US 9,208,968 B2 · Liquidproof dome switch

Abstract

This is directed to a dome switch that may prevent liquid from coming into contact with circuit elements of the switch. A deformable dome may include a conductive inner surface region and may be placed over a conductive contact pad such that the dome may deform and the conductive elements may contact each other. At least one sheath may be positioned between the conductive region of the dome and the contact pad positioned below the dome for preventing liquid external to the one or more sheaths from contacting the conductive portions of the switch. In some embodiments, a first sheath may be coupled to the inner surface of the dome about the conductive inner surface region and a second sheath may be coupled to a mounting surface about the conductive contact pad, such that when a user deforms the dome, one of the sheaths may extend into the other sheath.

Claims24

Dependent claims

A dome switch assembly comprising:

a dome comprising an inner surface;
a contact pad coupled to a mounting surface and positioned underneath the dome;
and
a sheath, wherein a first end of the sheath is coupled to the inner surface of the dome about a conductive region of the inner surface of the dome, wherein a second end of the sheath is coupled to the mounting surface about the contact pad, wherein a portion of the dome is fixed to the mounting surface at least partially about the second end of the sheath, wherein the sheath comprises a spring extending along at least a portion of the sheath between the inner surface of the dome and the mounting surface, and wherein the spring extends along the entire sheath between the inner surface of the dome and the mounting surface.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Liquidproof dome switch

Life of this patent

Liquidproof dome switch

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims24