A device for switching a direct current in a pole of a direct current network includes two connecting terminals to be connected in series with the pole, an operating current path extending between the connecting terminals, at least one mechanical switch in the operating current path, a disconnection branch including a power switching unit for shutting down high short-circuit currents having power semiconductor switches that can be switched on and off, and a commutation device for commutating a current from the operating current path to the disconnection branch. In order to provide such a device which is economical, generates fewer losses and at the same time is able to switch high short-circuit currents quickly, the commutation device is provided with at least one inductive component.

A pressure-activated membrane switch and methods of use are provided. The pressure-activated membrane switch includes a first electrically-conductive membrane, and a second electrically-conductive membrane. Contact between the first electrically-conductive membrane and the second electrically-conductive membrane is configured to cause an electrical circuit, of which the switch is a part, to close. The pressure-activated membrane switch further includes a plurality of spacers dispersed between the first electrically-conductive membrane and the second electrically-conductive membrane, and one or more columns positioned on an outer surface of the second electrically-conductive membrane. The plurality of spacers form one or more gaps between the first electrically-conductive membrane and the second electrically-conductive membrane, and the one or more columns are configured to pass through the one or more gaps when a pressure is applied to the one or more columns, which will cause the second electrically-conductive membrane to deform to contact the first electrically-conductive membrane.

A switch, keyboard and associated methods are provided. In one implementation, the switch includes a housing having a protruding portion configured to be received in an aperture formed on a substrate, a plunger operable to move with respect to the housing, a first contact member located in the housing, and a second contact member extending from the protruding portion of the housing. The second contact member is operable to, based at least in part on the plunger being moved in a first direction, deform to a predefined extent to electrically contact the first contact member. The switch provides a low profile appearance but not compromising the smooth and quickly responsive striking motion for a mechanical switch, such that a clean design can be provided while the input experience and durability are maintained. A keyboard is also provided.

Device for making and/or breaking a current including a pair of permanent contacts (3, 4), at least one of the contacts (3, 4) being movable. At least one permanent contact (3, 4) including a main portion (3.1, 4.1) having a free end and an end protection portion (3.2, 4.2) secured to the free end of the main portion (3.1, 4.1), designed to be in mechanical and electrical contact with the other permanent contact (4, 3) only during an operation for opening or closing the pair. The end protection portion (3.2, 4.2) is made of a single transition metal having a melting temperature that is strictly higher than that of the main portion (3.1, 4.1) to which it is secured, or of an oxide or carbide of such a metal, or even of zinc oxide. For application in particular to high- or medium-voltage circuit breakers.

A switch, keyboard and associated methods are provided. In one implementation, the switch includes a housing having a protruding portion configured to be received in an aperture formed on a substrate, a plunger operable to move with respect to the housing, a first contact member located in the housing, and a second contact member extending from the protruding portion of the housing. The second contact member is operable to, based at least in part on the plunger being moved in a first direction, deform to a predefined extent to electrically contact the first contact member. The switch provides a low profile appearance but not compromising the smooth and quickly responsive striking motion for a mechanical switch, such that a clean design can be provided while the input experience and durability are maintained. A keyboard is also provided.

A switch assembly (1) for switching electric circuits comprises a contributory switch (3), a main switch (2), and a flexible element (4). The contributory switch (3) and the main switch (2) are connected electrically in series, the contributory switch (3) and the main switch (4) each comprise at least one movable contact and the flexible element is connected to one movable contact of the contributory switch, a first contact (5a), and one movable contact of the main switch, a second contact (6a).

The present invention relates to a direct current relay, and more particularly, to a direct current relay capable of reducing an electronic repulsive force generated between a fixed contact and a movable contact by a permanent magnet installed to extinguish an arc. The direct current relay includes: a frame; first and second fixed contacts spaced from each other with a predetermined distance there between; first and second magnetic substances formed to enclose a lower part of the first and second fixed contacts; a movable contact movable to contact or to be separated from the first and second fixed contacts, having a first movable contact contactable to the first fixed contact, and having a second movable contact contactable to the second fixed contact; and a pair of permanent magnets installed on long sides of the frame.

An electromagnetic relay includes a base, a main contact unit having a movable contact piece and a first movable member, a coil unit, an auxiliary contact unit, and a second movable member. The movable contact piece extends in a lateral direction. The first movable member is movable in a movement direction perpendicular to the lateral direction between a first closed position and a first open position. The main contact unit is supported by the base in a support direction perpendicular to the lateral direction and the movement direction. The coil unit is supported by the base in the support direction. The auxiliary contact unit is disposed on the opposite side of the main contact unit with respect to the coil unit in the movement direction. The second movable member moves in the movement direction in conjunction with the first movable member.