Abstract: In an embodiment, a device for controlling an electronic apparatus may include a top panel which can produce at least one control signal for the electronic apparatus when a pointing element comes into contact on the top face of the top panel. The device may include a support frame relative to which the top panel is fitted to move, a disengageable endstop for the top panel in a raised position, wherein the top panel is supported by a guide deck which is linked to the support frame so as to maintain the top panel orthogonal to a first plane when the top panel is moved relative to the frame.

Abstract: A keypad includes a light guide panel, the interior of which light propagates through; at least one key button positioned on the upper surface of the light guide panel; and at least one reflective pattern fixedly positioned with respect to the light guide panel to reflect a part of the light, which propagates through the interior of the light guide panel, towards the key button.

Abstract: A push button of a computer keyboard includes a cap (10) and a key base (20) attached to cap. The cap includes a cover (12) and a post (14) extending from the cover along a first direction. The post includes a plurality of sidewalls (141) and at least one recessed guideway connected between the adjacent sidewalls. A through hole (28) is defined in the key base for receiving the post of the cap. At least one guide rib (243) is formed on the key base in the through hole. The at least one guide rib is resisted against the corresponding at least one guideway of the post of the cap along two tangent lines parallel to the first direction. The post of the cap is movable along the tangent lines.

Abstract: A keypad assembly (10) for use in a portable electronic device (8), includes a housing (14) and a key (12). The housing is substantially a flat board, and defines a recess and a hole (143, 145) therein. The key is mounted in the recess and the hole and is defined as in an original state when it is not operated. The key is capable of moving in different directions relative to the housing when it is manually operated. The key is defined as in an operational state when it is manually moved.

Abstract: A push button mechanism that includes plural push button members and one or more positioning members. The plural push button members have push portions for receiving an external force. The positioning member includes plural positioning portions corresponding to each shape of the plural push button members. The positioning member prevents engaging each corresponding push button member with each positioning portion that does not correspond to the push button member.

Abstract: A push button assembly has a button retainer having drawer slide guides and a corresponding bezel structure. The button retainer also has a surface perpendicular to a principal translational axis, on which is one of a conical protrusion and a conical indentation is formed. The bezel structure has the other of the conical protrusion and conical indentation. The conical indentation mates with the conical protrusion such that the conical protrusion and the portions forming the conical indentation are in contact around their perimeters when the button retainer and bezel structure are in a pre-load position. A method of producing the button retainer and bezel structure is also disclosed, which includes attaching an attachment mold pin to the molds, which can be altered and reattached in the tuning process.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a keyboard structure comprising a bottom plate, a bridging device support board positioned above said bottom plate, and a plurality of keys positioned above said bridging device support board. The key board structure further includes a plurality of bridging devices positioned between said bridging device support board and each of said plurality of keys. Further, the said bottom plate is adapted to movably engage the said plurality of bridging devices for moving the said plurality of keys transversely relative to the said bottom plate.

Abstract: A switch apparatus for activating an alarm function of an alarm circuit on a motherboard of a portable computer, the switch apparatus includes a switch mounted on the motherboard and a pressing device mounted on a base. The pressing device includes a pressing member deformable via an outside force to depress the switch.

Abstract: An improved button actuation assembly for activating a switch on hand held devices such as portable barcode readers has an improved structure that absorbs and dissipates the force exerted on the button. The improved structure thus protects the switch and the button actuation assembly itself from being damaged by excessive force such as from an impact shock caused by dropping or misuse.

Abstract: A keypad includes a light guide panel, the interior of which light propagates through; at least one key button positioned on the upper surface of the light guide panel; and at least one reflective pattern fixedly positioned with respect to the light guide panel to reflect a part of the light, which propagates through the interior of the light guide panel, towards the key button.

Abstract: An electrical switch system may include a contact-bearing support configured to delimit a recess in a substantially horizontal bottom, wherein at least two fixed electrical contacts are positioned in the recess. Additionally, the electrical switch system may include at least one dome-shaped first triggering device configured to be elastically deformable from a top rest position to form an electrical link between the at least two fixed electrical contacts. The electrical switch system may also include an actuating push-button mounted to be displaced substantially vertically downward relative to the support. Further, the electrical switch system may include a mechanism configured to return the push-button to the rest position and an elastic element configured to exert an elastic force on the push-button, wherein the elastic force is directed upward when the push-button is displaced downward beyond a contact position.

Abstract: A user input system for an electronic device including an input actuator adapted to be depressed by a user to input a signal into the electronic device; and an actuator location signaling system adapted to signal location of the input actuator to the user. The actuator location signaling system includes a textured surface proximate the input actuator for a finger of the user to contact, and a system for moving the textured surface to enhance sensory input to the user's finger while contacting the textured surface.

Abstract: A switch having an actuating handle, a restoring mechanism, a contact carrier, and a rocker. The handle is rotatable to be movable upward and downward and moves downward in response to being actuated. The restoring mechanism is movable upward and downward and is biased to move upward. The handle forces the restoring mechanism to move downward in response to being actuated. The carrier is displaceable between two positions. The rocker is rotatable and an end of the rocker facing away from the swivel axis is engaged with the carrier. During downward movement the restoring mechanism swivels the rocker in a first direction thereby causing the rocker to displace the carrier from one position to the other. During upward movement the restoring mechanism swivels the rocker in an opposite direction thereby causing the rocker to displace the carrier back to the original position.

Abstract: A light guide (30) for illuminating a keypad (20) including a plurality of keys (22) includes a plurality of apertures (300) corresponding to the keys, and a plurality of slots (340). The slots are defined in a face of the light guide adjacent to the keypad.

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

Abstract: A keystroke module for use with a light guiding plate includes a contacting and controlling layer, a light guiding plate and a light source. The contacting and controlling layer has a pressing side and a contacting and light guiding side. The light guiding plate is arranged under the contacting and light guiding side of the contacting and controlling layer and further includes a light auxiliary layer and a light inducting layer, which is a soft piece body having a reflecting side, on which plural light guiding parts are arranged, while the auxiliary light layer is a hard transparent piece body that is laminated correspondingly above the reflecting side of the light inducting layer.

Abstract: A button assembly for selectively actuating a switch. The button assembly (10) includes a button member (16) for being mounted in an opening of a housing. The button member (16) is fabricated of a resilient material and defines an outer surface (38) that can be depressed to bring the button assembly (10) into contact with the switch for purposes of actuating the switch. The button assembly (10) also includes a compression ring (26) for being received in a bore (28) provided in the button member (16) whereby the compression ring (26) compresses the button member against the edges of the housing that define the opening in the housing creating a substantially liquid impervious seal and holding the button assembly (10) in place in the opening.

Abstract: To provide a spring structure for a press type switch and a press type switch of an electronic timepiece capable of minimizing a variation among products with regard to a click feeling and an electronic timepiece having the same.

Abstract: The invention discloses an ultra-thin keypad for cooperating with a circuit board in a portable electronic device. The circuit board includes a plurality of switches. The ultra-thin keypad includes a main body, a plurality of buttons, and a plurality of thin walls. The buttons are disposed on the main body, and each of the buttons corresponds to one of the switches. The thin walls are disposed between adjacent ones of the buttons. When one of the buttons is pressed, the button contacts and activates the corresponding switch by the elastic deformation of the thin walls. The main body, the buttons, and the thin walls are manufactured integrally by injection molding.

Abstract: Disclosed is a manufacturing method of a keypad for a mobile phone and the keypad manufactured thereby, in which a vacuum deposition layer and a cellophane paper are attached to a lower surface of a key in the keypad.

Abstract: The invention relates to a contact arrangement of a relay with a contact head (11) with a crown (17) which encloses a contact surface (15) and is raised with respect to the contact surface. According to the invention, for increasing the contact reliability with a dry switching load, this crown (17) is interrupted at a multitude of locations, by which means teeth (21) and intermediate spaces between the teeth (21) are formed. This crown contact head in the closed position of the contact arrangement bears on a crownless contact head. The contact spring (23) carrying the movable contact head is designed in a manner such that it may be subjected to torsion. The result of this is that the crown contact head (11) reliably contacts the crownless adjacent contact head (25) at the two small-surfaced contact locations, in each case with a high specific surface pressing.

Abstract: A configurable switch matrix assembly with button assembly is disclosed for keypads used in devices such as primary control points for automation systems in homes vehicles, or commercial environments. The configurable switch matrix assembly preferably includes a frame for supporting a plurality of positionable cross members and optionally a baffle. The cross members and frame each preferably include cantilevers which can be deflected by pressing the button assemblies to activate switches associated with the keypad. Dynamic status lights and back lights may provide illumination of varying colors and intensities. Button labels may be easily replaced in the button assemblies. Button assemblies of different sizes and shapes may be easily attached to the configurable switch matrix assembly in various configurations without the need for different attaching devices for each situation and/or environment.

Abstract: In an analog input device, a rubber member is provided between a key top and a movable electrode of an analog-quantity generating unit. A dead zone can be removed or reduced by forming a bottom portion of the rubber member of a flat or curved face. Furthermore, since first round surfaces are connected to an outer side face, the linearity of the input (e.g., a load)-output (voltage) characteristic can be enhanced.

Abstract: An in-vehicle knob switch comprises a tubular housing that has an opening disposed in a portion of an outer circumferential surface thereof, a holder that is disposed inside the housing, a circuit board that is fixed to the holder, and a push switch that is mounted on one surface of the circuit board that faces the holder. The in-vehicle knob switch also comprises a slide operating type electric part that is mounted on the other surface of the circuit board, an operating key that pushes the push switch, and a rotating body that has a tubular driving portion that can operate the slide operating type electric part. The operating key is exposed to the outside of the housing through the opening. The rotating body includes an operating ring portion that is rotatable and exposed from the outer circumferential surface of the housing. A spiral hole engaged with a slider of the slide operating type electric part is disposed in a portion of a circumferential wall of the tubular driving portion.

Abstract: The switch structure according to the present invention is obtained by interposing an elastic connection member between the circuit board provided with electrodes and a push switch fixed to a case of an electronic device. The elastic connection member has a structure in which conductive layers and insulation layers are alternately laminated. The conductive layers of a first lamination layer surface on which the conductive layers and the insulation layers of the elastic connection member are exposed abut against the electrodes so that the electric connections therebetween are established. The push switch is pushed down, and a contact portion thereof abuts against the plurality of conductive layers on a second lamination layer surface, whereby the electrodes are in a conductive state. Even if the push switch is pushed strongly, the elastic connection member deforms to absorb the force. As a result, the switch structure which hardly breaks is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a frame for use in flat keys. The frame includes a frame body and blocking plates. The frame body holds and supports a keycap, wherein the keycap can be pressed toward the bottom of the frame body. The blocking plates are installed on the frame body and contacted the bottom surface of the keycap, wherein the blocking plates push the keycap toward the top of the frame body to maintain a predetermined distance. The frame of the present invention may be made, in one piece, from plastic such that a slim keyboard equipped with the frames of the present invention has advantages, such as low cost, swift assembly, and high quality of assembly.

Abstract: A low-profile robust switch having low pre-travel and high overtravel is provided through the use of counteracting biasing elements that operate upon the actuating area of the switch in the absence of externally applied forces. These biasing elements set the switch very close to its actuation point. In the disclosed embodiments, these counteracting biasing elements include a lever and at least one spring which are arranged to provide a low-profile switch.

Abstract: Provided is a button input device using electronic paper (E-paper). The button input device includes: a button including a transparent window and at least one base portion downwardly protruding from an outer edge of the window; the E-paper including a display region disposed under the window, and at least one hole disposed outside the display region and allowing the base portion of the button to be inserted thereinto; an elastic member disposed under the E-paper and elastically deformed by the base portion of the button when the button is pressed; and a switch circuit board including a switch disposed under the elastic member at a position corresponding to a lower end of the base portion of the button and generating a signal when the button is pressed.

Abstract: A keypad assembly (200) applied to a portable electronic device (300) includes at least one key (24), a base (30) and an elastic member (40). The base includes at least one fixing portion (34). The at least one fixing portion is divided into two positioning blocks (344) by means of a latching slot (342). The at least one key is fixed on the at least one fixing portion. The elastic member includes at least one latching portion. Each latching portion includes two latching apertures and a rib. Each positioning block is engaged in a corresponding latching aperture. Each rib is received in a corresponding latching slot.

Abstract: A pushbutton mechanism for keyboards includes a bridge in a pushbutton that has an inner frame and an outer frame to make the pushbutton movable up and down. The inner frame and outer frame are intersected and coupled together, and have respectively inner side brackets and outer side brackets that have a stub shaft and a pivot portion to form a relative turning relationship. The inner and outer side brackets have respectively harness bosses and harness recesses corresponding to each other to allow the pushbutton to form a lifting position and a lower position in normal conditions. The bridge thus formed can generate a steadier relative turning and confine the stroke distance for the pushbutton.

Abstract: An improved button actuation assembly for activating a switch on hand held devices such as portable barcode readers has an improved structure that absorbs and dissipates the force exerted on the button. The improved structure thus protects the switch and the button actuation assembly itself from being damaged by excessive force such as from an impact shock caused by dropping or misuse.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved thin touch switch that includes a penetrating hole disposed on a plastic body and proximate to an exposed end of a metal component of a terminal and a high heat resisting and waterproof plastic material filled and sealed at the penetrating hole, such that when pins of the metal components of the touch switch are soldered to a printed circuit board, the plastic material used for sealing and combining the metal components and the plastic body can totally block the cleaning solution from entering from the joint that connects the metal components and the plastic body during the soldering process and can prevent possible short circuits to the metal components of the terminal, so as to effectively improve the life expectancy and safety of the touch switch.

Abstract: A key structure comprises a base, a key support structure consisting of a first frame and a second frame, and a key cap, characterized in which a paired pivots are disposed on the first frame, and a paired duplex bearing members are configured beneath the key cap for jointing the paired pivots of the first frame.

Abstract: Disclosed is a key sheet efficiently diffusing local heat generated by a device mounted on a board. A base sheet of a key sheet is provided with a heat diffusion sheet. The heat diffusion sheet is provided with a graphite sheet and a resin film and, in some cases, a thin metal plate. The base sheet itself thus constitutes the heat diffusion sheet, so even if no member for heat diffusion is provided between a board and the key sheet, it is possible to diffuse local heat generated by a semiconductor device in the face direction of the base sheet. Thus, with the key sheet, it is possible to meet the requirement for heat diffusion to eliminate local heat storage in electronic apparatuses and to meet the requirement for a reduction in the thickness and further in weight of electronic apparatuses.

Abstract: At least one key of a keypad of an electronic device, such as a wireless terminal, includes a polymer light emitting device, also referred to as a polymer LED, thereon. A polymer LED may be on the inner and/or outer surface of the face of the key and may be unpatterned and/or patterned to form a symbol.

Abstract: A switch assembly comprising a body, an actuator, and a base design to provide a device that can actuate various Hall-Effect chip devices in a single design. The switch assembly of the invention may provide a momentary switch connection, such as a single push system, or a maintained switch connection, such as a push-push system. Further, the switch assembly may include feedback mechanisms, such as LED components and the like that provide a visible feedback of the switch connection, and tactile feedback components that also indicate the switch connection.

Abstract: A pushbutton provides an operator with a replaceable cam ring that converts the operating mode of the operator from push-pull to twist-to-release.

Abstract: Provided is a waterproof/drainage structure for a lower casing (11) having a plurality of pushbuttons (16) on a surface thereof. The waterproof/drainage structure has a cover member (14) forming the surface and provided with a plurality of button holes (14a) the plurality of pushbuttons (16), and a sheet portion (17) retaining the plurality of pushbuttons (16) at predetermined positions. The waterproof/drainage structure includes a button unit (15), in which the sheet portion (17) is arranged along a back surface (14b) of the cover member (14) and in which an outer peripheral portion of the sheet portion (17) is held in close contact with the cover member (14), with the pushbuttons (16) being inserted in button holes (14c) of the cover member (14). The sheet portion (17) is provided with a groove-like drainage channel (22) having a channel portion that is opposed to each of the pushbuttons (16) and is larger than a surface area within a maximum outer periphery of the pushbuttons (16).

Abstract: A key cap structure is disclosed, which comprises: a key cap, a connection structure, and a reinforcement element, wherein, the reinforcement element is arranged beneath the bottom of the key cap by the connection structure. Preferably, the key cap and the reinforcement element are separately formed so that the manufacturing of such key cap structure can be simplified while avoiding the disposition of the connection structure from causing the shrinking of key cap's surface during formation, and also as the reinforcement elements can be made of various alignments, thickness, height, materials according to the specification of the key cap structure or actual requirements, the key cap structure can be sufficiently strengthened.

Abstract: A button apparatus and a mobile appliance having the same are provided. A button cover plate having button areas forms an external portion of a case of the appliance. The button areas may be flat on the surface of the button cover plate 36, and include compression bosses on a rear side thereof that contact and manipulate corresponding switches mounted on a substrate. The button cover plate may be seated in a button recess formed on the case 10. When so arranged, the button apparatus does not project from an outer surface of the mobile appliance, and an external design of the mobile appliance may be varied.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thin key sheet that is relatively free from breakage due to depressing operation. When key tops are depressed, float-supporting portions of rubber moldings and a film sheet undergo deformation, and a depression load can be borne by both the float-supporting portions and the film sheet, so the load on the float-supporting portions is mitigated, making the float-supporting portions less subject to breakage. Further, since the film sheet exists between the rubber moldings and a resin plate, it is possible to prevent the rubber moldings from being rubbed against a side wall of a frame portion, making it possible to prevent breakage due to rubbing between the rubber moldings and the resin plate.

Abstract: Provided is a stable key sheet in which, even if a key top is operated so as to be shifted sidewise, no excessive change, such as great tottering of the key top or overlapping of key tops each other, is caused. A key sheet including: a key top having a fixation protrusion protruding from a center of a bottom surface; and a base sheet to which the fixation protrusion is fixed, further includes a stopper plate having an opening through which the fixation protrusion of the key top is passed and whose edge faces a side of the fixation protrusion, in which, at a time of sidewise movement of the key top, the stopper plate abuts the key top to regulate the sidewise movement of the key top.

Abstract: A simplified pushbutton switch includes a circuit board which has a signal circuit consisting of a common contact and at least one signal contact, a main bracket which has an anchor end on one end to couple with the circuit board and a force receiving end on another end formed by extending the anchor end through at least one bend point that is movable reciprocally about the anchor end which serves as an axis, and a conductive member which is located on the main bracket and has at least two legs corresponding to the signal circuit. The force receiving end can receive an external force to move towards the circuit board about the bend point such that the two legs are driven to connect the common contact and the signal contact to form a conductive condition to output at least one command signal.

Abstract: A button device includes a base (11) mounted to a bezel (30) of an electronic device. A plurality of button units (17) are disposed in the base (11), and a plurality of through holes (13) are abreast provided in the base (11) in correspondence with the button unit (17). The button unit (17) includes a cap (18) with an elastic member (15) supported thereunder. The elastic member (15) integrally extends from the base (11) and surrounds the through hole (13). A post (19) extends from the inner bottom of the cap (18) and extends through the elastic member (15) and the through hole. In use, the post (19) gets through the hole (13) in the base (11) and touches the switch of the electronic device.

Abstract: A platform of the type holding a plurality of normally-open electric switches in position for activation of a selected individual switch by application of a force in a direction normal to a surface of the switch by a portion of a human body. An exemplary platform according to the invention forms a dance platform on which a user steps to activate switches in accordance with instructions viewed on a video display device. A joining structure may by used to hold two platforms in a side-by-side competition arrangement. A security vault may be affixed to structure associated with platform to resist theft of a commercially available game controller adapted to operate the video display and to receive switch input from a platform. Certain aspects of the invention include one or more, typically inert, practice platforms structured to represent the user interface surface of an activatable platform. A method for using a system of active and inert platforms is also disclosed.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to utilize a reinforcing plate formed out of a metal or a hard resin introduced into a key unit in order to overcome the weak point that conventional rubber keypads are too soft and lack shape stability, as a design element of equipment including a key unit into which the plate is incorporated. For example, a part of metal reinforcing plate 4 is positively exposed to a position which can be seen from the outside of key unit 1, and various decorations are applied to the exposed part 7 so as to allow it to function as a decorated component. As a location where the reinforcing plate is exposed, there can be cited a part between each key on the key face or an annular part which encircles a plurality of key clusters. A mode may be considered in which the part of the exposed reinforcing plate 4 surrounds each individual key top 2 like a key frame, so as to substitute a key frame which has been conventionally realized by the equipment casing.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly (20) has a light guide (23, 31, 33) and a supporting structure (23, 33) arranged to provide an illuminated and integrated keyboard assembly (20). A light guide (23, 31, 33) provides an integrated supporting, protecting and illuminating structure for keyboard assemblies (20). The keyboard assembly (20) has a layer of rigid material (31) which separates the elastic layer (21) from the printed wired board (9) located under the rigid layer (31). The layers are bonded together. The protection rib (33) is part of the combination of the elastic layer (21) and rigid layer (31) which is supported against the printed wired board (9) by the rigid layer (31). The combined structure of the light guide and supporting frame forms an integrated structure (23, 31, 33) which illuminates an array of keys (22), supports the keyboard assembly (20) and protects the keys (22) and key tops 25 from mechanical stress.

Abstract: A hybrid button according to the invention is provided. In one embodiment, the button can be implemented in an electronic device such as a media player. The button can include a metal or other non-plastic portion having a reverse flange and a plastic portion including anti-rotation legs. The legs can prevent rotation at least in part because they are retained by another structure. The plastic portion can be injection-molded onto the reverse flange of the metal or non-plastic portion. As such, the reverse flange fixes the position of the plastic portion with respect to the metal portion. Finally, the metal portion can include an actuator nub that actuates a switch when the button is depressed.

Abstract: A button assembly for selectively actuating a switch. The button assembly (10) includes a button member (16) for being mounted in an opening of a housing. The button member (16) is fabricated of a resilient material and defines an outer surface (38) that can be depressed to bring the button assembly (10) into contact with the switch for purposes of actuating the switch. The button assembly (10) also includes a compression ring (26) for being received in a bore (28) provided in the button member (16) whereby the compression ring (26) compresses the button member against the edges of the housing that define the opening in the housing creating a substantially liquid impervious seal and holding the button assembly (10) in place in the opening.

Abstract: The present invention can include a mechanical actuator having an interface region and an actuation region that is thicker than the interface region. The interface region can provide an interface for a user to move the actuator. The actuation region can incorporate a feature that mates with an electronic component within an electronic device. When a user moves the interface region, that motion can be translated by the actuation region to actuate the electronic component. The present invention also includes methods of manufacturing the actuator.