Including Additional Actuator Patents (Class 200/517)
  • Patent number: 6621027
    Abstract: A key top member for a push button switch structure capable of facilitating change and modification of a design while eliminating deformation and misregistration of a display section, being accommodated to a variety of data, being increased in design properties and visibility, and being reduced in manufacturing cost. An upper resin sheet made of thermoplastic resin and having display sections such as a letter, a symbol, a pattern or the like printed thereon is formed with projections having configurations conforming to outer configurations of key top elements. The projections are each securely provided therein with a filler member made of photo-setting resin directly or through an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takao Shimizu, Satoshi Mieno, Tsutomu Nagasawa, Yoshinari Shizukuda
  • Patent number: 6621017
    Abstract: A push-button switch includes an insulating board, an actuator, an urging body and a push button. The insulating board has plural switch-contacts. The actuator is made of resilient material and includes a base section placed on the board, a primary and secondary actuating sections. Both the sections are disposed above the switch-contacts and linked to the base section via respective linking sections. The urging body has a first end rotatably supported by a supporting section formed on the actuator or another supporting section formed on the insulating board, and has a second end for urging the primary actuating section. The push button depresses a mid-section of the urging body. The structure discussed above allows the push-button switch to have various combinations of operating forces and strokes. The push-button switch and a multiple switch employing this push-button switch can be used in various electronic apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Shibutani, Tetsuo Murakami, Yoshihiko Kamimura
  • Patent number: 6603086
    Abstract: A compact, thinned and water-tightened combined switch, is structured by a single switch comprising a front sheet having a domed projection which can be reversed to the back side and is provided at the back side with an electrode, an electric circuit body having an electric contact to contact with the electrode and a domed convex portion provided in the vicinity of the center of the domed projection. In operation process, firstly the projection is reversed and an electrode provided near the periphery of the convex portion contacts with the electric contact on the electric circuit body and secondly an electrode provided in the vicinity of the center of the domed convex portion contacts with the electric contact on the electric circuit body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichiro Kawaguchi, Minoru Kubota, Seiji Mori
  • Publication number: 20030136658
    Abstract: A button apparatus with dual elastic elements includes a base, a key top located above the base, an elevation mechanism, and a complex elastic unit. The elevation mechanism is used to execute lifting and lowering operation between the base and the key top. The complex elastic unit, positioned between the base and the key top for providing resilience to the button apparatus, further includes a lower elastic element mounted on the base and an upper elastic element mounted under the key top. When the button apparatus is operated, an S-shaped resilience pattern can be provided by the complex elastic unit to generate a two-step punch feeling back to the user. Thereby, controllability of the button apparatus can be enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Applicant: Darfon Electronics Corp.
    Inventors: Chien-Shih Hsu, Yai-Kun Tsai
  • Patent number: 6586695
    Abstract: In a key switch device, an outer wall of an engagement member of a key top is interposed between a pinch shaft and an upper shaft of a first link member, while an outer wall of an engagement member of the key top is interposed between a pinch shaft and an upper shaft of a second link member. When the key top is pulled up, the pinch shaft and the upper shaft of the first link member cooperate with each other to pinch the outer wall of the engagement member, and the pinch shaft and the upper shaft of the second link member cooperate with each other to pinch the outer wall of the engagement member. Thus, when the key top is pulled up, the key top is removed together with the first and second link members, thereby facilitating reassembly and maintenance of the key switch device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirofumi Sato, Isao Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 6585391
    Abstract: A flashlight with unique flashlight electrical connections, including a switch structure featuring a switch requiring a small amount of force, and a short stroke distance to actuate, attached to a member on which a circuit adding additional functions to the flashlight may be located. 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 flashlight which has been provided with an electrically resistive protective coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Nordic Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg W. Koch, Bruce K. Bangerter, Kevin E. Collier, Darrell B. Steinicke
  • Patent number: 6580043
    Abstract: A contact element (1) for an electrical device has an electrically conductive coating (11) deposited on a switching mat (7), whereby electrostatic discharge transmitted to a key (2) will be deflected by the electrically conductive coating (11) into the casing (3) of the electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventor: Joachim Spratte
  • Patent number: 6576855
    Abstract: A switch, especially for heavy duty vehicle applications, utilizes solid state circuitry and a low voltage, low current touch pad switch, where the switching occurs directly on a printed circuit board and bulky wire terminations are eliminated. The switch includes a rocker, which pivots at its center point fulcrum causing the switch lever, housed inside the switch and attached to the rocker, to move in a particular direction. The configuration of the lever is such that the extending ears on opposite sides press against the elastomer seal and move a carbon contact against the integrated circuit traces on a printed circuit board, completing an electrical circuit. This condition occurs for either directional movement of the rocker. Housed within the lever is a spring-loaded plunger fitted with a roller (wheel) at its end. The roller rests on a predesigned detented ramp located as an integral part of the switch insulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Cole Hersee Co.
    Inventors: Marina Levendis, Dana Paul Scribner, Steven David Mayer, Henry Garratt Grilk
  • Patent number: 6573463
    Abstract: A structure of an electronic instrument having operation keys and a manufacturing method thereof, in which a dustproof and waterproof function can be secured by a simple structure, are provided. The structure of the electronic instrument having operation keys provides a cabinet providing an opening part for operation keys, the operation keys that are disposed in the opening part of the cabinet so that each of the operation keys is movable in the orthogonal direction to the front surface of the cabinet, and a resin film that covers the surface of the cabinet and the surfaces of the operation keys in the state that the resin film is not cut on the surfaces of the cabinet and the operation keys, and covers a gap formed between the cabinet and the operation keys, and gaps formed among the operation keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Shuichi Ono
  • Patent number: 6572950
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Polymatech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihiro Tsuji
  • Patent number: 6545232
    Abstract: A thin type light permeable keyboard includes a plurality of keys, a plurality of bridge structures, a frame board, a luminescence board, a film circuit board, and a base board. Each of the light permeable keys has a top face in turn coated with a light permeable substrate layer, a light impermeable coating layer, and a light permeable protection layer. Each of the bridge structures is pivoted between each of the keys and the frame board. The luminescence board mounted between the frame board and the film circuit board may function as a luminous member that may mate with the light permeable frame board, elastic members and keys to indicate the sculptured characters, symbols, numbers or patterns on the keys, thereby facilitating the user operating the computer in the dark site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Sunrex Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Tsai Huo-Lu
  • Patent number: 6541724
    Abstract: A key switch includes an elastic member having a circular open end and a membrane sheet on which the elastic member is disposed. The membrane sheet includes two flexible sheets and an insulating resin sheet sandwiched between them. The insulating sheet includes an opening, which has a shape different from that of the open end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuichiro Nozawa, Zenzo Tozuka
  • Publication number: 20030038021
    Abstract: A key top includes a body part having a first width and a flange formed on a lower end portion of the body part so as to have a second width which is larger than the first width. A click rubber is provided on a bottom face of the body part of the key top. The click rubber is elastically deformable such that the key top is vertically moved between an upper first position and a lower second position. A case is formed with a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber has a third width which is larger than the first width but smaller than the second width, for accommodating the body part of the key top therein. The second chamber is continued from the first chamber and has a fourth width which is larger than the second width for accommodating the flange of the key top and the click rubber therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: Takaki Tsutsui, Tetsuzou Nakazawa, Takashi Satou, Akio Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 6495784
    Abstract: Step keys, a step key assembly, and a terminal having the step key assembly are disclosed. An individual step key includes a first slope portion inclined at a first predetermined angle, a second slope portion inclined at a second predetermined angle in the opposite direction to the first slope portion, a recess having a first height and opened under the first slope portion in the forward direction of the step key, a protrusion having a second height lower than the first height and extended from under the second slope portion in the rear direction of the step key, and an extension extended from under the first and second slope portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gee-Hong Yoon, Young-Keun Lee, Young-Bae Ji, Young-In Cho
  • Publication number: 20020179423
    Abstract: A key switch includes an elastic member having a circular open end and a membrane sheet on which the elastic member is disposed. The membrane sheet includes two flexible sheets and an insulating resin sheet sandwiched between them. The insulating sheet includes an opening, which has a shape different from that of the open end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Yuichiro Nozawa, Zenzo Tozuka
  • Patent number: 6479775
    Abstract: A an inexpensive input device is formed having excellent operability. A step-wise gap is formed on a metallic basement, with a flat input member disposed on an upper stage and a filmy board on a lower stage. On the filmy board is disposed a push type input member, which is secured directly to the basement. At the step-wise gap of the basement is formed a through hole, in which a part of the filmy board is inserted. The inserted filmy board is connected to the flat input member and a computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Shigetaka, Hidenobu Satoh
  • Patent number: 6459058
    Abstract: An operating device to be used, for example, as an input portion for a game controller. The operating device comprises a housing, a push button, and a switch base comprising a switch portion and a support base. The housing is provided with a support member for supporting the switch base and is also provided with an anti-dislodgement retaining portion for preventing the push button from coming off to the exterior from the housing. The push button is provided with a retaining lug for engagement with the anti-dislodgement retaining portion of the housing and is also provided with a retaining lug for engagement with the support base in the switch base. The support base is provided with an anti-dislodgement retaining portion for engagement with the retaining lug of the push button and is also provided with a guide portion. With this guide portion, the movement of the push button is guided in its pushing direction and is prevented from wobbling in the vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Shinohe, Masahiro Soma
  • Publication number: 20020134657
    Abstract: A key device for a computer keyboard has a rigid printed circuit board, a flexible printed circuit board, and a key structure. The rigid printed circuit board has two adjacent but unconnected conductive ends electrically connected to two wires respectively. The flexible printed circuit board, fixed over the rigid printed circuit board, has a conductive segment installed above the two conductive ends, and an isolation layer installed around the conductive segment to form a gap between the conductive segment and the two conductive ends. The key structure is moveably fixed on the flexible printed circuit board in an up and down manner. When the key structure is pushed downward, the bottom of the key structure will touch the conductive segment of the flexible printed circuit board, and the conductive segment will touch the two conductive ends of the rigid printed circuit board to electrically connect the two conductive ends and the two wires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Chien-Shih Hsu, Pin-Chien Liao
  • Patent number: 6455794
    Abstract: In a key switch device, a gear portion 31 of a first link member 12 is provided with an upper tooth portion 45 and a lower tooth portion 43 disposed in adjacent relation in a width direction of the first link member 12 and in upper-and-lower relation in a thickness direction of the same. Similarly, a gear portion 31 of a second link member 12 is provided with an upper tooth portion 45 and a lower tooth portion 43 disposed in adjacent relation in a width direction of the second link member 13 and in upper-and-lower relation in a thickness direction of the same. The upper and lower tooth portions 45 and 43 in the first link member 12, and, those in the second link member 13, are not provided in aligned and spaced relation in the thickness direction of the respective link members 12 and 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirofumi Sato, Isao Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 6455795
    Abstract: Disclosed is a key switch in which a stem extending from a key top is slidably inserted into a seat formed on a housing; and longitudinal grooves extending in the direction of the axis X of reciprocating movement of the stem are formed in the circumferential surface of the stem which is in contact with the inner surface of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Murakami, Hideki Ito
  • Patent number: 6455796
    Abstract: A film integrated key top made by linking a plurality of key tops with a resin film, wherein the resin film linking key tops is formed bending more downward than the lower end of a pasted section with the key top body, the miniaturized film integrated key top allowing to reduce key top interval, prevent adjacent key tops from working together, and present a fine appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Polymatech CP., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masayuki Kashino
  • Patent number: 6448520
    Abstract: A push button switch is utilized in an input unit of a thin electronic apparatus is provided. A link member assembled in X-shape for supporting a key top capable of moving vertically. A base slidably supports a lower latched shaft of a first frame of the link member. The base pivotably supports a lower latched shaft of a second frame of the link member. A driving spring impels the lower latched shaft of the first frame in the central direction of the link member, and elastically deforms downwardly by a horizontal movement of the lower latched shaft to operate a switch member. An operating spring is pressed by the lower latched shaft to deform horizontally and elastically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takefumi Inoue
  • Patent number: 6448514
    Abstract: Elastic strips of a keyboard and a method for producing the same. An elastic sheer Is produced by using a mold, wherein the elastic sheet has a plurality of rows of elastic domes formed thereon. Then, the elastic sheet is cut into a plurality of elastic strips, each of which has only one row of elastic domes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Darfon Electronics Corp.
    Inventor: Chi-Pin Yeh
  • Publication number: 20020079211
    Abstract: There will be provided a key switch in which the electrically-conductive pattern of the switch element is not oxidized, nor is patterning of the electrically-conductive pattern restricted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Katayama, Masaaki Kageyama, Satoru Takemori
  • Patent number: 6388218
    Abstract: A push button switch cover capable of enhancing positional accuracy between a cover sheet and dish-shaped metal springs, thereby highly improving keying characteristics and reducing manufacturing cost. The cover sheet is provided on a front surface thereof with key tops and on a rear surface thereof with pressing projections in correspondence to the key tops. The dish-shaped metal springs are each bonded to a respective one of the pressing projections by an elastic adhesive section while keeping an apex of the dish-shaped metal spring abutted against a central portion of the pressing projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Polymer Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Ando, Takeo Shirasawa, Fumio Ohshima, Noriyoshi Kiyosawa, Hirohide Sato
  • Patent number: 6388219
    Abstract: A key device for a computer keyboard has a rigid printed circuit board, a flexible printed circuit board, and a key structure. The rigid printed circuit board has two adjacent but unconnected conductive ends electrically connected to two wires respectively. The flexible printed circuit board, fixed over the rigid printed circuit board, has a conductive segment installed above the two conductive ends, and an isolation layer installed around the conductive segment to form a gap between the conductive segment and the two conductive ends. The key structure is moveably fixed on the flexible printed circuit board in an up and down manner. When the key structure is pushed downward, the bottom of the key structure will touch the conductive segment of the flexible printed circuit board, and the conductive segment will touch the two conductive ends of the rigid printed circuit board to electrically connect the two conductive ends and the two wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Darfon Electronics Corp.
    Inventors: Chien-Shih Hsu, Pin-Chien Liao
  • Patent number: 6373008
    Abstract: A unitized light illuminating type switch in a thinned type and having enhanced click feeling. A movable contact and an electroluminescent sheet are formed in an integrated structure by attachedly pasting together the movable contact and the electroluminescent sheet. Fixed contacts are provided on a switch sheet. A movable contact capable of electrically connecting to the switch sheet by being elastically deformed is arranged above the switch sheet. A flexible electroluminescent sheet A is attachedly pasted to a surface of the movable contact by interposing an insulating member as far as a peripheral portion of the movable contact other than the movable contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Seiko Precision, Inc.
    Inventors: Atsushi Saito, Yasufumi Naoi, Koji Yoneda, Kaori Aoki
  • Patent number: 6366275
    Abstract: A push button of a keyboard includes a cap movably supported on a base plate by two link members which are pivotally attached to each other and pivotally attached to both the cap and the base plate. A rubber cone is arranged between the cap and the base plate whereby when the cap is depressed, the rubber cone is deformed to trigger a switching circuit for generating a signal associated with the depression of the push button. Pairs of projections are formed on the cap defining a gap between each pair for rotatably accommodating upper pivot pins of the link members. Each projection forms an inclined face opposing each other for guiding and facilitating insertion of the upper pivot pins therein. Tabs are stamped on the base plate and define spaces for rotatably accommodating lower pivot pins of the link members. The tabs form inclined edges for guiding and facilitating insertion of the lower pivot pins into the spaces thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignees: Behavior Tech Computer Corporation
    Inventor: Kou-Yen Lai
  • Patent number: 6355890
    Abstract: A button structure for an electronic apparatus includes buttons each facing a particular switch device arranged on a printed circuit board with the intermediary of a respective Belleville spring that snaps through when pressed. The button structure reduces an annoying click sound and minimizes a stroke required of each key top member to thereby promote easy operation. Key top members and a flat base with button bodies formed thereon are separable from each other in order to obviate wastes on a production line as far as possible while reducing cost. In addition, the button structure is easy to recycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsuru Kuroda
  • Patent number: 6333478
    Abstract: A diaphragm touchbutton switch having a housing and a touchbutton slidingly guided on the housing. The housing comprises an outer wall that extends to a base surface area facing away from the touchbutton. The outer wall is bent inwards at the base surface area and passes into an inner wall angled parallel to the outer wall. The inner wall forms a connector chamber, and the touchbutton comprises at least one integrally molded guiding wall, engaged between the inner wall and the outer wall of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: TRW Automoitve Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Markus Altmann
  • Publication number: 20010042681
    Abstract: Step keys, a step key assembly, and a terminal having the step key assembly are disclosed. An individual step key includes a first slope portion inclined at a first predetermined angle, a second slope portion inclined at a second predetermined angle in the opposite direction to the first slope portion, a recess having a first height and opened under the first slope portion in the forward direction of the step key, a protrusion having a second height lower than the first height and extended from under the second slope portion in the rear direction of the step key, and an extension extended from under the first and second slope portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: Gee-Hong Yoon, Young-Keun Lee, Young-Bae Ji, Young-In Cho
  • Patent number: 6320147
    Abstract: Advantageously, the present invention is directed to a membrane horn switch assembly designed so that a steering wheel cover can expand or contract due to extremes in temperature without the unintentional closing of a circuit used to activate a remote horn. Also the membrane horn switch is designed so that a space between concentrators on either the steering wheel cover or a reaction plate is minimized thereby requiring less exerted pressure on the steering wheel cover to actuate the switch. Additionally, the steering wheel cover is designed so that a greater deflection in the cover results when using the same amount of pressure as was previously exerted on the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James Jeffrey Simpson
  • Publication number: 20010037936
    Abstract: A key device for a computer keyboard has a rigid printed circuit board, a flexible printed circuit board, and a key structure. The rigid printed circuit board has two adjacent but unconnected conductive ends electrically connected to two wires respectively. The flexible printed circuit board, fixed over the rigid printed circuit board, has a conductive segment installed above the two conductive ends, and an isolation layer installed around the conductive segment to form a gap between the conductive segment and the two conductive ends. The key structure is moveably fixed on the flexible printed circuit board in an up and down manner. When the key structure is pushed downward, the bottom of the key structure will touch the conductive segment of the flexible printed circuit board, and the conductive segment will touch the two conductive ends of the rigid printed circuit board to electrically connect the two conductive ends and the two wires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventors: Chien-Shih Hsu, Pin-Chien Liao
  • Patent number: 6303888
    Abstract: A click plate (9) constituting a switch used for an operation key etc. of a portable telephone is attached on a substrate (1 by soldering it on a contact pattern (6) formed on the substrate. The click plate (9) includes a convex portion (11) which center portion is expanded and made hollow. The convex portion is pushed and deformed to contact with a contact pattern (7) on the substrate thereby to generate a contact signal. The peripheral portion (10) of the click plate (9) is provided with attachment portions (17) protruded outward. The attachment portions (17) are soldered on the contact pattern (6). In this manner, the click plate can be attached on an arbitrary position in a manner that the click plate (9) is attached on the substrate (1) by the soldering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satoshi Okamoto, Toshiya Inubushi, Koji Saito
  • Publication number: 20010027916
    Abstract: A push button switch of the invention has base rubber having actuator portions, a resin molded portion attached to the base rubber, and a permeable film formed on the surface of the resin molded portion. More preferably, a flange portion of the film is disposed so as to avoid a region just above thick portions such as base plate supported portions of the base rubber. A push button switch capable of preventing peeling of coating or the like and intrusion of water can be therefore provided. A push button switch and a switching device which have satisfactory touch and can be thinned can be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satoshi Okamoto, Toshiya Inubushi
  • Patent number: 6300582
    Abstract: A dustproof and droplet-proof keyswitch is provided. The keyswitch includes a base plate with at least one stage formed thereon, each stage having a step portion formed at a top part; an elastic member arranged on the step portion; a key cap mounted on the elastic member and having a plunger inserting into the stage. The plunger has an elastic plate clamped between a pair of grooves and having a hook on a lower end thereof; the hook having a beveled lower end latched with the stage when the key cap is released. The stage has at least one projecting rib on an inner side thereof corresponding to at least one notch on the plunger to provide a clamping effect. Therefore, the keyswitch can be used under severe conditions such as in a dusty environment or when the keyboard has spilled on it a liquid such as tea or coffee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Silitek Corporation
    Inventor: Gear Huang
  • Publication number: 20010020577
    Abstract: A miniature electrical switch is closed when a pusher (44) is pushed forwardly (F) to snap down a snap dome tripping member (36) and push a contact blade (50) against a contact part (28). Forward sliding of the actuator is converted into downward movement of the snap dome, by a rigid lever (48) of generally T shape, with a rear branch (51) having laterally spaced trunnions (60) for pivoting and a center section (52) with a cam follower upper surface (76). A ramp (94) at the front of the push member depresses the cam follower as the actuator slides forward. The trunnions are of largely rectangular cross section and pivot on an edge (130).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Inventors: Sylvain Rochon, Laurent Bouvier, Thierry Burnel
  • Patent number: 6288353
    Abstract: A computer keyswitch with accurately positioned rubber domes. The computer keyswitch includes a base plate, a membrane circuit board installed on the base plate, and a rubber sheet positioned on the membrane circuit board. The membrane circuit board has a plurality of pressure sensors. The rubber sheet has a plurality of upwardly protruding rubber domes each above a corresponding pressure sensor, and a plurality of rubber pegs around each of the rubber domes. The base plate and the membrane circuit board have a plurality of fastening holes positioned corresponding to the rubber pegs. The rubber pegs will engage with the fastening holes to accurately position the rubber domes of the rubber sheet on the pressure sensors of the membrane circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Acer Communications and Multimedia Inc.
    Inventor: Chih-Hsiang Chiang
  • Patent number: 6278072
    Abstract: A high-yield, high-quality sheet-like key top wherein a protective film is laminated to the backside of a display layer during the forming of a key top consisting of thermoplastic resin to preclude the pressure and the heat of the molten resin from directly affecting the display layer, thereby preventing the display portion from being distorted and the display layer from being cracked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Polymatech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaru Nakajo
  • Patent number: 6274825
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing assemblies for keypads with different key layouts using substrates each having the same pattern of electrical-contact regions formed thereon and domed contact elements. In the invention, a first design of key layouts is selected, a first insulating layer having a plurality of apertures dependent on the first design are provided, and the domed contact elements are mounted to confront corresponding electrical-contact regions of a first of the substrates with the first insulating layer disposed therebetween. Each of the apertures are in register with the domed contact element to thereby produce an assembly having the first design of a key layout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones Limited
    Inventors: A. Aaltonen, J. Mehtonen, T. Ala-Lehtimäki
  • Patent number: 6271487
    Abstract: A dual tactile feedback, three-state, low profile pushbutton switch comprising an insulated housing, a metal dome, an extended travel molded elastomeric dome or stem having a conductive material on a bottom surface for contacting the metal dome and contacts in the switch housing, a collar having an opening for a top portion of said elastomeric dome to protrude therethrough, and a fixed contact under the metal dome on the base of the insulated housing connected to a switch terminal. A flat plate with four legs is placed above the stem which moves adjacent to the walls of the housing. The plate extends through a frame and openings on the sides of the frame snap on to the sides of the insulated housing. Greater switch reliability is achieved by having the elastomeric dome with a bottom portion comprising a conductive material for contacting the metal dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank M. Domzalski, William J. Agnatovech
  • Patent number: 6265677
    Abstract: The present invention provides a keyboard assembly, which comprises a plurality of key caps; a keyboard hood provided with a plurality of through holes for allowing the key caps to be insert thereinto, and a plurality of protrusions being formed on the top rim of each through hole; a plurality of dome-shaped elastic components disposed within the through holes of the keyboard hood, each dome-shaped elastic component having an upper rim and a bottom, the protrusions formed on the top rim of each through hole being higher than the upper rim of the dome-shaped elastic components disposed within the through holes; a circuit membrane disposed in a manner that it contacts with the upper rims of the dome-shaped elastic components; and a keyboard base fastened to the keyboard hood so as to enclose the end portions of the key caps, the dome-shaped elastic components, the circuit membrane, and the plate therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Acer Peripherals, Inc.
    Inventor: Shih-Hung Chao
  • Patent number: 6259044
    Abstract: A keypad-overlay for use with an electronic device. The electronic device has a plurality of keys or signal input members coupled to electronic components within a housing of the electronic device. The signal input members have key indicia that identify key strokes usable in operation of the electronic components. The keypad-overlay is removably positioned adjacent to the signal input members. The keypad-overlay has a plurality of translucent cover members each positioned over a respective key indicia within the key indicia being visible to a user through the translucent cover member. The cover members have tactile indicators that provide a tactile indication to a user that the cover member has depressed a selected distance to accomplish a key stroke. The cover members have a key-activating protrusion positioned to engage and activate the key when the cover member is depressed toward the key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Intermec IP Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Paratore, Thomas R. Benson
  • Patent number: 6252184
    Abstract: A droplet proof keyboard for notebook computer comprises a base; a circuit membrane set on the base; a mounting plate on the circuit membrane set and having a through hole and a plurality of retaining parts for each keyswitch; a rubber cone set having a plurality of rubber cones, each rubber cone having a press part passing the through hole and touching the circuit membrane when the keyswitch is pressed; a plurality of key caps each corresponding to a keyswitch and having locking parts on lower surface thereof; an opaque plate arranged on the mounting plate and clamping the rubber cone; the opaque plate having an opening for each rubber cone and a plurality of slits through which lower ends of a switching lever passing; a switching lever set having a plurality of switching levers; each switching lever having a plurality of upper ends pivotally arranged on the locking parts of the keycap and a plurality of lower ends pivotally arranged on the retaining parts of the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Chicony Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ching Cheng Tsai, Wen To Chou
  • Patent number: 6229103
    Abstract: An operation type electronic component which is used for a remote controller of various electronic equipment and portable electronic equipment and is equipped with a push switch driven by the rotating and push operation of an operation knob. The component can be reduced in size and grounded by a simple construction and can be grounded by merely fitting. A dome-like movable contact (23E) is put on fixed contacts (23A, 23B) disposed on a fitting substrate (22) to form a switch unit (23). An L-shaped actuator is interposed between this switch unit (23) and a driving body (21) so that the driving body (21) returns to the original state after the push operation of an operation knob (6) by the elastic operation force of the dome-like movable contact point (23E)of the switch unit (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tamotsu Yamamoto, Shigeru Yokoji, Hiroto Inoue, Hiroshi Matsui, Keiji Kaizaki, Koji Tamano
  • Patent number: 6224279
    Abstract: An ergonomic keyboard includes a top case having a plurality of key planes that are non-parallel with one another. A plurality of keyswitch bases are positioned within respective ones of the plurality of key planes and are formed with the top case as a single, continuous piece of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Kennard E. Nielsen, John M. Lutian, R. Thomas Gibbons, II
  • Patent number: 6201202
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Moriya Katagiri
  • Patent number: 6184481
    Abstract: A key switch includes a key base having a rectangular hole at the top, a conductive rubber cone received inside the key base at the bottom and supported on a circuit board, a plunger received in the rectangular hole and having a mounting slot at the top and two unitary spring strips extended from two opposite sides thereof and terminating in a respective hooked portion hooked on a respective retaining groove on the key base from the bottom, and a key cap having a hollow projecting rod fitted into the mounting slot on the plunger for permitting the plunger to be moved downward to trigger an electric contact on the circuit board through the conductive rubber cone upon each striking against the key cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Silitek Corporation
    Inventor: S. H. Chen
  • Patent number: 6180896
    Abstract: A control panel having a sheet-formed pushbutton unit that satisfies the requirements of hermeticity, clearness of indication and operability and yet allows a cost reduction. A single-cut sheet made of a commercially available light-transmitting thermoplastic synthetic resin material is used as a substrate. Sheet recesses are formed on the single-cut sheet so that each print layer formed on the surface of the single-cut sheet is located on the inner side of the bottom of a sheet recess to prepare a formed sheet. The sheet recesses are filled with a synthetic resin material to produce a key sheet having pushbuttons. The key sheet is thermowelded to the rear side of a case cover by ultrasonic vibrational energy to form an integral unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Taisei PLas Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masanori Naritomi
  • Patent number: 6180895
    Abstract: A keypad assembly is disclosed, which includes a keymat, a switch assembly, and an intermediate element positioned between the keymat and the switch assembly. The intermediate element is configured to provide an aperture associated with a key of the keymat, and a resilient member is attached to the intermediate element, and extends into the aperture. Pressure on a key of the keymat is transferred via the resilient member to a key dome of the switch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones Limited
    Inventors: Mark Hutchinson, Tony Horne