Switch button and recording apparatus

• US 20040074756A1
• Filed: 07/02/2003
• Published: 04/22/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 07/04/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Canon Ayutthaya Limited (Canon Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Canon Ayutthaya Limited (Canon Inc.)
• Inventors: Kawakami, Kazuhisa, Koike, Yasushi
• Granted Patent: US 6,846,999 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 200/600
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 29/02 Framework
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/14 Operating parts, e.g. push-button
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2009/0077 using recyclable materials, e.g. for easier recycling or minimising the packing material
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 21/24 biased to return to normal position upon removal of operating force
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2209/0021 with metallic appearance, e.g. polymers with dispersed particles to produce a metallic appearance

Abstract

This invention relates to a switch selecting conduct or insulation at a point of electrical contact comprising a key member pushing the switch, a cap member made of a material not compatible to the key member and covering the key member. The key member is covered by the cap member, and the key member and the cap member are formed in a united body substantially. A separate hole for separating the cap member is opened in the key member.

Claims

1. A switch selecting conduct or insulation at a point of electrical contact comprising:

a key member pushing the switch; and

a cap member made of a material not compatible to the key member and covering the key member,

wherein the key member is covered by the cap member, and the key member and the cap member are formed in a united body substantially, and wherein a separate hole for separating the cap member is opened in the key member.

2. The switch button according to claim 1, wherein the key member includes 1st pressure portion in which the separate hole is opened and 2nd pressure portion pressuring the switch when the 1st pressure portion is pressured, wherein the cap member covers the 1st pressure portion, and the cap member and the 1st pressure portion are formed in a united body substantially.

3. The switch button according to claim 1, wherein the key member includes positioning portion housing members forming the apparatus housing.

4. The switch button according to claim 1, wherein the cap member is made of a material suitable for ornament.

5. The switch button according to claim 1, wherein a material of the key member is a thermoplastic resin, and a material of the cap member is a metal.

6. A recording apparatus includes recording means for making recording on a recording medium to be conveyed by discharging ink in response to signal, wherein, as a operation key such as a power key and a reset key, includes the switch button as set forth in any of claim 1 to claim 5.

7. The recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the recording means includes an electro-thermal converter generating thermal energy for ink discharge.

8. A switch selecting conduct or insulation at a point of electrical contact comprising

a key member pushing the switch;

and

a cap member covering the key member,

wherein the key member is made of a material not compatible to the key member, and wherein the key member is formed a separate hole for separating the cap member.

9. The switch button according to claim 8, wherein the key member includes 1st pressure portion and 2nd pressure portion pressuring the switch when the 1st pressure portion is pressured, wherein the cap member covers the 1st pressure portion of the key member, and the key member is made of a thermoplastic resin, and the cap member is made of an aluminum ornamented on the surface.

10. A recording apparatus includes image forming means for forming a image on a recording sheet and a conveying means for conveying a recording sheet, wherein, as a operation key such as a power key and a reset key, includes the switch button as set forth in claim 8 or claim 9.