Push Button Patents (Class 200/341)
  • Patent number: 11685308
    Abstract: A switch structure includes a light-emitting part configured to receive power from a vehicle and to radiate light, a moving block located so as to surround the light-emitting part, a light-transmissive part configured to allow light radiated from the light-emitting part to pass through an opening in the moving block, and a film-printing layer located on a top surface of the light-transmissive part and including a symbol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Min Ha Lee, Ik Jin Jung, Seung Sik Han, Young Ju Lee, Kwan Bo Lee
  • Patent number: 11688567
    Abstract: A waterproof switch assembly having a rigid casing with a first opening, a compressible elastomeric body attached to said casing around the first opening and defining a push button covering said first opening or attached to a push button covering said first opening, defining a hermetically sealed closed compartment within said casing; a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) housed inside the closed compartment and bearing a protruding electric switch component pushable by the push button; a protective frame, housed inside the closed compartment, surrounding the perimeter of the protruding electric switch component, and attached to the PCB through several connection legs distributed around the protruding electric switch component. The compressible elastomeric body includes protruding elements surrounding the protective frame to transmit shear forces, parallel to the PCB, from the push button to the PCB through the protective frame and connection legs without affecting the protruding electric switch component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: PREMO, SA
    Inventors: Juan Fernandez Reina, Jose Antonio Jimenez Pavon, Antonio Rojas Cuevas, Francisco Ezequiel Navarro Perez
  • Patent number: 11610745
    Abstract: A key structure includes a base plate, a switch element, a key pedestal and a keycap. The key pedestal includes an opening, a first hooking structure and a second hooking structure. The keycap includes an edge part, a triggering post, a third hooking structure and a fourth hooking structure. The third hooking structure and the fourth hooking structure are installed on the edge part. The switch element is installed on the base plate. The key pedestal is installed on the base plate. The triggering post is inserted into the opening to trigger the switch element. The third hooking structure of the keycap is movably connected with the first hooking structure of the key pedestal. The fourth hooking structure of the keycap is movably connected with the second hooking structure of the key pedestal. Consequently, the keycap is maintained in a horizontal state and not tilted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.
    Inventors: Sheng-Fan Chang, Lei-Lung Tsai, Chin-Sung Pan
  • Patent number: 11612061
    Abstract: Methods and systems for creating a device having a switch trace are disclosed. The systems and methods described herein may include a device that has a chassis, the chassis having a top and a bottom, at least one antenna affixed to the top of the chassis, a first laser direct structuring-fabricated (LDS) trace, a second LDS trace, and a button, the button connected to the first LDS trace and the top of the chassis, wherein the button is configured to contact the second LDS trace when the button is depressed and complete a circuit between the first LDS trace and the second LDS trace upon contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Appareo IoT, LLC
    Inventors: Wyatt Dick, Jeff Johnson, Christopher Horne
  • Patent number: 11569046
    Abstract: A keyswitch includes a board, a cap opposite to the board, a first support device, a second support device, and a first link member. The first support device is disposed between the cap and the board. An end of the first support device is connected to the board. Another end of the first support device is connected to the cap. The second support device is disposed between the cap and the board and is separate from the first support device at a specific distance. An end of the second support device is connected to the board. Another end of the second support device is connected to the cap. The first link member has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is movably connected to the first support device. The second end portion is connected to the second support device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: DARFON ELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Chin-Lung Chan, Cheng-Min Su, Hung-Chieh Lo
  • Patent number: 11527371
    Abstract: A switch includes: a housing having a box shape; a plunger movable in a first direction intersecting an opening surface; and a movable piece arranged inside the housing and is elastically deformable in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The plunger has a touching portion which is arranged so as to face the movable piece in the second direction inside the housing and to be able to elastically deform the movable piece in the second direction by touching the movable piece, and further, a lubricant retaining portion that can retain a lubricant is provided in at least one of the touching portion of the plunger and a touched portion of the movable piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhira Izawa, Junichi Seto, Mamiko Naka
  • Patent number: 11495421
    Abstract: A keyswitch includes a bottom board, a cap structure, a lifting mechanism, and an elastic member. The lifting mechanism is detachably connected to the cap structure and the bottom board to make the cap structure movable upward and downward relative to the bottom board. The elastic member is connected to the cap structure so as to be detached from the lifting mechanism together with the cap structure when the cap structure is separate from the lifting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: DARFON ELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Jui-Yi Huang, Sheng-Yun Yang, Chin-Hung Lin
  • Patent number: 11476062
    Abstract: A waterproof electric push button switch assembly having a closed compartment and an electric switch housed inside the closed compartment, the electric switch having connected thereto cables coming out of the compartment which is arranged inside a casing with a cavity with two openings, a first opening hermetically sealed by a compressible elastomeric body attached to the casing, and a second opening hermetically sealed by a cover. The elastomeric body extends into the cavity of the casing providing a surface supporting the electric switch and the cover has on its inner face a tubular wall which is inserted into the cavity of the casing and contacts the elastomeric body along the perimeter. The tubular wall completely surrounds the switch and assures its waterproofness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: PREMO, SA
    Inventors: Jose Antonio Jimenez Pavon, Juan Fernandez Reina, Antonio Rojas Cuevas, Francisco Ezequiel Navarro Perez
  • Patent number: 11417478
    Abstract: A multidirectional input apparatus with a switch includes a strain generating body including at least a cylindrical portion and a first plate portion; a plurality of strain sensors; a wiring substrate; a contact rubber configuring the switch together with an electrode on the wiring substrate; and a button. The contact rubber includes a base portion, a movable portion, and a deformable portion. The movable portion is movable to a first position when the deformable portion is not deformed, and to a second position when the deformable portion is deformed. A center of a lower surface of the button contacts an upper surface of the movable portion when the movable portion is at the first and second positions. When the movable portion moves from the first position to the second position and contacts the electrode, a protruding portion on the lower surface of the button presses the wiring substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: ALPS ALPINE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sadayuki Yaginuma, Kunio Hosono, Tetsuo Muranaka, Yasuji Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 11404226
    Abstract: A hardware product for creating a light ring and a dead front effect. The product may include a housing with an opening. The hardware product may also include a button positioned within the opening and configured to be depressed by a user. The button is constructed using a two-part molding process and includes a first shot and a second shot. The first shot is configured to disperse light around the perimeter shape of the opening. The second shot is constructed from an optically opaque or semi-opaque material. A single light-emitting component electrically coupled to the circuit board provides light for creating the light ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Scott Duncan, Chee Sen Poh, Jacqueline Laiz, Anurag Gupta, Shelomon Doblack, Alexander Wroblewski
  • Patent number: 11373820
    Abstract: A key structure includes a keycap, a base plate, a first scissors-type connecting element, a second scissors-type connecting element and a coupling plate. The first scissors-type connecting element and the second scissors-type connecting element are arranged between the keycap and the base plate. The first scissors-type connecting element is upwardly assembled with the keycap and downwardly assembled with the base plate. The first scissors-type connecting element includes a first inner frame and a first outer frame. The second scissors-type connecting element is upwardly assembled with the keycap and downwardly assembled with the base plate. The second scissors-type connecting element includes a second inner frame and a second outer frame. The coupling plate is arranged between the first outer frame and the second outer frame. The coupling plate is detachably assembled with the first outer frame and the second outer frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.
    Inventors: Shau-Cheng Sun, Tsu-Yi Chen
  • Patent number: 11342139
    Abstract: A key structure includes a keycap, a base plate, a first scissors-type connecting element, a second scissors-type connecting element and a reinforced connecting rod. The first and second scissors-type connecting elements are arranged between the keycap and the base plate. The first scissors-type connecting element includes a first inner frame and a first outer frame. The second scissors-type connecting element includes a second inner frame and a second outer frame. The keycap is movable upwardly or downwardly relative to the base plate along a specified path with the assistance of the first and second scissors-type connecting elements. The reinforced connecting rod includes a hollow rectangular main body. The first outer frame has a first extension structure. The second outer frame has a second extension structure. Moreover, two opposite sides of the hollow rectangular main body are respectively received within the first extension structure and the second extension structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.
    Inventors: De-Guang Zhu, Rong-Biao Xu
  • Patent number: 11342134
    Abstract: What is presented is a key module (120) for a keyboard. The key module (120) comprises a guide (230) for guiding a movement of the key module (120) upon actuation, at least one spring element (240) for providing a reset force upon actuation of the key module (120), a support element (250) for supporting the guide (230) and a switch unit. The switch unit comprises a housing (270) and a contact device (280) at least partially arranged in the housing (270) for establishing electric contact upon actuation of the key module (120). The contact device (280) comprises a fixed contact piece with a first contact and a contactor with a first spring clip carrying a second contact and/or a second spring clip for producing an actuation sound and/or at least one actuation portion. The contactor is integrally formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: CHERRY GMBH
    Inventor: Eduard Ruff
  • Patent number: 11328883
    Abstract: In a switch device, a switch part is turned ON/OFF by operation of an operating knob housed in a recessed part of a panel so that a movable terminal and a fixed terminal are in contact or are separated. An outside face, opposing an inner peripheral face of the recessed part of the panel, of the operating knob is an inclined face that is inclined inward of the operating knob in going downward. A gap that widens in going downward is formed between the outside face of the operating knob and the inner peripheral face of the recessed part of the panel. Accordingly, the device can ensure stable operation of the operating knob by discharging, from the gap between the panel and the operating knob, liquid that has entered the gap, and that can improve the appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Toyo Denso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Shimazu, Yuki Kuno, Taiji Okawa, Kouji Yamazaki, Hiroyuki Abe, Mitsuhiro Kondo
  • Patent number: 11309143
    Abstract: A push switch including a pressing member, a movable contact, an interposed member, a first fixed contact, and a second fixed contact is provided. The pressing member includes a pressing portion configured to be pressed, and includes an elastically deformable peripheral wall portion having a lower end portion and extending downward and outward from the outer periphery of the pressing portion. The movable contact has a dome shape and is disposed below the pressing member. The interposed member is disposed between the pressing member and the movable contact, and is configured to press the movable contact by receiving and being pressed by the lower end portion of the peripheral wall portion of the pressing member. The lower end portion of the peripheral wall portion of the pressing member presses the interposed member while the peripheral wall portion is subjected to elastic deformation in response to the pressing portion being pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: ALPS ALPINE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Junichi Miyamoto, Toshiaki Mizukoshi, Akizumi Saito
  • Patent number: 11302495
    Abstract: A switch apparatus according to one embodiment includes an operation portion, a surface film and a light source. The operation portion has an elongated shape with first and second opposite ends in a longitudinal direction of the operation portion, receives a pressing operation of a user at least at one of the first and second ends, and is translucent. The surface film is formed on a surface of the operation portion and is translucent. The light source is arranged on a back-surface side of the operation portion and emits light toward the at least one of the first and second ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: DENSO TEN Limited
    Inventor: Syohhei Yoshii
  • Patent number: 11289283
    Abstract: A key structure includes a keycap, a membrane circuit board, and a rubber dome between the keycap and the membrane circuit board. The rubber dome includes a ring-shaped structure, a lower foundation structure, a contacting post, a first inclined wall and a second inclined wall. The ring-shaped structure includes a first top surface. The first top surface is upwardly pushed against the keycap. The lower foundation structure includes a first bottom surface. The first bottom surface is pushed downwardly pushed against the membrane circuit board. The contacting post is connected with the ring-shaped structure. The first inclined wall is connected with the ring-shaped structure and the lower foundation structure. The second inclined wall is connected with the ring-shaped structure and the contacting post. There is a first included angle ?1 between the second inclined wall and the first bottom surface. Preferably, 30°??1?85°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.
    Inventors: Chia-Wei Chang, Chin-Sung Pan, Lei-Lung Tsai
  • Patent number: 11291127
    Abstract: A hand controller has a housing, the housing provided with a plurality of convex keys, wherein the housing has an outside wall provided with a first engagement portion; a cover plate, being in a snap connection with the housing; and a connection assembly, the connection assembly provided with a second engagement portion which is in an engagement connection with the first engagement portion, wherein the engagement between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion drives the connection assembly to move up and down along the thickness direction of the housing, and the connection assembly is provided with a connection portion, wherein the connection portion is connected with the installation position of the hand controller via a fastener. The hand controller can apply to mounting desks of different thicknesses and improve the universality of the hand controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: NINGBO WISTOPHT TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Jiayin Huang, Hongbin Lu, Jinyi Li, Enjie Ruan, Xingliang Chen
  • Patent number: 11269422
    Abstract: A force sensing device includes: a sensor support portion; at least one force sensor disposed on a first surface side of the sensor support portion; a frame disposed on a second surface side of the sensor support portion and spaced apart from the sensor support portion; and a pressure applying member disposed between the sensor support portion and the frame, and configured to apply pressure to the sensor support portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang Ju Lee, Gye Won Lee, Jong Yun Kim
  • Patent number: 11217403
    Abstract: A doorbell device including upper case, elastic component, and button module is provided. The upper case has an outer surface, first annular-holding surface disposed opposite to the outer surface, first opening and annular trench. The first annular-holding surface surrounds the first opening. The annular trench surrounds the first annular-holding surface. The elastic component has first fastening protrusion and flexible-carrier layer surrounded and connected by the first fastening protrusion. The button module has a second annular-holding surface, first bottom surface, and pressing surface disposed opposite to the first bottom surface. The first fastening protrusion is interference fit with the annular trench. The button module is disposed on the flexible-carrier layer. At least a part of the first bottom surface is facing the flexible-carrier layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Chicony Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lun-Hung Kuo, Pei-Sheng Tsai
  • Patent number: 11203887
    Abstract: A switch actuating device (1) for a vehicle door includes an actuating element (10) with an actuating surface (11), a mechanical switch (20) and a mechanism (30). The switch is secured on a first component/component group (31). A lever (32) is mounted for pivot in relation to the first component/component group (31). A first region (32.2) of the lever is connected to a first part of the actuating element (10) via a first articulation (10.1). A second part of the actuating element (10) is mounted on the first component/component group (31) via a second articulation (10.2). The actuating element (10) bends when the actuating surface (11) is subjected to manual pressure causing the distance between the first articulation (10.1) and the second articulation (10.2) to shorten, which causes the lever (32) to pivot toward the switch such that the switch is switched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Zsolt Wilke, Joachim Oberst, Andreas Rudolf, Matthias Seubert
  • Patent number: 11189440
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an electronic device, including a housing, a button, and a switch. An opening is formed through a wall surface of the housing. The housing has a stopping portion integrally disposed on the wall surface and adjacent to the opening, a notch being defined between a part of the stopping portion and the wall surface, the notch having a notch height. The button is configured to be mounted at the opening and includes a pressing portion and an extending portion. The pressing portion is movably accommodated in the opening. An end of the extending portion is connected to the pressing portion, and the other end is fixed to the wall surface. The extending portion movably passes through the notch. A thickness of the extending portion passing through the notch is smaller than the notch height. A switch is disposed at a position corresponding to the pressing portion in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: PEGATRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wei-Chih Hsu, Pen-Uei Lu, Mao-Hsiang Huang
  • Patent number: 11081298
    Abstract: A key structure includes a keycap, a guiding structure, a connection member and a base plate. The guiding structure is located below the keycap and includes at least one pivot shaft. The connection member includes a connection groove, and the at least one pivot shaft is connected to the connection groove. The base plate includes at least one fixing member. The connection member envelops the at least one fixing member such that the connection member is fixed to the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Chicony Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-Hung Cheng, Chia-Hsin Chen
  • Patent number: 11065534
    Abstract: A thumbstick user input device may include a shaft carried by a housing and having an upper end extending outwardly beyond the housing for manipulation by the user's thumb and a lower end within the housing. Sensors may be carried by the housing to sense shaft movement. A first contact member may be within the housing, and a spring may be between the first contact member and the shaft to urge the first contact member and the shaft apart. A motor may be carried at a bottom of the housing and may have a rotatable output extending upwardly therefrom. A second contact member may be coupled to the rotatable output and in contact with the first contact member to be selectively moveable upward or downward based upon motor rotation to set a spring compression and thereby set a return-to-center bias for the shaft while being manipulated by the user's thumb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Caleb J. Flori, Colin J. Abraham, Min C. Kim, Xuan Liu, Joshua J. Pong
  • Patent number: 11024475
    Abstract: A sealed switch having a switch body with first and second switch body sections, a switch contact configured to be disposed in a slot in the first switch body section, a switch contact cover configured to cover the slot, and a seal configured to cover the circumference of the second switch body section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Juuso Heiskanen, Jari Lamminparras
  • Patent number: 10915135
    Abstract: A button assembly is disposed in a rocker. The button assembly including a base, a pressure sensor and a keycap. The base has two lower positioning portions with each of the two lower positioning portions protruding outwardly from respective sides of the base. The pressure sensor is mounted on the base. The keycap overlies the pressure sensor. The keycap has two upper positioning portions with each of the two upper positioning portions protruding outwardly from respective sides of the keycap. The two upper positioning portions are individually fixed on each of the two lower positioning portions. As described above, a push-button structure is thus formed by the two lower positioning portions and the two upper positioning portions configured among the base, the pressure sensor and the keycap to achieve the modularization of the button assembly of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: CHENG UEI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chi-Ming Tseng, Tsung-Shih Lee
  • Patent number: 10908001
    Abstract: A wireless sensor assembly includes a wall plate that is configured to be secured to a wall of a building using either a threaded fastener or a releasable adhesive strip, the wall plate including an aperture therethrough for accommodating the threaded fastener and a recess on a back surface of the wall plate to accommodate at least part of the releasable adhesive strip. The wireless sensor assembly includes a sensor housing including a front housing region and a back housing region, the back housing region configured to be releasably secured to the wall plate, the back housing region including a recess that is configured to receive at least part of the wall plate when the back housing region is releasably secured to the wall plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Ademco Inc.
    Inventors: Travis Read, Nathan Carlson, Christopher Heintzelman, Karla Morales
  • Patent number: 10910175
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a key structure, including a carrier, a buffer layer, a circuit film, a balance rod and a key cap. The carrier includes a body and a positioning element protruding from the body. The positioning element has a positioning hole. The buffer layer is disposed around the positioning hole. The circuit film and the balance rod are disposed on the body. The balance rod has an opposite first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion passes through the positioning hole and presses against the buffer layer. The key cap is connected with the second end portion, and the circuit film and the balance rod are positioned between the key cap and the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignees: LITE-ON ELECTRONICS (GUANGZHOU) LIMITED, Lite-On Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kuan-Ming Huang, Jen-Chieh Huang
  • Patent number: 10892115
    Abstract: A veneer configured to be secured to a backlit button of a control device may include a plate portion. The plate portion may have one or more laser-cut indicia defined therethrough, may have laser-cut rounded corners, and may have angularly offset outer edges that may be defined during an embossing process. The laser-cut indicia may be representative of a command for controlling an electrical load. The indicia may include an alphanumeric character, an icon, or the like, may define one or more substantially zero-radius corners, and may define respective inner surfaces that are substantially perpendicular to an outer surface of the plate portion. A laser-cut alphanumeric character may have variable (e.g., continuously variable) line width. The plate portion may define a rib that suspends a floating portion of the alphanumeric character relative to an open portion. The rib may define a thickness that does not exceed 0.003 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Jason O. Adams, Rich Destremps, George M. Drizos, Scott A. Kleppinger, Brad Michael Kreschollek, Matthew Philip McDonald, Shawn A. Strange
  • Patent number: 10892119
    Abstract: A push switch includes: a first fixture contact; a second fixture contact; a member that holds the first and second fixture contacts; a movable member positioned opposite a surface of the member in an operation direction; and a contact member. The contact member includes: a first support and a second support that are supported by the member; and a joint that joins the first support to the second support. The movable joint is disposed between the joint of the movable member and the member, with neither the first support nor the second support overlapping the movable member in a planar view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kunio Doro
  • Patent number: 10866619
    Abstract: A biometric button assembly may be disposed in an opening of an enclosure of an electronic device. The biometric button assembly may include an input member that forms an exterior surface of the button housing and is configured to receive inputs, for example from a user of the electronic device. The biometric button assembly may further include a biometric sensor for detecting the received inputs and transmitting a signal to a processor of the electronic device. The signal may correspond to a biometric characteristic, such as a fingerprint. A flexible conduit may transmit the signal to the processor. A portion of the flexible conduit and a seal may be positioned between the button assembly and the enclosure that prevents contaminants from entering the button housing and the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Tyler S. Bushnell, James G. Horiuchi, Michael K. McCord, Trevor J. Ness
  • Patent number: 10867761
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a scissor mechanism and a keyswitch. The scissor mechanism comprises an inner arm and an outer arm. Two opposite first side surfaces of the inner arm respectively comprise a first connecting part. Two opposite second side surfaces of the outer arm respectively comprise a second connecting part. The inner arm is disposed within the outer arm. The first connecting parts are pivotally connected to the corresponding second connecting parts. An anti-frictional configuration is disposed between each first side surface of the inner arm and the corresponding each second side surface of the outer arm. The anti-frictional configurations are provided with smooth contact surfaces without any burrs or parting lines by angle lifting demolding techniques. The present disclosure also discloses a keyswitch. When pressing and releasing the keyswitch, the noise can be reduced by the anti-frictional configurations when the inner arm and the outer arm pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: LITE-ON TECHNOLOGY (CHANG ZHOU) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: XiaoQiang Liang, Lei Shi, XueLei Liu
  • Patent number: 10847130
    Abstract: A keyboard device having keys enabling sufficient weight of touch to be obtained in spite of being configured to be shorter in length than those of the grand piano and. Link mechanisms are each provided on a base for supporting an associated one of the keys from below and configured to cause the associated key to operate such that when a front end of the key is depressed, an amount of downward movement of a rear end of the key becomes approximately half of an amount of downward movement of the front end of the key. Each link mechanism includes front-side and rear-side key link bars and front-side and rear-side connecting link bars. The front-side and rear-side connecting link bars are pivotally supported, respectively, and are pivotally and slidably connected to each other via respective rear and front ends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA KAWAI GAKKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Yasushi Terai, Mikhail Vasilievich Pletnev, Anton Anatolievich Nikitin, Hideyuki Ishida
  • Patent number: 10840037
    Abstract: A keyboard includes a substrate, a limit connecting member, a keycap, and a liftable connecting member. The assembly area of the substrate includes a long fixation hole having two short sides, a first long side, and a second long side. A portion of the bottom surface of the substrate is further recessed to form a long bottom groove, and two ends of the long bottom groove are near to the two short sides. The limit connecting member is disposed on the assembly area and includes a fixed seat in the long fixation hole and a standing portion extending from the fixed seat. The fixed seat includes a lower wing plate correspondingly fixed in the long bottom groove. The keycap is disposed on the assembly area. The liftable connecting member is connected between the keycap and the assembly area and includes a shaft disposed on the limit connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Chicony Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuo Horiuchi, Chia-Hsin Chen, Po-Hsin Li
  • Patent number: 10820392
    Abstract: A wall-mounted keypad may include a light detector circuit located inside the keypad that is configured to measure an ambient light level in a space. The light detector circuit may receive ambient light through an aperture that is hidden from view by the keypad. The keypad may include a reflector for directing ambient light onto the light detector circuit. The keypad may include an enclosure that houses the light detector circuit. The enclosure may define a recess that exposes at least a portion of the light detector circuit. The enclosure may include a reflector that may focus ambient light received through the aperture onto the light detector circuit. The keypad may include a control circuit that may be configured to illuminate the indicia of respective buttons of the control device in response to actuations of the one or more buttons, in accordance with the measured ambient light level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: William Taylor Shivell, Matthew Philip McDonald
  • Patent number: 10815350
    Abstract: A keycap structure includes a keycap body and a single coating layer. The keycap body has a top surface and a bottom surface. The single coating layer is formed on the top surface. The single coating layer is formed by coating a paint. The paint is a UV paint or a PU paint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.
    Inventor: Han-Pin Kao
  • Patent number: 10734174
    Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a keyboard and, more particularly, to a silent keyboard. A first pressing portion is formed of two strengthening strip elements intersected with each other, and utilized to enhance the rigidity and stability of four guiding pillars. Two grooves are formed on the inner walls of a first frame. Two hooks positioned in opposing sides and two silencing strip elements positioned in opposing sides are formed on the underside of a first key cap and extend outward from the first key cap. The two hooks respectively engage with the two grooves, while each hook is arranged to operably slide along a corresponding groove. The two silencing strip elements engage with the inner walls of the first frame, so that a first key structure can slide steadily within the first frame and does not tilt while sliding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: DONGGUAN WEIJI ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Feng Liu
  • Patent number: 10706695
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to merchandise security systems and methods for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise from theft. In one example, the system includes a sensor configured to be secured to the article of merchandise, wherein the sensor includes alarming circuitry. The system also includes a tether comprising a pair of conductors electrically connected to the alarming circuitry, wherein the pair of conductors is configured to transfer power to the sensor and/or to the article of merchandise. In response to power ceasing to be transferred, the alarming circuitry is configured to monitor an electrical signal transmitted through the pair of conductors in order to determine whether the tether has been cut or removed from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Justin A. Richardson, Jonathon D. Phillips, Gary A. Taylor
  • Patent number: 10685796
    Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided for a user input device, such as a game controller. The user input device includes a finger depressible trigger button, a trigger travel path adjustment assembly that resides in an internal cavity of a housing of the user input device, and a finger switch configured to be switched between a plurality of selectable positions in real-time (e.g., during game play). A first selectable position of the finger switch enables the trigger button to be depressed a first distance. A second selectable position of the finger switch enables the trigger button to be depressed a second distance that is greater than the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Victor Tsai, Kenneth Dennis Jasinski, Jonathan Shea Robinson, Gabriel Michael Rask Gassoway
  • Patent number: 10658133
    Abstract: A push-button with a receptacle and a cover plate, an actuating button actuatable in translation between two positions, a rest position and a pushed-in position, the cover plate being arranged at the periphery of the actuating button, a device for guiding the actuating button in translation between the two positions, and a return device for returning the actuating button from the pushed-in position toward the rest position. The guiding device include at least a pin including a bent rod shaped to have a first part pivotally mounted on a fastening unit of the actuating button and a second part pivotally mounted on a fastening unit of the cover plate, and the return device are designed to act on the pin by mechanical or magnetic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Bertrand Fruchard, Francis Chauvet
  • Patent number: 10656883
    Abstract: In a push button portion of a button member, a first supported portion is supported by a push-in portion of a push-in type switch. A second supported portion is supported in a second area by an electronic board. The second area is adjacent to one side of the electronic component. The push-in type switch is present in a first area which is adjacent to another side of the electronic component that is opposite to the one side. An elastic portion connects a portion including the second supported portion to a portion including the push button portion and the first supported portion. A plurality of guided portions are restricted by a plurality of guide projection portions projecting from an exterior member, from being displaced in a direction intersecting a depth direction. The plurality of guide projection portions are provided in the first area and the second area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Tokoro, Yoshiaki Tashiro
  • Patent number: 10658136
    Abstract: A button structure includes a button and a fixing portion; wherein the fixing portion is configured for fixing the button, the fixing portion includes a first latching portion and a second latching portion, and the first latching portion includes a first latching opening, and the second latching portion includes a second latching opening, and the first latching opening has an opening direction substantially perpendicular to an opening direction of the second latching opening, and the first latching opening and the second latching opening are engaged with the button. An electronic device is also provided. The electronic device includes a housing and the button structure, the button structure is received in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Chiun Mai Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Peng-Yu Chiu, Ching-Chu Huang
  • Patent number: 10637167
    Abstract: A switch mounting device comprises: a resin seat having an upper surface and a lower surface; a switch mounted on the upper surface of the seat; and terminal members fixed to the lower surface. The seat has claw parts on the lower surface thereof. The switch has a main body part, which is operated by pressing in the X direction, and connection terminals extending downward from this main body part. With connection terminals led out to the lower surface of the seat, the connection terminals are electrically connected to the terminal members. The terminal members are fixed to the seat by the claw parts by way of being slid along the lower surface of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Tokyo Parts Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahisa Kitahara
  • Patent number: 10629398
    Abstract: A switch device includes an actuation unit, a movable unit, a first base, and a second spring, which is a torsion coil spring that acts between the actuation unit and the movable unit. The movable unit is movable with respect to the base. The second spring applies a force to the actuation unit when the actuation unit is at a third position in a direction that is not parallel to a direction in which the torsion coil spring applies a force to the actuation unit when the actuation unit is at a fourth position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Miyasaka, Kazuaki Morita
  • Patent number: 10609830
    Abstract: The invention relates to an interface module for a device unit, comprising a communication unit suitable for being communicatively connected to an electronics module of the device unit, the communication unit being suitable for enabling the input of information by a user and/or the output of information to a user; a holding element suitable for being fastened to the electronics module; and a connection connecting the communication unit and the holding element to one another, wherein the connection is a joint, and the communication unit is movable relative to the holding element between a first folding position and a second folding position by means of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Endress+Hauser Conducta GmbH+Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Robl, Michael Dieterich
  • Patent number: 10597913
    Abstract: A control unit 20, including a circuit board and a switch unit, is arranged in a housing space in a door handle. The switch unit has a switch component, which is fastened to the circuit board, a hard switch case, which covers the switch component, a soft pushbutton, which operates the switch component, and a hard cover member, which is fastened to the switch case. The pushbutton has a pushing part in the shape of a cap, a flange, which extends from the bottom end of the pushing part, and an operation projection, which is inserted into an insertion opening in a roof. The switch case and the pushbutton are united by the cover member, and the flange is brought into close contact with the roof all the way therearound, by the cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: TOKYO PARTS INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takahisa Kitahara
  • Patent number: 10535481
    Abstract: A magnetic keyboard has a plurality of magnetic keyswitches, and each magnetic keyswitch include a base, a keycap, a supporting device, a magnetic component and a metal thin sheet. The base has at least one engaging structure and a hole. The supporting device has a first support, an end of the first support is movably connected to the engaging structure, and the other end of the first support is movably connected to the keycap. The first support has a magnet portion. The magnetic component is disposed on the base and functioned with the magnet portion to provide a recovering force to the keycap. The metal thin sheet is disposed under the base and has a bendable cantilever portion covering the hole. While the cantilever portion is bent by an external force, the magnetic component can be removed through the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: DARFON ELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Sung-Fu Yang, Po-Chun Hou
  • Patent number: 10490055
    Abstract: A supervision and control system for preventing poor air quality and fire, includes an indicator unit configured to be mounted to the ceiling or wall and includes an air quality sensor configured to measure air quality information; one or more integrated steerable infrared remote thermometers, steerable to home appliances or electrical devices; and one or more control and supervision units implemented as an additional device or as an integrated programmatic characteristic. The indicator unit is also configured to be connected to the home appliances or the electrical devices for analyzing and detecting deteriorating air quality or danger. The indicator unit is configured to send air quality information and temperature information to at least one of the control and supervision units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: INNOHOME OY
    Inventor: Matti Myllymäki
  • Patent number: 10492273
    Abstract: A wall-mounted keypad may include a light detector circuit located inside the keypad that is configured to measure an ambient light level in a space. The light detector circuit may receive ambient light through an aperture that is hidden from view by the keypad. The keypad may include a reflector for directing ambient light onto the light detector circuit. The keypad may include an enclosure that houses the light detector circuit. The enclosure may define a recess that exposes at least a portion of the light detector circuit. The enclosure may include a reflector that may focus ambient light received through the aperture onto the light detector circuit. The keypad may include a control circuit that may be configured to illuminate the indicia of respective buttons of the control device in response to actuations of the one or more buttons, in accordance with the measured ambient light level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: William Taylor Shivell, Matthew Philip McDonald
  • Patent number: RE47957
    Abstract: A keyswitch includes a cap, a support structure, a first magnet, and a baseplate having a bending arm protruding from the baseplate and a support rib extending horizontally to form a receiving space with the bending arm. The support structure includes a first support member pivoted to the baseplate and against the cap and a magnetic permeable plate extending from the first support member and being above the receiving space. The first magnet is inserted into the receiving space to be supported by the support rib and be pressed by the bending arm. When the cap is pressed to make the magnetic permeable plate away from the first magnet as the first support member rotates, the cap moves to a pressed position. When the cap is released, a magnetic attraction force between the magnetic permeable plate and the first magnet drives the magnetic permeable plate to approach the first magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: DARFON ELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Pen-Hui Liao, Chin-Hung Lin, Hsin-Hung Liu, I-Chu Kuo, Yu-Ming Huang