Patent ID: 6162999
Filing Date: 2000-12-19
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
A multi-directional operating switch comprising:(a) an insulation substrate employing a plurality of stationary contacts on an upper surface thereof;(b) an elastic contactor body disposed on top of said insulation substrate and having a plurality of peripheral domed portions arranged around a central domed portion, wherein at least one of1) at least one peripheral domed portion of the plurality of peripheral domed portions and2) the central domed portion is provided with a movable contact that confronts a corresponding one of said stationary contacts, and wherein said central domed portion has a hole in an upper surface;(c) a manipulation body, of which a tip of a protuberant part at a lower center surface is press-fitted into said hole in the upper surface of said central domed portion of said elastic contactor body, and having a plurality of depressing limbs around a lower peripheral surface for depressing said peripheral domed portions at an outer periphery of said elastic contactor body when tilted;(d) a case having a top central opening for an upper center part of said manipulation body to pass there through, and for partially covering an upper surface of said manipulation body while maintaining a predetermined space in order to avoid said case from touching with said manipulation body around said top central opening at a lower surface of said case when said manipulation body is in a neutral position and when said manipulation body is tilted; and(e) a plate shaped knob mounted on a top center part of said manipulation body, wherein said knob covers a substantial portion of an upper area of said opening of said case.