초록 ▼

A mechanical switch in a laptop computer or other electronic equipment is surrounded by a protective, electrostatically shielding bellow-shaped housing that is formed from a nickel metal. Preferably formed by casting, the bellows has a sidewall thickness of about 0.06 mm to about 0.12 mm, a diameter

A mechanical switch in a laptop computer or other electronic equipment is surrounded by a protective, electrostatically shielding bellow-shaped housing that is formed from a nickel metal. Preferably formed by casting, the bellows has a sidewall thickness of about 0.06 mm to about 0.12 mm, a diameter ranging from about 2.6 mm to about 10 mm, and a compressive actuation displacement ranging from about 2 mm to about 8 mm. The number, shape and thickness of convolutions or pleats comprising the bellow may be designed to tailor the actuation force vs. actuation travel stroke transfer function. A substantially linear transfer function is achieved by providing a constant thickness housing wall and a constant convolution pitch. The housing produces good protection against water and dust, good tactile feedback, yet is cost and weight competitive with prior art rubber housings.

대표청구항 ▼

A switch, comprising: a mechanical actuator responsive to actuation displacement force causing said mechanical actuator to enter a desired switch state; and a flexible-walled closed housing, surrounding said mechanical actuator, that is fabricated from a metal and includes first and second pleated r

A switch, comprising: a mechanical actuator responsive to actuation displacement force causing said mechanical actuator to enter a desired switch state; and a flexible-walled closed housing, surrounding said mechanical actuator, that is fabricated from a metal and includes first and second pleated regions having respective first and second housing wall thicknesses causing a transfer function of actuator force applied to said switch versus actuator travel to be substantially linear in a first region with a first gain and to be substantially linear in a second region with a second, different, gain.