4177367A (en) * 1978-07-18 1979-12-04 Amf Incorporated Push button switch
FR2498394A1 (fr) * 1981-01-21 1982-07-23 Illinois Tool Works Commutateur capacitif de touche de clavier
FR2498395A1 (fr) * 1981-01-21 1982-07-23 Illinois Tool Works Commutateur capacitif de touche de clavier
US4918271A (en) * 1984-04-19 1990-04-17 Standard Elektric Lorenz Ag Pushbutton type keyboard switch
US5448032A (en) * 1992-02-24 1995-09-05 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Contact unit for a switch
US6096990A (en) * 1998-03-11 2000-08-01 Marin; Jorge Orlando Appliance switch
US20080190750A1 (en) * 2006-11-16 2008-08-14 Metrologic Instruments, Inc. Button actuation assembly
US7446276B2 (en) * 2006-11-16 2008-11-04 Metrologic Instruments, Inc. Button actuation assembly
US20160352333A1 (en) * 2015-05-27 2016-12-01 Zodiac Aero Electric Hall-effect universal control button for a man-machine interface, and man-machine interface equipped with such a control button
US10187058B2 (en) * 2015-05-27 2019-01-22 Zodiac Aero Electric Hall-effect universal control button for a man-machine interface, and man-machine interface equipped with such a control button

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB1374544A (en) 1974-11-20
DE2301853C3 (de) 1979-03-15
DE2301853A1 (de) 1974-02-14
DE2301853B2 (de) 1978-07-06
FR2195832A1 (de) 1974-03-08
NL7216680A (de) 1974-02-12
AU4915372A (en) 1974-05-23
NL167267C (nl) 1981-11-16
FR2195832B1 (de) 1980-03-14
NL167267B (nl) 1981-06-16
AU466541B2 (en) 1975-10-30

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: ZENITH ELECTRONICS CORPORATION, GLENVIEW, IL A COR

Free format text: LICENSE;ASSIGNOR:OAK INDUSTRIES, INC.;REEL/FRAME:005164/0006

Effective date: 19881102

AS Assignment

Owner name: ZENITH ELECTRONICS CORPORATION, A CORP OF DELAWARE

Free format text: LICENSE;ASSIGNOR:OAK INDUSTRIES, INC.,;REEL/FRAME:005284/0010

Effective date: 19881102