Abstract: Keypad apparatus and methods are described herein. An example keypad includes a keypad support having a first surface defining a cavity, and an electrical switch assembly coupled to the keypad support. The electrical switch includes a printed circuit board having at least a portion repositioned relative to a second surface of the printed circuit board. The repositioned portion is located in the cavity and the second surface is located on the first surface of the keypad support when the printed circuit board is coupled to the keypad support. The repositioned portion is attached to the second surface of the printed circuit board. A dome switch is aligned with the repositioned portion of the printed circuit board and is at least partially positioned in the cavity of the keypad support.

Abstract: A circuit protection device includes a circuit breaker having a first contact arm and a second contact arm, wherein the second contact arm is configured to move with respect to the first contact arm between a first position and a second position. The circuit protection device also includes a locking device coupled to the circuit breaker, wherein the locking device is configured to at least one of move the second contact arm from the first position to the second position and lock the second contact arm in the second position.

Abstract: The present technology provides a bridge-style push-button with anchoring, a device comprising same, and a method of assembly. The push-button comprises a first anchor portion for coupling to the device, a second anchor portion for coupling to the device, a resilient bridge portion suspended between the anchor portions, and an actuating portion mounted on the bridge portion. The first anchor portion is mounted along a differently oriented axis from the second anchor portion. The first and second anchor portions may be slideably mounted, rotatably mounted, or both. The device comprises anchor sites for mounting of the push-button. The method of assembly comprises coupling the first anchor portion to the device before the second anchor portion.

Abstract: A push switch comprising: a button made of a flexible material having a cap shaped top operation part, a flat part formed extending laterally from an edge of an opening in the top operation part, and a side wall formed extending downward from an outer edge of the flat part; a switch substrate fitted in close contact with the inner circumference of the side wall and abutting the bottom face of the flat part of the button; and a switch arranged inside the button, on the switch substrate, wherein the outer circumferential face of the side wall of the button and the bottom face of the switch substrate are covered by integrally molded resin.

Abstract: A touch-sensitive device includes a transparent substrate, a decorative layer, and a touch-sensing electrode layer. The decorative layer is disposed on the transparent substrate, and a notch is formed on the decorative layer at a position substantially coinciding with a distribution area of an icon formed on a non-screen area. The touch-sensing electrode layer includes a plurality of first transparent electrodes, second transparent electrodes and connecting lines. Each connecting line connects two adjacent first transparent electrodes or two adjacent second transparent electrodes and does not overlap a periphery of the notch.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a horizontal shift register electrically connected to a pixel array for receiving charge packets from the pixel array. A non-destructive sense node is connected to an output of the horizontal shift register. A charge directing switch is electrically connected to the non-destructive sense node. The charge directing switch includes two outputs. A charge multiplying horizontal shift register is electrically connected to one output of the charge directing switch. A discharging element is connected to the other output of the charge directing switch.

Abstract: A display device with touch panel and a fabricating method thereof are provided. The display device with touch panel includes a flexible display panel and a force sensitive touch panel. The force sensitive touch panel is disposed under a portion of the flexible display panel. Since the force sensitive touch panel is only configured under the portion of the flexible display panel, the display device with touch panel may have touching control function and flexibility at the same time.

Abstract: A cover glass structure includes a glass substrate, a touch-sensing structure and a decorative layer. The glass substrate has at least one cutting section, and the cutting section is polished to form a polished surface. The touch-sensing structure is disposed on the glass substrate, and the decorative layer is disposed on the glass substrate.

Abstract: A waterproof lens switch assembly for a lighting unit is provided. The waterproof lens switch assembly includes a cylindrical metal lighting fixture which includes a screwed-on ring, a protective lens, a transparent flexible cover, an electrical on/off switch and at least one LED lamp. The ring and the flexible cover together create a waterproof seal for the waterproof lens switch assembly. The transparent flexible cover and the clear lens both allow light to pass through, and the transparent lens protects the flexible cover. When depressed by a user, the lens pushes the flexible cover onto the on/off switch and turns the light on or off. The LED lamp illuminates when turned on, and provides illumination through the flexible cover and the lens, respectively.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides in one embodiment, a semiconductor device that includes a MEMS switch having a substrate, a first dielectric layer disposed above the substrate, and a bottom signal electrode, a bump, and a bottom actuation electrode disposed above the first dielectric layer. The MEMS switch further includes a second dielectric layer enclosing the bottom signal electrode, and a movable member including a top signal electrode disposed above the bottom signal electrode and a top actuation electrode disposed above the bottom actuation electrode and the bump, wherein the top actuation electrode is electrically coupled to the bump. A method of fabricating a MEMS switch is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a touch circuit pattern and a manufacturing method thereof. A capacitive touch circuit pattern in the present disclosure comprises a substrate, wherein at least two adjacent transparent first-axis electrode blocks, a transparent first-axis conductive wire, and at least two adjacent transparent second-axis electrode blocks are formed on the substrate. The first-axis conductive wire is formed between the two adjacent first-axis electrode blocks to connect the two adjacent first-axis electrode blocks and the two adjacent second-axis electrode blocks, respectively, at two sides of the first-axis conductive wire. The capacitive touch circuit pattern further comprises of a metal second-axis conductive wire, which stretches across the first-axis conductive wire and connects the two adjacent second-axis electrode blocks.

Abstract: A member for a push button switch that has a small thickness, high durability, and excellent click feeling and can be manufactured at low cost. The member for the push button switch includes one or more key tops, a metal sheet including at least holes that correspond to positions of the key tops, and an elastic sheet that is provided on the metal sheet so as to be positioned on the same side as or opposite side to the key tops. The elastic sheet is fitted into the holes and comes in contact with the key tops at positions of the holes. The elastic sheet includes a urethane film or polycarbonate, and a silicone rubber, which are laminated in a thickness direction of the metal sheet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermo-pneumatic actuator having a cavity defined by walls and being hermetically sealed, which is inflated with a working medium that alters the gas pressure thereof when a temperature change occurs. A wall region of the cavity is constructed as a ductile membrane, which can be deflected in at least two working positions located on both sides of a neutral position, in which the membrane is curved in opposite directions to one another. In order to alter the gas pressure in the cavity, and to adjust the membrane from one working position to the other working position, a tempering device is heat-conductively connected to the working medium. In the neutral position, the membrane is compressively loaded such that respectively, it maintains its position in both working positions if no outside force impacts the membrane.

Abstract: A magnetic latching solenoid comprises a housing, a moveable magnetically permeable member, a stationary magnetic assembly, a counter flux generator; and, a spring. A substantially equal extent of the moveable magnetically permeable member and stationary magnetic assembly along results in an air gap interface being essentially mid-way between the opposite axial extremities of the moveable magnetically permeable member and stationary magnetic assembly, thereby enhancing an attracting force of a permanent magnet that comprises the stationary magnetic assembly. In an example embodiment, the stationary magnetic assembly comprises a pole member which is adjustably positionable to minimize air gaps.

Abstract: A touch panel having a seamless outer surface and its manufacturing method are disclosed. The method includes: binding step, placing step, and placing step. Provide a film and a shell. This film has a decorated area and a non-decorated area. Bond this film onto the shell to form an exterior seamless structure. Providing a touch panel and a screen displaying portion, place them together so as to form an internal structure. Finally, place the internal structure into a hollow area of the exterior seamless structure with glue for expelling any air clearance so that the exterior seamless structure and the internal structure are combined as a final product. It has a smooth surface with less shrinkage and is good for decoration. It can reduce thickness significantly. Light transmittance at hollow area is relatively larger. Plus, the sensitivity of the touch panel will perform a better response.

Abstract: A latch assembly is provided for securing a switch operator to a contact block. The latch assembly includes a collar designed to retain the switch operator in the latch assembly. The latch assembly also includes a housing having one or more apertures for receiving fasteners to secure the contact block to the latch assembly. The collar is displaceable within the housing between a locked position that secures the switch operator and an unlocked position that permits disengagement of the switch operator from the collar. When the collar is in the locked position, corresponding apertures in the collar align with the one or more apertures in the housing, permitting the fasteners to be inserted through the collar apertures. Insertion of the fasteners through the collar apertures secures the collar in the locked position, thereby impeding unintentional disconnection of the switch operator from the latch assembly.

Abstract: A switch operator is provided that includes a single piece actuator shaft coupled to a single piece cap. According to certain embodiments, the actuator shaft may be snap fit to the cap. The cap may include an annular sleeve and an annular skirt that extend orthogonally from the cap. The sleeve includes recesses that receive tabs of the actuator shaft to couple the actuator shaft to the cap. In certain embodiments, the actuator shaft may include slots that allow the actuator shaft to flex upon attachment to from the cap. A bushing encircles the actuator shaft and extends into the cap where the bushing is disposed between the annular sleeve and a skirt. The actuator shaft also includes a pair of diametrically opposed slots that house a detent assembly. The detent assembly may be employed to retain the switch operator in the actuated position and in the unactuated position.

Abstract: A touch screen panel includes a substrate, a first touch electrode layer including first touch electrodes formed to be divided on regions defined as a pad part, a routing part, and a channel bridge part on the substrate, a soluble insulator layer including soluble insulators formed so as to expose portions of the first touch electrodes, and a second touch electrode layer formed on the soluble insulator layer.

Abstract: An electrical device includes an enclosure having an interior surface, at least one bus bar, and an element enclosing at least a portion of the bus bar, wherein the element includes a first surface contacting the interior surface and is configured to transfer heat from the bus bar to the enclosure and configured to provide electrical isolation between the enclosure and the bus bar.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a sealed contact point by injecting an arc extinguishing gas into an air-tight space of an electromagnetic switching device and sealing it. The method includes forming a driving body and coupling a housing and a plate to form an air-tight space, air-tightly fixing a detachable chamber forming the interior of the chamber under an insulating gas atmosphere, inserting the protruded shaft and core of the driving body into the cylinder and coupling the cylinder to the lower portion of the plate to form a sealing structure, and sealing the plate and the cylinder.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electromagnetic switch capable of sealing a hermetic space after injecting extinguishing gas into the hermetic space. An apparatus for manufacturing an electromagnetic switch includes a chamber having an inner space hermetically sealed from outside, an extinguishing gas injector configured to inject extinguishing gas into the chamber, a supporter disposed in the chamber, and configured to support a temporary assembly having a vent hole at one side thereof, and a sealing means configured to seal the vent hole in a state that the extinguishing gas has been injected into the chamber.

Abstract: A connection device for random connection of a first member of first transmission/reception units with a second number of second transmission/reception units has a switching matrix that includes a third number of controllable micromechanical switching elements that are respectively activatable to establish a connection between one of the first transmission/reception units and one of the second transmission/reception units. A control circuit selectively activates the respective micromechanical switching elements to selectively establish respective connections between the first number of first transmission/reception units and the second number of transmission/reception units.

Abstract: Illuminated button assemblies are provided that can be secured to a mounting surface by any of a locking member such as a snap tab, a securing member such as a nut, or a combination of both. The securing member is adapted to enclose the locking member when it is fully secured. A variety of illumination assemblies are similarly sized and shaped such that they can be interchanged within the same assembly housing. A switch and the illumination assembly are directly connected to the assembly housing without the need for a lamp holder.

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.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a touch panel is provided. A substrate having a touch-sensing region and a peripheral region is provided. A touch-sensing circuit layer including first sensing series, second meshed metal sensing pads, and peripheral circuits is formed on the touch-sensing region of the substrate. An insulating layer having first contact windows and second contact windows is formed on the substrate to cover the touch-sensing circuit layer. The first contact windows expose a portion of the second meshed metal sensing pads. A transparent conductive layer including second transparent bridge lines and transparent contact pads is formed on the insulating layer located in the touch-sensing region of the substrate. Each second transparent bridge line is electrically connected to two adjacent second meshed metal sensing pads through two first contact windows. Each transparent contact pad is electrically connected to the corresponding peripheral circuit through the second contact window.

Abstract: The present invention describes systems and methods for providing a carbon or graphene based pressure switch. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a semiconductor substrate; a cavity defined within the semiconductor substrate having a cross-sectional area and a depth; a bottom conductor disposed within the cavity; a conductive membrane disposed above the cavity and adapted to deflect towards the bottom conductor upon an applied pressure; an elastic, insulating layer disposed between the conductive membrane and the bottom conductor; and a switching element adapted to activate upon electrical communication between the conductive membrane and the bottom conductor.

Abstract: A push switch includes a case having a recess portion, a first fixed contact placed in the recess portion, and a second fixed contact placed in the recess portion. Furthermore, the push switch includes a dome-shaped movable contact placed in the recess portion and having a center portion facing the first fixed contact with a space therebetween, a protective sheet for covering the recess portion, and a protrusion member fixed to the protective sheet by welding at a convex side of the center portion of the movable contact. The first fixed contact and the second fixed contact are provided at positions that are brought into contact with the movable contact when the movable contact is elastically reversed.

Abstract: A switch module, an electronic device using the same and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The switch module includes a circuit board, an infrared (IR) light receiver, at least one light emitting unit and a cover. The IR light receiver is disposed on the circuit board for receiving an infrared light. The light emitting unit is disposed on the circuit board for emitting a visible light. The cover includes a first casing and a second casing, and covers the IR light receiver. The first casing shields the IR light receiver. The second casing is connected to the second casing. The transparency of the second casing is larger than that of the first casing. The second casing receives the visible light and then the visible light is emitted to the outside of the second casing.

Abstract: A tactile switch includes a base, an elastic conductive member, and a cover sheet. A fixed contact is provided in the base. The elastic conductive member, has a dome shape, opposes the fixed contact, and is elastically deformed to be electrically conducted with the fixed contact. The cover sheet covers the elastic conductive member. An operating protrusion is provided on a face of the cover sheet at a position corresponding to the fixed contact. The operating protrusion includes an end part, a root part of fixed to the cover sheet and having a diameter larger than a diameter of the end part, and a bent part connecting the end part to the root part so that a first angle formed by a side wall of the root part with respect to the face of the cover sheet is smaller than a supplementary angle of a second angle formed by a side wall of the end part with respect to the face of the cover sheet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for production of a low current switch module, comprising the following steps: precutting a fine conductor path of several conducting circuits connected by connector tracks in the same sheet, positioning the contact relay and other optional electronic components on the precut conductor path, electrically and mechanically connecting said contact relay and the optional electronic components on the conductor track, encapsulating the unit comprising the conductor path, contact relay, the optional components, the pins and electrical connectors thereof and cutting certain connector tracks such as to separate said circuits.

Abstract: A keyboard mechanism for a low-travel keyboard and methods of fabrication are described. The low-travel keyboard is suitable for a thin-profile computing device, such as a laptop computer, netbook computer, desktop computer, etc. The keyboard includes a key cap that can be formed of a variety of materials in the form of a flat slab. The key cap is attached to one end of a support lever that supports it from underneath. In one embodiment, the support lever is formed of a rigid material and is pivotally coupled with a substrate on the other end. In another embodiment, the support lever is formed of a flexible material and is fixedly attached to the substrate on the other end. The portion of the support lever that is attached to the key cap is positioned over a metal dome that can be deformed to activate the switch circuitry of the membrane on printed circuit board underneath the dome.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a surface; the surface has a conductive layer within a thickness of the surface. A trench is formed in the conductive layer to define a touch area, the touch area is isolated from the rest of the conductive layer. A conductive pickup is mounted on a back side of the surface over the touch area and the conductive pickup is electrically connected to a capacitive touch controller, such that when a user touches the touch area on a front side of the conductive the touch controller responds to the user's touch.

Abstract: A MEMS device comprises first and second opposing electrode arrangements (22,28), wherein the second electrode arrangement (28) is electrically movable to vary the electrode spacing between facing sides of the first and second electrode arrangements. At least one of the facing sides has a non-flat surface with at least one peak and at least one trough. The height of the peak and depth of the trough is between 0.01t and 0.1t where t is the thickness of the movable electrode.

Abstract: A machine for installing electrical box, wiring, and receptacles or switch simultaneously, A process that allows electricians to perform all 3 tasks at one time without the need to return to install receptacles or switch after wallboard is installed, Comprised of: Housing with built-in laser guide and attached magnetic spacers for metal studs or wooden studs that allow for correct alignment of receptacle or switch for applicable wallboard thickness used.

Abstract: A touch screen panel includes a transparent substrate; first detection cells and second detection cells alternately disposed on an active touch area of one surface of the transparent substrate in such a manner that the first detection cells are connected to each other along a first direction and second detection cells are connected to each other along a second direction; a driving/shield electrode formed throughout the other surface of the transparent substrate in such a manner that ends of the driving/shield electrode are located at an inner side of the transparent substrate while being spaced apart from a boundary line of the transparent substrate by a predetermined interval; and a first insulation layer formed throughout the other surface of the transparent substrate, on which the driving/shield electrode is formed, to cover an exposed surface of the driving/shield electrode, inclusive of sides of the driving/shield electrode.

Abstract: A display system having a capacitive touch panel is described. The capacitive touch panel includes an electrode circuit formed on a substrate. The electrode circuit has a first electrode including a plurality of first conducting patterns and a second electrode including a plurality of second conducting patterns. The first conducting patterns are electrically connected to each other. A plurality of signal wires is formed on the substrate. A dielectric layer covers the electrode circuit. An electrode bridge structure is formed on the dielectric layer and is electrically connected to the second conducting patterns of the electric circuit, such that the second conducting patterns are electrically connected to each other. The electrode bridge structure having uniform thickness is formed by the metal open repair technique. A method of manufacturing a display system is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a mechanical switch. The mechanical switch includes a bilayer with first and second stable curved states. A transformation of the bilayer from the first state to the second state closes the switch.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a panel switch is provided. The panel switch includes insulating films and a base layer having a stationary contact. Each insulating film includes an adhesive layer, and an apex portion of a moving contact adhered to the adhesive layer. The insulating films are aligned and adhered on top of each other and the adhered insulating films are aligned and adhered to the base layer such that the locations of the moving contacts of the respective insulating films align with the stationary contact of the base layer. The method includes applying an adhesive layer to an insulating film; adhering a moving contact onto the adhesive layer; aligning the moving contact with a stationary contact of a base member and adhering the insulating film to the base member; and cutting and removing an excess portion from the insulating film with a laser.

Abstract: A deflection web is provided for use in a keypad assembly. The deflection web comprises a plurality of actuators resiliently coupled together by a flexible membrane. Each actuator of the deflection web corresponds to a key of the keypad assembly, and for each actuator, the flexible membrane comprises a corresponding radially outwardly extending flange whose thickness varies in a direction from the corresponding actuator. In some instances, the thickness of the flange may increase as the flange extends a distance radially outward from its corresponding actuator. A method for creating the deflection web of the keypad assembly and a method for assembling the keypad assembly are also provided.

Abstract: Formation of an assemblage of electrically conductive components for a new electrosurgical pencil is disclosed, and assembly of those components in a method for automating the manufacture and combination of current carrying metal circuitry and operable switching components in “electrosurgical pencils” which supply current to an active terminal, for application of high frequency or high power electrical current to a surgical site, and control of such current through coaction of the elements of the switch. In manufacture, the design of the switch components allows start-to-finish automated assembly of the switch, whereby an array of identical multiple metal “frames” may be formed from a reel, then each frame separated and enclosed within molded plastic, and the resulting cabinet joined with a housing to create an inexpensive hand piece, for use with a high quality, reusable cable and plug assembly.

Abstract: A method of forming a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) includes forming a lower electrode on a first insulator layer within a cavity of the MEMS. The method further includes forming an upper electrode over another insulator material on top of the lower electrode which is at least partially in contact with the lower electrode. The forming of the lower electrode and the upper electrode includes adjusting a metal volume of the lower electrode and the upper electrode to modify beam bending.

Abstract: A switch comprises a switch housing including a cover, a terminal block welded to the cover and a fixed contact point therein, a moving block provided with a boss for fitting a manual shaft of an automatic transmission and a movable contact point corresponding to the fixed contact point and movable to the switch housing and elastic seal rings interposed between inner and outer peripheral surfaces of each of the terminal block and the cover, and the operation portion. One of the cover or the terminal block is formed of a colored, laser transmissive material and the other is formed of a laser non-transmissive material. The terminal block and the cover are automatically aligned with the moving block by an elastic force of the seal ring and a thermal welding part is circularly formed by means of a laser beam on the side of the outer periphery in each of the terminal block and the cover to be aligned for coupling the terminal block with the cover to fix the alignment.

Abstract: A narrow key switch for a low travel keyboard and methods of fabrication are described. The low-travel keyboard having narrow keys is suitable for a thin-profile computing device, such as a laptop computer, netbook computer, desktop computer, etc. The keyboard includes a key cap positioned over an elastomeric dome and a two-part scissor mechanism having two separate linkage structures on opposite sides of the dome. A link bar is also provided to transfer a load from a side of a key to the center if the key cap is depressed in an off-center manner. Transferring the load to the center helps to deform the elastomeric dome so that it can activate the switch circuitry of the membrane on printed circuit board underneath the dome. Separating the linkage structures into two separate parts allows for the use of a full-sized elastomeric dome for a narrow key switch. The full-sized dome provides the desired tactile feedback to a user.

Abstract: The methods described herein provide for a radio frequency micro-electromechanical systems switch having two or more resonant frequencies. The switch can be configured as a capacitive shunt switch having a deflectable member coupled between two electrodes over a transmission line. A first insulator can be located between one of the electrodes and the deflectable member to form a capacitive element. The deflectable member can be deflectable between an up-state and a down-state, the down-state capacitively coupling the deflectable member with the transmission line. The degree by which the deflectable member overlaps the first insulator can be adjusted to adjust the capacitance of the capacitive element and the resulting resonant frequency.

Abstract: Improved techniques are disclosed for fabrication of touch panels using thin sheet glass. Thin touch sensor panels each having a thickness of substantially less than approximately one-half millimeter can be produced. A thin mother glass sheet having a thickness of substantially less then approximately one half millimeter can be used. A thin film can be coupled to a surface of the thin mother glass sheet, and the thin film can be photolithographically patterned, while avoiding breakage of the thin mother glass sheet. The thin mother glass sheet can be singulated into the thin touch sensor panels.

Abstract: A front accessible metal clad switchgear assembly comprising multiple compartments defined within an electrical enclosure is provided. The compartments interchangeably accommodate electrical components, for example, current transformers, a circuit breaker, a control power transformer, an epoxy encapsulated potential transformer, etc., and bus bars in predetermined positions for allowing front access to the electrical components and bus bars. The front accessible switchgear assembly further comprises a plenum chamber rearwardly positioned in the electrical enclosure and in communication with the compartments to provide an exit path for releasing pressure and gases. A mounting block assembly is positioned in one or more of the compartments for mounting, enclosing, and providing front access to the electrical components. The mounting block assembly is configured to reduce temperature rise in the compartments.

Abstract: Multiple-pole single-throw dome switch assemblies for electronic devices and methods for creating the same are provided. For example, a switch assembly may include a deformable dome that may have a conductive inner surface. The switch assembly may also include three conductive pads, at least two of which may be positioned underneath the dome. When the dome is deformed, each one of the three conductive pads may be electrically coupled to the conductive inner surface of the dome. When the dome is not deformed, at least one of the three conductive pads may be electrically isolated from the conductive inner surface of the dome.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing non-backlighted illuminating keypad includes preparing a transparent plastic thin plate; forming a plurality of keycaps on a surface the plastic thin plate; forming a light gathering layer on another surface of the plastic thin plate opposite to the keycaps; attaching the plastic thin plate onto an electronic ink layer; and attaching an first elastic layer on the electronic ink layer.

Abstract: A MEMS switch comprises a substrate, first and second signal lines over the substrate, which each terminate at a connection region, a lower actuation electrode over the substrate and movable contact electrode suspended over the connection regions of the first and second signal lines. An upper actuation electrode is provided over the lower actuation electrode. The connection regions of the first and second signal lines are at a first height from the substrate, wherein signal line portions extending from the connection regions are at a lower height from the substrate, and the lower actuation electrode is provided over the lower height signal line portions, so that the lower height signal line portions are buried. The area available for the actuation electrodes becomes larger and undesired forces and interference are reduced.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a keyboard base, a membrane circuit substrate, and a press key set having a plurality of press keys. Each of the press keys includes: a keycap, a linkage assembly including intersecting first and second link levers, and a first pivot mechanism to interconnect pivotally the first and second link levers, and an elastic element. The first pivot mechanism includes: a female element having a first opening formed in one of upper and lower surfaces of the first link lever; and a flexible male element outwardly protruding from a lateral surface of the second link lever. The male and female elements are configured such that after the male element is elastically deformed to be pressed into the female element via the first opening, the male element is restored to its original form to be limited in the female element.