Abstract: With respect to a push button, a part of a depressing portion is detected by a photo sensor when the depressing portion urged upward by a spring is depressed and stroke of the depressed depressing portion reaches a predetermined distance. Thereby, switch between OFF and ON is carried out. Also, the push button includes a metal dome. Load of the spring works on the depressing portion when depressed. Further, when the stroke of the depressed depressing portion reaches a predetermined distance so as to switch between OFF and ON, the load of the spring and that of the metal dome integrally work on the depressing portion.

Abstract: A button apparatus includes a decorating plate, and a button device attached to the decorating plate. The button device includes a securing member, a button attached to the securing member, and at least two securing arms attached to the decorating plate. The button extends through the decorating plate and is located on a top surface of the decorating plate, and the securing plate is located on a bottom surface of the decorating plate. The at least two securing arms evenly extend from an outer edge of the securing member, and the button is resiliently moveable perpendicular to the decorating plate, to deform the at least two securing arms and operate an electrical switch.

Abstract: A touch-sensitive depressible button with multiple depression thresholds is provided. When the button is depressed to a first depression threshold, the touch sensor can be switched from a low-power, non-sensing state to a sensing state. When the button is depressed to a second depression threshold, the touch sensor can sense the touch context and input can be generated based on the depression and the touch context. In this way, the touch-sensitive depressible button with multiple depression thresholds can facilitate timely switching of the touch sensor to a sensing state.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing keycap includes applying a first coating layer on a surface of a keycap layer, applying a second coating layer on top of the first coating layer, etching at least a portion of the first coating layer to a first depth to form a first etched area, and etching at least a portion of the first etched area to a second depth to form a second etched area.

Abstract: A keyswitch includes a casing, a key cap and a support device rotatably disposed between the key cap and the casing. One of the casing and the key cap has a first magnetic area and the support device has a second magnetic area corresponding to the first magnetic area. When the key cap is not pressed, a magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic areas keeps the key cap at a non-pressed position. When the key cap is pressed by an external force such that the second magnetic area moves away from the first magnetic area, the key cap moves from the non-pressed position toward the pressed position. When the external force is removed, the second magnetic area moves toward the first magnetic area due to the magnetic attraction force such that the key cap moves from the pressed position toward the non-pressed position.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is provided, including a dome of a top push switch configured to contact, upon pushing, an inner pad of a base, fixing paste connecting the dome to an outer pad of the base; and a covering tape on top of the dome.

Abstract: A cover for mounting to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) electronic device, the USB electronic device includes a shell defining an opening and a USB connector exposed at the opening. The USB connector includes a GND pin and an ID pin. The cover includes a main body and an elastomeric push button; the main body engagably attaches to the shell and covers the opening; the elastomeric push button is formed on the main body and is configured for powering on or off the USB electronic device; the elastomeric push button includes two metal pins connected with each other and configured for short-circuiting the GND pin to the ID pin when the elastomeric push button is depressed.

Abstract: A switch comprises a room light case, a switch knob arranged inside an aperture portion of the room light case, guide grooves provided on an inner circumferential face of the aperture portion of the room light case, and guide ribs provided on an outer circumferential face of the switch knob. The switch knob moves for a switch stroke part in a depth direction of the aperture portion, from a waiting position to a pressed-down position by a pressing down operation. The guide grooves are provided in a range deeper than a depth size of the switch stroke from an opening edge located on the switch case surface side of the aperture portion.

Abstract: A button structure includes a pressing member and a housing. The pressing member has a plate portion and a pressing portion protruding from the plate portion, and the plate portion is elastic. The housing has an end wall defining a through hole. The pressing member is assembled in the housing, a portion of the plate portion is fixed on the end wall, and the pressing portion extends through the through hole. The plate portion pivots relative to the end wall by pressing the pressing portion.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a body, a key switch and a limiting mechanism secured to the body. The body includes a top wall defining an aperture. The key switch includes a touch switch, an actuating member for actuating the touch switch when being pressed, and a key cap received in the aperture and abutting the actuating member. The limiting mechanism corresponds to the aperture. When the key cap is pressed, the actuating member is driven to actuate the touch switch, and the limiting mechanism limits the movement of the key cap to protect the touch switch from damages.

Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a terminal main body and a keypad assembly provided in the main body and formed to receive a control command, wherein the keypad assembly includes a key top disposed on one surface of the main body to cover a switch installed in the main body, an actuator mounted on the key top and having at least a portion protruded to press the switch, and a pattern member including a base portion coupled to the actuator and a plated layer having at least a portion penetrating the key top to form a pattern exposed to the outside and plated on an outer surface of the base portion.

Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a terminal main body and a keypad assembly provided in the main body and formed to receive a control command, wherein the keypad assembly includes a key top disposed on one surface of the main body to cover a switch installed in the main body, an actuator mounted on the key top and having at least a portion protruded to press the switch, and a pattern member including a base portion coupled to the actuator and a plated layer having at least a portion penetrating the key top to form a pattern exposed to the outside and plated on an outer surface of the base portion.

Abstract: The keyboard includes a rubber sheet fixed on key tops of a set of key-switch devices. The rubber sheet elastically urges the key tops upward so that they are borne away from the base of the key-switch devices. The rubber sheet is arranged so as to cover the key-switch devices from outside. According to the invention, the cost of a keyboard covered with a dustproof and watertight rubber sheet can be reduced.

Abstract: A method for producing a keycap of a keyboard of a portable electronic device that includes removing material from the backside of a body of the keycap to form a cavity in a shape associated with a character, filling the cavity with fill material, and removing material from the front side of the body to expose the fill material on the front surface of the keycap.

Abstract: A portable computing device is disclosed. The portable computing device can take many forms such as a laptop computer, a tablet computer, and so on. The portable computing device can include at least a single piece housing. The single piece housing including a plurality of steps. The plurality of mounting steps are formed by at least removing a preselected amount of housing material at predetermined locations on the interior surface. At least some of the mounting steps are used to mount at least some of the plurality of internal operating components to the housing.

Abstract: A button structure includes an installation assembly, a slidable member, a pressable member, and a first resilient member and a second resilient member. The slidable member is slidably attached to the installation assembly. A pressable portion is formed on the slidable member. The pressable member is pivotably mounted to the installation assembly. A pressable cantilever extends from the pressable member. A guide portion protrudes from the pressable cantilever and abuts against the pressable portion. When the slidable member is pushed to deform the first resilient member, the pressable portion presses the guide portion to urge the pressable member to pivot. Thus the second resilient member is deformed, and the pressable cantilever pushes the button to power on or off the electronic device. When the slidable member is released, the first and second resilient members are restored to respectively force the slidable member and the pressable member to return.

Abstract: Slide switch assemblies with structural enhancements are provided for use in electronic devices. Slide switch assemblies in accordance with embodiments the invention can include a button, an engagement member, and switch box. The engagement member couples the button to the switch box and translates any movement of the button to the switch box. The switch box is mounted offset with respect to the button because another component such as, for example, a display screen occupies the space that would have been a better mounting position for the switch box. To compensate for the offset, and the added torsion that is applied to the engagement member during button movement events, the engagement member is structurally enhanced.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing, and a key fixed to the housing. The key comprises a key cap fixed to the housing, a trigger component protruded from a surface of the key cap. The trigger component defines at least one recessed portion, the at least one recessed portion extends from one end of the trigger component away from the key cap to the other end of the trigger component from which the trigger component extends.

Abstract: A key assembly comprises a connecting element, a first key and a second key. The first key includes a first body member and a first elastic member protruding from one end of the first body member, another end of the first body member connects with the connecting element. The second key includes a second body member and a second elastic member protruding from one end of the second body member, and another end of the second body member connects with the connecting element. The first elastic member provides a returning force for the first body member, and the second elastic member provides a returning force for the second body member.

Abstract: A side keypad assembly includes a pressing surface, an opposite mating surface. The pressing surface includes a plurality of keypads protruded thereon. The mating surface includes a plurality of stepped columns protruded thereon corresponding to the plurality of keypads respectively and a plurality of separating protrusions corresponding to the conjoint portions between every two keypads respectively. The invention also provides a portable electronic device using the side keypad assembly.

Abstract: An interlock contact block providing an automatic electrical disconnect for pushbutton operated contact blocks when components of the pushbutton switch assembly become sufficiently loose or dislodged from one another that proper operation of one or more contact blocks associated with the switch assembly can not be operated by the pushbutton assembly.

Abstract: A keypad assembly includes a keycap, fixing bracket, and at least one fixing member. The fixing member fixes the keypad to the fixing bracket. The fixing bracket includes a frame, a fixing portion located on a middle portion of the frame, and at least two resilient portions. The resilient portions interconnect the frame and the fixing portions. The keycap fixes on the fixing portion. The resilient portions are capable of elastically deforming and generating elastic restoring force to the keycap.

Abstract: A keypad assembly includes a support member, a key switch, a keycap, and a resilient member. The key switch is fixed on the support member and includes a triggering portion. The keycap is located opposite to the triggering portion. The resilient member includes a rotation portion and a resilient support portion connected to the rotation portion. The rotation portion is rotatably connected to the keycap and the support member. The resilient support portion is elastically deformed via resisting the support member when the key switch is not triggered, and provides an elastic restoring force to the rotation portion.

Abstract: In an operation panel device for an elevator, a switch provided with a switch main body and an operation portion is mounted onto the back surface of a faceplate. A retaining mechanism for retaining the switch main body in a predetermined mounting position is provided between a side surface of the switch main body and the back surface of the faceplate. The retaining mechanism includes an elastic member. The elastic member allows the switch main body to be moved to the mounting position by elastic deformation. Further, when the switch main body is moved to the mounting position, the elastic member is restored to an original state thereof to prevent the switch main body from moving from the mounting position.

Abstract: A multi-layer integral keypad (10) is provided with a plurality of key tops (20) each having a plastic layer (30) coupled to a display layer (21). A key top support layer (40) integrally couples a plurality of the key tops (20) to one another. A method for producing a multi-layer integral keypad (10) is also provided.

Abstract: A switch device includes: a switch; an operation section disposed to face the switch; a first resilient section that is deformed by first pressing force derived from the operation section; and a second resilient section that is brought into contact with the switch by the deformation of the first resilient section, and is deformed to activate the switch by second pressing force greater than the first pressing force.

Abstract: A control assembly is assembled between a housing and a printed circuit board of an electronic device. The housing defines a mounting hole. The control assembly includes a force member assembled in the mounting hole, a switch electrically fixed on the printed circuit board under the force member, and a resilient member abutted between the force member and the printed circuit board. The resilient member is compressed to allow the force member to contact the switch when external force applied to the force member.

Abstract: A keypad assembly includes a support member, a key switch, a keycap and a resilient member. The key switch is located on the support member, and includes a triggering portion. The keycap is fixed opposite to the triggering portion. The resilient member is fixed to the keycap. The support member and the key switch are located between the keycap and the resilient member. The resilient member is elastically deformed by resisting the support member when the key switch is not triggered, such that the keycap tightly contacts the triggering portion of the key switch.

Abstract: A keypad assembly includes a keypad, a fixing bracket, and at least one fixing member. The fixing member fixes the keypad to the fixing bracket, and the fixing bracket includes two support portions, a fixing portion, two connecting portions and at least two resilient portions. The resilient portions interconnect the support portions and the fixing portions. Opposite ends of each connecting portion interconnect the two support portions, such that the two connecting portions and the two support portions cooperatively form a frame. The fixing portion is located on a middle portion of the frame. The keycap is fixed on the fixing portion. The resilient portions elastically deform to provide elastic restoring force to the keycap.

Abstract: A button assembly for a refrigerator comprises: a case having a cooling chamber, and a door for opening or closing the cooling chamber; a cover mounted to one side of the case, and provided with a plurality of button insertion openings; a substrate fixed to an inner side of the cover, and provided with a plurality of switch buttons; elastic supporters inserted into the button insertion openings of the cover, and covering the switch buttons of the substrate; and button pads coupled to the elastic supporters, and elastically supported by an elastic force of the elastic supporters when pressed by a user, for switching on/off the switch buttons. The button assembly prevents humid air from being introduced thereinto, and simplifies the components to enhance the reliability and productivity. The button assembly enhances appearance around the buttons.

Abstract: There is provided a switch including a case, fixed electrodes provided in the case, a movable electrodes and a pressing member. The movable electrode is provided in the case, and is displaced between a first position where the fixed electrodes are electrically connected to each other and a second position where the fixed electrodes are insulated from each other. The pressing member displaces the movable electrode from the second position to the first position when a pressing force from outside is applied to the pressing member. The pressing member is elastically deformed by the pressing force so that a contact area between the pressing member and the movable electrode is increased.

Abstract: An apparatus for key actuation of an electronic device comprising a linear bearing configured for transmitting user actuation, and a complementary guide portion, wherein the linear bearing and the guide portion are arranged to allow the linear bearing to move reciprocally relative to the guide portion for key activation, and wherein both the linear bearing and the guide portion comprise a material with a hardness substantially between 6 Mohrs and 10 Mohrs.

Abstract: A cam-action anti-rolling mechanism for buttons is described herein. One embodiment may take the form of a button having a body with a slot extending therethrough. The slot has a normal orientation to a direction of motion for the button. The button also includes a cam bar having a first portion extending through the slot and a second portion offset from and parallel to the first portion. The cam bar is coupled in a slip fit manner within the slot to the body and the second portion provides a rotational axis for the cam bar. A fixture coupled to the second portion of the cam bar is provided to allow for rotation of the cam bar.

Abstract: A replaceable key module for a keyboard, comprising: a keycap holder, a springy member and a keycap. The keycap holder embraces an accommodation space, a first surface having an opening, and a second surface having a hole. The springy member is located on the second surface and within the accommodation space of the keycap holder. The keycap is movably connected to the springy member through the opening of the first surface of the keycap holder and capable of moving between a released position and a depressed position. The keycap is referred to as in a released position when not depressed and in a depressed position pushing the springy member to be deformed downwardly when depressed. By means of adjusting some factors such as hardness, length, material and pressing angle of the springy member, the user may obtain the key module with the specified pressure load as desired.

Abstract: A flashlight is described comprising a flashlight body comprising a tube with a first end and a second end, the tube configured to hold at least one battery; a bulb holder for holding an illumination source at the first end of the tube; and a circuit interruption and completion device forming a complete circuit between the illumination source and the battery, when the device is in a closed mode, the device comprising a pushbutton switch which is manually actuated between at least a first closed mode and a second mode. The switch controls multiple functions of the flashlight. The switch requires at least one of a force of less than about 1000 gf and a stroke of less than 4 mm to be operably actuated.

Abstract: A switch device includes: a switch housing case; a holder fixedly placed inside the case; a switch fixedly housed inside the holder; and multiple switch buttons each capable of making pressing force act on the switch. An intermediate cap integrally including a lid portion covering the switch and a tubular portion continuing to a peripheral edge portion of the lid portion is attached to the holder. A first deformation portion on the tubular portion deforms the tubular portion by pressing on the lid portion from a first switch button. A second deformation portion on the lid portion deforms a center portion of the lid portion by pressing on the center portion of the lid portion from a second switch button. Two types of switch buttons without making changes to the parts exclusive of the switch buttons becomes possible.

Abstract: Electronic device assemblies may have multiple parts. A first electronic device assembly structure may be attached to a second electronic device assembly structure using a locking member. The locking member may include a tip portion that is inserted into a guiding channel in the assembly and a disposable portion that breaks away from the tip portion during assembly. Barbs on the locking member tip may resist retraction of the tip following assembly. A cam locking structure may help hold the first and second structures together. Locking features may resist longitudinal motion between the first and second structures. Snap features may provide a fail-safe mechanism to prevent disassembly of the assembly following an accidental dislodgement of the tip portion. The tip portion and assembly structures may be configured to resist bowing in the assembly structures.

Abstract: A key assembly for use in an electronic device is provided. The key assembly includes a plurality of dome switches, a plurality of single-piece keycaps and plurality of actuators which activate the dome switches. Each single-piece keycap has a plurality of character-representing portions identifying a number of keyboard characters which are separated by deforming portions. Each character-representing portion is associated with a separate one of the plurality of dome switches. Each actuator has a first side which is engaged by one of the character-representing portions of the single-piece keycap and a second side which engages the dome switch associated with that character-representing portion.

Abstract: An exemplary portable electronic device includes a housing, a cover detachably mounted on the housing, a circuit board mounted inside the housing, a switch assembly electrically connected with the circuit board, and a key assembly secured with the cover and aligned with the switch assembly. The key assembly can be pressed by an external force to operate the switch assembly, and rebounds when released.

Abstract: A pushbutton switch configured to switch a mains voltage or line voltage while providing a tactile feedback to a user. The pushbutton switch includes a base having a plurality of fixed contacts, a movable contact having a plurality of contact points fitted within the base and configured to move from an open position to a closed position, a resilient actuator configured to receive and transfer a first pressure to the movable contact and shaped to provide a tactile feedback in response to the first pressure, and a retaining structure secured to the base and comprising a through-hole through which at least a portion of the actuator protrudes. In the pushbutton switch, conducting components on the movable contact and the plurality of fixed contacts are spaced apart such that the pushbutton switch is configured and rated to switch a line voltage.

Abstract: A pair of side keys disposed on a lateral plate casing of a stationary-side rear case in a cellular phone is coupled with a film sheet that is fabricated in a substantially identical length to the length of the pair of side keys. The pair of side keys is coupled with the film sheet by applying double-faced adhesive tapes having adhesive faces on both sides only to both ends of the film sheet.

Abstract: A key switch apparatus includes a key top, a dome switch and an elastic member. The key top includes a pressing surface whose vertical and lateral lengths are different. The form of the dome switch changes with the key top being pressed. The elastic member is placed around the dome switch and adds a repulsive force against the pressing force by the key top. In addition, in the elastic member, at least a part of the two ends of the longitudinal direction of the pressing surface is missing, in the whole circumference around the dome switch.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a keypad for an electronic device includes a plurality of switches and a plurality of keycaps. Each keycap has a plurality of external contact portions defining a full row of the keypad. Each external contact portion corresponds to one of the switches and includes at least one of a text-entry character and a functional character. Each of the external contact portions is movable to actuate the corresponding switch. The keypad further includes a plurality of keycap supports. Each keycap support is disposed between adjacent external contact portions. After one of the external contact portions has been moved to actuate the corresponding switch, at least one of the keycap supports engages the keycap having the one of the external contact portions to inhibit the keycap from actuating at least one of the other switches.

Abstract: A technique of preventing permeation of liquid and dust to electronic parts within a housing of an input device for an in-vehicle device. An input device of an in-vehicle device comprises a housing and a substrate stored in the housing. The housing comprises a button, a rod hole for guiding vertically a rod positioned under the button, taking the top of the button as an upper side, and the rod inserted in the rod hole. The substrate comprises an input element positioned under the rod. The rod is fitted with a covering member that covers the rod hole from above.

Abstract: A switch unit includes an operating component, and a base portion that supports the operating component capable of being pressed in criss-cross directions. The base portion is provided with a plurality of T-shaped regulating components that are formed in positions in directions sandwiched between the criss-cross directions. Each of the regulating components is provided with a leg portion that extends from the base portion towards the operating component, and an abutting portion that extends from an end portion of the leg portion along a line that connects together predetermined positions of the criss-cross directions that are located on both sides of each regulating component.

Abstract: A push button for mounting on a shell includes a button body depressibly engaged in a through hole defined in the shell, a flexible circuit board, a rigid plate attaching to the shell and a conductive spring tab. The flexible circuit board is arranged between the a button body and the rigid plate. The flexible circuit board is brought into contact with the rigid plate. The flexible circuit board is electrically connected to a connector and includes a pair of normally-open contacts. The conductive spring tab is fixed to the flexible circuit board and aligned with the button body. The conductive spring tab is deformable. The button body is configured for being manually depressed so as to urge the conductive spring tab to deform and contact the pair of normally-open contacts, thereby generating a signal transmittable through the flexible circuit board to the connector.

Abstract: A key button mechanism mounted to a housing of an electronic device, comprises a key body and an actuator. The key body is mounted to the housing, the key body has a contacting portion protruding therefrom. The actuator has a resisting portion and a driving portion protruding from an end of the resisting portion. The actuator is rotatably mounted to the housing and the resisting portion is aligned with the contacting portion such that when the key body is operated, the contacting portion pushes the resisting portion to make the driving portion touch the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A flush-mounted switch, in particular a door-opener switch, for mounting on a fastening surface, has a tubular housing and a flange which protrudes over the cover and an axially moveable button for actuating a switching member connected to the housing. The button is held in its rest position by a restoring force and can be pushed in counter to the action of this restoring force. A fastening ring affixes the door-opener switch on the fastening surface. The flange of the housing covers the fastening ring. A support ring is provided by way of which the button is lockable to the fastening ring.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a main body and a stylus. The main body includes a shell and a reset button received in the shell. A sidewall of the shell defines a through hole. The reset button includes a pressing pole received in the through hole. The pressing pole is concave with respect to an outer surface of the shell. The stylus is operable to be inserted into the through hole to press the button.

Abstract: A key switch including a base section, a key top, a pair of link members and a switching mechanism. Each link member is provided, at one end region thereof, with a toothed portion meshable with a toothed portion of another link member in a gearing manner and a pivot axle pivotably joined to the base section, and at another end region, with a slide portion slidably engaged with the key top. The base section includes a support plate and a frame member, the frame member being fixedly attached to the upper surface of the support plate. The frame member is provided with a bearing portion pivotably receiving and supporting the pivot axle of each link member. The first end region of each link member is disposed on a lateral side of the frame member and closely to the upper surface of the support plate.