A sensor includes a base layer and a pressing unit protruding with respect to the base layer. The pressing unit includes a first structure unit and a hollow second structure unit disposed on the first structure unit and having a bottom side opened. The second structure unit has a shape portion on a surface facing the base layer.

A switch device includes an operation button to be push-operated, and a sealing portion for sealing a gap between the operation button and an opening through which the operation button is inserted. The sealing portion may include a ring-shaped first seal that is in contact with the operation button and exhibits sealing properties, and a second seal that is harder than the first seal and is located on the outer side of the first seal. The first seal and the second seal may be integrated so as to form a frame of the sealing portion.

An operation apparatus includes: an operation plate on which an operation surface performed by a pressing operation with an operation body; an assembly member assembled with the operation plate; a first elastic member opposite to the operation surface with respect to the operation plate, and between the operation plate and the assembly member to be elastically deformable by a pressing force applied by the operation body; a sensor detecting an elastic deformation changing amount of the first elastic member generated by the pressing operation; a pressing determinator determining whether the pressing operation is performed based on a detection value of the sensor; and a second elastic member between the operation plate and the assembly member to be elastically deformable with the first elastic member by the pressing force. The first and second elastic members are arranged to enable the pressing force applied serially.

An operation apparatus includes: an operation plate on which an operation surface performed by a pressing operation with an operation body; an assembly member assembled with the operation plate; a first elastic member opposite to the operation surface with respect to the operation plate, and between the operation plate and the assembly member to be elastically deformable by a pressing force applied by the operation body; a sensor detecting an elastic deformation changing amount of the first elastic member generated by the pressing operation; a pressing determinator determining whether the pressing operation is performed based on a detection value of the sensor; and a second elastic member between the operation plate and the assembly member to be elastically deformable with the first elastic member by the pressing force. The first and second elastic members are arranged to enable the pressing force applied serially.

A key inputting apparatus includes: a substrate provided with a switch; a key having a depression surface and a back surface on an opposite side to the depression surface, and a contacting section projecting from the back surface in a first direction from the depression surface toward the back surface; a panel having an opening in which the key is arranged; a first plate arranged between the substrate and the key in the opening of the panel; a second plate supported by the first plate between the key and the first plate; and a third plate arranged between the first plate and the substrate. The first to third plates are formed with first to third through portions, respectively, through each of which the contacting section is passable. The second plate is formed with a leaf spring section urging the key in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

A vending machine interface includes a front panel, a product selection panel, and a piezoelectric element. The front panel bends in a normal direction when being pushed by a user. The product selection panel is disposed facing the front panel. A detection element is attached to the product selection panel and configured to detect bending of the front panel.

A keyboard switch includes a base (1), a resistance-type pressure sensor (5) installed on the base (1), a spring (3) arranged in the base (1) and capable of being pressed on the resistance-type pressure sensor (5), a button (4) which presses the spring (3) and is in sliding fit with the base (1), and an upper cover (2) which presses the button (4) and is adaptive to the base (1). The resistance-type pressure sensor (5) includes two terminals (53) and an elastic sensitive element (51), the elastic sensitive element (51) being internally provided with a resistance strain gauge (52), and two leads (54) extending outwards from the resistance strain gauge (52); one ends of the two terminals (53) are respectively connected to the two leads (54), and the other ends of the two terminals (53) are separately connected to a PCB (6).

A keyboard switch includes a base (1), a resistance-type pressure sensor (5) installed on the base (1), a spring (3) arranged in the base (1) and capable of being pressed on the resistance-type pressure sensor (5), a button (4) which presses the spring (3) and is in sliding fit with the base (1), and an upper cover (2) which presses the button (4) and is adaptive to the base (1). The resistance-type pressure sensor (5) includes two terminals (53) and an elastic sensitive element (51), the elastic sensitive element (51) being internally provided with a resistance strain gauge (52), and two leads (54) extending outwards from the resistance strain gauge (52); one ends of the two terminals (53) are respectively connected to the two leads (54), and the other ends of the two terminals (53) are separately connected to a PCB (6).

In an input device, a plurality of cam parts are provided at intervals in a circumferential direction of a device main body and first and second boss parts to be engaged with cam parts are respectively provided at intervals in a circumferential direction of rotor that lifts or lowers together with a slider. When the slider is caused to lift or lower by pushing operation or cancellation of the pushing operation of an operating unit, the cam parts of the device main body guide the boss parts of the rotor to thereby cause the rotor to turn with respect to the slider to lift or lower a presser.

An accessible pedestrian pushbutton station. The station includes an articulating rear mounting structure to facilitate accurate positioning of the station on either a curved or flat surface. Additionally, slots in the rear mounting structure allow for minor positional adjustments during installation. The crossing direction arrow is easily repositioned on the front of the station without disassembling the housing. After removing the screw-mounted arrow, the plunger can be turned clockwise or counter-clockwise using only a flat-head screw driver. The plunger is balanced between oppositely biased springs. The spring-balanced plunger indirectly actuates an offset piezo bender using a flexible spring actuator and a second, offset stem bumper. This protects the piezo bender from direct pressure and potential damage. The station includes an internal speaker and the housing includes bilateral sound vents to project the sound emitted by the speaker. Baffles may be inserted in one or both of the sound vents.