Abstract: A slide switch capable of significantly reducing the number of parts therefor and facilitating assembling thereof. The slide switch includes a base provided thereon with fixed contacts, a slider provided thereon with a movable contact spring and arranged on the base so as to be movable in a desired direction while being guided by a combination of guide grooves and slide elements, and a restoring spring-equipped cover provided with restoring springs adapted to be pressed against four sides of the slider. The restoring spring-equipped cover is mounted on the base from a side of an upper surface of the slider, so that the slider slid in a desired direction may be returned to an original position by restoring force of the restoring springs, whereby selective contacting between the movable contact spring and the fixed contacts permits switching operation, mode changing-over operation and the like to be selectively carried out.

Abstract: A keyboard having keys for inputting characters, wherein a key is arranged to produce a character in response to the press of the key once. The key (30) has a main contact (31) which is always activated when the key (30) is pressed. Also the key has at least one edge contact (32, 33), which is activated, in addition to the main contact (31), when the key (30) is pressed at the point or close to the point of the edge contact (32, 33). The activation of predetermined contacts correspond to the inputting of a predetermined character.

Abstract: Hand-held electrical appliance of the hairdryer or similar type, including a body (1) equipped with a series of functional elements and a handle (11) displaying an array of controls (2) allowing the user to operate and adjust the said appliance, characterized in that the said handle has at least one barrel (12) which can move about its axis, and in that the said array of switches moves integrally with the barrel.

Abstract: A button device includes a button (20), a spring (40) and a receiving portion (62) formed in a bezel (60). The button has a base (22), a plurality of locking hooks (24) and contacting blocks (26) extending rearwardly from a periphery of a back of the base, and a contacting pole (28) extending rearwardly from a middle of the back of the base. An annular guiding sleeve (30) is formed on the back of the base, and the spring is placed over the guiding sleeve. A plurality of apertures (64) is defined in a rearmost part of the receiving portion, for extension of the locking hooks. A plurality of holes (66, 68) is defined in the rearmost part of the receiving portion, for extension of the contacting blocks and contacting pole. An annular groove (70) is defined in the rearmost part of the receiving portion, for accommodating the guiding sleeve.

Abstract: A switch having good maneuverability includes a switch case, a rocker-button unit having a hole therein and a rotating shaft located at a side of the rocker button unit and held at the switch case, and a push-button unit movably disposed in the hole. Further, the switch includes a slider whose upper surface comes in contact with a lower surface of the push-button unit, and the slider is movably accommodated in the switch case.

Abstract: An electrical switch including a housing, four fixed contact elements fixed with respect to the housing, and four movable contact elements movable with respect to the housing. Each of the movable contact elements is positioned directly opposite from a respective fixed contact element. An actuating member is movable from a neutral position into four actuating positions. In each actuating position the actuating member actuates a respective movable contact element causing the respective movable contact element to contact a respective fixed contact element for enabling a corresponding switching function. An auxiliary frame surrounds the actuating member and is positioned within the housing. A first pair of opposed connecting elements connects the actuating member to the auxiliary frame. The first pair of opposed connecting elements form a first pivot axis. A second pair of opposed connecting elements connect the auxiliary frame to the housing.

Abstract: A slide switch capable of significantly reducing the number of parts therefor and facilitating assembling thereof. The slide switch includes a base provided thereon with fixed contacts, a slider provided thereon with a movable contact spring and arranged on the base so as to be movable in a desired direction while being guided by a combination of guide grooves and slide elements, and a restoring spring-equipped cover provided with restoring springs adapted to be pressed against four sides of the slider. The restoring spring-equipped cover is mounted on the base from a side of an upper surface of the slider, so that the slider slid in a desired direction may be returned to an original position by restoring force of the restoring springs, whereby selective contacting between the movable contact spring and the fixed contacts permits switching operation, mode changing-over operation and the like to be selectively carried out.

Abstract: The battery charger provides a current to a battery depending on its type. The type of the battery is determined using, a two-pronged fork and a pusher slider assembly which may actuate two switches using a spring leaf. The two switches enable to provide a current depending on the type of battery. AAA-type, AA-type, C-type and D-type batteries may be used. The battery charger also enables to easily position the battery in the battery charger.

Abstract: An electrical switch assembly includes a dome-shaped switching element (100) that closes a switch when the dome center portion (118) is depressed against a terminal (104, 106), wherein an actuator member (36) has a lower portion (44) that extends through a hole (120) in the dome element and into a bore (46) that guides the actuator member lower portion in sliding movement. A coding wheel (52) that is fixed to the actuator member, includes a conductive portion (60) with at least one contacting tooth (62) and a non-contacting part or space (200) that both lie on an imaginary circle (220). A plurality of pairs of contacts (74, 84, 86) are in vertical alignment with the circle, and each contacting tooth engages a selected pair of the contacts in a selected rotational position of the actuation member about its vertical axis A.

Abstract: A relay for switching an electrical signal includes switching elements, an actuator for closing the switch, and an actuator for opening the switch, the latter two of which are mechanically decoupled when the relay is in a mechanical rest position. When a relay close signal is applied, the closing actuator electrostatically drives the switching elements to complete a signal path between two terminals for the switched signal. In the process of closing the switch, the opening actuator remains stationary, i.e., no mass is displaced. Application of a switch open signal electrostatically drives the opening actuator, optionally in combination with a mechanical restoring force on the closing actuator, to open the switch to break the signal conduction path for the switched signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multidirectional switch and an operation unit containing the switch, to be used for controlling an automobile air-conditioner, for example. Respective operating areas of an operation body are positioned at a middle area between push button switches. Therefore, a pressing force applied to an operating area causes a swaying motion of a swaying body, and push structure of the swaying body push two switching contacts at substantially the same time, resulting in electrical connection/disconnection. The configuration of the multidirectional switch eliminates such constituent components as a coil spring, supporting pin, and the like, yet it provides an inexpensive multidirectional switch that has a superior operational feeling with a smaller number of constituent components.

Abstract: A switching device includes two or more switching modules (7, 8, 15) with at least one switch and connection clamps (24), an actuator (16), and a transfer device (39). The transfer device (39) propagates the drive motion initiated by the actuator (16) in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the actuator (16) and transfers the drive motion to at least one switching pin (18, 19) of the switching modules (7, 8, 15). The switching pin (18, 19) is positionable axially at a distance parallel to the axis of the actuator (16).

Abstract: A pistol-shaped television remote control unit, including an infrared light emitting diode (LED) and circuitry for transmitting control signals to an infrared detector in the television receiver, and a microprocessor which retains the last six channels selected in memory. The ergonomic design provides a plurality of conveniently activated switches, including a trigger which changes the channel to the channel previously selected, three volume control switches on the inside of the grip (volume up, down and mute) for convenient operation by the middle, ring and little fingers, a function keyboard on the back of the grip, and picture adjustment buttons on the side of the grip. The power switch is located on an angled portion of the back of the grip. Power to the unit is provided by batteries which are loaded into the barrel of the device by means of a threaded cap at the muzzle.

Abstract: A push-pull rotary switch includes a board having two circuits on opposite sides. Conductors are respectively positioned above the circuits for contacting ground and contact pads of the circuits. A shaft extends through the conductors and the board and is rotatable and moveable between inward and outward positions. The conductors are connected to the shaft to rotate and move with the shaft. A first conductor contacts the ground pad and a contact pad of a first circuit when the shaft is in the inward position. A second conductor contacts the ground pad and a contact pad of a second circuit when the shaft is in the outward position. A first trace is connected to the first circuit ground pad and a second trace is connected to the second circuit ground pad. A contactor connects a ground trace to at least one of the first and second traces at all times.

Abstract: An operating device having a control button that is tiltable relative to the operating device housing, and where the device has switch elements for actuating on manipulation of the control button, e.g., by tilting, at least one of the switch elements. The control button has a downward projecting, central, spring-supported boss that is rounded at the bottom, is tiltably supported in a tiltable shaft in the housing and, preferably against spring action, is displaceable along a limited portion of the shaft. Projecting from the boss, transverse to the direction of the shaft there is provided a pair of oppositely oriented projections. Located in the housing and spaced from the underside of the control button is a plurality of switch elements that are positioned two-dimensionally. In a first pair of switch elements, each of the elements is designed to be actuated by a respective end area of the shaft on the tilting thereof in one direction or the other.

Abstract: A sequential control device, especially for a scrolling menu, comprises a key (8) mounted movably on a support (2) and able to actuate at least one contactor (16, 18) in response to an external action exerted in a given direction. The key (8) includes an arm (12) having a longitudinal direction, by way of which the contactor (18) is actuated in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the arm (12). The longitudinal direction of the arm (12) is substantially parallel to the direction of the external action exerted on the key (8), and the contactor (18) is mounted on a printed-circuit card (14) substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the arm (12).

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite operation switch that provides for more functions without increasing the number of switches and expanding its size, and provides satisfactory operability for switch selection operation.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes an opening and closing mechanism section with an opening and closing lever, and an alarm-outputting plate operating in response to a tripping operation. A case for the circuit breaker has a plurality of switch housing sections formed on a top side thereof, in which are installed an auxiliary switch for detecting an ON/OFF state of a main circuit contact and/or an alarm switch for detecting a tripping operation. The opening and closing lever and the alarm-outputting plate have outputting projecting pieces, respectively, laterally spaced apart from each other corresponding to the respective housing sections, for transmitting mechanical output signals to the switches. When the auxiliary and alarm switches are installed, the auxiliary switch is linked to the outputting projecting piece of the opening and closing lever, while the alarm switch is linked to the outputting projecting piece of the alarm-outputting plate.

Abstract: The present invention avoids increase in a thickness of a pointing device for inputting a signal in X-Y directions by sliding operation, improves functions of the device, and reduces the number of parts. The present invention includes a case housing a set of moving bodies for moving linearly in X-Y directions as an operating body is slid. Below the moving bodies, a built-in substrate is housed. The moving bodies are respectively formed of plate-shaped metal portions and resin portions mounted to opposite sides of the moving bodies. The case is formed of an upper case made of resin and a lower case formed of a metal plate. Contacts for coming into sliding contact with the built-in substrate are mounted to the resin portions to form a volume. Springs for origin returning are housed in the resin portions. The operating body operates a press-down switch on the built-in substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a switching device for selecting an operational instruction and deciding the operational instruction, and a portable terminal device having the same switching device capable of preventing a malfunction of the switching device. The switching device comprises a decision switch 4, selection switches 5a, 5b, a key base 6, a guide 9, a key top 12. The switching device is constructed such that pressure applied to a central portion of the key top is transmitted to the decision switch through the key base, and the force resulting from tilting of the key top away from a central axis is transmitted to the selection switches through the guide and the key base.

Abstract: A rotary body (20) rotating around a shaft center (O1) is provided at a main case body (13). A cam (20h) is provided at the outer periphery of the potion (20g) of the rotary body (20). A supporting shaft (30) is provided at the main case body (13) and a cam driving force transmission rod (31) is rotatably supported by the supporting shaft (30). When the cam abutment portion (31a) of the cam driving force transmission rod (31) abuts against the cam (20h), the pressing portion (31b) of the cam driving force transmission rod (31) pushes an interlock member (36) to turn on a switch. A virtual circle (K) is a moving locus of the outermost portion of a cable operation member which swings around a guide tube (18), and the cam (20h) is disposed within the virtual circle (K).

Abstract: A seat horizontal movement switching section (16) is operated in a horizontal direction for moving an entire seat in a horizontal direction. A bottom-front vertical movement switching section (17) is operated in a vertical direction for adjusting the bottom-front of a seat (12) in the vertical direction. A bottom-rear vertical movement switching section (18) is operated in the vertical direction for adjusting the bottom-rear of the seat in the vertical direction. An angle adjustment switching section (19) is operated in the horizontal direction for adjusting the angle of a back portion (13). A first knob (20) is capable of making a horizontal operation and a vertical operation to operate said seat horizontal movement switching section 16 and said bottom-front vertical movement switching section (17). A second knob (21) is capable of making the horizontal operation and the vertical operation to operate said bottom-rear vertical movement switching section (18) and said angle adjustment switching section (19).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a switch box structure of a ceiling fan, wherein the switches of the ceiling fan are separated from the ceiling fan, and are placed in a housing which may be mounted at a position that the user can reach, thereby facilitating the user operate the switches which include a lamp source switch, a direction control switch, and a fan switch. In addition, all of the elements of the control switches of the ceiling fan may be placed in the switch box structure to form a module, thereby facilitating assembling and dismantling the control switches of the ceiling fan.

Abstract: The lever switch has a shaft, an operating body turnable around the shaft, and a contact assembly. The contact assembly includes a movable contact piece turning in response to the turn of the operating body, a fixed contact piece secured to the shaft and slidingly contacting the movable contact piece, and a movable contact piece retainer disposed between the operating body and the fixed contact piece for retaining the movable contact piece. The movable contact piece retainer is opposed to the operating body and the fixed contact piece in the longitudinal direction of the shaft. A first clearance is provided between the movable contact piece retainer and the fixed contact piece in the longitudinal direction of the shaft, and a second clearance is provided between the movable contact piece retainer and the operating body in the longitudinal direction of the shaft.

Abstract: The switches of a switch box structure ceiling fan are separated from the ceiling fan, and are placed in a housing which may be mounted at a position that the user can reach, thereby facilitating the user operate the switches which include a lamp source switch, a direction control switch, and a fan switch. In addition, all of the elements of the control switches of the ceiling fan may be placed in the switch box structure to form a module, thereby facilitating assembling and dismantling the control switches of the ceiling fan.

Abstract: A motivational apparatus for controlling use of an electronic device, wherein the apparatus is interconnected between a source of transmission (e.g. power) and the electronic device to control transfer of transmissions from the transmission source to the electronic device. The apparatus comprises a plurality of electrical switches, a master switch, and a plurality of light-emitting diodes. A list of tasks is prepared and associated with the electrical switches such that one task corresponds to one electrical switch. As each task is completed, the electrical switch corresponding to that task is actuated to light up the diode corresponding to that switch. After all of the tasks are completed, a parent or supervisor may confirm satisfactory completion of the tasks and then actuate the master switch to close the electrical circuit, thereby allowing transfer of transmissions from the transmission source to the electronic device such that the electronic device is operational.

Abstract: A multidirectional input device is disclosed wherein one rotary electric part and two first and second push-switches are operated by one operating member. In comparison with the prior art, a larger number of electric parts can be operated and thus the multidirectional input device is suitable for use in a portable electronic device for which various functions are required.

Abstract: A slide switch includes a case member; a slide member movable within a planar range of movement, conducting elements formed between the case member and the slide member, and an elastic member for holding the slide member in a neutral position where the conducting elements are non-conductive. The elastic member is an integral unit having a holding portion engaged with the slide member, and projecting portions extending from the holding portion along the planar range of movement toward inner walls of the case member. The conducting elements include contacts arranged on the inner wall of the case member, and conductors arranged on the holding portion of the elastic member. The conductors of the elastic member are movable into contact with the contacts of the case member by an external force for moving the slide member away from the neutral position against a biasing force of the elastic member, and separable from the contacts by the biasing force of the elastic member when the external force is removed.

Abstract: A disposable picture display device having a suitable substrate which carries a plurality of color cells. Each color cell is configured such as to exhibit a change in its external color and/or to emit electromagnetic energy at least in the form of visible light in correlation with the application of electrical current and/or voltage to the cell. Suitable electrical connections to each color cell are provided. The electrical connections being electrically connectable to a suitable electrical power supply and adapted to provide the color cell with a suitable current and/or voltage.

Abstract: An auxiliary switch for a circuit breaker of the split case type. The switch is capable of switching the rated interrupt current capacity of the breaker and is fitted in to the circuit breaker case so that the overall width is substantially equal to or less than the overall width of the circuit breaker. Several embodiments of the auxiliary switch disclose various features which contribute to increasing the interrupt current rating and/or down sizing the width of the auxiliary switch.

Abstract: The objective of the invention is to provide a compact and complex electronic component incorporating a rotary encoder capable of exact adjustment and a push switch with a long life-cycle. In order to achieve the objective, the push switch is fixed on a rear wall or a lower surface of the electronic component such that an essential of the push switch, i.e., a dome-shaped member, can be made larger and has longer fatigue life. Moreover, the rotary encoder includes a rotatable member and a resilient member. The rotatable member has a gear-shaped flange and is rotatable circumferentially relative to a central shaft of the rotary encoder. When the rotary encoder rotates, the resilient member, relative to the central shaft, is stationary. The resilient member has a V-shaped portion retained by a surface of the gear-shaped flange of the rotatable member such that the rotary encoder can be exact adjusted.

Abstract: An operating button with multiple functions comprising the functions of the four-direction control key, the action control key and the speaker is equipped in the handheld products. The operating button includes the housing, the four-direction and action control assembly, and the speaker, wherein the four-direction and action control assembly includes a spring.

Abstract: A push and rotation operating type electronic component that allows for rotary manipulation in a tangential direction of a peripheral surface of a cylindrical operating knob projecting from a control surface of an apparatus, and also for pushing manipulation in a direction toward a central axis of rotation of the knob. The electronic component provides for a reduction in overall dimensions of a main portion, thereby reducing a height size of an enclosure of the end-use apparatus, smooth movement to a depressing manipulation, and easy to assemble.

Abstract: A position control device includes a base board, a conductive spring contact unit and a control key. The base board has one side provided with a conductive contact set that includes a plurality of angularly spaced conductive contacts. The conductive spring contact unit is secured to the base board, and includes a plurality of angularly spaced spring contact arms that extend in radial directions and in a direction away from the base board such that each of the spring contact arms overlies spacedly a corresponding one of the conductive contacts of the conductive contact set. The control key is disposed on the conductive spring contact unit such that application of a force on the control key in a direction toward the base board will result in movement of an appropriate one of the spring contact arms for establishing electrical connection with the corresponding one of the conductive contacts.

Abstract: A composite switch comprises a first fixed contact unit and a second fixed contact unit which are disposed on the surface of a substrate in such a manner as to be symmetrical about a reference line which is perpendicular to the surface of the substrate, a first rotating contact unit which contacts with the first fixed contact unit or the second fixed contact unit, and a second rotating contact unit which contacts with the second fixed contact unit or the first fixed contact unit. Both rotating contact units are respectively held by a rotating member which rotates on an axis along the reference line. A first facing contact leg is electrically connected to the first rotating contact unit and a second facing contact leg is electrically connected to the second rotating contact unit, wherein the two facing contact legs are disposed in such a manner as to face each other across the reference line.

Abstract: The disclosed rotary encoder includes contact substrate 31 and movable contact plate 32. Substrate 31 contains three fan-shaped conductive layers 34A, 34B, and 34C on positions having a same distance from the center of substrate 31. On the other hand, movable contact plate 32 retains three elastic contacts 36A, 36B, 36C, and rotates. The three contacts have continuity with each other and disposed at positions with a same distance from the center of substrate 31, spaced at a radial angle of 120°. When contact plate 32 is rotated, any two out of three elastic contacts 36A, 36B, and 36C consecutively contact with any two out of three conductive layers 34A, 34B, and 34C. Through the continuity, an electric signal is led out from terminals 35A, 35B, and 35C.

Abstract: A compact multiplexing control device combines simplicity with efficiency, ease of use, and quick access, and enables a user to switch among multiple functions. The multiplexing control device is comprised of two main components: a selector and an executor. The selector is a manually rotatable ring labeled with functions. The executor is a rocker which is disposed at a fixed location at the center of the ring. In a resting position, the rocker is aligned with a pair of functions, while in a selection position, the ring is rotated so that the rocker is aligned with a new pair of functions. Once the desired function is aligned with one pad of the rocker, the user can press that pad to execute the selected function.

Abstract: A rotary-push type electronic component is provided for use in an electronic appliance such as a mobile phone. The electronic component includes a base unit, a frame mounted to the base unit, a support shaft coupling the frame to the base unit for pivotal and vertical movement of the frame relative to the base unit, a generally cylindrical operation knob rotatably mounted to the frame, a rotary operation device for emitting an electric signal upon rotation of the generally cylindrical operation knob, and a pair of self-restoring push operation parts spaced apart on the base unit below the frame so as to be operated by pivoting of the frame about the support shaft relative to the base unit. The support shaft is disposed at a rear portion of the frame, and the push operation parts are disposed beneath a front portion of the frame.

Abstract: A switch assembly for a circuit having an insulating base, a blade, a blade hinge member that allows for rotation of the blade about a pivot position, a first contact member, identical in construction to the blade hinge member, having opposing sidewalls that electrically engage and disengage the blade in response to pivoting movement of the blade, a rotor member for engaging and rotating the blade, and a second contact member, identical in construction to blade hinge member and the first contact member, for retaining a fuse is provided. The opposing sidewalls of the either the blade hinge member or the first and second contact members, being identical in construction, are adapted to either pivotally support the blade, engage and disengage the blade, or secure the fusible member thereto, depending on their position on the insulating base. Identical spring members are connected to the blade hinge member and contact members for retention force.

Abstract: A multi-directional input device according to the present invention is operated by the movement in the axial direction of an operation member, and a push-switch generating an electrical signal is arranged at an end of the operation member in the axial direction, thereby reducing the dimension in the thickness direction to obtain a thin multi-directional input device.

Abstract: A steering column switch for motor vehicles comprises a base plate and first, second, and third identical microswitches placed onto the plate that are indirectly actuated by an operating lever through terminal links. The operating lever has a neutral position and two operating positions. The third microswitch that is assigned to the neutral position is arranged in a flat position. The terminal link actuating the third microswitch is arranged in a plane parallel to the base plate. A sampling roller prevents frictional losses during the actuation of the third microswitch via a control contour on the control lever.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus is provided, which includes a power supply section, a switch device having at least two microswitches, and a microcontroller. The switch device further includes an assembly holder, and a printed circuit board accommodating the microswitches thereon, a pushbutton with at least two legs, and elastic member. The microcontroller controls the power supply section in accordance with the states of the microswitches. The microcontroller determines erroneous operation of a pushbutton.

Abstract: A dual tactile feedback, three-state, low profile pushbutton switch comprising an insulated housing, a metal dome, an extended travel molded elastomeric dome or stem having a conductive material on a bottom surface for contacting the metal dome and contacts in the switch housing, a collar having an opening for a top portion of said elastomeric dome to protrude therethrough, and a fixed contact under the metal dome on the base of the insulated housing connected to a switch terminal. A flat plate with four legs is placed above the stem which moves adjacent to the walls of the housing. The plate extends through a frame and openings on the sides of the frame snap on to the sides of the insulated housing. Greater switch reliability is achieved by having the elastomeric dome with a bottom portion comprising a conductive material for contacting the metal dome.

Abstract: A switch mechanism includes a control member whose axis of rotation is longitudinal, a pair of supporting members to support the control member rotatably and also movably in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation, a first detector to detect a rotation of the control member, a second detector to detect a movement of the control member in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and a third detector to detect a movement of the control member along the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A cover (32) is provided with a first and a second guide holes (32a, 32b) and an intermediate projection (33). A first and a second projections (34a, 35a) of a first and a second movable members (34, 35) are inserted into the first and the second guide holes (32a, 32b). On a back face of an operating knob (36) is provided a first guide part (37) into which the intermediate projection (33) is adapted to be inserted, a second and a third guide parts (38, 39) into which the first and the second projections (34a, 35a) are adapted to be inserted. When the first movable member (34) is moved in a direction of an arrow (A1) by an operation of the operating knob (36), a reclining switch (13) is actuated, and when the second movable member (35) is moved in a direction of an arrow (A2), a head restraint switch (14) is actuated.

Abstract: A rotary switch has a rotary dial, an operation shaft, a housing, a rotary plate and a circuit board. A binding member extends from the rotary dial and inserts through a central through hole of the housing and connects to the contact plate to allow the rotary dial and the contact plate to rotate together. The housing and the circuit board attach and remain stationary, independent of any rotational movement of the rotary dial. The contact plate has a plurality of contact protrusions that extend in a predetermined pattern so that in accordance with rotation of the rotary dial, at least one contact protrusion is brought into electrical contact with at least one linear contact member belonging to a contact member array positioned on the circuit board.

Abstract: A seat switch for adjusting a power seat includes a case main body having a first switch, a seat slide switch and a second switch arranged in the case main body. The seat switch also includes a first and third operational members pivotally connected to the case main body that selectively engage first and third switches, respectively, when operated in a first direction. A second operational member is pivotally connected to the case main body and selectively engages the seat slide switch when operated in a second direction, which is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. Each operational member is able to independently pivot with respect to another operational member. A restriction member is disposed in the case main body that restricts movement of the second operational member when first and third operational members are operated in the first direction, and restricts movement of the first and third operational members when the second operational member is operated in the second direction.

Abstract: A composite switch utilizing a single button to perform two or more switching functions including a rotational direction switch operation and a push-button switch operation. Rotational movement of the button elastically deforms a first contact spring by a rotation of a cam fixed to the button via a button shaft so as to connect the contact spring to a first electrode. Axial movement (push-button operation) elastically deforms a second contact spring provided at a lower end portion of the button shaft in response to a pressing down operation of the button so as to connect the second contact spring to a second electrode. A rotational direction returning spring and a pressing down direction returning spring are provided in an inner portion of the button for biasing the button in a neutral position and automatically returning the button to the neutral position. A waterproof packing is slidably disposed between the button shaft and a case in which the switches and button shaft are disposed.

Abstract: A gimbal mounted multifunction button has a selector button that can selectively actuate one or more microswitches in response to a biasing force. The multifunction button has a selector button mounted to a gimbal contained in a plate. The selector button has a plurality of protruding actuators that pass through the plate and align with a plurality of microswitches mounted to a printed circuit board. The selector button may be biased to selectively cause one of the of actuators to actuate a corresponding switch, or alternately selectively cause an adjacent pair of actuators to actuate a corresponding pair of adjacent switches.

Abstract: A sliding plate engages moveable structure such as the actuating lever of an existing wall switch and separates or connects contacts to provide a momentary contact function in a potentially very thin but robust and economical switch suitable for inclusion within a switch plate cover. Momentary contact is provided at an intermediate location between extreme positions of the actuating lever of the existing switch or other moveable structure. Additional contacts can be provided to alter switch function and/or allow discrimination of direction of movement at an intermediate location. The switch can be retrofit to any existing structure without modification of that structure or disturbance of wiring to which that structure is connected.