Abstract: A keypad for a mobile device and a mobile device comprising the keypad, a first housing part and a second housing part are described.

Abstract: A keypad structure and method of fabricating the keypad structure are disclosed, in which, an edge of a hollowed pattern of a light-shielding color layer and an edge of a hollowed pattern of a keycap color layer are allowed to be aligned with each other, to prevent the keypad pattern from suffering a halo issue.

Abstract: A back lighted membrane keyboard includes a key housing, a membrane, a key support plate, a membrane circuit board, an insulative plate, a light guide membrane plate, and a base plate. The key housing, the membrane, the key support plate, the membrane circuit board, the insulative plate, and the light guide membrane plate are aligned by inserting stems thereinto. Eventually, these components are subjected to ultrasonic welding to be bound together.

Abstract: A multi-mode portable illumination device includes a switch structure featuring a substantially planar member and a mechanical switch which requires a relatively small amount of force and a short stroke distance to actuate. The mechanical switch is attached to a member which contains circuit(s) adding additional functionality to the multi-mode portable illumination device. The member has conductive springs attached to either end that are used to complete the electrical circuit with the battery and the lamp, while their compressive force is absorbed by a housing protecting the switch structure. A conductive strip is used to improve the conductivity of the circuit in a metal multi-mode portable illumination device which has been provided with an electrically resistive protective coating.

Abstract: A small-sized operation key, permits various kinds of inputs by a user to be detected and imparts the user with a tactile sensation in correspondence with each input to enable him/her to recognize his/her input. An operation key has a dome-like structure, a pressure detecting portion, a sheet member placed on the dome-like structure and pressure detecting portion, having a plate-like portion, and further having at least one first pusher and at least one second pusher formed on the lower surface of the plate-like portion, and an operating portion provided on the upper surface of the sheet member. In the operation key structure, the dome-like structure and the first pusher face each other and the pressure detecting portion and the second pusher face each other, and an initial load is applied to the pressure detecting portion by the second pusher.

Abstract: The present application provides a key assembly for use in an electronic device. The key assembly comprises a plurality of dome switches and one or more single-piece keycaps. Each keycap has a plurality of key portions separated by deforming portions. The key assembly further comprises a plurality of actuators for activating the dome switches. Each actuator has a stem portion and an enlarged rigid blocking portion. The key assembly also comprises one or more rigid blocking members disposed between the blocking portion of the actuators and the keycaps and in close proximity to the blocking portion of the actuators. The blocking members form a barrier to limit a rotational movement of the actuators away from the dome switches.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a printed circuit board module including a printed circuit board, a contact switch disposed on the printed circuit board, and a sheet having a first portion attached to the contact switch and a surface of the printed circuit board on which the contact switch is disposed, a folded portion which is extended from the first sheet portion and folded back at an edge surface of the printed circuit board, and a second portion which is extended from the folded portion and attached to a back surface of the surface of the printed circuit board on which the contact switch is disposed, a key module including a key top provided on the sheet opposite to the contact switch, and a pusher which is provided between the key top and the contact switch, and a housing.

Abstract: A push-on switch includes an insulating housing (1) defining a recess (10) at its top, a first fixed contact (21) and a second fixed contact (22) received at the bottom of the recess (10), a dome shaped movable contact (3) with the bottom end placed on the first fixed contact and the bottom face facing the second fixed contact, an actuator (4) over the movable contact, and a metal shell (6) shielding over the insulating housing. The actuator is made of an elastomer and includes a tubular periphery part (41), an operation part (43), a thin-walled part (42) inclining downwardly from the bottom of the operation part and connecting the operation part with the periphery part, a pressing part (431) downwardly protruding from the operation part and resisting on the top surface of the movable contact, and a retaining part (44) extending from the top of the periphery part.

Abstract: A keyswitch includes a base, a circuit board, a film, a resilient member, a support member and a key cap. The circuit board is disposed on the base and has a switch. The film is disposed on the circuit board. The resilient member is fixed on the film and opposite to the switch on the circuit board. The support member is disposed on the film and has a driving portion, wherein the driving portion is opposite to the resilient member. The key cap is disposed on the support member. When the key cap is pressed, the driving portion drives the resilient portion to trigger the switch.

Abstract: A switch assembly operating an electrical circuit using an elastomeric pad is provided. The elastomeric pad comprises one or more collapsible domes that are positioned such that a plunger element supported by the switch assembly collapses the domes when an actuation button is tilted. The plunger element may have a limiting mechanism to limit downward movement of the plunger element such that the collapsible domes are not overloaded. The body and plunger may also be formed with complementary profiled portions that restrict any one or more of fore/aft, side-to-side and up/down movements of the plunger with respect to the body to prevent abnormal loading on the collapsible domes to increase the lifecycle of the elastomeric portion. The elastomeric portion may also be adapted to provide both single and dual double detent feedback by using passive collapsible domes that provide tactile feedback without operating on the electrical circuit.

Abstract: A dynamically self-stabilizing elastic keyswitch for a key of a keyboard includes a rigid keytop, a thin elastic sheet, and a downward-facing convex rigid key bottom. The rigid keytop has a central axis at least substantially perpendicular to a surface of the rigid keytop. The thin elastic sheet is disposed relative to the central axis, and the central axis is at least substantially perpendicular to a surface of the thin elastic sheet. The downward-facing convex rigid key bottom is disposed relative to the central axis and below the rigid keytop, and the central axis is at least substantially perpendicular to a surface of the downward-facing convex rigid key bottom.

Abstract: A tactile switch includes a base, an elastic conductive member, and a cover sheet. A fixed contact is provided in the base. The elastic conductive member, has a dome shape, opposes the fixed contact, and is elastically deformed to be electrically conducted with the fixed contact. The cover sheet covers the elastic conductive member. An operating protrusion is provided on a face of the cover sheet at a position corresponding to the fixed contact. The operating protrusion includes an end part, a root part of fixed to the cover sheet and having a diameter larger than a diameter of the end part, and a bent part connecting the end part to the root part so that a first angle formed by a side wall of the root part with respect to the face of the cover sheet is smaller than a supplementary angle of a second angle formed by a side wall of the end part with respect to the face of the cover sheet.

Abstract: A process is provided for characterizing a tactile response of a first mechanical actuator (e.g., button) based on a back off distance. The first mechanical actuator may include a plunger, a dome-shaped flexible membrane, and an electrical contact, all aligned with each other so that a contact signal is generated when the flexible membrane touches the contact. The plunger can be moved a first distance towards the contact until the contact signal is generated at a contact point. Then the plunger can be backed off a second distance from the contact point. This second distance may be called the “back off distance”. The particular feel of the first mechanical actuator can then be correlated to a particular back off distance. This process can be repeated a number of times to classify a number of different “feels” for the first mechanical actuator based on a number of different back off distances.

Abstract: A microphone assembly (10) using in a portable electronic device includes a fixing component (12) detachably fixed to a housing (30) of the portable electronic device, and a main microphone body (14) latched to the fixing component (12). The microphone assembly (10) may be conveniently detached and increases reliability of the housing (30).

Abstract: A two-level pressure sensitive keyboard includes at least one key and a membrane switch circuit module. The membrane switch circuit module includes a first contact, a second contact, a first spacing layer for separating the first contact from the second contact, a third contact, a fourth contact, and a second spacing layer for separating the third contact from the fourth contact. The thickness of the second spacing layer is greater than that of the first spacing layer. When the key is depressed in response to the first pressure, the first contact and the second contact are electrically connected with each other to generate a first sensing signal. When the key is depressed in response to the second pressure, the first contact and the second contact are electrically connected with each other and the third contact and fourth contact are electrically connected with each other to generate a second sensing signal.

Abstract: A control device for switches with silicone domes comprising actuator means (10) which act on silicone domes (13) associated with metallic means adapted to close and selectively open electric contacts of a printed circuit activators characterized in that between each actuator means (10) and the respective silicone dome (13) a metallic plate (11) is positioned which rests one side on the dome (13) and the other on the printed circuit (15) and upon which said actuator means act.

Abstract: A tamper resistant keypad includes one or more key assemblies having a resilient key member and a contact. The resilient key member is configured to flex when the key assembly is depressed to allow the contact to close a key press detection circuit on a circuit board to register a key press. A tamper detection switch assembly at least partially surrounds the resilient key member. The tamper detection switch assembly is configured to detect attempts to access the key assembly.

Abstract: The preset invention includes a circuit board wired to connect at least one common terminal and a plurality of signal terminals to form multiple instruction switches and an annular click member. Each of the instruction switches has an elastic contact element built with a return force. The circuit board has a plurality of displacement portions. The annular click member has actuating portions corresponding to and engageable with the displacement portions such that the annular click member is movable up and down relative to the circuit board to form a normal position and an instruction generating position. When the annular click member receives a force and is moved to the instruction generating position, a contact depresses the elastic contact element to store the return force When the force is released from the annular click member it is pushed by the return force of the elastic contact element to the normal position.

Abstract: A narrow key switch for a low travel keyboard and methods of fabrication are described. The low-travel keyboard having narrow keys is suitable for a thin-profile computing device, such as a laptop computer, netbook computer, desktop computer, etc. The keyboard includes a key cap positioned over an elastomeric dome and a two-part scissor mechanism having two separate linkage structures on opposite sides of the dome. A link bar is also provided to transfer a load from a side of a key to the center if the key cap is depressed in an off-center manner. Transferring the load to the center helps to deform the elastomeric dome so that it can activate the switch circuitry of the membrane on printed circuit board underneath the dome. Separating the linkage structures into two separate parts allows for the use of a full-sized elastomeric dome for a narrow key switch. The full-sized dome provides the desired tactile feedback to a user.

Abstract: A press key structure includes a bottom board, an insulating plate, a thin film circuit board, an elastic trigger element, and a keycap covered onto the elastic trigger element, and the insulating plate is installed on the bottom board and includes a penetrating hole, and the thin film circuit board is covered onto the insulating plate, and the thin film circuit board and the bottom board are enclosed to define a containing space at a position corresponding to the penetrating hole, and the thin film circuit board includes a thin film switch disposed above the containing space, and the elastic trigger element is installed above the thin film circuit board, such that external dusts can be prevented from entering into the press key structure from the penetrating hole, and the adverse effect of the dusts on the electric connection and the press path of the press key can be avoided.

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: An electronic device includes a housing defining a through hole, a circuit board fixed in the housing, including a switch and a grounding portion connecting with the ground, a fastening member received in the through hole fixed on the housing and contacting the grounding portion, passing static electricity therethrough and defining a mounting hole, and an actuating member received in the mounting hole and contacting the fastening member, and pressing the switch when actuated; wherein the fastening member and the actuating member are conductive.

Abstract: Electronic devices are provided with switch assembly input components that can have adhesives adhered to the side and/or bottom surfaces of support plates for retaining switches between the adhesives and the tops of the support plates. The switch assembly input components can include buttons with one or more absorption elements for receiving impact energy, reducing the impact energy, and transferring the reduced impact energy onto the switches.

Abstract: A keypad for a mobile device and a mobile device comprising the keypad, a first housing part and a second housing part are described.

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 switch mechanism has improved switch button durability and operational feeling. Constitution and assembly are simplified. A switch mechanism includes a wiring board having first and second electrodes; a switch button; a conductor arranged at a position that corresponds to the first and second electrodes; and a supporting plate, arranged such that the conductor is disposed between the wiring board and the supporting plate and provided with a protruding section at a position that corresponds to the switch button. When the switch button is not depressed, the conductor contacts only the second electrode without contacting the first electrode. When the switch button is depressed, the conductor contacts the first electrode by being supported by the protruding section, the first electrode and the second electrode are electrically connected by the conductor, and the protruding section is displaced in a direction the switch button is depressed, with depressing of the switch button.

Abstract: A pushbutton switch assembly includes a key unit, a circuit board, and a press unit. The key unit includes a keycap and a press member disposed at a bottom portion of the keycap. The press member has a protruding portion. The circuit board is disposed under the key unit, and includes an electrical contact unit opposing the key unit. The electrical contact unit has a first electrode region and a second electrode region. The press unit includes a positioning film disposed on the circuit board, and a conducting plate positioned between the positioning film and the circuit board. The conducting plate is connected to the first electrode region. The conducting plate is deformed to interconnect the first and second electrode regions when the key unit is pressed and the protruding portion presses down on the positioning film, and restored when the key unit is released.

Abstract: Electronic equipment of the present invention includes a first housing 2 with an elastically deformable thin-wall portion 25 formed as a part of the front wall, an elastically deformable spacer member 4, and a sub board 5 on which switches 51 are mounted. The spacer member 4 includes a plurality of elastic members 41 and a second supporting member 46. Each of the elastic members 41 includes an operating strip 41a that is formed so that when the thin-wall portion 25 is deformed elastically, one surface of the operating strip 41a can be brought into contact with a back surface of the thin-wall portion 25 and the other surface can be pressed against the switch 51. The second supporting member 46 is formed so as to protrude between each of the elastic members 41, and can be brought into contact with the back surface of the thin-wall portion 25 at least when the thin-wall portion 25 is deformed elastically. The elastic members 41 and the second supporting member 46 are formed integrally.

Abstract: A touch sensor switch for easily taking out an output of a touch sensor with high reliability. Push-type switching elements 2A, 2B, and 2C are mounted on a printed circuit board 1, a rubber dome 3 is provided with expanded portions 30A, 30B, and 30C for housing the switching elements 2A, 2B, and 2C, the switching elements 2A, 2B, and 2C are provided with conductive films 41A, 41B, and 41C on an outer surface and a lower face, conductive parts 31A, 31B, and 31C are provided at a conductive part such as an upper surface of the expanded portions 30A, 30B, and 30C of the rubber dome 3, or a wiring pattern of the printed circuit board 1, and the conductive films 41A, 41B, and 41C contact with the conductive parts 31A, 31B, and 31C constantly by a biasing force of the switching elements 2A, 2B, and 2C regardless the operation of switch knobs 4A, 4B, and 4C.

Abstract: A switch configuration for use with a keyboard comprises a plurality of support structures positioned adjacent each other in spaced relation and a plurality of dome switches, with at least one dome switch being coupled to each of the plurality of support structures. A keyboard and mobile communication device incorporate the switch configuration.

Abstract: Preparing a resin film having a transparency and a thickness of 0.2 mm or less such as PC, PET, PU or the like; drawing the resin film in such a manner to form concave portions at positions corresponding to a plurality of the key tops of the resin film by pinching the resin film between heating drawing dies; forming a pressing element on the undersurface of the film by filling a filler (resin) into the concave portion formed by means of the drawing; and disposing the key tops by means of adhesion, the key tops formed on the top surface of the resin film by means of the resin formation, the mold printing or the like after the formation of the pressing elements, which achieves further thinner configuration of the key sheet with the configuration that the key tops and the pressing elements are disposed, respectively on the top surface and the undersurface of the resin film.

Abstract: A keypad module including at least one key (30) is described. The key (30) includes a keycap (32), a base (34), a supporting member (36), a resisting member (40) and a dome (42). The base includes a pressed portion (341) and a carrier portion (342) connected to the pressed portion. The keycap is arranged on the pressed portion. The supporting member is located on the carrier portion to support the keycap. The resisting member is located between the pressed portion and the dome to press the dome into a position electrically connected to a circuit board (44).

Abstract: A mobile terminal keypad is provided having a plurality of key switches on the keypad that provides a first signal or a second signal according to the pressure applied to the key switch. In each of the plurality of key switches, a plate is provided to sequentially contact with a first contact and a second contact according to the applied pressure.

Abstract: A switch module includes a switch housing on which at least one operating button or operating rocker is movably guided. The switch module further includes a printed circuit board which is arranged in the switch housing and on which conductor paths with switching contacts are formed, a switching mat which rests on the conductor paths, and an actuating element which transfers the stroke of the operating button or operating rocker to the switching mat. The switching mat engages around the outer edge of the printed circuit board with a form fit.

Abstract: A method manufactures a keyboard with injecting keys and an inmold metal sheet. The bottoms of grooves of the keys are combined with an elastic material layer to form a keyboard. The metal layer is disposed at a surface of said keyboard.

Abstract: Disclosed is a keypad coupling apparatus for a portable terminal which has a laminated keypad unit arranged on an upper surface of a front case. The keypad coupling apparatus includes a front case provided with a latch; a flexible circuit disposed on the front case and including a plurality of dome switches; a keypad rubber disposed on an upper surface of the flexible circuit; and a keypad provided on an upper surface of the keypad rubber and moving in a pressed direction when the keypad is engaged with the latch and pressed, the keypad rubber making contact with at least one of the dome switches to provide tactile quality of a click.

Abstract: A key button mechanism (100) including an operating body (10), a flexible circuit board (20), a fixing device (40), and a mounting assembly (50) is provided. The flexible circuit board engages with the operating body. The fixing device includes a hanging body (42) and a fixing base (44), and the hanging body is hung on the fixing base. The flexible circuit board is attached to the hanging body. The mounting assembly includes a cover (52) and a mounting portion (54) configured for mounting the fixing base thereon. The hanging body of the fixing device is configured for resisting the mounting portion. An electronic apparatus incorporating the key button mechanism is also provided.

Abstract: A key structure comprises a membrane circuit, a substrate, a cover and a press element. The membrane circuit comprises at least one first signal generator and a second signal generator. The substrate is disposed below the membrane circuit to support the membrane circuit. The cover comprises a body and at least one protrusion, wherein the protrusion is disposed on the body corresponding to the first signal generator. The press element is disposed on the second signal generator, wherein when force is applied on the cover, the protrusion presses the first signal generator.

Abstract: Gaps that divide a conductive portion include an I-shaped gap that passes through the center of a fixed contact, and L-shaped gaps that are located on both sides of the I-shaped gap. Longitudinal gap of the L-shaped gaps extend beyond a virtual straight line A-A that passes through the center of the fixed contact and extend in the direction orthogonal to the I-shaped gap, and are connected to lateral gaps. The L-shaped gaps are arranged point-symmetrically about the center of the fixed contact.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein are directed to a switch for use in an electronic device. The switching assembly may include an elastically deformable actuator having a conductive inner surface and a cosmetic outer surface. The actuator may be disposed on an exterior surface of an enclosure that houses an electric circuit board of the electronic device. The enclosure may have one or more openings for providing an electrical connection between the actuator and the enclosed circuit of the electronic device. When the actuator is pressed, an electrical circuit may be closed and electric current may flow through the conductive inner surface of the actuator. The actuator may be combined with a perimeter element for snapping on and off the enclosure.

Abstract: An elastic sheet (5) comprises a first sheet (10) plated a metal film (11) on an upper surface thereof, a number of moveable contacts (20) attached on a lower surface of the first sheet (10), a second sheet (30) affixed on the lower surface of the first sheet (10) and defining a number of receptacle holes (31) corresponding to the moveable contacts (20). The second sheet (30) extends curved an extending portion (5) from a lateral side thereof and defines a recess (5) in the extending portion (5) thereof. A switch comprises the elastic sheet (5) and a circuit board (6). When the moveable contacts (20) engage with the fixed contacts, the elastic sheet (5) is affixed on the circuit board (6) by the adhesive on the second sheet (5), and then the first extending portion (5) connects to the circuit board (6) for contacting a ground end thereof.

Abstract: A key structure, which comprises a key cap, a linkage mechanism, a fixed base, a resilient assembly and a membrane circuit board, of a computer keyboard is provided, The key cap has a top and a bottom. The fixed base, formed with a receiving space, has a top and a bottom. The linkage mechanism is disposed between the key cap and the fixed base. The resilient assembly fits into the receiving space of the fixed base and connected to the bottom of the key cap. The membrane circuit board is disposed on the bottom of the fixed base and located under the resilient assembly.

Abstract: An integrated conductive button, includes a housing and a printed circuit board mounted in proximity to the housing. The printed circuit board includes at least one electric contact portion disposed thereon and a button member is supported by the housing and includes at least one elongated post having a conductive elastomeric material disposed on a tip of the at least one elongated post. An elastomeric web skirt surrounds the at least one elongated post and is disposed against a seat surface of the housing. Upon pressing the button member, the elastomeric web skirt buckles to allow the conductive elastomeric material on the tip of the elongated post to contact the at least one electric contact on the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A switch configuration for use with a keyboard comprises a plurality of support structures positioned adjacent each other in spaced relation and a plurality of dome switches, with at least one dome switch being coupled to each of the plurality of support structures. A keyboard and mobile communication device incorporate the switch configuration.

Abstract: An enclosure for an electronic device includes a base having an outwardly extending peripheral wall which forms a compartment for receiving the electronic device. A caseplate is mounted to the peripheral wall for enclosing the electronic device. The caseplate has an access opening extending completely through the caseplate and located at a switch on the electronic device. The access opening is covered by a thin membrane which protects the electronic device and yet permits actuation of the switch. The caseplate can be decorated by art work on by another layer of material or can be clear and cover the device and an optional art work insert.

Abstract: A keyboard. A membrane circuit board includes a plurality of switches. At least one keycap is disposed on the membrane circuit board and includes a plurality of activating pillars respectively corresponding to and separated from the switches. When the keycap is moved toward the membrane circuit board, one of the activating pillars compresses one of the switches, outputting a signal corresponding to the keycap.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to an elastic strip used in electronic devices and designed to enable outlet lines of a membrane circuit board to acquire contact with electrical connections of a printed circuit board through a flat surface. The strip-shaped plate is a strip-shaped structure with an elastic physical property. At least one cavity is disposed in the strip-shaped plate. A rib which corresponds to the cavity is disposed on the upper surface of the strip-shaped plate. Part of the rib protrudes out of the surface of the strip-shaped plate. The rib comprises two rib structures which are connected to the respective sides of the top of the corresponding cavity.

Abstract: The switch structure according to the present invention is obtained by interposing an elastic connection member between the circuit board provided with electrodes and a push switch fixed to a case of an electronic device. The elastic connection member has a structure in which conductive layers and insulation layers are alternately laminated. The conductive layers of a first lamination layer surface on which the conductive layers and the insulation layers of the elastic connection member are exposed abut against the electrodes so that the electric connections therebetween are established. The push switch is pushed down, and a contact portion thereof abuts against the plurality of conductive layers on a second lamination layer surface, whereby the electrodes are in a conductive state. Even if the push switch is pushed strongly, the elastic connection member deforms to absorb the force. As a result, the switch structure which hardly breaks is obtained.

Abstract: A sealed two-plate swimming pool touchpad construction that is unaffected by pressure, in which a resilient, compressible, non-conductive spacer material such as rubber tubing is seated in an array of spaced recesses or grooves on the inside face of the rear plate to insulatively space a conductive, flexible front plate from the rear plate. The front plate is joined and sealed in watertight fashion to the rear plate around the array of grooves and spacer material. Conductive portions of the inside face of the front plate are flexed into switch-closing/signaling contact with conductive portions of the inside face of the rear plate between the spacer material when a swimmer makes contact with the front plate.