US3898421A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Push button switch with elastic conductive sheet
Assignee: Panasonic Holdings Corp
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Filing: 1973-08-16
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Granted: 1975-08-05
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Expires: 1993-08-16
Abstract
Abstract There is provided a push button switch using an elastic conductive sheet having a spherical protuberance which is adapted to be deformed by a keytop for electrically connecting fixed electrodes formed on a printed circuit board. Spring means for returning the keytop is not required, so that the construction is simplified. Also, excellent switching action, operability and reliability can be ensured.
Inventors
- 👤 Masaki Suzumura
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 00:08
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H13/00; H01H13/70; H01H13/702; H01H2203/00; H01H2203/02; H01H2207/00; H01H2207/01; H01H2209/00; H01H2209/068; H01H2209/078; H01H2213/00; H01H2213/002; H01H2213/004; H01H2215/00; H01H2215/004; H01H2215/008
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
A push button switch comprising support means; a pair of fixed spaced electrodes located on said support means; and an elastic conductive sheet having a dimple positioned adjacent said electrodes and spaced therefrom by a predetermined distance, said dimple including a central portion and an annular shoulder separated from said central portion by a flexural node, said dimple being deformable with a double snap action when depressed by a force exerted on the central portion thereof, the first snap action of said dimple forcing said annular shoulder into contact with said pair of fixed electrodes thereby making electrical contact therebetween, and the following snap action forcing the central portion of said dimple between said electrodes.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
115 words
A push button switch comprising support means; a pair of fixed spaced electrodes located on said support means; and an elastic conductive sheet having a dimple positioned adjacent said electrodes and spaced therefrom by a predetermined distance, said dimple including a central portion and an annular shoulder separated from said central portion by a flexural node, said dimple being deformable with a double snap action when depressed by a force exerted on the central portion thereof, the first snap action of said dimple forcing said annular shoulder into contact with said pair of fixed electrodes thereby making electrical contact therebetween, and the following snap action forcing the central portion of said dimple between said electrodes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
127 words
A push button switch comprising a printed circuit board; spaced fixed electrode means printed on said printed circuit board; an elastic conductive sheet having a dimple positioned adjacent said electrodes and spaced therefrom by a predetermined distance, said dimple including a central portion and an annular shoulder separated from said central portion by a flexural node, said dimple being deformable with a double snap action when depressed by a force exerted on the central portion thereof; and a keytop slidably supported above said dimple for depressing said dimple, the first snap action of said dimple forcing said annular shoulder into contact with said pair of fixed electrodes thereby making electrical contact therebetween, and the following snap action forcing the central portion of said dimple between said electrodes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
127 words
A push button switch comprising a printed circuit board; spaced fixed electrode means printed on said printed circuit board; an elastic conductive sheet having a dimple positioned adjacent said electrodes and spaced therefrom by a predetermined distance, said dimple including a central portion and an annular shoulder separated from said central portion by a flexural node, said dimple being deformable with a double snap action when depressed by a force exerted on the central portion thereof; and a keytop slidably supported above said dimple for depressing said dimple, the first snap action of said dimple forcing said annular shoulder into contact with said pair of fixed electrodes thereby making electrical contact therebetween, and the following snap action forcing the central portion of said dimple between said electrodes.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
The push button switch according to claim 2, which further comprises an insulating member having a hole therein in the position corresponding to said dimple, said insulating member being disposed between said conductive sheet and said printed circuit board.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The push button switch according to claim 2, wherein said printed circuit board has a small hole for the escape of air.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The push button switch according to claim 2, which further comprises a fibrin filter provided on the underside of said printed circuit board.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-08-04 | 1979-02-03 | 1979-08-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-08-04 | 1983-02-03 | 1983-08-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-08-04 | 1987-02-03 | 1987-08-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |