Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention concerns an assembly, which is suitable for use in a button/switch assembly, which comprises an induction coil which can be connected to an inductive sensor; a collapsible dome member and a metallic element which is arranged so that it moves relative to the induction coil, as the dome member is collapsed.

Background

[0002] Existing assemblies, which are suitable for use in control button (such as control buttons used in automobiles) need to provide reliable actuation in response to a user pressing/interacting with the button. For example, if a user presses/interacts with a control button which controls cruise control in an automobile, to turn 'off' the cruise control, then failure of the control button to actuate the turning 'off' of the cruise control upon the application of the pressing force by the user to the control button could have fatal consequences. Existing assemblies, which are used in such control buttons, do not provide a sufficiently reliable actuation in response to pressing/interaction by a user.

[0003] Other existing assemblies, which are suitable for use in control buttons (such as control buttons used in automobiles), need to provide two or more different types of actuations when pressed. For example, existing assemblies used in buttons which control the opening or closing of automobile windows - in operation the control button may be pressed partially to a first threshold position and the window will open provided the user keeps the button partially pressed to said first threshold position - if the user releases the pressure and the button is no longer partially pressed to said first threshold position then the window will stop opening; if the button is pressed fully to a second threshold position then the window will open and will continue to open until it reaches a fully open position even after a user has released their pressing force on the button. The existing assemblies used in such control buttons tend to be complex and are often unreliable.

Summary of the invention

[0004] According to the present invention there is provided an assembly having the features recited in claim 1. The assembly of the present invention can be used for many different applications. One application includes the use of the assembly in a button assembly (such as, for example, in button assemblies used in automobiles for turning 'on' or 'off' cruise control). Advantageously, the assembly of the present invention can provide for more reliable response to a user pressing/interacting with the button. For example if a user presses/interacts with a button which has the assembly of the present invention, but the users pressing force/interaction is insufficient to create a physical electrical contact, then the induction coil (connected to the induction sensor) can be used to detect that the user pressed/interacted with the button and the event (corresponding to the event which would have occurred if the user's pressing force/interaction would have been insufficient to create a physical electrical contact) can be actuated by a backup control system. Also, when the induction coil is connected to a inductive sensor the assembly can be used to provide different actuations at different amounts the button is pressed; the induction sensor can be used to measure the amount which a button has been pressed, and may be programmed to carry out different actuations at different predefined positions of the button; for example if the button is pressed, then induction sensor can sense when button reaches a first predefined threshold position and initiate a first actuation in response to the button having reached the first threshold position; as the user continues to press the button further the induction sensor can sense when the button reaches a second predefined threshold position and initiate a second actuation in response to the button having reached the second threshold position; continued pressing of the button may cause a pill member on the collapsible dome to electrically connect the two electrical contacts on the PCB and the electrically connection of the two electrical contacts may result in a third actuation. It is possible that even after the two electrical contacts on the PCB have been electrically connected a user may continue to press the button further then induction sensor can sense that the button reaches a fourth threshold position and initiate a fourth actuation in response to the button having reached the fourth threshold position. Thus, in the present invention actuations can be initiated in response to the position of the button as indicated by the level of current flowing in the induction coil, and/or via the establishment of electrical connection between the electrical contacts on the PCB.

[0005] The dependent claims recite optional features of other metallic element embodiments.

Brief description of the Figures

[0006] Exemplar embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the description and illustrated by the drawings in which:

Figure 1a is a perspective view of an assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 1 b is an exploded perspective view of the assembly of Figure 1a;

Figure 1 c is a cross sectional view of the assembly of Figure 1 a showing the dome in a first configuration in which its collapsible skirt is an uncollaspsed state;

Figure 1 d is a cross sectional view of the assembly of Figure 1 a showing the dome in a second configuration in which its collapsible skirt is a collaspsed state;

Figure 1e provides a perspective view of an example of a PCB which could be use in the assembly of Figures 1a-d, in which the induction coil extends over a plurality of planes to provide a stack of windings; Figure 2a is a cross sectional view of an assembly according to an further embodiment of the present invention, showing the dome in a first configuration in which its collapsible skirt is an uncollaspsed state;

Figure 2b is a cross sectional view of an assembly of Figure 2a, showing the dome in a second configuration in which its collapsible skirt is a collaspsed state;

Figure 3a is a perspective view of an assembly according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3b is an exploded perspective view of the assembly of Figure 3a;

Figure 3c is a cross sectional view of the assembly of Figure 3a, taken along A-A of Figure 3a, when the assembly is in a first configuration;

Figure 3d is a cross sectional view of the assembly of Figure 3a, taken along A-A of Figure 3a, when the assembly is in an intermediate configuration;

Figure 3e is a cross sectional view of the assembly of Figure 3a, taken along A-A of Figure 3a, when the assembly is in a second configuration;

Figure 4a is a perspective view of an assembly according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4b is a cross sectional view, taken along A-A of Figure 4a, of an assembly of Figure 4a;

Figure 5a is a perspective view of an assembly according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5b is an exploded perspective view of the assembly of Figure 5a;

Figure 5c is a cross sectional view of the assembly of Figure 5a, taken along line A-A of Figure 5a, showing the dome in a first configuration in which its collapsible skirt is an uncollaspsed state;

Figure 5d is a cross sectional view of the assembly of Figure 5a, taken along line A-A of Figure 5a, showing the dome in a second configuration in which its collapsible skirt is a collaspsed state;

Figure 6a is a perspective view of an assembly according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6b is an exploded perspective view of the assembly of Figure 6a;

Figure 6c is a cross sectional view, taken along line A-A of Figure 6a, of the assembly of Figure 6a;

Figures 7a-c illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an assembly, which is the variation of the assembly in Figures 6a-c, having a magnetic field sensor 71 and a magnetic element 72.

Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

[0007] Figures 1a-d illustrate an assembly 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention: Figure 1 a is a perspective view of the assembly 1; Figure 1 b is an exploded perspective view of the assembly 1;

Figure 1c is a cross sectional view of the assembly 1, taken along line A-A of Figure 1a, showing the dome in a first configuration, and Figure 1d is a cross sectional view of the assembly 1, taken along line A-A of Figure 1a, showing the dome in a second configuration. [0008] Referring to Figures 1 a and 1 b it can be seen that the assembly 1 comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) 3 comprising at least two electrical contacts 2a, 2b, and an induction coil 4 which can be optionally connected to an inductive sensor. In this example the PCB is provided with two electrical contacts 2a, 2b; however, it should be understood that any number of electrical contacts can be provided and the electrical contacts may be arranged and/or shaped to form any suitable contact pattern. The two electrical contacts 2a, 2b may be mounted on a surface 13 of the PCB 3, or alternatively, the two electrical contacts 2a, 2b are partially embedded in the surface 13 (e.g. the two electrical contacts 2a, 2b may be etched on the surface of the PCB 3) so that the two electrical contacts 2a, 2b are exposed (and may be flush with the surface 13 of the PCB).

[0009] In this example the induction coil 4 is in the form of a circular spiral; however it should be understood that the induction coil may be configured to have any form such as a square spiral form, a hexagonal spiral form, an octagonal spiral form, or an oval spiral from. The induction coil 4 may be mounted on the surface 13 of the PCB 3, or, the induction coil 4 may be partially embedded in the PCB 3 so that the induction coil 4 is exposed (and may be flush with the surface 13 of the PCB), or, the induction coil 4 may be fully embedded in the PCB 3 so that the induction coil 4 is positioned below the surface 13 of the PCB 3. Figure 1e provides a perspective view of an example of a PCB 3 which could be use in the assembly of Figures 1a-d, in which the induction coil 4 extends over a plurality of planes to provide a stack of windings 4a, c. The induction coil 4 has a first winding 4a on a first plane, and a second windings 4c on a second plane which is below the first winding 4a. The first and second windings 4a, c are all formed from a single continuous wire, so between each winding 4a, c there is a portion 4b of the wire which is orthogonal to the first and second windings 4a, c. Having a stack of windings 4a, b as shown in Figure 1e makes the induction coil more sensitive.

[0010] In this embodiment the two electrical contacts 2a, 2b are located at a centre of windings of the induction coil 4 so that the induction coil surrounds the two electrical contacts 2a, 2b. However, in other embodiments, as will be described below, the electrical contacts are located outside of windings of the induction coil. In another, more preferred embodiment, the induction coil 4 is embedded in the PCB 3, so that the induction coil 4 is below the surface of the PCB 3; the two electrical contacts 2a, 2b are located above the windings of the induction coil 4; in other words below the two electrical contacts 2a, 2b, is the winding of the induction coil 4. Thus in this preferred embodiment the induction coil 4 and the two electrical contacts 2a, 2b are located on different planes, but the two electrical contacts 2a, 2b overlay the windings of the induction coil 4 so that the two electrical contacts 2a, 2b are located within the footprint of the windings of the induction coil 4. Advantageously, by placing the two electrical contacts 2a, 2b so that they overlay the windings of the induction coil 4, the overall footprint of the induction coil 4 and two electrical contacts 2a, 2b is reduced compared to the embodiment in which the two electrical contacts 2a, 2b are located at a centre of windings of the induction coil 4 so that the induction coil 4 surrounds the two electrical contacts 2a, 2b; in the former footprint is the size of the area occupied by the windings of the induction coil 4 only (because the area of the two electrical contacts 2a, 2b will be small enough to fit within the area occupied by the windings of the induction coil 4), whereas in the latter the footprint is the size of the area of the induction coil 4 plus the size of the area of the two electrical contacts 2a, 2b.

[0011] The assembly 1 further comprises a dome member 6 which comprises a collapsible skirt 8. In this example the dome member 6 is composed of silicon; however, it should be understood that the dome member 6 may be composed of any other suitable material.

The dome member 6 comprises a main body portion 7, and an anchoring portion 9, and the collapsible skirt 8 is connected between the main body portion 7 and the anchoring portion 9. In this example the anchoring portion is mounted on the PCB 3. In some embodiments the anchoring portion is attached to the PCB 3 using an adhesive or some other suitable attachment means; in other embodiments the anchoring portion is not fixed to the PCB 3; in other embodiments the anchoring portion is not fixed to the PCB 3 but the positioning of the dome member 6 with respect to the PCB 3 is fixed using other mean (e.g. if the assembly is used in, for example a button assembly, then other parts of the button assembly may be used to maintain a predefined positioning of the dome member 6 with respect to the PCB 3).

[0013] The assembly 1 further comprises a metallic element 10. The metallic element 10 can be selectively moved relative to the induction coil 4. In this embodiment the metallic element 10 is mounted on an outer surface 11 of the dome member 6 by suitable attachment means (e.g. adhesive, or any other suitable attachment means). It should be understood that the metallic element may comprise ferrometal(s) or non-ferrometal(s).

[0014] The assembly 1 further comprises a pill member 14 which is connected to the dome member 6. The pill member 14 comprises electrically conductive material. For example, the pill member may comprise carbon and/or graphene and/or metal and/or any other suitable electrical conductive material.

[0015] Referring to Figures 1c and 1d it is shown that the main body portion further comprises a stopper member 12 which projects from the main body portion 7 towards the PCB 3. The pill member 14 is mounted on a surface 15 of the stopper member 12. In some embodiments the pill member 14 is attached using a suitable adhesive or attachment means to the surface 15; in other embodiment the pill member 14 comprises electrically conductive Silicon material (e.g. the pill member 14 may comprise Carbon and Silicon) and this pill member is attached to the surface 15 by heating (and preferably applying pressure) during a moulding process.

[0016] The dome member 6 can be selectively moved from a first configuration in which the collapsible skirt 8 is in an uncollapsed state, to a second configuration in which the collapsible skirt 8 is in a collapsed state. Figure 1c is a cross sectional view of the assembly 1 showing the dome member 6 in its first configuration in which its collapsible skirt 6 is an uncollaspsed state; Figure 1d is a cross sectional view of the assembly 1 showing the dome member 6 in its second configuration in which its collapsible skirt 6 is a collaspsed state. The dome member 6 is typically moved from its first state into its second state by applying a pressing force directly to, or indirectly to, the main body 7 of the dome member 6 - this pressing force will move the main body 7 of the dome member 6 towards the PCB 3, while the anchoring portion 9 of the dome member remains in a fixed position; thus the main body 7 of the dome member 6 will move relative to the anchoring portion 9, towards the PCB 3; this movement will cause the collapsible skirt 8 to collapse inwardly. The collapsing of the collapsible skirt 8 may provide a user with tactile feedback. When the pressing force is removed the dome member 6 will elastically return to its first configuration. The elastic return of the dome member 6 to its first configuration may provide a user with tactile feedback.

[0017] As shown in the Figure 1c, the electrical contacts 2a, 2b are aligned with the pill member 14, and are positioned below the pill member 14. When the dome member 6 is in its first state the pill member 14 does not contact the electrical contacts 2a, 2b (this distance 'a' shown in Figure 1c is the distance between the pill member 14 and electrical contacts 2a, 2b, when the dome member 6 is in its first state the distance 'a' will be a maximum). However, when the dome member 6 is in its second state, as shown in Figure 1d, the pill member 14 contacts both of the electrical contacts 2a, 2b so that the pill member 14 electrically connects the two electrical contacts 2a, 2b (when the dome member 6 is in its second state the distance 'a' will be a 'zero'). When the two electrical contacts are connected, typically this will complete an electrical circuit, which in turn will lead to the execution of an event (such as the actuation of an actuator e.g. an actuator to cause a window of an automobile to open or close; or to turn on or off the cruise control in an automobile).

[0018] Furthermore, the movement of the dome member 6 from its first configuration to its second configuration will result in the metallic element 10 moving relative to the induction coil 4. Since the metallic element 10 is attached to the outer surface 11 of the dome member 6, when the dome member 6 is in its first configuration (as shown in Figure 1c) the metallic element 10 will a maximum distance from the induction coil 4, in other words the distance 'b' will be a maximum. As the dome member 6 is moved from its first configuration towards it second configuration the metallic element 10 will move closer to the induction coil 4, in other words the distance 'b' will begin to decrease. When the dome member 6 is in its second configuration the metallic element 10 will a minimum distance 'b' from the induction coil 4, in other words the distance 'b' will be a minimum.

[0019] The induction coil 4 can conduct a current which generates a magnetic field.

[0020] As the metallic element 10 moves closer to the induction coil 4 the metallic element 10 moves into the magnetic field generated by the current conducted in said induction coil 4 to cause the generation of eddy currents in the induction coil 4; the eddy currents increase the amount of current conducted in the induction coil 4. Thus moving the metallic element 10 towards the induction coil 4 increases the current flowing in the induction coil 4. The closer the metallic element 10 is moved towards the induction coil 4 the larger the increases of the current flowing in the induction coil 4. Thus, as the dome member 6 is moved from its first configuration to its second configuration the current flowing in the induction coil 4 will increase, reaching a maximum when the dome member 6 is in its second configuration (wherein the distance 'b' reaches a minimum).

[0021] Correspondingly, the movement of the metallic element 10 away from the induction coil 4 decreases the current flowing in the induction coil 4 from its maximum level. Thus, as the dome member 6 elastically returns to its first configuration (after being moved into its second configuration) the current flowing in the induction coil 4 will increase, reaching a minimum when the dome member 6 is in its first configuration (wherein the distance 'b' reaches a maximum). [0022] However it should be understood that the nature of the changes in the current in the induction coil 4 depends on the composition of the metallic element 10; for example if the metallic element 10 comprises ferrometal, then the changes in the current in the induction coil 4 as the metallic element 10 moves towards or away from the induction coil 4 will be different compared to the changes in the current in the induction coil 4 that will occur as the metallic element 10 moves towards or away from the induction coil if the induction coil 4 comprised non-ferrometal.

[0023] The level of current flowing in the induction coil can be used to determine if a pressing force has been applied to the dome member; furthermore the level of current flowing in the induction coil can be used to determine the position of the metallic element 10 relative to the induction coil (i.e. the distance 'b') thus enabling to determine the amount which the dome member has been compressed by the pressing force. Such determined measurements can be useful in many applications: For example, they may enable the implementation of a 'backup' activation in case the pill member 14 fails to establish contact between the two electrical contacts 2a, 2b after the dome member 6 has been moved to its second configuration: the induction coil 4 may be connected to a sensor which measures the level of current flowing in the induction coil 4 and compares that measured current level to a threshold current level; if the level of current measured exceeds the threshold current level then this will indicate that the dome member 6 has been moved into its second configuration (so the pill member 14 'should' have contacted the two electrical contacts 2a, 2b establish electrical connection between the two electrical contacts 2a, 2b to complete an electrical circuit to cause the execution of an event, to cause the execution of an event (e.g. to turn off cruise control in an automobile); if, however, the pill member 14 has for some reason failed to establish electrical connection between the two electrical contacts 2a, 2b, then the sensor will initiate an actuator to execute said event. Thus, the assembly 1 of the present invention could be used in button assemblies to ensure more reliable actuation when the button is pressed. [0024] Thus, is follows, that in a further embodiment of the invention the assembly further comprises a sensor which is configured to measure the level of current flowing in the induction coil 4 and to use said measured level of current to determine the location of the metallic element 10 (the location of the metallic element 10 be indicative of the amount which a button which uses said assembly 1 has been pressed). The level of current following in the induction coil 4 is representative of the distance between the metallic element 10 and induction coil 4 (and thus is indicative of the amount which the button which uses said assembly 1 has been pressed). The sensor is preferably configured to compare said measured level of current to a predefined threshold level of current and to effect a predefined actuation of an event when the measured level of current is equal to or greater than said predefined threshold level. In one example predefined actuation of an event which the sensor effects is equivalent to the event which occurs when the two electrical contacts 2a, 2b on the printed circuit board are electrically connected; however it should be understood that the sensor could be configured to effect any actuation at any predefined threshold level. In the present application it should be understood that the sensor may effect an actuation by sending a signal to an actuator to which causes that actuator to perform said predefined actuation.

[0025] It should be understood that the sensor could be configured to compare said measured level of current to any number of different predefined threshold levels of current and to effect any corresponding number of respective actuations once the respective predefined threshold level of current is reached. In an embodiment the sensor is configured to compare said measured level of current to a first threshold level of current and to effect a first actuation once the first threshold level of current is reached; and to compare said measured level of current to a second threshold level of current and to effect a second actuation once the second threshold level of current is reached. It should be understood that said the predefined threshold of current may be a threshold which can only reached by applying a further additional pressing force directly to, or indirectly to, the main body 7 of the collapsible dome member 6, after the dome member 6 is in its second configuration; in other words the predefined threshold of current will only flow through the induction coil 4 if the collapsible dome member 6 has been pressed into its second configuration (whereby the collapsible dome member 6is in a collapsed state and the pill member 14 contacts both of the electrical contacts 2a, 2b) and the user continues to apply more pressing force to deform the collapsible dome member 6 even further so as to bring the metallic element 10 even closer to the induction coil 4.

[0026] In another embodiment the sensor may be further configured, to compare said measured level of current to a threshold level of current and to effect an actuation of an event, once the measured level of current drops below said threshold level of current. For example, in a further embodiment the sensor may be configured to compare said measured level of current to a third threshold level of current and to effect a third actuation once the measured level of current drops below said third threshold level; and to compare said measured level of current to a fourth threshold level of current and to effect a fourth actuation once the measured level of current drops below the fourth threshold level of current. It should be understood that the sensor could be configured to compare said measured level of current to any number of predefined threshold levels of current and to effect any corresponding number of respective actuations once the measured level of current drops below the respective predefined threshold level of current.

[0027] Figures 2a and 2b illustrate an assembly 20 according to a further embodiment of the present invention; the assembly 20 has many of the same features as the assembly 1 of Figures 1a-d and like features are awarded the same reference numbers. The assembly 20 also operates in the same manner as the assembly 1.

[0028] Figure 2a is a cross sectional view of the assembly 20 when the dome member 6 is its first configuration; figure 2b is a cross sectional view of the assembly 20 when the dome member is in its second configuration. [0029] The key difference between the assembly 1 of Figures 1a-d and the assembly 20 of Figures 2a-b is that in the assembly 20 the metallic element 10 is mounted on an inner surface 21 of the dome member 6, so that the metallic element 10 is located between the inner surface 21 of the dome member 6 and the surface of the PCB 3. In this particular embodiment the metallic element 10 and stopper member 12 are arranged symmetrically on the collapsible dome member 6. Specifically, in this example the stopper member 12 projects from a centre of the inner surface 21 of the of the dome member 6; the metallic element 10 is disk-shaped with an aperture defined in the centre of the metallic element 10; and the metallic element 10 is arranged so that the stopper member 12 projects through the aperture in the metallic element 10. It should be noted that the metallic element 10 may be mounted on top of the inner surface 21, or partially embedded in the inner surface 21, or fully embedded in the inner surface 21, or integral to the dome member 6 so that it is below the inner surface 21.

[0030] Figure 3a is a perspective view of an assembly 30 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The assembly 30 has many of the same features as the assembly 1 shown in Figures 1a-d, and like features are awarded the same reference numbers. Figure 3b is an exploded perspective view of the assembly 30; Figure 3c is a cross sectional view of the assembly 30, taken along line A-A of Figure 3a, showing the dome member 6 in a first configuration; Figure 3d is a cross sectional view of the assembly 30, taken along line A-A of Figure 3a, showing the dome member 6 in a second configuration; Figure 3e is a cross sectional view of the assembly 30, taken along line A-A of Figure 3a, showing the dome member in a third configuration.

[0031] Referring to Figures 3b it can be seen that the assembly comprises four pairs 2a-d of electrical contacts 2a', 2a", 2b', 2b", 2c', 2c", 2d', 2d". The four pairs 2a-d of electrical contacts 2a', 2a", 2b', 2b", 2c', 2c", 2d', 2d" may be mounted on the surface 13 of the PCB 3, or alternatively, the four pairs 2a-d of electrical contacts 2a', 2a", 2b', 2b", 2c', 2c", 2d', 2d" may be partially embedded in the surface 13 so that the four pairs 2a-d of electrical contacts are exposed (and may be flush with the surface 13 of the PCB). In this example each electrical contact 2a', 2a", 2b', 2b", 2c', 2c", 2d', 2d" has a meandering profile; in each pair 2a-d the meandering profile of each electrical contact are mirror images of one another. The advantage of having each electrical contact having a meandering profile and in each pair the meandering profile of each electrical contact are mirror images of one another, is that the surfaces of the members of a pair of electrical contacts do not form a continuous surface; as a result this reduces the affect each pair of electrical contacts has on current induced in the induction coil 4. However it should be understood that that the electrical contacts have any other suitable profile.

[0032] The assembly 30 further comprises four pill members 14a-d (i.e. a first pill member 14a, a second pill member 14b, a third pill member 14c, and a fourth pill member 14d) which is connected to the dome member 6. Each pill member 14a-d comprises electrically conductive material. For example, each pill member 14a-d may comprise carbon and/or graphene and/or metal and/or any other suitable electrical conductive material. During operation each respective pill member 14a-d can contact the members of a respective pair 2a-d of electrical contacts 2a', 2a", 2b', 2b", 2c', 2c", 2d', 2d" so as to electrically connect the electrical contacts of that pair 2a-d. For example the first pill member 14a can contact the electrical contacts 2a', 2a" of the pair 2a, to establish electrical connect between the electrical contacts 2a', 2a"; the second pill member 14b can contact the electrical contacts 2b', 2b" of the pair 2b, to establish electrical connect between the electrical contacts 2b', 2b"; the third pill member 14c can contact the electrical contacts 2c', 2c" of the pair 2c, to establish electrical connect between the electrical contacts 2c', 2c"; the fourth pill member 14d can contact the electrical contacts 2d', 2d" of the pair 2d, to establish electrical connect between the electrical contacts 2d', 2d".

[0033] In the assembly 30 the induction coil 4 is in the form of an oval spiral; however it should be understood that the induction coil may be configured to have any form such as a square spiral form, a hexagonal spiral form, an octagonal spiral form, or an oval spiral form. [0034] Furthermore, a light source, in the form of an LED 35 is provided on the PCB 3; an aperture 34 is defined in the dome member 6 at the centre 32 of the dome member 6. An aperture 37 is also defined in the metallic element 10; the metallic element 10 is positioned so that it's aperture 37 is aligned with the aperture 34 which is defined in the dome member 6. The aperture 34 defined in the dome member 6 and the aperture 37 defined in the metallic element 10, both overlay the LED 35 which is on the PCB 3 so that, during operation, light emitted by the LED 35 can pass through the apertures 34,37. It should be understood that this apertures 34,37 and the LED 35 are optional features.

[0035] The induction coil 4 may be mounted on the surface 13 of the PCB 3, or, the induction coil 4 may be partially embedded in the PCB 3 so that the induction coil 4 is exposed (and may be flush with the surface 13 of the PCB), or, the induction coil 4 may be fully embedded in the PCB 3 so that the induction coil 4 is positioned below the surface 13 of the PCB 3. Importantly, in the assembly 30 the induction coil 4 is fully embedded in the PCB 3 so that the induction coil 4 is positioned below the surface 13 of the PCB 3, as can be seen in Figures 3c-e. The electrical contacts 2a', 2a", 2b', 2b", 2c', 2c", 2d', 2d" are all located above the windings of the induction coil 4; in other words below the four pairs 2a-d of electrical contacts 2a', 2a", 2b', 2b", 2c', 2c", 2d', 2d", is the winding of the induction coil 4. Thus in this preferred embodiment the induction coil 4 and the four pairs 2a-d of electrical contacts 2a', 2a", 2b', 2b", 2c', 2c", 2d', 2d" are located on different planes, but the four pairs 2a-d of electrical contacts 2a', 2a", 2b', 2b", 2c', 2c", 2d', 2d" overlay the windings of the induction coil 4 so that the four pairs 2a-d of electrical contacts 2a', 2a", 2b', 2b", 2c', 2c", 2d', 2d" are located within the footprint of the windings of the induction coil 4. Advantageously, by placing the four pairs 2a-d of electrical contacts 2a', 2a", 2b', 2b", 2c', 2c", 2d', 2d" so that they overlay the windings of the induction coil 4, the overall footprint of the induction coil 4 plus four pairs 2a-d of electrical contacts 2a', 2a", 2b', 2b", 2c', 2c", 2d', 2d", is reduced, compared to the embodiment in which four pairs 2a-d of electrical contacts 2a', 2a", 2b', 2b", 2c', 2c", 2d', 2d" are located at a centre of windings of the induction coil 4 so that the four pairs 2a-d of electrical contacts 2a', 2a", 2b', 2b", 2c', 2c", 2d', 2d" are surrounded by the induction coil 4; in the former footprint is the size of the area occupied by the windings of the induction coil 4 only (because the four pairs 2a-d of electrical contacts 2a', 2a", 2b', 2b", 2c', 2c", 2d', 2d" are located within the footprint area occupied by the windings of the induction coil 4), whereas in the latter the footprint is the size of the area of the induction coil 4 plus the size of the area occupied by the four pairs 2a-d of electrical contacts 2a', 2a", 2b', 2b", 2c', 2c", 2d', 2d".

[0036] Referring to Figures 3c-3e, it can be seen that the collapsible dome member 6 further comprises two secondary collapsible dome members 36a, 36b (a first secondary collapsible dome member 36a, and a second secondary collapsible dome member 36b), each of which comprises a respective secondary collapsible skirt 38a, 38b. Each of the two secondary collapsible dome members 36a, 36b project from the main body portion 7 towards the PCB 3. More specifically, each secondary collapsible dome member 36a, 36b comprises a top portion 39a, 39b; and the top portion 39a, 39b is connected via the secondary collapsible skirt 38a, 38b to the main body portion 7. Each of the two secondary collapsible dome members 36a, 36b are configured to collapse in a direction which is opposite to the direction which the collapsible dome member 6 collapses.

[0037] The first pill member 14a is mounted on a surface 105a of the top portion 39a of the first secondary collapsible dome member 36a. The fourth pill 14d is mounted on a surface 105d of the top portion 39b of the second secondary collapsible dome member 36a. The first pill member 14a overlays the first pair of electrical contacts 2a on the PCB 3; and the fourth pill 14d overlays the fourth pair of electrical contacts 2d on the PCB 3.

[0038] The second and third pill members 14b, 14c are each mounted on an inner surface 121 of a dome member 6; specifically, in the assembly 30 the second and third pill members 14b, 14c are each mounted on a surface 121 of the main body 7 which is facing the PCB 3. The second and third pill members 14b, 14c are located at opposing sides of the centre 32 of the dome member, and are located on a part of the inner surface 121 which is between the first and second secondary collapsible dome member 36a, 36b. The second pill member 14b overlays the second pair of electrical contacts 2b on the PCB 3; and the third pill member 14c overlays the third pair 2c of electrical contacts 2c on the PCB 3. It should be noted that since Figures 3c- 3d, provide a cross sectional view of the assembly 30 taken along line A-A of Figure 3a, the third electrical contact pair 2c and the third pill member 14c does not appear in these figures.

[0039] Figure 3c is a cross sectional view of the assembly 30, taken along line A-A of Figure 3a, showing the assembly 30 in a first configuration. In this first configuration the collapsible dome member 6 is uncollapsed, and each of the first and second secondary collapsible dome member 36a, 36b are uncollapsed. There is an airgap 130 between the first pill member 14a and first pair of electrical contacts 2a, between the second pill member 14b and the second pair of electrical contact 2b, between the third pill member 14c and the third pair of electrical contacts 2c, and between the fourth pill member 14d and the fourth pair of electrical contacts 2d. The distance 'a' shown in figure 3c is the distance between the first pill member 14a and first pair of electrical contacts 2a and the distance between the fourth pill member 14d and the fourth pair of electrical contacts 2d; the distance 'b' shown in figure 3c is the distance between the second pill member 14b and the second pair of electrical contact 2b and the distance between the third pill member 14c and the third pair of electrical contacts 2c; the distance 'c' shown in figure 3c is the distance between the metallic element 10 and the induction coil 4.

[0040] When a pressing force is applied directly to, or indirectly to, the main body 7 of the dome member 6 - this pressing force will move the main body 7 of the dome member 6 towards the PCB 3, while the anchoring portion 9 of the dome member remains in a fixed position; thus the main body 7 of the dome member 6 will move relative to the anchoring portion 9, towards the PCB 3. Moving the main body 7 of the dome member 6 towards the PCB 3 will bring the assembly 30 into the intermediate configuration as illustrated in Figure 3d (in which collapsible dome member 6 is in its second configuration). [0041] Because the first and second secondary collapsible dome member 36a, 36b are attached to the main body 7 of the collapsible dome member 6, as the main body 7 moves towards the PCB 3, the first and second secondary collapsible dome member 36a, 36b will also each be moved toward the PCB 3. When the collapsible dome member 6 is moved into its second configuration i.e. when the collapsible dome member 6 collapses inwardly, as illustrated in Figure 3d, the collapsing of the dome member 6 will move the main body 7 moves towards the PCB 3 so that the first pill member 14a, which is mounted on the surface 105a of the top portion 39a of the first secondary collapsible dome member 36a, contacts the first pair of electrical contact 2a; and so that the fourth pill 14d, which is mounted on the surface 105d of the top portion 39b of the second secondary collapsible dome member 36a, contacts the fourth pair of electrical contacts 2d on the PCB 3. Importantly in this intermediate configuration of the assembly 30, only the collapsible dome member 6 is collapsed, each of the first and second secondary collapsible dome member 36a, 36b remain uncollapsed. In this intermediate configuration of the assembly 30 the first pill member 14a will electrically connect the electrical contacts 2a', 2a" belonging to the first pair 2a; and the fourth pill 14d will electrically connect the electrical contacts 2d', 2d" belonging to the fourth pair 2d. Since the first and second secondary collapsible dome member 36a, 36b remain uncollapsed in this intermediate configuration of the assembly 30, there remains an air gap 130 between the second pill member 14b and the second pair of electrical contact 2b, and between the third pill member 14c and the third pair of electrical contacts 2c.

[0042] Moving the main body 7 of the dome member 6 further towards the PCB 3 will bring the assembly 30 into a second configuration, as illustrated in Figure 3c, in which collapsible dome member 6 is collapsed and each of the first and second secondary collapsible dome members 36a, 36b are collapsed. When the pressing force continues to be applied directly to, or indirectly to, the main body 7 of the dome member 6, this pressing force will move the main body 7 of the dome member 6 further towards the PCB 3; since the first pill member 14a contacts the first pair of electrical contact 2a, the top portion 39a of the first secondary collapsible dome member 36a will be blocked from further movement; likewise since the fourth pill member 14d contacts the fourth pair of electrical contact 2d, the top portion 39b of the second secondary collapsible dome member 36b will be blocked from further movement. As a result the main body 7 of the dome member 6 will move, relative to the top portions 39a, 39b towards the PCB 3, thereby forcing the secondary collapsible skirt 38a of the first secondary collapsible dome member 36a to collapse and the secondary collapsible skirt 38b of the second secondary collapsible dome member 36b to collapse. The first and second secondary collapsible dome members 36a, 36b collapse in a direction away from the PCB 3, whereas the collapsible dome member 6 collapses in a direction towards the PCB 3.

[0043] When the secondary collapsible skirt 38a of the first secondary collapsible dome member 36a collapse and the secondary collapsible skirt 38b of the second secondary collapsible dome member 36b collapse, both first and second secondary collapsible dome members 36a, 36b are collapsed. The collapsing of the first and second secondary collapsible dome members 36a, 36b brings the second pill member 14b into contact with the second pair of electrical contact 2b, and brings the third pill member 14c into contact with the third pair of electrical contacts 2c.

[0044] Thus when the assembly 30 is in its second configuration, as shown in Figure 3e, the first pill member 14a will electrically connect the electrical contacts 2a', 2a" belonging to the first pair 2a; and the fourth pill 14d will electrically connect the electrical contacts 2d', 2d" belonging to the fourth pair 2d; the third pill member 14c will electrically connect the electrical contacts 2c', 2c" belonging to the third pair 2c; and the second pill 14b will electrically connect the electrical contacts 2b', 2b" belonging to the second pair 2b. When the assembly 30 is in its second configuration the distances 'a' and 'b' will each be zero.

[0045] Figures 4a and 4b illustrate an assembly 40 according to a further embodiment of the present invention; the assembly 40 has many of the same features as the assembly 30 of Figures 3a-d and like features are awarded the same reference numbers. The assembly 40 also operates in the same manner as the assembly 30.

[0046] Figure 4a is a perspective view of the assembly 40; figure 4b is a cross sectional view of the assembly 40 when the dome member is in its first configuration.

[0047] The key difference between the assembly 30 of Figures 3a-d and the assembly 40 of Figures 4a-b is that in the assembly 40 the metallic element 10 is mounted on an inner surface 21 of the dome member 6, so that the metallic element 10 is located between the inner surface 21 of the dome member 6 and the surface of the PCB 3. The metallic element 10 and stopper members 12a, 12b are arranged symmetrically on the collapsible dome member 6. Specifically, in this example the metallic element 10 is an oval-ring-shaped and the stopper members 12a,b are positioned so that each stopper members 12a,b is the same distance from the oval-ring- shaped metallic element 10. It should be noted that the metallic element 10 may be mounted on top of the inner surface 21, or partially embedded in the inner surface 21, or fully embedded in the inner surface 21, or integral to the dome member 6 so that it is below the inner surface 21.

[0048] Figure 4b is a cross sectional view of the assembly 40 when the dome member 6 is in its first configuration. The distance 'c' is the distance from the metallic element 10 to the induction coil 4.

[0049] Figures 5a-d illustrate an assembly 50 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The assembly 50 has many of the same features as the assembly 1 shown in Figures 1a-d and like features are awarded the same reference numbers.

[0050] Figure 5a is a perspective view of the assembly 50; Figure 5b is an exploded perspective view of the assembly 20; Figure 5c is a cross sectional view of the assembly 50 showing the dome member in a first configuration; Figure 5d is a cross sectional view of the assembly 50 showing the dome member in a second configuration. [0051] Referring to figures 5b, 5c and 5d, it can be seen that the assembly 50 the metallic element is in the form of a collapsible metallic dome member 51. The collapsible metallic dome member 51 has a centre position 51a, and a rim portion 51 b, and a collapsible intermediate portion 51c which is connected between the centre position 51a and rim portion 51 b.

[0052] The collapsible metallic dome member 51 is attached to the surface 15 of the stopper member 12 of the collapsible dome member 6. Specifically, the collapsible metallic dome member 51 is attached to the surface 15 of the stopper member 12 at the centre portion 51a of the collapsible metallic dome member 51.

[0053] The assembly 50 comprises a first electrical contact 52a and second electrical contact 52b provided on the PCB 3; the first electrical contact 52a is in the form of a disc and the second electrical contact 52b is in the form of an annular ring. It should be understood that the first electrical contact 52a and second electrical contact 52b could have any suitable form; for example, in another more preferred embodiment, the second electrical contact 52b could be in the form of a segmented annular ring comprising a plurality of portions of an annual ring shape with a gap between said respective portions. For example, the second electrical contact 52b could comprise two half portions of an annular ring shape with a gap between the two half portions; or three third positions of an annular ring shape with a respective gap between each of the three third portions; or four quarter portions of an annular ring shape with a gap between each of the respective four quarter portions. Advantageously, by having the second electrical contact 52b in the form of a plurality of portions of an annual ring shape with a gap between said portions, will reduced the affect the second electrical contact 52b has on current induced in the induction coil 4. Also, in a preferred embodiment, the first electrical contact 52a could be in the form of a segmented annular ring (instead of being in a form of a disc) comprising a plurality of portions of an annual ring shape with a gap between said respective portions. For example, the first electrical contact 52a could comprise two half portions of an annular ring shape with a gap between the two half portions; or three third positions of an annular ring shape with a gap between each of the respective three third portions; or four quarter portions of an annular ring shape with a gap between each of the respective four quarter portions. Advantageously, by having the first electrical contact 52a in the form of a plurality of portions of an annual ring shape with a gap between said portions, will reduced the affect the first electrical contact 52a has on current induced in the induction coil 4.

[0054] The collapsible metallic dome member 51 is arranged so that its centre position 51a is aligned over the first electrical contact 52a, and its rim portion 51 b is aligned over the second electrical contact 52b.

[0055] The first electrical contact 52a is located at a centre of windings of the induction coil 4 so that the induction coil surrounds the first electrical contact 52a. The second electrical contact 52b surrounds the induction coil 4, so that windings of the induction coil 4 are located between the first electrical contact 52a and second electrical contact 52b on the PCB 3. In another, more preferred embodiment, the induction coil 4 is embedded in the PCB 3, so that the induction coil 4 is located below the surface of the PCB 3; the first electrical contact 52a and second electrical contact 52b are each located above the windings of the induction coil 4; in other words below the first electrical contact 52a and second electrical contact 52b, is the winding of the induction coil 4. Thus in this preferred embodiment the induction coil 4 and the first electrical contact 52a and second electrical contact 52b are located on different planes, but the first electrical contact 52a and second electrical contact 52b overlay the windings of the induction coil 4 so that the first electrical contact 52a and second electrical contact 52b are located within the footprint of the windings of the induction coil 4. Advantageously, by placing the first electrical contact 52a and second electrical contact 52b so that they overlay the windings of the induction coil 4, the overall footprint of the induction coil 4 and electrical contacts 52a, 52b is reduced compared to the embodiment in which the first electrical contact 52a is located at a centre of windings of the induction coil 4 and the second electrical contact 52b surrounds the induction coil 4; in the former footprint is the size of the area occupied by the windings of the induction coil 4 only (because the first electrical contact 52a and second electrical contact 52b are located within the area occupied by the windings of the induction coil 4), whereas in the latter the footprint is the size of the area of the induction coil 4 plus the size of the area occupied by the first electrical contact 52a and second electrical contact 52b.

[0056] Figure 5c is a cross sectional view of the assembly 50 showing the dome member 6 in a first configuration in which the collapsible skirt 8 is in an uncollapsed state. When the dome member 6 is its first configuration the collapsible metallic dome member 51 does not contact either of the first or second electrical contacts 52a, 52b. Specifically, in this embodiment, when the dome member 6 is in its first configuration there is an air gap 53 between the collapsible metallic dome member 51 and each of the first and second electrical contacts 52a, 52b. However it should be understood that the air gap 53 between the collapsible metallic dome member 51 and the second electrical contact 52b is not an essential feature of the invention; in a variation of the embodiment when the dome member 6 is in its first configuration the collapsible metallic dome member 51 contacts the second electrical contact 52b and there is an air gap 53 between the collapsible metallic dome member 51 and the first electrical contact 52a only.

[0057] When a pressing force is applied directly to, or indirectly to, the main body 7 of the dome member 6 - this pressing force will move the main body 7 of the dome member 6 towards the PCB 3, while the anchoring portion 9 of the dome member remains in a fixed position; thus the main body 7 of the dome member 6 will move relative to the anchoring portion 9, towards the PCB 3. Because the collapsible metallic dome member 51 is attached to the surface 15 of the stopper member 12 of the collapsible dome member 6, as the main body 7 moves towards the PCB 3, the collapsible metallic dome member 51 will also be moved toward the PCB 3. The collapsible metallic dome member 51 will be moved close enough to PCB 3 so that the rim portion 51 b of the collapsible metallic dome member 51 contacts the second electrical contact 52b. The contact between the rim portion 51 b of the collapsible metallic dome member 51 and the second electrical contact 52b may provide a first tactile feedback to the user - in other embodiments the contact between the rim portion 51b of the collapsible metallic dome member 51 and the second electrical contact 52b does not provide any tactile feedback.

[0058] Once the rim portion 51 b of the collapsible metallic dome member 51 contacts the second electrical contact 52b, the second electrical contact 52b will block further movement of the rim portion 51 b of the collapsible metallic dome member 51 as the pressing force is continued to be applied directly to, or indirectly to, the main body 7 of the dome member 6. Accordingly, as pressing force is continued to be applied directly to, or indirectly to, the main body 7 of the dome member 6, the centre position 51 a of the collapsible metallic dome member 51 will move relative to the rim portion 51 b, towards the PCB 3 (specifically, towards the first electrical contact 52a on the PCB 3). The pressing force thus elastically deform the collapsible metallic dome member 51 from its original form. The collapsible intermediate portion 51c of the collapsible metallic dome member 51, which is connected between the centre position 51a and rim portion 51 b will allow the centre position 51a to be moved relative to the rim portion 51 b.

[0059] As pressing force is continued to be applied directly to, or indirectly to, the main body 7 of the dome member 6, the centre portion 51a of the collapsible metallic dome member 51 will collapse inwardly so that the centre portion 51a of the collapsible metallic dome member 51 contacts the first electrical contact 52a. The collapsing of the collapsible metallic dome member 51 will collapse inwardly may provide a first tactile feedback to the user, or, may provide a second tactile feedback to the user (in the case where the contact between the rim portion 51 b of the collapsible metallic dome member 51 and the second electrical contact 52b provides a first tactile feedback). Thus, in this state the rim portion 51b of the collapsible metallic dome member 51 contacts the second electrical contact 52b and the centre portion 51 a of the collapsible metallic dome member 51 contacts the first electrical contact 52a; the collapsible metallic dome member 51 thereby establishes an electrical connection between the first and second electrical contacts 52a, 52b. Preferably, in this embodiment the collapsible dome member 6 does not provide any tactile feedback to the user; most preferably the collapsible dome member 6 does not collapse inwardly, rather the collapsible dome member 6 is configured (by way of the dimensions and shape of the skirt 8) so that is flexes a sufficient amount, without collapsing inwardly, to allow the transmission of the pressing force applied to the main body 7 to the collapsible metallic dome member 51; thus in this embodiment tactile feedback provided to the user is provide exclusively by the collapsible metallic dome member 51.

[0060] During the operation of the assembly 50, as the collapsible metallic dome member 51 moves closer to the induction coil 4 the collapsible metallic dome member 51 moves into the magnetic field generated by the current conducted in said induction coil 4 to cause the generation of eddy currents in the induction coil 4; the eddy currents increase the amount of current conducted in the induction coil 4. Thus, moving the collapsible metallic dome member 51 towards the induction coil 4 increases the current flowing in the induction coil 4. The closer the collapsible metallic dome member 51 is moved towards the induction coil 4 the larger the increases of the current flowing in the induction coil 4.

[0061] Thus, as the collapsible metallic dome member 51 is moved close enough to PCB 3 so that the rim portion 51 b of the collapsible metallic dome member 51 contacts the second electrical contact 52b, the current flowing in the induction coil 4 will increase. As continued pressing force is applied to the main body 7 of the dome member 6 to cause the centre portion 51a of the collapsible metallic dome member 51 to move towards the first electrical contact 52a the current flowing in the induction coil 4 will continue to increase further. The current flowing in the induction coil 4 will reach a maximum once the collapsible metallic dome member 51 has collapsed inwardly so that the centre portion 51 a of the collapsible metallic dome member 51 contacts the first electrical contact 52a.

[0062] Correspondingly, the movement of the collapsible metallic dome member 51 away from the induction coil 4 decreases the current flowing in the induction coil 4 from its maximum level. Thus, as the pressing force applied to the main body 7 of the dome member 6 is released, and the collapsible metallic dome member 51 elastically returns from its collapsed state so that there is an air gap 53 between the centre portion 51 a of the collapsible metallic dome member 51 and the first electrical contact 52a, but the rim portion 51 b of the collapsible metallic dome member 51 still contacts the second electrical contact 52b, the current flowing in the induction coil 4 will decrease from its maximum level. As the pressing force applied to the main body 7 of the dome member 6 continues to be released the collapsible metallic dome member 51 will move further away from the induction coil 4 as the collapsible dome member 6 elastically returns to its original state, so that the is an air gap 52 between the between the centre portion 51a of the collapsible metallic dome member 51 and the first electrical contact 52a and also between the rim portion 51 b of the collapsible metallic dome member 51 contacts the second electrical contact 52b, the current flowing in the induction coil 4 will decrease further. After the collapsible dome member 6 has returned to its original form then the air gap 53 between the collapsible metallic dome member 51 and the induction coil will be a maximum and the current flowing through the induction coil 4 will be a minimum.

[0063] However it should be understood that the nature of the changes in the current in the induction coil 4 depends on the composition of the collapsible metallic dome member 51; for example if the collapsible metallic dome member 51 comprises ferrometal, then the changes in the current in the induction coil 4 as the collapsible metallic dome member 51 moves towards or away from the induction coil 4 will be different compared to the changes in the current in the induction coil 4 that will occur as the collapsible metallic dome member 51 moves towards or away from the induction coil if the induction coil 4 comprised non-ferrometal.

[0064] The level of current flowing in the induction coil can be used to determine if a pressing force has been applied to the collapsible dome member 6; furthermore the level of current flowing in the induction coil can be used to determine the position or state of the collapsible metallic dome member 51 relative to the induction coil thus enabling to determine the amount which the dome member 6 has been compressed by the pressing force. Such determined measurements can be useful in many applications as already described above.

[0065] It should be understood that in the assembly 50 may further comprises a sensor which is configured to measure the level of current flowing in the induction coil 4 and to use said measured level of current to determine the location or state of the collapsible metallic dome member 51. The level of current following in the induction coil 4 can be representative of the distance between the collapsible metallic dome member 51 and induction coil 4. The sensor is preferably configured to compare said measured level of current to a threshold level of current and to effect an actuation of an event, once the threshold level of current is reached. In another embodiment the sensor is preferably configured to compare said measured level of current to a first threshold level of current and to effect a first actuation once the first threshold level of current is reached; and to compare said measured level of current to a second threshold level of current and to effect a second actuation once the second threshold level of current is reached. It should be understood that the sensor could be configured to compare said measured level of current to any number of predefined threshold levels of current and to effect any corresponding number of respective actuations once the respective predefined threshold level of current is reached. Likewise, the sensor may be configured, or may be further configured, to compare said measured level of current to a threshold level of current and to effect an actuation of an event, once the measured level of current drops below said threshold level of current. In another embodiment the sensor is preferably configured to compare said measured level of current to a first threshold level of current and to effect a first actuation once the measured level of current drops below said first threshold level; and to compare said measured level of current to a second threshold level of current and to effect a second actuation once the measured level of current drops below the second threshold level of current. It should be understood that the sensor could be configured to compare said measured level of current to any number of predefined threshold levels of current and to effect any corresponding number of respective actuations once the measured level of current drops below the respective predefined threshold level of current.

[0066] In one embodiment the collapsible intermediate portion 51c will also collapse inwardly as the stopper member 12 pushes the centre portion 51a into contact with the first electrical contact 52a. The collapsing of the intermediate portion 51c may provide tactile feedback to a user. When the pressing force is removed the collapsible metallic dome member 51 will preferably elastically return to its original form which it has when the collapsible dome member 6 was in its first configuration. The elastic return of the collapsible metallic dome member 51 to its first configuration may provide a user with tactile feedback.

[0067] Likewise, as with the previous embodiments, the collapsing of the collapsible skirt 8 may provide a user with tactile feedback. When the pressing force is removed the dome member 6 will preferably elastically return to its first configuration. The elastic return of the dome member 6 to its first configuration may further provide a user with tactile feedback.

[0068] Figures 6a-c illustrate an assembly 60 according to a further embodiment of the present invention; the assembly 60 has many of the same features as the assembly 20 of Figures 2a-b and like features are awarded the same reference numbers. The assembly 60 also operates in the same manner as the assembly 20.

[0069] Figure 6a is a perspective view of the assembly 60; figure 6b is an exploded perspective view of the assembly 60; and figure 6c is a cross sectional view of the assembly 60.

[0070] The key difference between the assembly 20 of Figures 2a-b and the assembly 60 of Figures 6a-c is that the two electrical contacts 2a, 2b are located on the PCB 3 in a position which is outside of windings of the induction coil 4. [0071] In this particular embodiment the metallic element 10 is arranged asymmetrically with respect to the stopper member 12 which projects from the main body portion 7 towards the PCB 3. The metallic element 10 is mounted on an inner surface 21 on one side 62a of the centre 62 of the dome member 6, and the stopper member 12 projects from the main body 7 at an opposite side of the centre 62 of the dome member 6. The pill member 14 which is mounted on a surface 15 of the stopper member 12 overlays the two electrical contacts 2a, 2b; and the metallic element 10 overlays the induction coil 4.

[0072] Furthermore, a light source, in the form of an LED 65 is provided on the PCB 3; an aperture 64 is defined in the dome member 6 at the centre 62 of the dome member 64; the aperture 64 overlays the LED 65 so that during operation light emitted by the LED 65 can pass through the aperture 64. In this example the two electrical contacts 2a, 2b are located on the PCB 3 on one side of the LED 65; and the induction coil 4 is located on the PCB 3 on an opposite side of the LED 65. It should be understood that this aperture 64 and LED 65 are optional features.

[0073] Various modifications and variations to the described embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, it should be understood that one or more features of any embodiment describes above could be included in any of the other embodiments. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiment.

[0074] For example, in a variation of each of the assemblies 1, 20, 30, 40 and 60, a magnetic field sensor could be provided on the PCB instead of an induction coil, and a magnetic element could be provided instead of the metallic element 10. In this variation of these embodiments the magnetic field sensor senses an increase in magnetic field as the magnetic element is moved closer to the magnetic field sensor on the PCB, and senses a decrease in magnetic field as the magnetic element moves away from the magnetic field sensor on the PCB.

[0075] Figures 7a-c illustrate one exemplary embodiment assembly 70, which is the variation of the assembly 60, in which a magnetic field sensor 71 is provided on the PCB 3 (instead of an induction coil 4), and a magnetic element 72 provided instead of the metallic element 10. The assembly 70 has many of the same features as the assembly 20 of Figures 2a-b and like features are awarded the same reference numbers.

[0076] In this particular embodiment the magnetic element 72 is arranged asymmetrically with respect to the stopper member 12 which projects from the main body portion 7 towards the PCB 3. The magnetic element 72 is mounted on an inner surface 21 on one side 62a of the centre 62 of the dome member 6, and the stopper member 12 projects from the main body 7 at an opposite side of the centre 62 of the dome member 6. The pill member 14 which is mounted on a surface 15 of the stopper member 12 overlays the two electrical contacts 2a, 2b; and the metallic element 10 overlays the induction coil 4.

[0077] Furthermore, a light source, in the form of an LED 65 is provided on the PCB 3; an aperture 64 is defined in the dome member 6 at the centre 62 of the dome member 64; the aperture 64 overlays the LED 65 so that during operation light emitted by the LED 65 can pass through the aperture 64. In this example the two electrical contacts 2a, 2b are located on the PCB 3 on one side of the LED 65; and the induction coil 4 is located on the PCB 3 on an opposite side of the LED 65. It should be understood that this aperture 64 and LED 65 are optional features.

[0078] The dome member 6 can be selectively moved from a first configuration in which the collapsible skirt 8 is in an uncollapsed state, to a second configuration in which the collapsible skirt 8 is in a collapsed state. The dome member 6 is typically moved from its first state into its second state by applying a pressing force directly to, or indirectly to, the main body 7 of the dome member 6 - this pressing force will move the main body 7 of the dome member 6 towards the PCB 3, while the anchoring portion 9 of the dome member remains in a fixed position; thus the main body 7 of the dome member 6 will move relative to the anchoring portion 9, towards the PCB 3; this movement will cause the collapsible skirt 8 to collapse inwardly. The collapsing of the collapsible skirt 8 may provide a user with tactile feedback. When the pressing force is removed the dome member 6 will elastically return to its first configuration. The elastic return of the dome member 6 to its first configuration may provide a user with tactile feedback.

[0079] As shown in the Figure 7c, the electrical contacts 2a, 2b are aligned with the pill member 14, and are positioned below the pill member 14. When the dome member 6 is in its first state the pill member 14 does not contact the electrical contacts 2a, 2b (the distance 'a' shown in Figure 7c is the distance between the pill member 14 and electrical contacts 2a, 2b, when the dome member 6 is in its first state the distance 'a' will be a maximum). However, when the dome member 6 has collapsed and is in its second state, the pill member 14 contacts both of the electrical contacts 2a, 2b so that the pill member 14 electrically connects the two electrical contacts 2a, 2b (when the dome member 6 has collapsed and is in its second state the distance 'a' will be 'zero'). When the two electrical contacts are connected, typically this will complete an electrical circuit, which in turn will lead to the execution of an event (such as the actuation of an actuator e.g. an actuator to cause a window of an automobile to open or close; or to turn on or off the cruise control in an automobile).

[0080] Furthermore, the pressing force applied directly to, or indirectly to, the main body 7 of the dome member 6 to cause the movement of the dome member 6 from its first configuration towards its second configuration, will result in the magnetic element 72 moving towards the magnetic field sensor 71. Since the magnetic element 72 is attached to the inner surface 21 of the dome member 6, when the dome member 6 is in its first configuration the metallic element 10 will a maximum distance from the induction coil 4, in other words the distance 'b' will be a maximum. As the dome member 6 is moved from its first configuration towards it second configuration the magnetic element 72 will be moved closer to the magnetic field sensor 71, in other words the distance 'b' will begin to decrease. When the dome member 6 is in its second configuration the magnetic element 72 will a minimum distance 'b' from the magnetic field sensor 71, in other words the distance 'b' will be a minimum.

[0081] The magnetic field sensor 71 is configured to sense changes in magnetic field. As the magnetic element 72 moves closer to the magnetic field sensor 71 the magnetic element 72 will cause increase in the magnetic field sensed by the magnetic field sensor 71. The closer magnetic element 72 is moved towards the magnetic field sensor 71 the larger the magnetic field will be sensed by the magnetic field sensor 71. Thus, as the dome member 6 is moved from its first configuration to its second configuration the magnetic field sensed by the magnetic field sensor 71 will increase, reaching a maximum when the dome member 6 is in its second configuration (wherein the distance 'b' reaches a minimum).

[0082] Correspondingly, the movement of the magnetic element 72 away from the magnetic field sensor 71 will result in a decrease in the magnetic field sensed by the magnetic field sensor 71. Thus, as the dome member 6 elastically returns to its first configuration (after being moved into its second configuration) the magnetic field sensed by the magnetic field sensor 71 will decrease, reaching a minimum when the dome member 6 is in its first configuration (wherein the distance 'b' reaches a maximum).

[0083] Therefore in line with the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 7a-c, according to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an assembly comprising an printed circuit board comprising at least two electrical contacts 2a, 2b; a magnetic field sensor 71; a dome member 6 which comprises a collapsible skirt 8, wherein dome member can be selectively moved from a first configuration in which the collapsible skirt is in an uncollapsed state, to a second configuration in which the collapsible skirt is in an collapsed state; a magnetic element 72 which is arranged so that it moves relative to the magnetic field sensor 71 as the dome member 6 moves between its first and second configurations. [0084] It should be understood that any of the assemblies 1,20,30,40,50,60,70 described herein may further comprise a sensor which is configured to measure the level of current flowing in the induction coil 4 and to effect one or more predefined actuations when one or more predefined thresholds are measured. The level of current following in the induction coil 4 can be representative of the distance between the metallic element and the induction coil 4. The sensor is preferably configured to compare said measured level of current to a predefined threshold level of current and to effect an actuation of an event once the predefined threshold level of current is reached. It should be understood that the sensor could be configured to compare said measured level of current to any number of different predefined threshold levels of current and to effect any corresponding number of respective actuations once the respective predefined threshold level of current is reached. In an embodiment the sensor is configured to compare said measured level of current to a first threshold level of current and to effect a first actuation once the first threshold level of current is reached; and to compare said measured level of current to a second threshold level of current and to effect a second actuation once the second threshold level of current is reached. It should be understood that the actuations which the sensor effect may be equivalent to, or entirely different to, an actuation which occurs when the electrical contacts on the PCB are electrically connected. It should also be understood that said the predefined threshold of current may be a threshold which can only reached by applying a further pressing force directly to, or indirectly to, the main body 7 of the collapsible dome member 6, after the assembly is in a state in which the collapsible dome member 6 is in a collapsed state and all of the electrical contacts on the PCB are already electrically connected.

[0085] It should be understood that said sensor may be configured, or may be further configured, to compare said measured level of current to a threshold level of current and to effect an actuation of an event, once the measured level of current drops below said threshold level of current. In another embodiment the sensor is preferably configured to compare said measured level of current to a first threshold level of current and to effect a first actuation once the measured level of current drops below said first threshold level; and to compare said measured level of current to a second threshold level of current and to effect a second actuation once the measured level of current drops below the second threshold level of current. It should be understood that the sensor could be configured to compare said measured level of current to any number of predefined threshold levels of current and to effect any corresponding number of respective actuations once the measured level of current drops below the respective predefined threshold level of current.