Patent ID: 6529370
Filing Date: 2003-03-04
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A keyboard switch, comprising:a support plate supporting a plurality of keys inside a device case; an interlock moving said keys from a first to a second position; said interlock including a cylindrical cam that rotates about a pivot shaft; said pivot shaft rotatably fixed to a bearing plate pivotally connecting said cylindrical cam to said device case; said cylindrical cam including a radial interlocking member pivotally connecting said cylindrical cam to a device lid; said cylindrical cam including a cylindrical body; said cylindrical body including a cam grove; a slider having a follower fitting slidably inside said cylindrical cam and movably captured in said cam grove; said slider having a slider body extending away from said follower; said slider including a slider block extending away from said slider body; said slider block slidably engaging a guide grove formed in said device case; a rigid angle plate affixed between said slider body and said slider block; a switch sheet rigidly affixed to said angle plate allowing said switch sheet to slidably reciprocate over said support plate wherein said angle plate and switch sheet reciprocate substantially in unison; and said interlock causing said switch sheet to slidably reciprocate in response to a rotational motion of said device lid whereby said interlock converts said rotational motion to a linear motion.