A button structure comprises a base layer, a supporting structure arranged on the base layer, an elastic film layer, the elastic film layer covering the support structure and connected to the support structure, the support structure and the elastic film layer defining a cavity above the base layer, a first upper electrode arranged on the lower surface of the elastic film layer and located in the cavity, a first lower electrode, arranged on the base layer and located in the cavity, and a first variable resistance elastic body between the first upper and first lower electrodes, either arranged on the lower surface of the first upper electrode or arranged on the upper surface of the first lower electrode. When the elastic film layer is elastically deformed in the direction of the base layer, the first variable resistance elastic body connects the first upper electrode with the first lower electrode so as to generate a first signal related to the elastic deformation of the first variable resistance elastic body.

A system includes a mechanical switching device having a first moveable contact operatively connected to selectively contact a first static contact. A second moveable contact is operatively connected to selectively contact a second static contact that is electrically connected in parallel with the first static contact. The first and second moveable contacts are mechanically connected to each other to move between a closed circuit position and an open circuit position. The first moveable contact contacts the first static contact before the second moveable contact contacts the second static contact as the first and second moveable contacts move into the closed circuit position from the open circuit position. The first moveable contact disconnects from the first static contact after the second moveable contact disconnects from the second static contact as the first and second moveable contacts move from the closed circuit position into the open circuit position.

What is presented is a key module (110) for a keyboard. The key module (110) comprises a key tappet (220). The key module (110) also comprises a module housing (230). The module housing (230) is formed to movably accommodate the key tappet (220), in order to enable a translational actuation movement of the key tappet (220) between a rest position and in an actuated position relative to the module housing (230). The key module (110) further comprises a trigger element (240) for triggering an actuation signal of the key module (110) in response to the actuation movement. The trigger element (240) is attached to the key tappet (220). The trigger element (240) is a contactor for electrically shorting contact pads of a circuit substrate of the keyboard. The trigger element (240) comprises more than to elastically deformable contact fingers for contacting the contact pads after different pre-travel paths in the course of the actuation movement.

A system includes a mechanical switching device having a first moveable contact operatively connected to selectively contact a first static contact. A second moveable contact is operatively connected to selectively contact a second static contact that is electrically connected in parallel with the first static contact. The first and second moveable contacts are mechanically connected to each other to move between a closed circuit position and an open circuit position. The first moveable contact contacts the first static contact before the second moveable contact contacts the second static contact as the first and second moveable contacts move into the closed circuit position from the open circuit position. The first moveable contact disconnects from the first static contact after the second moveable contact disconnects from the second static contact as the first and second moveable contacts move from the closed circuit position into the open circuit position.

A keyboard device includes plural key structures. Each key structure includes a plate assembly, a keycap assembly, an elastic element, a connecting member and a signal generator. The plate assembly includes a membrane switch. The keycap assembly is located over the plate assembly. The elastic element is arranged between the plate assembly and the keycap assembly. The connecting member is arranged between the plate assembly and the keycap assembly. The connecting member includes a triggering part. The signal generator is installed on the plate assembly. While the keycap assembly is moved toward the plate assembly through the connecting member, the triggering part is moved downwardly to trigger the signal generator to generate a first signal. After the signal generator is triggered, the keycap assembly is continuously moved downwardly and the membrane switch is triggered to generate a second signal.

A switch device includes a first rubber dome, a second rubber dome, and a slider disposed on the first rubber dome and the second rubber dome. The slider presses the upper surface of the first rubber dome, causing deformation of the first rubber dome when the slider is moved toward the first and second rubber domes, and presses the upper surface of the second rubber dome, causing deformation of the second rubber dome when the slider is further moved toward the first and second rubber domes in a state in which the first rubber dome is subjected to the deformation. A thick portion is formed on each side of the second rubber dome so as to increase the thickness on the each side of the second rubber dome. Each side of the second rubber dome is in a direction in which the first and second rubber domes are aligned.

According to the present invention there is provided a button assembly, comprising, a platform having at least two electrodes; a dome member which comprises electrically conductive material, wherein the dome member is electrically connected to at least one of said at least two electrodes, and the dome is arranged so that at least a portion of the dome member overlays at least one other of the at least two electrodes, so that when the dome member is selectively collapsed inwardly by the application of force, the dome member will electrically contact said at least one other of the at least two electrodes, so that in its collapse state the dome member electrically connects the at least one of said at least two electrodes with the at least one other of the at least two electrodes; an interface member which comprises, (a) a compression member which is attached to the dome member at a position which overlays said at least one other of the at least two electrodes; (b) a restrictor member which is configured such that it projects towards the platform and the distance between the platform and the restrictor member is less than the distance between said at least one other of the at least two electrodes and portion of the dome which overlays at least one other of the at least two electrodes, and (c) at least one elastic member which connects the restrictor member and the compression member.

A switch assembly including a socket, a top cap, and an intermediate cart located in the socket. The intermediate cart is slidable with the socket. The top cap is in a spherical or pivot engagement with the intermediate cart. An activation force of the sliding movement is lower than an activation force of the spherical or pivot movement.

A press-key with a multiple-trigger mechanism includes a base, an alphanumeric key assembly, and at least two elastic members. The alphanumeric key assembly includes a coupling assembly provided on the base. The at least two elastic members are provided on the base and under the alphanumeric key assembly. One of the elastic members has a different height from the remainder of the elastic members. When the alphanumeric key assembly is moved toward the base, the elastic members are separately driven by the alphanumeric key assembly to press and thereby activate a switch such that different electrical signals are generated. The operability and trigger response of the press-key can be flexibly adjusted according to user needs so that the press-key can be operated rapidly and respond in real time.

A system includes a mechanical switching device having a first moveable contact operatively connected to selectively contact a first static contact. A second moveable contact is operatively connected to selectively contact a second static contact that is electrically connected in parallel with the first static contact. The first and second moveable contacts are mechanically connected to each other to move between a closed circuit position and an open circuit position. The first moveable contact contacts the first static contact before the second moveable contact contacts the second static contact as the first and second moveable contacts move into the closed circuit position from the open circuit position. The first moveable contact disconnects from the first static contact after the second moveable contact disconnects from the second static contact as the first and second moveable contacts move from the closed circuit position into the open circuit position.