Detachably mounted keyboard pushbutton actuators and housing assembly
First Claim
1. A keyboard for selectively closing a plurality of normally open switch means, comprising a rigid cover member overlying said switch means and having aperture-defining means formed integrally therewith respectively aligned with individual said switch means, and a switch-operating module individually removably mounted in each said aperture-defining means, comprising a body insertable into the latter and having means effecting snap-fit engagement therewith, a key stem vertically slidable in said body and depressible when the latter is mounted in said cover member to close the associated said switch means, return spring means separate from and interposed between said key stem and said body for normally maintaining said key stem in raised position, and stop means positively limiting movements of said key stem relative to said body.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Universal keyboard with individually removable switch modules each adapted particularly for use with a printed circuit switch, although also adapted to close or actuate other types of switch contacts, which has maximum reliability at minimum cost, satisfies the "best feel" tactile responses desired in a keyboard, while fully protecting the module components and the electrical conducting members against any excessive finger depression impact forces, assures uniformity of forces being applied to switch contacts regardless of variations in forces which may be applied to the key buttons or stems, reduces electric contact bounce, and maximizes the time the switch contacts are held closed during a key stroke.
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Citations
19 Claims
- 1. A keyboard for selectively closing a plurality of normally open switch means, comprising a rigid cover member overlying said switch means and having aperture-defining means formed integrally therewith respectively aligned with individual said switch means, and a switch-operating module individually removably mounted in each said aperture-defining means, comprising a body insertable into the latter and having means effecting snap-fit engagement therewith, a key stem vertically slidable in said body and depressible when the latter is mounted in said cover member to close the associated said switch means, return spring means separate from and interposed between said key stem and said body for normally maintaining said key stem in raised position, and stop means positively limiting movements of said key stem relative to said body.
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15. A switch-operating module removably mounted in a cover member of plastic molded to provide aperture-defining means including opposed shelves;
- comprising a plastic body molded to provide cantilever hooks at opposite sides with noses at their free upper ends extending outwardly to engage said shelves and frictionally retain said body in operaive position in said aperture-defining means of said cover member, and a top plate having a vertical aperture therethrough;
a plastic key stem having an upper portion slidable in said aperture and flange means intermediate its ends engageable with the lower surface of said top plate;
a plastic bottom plate secured to said body having a vertical aperture slidably receiving the lower portion of said key stem; and
a return spring interposed between said bottom plate and said key stem flange means normally maintaining the latter in raised position in contact with said top plate. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
- comprising a plastic body molded to provide cantilever hooks at opposite sides with noses at their free upper ends extending outwardly to engage said shelves and frictionally retain said body in operaive position in said aperture-defining means of said cover member, and a top plate having a vertical aperture therethrough;
Specification