Waterproof structure of push button switch

• US 7,355,137 B2
• Filed: 06/05/2006
• Issued: 04/08/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 06/09/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Lenovo Innovations Ltd Hong Kong (Lenovo Group Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: Casio Hitachi Mobile Communications Company Limited (NEC Corporation)
• Inventors: Kato, Shigeru, Kawasaki, Yasuhiko, Tanigawa, Tohru
• Primary Examiner(s): Enad; Elvin
• Assistant Examiner(s): CAROC, LHEIREN MAE ANGLO
• Application Number:
  US11/446,938
• Publication Number:
  US 20070034493A1
• Time in Patent Office: 673 Days
• Field of Search: 200/302.2, 200/302.1, 200/302.3
• US Class Current: 200/302.2
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/86 characterised by the casing, e.g. sealed casings or casings reducible in size
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2215/036 Metallic disc
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2217/028 on planes with different or alterable inclination, e.g. convex plane
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2221/05 Force concentrator; Actuating dimple
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2223/002 sealed
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/18 Telephone sets specially adapted for use in ships, mines, or other places exposed to adverse environment H04M1/19 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/236 including keys on side or rear faces

Abstract

A waterproof structure with a simple structure and a good assemble workability is provided. A recess portion is formed on a side of an inner casing, and a through hole is formed at the bottom of the recess portion. The through hole runs to a housing recess portion, and a dome switch opposes to the through hole in the inner casing. A protrusion of a cup member is inserted into the through hole from the outside of the inner casing. A protrusive portion protruding from the bottom surface of a push button is inserted into the opening of the cup member. A rubber sheet which couples the push button is sandwiched between the inner casing and a top cover and a back cover.

Claims

1. A waterproof structure of a push button switch comprising:

a casing inside which a press type switch is provided, and which is formed with a through hole at a position opposite said press type switch;

a packing which includes an elastic member inserted into said through hole and having a cup member with a bottom and an aperture portion oriented toward the outside of said casing, and a cylindrical holder having a cylindrical portion that fits into said aperture portion; and

a push button having a protrusive portion inserted into said aperture portion of said elastic member, and arranged to close said press type switch via said elastic member by engaging the bottom of said cup member which intervenes between said push button and said press type switch.

2. The waterproof structure of a push button switch according to claim 1, wherein said elastic member covers an open end of said cylindrical holder on said elastic member side of said cylindrical holder and extends to a region on an outer circumferential surface of said cylindrical holder that overlaps with at least said through hole.

3. The waterproof structure of a push button switch according to claim 1, wherein said elastic member has a convex portion which is formed around an entire outer circumference surface of said elastic member, and which is compressed and deformed by fitting said elastic member into said through hole.

4. The waterproof structure of a push button switch according to claim 1, wherein said elastic member has a flange portion which is stopped by an outer surface of said casing.

5. The waterproof structure of a push button switch according to claim 1, wherein said cylindrical holder has a flange portion which is stopped by an outer surface of said casing.

6. The waterproof structure of a push button switch according to claim 5, wherein said casing has a recess portion formed around said through hole, and said flange portion of said cylindrical holder is fitted into said recess portion.

7. The waterproof structure of a push button switch according to claim 1, further comprising:

a pair of covers covering said casing and each having a notch portion; and

a piece of elastic sheet provided with said push button,

wherein said elastic sheet is sandwiched between said casing and said pair of covers in such a way that said push button is exposed from said notch portions.

8. A waterproof structure of a push button switch comprising:

a casing inside which a press type switch is provided, and which is formed with a through hole at a position opposite said press type switch;

a packing which includes an elastic member inserted into said through hole in such a way that an aperture portion of said elastic member is oriented to the outside of said casing, and a cylindrical holder having a cylindrical portion that fits into said aperture portion; and

a push button having a protrusive portion inserted into said aperture portion of said elastic member, and which can press said press type switch via said elastic member;

wherein said elastic member covers an open end of said cylindrical holder on said elastic member side of said cylindrical holder and extends to a region on an outer circumferential surface of said cylindrical holder that overlaps with at least said through hole.

9. A waterproof structure of a push button switch comprising:

a casing inside which a press type switch is provided, and which is formed with a through hole at a position opposite said press type switch;

a packing which includes an elastic member inserted into said through hole in such a way that an aperture portion of said elastic member is oriented to the outside of said casing, and a cylindrical holder having a cylindrical portion that fits into said aperture portion; and

a push button having a protrusive portion inserted into said aperture portion of said elastic member, and which can press said press type switch via said elastic member;

a pair of covers covering said casing and each having a notch portion; and

a piece of elastic sheet provided with said push button, wherein said elastic sheet is sandwiched between said casing and said pair of covers in such a way that said push button is exposed from said notch portions.