Electricity: circuit makers and breakers – Solid contact – Membrane type
Patent
1990-06-27
1993-07-06
Recla, Henry J.
Electricity: circuit makers and breakers
Solid contact
Membrane type
200512, 29622, H01H 110
Patent
active
052245918
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a panel switch for operating electronic apparatus and a method for making same, and more particularly to a panel switch for such use, employing a diaphragm in such a manner as to make good use of its resilient nature whereby the operator operates the switch with security.
BACKGROUND ART
FIGS. 7 and 8 are a cross-sectional view and an exploded view showing a conventional panel switch. The switch has an insulated substrate 2 on which a first contact point 1a and a second contact point 1b are formed. The reference numeral 3 denotes a spacer having a through hole 3a. The spacer 3 has adhesive layers on opposite sides, and accommodates a spherical or cylindrical resilient metal diaphragm 4. The diaphragm 4 is covered with an elastic sheet 5. The reference numeral 7 denotes a casing which holds a press button 6. The diaphragm 4 keeps contact with the second contact point 1b.
For operation, an operator pushes the press button 6 so that the diaphragm 4 is pressed and comes into contact with the contact point 1a through the sheet 5, thereby effecting electrical connection between the contact points 1a and 1b by way of the diaphragm 4.
This type of panel switch has the following disadvantages:
One is that the spacer 3 is indispensable for maintaining the diaphragm 4 and cannot be omitted. The cost of the spacer is reflected in the production cost. Another disadvantage is that the diaphragm 4 must be individually inserted into the apertures of the spacers 3, thereby consuming time and labor. In addition, the boring of the apertures produces chips, dirt and adhesive remains, which are likely to cause poor contact between the diaphragm 4 and the contact points 1a, 1b.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In order to solve the problems pointed out above, the present invention provides a panel switch capable of economical production. The object is achieved by providing a panel switch which comprises preparing a sheet having an adhesive layer on one side, attaching a diaphragm to the adhesive layer of the sheet, and attaching the sheet to an insulated substrate, thereby constituting a panel switch.
Thus, there is no need for using a spacer, thereby saving cost and labor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a panel switch according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing a main portion of the panel switch of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view showing the steps of fabricating a panel switch according to the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified version of the panel switch according to the present invention;
FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing a main portion of the panel switch of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view showing the steps of fabricating the panel switch of FIG. 4;
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional panel switch; and
FIG. 8 is an exploded view showing a main portion of the conventional panel switch of FIG. 7.
DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODE OF THE EMBODIMENT
The present invention will be described by way of example shown in the drawing:
EXAMPLE 1
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the panel switch is provided with an insulated substrate 12 having contact points 11a, 11b. The panel switch is provided with a spherical or cylindrical resilient metal diaphragm 14, which is connected to the contact point 11b. The reference numeral 15 denotes an elastic sheet having an adhesive layer on one side. The sheet 15 is attached to the diaphragm 14 and also to the substrate 12 so that the diaphragm 14 is united with the substrate 12. The panel switch is provided with a press button 16 held by a casing 17. The button 16 is suspended in such a posture as to be in abutment with the diaphragm 14 through the sheet 15. The casing 17 and the press button 16 constitute an operation section.
In operation, an operator presses the press button 16 which then pushes the diaphragm 14 through the sheet 15. In this way the diaphragm 14 comes into contact with the contact point 11a, the
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Ogasawara Nobuo
Santo Kouichi
Matsushita Electric - Industrial Co., Ltd.
Recla Henry J.
Walczak David J.
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