US 5,504,283 A · Key switch device

Abstract

A conductor pattern surface of a plastically deformable substrate of a key switch device is insulated with a resist, and a switching circuit pattern is printed on the resist layer by using conductive ink. Carbon conductor ink is applied by printing on connectors and fixed contact patterns, and a mask is printed on the other portion. Mounting portions for mounting a guide supporting member are formed on the substrate by pressing the substrate from the lower surface thereof. An object of the invention is to integrate an electrical circuit pattern with a mounting portion of actuator structure so as to provide a key switch device which can reduce the thickness and the number of parts of a keyboard for a word processor, personal computer or any other device having a keyboard or keypad.

Claims21

Dependent claims

A key switch device, comprising:

a substrate formed of a plastically deformable material;
a circuit pattern printed on an insulated upper surface of said substrate so as to form a unitary structure with said substrate, said circuit pattern including a fixed contact pattern having at least a pair of fixed contacts formed in said circuit pattern;
a key top provided in relationship corresponding to each said fixed pair of contacts;
a guide supporting member connected to a lower portion of said key top for supporting said key top and guiding vertical movement of said key top;
a movable contact for performing a switching operation between said fixed contacts in association with said vertical movement of said key top;
and
a mounting portion formed in said substrate for mounting said guide supporting member.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Key switch device

Life of this patent

Key switch device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21