摘要:
A selectively energizable keyboard system is disclosed including a plurality of selectively actuatable pushbutton members having exposed surfaces adapted to be symbolized in accordance with electronic functions generated by actuation of the pushbutton members, and having opposed surfaces adapted to transmit force in response to actuation. A plurality of conductive elements are supported in registration with the opposed surfaces of the pushbutton members, each having a dished surface of curvature when in an unactuated condition and adapted to be deflected into an over-center position in response to application of force by a pushbutton member. A conductive member having a plurality of contact areas in electrical contact with the conductive elements is arranged adjacent the set of conductive elements. In addition, a plurality of conductive paths are arranged at a surface of a support member facing the conductive member. Each of the conductive paths is adapted to be electrically connected to the conductive member through one of the conductive elements, when the conductive element is deflected into its over-center position.
摘要:
A system employing a keyboard comprises a base mounting an array of key bodies each adapted to reciprocably move to cause actuation of electrical circuits. A diaphragm is employed as an electrical conductor moving into and out of engagement with underlying contacts upon actuation and deactuation of the key body. Bounding problems have been minimized while maintaining tactile feedback by locating a spring member between the key and its respective diaphragm providing increased motion differential and by providing elongate guiding surfaces which eliminate skew movement of the key. Several forms of keys and key mountings are shown embodying the elongated guideway including an elongated hub molded in the bezel plate and receiving a close fitting rod portion of the key, a separate tubular guide and close fitting plunger, and a key having tabs extending laterally therefrom, the tabs slidably received in grooves formed in the base. Another embodiment particularly useful where two or more circuits are to be actuated from the same key employs a second spring to maintain the diaphragm away from the underlying contacts until the key is depressed thereby precluding undesirable back circuits without the use of blocking diodes or the like.
摘要:
A pushbutton keyboard assembly includes a plurality of pushbuttons and a stack array of slider plates each having a plurality of apertures, the apertures in each of the plates having a corresponding aperture in each of the other plates. Aperture centering means is associated with each of the pushbuttons and extends through one aperture in each of the plates. Each of the centering means is operative in response to actuation of the associated pushbutton for causing centering of the aperture through which it extends. The plates each have a retracted position in which preselected ones of the apertures are offcenter with respect to the respective centering means extending therethrough, the remaining apertures being centered with respect to their centering means. The plates are slidable from a retracted position to an extended position in response to centering of an aperture by a respective centering means, and means such as an electrical switch associated with each of the plates is responsive to movement of the plate to the extended position for indicating such sliding movement and thereby providing a discrete encoded indication of the actuation of each respective pushbutton.