Elastic Member for Pushbutton Switch

• US 20090277766A1
• Filed: 10/23/2006
• Published: 11/12/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 10/25/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Polymatech Company Limited
• Original Assignee: Polymatech Company Limited
• Inventors: Fujitsuna, Yo
• Application Number:
  US12/090,797
• Publication Number:
  US 20090277766A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 200/342
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/85 characterised by tactile feedback features
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2227/022 Collapsable dome
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2227/032 Operating force
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2233/102 with limited freedom

Abstract

An elastic member for a pushbutton switch with which a soft tactile sensation can be gained when the pushbutton is pressed down is provided. The elastic member for a pushbutton switch is provided with a base portion, a connection portion which extends from the base portion, a pressing portion which is supported above the base portion by the connection portion, and a protrusion which protrudes downward from the pressing portion. The inside of the protrusion is hollow.

Claims

1. An elastic member for a pushbutton switch, comprising:

a base portion;

a connection portion which extends from the base portion;

a pressing portion supported above the base portion by the connection portion; and

a protrusion which protrudes downward from the pressing portion,

wherein the protrusion is hollow.

2. The elastic member for a pushbutton switch according to claim 1, wherein the pressing portion has an opening which continues from the hollow portion in the protrusion, and the hollow portion and the opening have a constant lateral cross-sectional form.

3. The elastic member for a pushbutton switch according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion is substantially cylindrical and the inner diameter in the hollow portion of the protrusion is 40% to 90% of the outer diameter of the protrusion.

4. The elastic member for a pushbutton switch according to claim 3, wherein the inner diameter in the hollow portion of the protrusion is 40% to 80% of the outer diameter of the protrusion.

5. The elastic member for a pushbutton switch according to claim 1, wherein the base portion is annular and shaped like a plate, the connection portion is shaped like a truncated cone and extends diagonally upward from the inner periphery of the base portion, and the pressing portion is substantially shaped like a disc.

6. The elastic member for a pushbutton switch according to claim 1, wherein the base portion is made up of a pair of prism-shaped base portions which are placed at a distance from each other, the connection portion is shaped like a thin plate and extends diagonally upward from the upper end of each of the pair of base portions which face each other, and the pressing portion is shaped like a rectangular plate.

7. The elastic member for a pushbutton switch according to claim 6, wherein the hollow portion of the protrusion has an opening on a side of the protrusion.

8. The elastic member for a pushbutton switch according to claim 1, wherein a conductive portion is provided on the lower surface of the protrusion.

9. The elastic member for a pushbutton switch according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member is formed of a rubber-like elastic body.

10. The elastic member for a pushbutton switch according to claim 9, wherein the rubber-like elastic body is made of silicone rubber.