Abstract:
Electric switches are described in which a resilient, electrically conductive, elastomeric member is spaced adjacent but apart from contact means; among features are the elastomeric connector: of sheet form; on metal contacts as a movable contact bridge; defining a simple and durable multiple switch array including a keyboard, a digital coding assembly and a detector; and as the means, especially with proper selection of distributed conductive particles in the elastomer for limited conductivity, of eliminating the electrical effects of bounce in solid state electronic logic circuitry and the like. Fabrication of the switch as a simple, thin compact laminate using printed circuit boards is shown using the preferred silicone elastomer and carbon filler. In preferred embodiments pressure against conductive elastomer sheet means will cause it to connect to a contact element conductively and release of pressure will cause the sheet means to disconnect. The sheet means can be used as a floating connection for one or more circuit elements, and in this form has particular application in a keyboard assembly, particularly in connection with replaceable printed circuit boards and in digital coding techniques with a single printed circuit board. Preferably, the sheet means resiliently, reversibly deforms from first to second conditions, typically engaging the contacts in the deformed or bulged condition. Preferably in one condition the sheet means takes a planar form, positioned by a spacer layer from the contacts. And preferably the contacts are elements of a printed circuit.
Abstract:
A tactile switch plate for a keyboard member has a planar body portion provided with a plurality of outwardly deformed carrier portions corresponding in number and spacing to the number and spacing of the keys of the keyboard. Each of the carrier portions is resiliently flexible for movement toward the plane of the body and each carrier portion carries a preferably elastomeric switching member that is adapted to bridge the conductors and establish an electrical circuit between the conductors. The plate and switching members are produced by a molding process and the elastomeric switching members are cured by heat.
Abstract:
A push-button switch comprises a substrate on which two conductive networks are formed, those networks comprising adjacent but separated conductive paths, a push-button member with a contact member thereon being mounted on the substrate with the contact member normally above and in registration with the separated conductive paths. The contract member is formed of elastic and electrically conductive material and is adapted when it is pushed down via the push-button member to engage the substrate, and hence the separated conductive paths, over an appreciable area, thereby ensuring effective switch operation.
Abstract:
A button switch wherein switching operation of contact patterns 14 printed and wired on a printed circuit board 13 is performed by pushing a contact member 12 provided on a lower face of a pushing member of the button switch is constructed in such a manner that the above mentioned contact member 12 comprises a rubber piece, electrically conductive films formed on upper and lower faces of the rubber piece, and metal wires embedded in the rubber piece so as to interconnect the electrically conductive films, the obtained contact member 12 being bonded to the pushing member.