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

Abstract: A push-on switch includes an insulating resin case 21 which contains a main body 24, a central fixed contact point 22 and an outer fixed contact point 23 fixed on the back wall of a front-open recess 21A; a domed movable contact 27; and an operating body 29 supported by a cover 30. The case 21 has an overhang 25, which stretches horizontally from the case in the upper part to be of a size greater than the size of main body 24. The overhang 25 is provided with terminals 26 electrically coupled with the central fixed contact point 22 and the outer fixed contact point 23, respectively. In the above-configured switch, the constituent parts are simplyformed, and can be manufactured through easy mold machining or other processing methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control device for a contactor, in particular for scrolling through a menu which allows appliances in a motor vehicle to be controlled.

Abstract: A contact device includes a first insulating film having a dome and a planar surface surrounding the dome. A contact electrode is formed on an inner surface of the dome. A detection circuit is located over a second insulating film. The detection circuit detects an electric contact between the contact electrode and the detection circuit. An electroluminescent layer is formed on the planar surface, where the electroluminescent layer does not overlap over the contact electrode and is formed on the planar surface without being formed on the dome.

Abstract: A switch that provides a stable contact and a superior feeling of operation despite the small profile. Its movable contact point 15 comprises a round dome section 15A, a flat section 15C formed by cutting a side alley 17B for a certain specific length and a connection section 15B provided at the outer circumference of the round dome section 15A for connecting the two items 15A and 15C together. On an insulating substrate 11, a first fixed contact point 12 is provided in an area underneath the round dome section 15A, while a second fixed contact point 13 is provided under the flat section 15C always keeping contact therewith.

Abstract: A switch device turns ON and OFF the contact pattrns of a switch substrate by pressing an operating button and turning the turning plate section of an operating rubber member serving as a switch operating rubber member. The turning plate section is turnably supported on a substrate section by a hinge section, and the periphery of the turning plate section other than the hinge section is coupled with the substrate section by a thin film section. The operating button presses the turning plate section at a position near the hinge section. An electrically conductive rubber, which comes into contact with the contact pattern under pressure, is bonded to the turning plate section at a position distanced from the position at which the operating button presses the turning plate. As a result, the operating stroke distance of the switch can be decreased, and also the thickness of a switch mechanical unit can be reduced in the stroke direction.

Abstract: To make spherical shape of the terminal end of extruding part of a push-button switch to press a curved contact portion composed of a metal belleville spring and a resin film dome. In addition, the gate injecting mouth 4 for thermoplastic material 3 is opened in the side surface of the extruding part 2 or in the side projection made in a mold to inject the resin material in order to make molding of spherical shape of the terminal end of extruding part 2 of a push-button switch possible. By this structure, the present invention can provide a sheet-like key top having improved clicking touch and preventing break of a contact portion by residual stress.

Abstract: A compact, low-cost pad pointing device with improved performance, reliability and durability, having an integrated selection switch, that can be used as a cursor pointing device and selection mechanism for computers, remote controls, web TV, TV guide browsers, video games, consumer electronics, industrial controllers, medical, automotive and other applications. A contact surface can be deflected to positions on an electrical medium that results in the generation of speed and direction signals while a selection switch may be simultaneously activated through the same control element.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly capable of protecting the circuit membrane or other internal circuitry in the keyboard from being damaged by water flowing in from the key seats and from the bolt holes.The keyboard assembly of the invention utilizes a water-resistant sheet, which covers the circuit membrane mounted on the base of the keyboard body and is surrounded by a sealing flange.

Abstract: A switch apparatus (12) includes a substrate (20) of a resilient material having a first surface (40), with a channel (44 or 46) formed through the substrate to define a flex portion (48) of the substrate. At least part of the flex portion (48) of the substrate (20) is movable relative to the substrate between a first position and a second position. A layer of an elastic material (62) is disposed over at least a substantial portion of the first surface (40) of the substrate (20). The layer of elastic material urges the flex portion (48) to the first position of the flex portion. A switch element (53) is operatively associated with the flex portion (48) of the substrate (20) and has an electrical condition which varies as a function of the position of the flex portion.

Abstract: A push button which is employed in a control panel includes button body, a pushing finger, and a core. The button body has hollow space formed at an inner portion thereof and a bellows portion formed around a side portion thereof. The pushing finger protrudes upwardly from an outer surface of an upper end portion of the button body for receiving a pushing force. The core is retained in the hollow space, and fixed at an inner surface of the closed upper end portion. When the bellows portion of the button body is elastically compressed by a pushing force, an other end portion of the core is protruded from the lower end portion of the button body, and when the pushing force is removed from the pushing finger, the other end portion of the core is retained in the hollow space.

Abstract: In a panel switch movable contact body, and a panel switch using the movable contact body, the upwardly curved upper surface of a dome-shape movable contact 1 made of a thin elastic metal plate is bonded to a sheet 12 of insulating film whose lower surface is coated with an adhesive agent 12A, and the opening of the dome-shaped movable contact 1 is closed with a separator 13 which is bonded to the adhesive surface of the sheet 12. Hence, the panel switch movable contact body, and the panel using the latter is small in the number of components, and low in manufacturing cost, and can be assembled with high efficiency.

Abstract: A depression actuated switch which is suitable for achieving a reduction thickness and which does not easily malfunction even when an end depressing operation is performed thereon includes: a driving member 4 having a depressing portion 4a and a mounting portion 4b which are connected together by an elastic portion 4c that is elastically deformable during operation; a sheet-like flexible member 2 to the lower surface of which the mounting portion 4b of the driving member 4 is attached; a cushion member 3 which is positioned so as to surround the driving member 4, to the upper surface of which the sheet-like flexible member 2 is glued and which is more liable to be elastically deformed than the sheet-like flexible member 2; a click spring 5 which is arranged below the depressing portion 4a of the driving member 4 and which generates a tactile click feel when it flips over; and a membrane switch 6 arranged below this click spring 5 and which effects conduction between contacts by the click spring 5 which has fl

Abstract: The push button switch covering assembly of the invention comprises a push button switch covering member made from a transparent rubbery material and a clicking member with a clicking diaphragm below the covering member which imparts the operator's finger tip with a sharp feeling of clicking when the key top of the covering member is depressed.

Abstract: An improved membrane switch includes multiple detents. A pair of electric circuits are completed by the membrane switch. The switch includes the pair of open electric circuits, three flexing areas, and two membrane contacts. Normally the flexing areas bias the membrane contacts out of contact with the electric circuits. When a first actuation force is applied to the membrane, the intermediate flexing area flexes allowing the first circuit to be complete by the first membrane contacts. When a second actuation force is applied to the membrane, the center and outer flexing areas flex allowing the second circuit to be completed by the second membrane contacts. The inventive membrane switch provides the operator with a clear indication and a detent feel for each of the two circuits.

Abstract: A low cost self-leveling keyswitch 10 having a keytop 32 with an elongated keycap 34 that extends in a major direction. The keytop 32 has an off-set keystem 36 that is slidably mounted in a keystem bearing 26. The keytop 32 has a self-leveling projection 42 that extends downward, spaced from the keystem 36. Both the keystem 36 and the projection 42 are on opposite sides of the central axis 33 and engage an elongated plateau portion 66 of an elastomeric dome return spring 60. The elongated direction of the plateau portion is the same as the elongated direction of the keycap 34. The elongated dome return spring 60 in conjunction with the self-leveling protection 42 minimize any wobble or tilting of the keytop 32 as the keytop 32 is depressed independently of the location of the depression force. The effective size of the projection 42 is preferably more than 50% of the effective area of the elongated dome return spring 60.

Abstract: The invention includes a mechanism for multi-dome switch having first, second, third and fourth collapsible dome structures. An elongated action bar extends across and bridges a pair of collapsible dome structures. The action bar, each have a top surface and a bottom surface. A notch is formed in the top surface closer to one of the dome structures. Engagement nubs extend downwardly from the bottom surface of the action bar near both ends and are positioned to be received in a respective depression formed on the top surface of the collapsible dome. A switch pedal is positioned for pivotal movement between a first and second forward positions, and a first and second backward (rear) positions.

Abstract: Portable electronic devices, such as notebook computers, are provided with the capability of a low profile and light weight keyboard, allowing greater reduction in the size and weight of portable computers without compromising the functionality. In specific embodiments, the present invention provides laptops, notebooks, and sub-notebooks with a low profile keyboard having a polymer top surface. In an embodiment of the invention, a structural rib 214 surrounds at least some portion of the key to advantageously provide a firm offset of the key top from the circuit board 206 for increased key travel over prior art designs. In another embodiment of the present invention, the keyboard key includes alignment pistons 218 affixed to the flexible key layer 202 and extend into holes in the circuit board 206 to provide advantages such as keeping the key's top surface flat, preventing the key from tilting or collapsing on only one or two sides.

Abstract: A keypad is provided wherein the keys are sealingly mounted in keyholes provided in a housing by means of a key mount which centers each key and seals the space between each key and the edge of its keyhole. The key mount also provides an electrical contact which is brought into engagement with underlying circuitry in response to depression of a key. The key mount also resiliently mounts the key within the keyhole so after depression of the key the key mount returns the key to its initial position in which the contact is spaced from the circuitry.

Abstract: A weatherproof electronic keypad includes a molded plastic housing, a plurality of transducers attached to the inside surface of the front wall of the housing, an electronic circuit mounted within the housing and connected to the transducers, and a graphics overlay removably affixed to the outside surface of the front wall of the housing. The front wall and overlay are sufficiently flexible that finger pressure applied to the overlay results in enough deformation of the front wall to activate the transducer underlying that portion of the inside surface. The overlay contains indicia which identify the location and function of the transducers. The overlay need not be attached to the housing as a part of manufacturing the keypad, but rather can be added in situ as part of installation of the keypad. This enables customized selection of a particular overlay in accordance with aesthetic and/or functional considerations, as well as replacement of the overlay in the field if necessary.

Abstract: There is disclosed a push button switch which comprises rubber contacts each including a contact portion (311), a flared portion (312) formed integrally with the periphery of the contact portion (311), and a ring-shaped portion (313) formed integrally with a lower end of the flared portion (312) and disposed on a printed board (1) wherein the following relation is satisfied: 0.3.ltoreq.d/a.ltoreq.0.7, 4.ltoreq.d/t.ltoreq.6, 1.0.ltoreq.d/h.ltoreq.1.4, 150.degree..ltoreq..theta..ltoreq.165.degree., 1.5.ltoreq.h.ltoreq.3 where t is the thickness of the flared portion (312), d is the length of the flared portion (312), a is an inner diameter of the ring-shaped portion (313), .theta. is an opening angle formed by an inner side surface of the flared portion (312) and a top surface of the printed board (1), and h is the distance between a bottom surface of a conductor (32) and the top surface of the printed board (1).

Abstract: A thin switch includes, (a) a rectangular insulating substrate, (b) a unitary fixed contact member comprising a T-shaped conductive thin-metal including a fixed contact, a first terminal, and a first conductive part therebetween, and (c) a movable contact member including a unitary elastic and T-shaped conductive thin-metal including a domed contact, a second terminal, and a second conductive part therebetween. The fixed contact member is placed so that the fixed contact is located roughly at the center of a surface of the insulating substrate and the first terminal is located at one edge of the insulating substrate. The first terminal is attached to the insulating substrate. The movable contact member is placed so that the domed contact is located over the fixed contact and the second terminal is located at the opposite edge of the insulating substrate. The second terminal is attached to the insulating substrate.

Abstract: An electrical switch assembly has a resilient dual detent dome carrying concentric electrically conducting pellets which sequentially contact conductive ends of traces on a printed circuit board in response to partial and full depression of the dome. The dome is designed to provide a first tactile feel when the first pellet contacts the circuit board and then a snap action tactile feel when the second pellet engages the circuit board.

Abstract: A low-profile keyboard (5) each switch (3) having a dished keybutton (3) held upward by a rubber dome (49) and having ribs (55) which depress extension (43 and 31) which carry electrical traces (45 and 33) to activate the switch. The assembly is mounted on post (15). A lower recess (21) permits excess travel to a quiet stop. The rubber sheet (47) provides spill resistance.

Abstract: A keytop sheet of a push-button switch includes a keytop, which is made of synthetic resin, molded on a sheet of resin film. A portion of the film sheet surrounding the portion thereof on which the keytop is molded is provided with a curved projection protruding in a downward and/or upward direction from the surface of the film sheet. Alternatively, a cut-out separates the portion of the film sheet on which the keytop is molded from the remainder of the film sheet while leaving a hinge portion, and a nameplate through which the keytop passes is attached to the film sheet so as to over the cut-out and hinge portion of the film sheet. The nameplate may have an outer diameter greater than that of the film sheet, and a frame made of synthetic resin is fixed to an underside of the film sheet on an outer peripheral portion thereof. The outer peripheral portion of the nameplate is bent and fixed to an outer peripheral side surface of the frame.

Abstract: An electrical switch assembly is disclosed to include a housing mounting a pair of spaced switches. A rocker actuator is rockably mounted for movement relative to the housing about a rotational axis between the spaced switches, and with wing portions of the actuator on opposite sides of the rotational axis provided for alternatingly actuating the pair of switches. The rocker actuator is a one-piece component and includes a relatively stiff rocker arm rockable about the rotational axis, a connecting flange projecting outwardly from the periphery of the rocker arm, and an integral flexible intermediate wall joining the rocker arm and the connecting flange. The flexible intermediate wall supports the rocker arm in a neutral position. However, the rocker arm flexes the intermediate wall when the rocker arm is rotated about the axis in either opposite direction from the neutral position to alternate actuating positions.

Abstract: A key switch and resilient actuator assembly that includes an electrical switching region and a hollow open ended actuator cover of elastomeric material overlaying the switching region with the open end of the actuator cover in surrounding relationship with the switching region. The actuator cover includes a first wall portion shaped to provide substantially linear resistive force during compression displacement of the cover toward the switching region and to provide substantially linear restoring force during expansion displacement of the actuator cover away from the switching region. The actuator cover further includes a second wall portion shaped to undergo buckling toward the switching region at a predetermined compression displacement and to undergo unbuckling away from the switching region at a predetermined expansion displacement that is smaller in total displacement than the predetermined compression displacement.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a panel switch comprises of the steps of respectively mixing first and second adhesives which have no adhesive quality at a room temperature and have adhesive quality at a moderate temperature, printing an upper contacting point on one side of an upper sheet, printing the first adhesive on one side of the upper sheet to surround he upper contacting point, transforming the upper contacting point in a hemisphere form swelling toward the upper sheet;, printing a lower contacting point on one side of a lower sheet, printing the second adhesive on another side of the lower sheet, assembling a reinforcing plate, the lower sheet and the upper sheet in that order for the upper contacting point to face the lower contacting point, and simultaneously heating both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer. In this case, the upper sheet is adhered to the lower sheet through the first adhesive, and the lower sheet is adhered to the reinforcing plate through the second adhesive.

Abstract: A circuit unit is used in an electronic instrument having a key-pad arrangement, such as a portable telephone, and comprises a printed circuit board, a flexible switch circuit sheet attached to the printed circuit board and having a plurality of switch pads arranged thereon, and at least one circuit pattern formed in the flexible switch circuit sheet so as to construct a switch circuit together with the switch pads. The circuit pattern includes a plurality of line sections extended between the switch pads, and a plurality of terminals provided along a peripheral edge of the flexible switch circuit sheet for establishing an electrical connection between the printed circuit board and the flexible switch circuit sheet.

Abstract: There is disclosed a housing for a thin, flat display screen such as a liquid crystal display. The housing is formed of components comprising a front housing section having a front panel with an opening for exposing the screen of a flat screen device placed within the housing and a rear cover therefor which includes a hinged attachment to the front housing section which is recessed and inaccessible from the exterior of the closed housing. The assembly of front housing section and rear cover is secured with tangs carried on the lower rear edges of these components. The housing is adapted to be mounted in the chair arm of a passenger seat of commercial airliners, and includes a mounting bracket permitting it to be stowed within the chair arm when not in use. In this application it is essential that the housing have an outer covering of impact absorbing material to protect passengers from injury upon impact against the housing. It is also important that the housing be tamper and intrusion proof.

Abstract: A push switch is capable of performing a first switching operation and subsequently a second switching operation when a pressing force is applied to the switch. The push switch includes (a) an insulating membrane having at least one dome with at least a portion thereof overlaid by or serving as an inner conductor and at least a portion of its outer periphery overlaid by or serving as an outer conductor, (b) an insulating substrate having thereupon an inner pole contact disposed at a position opposing to the inner conductor and an outer pole contact disposed at a position opposing to the outer conductor, respectively, and (c) a spacer placed between the insulating membrane and the insulating substrate for spacing the conductor apart from the pole contacts during the time when no pressing force is applied to the switch.

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 pushbutton switch having a frustoconical switch cap of plastic, which acts as a restoring element, is proposed, which switch cap permits a very exact switching operation in comparison with known switch caps of rubber or silicone. In order to achieve optimum switching characteristics with defined switching displacements and forces, a thermoplastic elastomer is used which, as a block copolymer, has special properties regarding the flexibility of the switch cap. In this case, the material selection and dimensions of the switch cap determine the special properties of the pushbutton switch.

Abstract: A click-action membrane switch unit comprises a flexible base film having two surfaces, flexible circuits formed on at least one of the two surfaces of the base film and having interdigitating electrode contacts, a resist film formed on the flexible circuits and having a window in the region of the electrode contacts, a dome-shaped click spring made of electrically conducting material and having an edge placed on the circuits, and a layer fixed to the other surface of the base film and having an opening formed in the portion of the layer which aligns with the click spring.

Abstract: A panel switch for use in electronic apparatus and a method for making same, the panel switch employing a diaphragm whereby the operator turns on the switch with a feeling of security. To locate a diaphragm, a sheet having an adhesive layer on one side is used instead of a conventional spacer, and the diaphragm is secured to an insulated substrate with the sheet. The non-use of the spacer saves cost and labor, thereby producing panel switches more economically.

Abstract: A keyswitch assembly is provided with a scissors-type lever positioned over a rubber spring having the shape resembling an asymmetrical inverted cup. The thickness of a portion of the side wall of the rubber spring on one side is greater than the thickness of a side wall on the opposed side of the rubber spring. Also, the top surface of the rubber spring is inclined so that the height of a portion of the outer surface of the upper wall of the rubber spring nearer to one side of the lever is smaller than that of the height of the spring nearer to the other side of the lever.

Abstract: A switch comprising a printed circuit board, including at least two conductive paths arranged in a predetermined pattern on a first surface of the printed circuit board; a depressible elastomeric actuation structure connected to the printed circuit board and having a conductive contact constructed and arranged so that it establishes contact with and between each conductive path of the printed circuit board upon depression of the actuation structure; a pair of conductors connecting the conductive paths to an external electronic apparatus; and a mounting assembly to mount the printed circuit board to an external surface.

Abstract: A push button switch includes an elastic sheet member serving as a stopper of an operation member and an elastic projection. When the operation member abuts with the projection, it is elastically deformed to absorb abutment impact to thereby cost effectively reduce noise when the push button switch is operated. A key switch includes a torsion bar, a key top and, an elastic sheet member having a projection. The play of a torsion bar at a bearing portion and at a coupling portion of the torsion bar with the key top is eliminated through a pushing force by the elastic sheet member having a projection, to thereby reduce noise and prevent trapping of a key stem by another component, when the key switch is operated.

Abstract: As a preferred embodiment, a computer keyboard dome sheet is illustrated in the figures showing a extruded sheet 30 with an elongated body 32 with parallel extruded ridges 44 corresponding to the keyboard rows 16a-16f. Apertures or cutouts are formed in the ridges 46 at desired intervals between the key positions to form individual ridge domes 48 having parallel front and rear walls 54 and 56 that are collapsible to bring a switch actuating keel 66, 92 into engagement with the switch structure to actuate an electrical switch to indicate that the key switch has been depressed.

Abstract: A membrane keyboard producing audible and tactile responses when individual character keys are depressed. To facilitate typing efficiency, the keyboard has membrane characters keys with different transverse heights and adjustable sensory responses.

Abstract: Push-button device includes a plurality of movably disposed keys and an elastic switching pad having a plurality of domes. Each dome is disposed adjacent to and is engagable by one of the plurality of keys and a dome contact disposed on each dome. A conductor foil having a plurality of contacts is provided, each conductor foil contact being arranged for contacting one of the dome contacts when one of the keys is moved. A printed circuit board having upper and lower faces is arranged near the contact foil. A spacer member disposed between the upper face of the printed circuit board and the conductor foil defines an electrical component receiving space, and there is a plurality of electrical components located on the upper face in the electrical component receiving space.

Abstract: In the tactile effect switch and a keyboard using such a switch, the tactile effect is obtained by combining a snap acting switch and the deformation of a stud, axially deformable under compression, which is integrally formed on a membrane made from a resilient material disposed on a support plate and which provides a resilient connection between a key and the switch in the manner of a pusher.

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated switching device comprises a pneumatic bulb including a base plate for anchoring the bulb by frictional contact with surfaces in contact therewith. The base plate further having pneumatic seal about an outer periphery thereof, and an actuator dome having a convexly extended pneumatic activation wall supported by an outer peripheral annular rim engaged with the base plate for pneumatic sealing with the seal to define a pneumatic pump chamber. The bulb further including a conduct for conducting a quantity of air pressurized by operation of the dome and, electrically conductive switch responsive to the discharge of a volume of air pressurized by the pneumatic bulb for producing a corresponding electrical signal.

Abstract: A push button switch includes an elastic sheet member serving as a stopper of an operation member and an elastic projection. When the operation member abuts with the projection, it is elastically deformed to absorb abutment impact to thereby cost effectively reduce noise when the push button switch is operated. A key switch includes a torsion bar, a key top and, an elastic sheet member having a projection. The play of a torsion bar at a bearing portion and at a coupling portion of the torsion bar with the key top is eliminated through a pushing force by the elastic sheet member having a projection, to thereby reduce noise and prevent trapping of a key stem by another component, when the key switch is operated.

Abstract: A switch including a springy metallic sheet having a plurality of integrally formed domed members, and a force removing or absorbing element provided within the sheet. The domed members are provided by pressing at a plurality of predetermined positions of the sheet. The force removing or absorbing element includes first slits provided at the peripheral portions of the domed members and second slits provided within the domed members. The slits are provided for removing or absorbing the force caused by the movements of the domed members and for preventing the influence of force to adjacent key portions, and/or for controlling the operating load upon the top of the domed member.

Abstract: A momentary contact switch suitable for use in an electrical keyboard has cylindrical projections projecting from a baseplate with axial bores into which projections of the keys fit and by which are guided and retained. A resilient boot interposed between each key and the baseplate and surrounding the cylindrical projections bears against the underside of the key to keep its switch unclosed except when force is applied to an actuation surface of the key. A movable contact internal to the boot is transported by actuation of the key to make electrical contact with a fixed contact adjacent the cylindrical projection. In a preferred embodiment the fixed and movable contacts both have the shape of a ring and encircle the cylindrical projection. The movable contact in the preferred embodiment further is formed on a resilient surface of the boot.

Abstract: A membrane keyboard is comprised of a dielectric substrate and an overlying deflectable membrane layer separated by a spacer. A plurality of contact poles are located on the dielectric substrate with an electrically conductive common contact area located on the flexible membrane. A portion of the flexible membrane is locally stiffened and, in a preferred embodiment, provided with a ridge extending away from a portion of the membrane towards the contact poles. Upon actuation of the switch, the stiffened portion of the membrane ensures simultaneity of contact between the common contact area on the membrane and the contact poles on the substrate. Preferred embodiments utilize a generally circular ridge in the deflectable membrane cooperating with interdigitated contact poles.

Abstract: A key for printed circuit boards comprises an electrically conductive snap disk embedded in a recess in a spacer layer between a cover foil and a board coated with printed conductors. The key is used as an opener key with a pressing point, to which end, the snap disc has contact tabs and, offset therefrom tension tabs. The tension tabs are fixed to the board with biasing in order to produce the necessary contact pressure in the unactuated state. Each contact tabs has a shoulder which is curved towards the board and which upon actuation of the snap disk bears on the board and, with increasing actuating force, reduces the contact force (Fc) of the contact tab until the contact surface disengages. Disengagement of the contact surfaces and the passage through the pressure point or peak value for the actuating force (Fa) occurs at the same deformation travel (d) of the snap disk.

Abstract: A touch contact switch having a plane contact arrangement has a cover of elastic material covering the contact arrangement. Contacting in the contacting arrangement takes place only after a deliberate force P' has been applied which causes a partial surface in the switch to arch in the direction of operation of the switch and to cause contacting in the contacting arrangement.

Abstract: A multiple electrical switch comprising a casing, a control knob supported on the top edge of the casing for tiltable movement in four directions, a retainer horizontally mounted within the casing and a conversion knob tiltably supported by the retainer and having an upper portion projecting through the central aperture of the control knob. Upper and lower base plates are disposed on respective opposite sides of the retainer, with each of the upper and lower base plates defining a printed circuit board and having a plurality of fixed connecting contacts. The switch further comprise an insulating elastic sheet having a central portion for covering the upper portion of the conversion knob and opposite side peripheral portions for covering respective top surfaces of the upper base plate and each portion including a swell including a movable connecting contact corresponding to a respective one of the plurality of fixed connecting contacts of the upper base plate.