Trigger switch module

• US 6,756,703 B2
• Filed: 02/27/2002
• Issued: 06/29/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 02/27/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Chi Che Chang
• Original Assignee: Chi Che Chang
• Inventors: Chang, Chi Che
• Primary Examiner(s): Sircus, Brian
• Assistant Examiner(s): RIOS CUEVAS, ROBERTO JOSE
• Application Number:
  US10/083,364
• Publication Number:
  US 20030160518A1
• Time in Patent Office: 853 Days
• Field of Search: 307/119, 307/147, 200/600, 361/278, 361/280, 361/283.1, 324/658, 324/686, 324/661
• US Class Current: 307/147
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 17/962 Capacitive touch switches

Abstract

A trigger switch module suitable for use with various household appliances and instruments is capable of generating a signal needed by a microcontroller via a human-machine interface, so that the trigger switch module has stable signal level output pins for a microprocessor or a logic gate to make judgment easily. The trigger switch module can be triggered to output a signal through a non-direct contact of the switch at low voltage and low power consumption. All components of the trigger switch module are enclosed in a top casing that is completely watertight and dustproof to ensure stable capacity of the switch. The trigger switch module combines the functions of conventional switches but eliminates drawbacks thereof. A touch panel made of plastics, metal, glass, ceramic or other insulating material may be provided with the top casing to ensure safe and durable use of the trigger switch module.

Claims

1. A trigger switch module, comprising:

a top casing;

a sensing board being located below said top casing;

a connecting element located below said sensing board; and

a plurality of pins having a first end inserted into said connecting element and a second end inserted onto a circuit board located below said sensing board;

said circuit board having a control circuit, a contact end, sensors, and a signal output provided thereon; and

said sensing board, said connecting element, said pins, and said circuit board all being enclosed in said top casing to form an enclosed structure; and

a distance between said sensing board and said circuit board being set to produce a capacity, said capacity being changed when said top casing is touched, and said sensors on said circuit board sending out a signal via said signal output when said sensors sense any change in said capacity, and

a feedback circuit being provided on said circuit board to detect any change in said body capacity to verify existence of any touch of said trigger switch module.

2. The trigger switch module as claimed in claim 1, wherein said top casing is covered at a top surface with a touch panel.

3. The trigger switch module as claimed in claim 2, wherein said sensors have sensibility that can be changed through adjustment of a sensing distance according to a thickness of said touch panel.

4. The trigger switch module as claimed in claim 1, wherein said distance between said sensing board and said circuit board is set according to body capacity.