CA1268571A - Dial assembly for telephone sets - Google Patents
Dial assembly for telephone setsInfo
- Publication number
- CA1268571A CA1268571A CA000539947A CA539947A CA1268571A CA 1268571 A CA1268571 A CA 1268571A CA 000539947 A CA000539947 A CA 000539947A CA 539947 A CA539947 A CA 539947A CA 1268571 A CA1268571 A CA 1268571A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- contact
- switch
- contact members
- adaptor
- top surface
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
- H04M1/23—Construction or mounting of dials or of equivalent devices; Means for facilitating the use thereof
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Telephone Set Structure (AREA)
- Push-Button Switches (AREA)
Abstract
DIAL ASSEMBLY FOR TELEPHONE SETS
Abstract of the Disclosure In a pushbutton telephone dial, the originally provided switch member having a plurality of domed spring metal contact members which snap down to make contact is replaced by an elastomeric member.
To enable the remainder of the original assembly to be used, an adaptor member is positioned on the circuit board having the original switch positions. Contact members on the bottom surface of the adaptor make contact with contact areas at the original switch positions. Contact members on the top surface of the adaptor form new switch positions suitable for the deformable switch contact members of the elastomeric member. The contact members on each surface of the adaptor are interconnected, for example by plated through holes.
Abstract of the Disclosure In a pushbutton telephone dial, the originally provided switch member having a plurality of domed spring metal contact members which snap down to make contact is replaced by an elastomeric member.
To enable the remainder of the original assembly to be used, an adaptor member is positioned on the circuit board having the original switch positions. Contact members on the bottom surface of the adaptor make contact with contact areas at the original switch positions. Contact members on the top surface of the adaptor form new switch positions suitable for the deformable switch contact members of the elastomeric member. The contact members on each surface of the adaptor are interconnected, for example by plated through holes.
Description
DIAL ASSEMBLY FOR TELEP~IONE SETS
BACKGROUND OF T~IE INVENTION
Field of the Invention This invention rela-tes to dial assemblies For telephone sets and similar apparatus, and, in particular, is concerned with an adaptor member for adapting dial assemblies from one form of switch member to an al-ternative form.
Related Art A form of switch member which has been used in telephone dials, and similar members, is a domed spring metal member which, when depressed, snaps down and makes contact with con-tact areas in a circuit pattern. Generally, the spring member acts to bridge contact areas, joining them electrically. It sometimes occurs that a spring member does not snap down correctly, and does not make a satisfactory connection. The spring member may also bounce and, with digital signalling systems, this can result in misdialing, In many telephone sets of later design, the switch member is of an elastomeric material which is caused to move into contact with contact areas, making a connection. The elas-tomeric member is less costly and is less likely to produce unsatisfactory dialing. Ilowever, the elastomeric switch member canno-t be used in conjunction with the circuit pattern and contact areas provided for the spring contact member.
SUMMARY OF T~IE INVENTION
Broadly, in accordance with the invention, a dial assembly comprises a circuit board having a plurality of switch positions on its upper surface; an adaptor member having con-tact members on both top and bottom surfaces connected via holes through the member and having me-tallized bores, the con-tact members on the bottom surface making contact with the switch posi-tions, an elastomeric switch member extending over the adaptor member and having deformable switch members For contacting the contact members on -the top surface of the adaptor member; and a plurality of pushbuttons mounted on said elastomeric member, depression of a pushbutton deforming a switch member into contact with the adaptor member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be more readily understood by the following description of a particular embodiment, by of example, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure l is an exploded perspective view of one form of conventional dial assembly;
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a dial assembly in accordance with the invention;
Figures 3 and 4 are plan views of the top and bottom surfaces, respectively~ of the adaptor member; and Figure 5 is a cross-section through an elastomeric switch member, adap-tor member and circuit board, on the line V-V of Figure 2.
ElA} DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT
Illus-trated in Figure 1 is one form of telephone dial assembly comprising a circuit board 10 having on its upper surface a circuit pattern 11. The circuit pat-tern forms a plurality of switch positions 12, each position having contact areas 13. Positioned over the circuit board 10 is a switch member 15 having apertures 16 therein, arranged in columns and rows. A strip of domed spring metal contact members 17 extends over each column of apertures, a metal contact member aligned with each aperture.
Each metal contact member has a prestressed domed portion extending out from the plane of the contac-t member, the domed portion having a central portion 18 and radial webs 19 connecting the domed portion to the main strip. Extending from the central portion, between the radial webs 19, are spring contact elements 20, an element 20 for each contact area 13. On application of pressure on the central portion, the domed portion snaps down and the contact elements 20 make contact with the contact areas 13. Such contact members are described in Canadian Patent No. 1,034,175, issued July 4, 1978, in the name of the present assignee.
A thin, flexible, diaphragm member 25 extends over the switch member 15 and a pushbutton member 26 rests on the member 25.
The pushbutton member 26 comprises a plurality of pushbuttons 27 arranged in columns and rows, a pushbutton aligned with each switch position 12 and switch contact member. In the example, each button is free on three sides 28 from the base member 29 and is hingedly connected on its fourth side to the member 29. One form of such a pushbutton member is described in the above-mentioned patent. An alternative arrangement is with the pushbuttons being completely individual.
Over the pushbutton member 26 is positioned a bezel member 30 having a plurality of apertures 31, an aperture for each pushbutton 27. In the example, the dial assembly is held together and ~L2~
mounted in a telephone set by the brackets 32 on the bezel member and bracke-ts 33 on the circuit board. In other assemblies, the var;ous members are held together by projections on -the back of the bezel member 30 passing through holes in the various members 29, 25, 15 and 10, being staked over on the rear of the circuit board. The circuit board can be dif-ferent from that as illustrated and carry all of the electrical and electronic componen-ts for the telephone set. A circuit pattern can be formed on the bottom surface of the circuit board 10, and components mounted on either or both surfaces.
Figure 2 illustrates a dial assembly in accordance with the invention. It comprises a circuit board 40 having circuit pattern 41 on its upper surface, the circuit pattern including a plurality of switch positions 42, each switch position having contact areas 43.
Resting on the circuit board is an adaptor member 45.
The adaptor member is somewhat similar to a circuit board in that it has a circuit pattern on each surface. These patterns are illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. On the top surface the circuit pattern is in the form of pairs of contact areas 46, in the example subs-tantially semi-circular, with connections to holes 47 extending through the member.
This is as in Figure 3. On the bottom surface the circuit pattern is in the form oF a plurality of contact areas 48, which also connect to holes 47. There is a conductive layer in each hole ~hich connects contact areas 48 with contact areas 46. The con-tact areas 48 make contact with the contact areas 43 on the circuit board 40. It is not necessary to make contact with all con-tact areas 43 on circuit board 40, only one pair o-f opposite contact areas. Extra contact areas 43 are normally provided to ensure good effective switch actuation.
Posi-tioned on the adaptor member 45 is an elastomeric switch member 50 having a plurality of de-formable swi-tch contact members 51. The form of these members is seen more readily in Figure 5, which also illustrates the -through connection in holes 47. Each contact member 5l has a central projection 52 extending downward within the domed portion 53. At the lower end of the projection 52 is a conductive portion or layer 54. De-formation of -the domed portion by pushing down causes the conductive portion 5~ to make contact with contact areas 46, bridging the gap between a pair of areas. This produces a connection be-tween contact areas 43 at the swi-tch positions 42 on the circui-t board 40. The contact areas 43 on the circuit board 40 are not suitable for contacting by deformable members directly, as correct and effective connections would not be made. The par-ticular form of the domes portion 53 produces a tactile feedback in that a soft snap action is produced. A cross-section of the assembly of elastomeric member 50, adaptor member ~5 and circuit board ~0 is illustrated in Figure 5.
Extending over the elastomeric switch member 50 is a bezel member 60, having a plurality of apertures 61. In each aperture is positioned a pushbutton 62. In this example, the pushbuttons are separate from each other and slide within the apertures 61. The pushbuttons rest on the top of the domed portions of the contact members which have a circular rib 63 on the top of which the ! pushbutton rests. The contact members ac-t to resiliently urge -the pushbuttons to their normal upward position. Instead of separate pushbuttons, the pushbuttons can be hingedly attached to a holding member, as in Figure 1.
~s7~
The circuit board ~0 and the bezel 60, with the pushbuttons 62, would normally be the exis-ting parts oF the dial assembly. The adaptor member 45 enables the switch member 50 to replace the switch member 15, with the associated contact members 17, and the diaphragm 25. This can be done when telephone sets are overhauled or repaired and can also be done for new sets. Thus, an existing design of circuit board can continue to be manufactured and also an existing design of bezel member and pushbuttons can be used. As the elastomeric member extends unbroken over the adaptor member, the need For the diaphragm member 25 of Figure 1 no longer exists. Diaphragm member 25 prevents dust and other foreign matter, which enters around the pushbuttons, falling into the contact area.
In the example of Figure 2, the various members and parts are assembled together with small bosses on the lower surface of the bezel member 60 passing through holes 70 in the adaptor member and circuit board, the bosses being staked or deformed over at their ends. However, this assembly method can vary depending upon the particular telephone set.
BACKGROUND OF T~IE INVENTION
Field of the Invention This invention rela-tes to dial assemblies For telephone sets and similar apparatus, and, in particular, is concerned with an adaptor member for adapting dial assemblies from one form of switch member to an al-ternative form.
Related Art A form of switch member which has been used in telephone dials, and similar members, is a domed spring metal member which, when depressed, snaps down and makes contact with con-tact areas in a circuit pattern. Generally, the spring member acts to bridge contact areas, joining them electrically. It sometimes occurs that a spring member does not snap down correctly, and does not make a satisfactory connection. The spring member may also bounce and, with digital signalling systems, this can result in misdialing, In many telephone sets of later design, the switch member is of an elastomeric material which is caused to move into contact with contact areas, making a connection. The elas-tomeric member is less costly and is less likely to produce unsatisfactory dialing. Ilowever, the elastomeric switch member canno-t be used in conjunction with the circuit pattern and contact areas provided for the spring contact member.
SUMMARY OF T~IE INVENTION
Broadly, in accordance with the invention, a dial assembly comprises a circuit board having a plurality of switch positions on its upper surface; an adaptor member having con-tact members on both top and bottom surfaces connected via holes through the member and having me-tallized bores, the con-tact members on the bottom surface making contact with the switch posi-tions, an elastomeric switch member extending over the adaptor member and having deformable switch members For contacting the contact members on -the top surface of the adaptor member; and a plurality of pushbuttons mounted on said elastomeric member, depression of a pushbutton deforming a switch member into contact with the adaptor member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be more readily understood by the following description of a particular embodiment, by of example, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure l is an exploded perspective view of one form of conventional dial assembly;
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a dial assembly in accordance with the invention;
Figures 3 and 4 are plan views of the top and bottom surfaces, respectively~ of the adaptor member; and Figure 5 is a cross-section through an elastomeric switch member, adap-tor member and circuit board, on the line V-V of Figure 2.
ElA} DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT
Illus-trated in Figure 1 is one form of telephone dial assembly comprising a circuit board 10 having on its upper surface a circuit pattern 11. The circuit pat-tern forms a plurality of switch positions 12, each position having contact areas 13. Positioned over the circuit board 10 is a switch member 15 having apertures 16 therein, arranged in columns and rows. A strip of domed spring metal contact members 17 extends over each column of apertures, a metal contact member aligned with each aperture.
Each metal contact member has a prestressed domed portion extending out from the plane of the contac-t member, the domed portion having a central portion 18 and radial webs 19 connecting the domed portion to the main strip. Extending from the central portion, between the radial webs 19, are spring contact elements 20, an element 20 for each contact area 13. On application of pressure on the central portion, the domed portion snaps down and the contact elements 20 make contact with the contact areas 13. Such contact members are described in Canadian Patent No. 1,034,175, issued July 4, 1978, in the name of the present assignee.
A thin, flexible, diaphragm member 25 extends over the switch member 15 and a pushbutton member 26 rests on the member 25.
The pushbutton member 26 comprises a plurality of pushbuttons 27 arranged in columns and rows, a pushbutton aligned with each switch position 12 and switch contact member. In the example, each button is free on three sides 28 from the base member 29 and is hingedly connected on its fourth side to the member 29. One form of such a pushbutton member is described in the above-mentioned patent. An alternative arrangement is with the pushbuttons being completely individual.
Over the pushbutton member 26 is positioned a bezel member 30 having a plurality of apertures 31, an aperture for each pushbutton 27. In the example, the dial assembly is held together and ~L2~
mounted in a telephone set by the brackets 32 on the bezel member and bracke-ts 33 on the circuit board. In other assemblies, the var;ous members are held together by projections on -the back of the bezel member 30 passing through holes in the various members 29, 25, 15 and 10, being staked over on the rear of the circuit board. The circuit board can be dif-ferent from that as illustrated and carry all of the electrical and electronic componen-ts for the telephone set. A circuit pattern can be formed on the bottom surface of the circuit board 10, and components mounted on either or both surfaces.
Figure 2 illustrates a dial assembly in accordance with the invention. It comprises a circuit board 40 having circuit pattern 41 on its upper surface, the circuit pattern including a plurality of switch positions 42, each switch position having contact areas 43.
Resting on the circuit board is an adaptor member 45.
The adaptor member is somewhat similar to a circuit board in that it has a circuit pattern on each surface. These patterns are illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. On the top surface the circuit pattern is in the form of pairs of contact areas 46, in the example subs-tantially semi-circular, with connections to holes 47 extending through the member.
This is as in Figure 3. On the bottom surface the circuit pattern is in the form oF a plurality of contact areas 48, which also connect to holes 47. There is a conductive layer in each hole ~hich connects contact areas 48 with contact areas 46. The con-tact areas 48 make contact with the contact areas 43 on the circuit board 40. It is not necessary to make contact with all con-tact areas 43 on circuit board 40, only one pair o-f opposite contact areas. Extra contact areas 43 are normally provided to ensure good effective switch actuation.
Posi-tioned on the adaptor member 45 is an elastomeric switch member 50 having a plurality of de-formable swi-tch contact members 51. The form of these members is seen more readily in Figure 5, which also illustrates the -through connection in holes 47. Each contact member 5l has a central projection 52 extending downward within the domed portion 53. At the lower end of the projection 52 is a conductive portion or layer 54. De-formation of -the domed portion by pushing down causes the conductive portion 5~ to make contact with contact areas 46, bridging the gap between a pair of areas. This produces a connection be-tween contact areas 43 at the swi-tch positions 42 on the circui-t board 40. The contact areas 43 on the circuit board 40 are not suitable for contacting by deformable members directly, as correct and effective connections would not be made. The par-ticular form of the domes portion 53 produces a tactile feedback in that a soft snap action is produced. A cross-section of the assembly of elastomeric member 50, adaptor member ~5 and circuit board ~0 is illustrated in Figure 5.
Extending over the elastomeric switch member 50 is a bezel member 60, having a plurality of apertures 61. In each aperture is positioned a pushbutton 62. In this example, the pushbuttons are separate from each other and slide within the apertures 61. The pushbuttons rest on the top of the domed portions of the contact members which have a circular rib 63 on the top of which the ! pushbutton rests. The contact members ac-t to resiliently urge -the pushbuttons to their normal upward position. Instead of separate pushbuttons, the pushbuttons can be hingedly attached to a holding member, as in Figure 1.
~s7~
The circuit board ~0 and the bezel 60, with the pushbuttons 62, would normally be the exis-ting parts oF the dial assembly. The adaptor member 45 enables the switch member 50 to replace the switch member 15, with the associated contact members 17, and the diaphragm 25. This can be done when telephone sets are overhauled or repaired and can also be done for new sets. Thus, an existing design of circuit board can continue to be manufactured and also an existing design of bezel member and pushbuttons can be used. As the elastomeric member extends unbroken over the adaptor member, the need For the diaphragm member 25 of Figure 1 no longer exists. Diaphragm member 25 prevents dust and other foreign matter, which enters around the pushbuttons, falling into the contact area.
In the example of Figure 2, the various members and parts are assembled together with small bosses on the lower surface of the bezel member 60 passing through holes 70 in the adaptor member and circuit board, the bosses being staked or deformed over at their ends. However, this assembly method can vary depending upon the particular telephone set.
Claims (3)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A dial assembly for a telephone set, comprising:
a circuit board having a plurality of switch positions on an upper surface, each switch position including at least one pair of contact areas;
an adaptor member positioned on said circuit board and including a first plurality of contact members on a bottom surface and a second plurality of contact members on a top surface, said contact members on each surface forming pairs;
means connecting each contact member on said bottom surface to a related one of said contact members on said top surface, said pairs of contact members on said top surface forming a further plurality of switch positions;
an elastomeric switch member positioned on said adaptor member and including a plurality of deformable switch contact members arranged in columns and rows, each switch contact member being aligned with one of said further plurality of switch positions, each deformable switch contact member including a conductive surface for contact with a pair of contact members at one of said further plurality of switch positions; and a plurality of pushbuttons mounted on said elastomeric switch member, depression of a pushbutton deforming a deformable switch contact member into contact with the pair of contact members at the related one of said further plurality of switch positions.
a circuit board having a plurality of switch positions on an upper surface, each switch position including at least one pair of contact areas;
an adaptor member positioned on said circuit board and including a first plurality of contact members on a bottom surface and a second plurality of contact members on a top surface, said contact members on each surface forming pairs;
means connecting each contact member on said bottom surface to a related one of said contact members on said top surface, said pairs of contact members on said top surface forming a further plurality of switch positions;
an elastomeric switch member positioned on said adaptor member and including a plurality of deformable switch contact members arranged in columns and rows, each switch contact member being aligned with one of said further plurality of switch positions, each deformable switch contact member including a conductive surface for contact with a pair of contact members at one of said further plurality of switch positions; and a plurality of pushbuttons mounted on said elastomeric switch member, depression of a pushbutton deforming a deformable switch contact member into contact with the pair of contact members at the related one of said further plurality of switch positions.
2. An assembly as claimed in claim 1, said means connecting each contact member on said bottom surface to a related contact member on said top surface comprising a plurality of holes through said adaptor member, a pair of holes for each pair of contact members on said top surface, each of said holes having a conductive layer extending from said top surface to said bottom surface, said contact members on said top surface and said bottom surface connected to said conductive layers.
3. An assembly as claimed in claim 1, including a bezel member positioned over said elastomeric switch member, said bezel member having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough, an aperture aligned with each of said deformable switch contact members, said pushbuttons slidably mounted in said apertures.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000539947A CA1268571A (en) | 1987-06-17 | 1987-06-17 | Dial assembly for telephone sets |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000539947A CA1268571A (en) | 1987-06-17 | 1987-06-17 | Dial assembly for telephone sets |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1268571A true CA1268571A (en) | 1990-05-01 |
Family
ID=4135920
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000539947A Expired CA1268571A (en) | 1987-06-17 | 1987-06-17 | Dial assembly for telephone sets |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1268571A (en) |
-
1987
- 1987-06-17 CA CA000539947A patent/CA1268571A/en not_active Expired
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |