Keyboard switch assembly with movable, multi-contact means and associated swinger portions

Claim 1

In a matrix type switching keyboard operable to complete a circuit representative of and corresponding to an actuated key, the combination comprising: first contacting means including a first plurality of first elongated strip members arranged in parallel, in a first plane, to define the columns of the matrix; at least a first plurality of swinger members integral with each of said first strip members, each of said swinger members extending laterally from said strip member and each further extending parallel to said strip member, terminating in a free end; second contacting means including a plurality of stationary contact elements arranged in parallel lines within a second plane orthogonal to said first strip members to define the rows of the matrix; each of said swinger member free ends being aligned to intercept a different one of said stationary contact elements; and switch operating means coupling each of the keys to a different swinger member for enabling contact between said swinger member free end and the contact element aligned therewith, said switch operating means comprising an operating cam associated with each of the keys, each said operating cam holding a corresponding swinger member free end out of said first plane and in a third plane such that said second plane is intermediate said first and third planes, said swinger members being self-biased to return to said first plane, and said stationary contact being interposed in the travel path of said free end toward said first plane, whereby the operation of a key permits the associated swinger member to contact the interposed stationary contact element.