Abstract: A multistage switch includes a switch push button. A magnet is disposed in a recess of the inner wall surface of the switch push button. The multistage switch further includes a magnetic sensor, and the magnetic sensor includes a substrate. Two magnetoelectric transducers are mounted on a surface of the substrate, and are disposed so as to face the magnet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary/push-button controller having a controller ring (18) which can be rotated about a rotation axis (7) and is arranged such that it can rotate on a holding cylinder (6) which is arranged coaxially within the control ring (18). In this case, the holding cylinder (6) is provided at its end with an input and/or display field (14), and the control ring (18) and the holding cylinder (6) can be moved axially with respect to the rotation axis (7) against a spring force from a neutral position to a switch position which operates a switching element. The input and/or display field (14) is mounted so that it can rotate about the rotation axis (7). A rotary transmitter ring is arranged coaxially on the control ring (18) and is arranged coaxially alongside a rotary transmitter (17) which is firmly connected to the holding cylinder (6) with the relative rotation position of the rotary transmitter ring with the respect to the rotary transmitter (17) being recordable.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a switch mechanism to be adopted in an air-conditioning system that may be operated manually, which allows a plurality of functions to be integrated therein and assures superior operability for the driver. Manual switch mechanisms 1 and 3 are dial type mechanisms each comprising at least a tubular dial component 4 with open ends on the two sides thereof, a first gear 5 that is fitted on the outside of the dial component 4 so as to rotate together with the dial component and includes gear teeth 5a formed at the outer circumferential side surface thereof and a second gear 6 that includes gear teeth 6a formed at a circular arc circumferential surface thereof to which the rotation of the dial component 4 is transmitted from the first gear 5 via a relay component 7 and is connected through a wire 20 to drive an air-conditioning door.

Abstract: A keyboard (32, 1230) for a handheld electronic device (100, 1100, 1200) comprising a row of keys (102) wherein each of said keys (102) represents at least two alphanumeric characters and the characters of each key (102) are positioned relative to the characters on adjacent keys (102) so as to form a QWERTY or DVORAK layout.

Abstract: The compound operation input device of the invention includes a case; a flexible substrate mounted on a bottom plate section of the case a first operation body moving operable in a direction orthogonal to the flexible substrate a second operation body tilting operable and rotating operable, the second operation body being an annular member arranged at the periphery of the first operation body; a first switching means operated by the movement of the first operation body; a plurality of second switching means operated by the tilt of the second operation body; and a rotary switch that detects the rotating direction and the rotating amount of the second operation body. The first and second switching means and the slid contacting point pattern of the rotary switch are arranged on the same surface of the flexible substrate.

Abstract: In a dual-concentric knob, an inner knob acts as a solid ergonomically functional knob for forces below a threshold and collapses into an outer knob for forces above the threshold. In some examples the inner knob also acts as a push button for forces below the threshold. A hand-operated control is mounted on a hub for axial movement between a first position and a second position relative to the hub, a mechanism axially rigidly couples the control to the hub in the first position unless a force greater than a threshold is applied to the control, and a mechanism rotationally couples the control to the hub in both the first and the second positions.

Abstract: A switch device in a digital camera includes a knob, a body into which a shaft portion of the knob is inserted, a connecting terminal, and a switch board. The knob includes body engaging claws adapted to be engaged with an inner face of the body, terminal engaging portions each having an inclined face part, and a central protrusion and a rotation detent protrusion provided on a lower face of the shaft portion. The body includes a plurality of rotation positioning holes arranged at an inner face side of the body. The connecting terminal includes a bottom plate part having a first hole and a second hole, knob engaging claws adapted to be engaged with the terminal engaging portions, a contact part adapted to come into contact with the switch board, and a positioning projection adapted to be engaged in the rotation positioning holes.

Abstract: A rotary manipulation type input device is disclosed. The rotary manipulation type input device may include: a wheel, which may receive information as input by rotation; a sensor unit, which may sense a rotation of the wheel; and a switch, which may generate an on/off signal for connecting and disconnecting a power supply to the sensor unit. This configuration can be used to reduce power consumption in the rotary manipulation type input device.

Abstract: A controller for a power window actuator including a crank-handle body configured to look like a traditional automobile window crank handle, and an electronic control unit that includes at least one electrical switch positioned such that movement of the crank-handle body actuates the switch, wherein the electronic control unit is configured to generate a first electronic window control signal after the switch is actuated to at least one of a closed and an open position by movement of the crank-handle body to control a power window actuator to close/open a window.

Abstract: A neutral position returning mechanism includes an actuator, a spring member including plural elastic extending portions having spiral shapes identical to each other, and a case holding the spring member as to apply a stress to the elastic extending portions. The elastic extending portions extend spirally in a predetermined direction on a predetermined surface from the actuator as a center of each of the spiral shapes. The elastic extending portions extend from the actuator by equal angular intervals about the actuator. The neutral position returning mechanism provides an input device having a low profile.

Abstract: A vehicle window opening/closing switch apparatus for opening/closing a plurality of windows provided on a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus has a first switch and a second switch. An arbitrary window can be electrically selected from among the windows by manually displacing the first switch to at least the left and right. The second switch is incorporated in the first switch and is capable of electrically opening/closing the window selected by the first switch by a manual operation.

Abstract: A rotary knob and push button assembly comprising a rotary knob being configured to rotate, a rotary actuated potentiometer actuated by rotation of the rotary knob, and at least four actuators within the rotary knob. Each actuator is configured to selectively activate a selected circuit. The actuators do not rotate with rotation of the rotary knob.

Abstract: There is provided a compound switch suitable for preventing malfunction as a multidirectional switch caused by an unreasonable turning force applied to a slider, improving the switch operability, and simplifying a switch mounting panel surface. When a transverse push-in force is applied to the operating portion 14, the slider 8 slides in the push-in direction of the operating portion from a fixed position of neutrality, and hence a contact state corresponding to the slide direction can be obtained. When torque for turning the operating portion 14 around the axis thereof is applied to the operating portion 14, the torque is transmitted to an outer base 2 via the slider 8 etc., by which the outer base 2, the slider 8, and the operating portion 14 are rotatingly moved together in the rotation direction of the operating portion 14 from the fixed position of neutrality, and hence a contact state corresponding to the rotation direction can be obtained.

Abstract: A hand-held electronic device has a keyboard with a plurality of keys, each key having a substantially flat contact surface extending to the sides of each key. One of the sides of the key is beveled.

Abstract: A electronic rotary switch is disclosed that comprises domes molded into an elastomeric switch mat mounted to a printed circuit board. A knob rotatably attached to the circuit board includes a cam that depresses individual domes to actuate a contact switch pad on the printed circuit board. A microprocessor may be utilized with the switch to replicate an encoder or potentiometer.

Abstract: High-speed scrolling is performed when an operating dial 35 is rotated taking a central button member 36 as an axis, and low-speed scrolling when pushing either an upper button 42A or a lower button 42C by pushing the operating dial 35 in the direction of an axis of rotation. It is therefore possible to include information it is wished to view, in an appropriate manner within a display range of a screen, with fewer operations by appropriately changing over the speed of scrolling. In addition, as it is possible to operate the operating dial 35 for both high-speed scrolling and low-speed scrolling, when changing over the speed of scrolling, it is possible to change over the speed of scrolling in a straightforward manner without operating members other than the member that has been operated so far.

Abstract: A main body portion has fixed contacts and houses movable contacts. A lower electrode plate and upper electrode plate serving as the movable contacts are deformed at a time of a pressing operation. The upper electrode plate is contactable to the lower electrode plate and lower electrode plate brings contact pairs mounted in a center of the bottom inside the main body portion into conduction. On the bottom inside the main body portion, contacts serving as fixed contacts for a rotating operation are formed on the circumference of the same circle outside contact pairs for the pressing operation. A brush serving as the movable contacts is secured to a lever receiving rotating operational forces and brings contacts into conduction.

Abstract: A switch device is provided. The switch device includes a circuit substrate having a fixed contact. A rubber sheet having dome-shaped protuberances is disposed on the circuit substrate. A holder is held moveable in the vertical direction. A rotatable knob is axially supported at the holder within a housing. An actuator is provided at the side of the rotatable knob. A drive portion is attached to the rotatable knob that extends out of the holder so as to be engaged with the actuator.

Abstract: A multi-instruction switch includes a base, a control disk, a plurality of electrodes and a conductive element. The control disk is located above the base and can rotate relative to the base to issue instructions. The conductive element is bent to form a common contact end in the middle portion and a first contact end and a second contact end on two ends to connect respectively to a common electrode, a first electrode and a second electrode. By rotating the control disk, a guiding portion located on an inner peripheral rim of the control disk can move the conductive element in a biased manner so that the common electrode and the first electrode or the second electrode are electrically connected to generate a leftward or rightward rotational instruction. Meanwhile a rotational click is produced. The structure is simple and the fabrication cost is lower.

Abstract: A keyboard for an electronic device that incorporates a flexible carrier for the keys. The flexible carrier has cutouts or slots that aid in decoupling the actions of one from its neighbors. Moreover, in addition to or instead of cutouts or slots, the flexible carrier optionally has cutouts around its outer perimeter. In some embodiments, the keys are molded as part of the flexible carrier. In other embodiments, the keys are attached to or inserted in the flexible carrier during manufacture. Various embodiments of the invention employ various key shapes to aid the user's tactile experience while typing.

Abstract: A collapsible keyboard comprises a first key assembly, a second key assembly rotatably connected to the first key assembly and a third key assembly rotatably connected to the second key assembly. The first key assembly is located between the second and third key assemblies when the collapsible keyboard is in a collapsed mode, and the first key assembly, the second and third key assemblies are substantially located on the same level when the collapsible keyboard is in an operating mode.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes an elongated housing bounding a chamber with a motor disposed therein. A drive shaft is at least partially disposed within the chamber of the housing, the drive shaft being coupled with the motor such that during selective operation of the motor the drive shaft is rotated continuously. A brush head has a plurality of bristles mounted thereon. A hub is disposed on the brush head and has an elongated channel bounded by a pair of spaced apart engagement surfaces. A spherical head is disposed within the channel so as to selectively bias against the engagement surfaces, the spherical head being eccentrically disposed on the drive shaft such that the spherical head reciprocally rotates the brush head when the drive shaft is continuously rotated.

Abstract: A dial type switch mechanism is developed in which an installation space can be made as small as possible. In a dial type switch mechanism (10) furnished with a push type switch part provided in its center, and a dial switch part which operates a dial fitted around the push type switch part, there are provided: a substantially cylindrical dial knob (21), in the center of which a cavity is provided for the push type switch part to be installed; a ring-shaped joint ring (23), which is supported such that it can rotate freely relative to a front panel (6) and connects and rotates together with the dial knob (21); and a rotary bracket (24), which is joined to the joint ring (23), and in which a switch rotation shaft (24b) that operates the dial type switch part is connected together with a ring-shaped member (24a) via an arm (24c).

Abstract: A rotating input selection device is equipped with a rotating input unit, a case member rotatably supporting the rotating input unit, a circuit substrate opposing the rotating input unit, and a contact connection structures formed from a fixed contact point and a movable contact point. A rubber sheet, interposed between the rotating input unit and the circuit substrate, includes a tilting pressure section supported on the rotating substrate by way of a tilting support section, so that a tilting motion is possible. The contact point connection structures are disposed so that they are separated from each other and are aligned with the ends of the tilting pressure section on the circuit substrate. Rotation of the rotating input unit causes the tilting pressure section to tilt in the direction of rotation, resulting in the tilting pressure section pushing the movable contacts toward the fixed contact points.

Abstract: An input key to which a plurality of information elements to be inputted are assigned, comprises: a key top to be pushed; and detecting means for detecting a push on the key top and for, when detecting the push on the key top, detecting a relative displacement of the key top from a predetermined reference position.

Abstract: A slide switch includes an operational member slidable in a direction along a virtual plane, a plurality of movable contacts arranged surrounding the operational member, a plurality of fixed contacts provided in correspondence with the movable contacts to render at least one of the movable contacts into a conductive state when the operational member is operated, a support member for slidably supporting the operational member via a sliding face provided on the back face of the operational member, a guide mechanism which allows integral displacement of the operational member and the support member in response to a depressing operation of the operational member in a normal direction and an urging mechanism operable to return the support member in the absence of the depressing operation.

Abstract: A composite switch having a configuration in which: on the upper part of movable contacts of a first switch to a fourth switch disposed in a case, two driving bodies made of an inelastic insulating material such as polyamide are mounted in parallel to a swing center shaft; an upper surface of the case is covered with a cover having two long holes from which upper parts of the two driving bodies protrude; and the two driving bodies are pressed by an operation body, made of an inelastic insulating resin, which is swingably supported. With a composite switch having this configuration, an operation stroke is short and the generation of noise can be suppressed.

Abstract: A multi-directional roller assembly for an input device includes a housing and a carrier supported within the housing. The carrier has a roller that can be rotated so as to scroll an image vertically on a display. The carrier can also be tilted left and right so as to execute a command or scroll the image on the display in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A control knob for a control panel assembly having a panel to which a push-and-turn switch assembly is mounted, with the switch assembly having a stem axially movable and rotatable to effect actuation of the switch assembly. The control knob has a cap and a skirt. The cap is axially immobile relative to the stem, and the skirt is coupled with the stem for axial movement therewith. The skirt is axially moveable relative to the cap. An axial force acting on the cap is not transferred to the stem and an axial force acting on the skirt will cause axial movement of the stem.

Abstract: A rotary input apparatus is disclosed. The rotary input apparatus comprising a wheel of circular shape having an insertion hole, a center key inserted into the insertion hole and having one or more securing grooves, a magnet joined to a surface of the wheel to co-operate with the wheel and magnetized to have alternating N- and S-poles, a detection element positioned to face the magnet for detecting the rotation of the magnet, a printed circuit board on which the detection element mounted, a base to which the printed circuit board is secured and which has one or more support protrusions that are inserted into the securing grooves, and a holder joined to the base and interposed between the wheel and the base to rotatably support the wheel, allows greater aesthetic value as the center key is not rotated and always maintains a constant orientation.

Abstract: A multifunctional switch having a push button placed on an upper surface, and an operating lever protruding laterally from the side thereof. The push button on the upper surface is used to operate a push switch. The operating lever on the side is used to operate a rotary switch.

Abstract: Disclosed is a control switch system for a vehicle, using a jog shuttle, by which a driver can rapidly and correctly select and control operation of a sound system in the vehicle even during driving of the vehicle. Since the control switch system uses simple members such as springs and metal balls, the cost of the vehicle decreases.

Abstract: The game apparatus is provided with the cylindrical portion rotating with the axis on the side face of the base portion of the master control lever. Two projecting parts are sticking out from the columnar surface of the cylindrical portion. In addition, two leaf switches are provided corresponding to the master control lever. The leaf switch is turned on when the projecting part contacts with the contact member of the leaf switch while the master control lever is rotating. In this way, operation of the master control lever is detected by using the leaf switches rather than rotary switches.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gearshift mechanism for electromotive toy car is provided in a space defined by a left cover and a right cover, including a gearshift lever, a slide plate, an opening shield plate, an opening shield securing plate, a switch plate, pushbuttons, a switch plate affixing shaft, and a gearshift lever pivotal pin, using the gearshift lever to drive the switch plate to push a pushbutton for actuating a motor, and a pedal throttle to activate a power switch for halting, driving slow advancement, fast advancement or slow reversing of the electromotive toy car, so as to meet children's desires to imitate adults' driving maneuvering through realistic activities.

Abstract: A multi-instruction switch includes a control disk, an anchor member and a depressing element. The control disk can drive a first conductive element to rotate relative to the anchor member. The anchor member has a terminal connector which includes a common terminal, a first terminal, at least one second terminal and a third terminal. A second conductive element located beneath the depressing element can move up and down relative to the depressing element to connect a circuit. The first conductive element has a plurality of contact arms mating the terminal connector. One of the contact arms is connected to the common terminal in normal conditions. Other contact arms are connected alternately to contact zones and non-contact zones of the first and second terminals to generate a plurality of signals. By pressing the depressing element to connect the common terminal and the third terminal, the signals can be output.

Abstract: An electrical switch includes an insulative housing (10), a set of fixed contacts fastened in the housing, a movable contacts (30) received in the housing, a load plate (40) mounted above the movable contact, a spring (50) mounted in the load plate, a driver (60) defined on the load plate, a shell (70) surrounding the housing, a knob (80) assembled with the load plate, and a push button (90) assembled on the load plate. While rotating the knob, the load plate is accordingly rotated, and the movable contacts are driven to contact with some of the fixed contacts, which enables rotary operation. While pressing the push button, the driver is pressed to move downwardly to press the movable contacts for contacting with the fixed contacts, which enables pushing operation.

Abstract: A multi-functional remote control switch on a steering wheel includes a housing installed at the steering wheel. A printed circuit board is secured in the housing and formed with a plurality of manipulation switches and switch circuits. A dial is rotatably installed between the housing and printed circuit board. A switching device outputs a manipulation signal of the manipulation switches to a system selected by turning the dial. This switch manipulates various systems of the vehicle by using one remote control switch mounted on the steering wheel, thereby reducing the cost of materials and obtaining a sufficient installment space.

Abstract: A multi-functional control assembly having a rotary controller with a push-button switches contained therein. The rotary controller has a shaft. A bore is formed through the shaft. A communicator extends through the bore and is configured to communicate information regarding the push-button switch through the bore.

Abstract: A jog switch by which a desired position can be confirmed without releasing the finger rotating a jog dial after the desired direction and angle are selected. The jog switch includes the jog dial, which is capable of rotating in a plane and also rocking in the orthogonal direction, a plurality of confirmation switches disposed on a surface behind the jog dial and a jog action detecting part, which is disposed behind the jog dial and can detect the direction and angle of rotation, wherein the operation of the jog dial is confirmed by pressing the confirmation switch by rocking the jog dial.

Abstract: A multi operating electronic component includes a case, a rotary member, a cover member, an operating knob and a rotationally actuated component. In the central hole of the rotary member rotatably supported by the case, a center leg of the operating knob and an engaging portion provided around the leg are inserted in such a manner as to be movable vertically and tiltable. A pressing central switch or pressing peripheral switches provided in the case are operated by the operating knob. The rotationally actuated component is at least partly formed in the case and is rotated together with the rotary member by the operating knob.

Abstract: A multidirectional control switch which comprises at least a control means (1) arranged to be movable, a base (2), and first and second contact means in connection with the control means (1) and/or the base (2), one of the contact means being a coupling means (4). One of said contact means is a contact surface (2) comprising several contact areas (3), and the first contact means (2, 4) is arranged in connection with the control means (1), and the second contact means is arranged in connection with the base (2), and at least one of said contact means (2, 4) is flexible, and the coupling means (4) is arranged to touch the contact surface (2) in one or more contact areas (3) to generate a control signal, wherein a contact area is arranged to be formed at the point of contact between the base and the coupling means. The invention also relates to a method for forming a control signal by a multidirectional control switch, as well as to a program implementing the method, and a software product.

Abstract: A knob for an instrument panel is provided having a body portion, a first end portion adjacent to the body portion, and a second end portion adjacent to the body portion and defining a generally wave-shaped surface. The wave-shaped surface includes a plurality of peaks and a plurality of troughs, the peaks extending away from the body portion in a direction generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body portion. An adjustment assembly may also be provided having a first contact member with a contact portion, a second contact member with a contact portion, and an adjustment member with a plurality of protrusions. The protrusions are configured to selectively engage the contact portion of the first contact member and induce an electrical connection, and to selectively engage the contact portion of the second contact member and induce a second electrical connection.

Abstract: A rotary encoder of a control surface has a display. The display includes a ring of light emitting elements, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), in the control surface around the shaft and knob of the rotary encoder. The rotary encoder has a shaft that rotates about an axis under control of an operator. The rotary encode has an output providing a signal indicative of the rotational movement of the shaft. A knob engages the shaft and is used by the operator to rotate the shaft. The knob, in general, has a narrow stem that engages the shaft of the rotary encoder and extends away from the control surface, and a top portion which the operator manipulates to turn the knob. The stem has a substantially circular cross-section, in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the shaft of the rotary encoder, with a narrow diameter.

Abstract: A mechanism is described for compression actuation, by means of a rocking key, of electric controls such as switches, change-over switches, selector switches and the like, in which there are provided at least one fixed contact (12) and one movable contact (11), carried by a movable anchor (10), rotatively actuated to bring the movable contact (11) towards or away from the fixed contact (12), through a pin (21) operated by the rocking key (5) and pushed against said movable anchor by a compression spring (22), where the pin acts against the movable anchor (10) by means of an articulated head or joint (38) shaped like a fork, so that the two branches of the fork arrange themselves on corresponding areas (45) of the anchor that are substantially symmetrical with respect to its center (46).

Abstract: In a push switch device, a first latchet tooth is formed to an actuation body composed of an elastomer, a second latchet tooth is formed to a cam follower composed of a synthetic resin material, and the first latchet tooth is meshed with the second latchet tooth by elastically urging the cam follower upward by a second coil spring as well as a first coil spring having a spring load smaller than that of the second coil spring is interposed between the actuation body and the cam follower. Then, the first latchet tooth is engaged with the second latchet tooth at an unstable position by regulating the rotation of the cam follower by the guide portion.

Abstract: A rotary manipulation type electronic component includes a space formed by a case. A base houses a rotating body holding a resilient contact as a movable element. A comb-like contact is formed as a fixed element. A first bushing in the case and a second bushing in the base rotatably support a rotating shaft that rotates together with the rotating body. An inner bottom face of a cap-shaped knob is secured onto an end of the rotating shaft so that the knob receives a barrel portion, which supports the rotating shaft as a portion of the case.

Abstract: An input key which is assigned a plurality of information items to be inputted, of the present invention, includes a key top which can incline relative to a support plate for supporting the input key; a key top supported portion provided on an opposite surface in the key top to the support plate and arranged to be pushed together with the key top; a key top supporting portion provided on the support plate, and arranged to come into contact with the key top supported portion during a push on the key top and to support the key top supported portion so as to permit the key top to incline in a state of the contact with the key top supported portion; at least one inclination detector provided in a direction assigned one of the information items to be inputted, on an opposite surface in the support plate to the key top or on the opposite surface in the key top to the support plate; push detecting means for detecting a push on the input key; and inclination direction detecting means for detecting an inclination dire

Abstract: An actuator suitable for multi-directional actuation of a push button switch is disclosed. This actuator has an actuation button attached to a plunger to define a predetermined angle therebetween. The actuation button has a surface for multi-directional activation. The actuator also has a pair of hinge pins that is attached to the actuation button for pivotably mounting the actuator about a pivoting axis. Activation on any point on the surface of the actuation button results in a unidirectional moment about the pivoting axis to tilt the plunger to releasably actuate the push button switch. Also disclosed is a personal digital assistant that uses the actuator for actuating a notification switch from between two orthogonal directions.

Abstract: A combined roller and push switch assembly includes a substantially hollow wheel-like roller member being displaceable from an initial position to a displaced position. The combined roller and push switch assembly further includes a member for returning the roller member from the displaced position to the initial position, the returning member is a resilient member being at least partly encircled by the roller member, and a coding member for detecting rotation of the roller member in relation to an associated frame. In particular, the combined roller and push switch assembly further including a switch for indicating when the roller member is in the displaced position, the switch being at least partly encircled by the roller member.

Abstract: An electric appliance includes a first electric power supply of first batteries arranged in a first pattern, and alternatively a different second electric power supply of second batteries arranged in a second pattern. An electrical ON-OFF switch has an ON-OFF position push-button switch actuator and a rotary switch actuator which releasably blocks that ON-OFF position push-button switch actuator in an OFF position. A tail end is equipped with a bistable OFF and ON switching function and with a momentary ON switching function unified into one electric toggle switch having a stable OFF position, a stable ON position, and a momentary ON position. A flashlight beam is cast with a first lamp and reflector assembly, an alternative second lamp and reflector assembly is substituted for that first lamp and reflector assembly and a second light beam of a different configuration is cast with that alternative second lamp and reflector assembly.