EP1233434A2 - Taststrutur für elektronische, elektrische oder mechanische Anwendungen - Google Patents

Taststrutur für elektronische, elektrische oder mechanische Anwendungen Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1233434A2
EP1233434A2 EP02000284A EP02000284A EP1233434A2 EP 1233434 A2 EP1233434 A2 EP 1233434A2 EP 02000284 A EP02000284 A EP 02000284A EP 02000284 A EP02000284 A EP 02000284A EP 1233434 A2 EP1233434 A2 EP 1233434A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pushbutton
component
elastically deformable
pushbutton structure
deformable component
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP02000284A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1233434B1 (de
EP1233434A3 (de
Inventor
Marco De Luca
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.)
Whirlpool Corp
Original Assignee
Whirlpool Corp
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
Application filed by Whirlpool Corp filed Critical Whirlpool Corp
Publication of EP1233434A2 publication Critical patent/EP1233434A2/de
Publication of EP1233434A3 publication Critical patent/EP1233434A3/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1233434B1 publication Critical patent/EP1233434B1/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

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
    • H01H13/02—Details
    • H01H13/04—Cases; Covers
    • H01H13/06—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof or flameproof casings
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H11/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of electric switches
    • H01H2011/0081—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of electric switches using double shot moulding, e.g. for forming elastomeric sealing elements on form stable casing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H21/00—Switches operated by an operating part in the form of a pivotable member acted upon directly by a solid body, e.g. by a hand
    • H01H21/02—Details
    • H01H21/18—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
    • H01H21/22—Operating parts, e.g. handle
    • H01H21/24—Operating parts, e.g. handle biased to return to normal position upon removal of operating force

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a pushbutton structure for electronic, electrical and/or mechanical applications.
  • the described solution has however the drawback of difficult acceptability if the pushbutton has also to have an aesthetic function. This is the case with pushbuttons for household electrical appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines,conventional or microwave ovens etc. in which functionality (in the strict sense of this term) must be associated with appearance, i.e. with the aesthetics of the product in which the pushbuttons are important components.
  • the main object of the invention is to provide a pushbutton structure which associates unexceptionable functionality, especially in terms of its sealing, with a pleasant appearance.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a simple, reliable and compact pushbutton structure.
  • the reference numeral 1 indicates overall a conventional front panel behind which a conventional electro-electronic circuit 2, for example a printed circuit is situated, comprising a schematically represented switch, for example an electronic switch 3, which is to be operated by a pushbutton structure, indicated overall by 4.
  • the panel 1 presents an outer component, for example decorative, and an inner component provided with a seat 1A for snap-engaging the pushbutton structure 4, the operated part 4A of which emerges from holes 1B of the front panel 1.
  • the pushbutton structure 4 is co-injection moulded or co-moulded from plastic material definable as rigid (for example ABS) or from rubbery material (for example thermoplastic rubber for injection moulding, particularly SEBS rubber obtained by polymerizing styrene and ethylene-butylene blocks), with the result that the structure is in one piece.
  • the rigid plastic component (indicated by parallel line hatching) comprises an apron 4B connected by a bridge 14 ( Figure 1) to the operated part 4A comprising a base flange 4C and an axial finger 4D facing the switch 3 on which it is intended to act.
  • the elastic component comprises an inner groove 5A into which there extends the flange 4C of the part 4A.
  • the elastic component 5 comprises a groove 5B which is open upwards, i.e. towards the front panel 1.
  • the elastic component 5 comprises a surrounding flange 5C provided with appendices 5D and 5E for engagement with or in corresponding seats or passages 4E and 4F of the part 4B (as already stated this is joined to the part 4A by the bridge 14).
  • the flange 5C presents, respectively facing upwards and outwards, annular seal rims 5F and 5G, preferably of triangular section, which are intended to cooperate - for sealing purposes - with the seat 1A and with the front panel 1.
  • At least part of the rubbery material of the component 5 is preferably chosen transparent or translucent for a reason which will be explained hereinafter.
  • the rigid plastic component i.e. the component 4
  • a light source 11 for example an LED
  • the component 4 presents, aligned with the light source 11 and with the passage 10, a light guide 12 in the form of a cylindrical or frusto-conical appendix facing and surrounding said source.
  • the movement of the component 4 (during its operation and return) is substantially a rocking movement (arrow Z) about the bridge 14 and the fourth side 13 (that without the groove 5B) of the elastic component 5.
  • Figure 3 is a simple variant of the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2.
  • parts equal or corresponding to those of Figures 1 and 2 are indicated by the same reference numerals plus 100.
  • the difference lies in the fact that the passage 10 occupied by the co-injected transparent or translucent rubbery component is not provided.
  • the rigid plastic part 104 (which corresponds to that of Figures 1 and 2) is in fact solid, signifying that in this pushbutton structure, visibility of the state of the static switch 3 of the relative circuit is not required.
  • Figures 4, 4A and 4B show another embodiment of the invention, providing a double pushbutton structure in the sense that the user can act on two members, each of which determines the passage of state of a different switch (static or non-static).
  • parts equal or corresponding to those of Figure 1 are indicated by the same reference numerals plus 200.
  • the rubbery component (again shown by cross hatching) indicated here by 205 is joined (by the effect of co-injection moulding or co-moulding) to two separate pushbutton components 204a and 204b both provided with an off-centre operating finger 204d (similar to the embodiments of Figures 2 and 3). Each of them can be operated independently of the other.

Landscapes

  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
  • Switch Cases, Indication, And Locking (AREA)
  • Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
  • Adhesives Or Adhesive Processes (AREA)
  • Pens And Brushes (AREA)
EP20020000284 2001-02-14 2002-01-15 Taststruktur für elektronische, elektrische oder mechanische Anwendungen Expired - Lifetime EP1233434B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITMI20010302 ITMI20010302A1 (it) 2001-02-14 2001-02-14 Costruzione di pulsanti per applicazioni elettroniche elettriche e/o meccaniche
ITMI010302 2001-02-14

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1233434A2 true EP1233434A2 (de) 2002-08-21
EP1233434A3 EP1233434A3 (de) 2004-06-16
EP1233434B1 EP1233434B1 (de) 2014-01-08

Family

ID=11446881

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20020000284 Expired - Lifetime EP1233434B1 (de) 2001-02-14 2002-01-15 Taststruktur für elektronische, elektrische oder mechanische Anwendungen

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1233434B1 (de)
ES (1) ES2445580T3 (de)
IT (1) ITMI20010302A1 (de)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2013067984A1 (de) * 2011-11-10 2013-05-16 Eao Automotive Gmbh & Co. Kg Beleuchtetes, wasser- und staubdichtes schaltelement
EP1916686B1 (de) * 2006-10-26 2013-08-07 elobau GmbH & Co. KG Taster
CN103681047A (zh) * 2012-09-10 2014-03-26 光宝电子(广州)有限公司 按键及音响装置
CN105144330A (zh) * 2013-03-01 2015-12-09 Zf腓德烈斯哈芬股份公司 按键开关帽
WO2020028524A1 (en) * 2018-07-31 2020-02-06 Bose Corporation Plunger interface
CN112750640A (zh) * 2019-10-30 2021-05-04 比亚迪股份有限公司 电子设备及其外壳

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3312126A1 (de) 1983-04-02 1984-10-11 Ing. Gerhard Dekorsy GmbH, 7760 Radolfzell Taste fuer ein in tastrichtung bewegbares schaltelement
DE19903838C1 (de) 1999-02-01 2000-07-20 Moeller Gmbh Drucktaste

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE69133106T2 (de) * 1990-10-30 2003-04-30 Teikoku Tsushin Kogyo Co. Ltd., Kawasaki Taste und Verfahren zur Herstellung der Taste
US5706168A (en) * 1995-07-07 1998-01-06 Itronix Corporation Impact-resistant notebook computer having hard drive mounted on shock-isolating mounting bridge and impact attenuating covering
DE19953046A1 (de) * 1998-11-09 2000-05-11 Marquardt Gmbh Elektrischer Schalter
JP4209546B2 (ja) * 1999-02-26 2009-01-14 矢崎総業株式会社 プッシュスイッチ構造
EP1054420A1 (de) * 1999-05-18 2000-11-22 Molex Incorporated Tastenfeld für ein elektrisches oder elektronisches Gerät sowie Verfahren zu dessen Herstellung

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3312126A1 (de) 1983-04-02 1984-10-11 Ing. Gerhard Dekorsy GmbH, 7760 Radolfzell Taste fuer ein in tastrichtung bewegbares schaltelement
DE19903838C1 (de) 1999-02-01 2000-07-20 Moeller Gmbh Drucktaste

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1916686B1 (de) * 2006-10-26 2013-08-07 elobau GmbH & Co. KG Taster
US9368297B2 (en) 2011-11-10 2016-06-14 Eao Automotive Gmbh & Co. Kg Illuminated, water- and dust-proof switching element
CN103946941A (zh) * 2011-11-10 2014-07-23 Eao汽车股份两合公司 照明、防水、防尘的开关元件
JP2014532973A (ja) * 2011-11-10 2014-12-08 エーアーオー・アウトモティーフェ・ゲゼルシャフト・ミト・ベシュレンクテル・ハフツング・ウント・コンパニー・コマンデイトゲゼルシャフト 防水及び防塵形のイルミネーションスイッチ要素
WO2013067984A1 (de) * 2011-11-10 2013-05-16 Eao Automotive Gmbh & Co. Kg Beleuchtetes, wasser- und staubdichtes schaltelement
CN103681047A (zh) * 2012-09-10 2014-03-26 光宝电子(广州)有限公司 按键及音响装置
CN103681047B (zh) * 2012-09-10 2015-11-25 光宝电子(广州)有限公司 按键及音响装置
CN105144330A (zh) * 2013-03-01 2015-12-09 Zf腓德烈斯哈芬股份公司 按键开关帽
CN105144330B (zh) * 2013-03-01 2017-11-14 Zf 腓德烈斯哈芬股份公司 按键开关帽
WO2020028524A1 (en) * 2018-07-31 2020-02-06 Bose Corporation Plunger interface
JP2021532557A (ja) * 2018-07-31 2021-11-25 ボーズ・コーポレーションBose Corporation プランジャインターフェース
JP7179153B2 (ja) 2018-07-31 2022-11-28 ボーズ・コーポレーション プランジャインターフェース
CN112750640A (zh) * 2019-10-30 2021-05-04 比亚迪股份有限公司 电子设备及其外壳

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1233434B1 (de) 2014-01-08
EP1233434A3 (de) 2004-06-16
ITMI20010302A1 (it) 2002-08-14
ES2445580T3 (es) 2014-03-04

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7087847B2 (en) Elastomer keypad and bezel
US6204459B1 (en) Switching arrangement
US8209868B2 (en) Device with an illuminated button assembly
US6737596B1 (en) Integrated switch bank
US7503193B2 (en) Button apparatus and method of manufacture
US4997998A (en) Key cap for a keyboard
US20110134627A1 (en) Appliance doors having integrated lighting and controls
JP2003249139A (ja) 照光式押釦スイッチ用カバー部材
EP1233434A2 (de) Taststrutur für elektronische, elektrische oder mechanische Anwendungen
CN114829200B (zh) 用于机动车的操作单元
US20060114128A1 (en) Operating device for a domestic electrical appliance
US5574253A (en) Housing for an electrically powered appliance for personal use
CN107773192B (zh) 电器、具有面板的这种电器的结构和制造这种结构的方法
JP3069726B2 (ja) キーボードスイッチ
US6888079B2 (en) Multifunctional pushbutton switch
JPH0818249A (ja) 光透過性操作ボタン一体型電気機器用ケース
EP2012334B1 (de) Integriertes Bedienfeld für Haushaltsanwendungen
EP0878814A1 (de) Staub- und Spritzwassergeschützte Schalteinheit
KR20050081462A (ko) 드럼 세탁기의 버튼 데코 설치구조
US20040089530A1 (en) Multifunctional pushbutton switch
US12016511B2 (en) Domestic dishwasher
KR200146982Y1 (ko) 노브 일체형 구조의 판넬
KR100252668B1 (ko) 스위치조작기구
CN100452265C (zh) 控制器组装体
KR200220809Y1 (ko) 박판 필름이 있는 케이스부품의 버튼장치(Button Device for Use with Case Unit Having Sheet Material)

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL LT LV MK RO SI

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20041215

AKX Designation fees paid

Designated state(s): DE ES FR GB IT

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20080513

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: H01H 11/00 20060101ALN20131001BHEP

Ipc: H01H 21/24 20060101ALN20131001BHEP

Ipc: H01H 13/06 20060101AFI20131001BHEP

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20131014

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: DE LUCA, MARCO

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE ES FR GB IT

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 60245911

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20140213

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2445580

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

Effective date: 20140304

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 60245911

Country of ref document: DE

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20141009

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 60245911

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20141009

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 15

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 16

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20161215

Year of fee payment: 16

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20161214

Year of fee payment: 16

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20170110

Year of fee payment: 16

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20170111

Year of fee payment: 16

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20170123

Year of fee payment: 16

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 60245911

Country of ref document: DE

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20180115

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180131

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180801

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20180928

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180115

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180115

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20190730

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180116