Abstract: Upward urging force by operation force of a tact switch and restoring force of a rubber body are applied to an operation body via a pressing body. Then, pressing operation of a push button section causes the operation body to press down the rear ends of left and right sections of the pressing body. This follows that, with both contact sections in contact with a step section functioning as the support points, an operation section on the front end of the pressing body is pressed up to turn on the tact switch. In this process, when the push button section is pressed, the center of rotation of the operation body is changed depending on which portion of the push button section is pressed, causing the distance between a pressed portion of the operation body and the center of the rotation are almost equal independent of which portion is pressed. As a result, the load to operate the push button section is substantially equalized independent of which portion of the operation body is pressed.

Abstract: Mechanical architecture for providing maximum viewing area on key button tops of keys for a user input device. The viewing area is for the display of information on the key buttons, and also includes tactile feedback similar to standard laptop keyboards, all using low cost manufacturing methods such as injection molding. The architecture optimizes an aperture through the core of the key switch assembly in order to project an image through the aperture and onto the display area of the key button. The architecture relocates in at least one embodiment the tactile feedback mechanism (e.g., dome assembly) out from underneath the key button to the perimeter or side of the key switch assembly. The architecture finds particular application to input devices such as keyboards, game pods, data entry device, etc., that operate in combination with an optical surface (e.g., wedge lens).

Abstract: A switch useful for, inter alia, a touch type keyboard or keypad which may be used for a personal computer or the like in a substantially waterproof form while being relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Abstract: A portable electronic device attached to a housing includes a button, a elastic plate and a switch. The housing defines a through button hole. The button includes an operating portion and a resisting portion. The operating portion extends out of the housing from the button hole. The elastic plate is fixed to the housing. The elastic plate includes an arched portion and defines a guiding hole, the arched portion resists the button. The resisting portion is received in the guiding hole. The resisting portion contacts the switch to form an electronic signal when the button is pressed down. The arched portion of the elastic plate pushes the button to return to original position by a rebounding force when the button is released.

Abstract: A computer keyboard in one embodiment includes a plurality of keys, each of the keys including a suspension structure and a key body supported by the suspension structure, the key body comprising a color body member, a transparent colorless protective cover formed on the body member, and at least one character formed on the body member by laser engraving through the protective cover onto the body member wherein the body member has a flat top.

Abstract: A push-push switch includes a housing having a space, a plurality of stationary terminals received in the housing, a button assembled to the housing, a movable terminal assembled to the button, and a spring member located between the housing and the button. The space has a first post defining a protrusion thereon. The stationary terminal defines a contacting portion extending onto a surface of the first post and a soldering portion extending out of the housing. The movable terminal further defines a downwardly-extending contact arm and a downwardly-extending felt-generated spring arm extending from a planar base portion thereof while at different positions. The contact arm is established electrically connection with the contacting portion of the stationary terminal when the button is depressed, and the felt-generated spring arm is engaged with the protrusion of the first post in the meantime.

Abstract: Provided is a pushbutton switch device provided with a switch case in which a depressing member is arranged which, when moved downwards, depresses a switch. Arranged inside the switch case is an operating member which, when depressed, comes into contact with the depressing member to move the depressing member downwards. Provided in the peripheral edge of the operating member are a plurality of engagement portions to be engaged with the peripheral edge of the switch case. When the operating member is depressed, the depressed portion of the operating member rotates downwardly using, as a fulcrum, the engagement portion corresponding to the depressed portion of the operating member.

Abstract: A portable electronic device may have an inverted dome switch assembly. The switch assembly may have an inverted dome that has a base and a conductive underside. The base may be attached to a button member. Two electrical contacts in the button member may face the conductive underside. Corresponding conductive traces may be connected to the contacts. The dome may bear against a housing member. The button member may be movable with respect to the housing member from an unactuated position to an actuated position. The dome switch may form a footprint based upon the dome base area. The housing member may extend into a portion of the footprint and not into the remaining portion of the footprint allowing that space to be otherwise utilized.

Abstract: A power button assembly includes a printed circuit board having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, a switch positioned on the first surface, a dome positioned on the second surface corresponding to the switch, a push button resiliently abutted by the dome. One can depress the push button towards the dome, which then capable of depressing the dome to activate the switch. A support plate is engaged with the printed circuit board. One of the support plate and the push button includes two pairs of hook portions, and the other includes two latching portions for engaging with the two pairs of hook portions.

Abstract: A power switch module includes a printed circuit board having a switch, a support plate engaging the printed circuit board, a control to activate the switch, and an elastic member fixed to the support plate and positioned between the printed circuit board and the control. The elastic member has a plurality of resisting portions thereon to elastically resist the control. One of the elastic member and the control has a plurality of hook portions, and the other has a plurality of latching portions engaging with the hook portions.

Abstract: A button structure for actuating a switch includes a pressing part, a protruding part connected to a side of the pressing part for being driven to actuate the switch when the pressing part is pressed, and a constraining part. An end of the constraining part is connected to the pressing part in an elastically deformable manner. A guiding slot is formed on the constraining part. The button structure further includes a fixing part. An end of the fixing part is disposed inside the guiding slot. The guiding slot slides relative to the fixing part when the pressing part is pressed.

Abstract: An actuator device including a holder element provided to be fixed against a device operated on by the actuator device. An actuator body is displaceable in a longitudinal direction along the holder element. A guide member is provided so as to guide the actuator body along the holder element. The actuator body includes a first part that is operable from outside the actuator device, and a second part that is movable in the longitudinal direction in relation to the first part. The actuator body is displaceable to a first, non-actuated position, in which the first part and the second part of the body are movable in the longitudinal direction and a second, actuated position, in which the second part is rotationally displaced in relation to the first part and abuts an abutment surface on the holder element such that motion of the second part in the longitudinal direction towards the first position is inhibited.

Abstract: A panel operator structure having operator units respectively disposed in position relative to operator unit insertion holes, thereby preventing key tops of the operator units from being in contact with the insertion holes. Switches are provided on an upper surface of a base plate and operation unit insertion holes are formed in an operation panel made of metal. Each operator unit includes a key top connected for vertical pivot motion to a casing via a hinge, and frame portions continuously formed together in an upper part of wall portions. The key top is disposed inside the frame portions with a gap therebetween. The frame portions fitted in the insertion hole restrict a horizontal positional motion of the operator unit relative to the operator insertion hole.

Abstract: A thin key structure includes a keycap, a key body, an elastic piece and a base. The keycap has a first side wall. The key body has a second side wall forming a hollow chamber in which the keycap can be put to connect the elastic piece. The inner of the second side wall is provided with guiding portions for guiding the keycap to move steadily in the key body. With the keycap being put in the key body, the total height of the key structure can be reduced, and the vertical moving distance of the keycap with respect to the key body to press the elastic piece can be shortened. Thus, the thin key structure can be made more compact.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of an inductive electrical sensor assembly includes a hollow housing structure defining an open space within the housing structure and a circuit board mounted in the open space. The circuit board includes an inductive sense area. A flexible metal domed spring structure is mounted over the inductive sensor area. A stem portion extends from a actuator area of the housing structure and having a distal end disposed adjacent to or in contact with the spring structure. The domed spring structure is adapted to be flexed toward the inductive sensor area by force exerted by the stem portion when a user exerts force on the actuator area, the flexing of the domed spring structure resulting in a change of inductance of the inductive sensor area which may be sensed to indicate an actuator push.

Abstract: A key module for a keyboard includes a key having a guiding plunger, and a key housing having a set of walls with an opening formed by the set of walls. The opening formed by the set of walls is configured to receive the guiding plunger. The set of walls includes at least eight guiding surfaces configured to contact the guiding plunger. The guiding plunger is configured to contact the eight guiding surfaces as the guiding plunger moves up and down in the opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a push-button (5) having a housing (10), with which there are associated at least a first actuation member (6) which triggers a haptic control signal and one or more permanent magnet(s) (3) which can be guided past at least a second actuation member (2) which triggers a switching operation. There is associated with the first actuation member (6), which triggers a haptic response, a control element having a first progressive or degressive control face portion (6.1) and at least a second adjoining control face portion (6.2) which behaves in an inverse manner and along which the actuation member is guided.

Abstract: A push switch, including a keytop, a keytop returning coil spring, which urges the keytop upwardly, a slider which is press-operated via the keytop, a slider returning coil spring, which urges the slider upwardly, and switch contacts which are contacted with and separated from each other in accordance with the operating position of the slider. The slider returning coil spring is placed at a position deviated from the axis of the keytop. A push switch which is small in size, produces less tilting or rattling even when a large keytop is attached, and which generates an excellent operation feeling is provided.

Abstract: A keypad has a plurality of keys. The plurality of keys includes one or more key pairs. Each of the one or more key pairs includes physically coupled first and second keys. The physically coupled first and second keys are configured to be actuated independently of each other.

Abstract: A movable contact point board provided with contact points is urged in a direction of being away from stationary contact points by return springs each having the same size and the same characteristic, and is arranged as opposed to the stationary contact points. Return springs have the respective ends for supporting locations in the movable contact point board which are away from each other as having the contact points in the movable contact point board therebetween and support heights of the return springs at the stationary side differ with each other by D. When a plunger equipped with a holding portion having a flat surface as a bottom surface presses the movable contact point board, the contact point in the movable contact point board gets in contact with the stationary contact point at an inclined posture.

Abstract: An exemplary flat panel display (2) includes a front housing part (20), which has a frame (21) having a button through hole (222) defined in a lower side thereof; a button (221) corresponding to the button through hole, the button comprising a pressing end (2215), at least one claw (2213), and a contact portion (2219), the at least one claw extending inward from an inner side of the button, and the contact portion extending inward from an inner side of the button at the pressing end; and an elastic arm (225) fixed at an inner surface of the lower side of the frame. The at least one claw of the button is snappingly engaged adjacent an inner surface of the lower side of the frame such that the button is engaged in the button through hole and slidable in the button through hole.

Abstract: A push plate assembly sends a signal to a receiver. The push plate includes a housing, a push plate, a signal generator, a biasing member, a first latch element, a second latch element, and a button. The push plate is movably mounted to the housing. The signal generator includes a switch. The switch is in electrical communication with circuitry through which a signal is transmitted. The biasing member is disposed between the push plate and the signal generator. The biasing member biases the push plate away from the signal generator. The first latch element is connected to the push plate. The second latch element is disposed in the housing. The first latch element and the second latch element engage with one another to limit the movement of the push plate away from the signal generator as the biasing member acts on the push plate.

Abstract: A button structure applied to an electronic device includes a housing, a button plate, a support element and a printed circuit board. The button plate is contained to a central opening of the housing. The central region of the button plate has a first thickness, while two sides of the button plate have a second thickness. The second thickness is thicker than the first thickness. The ends of the button plate are separately formed as elastic arms for mounting the button plate to the housing. The support element is sited under the button plate right under the central region so as to define the support element into left and right parts. The printed circuit board located under the support element and has two switches separately corresponding to the left and right parts of the button plate.

Abstract: A switch useful for, inter alia, a touch type keyboard or keypad which may be used for a personal computer or the like in a substantially waterproof form while being relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Abstract: A diode unit (9) including at least one diode (13) and a pair of terminals (15) is mounted on a switch body (2) having an actuate-able key (6) and at least two terminal points (4). The diode unit (9) is positioned on the exposed end of the key (6) such that surface parts of the diode unit (9) is brought into engagement with corresponding surface parts of the switch body (2) so as to prevent the diode unit (9) from movement in relation to the switch body (2) in a predefined plane. The diode unit terminals (15) extend in a direction transverse to said plane, and the diode unit terminals (15) are connected to the terminal points (4) of the switch body (2) so as to prevent movement of the diode unit (9) in relation to the switch body (2) transversely to said predefined plane.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a device main frame portion, a display portion supported by the device main frame portion, a keyboard, and a casing on which the keyboard is disposed. The keyboard includes a plurality of operating keys, a placement base in which the plurality of operating keys are disposed, and a plurality of retaining portions disposed on at least portions of the placement base of the keyboard other than an outer circumferential portion. The keyboard is disposed on a casing. A plurality of connection retaining portions are provided on the casing, on which connection retaining portions the plurality of retaining portions of the placement base are retained, respectively.

Abstract: A decorative molded body can be structured such that an inside thereof looks three-dimensional from a surface thereof, the decorative molded body being a substituted for a decorative molded body of the related art. An example of a decorative molded body can include a three-dimensional base pattern layer having, on a bottom surface of a transparent molded body, a transparent printing layer and a brilliant layer containing brilliant particles, in which the brilliant layer is raised brightly and three-dimensionally on the transparent printing layer as a background. The decorative molded body is excellent in design, and structured so that irregular shapes formed of portions where the transparent printing layer is provided and other portions can look three-dimensional from a surface of the molded body.

Abstract: A trigger switch includes a first locating element, an elastic second locating element, and a pressing element slidably attached to the bezel. The pressing element is restricted by the first locating element to a first position of the bezel to prevent the trigger portion from contacting the trigger element. The second locating element restricts the pressing element to a second position of the bezel to further prevent the trigger portion from contacting the trigger element. The trigger portion contacts and applies a force to the trigger element to trigger the trigger element when the pressing element overcomes elastic forces of the second locating element.

Abstract: A switch useful for, inter alia, a touch type keyboard or keypad which may be used for a personal computer or the like in a substantially waterproof form while being relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Abstract: A button-key structure includes a plurality of button-keys arranged next to each other; and a button-key supporting portion disposed on a downstream side in a direction that the button-keys move. The button-key supporting portion includes a guide portion disposed between the button-keys in parallel to the direction that the button-key move.

Abstract: The invention discloses a keyswitch, which includes a keycap and a balance member. The keycap thereof defines a lower surface, which has at least one mounting portion. The balance member has an axle thereof defines a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. Additionally, the axle is folded with a first angle and elongated from the first end to form a first side, and folded with a second angle and elongated from the second end to form a second side. The axle is mounted in the at least one mounting portion. Particularly, the second angle is between 30° and 60°.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a keycap, a pivot structure, a base and an X-structure. The keycap includes a bottom surface, a first edge and a second edge. The pivot structure includes two first engaging portions and two second engaging portions. The first engaging portions are disposed on the bottom surface and have a first distance away from the first edge. The second engaging portions are respectively disposed corresponding to the first engaging portions and have a second distance away from the second edge. The base is disposed under the keycap. One end of the X-structure is connected to the pivot structure of the keycap and the other end of the X-structure is movably connected to the base, thus, the keycap moves upward and downward corresponding to the base.

Abstract: A reset button structure is described, wherein the reset button structure is disposed in a case. The reset button structure comprises: a sheath disposed on the case, wherein the sheath contains a positioning hole, and at least one side hole on a side of the sheath and connecting with the positioning hole, and the positioning hole comprises an opening on a surface of the case; and a reset shaft inserted into the positioning hole, wherein a side of the reset shaft includes at least one protrusion located in the side hole, and the protrusion is movable in a movement path in the side hole.

Abstract: A double-shot molded button includes a main portion including an operation surface and at least one inserted portion embedded in the main portion. The inserted portion includes an exposed surface exposed from the operation surface to configure a symbol for denoting an operation function and being pressed. An orthographic projection image of the inserted portion on the exposed surface is enclosed within the exposed surface. A method for making the double-shot molded button is also provided.

Abstract: A keyswitch apparatus features a key cap having a stem slidably moveable within a housing of a keyboard frame, to interact with an underlying membrane switch. According to one embodiment, the stem is square and at least two sets of channel-like guides on opposite sides of the stem are configured to be in sliding engagement with corresponding ribs projecting from the housing. Sliding engagement between the ribs and corresponding guides serves to minimize points of contact between the key cap and housing, reducing noise of operation. The rigid ribs and corresponding guides are relatively simple shapes that facilitate their fabrication with precise dimensional tolerances.

Abstract: A pushbutton switch is provided with: a switch case; a switch body fixed to the switch case; an elastic sealing body that is formed of an elastic material and covers and seals the switch body; a cap member that is formed of a hard material and is detachably mounted at a top portion of the elastic sealing body; a pushbutton portion provided on the cap member and exposing from a switch exposure aperture on a switch mounting apparatus; and a stopper portion provided on the cap member and configured to interfere with a rear surface of the switch mounting apparatus at a peripheral area of the switch exposure aperture and to restrain the cap member from being detached from the switch mounting apparatus, in a state in which the switch case is fixed to the switch mounting apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switch element comprising an actuating element that can be impinged upon by an energy accumulator and is mounted so that it can be moved along a trajectory. At least two energy accumulators are used to impinge the actuating element and the number of the energy accumulators impinging the actuating element varies in predetermined positions of the trajectory.

Abstract: A device may include a key having a key head and an actuator configured to move and to change a position of the key head when the actuator moves, where the actuator is configured to change the position of the key head to a first key position, and when the key head is at the first key head position, the key, when at a depressed position, cannot provide a connection with respect to an electrical interface.

Abstract: An operations panel wherein a board having an upper surface where a plurality of switches is provided is provided in a housing, the operations panel includes a base where the board is arranged; a cover forming the housing together with the base, the cover having an upper surface having a part where a plurality of concave parts is formed in positions corresponding to the switches; a plurality of key tops provided at the concave parts from outside in a state where operations parts and projection parts including engaging claws are inserted via a plurality of openings formed in the concave parts; and an intermediate member provided between the cover and the board.

Abstract: A keypad assembly having three-dimensional patterns includes a bottom layer, a light-guiding plate, a pattern layer, a coating layer and a surface layer. The light-guiding plate is overlapped on the bottom layer. The pattern layer is provided on the light-guiding plate. A plurality of three-dimensional patterns is provided on the pattern layer. The coating layer is coated on the upper surface of the pattern layer. The surface layer is overlapped on the coating layer. The surface layer is formed with a plurality of keycaps to correspond to the three-dimensional patterns. Via the above arrangement, patterns such as characters, symbols or icons can be displayed in the keycaps in a three-dimensional manner, thereby increasing recognition and visual effect.

Abstract: An air circuit breaker having a mechanical trip indicating mechanism, in an air circuit breaker including a switching mechanism, an actuator having an output link for providing a mechanical driving force, a first link unit connected between the output link of the actuator and the switching mechanism for applying the mechanical driving force from the output link to the switching mechanism to perform a trip operation, a front surface plate provided with a manipulating unit accessible by a user, the air circuit breaker comprising: a first rotation lever connected to the first link unit, a second link unit limitedly moved by the first rotation lever, a bias spring for applying an elastic biasing force to the second link unit to be moved in one direction, a second rotation lever installed to be rotatable with coming in contact with one end portion of the second link unit, and a mechanical trip indicating mechanism supported by the front surface plate and having an indicating portion exposed to the front surface pl

Abstract: A gear-type key switch of a keyboard device of the present invention includes a key top, a holder member, four gears, a spring member, a film circuit board and a supporting plate. The spring member and the holder member are located above the supporting plate and below the key top. The film circuit board is located between the supporting plate and the spring member. The holder member forms four pairs of shafts and the four gears are respectively rotatably assembled to the four pairs of shafts. The key top forms at least four rack supporting members on a bottom thereof. The rack supporting members are respectively parallel to the four gears and engage with the four gears to provide the upward and downward movement of the key top. The gear-type key switch of a keyboard device is simple in structure, with low friction force and decreased height.

Abstract: An operating head (11) for a safety switch (100) includes a key-operated cam mechanism (12) and a plunger (27) contacting the cam mechanism (12) and extending from the cam mechanism (12). In the safety switch (100), the plunger (27) is displaceable between first and second positions responsive to the cam mechanism (12). The safety switch (100) further includes at least one securing member (127) interacting with the plunger (27) and displaceable between a locked and a released position. When the securing member (127) is in the released position, movement of the plunger (27) is allowed. When the plunger (27) is in the second position, the securing member (127) is displaced from the released position to the locked position, which secures the plunger (27) in the second position.

Abstract: A switch assembly includes a shell, and a push button including a fixing member, a pushing member, an elastic member and an electrical-conductive member. A shell includes an upper surface and a cavity extending from the upper surface to a lower surface opposite to the upper surface. The fixing member is received in the cavity of the shell. The pushing member is slidably received in the fixing member and exposed out of the cavity. The elastic member is positioned between the pushing member and the shell. The electrical-conductive member is mounted on an end of the pushing member.

Abstract: The invention provides a remote controller which can prevent a discordant rattle noise and an operation sound of a button from being generated without deteriorating operability of the button.

Abstract: A push-push switch comprises a housing having a space, a plurality of stationary terminals received in the housing, a button assembled to the housing, a movable terminal assembled to the button, and a spring member located between the button and the button. The space has a first post defining a protrusion thereon. The stationary terminal defines a contacting portion extending onto a surface of the first post and a soldering portion extending out of the housing. The button defines a second post extending into the first post when the push-push switch is completely assembled. The movable terminal defines a base portion having a mounting hole around the second post for assembling the movable terminal on the button. The movable terminal further defines a downwardly-extending contact arm and a downwardly-extending felt-generated spring arm.

Abstract: An exemplary press-button for an electronic device, includes a button cap, a support member connected to the button cap, and a resilient member positioned between the button cap and the support member. The button cap includes a pressing portion extending from a middle portion. The resilient member includes a main portion abutting the support member and a plurality of extending pieces uniformly extending from an edge of the main portion. Each extending piece includes a resisting portion for abutting the button cap and a deformable portion connected between the resisting portion and the main portion.

Abstract: A key structure is provided, including a substrate, a key cap, a first link, and a second link pivotally connected to the first link. The first and second links movably connect the key cap with the base. The key cap comprises a first surface and a guiding portion extended along a first direction, wherein the guiding portion has a second surface. The first link is made of metal and has a sliding end forming a first curved portion and a second curved portion. The first and second curved portions are respectively adjacent to the first and second surfaces and slidable along the guiding portion.

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: A portable electronic device may have an inverted dome switch assembly. The switch assembly may have an inverted dome that has a base and a conductive underside. The base may be attached to a button member. Two electrical contacts in the button member may face the conductive underside. Corresponding conductive traces may be connected to the contacts. The dome may bear against a housing member. The button member may be movable with respect to the housing member from an unactuated position to an actuated position. The dome switch may form a footprint based upon the dome base area. The housing member may extend into a portion of the footprint and not into the remaining portion of the footprint allowing that space to be otherwise utilized.