Keyboard system for input device

Abstract

The present invention discloses a keypad system for an input device. An input device comprises: a housing; a depressible keypad arranged on the housing, a front portion accessible to a user, the front portion accessible to the user comprising: a top surface receiving a user force substantially perpendicular to the top surface; and a bottom surface; a pivot support; and a rear portion comprising the bottom surface; and an axis arranged in the pivot support, wherein the keypad rotates relative to the axis.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese patent application filed on January 24, 2017, with application number 201710059874.8 and invention name “Keyboard system for input device”.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application is a nonprovisional application and claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 289,894, filed on February 1, 2016, entitled “KEY PLATE SYSTEM FOR AN INPUT DEVICE,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates generally to input devices and, more particularly, to an improved keypad system for an input device. Background Art

[0005] Input devices are ubiquitous in modern culture and are typically used to convert analog inputs (e.g., touch, click, motion, touch gestures, button presses, scroll wheel rotations, etc.) into digital signals for computer processing. An input device may include any device for providing data and control signals to a computing system. Some non-limiting examples of input devices include a computer mouse, keyboard, remote control, game controller, joystick, trackball, etc. Some non-limiting examples of computing systems include desktop computers, laptop computers, tablet and "phablet" computers, smart phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wearable devices (e.g., smart watches), etc.

[0006] Some input devices are designed to meet the general needs of the population for basic, low-cost functional designs. However, basic functionality may not provide sufficient functionality for more discerning users. People in the computer gaming community generally expect very high precision input devices to meet their expectations for functionality, features, and ergonomics. Therefore, there is a need for higher precision input devices that have functionality that maintains consistency, reliability, and accuracy over extended periods of use. Summary of the invention

[0007] Certain embodiments of the present invention include an input device (e.g., a computer mouse) having at least one high-precision button (e.g., a keypad) that exhibits consistent and reliable performance characteristics over tens of thousands of hours or more of use. Some embodiments use a keypad rotatably coupled to a hinge with excellent dimensional stability for highly durable low-friction operation. The front of the keypad can be coupled to a switch (e.g., an actuator, a force sensor, etc.) that generates a control signal (e.g., a button click) when activated. In some embodiments, the combined force required to activate the switch includes the force required to press the keypad plus the amount of force required to press the switch. A biasing mechanism (e.g., a spring) can be used to provide a force on the back of the keypad and can be adjusted to match or substantially match (e.g., within 10%, 5%, 2%, 1%, etc.) the force required to press the keypad against the switch. Thus, the force required to press the keypad can be effectively eliminated, leaving only the force required to activate (e.g., press) the switch. This structural arrangement can provide excellent consistency, accuracy, and stability in button activation during long-term use.

[0008] In some embodiments, the input device includes a housing and a depressible keypad arranged on the housing. The keypad may include: a front portion usable by a user, which includes a top surface and a bottom surface for receiving a user force perpendicular to the top surface; a pivot support; and a rear portion, which includes a bottom surface. The shaft may be arranged in the pivot support, wherein the keypad rotates relative to the shaft. In some cases, the shaft may be a metal shaft, and the keypad may be hinge-coupled to the keypad. A force sensor may be arranged in the housing and in contact with the bottom surface of the front of the keypad, wherein the force sensor may be activated in response to receiving a predetermined force by the bottom surface of the front of the keypad. The input device may also include a biasing mechanism, which is arranged in the housing and in contact with the bottom surface of the rear of the keypad to provide an upward force to the bottom surface of the rear of the keypad, which may be converted into a downward force on the force sensor. In some embodiments, the force provided by the biasing mechanism may be the same or substantially the same as the force required to press the keypad (e.g., within 5g to 10g). In some embodiments, the biasing mechanism may be a spring or other device for storing mechanical energy.

[0009] The depressible keypad can be configured to be depressed in response to receiving at least a predetermined depressing force on the top surface, and wherein the upward force provided by the biasing mechanism is substantially equal to the predetermined depressing force. In some cases, the predetermined depressing force can be a force between 5g and 25g and can be a force of 20g in an exemplary embodiment. The force sensor can be coupled (e.g., attached) to the housing and can be an actuator. The predetermined force for activating the force sensor can be a force between 50g and 70g and can be a force of 60g in certain exemplary embodiments. The pivot support portion can be made of a polyoxymethylene (POM) material. POM can improve the operating life of the keypad system because POM wears less than other materials that are easily molded plastics found on most conventional input devices (e.g., key structures).

[0010] In alternative embodiments, the biasing mechanism may be adjustable to provide a range of upward forces on the bottom surface of the rear portion of the keypad. Some embodiments may include a user-accessible control to vary the upward force provided by the adjustable biasing mechanism. The input device may include a processor for controlling the force sensor. The force sensor may generate an activation signal when activated, wherein the processor generates a control signal based on the activation signal to control a computing device (e.g., a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or a tablet computer) coupled to the input device.

[0011] In some embodiments, a computer mouse includes a base and a key plate arranged in the base. The key plate may include a front portion having a top surface and a bottom surface, a pivot support portion, and a rear portion including a bottom surface. The computer mouse may include a pivot support plate attached to the base, the pivot support plate including an axis coupled to the pivot support portion, wherein the key plate rotates relative to the axis. A switch may be attached to the base to be activated in response to receiving a predetermined activation force provided by the bottom surface of the front portion of the key plate. A biasing mechanism may be arranged in a housing and in contact with the bottom surface of the rear portion of the key plate to provide an upward force to the bottom surface of the rear portion of the key plate. In some cases, the key plate is pressed down in response to receiving at least a predetermined pressing force substantially perpendicular to the top surface. The upward force provided by the biasing mechanism may be substantially equal to the predetermined pressing force.

[0012] In some embodiments, the switch may be attached directly or indirectly to the base. The shaft may be a metal shaft for increasing strength, durability, and reducing friction. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the predetermined activation force for activating the switch may be a force of 60 g or other suitable activation threshold. The pivot support plate may include a shaft support that accommodates the shaft, and the pivot support may be comprised of a polyoxymethylene (POM) material. In some embodiments, the biasing mechanism may be adjustable to vary the upward force provided by the biasing mechanism on the bottom surface of the rear portion of the key plate, and the computer mouse may include a user-accessible control to adjust the upward force provided by the biasing mechanism.

[0013] In some embodiments, an input device includes: a base; a depressible keypad disposed in the base, the keypad including a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the depressible keypad is depressed in response to receiving a predetermined depressing force on the front portion of the keypad; a biasing mechanism disposed in the base and coupled to the rear portion of the keypad to provide a restoring force substantially equal to the predetermined depressing force to the keypad; and a switch attached to the base, the switch generating a control signal in response to receiving a predetermined activation force by the front portion of the keypad when the front portion of the keypad is depressed. The keypad may include a middle portion, wherein the base includes a metal shaft passing through the middle portion so that the keypad is rotatably coupled to the metal shaft. In some cases, the middle portion may be constructed of a polyoxymethylene (POM) material. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Detailed description of the embodiments is explained with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] Figure 1 is a simplified diagram of a computer system in accordance with certain implementations.

[0016] Figure 2 is a simplified block diagram of a system configured to operate an input device according to certain implementations.

[0017] Figure 3 An input device according to some embodiments is shown.

[0018] Figure 4A A keypad system is shown disposed in a housing of an input device in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0019] Figure 4B A keypad system according to certain embodiments is shown in an isolated, enlarged view.

[0020] Figure 5 A keypad system with an applied external force according to certain embodiments is shown.

[0021] Figure 6 An adjustment mechanism for adjusting a preload biasing mechanism in a keypad system is shown in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0022] Fig. 7A A close up view of the interface between the bottom surface of the front portion of the keypad system and the force sensor is shown in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0023] Figure 7B A close up view of the interface between the bottom surface of the front portion of the keypad system and the force sensor is shown in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0024] Figure 8 A key module system is shown in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0025] Fig. 9 A key module system is shown in accordance with certain embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to input devices. More particularly, the systems and devices relate to an improved keypad system for an input device.

[0027] In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, many examples and details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. However, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that certain embodiments may be practiced without some of these details or may be practiced using modifications or equivalents of certain embodiments.

[0028] Certain embodiments of the present invention include an input device (e.g., a computer mouse) having at least one high-precision button (e.g., a keypad) that exhibits consistent and reliable performance characteristics over tens of thousands of hours or more of use. Some embodiments use a keypad rotatably coupled to a metal hinge with excellent dimensional stability for highly durable low-friction operation. The front of the keypad can be coupled to a switch (e.g., an actuator, a force sensor, etc.) that generates a control signal (e.g., a button click) when activated. The combined force required to activate the switch can include the force required to press the keypad plus the amount of force required to press the switch. A biasing mechanism (e.g., a spring) can be used to provide a force on the back of the keypad and can be adjusted to match or substantially match (e.g., within 10%, 5%, 2%, 1%, etc.) the force required to press the keypad against the switch. Thus, the force required to press the keypad can be effectively eliminated, leaving only the force required to activate (e.g., press) the switch. This structural arrangement can provide excellent consistency, accuracy, and stability in button activation during long-term use.

[0029] Figure 11 is a simplified diagram of a computer system 100 according to some embodiments. The computer system 100 includes a computer 110, a display 120, a keyboard 130, and an input device 140. In some embodiments, the input device 140 can be a computer mouse, a remote control device, a game controller (e.g., a game pad, a joystick, a game controller, etc.), a mobile device, or any other suitable device that can be used to convert analog input signals into digital signals for computer processing. For the computer system 100, the input device 140 can be configured to control various aspects of the computer 110 and the display 120.

[0030] The computer 110 may be any suitable computing device, including, but not limited to, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet or "phablet" computer, a smartphone, a PDA, a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch), etc. In some embodiments, the input device 140 may be configured to provide control signals for motion tracking (e.g., xy motion on a planar surface, three-dimensional "in-the-air" motion, etc.), touch / gesture detection, lift detection, orientation detection, power management methods, input detection (buttons, scroll wheels, etc.), output functions (LED control, tactile feedback, etc.), and a host of additional features that will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The computer 110 may include a machine-readable medium (not shown) configured to store computer code, such as mouse driver software, wherein the computer code may be executed by a processor (not shown) of the computer 110 to affect control of the computer 110 through the input device 140 and the keyboard 130. The various embodiments described herein generally refer to the input device 140 as a computer mouse or similar input device, however, it should be understood that the input device 140 may be any suitable input / output (I / O) device (e.g., a user interface device, a control device, an input unit, etc.).

[0031] Figure 2 is a simplified block diagram of a system 200 configured to operate an input device 140 according to certain embodiments. The system 200 includes a processor(s) 210, an input detection block 220, a motion tracking block 230, a power management block 240, and a communication block 250. Each of the system blocks 220-250 may be in electrical communication with the processor 210. The system 200 may also include additional systems not shown or discussed to prevent obfuscation of the novel features described herein.

[0032] In some embodiments, the processor 210 includes one or more microprocessors (μC) and can be configured to control the operation of the system 200. Alternatively, as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the processor 210 may include one or more microcontrollers (MCUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), etc. with supporting hardware and / or firmware (e.g., memory, programmable I / O, etc.). Alternatively, the MCU, μC, DSP, etc. may be configured in other system blocks of the system 200. For example, the communication block 250 may include a local processor for controlling communications with the computer 110 (e.g., via Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE, RF, IR, hardwired, Zigbee, Logitech Unifying, or other communication protocols). In some embodiments, multiple processors may provide enhanced performance (e.g., speed and bandwidth) in the system 200. It should be noted that while multiple processors may improve system performance, multiple processors are not required for standard operation of the embodiments described herein.

[0033] The input detection block 220 may control the detection of button activation (e.g., main button, side button, etc.), scroll wheel manipulation, slider, switch, touch sensor (e.g., one-dimensional and / or two-dimensional touch pad), etc. In some embodiments, the input detection block 220 (or processor 210) may detect the activation of the force sensor 450 when the keypad 310 is pressed with sufficient force (see below). Figure 3 4 ) and generates subsequent control signals to control a computing device (e.g., computer 110) coupled to an input device (e.g., detecting a "left click" on a computer mouse button and generating a corresponding control signal). Alternatively, the functionality of input detection block 220 may be included in or combined with processor 210.

[0034] In some embodiments, the input detection block 220 can be configured to detect touches or touch gestures on one or more touch-sensitive surfaces on the input device 140. The input detection block 220 may include one or more touch-sensitive surfaces or touch sensors. A touch sensor typically includes a sensing element suitable for detecting a signal such as direct contact, an electromagnetic field or an electrostatic field, or an electromagnetic radiation beam. A touch sensor can typically be configured to detect a change in a received signal, the presence of a signal, or the absence of a signal. The touch sensor may include a source for transmitting the detected signal, or the signal may be generated by a secondary source. The touch sensor may be configured to detect the presence of: an object at a distance (e.g., <5 mm) from a reference area or point; an object in contact with a reference area or point; or a combination of an object at a distance (e.g., <5 mm) from a reference area or point and an object in contact with a reference area or point. Some embodiments of the input device 140 may not use touch detection or touch sensing capabilities.

[0035] The input detection block 220 may include touch and / or proximity sensing capabilities. Some examples of the types of touch / proximity sensors that may be used include, but are not limited to, resistive sensors (e.g., air-gap 4-wire based standards based on carbon-loaded plastics with different electrical properties (FSR) depending on pressure, interpolated FSR, etc.), capacitive sensors (e.g., surface capacitance, self-capacitance, mutual capacitance, etc.), optical sensors (e.g., infrared grating matrices, laser-based diodes coupled to photodetectors that can measure the time of flight of an optical path, etc.), acoustic sensors (e.g., piezoelectric buzzers coupled to some microphones to detect modifications to the wave propagation mode associated with a touch point, etc.), and the like.

[0036] The motion tracking block 230 can be configured to track the motion of the input device 140. The motion tracking block 230 can use an imaging array of optical sensors such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) or photodiodes to detect the motion of the input device 140 relative to the underlying surface. The input device 140 can optionally include motion tracking hardware using coherent light (laser). In some embodiments, one or more optical sensors are arranged on the bottom side of the input device 140 (not shown). The motion tracking block 230 can provide position data (e.g., XY coordinate data) or lift detection data. For example, the optical sensor can detect when the user lifts the input device 140 off the work surface and can send the data to the processor 210 for further processing.

[0037] In some embodiments, an accelerometer can be used for motion detection. An accelerometer can be an electromechanical device (e.g., a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device) configured to measure acceleration forces (e.g., static forces and dynamic forces). One or more accelerometers can be used to detect three-dimensional (3D) positioning. For example, 3D tracking can use a three-axis accelerometer or two two-axis accelerometers (e.g., in a "3D air mouse"). The accelerometer can also determine whether the input device 140 has been lifted off the surface and provide motion data that can include the speed, physical orientation, and acceleration of the input device 140. In some embodiments, (one or more) gyroscopes can be used instead of or in conjunction with (one or more) accelerometers to determine motion or input device orientation.

[0038] The power management block 240 may be configured to manage power distribution, recharging, power efficiency, etc. of the input device 140. In some embodiments, the power management block 240 may include a battery (not shown), a USB-based recharging system for the battery (not shown), a power management device (e.g., a low voltage dropout regulator—not shown), and an electrical grid within the system 200 for providing power to each subsystem (e.g., the communication block 250, etc.). In certain embodiments, the functionality provided by the power management block 240 may be incorporated into the processor 210. Alternatively, some embodiments may not include a dedicated power management block. For example, functional aspects of the power management block 240 may be included in or combined with another block (e.g., the processor 210).

[0039] According to some embodiments, the communication block 250 can be configured to provide the ability to communicate with the computer 110 or other devices and / or peripheral devices. The communication block 250 can be configured to provide a wireless connection (e.g., radio frequency (RF), Bluetooth, BLE, infrared, ZigBee, Logitech Unifying, etc.) to the computer 110 or other wireless devices. The system 200 may include a hardwired connection to the computer 110 (e.g., USB, FireWire, etc.). For example, the input device 140 can be configured to receive a universal serial bus (USB) cable to enable two-way electronic communication with the computer 110 or other external devices. Some embodiments may use different types of cables or connection protocol standards to establish hardwired communications with other entities.

[0040] Although some systems may not be explicitly discussed, as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, some systems should be considered part of the system 200. For example, the system 200 may include a bus system for transmitting power and / or data to and from different systems in the system 200. In some embodiments, the system 200 may include a storage subsystem (not shown). The storage subsystem may store one or more software programs to be executed by a processor (e.g., in the processor 210). It should be understood that "software" may refer to a sequence of instructions that, when executed by (one or more) processing units (e.g., processors, processing devices, etc.), causes the system 200 to perform certain operations of the software program. Instructions may be stored as firmware residing in a read-only memory (ROM) and / or an application stored in a media storage device that may be read into a memory to be processed by a processing device. The software may be implemented as a single program or a collection of separate programs and may be stored in a non-volatile storage device and copied in whole or in part to a volatile working memory during program execution. The processing device may retrieve program instructions for execution from the storage subsystem in order to perform various operations as described herein (eg, automatic spring calibration, etc.).

[0041] It should be understood that the system 200 is meant to be illustrative, and many variations and modifications are possible, as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. The system 200 may include other functions or capabilities not specifically described herein (e.g., a mobile phone, a global positioning system (GPS), power management, one or more camera devices, various connection ports for connecting external devices or accessories, etc.). Although the system 200 is described with reference to specific blocks (e.g., input detection block 220), it should be understood that these blocks are defined for understanding certain embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to imply that the embodiments are limited to a specific physical arrangement of the constituent components. The various blocks do not need to correspond to physically different components. The blocks may be configured to perform various operations, such as by programming a processor or providing appropriate processing, and the various blocks may or may not be reconfigurable depending on how the initial configuration is obtained. Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in various devices including electronic devices implemented using any combination of circuits and software. In addition, various aspects and / or portions of the system 200 may be combined with or operated by other subsystems according to design needs. For example, the power management block 240 may be operated within the processor 210 without being used as a separate entity.

[0042] Figure 3An input device 300 according to some embodiments is shown. The input device 300 includes a keypad 310 (i.e., a left button), a keypad 320 (i.e., a right button), a scroll wheel 330, and a housing 340. The housing 340 may be a body to which the keypads 310, 320, the scroll wheel 330, the LEDs (not shown), and (one or more) PCBs (not shown) of the device may be directly or indirectly attached. The housing may be a base or a frame. The keypads 310, 320 may include user-usable portions and non-usable portions embedded in the housing, and may be rotatably coupled to the housing 340 via an axis as further discussed below with respect to FIG. 4. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the input device 300 may include any number of additional input components (e.g., buttons, touchpads, switches, pressure plates, touch sensors, microphones, etc.) or output components (e.g., LEDs, tactile feedback systems, speakers, etc.).

[0043] Figure 4A The keypad system 400 is shown disposed in the housing 340 of the input device 300 according to some embodiments. Figure 4B The keypad system 400 is shown in an enlarged view in isolation (ie, removed from the housing 340 for ease of viewing). The keypad system 400 may include a front portion 420, a middle portion 430, and a rear portion 440. The front portion 420 may include a top surface 422 and a bottom surface 424. In some embodiments, the keypad system 400 may include a front portion 420, a middle portion 430, and a rear portion 440. Figure 3 A user-accessible portion of the top surface 422 of the front portion 420 is at least partially shown in the keypad 310. The front portion 420 can be positioned to be accessible and depressible by the user, for example, to receive a user force that is substantially perpendicular to the top surface 422. For example, some embodiments of the keypad system 400 can be a left primary button or a right primary button on a computer mouse to receive a button activation force by a user's thumb or finger. Although the keypad system 400 is shown and described as part of a computer mouse, as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, the keypad system 400 can be applied to any type of input device. It should be understood that describing a force perpendicular to the top surface 422 of the keypad system 400 does not necessarily indicate that other forces are not present. For example, the user force can be applied at an acute angle relative to the normal of the top surface 422. However, a component of the particular force is experienced by the top surface 422. In particular, a portion of the user force can be perpendicular to the top surface 422.

[0044] Various aspects of the keypad system 400 (e.g., front portion 420, rear portion 440) can be constructed of plastic (e.g., ABS), composite materials, carbon fiber, or other strong materials with flexible properties. The front portion 420 is shown as having a long curved top surface 422 and a varying topology on the bottom surface 424, however, the front portion 420 can have any suitable shape, size (e.g., length, width), profile, or configuration with any suitable surface features as required by the design (e.g., position relative to the middle portion 430 and rear portion 440). The front portion 420 is shown as resting on the switch and specifically resting on the actuator 455. The front portion 420 can be depressed in response to receiving a predetermined pressing force from the user, such as a "button click" force. The predetermined pressing force can be a force of approximately 5g to 25g, and in an exemplary embodiment, the predetermined pressing force is a force of 20g.

[0045] The middle portion 430 may include a pivot support 465 for accommodating a rotatable shaft 460 so that the keypad system 400 may rotate relative to the shaft 460. The shaft 460 may be constructed of metal (e.g., steel, aluminum, alloys, etc.) or other suitable materials (e.g., Teflon-coated materials, carbon fibers, etc.) that provide improved rigidity, strength, low friction, and durability when disposed in the pivot support 465 compared to plastic or other conventional materials. In some embodiments, the shaft 460 is rotatably coupled to the keypad system 400 and rotatably or fixedly coupled to the housing 340. The shaft 460 may be configured to rotate like a shaft when the keypad system 400 is bent and restored, or the shaft 460 may be fixed in the case where the keypad system 400 rotates relative to the shaft 460. The shaft 460 may be coupled to the housing 340 via a base structure 470, which may fix the shaft 460 in place on the pivot support 465. Alternatively, the housing 340 may include structural components to secure the shaft 460 to the housing 340 (i.e., perform the function of the base structure 470). In some embodiments, the pivot bearing 465 may be constructed of a polyoxymethylene (POM) material. The pivot bearing 465 may be constructed of any suitable material such as POM that exhibits, for example, excellent molding and / or wear properties. Some alternative materials may include polyurethane-dimethacrylate, high density polyethylene, polyethylene with copolymers, and the like.

[0046] The rear portion 440 may include a top surface and a bottom surface. A biasing mechanism 480 (e.g., a spring) may be disposed in the housing 340 and in direct or indirect contact with the bottom surface of the rear portion 440 to provide an upward force to the bottom surface of the rear portion 440. The biasing mechanism 480 may be coupled to the housing 340. Some embodiments may include a plurality of biasing mechanisms 480. In some embodiments, although the keypad system 400 may be rotatably coupled to the shaft 460, there may be no actual rotation because the upward force provided by the biasing mechanism 480 to the rear portion 440 causes the front portion 420 to directly contact the force sensor 450. In this case, the downward force on the front portion 420 (e.g., a user click force) indirectly causes the force sensor 450 to activate with minimal rotation (if any) of the keypad system 400. In some cases, the front portion 420 bends in response to the downward force, while the rest (the middle portion 430 and the rear portion 440) remain stationary or substantially stationary with little movement (e.g., less than 1 mm of travel).

[0047] The force sensor 450 may be disposed in the housing 340 and adjacent to the bottom surface 424 of the front portion 420. In some embodiments, the force sensor 450 contacts the bottom surface of the front portion 420 and is activated in response to receiving a predetermined force (threshold force). A predetermined force as a result of a force applied to the top surface 422 of the front portion 420 that can be used by a user may be received from the bottom surface 424 of the front portion 420. For example, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, when a user presses a keypad, such as a "left click" or "right click" computer mouse. The force sensor 450 may be any suitable force sensing device (e.g., a switch, a force sensing resistor, a pressure plate, etc.). In some embodiments, a commonly used force sensor may be a micro switch with a lifespan of 20M times. Alternatively, a pressure sensor may be used to allow a range of 50 gf to 70 gf. FIG. 4 shows a force sensor 450 with an activation switch ("actuator 455") to receive a force from the bottom surface 424 of the front portion 420. In any configuration (e.g., with or without an activation switch), the force sensor can be configured to activate in response to receiving a predetermined (threshold or activation) force. The predetermined force ("activation force") can be in any suitable range. In some embodiments, the predetermined activation force can be any value from 50g to 70g (an exemplary embodiment can be 60g), although other ranges are also possible.

[0048] The force sensor 450 can be controlled by a processor (eg, processor 210) and can generate an activation signal in response to receiving a force at least equal to a predetermined activation force. Figure 2As further discussed, the control processor may generate a control signal based on the activation signal to control aspects of the corresponding computing device. For example, the processor may generate a "left click" control signal indicating a left button press on a computer mouse, wherein the control signal controls a cursor or function on a display device.

[0049] In some implementations, the force sensor 450 can be directly coupled (eg, attached) or indirectly coupled (eg, attached through an intermediate structure) to the housing 340. As described further below, this can reduce system tolerances of the overall keypad system 400.

[0050] Figure 5 A keypad system 400 is shown with an external force applied, according to certain embodiments. A user's finger 505 is shown applying a downward force 550 to a top surface 422 of a front portion 420 of the keypad system 400. The force 550 may be transmitted to the force sensor 450 through the front portion 420. The biasing mechanism 480 may provide a preloaded upward force 520 to a bottom surface of a rear portion 440, thereby rotating the keypad system 400 relative to the axis 460 such that the bottom surface 424 contacts the force sensor 450 when the keypad system 400 is at rest (e.g., when no external user force is applied). The front portion 420 may flex or bend during operation (motion 510) and may introduce resistance that may be required to overcome an additional force, which may be referred to as a predetermined pressing force. In some embodiments, the biasing mechanism 480 is adjusted (e.g., during manufacturing or user control) to match a predetermined pressing force so that the only remaining force required to activate the force sensor 450 is or is substantially only its own predetermined (threshold) activation force (e.g., a force of 50g to 70g). In some embodiments, the predetermined pressing force can be typically a force of 5g to 25g.

[0051] The keypad system may include multiple moving parts, flexible materials, and other components that introduce tolerances into the keypad system 400 to facilitate the predetermined compression force. During manufacturing, the biasing mechanism 480 may be adjusted to match the predetermined compression force, which may include any number of resistances far exceeding those introduced by the front portion 420, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0052] Figure 6An adjustment mechanism for adjusting the preload biasing mechanism in the keypad system 400 is shown according to certain embodiments. The adjustment mechanism 610 can be a user-accessible control to control the amount of upward force provided by the biasing mechanism 480. The adjustment mechanism 610 can be a screw, a knob, a software control device (e.g., a servo), or other suitable user-accessible control that enables a user to adjust the compression of the biasing mechanism 480 to affect the resulting upward force. In some configurations, the adjustment mechanism 610 can be adjusted to match a predetermined depressing force required by the keypad system 400 to overcome certain inherent tolerances, as discussed above, leaving only a predetermined activation force to activate the force sensor 450. In some embodiments, an adjustment mechanism may not be included (e.g., the biasing mechanism may be adjusted during manufacturing and not accessible to the user after assembly).

[0053] In some embodiments, the user can adjust the biasing mechanism 480 so that the upward force is greater than the predetermined pressing force. For example, the force sensor may have a predetermined activation force of 60g. Some users may prefer a more sensitive button activation setting. In view of this, the adjustment mechanism 610 can be adjusted to overcome both the predetermined pressing force of the front 410 and the force of, for example, 20g from the force sensor 450 to effectively create a new predetermined activation force of 40g. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, both positive and negative offsets are possible.

[0054] Fig. 7A A close-up view 700 of the interface between the bottom surface 424 of the front portion 420 and the force sensor 450 is shown according to some embodiments. According to some embodiments, the front portion 420 and the force sensor 450 can contact each other so that there is no space between the front portion 420 and the force sensor 450, thereby performing a "contactless click" when clicking (activating) the button (keypad). Alternatively, if the biasing mechanism 480 is adjusted to be below a predetermined pressing force (see Figure 6 ), there may be a small space (e.g., <1 mm) between the front portion 420 and the force sensor 450. In other embodiments, there may be an intervening structure, such as a spacer (not shown), between the front portion 420 and the force sensor 450. However, such a structure may typically be directly coupled (i.e., attached) to both the front portion 420 and the force sensor 450 to ensure effective transfer of force between the two.

[0055] Figure 7BA close-up view 750 of the interface between the bottom surface 424 of the front portion 420 and the force sensor 450 is shown according to certain embodiments. The front portion 420 can be attached to the force sensor 450 by adhesive, ultrasonic welding, or other suitable materials or bonding processes. Attaching the front portion 420 to the force sensor 450 can eliminate the need for a preload biasing mechanism to facilitate effective transfer of force from the user to the force sensor. Because the keypad and the force sensor are in physical contact, there can be effective transfer of force between the two structures. However, as described above, such embodiments may not be adjustable (or have limited adjustment) to accommodate inherent tolerances in the keypad system.

[0056] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 A key module system 800 is shown in accordance with certain embodiments. Figure 8 The key module system 800 includes an actuator assembly (eg, a switch), and Fig. 9 The key module system 800 shown does not have an actuator assembly. The key module system can be coupled (e.g., attached) to an internal base (e.g., a housing, a base) by a coupling mechanism, the coupling mechanism including but not limited to hardware (e.g., screws, lugs, bolts, etc.), adhesives (e.g., glue), or a combination thereof. The key module system 800 may include two screws, namely screws 810 and screws 820, that couple the key module system 800 to the base, and the screws fix the key module system 800 to the input device (e.g., a computer mouse) itself. Some embodiments may include more screws or fewer screws (e.g., 1 screw as shown in the key board system 400 of FIG. 4). The key module system 800 may also include an anti-key ejection mechanism 830 such as a screw or other hardware to prevent the key module system 800 from ejecting, misaligning, etc. when the input device (e.g., at least 90 cm or more) falls. Fig. 9 The use of several different materials (e.g., POM, metal, etc.) are shown that can provide improved performance compared to traditional materials (e.g., plastics). For example, a key plate assembly can use an actuator pad to contact a corresponding actuator. Compared to plastic, a POM actuator pad 840 can make thousands of contacts with its actuator before end-of-life wear sets in. With the benefit of this disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art should recognize that when using POM for various components of the key module system 800 (or any system described in this disclosure), a variety of modifications, variations, and alternatives are possible.

[0057] Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the claims.

[0058] Other variations are within the spirit of the present disclosure. Therefore, while the disclosed technology is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and have been described in detail above. However, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the present invention is intended to cover all modifications, alternative constructions and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0059] In the context of describing the disclosed embodiments (particularly in the context of the appended claims), the use of the terms "one", "an" and "the" and similar indicators should be interpreted as covering the singular and plural, unless otherwise stated herein or clearly contradictory to the context. Unless otherwise stated, the terms "include", "have", "include" and "contain" should be interpreted as open terms (i.e., meaning "including but not limited to"). Even if there are some intermediate structures, the term "connected" should be interpreted as partially or completely included, attached to or joined together. The phrase "based on" should be understood as open and not limited in any way, and is intended to be interpreted or otherwise understood as "at least partially based on" where appropriate. Unless otherwise stated herein, the recording of the numerical range herein is intended only to be used as a simple way of referring to each independent value falling within the range individually, and each independent value is incorporated into this specification as if it were individually listed herein.

[0060] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventor for implementing the present disclosure. Variations of these preferred embodiments are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects that the skilled person will appropriately adopt such variations, and the inventor intends to implement the present disclosure in a manner different from that specifically described herein. Therefore, the present disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter described in the appended claims as permitted by applicable law. In addition, unless otherwise specified herein or clearly contradictory to the context, the present disclosure includes any combination of the above-mentioned elements in all possible variations thereof.

[0061] Regarding the implementation methods including the above embodiments, the following technical solutions are also disclosed:

[0062] Solution 1. An input device, comprising:

[0063] case;

[0064] A depressible keypad disposed on the housing, the keypad comprising:

[0065] A user accessible front portion, the user accessible front portion comprising:

[0066] a top surface that receives a user force substantially perpendicular to the top surface; and a bottom surface;

[0067] a pivot support; and

[0068] a rear portion including a bottom surface;

[0069] a shaft disposed in the pivot support, wherein the key plate rotates relative to the shaft;

[0070] a force sensor disposed in the housing and in contact with a bottom surface of a front portion of the key plate, the force sensor being activated in response to receiving a predetermined force by the bottom surface of the front portion of the key plate; and

[0071] A biasing mechanism is disposed in the housing and contacts a bottom surface of the rear portion of the key plate, the biasing mechanism providing an upward force to the bottom surface of the rear portion of the key plate.

[0072] Option 2. An input device according to Option 1, wherein the depressible keypad is depressed in response to receiving at least a predetermined depressing force on the top surface, and wherein the upward force provided by the biasing mechanism is substantially equal to the predetermined depressing force.

[0073] Option 3. The input device according to Option 2, wherein the predetermined pressing force is a force between 5g and 25g.

[0074] Option 4. An input device according to Option 1, wherein the force sensor is coupled to the shell.

[0075] Option 5. An input device according to Option 4, wherein the force sensor is an actuator.

[0076] Option 6. An input device according to Option 4, wherein the predetermined force for activating the force sensor is a force between 50g and 70g.

[0077] Solution 7. The input device according to Solution 1, wherein the pivot support portion is made of polyoxymethylene (POM) material.

[0078] Option 8. An input device according to Option 1, wherein the biasing mechanism is capable of being adjusted to provide a range of upward force on the bottom surface of the rear portion of the keypad.

[0079] Option 9. The input device of Option 8 further comprises a user-accessible control to vary the upward force provided by the adjustable biasing mechanism.

[0080] Solution 10. The input device according to Solution 1 further comprises a processor,

[0081] wherein the force sensor is controlled by the processor,

[0082] wherein the force sensor generates an activation signal when activated, and

[0083] The processor generates a control signal based on the start signal to control a computing device coupled to the input device.

[0084] Solution 11. A computer mouse, comprising:

[0085] Base;

[0086] A keypad disposed in the base, the keypad comprising:

[0087] a front portion, including a top surface and a bottom surface;

[0088] a pivot support; and

[0089] a rear portion, including a bottom surface;

[0090] a pivot support plate attached to the base, the pivot support plate including an axle coupled to the pivot support, wherein the key plate rotates relative to the axle;

[0091] a switch attached to the base, the switch being actuated in response to receiving a predetermined actuation force provided by a bottom surface of a front portion of the keypad; and

[0092] a biasing mechanism disposed in the housing and in contact with a bottom surface of a rear portion of the key plate, the biasing mechanism providing an upward force to the bottom surface of the rear portion of the key plate,

[0093] wherein the keypad is depressed in response to receiving at least a predetermined pressing force substantially perpendicular to the top surface, and

[0094] Wherein, the upward force provided by the biasing mechanism is substantially equal to the predetermined pressing force.

[0095] Option 12. A computer mouse according to Option 11, wherein the switch is coupled to the base.

[0096] Option 13. A computer mouse according to Option 11, wherein the shaft is a metal shaft.

[0097] Option 14. A computer mouse according to Option 11, wherein the predetermined activation force for activating the switch is a force of 60g.

[0098] Embodiment 15. The computer mouse according to embodiment 11, wherein the pivot support plate includes a shaft support for accommodating the shaft, and wherein the pivot support portion is made of a polyoxymethylene (POM) material.

[0099] Option 16. A computer mouse according to Option 11, wherein the biasing mechanism is capable of being adjusted to change the upward force provided by the biasing mechanism on the bottom surface of the rear portion of the key plate.

[0100] Option 17. A computer mouse according to Option 16, further comprising a user-usable control to adjust the upward force provided by the biasing mechanism.

[0101] Solution 18. An input device, comprising:

[0102] Base;

[0103] a depressible keypad coupled to the base, the keypad comprising a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the depressible keypad is depressed in response to receiving a predetermined depressing force on the front portion of the keypad;

[0104] a biasing mechanism disposed in the base and coupled to a rear portion of the key plate to provide a restoring force substantially equal to the predetermined pressing force to the key plate; and

[0105] A switch is coupled to the base to generate a control signal in response to receiving a predetermined actuation force by the front portion of the keypad when the front portion of the keypad is depressed.

[0106] Solution 19. The input device according to Solution 18, wherein the keypad further comprises a middle portion,

[0107] Wherein, the base comprises a metal shaft, and

[0108] Wherein, the metal shaft passes through the middle portion, so that the key plate is rotatably coupled to the metal shaft.

[0109] Solution 20. The input device according to Solution 19, wherein the middle portion is made of polyoxymethylene (POM) material.

Claims

1. An input device, comprising: case; a depressible keypad disposed on the housing, the keypad comprising a front portion accessible by a user, a pivot support portion, and a rear portion comprising a bottom surface, the front portion comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface receiving a user force substantially perpendicular to the top surface; a shaft disposed in the pivot support, wherein the key plate rotates relative to the shaft; and A biasing mechanism is arranged in the housing and contacts the bottom surface of the rear portion of the key plate, the biasing mechanism being configured to provide an upward force to the bottom surface of the rear portion of the key plate, wherein the depressible key plate is depressed in response to receiving at least a predetermined depressing force on the top surface, and wherein the upward force provided by the biasing mechanism is equal to the predetermined depressing force.

2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein: The predetermined pressing force is a force between 5g and 25g.

3. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising a force sensor disposed in the housing and in contact with the bottom surface of the front portion of the key plate, the force sensor being activated in response to receiving a predetermined force by the bottom surface of the front portion of the key plate, wherein The force sensor is coupled to the housing.

4. The input device according to claim 3, wherein: The force sensor is an actuator.

5. The input device according to claim 3, wherein: The predetermined force for activating the force sensor is a force between 50 g and 70 g.

6. The input device according to claim 1, wherein: The pivot support part is made of polyoxymethylene (POM) material.

7. The input device according to claim 3, further comprising a processor, in, The force sensor is controlled by the processor, wherein the force sensor generates an activation signal when activated, and The processor generates a control signal based on the start signal to control a computing device coupled to the input device.

8. A computer mouse comprising: Base; a keypad disposed in the base, the keypad comprising a front portion, a pivot support portion, and a rear portion comprising a bottom surface, the front portion comprising a top surface and a bottom surface; a pivot support plate attached to the base, the pivot support plate including an axle coupled to the pivot support, wherein the key plate rotates relative to the axle, and a biasing mechanism disposed in the base and in contact with a bottom surface of a rear portion of the key plate, the biasing mechanism being configured to provide an upward force to the bottom surface of the rear portion of the key plate, wherein the biasing mechanism is adjustable to vary the upward force provided by the biasing mechanism on the bottom surface of the rear portion of the key plate, wherein the keypad is depressed in response to receiving at least a predetermined pressing force substantially perpendicular to the top surface, and Wherein, the upward force provided by the biasing mechanism is equal to the predetermined pressing force.

9. The computer mouse of claim 8, further comprising a switch attached to the base, the switch being actuated in response to receiving a predetermined actuation force provided by a bottom surface of the front portion of the key plate, wherein The switch is coupled to the base.

10. The computer mouse according to claim 8, wherein: The shaft is a metal shaft.

11. The computer mouse according to claim 9, wherein: The predetermined actuation force for actuating the switch is a force of 60 g.

12. The computer mouse according to claim 8, wherein: The pivot support plate comprises a shaft support for receiving the shaft, and wherein the pivot support portion is composed of polyoxymethylene (POM) material.

13. An input device, comprising: a base including a metal shaft; a depressible keypad coupled to the base, the keypad comprising a front portion, a middle portion, and a rear portion, wherein the depressible keypad is depressed in response to receiving a predetermined depressing force on the front portion of the keypad; and a biasing mechanism disposed in the base and coupled to a rear portion of the key plate to provide a restoring force to the key plate equal to the predetermined pressing force, Wherein, the metal shaft passes through the middle portion, so that the key plate is rotatably coupled to the metal shaft.

14. The input device according to claim 13, wherein: The middle part is made of polyoxymethylene (POM) material.

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