Low profile mechanically actuated keyboard key

摘要

A mechanically actuable switch element, especially a key wherein the movement of a push rod (30) opens or closes an electric contact between a fixed contact piece (44) and a movable contactor (66). The latter is formed as an elongate sheet-metal ring (50). The push rod (30) acts via at least one cam (40) on the ring (50). This deforms the ring (50) to make the contact.The push rod (30) has two cams (40) projecting perpendicular to its direction of movement. The ring (50,71,80,90,100) is arranged so that its largest dimension lies perpendicular to the direction of movement of the push rod (30) and perpendicular to the direction of the contact parts (51) in relation to the contactor (46). The contact parts (51,52) on the ring (50) and on the fixed contact (44) are arranged between the two cams (40).