Key module for key-actuated membrane switch panels
AssigneeCherry Mikroschalter GmbH
InventorsGunter Murmann, Walter H. Mertel
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A key module for a membrane switch keyboard has a flat spring running diagonally to the key housing on the bottom side which, with the aid of a plunger, is bent for the operation of membrane contacts. The flat spring with one free end is inserted into a slot which is open toward the top and permits an adjustment of the flat spring by pressure loading on the free end or on the bottom side against the lower section of the flat spring, which is adjacent to the bent free end. The free end of the flat spring is rigidly retained in a slot at the key housing. For the adjustment of the operating force a compression spring is arranged inside the plunger and is supported against a cross-piece running over the flat spring.
Claims27
A key module adapted for use with a key-actuated membrane switch panel, said module comprising:
- (a) a key housing comprising a base portion and a body portion;
- (b) a plunger slidably disposed within said key housing;
- and
- (c) spring means secured within said base portion of said key housing, said spring means comprising a substantially flat spring which includes an upwardly bent portion and a substantially flat portion;
- wherein said base portion includes a vertical shoulder, said shoulder comprising a vertically extending slot for accommodating said upwardly bent portion of said spring therein, said slot having an open top end so as to comprise means for receiving a tool for adjusting said spring.
A key module adapted for use with a key-actuated membrane switch panel, said module comprising:
- (a) a key housing comprising a base portion and a body portion;
- (b) plunger means slidably disposed within said key housing;
- and
- (c) spring means secured within said base portion of said key housing, said spring means comprising a substantially flat spring which includes an upwardly bent portion and a substantially flat portion,
- wherein said base portion includes a vertical shoulder, said shoulder comprising a vertically extending slot for accommodating said upwardly bent portion of said spring therein, said vertical shoulder being positioned on a corner of said base portion which is adjacent to and spaced from said body portion.
A key module adapted for use with a key-actuated membrane switch panel, said module comprising:
- (a) a key housing comprising a base portion and a body portion;
- (b) plunger means slidably disposed within said key housing;
- and
- (c) spring means secured within said base portion of said key housing, said spring means comprising a substantially flat spring which includes an upwardly bent portion and a substantially flat portion, said upwardly bent portion comprising a punched out tongue, wherein said base portion includes a vertical shoulder, said shoulder comprising a vertically extending slot, said vertically extending slot having an open upper end for accommodating said upwardly bent portion of said spring therein, said upwardly bent portion of said flat spring extending through said slot and being adjustably positioned within said slot, wherein said punched-out tongue is adapted to be positioned in abutting engagement with the internal wall of said vertically extending slot.
A key module adapted for use with a key-actuated membrane switch panel, said module comprising:
- (a) a key housing comprising a base portion and a body portion;
- (b) plunger means slidably disposed within said key housing;
- and
- (c) spring means secured within said base portion of said key housing, said spring means comprising a substantially flat spring which includes an upwardly bent portion and a substantially flat portion, said upwardly bent portion comprising a punched-out tongue;
- wherein said base portion includes a vertical shoulder, said shoulder commprising a vertically extending slot for accommodating said upwardly bent portion of said spring therein, said slot having an open top end so as to comprise means for receiving a tool for adjusting said spring, said punched-out tongue being in abutting engagement with the internal wall of said vertically extending slot.
A key module in combination with a key-actuated membrane switch panel, said combination comprising:
- (a) a key housing comprising a base portion and a body portion;
- (b) plunger means slidably disposed within said key housing:
- and
- (c) spring means secured within said base portion of said key housing, said spring means comprising a substantially flat spring which includes an upwardly bent portion and a substantially flat portion;
- and
- (d) a membrane switch panel fixedly secured to said base portion;
- wherein said base portion includes a vertical shoulder, said shoulder comprising a vertically extending slot for accommodating said upwardly bent portion of said spring therein, said slot having an open top end so as to comprise means for receiving a tool for adjusting said spring.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.