Key switch device and method for manufacturing the same

(54) KEY SWITCH DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME

(75) Inventors: Kyung-Su Park, Kyunggi-Do (KR);

Chul-Gi Min, Kyunggi-Do (KR);
Jeong-Hun Lee, Kyunggi-Do (KR)

(73) Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.,

Kyunggi-Do (KR)

( * ) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term ol this patent is extended or adjusted under 35 U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.

(21) Appl. No.: 10/781,996

(22) Filed: Feb. 19, 2004

(30) Foreign Application Priority Data

Sep. 30, 2003 (KR) 10-2003-67898

(51) Int. CI.7 H01H 13/70

(52) U.S. CI 200/344; 200/5 A; 200/17 R;

400/490

(58) Field of Search 200/344, 345,

200/5 R, 5 A, 17 R; 400/490-491, 495.1

(56) References Cited

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

4,659,879 A * 4/1987 Hasegawa 200/5 A

5,562,203 A * 10/1996 Mochizuki 200/345

6,040,541 A * 3/2000 Li 200/344

6,130,388 A * 10/2000 Nishijima 200/293

6,455,794 B2 * 9/2002 Sato et al 200/344

6,501,038 B2 * 12/2002 Hayashi et al 200/344

6,657,139 B2 * 12/2003 Hasunuma 200/5 A

FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS

IP 2924427 5/1999

IP 05225858 7/1999

* cited by examiner

Primary Examiner—Kyung Lee

(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Gottlieb, Rackman & Reisman, PC.

(57) ABSTRACT

A key switch device includes inner and outer link members connected to each other to mutually move in a scissors lashion, a key top having receiving portions for receiving the support protrusions provided at respective upper ends ol the link members, a hollow elastic switch provided at an inner surface thereol with a downward protrusion for performing a switching operation in accordance with vertical movement ol the key top, a support plate arranged beneath the key top, a membrane arranged on the support plate, and a mounting member arranged on the membrane, a central opening for receiving the elastic switch, and fitting holes allowing the cocking members to be fitted therein.

14 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets