CA1037533A - Push-button type binary switch device - Google Patents
Push-button type binary switch deviceInfo
- Publication number
- CA1037533A CA1037533A CA240,628A CA240628A CA1037533A CA 1037533 A CA1037533 A CA 1037533A CA 240628 A CA240628 A CA 240628A CA 1037533 A CA1037533 A CA 1037533A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- terminal
- leg members
- common
- board
- contact area
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
- H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
- H01H13/7006—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard comprising a separate movable contact element for each switch site, all other elements being integrated in layers
Abstract
PUSH-BUTTON TYPE BINARY SWITCH DEVICE
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A push-button type switch device for use in generating binary coded signals. An insulative board is provided having flat opposite surfaces. An overcenter, snap-acting diaphragm switch element is provided movable between a first inactive position and a second overcenter operative position in response to applica-tion of a predetermined operating force thereon, as by depression of a push button. The diaphragm element has a centrally disposed common contact area and a plurality of radially spaced leg members extending outwardly therefrom. The leg members have outer ends which respectively engage first terminal pads on one surface of the board thereby normally supporting the diaphragm element thereon in its first position. A common teminal is provided on the one side of the board and has an external conductor connected thereto, the common terminal being in registry with the common contact area of the diaphragm element and spaced therefrom in the first position. The common contact area engages the common terminal in the second position of the diaphragm element. The leg members have portions thereon inwardly from the outer ends which are respectively in registry with and spaced from other terminal pads on the one surface of the board in the first position of the diaphragm element.
Act least one preselected terminal pad has an external conductor connected thereto. The diaphragm element is proportioned and arranged so that the leg member portions engage their respective other terminal pads in a third position of the diaphragm element which is intermediate the first and second positions and prior to engagement of the common contact area with the common terminal.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A push-button type switch device for use in generating binary coded signals. An insulative board is provided having flat opposite surfaces. An overcenter, snap-acting diaphragm switch element is provided movable between a first inactive position and a second overcenter operative position in response to applica-tion of a predetermined operating force thereon, as by depression of a push button. The diaphragm element has a centrally disposed common contact area and a plurality of radially spaced leg members extending outwardly therefrom. The leg members have outer ends which respectively engage first terminal pads on one surface of the board thereby normally supporting the diaphragm element thereon in its first position. A common teminal is provided on the one side of the board and has an external conductor connected thereto, the common terminal being in registry with the common contact area of the diaphragm element and spaced therefrom in the first position. The common contact area engages the common terminal in the second position of the diaphragm element. The leg members have portions thereon inwardly from the outer ends which are respectively in registry with and spaced from other terminal pads on the one surface of the board in the first position of the diaphragm element.
Act least one preselected terminal pad has an external conductor connected thereto. The diaphragm element is proportioned and arranged so that the leg member portions engage their respective other terminal pads in a third position of the diaphragm element which is intermediate the first and second positions and prior to engagement of the common contact area with the common terminal.
Description
~;33753~
E~ACKGROUND OF T~E I~ NTIOi Field of t~ nti~
This invantion relates generally to binary switches and more :; ~
particularly to a push button t~pe binary switch device. ~ :
S Descrîpti n of the Prior ~rt Binary switches are ~mployed for generating preselected binary coded signals for use in digitally controlled and data processing apparatus. qlhe most common type of binary switch is a rotary switch o~ten provided in thumb wheel-actuated 10 form. Such prior binary switches have been characterized - ;~
by their complexity and relatively high 50St. Patent No. .
3,796,843 assigned to the Assi~nee of the present application discloses a keyboard switch assembly employing an overcenter, snap-acting diaphragm switch element and a single-sided printed lS circuit board.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is desirable to provlde a push-button type switch device capable of generating binary coded signals. A plurality ` ~
of such binary switches may ~e assembled in a keyboard resemb- ~ :
ling a calculator keyboard or push-button telephone dial thus penmitting selection of the desired binary coded signals by pushing the appropriate push-buttons.
The invention, in its broador aspects, provides a push~
button type switch device for use in generating binary coded signals and comprises an insulative board having flat opposite ~.:
suraces a~d an overcenter, snap-acting diaphragm switch element :~
movable between a first inactive posi~ion and a second overcenter operatiVe position in ~esponse to application of a pred~termined operating force thereon, as by a pushbu~ton. The diaphragm element has a centrally disposed common contact area and a plurality of radially spaced leg membPrs extendiny outwardly therefrom. At least some o~ the leg members respectively ,
E~ACKGROUND OF T~E I~ NTIOi Field of t~ nti~
This invantion relates generally to binary switches and more :; ~
particularly to a push button t~pe binary switch device. ~ :
S Descrîpti n of the Prior ~rt Binary switches are ~mployed for generating preselected binary coded signals for use in digitally controlled and data processing apparatus. qlhe most common type of binary switch is a rotary switch o~ten provided in thumb wheel-actuated 10 form. Such prior binary switches have been characterized - ;~
by their complexity and relatively high 50St. Patent No. .
3,796,843 assigned to the Assi~nee of the present application discloses a keyboard switch assembly employing an overcenter, snap-acting diaphragm switch element and a single-sided printed lS circuit board.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is desirable to provlde a push-button type switch device capable of generating binary coded signals. A plurality ` ~
of such binary switches may ~e assembled in a keyboard resemb- ~ :
ling a calculator keyboard or push-button telephone dial thus penmitting selection of the desired binary coded signals by pushing the appropriate push-buttons.
The invention, in its broador aspects, provides a push~
button type switch device for use in generating binary coded signals and comprises an insulative board having flat opposite ~.:
suraces a~d an overcenter, snap-acting diaphragm switch element :~
movable between a first inactive posi~ion and a second overcenter operatiVe position in ~esponse to application of a pred~termined operating force thereon, as by a pushbu~ton. The diaphragm element has a centrally disposed common contact area and a plurality of radially spaced leg membPrs extendiny outwardly therefrom. At least some o~ the leg members respectively ,
-2- ~:
:~37533 engacJe first terminal pads on one surEace o~ the insulative board and normally support the diaphragm element thereon in ,~
its first position. ~ common terminal on the one surface of thP board has an external conductor connected thereto, , ,~
the common terminal being in registry with the common contact -~
area of the diaphragm element and spaced thexefrom in the first position thereof. The common contact area engages the common terminal in the second position of the diaphragm element.
Certain of the leg members have portions respectively in registry with and spaced from other erminal pads on the one surface '~
of the board in the first position of the diaphragm element. : `
At least one preselected terminal pad has another external ',~
conductor connected thereto, the number o terminal pads to '`~
which external conductoxs are connected providing the desired `~
binary coded signal upon actuation o the diaphragm element. ', ~' The diaphra~m element is proportioned and arranged so that ,' the leg member portions engage their respective other terminal pads in a third position of the element intermediate the ~irst ' and æecond positions and prior to engagement o~ the common `'~ ~
contact area ~ith the zommon terminal. `', '~`;
It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide an improved binary switch device.
Another object of the invention is to provide a p,ush~
button ~ype switch device for use in generating binary coded signals. ,''~
The above-mentioned and other features and objects of '~
this invention and the manner of attaining them will become '~
more apparent and the invention itsel will be best understood `' by reference to the ollowing description of an emhodiment ~'~
of the inven~ion taken in conjunction with the accompanying ~ ' drawings.
'` ~:'`'
:~37533 engacJe first terminal pads on one surEace o~ the insulative board and normally support the diaphragm element thereon in ,~
its first position. ~ common terminal on the one surface of thP board has an external conductor connected thereto, , ,~
the common terminal being in registry with the common contact -~
area of the diaphragm element and spaced thexefrom in the first position thereof. The common contact area engages the common terminal in the second position of the diaphragm element.
Certain of the leg members have portions respectively in registry with and spaced from other erminal pads on the one surface '~
of the board in the first position of the diaphragm element. : `
At least one preselected terminal pad has another external ',~
conductor connected thereto, the number o terminal pads to '`~
which external conductoxs are connected providing the desired `~
binary coded signal upon actuation o the diaphragm element. ', ~' The diaphra~m element is proportioned and arranged so that ,' the leg member portions engage their respective other terminal pads in a third position of the element intermediate the ~irst ' and æecond positions and prior to engagement o~ the common `'~ ~
contact area ~ith the zommon terminal. `', '~`;
It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide an improved binary switch device.
Another object of the invention is to provide a p,ush~
button ~ype switch device for use in generating binary coded signals. ,''~
The above-mentioned and other features and objects of '~
this invention and the manner of attaining them will become '~
more apparent and the invention itsel will be best understood `' by reference to the ollowing description of an emhodiment ~'~
of the inven~ion taken in conjunction with the accompanying ~ ' drawings.
'` ~:'`'
-3-. .
t7S33 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TE~E DRAWINGS
Fig~ 1 is a top view showing one embodiment of the push~button type ~witch davlce of the invention;
Fig. 2 is a cross-~ectional view taken generally along the li~e 2-2 of Fig. l; ~^
Fig. 3 is a ~chematic view showing different conne~tion~
to provide binary ccded 3ignal5 with the ~witGh device of the invention;
Fig. 4 shows a binary code which may be provided by the various 19 pe~mutations of the switch device of the invention;
Flg. 5 is a top vi2w showi~g the preferred embodLmant of the i~ention;
Fig. 6 is a cross-sec~ion view taken generally along the :~line 6-6 of Fig. 5;
Flg. 7 i~ a ~ra~men~ary top view showing a modlfica~ion o~
the embodimen~ o~ Fig. 5;
Fig. 8 is a ~ragmentary ~op view ~howing a~other modification o~ the embodimen~ o~ Fig. 5; and `~
; Fig. 9 is a fragmsntary cros~-sectional view taken generally . :
along the line 9-g o~ Fig. 8.
DESCRIPTION OF THE P~E~ERRED E~BoDIMæNTs .
.. . .
Referring now to Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the improved binary ~witch device of th~ invention 9 generally indiaated at 10, compri2eæ an overcenter, ~nap-actl~g, "o~lcan", diaphragm ~witch element 12 having a cen~er contact dimple 14. Diaphragm ~ :
~.~; . ..
element 12 haæ four e~ually radially spaced apart, outward extending leg members 16 fo~med ~hereon.
An lnsula~ive board 18 ls provided having 1a~ opposite sur~
face~ 20 and 22. Outer e~ds 24 of leg members 16 respectively engage terminal pads 26 on top ~urface 20 of board 18 and ~upport diaphragm element 12 in a f irst, inactive position with center dimple 14 spaced rom common terminal pad 28 on surface 20 of
t7S33 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TE~E DRAWINGS
Fig~ 1 is a top view showing one embodiment of the push~button type ~witch davlce of the invention;
Fig. 2 is a cross-~ectional view taken generally along the li~e 2-2 of Fig. l; ~^
Fig. 3 is a ~chematic view showing different conne~tion~
to provide binary ccded 3ignal5 with the ~witGh device of the invention;
Fig. 4 shows a binary code which may be provided by the various 19 pe~mutations of the switch device of the invention;
Flg. 5 is a top vi2w showi~g the preferred embodLmant of the i~ention;
Fig. 6 is a cross-sec~ion view taken generally along the :~line 6-6 of Fig. 5;
Flg. 7 i~ a ~ra~men~ary top view showing a modlfica~ion o~
the embodimen~ o~ Fig. 5;
Fig. 8 is a ~ragmentary ~op view ~howing a~other modification o~ the embodimen~ o~ Fig. 5; and `~
; Fig. 9 is a fragmsntary cros~-sectional view taken generally . :
along the line 9-g o~ Fig. 8.
DESCRIPTION OF THE P~E~ERRED E~BoDIMæNTs .
.. . .
Referring now to Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the improved binary ~witch device of th~ invention 9 generally indiaated at 10, compri2eæ an overcenter, ~nap-actl~g, "o~lcan", diaphragm ~witch element 12 having a cen~er contact dimple 14. Diaphragm ~ :
~.~; . ..
element 12 haæ four e~ually radially spaced apart, outward extending leg members 16 fo~med ~hereon.
An lnsula~ive board 18 ls provided having 1a~ opposite sur~
face~ 20 and 22. Outer e~ds 24 of leg members 16 respectively engage terminal pads 26 on top ~urface 20 of board 18 and ~upport diaphragm element 12 in a f irst, inactive position with center dimple 14 spaced rom common terminal pad 28 on surface 20 of
-4-. , ., ., ~ , :
. . . .. : .
~ l~37533 board 18, as shown in Fig. 2. In~ulative retainer men~er 25 covers ~urface 20 of board 18 and the terminal pads and conductor~ thereon and ha~ cut-out portion 27 therein which receive~ and locates switch el~ment 12. Thin insulative ~heet 29 cover~ ratainer member 25 and switch element 12, as further shown and de~cribed in the aforesaid United State~ Patent No. 3,796,843.
E~cutcheon plate 30 is proYided having opening 32 ~herein whlch receive~ and locates push button 34. Push button 34 is adaptad to apply a downward force to diaphragm element 12 a~ will hereinafter be descr~bed.
Three equally-radially spaced relatively short leg members or feet 36 extend outwardly rom diaphragm element 12 and are re~pectiYely in rcgistry with terminal pads 38 on ~ide 20 of board 3 18. Feet 36 ar~ respectively ~paced from terminal pads 38 in the first position of diaphragm element 12, a3 shown in Fig. 2.
Upon applicatio~ of a predetermined force on pu~h button 34, as ~hown by arrow 40, diaphragm element 12 is moved to a second, ..
operative position with center eontact dimple 14 engaglng co ~on terminal pad 28 and ~th feet 36 engag:ing terminal pad~ 3~. In ac~ordance with the invention, diaphragm element 12 and leg mem~
ber~ 16 are proportioned and arranged 90 that diaphragm element `
12 pa~ses through a third, intermediate po~ition in which feet `~
36 engagc terminal pads 38 prios to engagement of center contact dimple 14 with common ~erminal pad 2 Common external conductor 42 on surface 20 o~ board 18 is ;~
connected to common ~ermi~al pad 28~ In order ~o provide a desired binary slgnal outpu~, external conductor~ are con~ected to pre-~elect~d ones of the remaining terminal pads, such as conductor 44 connected to ~erminal pad 26 and conductor 46 connected ~o ` ~ -~
terminal pad 38 Which provide~ a binary coded signal corresponding to the numeral three a~ shown in Fig. ~ ?
Referxing now to Figs. 3 and 4, it will be seen that common external conductor 42 is, in each switch configuration, connected
. . . .. : .
~ l~37533 board 18, as shown in Fig. 2. In~ulative retainer men~er 25 covers ~urface 20 of board 18 and the terminal pads and conductor~ thereon and ha~ cut-out portion 27 therein which receive~ and locates switch el~ment 12. Thin insulative ~heet 29 cover~ ratainer member 25 and switch element 12, as further shown and de~cribed in the aforesaid United State~ Patent No. 3,796,843.
E~cutcheon plate 30 is proYided having opening 32 ~herein whlch receive~ and locates push button 34. Push button 34 is adaptad to apply a downward force to diaphragm element 12 a~ will hereinafter be descr~bed.
Three equally-radially spaced relatively short leg members or feet 36 extend outwardly rom diaphragm element 12 and are re~pectiYely in rcgistry with terminal pads 38 on ~ide 20 of board 3 18. Feet 36 ar~ respectively ~paced from terminal pads 38 in the first position of diaphragm element 12, a3 shown in Fig. 2.
Upon applicatio~ of a predetermined force on pu~h button 34, as ~hown by arrow 40, diaphragm element 12 is moved to a second, ..
operative position with center eontact dimple 14 engaglng co ~on terminal pad 28 and ~th feet 36 engag:ing terminal pad~ 3~. In ac~ordance with the invention, diaphragm element 12 and leg mem~
ber~ 16 are proportioned and arranged 90 that diaphragm element `
12 pa~ses through a third, intermediate po~ition in which feet `~
36 engagc terminal pads 38 prios to engagement of center contact dimple 14 with common ~erminal pad 2 Common external conductor 42 on surface 20 o~ board 18 is ;~
connected to common ~ermi~al pad 28~ In order ~o provide a desired binary slgnal outpu~, external conductor~ are con~ected to pre-~elect~d ones of the remaining terminal pads, such as conductor 44 connected to ~erminal pad 26 and conductor 46 connected ~o ` ~ -~
terminal pad 38 Which provide~ a binary coded signal corresponding to the numeral three a~ shown in Fig. ~ ?
Referxing now to Figs. 3 and 4, it will be seen that common external conductor 42 is, in each switch configuration, connected
-5-~ V;~533 to common terminal pad 28. The connection of external conductors to the ramaining terminal pad3 26, 38 depends on the binary coded ~lgnal to be provided upon actu tion of the switch element. Thus, as shown in Fig. 4, and referring to an 8421 bin~ry code, exter~al conductor 46 may be connected to terminal pad 38 and external conductor 44 may be connected to terminal pad 26 to provide a ~ :~
binary coded ~ignal corresponding to the digital numeral three.
Likewi~e. external conductor 48 may be conn~cted to the "four" ~ -terminal pad 38 and external conductor S0 may be connected to 10 ~he "eight" terminal pad 38 in accordance with the table shown in Fig, 4 to provide, for example, binary coded signals s:orres~
ponding to the digits zero through sixte2n. ~ ~
It wi-ll now be seen that ends 24 o leg members 16 are in ~ ;
contact ~ith termi~al pads 26 on printed circuit board 18 in the first, at-re~t ~r released position of the device. As load is applied by push button 34 to the center dimple 14, the leg members 16 and diaphxagm element 12 de1ect, ~he force a~ tha dimple in-creasing to a maximum and than ~arting ~o decrease. At this p~int, the diaphragm element or dome 12 will snap-o~er and the ~eet 36 and ce~ter dimple 14 co~e in contact with their respeotive terminal pads 28, 38 on printed circuit board 18. A~ the load i~ relea~ed, th¢ force at ~he center dimple 14 will decrea.~e to a point where th~ diaphragm element or dome 14 will snap-back and the aenter dimple 14 and ~e~t 36 w~ll break contact with the printed circuit board 18. As previou31y stated, it is important that the center contact dimple 14 make contact last with feet 36 maXing co~tact prior to that time, and that ~he center con~act dimple 14 be the first to break contact upon releaseO
Ref~rring now to ~igs. 5 and 6 in which like elements are indicated by like refexence numeral~ and similar elements by primed reference num~ers, there is shown the preferred embodi- ::
ment of the invention generally indlcated at 51. Here, ~ :
binary coded ~ignal corresponding to the digital numeral three.
Likewi~e. external conductor 48 may be conn~cted to the "four" ~ -terminal pad 38 and external conductor S0 may be connected to 10 ~he "eight" terminal pad 38 in accordance with the table shown in Fig, 4 to provide, for example, binary coded signals s:orres~
ponding to the digits zero through sixte2n. ~ ~
It wi-ll now be seen that ends 24 o leg members 16 are in ~ ;
contact ~ith termi~al pads 26 on printed circuit board 18 in the first, at-re~t ~r released position of the device. As load is applied by push button 34 to the center dimple 14, the leg members 16 and diaphxagm element 12 de1ect, ~he force a~ tha dimple in-creasing to a maximum and than ~arting ~o decrease. At this p~int, the diaphragm element or dome 12 will snap-o~er and the ~eet 36 and ce~ter dimple 14 co~e in contact with their respeotive terminal pads 28, 38 on printed circuit board 18. A~ the load i~ relea~ed, th¢ force at ~he center dimple 14 will decrea.~e to a point where th~ diaphragm element or dome 14 will snap-back and the aenter dimple 14 and ~e~t 36 w~ll break contact with the printed circuit board 18. As previou31y stated, it is important that the center contact dimple 14 make contact last with feet 36 maXing co~tact prior to that time, and that ~he center con~act dimple 14 be the first to break contact upon releaseO
Ref~rring now to ~igs. 5 and 6 in which like elements are indicated by like refexence numeral~ and similar elements by primed reference num~ers, there is shown the preferred embodi- ::
ment of the invention generally indlcated at 51. Here, ~ :
-6- ~
~:
~L~3753;~
overcenter, snap-acting, "oilcan", diaphragm switch element 12' has four equally-spaced apart, outwardly extending le~ members -~
16' formed thereon and contact dimple 14 at the center thexeof.
Outer ends 2g' of leg members 16' xespectively engaga ~erminal pads 26 on top ~urface 20 of insulative board 18 and support dia~
phra~m element 12' in its fir~t, inacti~e position with center ~ -~
dimple 14 spaced ~rom common tarminal pad 28 on sur~ace 20 of board 18, as ~hown in Fig. 6.
Insulative retainer member 25' covers surface 20 of board 18 and the termi~al pads and conductors thereon and has cut-out portion 27' therein which receives and locates switch element ~~
12'. ~hin insulative shest 29 cover~ retainer member 25' and switch .
eleme~t 12'.
~Iere, contact dimples 52 are formed in ~witch element 12' respectively adjacent the junctions of leg members 16' therewith, contact dimple~ 52 being respectively in reg~stry with terminal pad~ 38' on sida 20 of board 18 and respectively ~paced therefrom in the first position of d~aphragm element 12' as best ~een in ~ig. 6. ~.
Upon application of a predetermined force on push-butto~ ~; '!, 34 (Pig. 1), diaphragm el~ment 12' is moved to a second, operative ~ :
position wi~h cen~er contact dLmple 14 engaging common terminal pad 28 and with contact~ dimple 52 respeotively ~ngaging termlnal pad~ 38'. It will be readily appar~nt that in this embodiment, 25 contact dîmple~ 52 engage te~minal pads 38 prior to engagement :
o~ center contact dimple 14 with common terminal pad 28.
As in the ca3e of the previous embodim~nt, common ex~exnal ~ .- .
terminal 42~ on -~ur~acç 20 o~ boaxd 18 is connec~ed to oommon ~ ~.
terminal pad 28 and~ in order to pro~ide the desired binary s~gnal output, external conduc~ors are connec~ed to pre~elected o~es of the remaining te~n~nal ~ds, such as:conductor 44 con~
nocted to terminal pad 26 and conductor 46 connected to te~minal .; .
: ~ , pad 38.
,, _ 7 _ , . : ; ,.. ., . , . . . , . ,,: , ,, :
.. . . . .
~ ~ ~
~3753~
As in the case o~ the construction ~hown in the afore~aid patent NoO 3,796,843, the de~ign of ~witch element 12, 12' is ~-~uch that it i3 pos~ible to route oth~r conductor~, ~uch as con-ductor 54~ on ~op surface 20 of board 18 under ~witching el~ment ~ ~ .
12, 12'.
Referring now to Fig. 7 in which like elements are agai~ :~
indicated by like re~erence numeral~ and similar element~ by double primed reference numerals, diaphragm switching element 12'' may be provided with only three leg member~ 16' as shown 10 in Fig. 7, or may have more than four leg member3 16'. `
Referring now to Figs. 8 and 9 in which like elements are again indica~ed by likè re~erence numeral~ and ~imilar elements by triple primed xeference numerals, diaphragm ~witch element 12''' may hæ~e only two leg member3 16' with the remaining 15 engagQment with a terminal pad 26 being provided by contact ~ ~`
dimple 54' at the peripheral edge of element 12'''. It will ~ : :
thus be seen that in this manner the three-leg ~mbodiment shown in Fi~. 7 may be provided with one leg missing, and ~hat the . ~.
four-l~g embodiment of~Fig. 5 may be provided with two leg~
missing. It will ~urther be ~een that the three-leg embodiment of ~ig. 7 ma~ in the ~ame ~a~hion be provided with only one leg member 16'.
~ eferring again ~o the embodimen~ shown in ~igs. 1 and 2, while end~ 24 of leg members 16 have been shown and described 25 as being ~t all ~ime~ in engagement with terminal pads 26, de- :
pendi~g upon the ~pring raté o~ the leg members 16 and the relative height dimensions of ends 24, feet 36 and cen~er con-tact dimple 14, it is possible to p~oduce a devi~e in which ends 24 will lift off and be spaced from their respective terminal pads 26 when switch element 12 is moved to lts second, operative position. Thls con~truction adds a normally closed or double ~hro~
feature to the switching possibilities of the device.
, .
;
: .. .... .. : :,: ... :. :, ....... . . ....
~ ~)3~s33 While there have been described above the principles .
of this invantion in connection with spacific apparatus, it is to be clearly understood that this des~ription is made only by way of example and not as a limitation to the ~cope of ~he S inventio~
''' ~'''."' ~ " ~' '''~ ~ ' "' ,'' ~
'. ~, _g~
~:
~L~3753;~
overcenter, snap-acting, "oilcan", diaphragm switch element 12' has four equally-spaced apart, outwardly extending le~ members -~
16' formed thereon and contact dimple 14 at the center thexeof.
Outer ends 2g' of leg members 16' xespectively engaga ~erminal pads 26 on top ~urface 20 of insulative board 18 and support dia~
phra~m element 12' in its fir~t, inacti~e position with center ~ -~
dimple 14 spaced ~rom common tarminal pad 28 on sur~ace 20 of board 18, as ~hown in Fig. 6.
Insulative retainer member 25' covers surface 20 of board 18 and the termi~al pads and conductors thereon and has cut-out portion 27' therein which receives and locates switch element ~~
12'. ~hin insulative shest 29 cover~ retainer member 25' and switch .
eleme~t 12'.
~Iere, contact dimples 52 are formed in ~witch element 12' respectively adjacent the junctions of leg members 16' therewith, contact dimple~ 52 being respectively in reg~stry with terminal pad~ 38' on sida 20 of board 18 and respectively ~paced therefrom in the first position of d~aphragm element 12' as best ~een in ~ig. 6. ~.
Upon application of a predetermined force on push-butto~ ~; '!, 34 (Pig. 1), diaphragm el~ment 12' is moved to a second, operative ~ :
position wi~h cen~er contact dLmple 14 engaging common terminal pad 28 and with contact~ dimple 52 respeotively ~ngaging termlnal pad~ 38'. It will be readily appar~nt that in this embodiment, 25 contact dîmple~ 52 engage te~minal pads 38 prior to engagement :
o~ center contact dimple 14 with common terminal pad 28.
As in the ca3e of the previous embodim~nt, common ex~exnal ~ .- .
terminal 42~ on -~ur~acç 20 o~ boaxd 18 is connec~ed to oommon ~ ~.
terminal pad 28 and~ in order to pro~ide the desired binary s~gnal output, external conduc~ors are connec~ed to pre~elected o~es of the remaining te~n~nal ~ds, such as:conductor 44 con~
nocted to terminal pad 26 and conductor 46 connected to te~minal .; .
: ~ , pad 38.
,, _ 7 _ , . : ; ,.. ., . , . . . , . ,,: , ,, :
.. . . . .
~ ~ ~
~3753~
As in the case o~ the construction ~hown in the afore~aid patent NoO 3,796,843, the de~ign of ~witch element 12, 12' is ~-~uch that it i3 pos~ible to route oth~r conductor~, ~uch as con-ductor 54~ on ~op surface 20 of board 18 under ~witching el~ment ~ ~ .
12, 12'.
Referring now to Fig. 7 in which like elements are agai~ :~
indicated by like re~erence numeral~ and similar element~ by double primed reference numerals, diaphragm switching element 12'' may be provided with only three leg member~ 16' as shown 10 in Fig. 7, or may have more than four leg member3 16'. `
Referring now to Figs. 8 and 9 in which like elements are again indica~ed by likè re~erence numeral~ and ~imilar elements by triple primed xeference numerals, diaphragm ~witch element 12''' may hæ~e only two leg member3 16' with the remaining 15 engagQment with a terminal pad 26 being provided by contact ~ ~`
dimple 54' at the peripheral edge of element 12'''. It will ~ : :
thus be seen that in this manner the three-leg ~mbodiment shown in Fi~. 7 may be provided with one leg missing, and ~hat the . ~.
four-l~g embodiment of~Fig. 5 may be provided with two leg~
missing. It will ~urther be ~een that the three-leg embodiment of ~ig. 7 ma~ in the ~ame ~a~hion be provided with only one leg member 16'.
~ eferring again ~o the embodimen~ shown in ~igs. 1 and 2, while end~ 24 of leg members 16 have been shown and described 25 as being ~t all ~ime~ in engagement with terminal pads 26, de- :
pendi~g upon the ~pring raté o~ the leg members 16 and the relative height dimensions of ends 24, feet 36 and cen~er con-tact dimple 14, it is possible to p~oduce a devi~e in which ends 24 will lift off and be spaced from their respective terminal pads 26 when switch element 12 is moved to lts second, operative position. Thls con~truction adds a normally closed or double ~hro~
feature to the switching possibilities of the device.
, .
;
: .. .... .. : :,: ... :. :, ....... . . ....
~ ~)3~s33 While there have been described above the principles .
of this invantion in connection with spacific apparatus, it is to be clearly understood that this des~ription is made only by way of example and not as a limitation to the ~cope of ~he S inventio~
''' ~'''."' ~ " ~' '''~ ~ ' "' ,'' ~
'. ~, _g~
Claims (12)
1. A push-button type switch device for use in generating binary coded signals comprising an insulative board having flat opposite surfaces, an overcenter, snap-acting diaphragm switch mem-ber movable between a first inactive position and a second over-center operative position in response to application of a prede-termined operating force thereon, said member having a centrally disposed common contact area, said switch member having a plurality of radially spaced contact elements formed on the periphery there-of, at least some of said contact elements respectively engaging first terminal pads on one surface of said board and normally sup-porting said member thereon in said first position, a common termi-nal of said one surface of said board and having an external con-ductor connected thereto, said common terminal being in registry with said common contact area and spaced therefrom in said first position, at least one of said contact: elements having a portion respectively in registry with and spaced from another terminal pad on said one surface of said board in said first position of said member, at least one preselected terminal pad having another ex-ternal conductor connected thereto, said member being proportioned and arranged so that said contact element portion engages said other terminal pad in a third position of said member intermediate said first and second positions and prior to engagement of said common contact area with said common terminal, and means for retaining said switch member and insulative board in assembled relation.
2. The device of Claim 1 wherein at least one of said con-tact elements is a leg member extending outwardly from said peri-phery of said switch member and having an outer end engaging a first terminal pad.
3. The device of Claim 2 wherein said portion is formed on said leg member inwardly from said outer end thereof.
4. The device of Claim 1 wherein said contact elements are leg members extending outwardly from said periphery of said switch member.
5. The device of Claim 4 wherein there are a plurality of said other terminal pads, there being first and second groups of said leg members, all of said first group engaging said first ter-minal pads and supporting said switch member thereon, all of said second group having said portions thereon and being respectively in registry with said other terminal pads.
6. The device of Claim 5 wherein said first group of leg members are respectively longer than said second group.
7. The device of Claim 6 wherein the outer ends of said first group of leg members engage respectively said first terminal pads, the outer ends of said second group of leg members comprising said portions and being respectively in registry with said other terminal pads.
8. The device of Claim 7 wherein there are four of said first group of leg members and three of said second group.
9. The device of Claim 7 wherein said common contact area disengages said common terminal upon release of said force prior to disengagement of said portions of said second group of leg members from said other terminal pads.
10. The device of Claim 5 wherein all of said leg members have outer ends which respectively engage said first terminal pads, all of said leg members having said portions respectively formed thereon inwardly from said outer ends.
11. The device of Claim 10 wherein said leg member portions are formed thereon adjacent the junctions of said leg members with said switch member.
12. The device of Claim 10 wherein said switch member has another contact area formed at the periphery thereof and spaced from said leg members, said other contact area engaging a terminal pad on said one surface of said board and supporting said element thereon in said first position.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US05/530,744 US3941964A (en) | 1974-12-09 | 1974-12-09 | Push-button type binary switch device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1037533A true CA1037533A (en) | 1978-08-29 |
Family
ID=24114785
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA240,628A Expired CA1037533A (en) | 1974-12-09 | 1975-11-27 | Push-button type binary switch device |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US3941964A (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS5188135A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1037533A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2555137C3 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB1486040A (en) |
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| US4032728A (en) * | 1974-12-20 | 1977-06-28 | Olympia Werke Ag | Push button switch |
| CA1034175A (en) * | 1975-04-16 | 1978-07-04 | Pak-Jong Chu | Multi-contact push-button switch |
| CA1019374A (en) * | 1975-04-16 | 1977-10-18 | Cornelis W. Reedyk | Multi-contact push-button switch |
| US3996429A (en) * | 1975-04-18 | 1976-12-07 | Northern Electric Company Limited | Multi-contact push-button switch having plural prestressed contact members designed to provide plural circuit simultaneous switching inputs |
| US4029916A (en) * | 1975-04-18 | 1977-06-14 | Northern Electric Company Limited | Multi-contact push-button switch and plural embodiment for keyboard switch assembly |
| JPS5344277U (en) * | 1976-09-20 | 1978-04-15 | ||
| US4084071A (en) * | 1976-12-06 | 1978-04-11 | Rca Corporation | Switch mechanism for a calculator type keyboard |
| US4107482A (en) * | 1977-01-31 | 1978-08-15 | Electronic Engineering Co. Of California | Rotary rocking-beam switch |
| US4121073A (en) * | 1977-02-28 | 1978-10-17 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Condition responsive electrical switch having improved bridging contact means |
| DE2805597A1 (en) * | 1978-02-10 | 1979-08-16 | Petrick Gmbh Elektro Mech | Pushbutton switch constructional system - has at least two operating elements acting on contact discs, and two springy locking elements |
| JPS54180280U (en) * | 1978-06-09 | 1979-12-20 | ||
| DE2848588C2 (en) * | 1978-11-09 | 1982-09-09 | Daut & Rietz KG Fabrik für Elektrofeinmechanik GmbH & Co, 8500 Nürnberg | Touch button |
| US4195210A (en) * | 1979-02-27 | 1980-03-25 | Kb-Denver, Inc. | Switching assemblies |
| US4349708A (en) * | 1979-08-22 | 1982-09-14 | Atari, Inc. | Joystick control |
| FR2504721A1 (en) * | 1981-04-22 | 1982-10-29 | Telecomm El Aeronaut Maritime | DEVICE FORMING KEYBOARD PANEL AND / OR INDIVIDUAL KEYS OR PUSH BUTTONS |
| JPS5878530U (en) * | 1981-11-24 | 1983-05-27 | エスエムケイ株式会社 | double push button switch |
| US4400596A (en) * | 1982-01-15 | 1983-08-23 | Amp Incorporated | Membrane switch with sequentially closable contacts |
| US4496803A (en) * | 1983-05-04 | 1985-01-29 | Key Concepts, Incorporated | Data entry switch |
| JPH0313943Y2 (en) * | 1987-02-20 | 1991-03-28 | ||
| JPS6459688A (en) * | 1987-08-31 | 1989-03-07 | Takamisawa Cybernetics | Magnetic card processing system |
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| USD434388S (en) * | 1999-06-04 | 2000-11-28 | Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd. | Multi-directional switch for a light-emitting device |
| JP4069555B2 (en) * | 1999-10-06 | 2008-04-02 | 松下電器産業株式会社 | Push switch |
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| JP2003068158A (en) * | 2001-08-30 | 2003-03-07 | Shin Etsu Polymer Co Ltd | Push button switch device |
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| JP4493511B2 (en) * | 2005-02-02 | 2010-06-30 | アルプス電気株式会社 | Movable contact, seat with movable contact and switch device using the same |
| KR101111457B1 (en) * | 2006-02-06 | 2012-02-21 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Keypad and mobile terminal and key input processing method |
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| FR2911000B1 (en) * | 2006-12-29 | 2009-05-01 | Nicomatic Sa Sa | CONTACT DOME FOR TWO CIRCUITS, AND SWITCH COMPRISING SAME |
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| JP2010146737A (en) * | 2008-12-16 | 2010-07-01 | Fuji Denshi Kogyo Kk | Contact spring with two-step click |
| US8358218B2 (en) * | 2010-03-02 | 2013-01-22 | Verifone, Inc. | Point of sale terminal having enhanced security |
| CN102339683A (en) * | 2010-07-23 | 2012-02-01 | 深圳富泰宏精密工业有限公司 | Multifunctional press key structure |
| CN103814527B (en) * | 2012-08-31 | 2015-10-07 | 蓝鸟株式会社 | Mobile terminal |
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| US9595174B2 (en) | 2015-04-21 | 2017-03-14 | Verifone, Inc. | Point of sale terminal having enhanced security |
| CN107615432B (en) * | 2015-09-30 | 2020-05-22 | 阿尔卑斯阿尔派株式会社 | Push switch |
| DE102015119767B4 (en) | 2015-11-16 | 2023-08-10 | Peter Kitzenmaier | Flashlight with battery spring contact for at least two switching functions |
| US10913232B2 (en) | 2016-08-30 | 2021-02-09 | Quest Thermal Group LLC | Cellular load-responsive multilayer insulation |
| US10096439B2 (en) * | 2016-09-02 | 2018-10-09 | Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd. | Spring plate, push switch including spring plate, and electronic device including push switch |
| JP6854917B2 (en) * | 2017-11-23 | 2021-04-07 | シチズン電子株式会社 | Push switch |
| EP3916747A4 (en) * | 2019-01-23 | 2022-03-16 | Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. | Movable member and input device |
| JP7220590B2 (en) * | 2019-03-04 | 2023-02-10 | シチズン電子株式会社 | Switch member and push switch |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3641286A (en) * | 1970-10-05 | 1972-02-08 | Selectro Corp | Electromechanical keyboard independently operated switch mechanism with improved conductive resilient actuating means |
| US3796843A (en) * | 1973-01-02 | 1974-03-12 | Bomar Instr Corp | Calculator keyboard switch with disc spring contact and printed circuit board |
-
1974
- 1974-12-09 US US05/530,744 patent/US3941964A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1975
- 1975-11-27 CA CA240,628A patent/CA1037533A/en not_active Expired
- 1975-11-27 GB GB48785/75A patent/GB1486040A/en not_active Expired
- 1975-12-08 JP JP50145198A patent/JPS5188135A/en active Granted
- 1975-12-08 DE DE2555137A patent/DE2555137C3/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE2555137C3 (en) | 1979-01-25 |
| GB1486040A (en) | 1977-09-14 |
| JPS566087B2 (en) | 1981-02-09 |
| DE2555137A1 (en) | 1976-06-16 |
| DE2555137B2 (en) | 1978-05-11 |
| JPS5188135A (en) | 1976-08-02 |
| US3941964A (en) | 1976-03-02 |
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