Abstract: A keyboard. A membrane circuit board includes a plurality of switches. At least one keycap is disposed on the membrane circuit board and includes a plurality of activating pillars respectively corresponding to and separated from the switches. When the keycap is moved toward the membrane circuit board, one of the activating pillars compresses one of the switches, outputting a signal corresponding to the keycap.

Abstract: A modular operating switch assembly comprises a housing defining a plurality of switch operating cells. Each of the operating cells has guide walls, a switch actuating member in sliding contact with the guide walls, and a switch contact carrier configured to be selectively equipped with contact pairs such that each of the contact pairs is associated with at least one said switch actuating member. Each switch actuating member is operable to be selectively connected to a key cap associated with a single switch operating cell, or with a key cap associated with a plurality of adjacent switch operating cells.

Abstract: A key button is provided for pressing against a metal dome to trigger a signal. The key button structure includes a button cap and a button stem. One tip end of the button stem is in a shape of spherical camber which is in point contact with the metal dome, so that the button stem, when being pressed, is within an effective pressing area of the metal dome to prevent the metal from being permanently deformed and damaged.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus has a base component arranged under key switches. The base component has an embossed portion. A cooling material is filled into the embossed portion. The embossed portion may be formed continuously between the key switches along the length of key rows over substantially the entire length from the left end to the right end of the rows. On the base component, a membrane sheet having contact point portions corresponding to the key switches may be arranged. The membrane sheet may have a heat dissipation hole at a part opposing the embossed portion.

Abstract: A button assembly comprising a panel having a hole and a button configured to extend through the hole. The assembly further includes an integral switch pad and gasket member, with the switch pad having a base and a flexible dome including a contact extending from the base. The gasket member is integrally connected to the switch pad at a transition line and includes an opening. The button is configured to be placed through the hole in the panel and the gasket member is configured to be repositioned relative to the switch pad along the transition line such that the opening in the gasket member is aligned with the hole in the panel and the button engages the gasket member. The flexible dome of the switch pad is configured to be aligned with the hole in the panel such that depression of the button collapses the dome of the switch pad.

Abstract: A mobile electronic device is disclosed. The device includes a printed circuit board, a first button module, a second button module and an actuator module. The printed circuit board has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first button module includes a plurality of first dome-like switches disposed on the first surface. The second button module includes a plurality of second dome-like switches disposed on the second surface. The actuator module actuates the plurality of first and second dome-like switches.

Abstract: An electric operating part assembly has a switching mat and switching mat domes which are arranged therein and which can be operated by the effect of a vertical force. The operating part has at least one pull rocker which, in its longitudinal course, is arranged parallel to the surface of the switching mat. When the pull rocker is operated, a switching arm of the pull rocker situated opposite the operating arm will move a ram arranged between the switching arm and the switching mat dome, for operating the switching mat dome, in the direction of the switching mat dome.

Abstract: A button assembly comprises a cylindrical key top (132) loosely inserted into a hole (126) formed on a casing (10). The upper surface of the key top (132) is a pressed face (134). The assembly further comprises a deformation member (150) disposed below the key top (132) in the pressing direction. The deformation member (150) deforms to produce repulsive force when the key top (132) is pressed down. The assembly further comprises a conductive member (154) attached on the bottom of the deformation member (150), and switch contacts (166) which come into contact with the conductive member (154) and become conductive by the deformation of the deformation member (150). The central axis of the key top (132) and the central axis of the conductive member (154) are separated with certain spacing. The key top (132) has a hang-over member extending from the lower end of said key top over the central axis of the conductive member (154).

Abstract: A switch device is provided with a first rubber dome for small application force, a second rubber dome for heavy application force, and an operation body. The rubber domes are integrally formed with a plate shaped base, and adjacent to each other. Lower ends of the operation body is disposed on the top surface of the first and second rubber domes. The operation body is movably supported in a vertical direction. The base around the second rubber dome is formed with a smaller thickness than the base around the first rubber dome. A preventing part is provided so as to prevent the base of the first rubber dome from deforming. The thick base around the second rubber dome for and the preventing part are disposed around an outer periphery of the base of the first rubber dome.

Abstract: A switch sheet and switch utilizing the switch sheet are provided, wherein the switch sheet utilizes a dome shaped spring, and is structured such that the dome shaped spring can be definitively clicked in the center part and operate effectively even when the dome shaped spring is miniaturized. In addition to having long-lasting, superior durability, this switch sheet provides an improved click ratio enabling miniature devices with a good clicking sensation to be achieved. This switch sheet comprises a dome shaped spring, resin sheeting adhered to the external surface of this dome shaped spring via an adhesive agent, and a rigid member positioned on the outside of this resin sheeting, having a downward facing protrusion part formed to oppose the center part of said dome shaped spring.

Abstract: A toggle switch has a switching rocker having at least one arm and one guide plate that has at least one receptacle, in which at least one activation push rod is movably guided in a linear fashion. The arm of the switching rocker can exert a force on the activation push rod. A switching unit is provided, on which the activation push rod can act so as to close an electrical contact. The guide plate and the activation push rod each have a break line, along which, before the assembly of the toggle switch, they were joined to each other in an integral fashion.

Abstract: A conducting contact pair for a switch has a first conducting contact formed by a plurality of outward extending radial fingers arranged on a substrate, and a second conducting contact formed by a plurality of inward extending radial fingers. The first conducting contact and the second conducting contact are arranged with each inward extending radial finger extending between a corresponding pair of adjacent outward extending radial fingers. A bridge conductor is selectively pressed against the first conducting contact and the second contact to bridge any of the inward extending fingers to either of pair of adjacent outward extending radial fingers that it extends between.

Abstract: An improved thin switch aims at reducing overall height of switches without shortening existing compression displacement. It has a trigger assembly which includes an upper button with a bracing section housed in a compartment, a coupling trough, and a lower button with compression section held in the coupling trough without exceeding the anchor portion of the coupling trough. The lower button further has a ram section located between the compression section and the elastic element. The upper button and lower buttons may be deformed as desired to reduce the overall height of the thin switch without affecting existing compression displacement.

Abstract: A switch is disclosed including an operating rocker button and at least one contact element which can be actuated by a radial deflection of the operating rocker button. The contact element can be actuated directly by the operating rocker button, or by the operating rocker button by a transmission element. As such, a locking function is provided via a projection on the transmission element or the operating rocker button, which co-operates with an elastic element.

Abstract: A transmissive key sheet using translucent resin, which is capable of effective illumination while ensuring the thinness of the entire key sheet as well as suppressing a decrease in light transmission, input keys using the transmissive key sheet, and electronic equipment with the input keys. A transmissive key sheet of input keys comprises a first key sheet unit and a second key sheet unit, the opposite side of the first key sheet unit from key tops and the opposite side of the second key sheet unit from pressure applicators being bonded together with a translucent adhesive. The key tops made of translucent resin are molded integral with a translucent resin film having letters on its under surface to provide the first key sheet unit. The pressure applicators made of translucent resin are molded integral with a translucent resin film to provide the second key sheet unit.

Abstract: A switch device whose assembly is easily performed with a simple structure and that has low manufacturing costs includes a case having a rectangular-shaped long groove, a long operating knob held in a vertically movable manner in the long groove, a plurality of operating bodies provided in the longitudinal direction of the long operating knob and operated with the vertical movement of the long operating knob, movable contacts respectively provided below the operating bodies, and a base on which the movable contacts and fixed contacts are mounted such that they can come in contact with or separate from each other. When the long operating knob is pressed, at least one of the plurality of operating bodies is pressed, causing the movable contacts provided below the operating bodies to come in contact with the fixed contacts.

Abstract: A key assembly has a circuit board, an elongated flexible key, and an elastically deformable support. The flexible key has a center and two side portions. The side portions and the elastically deformable support each have electrically conductive regions that are positioned over electrical contacts of the circuit board. A sufficient downward force on the flexible key causes one of the electrically conductive regions to contact the underlying electrical contacts. With this configuration, the key assembly provides an electrical output signal even if the human operator applies the downward force on a side portion instead of on the center portion of the flexible key shell.

Abstract: A key sheet comprising a key top, a translucent resin film, and a symbol layer. The key top is made of resin and has a top surface and a rear surface. The key top includes a gate corresponding section in a position corresponded to a gate of a mold for injecting resin to form the key top. The translucent resin film is provided over the key top. The symbol layer is disposed to associate with the top surface of the key top. The gate corresponding section is located to prevent that gate corresponding section from being viewed through the symbol layer.

Abstract: A first film plate 20 and a second film plate 40, each made of flexible resin film, are attached to a top surface and a bottom surface of a key top 30 made of mold-resin, respectively, so as to cover the key top 30. The first film plate 20 is pressed upward to form a recessed portion 23, the key top 30 is molded within this recessed portion 23. The second film plate 40 is arranged on the bottom surface of the key top 30. All of the first film plate 20, the key top 30, and the second film plate 40 are transparent. Decorative layers 21 and 41 are formed on the first film plate 20 and the second film plate 40, respectively.

Abstract: A switch that dampens noise that is produced when the switch is operated. The switch includes a wiring board. A resiliently deformable rubber contact is arranged on the wiring board. The rubber contact includes a contact portion for electrically contacting the wiring board when the rubber contact is deformed. A pusher contacts and deforms the rubber contact. A button contacts the pusher when operated. The rubber contact includes an elastic portion that contacts the button before the button contacts the pusher.

Abstract: A multiposition microswitch that includes a cavity, a mobile portion made of a deformable material extending above the cavity, at least three conductive tracks extending on the cavity bottom, and a contact pad on the lower surface of the mobile part. The mobile part is capable of deforming, under the action of a stressing mechanism, from an idle position where the contact pad is distant from the conductive tracks to an on position from among several distinct on positions. The contact pad electrically connects, in each distinct on position, at least two of the at least three conductive tracks, at least one of the conductive tracks connected to the contact pad in each distinct on position being different from the conductive tracks connected to the contact pad in the other distinct on positions.

Abstract: A switch apparatus for a vehicle includes a circuit board including at least one circuit having a first contact and a second contact. A knob is rotatably mounted relative to the circuit board. The knob has at least one cam extending therefrom. At least one switch corresponds respectively to the at least one circuit and has a switch contact. The switch contact is linearly movable to an engaged position in which the switch contact contacts the first contact and the second contact of the respective at least one circuit, such that the first contact and the second contact are electrically connected. The knob is rotatably movable such that the at least one cam moves the at least one switch contact into the engaged position.

Abstract: Parts of a base film that correspond to respective movable contacts are formed into projections. Operating projections each including a projecting member fixed to a top surface of the base film by an adhesive resin are formed and correspond to the movable contacts, respectively. The adhesive resins have different fixed diameters.

Abstract: A signal input device includes a bottom shell, a printed conducting track unit arranged on a top surface of the bottom shell, the printed conducting track unit having a plurality of contact portions, and a top cover covering the bottom shell and carrying a press unit. The press unit is aimed at and spaced above the contact portions of the printed conducting track unit for pressing by the user to connect selectively the contact portions of the printed conducting track unit.

Abstract: A safety contact mat has an upper mat half and a lower mat half with respective mutually facing spaced apart conductive layers, which are to be brought into contact in order to close an electrical contact. At least one of the mat halves is formed by a flat coextrudate of a non-conductive elastomer, a conductive elastomer as the conductive layer, and of a conductive woven material enclosed between the elastomers.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a switching apparatus, comprising: a rear panel; a front panel fixedly connected with the rear panel and having a holder portion; a switch device including a stationary contact member fixedly mounted on the rear panel, and a movable contact member movable with respect to the stationary contact member to assume two different positions including a switch-on position and a switch-off position; and a push button including a pair of horn projections protruding in opposite directions and each having a center axis. The push button is supported on the front panel with the horn projections frictionally held in the holder portion of the front panel.

Abstract: A switch that dampens noise that is produced when the switch is operated. The switch includes a wiring board. A resiliently deformable rubber contact is arranged on the wiring board. The rubber contact includes a contact portion for electrically contacting the wiring board when the rubber contact is deformed. A pusher contacts and deforms the rubber contact. A button contacts the pusher when operated. The rubber contact includes an elastic portion that contacts the button before the button contacts the pusher.

Abstract: A membrane switch is constituted of a lower membrane sheet, an upper membrane sheet and a spacer sheet which is inserted between both sheets, and a spring sheet which is formed of a thin metal plate arranged over the upper membrane sheet. A pair of slits formed in the spring sheet at positions corresponding to both sides of an upper electrode of the upper membrane sheet defines a switch portion in the spring sheet. When a key top is pushed down, the switch portion of the spring sheet is pushed down by a pushdown projection of the membrane switch to bring the upper electrode into contact with a lower electrode.

Abstract: A push switch includes a switch contact section including first and second contacts, and an elastic element for connecting the first and second contacts by pushing the first contact. The elastic element includes a columnar portion for connecting the first and second contacts by pushing the first contact, a hollow conical portion extending from a junction positioned at an end of the columnar portion, the conical portion having a truncated conical shape, and a thick portion provided at a whole circumstance of the junction.

Abstract: An electric switch of mechanical structure and functioning, and with electric contacts by means of membranes, suitable for optionally arranging seven different control signals by means of other such contact positions selectively induced by a single button means, four of these positions are differentiated when a slight rolling movement is carried out on said button means in any of four opposite directions and 90° equidistant from each other, a fifth contact position in its clockwise axial rotation, the sixth position by means of its counter-clockwise rotation, and a last contact position by means of a linear pulsating movement.

Abstract: A membrane switch comprises a lower contact sheet having a first conductor, an upper contact sheet having a second conductor, and a spacer interposed therebetween. An application of a press force onto contact areas in the upper contact sheet causes the upper contact sheet to be bent, so that at least one of the contact areas and a corresponding contact area in the lower contact sheet come in contact with each other. The first and second conductors are always connected to each other, since a conductive area in the lower contact sheet is always in contact with a conductive area in the upper contact sheets. Hence, the contact of at least one of the contact areas with the corresponding contact area allows the membrane switch to turn on (ON) by a very small press force and therefore the reliability of the switch operation to be significantly enhanced.

Abstract: A base button 4 wuth a button depressing surface and a shaft portion, and a shaft supporting portion for slidably supporting the shaft portion of the button base 4 are provided. A switch base installable on a print wiring board, a contact rubber providing a conductive portion at a position facing the print wiring board , and a light emitting portion provided on the print wiring board are also included. The shaft portion is lowered by depressing the button depressing surface of the button base 4 and the conductive portion of the contact rubber is lowered until the conductive portion contacts an electrical contact on the print wiring board. Thus, an electrical contact function is exerted and the light emitting portion emits light, when the conducts portion comes into contact with the electrical contact.

Abstract: It consists of a body (1) having a sliding key (2) that may activate some side actuators (7, 8), and a central actuator (9), which act over the upper base of the cones (13) of a membrane (14) triggering a determined part of a circuit (15). For this purpose, there are at least two fixed guides (5, 6) between the key (2) and the actuators (7, 8, 9) to guide the sliding of a runner (3) rigidly joined to the key (2) that serves to activate the actuators (7, 8, 9). The runner (3) includes a sliding strip (17) having pivots (18) housed in some crossed slots (19, 20) formed in the fixed guides (5, 6), permitting the guided displacements of the key (2) with the runner (3) in two perpendicular directions to activate the mentioned actuators (7, 8, 9).

Abstract: A switch shaft connection shaft (24) is formed on a switch knob (22), and connected to a switch shaft (26). Therefore, the switch shaft (26) can move in response to an inclination restoration operation of the switch knob (22). Further, the switch shaft (26) has movement in the lateral direction regulated by a guide rail (17), which makes it possible to always exert pressing force vertically with respect to a tact switch (25). Moreover, a region where the tact switch (25) is pressed from the switch shaft (26) is constituted by a resilient member, which means that there is no striking noise when the switch shaft (26) strikes the tact switch (25), and it is possible to provide a switch unit that is quiet at the time of operation.

Abstract: A portable keyboard consists of a pliable key body and a circuit body. The key body has a plurality of key caps which is embedded with an electric contact made from conductive rubber. The circuit body is embedded with a connection line made from conductive rubber. The keyboard thus constructed is highly pliable, and may be bent, folded or twisted without affecting the electronic characteristics of the keyboard.

Abstract: An oscillating switch includes: a lower casing; a contact circuit member provided on the lower casing and including a through hole; a rubber switch member provided on the contact circuit member and including a pair of rubber contact portions and a through hole; an upper casing for covering the rubber switch member; an operating knob pivotally supported by the upper casing; pressing portions formed on the operating knob so as to depress the corresponding rubber contact portions, respectively; and a click feeling-producing mechanism, for producing a suitable click feeling when the operating knob is operated, which passing through the through holes of the contact circuit member and the rubber switch member.

Abstract: An input device includes a keytop, an elastic member, a movable electrode and a fixed electrode. The movable electrode is coupled to the elastic member above the fixed electrode. The electrodes are enclosed within a recess. A resistance of one of the fixed or movable electrodes changes when the electrodes are in contact based on a pressure exerted on the keytop.

Abstract: A circuitry is provided with a first switching contact. A first spacer is laminated on the circuitry so as to provide a first space above the first switching contact. A first, elastic sheet member is laminated on the first spacer and provided with a second switching contact opposing to the first switching contact in the first space. The first sheet member is operable to deform while using the first space to bring the second switching contact into an electrical contact with the first switching contact. A second spacer is laminated on the first sheet member so as to provide a second space above a first part of the first sheet member. A second sheet member is laminated on the second spacer, the second sheet member being operable to deform while using the second space to thereby deform the first part of the first sheet member. An elastic member is interposed between the first sheet member and the second sheet member at the second space.

Abstract: An integrated switch bank manufactured using multi-shot molding. The switch bank including at least one switch device, a faceplate, at least one button, and a cover. The at least one button disposed to operate a respective one of the at least one switch devices. The cover molded over at least a portion of the faceplate and at least a portion of the at least one button. The faceplate includes at least one of a front housing and a bezel. The face plate and the at least one button molded by one shot and the cover molded by another shot of the multi-shot molding. The cover generally joins and seals the at least one button to the faceplate. The cover molded over the graphics region to a thickness sufficient to permit the light to shine through the cover or reduced to permit the light to shine through the cover.

Abstract: A method for forming an indicator portion on a push switch such as a pushbutton switch or a membrane switch, the indicator portion being excellent in terms of design property and image quality and allowing fine picture patterns, designs, etc. that are difficult to be reproduced with conventional printing systems to be represented with high resolution, and to provide a push switch having the indicator portion. In order to form the indicator portion, in which a color design image such as a letter, a pattern, design etc is indicated, on the push switch, there are performed the following steps of: forming a colorant layer by printing a color design image on a base sheet by a printer; transferring the colorant layer to a transfer resin through an adhesive, the transfer resin constituting a surface of the push switch; and forming the indicator layer on the transfer resin by peeling off the base sheet and using the colorant layer as the indicator layer.

Abstract: An active energy ray-curing adhesive composition is provided that has high curing rate as well as excellent adhesion and bonding workability, and a keypad (11) for push-button switches that has not only high bonding rate of a hard resin keytop (20) to a base portion (12) but also has excellent adhesion and excellent bonding workability in the bonding step. The active energy ray-curing adhesive composition includes a urethane (meth) acrylate, a (meth)acrylamide compound, and a hydroxyl group-containing (meth)acrylate. Optionally, the composition may further contain particulate silicic anhydride, and at least one of a tertiary amine salt and a tertiary amine. In the keypad (11) for push-button switches, the hard resin keytop (20) is fixed to the base portion (12) made of a rubbery elastic material through an adhesive layer (19) made of the adhesive composition.

Abstract: In a switch apparatus, moderating pieces (29) are engaged with moderation concave portions of a manipulator (30) by way of a displaceable portion (20) of an elastic member (18) having a movable-side contact (24) which is contacted/separated to/from a fixed-side contact owned by an insulating board. Thus, the moderation can be applied to the manipulations of the manipulator (30) without requiring a coil spring provided as an independent component of a conventional switch apparatus.

Abstract: A first fixed contact is mounted on an upper surface of a circuit substrate, and a second fixed contact is mounted on the upper surface of a circuit substrate around the first fixed contact. A movable contact having a semicircular sectional shape is mounted on the second fixed contact, and terminal electrodes are provided on an underside of the circuit substrate and connected to the first and second fixed contacts respectively. A spacer is mounted on the circuit substrate so as to surround the movable contact, and a cover is mounted on the spacer to cover the movable contact.

Abstract: In a switch apparatus, moderating pieces (29) are engaged with moderation concave portions of a manipulator (30) by way of a displaceable portion (20) of an elastic member (18) having a movable-side contact (24) which is contacted/separated to/from a fixed-side contact owned by an insulating board. Thus, the moderation can be applied to the manipulations of the manipulator (30) without requiring a coil spring provided as an independent component of a conventional switch apparatus.

Abstract: A membrane switch comprises a lower contact sheet having a first conductor, an upper contact sheet having a second conductor, and a spacer interposed therebetween. An application of a press force onto contact areas in the upper contact sheet causes the upper contact sheet to be bent, so that at least one of the contact areas and a corresponding contact area in the lower contact sheet come in contact with each other. The first and second conductors are always connected to each other, since a conductive area in the lower contact sheet is always in contact with a conductive area in the upper contact sheets. Hence, the contact of at least one of the contact areas with the corresponding contact area allows the membrane switch to turn on (ON) by a very small press force and therefore the reliability of the switch operation to be significantly enhanced.

Abstract: A key top includes a body part having a first width and a flange formed on a lower end portion of the body part so as to have a second width which is larger than the first width. A click rubber is provided on a bottom face of the body part of the key top. The click rubber is elastically deformable such that the key top is vertically moved between an upper first position and a lower second position. A case is formed with a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber has a third width which is larger than the first width but smaller than the second width, for accommodating the body part of the key top therein. The second chamber is continued from the first chamber and has a fourth width which is larger than the second width, for accommodating the flange of the key top and the click rubber therein.

Abstract: A keyboard key structure adopted for use on a larger sized key to provide users more effective depressing movements on the key includes two elastic domes to support a key cap in a non-depressed position. The two elastic domes are designed in an unsymmetrical fashion to equip with different compression displacements and flexibility and enable the key cap to move in one direction to reach a depressed position and complete signal input.

Abstract: The present invention provides an active energy ray-curing adhesive composition that has high curing rate as well as excellent adhesion and bonding workability, and a keypad (11) for push-button switches that has not only high bonding rate of a hard resin keytop (20) to a base portion (12) but also has excellent adhesion and excellent bonding workability in the bonding step. The active energy ray-curing adhesive composition includes a urethane (meth) acrylate, a (meth)acrylamide compound, and a hydroxyl group-containing (meth)acrylate. Optionally, the composition may further contain particulate silicic anhydride, and at least one of a tertiary amine salt and a tertiary amine. In the keypad (11) for push-button switches, the hard resin keytop (20) is fixed to the base portion (12) made of a rubbery elastic material through an adhesive layer (19) made of the adhesive composition.

Abstract: A method for production of series of tactile contact units and tactile contact unit for use in manipulating unit of a small-sized electronic device, capable of manufacturing inexpensive tactile contact units by curtailing the process, and series of tactile contact units and tactile contact units manufactured by this method are disclosed. On the upper side of a flexible insulating pad in a form of a roll film, adhesive of a predetermined pattern is printed and adhered at predetermined intervals continuously. Through-holes are disposed at predetermined positions continuously excluding positions the adhesive is printed and adhered on the flexible insulating pad. Further, tactile contacts are fixed continuously in the through-holes.

Abstract: In a membrane switch which is constituted of a lower membrane sheet, an upper membrane sheet and a spacer sheet which is inserted between both sheets, a spring sheet which is formed of a thin metal plate is arranged over the upper membrane sheet and, at the same time, a pair of slits are formed in the spring sheet at positions corresponding to both sides of an upper electrode of the upper membrane sheet. Further, the membrane switch is arranged below a holder member. When a key top 21 is pushed down, a switch portion of the spring sheet is pushed down by a pushdown projection of the membrane switch.