Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet having moving contacts and a sheet switch that are constructed so as to contribute to lowering of costs by reducing the number of parts, provide satisfactory operation feeling when the moving contacts are pressed, and provide high contact reliability by preventing invasion of dust. The sheet having moving contacts comprises: a sheet having an adhesion face, made of an insulating film, which is coated with an adhesive on a lower face thereof; and a moving contact which has a domed expansion part and the upper face of which is covered with and stuck to the adhesion face of the sheet, wherein the sheet is formed with a linear slit extending toward the top of the expansion part across an outer circumferential edge of the moving contact.

Abstract: A pushbutton switch element for a pushbutton switch structure capable of generating a click in a multistage manner which is felt by a user and reducing sound generation during a pressing operation, as well as reducing generation of resonance sound.

Abstract: A click plate (9) constituting a switch used for an operation key etc. of a portable telephone is attached on a substrate (1 by soldering it on a contact pattern (6) formed on the substrate. The click plate (9) includes a convex portion (11) which center portion is expanded and made hollow. The convex portion is pushed and deformed to contact with a contact pattern (7) on the substrate thereby to generate a contact signal. The peripheral portion (10) of the click plate (9) is provided with attachment portions (17) protruded outward. The attachment portions (17) are soldered on the contact pattern (6). In this manner, the click plate can be attached on an arbitrary position in a manner that the click plate (9) is attached on the substrate (1) by the soldering.

Abstract: A push button switch of the invention has base rubber having actuator portions, a resin molded portion attached to the base rubber, and a permeable film formed on the surface of the resin molded portion. More preferably, a flange portion of the film is disposed so as to avoid a region just above thick portions such as base plate supported portions of the base rubber. A push button switch capable of preventing peeling of coating or the like and intrusion of water can be therefore provided. A push button switch and a switching device which have satisfactory touch and can be thinned can be provided.

Abstract: A thin and inexpensive sheet with plate springs is provided which can prevent the entry of dust and other foreign matters and which is strong against static elasticity. One side of an adhesive sheet is studded with adhesive portions in a projected state, and vent portions are formed between the studded adhesive portions and between movable contacts and the exterior of the adhesive sheet to permit the entry and discharge of air. Consequently, the whole upper and lower surfaces of the movable contacts can be covered with the adhesive sheet and a separator to prevent the entry of dust and other foreign matters.

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: An intermediate displacement board (120) composed of a metal plate is arranged on a printed circuit board (110) having electrode patterns (E1-E7) and then a strain generative body (130) composed of silicon rubber is arranged on top thereof. Then, the arrangement is fixed to the printed circuit board (110) with attachments (140). Depressing a displacement portion (133) causes a connecting portion (132) to be deflected and an electrode (F0) to be brought into contact with the electrodes (E1, E2) to make them conductive, thereby allowing the pushbutton switch to be turned ON. Depressing further the displacement portion (133) causes an elastic deformation portion (134) to be elastically deformed and crushed and the intermediate displacement board (120) to be pushed downward. The capacitance of capacitors (C3-C7), which are constituted by the electrodes (E3-E7) and the intermediate displacement board (120), are varied according to the depression of the intermediate displacement board (120).

Abstract: The present invention provides a spring integrally formed in a face plate of a housing for use with printed circuit board mounted operators having a central portion and J-shaped extensions. Stresses incurred when the central portion of the spring is pressed are distributed along the length of the extensions thus reducing maximum stress concentration in the spring. Additionally, material surrounding the spring is only minimally deflected when a spring is deflected, adjacent operators are not inadvertently actuated.

Abstract: An element forming an electric push-button, characterized in that it comprises a part (6) made from an elastically deformable material and accommodated in the stationary body (1) of the element underneath the operating key (3) so as to adjust according to the material used for the deformable part (6), the force for depressing the key (3) for deforming the contact cup (4), the invention being applicable in particular to steering wheels of automotive vehicles.

Abstract: A sensor having a housing; two highly conductive elements fixed in-part within the housing and in-part exposed external of the housing; the conductive elements separated from one another within the housing in a normally open arrangement. A resilient dome-cap is positioned within the housing, and in some embodiments is conductive and in constant contact with one of the conductive elements, and in other embodiments the dome-cap need not be conductive. A depressible actuator is movably retained by the housing with a portion thereof external of the housing to be accessible for depressive force to be applied thereto by a mechanical device or human finger/thumb. The actuator also includes a portion positioned to allow depressive force applied thereto to be applied to the dome-cap. Pressure-sensitive variable-conductance material is contained within the housing and electrically positioned as a variably conductive element in a current flow path between the two conductive elements.

Abstract: A movable contact unit for a panel switch having (a) a substrate sheet of an insulating material having an electrically conductive layer on an entire upper surface, and provided with a opening at a predetermined position, (b) a dome-like movable contact of a thin resilient sheet metal placed in the opening of the substrate sheet, and (c) a dustproof sheet of an insulation film having flexibility, coated with an adhesive material on its underside, positioned over the opening of the substrate sheet, and adhesively conjoining the substrate sheet around a periphery of the opening and an upper part of the dome-like movable contact with the adhesive material. Also, a panel switch constructed of the movable contact unit placed and adhered on a substrate circuit board having stationary contact on its upper surface in a position such that the dome-like movable contact corresponds to the stationary contact.

Abstract: All of a transparent electrode layer 2, a light-emitting layer 3, a dielectric layer 4, a back-surface electrode 5, collecting electrodes 5a, 5b, and an insulating coat layer 6 are laminated with predetermined patterns by screen printing on a insulating transparent film 1. Conductive paste used for forming transparent electrode layer 2 comprises conductive powder of indium oxide which contains needle-like powder (A) and fine-grain powder (B) at a blending ratio of (A):(B)=100:0 to 20:80. A binder resin (D), being a photo-hardening or thermal-hardening resin, is mixed with the conductive powder (C) at a blending ratio of (C):(D)=45:55 to 95:5, thereby obtaining an excellent EL lighting element.

Abstract: In a panel switch movable contact body, and a panel switch using the movable contact body, the upwardly curved upper surface of a dome-shape movable contact 1 made of a thin elastic metal plate is bonded to a sheet 12 of insulating film whose lower surface is coated with an adhesive agent 12A, and the opening of the dome-shaped movable contact 1 is closed with a separator 13 which is bonded to the adhesive surface of the sheet 12. Hence, the panel switch movable contact body, and the panel using the latter is small in the number of components, and low in manufacturing cost, and can be assembled with high efficiency.

Abstract: A depression actuated switch which is suitable for achieving a reduction thickness and which does not easily malfunction even when an end depressing operation is performed thereon includes: a driving member 4 having a depressing portion 4a and a mounting portion 4b which are connected together by an elastic portion 4c that is elastically deformable during operation; a sheet-like flexible member 2 to the lower surface of which the mounting portion 4b of the driving member 4 is attached; a cushion member 3 which is positioned so as to surround the driving member 4, to the upper surface of which the sheet-like flexible member 2 is glued and which is more liable to be elastically deformed than the sheet-like flexible member 2; a click spring 5 which is arranged below the depressing portion 4a of the driving member 4 and which generates a tactile click feel when it flips over; and a membrane switch 6 arranged below this click spring 5 and which effects conduction between contacts by the click spring 5 which has fl

Abstract: A dual action, convex disc push-button switch assembly providing tactile feedback to the operator. Each convex disc contact comprises four tabs, each tab of which is fitted and secured in the base of the switch assembly making the switch easy to assemble and operate reliably. The tabs of a first convex disc contact are positioned forty-five degrees relative to the tabs of a second convex disc contact. The switch is sealed thereby permitting various ways to secure the switch terminals to an electronic board.

Abstract: A movable contact element for a panel switch, wherein the movable contact element is protected against contamination until the movable contact element is assembled with a fixed contact element to form the panel switch. The movable contact element use a dome shaped inverting action type diagram made of a metal plate having a spring property. The diaphragm is fitted within an opening in a film by adhesive tape fixed to a convex side of the diaphragm and an upper surface of the film. A protective film with adhesive is glued to the lower surface side of the film to cover the concave portion of the diaphragm so as to protect the movable contact. The protective film is peeled away from the movable contact just before the movable contact is positioned over a fixed contact element and affixed thereto to form the panel switch.

Abstract: A dual function button for keyboards and keypads. The button includes a first contact switch which is activated by a first manual pressure. The first contact switch is preferably formed by a resilient cover having a conductive pellet on its interior face, and a flexible substrate having spaced contacts below the pellet. The first manual pressure causes the pellet to impinge upon the spaced contacts, completing a first circuit. The button also includes a second contact switch which is activated by a second, greater, manual pressure. The second contact switch includes the resilient cover of the first switch, a rigid substrate mounting spaced contacts, and a flexible conductive dome mounted on the rigid substrate below the resilient cover. The second manual pressure will cause the dome to resiliently deform and impinge upon the contacts, closing a second circuit. In this manner two functions may be provided by a single switch. The two functions may advantageously be a dual-speed cursor control.

Abstract: A high cycle life switch assembly having a seal positioned between a trigger and a non-tactile switch with a snap dome positioned exterior of the seal and engaged by the trigger to give a high tactile feedback. The snap dome is mounted on the trigger and an actuator rod extends between the snap dome and the switch, through the seal, to apply an actuation force to the switch when the trigger is moved toward an actuating position. The actuator rod extends through an aperture in the seal and is slidably and sealably disposed therein to apply no force on the seal as the actuator rod is moved to actuate the switch located behind the seal.

Abstract: A panel switch for use in electronic apparatus and a method for making same, the panel switch employing a diaphragm whereby the operator turns on the switch with a feeling of security. To locate a diaphragm, a sheet having an adhesive layer on one side is used instead of a conventional spacer, and the diaphragm is secured to an insulated substrate with the sheet. The non-use of the spacer saves cost and labor, thereby producing panel switches more economically.

Abstract: A membrane dome switch is disclosed which includes a tactile feel regulator shim to provide an enhanced and consistent tactile feedback in response to fingertip switch depression. The membrane dome switch includes a conductive domed spring member mounted in a sandwich or laminant array between an underlying circuit layer having a conductive circuit pattern thereon and an overlying shield layer. Fingertip pressure applied to the shield layer is effective to deform the spring member to momentarily close a circuit path on the circuit layer. The tactile feel shim is interposed between the spring member and the overlying shield layer, and functions to provide improved tactile feedback sensation during switch operation.

Abstract: A mechanical key switch for a membrane keyboard including a key cap supported on an actuating spring member by a compression spring and made to slide on a key body vertically, the actuating spring member having a unitary, arched bridge plate in the middle, which curves inwards to trigger an electrical signal and simultaneously to produce a click sound upon pressing of the key cap against the compression spring, and curves outwards to return the key cap and simultaneously to produce a click sound upon releasing of the key cap.

Abstract: A panel switch for use in electronic apparatus and a method for making same, the panel switch employing a diaphragm whereby the operator turns on the switch with a feeling of security. To locate a diaphragm, a sheet having an adhesive layer on one side is used instead of a conventional spacer, and the diaphragm is secured to an insulated substrate with the sheet. The non-use of the spacer saves cost and labor, thereby producing panel switches more economically.

Abstract: A panel switch for use in electronic apparatus and a method for making same, the panel switch employing a diaphragm whereby the operator turns on the switch with a feeling of security. To locate a diaphragm, a sheet having an adhesive layer on one side is used instead of a conventional spacer, and the diaphragm is secured to an insulated substrate with the sheet. The non-use of the spacer saves cost and labor, thereby producing panel switches more economically.

Abstract: A membrane keyboard producing audible and tactile responses when individual character keys are depressed. To facilitate typing efficiency, the keyboard has membrane characters keys with different transverse heights and adjustable sensory responses.

Abstract: A switch including a springy metallic sheet having a plurality of integrally formed domed members, and a force removing or absorbing element provided within the sheet. The domed members are provided by pressing at a plurality of predetermined positions of the sheet. The force removing or absorbing element includes first slits provided at the peripheral portions of the domed members and second slits provided within the domed members. The slits are provided for removing or absorbing the force caused by the movements of the domed members and for preventing the influence of force to adjacent key portions, and/or for controlling the operating load upon the top of the domed member.

Abstract: A reversing plate is provided between a depressing barrel which is engaged with a key top and a membrane contacts on a frame, wherein the reversing plate is bent toward the depressing barrel and, when a depression force applied by the depressing barrel exceeds a predetermined buckling limit, the bending direction of the reversing plate reverses toward the membrane contacts. The reversing plate is made of a plate spring and is composed of a slim peripheral piece which is bent by being provided a bending portion at several positions, a central piece astride in the approximate center of the peripheral piece, and a contact pressing piece provided at the central piece. When the key is depressed, the central piece of the reversing plate is moved under pressure transmitted through the depressing barrel, twisting the peripheral piece.

Abstract: A key for printed circuit boards comprises an electrically conductive snap disk embedded in a recess in a spacer layer between a cover foil and a board coated with printed conductors. The key is used as an opener key with a pressing point, to which end, the snap disc has contact tabs and, offset therefrom tension tabs. The tension tabs are fixed to the board with biasing in order to produce the necessary contact pressure in the unactuated state. Each contact tabs has a shoulder which is curved towards the board and which upon actuation of the snap disk bears on the board and, with increasing actuating force, reduces the contact force (Fc) of the contact tab until the contact surface disengages. Disengagement of the contact surfaces and the passage through the pressure point or peak value for the actuating force (Fa) occurs at the same deformation travel (d) of the snap disk.

Abstract: A contact element is provided, of the type having a domed middle portion that can be manually deflected against a terminal to close an electrical circuit, which avoids damage to the circuit and which can be easily held in place. The contact element has a domed middle portion with a convex front face, a peripheral portion, and a bend between the middle and peripheral portions. The contact element is laid against a printed circuit board, with the bend contacting a first terminal on the board and the middle portion being deflectable to contact a second terminal on the board. An insulative actuator has a button portion that can be pressed against the middle of the contact element, an outer capture portion which captures the outer edge of the contact element, and a hinge connecting the button and capture portions. The outer edge of the contact element lies away from the circuit board so burrs thereon cannot damage the circuit board, and so that the periphery of the contact element can be easily captured.

Abstract: A trim switch control for aligning a motor on a boat. The switch includes a housing in which a switch body is supported. A bridging member includes side lobes having domed contact engaging portions. In response to user actuation, an actuator surface is brought into engagement with the domed side lobes causing deformation of those lobes into engagement with the contacts. This completes an electrical circuit, resulting in user actuated control of the motor trim.

Abstract: A tactile membrane switch assembly that includes at least one switch site having inner and outer contacts and a snap dome switch wherein the assembly includes a flexible substrate of electrically insulating material having a plurality of alternating layers of dielectric ink and electrically conductive ink patterned to define the inner and outer contacts and suitable conductive runs. A top layer of wear resistant carbon ink is applied to the outer contact and the snap acting dome switch which is conductive is mounted onto the switch site so that it peripherally engages the outer contact. A dome seal is applied over the snap dome switch to hold it in place and to seal the circuitry from contamination.

Abstract: A membrane panel switch is disclosed wherein a sheet of extruded foam-molded polypropylene with apertures for switches has a thickness greater than 2 mm, a printed circuit board has a pair of contact elements disposed within the aperture, a clicking plate in the aperture contacts with one of the contact elements and is spaced from the other of the contact elements, the clicking plate has projections at ends thereof extending to an opening of the aperture from a bottom pf the aperture, a press plate in the aperture has a spherical upper surface and lower surface contacting the clicking plate, the press plate further has holes in where the projections are inserted and guided and an insulating layer coupled to the sheet extending over the aperture and over the spherical upper surface.

Abstract: A push switch includes a central contact member arranged on a contact support member with an annular peripheral contact member surrounding the central contact member. An elastic conductive member such as a belleville spring and the peripheral contact member along their entire outer edge portions are fixedly held within an insulating case in a manner to seal the space around the central contact. In addition, an elastic spring member may be provided in a position covering the elastic conductive member. A plurality of the push switches may easily be manufactured on an assembly line by forming a multiplicity of central contacts, peripheral contacts and conductive members in separate processes and sequentially going through a first and second insert molding processes.