Abstract: A composite switch is provided to output corresponding default signals through two different operation actions. The composite switch includes a housing, a pressing member, a sensor, a first pin, an electrical connection portion, and a metal spring leaf. The sensor is disposed in an accommodation portion of the pressing member to sense external changes and output a first signal through the first pin. The metal spring leaf selectively electrically contacts the electrical connection portion through pressing the pressing member and outputs a second signal.

Abstract: A timepiece button structure has a base having a first cavity, a first button member, a second button member having a second cavity part, first and second urging members, and first and second movement-limiting members. The second button member is disposed to protrude from and recede into the first cavity part with the second urging member urging the second button member in the direction protruding from the first cavity part and the second movement-limiting member limiting movement in the protrusion direction. The first button member is disposed to protrude from and recede into the second cavity part with the first urging member urging the first button member in the direction protruding from the second cavity part and the first movement-limiting member limiting movement in the protrusion direction.

Abstract: Control mechanisms and methods of use include the use of active materials as a blocking element. The control mechanisms generally include a tactile control in operative communication with an electrical circuit, wherein actuation of the tactile control closes the electrical circuit to activate a function. The blocking element includes an active material that is intermediate to the electrical circuit and the tactile control. The active material is adapted to change at least one attribute such as a modulus property in response to an activation signal. The change in the at least one attribute selectively changes a force level for actuating the tactile control.

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: A key module and its manufacturing method are provided in the present invention. The steps of the method include: providing a mold; forming a key body having multiple opening portions on the mold; jostling a combination of a display body and an elastic body to the key body; and finally, tightly attaching the display body to the key body and stuffing the display body into the opening portions of the key body. Therein, the elastic body has a lower end formed with a contact block contacting a circuit board. By compressing, injecting or infusing a silicone rubber material or an elastic material into the opening portions, the gap located between the key body and the display body or between the key body and the elastic body is smaller than 0.01 mm. Thus, the appearance of the key module of the present invention is almost seamless.

Abstract: A tactile feedback switching mechanism having a plurality of switching states. The tactile feedback switching mechanism includes a plunger switch having a plunger. When the plunger is displaced a given distance the switch changes state. A covering lies at least over the plunger switch and includes a border section and a deformation section. The covering may be formed from an elastic material such as an elastomer. When a user depresses the plunger, confirmation of a change in the state of the switch can be tacitly sensed by a change in resistance provided by the covering. The resistance of the covering changes by deformation of the deformation portion of the covering while the plunger is depressed.

Abstract: A key structure is provided, which includes a plurality of contact members and a control member. Each of the contact members has an elastic portion and a fixed portion, and the control member has a pressing portion and a combining portion. The control member is selectively combined with an appropriate contact member according to actual requirements in the electrical connection.

Abstract: As a key sheet for fixing a base sheet and key tops to be arranged on the base sheet using adhesive layers, a key sheet where the key tops and the base sheet are fixed, is obtained by forming printed adhesive layers of the key tops on facing surfaces of at least either of the key tops or the base sheet by means of printing, and then bringing the printed adhesive layer into contact with the other facing surfaces in a softened or molten state, and by curing the printed adhesive layer.

Abstract: A keypad includes an elastic layer for providing a restoring force to the keypad and an electric paper on the elastic layer, in which a plurality of key button regions for providing symbols in the form of images are defined. A keypad assembly includes a keypad, which has an elastic layer for providing a restoring force to the keypad and an electric paper on the elastic layer, in which a plurality of key button regions for providing symbols in the form of images are defined, and a switch board under the keypad for converting a pressure applied by a user to the key button region into an electric contact.

Abstract: A composite switch is provided to output corresponding default signals through two different operation actions. The composite switch includes a housing, a pressing member, a sensor, a first pin, an electrical connection portion, and a metal spring leaf. The sensor is disposed in an accommodation portion of the pressing member to sense external changes and output a first signal through the first pin. The metal spring leaf selectively electrically contacts the electrical connection portion through pressing the pressing member and outputs a second signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antistatic component and a method of manufacturing the same. An antistatic component of the present invention comprises buttons each of which includes a push portion 11 or 11? formed at one end of the button and made of a first resin and a switch contact 13 or 13? formed at the other end of the button and made of a second resin; and an elastically-deformable connection portion 15 formed integrally with the switch contact 13 or 13? so as to connect the plurality of buttons to one another. The push portion is exposed outward to be pushed and has a plating layer 12 or 12? formed thereon, and the switch contact selectively operates a tact switch 4 or 4?. The first resin comprises a plating material and the second resin comprises a non-plating material. The switch contact and the connection portion, and the push portion are formed integrally with each other by means of dual injection molding.

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 press switch includes a base, a contractible pulling rod, an upper casing, and an actuator, and when the actuator is pressed to compress a resilient spring between the upper casing and the actuator, such that the contractible pulling rod and its press terminal move downward until two movable contact points are in contact with two fixed contact points of input/output terminal on both sides of the base to electrically connect to power supply If the actuator is released, the extension of the resilient spring lifts the contractible pulling rod and its press terminal, and thus the two movable contact points are forced to be detached from the fixed contact points of the input/output terminals on both sides, so as to disconnect the power supply. The invention can assure the safety of the use of an electric appliance product such a tool machine.

Abstract: The conductors are shaped into a flat shape and a part of the conductors is exposed from the recess portion formed in a part of the insulator respectively to constitute fixed contacts. Therefore, there is no necessity to bend the conductors and thus a bending error is not caused. As a result, no level difference can be generated between the fixed contacts and the problem of defective contact due to such level difference can be never caused.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a push-button switch capable of providing a comfortable and natural click touch. To achieve the purpose, the button turns downward about the point which joins the buckling wall to the base on the back face side. Accordingly, the pulling force on the buckling wall does not occur when the button is pressed. Consequently, a user needs less pressing force, and can feel a clear and quite natural click touch.

Abstract: A keyboard is provided having illuminating keys. The keyboard includes a light channeling upper clamshell and preferably key members constructed at least partially of translucent material so that light produced from a light source is channeled upwardly to the upper surfaces of the key members. The light source may include LED or LEC systems in adjoining relationship to the light channeling membrane or light pipe. In a preferred embodiment, the light source is constructed of a substantially planar illuminescent sheet which underlies the light channeling membrane. In an alternative preferred embodiment, a light pipe is constructed to illuminate light laterally along a portion of its length to illuminate a plurality of key members. In still additional preferred embodiments, the keyboard space bar includes a luminescent line or decorative design for indicating the space bar's function and position.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus with an illuminated button, the apparatus comprising a first operation button, a second operation button, a first board mounted with a first switch corresponding to the first operation button, wherein a portion of the first board is notched, a second switch corresponding to the second operation button, wherein the second switch is mounted below the notched portion of the first board, and a light source that is mounted below the second operation button.

Abstract: An electronic device having a modularized press key disposed therein. The electronic device is provided with a switch, and the modularized press key is composed of a key cap, an identification part, and an extension part. The key cap is provided with a connection hole and is disposed in the electronic device and facing the switch. The identification part is disposed in the connection hole, and the extension part has a specific color and is engaged to the identification part in a specific direction. The other end of the extension part is pressed against the switch. As such, through the uniqueness of the assembly and the distinction of the colors, the fool-proof assembly and fault inspection and detection of the modularized press key are achieved.

Abstract: A keypad (102) for entering data in an electronic device (100) is disclosed. The keypad includes a first carrier (302), a key panel (202), and a backlighting module (204). The key panel is coupled to a first side of the first carrier and the backlighting module is coupled to a second side of the first carrier.

Abstract: A hybrid limit/proximity switch combining the standard limit switch operator head and a proximity sensor in a body that may be interchangeably mounted on a machine in place of a conventional mechanically operated limit switch is disclosed.

Abstract: An input key of the present invention, which is assigned a plurality of information items to be inputted, and which is assigned each of the information items to be inputted, according to a direction of a force exerted on the input key. And the input key includes a push detecting means for detecting a push on the input key, and a direction detecting means for, when the push detecting means detects a push on the input key, detecting a strain occurring in the input key and thereby detecting a direction of a force exerted on the input key.

Abstract: A touch panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a polarizing plate and a compensating plate. A first conductive layer is formed on the first substrate. The second substrate is formed so as to face the first substrate and has a second conductive layer facing the first conductive layer at a certain interval. The polarizing plate having a heat shrinkage ratio larger than that of the first substrate is laminated on a side, which is opposite to the second substrate, at the first substrate. The compensating plate having substantially an identical heat shrinkage ratio with that of the first substrate is laminated on a side, which is opposite to the first substrate, at the polarizing plate.

Abstract: A button assembly of a control panel assembly, which includes buttons each enabling execution of a selected operation of a drum washing machine when pressed, is disclosed. The button assembly includes a control panel provided with a plurality of button holes, a printed circuit board fixedly mounted to a rear surface of the control panel, a vertical rib attached to the control panel, a plurality of vertically-arranged horizontal ribs each having one end connected to the vertical rib, a plurality of buttons each connected to the other end of an associated one of the horizontal ribs, and slidably fitted in an associated one of the button holes, and flow guides each adapted to guide water, penetrating an associated one of the button holes, downward along a predetermined flow path.

Abstract: A key sheet includes a base sheet and a plurality of key tops arranged on the base sheet and exposed from an operation opening formed in a case of a device. The operation opening has no partition bridge. The base sheet includes a plurality of bases for fixing the key tops and a reinforcing member for supporting the bases while allowing displacement upon pushing.

Abstract: A noise reduction key structure is disclosed. The noise reduction key structure is applied to an electronic device having a housing and a substrate, the substrate being installed in the housing, the housing having a key portion, the noise reduction key structure comprising: a switch element which is installed on the substrate in response to the key portion; and an encapsulation which has a hole, wherein the hole encapsulates on the up side of the substrate, so that the substrate and the encapsulation together encapsulate the switch element into a chamber of the encapsulation, whereby when the key portion is pressed down, the key portion triggers the encapsulation to further trigger the switch element, and the encapsulation can reduce the noise of triggering the switch element.

Abstract: A computer button apparatus includes a switch (30), an opening (12) defined in a panel (11), a bracket (40) receiving the switch, and a button (20). A plurality of flanges extends from the edges of the opening. A plurality of protrusions (134) is formed on the flanges. The bracket includes a pair of hooks (43). The button comprises a pair of clasps (25) for actuating the switch. The bracket is mounted on one side of a panel corresponding to the opening by the hooks engaging with the flanges and the protrusions retaining the bracket. The button is mounted on the opposite side of the panel corresponding to the opening by the clasps engaging with the flanges.

Abstract: A normally closed (on) switch with an on-off fixed structure comprises at the center a seat having a sleeve inside which a push part and an elastic component; a top cover provided on the seat, of which the center is formed with a piercing hole corresponding to the sleeve; a movable ring provided in the hole, of which one end is formed with a flange around that is provided with a guidance groove corresponding to each pillar, and inside which more than one recessed portions are formed; and a movable button provided in the ring and associated with the push part, of which one end is formed with a raised part corresponding to more than one recessed portion formed inside the fringe of ring and the other end is formed with a groove. The button is pushed, rotated at a certain angle, and released to enable and disable the switch.

Abstract: A push-on switch in which dome-like movable contacts are placed in an invertible manner in two or upper and lower stages in an accommodating portion of an insulative body having plural stationary contacts. In order to fix the lower movable contact without using a dedicated pressing member, and enhance cost reduction and production efficiency, a leg portion is elongated from an outer peripheral edge portion of the lower movable contact, and the leg portion has a pressed portion in which a tip end is upward bent to protrude toward an upper face of the upper movable contact. When the lower mov-able contact is positionally fixed to the body, the pressed portion is pressed from the upper side by fixing structure for the upper movable contact, and the lower movable contact is positionally fixed.

Abstract: Disclosed are a computing device bezel and a facia button that is used with the bezel. In one embodiment, the facia button includes a base member, a finger interface that is supported by and that extends from the base member, an axis about which the facia button can pivot, and a spring member that is adapted to resist pivoting of the facia button, wherein the facia button is configured to contact and press an associated button of a device contained within the computing device.

Abstract: A button assembly for a home appliance is provided which allows for effective illumination of buttons. The button assembly includes a button body having buttons thereon which may pressed by a user to operate the appliance. The button body has a predetermined space inside, an elastic member which elastically supports the button body, a luminous body provided within the button body to emit light, and an extension extending from the button body which activates a corresponding switch, the extension being configured not to interfere with the luminous body.

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

Abstract: Disclosed is a tamper resistant PIN entry apparatus for input of a key and for encryption of a password in a cash transaction machine. The PIN entry apparatus supplies the electric power to a memory of an electric circuit section, in such a manner that a first rod and a second rod of a rear case connect contacts of a key scan board, wherein the first rod is protruded on the rear of a key module including a button provided substantially on the front of the key module and the second rod of the rear case is coupled with the rear of the key module. At this time, in case that the rear case is removed from the key module or damaged, thereby changing the location of any one of the first and the second rods at the contact, the electric circuit section detects the event and destroys the memory itself physically. Otherwise, the electric circuit section makes information stored in the memory physically or softwarely unreadable, thereby preventing the leakage of the information.

Abstract: The invention proposes a switch (10) comprising a casing (12) which carries a pair of fixed contact elements (48), a contact bar (96) which is movable between a rear closure position and a front opening position, and a member (60) for actuation of the movable contact bar (96) which is mounted so as to slide between a rear rest position and a front triggering position, the movable contact bar (96) and the actuation member (60) constituting a movable assembly, and the switch (10) comprising a return spring (108) which co-operates with the movable contact bar (96) so as to urge it towards its rear closure position.

Abstract: An linear motion compensator for translating a particular amount of linear movement produced by an input device into a particular amount of linear movement required to properly operate an output device, without causing damage to either the input device or the output device.

Abstract: A lighted switch device, comprising a substrate, a switch provided on a first surface of the substrate, a light source provided on a second surface of the substrate, a key top to press the switch, and a light guide mechanism to guide light emitted from the light source to the key top or a periphery of the key top, the light guide mechanism including a first light guiding member to hold the key top and a second light guiding member disposed to surround the light source, the light emitted from the light source being guided through the second light guiding member to the first light guiding member holding the key top.

Abstract: This invention provides an inputting apparatus with a reduced number of lines in its connection cable, a simplified structure and improved reliability.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus with an illuminated button, the apparatus comprising a first operation button, a second operation button, a first board mounted with a first switch corresponding to the first operation button, wherein a portion of the first board is notched, a second switch corresponding to the second operation button, wherein the second switch is mounted below the notched portion of the first board, and a light source that is mounted below the second operation button.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to minimize teasing and contact welding at contact points includes a switch having a first contact movable toward a second contact from a switch-deactuated position to a switch-actuated position and movable away from the second contact from the switch-actuated position back to the switch-deactuated position. A transfer carriage is operatively engaged with the first contact and includes a flip-flop mechanism for bringing the first contact into contact with the second contact and releasing the first contact from the second contact. The flip-flop mechanism utilizes a transfer barrier to switch between the switch-actuated and switch-deactuated positions. An actuator imparts movement on the transfer carriage to overcome the transfer barrier when moving between the switch-deactuated and switch-actuated positions.

Abstract: A switch including at least one boss, outwardly protruding from the side surface(s) of the case, located below the supports which extend downward so as to engage the side surfaces of the case. Thus, if the switches occasionally collide with each other, with tools, the like the boss prevents the supports of the cover from receiving an outward force and thereby prevent the cover from coming off from the case.

Abstract: A push button actuator unit has a housing which defines a through passage that extends along an axis of the housing, and a slot that extends in a plane which transversely intersects the axis and communicates with the passage for supporting in the housing-defined slot a disc-shaped member having a central opening that aligns with the passage. Movable in the aligned passage and opening is a push button sub-assembly of the unit which includes a front element that, when depressed rearwardly, may cause a rear element of the push button sub-assembly to extend rearwardly from the housing to release a latch or to operate a switch or the like. If the unit is to be lockable, an optional locking mechanism is added to the elements of the push button sub-assembly to selectively drivingly connect the front and rear elements so that depression of the front element will cause rearward extension of the rear element only when the unit is unlocked.

Abstract: A first bearing member is provided on one of an upper face of a board member and a lower face of a key top member. A first guide member is provided on the other one of the upper face of the board member and the lower face of the key top member. A first link member is disposed between the board member and the key top member, and has a first end portion rotatably supported by the first bearing member and a second end portion engaged with the first guide member. The first link member is pivotable in a first direction about the first end portion thereof to allow the key top member to move in a vertical direction. The second end portion of the first link member is slidable relative to the first guide member in a horizontal direction in accordance with the movement of the key top member.

Abstract: A navigation key integrally formed with a panel in an electronic device comprises an outer key formed to have a resilient restoring force, and a holder for receiving the outer key, the holder integrally mounted on the panel. The holder comprises a tact pressing member for directly pressing a tact switch disposed thereunder when the outer key is pressed down.

Abstract: The invention provides a key input device comprising a plurality of key tops 7 arranged on a surface of a main body case, each of the key tops 7 having a body 73 of transparent resin, the key body 73 being provided with a light blocking film 71 formed over a front surface thereof, the light blocking film 71 being partly cut out to form a light transmitting pattern 72 representing a character. LEDs 8 are arranged below the key tops 7. Each of the key tops 7 has a semitransparent screen 9 formed on a rear surface thereof in an area to be illuminated with LEDs 8 and extending only over a region opposed to the light transmitting pattern 72.

Abstract: An operating device includes a switch member having a shaft holding part for holding a base end of a shaft member, an operating member having a mounting part formed in a substantially cylindrical shape which is adapted to be engaged with an end portion of the shaft member, and a stopper member which is engaged for mounting with the mounting part. The stopper member restricts relative movement of the shaft member in a state where a gap is left for permitting displacement of the shaft member in an axial direction, and releases the restriction when a load beyond a predetermined load in the axial direction of the shaft member is applied and locking members is deformed, thus permitting relative movement of the operating member with respect to the shaft member.

Abstract: A push-button switch includes a fixed member having a first fixed contact strip disposed on the inner surface of the fixed member and a second fixed contact strip disposed on the inner surface of the fixed member and opposite the first fixed contact strip; a control member biased by a spring from the fixed member and locked in a desired position; and a movable contact strip configured, when attached to the control member locked in the desired position, to be in contact with and to short-circuit the first fixed contact strip and the second fixed contact strip. The movable contact strip is configured to be isolated from the first and second fixed contact strips at substantially the same time when the control member is controlled against a biasing force of the spring.

Abstract: A multistep switch includes a first input device, a second input device, and a third input device. The first input device is a capacitive type sensor. The second input device is disposed behind the first input device and capable of switching by pressure when the first input device is depressed. The third input device is disposed behind the second input device and capable of switching by pressure when the first input device is depressed and the second input device is depressed.

Abstract: A remote keyless entry device for use with a vehicle that includes a printed circuit board, at least one button configured to cooperate with the printed circuit board to selectively form an electrical circuit, a power source, and a housing. The printed circuit board and the power source are embedded within the housing. The housing at least partially covers the button and secures the button to the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A keyboard for an electronic device that incorporates a flexible carrier for the keys. The flexible carrier has cutouts or slots that aid in decoupling the actions of one from its neighbors. Moreover, in addition to or instead of cutouts or slots, the flexible carrier optionally has cutouts around its outer perimeter. In some embodiments, the keys are molded as part of the flexible carrier. In other embodiments, the keys are attached to or inserted in the flexible carrier during manufacture. Various embodiments of the invention employ various key shapes to aid the user's tactile experience while typing.

Abstract: A switching device for use on flexible material includes a core member configured to be secured to and extend outwardly from a flexible material, a switch supported by the core member, and a cover. The switch is configured to be operably connected to an electrical device. The resistance required to activate the switch beyond that provided by the user's fingers is provided solely by the core member, the switch, the cover, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a keyboard includes a barrier layer. The barrier layer may be mounted between an upper and lower housing portion of the keyboard so as to provide a substantially water impermeable pocket about a keyboard circuit. The barrier layer includes at least one key aperture that allows the barrier layer to attach to a key, the attachment providing a substantially water impermeable seal between the barrier layer and the key. Thus, the barrier layer acts to prevent liquids that are spilled on the keys from contacting and damage an electrical keyboard circuit provided below the barrier layer. In an embodiment the keyboard may be rinsed under running water without damaging the keyboard circuit.