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EP0423924A1 - Langhubtastschalter mit verstärktem Benutzer-Feedback - Google Patents

Langhubtastschalter mit verstärktem Benutzer-Feedback Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0423924A1
EP0423924A1 EP90308425A EP90308425A EP0423924A1 EP 0423924 A1 EP0423924 A1 EP 0423924A1 EP 90308425 A EP90308425 A EP 90308425A EP 90308425 A EP90308425 A EP 90308425A EP 0423924 A1 EP0423924 A1 EP 0423924A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
keycap
plunger
switch
downward displacement
elastomeric
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP90308425A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0423924B1 (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

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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.
  • 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 provides which provides for sufficient key travel.
  • a pushbutton switch structure that includes a manually depressable keycap having a keycap top and a keycap plunger, a resiliently deformable elastomeric switch button aligned with and engageable by the keycap plunger, a contact pattern supported on a printed circuit board located beneath the switch button, a contact element supported by the deformable switch button for contacting the contact pattern pursuant to deformation of the deform­able switch button by downward displacement of the keycap plunger, and a retaining bezel for guiding and limiting the displacement of the keycap plunger.
  • the deformation of the button switch tactile feedback, while impact of the keycap top against the retaining bezel provides audible feedback.
  • 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)
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 1989-09-27

Publications (2)

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

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE9113199U1 (de) * 1991-10-23 1992-11-26 Cherry Mikroschalter Gmbh, 8572 Auerbach Tastenelement mit Führungskontur
WO1993005373A1 (de) * 1991-09-03 1993-03-18 Bizerba-Werke Wilhelm Kraut Gmbh & Co. Kg Tastatur
EP0556426A1 (de) * 1992-02-19 1993-08-25 Acer Incorporated Tastaturschalteranordnung
EP0643407A1 (de) * 1993-06-28 1995-03-15 Seiko Instruments Inc. Ein elektronischer Apparat und eine Herstellungsmethode dafür
DE19537144A1 (de) * 1995-10-05 1997-04-10 Siemens Nixdorf Inf Syst Einzeltaste
DE19631310A1 (de) * 1996-08-02 1998-02-05 Teves Gmbh Alfred Mit Kontakten auf der Leiterplatte zusammenwirkender Mikroschalter
EP0872863A2 (de) * 1997-04-14 1998-10-21 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Druckknopfschalter
EP0899759A2 (de) * 1997-08-29 1999-03-03 Universal Sales Co., Ltd. Schalterstruktur
DE10203510C1 (de) * 2002-01-30 2003-02-20 Whirlpool Co Elektrischer Schalter, der in eine Bedien/Anzeigeblende einbaubar ist
US8404990B2 (en) 2010-06-30 2013-03-26 3M Innovative Properties Company Switch system having a button travel limit feature

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
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

Citations (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
DE8401137U1 (de) * 1984-01-17 1984-05-03 Deutsche Fernsprecher Gesellschaft Mbh Marburg, 3550 Marburg Taste, insbesondere für Tastenwahlblöcke von Fernsprechapparaten
US4496803A (en) * 1983-05-04 1985-01-29 Key Concepts, Incorporated Data entry switch

Patent Citations (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

Cited By (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1993005373A1 (de) * 1991-09-03 1993-03-18 Bizerba-Werke Wilhelm Kraut Gmbh & Co. Kg Tastatur
DE9113199U1 (de) * 1991-10-23 1992-11-26 Cherry Mikroschalter Gmbh, 8572 Auerbach Tastenelement mit Führungskontur
EP0556426A1 (de) * 1992-02-19 1993-08-25 Acer Incorporated Tastaturschalteranordnung
EP0643407A1 (de) * 1993-06-28 1995-03-15 Seiko Instruments Inc. Ein elektronischer Apparat und eine Herstellungsmethode dafür
US5495393A (en) * 1993-06-28 1996-02-27 Seiko Instruments Inc. Electronic apparatus having a switching mechanism with a conductive pattern disposed on a substrate side
DE19537144C2 (de) * 1995-10-05 1998-11-26 Siemens Nixdorf Inf Syst Einzeltaste
DE19537144A1 (de) * 1995-10-05 1997-04-10 Siemens Nixdorf Inf Syst Einzeltaste
DE19631310A1 (de) * 1996-08-02 1998-02-05 Teves Gmbh Alfred Mit Kontakten auf der Leiterplatte zusammenwirkender Mikroschalter
EP0872863A2 (de) * 1997-04-14 1998-10-21 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Druckknopfschalter
EP0872863A3 (de) * 1997-04-14 1999-05-12 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Druckknopfschalter
EP0899759A2 (de) * 1997-08-29 1999-03-03 Universal Sales Co., Ltd. Schalterstruktur
EP0899759A3 (de) * 1997-08-29 1999-08-25 Aruze Corporation Schalterstruktur
AU738587B2 (en) * 1997-08-29 2001-09-20 Aruze Corporation Switch structure
DE10203510C1 (de) * 2002-01-30 2003-02-20 Whirlpool Co Elektrischer Schalter, der in eine Bedien/Anzeigeblende einbaubar ist
EP1333457A2 (de) * 2002-01-30 2003-08-06 Whirlpool Corporation In einen Steuerungsanzeigebildschirm einsteckbarer elektrischer Schalter
EP1333457A3 (de) * 2002-01-30 2005-05-11 Whirlpool Corporation In einen Steuerungsanzeigebildschirm einsteckbarer elektrischer Schalter
US8404990B2 (en) 2010-06-30 2013-03-26 3M Innovative Properties Company Switch system having a button travel limit feature

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2014651A1 (en) 1991-03-27
JPH0357837U (de) 1991-06-04
DE69016569T2 (de) 1995-05-24
DE69016569D1 (de) 1995-03-16
EP0423924B1 (de) 1995-02-01

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