Multi-pole dome switch
OwnerTrent Zimmerinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Implementations of a multi-pole dome switch configured to simultaneously, or nearly simultaneously, close or open two separate circuits are provided. In some implementations, a multi-pole dome switch may comprise a tactile metal dome and a conductive insert that are separated by an insulator. In some implementations, when the dome is depressed, the dome and the conductive insert are configured to simultaneously, or nearly simultaneously, make conductive contact with two traces of a first circuit and two traces of a second circuit, respectively, positioned thereunder on a PCB. In this way, the multi-pole dome switch is able to simultaneously, or nearly simultaneously, close two separate circuits. Succinctly put, in some implementations, the multi-pole dome switch may be configured to act as a double-pole, double-throw switch.
Claims20
A multi-pole dome switch configured to be positioned on a printed circuit board having a first circuit and a second circuit, the multi-pole dome switch comprising:
- a conductive dome configured to make conductive contact with a first trace and a second trace of the first circuit when depressed, the conductive dome comprises a centrally located opening that extends therethrough;
- a conductive insert, the conductive insert comprises a downwardly extending feature having a contact portion, the downwardly extending feature of the conductive insert is configured to extend through the centrally located opening of the conductive dome and position the contact portion thereof to conductively connect a first trace and a second trace of the second circuit when the conductive dome is depressed;
- and
- an insulator positioned between the conductive dome and the conductive insert, the insulator is configured to prevent contact between the conductive dome and the conductive insert.
A multi-pole dome switch configured to be positioned on a printed circuit board having a first circuit and a second circuit, the multi-pole dome switch comprising:
- a conductive dome configured to make conductive contact with a first trace and a second trace of the first circuit when depressed, the conductive dome comprises a centrally located opening that extends therethrough;
- and
- an insulator having a conductive insert positioned on an underside thereof, the insulator is configured to prevent contact between the conductive insert thereon and the conductive dome, a portion of the insulator extends through the centrally located opening of the conductive dome and positions the conductive insert thereon to conductively connect a first trace and a second trace of the second circuit when the conductive dome is depressed.
A multi-pole dome switch configured to be positioned on a printed circuit board having a first circuit and a second circuit, the multi-pole dome switch comprising:
- a first conductive dome configured to make conductive contact with a first trace and a second trace of the first circuit when depressed, the conductive dome comprises a centrally located opening that extends therethrough;
- a second conductive dome, the second conductive dome comprises a centrally located downward protrusion, the centrally located downward protrusion is configured to extend through the centrally located opening of the first conductive dome and position a bottom portion thereof to conductively connect a first trace and a second trace of the second circuit when the second conductive dome is depressed;
- and
- an insulator positioned between the first conductive dome and the second conductive dome that is configured to prevent contact between the first conductive dome and the second conductive dome;
- wherein the multi-pole dome switch is configured so that depressing the second conductive dome depresses the first conductive dome.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.