Patent ID: 6091066
Filing Date: 2000-07-18
Classification: G07F,H01H,H03K

Abstract:
A switch structure for manipulation by an operator in a predetermined direction, the switch structure being tolerant of contaminants and comprising:an actuatable member having a manipulable portion with a peripheral portion therearound and a tube extending from the manipulable portion in the predetermined direction;a protuberance installed in a core of the tube and arranged to guide the motion of the actuatable member in response to a pushing force applied to the manipulable portion in response to the manipulation by the operator;a switch arrangement for producing a variation in an electrical characteristic in response to the manipulation by the operator; anda support element having a recess therein for accommodating the actuatable member, there remaining a space surrounding the peripheral portion of the actuatable member, the space being dimensioned to accommodate the contaminants.