Control element for switches with at least two silicone domes and a push button with such a control element

Abstract

Control element for switches, the element comprising: • at least two silicone domes (7); • at least one actuating means (5) acting on the at least two silicone domes (7) for switching at least two electrical contacts (6); wherein the at least one actuating means (5) is moved by a force exerted by a pressing means (3); wherein the actuating means (5) is an elastic lever for acting on the at least two silicone domes (7) to switch the at least two electrical contacts (6) substantially simultaneously; wherein the control element is characterized in that the actuating means (5) is adapted to bend and therefore curve during compression generated by the pressing means (3), and to expand towards the electrical contacts (6) following collapse of the at least two silicone domes (7);and in that the expansion of the actuating means (5) towards the electrical contacts (6) following the collapse of the at least two silicone domes (7) releases stored energy towards the two silicone domes (7) and therefore increases their speed of action on the electrical contacts (6);

Claims

[1] Control element for switches where the element includes: • at least two silicone domes (7); • at least one actuating means (5) acting on the at least two silicone domes (7) for switching at least two electrical contacts (6); wherein the at least one actuating means (5) is moved by a force exerted by means of a pressing means (3); wherein the actuating means (5) is an elastic lever for acting on the at least two silicone domes (7) to switch the at least two electrical contacts (6) substantially simultaneously; where the control characterized byis that the actuating means (5) is adapted to bend and therefore to curve during compression produced by the pressing means (3) and to expand towards the electrical contacts (6) following collapse of the at least two silicone domes (7); and in that the expansion of the actuating means (5) in the direction of the electrical contacts (6) following the collapse of the at least two silicone domes (7) releases stored energy in the direction of the two silicone domes (7) and therefore increases their speed of action on the electrical contacts (6). [2] Control element according to claim 1, wherein the actuating means (5) is a metal plate. [3] Control element according to claim 2, wherein the actuating means (5) comprises: - a pressing section (50) on which the pressing means (3) acts; - at least one support portion (51) which, in use, is arranged in contact with at least one support surface (72); - at least one contact portion (52) which, in use, is arranged in contact with two or more silicone domes (7); [4] Control element according to claim 3, wherein the pressing portion (50) is arranged between the supporting portion (51) and the contact portion (52). [5] Control element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one actuating means (5) is cross-shaped. [6] Control element according to claim 1, wherein each electrical contact (6) is integrated in one of the silicone domes (7). [7] Push button for electronic circuits, comprising: - a button (1) to be pressed by the user; - and a support structure (11) defining a cavity (110); characterized by that it comprises a control element for switches according to claim 1. [8] Push button according to claim 7, wherein the pressing means (3) comprises first guides (31) for sliding along guide tracks (111) enclosed in the support structure (11).

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