William J Tobin

US Patent:

41172922, Sep 26, 1978

Filed:

Jun 10, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/805347

Inventors:

James Christopher Hayes - Irvine CA
William James Tobin - Irvine CA

Assignee:

Telaris Telecommunications, Inc. - Irvine CA

International Classification:

H01H 312
H01H 1370

US Classification:

200340

Abstract:

An economical yet versatile dual spring actuator switch assembly providing an excellent tactile impression includes a planar switch closure assembly having domed protrusions extending from a surface thereof to provide switch closure when depressed and a switch actuator assembly. The easily assembled switch actuator assembly includes a cover plate with a guiding, key receiving plate aperture disposed therein opposite each protrusion, a plurality of keys, each key having a central key aperture, and a guide post within the central key aperture and being slideably received by a different plate aperture, a plurality of followers, each disposed adjacent a different protrusion and having a central aperture slideably receiving a guide post in guiding, mating relationship, a plurality of first springs, each maintaining a repulsive force between a different key and the surface, and a plurality of second springs, each coupling a different key to a follower to communicate a switch closure force to a protrusion upon depression of a key. The double spring arrangement permits independent selection of key and protrusion actuation forces and buffers each protrusion from its associated key for longer switch lifetime.