Button structure for an electronic apparatus

• US 6,355,890 B1
• Filed: 01/26/2000
• Issued: 03/12/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 01/26/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: NEC Corporation
• Original Assignee: NEC Corporation
• Inventors: Kuroda, Mitsuru
• Primary Examiner(s): FRIEDHOFER, MICHAEL A
• Application Number:
  US09/491,161
• Time in Patent Office: 776 Days
• Field of Search: 200/5.A, 200/511-517, 200/341, 200/345
• US Class Current: 200/5.00A
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/70 having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard mounting together a plurality of independent switches H02B
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2009/0077 using recyclable materials, e.g. for easier recycling or minimising the packing material
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2221/05 Force concentrator; Actuating dimple
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2221/054 connected by flexible webs
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2221/066 replaceable
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2229/062 Maintenance or repair facilities
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2231/022 Telephone handset
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/23 Construction or mounting of dials or of equivalent devices; Means for facilitating the use thereof by improving visibility H04M1/22

Abstract

A button structure for an electronic apparatus includes buttons each facing a particular switch device arranged on a printed circuit board with the intermediary of a respective Belleville spring that snaps through when pressed. The button structure reduces an annoying click sound and minimizes a stroke required of each key top member to thereby promote easy operation. Key top members and a flat base with button bodies formed thereon are separable from each other in order to obviate wastes on a production line as far as possible while reducing cost. In addition, the button structure is easy to recycle.

Claims

1. A button structure for an electronic apparatus, comprising:

a printed circuit board having switch devices arranged thereon;

Belleville springs corresponding one-to-one to said switch devices and each snapping through when pressed, and

buttons corresponding one-to-one to said switch devices;

said buttons each comprising;

a button body formed on a single flat base and connected to button bodies of the other buttons by flexible portions; and

a key top member removably fitted on said button body, said key top member including a tubular actuating portion extending to the vicinity of said corresponding Belleville spring, said key top member having a bowl-like configuration including a flange engageable with an edge of a button hole formed in a front casing of the electronic apparatus at an inside of said front casing, said tubular actuating portion removably press fitted, with a pre-selected margin in a connecting portion positioned at the center of one of said corresponding button bodies, and said connecting portion is tubular with the inner surface of said connecting portion surrounding in close proximity the outer surface of said tubular actuating portion.

2. A button structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said flexible portions each comprise a thin portion of said base surrounding a respective one of said button bodies.

3. A button structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein said base and said button bodies are implemented by a molding of either one of rubber and a flexible synthetic resin together with said flexible portions.

4. A button structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein said key top members are formed of either one of a hard synthetic resin and metal.

5. A button structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said base and said button bodies are implemented by a molding of either one of rubber and a flexible synthetic resin together with said flexible portions.

6. A button structure as claimed in claim 5, wherein said key top members are formed of either one of a hard synthetic resin and metal.

7. A button structure as claimed in claim 5, wherein said tubular actuating portion extends through one of a bottom portion and a thin bottom wall of said connecting portion to the vicinity of one of said corresponding Belleville springs.

8. A button structure as claimed in claim 7, wherein said key top members are formed of either one of a hard synthetic resin and metal.

9. A button structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said tubular actuating portion extends through one of a bottom portion and a thin bottom wall of said connecting portion to the vicinity of said corresponding Belleville springs.

10. A button structure as claimed in claim 9, wherein said key top members are formed of either one of a hard synthetic resin and metal.

11. A button structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said key top members are formed of either one of a hard synthetic resin and metal.