Abstract: A keyswitch device which is provided with a support mechanism which supports a keytop in a movable manner, and a membrane sheet which has a plurality of upper electrodes and a plurality of lower electrodes which respectively correspond to the plurality of the upper electrodes and which form contact pairs with the corresponding upper electrodes. A plurality of contact pairs are arranged for a single keytop. The rubber cup pushes the plurality of contact pairs which are arranged for the single keytop.

Abstract: The disclosure includes various keypad features, buttons, labels, shapes, sizes, format and materials. The system may comprise a processor; a keypad in communication with the processor and configured for controlling a window shade; capacitive or physical buttons on the keypad, wherein one of the capacitive buttons may be configured to set the window shade to a preset position; a proximity sensor; and a communication card. The processor may determine an override pattern to return the window shade to an automatic mode after a period of time from an override request. The capacitive buttons may include haptic feedback or visual feedback. The system may also include a scheduler and/or receive weather conditions. The system may also include an ambient light sensor.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a button assembly, comprising, a platform having at least two electrodes; a dome member which comprises electrically conductive material, wherein the dome member is electrically connected to at least one of said at least two electrodes, and the dome is arranged so that at least a portion of the dome member overlays at least one other of the at least two electrodes, so that when the dome member is selectively collapsed inwardly by the application of force, the dome member will electrically contact said at least one other of the at least two electrodes, so that in its collapse state the dome member electrically connects the at least one of said at least two electrodes with the at least one other of the at least two electrodes; an interface member which comprises, (a) a compression member which is attached to the dome member at a position which overlays said at least one other of the at least two electrodes; (b) a restrictor member which is configured such tha

Abstract: A reaction force generating member includes: a first dome that gives a reaction force to an operation member according to the depression of the operation member; and a second dome that includes a hemispherical bowl part disposed inside the first dome, and a projection projecting downward from the center of the bowl part and depressing a switch disposed below the operation member.

Abstract: Touch sensitive mechanical keyboards and processes for detecting touch events and key depressions on the touch sensitive mechanical keyboard are provided. The touch sensitive mechanical keyboard can include a set of individually depressible mechanical keys having a touch sensitive surface. A touch sensor layer can be disposed on top of a key mechanism and flexible interconnections provided between key segments of the touch sensor layer can allow for depression of the key mechanism of individual keys. In some examples, the flexible interconnections can be formed by patterning a spring-like structure into the touch sensor layer. In some examples, the touch sensor layer can be transparent or include openings to allow a backlight to shine through. In some examples, addressable LED backlighting with buckling interconnects can also be provided to illuminate keycaps of the mechanical keyboard.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a flexible pressure switch. A flexible electrode region and a flexible non-electrode region are formed on a flexible printed circuit board at the bottom layer of the flexible pressure switch, two flexible electrodes separated from each other are arranged in the flexible electrode region, a conductive elastic composite body is adhered to and located on the flexible non-electrode region through an elastic adhesion layer, a pressure contact cavity region directly facing the flexible electrode region is formed on the conductive elastic composite body, and an upper surface of the inner wall of the pressure contact cavity region can contact the two flexible electrodes simultaneously or successively so as to switch on the circuit when being pressed. The flexible pressure switch is simple in fabrication process, low in cost, stable in performance and suitable for mass production.

Abstract: In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a push switch includes a substrate including a first electrode and a second electrode arranged on an upper surface of the substrate, the second electrode arranged around the first electrode; and a resilient member that is arranged on the second electrode over the first electrode. The substrate includes a recess in a lower surface of the substrate, and the recess is positioned below the first electrode that is arranged on the upper surface of the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus may include: a stationary module; a movable module having an outer surface and a substrate; a tactile switch secured on a first side of the substrate; a light indicator secured on a second side of the substrate, the first side and the second side being opposing sides of the substrate, etc. The movable module is configured to generate a spatial displacement relative to the stationary module along a spatial direction in response to a physical force exerted on the outer surface along the spatial direction.

Abstract: The switch case includes a metal plate having a first surface and a second surface that is at a side opposite to the first surface, and a resin case embedding a part of the metal plate. The resin case includes a housing portion having an opening formed on a surface of the resin case. The metal plate includes a terminal portion, a contact portion, and an intermediate portion positioned between the terminal portion and the contact portion. The terminal portion is exposed from the surface of the resin case, and the intermediate portion is embedded in the resin case. The intermediate portion is provided with at least one through-hole penetrating the first surface and the second surface. The contact portion includes a part of the first surface exposed to the housing portion of the resin case. In the at least one through-hole, the hole diameter of the at least one through-hole at the second surface is larger than the hole diameter of the at least one through-hole at the first surface.

Abstract: An electronic device may have wireless circuitry with antennas. An antenna resonating element arm for an antenna may be formed from conductive housing structures running along the edges of a device. The antenna may have a pair of switchable return paths that bridge a slot between the antenna resonating element and an antenna ground. An adjustable component and a feed may be coupled in parallel across the slot. The adjustable component may switch a capacitor into use or out of use and the return paths may be selectively opened and closed to compensate for antenna loading due to the presence of external objects near the electronic device.

Abstract: A base element and at least one switching element are included in an operator control device which may be disposed in a vehicle. By closing at least one electrical contact, the switching element is moveable from a first position into a second position relative to the base element. The operator control device can also include at least one pushbutton switch moveable relative to the base element between a position of rest and at least one activation position. The operator control device can further include at least one restoring element, formed of silicone and supported on the base element and on the pushbutton switch, which can be elastically deformed by moving the pushbutton switch from the position of rest into the activation position. Using the restoring element, the pushbutton switch can be moved from the activation position into the position of rest by relaxing the restoring element.

Abstract: A press button device includes a button unit having a main body with a surrounding wall, and an actuating member protruding from an inner side of the main body for actuating a control switch. A flexible connection unit includes a button-coupling portion connected to the surrounding wall in an airtight manner, a fixed portion radially spaced apart from and surrounding the button-coupling portion, and a deformable portion interconnecting the button-coupling and fixed portions. The deformable portion is elastically displaced relative to the fixed portion when the button unit is pressed, and restores the button unit to its original position when the pressing force thereon is removed.

Abstract: This application relates to various button related embodiments for use with a portable electronic device. In some embodiments, a snap clip can be integrated with a button bracket to save space where two separate brackets would take up too much space in the portable electronic device. In other embodiments, a tactile switch can be waterproofed by welding a polymeric layer atop a tactile switch assembly. In this way water can be prevented from contacting moisture sensitive components of the tactile switch assembly. The weld joining the polymeric layer to the tactile switch can include at least one gap to trapped gas surrounding the tactile switch assembly to enter and exit during heat excursions caused by various operating and/or assembly operations.

Abstract: A switch device includes a lever and a pusher. The pusher includes a surface that contacts the lever. When force is applied from the lever to the pusher, an inclined surface of the pusher produces a force that moves the pusher from a one-side pushing position to a two-side pushing position. This allows for a user to apply a smaller force to the lever in order to move the pusher from the one-side pushing position to the two-side pushing position and thereby push two switch units.

Abstract: An IOP control device for implantation in an eye of a patient is disclosed, including a housing with an entrance port and an exit port, a membrane anchored within the housing in a manner forming a flow control chamber on a first side of the membrane and a fluid flow passageway on a second opposing side of the membrane, and a position sensor system. The flow control chamber is arranged to contain a gas creating a flow control chamber pressure, and the membrane is configured to affect flow through the fluid flow passageway from the entrance port to the exit port by deflecting in response to changes in the flow control chamber pressure. The position sensor system includes a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion positioned to selectively contact the first conductive portion to indicate the position of the membrane relative to the fluid flow passageway.

Abstract: Provided is a dome-shaped spring for placing on a substrate having stationary contacts, and a circumferential edge of the dome-shaped spring is continuously in contact with the stationary contacts. At least a part of a neutral plane has a shape defined by an even function of at least eighth-order. Angle ? of the neutral plane of the dome-shaped spring to the substrate at a second inflection point that exists at a second-positioned inflection point from the circumferential edge, angle ? of the neutral plane to the substrate at a first inflection point, and angle ? of the neutral plane at the circumferential edge of the dome-shaped spring to the substrate satisfy following inequalities of ? ? and ? ?.

Abstract: A low travel switch assembly and systems and methods for using the same are disclosed. The low travel dome may include a domed surface having upper and lower portions, and a set of tuning members integrated within the domed surface between the upper and lower portions. The tuning members may be operative to control a force-displacement curve characteristic of the low travel dome.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a flexible keyboard including a flexible skin layer and a set of key frame modules coupled to one side of the flexible skin layer. The flexible skin layer can be made of at least one of polyurethane or polyester. The keyframe module can include a metal support plate for conducting a signal and a key structure situated over the metal support plate for providing tactile feedback when the key frame module is actuated. A plastic key cap structure can be situated over the dome structure. The flexible skin layer can be coupled to the plastic key cap. The key structure can be a dome structure where the flexible skin layer is a rubber or a fabric skin layer. The key structure can be a scissors key structure where the flexible skin layer is a rubber skin layer. Flexible key caps can be molded to the flexible skin layer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing input component assemblies for dome switches are provided. In some embodiments, an input component assembly may include a first conductive contact pad coupled to a first board of a switch, a second conductive contact pad coupled to a second board of the switch, and a layer of conductive adhesive between the first conductive pad and the second conductive pad, where the layer is operative to provide a seal for the switch.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing input component assemblies for dome switches are provided. In some embodiments, an input component assembly may include a contact area coupled to a circuit board for a switch, a conductive covering for enclosing the circuit board, and a dome positioned over the conductive covering, where the dome is operative to close at least one circuit of the switch when the dome is depressed towards the conductive covering.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing input component assemblies for dome switches are provided. In some embodiments, an input component assembly includes a switch, a button positioned over the switch, where the button is operative to close at least one circuit of the switch when the button is depressed towards the switch, an actuator positioned underneath the button to at least partially enclose at least one switch element, where the actuator is operative to deform when the button is depressed, and a weld plate welded to an underside surface of the button with at least one sonic weld joint to create a seal around the actuator and the at least one switch element, where a portion of the actuator is secured between the underside surface of the button and the weld plate.

Abstract: A pointing device and method for providing both translational and rotational input to a computer, to manipulate graphical objects. In one embodiment, a pointing stick is cantilevered to a base. One or more translational sensors are coupled to the pointing stick to generate translational signals in response to lateral forces applied to the pointing stick. One or more rotational sensors are coupled to the pointing stick to generate rotational signals in response to rotational forces applied to the pointing stick. The rotational sensor may sense torque, such as with a piezoelectric sensor configured to detect rotational strain on a fixed pointing stick. The rotational sensor may alternatively sense rotational displacement, such as with a potentiometer configured to detect rotation of a rotatable sleeve about a fixed shaft.

Abstract: Provided is a pushbutton switch that can be made thin without requiring that a notch be made into a mounting board. The pushbutton switch is provided with a first substrate having a housing recess part located on a surface of the first substrate, a center contact provided at roughly the center of the interior of the housing recess part, a pair of peripheral contacts provided on peripheral edge parts of the housing recess part, a movable contact spring that is installed on the pair of peripheral contacts and that touches the center contact upon being pressed, and a second substrate, which is provided with a pair of connection pads electrically connected to the first substrate. A cross section of the first and second substrates is formed as a whole into an “L”-like shape.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is provided, including a dome of a top push switch configured to contact, upon pushing, an inner pad of a base, fixing paste connecting the dome to an outer pad of the base; and a covering tape on top of the dome.

Abstract: A dome switch device enables electric contact by pressing of a central region or even any other region of a dome sheet formed to extend in a longitudinal direction with the same result regarding the amount of electrical contact. The dome switch device preferably includes a dome sheet extending along a longitudinal direction and having conductivity and a contact module provided on a substrate such that a plurality of both-pole (two-pole) contact portions are arranged alternately along the longitudinal direction of the dome sheet, in which the contact module, when being pressed regardless of where along the dome sheet is pressed, whether being pressed on a central region thereof or any other region other than the central region, electrically contacts the dome sheet with a high quality electrical contact.

Abstract: A low travel dome and systems for using the same are disclosed. A low travel switch may include a key cap and an elastomeric dome that may be configured to provide a predefined tactile feedback over a predefined travel amount of the key.

Abstract: The present application describes various embodiments of systems and methods for providing internal and external components for portable computing devices having a thin profile. More particularly, the present application describes internal components configured to fit within a relatively thin outer enclosure, wherein the internal components comprise at least one external interface, such as, for example, a track pad interface.

Abstract: A push switch comprises a first stationary contact, a second stationary contact disposed apart from the first stationary contact, and a movable contact unit confronting the first stationary contact with a space therebetween. The movable contact unit includes a center portion and a surrounding portion, the center portion has a dome-like shape, and the surrounding portion is formed in a peripheral region of the center portion.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a two-stage switch which has few components, can be made thin, and can obtain a clear clicking sense. [Solution] A two-stage switch (10) is provided with a click dome plate (20) having a movable contact, a keypad (30) joined to the upper surface of the dome of the dome plate (20), and a fixed contact (41) formed on a substrate (40). The fixed contact (41) comprises a first stage fixed contact (42) and second stage fixed contact (43). When the keypad (30) is not being subjected to a pressing operation, the dome plate (20) is in a floating state without contacting any of the fixed contacts. With a first stage pressing operation on the keypad (30), the pad (30) is deformed and the dome plate (20) comes into contact with the first stage fixed contact (42). With a second stage pressing operation on the keypad (30), the dome plate (20) deforms with a clicking sensation and comes into contact with the second stage fixed contact (43).

Abstract: A keypad apparatus and related methods are disclosed herein. An example keypad apparatus includes an electrical switch and a carrier composed of a plastic resin. The carrier has conductive traces printed thereon to couple the electrical switch to a circuit board via interference.

Abstract: The described embodiments relate to methods and apparatus for fine-tuning a resistance profile for a mechanical switch. In one embodiment, by combining a switch with one or more damping or support materials a tuned switch system can be formed. The damping or support materials can modify the force and displacement characteristics of the switch, thereby allowing a user experience to be customized. The damping or support materials can be arranged in series and/or in parallel with the mechanical switch.

Abstract: An electronic device may have buttons, a display, and a vibrator unit. Buttons may be included in electronic devices such as glass buttons, metal buttons, buttons that are assembled on printed circuit boards, and buttons that are partly formed from antenna structures. Button coatings may be used to improve the sliding performance of metal-on-metal buttons. A layer of polymer may be interposed between a button plate and a housing structure. A glass button member may have an underside on which a layer of patterned ink is formed. Elastomeric members may be used to reduce button rattle. Portions of a button may be provided with conductive features that form portions of an antenna.

Abstract: Keys may be formed for keyboards. The keyboards may be attached to electronic devices such as computers or may be formed within a portable computer or other electronic equipment. A keyboard may be provided with a planar housing member such as a top plate. The top plate may have openings through which key caps protrude. Each key cap may be attached to a respective spring mechanism. The spring mechanism for each key may have first and second diving-board structures that flex about respective parallel flex axes. A dome switch may be mounted under each spring mechanism. The dome switch is compressed when the key cap is pressed and the first diving-board structure moves towards the dome switch. The top plate may have edge portions surrounding each key opening that form upstop structures that prevent the key caps and spring mechanisms from tilting when the dome switch is compressed.

Abstract: A process is provided for characterizing a tactile response of a first mechanical actuator (e.g., button) based on a back off distance. The first mechanical actuator may include a plunger, a dome-shaped flexible membrane, and an electrical contact, all aligned with each other so that a contact signal is generated when the flexible membrane touches the contact. The plunger can be moved a first distance towards the contact until the contact signal is generated at a contact point. Then the plunger can be backed off a second distance from the contact point. This second distance may be called the “back off distance”. The particular feel of the first mechanical actuator can then be correlated to a particular back off distance. This process can be repeated a number of times to classify a number of different “feels” for the first mechanical actuator based on a number of different back off distances.

Abstract: A portable electronic device may have an inverted dome switch assembly. The switch assembly may have an inverted dome that has a base and a conductive underside. The base may be attached to a button member. Two electrical contacts in the button member may face the conductive underside. Corresponding conductive traces may be connected to the contacts. The dome may bear against a housing member. The button member may be movable with respect to the housing member from an unactuated position to an actuated position. The dome switch may form a footprint based upon the dome base area. The housing member may extend into a portion of the footprint and not into the remaining portion of the footprint allowing that space to be otherwise utilized.

Abstract: One aspect provides a key switch device including: a base plate; a sheet laminated on the base plate; a key top disposed above the sheet; and an elastic dome that is disposed between the sheet and the key top and is configured to press the sheet in response to the key top being pressed down. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: Compact input devices formed on flexible substrates are disclosed. The input devices may be formed using three or more conducting layers. By including three or more conducting layers, the diameter of the input device may be minimized. In addition, to improve the flexibility of portions of the input device mounted, some portions of the input device may be made to have fewer layers than other portions of the input device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a metal dome switch for a keypad capable of maintaining click sensitivity in an optimal state upon a push operation of a key button by forming a large height of an uplift part while maintaining structural strength of the uplift part, and increasing a height of a pressure concentration projection projecting upward from an apex of a dome-shaped metal plate while minimizing deformation in outer appearance and dimension of the metal dome switch, when the pressure concentration projection is press formed through a press forming process such as a bending process or a half-blanking process.

Abstract: A multi-directional switch device includes: an operation member; an actuator which is applied with an operation force from the operation member; a plurality of rubber contacts which is pressed down by the actuator; and a plurality of fixed contacts to or from which the rubber contacts are respectively movable close or away, wherein the multi-directional switch device performs a switching operation in such a manner that a combination of a pair of two rubber contacts is selected from the plurality of rubber contacts in response to an operation direction, and both of the two rubber contacts are pressed down so as to respectively come into contact with the corresponding fixed contacts.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dome shaped spring including: a dome shaped spring section in which buckling occurs by pushing, wherein at least a portion of a neutral face of a movable portion when buckling of the dome shaped spring section occurs is an aspherical shape.

Abstract: A switch packing includes a switch mechanism part disposed between an operation button and a switch element, and configured to be elastically deformed by pushing the operation button so as to have the switch element change to a first state and provide an operational feeling via the operation button, and a sealing part configured to prevent penetration of a liquid. The switch mechanism part and the sealing part are integrated with each other.

Abstract: A switch assembly is provided to actuate a pair of switches using a single push key, e.g. for a camera that utilizes a first switch to activate an image focusing function and a second switch to activate a camera shutter. The switch assembly comprises a contact pad switch and a dome switch that are located laterally to one another. When the push key receives a first downward force, only the contact pad switch becomes activated and a first electric circuit is completed. When the push key receives a second downward force that is greater than the first force, the dome switch collapses and a second electric circuit is completed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable terminal, including, a first conductor formed on one surface of a board and having a contact surface, a second conductor formed at an outer periphery of the first conductor and having a support surface, and a metal dome supported by the support surface and transformed responsive to a key being pressed so as to contact the contact surface, wherein the contact surface is located at a position lower than the support surface so as to increase a transformation stroke of the metal dome.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of an inductive electrical sensor assembly includes a hollow housing structure defining an open space within the housing structure and a circuit board mounted in the open space. The circuit board includes an inductive sense area. A flexible metal domed spring structure is mounted over the inductive sensor area. A stem portion extends from a actuator area of the housing structure and having a distal end disposed adjacent to or in contact with the spring structure. The domed spring structure is adapted to be flexed toward the inductive sensor area by force exerted by the stem portion when a user exerts force on the actuator area, the flexing of the domed spring structure resulting in a change of inductance of the inductive sensor area which may be sensed to indicate an actuator push.

Abstract: A protection mechanism for force-based touch sensitive input panels or displays comprising a “snap dome”, e.g., a semi-rigid pliable dome positioned over each sensor for increased overload protection. The snap dome is unidirectionally-resilient to a known point of collapse. It therefore imparts a predetermined resistance to compression over a known range of travel along the z-axis, but is unyielding along the x- and y-axis. As the touch panel is depressed toward the standoff, the snap dome resists compression until it collapses, allowing the touch panel to encounter the standoff. The standoff then imparts dead-stop overload force protection to the sensors. This allows for the placement of mechanical stops (such as stop screws) with a less exacting tolerance. Moreover, the snap domes introduce no x- or y-axis force losses/increases, and do not cause tilting of the touch panel. The touch force remains perfectly perpendicular and accuracy is preserved.

Abstract: A movable contact point made of a thin conductive metal sheet in an approximate dome shape is attached to the lower surface of a transparent base sheet, and the base sheet is provided at the upper or the lower surface with a fluorescent layer in the location above the movable contact point. Since, in the make-up, light can be made available for illumination in many colors other than that generated from a light emitting device, a movable contact element, as well as a switch formed using the contact element, that offers various illuminating modes can be implemented in a simple structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a touch-sensitive switch, characterized in that it includes at least one dome (7, 107, 207a, 207b), at least one disk (11), and at least one insulator (13, 213a, 213b) arranged between said dome (7, 107, 207a, 207b) and said disk (11), such that the peripheral portions of said dome (7, 107, 207a, 207b) and said disk (11) are each in contact with a surface of said insulator (13, 213a, 213b), said insulator (13, 213a, 213b) having a central opening (27) so as to enable contact between said dome (7, 107, 207a, 207b) and said disk (11) when subjected to a force bringing the same closer to one another.

Abstract: A switch device includes a base board having a face on which a fixed contact is provided and an elastic sheet that covers the face of the base board. The elastic sheet includes a contact dome part that covers the fixed contact to form a contact chamber, a movable contact that is provided on the contact dome part, a first recessed part that forms an air accumulating chamber, a second recessed part that forms a foreign material accumulating chamber, a guide groove that has a straight part and a circular arc part to form a guide passage for communicating the air accumulating chamber with the foreign material accumulating chamber, a nonreturn part provided inside the circular arc part, and a vent groove connected to the contact dome part and the guide groove to form a vent passage for communicating the contact chamber with the guide passage.

Abstract: The invention prevents a dome-shaped movable contact for switching from being deformed beyond necessity, and also prevents a contactor from being poorly recovered in advance. The movable contact for switching comprises a reversely recoverable contactor formed by curving an electrically conductive leaf material into a dome-like shape while forming a bulge at the center of a convex surface of the contactor, the bulge protruding toward a dome-shaped convex side, a plurality of contact points formed by forming small projections concentrically positioned around the bulge, on a concave surface of the contactor, the small projections protruding toward a dome-shaped concave side, and a recess for use in prevention of deformation, on a convex side face of the bulge, formed by depressing a part of the circumference of the bulge, on a straight line connecting the center of the bulge with each of the contact points, toward the center.

Abstract: A dome switch can include a dome mounted to a circuit board and secured by a sheet constructed from a material that is impermeable to air. To allow air enclosed by a volume between the dome and the circuit board to be expelled when the dome is depressed, the sheet can include at least one venting hole through which air can flow to the environment of the switch. To prevent contaminants from accessing the volume between the dome and the circuit board through the at least one venting hole, the dome switch can include a membrane positioned over the venting hole. The membrane can be constructed from a material that is permeable to air, but impermeable to contaminants. In some cases, the membrane can be constructed from a mesh material.