Abstract: Electrical input devices can be produced using a multi-material 3D-printing process. The electrical input devices can include a non-conductive material portion and a conductive material portion. The non-conductive and conductive material portions are integrally formed during a single 3D-printing process. Deformation of the electrical input devices cause an electrical variance of the conductive material portion that is responsive to the deformation. Some electrical input devices described provide digital responses, and some electrical input devices described provide analog responses. The described techniques can be used to manufacture complex finished devices in a single 3D-print run, and, in some examples, without the need for post-processing or assembly.

Abstract: A switch device includes a substrate provided with at least one first contact and including at least one through hole, and a contact rubber, being an elastic sheet covering the substrate, provided with a dome-shaped cavity configured to make a second contact portion including a second contact corresponding to the first contact elastically deformable to be capable of contacting to and separating from the first contact, a vent cavity portion provided corresponding to the through hole, and an air groove communicating with the cavity and the vent cavity portion between the substrate and the elastic sheet. The air groove includes a non-linear path.

Abstract: A switch device includes a substrate having at least one fixed contact and an inflow/outflow section provided with at least one through-hole, and a rubber contact to cover the substrate. The rubber contact includes at least one moving section disposed facing the respective at least one fixed contact, the moving section elastically deforming such that moving contacts corresponding to the respective fixed contacts are capable of contacting/separating, an in/out section disposed facing the inflow/outflow section and configured to form a space with the inflow/outflow section, a flow path section configured to form a flow path to connect the in/out section and the at least one moving section, and at least one chamber section having a space larger than a space occupying along representative length of the flow path section on a portion of the flow path section, and having strength such that a shape of the space is maintained.

Abstract: A membrane digital analog switch includes an input button surface adapted to receive an input pressure from a user, and a digital switch positioned below the input button surface to generate a digital switch activation signal when the received pressure on the input button surface is greater than or equal to a specified digital pressure threshold. The membrane digital analog switch also includes an analog switch adapted to generate an analog switch activation signal when the received pressure on the input button surface is greater than or equal to a specified analog pressure threshold. The specified analog pressure threshold is greater than the specified digital pressure threshold, the digital switch activation signal is a binary digital signal, and the analog switch activation signal is variable and corresponds to an analog sensed value of the received pressure on the input button surface.

Abstract: A touch pad module suitable for an electronic device is provided. The touch pad module includes a circuit board and a trigger element. The circuit board includes a recessed area. The trigger element is disposed on the circuit board and covers the recessed area. When the trigger element deforms by an external force, at least a part of the trigger element is located in the recessed area.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a stiffener having a plurality of recesses defined therein, a flexible printed circuit defining a plurality of venting holes, each venting hole in correspondence with one of the plurality of recesses, and a dome sheet provided on top of the flexible printed circuit and including a plurality of domes, each of the domes in correspondence with one of the plurality of venting holes.

Abstract: A multilayer wire array having an upper layer having a series wires arranged in an equally spaced, parallel relationship and a series of internal layers located in a spatial arrangement below the upper layer. Each internal layer is similar to the upper layer, wherein each internal layer is oriented preferably perpendicularly to the adjacent layers. The upper layer is provided in electrical connectivity with a power source. Each subsequent layer is provided in electrical communication with a sensing device. Pressure is applied to the wire array, wherein the pressure distorts the layers causing electrical communication between contacting wires. The connectivity provides an output that is sensed by the sensing device and subsequently analyzed to determine the location and any respective movement of the pressure applied to the array. The output data can be used as a pointing device for a computer, a user identity device, and a security device.

Abstract: A dome switch can include a dome mounted to a circuit board and secured by a sheet constructed from a material that is impermeable to air. To allow air enclosed by a volume between the dome and the circuit board to be expelled when the dome is depressed, the sheet can include at least one venting hole through which air can flow to the environment of the switch. To prevent contaminants from accessing the volume between the dome and the circuit board through the at least one venting hole, the dome switch can include a membrane positioned over the venting hole. The membrane can be constructed from a material that is permeable to air, but impermeable to contaminants. In some cases, the membrane can be constructed from a mesh material.

Abstract: Input device adhesive techniques are described. A pressure sensitive key includes a sensor substrate having one or more conductors, a spacer layer, and a flexible contact layer. The spacer layer is disposed proximal to the sensor substrate and has at least one opening. The flexible contact layer is spaced apart from the sensor substrate by the spacer layer and configured to flex through the opening in response to an applied pressure to initiate an input. The flexible contact layer is secured to the spacer layer such that at first edge, the flexible contact layer is secured to the spacer layer at an approximate midpoint of the first edge and is not secured to the spacer along another portion of the first edge and at a second edge, the flexible contact layer is not secured to the spacer layer along an approximate midpoint of the second edge.

Abstract: A switch includes an insulative housing, a pair of first and second contacts fixed in the insulative housing and a dome-shaped moveable contact. The insulative housing includes a receiving space and a first peripheral wall located outside of the receiving space. The first and the second contacts include first and second contacting sections, respectively. The first and the second contacting sections are separated a distance from each other and exposed in the receiving space. The dome-shaped moveable contact is mounted in the receiving space under condition that the moveable contact is constantly in contact with the second contacting section while the moveable contact is alternatively driven to engage with the first contacting section so as to establish electrical connection between the first contact and the second contact. The first peripheral wall defines a sinuated air-passageway communicating the receiving space to outside.

Abstract: A switch device includes a base board having a face on which a fixed contact is provided and an elastic sheet that covers the face of the base board. The elastic sheet includes a contact dome part that covers the fixed contact to form a contact chamber, a movable contact that is provided on the contact dome part, a first recessed part that forms an air accumulating chamber, a second recessed part that forms a foreign material accumulating chamber, a guide groove that has a straight part and a circular arc part to form a guide passage for communicating the air accumulating chamber with the foreign material accumulating chamber, a nonreturn part provided inside the circular arc part, and a vent groove connected to the contact dome part and the guide groove to form a vent passage for communicating the contact chamber with the guide passage.

Abstract: A mobile electronic device has a dome switch assembly secured to the housing of the device, over a recess formed in the housing of device. The dome switch assembly has a substrate with a vent hole communicating between the recess of the housing and the space comprised between the substrate and a dome actuation portion of the dome switch assembly. Upon actuation of the dome switch assembly, air present between the dome actuation portion and the substrate flows into the recess of the housing.

Abstract: A sealed dome switch assembly is provided to allow air to flow between the interior and the exterior of the dome switch during the collapse and recovery of the resilient dome shell. The sealed dome switch assembly comprises at least one vent leading between the interior space and the exterior space of the sealed dome switch, wherein the vent is covered by a membrane that is permeable to air and resilient to liquid (e.g. water) and small particles (e.g. dirt). A vent may also be used to network the interiors of a plurality of sealed dome switches to at least one exterior entranceway that is covered by the membrane.

Abstract: A flush-mounted switch, in particular a door-opener switch, for mounting on a fastening surface, has a tubular housing and a flange which protrudes over the cover and an axially moveable button for actuating a switching member connected to the housing. The button is held in its rest position by a restoring force and can be pushed in counter to the action of this restoring force. A fastening ring affixes the door-opener switch on the fastening surface. The flange of the housing covers the fastening ring. A support ring is provided by way of which the button is lockable to the fastening ring.

Abstract: A gas releasable key structure including a base, a thin-film circuit, a key cap and an elastic structure is disclosed. The elastic structure is disposed between the key cap and the thin-film circuit and includes a cap body, a ring-shaped flange, a motion pillar and a conductor. The cap body has a first opening and a second opening. The ring-shaped flange connects an edge around the first opening. The motion pillar in the cap body has a through hole, an upper surface and a lower surface. The through hole is extended to the upper surface from the lower surface, connecting the second opening. The conductor on the lower surface has an indent and a breach that connects the through hole. When the first opening is closed, the gas inside the cap body is dissipated to the exterior via the indent, the breach, the through hole and the second opening.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of an inductive electrical sensor assembly includes a hollow housing structure defining an open space within the housing structure and a circuit board mounted in the open space. The circuit board includes an inductive sense area. A flexible metal domed spring structure is mounted over the inductive sensor area. A stem portion extends from a actuator area of the housing structure and having a distal end disposed adjacent to or in contact with the spring structure. The domed spring structure is adapted to be flexed toward the inductive sensor area by force exerted by the stem portion when a user exerts force on the actuator area, the flexing of the domed spring structure resulting in a change of inductance of the inductive sensor area which may be sensed to indicate an actuator push.

Abstract: A sealed dome switch assembly is provided to allow air to flow between the interior and the exterior of the dome switch during the collapse and recovery of the resilient dome shell. The sealed dome switch assembly comprises at least one vent leading between the interior space and the exterior space of the sealed dome switch, wherein the vent is covered by a membrane that is permeable to air and resilient to liquid (e.g. water) and small particles (e.g. dirt). A vent may also be used to network the interiors of a plurality of sealed dome switches to at least one exterior entranceway that is covered by the membrane.

Abstract: A light guide key plate includes a light guide plate (1). The light guide plate (1) has a plate body (11) with a plurality of keyholes (12). The plate body (11) is formed with flow passages (13) at one side thereof for communicating with the adjacent keyholes (12). The plate body (11) is also formed with overflow grooves (14) at one side thereof with the flow passages (13), and the overflow grooves (14) are extend inwardly from the edge of the plate body (11) and are communicated with the keyholes (12).

Abstract: A switch includes an insulative housing, a pair of first and second contacts fixed in the insulative housing and a dome-shaped moveable contact. The insulative housing includes a receiving space and a first peripheral wall located outside of the receiving space. The first and the second contacts include first and second contacting sections, respectively. The first and the second contacting sections are separated a distance from each other and exposed in the receiving space. The dome-shaped moveable contact is mounted in the receiving space under condition that the moveable contact is constantly in contact with the second contacting section while the moveable contact is alternatively driven to engage with the first contacting section so as to establish electrical connection between the first contact and the second contact. The first peripheral wall defines a sinuated air-passageway communicating the receiving space to outside.

Abstract: A sealed dome switch assembly is provided to allow air to flow between the interior and the exterior of the dome switch during the collapse and recovery of the resilient dome shell. The sealed dome switch assembly comprises at least one vent leading between the interior space and the exterior space of the sealed dome switch, wherein the vent is covered by a membrane that is permeable to air and resilient to liquid (e.g. water) and small particles (e.g. dirt). A vent may also be used to network the interiors of a plurality of sealed dome switches to at least one exterior entranceway that is covered by the membrane.

Abstract: A mobile electronic device has a dome switch assembly secured to the housing of the device, over a recess formed in the housing of device. The dome switch assembly has a substrate with a vent hole communicating between the recess of the housing and the space comprised between the substrate and a dome actuation portion of the dome switch assembly. Upon actuation of the dome switch assembly, air present between the dome actuation portion and the substrate flows into the recess of the housing.

Abstract: To substantially prevent debris from entering the internal volume of a dome switch, the dome switch can be configured to include limited or no external vents. However, to ensure that the air can be displaced and to avoid an excessively high pressure underneath the dome with the dome is inverted, the dome switch can include one or more internal regions for receiving the displaced air. In particular, the dome switch may include one or more integrated reservoirs. For example, the integrated reservoirs can be placed in a layer between a film placed over the dome and a circuit board on which the dome is placed. As another example, the integrated reservoirs can be constructed out of the plane of the circuit board.

Abstract: The present invention provides a key switch with an exhaust structure, which includes a keycap having a top surface and an inner surface with a cavity and an elastic member. The elastic member includes a protrusion and an elastic body. The protrusion is coupled with the inner surface of the keycap. A gas channel is formed between the cavity of the keycap and the protrusion of the elastic member. When an external force is applied to the top surface of the keycap to compress the elastic body, the gas within the elastic member can be exhausted through the gas channel of the elastic member.

Abstract: A sealed dome switch assembly is provided to allow air to flow between the interior and the exterior of the dome switch during the collapse and recovery of the resilient dome shell. The sealed dome switch assembly comprises at least one vent leading between the interior space and the exterior space of the sealed dome switch, wherein the vent is covered by a membrane that is permeable to air and resilient to liquid (e.g. water) and small particles (e.g. dirt). A vent may also be used to network the interiors of a plurality of sealed dome switches to at least one exterior entranceway that is covered by the membrane.

Abstract: A mobile electronic device has a dome switch assembly secured to the housing of the device, over a recess formed in the housing of device. The dome switch assembly has a substrate with a vent hole communicating between the recess of the housing and the space comprised between the substrate and a dome actuation portion of the dome switch assembly. Upon actuation of the dome switch assembly, air present between the dome actuation portion and the substrate flows into the recess of the housing.

Abstract: A packaging structure for depression switches includes an electronic substrate containing at least one switch electrode, a push-on switch located on the electronic substrate to connect the switch electrode to generate a command signal and a sealing member. The push-on switch and the electronic substrate form a first air chamber between them. The sealing member has a fastening portion to seal the push-on switch on the electronic substrate and a second air chamber formed with the electronic substrate to communicate with the first air chamber. By depressing the push-on switch to connect the switch electrode, air held in the first air chamber is squeezed and flows to the second air chamber without escaping.

Abstract: The invention discloses a membrane switch circuit and a keyswitch using such membrane switch circuit. The keyswitch comprises a deformable member, which is disposed on the membrane switch circuit. The membrane switch circuit according to the invention comprises a membrane circuit, an adhering layer, and an insulating layer. The membrane circuit thereon comprises a switch. The adhering layer is formed on the membrane circuit and surrounds the switch. The adhering layer comprises at least one gap. The insulating layer is formed on the adhering layer. The insulating layer has a hole in which the switch is exposed. A bottom of the deformable member is adhered to the insulating layer. In particular, the at least one gap covered by the bottom of the deformable member is utilized as at least one vent.

Abstract: A keyboard is disclosed comprising a rigid base member including at least a first surface; the base member including electrical circuitry structures, which structures define a plurality of connection zones on the first surface; the first surface of the base member including a plurality of grooves in order to connect at least some connection zones; a plurality of flexible, resilient domes covering said base member and being aligned with the connection zones on the first surface of the base member; the underside of each of said domes including a conductive surface that is capable of completing an electrical connection at said connection zone when said dome is deflected downwardly against said circuitry structures; wherein each connection zone communicates with at least one of said grooves in such a manner that the air present under said dome is forced into one of said grooves when said dome is deflected downwardly.

Abstract: A keypad assembly utilizes touch-detecting apparatus such as force sensors or touchpad assemblies for registering key presses. In exemplary embodiments, the keypad assembly is suitable for use in electronic devices such as a mobile telephones, calculators, hand-held computers, or the like, having single piece molded housings wherein the keypad assembly is at least partially encapsulated within the housing.

Abstract: A two-step push-on switch sequentially operates first and second switches via a movable contact plate configured by a metal plate spring and fixed by an adhesive tape onto a circuit board. A spacer is placed around the movable contact plate. A continuous or discontinuous tape-sticking face is lower than the top of a center plate portion and higher than a peripheral plate portion due to the spacer around the movable contact plate, thereby preventing the tape from sticking to the peripheral plate portion. In the tape, non-adhesive portions are formed in places opposing to parts of the peripheral plate portion of the movable contact plate excluding at least the connecting portions with the connecting plate portions respectively. When the adhesive tap makes contact with the peripheral plate portion during operation of the first switch, the adhesive tape is prevented from sticking to the peripheral plate portion.

Abstract: The keysheet module has a flexible printed circuit board formed with dome-shaped depression switches on the upper surface thereof. Each of the depression switches comprises a first fixed contact, a second fixed contact surrounding the first fixed contact, a movable contact arranged over these fixed contacts to electrically connect and disconnect the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact, and a switch holding sheet arranged on the flexible printed circuit board to cover and hold the movable contact. An insulating film of an insulating paste is formed on the flexible printed circuit board in such a way that it has air holes formed therein to release air trapped in the movable contact. The switch holding sheet is arranged over the insulating film.

Abstract: A keyboard switch with an internal air escape network, such as a series of channels or through holes, for containing air or fluid escaping from the switching cavities when a key is depressed.

Abstract: A waterproof structure is used with a printed circuit board, which is primarily composed of an upper layer membrane, a lower layer membrane, and an insulation layer, which are conjoined to one another. Besides, at least one first channel and second channel are provided on the upper layer membrane and the lower layer membrane respectively and correspondingly. Also, a pressure-adjusting hole, whose periphery is larger than that of the first channel and the second channel, is provided on the insulation layer corresponding to the positions of the first channel and the second channel. After the first channel, the second channel, and the pressure-adjusting hole of the insulation layer have been conjoined, a waterproof unit will be formed at a place where the contact points of the three are not connected to one another. The waterproof unit contains circulated air and prevents moisture from permeating into the circuit board thereby avoiding a short circuit of the circuit board.

Abstract: In a metal dome sheet to be hermetically adhered to a plurality of metal domes disposed at electrodes on a substrate and to other portions of the substrate via an adhesive layer, the present invention provides an adhesive layer removed portion at a portion of the adhesive layer between at least two adjacent metal domes as an air escape portion. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain a thin and light switch panel, which is also excellent in water resistance and dust resistance.

Abstract: An electronic computer keyboard is constructed to provide the minimum keystroke resistance sufficient to prevent accidental switch closures otherwise resulting from the weight of the operator's fingers resting on the keys. This forces the operator to move his or her hands over the keyboard with locked wrists. It also eliminates the need of the operator to hold his or her hands up to prevent inadvertent key depressions thereby reducing stress and fatigue on the operator's shoulders, forearms, wrists and hands.

Abstract: A sheet having contact plates includes a strip-shaped peel sheet that is peeled while being fed for use, a spacer sheet stuck onto the peel sheet via an adhesive layer, an upper face sheet stuck onto an upper face of the spacer sheet via an adhesive layer, and contact plates stuck to the upper face sheet. The peel sheet and the spacer sheet are provided with penetration holes through which the contact plates can penetrate, and coupling grooves by which the adjacent penetration holes are coupled in a direction crossing a feed direction of the peel sheet. The coupling grooves are shifted at one side in the widthwise direction thereof to rear ends in the feed direction of inner circumferences of the adjacent penetration holes so that there are no protrusions protruding in the feed direction from the rear ends of the inner circumferences of the adjacent penetration holes.

Abstract: A keyboard input device includes an elastic spring member bonded to a overcoat provided on a film substrate by an adhesive so that a movable contact part provided in the elastic spring member is disposed over a pair of fixed contact parts provided on the film substrate. An air-passage hole is provided on the ceiling of the elastic spring member including the movable contact part, the air-passage hole being disposed in the vertical moving direction of the movable contact part. Grooves are provided in a key-top at a portion thereof to be in contact with the top of the elastic spring member, the air-passage grooves being formed in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the air-passage hole to communicate with the air-passage hole. The air in the hollow elastic spring member is discharged, when the key-top is pressed to deform the elastic spring member, to the outside of the elastic spring member through the air-passage hole and the air-passage grooves.

Abstract: A method for production of series of tactile contact units and tactile contact unit for use in manipulating unit of a small-sized electronic device, capable of manufacturing inexpensive tactile contact units by curtailing the process, and series of tactile contact units and tactile contact units manufactured by this method are disclosed. On the upper side of a flexible insulating pad in a form of a roll film, adhesive of a predetermined pattern is printed and adhered at predetermined intervals continuously. Through-holes are disposed at predetermined positions continuously excluding positions the adhesive is printed and adhered on the flexible insulating pad. Further, tactile contacts are fixed continuously in the through-holes.

Abstract: A membrane switch incorporated in a control panel of a domestic washing appliance is vented through a labyrinth venting arrangement composed of a long, small diameter, twisting passage, including concentric arcuate sections and an intermediate portion. The venting arrangement establishes an effective barrier to fluids and other moisture, while accommodating the free passage of gases. In the most preferred form, the labyrinth venting arrangement is formed by cutting a channel into a supporting plastic assembly and then adhesive bonding a control plate incorporating the membrane switch over the labyrinth feature to complete the passage. One end of the passage is open to atmosphere by way of a slot in the supporting plastic assembly, while the other end joins the venting path with the membrane switch.

Abstract: There is provided a switch having a flexible upper member, that is substantially electrically non-conductive, having an inner surface with an upper contact area that is electrically conductive and connected to a circuit, and a lower member that is substantially electrically non-conductive, having an inner surface with a lower contact area that is electrically conductive and connected to the circuit, wherein the upper member and the lower member are sealingly connected to form a chamber therebetween, the upper contact area and the lower contact area are separated by at least a portion of the chamber and a force applied to the upper member causes the upper contact area and the lower contact area to make contact and close the switch of the circuit.

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: A thin and inexpensive sheet with plate springs is provided which can prevent the entry of dust and other foreign matters and which is strong against static elasticity. One side of an adhesive sheet is studded with adhesive portions in a projected state, and vent portions are formed between the studded adhesive portions and between movable contacts and the exterior of the adhesive sheet to permit the entry and discharge of air. Consequently, the whole upper and lower surfaces of the movable contacts can be covered with the adhesive sheet and a separator to prevent the entry of dust and other foreign matters.

Abstract: A membrane circuit board switch used in a keyboard for generating key-pressing signals. The membrane circuit board switch has an upper membrane circuit layer, a lower membrane circuit layer, and a plurality of switch units. Each switch unit has a predetermined space between the upper and lower membrane circuit layers. The membrane circuit board switch particularly has a pressure regulating reservoir communicating with the predetermined spaces. When atmospheric pressure changes, the pressure regulating reservoir will adjust the pressure inside the predetermined spaces to make the predetermined distance keeping substantially constant.

Abstract: A remote control device for remotely controlling an AV (audio visual) device includes an analog switch (30) formed of an operating element (31 or 41) and a pressure-sensitive resistor (35) which outputs a signal with various levels depending upon a pressing force applied to the operating element (31 or 41). By employing the analog switch (30 ) in a control button of the remote control device, it becomes possible to output a signal having various levels depending upon a pressing force applied to the control button (31 or 41). This allows a single control button to be used for a plurality of functions. Thus, it is possible to reduce the number of buttons, and a user can easily operate the remote control device in a simpler fashion.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is obtaining a membrane switch which fixes click springs at fixed positions, and largely reduces damage caused by dust and moisture entering contact points.

Abstract: A thin film circuit includes a thin film switching circuit with an upper circuit layer including at least one upper joint, and a lower circuit layer including at least one lower joint corresponding to the upper joint. The lower circuit layer is set under the upper layer, and an air-filled space is disposed between the upper joint and the lower joint. The thin film switching circuit further includes at least one first air conduit set between the upper circuit layer and the lower circuit layer and connected to the air-filled space, and at least one bus structure connected to the thin film switching circuit and extending out of the thin film switching circuit to transmit electrical signals of the thin film switching circuit. The bus structure includes at least one second air conduit.

Abstract: A thin film circuit includes a thin film switching circuit with an upper circuit layer including at least one upper joint, and a lower circuit layer including at least one lower joint corresponding to the upper joint. The lower circuit layer is set under the upper layer, and an air-filled space is disposed between the upper joint and the lower joint. The thin film switching circuit further includes at least one first air conduit set between the upper circuit layer and the lower circuit layer and connected to the air-filled space, and at least one bus structure connected to the thin film switching circuit and extending out of the thin film switching circuit to transmit electrical signals of the thin film switching circuit. The bus structure includes at least one second air conduit.

Abstract: A membrane circuit board switch used in a keyboard for generating key-pressing signals. The membrane circuit board switch has an upper membrane circuit layer, a lower membrane circuit layer, and a plurality of switch units. Each switch unit has a predetermined space between the upper and lower membrane circuit layers. The membrane circuit board switch particularly has a pressure regulating reservoir communicating with the predetermined spaces. When atmospheric pressure changes, the pressure regulating reservoir will adjust the pressure inside the predetermined spaces to make the predetermined distance keeping substantially constant.

Abstract: A switch storing chamber (8) of a membrane switch is communicated with the exterior and no water droplet enters the switch storing chamber (8). At least one upper gas permeable chamber (5c) (5d) is formed between an upper membrane sheet (2) and a spacer sheet (3) by surrounding a peripheral portion of this upper gas permeable chamber by adhesive material layers (9) (13), and at least one lower gas permeable chamber (5a) (5b) is formed between a lower membrane sheet (4) and the spacer sheet (3) by surrounding a peripheral portion of this lower gas permeable chamber by the adhesive material layers (9) (13). The upper gas permeable chamber (5c) (5d) and the lower gas permeable chamber (5a) (5b) partially overlap each other in a vertical direction and communicate with each other by a gas permeable hole (15) of the spacer sheet (3) bored in an overlapping position so that a gas permeable passage (5) vertically curved in a zigzag shape is formed.

Abstract: A layered structure for a keyswitch includes a lower flex circuit layer, an upper flex circuit layer and a spacer layer therebetween. A plurality of projecting flanges are arranged radially and extending from through holes formed in the spacer layer. The flanges may be placed on the lower surface of the upper layer, the upper surface of the lower layer or on the spacer. The flanges separate the spacer and the flex circuit layer such that air passages are formed between each two adjacent flanges, so that a vacuum sucking effect is substantially prevented.