US 2003/0116414 A1 · Cover member for illuminated pushbutton switch

Abstract

An illuminated pushbutton switch cover member has a key seat and a resin key top. An indicator portion provided in the resin key top is illuminated with light from an internal light source provided below the key seat, and the light is emitted from the inside to the outside of the cover member through the indicator portion. The cover member is constructed by joining the resin key top to the key seat. The key seat is formed of a thermoplastic elastomer that prevents leakage of light, and an opening for passage of light is formed in the key seat to expose the bottom side of the resin key top to the internal light source. Thus, light from the internal light source can reach the bottom side of the resin key top directly without being attenuated. The indicator portion of the resin key top can therefore be illuminated with high luminance.

Claims21

Dependent claims

An illuminated pushbutton switch cover member, comprising:

a key seat;
and
a resin key top jointed to the key seat, said resin key top having an indicator portion provided therein that emits light from inside upon receiving light from an internal light source provided below the key seat;
wherein the key seat is formed of a thermoplastic elastomer and is capable of blocking light, and an opening for passage of light is formed in the key seat to expose the bottom side of the resin key top to the internal light source.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

10/320,472Filed 17 Dec 2002

Priority

JP 2001-39049521 Dec 2001

Published

26 Jun 2003

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification9 codes

H01H 25/041
Operating part movable angularly in more than one plane, e.g. joystick: having a generally flat operating member depressible at different…
H01H 9/182
Distinguishing marks on switches, e.g. for indicating switch location in the dark; Adaptation of switches to receive distinguishing marks:…
H01H 2009/183
Illumination of the symbols or distinguishing marks: provisions for enhancing the contrast between the illuminated symbol and the background or…
H01H 2009/187
Distinguishing marks on switches, e.g. for indicating switch location in the dark; Adaptation of switches to receive distinguishing marks: having…

Cover member for illuminated pushbutton switch

Life of this patent

Cover member for illuminated pushbutton switch

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21