Abstract:
A keying mechanism is described which can be advantageously employed in a high density or highly miniaturized keyboard. The mechanism employs the principles of an elastic diaphragm switch but, instead of including a continuous elastomeric sheet, such switch comprises a discrete elastomeric plunger for each key operating position, the plungers being freely guided through an apertured guide plate. An elastomeric nomenclature sheet is provided on the guide plate to provide key indicia and to seal the mechanism against dust and dirt. A metallic grid having apertures at the key positions is provided on the nomenclature sheet and functions to prevent accidental triggering of the keyboard.
Abstract:
A manual keyboard includes a nomenclature bearing sheet supported on a rigid frame having finger keying openings through which soft elastomeric pads project. Below the pads an actuator sheet bearing clusters of individual projections is positioned with the projections aligned with the openings for operation of the actuable inputs of an array of diaphragm switches including a plurality of electrical contacts. Stops for projections include a peripheral array of additional projections which can be shorter, elevated adjacent surface areas or rings.
Abstract:
A two layer planar multicontact switch including a first substrate layer having a plurality of parallel conductive lines deposited on the upper surface thereof and a second diaphragm layer located over the substrate layer and having a plurality of parallel conductive lines deposited on the lower surface thereof. The conductive lines on the substrate are normal to the conductive lines on the diaphragm such that a plurality of matrix switch intersections are formed. The conductive lines on the substrate and the diaphragm have insulating material selectively deposited thereon to electrically isolate the upper and lower conductive lines except at the points of intersection. The diaphragm layer may be mechanically depressed at the intersection points to selectively connect the upper lines with the lower lines to form switch closure contacts. The diaphragm and the substrate are formed from transparent material so that the switch can be employed in combination with a visual display.