Abstract: A push button switch assembly and method according to which a button is mounted to a partition and has at least one hook for engaging a ledge of the partition. At least one post extends from the button and through an opening in the partition and is fastened to the partition for mounting the button to the partition for pivotal movement which is limited by the engagement of the hook with the ledge. A membrane switch is mounted on the partition, and a bumper extends from the button for engaging the membrane of the switch to activate same. The bumper is fabricated from a silicone rubber to minimize the effects of relatively large pushing forces acting on the button and to enable the assembly to be used in relatively low temperature environments.

Abstract: A keyboard in which raised portions are embossed on a rubber sheet in correspondence to the respective switches of a membrane switch so that the raised portions may be pressed down to actuate the switches. A housing made of highly rigid synthetic resin is provided which has openings formed therethrough. A key top is disposed within each of the openings and formed integrally with the housing by means of at least two hinges. Each of the widthwise delimiting regions formed integrally with the housing between each widthwise adjacent openings has notches cut in from adjacent openings in depthwise staggered position. Each of the key tops has engagement tabs extending oppositely outward from two opposed side edges thereof adjoining the side edge where the hinges are formed and entering into the notches. A face panel having key top openings formed therethrough and arrayed in correspondence to the key tops is attached to the upper surface of the housing.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus is provided for small and lightweight computers and the like. Keyswitches and a keyboard assembly comprise a sheet member having a plurality of key faces fixed thereon in a conventional keyboard arrangement. A plurality of cutouts are provided in the sheet member, partially surrounding each key face. A living hinge member is provided in the sheet member at one side of each key face. Each living hinge member includes a base section, an intermediate section, and a key face section. The former two and the latter two sections each interface at a living hinge. Depressing the key face causes the key face section to pivot about the living hinges to operate a corresponding set of electrical contacts, indicating operation of the key. A conventional rubber spring may transmit the pivot motion of the key face to the electrical contacts.

Abstract: A button with at least one flexible cantilever and an actuating portion coupled to the button can either be integrally formed from a single piece of material or assembled into a single device so that the button can be easily and quickly installed into a button housing. Additionally, because of the simplified one-piece design of the button, the button housing is further simplified.

Abstract: The housing of the case has a pair of ribs and a hole for holding an external switch button, formed therein. The external switch button is provided with an actuating section for actuating an internal press-switch button, an arm section capable of being elastically deformed to allow movement of the actuating section, and a supporting section which is sandwiched between the pair of ribs.

Abstract: A switching flap for stopping the drive of cutting mechanisms of paper shredders or similar devices, wherein the respective cutting mechanism is accommodated in a housing placeable on a collecting container for cut material and the switching flap is arranged at the bottom side of the housing in an area laterally of the outlet gap for the cut material. The switching flap is inserted at connecting points into the bottom part of the housing. Immediately above the connecting points, the switching flap has a resilient joint which extends over the entire length of the switching flap. On its side facing away from the outlet gap for the cut material, the switching flap has a rib or the like serving as a switching cam for actuating the limit switch resulting in the stoppage of the drive.

Abstract: A push button switch assembly and method according to which a button is mounted to a partition and has at least one hook for engaging a ledge of the partition. At least one post extends from the button and through an opening in the partition and is fastened to the partition for mounting the button to the partition for pivotal movement which is limited by the engagement of the hook with the ledge. A membrane switch is mounted on the partition, and a bumper extends from the button for engaging the membrane of the switch to activate same. The bumper is fabricated from a silicone rubber to minimize the effects of relatively large pushing forces acting on the button and to enable the assembly to be used in relatively low temperature environments.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus is provided for small and lightweight computers and the like. Keyswitches and a keyboard assembly comprise a sheet member having a plurality of key faces fixed thereon in a conventional keyboard arrangement. A plurality of cutouts are provided in the sheet member, partially surrounding each key face. Two living hinge members are provided in the sheet member, preferably at opposite sides of the cutout. Each living hinge member includes a base section, an intermediate section, and a key face section. The former two and the latter two sections each interface at a living hinge. Depressing the key face causes the key face sections of each of the hinge members to pivot about the living hinges to operate a corresponding set of electrical contacts, indicating operation of the key. The multiple hinge members provide stability to the downward motion of the key face, providing goood functionality and tactile feel.

Abstract: This invention copes with miniaturization of an electronic device and provides a switch structure of the electronic device at inexpensive price. The switch structure of the electronic device comprises a case (an upper case 1 and a lower case 4) having supporting convex portions 4f, switches 3a mounted within the case, and a push button 2 containing arm portions 2c elastically deformable, push button portions 2b, and switch pushing convex portions 2e provided on an end of a surface of each push button portion. One end of each arm portion which is far from each push button portion is fixed to the case. Each supporting convex portion is provided so as to contact a position nearer each arm portion relative to a center of each push button portion, on the surface of each push button portion during the operation of each push button portion. Each switch pushing convex portion actuates each switch when the operation of each push button portion has terminated.

Abstract: In a keyboard which drives membrane switches by selectively depressing key tops, hinge portions are formed integrally with a housing in an array of hinge receiving holes made therein in correspondence with a desired array of key tops, a top panel having openings corresponding to the hinge receiving holes is bonded to the top of the housing and the key tops are each disposed to cover the corresponding opening and the entire length of the corresponding hinge portion and is fixedly engaged with the free end of the hinge portion through the opening. By the application of pressure to and its removal from each key top, the lower end of the free end of the corresponding hinge portion operates to make and break the underlying membrane switch.

Abstract: A switch panel for use in dispensing equipment which includes a switch plate having a plurality of switch positions with each having an area for receiving and mounting a first electrical switch component thereat, and at least one switch activating selector button having a second electrical switch component fixed thereto. Mounting means are provided for pivotally mounting a selector button at each selected switch position by pressing mounting ears on the selector button through appropriate slots in the switch plate until openings in the selector button are engaged by pivot pins in the switch plate, all without using any tools or connecting elements.

Abstract: Disclosed are keyswitches and a keyboard assembly comprising a sheet member having a plurality of key faces fixed thereon in a conventional keyboard arrangement, a plurality of cutouts in the sheet member partially surrounding each key face, and a plurality of living hinges in the sheet member at one side of each key face, whereby the key face may be depressed, causing the key face to pivot about the living hinges to operate a corresponding set of electrical contacts, indicating operation of the key. A conventional rubber spring may transmit the pivot motion of the key face to the electrical contacts.

Abstract: A low profile and light weight keyboard for portable electronic devices, such as notebook computers having a dual scissor movement. In one embodiment, the movement comprises an inner 318 and outer member 333, which connect at four pivot points. The two scissors appear as adjacent portions of the inner and outer members which are connected at a pivot point 308, and connected to each other with "living hinges." 310 The inner and outer movement members are attached or bonded to the keycap 302 and base 312 with the living hinge 310.

Abstract: An actuator button is mounted in a housing by a cantilevered beam fixedly attached to the intermediate portion of a torsion beam. The ends of the torsion beam are nonrotatably fixed with respect to the housing. The actuator button is maintained at a normal, spaced-apart position with respect to a switch positioned within the housing. Movement of the actuator toward the switch induces bending stress in the cantilevered beam and torsional stress in torsion beam. The actuator button arrangement permits direct, vertical insertion of the actuator button into the housing, does not require any secondary assembly operations, and has a unitary construction.

Abstract: A case has a pair of ribs and a hole for holding an external switch button, formed therein. The external switch button is provided with an actuating section for actuating an internal press-button switch, an arm section capable of being elastically deformed to allow movement of the actuating section, and a supporting section which is sandwiched between the pair of ribs.

Abstract: In a keyboard which drives membrane switches by selectively depressing key tops, hinge portions are formed integrally with a housing in an array of hinge receiving holes made therein in correspondence with a desired array of key tops, a top panel having openings corresponding to the hinge receiving holes is bonded to the top of the housing, and the key tops are each disposed to cover the corresponding opening and the entire length of the corresponding hinge portion and is fixedly engaged with the free end of the hinge portion through the opening. By the application of pressure to and its removal from each key top, the lower end of the free end of the corresponding hinge portion operates to make and break the underlying membrane switch.

Abstract: An electronic device is formed with a casing which houses a printed circuit board carrying a surface mounted switch. The casing has a hole through which a push-button portion of a switch actuator projects for operation by the thumb of a user. Because of design considerations the push-button portion has to be located approximately on the same plane as the printed circuit board. Accordingly the actuator has to be designed to convert inward motion of the push-button to motion in a direction perpendicular to the push-button motion so as to operate the switch. This is achieved by forming the actuator as a hook having a free end for engaging the switch and another end joined to the push-button and formed as a pivot.

Abstract: An electronic device (100) includes an internally mounted circuit substrate (110) having a surface (111) with mounted electrical components (130), including a flat switch (132) having a direction of actuation (201) substantially perpendicular to the surface. The electronic device (100) includes an actuator button (150) with an externally accessible user interface portion (151) and an internally positioned actuator member (155). The actuator member (155) is pivotable from a first position adjacent to the switch (132), to a second position engaging and actuating the switch (132) when the user interface portion (151) is depressed. Preferably, the actuator button (150) is attached to a device housing member (121, 122) using an integrally formed shaft (180) that provides a spring bias return force for the button (150) when depressed.

Abstract: A push-type switch 12 with the operation of a switching component 24 through a long extended push component 11 is described. The switch features, in the push direction 13, a push-type guideway and an elastic support which acts against the application of the push. An extended, torsionally and flexurally rigid transmission component 30 is arranged between switching component 24 and push component 11. The transmission component is supported like a flap in a pivotable manner around the axis of a hinge 31. The hinge runs parallel to its transmission component lengthwise direction and crosswise to the direction of the push 13.

Abstract: A housing for electrical equipment such as an electronic thermostat has a panel in which is a keypad having a number of keys for manual entry of data, and a cover which can be moved into position to cover the keypad. The cover includes a pushrod which passes through a hole in the cover which is aligned with one of the keys while the cover covers the keypad. The pushrod is supported by a support arm assembly mounted on the cover surface at preselected mounting points and having a brace arm arranged to reduce stress on the mounting points and reduce friction and binding during operation. The topology of the pushrod, support arm assembly, cover, and a stop integral with the cover and which limits travel of the pushrod, cooperate to allow the pushrod and support arm assembly to be an integral unit and yet to be assembled to form the complete cover.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a key which drives a swing arm. The swing arm transfers return force from a coil spring or other return force mechanism to the key. The rotational axis of the swing arm is perpendicular to the length of the keyboard. Various key position sensing means utilizing the swing arm are disclosed as well.

Abstract: A computer keyboard with multiple rows of cantilevered keys which are flexibly attached to first common mounting strips. The keyboard also has multiple rows of cantilevered sub-members flexibly attached to second common mounting strips, with the sub-members being aligned beneath associated keys. The cantilevered sub-members are in sliding contact with their associated cantilevered keys and induce a tactile "break over" sensation as the associated cantilevered keys are depressed. Each sub-member is designed to actuate a switch contact as the cantilevered key is depressed, whereby the computer keyboard can be constructed without a dome sheet.

Abstract: An improved alphanumeric keyboard 10 is illustrated for use in lap top or notebook personal computers 12. The keyboard 10 has a plurality of full travel, self leveling keyswitches 14 for actuating printed circuit electrical contacts 22 and 26 when the keyswitch is depressed. The keyboard 10 includes an integral keyswitch structure 40 that has an integral keytop 42 and keytop support substructure 44 supported on a common integral base sheet 46. Each of the keytop support substructures 44 includes hinge members 50a50b, 50c and 50d that are positioned in a rectangular orientation about the keytop 42. Each hinge member has a rigid upper hinge panel 52 and a lower hinge panel 58 that are integrally interconnected to the keytop 42 and the base sheet 46 for maintaining the keytop in a parallelogram orientation as it is depressed to prevent the keytop from moving laterally or wobbling during depression. The hinge panels 52 and 58 are interconnected by resilient webs 54, 60 and 64.

Abstract: A computer keyboard has multiple rows of cantilevered keys which are flexibly attached to common mounting strips. The rows of cantilevered keys are arranged to partially overlap adjacent rows such that the keys in one row actuate switch contacts aligned beneath mounting strips in the adjacent row. An interface between the switch contact membrane and a printed circuit board, and employing a portion of the dome sheet as supporting legs for the keyboard, are also described.

Abstract: An improved alphanumeric keyboard 10 is illustrated for use in lap top or notebook personal computers 12. The keyboard 10 has a plurality of full travel, self leveling keyswitches 14 for actuating printed circuit electrical contacts 22 and 26 when the keyswitch is depressed. The keyboard 10 includes an integral keyswitch structure 40 that has an integral keytop and keytop support substructure 44 supported on a common integral base sheet 46. Each of the keytop support substructures 44 includes hinge members 50a, 50b, 50c and 50d that are positioned in a rectangular orientation about the keytop 42. Each hinge member has a rigid upper hinge panel 52 and a lower hinge panel 58 that are integrally interconnected to the keytop 42 and the base sheet 46 for maintaining the keytop in a parallelogram orientation as it is depressed to prevent the keytop from moving laterally or wobbling during depression.

Abstract: A computer keyboard has multiple rows of cantilevered keys which are flexibly attached to common mounting strips. The rows of cantilevered keys are arranged to partially overlap adjacent rows such that the keys in one row actuate switch contacts aligned beneath mounting strips in the adjacent row. Each cantilevered key has an elongated member extending between a common mounting strip and a key cap, whereby the elongated members are wider at the point of attachment to the common mounting strips than at a point adjacent to the key cap.

Abstract: An illuminated push-button switch having a touch element is disclosed, the touch element comprising a lever which is adapted to be moved relative to a support plate in which it is supported on the support plate. A light source is arranged below the touch element, the touch element further being provided with a light exit opening. A simple association of the touch element and the light source associated therewith is thereby provided, the combination having not only improved operability, but also improved ease of maintenance.

Abstract: A trigger switch for hand-held electric power tools in which an actuating arm for actuating a switch mechanism is pivotally supported in a case by way of a pivot shaft pivotally supported by a pair of parallel lateral walls defining the case, and a trigger member having a front end and a pair of lateral flanges is pivotally supported by the case in a coaxial relationship with the pivot shaft by way of the lateral flanges. By securely coupling an extension of the pivot shaft with one of the flanges, the switch mechanism internally accommodated in the case can be actuated by operating the trigger member. Since the switch mechanism is internally accommodated in the case, a considerable saving of space can be accomplished. Since the coupling between the pivot shaft and the trigger member can be accomplished by the extension of the pivot shaft passed through the case by way of a round opening provided in the case, sealing of the switch mechanism can be easily accomplished.

Abstract: A control button is movable about a pivot and is fixed on a support by means of four elastic strips, two of which are interconnected by a catch which anchors itself in an opening of the support after being introduced into it.

Abstract: An operating switch has a push button provided in a housing of a switch body for operation when depressed by an operating lever pivoted on the housing. The operation of the push button causes a switch arrangement to be turned by a turning arrangement so that a movable contact is engaged with or disengaged from a stationary contact. The turning arrangement includes a sliding cam disposed along the interior face of the push button and having cam parts engageable with engaging projections of a pivotable actuator coupled resiliently to the switching arrangement upon performing a sliding movement in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the push button.

Abstract: Retaining device for a control button of the piano-key type and device in which same is used.A control button TO of the piano-key type is fixed on a support SU by means of three elastic strips L1, LC, L2, one strip LC comprising a catch BE which snaps itself into place after being introduced into the opening ET of the support.Application: Audio, video devices, particularly car radios.

Abstract: A push button switch comprising a body, a cover, a push button and a diaphragm type movable contact. The casing body and cover (or the casing body, cover and push button, or the casing body and cover provided with a push button section) are concurrently formed by monolithic molding and are integrally connected to each other through a hinge section.

Abstract: The housing of a switch assembly has four plastic walls which are joined integrally during molding and encompass a nominally open area. A panel spans across the front of the opening and is molded integrally with the walls. The panel has a laterally extending slit and several slits which are perpendicular to the lateral slit and divide the panel into cantilever supported deflectable push button switch operators. At the front of the switch housing and covering part of the area of the opening is a swingable door which conceals a multiple contact connector. Several different types of key devices are adapted for plugging into the connector for modifying the ordinary functions of the switch assembly. When used on a mobile storage system unit, one key overrides the controls when a safety device is activated. Another key device can be plugged in to dominate control over the normal push buttons of the switch assembly. Another key device is adapted to supply emergency power from a battery power pack.

Abstract: A microswitch in which a good snap action feeling is obtained and an operating stroke is large is provided. Included in the microswitch is a swingable lever which is pushed by a pressing projection of a push button swingably pivotally supported. One end of the lever is pivotally supported and the other end is coupled with one end of a movable member having a movable contact. The movable member is biased by a spring in one direction.

Abstract: A snap action switch including a switch in incipient form. The switch comprises a contact having a cut-out tongue mounted on a post with the tongue bent to form a spring, the post being one terminal. The other end of the element remote from the tongue end initially contacts an exposed second or third terminal above or below the other end. When an actuator or nose from a resilient body acts against the surround adjacent the tongue end, force is exerted against the contact. The contact snaps from the initial connection between the nose and one of the second or third contacts to the other. When the resilient body relaxes, the nose resumes its original position and the switch snaps back to resume a connection between the post and the initial connection with the second or third terminal.

Abstract: A multistage pushbutton device used to drive a push switch has a base, a first and second stage pushbutton members and drive members to drive the push switch. The first and second stage pushbutton members have first and second elastic arms respectively connected with the base at the one end thereof and a pushbutton is respectively provided on the other end of the arm. An elastic second arm is longer than said first arm and is placed at the position behind the first arm where it does not overlap the first arm in the back and forth direction and at least the part of said second arm overlaps at least the part of said first pushbutton in the back and forth direction.

Abstract: A key cap of a keyboard is guided at a frame 2, covers a switching element and a luminous element 5 and is provided with an operation section for the switching element 4 and with a transparent symbol zone 18 before the luminous element 5. The key cap consists of a flexible, transparent flat foil 8 fixed with a marginal section 9 at a frame 2. As operation section a body 15 is injection-moulded to the foil 8 at a distance from the marginal section 9. The foil 8 forms a joint section 21 between the marginal section 9 and the body 15, the printed symbol zone 18 being provided for between the body 15 and the joint section 21.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a pushbutton assembly includes the steps of integrally forming a plastic panel, a plastic hinge, and a plastic holder for holding a pushbutton such that at least one connecting member connects a stopper of the holder and a receiver of the panel, forming a pushbutton, fitting the pushbutton to the holder by hooks, and separating the stopper and the receiver by severing the connecting member.

Abstract: A multi-stage push button switch device includes a plurality of first and second push button members fixedly coupled to a base plate. Each first and second push button member includes a button portion having a flexible arm portion extending therefrom. The end of each flexible arm portion remote from the button portion is coupled to the base plate. The flexible arm portions of the second push button members are longer than the flexible arm portions of the first push button members, whereby the button portions of the second push button members are supported at a greater distance from the base plate than the button portions of the first push button members. The first and second push button members have working pieces protruding therefrom and movable in response to a pushing of the associated button portion to push and thereby actuate an associated switch.