Abstract: The keytop of a push-button switch includes a keytop portion situated on the top of a resin film, and a retaining portion situated on the underside of the resin film. The keytop portion and retaining portion are formed into a unitary body by a resin-molding process in which resin is passed through a hole provided in the resin film such that the resin film is sandwiched between the keytop portion and the retaining portion. In another embodiment, the retaining portion is loop-shaped and is formed into a unitary body with the keytop portion by a resin-molding process in which the resin passes through a plurality of holes provided in the resin film in a pattern corresponding to the loop-shaped circumference of the retaining portion. The resin film is sandwiched in a water-tight state between the keytop portion and the loop-shaped retaining portion.

Abstract: A push-button switch which has a comparatively small overall thickness or height and rattling of a stem upon movement is eliminated or minimized. The push-button switch includes a stem having a flat plate and a plurality of legs each having a protruded portion at an end thereof. The flat plate of the stem is placed on a click rubber element accommodated in an insulating case while upper portions of the protruded portions of the stem are resiliently engaged with an open end of the insulating case to position the protruded portions within the insulating case. The insulating case has a plurality of relief grooves formed at a plurality of corner portions thereof, and when the stem is depressed, the protruded portions thereof are inserted into the relief grooves. Sliding surfaces for the protruded portions of the stem are formed at the corner portions of the insulating case between the open end of the insulating case and an inner bottom face of the relief grooves 25.

Abstract: A switch actuating assembly supports and actuates a limit switch of the ball and roller type. The assembly includes a housing, a plunger movably positioned within the housing, and an end cap which closes off one end of the housing. The assembly is adapted to be mounted to a vehicle control panel utilizing conventional mounting hardware. Various ball and roller type limit switches are interchangeable with the housing body. The plunger is movable between a first detent position with the limit switch activated and a second spring loaded position with the limit switch deactivated.

Abstract: A panel mount switch assembly for mounting a push-button actuator switch on an opening in a panel. The switch assembly including a switch base holder connected to the switch base, a pair of legs connected to the base holder and positioned to protrude through the actuator opening along opposite sides of the switch actuator, and a switch plunger that engages the actuator. The legs are inserted into the opening and a lip formed on a distal end of each leg extends over the panel to prevent the legs from disengaging from the opening when a downward force is applied to the switch actuator. Once the legs are engaged with the opening, the switch plunger is attached to the switch actuator by inserting the actuator in a channel formed in the plunger and thereby frictionally engage the actuator with the plunger.

Abstract: An improved actuator switch for transmitting a function to a PC board that is not directly attached to the actuator switch. The actuator switch provides a large amount of alignment tolerance without loss of function. Further, the actuator switch is easy to assemble, requiring no assembly tools because the entire mechanism snaps together.

Abstract: A switch is provided with a button frame which has two openings and two associated cam surfaces. A pivot pin can be assembled with a support structure and the button frame can be assembled onto the pivot pin by distorting the button frame. One end of the pivot pin is first inserted into a first opening of the button frame. Then the button frame is pushed downward to cause a second end of the pivot pin to move along a cam surface associated with a second opening. Further downward force causes the second end of the pivot pin to snap into the second opening.

Abstract: A key switch includes a switching member supported on a resilient member and connected to a key cap and driven by it to slide in a locating member. The switching member has two opposite, curved side plates caused to slide in the locating member along two opposite sliding ways. The elastic member has a plurality of small raised portions supported on the PC board, a plurality of spaced ribs on the inner wall surface to reinforce the structure and the elastic resilient property thereof, and a plurality of notches between the raised portions for exhaust of air squeezed by the circular flange of said switching member.

Abstract: A keyboard switch has a deformable membrane which, when deformed, enables electrical contact between a pair of contacts. A key stem is urged away from the deformable membrane by an elastic body. When the key stem is displaced sufficiently, the elastic body imparts a click feel. The key stem, when displaced a sufficient amount, deforms the deformable membrane to make the electrical contact.

Abstract: The present invention is a knob which attaches to the switch post of a push/pull switch. The knob selectively disengages from the switch post as the knob is inadvertently impacted, thereby isolating the push/pull switch from the impacting force. The knob moves independently of the switch post and contacts the housing supporting the switch. Consequently, the force of impact is directed to the housing through the body of the knob and very little force is directed to the switch.

Abstract: A key switch includes a rectangular key cap having a unitary, hollow, rectangular plunger inserted into a rectangular hole on a key base and pressed to squeeze a rubber tone causing a conductor to electrically connect a contact on the printed circuit board of a keyboard, wherein the rectangular plunger has four circular rails on the four corners thereof along its length respectively inserted in four circular grooves on the rectangular guide slot of the key base for stable movement, and two smoothly curved, hooked spring plates releasably hooked with two opposite hooked portions on the key base for positioning.

Abstract: A unitized, switch activating mechanism for use in keyboard assemblies for activating snap dome or similar type switches. The mechanism includes a relatively hard actuating tip portion disposed intermediate an elastomeric conical skirt portion and a light guide portion. The conical skirt functions both as a light reflector and as a return spring. The light guide portion is constructed from a diffused translucent, relatively hard elastomeric material which functions as a highly efficient light guide for uniformly illuminating the key legend of the key board assembly with which the light guide interfaces.

Abstract: A low profile tactile keyswitch including a horizontally positioned elastic column spring which buckles under an axial load to provide a tactile feel for the keyswitch. The ends of the spring are maintained between two spring holders which are urged together as the keybutton is depressed. Stabilizing arms pivotally attached to the keybutton are used to stabilize the keybutton and also to carry extensions which engage the spring holders to move them together as the keybutton is depressed. The keyswitch is operable to be placed in an inactive configuration in which the keybutton is lowered without placing the spring under added compression.

Abstract: Disclosed is a key switch including a key base fitted into a key hole on the frame of a keyboard body, two contact plates fastened inside the key base, a key cap covered on the key base, and a slide supported above a vertical stub tube inside the key base by a spring and having a bottom rod inserted in the bore of the stub tube, wherein the bore of the stub tube pierces through the bottom of the key base, and the bottom rod of the slide is maintained in flush with the bottom of the key base before it is being pressed; each contact plate has a contact leg extended out of the key base through a respective side hole and then bent downwards by 90.degree. angle.

Abstract: The body structure of a pocket computer includes a fastener mainly an elastic fastening element of a multi-layered construction accommodated in an insertion space located at a front edge of the main body housing. A simplified telephone input jack is constructed in the side wall of the pocket computer main body. The association of the main body and the cover body of the pocket computer is accomplished by a pivotal shaft, which is characterized in that it is provided with a delay swivel device permitting the communication cables linking the main body with the cover body to be less vulnerable to bending caused by the actions of opening and closing the cover body and that it includes indicator lights serving to show the operating status of electronic functions of the computer. The keyboard includes entry keys which are securely coupled with the housing plate of the keyboard by slide keys and slide key mounts.

Abstract: A contact-type switch is provided that includes a housing and, disposed in the housing, a plunger having a long-stroke configuration. Essentially immediately after a shifting out of an outer end position and in a direction that is essentially in the direction of a central axis of the housing, the plunger breaks at least one switch contact that is disposed in the housing. A specific displacement path or dead travel is carried out by the plunger between its outer end position and the position where the switch contact is broken. Both the plunger and a region of the housing where the plunger enters the same have an essentially at least five-sided cross-sectional configuration, with this entry region forming a first guide for the plunger.

Abstract: An electronic housing structure including an enclosure for containing at least one electronic device having a plurality of user interface switches. The electronic housing structure further has a user interface pad attached to the enclosure near the user interface switches for operating said user interface switches. The user interface pad further seals the enclosure to completely seal and protect the electronic device. The enclosure and the user interface pad are composed of a waterproof, dust-proof and mud-proof material whereby said electronic device can be operated in an outdoor condition.

Abstract: A keyboard membrane keyswitch assembly comprises a housing, a button, a compression piston and a rubber element. The housing holds the compression piston and the rubber element. The compression piston preferably has a cylindrical shape with a vertical guider along its longitudinal axis. The vertical guider is used to connect the assembly to the button. A supporting ring is linked to the vertical guider by rib elements. The rubber element is adapted to receive the supporting element of the compression piston thereby maximizing the displacement of the button and preventing the button from tilting when it is depressed.

Abstract: A push button key switch has an intermediate guide cylinder which is free to slide lengthwise inside a fixed guide cylinder and which at the same time holds the neck of a keytop while allowing it to slide freely lengthwise. The intermediate guide cylinder guides the keytop in its motion while the fixed guide cylinder guides the intermediate guide cylinder in its motion. Downward motion of the keytop causes the lower ends of the neck and the intermediate guide cylinder to collapse an elastic member which, in turn, then activates an electrical contact mechanism.

Abstract: A vandal resistant push button assembly has a guide ring attached to a mounting plate spaced from a face plate such as an indicating and announcing device or a modular wall assembly of an elevator car. The guide ring has a first shoulder which cooperates with a snap ring engaging a first annular groove formed in the guide ring for retaining the ring in an opening formed in the mounting plate. There is play between the periphery of the opening in the mounting plate and the outer diameter of the guide ring such that the guide ring can be aligned with respect to an opening in the face plate and the snap will cover the gap defined by the play. A push button slidably extends through the guide rings on first and second guide surfaces to actuate a switch and a second shoulder formed on the push button engages a stop surface on the guide ring to prevent further travel in the actuation direction.

Abstract: A push button switch including a case, a key top fastened to the case, an elastic member disposed between the case and the key top and acting to upwards urge the key top and a contact portioned so as to confront a spring member fastened to an operation member of the key top so that the contact portion is pressed by the spring member when the key top is depressed, the push button switch comprising: a movable member disposed between the operation member of the key top and a projection wall of the case whereby the operation member and the movable member can be moved with respect to each other and the movable member and the projection wall can be moved with respect to each other.

Abstract: A push button switch has a stem having a thin flange without requiring fabrication of synthetic material, thereby realizing a push button switch having good productivity and high reliability.

Abstract: In a process of producing an electric or electronic component, particularly a key, a continuous track of a metal foil is machined into two metallic terminal components constituting links between two carrier strips. A base housing component is cast from a high temperature resistant material around the terminals and is connected to the carrier strips through two tags protruding outwards from opposite, outer side surfaces of the base housing component. In an inner recess of the base housing component a domed metal disc having an acoustically damping coating on the convex side surface thereof, an elastically compressible rubber component and a push button are arranged. On top of the base housing component, a top housing component preferably made from the same high temperature resistant plastics material is arranged. Within the recess of the base housing component, the terminals define electric contacts with which the domed metal disc cooperates.

Abstract: A key switch actuator includes a switching member supported on a resilient member and connected to a key cap and driven by it to slide in a locating member. The switching member has two opposite, curved side plates caused to slide in the locating member along two opposite sliding ways. The elastic member has a plurality of small raised portions supported on the PC board and a plurality of notches between the raised portions for exhaust of squeezed air.

Abstract: The invention is based on an electric push button switch, especially a hazard-warning-signal switch for motor vehicles. This switch comprises a socket with stationary contacts, a cap-like linearly actuable push button and a slide which is at least partly located inside the push button and is movable in the direction of motion of the push button together with the push button. In order to obtain a compact construction of the electric push button switch, the slide is held on the push button at a distance from a first side wall of the push button and the socket projects into the push button and is substantially located there between the slide and the first side wall of the push button.

Abstract: The improved structures of the push-button key of keyboard are characterized in that the upper housing panel of keyboard comprises a plurality of partitioned sections where the push-button keys are installed, and that a key barrel of a predetermined height is set up at the center of each of the partitioned sections. The barrel wall comprises two slide keys positioned correspondingly to two slide key seats of the push-button key. The hooking means are arranged in the partitioned section at a predetermined distance from the key barrel. The stability of up-and-down movement of the push-button key is ensured by virtue of a coordinated action of slide key and slide key seats. The hooking means serve to confine the movement of the push-button key and to prevent the push-button key from being detached easily.

Abstract: Disclosed is a push button switch assembly which is used in the operation panel of an electronic equipment or in the input device of an office automation apparatus. The assembly comprises a pair of upper and lower contacts, a slider body for pressing said contacts, a button for pressing said slider body, protrusions provided on respective opposing surfaces of the button and the slider body respectively, a coil spring disposed between the button and the slider body and arranged such that is end portions are forced onto and retained on the protrusions respectively, and a casing for retaining the button in a manner such that the button is vertically movable. By providing the protrusions on the back surface of the button and the bottom of the slider body respectively, the coil spring has its end portions forced, respectively, onto the protrusions to firmly hold the slider body in place. Thus, the components involved become easy to be incorporated into the assembly.

Abstract: A light emitting type push button switch having an indication unit including an operation block containing an indicator and a switch unit having a microswitch turned on or off by the pushing of the operation block through a plunger axially movably held in the case of the indication unit, the indication unit and switch unit which can be easily engaged with each other or disengaged from each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical contactor intended to be connected to an electrical brake warning circuit and to be mounted with sealing engagement in an orifice (5) in a rear wall (1) of a pneumatic brake booster housing divided into a front chamber (3) and a rear chamber (4) intercommunicating selectively via a piston mechanism (2) movable from a rest position near the rear wall (1), the contactor comprising a plastic body with a first body part (6) intended to be engaged into the orifice (5) in the rear wall (1) and a second body part (7) remaining outside the housing and containing at least one pair of metal electrical contacts (20, 21) actuable by way of a follower (13) equipped with a head (14) and slidably mounted in a bore (11) of the first body part (6) and stressed by a spring (19) toward the outside of the first body part, so that its head normally bears against the piston means (2) in the vicinity of its rest position, the pair of contacts comprising a stationary contact blade (20) and a mo

Abstract: An alternate action mechanism in which a rocker makes rolling contact with a surface on a frame, and a plunger is positioned to exert a force toward the surface at a location on the rocker separated from the rolling contact, the force at least initially being along an axis which intersects the surface between limiting positions of the rolling contact. Specially configured leaf springs bias the rocker toward positions corresponding with the limiting positions of the rolling contact.

Abstract: A palm button switch apparatus includes a housing, a solid palm button fixedly mounted on the housing, a guard fixedly mounted on the housing and surrounding the periphery of the palm button. A bore extends through the housing and into the palm button. The bore has an open first end and a second end covered by the palm button. A proximity switch having a sensing end is mounted in the bore with the sensing end disposed in proximity with the palm button for detecting the presence of an operator's fingers on the palm button. The housing, the palm button and the guard are integrally formed as a one-piece unit from a molded plastic.

Abstract: Excess clearance provided between a multi-wide keytop and a rigid supporting housing layer is removed by provision of yieldable projections that extend upwardly beyond the housing layer and engage the movable leveling bar. The projections are formed integrally with an underlying dome sheet of elastomeric material and protrude through complementary openings formed through the housing layer.

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: A vandal-resistant telephone communications station having a one-piece face plate enclosure with a speaker phone aperture and a plurality of additional apertures therein. A plurality of call push-buttons and an answer push-button are respectively carried in the additional apertures. These buttons are of unique construction and are provided with resilient seals to prevent the insertion of foreign matter around the button, and each button is spring biased to its inoperative position. The call push-buttons control automatic signalling units within the face plate enclosure, and these units automatically generate an output signal at the location being called only during the time the push-button is held in its operative position. The answer push-button operates in similar fashion and is used to respond to an incoming call.

Abstract: A key top, of the type utilized in keyboards, is disclosed, which minimizes the lateral stress encountered by the central engaging protrusion with respect to the underlying switch. Two T-shaped reinforcing rib structures are provided on bottom surface of the top plate of the key top, with the rib structures spaced apart from the engaging protrusion, thereby providing a gap between the reinforcing ribs and the engaging protrusion, and thus dispersing lateral stress on the engaging protrusion through increased flexure of the engaging protrusion. In addition, the base of the engaging protrusion is thickened to structurally resist lateral stress.

Abstract: A switch assembly is provided with a short travel switch (16, FIG. 3) activated by a push button that has a long travel both before and after closing of the short travel switch, and which provides a substantially constant spring rate throughout push button travel, with minimal noticeable disruptions. The switch assembly includes an inner plunger (32) which depresses the short travel switch, and an outer plunger (44) or keystem coupled to the push button. An inner spring device (46) couples the inner plunger to the housing, and an outer spring device (52) couples the two plungers, so the springs act in series. The preloads of the two spring devices are substantially the same, and the inner spring has a lower spring rate than the outer spring. As the keystem is depressed, both springs begin to compress until the inner plunger contacts the short travel switch.

Abstract: A push switch includes an electrically insulating cylindrical base defining an interior space in which an actuator is movably disposed. Fixed contacts are associated with the base, while an inverted V-shaped contact is carried by the actuator so as to be capable of coming into contact with the fixed contacts and thereby making and breaking an associated electrical circuit. The base includes stepped detents which coact with terminal engagement ends associated with elastically deformable engagement legs of the actuator so as to limit the actuator's extent of movement. A resilient protective cap collectively covers an upper region of the insulating base and the actuator and is coupled to the base by a pin formed on the base being engaged within a recess formed in the cap.

Abstract: A switch device is provided in which the coupling members are flexible in a plane perpendicular to the reciprocating direction of the driving bar. This allows significantly decreasing the length of the coupling members in the reciprocating direction so that a thinner switch device can be provided.

Abstract: A push button device in which convex portions are provided on the lower surface of a button positioned to turn a switch mounted on a substrate ON and OFF. The convex portions are provided at a position symmetrical with a center axis of the button, and a resilient member is provided in contact with the lower surface of the button and placed in pressure contact with the convex portions. A smooth restoring force when the resilient member is restored from being and compression deformation is obtained through the joint use of an action of the convex portions of the button to bend the resilient member and a compression action caused by a small area. As a result, the switch can be turned ON and OFF without much pressure, and the button is always reliably returned to its original position when pressure is removed. Also, the convex portions engage the resilient member to prevent play.

Abstract: A self-resetting push switch includes a closed-end insulating housing having first and second pairs of opposing inner wall surfaces. First grooves are formed on the first pair of surfaces, while a second groove having a projection is formed on at least one of the second pair of surfaces. First and second movable contact pieces project outwardly from a sliding sleeve being integral with an operation rod and having at least one engagement piece engageable with the projection of the second groove. The movable contact pieces are capable of coming into sliding contact with a first stationary contact piece inserted in one of the first grooves, and a second stationary contact piece.

Abstract: A knob device mounted on an operating member such as an on/off switch or volume control of a piece of audio or video equipment has a push button which is pushed from the front side of a panel. The push button has a flange which is received in an escutcheon having an inner flange at its front end. A sheet having small projections on at least one of its inner and outer peripheries is disposed between the inner flange and the flange of the push button, as well as between the push button and the escutcheon, thereby to prevent any play or backlash from occurring. The sheet may be thin and interposed between the flange of the push button and the inner surface of the escutcheon in sliding contact with the flange. The knob device may be made of a light transmitting resin mounted on the operating element. The knob has a flange and a mark on its face formed by a non-light transmitting panel. The panel has a non-light transmitting knob guide formed on its rear to guide the flange.

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 switch plunger is covered at its exposed end with a serrated cap which is ratchetable over the end of the plunger. The plunger is axially slidable within a housing upon which is mounted a selectively operable locking pin. The locking pin may be actuated during installation of the switch so as to fix the relative position of the plunger within the housing during installation. This initial setting of the plunger within the housing also aligns a pair of electrical contacts mounted on the plunger with cooperating circuitry mounted within the housing. The switch is initially installed and calibrated simply by engaging the lock pin with the plunger and inserting the switch within an aperature formed in a cover or housing and abutting the cap with a switch actuator.

Abstract: A pushbutton switch for use in a keyboard attached to a computer system, word processor, electric typewriter, etc., is implemented to give the operator both a tactile feel and a click sound when a key is entirely depressed. The switch comprises a housing, an actuating arm, a stem and a leaf spring mechanism. The leaf spring has an upright portion with a hook, a bent portion, a spring portion and a protruding portion. It is mounted in the housing such that when the stem is partially depressed, it forces the upright portion to slant toward the inner surface of side wall of the housing and the spring portion to be compressed. When the spring is depressed beyond a certain position, the protruding portion of the leaf spring slips off the ledge of the step portion of the side wall of the housing, causing the bent portion to snap toward and collide with the outer surface of the stem, thus producing the desired click sound.

Abstract: An electric switch design compensates for unprodictable but significant variability, within a known range, in case and cover material shrinkage during manufacture. A contact actuator has radially spaced guide bosses and an axial barrel providing a plurality of external axially extending sharp bearing ridges. Case guide structure cooperates with the actuator guide bosses to permit actuator travel generally normal to the case floor. The actuator is dimensioned with respect to the case guide structure to accommodate the unpredictable case material shrinkage variability and thereby to permit actuator play in which the actuator axis is rotatable out of the normal to the case floor.

Abstract: The actuator for a change-over switch fixing device disclosed has a hollow guiding body in which there moves a transmission body actuated by a button and actuating the rod of a change-over switch. The contact surfaces between the movable body and the guiding body are far longer than they are wide.

Abstract: A light emitting type push button switch having an indication unit including an operation block containing an indicator and a switch unit having a microswitch turned on or off by the pushing of the operation block through a plunger axially movably held in the case of the indication unit, the indication unit and switch unit which can be easily engaged with each other or disengaged from each other.

Abstract: A switch actuator includes a base and a plunger mounted for movement on the base. An electrical contact is mounted for relative movement on the base to establish an electrical connection. An actuator includes a head portion and a pair of spring arms. The spring arms extend into a bore in the plunger for frictionally grasping the plunger by spring biased forces against the interior walls of the bore. The actuator has a head portion exposed from an open end of the plunger bore for effecting movement of the electrical contact to alter the state of the electrical connection. The frictional engagement between the spring arms and the plunger provide overtravel or relative movement therebetween and the affect of the spring arms substantially eliminates any affect from wear between the plunger and the actuator.

Abstract: A keyboard switch capable of minimizing the number of parts to reduce manufacturing costs and giving an operator a light touch during its operation. The keyboard switch includes an actuator arranged in a frame for pressing a membrane switch. The actuator includes a key stem, a pressing member for forcedly pressing the membrane switch, a pair of leaf springs for forcedly pushing up the key stem. The key stem, pressing member and leaf spring means are integrally formed and joined together by a base member.

Abstract: A push button guard for a push button which protrudes from the front face of a newspaper vending machine, for protecting the push button against destructively violent actuation. The guard defines a cavity into which the push button protrudes from the base. A newspaper vending machine including such a guard, and a method of protecting a push button using such a guard, are also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: This invention is directed at a push-button cover assembly which includes a housing section and first and second actuators. The housing includes a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side. The first and second sides include vertical channels which are configured to accept and guide annular protuberances formed on the first and second actuators. The third and fourth sides include first and second resilient plates which are formed integrally with the sides and function to engage a support. The housing includes a base portion with a central through hole configured to accept a standard electric rocker switch.