The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 12, 2014
Filed:
Jul. 12, 2010
Joachim Korherr, Orsingen, DE;
Harald Koehnlein, Hilzingen, DE;
Joachim Korherr, Orsingen, DE;
Harald Koehnlein, Hilzingen, DE;
TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH, Radolfzell, DE;
Abstract
A pushbutton switch array is proposed which provides a uniform operating surface in which switching units are distinguished from dummy elements only by symbols provided on the switching units and the switching units are realized with few functional parts. The pushbutton switch array has a frame which is covered by a transparent film and includes recesses which selectively have an actuating element accommodated therein for displacement or a dummy element accommodated therein so as to be non-displaceable. The actuating elements are provided with symbols on the surface thereof facing the film and hold a printed circuit board at the opposite end. The printed circuit board carries a switch element that cooperates with a contact element on an opposite base plate. The transparent film, which completely covers the frame along with the actuating elements and the dummy elements, provides a continuous smooth surface. Arranged behind the film are the actuating elements, which are identifiable only by the selectively illuminated symbols.