Japanese Utility Patent 280,929 (JPH0280929U)

Provided by the ASK Keyboard Patents database

Patent diagrams of Alps' spring loaded push-button switch having predictable switching time despite varying spring characteristics at rest (left) and pressed (right)
More informaion
NameSpring loaded push-button switch having predictable switching time despite varying spring characteristics
InventorsToshimasa Matsui
AssigneesAlps
DescriptionAn invention of a membrane-diven buckling spring keyswitch designed to be lower profile and use an integrated slider compared to other buckling spring designs such as those from IBM (US4118611A, US4528431A). Compared IBM's designs, the spring notably requires a lateral push to buckle rather since it is too short to buckle naturally. This was implemented as Alps buckling springs, which uses an Alps mount compatible slider and were employed on Alps SM-101 ODM keyboard design and Sega TeraDrive Keyboard (HTR-2106).