Abstract: Key switches of the inventive subject matter are designed to give users the tactile feel of key switches from expensive mechanical keyboards without drawback typically associated with alternative key switches. In some embodiments, key switches described in this application are designed to function with a sheet of membrane switches. These embodiments feature a plunger and rocker combination that prevents the pressure from a user's key press from being directly transferred to a membrane switch, thereby reducing wear and tear.

Abstract: The present invention disclosed a keyswitch comprising a housing, a keycap, a circuit board, an elastic body, a guiding part, and a cushioning part. The housing comprises an opening. The keycap is disposed on the housing. The circuit board is disposed under the housing. The elastic body is disposed on the circuit board and is disposed between the housing and the circuit board. One end of the guiding part is disposed on the elastic body, and the other end corresponds to the opening and is connected with the keycap. The cushioning part is disposed between the guiding part and the housing, wherein the cushioning part cushions the collision between the guiding part and the housing when the keycap moves away from the housing. When the keyswitch is restored, the guiding part does not directly hit the housing. The present invention also disclosed a keyboard using the keyswitch.

Abstract: A wireless transmitter including a rotating actuator, a plate connected to the rotating actuator, and a wireless switch. The wireless switch may include at least one actuating panel and at least one transducer element. The at least one transducer element may be configured to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy. The at least one actuating panel may be configured to transmit mechanical energy to the at least one transducer element. The plate may be configured to contact the wireless switch at a rotational end point of the rotating actuator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a key structure, including: a key pedestal, a key support shaft, a keycap, a rotating member, and an elastic element. The key pedestal is provided with a sleeve structure, a press member of the key support shaft is disposed in the sleeve structure, and the rotating member and the elastic element are disposed in the sleeve structure and located below the press member. When the keycap is pressed by an external force, the press member presses on the rotating member to drive the rotating member to rotate so as to generate a sound.

Abstract: A switch structure includes: a switch member that is deformed and receives a switch input, when force of a predetermined magnitude is applied thereto; a pressing member that presses the switch member; and an intermediate member that includes a first layer and a second layer, is interposed between the switch member and the pressing member, and is plate-like, the first layer being made of a synthetic resin and abutting against the switch member, the second layer being layered on the pressing member side of the first layer and being made of a material having a rigidity higher than the synthetic resin.

Abstract: A keyboard including: a key top; a slide member that is attached to the key top, slides up and down, and presses a contact via an elastic member; a non-slide member that is attached to the key top, and never moves up and down; supporters that support the slide member and the non-slide member, respectively; wherein the slide member is restrained by the key top in a first direction, and is movable in a second direction vertical to the first direction, and the non-slide member is arranged diagonally with the slide member, is movable in the first direction, and is restrained by the key top in the second direction.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus having an input device is disclosed. The input device is capable of reducing the sound generated when an operation-input part returns to its original position after being pressed. The input device includes a base plate having a hook standing towards the operation-input part. The operation-input part has an arm member that can come into contact with the hook. A contact of the arm member with the hook specifies an ascending limit of the operation-input part, and at least one of the arm member and the hook has elasticity in their contacting direction to reduce rebound sound.

Abstract: Provided is a switch that can be downsized. A switch is provided with a plunger, and an upper torsion spring configured to bias the plunger in a returning direction. The torsion spring has a first arm that extends to the plunger and abuts against the plunger. The plunger has a hole at a position into which the first arm is inserted. The hole is a through hole extending in a direction that is perpendicular to a direction in which the plunger moves, and is the same as a direction in which the first arm extends when viewed in the direction in which the plunger moves.

Abstract: A switch assembly (108) includes a housing (202), a switch (204), a lock mechanism (206), and an input element (208). The switch (204) is disposed within the housing (202) and configured to translate, along a first axis (212), between a first switch position and a second switch position. The lock mechanism (206) is disposed within the housing (202) and configured to translate, along a second axis (216) that is parallel to the first axis (212), between an unlock position and a lock position. The input element (208) is coupled to the switch (204) and the lock mechanism (206) and is movable relative to the housing (202). The input element (208) is adapted to receive an input force and is configured, upon receipt thereof to selectively and simultaneously move the switch (204) and the lock mechanism (206) between the first and second switch positions and the unlock and lock positions, respectively.

Abstract: Controls for a transmission brake include a switch that employs resistance to motion of an axially movable plunger in order to provide tactile feedback to the operator as to the current position of the plunger, thus reflecting a particular state of the switch. In a fully depressed position of the plunger, the transmission brake is on. Shortly before this position is reached, resistance is encountered at an intermediate position at which the transmission brake is already engaged, thereby giving the user of the option of depressing the plunger further in order to provide a longer travel time of plunger back to its normal spring-biased position in which the brake is disengaged. Some embodiments activate other brake control components at partially depressed plunger positions preceding the intermediate position, whereby controlled creeping of the vehicle can be accomplished before the transmission brake is returned to a continuously engaged state.

Abstract: A transaction product includes an electrical assembly, a housing, a button, and an account identifier. The electrical assembly includes a light. The housing substantially encloses the electrical assembly including the light, wherein the housing defines an exterior surface and an aperture extending through the exterior surface. The button has a rounded extremity and extends from within the housing to outside the housing through the aperture and beyond the exterior surface. The button aligns with and surrounds the light such that when the light is lit the button is illuminated. The account identifier is coupled to the housing and links the transaction product to a financial account having an associated monetary value available toward a price of a purchase, wherein the account identifier is machine readable.

Abstract: A magnetic switching device is provided with a first switching device which is provided with a movable magnet connected to a contact bridge, and with a second switching device which is provided with a magnet connected to a movable switch element. The magnets have the same polarity on the front faces facing each other. Positioned between the magnets is a separating plate made of ferromagnetic material, which is smaller than the front faces of the magnets which face each other.

Abstract: An axially-movable rotary switch includes a casing, a fixing base, a substrate and a knob. The fixing base is fixed in the hollow casing. The substrate is fixed below the fixing base. The knob is pivotally disposed on the upper end of the hollow casing. The switching rod of the knob eccentrically penetrates a positioning hole of the fixing base. The elastic piece is disposed at the distal end of the switching rod and is brought into contact with the electrical contacts of the substrate. With the elastic piece of the switching rod being arranged to correspond to the electrical contacts of the substrate, a user can switch the states between a closed circuit and an open circuit by axially drawing/pressing the knob. Further, the contact between the elastic piece and the electrical contacts will not generate unnecessary frictional interference, so that the lifetime of the device can be extended.

Abstract: An elastic member for a pushbutton switch with which a soft tactile sensation can be gained when the pushbutton is pressed down is provided. The elastic member for a pushbutton switch is provided with a base portion, a connection portion which extends from the base portion, a pressing portion which is supported above the base portion by the connection portion, and a protrusion which protrudes downward from the pressing portion. The inside of the protrusion is hollow.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a microprocessor connected to an input keyboard comprising primary conductive lines connected to primary areas and to a terminal. It further includes first, second and third secondary conductive lines connected to secondary areas and to a terminal. It further includes input keys each of which, when operated, establishes contact between a primary area of a primary line and a secondary area of a secondary line to place each of these two lines in a high state.

Abstract: Electronic equipment of the present invention includes a first housing 2 with an elastically deformable thin-wall portion 25 formed as a part of the front wall, an elastically deformable spacer member 4, and a sub board 5 on which switches 51 are mounted. The spacer member 4 includes a plurality of elastic members 41 and a second supporting member 46. Each of the elastic members 41 includes an operating strip 41a that is formed so that when the thin-wall portion 25 is deformed elastically, one surface of the operating strip 41a can be brought into contact with a back surface of the thin-wall portion 25 and the other surface can be pressed against the switch 51. The second supporting member 46 is formed so as to protrude between each of the elastic members 41, and can be brought into contact with the back surface of the thin-wall portion 25 at least when the thin-wall portion 25 is deformed elastically. The elastic members 41 and the second supporting member 46 are formed integrally.

Abstract: An improved button actuation assembly for activating a switch on hand held devices such as portable barcode readers has an improved structure that absorbs and dissipates the force exerted on the button. The improved structure thus protects the switch and the button actuation assembly itself from being damaged by excessive force such as from an impact shock caused by dropping or misuse.

Abstract: A water resistant actuating mechanism for a plunger type limit switch using a bowed spring to activate the plunger of a plunger type switch mounted within an actuating mechanism housing includes a flexible seal for covering the hole or opening in through which the bowed spring extends. The seal may be dome shaped and cover a circular opening. A glide or shoe is positioned on or connected to each end of the spring and are held in place between an upper wall of the housing and a backing sheet connected to the housing. The glide reduces the amount of deflection of the bowed spring required to activate the plunger type switch such that the additional thickness added by the flexible seal does not increase the overall required thickness of the actuating mechanism.

Abstract: A key mechanism for an input device includes a key having an axle that is coupled to a guide in the housing of the input device in a manner such that the key pivots about the axle when the key is depressed, while allowing the axle to simultaneously move up or down within the guide.

Abstract: A switching device is provided which includes a moving body and a movement detection switch. The movement detection switch has a contact piece which is urged forwardly and which is moved by a spring so as to turn an electric contact on or off. When the moving body is shifted to a certain position, the electric contact is turned on or off through the contact piece. The moving body includes a floating head to be brought into contact with the contact piece, a guide for shifting the floating head in a moving direction of the contact piece, and a spring for urging the floating head in the moving direction of the contact piece. In a switching device of such a configuration, chattering can be prevented.

Abstract: A self-adjusting plunger switch having a housing (3) carrying contacts (7, 19) with an actuation element (5, 27) for actuation of the contacts (7, 19). A resilient element (11) biases the actuating element outwardly of the housing toward an inoperative position. The actuating element comprises a housing-guided slider (5) and a plunger (27) adjustably connected with the slider. The plunger (27) has a first stop arrest (45) which can be brought from an adjustment between the plunger (27) and the slider (5) through rotational movement around the longitudinal axis of the plunger to engage with a second stop arrest (29a) of the slider as a result of which an arrest of the position between the plunger (27) and slider (5) is attainable.

Abstract: A push button switch for use with an operating key of electronic appliances having a long working stroke, a clear step feeling during the switching operation, and an overstroke after switching is complete. The switch contains a pressure member 17 made of elastic material disposed between the push button 18 and movable contact point 16. As the domed movable contact point 16 is pressed during the switching operation via the pressure member 17, the working stroke of the switch can be made longer for a quantity equivalent to that of the compression deformation in the pressure member 17, before and after the reversal action of the domed movable contact point 16. Also, there is provided a clearance for outward expansion for the top extrusion of the pressure member 17 during compression deformation. Due to the alignment of these components, the possibility of the pressure member 17 and push button 18 dislocating or rattling is minimized.

Abstract: A push button key switch has an intermediate guide cylinder which is free to slide lengthwise inside a fixed guide cylinder and which at the same time holds the neck of a keytop while allowing it to slide freely lengthwise. The intermediate guide cylinder guides the keytop in its motion while the fixed guide cylinder guides the intermediate guide cylinder in its motion. Downward motion of the keytop causes the lower ends of the neck and the intermediate guide cylinder to collapse an elastic member which, in turn, then activates an electrical contact mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switch device which is suitable for use, for example, in a telephone to detect the presence of the handset (11) in the cradle (9). The switch device comprises a frame (3), a switch (4) movable in relation to the frame, and a separate plunger (2) acting on the switch, the plunger comprising a press knob (5) and a spring part (6). The plunger operates by bringing the switch (4) into the connecting position and by releasing it, after the pressure has ceased, to return to the initial position. It is essential in the invention that the spring part (6) of the plunger comprises a part which is against the switch (4) and is wider than the switch, is of a resilient material and hollow. This part (6) may be made up, for example, of a transverse sleeve or ring as an extension of the press knob (5).

Abstract: A device is disclosed for the manual control of thermal relays, comprising a case with a push-button on a front wall and having a transmission member; the latter comprises a rigid support and a resilient lever applicable on the stop and re-set pushers of a thermal relay. A drive element proper to the push-button is applicable on an intermediate zone of the resilient lever.

Abstract: A push button switch including a case, a key top fastened to the case, an elastic member disposed between the case and the key top and acting to upwards urge the key top and a contact portioned so as to confront a spring member fastened to an operation member of the key top so that the contact portion is pressed by the spring member when the key top is depressed, the push button switch comprising: a movable member disposed between the operation member of the key top and a projection wall of the case whereby the operation member and the movable member can be moved with respect to each other and the movable member and the projection wall can be moved with respect to each other.

Abstract: A switch assembly is provided with a short travel switch (16, FIG. 3) activated by a push button that has a long travel both before and after closing of the short travel switch, and which provides a substantially constant spring rate throughout push button travel, with minimal noticeable disruptions. The switch assembly includes an inner plunger (32) which depresses the short travel switch, and an outer plunger (44) or keystem coupled to the push button. An inner spring device (46) couples the inner plunger to the housing, and an outer spring device (52) couples the two plungers, so the springs act in series. The preloads of the two spring devices are substantially the same, and the inner spring has a lower spring rate than the outer spring. As the keystem is depressed, both springs begin to compress until the inner plunger contacts the short travel switch.

Abstract: A low profile keyboard switch actuator mechanism having tactile and/or audible feel, for use in combination with a membrane switch assembly, and which includes a housing for mounting on top of the membrane switch assembly, a plunger slidably positioned in the housing, an actuator pivotally mounted within the housing, and a biasing spring. The actuator has a vertical arm and a horizontal leg. A slide member is mounted on the arm. Upper and lower stops on the arm limit the range of movement of the slide member. The spring is seated upon the horizontal leg and urges the plunger outwardly in an upper opening in the housing. Cooperating cam surfaces on the plunger and the slide member function during reciprocating movements of the plunger for attaining desired sensible results with mechanism.

Abstract: An electric switch design compensates for unprodictable but significant variability, within a known range, in case and cover material shrinkage during manufacture. A contact actuator has radially spaced guide bosses and an axial barrel providing a plurality of external axially extending sharp bearing ridges. Case guide structure cooperates with the actuator guide bosses to permit actuator travel generally normal to the case floor. The actuator is dimensioned with respect to the case guide structure to accommodate the unpredictable case material shrinkage variability and thereby to permit actuator play in which the actuator axis is rotatable out of the normal to the case floor.

Abstract: A switch actuator includes a base and a plunger mounted for movement on the base. An electrical contact is mounted for relative movement on the base to establish an electrical connection. An actuator includes a head portion and a pair of spring arms. The spring arms extend into a bore in the plunger for frictionally grasping the plunger by spring biased forces against the interior walls of the bore. The actuator has a head portion exposed from an open end of the plunger bore for effecting movement of the electrical contact to alter the state of the electrical connection. The frictional engagement between the spring arms and the plunger provide overtravel or relative movement therebetween and the affect of the spring arms substantially eliminates any affect from wear between the plunger and the actuator.

Abstract: A switch actuator includes a base and a plunger mounted for movement on the base. An electrical contact is mounted for relative movement on the base to establish an electrical connection. An actuator assembly is mounted for movement on the base and is operatively associated with the plunger for effecting movement of the electrical contact to alter the state of the electrical connection. The actuator includes a pair of relatively movable members with a wedge member therebetween. The wedge member is effective to cause conjoint movement of the movable members and to allow relative overtravel movement between the members. The relationship between the electrical contact and the actuator assembly is adjustable to vary the movement differential of the switch actuator.

Abstract: A keyswitch operator includes a supporting bearing block and axially movable keytop and plunger. A cylindrical plunger is slidably guided between alternating flat and conical surfaces about a through bore in the bearing block. The flat surfaces provide constant bearing guides along multiple axial lines angularly spaced about the plunger. The conical surfaces provide draft to facilitate removal of a mold after forming of the through bore. Both "quiet tactile" and "click tactile" modes of operation are available when utilizing the keyswitch operator in conjunction with a yieldable dome overlying a membrane switch assembly. "Click tactile" operation requires the addition of a spring-biased piston to physically engage the underlying switch assembly when the plunger has been depressed.

Abstract: A switch actuator provides a floating release point switch assembly, including a base. An electrical contact on the base establishes an electrical connection. A movable bidrectional cam, in the form of a helix, is operatively associated with the electrical contact to alter the state of the electrical connection in response to movement of the cam in a given direction. An actuator is mounted for movement on the base and is operatively associated with the bidirectional cam for moving the cam in a given direction. A lost motion mechanism is independent of the bidirectional cam and is operatively associated between the cam and the actuator to allow the actuator to overtravel the cam after the state of the electrical connection is altered.

Abstract: A push-button switch which eliminates a dispersion in on and off timings thereof is disclosed. The push-button switch has a pressing spring, and a switch element which includes a pressing piece, a fixed contact element and a movable contact element. The movable contact element is contacted with the fixed contact element when an acting projection of the pressing spring press against a movable contact element pressing portion at an end of a leg portion of the pressing piece. The movable contact element pressing portion of the pressing piece gradually narrows towards its end, and is of substantially the same thickness of material as the leg portion thereof. The gradually narrowing movable contact element pressing portion of the pressing piece is in a contiguous relationship to the leg portion has a projection provided on a surface thereof for contacting with the acting projection of the pressing spring and has a rib provided on the opposite face thereof for pressing against the movable contact element.

Abstract: An electric switch construction having a body member with a a stationary electrical contact, a movable plunger in the body member and carrying a second electrical contact, and a compression spring, one end of which is carried by the plunger. The other end of the spring preferably carries an abutment or button, intended for engagement by an actuator, such as the hood of a motor vehicle. The spring constitutes a yieldable drive or link between the actuator and plunger, to compensate for dimensional variations that normally occur in the environment in which the switch is used, as well as minimizing deleterious effects of high impulse forces that would otherwise be applied by the actuator to the switch plunger, and also the effects of overtravel of the actuator. Improved reliability and longer switch life expectancy are thus realizeable.