Abstract: A tact switch comprises an insulative base having contacts partially retained therein and partially exposing to exterior, wherein the exposed portions of the contacts face upward. Two separated steps are formed in the insulative base and located beyond the exposed portions of the contacts. A conductor plate has a frame positioned on the separated steps, an integral contacting portion surrounded by the frame and connected to the frame via two spring arms. Normally, the contacting portion registers with and separates from the exposed portion of the contacts. An elastic device is positioned on the conductor plate and it is deformable by depression thereon to thus deform the spring arms of the conductor plate and move the contacting portion of the conductor plate downward to electrically connect the exposed portions of the separated contacts simultaneously.

Abstract: A panel switch for use in various kinds of electronic appliance comprises (1) a first wiring board having a switch contact formed on an upper surface thereof, a locating hole, and a screw hole, (2) a push button unit made of insulation resin having a frame connecting a movable key button for depressing the switch contact, and disposed on the first wiring board, and (3) a cover for covering the push button unit, having a locating hole and a threaded hole. The push button unit is provided with a locating boss on both of an upper surface and a lower surface of the frame. In assembling the panel switch, the first wiring board and the cover are aligned with respect to each other through the push button unit by inserting the locating bosses on the upper and lower surfaces of the frame into their respective locating holes in the cover and the first wiring board.

Abstract: A switch assembly (30, FIG. 3) for detecting full insertion of a smart card, is of small thickness and can be mass produced with high precision. The switch assembly includes a molded support (100) forming an upwardly-opening support cavity (114), outer and central contacts (38, 40) mounted on the support and having dome-engaging parts (148, 150) lying in the support cavity, and a tripping dome (36) lying in the support cavity with a center portion lying over the dome-engaging part of the central contact. A cover (32) receives the support in a downward-opening cover cavity (65), and holds an actuating device (42) that can depress the tripping dome to close the switch. The actuating device is of sheet metal, with a heel (67) that is fixed in the rear end of the cover cavity, with a second part (82) substantially engaged with the center portion of the tripping dome, and with a front end forming an actuating lever (88) that extends through an opening (52) in the cover to be depressed by a smart card.

Abstract: A device includes a housing, a built-in electric printed circuit board and a set of keys positioned near to a wall of the housing. At least a key portion movable by depression, positioned substantially perpendicularly to the wall, is present inside the housing and, aligned to the key portion, a first moving contact actuator portion, as well as a cooperating contact portion that makes breakable electrical contact with the printed circuit board. The depressible key portion is positioned on a first face of a first portion of an elastic carrier plate inside the housing and the first moving contact actuator portion is positioned on the facing second face. The contact portion is connected to a first face of the elastic carrier plate facing the printed circuit board. A second moving contact actuator portion is present on the second face of the second portion of the elastic carrier plate and is aligned to the contact portion.

Abstract: Provided is a hinge type thinly configured integrated type key top in which the strength, durability, operability and other required conditions of a hinge portion are optimally designed assuring easy manufacturing and assembling as well as key input device and computer using the same. It is an integrated type key top in which a plurality of key tops are integrated with a peripheral frame portion. Each key top has in the vicinity of both ends of its specified one side a portion deformably connected to the frame portion via a hinge portion which extends approximately in a linear shape of a specified width and a specified thickness. The key top, the hinge portions and the frame portion are integrated with one another and made of a resin material, while the hinge portion has a thickness t (mm) and a total width w (mm) which are set so that 8.ltoreq.20t+w.ltoreq.14 is satisfied in a range of 0.25.ltoreq.t.ltoreq.0.6 and 2.ltoreq.w.ltoreq.10.

Abstract: A switch array (10) comprising a housing (12) having a front face (14), a rear face (16), and a number of through bores (18) extending from the front face to the rear face; a resilient switch card (30) having a front face (34) directed towards the rear face of the housing, a rear face (36) directed away from the housing, and a number of contact areas (38) on the front face associated with each through bore, wherein the number and position of the contact areas associated with each through bore is identical; a switch cap (20) slidably mounted in, and removable from, one of the through bores, the switch cap having a front face (22) adjacent the front face of the housing, a rear face (24) adjacent the rear face of the housing, and one or more pins (28) projecting from the rear face of the switch cap, wherein the number and position of the or each pin is predetermined, and wherein the or each pin can exert pressure on one of the contact areas associated with the through bore on pushing the switch cap from a rest p

Abstract: A key switch comprises a key cap, a support device, a support board, a membrane circuit, and a base. A number of slots formed on sides of the support device engage with hooks of the key cap whereby the key cap is slidably engaged with the support device. A number of protrusions outwardly extends from edges of a bottom surface of the support device to engage corresponding U-shaped positioning portions. Thus, the height of the key switch is limited and the assembly thereof is simplified.

Abstract: A drive unit structure for a keyboard assembly is provided, which comprises a driven member having a flat sliding surface and pivotable about a fulcrum thereof, and an actuator disposed for sliding contact with the flat sliding surface of the driven member to pivotally drive the driven member. The fulcrum of the driven member lies in a plane including the flat sliding surface of the driven member. As a result, the operations of the actuator and driven member can be stable, to thereby enhance the accuracy of transmission of the operation of the actuator to the driven member.

Abstract: An electrical switch has a set of electrodes mounted on one side of a carrier. The opposite side of the carrier mounts an actuator having a plunger mounted for reciprocating motion. The plunger carries a coupler in the form of magnets. A conductive armature of magnetic material is disposed on the electrode side of the carrier. When the plunger withdraws the coupler magnets from the carrier, the armature is free to fall out of contact with the electrodes. A retention cover maintains the armature in the vicinity of the carrier such that subsequent movement of the coupler proximate the carrier will draw the armature back into contact with the electrodes.

Abstract: Upon depression of a depression surface of an operating knob of a switch assembly, a depression working surface pushes down the head portion of a rubber contact, and a switching operation is performed. The operating knob is pushed up by the return elastic force of the rubber contact and returned to its original position. Then the upper face of the depression portion abuts against the correction member. As the correction member is positioned directly above the rubber contact, the moment generated by the return elastic force of the rubber contact is offset and the operating knob is straightened and maintained to be in a horizontal position. Therefore, the side surfaces of the head portion projecting from the operation hole of the switch case barely rub against the side edges of the operation hole in a depressed state owing to inclination of the operating knob.

Abstract: An operating mode switching unit for a bicycle includes a rotary knob disposed on a front surface of a panel and connected to a plate-shaped spring unit by an axle. The spring unit includes a first spring portion which can be elastically deformed in the direction toward the axle. A second spring portion which can be elastically deformed in the direction toward the panel is disposed nearer to the axle. The first spring portion has a first protrusion projecting radially outward, and the second spring portion has a second protrusion projecting in the direction away from the panel. The panel is formed in its rear surface with a wall having indentations into which the first protrusion can snap. A laminate member faces the rear surface of the spring unit and includes plural pairs of opposing switch contacts. Each pair of contacts are pressed to contact with each other by the second protrusion.

Abstract: A horizontal tact switch comprises an insulative base having contacts partially retained therein and partially exposing to exterior. A metal cover is fixed to the insulative base and has a plan plate from an edge of which a lever curvedly extends. The lever has an upper contacting portion and a lower pressing portion and the upper contacting portion is proximate to a bottom surface of the plan plate. A pusher is movably received between the insulative base and the metal cover and has a ramp for driving the lever downward when the pusher is depress horizontally. An elastic device is positioned under the pusher and aligned with the lower pressing portion of the lever. A conductor plate comprises a plurality of spring arms each respectively aligned with corresponding one of the partially exposed contacts.

Abstract: An automatic lubricant-dispensing device with a piston (3) disposed in a cylinder (4) and an electric motor drive unit (1,2) connected thereto has a circuit closer (21) to protect the device against moisture and/or explosion.

Abstract: A computer keyboard assembling apparatus includes a holding plate, a support plate and a pushing mechanism all mounted on a work table. The holding plate is movable relative to the support plate to hold the a metal plate and an insulation pad that are received within a keyboard support tray positioned on the support plate in position. The movement of the holding plate also triggers a micro-switch to actuate the pushing mechanism to apply a force to the metal plate through a side opening formed on the keyboard support tray so as to horizontally move the metal plate relative to the insulation pad to have engaging members thereof engaging and secured to each other.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus is provided for small and lightweight computers and the like. Keyswitches and a keyboard assembly comprise a sheet member having a plurality of key faces fixed thereon in a conventional keyboard arrangement. A plurality of cutouts are provided in the sheet member, partially surrounding each key face. A living hinge member is provided in the sheet member at one side of each key face. Each living hinge member includes a base section, an intermediate section, and a key face section. The former two and the latter two sections each interface at a living hinge. Depressing the key face causes the key face section to pivot about the living hinges to operate a corresponding set of electrical contacts, indicating operation of the key. A conventional rubber spring may transmit the pivot motion of the key face to the electrical contacts.

Abstract: The push button switch provided includes a housing, a key cap, an elastic actuator, and a membrane switch layer. The housing has a key top guide integral with the housing, and two slots are provided at the vicinity of the key top guide. The key top has a cap and two deformable hooks. The cap has a bottom surface, and a plunger is provided and extends from the bottom surface. The two deformable hooks are provided and extend from an edge of the cap. Each deformable hook corresponds to one of the slots and is disposed within the corresponding slot. The plunger is slidably disposed within the key top guide, which allows a reciprocal movement of the key top with respect to the housing. The actuator has an elastic dome and a deformable sheet membrane integral with the elastic dome. The elastic dome supports the plunger and deforms responsive to the reciprocal movement of the key top. The membrane switch layer is disposed underneath the actuator.

Abstract: A movable contact unit for a panel switch having (a) a substrate sheet of an insulating material having an electrically conductive layer on an entire upper surface, and provided with a opening at a predetermined position, (b) a dome-like movable contact of a thin resilient sheet metal placed in the opening of the substrate sheet, and (c) a dustproof sheet of an insulation film having flexibility, coated with an adhesive material on its underside, positioned over the opening of the substrate sheet, and adhesively conjoining the substrate sheet around a periphery of the opening and an upper part of the dome-like movable contact with the adhesive material. Also, a panel switch constructed of the movable contact unit placed and adhered on a substrate circuit board having stationary contact on its upper surface in a position such that the dome-like movable contact corresponds to the stationary contact.

Abstract: The present invention provides a keyboard which can take an optional metal support for strengthening its structure. It comprises a cover plate with a plurality of vertical housings, a base plate mounted on the cover plate with a plurality of protruding pads installed under the vertical housings of the cover plate, a plurality of keys that are vertically and movably installed within the vertical housings, a membrane installed between the cover plate and the base plate comprising a plurality of switches. When any key is depressed, the underlying switch is pressed between the plunger of the key and the underlying protruding pad, and generates a corresponding sensing signal. The keyboard may also comprise a metal support installed between the cover plate and the base plate for increasing structural strength.

Abstract: A dual in line switch apparatus selects between several switch positions. A housing has several slides. A row of terminals is attached to the housing. A contact sheet is located between the slides and the terminals. The contact sheet operates, as the slide is moved, to make and break electrical connections between the terminals. The contact sheet includes a flexible film having a contact pad and a detent notch and an adhesive tape that is attached to the flexible film. The tape has a slot formed therein and the contact pad is pressed through the slot by the slide to electrically connect with the terminals. The switch provides electrical contacts that are sealed from detrimental environmental effects. The detent notch provides a positive mechanical stop with tactile feedback for each of the switch positions. An alternative embodiment uses another flexible film with conductive vias that connect to solder spheres.

Abstract: A key switch includes a rubber cone supported on a membrane circuit board inside a keyboard, a key base covered on the rubber cone to hold a vertically slidably key cap, a spring holder cap vertically slidably coupled to the key cap inside the key base to hold spring between the key cap and the spring holder cap, the key cap has two inner hooks respectively extended from two opposite sides of a bottom coupling frame thereof for engagement with the spring holder cap, the spring holder cap having outward hooks raised from the topmost edge thereof at two opposite sides for engagement with the inner hooks of the key cap, the rubber cone being compressed by the spring holder cap to trigger a contact at the membrane circuit board and the spring suddenly extending out to produce a click sound when the key cap is depressed.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus is provided for small and lightweight computers and the like. Keyswitches and a keyboard assembly comprise a sheet member having a plurality of key faces fixed thereon in a conventional keyboard arrangement. A plurality of cutouts are provided in the sheet member, partially surrounding each key face. Two living hinge members are provided in the sheet member, preferably at opposite sides of the cutout. Each living hinge member includes a base section, an intermediate section, and a key face section. The former two and the latter two sections each interface at a living hinge. Depressing the key face causes the key face sections of each of the hinge members to pivot about the living hinges to operate a corresponding set of electrical contacts, indicating operation of the key. The multiple hinge members provide stability to the downward motion of the key face, providing goood functionality and tactile feel.

Abstract: A keypad is disclosed having a rigid plate with openings. A flexible sheet of the keypad has keys which protrude through the openings of the rigid plate. The keypad further includes a rigid insertion plate and a flexible contact sheet with dome-shaped contacts configured to contact the keys. The rigid plate and the rigid insertion plate have a curved shape, where the flexible sheet and the flexible contact sheet are located between the rigid plate and the rigid insertion plate to conform to the curved shape. The curved shape is concave along a longitudinal axis of the keypad and convex along the keypad transversal axis. Further, the top surfaces of the keys protruding from the openings are contoured to conform to the curved shape.

Abstract: A keyboard unit having a base plate, and a plurality of key switches provided on the base plate. Each of the key switches has an electric contact provided within a membrane sheet on the base plate, an elastic dome portion formed on the base plate so as to cover the electric contact, a bearing portion provided on base plate, and a key cap having a support shaft which engages the bearing portion, and an engaging portion which engages the dome portion. When the key cap is depressed, the dome portion is elastically deformed so that an inner surface of the dome portion presses against the electric contact, and when the key cap is not depressed, deformation of the dome portion is removed so that the inner surface of the dome portion is separated from the electric contact and the key cap is pushed up by the dome portion.

Abstract: In a keyboard which drives membrane switches by selectively depressing key tops, hinge portions are formed integrally with a housing in an array of hinge receiving holes made therein in correspondence with a desired array of key tops, a top panel having openings corresponding to the hinge receiving holes is bonded to the top of the housing and the key tops are each disposed to cover the corresponding opening and the entire length of the corresponding hinge portion and is fixedly engaged with the free end of the hinge portion through the opening. By the application of pressure to and its removal from each key top, the lower end of the free end of the corresponding hinge portion operates to make and break the underlying membrane switch.

Abstract: A key assembly (10) comprises a depressible key (16) having a depending projection (22), a pair of electrical terminals (36), and a domed contact membrane (30) snappable between two positions for making and breaking electrical connection between the electrical terminals. The depression of the key (16) causes the projection (22) to urge the contact membrane (30) to snap from a first natural-bias position (FIG. 2(a)) in which the electrical terminals are not electrically connected to a second distorted position (FIG. 2(b)) in which the electrical terminals are connected. The projection comprises an annular flange confronting the contact membrane and laterally spaced apart from the apex (33) of the dome (32).

Abstract: The invention includes a three-position switch having a keycap connected to a housing for pivotal movement, and slidable movement in a vertical direction. The keycap is connected to the housing so that the keycap may be rocked to a first position in which one end of the keycap is depressed closing a first circuit. The keycap may also be rocked to a second position in which a second end of the keycap is depressed closing a second circuit. The keycap may also be pushed downwardly so that both ends of the keycap are depressed closing the first and second circuits simultaneously.

Abstract: A dual action, convex disc push-button switch assembly providing tactile feedback to the operator. Each convex disc contact comprises four tabs, each tab of which is fitted and secured in the base of the switch assembly making the switch easy to assemble and operate reliably. The tabs of a first convex disc contact are positioned forty-five degrees relative to the tabs of a second convex disc contact. The switch is sealed thereby permitting various ways to secure the switch terminals to an electronic board.

Abstract: Disclosed are keyswitches and a keyboard assembly comprising a sheet member having a plurality of key faces fixed thereon in a conventional keyboard arrangement, a plurality of cutouts in the sheet member partially surrounding each key face, and a plurality of living hinges in the sheet member at one side of each key face, whereby the key face may be depressed, causing the key face to pivot about the living hinges to operate a corresponding set of electrical contacts, indicating operation of the key. A conventional rubber spring may transmit the pivot motion of the key face to the electrical contacts.

Abstract: The invention includes a mechanism for multi-dome dual detent switches having at least a first and second collapsible dome structure. An elongated action bar extends across and bridges the first and second collapsible dome members. The action bar has a top surface and a bottom surface. A notch is formed in the top surface closer to one of the dome structures. A keycap positioned for pivotal movement between a first and second forward position, and a first and second rear position. The keycap includes an engagement bar extending downwardly near one end and positioned to be received in the notch formed in the top surface of the action bar.

Abstract: A keyboard switch having a dustproof and droplet-proof push-button includes an elastic tube having upper and lower open ends fastened to a slider capped with a keytop and a panel supporting the push-button, respectively, to prevent a dust or droplet of water from being sucked into a space under the slider connecting to an area where pressure sensitive electric switches are located. The elastic tube is collapsible telescopically when the keytop is pushed down, but recovering the original shape by its own elasticity when the pushing force on the keytop is removed. One embodiment of the present invention is one having another elastic member mounted between the slider and one of immobile members, which works predominantly in the final stage of the stroke of the keytop to protect the pressure sensitive electric switch from an excessive impact of tapping.

Abstract: A multi-stage switch with a common actuating element and at least two switch elements for making contact provides that the switch elements are disposed next to each other above contact elements of a circuit board which they bridge in the closed state. The actuating element for the switch is movably disposed above the switch elements in such a way that the switch elements respond sequentially when the actuating element is depressed. Such a multi-stage switch can be produced cost-effectively with simple structural means, can be universally used, is easy to operate, maintenance free to the greatest extent and operates dependably.

Abstract: A normally closed electrical switch includes a first circuit board having a first switch contact thereon and an aperture therethrough near the first switch contact. A second, flexible circuit board has a second switch contact aligned with the first switch contact of the first circuit board. A spacer sheet separates the first and second circuit boards and has an aperture in registry with the aperture in the first circuit board. The switch contacts extend toward each other through the aperture in the spacer sheet such that they are in normally closed condition. A movable cover is provided on the first circuit board at least over the aperture therein. An actuator is operatively associated with the cover and extends through the aperture in the first circuit board, through the aperture in the spacer sheet and engageable with the second, flexible circuit board for flexing the second circuit board and opening the switch contacts in response to movement of the cover.

Abstract: A key assembly comprising a base; a manually operable key secured to, and mounted above the base by, a resilient key mat having an upstanding wall. The key is moveable against the resilience of the upstanding wall towards the base. A guide assembly extends between the base and the key to guide movement of the keys. A membrane is supported on the base and carries a pair of electrically insulated first contacts, each first contact of the pair being connected to a respective electrical track supported on the membrane and extending to a connection location. A second contact is provided on the underside of the key or the key mat and has a size and position such that movement of the key towards the base causes the second contact to engage both first contacts and thereby electrically connect the first contacts.

Abstract: In a keyboard which drives membrane switches by selectively depressing key tops, hinge portions are formed integrally with a housing in an array of hinge receiving holes made therein in correspondence with a desired array of key tops, a top panel having openings corresponding to the hinge receiving holes is bonded to the top of the housing, and the key tops are each disposed to cover the corresponding opening and the entire length of the corresponding hinge portion and is fixedly engaged with the free end of the hinge portion through the opening. By the application of pressure to and its removal from each key top, the lower end of the free end of the corresponding hinge portion operates to make and break the underlying membrane switch.

Abstract: A tamper resistant membrane switch includes a backer plate and an overlying metal panel. Sandwiched between the backer plate and metal panel is a membrane switch subassembly. A plurality of spacers between the backer plate and metal panel separate the two but allow the metal panel to deflect toward the backer plate when external finger pressure is applied. Such deflection closes the underlying poles of the membrane switch subassembly to actuate the switch. The positioning and size of the spacers determines where deflection can occur and how much force is needed to actuate the switches. The overlying panel, being formed of solid metal over its entire surface, is resistant to damage from vandalism, thievery or other attack.

Abstract: The switch actuator provided comprises a rubber dome, a housing, a keytop and a plunger. The rubber dome is seated on the switch and is selectively deformed to actuate the switch. The housing receives the rubber dome therein and has an upper opening defining an edge of the opening and has an inner surface. The plunger moves reciprocally within the housing and is guided by the edge during the reciprocal movement of the keytop. The keytop, which has a bottom surface, moves reciprocally and vertically together with the plunger to selectively deform the rubber dome to actuate the switch as the result of the operation of the user. The invention is characterized in that a slant surface is formed on the inner surface of the housing to retain the bifurcated hook end of the plunger to reduce the noise generated during movement of the plunger.

Abstract: A computer keyboard 10 has a plurality of keys 24 with each key 24 having a membrane keyswitch 30. Each keyswitch 30 has a lower membrane layer 32 with a printed circuit having switch contacts 42 printed on an upper side thereon within a switch contact area. An upper membrane layer 36 is provided having a printed circuit thereon with switch contacts 46 printed on a lower side thereon within the switch contact area and in actuation alignment with switch contacts 42. Dielectric pads 50 are printed over parts of the switch contact area forming dielectric mounds between switch contact segments. Stress concentration pads 54 are printed on the upper side of the upper layer 36 spaced intermediate the dielectric pads 54 for causing the upper layer 36 to deflect between the dielectric pads 50 to bring portions of the switch contacts 46 into contact with the switch contacts 42.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a panel button includes providing a molding die including a transferable molding die defining a cavity, a core molding die having a runner, a sprue and a gate and a stationary molding die having a sprue. A hollow space is provided in a bottom of the cavity wherein a push button is formed. A projecting portion is inserted into the cavity and is formed on the underside of the core molding die. Two hollow coaxial spaces are connected to each other, one to form a boss, the other to form an elastic arm. A plastic sheet is introduced into the cavity and is sandwiched between the transferable molding die and the core molding die. The plastic sheet has an unbonding portion at a position where the push button is to be formed. A molten resin material is injected into the cavity through the runner, sprue and gate. The thus formed panel button includes the push button on the plastic sheet.

Abstract: A miniature electrical switch, of the type that includes a snap dome or tripping member (36) lying over a pair of contacts (30, 34), includes a small and effective actuator arrangement (41). The actuator arrangement includes a sheet metal force transfer member (43) with a horizontal plate (46) and with a deflectable strip or lever (48), and an actuator device or pusher (44) with a ramp (96) that can engage the lever to deflect it. Horizontal forward (F) movement of the pusher deflects the front of the lever downwardly, to depress the middle portion (40) of the tripping member.

Abstract: In a rubber contact switch in which ends of lead lines of an LED extend to the rear surface of a printed board through holes of a rubber contact sheet to be soldered on the printed board, a recessed portion is formed in the peripheral portions of the holes on the rear surface of the rubber contact sheet, and heat generated by soldering of the lead lines is prevented from being directly transmitted to the rubber contact sheet.

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

Abstract: A keytop sheet of a push-button switch includes a keytop made of synthetic resin that is molded on a sheet of resin film. A portion of the film sheet surrounding the portion thereof on which the keytop is molded is provided with a curved projection protruding in a downward and/or upward direction from the surface of the film sheet. Such curved projection can be replaced by providing the portion of the film sheet surrounding the portion thereof on which the keytop is molded with a cut-out to form a hinge portion. A nameplate provided with a hole shaped so that the keytop may be passed therethrough is attached to the film sheet so as to cover the cut-out and hinge portion of the film sheet. The nameplate can have an outer diameter greater than that of the film sheet. A frame made of synthetic resin is fixed to an underside of the film sheet on an outer peripheral portion thereof. An outer peripheral portion of the nameplate is bent and fixed to an outer peripheral side surface of the frame.

Abstract: A slide button is slidably mounted on a case, and a push button having a cylindrical shaft portion is provided in a hole of the case so as to be moved in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction of the slide button. The push button is pushed by sliding the slide button so as to close a switch. An O-ring is disposed between the cylindrical shaft portion of the push button and an inside wall of the hole of the case.

Abstract: A retractable key assembly comprising a key top and an externally extending pivot arm. The pivot arm allows arcuate movement of the key top about a pivot axis such that the key top can be used in an upper, active keying position or stored in a lower, inactive position. The use of a pivot arm enables a lower profile keyboard when the keyboard is in the retracted, inactive position. Displacement of the internal actuation assembly allows the keytop to actually rest on the keyboard base. A translatable base member is useful to raise or retract the key assembly. The disclosed key assembly provides an aesthetic appearance and improved keying accuracy, relative to conventional keyboard arrangements.

Abstract: A keyswitch for a keyboard used with a computer or similar device that has a keytop linked to the base board. A printed circuit board having a contact switch associated with each keytop is associated with the base board. Linking each keytop with the base board is a scissors type guide. A pair of resilient springs are attached to the guide. One of the springs is in continual contact with the base board and: the other spring contacts the contact switch only after the keytop has been depressed a fixed distance thereby closing the contact switch.

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

Abstract: A membrane switch is actuated by pressure transmitted from a movable key member through two coaxial springs connected end-to-end. A first of the two springs is held by the key member in a partially strained state requiring an initial force to strain it further. The second spring, smaller in diameter and stiffer than the first, has a free end at which force is applied to the membrane switch. As a top of the key member is pressed, the free end of the second spring moves toward, touches, then presses the membrane switch. Force builds rapidly with displacement in the small spring until it reaches the initial force under which the first spring is retained. This initial force is made roughly equal to the force required to actuate the membrane switch. After that point, the force-displacement characteristic is that of the two-spring combination, which is less stiff than the second spring alone. Thus, long key travel is permitted while the actuation force is reached early in the displacement of the key member.

Abstract: A conductor pattern surface of a plastically deformable substrate of a key switch device is insulated with a resist, and a switching circuit pattern is printed on the resist layer by using conductive ink. Carbon conductor ink is applied by printing on connectors and fixed contact patterns, and a mask is printed on the other portion. Mounting portions for mounting a guide supporting member are formed on the substrate by pressing the substrate from the lower surface thereof. An object of the invention is to integrate an electrical circuit pattern with a mounting portion of actuator structure so as to provide a key switch device which can reduce the thickness and the number of parts of a keyboard for a word processor, personal computer or any other device having a keyboard or keypad.

Abstract: A control key device having a contact member which comprises at least a first and second contact portion such that when an operating force is applied to the first contact portion the second contact portion is caused to touch the first contact portion so that predetermined electrical contact is established. The causing of the second contact portion touching the first contact portion results from an operating force elastically transforming the shape of the contact member. A tilting mechanism is provided by a guiding member of predetermined shape having a through hole. The tilting mechanism functions to tilt the contact member in response to an operating force applied to the contact member. The contact member has a key portion and a pad portion defining a home position and a tilted position.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus comprises a case having a main surface and a side surface, and an operating member mounted on the side surface of the case for operating a switch function associated with the electronic apparatus. A substrate having a main surface and a side surface is disposed within the case. A printed wiring circuit is disposed on the main surface of the substrate. First and second conductive patterns are disposed in spaced relationship from each other on the side surfaces of the substrate and are connected to the printed wiring circuit. An elastic insulating member having first and second surfaces is disposed between the substrate and the operating member. A conducting element is fixedly attached to the first surface of the insulating member in facing and spaced apart relationship to the first and second conductive patterns.