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Liquid proof switch array

A switch array, fluid communication technology, applied in the direction of electrical switches, user/computer interaction input/output, exhaust, etc., can solve the problem of soiling of the inner cover spring element, achieve convenient keyboard manufacturing and assembly, and reduce production costs Effect

Inactive Publication Date: 2004-06-16
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0004] In particular, the inner cover spring elements can become soiled if liquid collects under or between them

Method used

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  • Liquid proof switch array
  • Liquid proof switch array
  • Liquid proof switch array

Examples

Experimental program
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Embodiment Construction

[0024] In general, the invention provides elements for use in switch arrays, such as keyboards. For example, in one embodiment, the invention is directed to a set of inner spring elements for use in a switch array. The area between the individual cover spring elements may be free of apertures and will seal each inner cover spring element from the external environment. Each inner cover spring element defines a cavity. A plurality of passages may interconnect the cavities of the cap spring elements such that each cavity of each cap spring element is in fluid communication with the cavity of at least one other cap spring element. For example, air or other fluid may be passed through at least one channel upon activation of an inner spring element. In this case, the fluid can be vented between the inner cover spring elements. In other words, when one inner cap spring element is activated by pressing a key, it expels air or other fluid into one or more adjacent inner cap spring e...

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Abstract

Switch arrays such as keyboards are described. The switch arrays may include an array of dome spring elements. Each dome spring element may define a chamber, and a plurality of channels may interconnect the chambers of the dome spring elements such that each chamber of each dome spring element is in fluid communication with the chamber of at least one of the other dome spring elements. The array of dome spring elements may provide a hermetic seal to the bottom side of individual dome spring elements to avoid the sticky key phenomenon. The switch arrays may also include alignments elements. For example, the alignment elements may include hook-like elements that engage one another to define a distance of travel for switches in the switch arrays.

Description

field of invention [0001] This invention relates to switch arrays for computer input devices, and, more particularly, to keyboards and keypads. Background of the invention [0002] Electronic switches are used to provide input to the computing device. Electronic switches generate signals in response to physical forces. For example, a user may activate an electronic switch by pressing a key. Pressing the key creates a force applied to the electronic membrane, which in turn causes the electronic membrane to generate an electrical signal. A computer keyboard is a common example of an array of switches. [0003] Many switch arrays, such as keyboards, include inner cover spring elements that provide a biasing force to the individual keys. The inner spring element provides tactile feedback to the user by providing a certain amount of resistance to key actuation. In addition, the inner cover spring element can provide a "snappy" feel of actuation, wherein the amount of resista...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(China)
IPC IPC(8): G06F3/02H01H13/48H01H13/70H01H13/702
CPCH01H13/702H01H2215/008H01H2213/01H01H13/70
Inventor R·P·约翰斯通J·R·伊B·E·斯皮瓦克
Owner 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO