Release mechanism in key assembly

Abstract

A key assembly having a line button and a hold button includes a release plate which engages pins on the buttons extending transversely of the buttons to a plane of the plate. The plate includes a first tongue having an undercut for receiving the pin of the line button for locking the line button, the first tongue having an inclined edge for urging the plate back from a rest position thereof for insertion of the line button pin in the undercut. The plate includes a second tongue having an inclined edge positioned on a lower portion of said tongue for engagement with the hold button pin on an upstroke of the hold button. A bypass path is provided for the hold button pin, which pin is spring loaded, to enable the pin to travel from the top of the second tongue to the bottom of said second tongue without introducing a translatory motion to the plate. The bypass path includes an inclined plane progressing from an upper edge of the second tongue and facing the hold button pin for urging the pin away from the second tongue so as to travel along the bypass path into engagement with the inclined edge of the second tongue. The configuration of the inclined plane in combination with a rounded end portion of the hold button pin reduces wear in the operation of the key assembly and allows for an integral unitary structure of the plate with the two tongues which facilitates manufacture of the key assembly.