Abstract: In order to provide an electric part with illumination in which unevenness of illumination is eliminated, the illumination efficiency is improved, and good assembleability is achieved, an illumination member is retained on a base, and the base is retained by an operating member and a movable contact for electrically connecting an electrode on the illuminating member and a power feed pattern is retained on the operating member.

Abstract: A lighted switch unit having a light-shield structure at a lower end of an operating body is provided, in which an outer surface of the operating body is covered with a non-translucent covering layer, and a light-transmitting display part is formed on an upper part or side part of the body. The light-shield structure is such as an inclined part formed on an outer surface at the lower end of the operating body, with which an exposed area of a lower end of the inner surface of the operating body is made small so that an amount of a light that leaks out of a gap between the cover and the operating body is reduced. Thus, a lighted switch unit having good visibility is obtained with a simple structure.

Abstract: An electronic instrument has a rotary switch with an extending shaft, a light source proximate to the shaft, and a knob attached to the shaft. The knob has a body with a rear face, an opposed front face, and side surfaces extending between the faces. The rear face defines a bore sized to receive a free end of the shaft. The body has a light-transmissive portion extending from a first surface portion of the rear face surrounding the bore, such that light from the light source enters the light transmissive portion regardless of the rotary position of the knob. The light-transmissive portion of the body extends to a window in the side surface or the front face.

Abstract: A switch arrangement is disclosed. The arrangement comprises a number of switches arranged on a substrate, each switch having a resiliently deformable conductive dome for making an electrical connection with a corresponding contact on the substrate; and a number of signal lines for connection to a microprocessor for signalling an operation of a switch. The switches are arranged such that operation of any given switch creates a unique electrical connection between two of the signal lines and each of the signal lines is electrically connected to a conductive surface of a respective dome. Also disclosed is a cover for a portable electronic apparatus, having a number of user operable keys. The keys are connectable to a microprocessor in the apparatus via electrical connections made using the conductive domes.

Abstract: A touch sensor is physically integrated with a light emitting device to provide a switching device with built-in backlighting. In some embodiments, the touch sensor and the light emitting device share electrical components.

Abstract: An electronic module that is activated by the touch of a button for sending a wireless signal to a remote receiver. The module has a housing with an upper portion that is secured in relation to a vehicle. A lower portion of the housing has mating apertures and openings provided therein. A set of staking posts extends from an upper face of one or more buttons. The staking posts have a leading end that is registrable with the mating apertures that are provided in the lower portion of the housing. A set of actuating posts also extends from the upper face of the button. Those posts extend within at least some of the openings that are defined in the lower portion of the housing. Optionally, an array of light pipes is in optical communication with a set of switches. One of the switches can be closed following contact by a leading end of one of the posts when a button is depressed.

Abstract: A footswitch having a tiltable treadle includes a rotatable heel cup for providing a second proportional control input based on the rotational movement of the rotatable heel cup.

Abstract: An illuminated pushbutton switch cover member has a key seat and a resin key top. An indicator portion provided in the resin key top is illuminated with light from an internal light source provided below the key seat, and the light is emitted from the inside to the outside of the cover member through the indicator portion. The cover member is constructed by joining the resin key top to the key seat. The key seat is formed of a thermoplastic elastomer that prevents leakage of light, and an opening for passage of light is formed in the key seat to expose the bottom side of the resin key top to the internal light source. Thus, light from the internal light source can reach the bottom side of the resin key top directly without being attenuated. The indicator portion of the resin key top can therefore be illuminated with high luminance.

Abstract: A button and light pipe mechanism and assembly. The button and light pipe mechanism includes a unitary body having a frame, a first arm, a button, and a light pipe. The first arm is configured to flex when sufficient force is exerted on the button.

Abstract: An illuminated membrane switch employs transparent conductive elements in the region of the button so as to provide passage of light from behind the membrane switch to the user without shadowing by opaque conductive elements.

Abstract: A light guide for illuminating keys of a keyboard or keypad of a portable electronic device includes an array of apertures, at least one groove and at least a protrusion. The apertures are defined in the light guide and are configured to illuminate the keys via at least a light source. The groove is disposed in one end of the light guide for receiving light from the light source. The light guide can provide a desired uniform illumination by means of fewer light sources, and can improve optical uniformity by eliminating the bright areas occurring adjacent to the light sources.

Abstract: The seesaw button of a heater control unit includes a guider formed with illumination holes corresponding to marking regions printed at the outer surface of a manipulation case with different colors, the guider being inserted into the manipulation case, a plurality of movable rods located at both sides of the guider to activate a contact switch of a substrate according to a manipulation of the manipulation casethe movable rods restoring the manipulation case to its original position when releasing the manipulation. The seesaw button further includes an accommodation housing that supports a middle portion of the guider coupled to the manipulation case, forms light inducing passages corresponding to the illumination holes and accommodates the movable rods and a plurality of prisms positioned at the light inducing passages that includes light emitted from light sources of the substrate toward the markings of the manipulation case.

Abstract: A push button switch has a housing, a switch actuator movably supported by the housing, an organic light emitting diode display supported by the housing in a position to be viewable by a user of the push button switch, and a switch supported by the housing so as to operable by the switch actuator when the switch actuator moves relative to the housing. A controller circuit is electrically coupled to the push button switch so as to control the organic light emitting diode display in response to operation of the switch.

Abstract: A backlighting keyboard includes a light guide board with multiple fastening members formed at an upper surface, multiple light refracting areas formed at a bottom surface, multiple openings defined through the light guide board, and multiple illuminants respectively received in the openings. A membrane printed circuit board on the light guide board has multiple nodes respectively aligned with the fastening members, and multiple first holes defined through the membrane printed circuit board. A rubber button sheet on the membrane printed circuit board has multiple buttons respectively aligned with the nodes, and multiple second holes defined through the rubber button sheet. Multiple bridges are respectively and pivotally mounted on the fastening members of the light guide board. Multiple keys are respectively and pivotally mounted on the bridges.

Abstract: An electroluminescent lamp membrane switch includes a deformable substrate. Graphic indicia is imprinted on the substrate. An electroluminescent lamp is imprinted on the graphic indicia layer and a membrane switch is formed on the lamp.

Abstract: An illuminated switch includes a lens that is provided integrally with a converter on a surface opposing a light-emitting element disposed on a base constituting a switch body. The lens diffuses light emitted from the light-emitting element through the inner space of a coil spring urging a switch operating unit in the vertical direction. Moreover, a tilted surface is formed at an angle inclining towards the bottom surface of a hole below from the upper surface of the switch operating unit in the axial direction.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a metallic switch with high productivity. A transparent printed layer (4) is patterned and formed on a metalizing layer (3) formed on the front surface of a transfer substrate, and the metalizing layer (3) is subjected to etching. The metalizing layer (3) and the transparent printed layer (4) are integrally transferred onto a key top body (6). As a result, the metalizing layer, which has a low strength and can be easily fractured, is protected and reinforced by the transparent printed layer (4), the metalizing layer can be transferred with high stability, and a metallic switch is manufactured in an easy manner and with good efficiency.

Abstract: A keysheet module is provided which comprises: a one-sided printed circuit board having a plurality of wiring patterns formed on one side thereof; and contact switches, LEDs for illuminating a keypad, and electric elements such as resistors and capacitors, all provided on the one-sided printed circuit board; wherein an insulating layer is provided between predetermined, separate wiring patterns of the plurality of wiring patterns and a conductive film jumper is formed over the insulating layer to three-dimensionally connect the separate wiring patterns. With this arrangement, a degree of freedom of locating LEDs and electric elements is enhanced, improving a keypad illumination efficiency. The use of the conductive film jumper can reduce a thickness of the keysheet module.

Abstract: A switch-device sheet comprising: a soft and elastic sheet body (5) having operation parts (5a) for operating contacts of a switch device; and a light guiding member (6) containing an optical fiber and being partially or completely embedded and wired in the sheet body (5), the light guiding member receiving light at one end (6a) and emitting light at the other end (6b). Therefore, the whole of the switch-device sheet (4) is flexible, and further the light guiding member (6) may be wired, as desired, outside or in the sheet body (5), while allowing for the size and wiring configuration.

Abstract: A stalk switch having a simplified structure and wide general-purpose applicability is provided. The stalk switch comprises an operating lever 4 manually operated by an operator, a supporting member 2 for rockably supporting the operating lever 4, an electromagnetic brake 5 arranged opposite to a base end of the operating lever 4, an optical image sensor 6 for detecting the operational state of the operating lever 4, and controlling means 8 for controlling the drive of the electromagnetic brake 5 based on an output signal a from the optical image sensor 6, wherein the range of movement of the operating lever 4 is defined by the electromagnetic brake 5, and a predetermined tactile response corresponding the operational state is given to the operating lever 4.

Abstract: A switch unit includes a first sheet member that includes a movable contact. A second sheet member is provided on the first sheet member. The second sheet member includes a light-emitting part and wiring. The wiring supplies power to the light-emitting part. The wiring is made of a conductive polymer.

Abstract: An electronic device, such as a computer peripheral device, includes a comfortable holding-sheath. The holding-sheath has a sleeve portion that extends around the electronic device, and a holding portion graspable by a user to enable the user to more comfortably hold the device and facilitate its operation. The holding-sheath further has a protection portion extending therefrom so as to protect at least a button, switch, or connecting portion of the device from being contaminated.

Abstract: A lighted switch device includes one rotary knob (first operating knob); first to fourth push knobs (second operating knobs); a case; a switch element and a light-emitting diode (light source), which are accommodated in the case; and an annular light conductor for transmitting exiting light from the light-emitting diode to the outer peripheral portion of the rotary knob. Plate-shaped light-shielding members are disposed at the first and third push knobs, and recesses for inserting ends of the light-shielding members are formed in portions of the second and fourth push knobs opposing their respective light-shielding members.

Abstract: A non-movable switch is located behind an interior trim component of a motor vehicle. The location of the switch is hidden until a status condition of the motor vehicle occurs. When the status condition occurs, the location of the switch becomes visibly apparent and the switch becomes active and operable.

Abstract: A decorative, illuminated electrical wall outlet cover plate having an LED light source and a translucent face plate. A method and arrangement is described for illuminating a electrical wall outlet to provide an easily changeable, decorative face plate for matching the walls, wallpaper, furniture or other decorative items in a room. The cover plate is made from an acrylic or polycarbonate plastic that can be clear, translucent, transparent, or partially opaque. Preferably, a reflective backing is provided to reflect light in the desired direction and to enhance the effective brightness of the light. In a second embodiment, a power strip is illuminated to more easily locate the plug in area of the power strip.

Abstract: A breaking detector for a shear pin having a central bore, comprises an electrically conductive element forming an elongated loop extending on a length of the bore of the shear pin and having upper ends defining contact surfaces adjacent to each other. An electrically insulating element extends in the loop, to prevent the conductive element from short-circuiting. Power supply cables are connected respectively to the contact surfaces and are provided with connectors facilitating connection of the breaking detector to other breaking detectors or to an alarm panel. An electrically insulating body removably supports the elements of the detector in the bore of the shear pin. An identification circuit having a light indicator connected between the contact surfaces and projecting at an upper end of the body allows to locate a defective shear pin having broken the conductive element.

Abstract: A light-emitting keypad assembly is mounted on a substrate of a cellular phone and has a silicon layer, an illuminating layer formed on top of the silicon layer, multiple keys formed on top of the illuminating layer and multiple protrusions formed on the bottom of the silicon layer. When the keys are pressed down, the protrusions directly press against contacts on the substrate without any obstruction. The light from the light-emitting layer is able to penetrate all the keys to make the light emitting keypad assembly bright.

Abstract: A switch-device sheet comprising: a soft and elastic sheet body (5) having operation parts (5a) for operating contacts of a switch device; and a light guiding member (6) containing an optical fiber and being partially or completely embedded and wired in the sheet body (5), the light guiding member receiving light at one end (6a) and emitting light at the other end (6b). Therefore, the whole of the switch-device sheet (4) is flexible, and further the light guiding member (6) may be wired, as desired, outside or in the sheet body (5), while allowing for the size and wiring configuration.

Abstract: A float-type liquid level switch includes a main body, a float, a magnetic reed switch, and a light emitting element; the float has a magnet joined thereto, and is displaceable along a length of the main body; the magnetic reed switch and the light emitting element are held in the main body; both the magnetic reed switch and the light emitting element are connected to a control circuit to form a circuit; when the float is moved to such a position by buoyancy of liquid in a container that the magnet is near to, and activates the magnetic reed switch, the light emitting element will be powered to produce light, which will travel out of the main body to indicate that liquid level reaches a certain point.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a key top for a push-button switch according to the present invention includes forming a hot-melt adhesive layer on a resin key top so as to have a shape corresponding to a display portion for displaying a letter, symbol, or other indicia, and transferring a metallic thin film layer onto the hot-melt adhesive layer. Therefore, the metallic thin film layer is not damaged due to coating of the hot-melt adhesive layer, and positioning of the display portion is unnecessary. Further, when a transfer resin layer is formed on the metallic thin film layer, oxidation of the metallic thin film layer or damages thereto can be prevented.

Abstract: A push-button actuatable electrical switch is disclosed. In one embodiment, the push-button electrical switch includes a body, a push-button lens cap extending from a first end of the body, and an electrical switch. Depression of the push-button lens cap causes the electrical switch to be activated. An electrically conductive pathway is defined through the body to a support structure whereby electrical discharges are routed to ground rather than through the lamp and electrical switch. In one embodiment, the pathway is defined by conductive carbon particles dispersed through a plastic forming parts of the switch, such as the body and the lens cap.

Abstract: A light distribution plenum includes a shell having an interior surface substantially defining a cavity. A light source receptor is configured to receive light from a light source into the cavity in use. A first optical avenue is associated with the shell and is configured to direct a portion of the light to a first control device. A second optical avenue is associated with the shell, is spaced from the first optical avenue, and is configured to direct a portion of the light to a second control device. At least one selective optic is at least partially within the light distribution plenum and is configured to interact with at least some portion of the light. An illuminated control assembly including a light distribution plenum, a motor vehicle including an illuminated control assembly, and a method of illuminating first and second control devices are also provided.

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: An illuminated touch switch has a touch sensitive area and a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged in a predetermined pattern. The touch switch includes a first rigid circuit board with a first electrical conductor and a second flexible circuit board with a second electrical conductor separated by a spacer of a predetermined thickness. Both conductors are aligned with the touch sensitive area and are coupled from the applied pressure providing an output signal. Light emitting diodes illuminate a single color light to indicate an enabled condition of the touch sensitive area.

Abstract: A contact switching arrangement with a flat electrically non-conducting cover which forms a switching area on a top facing the user, and has an underside facing away from the user, at which at least one electrode is arranged and is connected with a switching arrangement for triggering a contact signal when a finger of the user or a similar conducting body approaches. The cover has a light-reflecting, electrically non-conducting film, at least over portions, which acts as a non-conductor. The contact switching arrangement is for use in connection with control panels of electronic devices, for example.

Abstract: In a portable telephone including a plurality of input buttons 1 for inputting various indications, light emitting elements 7 which emit a light, when any one of the input buttons 1 is pushed on, diffusers 8 which are located under a plurality of input buttons 1 and which diffuse the light emitted from the light emitting element 7, the diffuser 8 has an incidence portion 5 which has a receiving plane positioned near the light emitting elements 7 and receiving the light emitted from the light emitting elements 7, and a projecting portion 6 which has a reflecting plane for reflecting the light received by the incidence portion 5 to an upper side of a plurality of input buttons 1.

Abstract: A key top, a key top lighting device and an electronic apparatus with improved operability for use in the dark is provided wherein the key top can be illuminated at a low power consumption rate and without disturbing the people nearby. Specifically, a transparent fluorescent ink that emits fluorescent light upon being irradiated by black light having a wavelength within a range of 300 nm to 450 nm is printed on the key top, and a black light lamp irradiates the black light on this key top, so that the operability of the key top can be improved when used in the dark.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing having an opening, separable contacts within the housing, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a generally transparent operating handle having a portion protruding through the opening of the housing. An auxiliary switch associated with the operating mechanism provides a first normally closed output when the separable contacts are open and a second normally open output when the separable contacts are closed. A first LED indicator cooperates with the first output, is proximate the operating handle and is illuminated when the separable contacts are open. A second LED indicator cooperates with the second output, is proximate the operating handle and is illuminated when the separable contacts are closed. One of the first and second LED indicators illuminates the operating handle.

Abstract: A switch-device sheet comprising: a soft and elastic sheet body (5) having operation parts (5a) for operating contacts of a switch device; and a light guiding member (6) containing an optical fiber and being partially or completely embedded and wired in the sheet body (5), the light guiding member receiving light at one end (6a) and emitting light at the other end (6b). Therefore, the whole of the switch-device sheet (4) is flexible, and further the light guiding member (6) may be wired, as desired, outside or in the sheet body (5), while allowing for the size and wiring configuration.

Abstract: A foil style switching element includes a first carrier foil and a second carrier foil arranged at a certain distance from one another and a plurality of contact arrangement arranged between the first and the second carrier foils. The contact arrangements are arranged on the first and second carrier foils so that an electric contact between the contact arrangements is generated when the first and the second carrier foil are pressed together. A foil style luminescent screen unit applied on a side of the first carrier foil facing away from the second carrier foil, the luminescent screen unit includes a first electrode layer, a dielectric layer, a luminescent matter layer and a second electrode layer. The first electrode layer of the foil style luminescent screen unit is applied directly on the first carrier foil which faces away from the second carrier foil.

Abstract: A rotary knob, particularly an illuminant rotary knob, provides function selection and execution through single-handed operation. The invention includes a light transparent light guide to couple with a compiling controller to facilitate user operations. A plurality of illuminant elements are located around the compiling controller to project light through the light guide to give the rotary knob an illuminant effect.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing, a pair of separable contacts within the housing, and an operating mechanism having an operating handle for opening and closing the separable contacts. A micro-switch cooperates with the operating handle and provides a first output when the separable contacts are open and a second output when the separable contacts are closed. A first LED indicator protrudes through the housing and cooperates the first output of the micro-switch. The first LED indicator is illuminated when the separable contacts are open. A second LED indicator protrudes through the housing and cooperates with the second output of the micro-switch. The second LED indicator is illuminated when the separable contacts are closed.

Abstract: Integrated switch and backlight assembly includes a flexible light panel disposed between a circuit board and a keypad for backlighting the keypad. On the back side of the light panel is a back reflector having a plurality of contacts for selectively establishing electrical contact with the circuit board upon actuating selective portions of the keypad to cause corresponding portions of the light panel and back reflector to flex toward the circuit board.

Abstract: A plating layer (or vapor deposition layer) which exhibits a metallic color is formed on the surface of a molded resin part. A color film with transmittance which is molded and which has a desired color for design is formed on the surface of the above plating layer (or vapor deposition layer). This color film comprises moldable materials such as resin including, for example, polymer compounds such as PET, PC, urethane or combinations of these. Thereby, a press button switch can be gained which imparts a feeling of high quality through a metallic finish design, of which the degree of design freedom is high and which can prevent color unevenness of the key top from occurring.

Abstract: The switching device for switching high electrical currents and voltages has at least one switch pole (1, 1′, 1″) which is operated by means of a rotatable shaft (8, 8′, 8″). Furthermore, the switching device has at least one lever system (10, 10′, 10″), a first switching linkage (11) and at least one drive (2) with a drive rod (24), with the rotatable shaft (8, 8′, 8″) being connected to the lever system (10, 10,′, 10″), the lever system (10, 10′, 10″) being connected to the first switching linkage (11), and the first switching linkage (11) being operatively connected to the drive rod (24). Movements of the drive rod (24) are converted to rotary movements of the rotatable shaft (8, 8′, 8″). The physical space which is required for installation of the switching device is intended to be capable of being matched to the physical circumstances.

Abstract: A keypad is disclosed for a portable electronic device. The keypad comprises an outer surface and a number of pressable keys (402). Associated with each key there is a pair of conductive contact points (501, 502, 611, 612, 620, 621, 622, 1106) separated from each other. A plurality of elastic domes (1103) is located next to the conductive contact points. For each pair of conductive contact points (501, 502, 611, 612, 620, 621, 622, 1106) there is an adjacent elastic dome (1103) having a concave side and a convex side, of which the concave side is at least partially conductive and directed towards the pair of conductive contact points. The concave sides of the plurality of elastic domes (1103) are directed towards the outer surface of the keypad.

Abstract: A light guide member (35) is made of a transparent material, and includes a main body portion (35a), disposed at a back side of a central portion of an operating member (2), and extension portions (35d, 35e) which extend from the main body portion, and are disposed respectively at back sides of push operating portions (8, 9). This light guide member is separate from the operating member (2), and light emitted from LEDs (66) passes sequentially through the main body portion (35a) of the light guide member (35) and the extension portions (35d, 35e) to illuminate light-transmitting indicating portions (12, 13) of the operating member.

Abstract: A switch device in a steering wheel includes a front switch assembly and a back switch. The front switch assembly is provided on a front side of the steering wheel that faces the driver, and rotates integrally with the steering wheel. The back switch is provided on a back side of the steering wheel. The front switch assembly includes at least one front switch. The front switch assembly also includes a circuit board. A front switch light source is provided on the circuit board. The front switch light source illuminates a switch marking provided on the front switch. On the circuit board is also provided a back switch light source for illuminating a switch marking provided on the back switch. Accordingly, a manipulation switch on the steering wheel is reliably illuminated regardless of the rotation angle of the steering wheel.

Abstract: Embodiments of a peripheral backlighting system for keyboards are shown and described, which include one or more light-emitting panels exterior to the keyswitches of the keyboard. The panels are preferably electroluminescent material and surround at least two sides, and preferably all sides, of the stem of a keyswitch or the space in which the stem slides up and down during use. Alternatively, the electroluminescent panel(s) may extend substantially continuously between and underneath a plurality of keyswitches. The panels extend closely adjacent to the stem or stem path, or under the keyswitch, to be as far under the key cap as possible without extending into the stem or cap of the keyswitch. The EL panels are preferably powered by the computer keyboard port, via voltage inverters. Preferably, the keyswitch is translucent or partially translucent, and the base plate over the EL panels, if any, is at least partially translucent or transparent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mini switch assembly at low costs and being able to display on or off state of it. The switch assembly in accordance with the present invention includes a pushbutton that has an opening allowing a transparent cover installed in it; a circuit board having a circuit and defining a first conductive section being insulated with a second conductive section; a conductive elastic part coupled to but its body section separated from the first conductive section. When the pushbutton applies a force to the elastic part, the body section is forced to contact the second conductive section and as a result, the first conductive section is conductively coupled with the second conductive section, triggering a drive circuit on the circuit board to provide power to turn the LED on. Also, the elastic part has an opening aligned with the pushbutton opening to allow the LED to be installed on the circuit board via these two openings.