Patent ID: 6080948
Filing Date: 2000-06-27
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
A pushbutton structure comprising a base plate, a first link member and a second link member pivotally attached to each other to form a collapsible cross configuration supported on the base plate, a key cap supported on the link members and movable with the collapse of the cross configuration of the link members, and a membrane circuit positioned on and supported by the base plate, the membrane circuit comprising an insulative film on which a contact switch and corresponding conductive traces are formed, and a deformable member supported on the membrane circuit and coupled to the key cap for being deformed by the movement of the key cap to cause a portion of the deformable member to contact and thus actuate the contact switch, each of the first and second link members comprising two spaced bars connected together by a cross bar, each bar of the first and second link members forming a lower end with a block and a groove defined in the block for snappingly fitting over a corresponding peg formed on the base plate.