Keyboard switch assembly having sensory feedback
First Claim
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1. A switch apparatus comprising:
- membrane means having an activable switch area for providing a switch output signal in response to activation of said switch area by a predetermined stimulus;
dome means directly coupled to said membrane means, said dome means having a resiliently deformable dome-like portion having a spring force, said dome-like portion positioned in proximity to said activable switch area, said dome means for providing said predetermined stimulus to said activable switch area in response to deformation of said dome-like portion; and
adjustment means coupled to act directly on said membrane means, said adjustment means having;
a base having an inclined bottom surface;
a housing coupled to said base having an inclined upper surface for mating with said inclined bottom surface;
a displacement means coupled to said housing and said base for causing relative movement between said housing and said base; and
a keymount affixed to said housing, said adjustment means for deforming said dome-like portion against said keymount, thereby adjusting the spring force of said dome-like portion.
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Abstract
A keyboard switch assembly is disclosed which utilizes a new switch design for providing tactile feedback to the user while nevertheless permitting long switch life. The keyboard switch assembly provides adjustable touch control to the user via a mechanical adjustment means while requiring minimal key travel. The "sandwich" arrangement of the dome and the membrane switch isolates the contacts from contamination upon activation resulting in long switch life. Furthermore, integration of all the parts in the assembly of this keyboard switch makes this keyboard more competitive and cost effective.
38 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A switch apparatus comprising:
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membrane means having an activable switch area for providing a switch output signal in response to activation of said switch area by a predetermined stimulus; dome means directly coupled to said membrane means, said dome means having a resiliently deformable dome-like portion having a spring force, said dome-like portion positioned in proximity to said activable switch area, said dome means for providing said predetermined stimulus to said activable switch area in response to deformation of said dome-like portion; and adjustment means coupled to act directly on said membrane means, said adjustment means having; a base having an inclined bottom surface; a housing coupled to said base having an inclined upper surface for mating with said inclined bottom surface; a displacement means coupled to said housing and said base for causing relative movement between said housing and said base; and a keymount affixed to said housing, said adjustment means for deforming said dome-like portion against said keymount, thereby adjusting the spring force of said dome-like portion. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification