Patent ID: 6344619
Filing Date: 2002-02-05
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
A multi-directional operating switch comprising:a case having an opening in an upper surface thereof, said case including a central contact, an outer contact disposed in a position spaced away from said central contact, and a plurality of peripheral contacts, all disposed on a bottom surface of said opening; a dome-like circular movable contact having a center portion disposed above said central contact, and a lower peripheral rim of said dome-like circular movable contact resting in contact with said outer contact; a cover having with a through hole in a location concentric to said dome-like circular movable contact; and a manipulation body comprising a shaft protruding said through hole, a flange having electrical conductivity on at least a lower surface thereof, said flange disposed at a lower end of said shaft, and a projection extending from the lower surface of said flange, said shaft being both tiltable and movable in a vertical direction, and said manipulation body biased upwardly by said dome-like circular movable contact in a manner that at least a peripheral surface of said flange is in contact with a lower surface of said cover, wherein said projection on said flange depresses and deforms said dome-like circular movable contact to establish a first electrical continuity between said central contact and said outer contact, when said shaft being moved in a downward direction, and the lower surface of said flange establishes a second electrical continuity between adjacent two of said plurality of peripheral contacts responsive to said shaft being moved in a tilting direction.