Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel assembly having a molded armature with outwardly extending spokes for mounting on a steering column. Airbag module engagement members extend from an airbag module housing to engage corresponding armature engagement members. The airbag module rests on a multiple of switch assemblies while the engagement members are separated by a clearance. The engagement members are only in contact if the airbag is fired. A clearance between each armature engagement member and each corresponding airbag module engagement member assures that there is no interference that may result in undesirable noise or vibration.

Abstract: A switch apparatus has a case that includes a hollow projecting support section, a switch contact provided inside the case, and a button having a depressing section that comes into contact with the switch contact and mounted on the support section in a manner vertically movable. Furthermore, an inwardly projecting catch section is provided on the inner periphery of the support section, and an engaging hole is provided on the depressing section of the button into which the catch section is to be inserted. In this configuration, an opening on the top surface of the case is not required when manufacturing the case and the button by resin molding. As a result, a switch apparatus is obtained which is superior in resistance to water and dust and stable in operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a keyboard switch which can reduce the number of assembly processes by decreasing the number of components and which can be easily assembled. First to third link members 5, 6 and 7 of a keyboard switch of the present invention include one end portions 5a, 6a and 7a and the other end portions 5g, 6g and 7g, which face each other. The first to third link members 5, 6 and 7 are installed so as not to cross each other, and have their one end portions 5a, 6a and 7a slidably supported by first to third slide supporting portions 3a, 3b and 4a formed on a key top, and their other end portions 5g, 6g and 7g rotatably supported by first to third rotating supporting portions 10a, 10b and 10c formed on a base plate 10.

Abstract: Herein disclosed are a switching apparatus and a vehicle-mounted electronic apparatus having the switching apparatus assembled therein.

Abstract: Movable contact unit of the present invention comprises a plurality of dome-like movable contacts made of electrically conductive metal sheets capable of making an inflective action when depressed, a base film having an adhesive layer for retaining upper surfaces of the plurality of movable contacts, and a plurality of press-down projections bonded by adhesive to an upper surface of the base film in positions corresponding to center portions of the respective movable contacts, wherein the upper surface of the base film and underside surfaces of the press-down projections are each provided with a pretreated layer. The above structure has an advantage of strengthening the bonding between the adhesive and each of the pretreated layers formed on the adhering surfaces of the base film and the press-down projections, so as to provide the movable contact unit with outstanding reliability in maintaining the bonded condition for a long duration.

Abstract: A push button switch including a housing and a push button body disposed at least partially within the housing. The push button body may include a base portion and at least one guide portion extending from the base portion. The housing may include at least one mating guide portion for receiving the least one guide portion of the button body and guiding the translation of the button body in the housing. A rocker may be positioned between the push button body and a contact closure, and the push button body may pivot the rocker about a pivot point upon depression of the head thereby changing a state of the contact closure. A light source may be positioned beneath the rocker and for illuminating a bottom of the button head.

Abstract: A push button switch includes a push button positioned on a switch base; a biasing member positioned between the push button and the switch base; a switching element having a press portion, the switching element being provided at a position offset from an axis of the push button; a press projection and a rocking projection which are formed on the push button on opposite sides of the center thereof; and a fulcrum formed on the switch base to be associated with the rocking projection. The rocking projection and the fulcrum are disengaged from each other when the push button is in a non-depressed position. The rocking projection comes into contact with the fulcrum when the push button is half depressed. The push button turns about the fulcrum when the push button is further depressed following the half depression of the push button.

Abstract: A switch assembly includes a key member pushing the switch and a cap member made of a material not compatible to the key member and covering the key member. The key member and the cap member are formed in a substantially united body, and the key member has a hole passing therethrough from a portion not covered by the cap member to another portion covered by the cap member.

Abstract: A plating layer (or vapor deposition layer) which exhibits a metallic color is formed on the surface of a molded resin part. A color film with transmittance which is molded and which has a desired color for design is formed on the surface of the above plating layer (or vapor deposition layer). This color film comprises moldable materials such as resin including, for example, polymer compounds such as PET, PC, urethane or combinations of these. Thereby, a press button switch can be gained which imparts a feeling of high quality through a metallic finish design, of which the degree of design freedom is high and which can prevent color unevenness of the key top from occurring.

Abstract: The electronic equipment makes manipulation surface of a pushbutton accurately project through a button hole formed in a face panel and can prevent play of the pushbutton even when positioning accuracy of the button hole is poor. The electronic equipment is configured such that an outer button and an inner button are mounted in a state that the buttons are movable relative to each other and engaging projections formed on the outer button are respectively positioned to engaging holes formed in the face panel. Due to such a constitution, even when an axis of the button hole of the face panel and an axis of a guide portion of a chassis are displaced form each other, it is possible to make a manipulation surface of the outer button accurately project through the button hole and, at the same time, it is possible to prevent play of the outer button.

Abstract: In a keyboard device, a substrate is formed with multiple positioning members, each of which includes an upright first wall portion extending from one side of a punched hole, and a second wall portion connected to the first wall portion, extending toward another side of the punched hole and cooperating with the first wall portion to confine a positioning groove. Multiple key units are assembled on the substrate. Each key unit includes a base plate disposed on a membrane circuit, which is provided on the substrate. The base plate is formed with an opening to permit extension of an upright biasing member therethrough. Positioning blocks at opposite ends of the base plate engage correspondingly positioning grooves in the substrate. Each key unit further includes a foldable retaining member provided on the base plate for retaining a key cap on the base plate.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for displaying individually on a plurality of keys of a keyboard or keypad two or more indicia representing two or more functions performed by each key. The keys are characterized in that each of the two or more indicia is provided on the key in a plurality of separated portions. The portions being positioned in a spaced positioned relationship with one another, so as not to be physically closely juxtaposed. When viewed at a predetermined angle all parts of the indicia are optically juxtaposed to create the entire indicia.

Abstract: A keyswitch is described that may include two legs interleaved together without a pivot point approximately central to the legs. The keyswitch may also include a spring to engage at least one of the bottom surfaces of the legs. In one configuration, the legs of the keyswitch may each have two lower protrusions on one of their ends and upper protrusions on their other ends with the lower protrusions of one leg disposed between the lower protrusions of the other leg. The keyswitch may also include a base having retaining clips with each of the lower protrusions of the legs pivotally engaged with a corresponding retaining clip. The keyswitch may also include a cap having tabs that may be pivotally coupled with corresponding slots in the upper protrusions of the legs.

Abstract: A push button designed such that it is not damaged or broken even when an excessive external force is applied. The push button includes a control panel having a seat depression and a switch controlling a function. A button unit is seated in the seat depression so as to be movable by a predetermined distance. A push unit passes through the seat depression and moves by a force transmitted from the button unit to push the switch. The push button also has first and second springs having different spring constants. When a normal external force is applied, the second having a smaller spring constant, is elastically compressed to turn the switch on or off. When an excessive external force is applied, the first and second springs are elastically compressed to absorb external force, thus preventing components, such as the switch, from being damaged or broken.

Abstract: A low profile modular switch, the switch including a switch plate including an actuator and a housing, and a sense plate including a switch mechanism configured to interface with the actuator, and a flat wiring harness having one end joined to the sense plate and another end having a connector, wherein tactile feel of the modular switch is determined by a property of the switch plate independent of the sense plate.

Abstract: A key structure includes a set of key tops with contact footings of retaining hooks, an upper case with a plurality of insert holes wherein contact footings of retaining hooks are moveably inserted therein and a bottom case to be assembled with the upper case; the present invention is characterized that elastic upper and lower electrode members made of metal and capable of conducting electricity are inserted between every key top and the bottom case; the depressed key top synchronously presses the upper and the lower electrode members to deform and displace to make the upper and the lower electrode members contact each other, conduct electricity and transmit signals; when the force exerted onto the key top is released, the upper and the lower electrode members recoil to disconnect each other and discontinue electric conduction; the simplified parts of the present invention and the elimination of the conventional upper and lower electric conducting membrane sheets efficiently reduce the pollution when the keyb

Abstract: There is provided an illuminated switch construction, which make it possible to ensure excellent visibility and operability of the illuminated switch, while the illuminated switch can be compact in size, cost-reduced and simple in structure. A substrate is formed therein with a plurality of guide holes. A switch unit and an LED are arranged on the substrate at locations adjacent to each other. The switch unit has a driven part driven for reciprocating motion. A pushbutton unit is formed by a diffuser sheet and a button body which are stacked one upon the other on a lamp house. A plurality of guide pins extend from the lamp house and are fitted through the respective guide holes. The lamp house has a fitting part formed therein with a fitting hole in which a head part of the driven part of the switch unit is fitted and held. When a depressing part of the button body is depressed, the pushbutton unit performs reciprocating motion in a manner interlocked with the driven part.

Abstract: A push button, designed such that it is not damaged or broken even when an excessive external force is applied. The push button includes a control panel having a seat depression and a switch controlling a function. A button unit is seated in the seat depression so as to be movable by a predetermined distance. A push unit passes through the seat depression and moves by a force transmitted from the button unit to push the switch. The push button also has first and second springs having different spring constants. When a normal external force is applied, the second spring having a smaller spring constant, is elastcally compressed to turn the switch on or off. When an excessive external force is applied, the first and second springs are elastcally compressed to absorb the external force, thus preventing components, such as the switch, from being damaged or broken.

Abstract: A wallbox dimmer switch includes an actuator mounting frame having a platform portion that is receivable in a rectangular wallplate opening having standard toggle-type dimensions. The dimmer switch includes a pushbutton actuator for a switch and an adjacently located dimmer actuator that extend substantially parallel to a first side of the platform portion. The pushbutton actuator includes a user-engageable portion having an outer surface of which at least the end portions are defined by a portion of a substantially prolate spheroid for minimization of undesirable coupling between the adjacent actuators during actuation by a user. The switch may also include an actuator for an airgap switch extending through the platform portion and an array of indicator lights that are displayed through openings extending to an actuator-presentation surface of the platform portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reset mechanism for use in an electric device equipped with a microcomputer having a reset circuit associated therewith. An insulating housing of the electric device has a small through hole provided therein, and chassis of the electric device has a small through hole provided therein and in alignment with the small through hole of the insulating housing. A reset terminal of the reset circuit is placed behind the small through hole of the chassis of the electric device. The microcomputer can be reset simply by inserting a metal rod into the two through holes as far as the reset circuit.

Abstract: A push button structure has an outer face of a key top that extends from a top face to a seat portion. An outer face starting from the top face and terminating at a position between the top face and the seat portion is tapered in a spreading direction. An outer face that extends from the position between the top face and the seat portion toward the seat portion is formed so as not to approach the outer face of the adjacent key top. In the outer face of the key top, an inward step is disposed at the position between the top face and the seat portion. The starting end of the outer face extending toward the seat portion is shifted to the inner side from the terminating end of the outer face starting from the top face of the key top.

Abstract: A key unit of a keyboard apparatus having at least one bumper extending from the key unit for cushioning the impact of the key unit against the enclosure of the keyboard apparatus when the key unit assumes a depressed position and/or when the key unit resumes a non-depressed position, thereby eliminating or reducing the feedback noise, while retaining the benefits of a pre-loaded feature for the key unit.

Abstract: A keyboard structure, comprising: a substrate, a scissors mechanism, and a key lid. The scissors mechanism and the substrate are connected together. The scissors mechanism has a rotational configuration formed by cross-connecting a first rod and a second rod. The first rod has a first upper end and a first lower end. The second rod has a second upper end and a second lower end such that the first lower end and the second lower end are connected with the substrate. The key lid is connected with the first upper end and the second upper end for allowing the key lid to move between a first position, wherein the key lid and the substrate are detached, and a second position. The key lid has a base and a stop block. The base is connected with the second upper end of the scissors mechanism. The stop block is kept an appropriate distance with the base. The stop block and the base are formed into a releasing space.

Abstract: A switch matrix is disclosed for keypads used in devices such as primary control points for automation systems in homes vehicles, or businesses. The switch matrix preferably includes a support frame for supporting a grid of key positioning members arranged in a series of rows and columns. The key positioning members each preferably include cantilevers which can be deflected by pressing the keys to activate switches associated with the keypad. The cantilevers preferably have knobs which are received in corresponding openings in the keys so that the keys can be removably attached to the cantilevers with a compression fit. This allows keys of different sizes and shapes to be easily attached to the keypad in various configurations without the need for different attaching devices for each situation.

Abstract: A key top includes a body part having a first width and a flange formed on a lower end portion of the body part so as to have a second width which is larger than the first width. A click rubber is provided on a bottom face of the body part of the key top. The click rubber is elastically deformable such that the key top is vertically moved between an upper first position and a lower second position. A case is formed with a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber has a third width which is larger than the first width but smaller than the second width, for accommodating the body part of the key top therein. The second chamber is continued from the first chamber and has a fourth width which is larger than the second width, for accommodating the flange of the key top and the click rubber therein.

Abstract: A key structure used in the user interface of an electrical device comprises a plate-like member (301) which comprises electrical couplings for transforming keystrokes into electrical signals, and an electrically conducting dome-like member (303) on the plate-like member. This dome-like member is arranged to have such suitable elastic characteristics that it is at least partly pressed against the plate-like member when a pressing force substantially perpendicular towards the plate-like member acts on the dome-like member, and to return to the dome-like position when the pressing force is removed. The key structure further comprises a button member (304) made of an electrically isolating material and being located on the dome-like member. The key structure is characterised in that the elastic deformation of the button member due to the pressing force is substantially similar to that of the dome-like member.

Abstract: A keyboard pushbutton apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a stationary base and a movable cap coupled in axially displaceable manner thereto. The base is formed with an upwardly, extending section within which are disposed at least a pair of wedge members. The cap is formed with a downwardly extending guide post that slidably engages the upwardly extending section of the base. The guide post includes at least a pair of opposed resiliently deflective panels, each formed with a pair of axially directed ribs protruding transversely therefrom. The ribs are laterally spaced to define therebetween a slot for slidably engaging one of the base wedge members. A lower portion of at least one of the ribs includes a transversely directed oblique face for engaging a first surface of the wedge member, and a laterally directed oblique face for engaging a second surfaces of the wedge member.

Abstract: A keyboard pushbutton includes a stationary base forming an upward-extending silo having a rectangular cross section having four corners. Two wedge blocks are formed on an inside surface of the silo and are opposite to each other. A movable cap forms a depending guide post movably received in the silo whereby the cap is movable with respect to the base between a released position and a depressed position. The guide post forms two panels each defining two slits for making the panel resiliently deflectable. Each panel forms a slot defined between two ribs for movably receiving the corresponding wedge block. The ribs converge toward each other at a free end of the panel and the converging configuration of the ribs is complementary to the shape of the wedge block for effectively preventing the cap from separating from the base and slowing down the moving speed of the cap when the cap is forcibly returned back from the depressed position to the released position so as to reduce the noise caused thereby.

Abstract: A key switch in which a pair of lever members which form a cross-link member are molded out of resin materials having different shrinkage coefficients. A shaft-receiving hole is formed in the lever member molded out of the resin material having a small shrinkage coefficient, while a linking shaft is formed on the lever member molded out of the resin material having a large shrinkage coefficient. When the key switch is structured in this way, after the lever member having the shaft-receiving hole has been molded, the resin material having a large shrinkage coefficient is hardened in a die in which the shaft-receiving hole forms a portion of a cavity in order to form the other lever member. By forming the other lever member, the linking shaft is formed in a pivotally mounted state in the shaft-receiving hole. Therefore, it is no longer necessary to link the pair of lever members by a manual operation.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for a circuit breaker operating mechanism includes a primary latch with a cross bar and a first pair of elongated leg members flexibly mounted to the cross bar. A secondary latch is pivotally mountable to the circuit breaker operating mechanism, with the first pair of elongated leg members being in removable engagement with the secondary latch. In one embodiment, the cross bar is flexible and deflects at a point along a longitudinal axis thereof. In another embodiment, the cross bar is flexible and twists about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Two adjacent operation knobs (14, 15) are formed integrally with each other via a coupling portion (18) On the coupling portion (18), there are formed a V-shaped gap variable portion (18a) and cylindrical portions (19) having positioning guide portions (20). There are provided pin-shaped positioning portions (22) on the switch body (11). To assemble the operation knobs (14, 15) to the switch body (11), each of the positioning guide portions (20) is mated with the positioning portions (22) and the front portion of the operation knobs (14, 15) is inserted into the opening (12). In cooperation with each of the positioning guide portions (20) and the positioning portions (22), the spacing dimension D2 between the operation knobs (14, 15) is narrowed, for example, down to 0.5 mm or less, and the spacing dimension is to be sustained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laminate key sheet wherein a key sheet of a resin film having a display section is bent into a same form as the top and side faces of each resin button in order to be integrated with the resin button and where a cut-out is formed between the resin buttons. A rubber elastic sheet and the resin film are connected together through an adhesive interposing between an area between resin buttons of the key sheet and the rubber elastic sheet.

Abstract: A user interface device for inputting and outputting information. The user interface device includes a plurality of keys slidably retained within a housing, each key being associated with a plurality of alphanumeric characters or functions. The keys are joined together to slide substantially in unison. The user interface device also includes a pressure sensor configured to detect pressure applied to one or more of the plurality of keys, a direction sensor configured to detect direction of motion of the plurality of keys, a selection component for selecting at least one of an alphanumeric character or function based on the sensed pressure and sensed direction of motion, and an output device for presenting the selected at least one alphanumeric character or function based on the sensed pressure and sensed direction of motion. The selected alphanumeric character or function is associated with the key where the pressure was sensed and with an associated direction closest to the sensed direction of motion.

Abstract: An electrical switch mounted on a circuit board and providing tactile feedback includes a domed tripper (18) and an elastomeric actuator (16) with a rod having an upper operating end (78) that can be depressed to snap down the tripper and close the switch. The actuator has a lower sealing lip (62) extending in a 360° circle around the tripper and lying against the circuit board upper face, to form a sealed cavity (56) containing the tripper. The 360° sealing lip of the actuator is pressed down against the circuit board by a cap (14) that has a side wall (26) with a lower edge (38) pressing down against the sealing lip. The cap has feet (42) extending down through holes in the circuit board, the feet having latches (48) that hold the cap in place.

Abstract: A key switch having a replaceable key cap is provided. The key switch includes a main key body (10) having a pair of cross-ribs (14). The pair of cross-ribs (14) define a plurality of recesses within the main key body (10). A replaceable key cap (20) has an upper wall and a substantially annular sidewall which define a hollow chamber therein. A plurality of locking members (22) project from a lower surface of the upper wall within the hollow chamber. Each of the locking members (22) has a locking flange projecting therefrom and each of the plurality of locking members (22) is releasably received by a respective one of the plurality of recesses, with the locking flanges releasably engaging respective cross-ribs (14).

Abstract: A keyswitch structure with a keycap having a balance lever is disclosed. A balance lever is pivotally installed within a keycap of a key switch. The balance lever is formed with two hooks. The balance lever is slidably matched to slots in a key seat. At least one block element (having a shape like a rib) is installed within the keycap. As the balance lever is not installed in the slots, the block element will generate a force to support and stop the balance lever so that the keycap of the key seat can not be assembled in the key seat normally and thus, it is failed in testing. Therefore, bad products can be found in the testing process. In the present invention, since a dull-proof structure is added to the balance lever of a key switch, it will prevent from unbalance due to the ineffectiveness of the balance lever as that in the prior art.

Abstract: A key switch includes an actuator for rotatably engaging the upper end of one of lever members, which constitute a cross-linked member, therewith and slidably engaging the upper end of the other lever member therewith. After the cross-linked member engaged with the actuator at its upper end is mounted on a membrane switch, the bottom of a key top is retained on the actuator by a simple means a as press fitting. This simplifies a molding die for the key top and facilitates an operation of attaching the key top.

Abstract: A press-button type switch mechanism is provided in a flashlight and controlled to switch on/off the circuit of the lamp bulb and the battery set, the switch mechanism including an electrically insulative holder shell supported on a metal spring at one end of the battery set, a base block received in a rear receiving space of the holder shell, the base block having two lead-legs inserted through respective through holes on the holder shell and connected to the metal spring, a metal contact plate disposed at one side in close contact with the inside wall of a metal rear end cap, and an actuating rod, and a button extended out of the rear end cap and supported on a spring at the actuating rod for operation by hand to move the actuating rod in closing/opening the circuit between the metal contact plate and the lead-legs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a key switch in which a stem extending from a key top is slidably inserted into a seat formed on a housing; and longitudinal grooves extending in the direction of the axis X of reciprocating movement of the stem are formed in the circumferential surface of the stem which is in contact with the inner surface of the seat.

Abstract: A push button switch is utilized in an input unit of a thin electronic apparatus is provided. A link member assembled in X-shape for supporting a key top capable of moving vertically. A base slidably supports a lower latched shaft of a first frame of the link member. The base pivotably supports a lower latched shaft of a second frame of the link member. A driving spring impels the lower latched shaft of the first frame in the central direction of the link member, and elastically deforms downwardly by a horizontal movement of the lower latched shaft to operate a switch member. An operating spring is pressed by the lower latched shaft to deform horizontally and elastically.

Abstract: A key device for a computer keyboard has a rigid printed circuit board, a flexible printed circuit board, and a key structure. The rigid printed circuit board has two adjacent but unconnected conductive ends electrically connected to two wires respectively. The flexible printed circuit board, fixed over the rigid printed circuit board, has a conductive segment installed above the two conductive ends, and an isolation layer installed around the conductive segment to form a gap between the conductive segment and the two conductive ends. The key structure is moveably fixed on the flexible printed circuit board in an up and down manner. When the key structure is pushed downward, the bottom of the key structure will touch the conductive segment of the flexible printed circuit board, and the conductive segment will touch the two conductive ends of the rigid printed circuit board to electrically connect the two conductive ends and the two wires.

Abstract: A pushbutton of a keyboard includes a cap supported on a base board by a linkage comprising first and second links pivoted together whereby the cap is movable from a released to a depressed positions when depressed. Each link has upper and lower pivots respectively connected to the cap and the base board. The links have two side bars connected between the upper and lower pivots thereof. A cross bar is connected between the side bars of the first link. A resilient arm extends from the cross bar and forms a nub on a free end thereof. A rigid arm extends from one side bar of the second link and has a wedge section having first and second surfaces forming an apex therebetween. The nub of the resilient arm is in contact engagement with the first surface when the cap is at the released position. The nub slides over the apex to reach and engage the second surface when the cap is depressed and moved to the depressed position whereby a pulse-like reaction is generated.

Abstract: An illuminated button for use with a shuttle knob mechanism. The mechanism includes an actuator disposed through a resilient member that is captured by a first retainer and supported by a second retainer and a light guide. The light guide is disposed through the light pipe and functions to illuminate on the face of the button.

Abstract: A button structure for an electronic apparatus includes buttons each facing a particular switch device arranged on a printed circuit board with the intermediary of a respective Belleville spring that snaps through when pressed. The button structure reduces an annoying click sound and minimizes a stroke required of each key top member to thereby promote easy operation. Key top members and a flat base with button bodies formed thereon are separable from each other in order to obviate wastes on a production line as far as possible while reducing cost. In addition, the button structure is easy to recycle.

Abstract: Wobble caused between an operation knob and a casing for housing the operation knob is suppressed as small as possible due to the heat contraction at the time of a molding process. As a result, the operation knob can be downsized and so an assembly of the operation knob and the casing can be miniaturized as compared with the conventional ones. The operation knob and the casing for guiding the movement of the operation knob are formed by composite resins by using a dichroic molding method, and then the operation knob and the casing are separated after being molded to obtain an assembly. Due to the heat contraction at the time of the molding process, a necessary guide clearance is formed between the operation knob and the casing after the assembling of the operation knob and the casing. The operation knob is allowed to move due to the guide clearance.

Abstract: A diaphragm touchbutton switch having a housing and a touchbutton slidingly guided on the housing. The housing comprises an outer wall that extends to a base surface area facing away from the touchbutton. The outer wall is bent inwards at the base surface area and passes into an inner wall angled parallel to the outer wall. The inner wall forms a connector chamber, and the touchbutton comprises at least one integrally molded guiding wall, engaged between the inner wall and the outer wall of the housing.

Abstract: A key mechanism includes a keycap, a base plate installed under the keycap having three guide channels, a connecting device installed between the keycap and the base plate for movably connecting the keycap to the base plate in an up and down manner, and a resilient element installed under the keycap for elastically supporting the keycap upwardly. The connecting device includes a first connecting piece and a second connecting piece, each having a front end, a center portion, and a rear end. Each of the center portions of the first and second connecting pieces has a left end and a right end, and the left and right ends of the center portions of the connecting pieces are pivotally connected to each other. The left and right ends and the center portion of the front end of the first connecting piece are slidably and separately received in the three guide channels, while the rear end of the first connecting piece is pivotally mounted beneath the keycap.

Abstract: A notebook computer key comprises a key hat, a seat, an elastic touch moving piece, a first supporting frame and a second supporting frame. The key hat is formed with an operating surface and an assembling surface at the top surface and the lower surface. The seat is installed with a plurality of through holes, each through hole is installed with a positioning piece. The elastic touch moving piece installed between the key hat and the seat. The first supporting frame and second supporting frame installed between the assembling surface of the key hat and the seat. The two supporting frames are pivotally connected. The upper ends of the two supporting frames are connected to the assembling surface of the key hat, and each lower end of two sides of the two supporting frames are installed with a pivotal shaft for being pivotally connected to the through hole of the seat.

Abstract: A push-button switch assembly adapted for use on a printed circuit board having a contact switch attached thereto. The switch assembly comprises a base attachable to the printed circuit board, the base having an interior cavity sized and shaped to receive the contact switch therein; an actuator disposed within the interior cavity of the base and positioned in contact with the contact switch; and a cap having an interior cavity therein, wherein a portion of the interior cavity of the cap is sized to slidably receive the base therein, and wherein the cap is in contact with the actuator.

Abstract: A dustproof and droplet-proof keyswitch is provided. The keyswitch includes a base plate with at least one stage formed thereon, each stage having a step portion formed at a top part; an elastic member arranged on the step portion; a key cap mounted on the elastic member and having a plunger inserting into the stage. The plunger has an elastic plate clamped between a pair of grooves and having a hook on a lower end thereof; the hook having a beveled lower end latched with the stage when the key cap is released. The stage has at least one projecting rib on an inner side thereof corresponding to at least one notch on the plunger to provide a clamping effect. Therefore, the keyswitch can be used under severe conditions such as in a dusty environment or when the keyboard has spilled on it a liquid such as tea or coffee.