US3898421A - Push button switch with elastic conductive sheet - Google Patents

Push button switch with elastic conductive sheet Download PDF

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Publication number
US3898421A
US3898421A US388827A US38882773A US3898421A US 3898421 A US3898421 A US 3898421A US 388827 A US388827 A US 388827A US 38882773 A US38882773 A US 38882773A US 3898421 A US3898421 A US 3898421A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
dimple
push button
electrodes
button switch
central portion
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US388827A
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Masaki Suzumura
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Panasonic Holdings Corp
Original Assignee
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from JP9692572U external-priority patent/JPS4953268U/ja
Priority claimed from JP10640472U external-priority patent/JPS4962173U/ja
Priority claimed from JP10640372U external-priority patent/JPS4962172U/ja
Priority claimed from JP9154572A external-priority patent/JPS5326308B2/ja
Priority claimed from JP12159472U external-priority patent/JPS4976261U/ja
Application filed by Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd filed Critical Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3898421A publication Critical patent/US3898421A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/702—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2203/00—Form of contacts
    • H01H2203/02—Interspersed fingers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2207/00—Connections
    • H01H2207/01—Connections from bottom to top layer
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2209/00—Layers
    • H01H2209/068—Properties of the membrane
    • H01H2209/078—Conductive rubber
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2213/00—Venting
    • H01H2213/002—Venting with external pressure
    • H01H2213/004—Scavenger; Filter
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2215/00—Tactile feedback
    • H01H2215/004—Collapsible dome or bubble
    • H01H2215/008—Part of substrate or membrane

Definitions

  • This invention relates to push button switches using as elastic conductive sheet, and has as an object providing a push button switch suited particularly for use as a keyboard switch for desk-top electronic calculators.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 are sectional views showing prior art push button switches using a conductive plastic sheet
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a keyboard switch assembly for desk-top electronic calculators using the push button switch according to the invention',
  • FIGS. 4 and 5 are sectional views showing embodiments of the push button switch according to the invention.
  • FIGS. 6a and 6b are sectional views showing different forms of the spherical protuberance incorporated in the push button switch according to the invention.
  • FIGS. 7a to 7d show the way in which the spherical protuberance of the push button switch according to the invention is deformed with pressure
  • FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a further example of the push button switch according to the invention.
  • FIGS. 9 and 10 are sectional views showing other embodiments of the push button switch according to the invention.
  • FIGS. 11a to 110 show examples of the spherical protuberance having a nodal character
  • FIGS. 12 to 15 are sectional views showing still further embodiments of the push button switch according to the invention.
  • FIG. 16 is a view showing a conductor pattern on the printed circuit board of a prior art push button switch.
  • FIGS. 17 to 19 are views showing electrode patterns on the printed circuit board of the push button switch according to the invention.
  • push button switches in which the switching action is obtained by bringing a conductive plastic film into contact with electrodes printed on a printed circuit board and normally held underneath the conductive plastic film at a predetermined distance therefrom are roughly classed into two types as shown in FIGS. I and 2.
  • the switch of the type shown in FIG. I comprises a printed circuit board 1 having two electrodes 2 and 2 printed thereon, a return spring member such as a coil spring 3, a keytop 5 held in a frame 4 and having a downward integral extension 6, and a conductive plastic sheet piece 7 provided at the lower end of the extension 6 and having an area capable of covering both the electrodes 2 and 2'.
  • a return spring member such as a coil spring 3
  • a keytop 5 held in a frame 4 and having a downward integral extension 6
  • a conductive plastic sheet piece 7 provided at the lower end of the extension 6 and having an area capable of covering both the electrodes 2 and 2'.
  • a printed circuit board 1 having two electrodes 2 and 2 printed thereon, a return spring member such as a coil spring 3, a keytop 5 held in a frame 4 and having a downward integral extension 6 and a conductive plastic sheet 7 supported on a spacer intervening between printed circuit board 1 and plastic sheet 7' to hold the plastic sheet above and at a slight distance from the electrodes 2 and 2.
  • the switches of both of these types are actuated or closed when the electrodes 2 and 2' are contacted by the conductive plastic sheet piece 7 or plastic sheet 7 due to vertical displacement of the plastic film piece toward the electrodes 2 and 2 on the printed circuit board 1 caused by depressing the keytop 5.
  • the elasticity of the conductive plastic sheet piece 7 or plastic sheet 7 constituting an element of the switch is not fully utilized. Also, since the plastic sheet piece is displaced in the vertical direction with respect to the electrodes, the closing of the switch is achieved only at the end of the downward stroke of the keytop. In other words, there is provided no play for any extra movement of the keytop after the switch is turned on, and the switch will not be actuated until the keytop is depressed through the full stroke. Therefore, the keytop 5 is subject to excessive depressing force, so that the wear of the contact area is spoiled.
  • the keytop return spring 3 since the keytop return spring 3 is used, the spring and the conductive plastic film piece are likely to resonate due to the elasticity of the spring and the complex elasticity of the conductive plastic, so that the possibility of occur rence of chattering is increased.
  • This problem has been fatal in the prior art push button switch, and this type of chattering has direct bearing upon the users power or skill to operate the keytop and is liable to lead to malfunctioning of the keyboard switch of the desk-top electronic calculators and push botton telephone sets where chattering is particularly undesirable, thus greatly degrading the reliability and durability of these machines.
  • An object of theinvention is to provide a push button switch having a construction effectively utilizing the elasticity of an elastic sheet of a conductive material such as a conductive rubber sheet and conductive plastic sheet for returning the keytop due to the elasticity of the elastic sheet.
  • Another object of the invention is to prevent chattering by an arrangement wherein the switch is closed at an intermediate point of the full stroke of the keytop.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide a push button switch which can be reliably closed by lightly depressing the keytop.
  • a still further object of the invention is to provide simplified construction and improved reliability of the switch by using a conductive plastic sheet.
  • FIG. 3 shows a keyboard switch assembly for desktop electronic calculators using the push button switch according to the invention.
  • reference numeral 30 designates a keytop supported in a frame 31 such that it can be moved vertically.
  • Numeral 32 designates an elastic conductive sheet formed with a plurality of spherical protuberances 33 each formed at a position corresponding to the associated keytop 30.
  • Numeral 34 designates an insulating sheet formed with holes 35 each corresponding in position to the associated spherical protuberance 33.
  • Numeral 36 designates a printed circuit board having conductor patterns 37 printed thereon. It is also formed with small holes 38 each for each switch.
  • Numeral 39 designates a dust filter.
  • FIGS. 4 and 5 show embodiments of the push button switch according to the invention.
  • like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts.
  • FIG. 4 comprises a printed circuit board 9 having electrodes 10 and 10' formed thereon.
  • a printed circuit board 9 having electrodes 10 and 10' formed thereon.
  • held over the printed circuit board 9 and supported on a spacer 12 having a diaphragm structure is a conductive plastic sheet having a spherical protuberance 11' extending directly above the electrode 10.
  • the other electrode 10 is in contact with the conductive plastic sheet 11.
  • Numeral l3 designates a frame having a hole 14, and numeral designates a keytop having an integral downward extension 16.
  • the keytop 15 is mounted in the hole 14 of the frame 13 such that it can be moved vertically.
  • the spherical protuberance 11' of the conductive plastic sheet 11 In operation, by downwardly depressing the keytop 15 the lower end of the extension 16 of the keytop 15 pushes and deforms the spherical protuberance 11' of the conductive plastic sheet 11 to bring the protuberance 11' into contact with the electrode 10', thus electrically connecting the electrodes 10 and 10. If the conductive plastic sheet 11 formed with the spherical protuberance 11 has elasticity, the spherical protuberance 11 will flex in a quick action. More particularly, when pressure is applied to the keytop 15, it will not flex until a certain predetermined pressure is reached and will undergo sudden flexural deformation as soon as this pressure value is exceeded.
  • the conductive plastic sheet 11 is normally in contact with neither electrode 10 or 10', and it is brought into contact with both electrodes 10 and 10' on the printed circuit board 9 normally extending below it for closing the switch. Otherwise, the operation and effects are the same as in the preceding embodiment of FIG. 4.
  • the extent of the quick action and the returnability of the keytop may be suitably preset by appropriately selecting the hardness and thickness of the conductive plastic sheet and the shape and dimensions of the spherical protuberance.
  • FIGS. 6a and 6b show other possible shapes of the spherical protuberance, and these and other shapes may be appropriately selected to match the design values of the push button switch depressing pressure, stroke and so forth.
  • FIGS. 70 to 7d show transforming states of movements according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • This switch according to the invention comprises a sup port consisting of a printed circuit board 9 having electrodes 10 and 10 formed thereon by means of the printed circuit technique.
  • an elastic conductive plastic ill sheet 11 having a spherical protuberance or dimple 20 having a flexural node for two-step deformation and a spacer 12 having a diaphragm structure for insulating the sheet 11 from the printed circuit on the printed circuit board.
  • an annular shoulder 20a on the spherical protuberance or dimple 20 of the conductive plastic sheet 11 is brought into contact with the electrodes 10 and 10' due to its flexing for closing the associated electric circuit.
  • FIG. 7a shows the switch in its off state without any pressure exerted on the spherical protuberance 20.
  • the conductive plastic sheet 11 flexes about the flexural node of the spherical protuberance 20 as shown in FIG. 712.
  • the flexural node shoulder 20a are brought into contact with the board 9 as shown in FIG. 70.
  • the flexural node is brought into contact with the electrodes 10 and 10 on the board 9 to turn on the switch.
  • the conductive plastic sheet 11 can undergo the second step deformation wherein the central portion 20b of the dimple 20 is pressed between electrodes 10 and 10' as shown in FIG. 7d. In this way, there is provided a socalled trouble after the closure of the switch.
  • the spherical protuberance 20 will flex in quick action. More particularly, when pressure is applied to it, it will not flex until a certain predetermined pressure is reached and will undergo sudden flexural deformation as soon as this pressure level is exceeded.
  • the spherical protuberance 20 When the pressure applied is removed, the spherical protuberance 20 is quickly restored to its initial state and separated from the electrodes 10 and 10', thus opening the associated electric circuit. In this way, the electric circuit is closed and opened. Since this is done in quick actions, reliable operation can be ensured. Also, it is possible to suitably preset a point at which the switching action takes place (FIG. during the total displacement from the state of FIG. 7a to the state of FIG. 7d (corresponding to the full stroke of the push button switch) so as to provide for the so-called trouble for the displacement from the state of FIG. 70 to the state of FIG. 7d. By doing so, an excellent sense of operation may be obtained. Further, since the spherical protuberance 20 can provide a large restoring force, the coil spring for returning the keytop in the prior art can be omitted, which is a great advantage in view of the cost.
  • FIG. 8 shows a modification of the preceding embodiment.
  • the electrode 10 and conductive plastic sheet 11 are always in contact with each other, and only when turning on the switch the flexural node portion of the spherical protuberance 20 of the conductive plastic sheet 11 is brought into contact with the other electrode 10.
  • FIGS. 9 and 10 show embodiments of the push button switch using the afore-mentioned switching mechanism.
  • the keytop 44 made of an insulating material is mounted in a hole formed in the top wall of a switch frame 13 such that it can be moved vertically, and the afore-mentioned switching mechanism is provided below the keytop 44.
  • the switching mechanism consists of a printed circuit boa'rd9 having electrodes 10 and 10' provided with leads, a conductive plastic sheet 11 and a spacer 12 for insulating the conductive plastic sheet 11 when the switch is off.
  • the extent of the quick action and the returnability of the keytop may be suitably preset by appropriately selecting the hardness and thickness of the conductive plastic sheet and the shape and dimensions of the flexural node of the spherical protuberance.
  • FIGS. 11a to 11 show possible shapes of the spherical protuberance having a flexural node for two-step deformation, and these and other shapes may be appropriately selected to match the design values of the push button switch depressing pressure, stroke and so forth. Also, where a plurality of push button switches are assembled into a keyboard switch assembly for desktop electronic calculators, push botton telephone sets and so forth, the productivity may be improved by using a single sheet formed with a plurality of spherical protuberances at a suitable pitch as the conductive plastic sheet ll.
  • FIGS. 12 and 13 show further embodiments of the push button switch according to the invention.
  • Either of these embodiments comprises a switch frame 51, a keytop 52 of an insulating material mounted for vertical movement in a hole formed in the top wall of the frame 51, a conductive plastic sheet 53 disposed below the keytop 52 and having a spherical protuberance, electrodes 54 and 54 facing the spherical protuberance and formed on a board 56 formed with a small hole 55 and a spacer 57 of a diaphragm structure provided for taking out leads from the electrodes 54 and 54' and insulating the plastic sheet 53.
  • the conductive plastic sheet 53 is adapted to undergo single step deformation, with the switch closed at the end of the full stroke, while in the embodiment of FIG. 13 two-step deformation of the conductive plastic sheet is provided to provide for a so-called trouble after the closure of the switch.
  • the function and effects of the small hole 55 formed in the board 56 are the same.
  • FIGS. 14 and 15 show still further embodiments of the push button switch according to the invention. Either of these embodiments comprises a switch frame,
  • a keytop of an insulating material mounted for vertical movement in a hole formed in the top wall of the frame 51, a conductive plastic sheet 53 disposed below the keytop 52 and having a spherical-protuberance, electrodes 54 and 54 facing the spherical protuberance and formedon a board 56 formed with a small hole 55, a spacer 57 of a diaphragm structure provided for taking out leads from the electrodes 54 and 54 and insulating the plastic sheet 53 and a fibrin cloth-like insulator 58 serving as a filter.
  • the conductive plastic sheet 53 is adapted to undergo single step deformation, with the switch closed at the end of the full stroke, while in the embodiment of FIG. 15 two-step deformation of the conductive plastic sheet is provided to provide for a so-called trouble after the closure of the switch.
  • the function and effects of the small hole 55 formed in the board 56 and the filter 58 are the same.
  • a porous or net-like material which permits the flow of air but does not transmit the dust in the air may be used. While felt is the best material, formed plastic such as urethane foam having thin continuous pores may also be effectively used. Also, it may extend over the entire back area of the board 56 or only for the portion adjacent the small hole 55.
  • the resonance and bounce phenomena can be eliminated, and also the chattering can be minimized. Further, reliable return action can be ensured. Furthermore, with the provision of the filter means contact failure due to collection of dust can be prevented. Thus, it is possible to provide a push button switch having excellent reliability and stability.
  • FIGS. 16 to 19 show conductor patterns to be formed on the printed circuit board.
  • FIG. 16 shows a prior art pattern. With such a simple pattern consisting of two separate rectangles it is likely that a steady and stable contact state is not obtained depending upon the shape and structure of the conductive material brought into contact with the electrodes, giving rise to chattering phenomenon at the time of contact.
  • FIGS. 17 to 19 show conductor patterns which can prevent such chattering phenomenon. With combinations of comb-like patterns of the two electrodes printed on the board, reliable and stable contact of these electrodes with the conductive plastic material may be ensured so that it is possible to provide a push button switch of high reliability.
  • a push button switch comprising support means; a pair of fixed spaced electrodes located on said support means; and an elastic conductive sheet having a dimple positioned adjacent said electrodes and spaced therefrom by a predetermined distance, said dimple including a central portion and an annular shoulder separated from said central portion by a flexural node, said dimple being deformable with a double snap action when depressed by a force exerted on the central portion thereof, the first snap action of said dimple forcing said annular shoulder into contact with said pair of fixed electrodes thereby making electrical contact therebetween, and the following snap action forcing the central portion of said dimple between said electrodes.
  • a push button switch comprising a printed circuit board; spaced fixed electrode means printed on said printed circuit board; an elastic conductive sheet having a dimple positioned adjacent said electrodes and spaced therefrom by a predetermined distance, said dimple including a central portion and an annular shoulder separated from said central portion by a flexural node, said dimple being deformable with a double snap action when depressed by a force exerted on the central portion thereof; and a keytop slidably supported above said dimple for depressing said dimple, the first snap action of said dimple forcing said annular shoulder into contact with said pair of fixed electrodes thereby making electrical contact therebetween, and the following snap action forcing the central portion of said dimple between said electrodes.
  • the push button switch according to claim 2 which further comprises an insulating member having a hole therein in the position corresponding to said dimple, said insulating member being disposed between said conductive sheet and said printed circuitboard.
  • the push button switch according to claim 2 which further comprises a fibrin filter provided on the underside of said printed circuit board.

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US388827A 1972-08-18 1973-08-16 Push button switch with elastic conductive sheet Expired - Lifetime US3898421A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP9692572U JPS4953268U (ko) 1972-08-18 1972-08-18
JP10640472U JPS4962173U (ko) 1972-09-11 1972-09-11
JP10640372U JPS4962172U (ko) 1972-09-11 1972-09-11
JP9154572A JPS5326308B2 (ko) 1972-09-11 1972-09-11
JP12159472U JPS4976261U (ko) 1972-10-20 1972-10-20

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3898421A true US3898421A (en) 1975-08-05

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US388827A Expired - Lifetime US3898421A (en) 1972-08-18 1973-08-16 Push button switch with elastic conductive sheet

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US3898421A (ko)
CA (1) CA998413A (ko)
DE (1) DE2341521C3 (ko)
FR (1) FR2196515B1 (ko)
GB (1) GB1441765A (ko)
IT (1) IT990274B (ko)
NL (1) NL155674B (ko)

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CN101388297B (zh) * 2007-09-11 2010-09-29 徐孝海 一种薄膜电路微动开关
US20110168420A1 (en) * 2010-01-13 2011-07-14 Omron Corporation Trigger switch and electric tool provided therewith
US20130183641A1 (en) * 2012-01-13 2013-07-18 Pegatron Corporation Braille reading-writing device
CN103956289A (zh) * 2014-04-24 2014-07-30 昆山达功电子有限公司 一种新型常闭按钮
US20140346936A1 (en) * 2013-05-27 2014-11-27 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Protection cover
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US10068724B2 (en) 2015-12-21 2018-09-04 Eta Sa Manufacture Horlogere Suisse Push-button arrangement for an electronic or electromechanical wristwatch
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US4524249A (en) * 1984-06-01 1985-06-18 Texas Instruments Incorporated Keyboard switch assembly
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US8102672B2 (en) * 2007-06-26 2012-01-24 Inventec Appliances Corp. Device with button guiding element
US20090002975A1 (en) * 2007-06-26 2009-01-01 Inventec Appliances Corp. Device with button restriction element
CN101388297B (zh) * 2007-09-11 2010-09-29 徐孝海 一种薄膜电路微动开关
US20110168420A1 (en) * 2010-01-13 2011-07-14 Omron Corporation Trigger switch and electric tool provided therewith
US8550181B2 (en) * 2010-01-13 2013-10-08 Omron Corporation Trigger switch and electric tool provided therewith
US20130183641A1 (en) * 2012-01-13 2013-07-18 Pegatron Corporation Braille reading-writing device
TWI460693B (zh) * 2012-01-13 2014-11-11 Protek Shanghai Ltd 盲文讀寫裝置
US9323362B1 (en) 2013-01-09 2016-04-26 Google Inc. Apparatus and method for receiving input
US9268442B1 (en) * 2013-01-09 2016-02-23 Google Inc. Apparatus and method for receiving input
US20140346936A1 (en) * 2013-05-27 2014-11-27 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Protection cover
CN103956289A (zh) * 2014-04-24 2014-07-30 昆山达功电子有限公司 一种新型常闭按钮
US10068724B2 (en) 2015-12-21 2018-09-04 Eta Sa Manufacture Horlogere Suisse Push-button arrangement for an electronic or electromechanical wristwatch
US20200061955A1 (en) * 2018-08-27 2020-02-27 Tactotek Oy Integrated multilayer structure for use in sensing applications and method for manufacturing thereof
US10675834B2 (en) * 2018-08-27 2020-06-09 Tactotek Oy Integrated multilayer structure for use in sensing applications and method for manufacturing thereof
US10946612B2 (en) * 2018-08-27 2021-03-16 Tactotek Oy Integrated multilayer structure for use in sensing applications and method for manufacturing thereof
US10960641B2 (en) 2018-08-27 2021-03-30 Tactotek Oy Integrated multilayer structure for use in sensing applications and method for manufacturing thereof

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE2341521B2 (de) 1977-09-22
DE2341521A1 (de) 1974-02-28
GB1441765A (en) 1976-07-07
CA998413A (en) 1976-10-12
NL155674B (nl) 1978-01-16
NL7311342A (ko) 1974-02-20
FR2196515B1 (ko) 1977-09-16
IT990274B (it) 1975-06-20
DE2341521C3 (de) 1978-05-18
FR2196515A1 (ko) 1974-03-15

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