Composite elastomer structure

Abstract

The composite elastomeric structure (201) comprises an elastic body (202) including a top structure (203) and a ring sidewall structure (204), and a transmission post (205) including an outer shell structure (206) and an inner core structure (207). The transmission post is connected to the top structure and is substantially centrally located below the top structure. The ring sidewall structure is connected to the top structure, surrounds the transmission post, and is located below the top structure. The outer shell structure comprises a material having a first hardness, and the inner core structure comprises a material having a second hardness. The first hardness is less than the second hardness.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims priority to Chinese Utility Model Patent No. 2022 20 354 524.0, filed on February 21, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Technical field] The present invention relates to composite elastomeric structures and buttons comprising such structures, such as those used in the art of keyboard keys. [Background technology]

[0002] As one of the main output devices of a computer, the keyboard is an important carrier of human-computer interaction. In order to meet the development trend of thinner and lighter devices and keyboards, existing notebook and laptop keyboards usually adopt a thin-film scissor switch structure. The structure is mainly composed of a pair of scissor legs, a structure with an elastic body, and a keycap. The elastic body structure has a significant effect on the feel of pressing the keyboard keys due to its own characteristics. Currently, the elastic structure is integrally formed from a rubber material, and existing elastic structure designs typically reduce the hardness of the elastic as much as possible so that the user maintains a relatively soft feel and response when pressing the keyboard keys. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] However, this solution does not help transmit the pressing force to the keyboard film through an elastic structure, making it unsuitable for the relatively new pressure-sensitive keyboard keys. With technological advances, users' demands for laptop key functionality are increasing. To meet these demands, many manufacturers have introduced pressure-sensitive keyboards that use pressure-sensing modules. These pressure-sensing modules detect the amount of force a user applies to a key and convert it into corresponding control commands, enabling multiple functions to be achieved with a single key.

[0004] Therefore, the elastic structure transmits the pressing force to the keyboard film, and therefore the force transmission efficiency is very important in improving the performance of such pressure-sensitive keys. The present invention aims to provide a composite elastomer structure and key to solve the problem that existing elastic structures are integrally formed from a rubber material with a relatively low hardness, which makes it difficult to transmit pressure to the keyboard film through the elastic structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] [Brief description of the invention] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a composite elastomeric structure comprising: an elastomer body including a top structure and a ring sidewall structure; and a transmission post including an outer shell structure and an inner core structure; the transmission post is connected to the top structure and is located substantially centrally below the top structure; the ring sidewall structure is connected to the top structure and surrounds the transmission post and is located below the top structure; wherein the outer shell structure comprises a material having a first hardness and the inner core structure comprises a material having a second hardness; and the first hardness is less than the second hardness.

[0006] In this technical solution, the composite elastomer structure is elastically deformed under the action of the keycap, so that the elastic body, the top structure, and the transmission column can gradually move downward. Due to the elastic deformation of the composite elastomer structure itself and the limited internal space within the keyboard, the ring sidewall structure deforms according to the applied force, so that the ring sidewall structure also contacts the keyboard membrane under the composite elastomer structure.

[0007] When formed as part of a keyboard, the transmission column is the primary carrier that comes into contact with the keyboard membrane. The transmission column's inner core structure is harder than the outer shell structure, maximizing the transmission of applied force and reducing force loss due to deformation of the transmission column. This improves the force-displacement characteristics, making it suitable for pressure-sensitive keyboard key applications. At the same time, because the transmission column's outer shell structure is made of a softer material, this ensures a better feel of the pressing force when the user presses the key.

[0008] In some optional embodiments, the outer shell structure has an opening for placing the inner core structure therein, and the outer shell structure is detachably connected to the inner core structure. In this technical solution, the detachable connection between the outer shell structure and the inner core structural post of the transmission post means that the inner core structural post can be easily replaced with a structure comprising materials of different hardness to suit any use requirements for the push feel and force-displacement characteristics of the composite elastomeric structure. In some optional embodiments, the top of the composite elastomer structure has a recess, in this technical solution, the recess on the top of the elastic body can provide more buffer space for the downward movement of the transmission column, so that the downward movement of the composite elastomer structure removes the restriction of the keyboard space and increases the downward movement.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a composite elastomer structure comprising: an elastic body including a top structure and a ring sidewall structure; and a transmission post connected to the top structure and located substantially centrally below the top structure; wherein the ring sidewall structure is connected to the top structure, surrounds the transmission post, and is located below the top structure; wherein the transmission post has a proximal end close to the top structure and a distal end remote from the top structure; the proximal end comprises a material having a first hardness and the distal end comprises a material having a second hardness; and the first hardness is less than the second hardness.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a button comprising a composite elastomeric structure according to any one of the preceding claims, a keycap, a substrate and a connecting structure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an electronic device with a keyboard comprising the composite elastomeric structure of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a composite elastomeric structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a composite elastomeric structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a schematic overview of a button according to the invention; [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of a composite elastomeric structure according to a third embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a composite elastomeric structure according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a schematic overview of a button according to a further embodiment of the invention; and [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of a composite elastomeric structure provided by a fifth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The detailed embodiments illustrate the best mode known to the inventors and support the invention as claimed. However, they are merely exemplary and should not be used to interpret or limit the scope of the claims. Their purpose is to provide instruction to those skilled in the art. Elements and processes distinguished by ordinal phrases such as "first" and "second" do not necessarily define any order or ranking.

[0013] [Detailed Description of the Invention] (Figure 1) Figure 1 shows an electronic device in the form of a personal computer, it being understood that alternative electronic devices including electronic keyboards for providing input can be utilized in accordance with the present invention. Electronic device 101 includes a keyboard 102 and a display 103. Keyboard 102 includes a plurality of buttons 104 that can be used to control input to electronic device 101. According to one aspect of the present invention, each button 104 includes a composite elastomeric structure, as described herein. Each button is located within electronic keyboard 102 above a keyboard keypad membrane that connects each button.

[0014] (Figure 2) 2 illustrates a composite elastomeric structure provided in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. Composite elastomeric structure 201 includes an elastic body 202 having a top structure 203 and a ring sidewall structure 204. Composite elastomeric structure 201 further includes a transmission post 205 having an outer shell structure 206 and an inner core structure 207.

[0015] The transmission posts 205 are connected to the top structure 203 and are located below the top structure 203 at a substantially central location of the composite elastomeric structure 201. The ring sidewall structure 204 is connected to the top structure 203 and is located below the top structure 203. The ring sidewall structure 204 further surrounds the transmission posts 205. In an embodiment, the outer shell structure 206 comprises a material having a first hardness and the inner core structure 207 comprises a material having a second hardness. In an embodiment, the first hardness is less than the second hardness. For example: the first hardness has a hardness value of Shore 50 or less and the second hardness has a value of Shore 50 or greater.

[0016] In this embodiment, composite elastomeric structure 201 includes elastic body 202 and transmission posts 205. Elastic body 202 includes top structure 203 and ring sidewall structure 204. When used in an embodiment including an electronic keyboard and multiple buttons, composite elastomeric structure 201, which forms part of a button, is subjected to stress and elastic deformation under the action of a keycap, causing top structure 203 of elastic body 202 and transmission posts 205 to gradually move downward. Due to the elastic deformation of the composite elastomeric structure itself and the limited internal space within the keyboard, ring sidewall structure 204 deforms in response to the applied force. Thus, ring sidewall structure 204 also contacts the keyboard keypad membrane located below the composite elastomeric structure.

[0017] The transmission post 205 is connected to the top structure 203 and is centrally located below the top structure 203. The transmission post 205 is the main carrier for contacting the keyboard membrane of the keyboard 102. The inner core structure 207 of the transmission post 205 has a second hardness that is higher than the hardness of the outer shell structure 206. This means that there is less force loss in the composite elastomer structure due to deformation of the transmission post 205. This results in improved force-displacement characteristics and is suitable for application to buttons on pressure-sensitive keyboards. This also provides the user with a better feel when pressing the buttons.

[0018] In some optional embodiments, the elastic body 202 and the outer shell structure 206 are made of the same material, and the elastic body 202 and the transmission post 205 are integrally molded by a two-shot injection molding process. In one exemplary embodiment, the inner core structure 207 is used as an insert in an insert molding process, and the elastic body 202 and the transmission post 205 are integrally molded. In this manner, a composite elastomeric structure is obtained by a one-piece molding process. In an embodiment, the elastic body 202 and the outer shell structure 206 of the transmission post 205 are made of the same material, and two processes can be used to create the composite elastomeric structure:

[0019] In one example, the composite elastomer structure is dual-injected in a two-shot injection molding process. When viewing the elastomer 202 and outer shell structure 206 as a whole, a softer silicone rubber and a harder silicone rubber are injected into the elastomer 202 and outer shell structure 206 through a first tube of material via injection molding. While the elastomer 202 and outer shell structure 206 remain in the injection mold, a harder silicone is injected into the two-shot injection mold through a second tube of material to form the inner core structure 207 of the transmission post 205.

[0020] The structure shown in FIG. 2 can also be formed by an insert molding process. First, the inner core structure 207 is fabricated as an insert. In addition to using a silicone rubber material, the insert can also include TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), PET (polyethylene terephthalate, a polyester resin), TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), and other materials with higher hardness and lower deformation. Such an insert is placed into a composite elastomeric structure mold and then melted within the composite elastomeric structure mold, after which the insert bonds and solidifies to form the composite elastomeric structure described herein.

[0021] In one embodiment, the elastic body 202 includes a material having a third hardness. The third hardness is less than the first hardness of the outer shell structure 206. For example, the first hardness has a value less than or equal to 50 Shore hardness and greater than 40 Shore hardness. In this example, the third hardness has a hardness value less than or equal to 40 Shore hardness. In an embodiment, the inner core structure 207 is obtained by a two-shot injection molding process, or alternatively, is integrally formed by an insert molding process with the inner core structure 207 as an insert to form the transmission post 205 and the elastic body 202.

[0022] In one embodiment, the inner core structure 207 is made from a harder, less deformable material such as: TPE (thermoplastic elastomer); PET (polyethylene terephthalate, a polyester resin); TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) or equivalent materials. As an insert, the elastic body 202 is formed by injecting softer and harder silicone rubber through the A material tube via an injection mold. After molding, the insert is placed in the first injection mold, leaving the elastic body 202 in the first injection mold. Next, a harder silicone is injected into the two-shot mold through the B material tube to form the transmission column 205 with the insert.

[0023] Therefore, in this embodiment, inner core structure 207 has a second hardness, outer shell structure 206 has a first hardness, and elastomer 202 has a third hardness. Furthermore, the hardness of outer shell structure 206 has a value between the second hardness and the third hardness. Therefore, when a user presses a button including the composite elastomer structure, force loss in the composite elastomer structure due to deformation of transmission post 205 is further reduced, further improving the force-displacement characteristics. Therefore, this arrangement is suitable for the application of new pressure-sensitive keyboard keys. In some optional embodiments, the inner core structure 207 includes a ridge 208 that protrudes from the bottom of the outer shell structure 206. The ridge 208 is used to contact a piezoresistive film sensor for detecting the pressure or applied force caused by a user pressing a button on the keyboard 102.

[0024] (Figure 3) FIG. 3 illustrates a further exemplary embodiment as an alternative to the composite elastomeric structure of FIG. Composite elastomeric structure 301 includes an elastic body 302 having a top structure 303 and a ring sidewall structure 304. Composite elastomeric structure 301 further includes a transmission post 305 having an outer shell structure 306 and an inner core structure 307.

[0025] Transmission posts 305 are connected to top structure 303 and are located below top structure 303 at a substantially central location of composite elastomeric structure 301. Ring sidewall structures 304 are connected to top structure 303 and are located below top structure 303. Ring sidewall structures 304 further surround transmission posts 305. Composite elastomeric structure 301 is substantially similar to the embodiment of Figure 2, with the following differences: In this embodiment, outer shell structure 306 has an opening for placement of inner core structure 307. Outer shell structure 306 is removably connected to inner core structure 307.

[0026] The inner core structure 307 may be provided with materials of varying hardness that can be selected to meet the requirements for feel and force-displacement characteristics of the composite elastomeric structure, allowing the composite elastomeric structure to operate under a variety of operating conditions. In some optional embodiments, the opening is located at the bottom of the outer shell structure 306, and the inner core structure 307 includes a ridge 308. The ridge 308 is used to contact a piezoresistive film sensor for detecting pressure applied by a user.

[0027] In one embodiment, the elastic body 302 and the outer shell structure 306 are made of the same material, and the elastic body 302 and the outer shell structure 306 are integrally formed. In an embodiment, the elastic body 302 and the outer shell structure 306 of the transmission post 305 are integrally formed, and the integrally formed structure detachably connects the inner core structure 307. Compared to a structure in which the elastic body 302 and the outer shell structure 306 are integrally formed, the inner core structure 307 has a higher hardness, which ensures that the composite elastomeric structure loses less force due to deformation, thereby improving the force-displacement characteristics and therefore making it suitable for pressure-sensitive keyboard key applications.

[0028] In some optional embodiments, the elastomer 302 has a third hardness, the third hardness being less than the first hardness, and the elastomer 302 and the outer shell structure 306 are integrally formed by a double-shot injection molding process or an insert molding process, which may be substantially similar to that described with respect to FIG. 2. In some optional embodiments, the top 309 of the elastic body 302 has a recessed depression 310 . The recessed recess 310 located on the top of the elastic body 302 provides more cushioning space when the transmission post 305 moves downward, and as the composite elastomer structure moves downward, the keyboard space restriction is alleviated and the force transmission travel is further increased.

[0029] (Figure 4) Figure 4 shows a schematic structural diagram of a button that can utilize the composite elastomer structure of Figure 2 or Figure 3. Button 401 includes composite elastomer structure 201 or 301 (labeled as 201 in the figure for simplicity), keycap 402, substrate 403, and connecting structure 404. In the embodiment, the keycap 402 is disposed above the composite elastomer structure 201, and the substrate 403 is disposed below the composite elastomer structure 201. The connecting structure 404 is used to connect the keycap 402 and the substrate 403.

[0030] In this embodiment, the composite elastomer structure employed by the button is composed of an elastic body 202 and a transmission post 205. The elastic body 202 has a top structure 203 and a ring sidewall structure 204. When a user presses the composite elastomer structure 201, the elastic body 202 acts on the keycap 402. This causes elastic deformation, which causes the top structure 203 and the transmission post 205 of the elastic body 202 to gradually move downward. Due to the elastic deformation of the composite elastomer structure itself and the limited internal space of the keyboard, the ring sidewall structure 204 is subjected to a force. Due to the corresponding deformation, the ring sidewall structure 204 also comes into contact with the keyboard membrane below the composite elastomer structure 201.

[0031] The transmission post 205 is connected to the top structure 202 and is located substantially centrally below the top structure 202. The transmission post 205 is the main carrier for contacting the keyboard membrane. The inner core structure 207 of the transmission post 205 has a second hardness with a higher hardness value, which means that the composite elastomer structure reduces the force loss due to deformation of the transmission post 205, thereby improving the force-displacement characteristics and, as a result, being suitable for application in pressure-sensitive keyboard keys. This further improves the pressing feel when a user presses a button.

[0032] (Figure 5) An alternative embodiment of the present invention provides a composite elastomeric structure 501 comprising an elastic body 502 including a top structure 503 , a ring sidewall structure 504 and a transmission post 505 . The transmission post 505 is connected to the top structure 503 and is located substantially centrally below the top structure 503 . The ring sidewall structure 504 is connected to the top structure 503 and is located below the top structure 503. Furthermore, the ring sidewall structure 504 surrounds the transmission posts 505.

[0033] In an embodiment, transmission post 505 has a proximal end 506 adjacent top structure 503 and a distal end 507 extending away from top structure 503. Proximal end 506 has a first hardness and distal end 507 has a second hardness; the first hardness is less than the second hardness. In an exemplary embodiment, the first hardness is less than or equal to 50 Shore hardness and the second hardness is greater than 50 Shore hardness.

[0034] In the embodiment, the composite elastomer structure 501 includes an elastic body 502 and a transmission post 505. The elastic body 502 has a top structure 503 and a ring sidewall structure 504. The composite elastomer structure 501 is actuated by the force of the keycap. Thus, due to elastic deformation, the top structure 503 of the elastic body 502 and the transmission post 505 gradually move downward. Due to the elastic deformation of the composite elastomer structure 501 itself and the limited internal space of the keyboard, the ring sidewall structure 504 deforms in response to the applied pressing force, so that the ring sidewall structure 504 also contacts the keyboard membrane below the composite elastomer structure 501.

[0035] The transmission posts 505 are connected to the top structure 503 and are centrally located below the top structure 503. The transmission posts 505 are the main carriers for contacting the keyboard membrane of the keyboard. In this way, the composite elastomer structure 501 reduces the force loss due to the deformation of the transmission posts 505. This improves the force-displacement characteristics and is suitable for pressure-sensitive keyboard key applications. This arrangement further enhances the user's pressing sensation when pressing the button. In some optional embodiments, the elastic body 502 and the proximal end 506 of the transmission post 505 are made of the same material, and the composite elastomeric structure 501 is obtained by an insert molding process.

[0036] In one embodiment, the body 502 and the proximal end 506 of the transmission post 505 are made from the same material. This means that two processes can be used to create the composite elastomeric structure: The first process utilizes a two-shot injection molding process, as described above with respect to FIG. 2 . The illustrated composite elastomeric structure 501, which generally includes the body 502 and the proximal end 506, is injected with softer and harder silicone rubbers through a tube of material A to form the body 502 and the proximal end 506. The body 502 and the proximal end 506 are left in the closed injection mold in a second injection mold, after which a harder silicone is injected through a tube of material B into the second injection mold to form the distal end 507 of the transmission post 505.

[0037] The second process employs an insert molding process, where the composite elastomer structure 501 is made by utilizing the distal end 507 as an insert. In addition to using a silicone rubber material, it is understood that other materials can also be used for the insert, including TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), PET (polyethylene terephthalate, polyester resin), TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), and other materials with higher hardness and less deformation.

[0038] Such an insert is injected into a mold along with the composite elastomeric structure, and the silicone rubber and composite elastomeric structure are melted within the mold, thereby bonding the components together. The adhesive is then cured to form the composite elastomeric structure. In some optional embodiments, the elastic body 502 has a third hardness, the third hardness being less than the first hardness. The distal end 507 is obtained by an injection molding process, and the transmission post 505 and the elastic body 502 are integrally formed by a double-shot injection molding process. In one exemplary embodiment, the first hardness is less than or equal to 50 Shore and greater than 40 Shore, and the third hardness is less than or equal to 40 Shore.

[0039] In one embodiment, the distal end 507 is made of a harder, less deformable material, such as, for example, TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), PET (polyethylene terephthalate, polyester resin), TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), or any other suitable material. In the case of an insert, the elastic body 502 is formed by injecting a softer silicone rubber or other harder material through material tube A via injection molding. The part is molded in a two-shot molding process, and then a harder silicone is injected into the two-shot mold through material tube B to form the transfer post 505 with the insert.

[0040] Thus, in this embodiment, distal end 507 has a second hardness, proximal end 506 has a first hardness, and elastomer 502 has a third hardness. The hardness of proximal end 506 is between the second and third hardnesses. This arrangement serves to maintain an improved press feel for the user, reducing the force lost by the composite elastomeric structure due to deformation of transmission post 505. This means improved force-displacement characteristics make the composite elastomeric structure described herein suitable for pressure-sensitive keyboard key applications.

[0041] (Figure 6) 6 shows a schematic diagram of a composite elastomeric structure 601 provided in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The composite elastomeric structure 601 comprises an elastic body 602 including a top structure 603, a ring sidewall structure 604, and transmission posts 605. The proximal end 606 of the transfer post 607 has an attachment portion 607 which is used to detachably connect a distal end 608 thereto. In embodiments, the detachable connection between the proximal end 606 and the distal end 608 of the transmission post 607 means that the distal end 608 can easily be provided in materials with different hardnesses to suit any desired push feel and force-displacement characteristics requirements under different working conditions.

[0042] In some optional embodiments, one of the mounting portion 607 and the distal end 608 includes at least one mounting socket, and the other includes at least one corresponding mounting plug, such that the mounting sockets and mounting plugs are correspondingly arranged. In an embodiment, at least one pair of mounting plug and mounting socket is provided at the proximal end 606 and the distal end 608 to provide two detachable connections. In some optional embodiments, the elastic body 602 and the proximal end 606 of the transmission post 607 are made of the same material, and the elastic body 602 and the proximal end 606 of the transmission post 607 are integrally formed.

[0043] In an embodiment of the present invention, the elastic body 602 is integrally formed with the proximal end 606 of the transmission post 607, and the integrally formed structure detachably connects the distal end 608. Compared to the integrally formed structure, the distal end 608 has a higher hardness, which allows the composite elastomeric structure 601 to experience less force loss due to deformation of the transmission post 607, thereby improving the force-displacement characteristics and making it suitable for pressure-sensitive keyboard key applications. In some optional embodiments, the elastic body 602 has a third hardness, the third hardness being less than the first hardness, and in this embodiment, the elastic body 602 and the proximal end 606 of the transmission post 607 are integrally formed by a double-shot injection molding process substantially similar to that described herein above.

[0044] In some optional embodiments, the distal end 608 of the transmission post 607 includes a ridge 609. The ridge 209 is used to contact a piezoresistive film sensor within the keyboard to detect the applied pressure. In some optional embodiments, the top structure 610 of the elastic body 602 has a recess 611 . In an embodiment, the recess 611 in the elastic body 602 provides more buffer space for the downward movement of the transmission post 607, so that the downward movement of the composite elastomer structure is not limited by the keyboard space and can additionally increase the amount of transmission movement.

[0045] (Figure 7) 7 shows a structural schematic diagram of a button provided according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The button includes a composite elastomer structure, such as composite elastomer structure 501 or composite elastomer structure 601, as well as a keycap 701, a substrate 702, and a connecting structure 703. In this embodiment, the keycap 701 is installed above the composite elastomer structure 501, 601 (hereinafter referred to as 501 for simplicity), and the substrate 702 is installed below the composite elastomer structure 501. The connecting structure 703 is used to connect the keycap 701 and the substrate 702.

[0046] In an embodiment, the composite elastomer structure 501 employed in the button includes an elastic body 502 and a transmission post 505. The elastic body has a top structure 503 and a ring sidewall structure 504. When a force is applied to the keycap 701, the applied pressure causes elastic deformation, causing the top structure 503 and transmission posts 505 of the elastic body 502 to gradually move downward. Due to the elastic deformation of the composite elastomer structure 501 itself and the limited internal space of the keyboard, the ring sidewall structure 504 deforms in response to the force. In this way, the ring sidewall structure 504 also contacts the keyboard membrane below the composite elastomer structure 501.

[0047] The transmission posts 505 are connected to the top structure 503 and are located at a central position below the top structure 503. The transmission posts 505 are the main carriers for contacting the keyboard membrane. Therefore, the composite elastomer structures 501, 601 have less force loss due to deformation of the transmission posts 505, 607, and have improved force-displacement characteristics, making them suitable for use as pressure-sensitive keyboard keys and providing users with a good feel when pressing the buttons.

[0048] (Figure 8) 8 shows yet another schematic example embodiment. In this embodiment, a composite elastomer structure 801 includes a transmission rod 802 having a second hardness and an elastic body 803 having a first hardness. The transmission rod 802 and the elastic body 803 are integrally formed by a double-shot injection molding process. In the embodiments provided in this application, it is understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods may be implemented in other ways. The apparatus embodiments described above are merely exemplary. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be omitted or not implemented.

[0049] Furthermore, units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, may be installed in a single location, or may be distributed across multiple network units. Furthermore, each part in each embodiment may be integrated to form an independent part, each unit may exist independently, or two or more units may be integrated to form an independent part.

Claims

1. an elastic body including a top structure and a ring sidewall structure; and a transmission column including an outer shell structure and an inner core structure; the transmission column is connected to the top structure and is located substantially centrally below the top structure; the ring sidewall structure is connected to the top structure, surrounds the transmission posts, and is located below the top structure; the outer shell structure comprises a material having a first hardness and the inner core structure comprises a material having a second hardness; the first hardness is less than the second hardness; Composite elastomer structure.

2. The composite elastomeric structure of claim 1 , wherein said elastic body and said outer shell structure are made from the same material.

3. 3. The composite elastomer structure of claim 1, wherein the elastic body and the transmission rod are integrally formed by a two-shot injection molding process.

4. 3. The composite elastomer structure of claim 1, wherein the elastic body and the transmission rod are integrally formed by an insert molding process.

5. The composite elastomeric structure of claim 1 , wherein said elastic body comprises a material having a third hardness, said third hardness being less than said first hardness.

6. 2. The composite elastomer structure of claim 1, wherein the inner core structure includes a protrusion protruding from a lower end of the outer shell structure; the protrusion being used to contact a piezoresistive film sensor for detecting a compressive force.

7. The composite elastomeric structure of claim 1 , wherein an outer shell structure has an opening for locating said inner core structure, said outer shell structure removably connecting said inner core structure.

8. 8. The composite elastomer structure of claim 7, wherein the opening is located at the bottom of the outer shell structure, and the inner core structure includes a ridge, the ridge being used to contact a piezoresistive film sensor for detecting a pressing force.

9. The composite elastomeric structure of claim 7 , wherein said elastic body and said outer shell structure are comprised of substantially similar materials, said elastic body and said outer shell structure being integrally formed.

10. 8. The composite elastomeric structure of claim 7, wherein said elastomer body is comprised of a material having a third hardness, said third hardness being less than said first hardness, and said elastomer body and said outer shell structure are integrally formed by a two-shot injection molding process.

11. The composite elastomeric structure of claim 1 , wherein the top of said composite elastic body has a recess.

12. an elastic body including a top structure and a ring sidewall structure; and a transmission post connected to the top structure and located substantially centrally below the top structure; the ring sidewall structure is connected to the top structure and surrounds the transmission posts and is located below the top structure; the transmission post including a proximal end proximal to the apex structure and a distal end distal to the apex structure; the proximal end comprises a material having a first hardness and the distal end comprises a material having a second hardness; the first hardness is less than the second hardness; Composite elastomer structure.

13. The composite elastomeric structure of claim 12 , wherein the elastic body and the proximal end of the transmission post are made from the same material.

14. The composite elastomeric structure of claim 13 , wherein said elastic body and said transmission post are integrally formed by a two-shot injection molding process.

15. The composite elastomeric structure of claim 13 , wherein the elastic body and the transmission post are integrally formed through an insert molding process by using the distal end as an insert to obtain the composite elastomeric structure.

16. The composite elastomeric structure of claim 12 , wherein said elastic body comprises a material having a third hardness, said third hardness being less than said first hardness.

17. The composite elastomeric structure of claim 12 , wherein the proximal end of the transmission post includes an attachment portion, the attachment portion being used to detachably connect the distal end.

18. 18. The composite elastomeric structure of claim 17, wherein one of the mounting portion and the distal end includes at least one mounting socket and the other includes at least one mounting plug, the mounting socket corresponding to the mounting plug.

19. 18. The composite elastomeric structure of claim 17, wherein said elastic body is constructed from substantially the same material as said proximal end of said transmission post, said elastic body being integrally formed with said proximal end of said transmission post.

20. the elastic body comprises a material having a third hardness, the third hardness being less than the first hardness; and the elastic body passes through the proximal end of the transmission rod to form a one-piece molded part by a two-shot injection molding process; 20. The composite elastomeric structure of claim 17.

21. The composite elastomeric structure of claim 16 , wherein the distal end of the transmission post includes a ridge, the ridge being used to contact a piezoresistive film sensor for detecting a pressing force.

22. The composite elastomeric structure of claim 12 , wherein the top structure of the elastic body has a recess.

23. A button comprising: a composite elastomeric structure according to any one of claims 1 to 22, a keycap, a substrate, and a connecting structure.

24. the keycap is positioned above the composite elastomeric structure; the substrate is positioned below the composite elastomeric structure; and The connecting structure is used to connect the keycap and the substrate.

24. The button of claim 23.

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