IPC분류정보
국가/구분 |
United States(US) Patent
등록
|
국제특허분류(IPC7판) |
|
출원번호 |
US-0786490
(2007-04-11)
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등록번호 |
US-7361853
(2008-04-22)
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발명자
/ 주소 |
- Clegg,Paul T.
- Day,Wallace E.
- Allen,Douglas E.
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출원인 / 주소 |
|
대리인 / 주소 |
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인용정보 |
피인용 횟수 :
37 인용 특허 :
268 |
초록
▼
A configurable switch matrix assembly with button assembly is disclosed for keypads used in devices such as primary control points for automation systems in homes vehicles, or commercial environments. The configurable switch matrix assembly preferably includes a frame for supporting a plurality of p
A configurable switch matrix assembly with button assembly is disclosed for keypads used in devices such as primary control points for automation systems in homes vehicles, or commercial environments. The configurable switch matrix assembly preferably includes a frame for supporting a plurality of positionable cross members and optionally a baffle. The cross members and frame each preferably include cantilevers which can be deflected by pressing the button assemblies to activate switches associated with the keypad. Dynamic status lights and back lights may provide illumination of varying colors and intensities. Button labels may be easily replaced in the button assemblies. Button assemblies of different sizes and shapes may be easily attached to the configurable switch matrix assembly in various configurations without the need for different attaching devices for each situation and/or environment.
대표청구항
▼
What is claimed is: 1. A switch matrix assembly for use in a keypad, said switch matrix comprising: a support frame; at least one cross member; and a plurality of coupling means for releasably attaching a cross member to the support frame whereby each of the at least one cross member may be releasa
What is claimed is: 1. A switch matrix assembly for use in a keypad, said switch matrix comprising: a support frame; at least one cross member; and a plurality of coupling means for releasably attaching a cross member to the support frame whereby each of the at least one cross member may be releasably attached to the support frame in selectable positions to thereby form a variety of different button pattern, each button pattern comprising at least one button position. 2. The switch matrix assembly of claim 1 wherein the support frame is substantially rectangular in shape having a top support, a bottom support, and a left and a right support. 3. The switch matrix assembly of claim 2 wherein the plurality of coupling means are disposed on the left and the right supports such that each of the at least one cross member extends in a substantially horizontal direction when releasably attached to the support frame. 4. The switch matrix assembly of claim 3 further comprising a light baffle, said light baffle extending in a substantially vertical direction. 5. The switch matrix assembly of claim 3, wherein the top support, bottom support, and each of the at least one cross member comprises at least one cantilever protruding therefrom. 6. The switch matrix assembly of claim 5, wherein each of the at least one button position comprises a first cantilever and a second cantilever disposed on opposing sides of the button position, both the first cantilever and second cantilever comprising a free end and an attached end. 7. The switch matrix assembly of claim 6 wherein both the first cantilever and the second cantilever are substantially parallel to each other. 8. The switch matrix assembly of claim 6 wherein each of the at least one cantilever is substantially parallel to the top support, the bottom support, or each of the at least one cross member from which it protrudes, whichever it may be. 9. The switch matrix assembly of claim 6 wherein each of the at least one cantilever further comprises an upwardly extending protrusion disposed on its free end, said upwardly extending protrusion capable of engaging a bottom surface of a button or key. 10. The switch matrix assembly of claim 9 wherein the upwardly extending protrusion does not fixidly engage the bottom surface of a button or key. 11. The switch matrix assembly of claim 6 wherein the first and second cantilever of each of the at least one button position provide an upwardly directed restoring force to return a depressed button or key to a normal position. 12. The switch matrix assembly of claim 11 wherein the first and second cantilever of each of the at least one button position provide an upwardly directed restoring force to maintain a button or key in the normal position. 13. The switch matrix assembly of claim 1 wherein each of the at least one button position further comprises a light shroud for channeling light from a light source to a specified region of a button or key. 14. The switch matrix assembly of claim 13 wherein the support frame comprises a plurality of integrated light shrouds. 15. The switch matrix assembly of claim 14 further comprising a baffle, said baffle comprising a plurality of appended light shrouds. 16. The switch matrix assembly of claim 15 wherein each of the at least one button position further comprises a panel for impeding light from a light source from bleeding into adjacent button positions, said panel being part of said baffle. 17. The switch matrix assembly of claim 1 wherein each of the at least one button position further comprises an engagement means for releasably attaching a button or key. 18. The switch matrix assembly of claim 17 wherein each of the at least one button position may releasably engage a button assembly. 19. The switch matrix assembly of claim 18 wherein the button assembly comprises a base and a lens, a label being optionally disposed between said base and said lens. 20. The switch matrix assembly of claim 19 wherein the base further comprises a bottom surface having a plurality of legs extending therefrom, each of said plurality of legs comprising an engagement member, the engagement member interacting with the engagement means to thereby releasably attach the button assembly. 21. The switch matrix assembly of claim 20 wherein the interaction between the engagement member and the engagement means is a snap fit. 22. A switch matrix assembly configurable to form a plurality of distinct button patterns, each button pattern comprising one or more button positions, said switch matrix comprising: two or more cross members; a frame means for supporting the two or more cross members; a plurality of coupling means for releasably attaching each of the two or more cross members to the frame means; and whereby the two or more cross members may be selectably positioned on the frame means to provide the plurality of distinct button patterns. 23. The switch matrix assembly of claim 22 further comprising a barrier means for baffling light, said barrier means impeding the bleeding of light from a light source illuminating a specific button position to other button positions, if present. 24. The switch matrix assembly of claim 23 wherein each of the one or more button positions comprises a shroud means for channeling light to a specified region on a button or a key when said button or key is installed in said button position. 25. The switch matrix assembly of claim 24 wherein the shroud means may be integrated into the frame means or appended to the barrier means. 26. The switch matrix assembly of claim 24 wherein the shroud means further comprises a light channel. 27. The switch matrix assembly of claim 22 wherein each button position comprises a resilient means for providing a restoring force to return the buff on or key to a normal position after said button or key is depressed. 28. The switch matrix assembly of claim 27 wherein the resilient means comprises a first cantilever and a second cantilever, said first cantilever and second cantilever having a free end and an attached end. 29. The switch matrix assembly of claim 28 wherein each of the one or more button positions further comprises a first set and a second set of opposing sides, said attached end of the first and second cantilevers being attached to opposing sides of the first set or the second set. 30. The switch matrix assembly of claim 29 wherein the first cantilever and second cantilever further comprise an upwardly extending protrusion limiting travel, said upwardly extending protrusion capable of engaging a bottom surface of a button or key. 31. The switch matrix assembly of claim 29 wherein the first cantilever and the second cantilever are substantially parallel to the sides to which they are attached. 32. The switch matrix assembly of claim 31 wherein each of the sides comprises a midpoint, said free ends of the first and second cantilevers being located at approximately the midpoint of the sides to which their respective cantilevers are attached. 33. The switch matrix assembly of claim 32 wherein a button or key installed in one of the one or more button positions is not fixidly engaged to the first and second cantilevers. 34. The switch matrix assembly of claim 22 wherein each of the one or more button positions further comprises an engagement means for releasably attaching a button or key. 35. The switch matrix assembly of claim 22 wherein each of the one or more button positions further comprises an engagement means for releasably attaching a button assembly. 36. The switch matrix assembly of claim 35 wherein the engagement means may comprise one or more wings disposed on one or more of the two or more cross members. 37. The switch matrix assembly of claim 36 wherein the engagement means may further comprise one or more engaging slots disposed on the frame means. 38. The switch matrix assembly of claim 35 wherein the button assembly comprises a base and a lens, a label being optionally disposed between said base and said lens. 39. The switch matrix assembly of claim 35 wherein the base further comprises a bottom surface having a plurality of legs extending therefrom, each of said plurality of legs comprising an engagement member, the engagement member interacting with the engagement means to thereby releasably attach the button assembly. 40. The switch matrix assembly of claim 39 wherein the interaction between the engagement member and the engagement means is a snap fit. 41. A switch matrix assembly configurable to form a plurality of distinct button patterns, each button pattern comprising one or more button positions, said switch matrix assembly comprising: a support frame, said support frame comprising a first support, a second support, a third support and a fourth support; a plurality of cantilevers being disposed on the first and second supports; a plurality of receiving channels being disposed on the third support; a plurality of cutouts being disposed on the fourth support; two or more cross members, each of the two or more cross members comprising a plurality of cantilevers and a first and second ends; a guide post being disposed on the first end of each of the two or more cross members; a protruding ledge being disposed on the second end of each of the two or more cross members; and whereby each of the two or more cross members may be releasably attached to the third and fourth support to form the one or more button positions when the guide post is inserted into the cutout on the fourth support and the protruding ledge is inserted into the receiving channel on the third support. 42. The switch matrix assembly of claim 41 wherein each of the one or more button positions comprises a first cantilever and a second cantilever. 43. The switch matrix assembly of claim 41 further comprising a baffle. 44. The switch matrix assembly of claim 41 wherein each of the one or more button positions further comprises a light shroud. 45. The switch matrix assembly of claim 41 wherein the support frame comprises a plurality of integrated light shrouds.
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