Electricity: circuit makers and breakers – Multiple circuit control – Combined pivoted and reciprocating contact
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-30
2001-05-08
Scott, J. R. (Department: 2832)
Electricity: circuit makers and breakers
Multiple circuit control
Combined pivoted and reciprocating contact
C200S0050EA, C200S018000, C200S302100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06229104
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a composite switch for an electronic apparatus having a plurality of switch functions in one switch mechanism.
2. Description of the prior Art
In a conventional switch, in order to obtain a plurality of switch functions, a rotational direction switch and a pressing down direction switch are separately and independently provided, respectively.
For example, at the time of an input operation for inputting information in a portable information apparatus, in order to select letters and symbols to be input and corrected, the number of switches for moving a cursor must be at least three switches comprising two switches for searching forward and searching rearward and, a switch for determining a letter and, or a symbol to be input and corrected, so that it is necessary to frequently switch fingers at each time of operation. Further, the frequency is of this increased as the amount of information to be input and corrected is increased.
In the structure of the conventional switch, since the moving direction of the switch is different between the rotational direction and the pressing down direction, it is unavoidable that separate switches for each independently exist. Accordingly, it is troublesome to switch the fingers and it is complex to operate the button. Further, there is the problem that a restriction in the design of a product is increased due to the need to include a plurality of buttons.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In order to solve the problems mentioned above, in accordance with a switch mechanism of the present invention, a switch provided which is structured such that a switch operation in a rotational direction is obtained by elastically deforming a contact spring by a cam fixed in such a manner as to follow to a button shaft so as to connect the contact spring to an electrode. Further, the switch is structured such that a switch operation in a pressing down direction is obtained by elastically deforming a contact spring provided at a lower end portion of the button shaft by pressing down the button so as to connect the contact spring to the electrode. Still further, the switch is structured such that a rotational direction returning spring and a pressing down direction returning spring are provided in an inner portion of the button, thereby automatically returning the button to a predetermined position.
Further, the switch is structured such that a waterproof packing is provided in a sliding portion between the button shaft and a case corresponding to a holding member of the button (hereinafter, refer red to as a case), thereby providing a water proof performance.
Still further, in order to avoid an erroneous operation of the switch function, the switch is structured such that the pressing down of the button can not be performed at a time of the rotating operation of the button.
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patent: 6049044 (2000-04-01), Mizobuchi
patent: 0717424 (1996-06-01), None
Adams & Wilks
Scott J. R.
Seiko Instruments Inc.
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