KEYBOARD APPARATUS AND METHOD OF MAKING

摘要

KEYBOARD APPARATUS AND METHOD OF MAKING A keyboard-operated electronic apparatus such as an electronic calculator is made by forming a dielectric card with a plurality of recesses in one card side. Preferably the card is formed with a number of apertures extending through the card. Electrically conductive films are deposited in a selected pattern on the recessed card to define first and complementary contacts within each card recess and to define circuit paths which are connected to these contacts in a selected manner. Electrically conductive elements of a dished configuration are disposed in the respective card recesses to be located by the recesses in engagement with the first contacts in the recesses, and key means are mounted on the recessed card side for selectively moving the dished elements with snap action into an inverted dished configuration so that the elements further engage complementary contacts in the recesses to close selected circuits. Preferably a flexible film is secured over the card recesses for dust sealing the contacts and snap-acting elements in the recesses. Electronic components are mounted directly on the recessed card, preferably by inserting component terminals into card apertures to be connected to circuit paths on the card, thereby to form a complete electronic apparatus utilizing the single dielectric card. The component terminals are soldered or otherwise secured in electrically connected relation to the card circuit paths or, preferably, conductive elastomer means are mounted in the card apertures for permitting detachable mounting of the electronic components on the card.