Abstract: A switch device includes: a circuit board provided with a fixed contact; a deformable contact arranged above the circuit board, and configured to deform and come into contact with the fixed contact in response to pressure from above; a switch holding sheet covering a surface of the circuit board provided with the deformable contact, and configured to retain the deformable contact on the circuit board; a light-guide sheet placed over the switch holding sheet, and allowing light to pass through its inside; a light-emitting diode configured to cause the light to fall incident and enter the inside of the light-guide sheet; and a protrusion forming a gap between the switch holding sheet and the light-guide sheet in a position corresponding to the deformable contact.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a key device for a mobile phone, which comprises a printed circuit board (PCB), a key disposed on the PCB and a metal dome disposed above the key. The metal dome is able to make electrical contact with the key. The key comprises a first electrode, a second electrode and a third electrode, and the third electrode is formed as two rings in which the first electrode and the second electrode are disposed respectively. In the key device for a mobile phone provided by the present invention, the key is formed with three electrodes, so when the metal dome makes contact with the first electrode or the second electrode, the three electrodes of the key are electrically connected with each other simultaneously. This imparts the key for a mobile phone with the compatibility, thereby reducing the product cost and shortening the duration of research and development.

Abstract: Disclosed is a metal dome switch for a keypad capable of maintaining click sensitivity in an optimal state upon a push operation of a key button by forming a large height of an uplift part while maintaining structural strength of the uplift part, and increasing a height of a pressure concentration projection projecting upward from an apex of a dome-shaped metal plate while minimizing deformation in outer appearance and dimension of the metal dome switch, when the pressure concentration projection is press formed through a press forming process such as a bending process or a half-blanking process.

Abstract: An electronic device may have buttons, a display, and a vibrator unit. Buttons may be included in electronic devices such as glass buttons, metal buttons, buttons that are assembled on printed circuit boards, and buttons that are partly formed from antenna structures. Button coatings may be used to improve the sliding performance of metal-on-metal buttons. A layer of polymer may be interposed between a button plate and a housing structure. A glass button member may have an underside on which a layer of patterned ink is formed. Elastomeric members may be used to reduce button rattle. Portions of a button may be provided with conductive features that form portions of an antenna.

Abstract: A normally closed dome switch comprises a printed circuit board including a switch trace having first and second contact areas electrically insulated from one another, and a conductive switch dome having a central portion spaced from the printed circuit board and a plurality of contacting portions extending from the central portion such that each of the first and second contact areas is contacted by at least one of the contacting portions when the switch dome is unpressed such that the unpressed switch dome forms a closed switch between the first and second contact areas. The switch dome is resiliently pressable to urge the central portion toward the printed circuit board and pivot the contacting portions about a corresponding fulcrum to remove the plurality of contacting portions of the switch dome from contact with at least one of the first and second contact areas to open the switch.

Abstract: To prevent debris from entering the volume between a dome and contacts of a dome switch, a dome can include a channel providing a remote path through which air can be vented. In particular, the channel can extend from the dome to a location within an electronic device that is known to be or expected to be contaminant free (e.g., a region of the device that does not include any interfaces communicating with the device environment). The channel can be defined from components of the dome switch including, for example, as a channel bound by spacer walls between a flex circuit and a film layer. The channel can include an opening for venting the dome switch. In some embodiments, the dome switch can include a protective film applied over the opening in the channel. The protective film can be selected to allow air to flow through, but to prevent contaminants or particles from reaching the channel opening.

Abstract: A switch comprises a key top to be pushed down; an operation knob pushed down by the key top to rotate around a pivot point, having a working portion; and a contact rubber switch pushed down by the working portion of the operation knob. The rubber switch is provided with a push-button portion having an upper surface pushed down by the working portion of the operation knob and an under surface formed with a movable contact; and a skirt portion extending obliquely downward from an edge of the push-button portion. The skirt portion has a thinner portion on the side of the pivot point of the operation knob and a thicker portion on the opposite side of the pivot point. The push-button portion has an upper surface inclined upward toward the side of the pivot point. The switch has advantages such as simple structure, reliable conduction, and excellent click feeling.

Abstract: Accessories such as headsets for electronic devices are provided. A headset may be provided with a button controller assembly that has user-actuated buttons and a microphone. The microphone may be formed by mounting a microphone transducer on a printed circuit board. A housing may be mounted over the transducer to form a sealed cavity for the transducer. Circuitry may be mounted on portions of the printed circuit board that extend beyond the edges of the microphone housing. The button controller assembly may have dome switches. The dome switches may have a housing that encloses dome switch components and that forms a structural internal part for the button controller. The dome switch housing structure may have tabs or other engagement features that mate with corresponding engagement features in a button member. The button member may be pressed by a user to actuate a desired dome switch.

Abstract: A dome contact (32) for pushbutton switches (300) includes a diaphragm (33) having a reversible dome portion (331), and a bump (34) projecting from a central portion of a convex surface of the dome portion. A method for fabricating the dome contact includes steps of: providing a diaphragm formed by injection molding or screen printing; and forming a bump on a central portion of a convex surface of the diaphragm via thermal extrusion laminating technology of rapid prototyping technology.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dome shaped spring including: a dome shaped spring section in which buckling occurs by pushing, wherein at least a portion of a neutral face of a movable portion when buckling of the dome shaped spring section occurs is an aspherical shape.

Abstract: A keypad (1200) includes a plurality of keys (1202) and a plurality of key dividers (1204-1210) wherein each of the key dividers includes a plurality of raised guide portions (1212-1214) and at least one tactile cue portion (1214) that is interposed between the plurality of raised guide portions (1212-1214). In one example, the keypad (1200) is a bell keypad and is made up of an elastomeric substrate (44) that includes the key dividers (1212-1214), a keypad dome array (48) that supports the silicone substrate (44) and a keypad sheet (36), such as a top sheet of a front assembly, having keypad indicia thereon and slots operatively sized to receive the plurality of key dividers.

Abstract: A membrane switch can attach an elastically deformable dome to a board in a reliable manner such that the dome is not detached even if a fixing sheet is made thinner and smaller and therefore has a smaller footprint. This switch has: a dome (110) that is formed projecting toward the surface and that is dented opposite toward the back surface by elastic deformation; and a flexible fixing sheet (120) that has a back surface of an adhesive face pasted to the entire face of the surface of the dome (110). The fixing sheet (120) fixes the dome (110) in a predetermined position of a board (4) by means of a stretching part (122) which stretches radially outer to the dome (110), from an outer rim (112) of the dome (110), in a direction virtually orthogonal to a direction in which the dome (110) projects.

Abstract: An electrical switch and a flashlight employing the switch may comprise a base having three electrical conductors thereon and an electrically conductive flexible dome adjacent the base. The flexible dome has plural longer legs extending from its dome and in electrical contact with a first conductor, has a shorter leg extending from its dome and overlying a second conductor, and has its dome overlying a third conductor. A spring may extend from the base of the switch. A pushbutton may be moved to apply sufficient force to cause the shorter leg to contact the second conductor and the dome to contact the third conductor. A spring may be between the pushbutton and the flexible dome to couple force to the flexible dome.

Abstract: Provided is a key sheet which can effect reliable fixation inside a casing without occupying a large space, and includes key tops having large operating surfaces. A sheet surface of a base sheet is set substantially the same in size as a projection surface in a depressing direction of a key top group, and a frame-shaped elastic fixation portion is formed at an outer edge of the base sheet. Thus, a mounting space for a key sheet inside a casing can be contained within a range of the projection surface in the depressing direction of the key top group, and the key sheet can be firmly fixed to a circuit board. The key top group is the same in size as the base sheet. Thus, the key sheet including key tops having large operating surfaces can be realized.

Abstract: Provided is a push-type switch device including: a switch element in which a dome-shaped reversing spring is accommodated in a switch casing; a holder which is mounted to the outside portion of the switch casing so as to define a position relative to the switch casing and has a perforation hole formed at a position adjacent to a center portion of the reversing spring so as to face the center portion; and a driving protrusion which is inserted through the perforation hole so as to reciprocate and is driven to push the reversing spring, wherein when the holder mounted on an upper portion of the switch casing is attached to a predetermined position of the interconnection substrate, the switch casing is held in the interconnection substrate.

Abstract: An electrical switch may comprise a base having three electrical conductors thereon and an electrically conductive flexible dome adjacent the base. The flexible dome has plural longer legs extending from its dome and in electrical contact with a first conductor, has a shorter leg extending from its dome and overlying a second conductor, and has its dome overlying a third conductor. A pushbutton must be moved over a distance substantially greater than an actuation distance of the flexible dome to apply sufficient force to cause the shorter leg to contact the second conductor and the dome to contact the third conductor. A spring between the pushbutton and the flexible dome couples force to the flexible dome.

Abstract: A push switch includes an upper movable contact, a lower movable contact, a center fixed contact, an intermediate fixed contact, and a peripheral fixed contact. The lower movable contact includes an annular portion, and four legs extending from the annular portion. One of the four legs is placed on a peripheral fixed contact. The upper movable contact faces the center fixed contact via a circular hole in the annular portion of the lower movable contact by a space between the upper movable contact and the center fixed contact. Two legs out of the four legs are located away from each other by an angular interval smaller than 90 degrees with respect to the center of the annular portion. Upon being pressed, the actuator activates two combinations of switch contacts, one combination of the movable contacts and the intermediate fixed contact and the other combination of the movable contacts and the center fixed contact, providing the push switch with a small size.

Abstract: There is provided a contact holding sheet provided with a light guide without using a holding sheet provided with protrusions made of resin, and dispensing with a protrusion fabrication process, thereby reducing cost, and enabling the contact holding sheet provided with a light guide to be thinned without forming the protrusions on the holding sheet. The contact holding sheet provided with a light guide comprises a holding sheet opposed to a substrate, fixed contacts provided on the substrate, dome-shaped movable contacts attached to a pressure sensitive adhesive surface of the holding sheet facing the substrate and opposed to fixed contacts of the substrate, wherein protrusions are formed at the central positions of the movable contacts, and positioned inside holes for protrusions formed on the holding sheet, and wherein the holding sheet and a light guide film are integrated with adhesion in a state where the light guide film is laid on the upper portions of the protrusions.

Abstract: In an input device with an illumination function including an illumination device having light-emitting diodes, strip-like light-guide plates that distribute light emitted from the light-emitting diodes to the side surfaces other than a light-incident surface, and a planar light-guide plate that is provided with a plurality of through-holes and laterally propagates light incident from the strip-like light-guide plates and emits the light from through-holes, the planar light-guide plate is provided with strip-like light-guide-plate providing grooves at portions where the through-holes are not provided, and the strip-like light-guide plates are provided in the strip-like light-guide-plate providing grooves such that the side surfaces of the strip-like light-guide-plate providing grooves and the side surfaces of the strip-like light-guide plates face each other.

Abstract: Disclosed are a key top (4) to be used for push button switches of a portable electronic device, which key top has a metal sheet (6) with an approximately thin plate shape, and an outer-layer sheet (8a, 8b) made of a flexible material which is connected to one surface or both surfaces of the metal sheet (6), and a key sheet (2) which has the key top (4) and a sheet-like key base of an elastic material connected thereto, and methods of manufacturing the key top and the key sheet.

Abstract: A dome contact (32) for pushbutton switches (300) includes a diaphragm (33) having a reversible dome portion (331), and a bump (34) projecting from a central portion of a convex surface of the dome portion. A method for fabricating the dome contact includes steps of: providing a diaphragm formed by injection molding or screen printing; and forming a bump on a central portion of a convex surface of the diaphragm via thermal extrusion laminating technology of rapid prototyping technology.

Abstract: A dome assembly for use in a keyboard assembly of an electronic device is provided. The dome assembly includes a deflectable dome shaped element having a concave surface terminating at a periphery and a number of elevating members disposed on the element adjacent the periphery and protruding away from the concave surface. The elevating members serve to space the periphery from a mounting surface. The element is movable between an undeflected position and a deflected position.

Abstract: Disclosed is movable contact unit 24, of which an upper surface of movable contact 23 made of a conductive metal plate is adhesively fixed to adhesive layer 22 formed on the underside of base film 21, an upper surface of separator 25 is affixed to adhesive layer 22 in a manner to sandwich movable contact 23 between them, and the periphery of movable contact 23 is heated and pressed in a circular shape from above base film 21 to form a convex-shaped portion in an area of base film 21 corresponding to movable contact 23 in a manner to fit along a dome-like shape of movable contact 23 and to make a peripheral area, or a base of the convex-shaped portion pressed circularly into close adhesion to separator 25 with adhesive layer 22. By virtue of this structure, there can be an improvement of manufacturing efficiency of movable contact unit 24.

Abstract: An input panel for a portable electronic device including a switch sheet, a touch-sensing sheet and an interposing sheet is provided. The switch sheet includes a circuit board and at least one dome switch. The circuit board has at least one contact pad, and the dome switch is disposed on the contact pad. The touch-sensing sheet is disposed on the switch sheet for sensing a touch action. The interposing sheet is disposed between the switch sheet and the touch-sensing sheet. The touch-sensing sheet contacts the dome switch when the touch-sensing sheet is pressed, so that the dome switch is deformed elastically to switch on the contact pad.

Abstract: A signal generating module is provided. The signal generating module includes a processor, an arcuate elastomer, a first fixed contact, a second fixed contact, a first pin, and a second pin. The processor is disposed on the circuit board of an electronic apparatus. The arcuate elastomer is disposed in the electronic apparatus, and includes a first movable contact and a second movable contact. The arcuate elastomer has a portion exposed out from a housing of the electronic apparatus. The first fixed contact is fixed to the electronic apparatus corresponding to the first movable contact. The second fixed contact is fixed to the electronic apparatus corresponding to the second movable contact. The first pin is secured to the circuit board, coupled to the processor, and coupled to the first fixed contact. The second pin is secured to the circuit board, coupled to the processor, and coupled to the second fixed contact.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a push-button switch capable of providing a comfortable and natural click touch. To achieve the purpose, the button turns downward about the point which joins the buckling wall to the base on the back face side. Accordingly, the pulling force on the buckling wall does not occur when the button is pressed. Consequently, a user needs less pressing force, and can feel a clear and quite natural click touch.

Abstract: A control housing is provided which encases a control board. The housing has a cover and a backing which are fixed together to secure the control board within the housing. The control board includes a plurality of switches, and the housing includes a plurality of corresponding buttons to activate the switches. The cover includes a cover surface having at least one button hole in register with the control board switch; operating insignia integrally formed on the cover surface adjacent the button hole; and a membrane which closes said button hole to form a button surface. The insignia is exposed through the membrane to be exposed and visible. The membrane is fused to the cover, thereby providing a housing which is sealed to substantially prevent gases, liquids or solids from entering the housing.

Abstract: Switch arrays such as keyboards are described. The switch arrays may include an array of dome spring elements. Each dome spring element may define a chamber, and a plurality of channels may interconnect the chambers of the dome spring elements such that each chamber of each dome spring element is in fluid communication with the chamber of at least one of the other dome spring elements. The array of dome spring elements may provide a hermetic seal to the bottom side of individual dome spring elements to avoid the sticky key phenomenon. The switch arrays may also include alignments elements. For example, the alignment elements may include hook-like elements that engage one another to define a distance of travel for switches in the switch arrays.

Abstract: A key has a varying response depending on the manner of depression. The key comprises at least a base and a switching element arranged curved relative to one another. Between the switching element and the base is a contact area where the switching element touches the base. When the switching element is depressed towards the base, the edge of the contact area between the switching element and the base moves along the surface of the base. The response of the switch is determined by observing the location of the edge of said contact area relative to the base.

Abstract: A top structure for a keypad, comprising a number of key caps. The structure comprises a solid flexible layer, which is placed above the key caps or directly on them, and arranged to yield when the key is felt. The material, properties and thickness of the flexible layer are selected so that the key cap can be perceived by a sensation of touch and found under the layer, when the key is felt. The flexible layer is, for example, of a textile or textile-imitating material. The top structure can be utilized in a keypad component, in an electronic device, particularly a mobile phone, and in clothing provided with a keypad.

Abstract: A key sheet comprising a key top, a translucent resin film, and a symbol layer. The key top is made of resin and has a top surface and a rear surface. The key top includes a gate corresponding section in a position corresponded to a gate of a mold for injecting resin to form the key top. The translucent resin film is provided over the key top. The symbol layer is disposed to associate with the top surface of the key top. The gate corresponding section is located to prevent that gate corresponding section from being viewed through the symbol layer.

Abstract: A first film plate 20 and a second film plate 40, each made of flexible resin film, are attached to a top surface and a bottom surface of a key top 30 made of mold-resin, respectively, so as to cover the key top 30. The first film plate 20 is pressed upward to form a recessed portion 23, the key top 30 is molded within this recessed portion 23. The second film plate 40 is arranged on the bottom surface of the key top 30. All of the first film plate 20, the key top 30, and the second film plate 40 are transparent. Decorative layers 21 and 41 are formed on the first film plate 20 and the second film plate 40, respectively.

Abstract: A multiposition microswitch that includes a cavity, a mobile portion made of a deformable material extending above the cavity, at least three conductive tracks extending on the cavity bottom, and a contact pad on the lower surface of the mobile part. The mobile part is capable of deforming, under the action of a stressing mechanism, from an idle position where the contact pad is distant from the conductive tracks to an on position from among several distinct on positions. The contact pad electrically connects, in each distinct on position, at least two of the at least three conductive tracks, at least one of the conductive tracks connected to the contact pad in each distinct on position being different from the conductive tracks connected to the contact pad in the other distinct on positions.

Abstract: A keypad with both elevated and non-elevated key regions, and key switches disposed beneath both types of key regions. The non-elevated key regions each provide corresponding character output based on an operation algorithm that considers activation of at least one adjacent elevated key region as well as activation of the switch below the non-elevated key region. The keypad includes a keymat that is rigidly held at its perimeter in a stretched condition across a switch substrate. The key switches include metal snap domes that have an elevated central region forming a downwardly facing cavity defined at its edge by a ridge disposed above the switch contacts that electrically engages multiple switch contacts in an annular contact zone.

Abstract: An elastic-cup support for keyboard is in the form of a flat locating sheet located on a membrane-type switch circuit board of the keyboard, and provided at positions corresponding to membrane-type switches on the circuit board with receiving holes for separately receiving an elastic cup therein. Each of the receiving holes is provided with an upward projected wall portion to confine the elastic cup to the receiving hole. The wall portion is optionally provided with at least one notch having a lug radially inward extended therefrom, such that the elastic cup confined by the wall portion is also pressed against the at least one lug to fixedly located in the receiving hole on the flat locating sheet. Alternatively, the wall portion may be provided at an upper edge with at least one radially inward projected lug to prevent the elastic cup from separating from the receiving hole.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a keypad (25) for an electronic device including a plurality of fingers (26,27,28) having a splayed open configuration and a plurality of keys (31) on each finger (26,27,28). The fingers (26,27,28) are moved into a closed configuration when the keypad 25 is installed in said electronic device such that a key (31) on at least one finger (26,27,28) is positioned in close proximity or is contiguous to a key (31) on an adjacent finger (26,27,28).

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) switch (10, 110) has an electrode (22, 122) covered by a dielectric layer (23, 123), and has a flexible conductive membrane (31, 131) which moves between positions spaced from and engaging the dielectric layer. At least one of the membrane and dielectric layer has a textured surface (138) that engages the other thereof in the actuated position. The textured surface reduces the area of physical contact through which electric charge from the membrane can tunnel into and become trapped within the dielectric layer. This reduces the amount of trapped charge that could act to latch the membrane in its actuated position, which in turn effects a significant increase in the operational lifetime of the switch.

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: In a flexible switch, a circuit member having an electrode is provided on a adhesive sheet. A spacer sheet, having a through hole situated so as to correspond to the electrode on the circuit member, is provided on the circuit member. A front sheet, having a projected portion, is provided on the spacer sheet, in which a contact portion provided on an inner face of the projected portion is brought into contact with the electrode through the through hole in the circuit member when the projected portion is depressed. At least one of the adhesive sheet, the circuit member, the spacer sheet, and the front sheet has flexibility.

Abstract: A switch sheet and switch utilizing the switch sheet are provided, wherein the switch sheet utilizes a dome shaped spring, and is structured such that the dome shaped spring can be definitively clicked in the center part and operate effectively even when the dome shaped spring is miniaturized. In addition to having long-lasting, superior durability, this switch sheet provides an improved click ratio enabling miniature devices with a good clicking sensation to be achieved. This switch sheet comprises a dome shaped spring, resin sheeting adhered to the external surface of this dome shaped spring via an adhesive agent, and a rigid member positioned on the outside of this resin sheeting, having a downward facing protrusion part formed to oppose the center part of said dome shaped spring.

Abstract: A switch device comprises a first rubber switch having a dome provided with a movable contact on an inner ceiling; a second rubber switch having a dome provided with a movable contact on an inner ceiling; a plate spring mounted in a fixed manner onto a holder; a coil spring urged to a direction to space a slider away from a printed board; engagement sections for giving click feelings which are provided on the plate spring; engagement sections to be engaged with the aforementioned engagement sections for giving click feelings; and a pressing force absorbing section provided on the first rubber switch to absorb a pressing force from the slider.

Abstract: The present invention includes a new dome contact construction having an integral insulative layer that is precisely cut and aligned with the dome contact mechanism during fabrication. Prior to feeding the metal sheets or strips into the equipment for stamping and cutting the dome contact using the conventional method, a die cut layer of film is applied to one side of the sheet or strip. The film is cut into the shape of the desired insulative layer in the finished switch product and has periodic openings that correspond to the areas of the dome contact that are required to be uncovered both to provide electrical conductivity as a part of the proper function of the switch. The sheet of metal, including the laminate film, is cooled to a temperature near freezing to facilitate clean stamping of the laminated feedstock during the stamping process and is then fed into the forming and cutting press where the domes are formed and stamped.

Abstract: Switch arrays such as keyboards are described. The switch arrays may include an array of dome spring elements. Each dome spring element may define a chamber, and a plurality of channels may interconnect the chambers of the dome spring elements such that each chamber of each dome spring element is in fluid communication with the chamber of at least one of the other dome spring elements. The array of dome spring elements may provide a hermetic seal to the bottom side of individual dome spring elements to avoid the sticky key phenomenon. The switch arrays may also include alignments elements. For example, the alignment elements may include hook-like elements that engage one another to define a distance of travel for switches in the switch arrays.

Abstract: An EL sheet is used as a back light of an operating section of various electronic apparatuses. The EL sheet generates a stable click feel and is easily processed. A switch employing the EL sheet is also provided. An EL element layer is not formed at a bent section or its vicinity around a root section of a diaphragm. Only conductive patterns, which are coupled to a light-transmissible electrode layer and a back electrode layer respectively, are formed there. Instead of the conductive patterns, insulating film can be exposed there.

Abstract: A dome switch includes a front sheet (22) which protrudes outside and can be reversed inside and has dome-shaped protuberances (27), each protuberance having an electrode provided therein; an FPC (24) serving as a circuit member having contact points (32), the electrodes of the protuberances being brought into contact when the protuberances (27) are reversed; and a spacer sheet (23) for preventing occurrence of deformation of the front sheet (22) which is to be interposed between the front sheet (22) and the FPC (24) and has through holes (29) formed therein for ensuring contact between the electrodes and the contact points (32). The spacer sheet (23) is caused to act also as a member for ensuring a stroke dimension of the protuberance (27).

Abstract: A compact, thinned and water-tightened combined switch, is structured by a single switch comprising a front sheet having a domed projection which can be reversed to the back side and is provided at the back side with an electrode, an electric circuit body having an electric contact to contact with the electrode and a domed convex portion provided in the vicinity of the center of the domed projection. In operation process, firstly the projection is reversed and an electrode provided near the periphery of the convex portion contacts with the electric contact on the electric circuit body and secondly an electrode provided in the vicinity of the center of the domed convex portion contacts with the electric contact on the electric circuit body.

Abstract: A light illuminating type switch with a good click rate and having a desired click characteristic near to that of a single member of a metal dome. Fixed contacts 7a are provided on a base sheet 7. On an upper side of the base sheet 7, a dome shaped movable contact 8 capable of electrically connecting the fixed contacts 7a on the base sheet by being elastically deformed is arranged. The surface of the dome shaped movable contact 8 is attached with a flexible EL sheet E by using adhering agents 9a and 9b via an insulating member 6 over a peripheral portion of the dome shaped movable contact 8. The EL sheet E is formed with cut portions 10 partially at positions along an outer peripheral edge of the dome shaped movable contact 8. At least a pair of the cut portions 10 are formed at symmetrical positions centering on the movable contact 8.

Abstract: A membrane switch fixes click springs at fixed positions and largely reduces the damage caused by dust and moisture affecting contact points. The membrane switch includes fixed contact points on a circuit board made from a film of resin material such as polyester. A movable contact point member is made of semi-spherical metal click spring touching the contact points. An insulation sheet is adhered to the circuit board including the click spring, characterized by a continuous air path connected to a portion of the click spring, which is formed as a portion where no adhesive material is placed, between the insulating sheet adhered to the top face of the click spring. The continuous air path is connected to the openings formed between an edge of the insulation sheet and an edge of the circuit board.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a low-noise key switch for computer appliances is disclosed. An embodiment of the key switch includes a cap, at least one elastic element, a supporter, a switch, and a base. The cap has a top surface, a bottom surface, and a bottom edge surface. The elastic element is disposed on the bottom edge surface. The supporter supports the cap to perform a movement relative to the base. The switch, responsive to the movement of the cap, selectively turns on. When the cap moves toward the base, the elastic element approaches the base prior to the cap hits the base. Therefore, the impact of the cap toward the base is absorbed by the elastic element leading to the reduction of noise when the key switch is activated.

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.