Key switch and method for providing trigger signal to exit analog sensor circuit from sleep mode when key switch is depressed

Abstract

The invention relates to a key switch and a method for providing a trigger signal to exit an analog sensor circuit from a sleep mode when the key switch is depressed. The sleep mode wake-up switch provides a very fast signal to wake up the analog sensor of the key from the sleep mode without the user moving the key almost. This is achieved using a controlled short distance between a stop of the switch for the spring contact and a fixed contact of the switch. A protrusion on the key lever lifts the spring contact to a stop, where the stop controls the stroke distance to flip the switch when the key is pressed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to input devices with keys, and more particularly to keys using analog sensors and having a sleep mode. BACKGROUND

[0002] In some contemporary input devices, such as keyboards, analog keys have become popular for certain applications, such as competitive gaming. Analog keys can provide better resolution in key press detection, extending beyond simple on or off connections, but can significantly increase production costs, system complexity, and power requirements.

[0003] Analog switches have sensors that can detect the amount of travel and / or force applied to the switch. A variety of types of sensors can be used, such as magnetic sensing, inductive sensing (e.g., inductive sensors and targets with conductive material), capacitive sensing (e.g., electrode sensors and geometric elements), optical sensing (e.g., shutter or reflective based), and magnetic sensing (e.g., Hall effect sensing), and similar sensing methods (e.g., TMR, GMR, etc.).

[0004] Such analog sensors use power even when the associated key is not enabled. It is therefore desirable to have a sleep mode to reduce power consumption. In the sleep mode, it is desirable to be able to quickly detect a user touch and quickly wake up the circuit from the sleep mode to enable the analog sensor and quickly measure the user input.

[0005] It should be noted that the material described in this section that is not prior to the claims in this application and is not admitted to be prior art by virtue of its inclusion in this section. SUMMARY

[0006] Implementations provide a key switch having a stem that is vertically movable in response to a user touch. The stem includes a protrusion. An analog sensor circuit is configured to measure aspects of the motion of the stem. A circuit switch places the analog sensor circuit in a sleep mode. A first elongate spring contact of the circuit switch is mounted adjacent to the stem with an end extending above the protrusion of the stem such that the end will be lifted when the valve stem is in a highest position (when not pressed by a user). A first fixed plate contact of the circuit switch is positioned to make electrical contact with the first elongate spring contact in the vertical position of the stem. A stop is positioned to limit vertical motion of the end of the first elongate spring contact such that a circuit signal between the first elongate spring contact and the first fixed plate contact is sent within 0.5 mm of vertical movement of the stem downward from the highest position of the stem.

[0007] Accordingly, the embodiments enable very fast signals to wake up the analog sensor of the key from sleep mode with little movement of the key by the user. In one embodiment, the circuit signal between the first elongated spring contact and the first fixed plate contact is sent within 0.1 mm of vertical movement of the stem down from the highest position of the stem. Because the analog sensor determines what action to take, it is not a problem to wake up the analog sensor with small inadvertent contact with the key because it can be handled by the processor that receives the analog signal.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first fixed plate contact is in contact with the first elongated spring contact when the stem is in the highest position. In other embodiments, the first fixed plate contact is in contact with the first elongated spring contact when the stem is depressed.

[0009] In one embodiment, the stop is a first arm of the first fixed plate contact that extends above the protrusion of the stem to limit the amount the protrusion lifts the first elongated spring contact. In one embodiment, a second arm of the first fixed plate contact extends above the protrusion of the stem on an opposite side of the first elongated spring contact from the first arm.

[0010] In other embodiments, examples of various modifications are shown. Higher and lower ends of the spring contact are shown. More compact designs use single sided fixed plate stops. The stop can be part of the fixed plate that is on the side of the spring contact or above the spring contact or can be on the key housing. Dual contact (2 switch) designs are shown with two spring contacts or two fixed contacts.

[0011] The terms and expressions employed herein have been used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof. It is recognized, however, that various modifications are possible within the scope of the systems and methods claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although the present system and method has been specifically disclosed by examples and optional features, modification and variation of the concepts herein disclosed can be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of the systems and methods as defined by the appended claims.

[0012] This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Rather, the scope of the claimed subject matter is properly determined only with reference to the entire specification, any appended claims, and their proper interpretations.

[0013] The foregoing features and examples will be more fully described in conjunction with other features and examples in the following description, claims, and figures. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The features of the various embodiments of the present invention described above, as well as other features and advantages of certain embodiments, will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 This is a diagram of a fast trigger design for an analog key switch with double-sided fixed plate stops, according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 It is based on the first embodiment. Figure 1 The diagram shows the contact spring and the contact plate of the fixed plate, where the spring end is higher.

[0017] Figure 3 It is based on the second embodiment. Figure 1 The diagram shows the contact spring and the contact plate of the fixed plate, where the spring end is lower.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a diagram of a fast trigger design for an analog key switch with a single-sided fixed plate stop, according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a diagram of a fast trigger design for an analog key switch according to an embodiment, wherein a spring contact abuts against a higher fixed plate contact that serves as a stop.

[0020] Figure 6 According to the implementation method Figure 5 The side view of the diagram;

[0021] Figure 7 According to the implementation method Figure 1 A diagram of a part of the design of a fast trigger, in which a lifter is attached to the protrusion of the contact spring engagement rod;

[0022] Figure 8 This is a diagram of a fast trigger design for an analog key switch with two contact springs, according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figures 9A-9B This is a circuit diagram of the row and column detection circuits for the sleep mode switch being in working mode and sleep mode, according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a diagram of a fast trigger design for an analog key switch having two fixed plate contacts, according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a diagram of a fast trigger design for an analog key switch with a long lever arm contacting a spring, according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operation of a fast flip-flop for an analog key switch according to an embodiment;

[0027] Figure 13 is a graph illustrating sleep mode wake-up points of the prior art versus embodiments of the present invention; and

[0028] Figures 14A-14B is a diagram of a design with a base or housing stop according to an embodiment; and

[0029] Figures 15A-15B is a diagram of a design with a contact as a stop according to an embodiment.

[0030] Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers generally refer to like elements, features, and structures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] According to certain embodiments, aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to input devices with keys, and more particularly to keys that use analog sensors and have a sleep mode.

[0032] In the following description, various examples of mechanical key structures are described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that certain embodiments can be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known features are omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the related novel features being described herein.

[0033] SUMMARY

[0034] The following highly condensed summary is intended to provide a basic understanding of some of the novel innovations presented in the novel innovations depicted in the accompanying drawings and presented in the corresponding description provided below. Aspects of the present invention relate to key structures with analog sensors that have a flip switch to wake up the analog sensor circuit from a sleep mode.

[0035] The sleep mode wake-up switch provides a very fast signal to wake up the analog sensor of the key from a sleep mode in the event that the user does not move the key much at all. As Figure 1In the embodiment illustrated, this is achieved using a controlled short distance between the stop 110 of the spring contact 108 for the switch and the fixed contact 109 of the switch. The protrusion 104 on the key lever 102 lifts the spring contact to the stop, where the stop controls the distance of travel to close the switch when the key press of the key lever 102 is pressed. In one embodiment, the distance between the stop and the contact is controlled by a gap on the same fixed plate contact 109, enabling very tight tolerances to be achieved by using one element without the need to adjust the position of different elements.

[0036] Various modifications are shown in the remaining figures. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The higher and lower ends of the spring contact are shown in action. Figure 4 The higher and lower ends of the spring contact are shown in action. Figure 1 A single-sided fixed plate stop that is more compact than the double-sided embodiment of the fixed plate. The stop can be part of the fixed plate, either on the side of the spring contact ( Figure 1 ) or above the spring contact ( Figure 5 , Figure 6 ), or can be on the key housing ( Figure 11 ). An example of a double contact (2 switch) design is shown with two spring contacts (Figure 9) and two fixed contacts ( Figure 10 ).

[0037] Detailed Description

[0038] Figure 1 is a diagram of a snap trigger design for an analog key switch according to an embodiment. A lever 102 is mounted in a base 120 below a key cap, such that the lever can move down in a cavity in the base when pressed by a user. A spring 103 located below the lever provides resistance to the user and pushes the lever back up when the user releases the key. An analog sensor 105 (not to actual scale) measures an aspect of the key press. The aspect measured can be the distance pressed, the amount of force or pressure applied, the acceleration downward, or any other aspect or combination of aspects. A variety of types of analog sensors can be used, such as magnetic sensing, inductive sensing (e.g., inductive sensor and target with conductive material), capacitive sensing (e.g., electrode sensor and geometric element), optical sensing (e.g., shutter or reflective based), and magnetic sensing (e.g., Hall effect sensing), and similar sensing methods (e.g., TMR, GMR, etc.).

[0039] The analog switches and corresponding circuitry require and consume power while waiting for a key press. Therefore, a sleep mode is used to conserve battery power for the wireless keyboard. A trigger switch is used, which is activated when the user presses a key. The goal is to quickly detect user touches and rapidly wake the circuitry from sleep mode to activate the analog sensor and quickly measure user input.

[0040] Figure 1 A lever 102, capable of vertical movement in response to a user touch, is shown. The lever has a lever protrusion 104. A circuit switch for putting an analog sensor into a sleep mode is formed by an elongated spring contact 106 and a fixed plate contact 109. The spring contact 106 and the fixed plate contact 109 are connected to pads 112 and 114 on a PCB 115 via pin ends 116 and 118, respectively. The elongated spring contact 106 is mounted adjacent to the lever 102, with its end 108 extending over the lever protrusion 104, such that this end is raised when the lever is in its highest position, not pressed by the user. The fixed plate contact 109 is positioned to make electrical contact with the elongated spring contact in the vertical position of the lever. This vertical position can be either the highest or a lower position. Figure 1 The implementation uses the highest position. The arm 110 of the fixing plate 109 extends above the rod protrusion 104 and serves as a stop, positioned to restrict vertical movement of the end of the elongated spring contact (by restricting upward movement of the protrusion that moves the end 108), such that a circuit signal between the elongated spring contact and the fixing plate contact is transmitted within 0.3 mm of vertical downward movement of the rod from its highest position. In one implementation, a movement of 0.1 mm or less is sufficient to trigger a trigger signal.

[0041] As will be referred to below Figure 2 and Figure 3 To explain in more detail, the fixed plate contact 109 has a contact portion below the end 108 of the spring contact 106. This defines the vertical position in which the contact is generated and the sleep mode switch is closed. The arm 110 on the fixed plate contact 109 serves as a stop for the vertical movement of the lever, and thus as a stop for the vertical movement of the end 108 of the spring contact 109. Therefore, one component, namely the fixed plate contact 109, defines how far the end 108 needs to travel in order to close the switch and exit the sleep mode. In embodiments, the travel can be controlled to be 0.1 mm or less.

[0042] In some embodiments, the spring contact 106 and the fixing plate contact 109 are solid metal parts. Alternatively, the fixing plate contact 109 may be a PCB or other material on which metal contacts and traces are printed, or it may be a metal contact and connector embedded in such material by overmolding or other processes.

[0043] The shapes of the spring contact 106 and the retaining plate contact 109 are illustrative examples, and other shapes may be used. The spring contact 106 includes an arm 122 that fits into a slot in the base 120 and helps to properly position the spring contact 106. The retaining plate contact 109 has a similar arm 124 for the same purpose.

[0044] Figure 2 The diagram shows the contact spring 106 and the fixed plate contact 109 according to the first embodiment, wherein the spring end is higher. The end 108 of the spring contact 106 is higher than the case where, when the end 108 is pressed down at the rod protrusion 104 and is in the lower position 202, the end 108 contacts the fixed plate contact 109 at point 206. When the rod 102 is not pressed down, the rod 102 is pushed upward by the spring 103 until the rod protrusion 104 stops at position 204 via the arm 110 on the fixed plate contact 109. The end 108 is at point 208 above position 206 in position 204. In one embodiment, the height difference between positions 206 and 208 is 0.10 mm. Therefore, the same element, namely the fixed plate contact 109, controls the high (non-contact) position and the low (contact) position of the end 108 of the spring contact 106. By using the same element to control both positions, the distance can be precisely controlled without having to align multiple parts.

[0045] Figure 3 It is based on the second embodiment. Figure 1 The figure shows the contact spring 106 and the fixed plate contact 109, wherein the spring end 308 is lower. The spring end 308 is lower than the contact point 302 of the fixed plate contact 302. Therefore, the end 308 will contact the right side of the fixed plate contact 109 before contacting the contact point 302 of the fixed plate contact 109. Figure 3 Point 302 on the left side. When the rod protrusion 104 contacts the arm 110 on the fixing plate contact 109 at position 208, the rod protrusion 104 lifts the end 308 from the fixing plate contact 109 to position 304. Figure 2 Similarly, the vertical distance between contact point 302 and position 208 is 0.10 mm. However, because the spring end 308 is lower and first contacts the left side of the fixed plate contact 109, the spring end 308 stops at position 304, only 0.050 mm above contact point 302. By lowering the spring end 308, a lever arm effect is utilized. The spring end 308 is angled downwards from position 208 to contact point 302, thus creating an even smaller distance between the rest position and contact position of the spring contact 106 when the user begins to press the button. Since the lever still needs to travel downwards by 0.10 mm, Figure 2The implementation method has the advantage of a looser tolerance between the spring contact and the fixed plate contact.

[0046] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the design of a fast trigger for an analog key switch with a single-arm fixed plate stop 409, according to an embodiment. Considering the limited space within the key housing, the fixed plate can be optimized in various shapes while maintaining the same principle. Figure 4 The single-arm example is one possible design that uses a single arm instead of two arms to take up less space. Arm 409 is located only on one side of the spring end 108, rather than... Figures 1-3 The center is located on both sides. In other aspects, Figure 4 Design and Figures 1-3 The implementation shown operates similarly.

[0047] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a fast trigger design for an analog key switch according to an embodiment, wherein a spring contact abuts against a higher fixed plate contact arm 510, which serves as a stop. In this embodiment, the protrusion 104 of the lever pushes the spring contact end 108 to the bottom of the fixed plate contact 510, which is located above the spring contact end 108. The fixed plate contact arm 510 serves as a stop arm, but wherein the spring end 108 is located between the fixed plate contact arm 510 and the protrusion 104 of the lever. The fixed plate contact arm 510 also serves as a contact, wherein the contact on the arm closes the switch, unlike the previous figures where the contact was located between the arms or on the side of the arms. In this design, the sleep mode switch is closed by contact between the spring end 108 and the fixed plate contact arm 510. When the lever 102 is pushed down by the user pressing the button, the spring end 108 is released almost immediately from the fixed plate contact 510, thereby disconnecting the switch and waking the circuit from sleep mode.

[0048] Figure 6 According to the implementation method Figure 5 The figure is a side view of the diagram. As can be seen, the protrusion 104 of the lever pushes the spring contact end 108 to the bottom of the fixed plate contact arm 510, which is located above the spring contact end 108. The fixed plate contact arm 510 acts as a stop arm, but in which the spring end 108 is located between the fixed plate contact arm 510 and the lever protrusion 104. When the lever 102 is pushed down by the user pressing the button, the spring end 108 is released from the fixed plate contact 510 almost immediately, thereby disconnecting the switch and waking the circuit from sleep mode.

[0049] Figure 7 According to the implementation method Figure 1A diagram showing a portion of the quick-trigger design, in which an ascender is attached to the contact spring engagement rod protrusion. As in a previous embodiment, the arm 110 of the fixed contact plate serves as a stop for the rod via the engagement protrusion 104. In this embodiment, an ascender 702 is added to the protrusion 104 to raise the end 108 of the contact spring further upward. This can be useful when the gap between the arm 110 and the end 108 contacting the fixed plate is not well controlled. The ascender 702 ensures that the end 108 of the contact spring is raised, thereby disengaging the sleep mode switch. Alternatively, this allows the contact portion 704 of the fixed plate to be at the same vertical level as the bottom of the arm 110.

[0050] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating a fast trigger design for an analog key switch with two contact springs, according to an embodiment. This embodiment utilizes two moving plates, namely spring contacts 804 and 806. Figure 8 In the stationary position (without user pressure), spring contact 804 contacts fixed plate contact 802, thus providing a closed switch. Simultaneously, spring contact 806 is lifted from fixed plate contact 808, thus providing an open switch. Both spring contacts 804 and 806 utilize the same fixed plate 802 to complete the switch operation. A protrusion 104 of the same rod lifts both spring contacts 804 and 806. Spring contact 804 is pushed upward against fixed plate contact arm 802, which serves as both a contact and a stop, similar to... Figure 5 This implementation allows for a wider variety of sleep mode circuit designs. For example, spring contact 806 can provide a sleep wake-up signal for the entire keyboard. Spring contact 806 is open when not pressed, and therefore has a gap, meaning the keyboard cannot be immediately activated. However, once activated, when the keyboard exits sleep mode and enters operating mode, spring contact 804 and fixed contact 802 form a separate switch for each key to activate the analog sensor used only for that key. This is only detected after the keyboard has exited sleep mode. Therefore, during operation, the analog sensor for each key can be activated immediately because there is no gap between spring contact 804 and fixed contact 802 when not pressed.

[0051] Figures 9A-9B This is a circuit diagram of the row and column detection circuits in the embodiment where the sleep mode switch is in working mode and sleep mode respectively. Figure 9A The diagram shows the operating mode in which the sleep mode switch 902 is in the off state. Figure 9BThe diagram illustrates a sleep mode with sleep mode switch 902 closed. In sleep mode, the matrix is ​​not scanned, thus saving power. In working mode, the keyboard scans the matrix and detects whether any of the key switches are closed. If no key is pressed within a defined time period, the firmware determines that no typing has occurred, and the system enters sleep mode by closing switch 902. The circuit diagram shows a switch matrix for four different keys located at the intersection of rows 904 (row 0), 906 (row 1), and columns 908 (column 0) and 910 (column 1). Specific keys are indicated by connecting the corresponding rows and columns. The keys at row 1 and column 0 have two connecting switches, namely switch 916 (…). Figure 8 808+806 (normally open when no key is pressed) and switch 917 ( Figure 8 (802+804, normally closed). These two switches are as follows: Figure 8 This is a portion of the same key shown. The keyboard's operating mode and sleep mode are controlled by switch 916. The analog sensor for the key is controlled by switch 917. By pressing the key and closing switch 916, switch 702 will... Figure 9B Closed sleep mode disconnected to Figure 9A The disconnected operating mode is shown. Then, in this operating mode, the keyboard will detect the disconnection of switch 917 to control the on / off state of the analog sensor used for that key. Because switch 917 ( Figure 8 The 802+804 switches are normally closed with no gap, so the sensor can be turned on immediately. Other keys work in the same way. Closing any of the switches 912, 914, 916, or 918 will wake up the keypad, and subsequently opening the switches 913, 915, 917, or 919 will indicate a key press for the corresponding key and turn on the analog sensor for that key.

[0052] Power consumption is reduced without affecting keyboard usability by disabling analog sensors or putting the keyboard to sleep. When in sleep mode, the keyboard does not need a key-scanning matrix; instead, it detects whether any of switches 912, 914, 916, and 918 are closed to wake the system on the keyboard. There is no need to scan the matrix to determine which of these key switches is closed—it is not important to determine which key is pressed at this point, only that one key has been pressed. After the keyboard is woken from sleep mode and enters operating mode, the matrix is ​​scanned to detect which of switches 913, 915, 917, or 919 is open. However, power is also saved during operating mode because the corresponding analog sensors for those switches are not activated until the corresponding switches 913, 915, 917, or 919 are open. Alternative implementations can use different circuitry. For example, the circuitry can be designed to enter sleep mode when the sleep mode switch is open and exit sleep mode when the sleep mode switch is closed.

[0053] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the design of a quick trigger for an analog key switch with two fixed plate contacts according to an embodiment. In the rest position, when the user is not pressing a key, the spring contact end 1002 is pushed upward against the fixed plate contact 1006 via the protrusion 104. With the spring contact end 1002 pushed upward against the fixed plate contact 1006, the fixed plate contact 1006 acts as a stop. When the user presses the lever 102, the spring contact end 1002 contacts the top of the fixed plate contact 1004. Therefore, in sleep mode, the switches of contacts 1002 and 1006 are closed, while the switches of contacts 1002 and 1004 are open. When the user presses a key, the switches are in the opposite state, where switches 1002 / 1006 are open and switches 1002 / 1004 are closed. These two switches operate similarly to the two switches in Figure 9 as described above, except that the switches now share a common spring contact and two fixed plate contacts. In this design, after a key is pressed across the gap between the two fixed plates, the closing of the switch between the spring contact end 1002 and the fixed plate contact 1004 wakes the keyboard from sleep mode. Then, during the keyboard's awakened operating mode, the switch formed by the spring contact end 1002 and the fixed plate contact 1006 immediately opens upon pressing, activating the analog sensor used for that key.

[0054] Figure 11This is a diagram of a fast trigger design for an analog key switch with a long lever arm contacting a spring, according to an embodiment. In this design, the spring contact is a long moving plate 1102. This long moving plate 1102 can be longer than the design discussed above because it extends adjacent to and parallel to the wall of the lever 102, rather than extending toward the lever. The moving plate 1102 is a spring biased downwards to contact the fixed plate contact, the static plate 1104. In the illustrated embodiment, a stop 1108 is formed as part of the key housing to prevent the moving plate 1102 from rising more than 0.10 mm above the static plate 1104. Alternatively, the static plate 1104 may have an arm above the moving plate 1102 to serve as a stop, and the static plate 1104 has a non-conductive surface at its contact point with the moving plate 1102.

[0055] The lifting arm 1110 raises the movable plate 1102 upwards until its distal end is stopped by the stop 1108. The movable plate has a fulcrum 1112, thus providing a lever arm effect, such that point 1114 (L1) of the movable plate bends less than portion 1116 (L2) of the movable plate. Therefore, a small downward movement of the lever 102 causes a small downward movement at L1, while causing a larger downward movement at L2. Therefore, the clearance at L2 can be, for example, 0.10 mm, where the clearance at L1 is smaller. Thus, a smaller movement compared to the possible design tolerance at L2 can wake the circuit from sleep mode.

[0056] The lifting arm 1110 on lever 102 lifts the movable plate 1102, disconnecting it from plate 1104 and thus putting the analog switch circuit into sleep mode. Due to the leverage effect, the lifting distance at lifting arm 1110 (A in the equation below) is less than the lifting distance at stop 1108 (B in the equation below). Therefore, the lifting distance at A * L2 = the lifting distance at stop (B) * L1. This means that if the gap at point (B) is 0.1mm, then the gap at (A) is 0.1mm * L1 / L2, which will be less than 0.1mm. Therefore, faster triggering is provided. Figure 11 Also shown is a guide groove 1118 in the base 120, which guides the extension 1120 of the rod 102 when it moves up and down against the spring 103.

[0057] Figure 12This is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a fast trigger for an analog key switch according to an embodiment. The method provides a trigger signal when the key switch is pressed, causing the analog circuit to exit sleep mode. Step 1202 involves vertically moving a lever with a protrusion in response to a user's touch. Step 1204 involves measuring the movement of the lever using an analog sensor in the analog sensor circuit. Step 1206 involves placing the analog sensor circuit into sleep mode using a sleep circuit switch. Step 1208 involves raising the end of the elongated spring contact of the sleep circuit switch to its highest position using the protrusion of the lever when the user is not pressing it. Step 1210 involves forming an electrical contact between the elongated spring contact and the fixed plate contact of the circuit switch in the first vertical position of the lever. Step 1212 involves restricting the vertical movement of the end of the elongated spring contact using a stop such that a circuit signal between the elongated spring contact and the fixed plate contact is transmitted within a range of 0.3 mm of vertical downward movement of the lever from its highest position. In one embodiment, the circuit signal is transmitted within a range of 0.10 mm or less of vertical downward movement.

[0058] Figure 13 This is a graph illustrating the sleep mode wake-up point of the prior art and embodiments of the present invention. The upper line 1304 represents the force distribution upon pressing. Line 1302 represents the force distribution after pressing. A typical linear mechanical switch in the prior art allows a 2mm travel at point 1306 before current triggering wakes the circuit from sleep mode to wake (reset) the analog sensor. After a slight delay, the analog sensor begins operation at point 1308, thus giving an operating range that begins at point 1308 and extends to the right in the graph. Embodiments of the present invention provide triggering at point 1310 with a 0.10mm travel, thus giving an earlier operating range at point 1312. The analog sensor turns on upon receiving a contact signal from 1312. For comparison and reference, 1308 and 1306 are the travel of a conventional current switch in the on (2mm) and off (1.8mm) states.

[0059] Figures 14A-14B This is a diagram illustrating a design with a base or housing stop according to an embodiment. A rod 1402 is mounted in a base 1404, which is mounted in a key housing 1406. A fixed plate contact 1408 and a spring contact 1410 are provided. The spring contact has an end 1412. The spring contact 1410 is connected to a PCB pad 1414, and the fixed contact 1408 is connected to a PCB pad 1416. The end 1412 of the spring contact 1410 is lifted from the fixed contact 1408 by a protrusion 1418 on the rod 1402. The stop is the upper portion of the housing, which stops the upward movement of the rod, thereby stopping the upward movement of the end 1412. Figure 14BAs shown, when the lever is pressed, the protrusion 1418 descends, allowing the spring contact 1410 to be spring-biased so that the spring end 1412 contacts the fixed contact 1408, thereby closing the sleep wake-up switch.

[0060] Figures 15A-15B This is a diagram illustrating the design of a contact element as a stop according to an embodiment. A lever 1502 is mounted in a base 1504, which is mounted in a key housing 1506. A fixed plate contact 1508 and a spring contact 1510 are provided. The spring contact has an end 1512, and the fixed contact has an end 1513. The spring contact 1510 is connected to a PCB pad 1514, and the fixed contact 1508 is connected to a PCB pad 1516. A bridge-shaped contact 1515 is connected to the lever 1502. When the lever is in the upper position, the bridge-shaped contact 1515 connects ends 1512 and 1513, thereby closing the sleep mode switch. Both ends 1512 and 1513 can be spring-loaded, or both can be fixed, or one end can be spring-loaded and the other end can be fixed. Figure 15B As shown, once the lever is pressed, the bridge-shaped contact 1515 separates from the ends 1512 and 1513, thereby opening the switch. For this design, the sleep circuit is configured to be woken up when the sleep switch is open. Figures 15A-15B In this implementation, the sleep switch is normally closed (connected). Whenever the key is pressed, the pin will disconnect, and the analog sensor will be activated.

[0061] Alternative implementation methods

[0062] The specific embodiments described herein may vary while remaining within the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. For example, the key may be used on the orthogonal side of the key. Figure 11 Two lever arms are used to provide a dual-switch solution. The stop can be located on the base supporting the key lever, rather than on the key lever or key housing. In any embodiment showing a stop on the lever, a stop on the base or housing can be used instead of a stop on the lever. The stop can also be designed to be located on the static plate (1104) or in any other way. Since the lever is a moving part, there is no stop on the lever. In different embodiments, the stop is positioned to restrict the vertical movement of the end of the first elongated spring contact such that the circuit signal between the first elongated spring contact and the first fixed plate contact is transmitted within a range of 0.5 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.1 mm, or less.

[0063] Numerous specific details are set forth herein to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the claimed subject matter can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, apparatus, or systems known to those of ordinary skill have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the claimed subject matter. The various embodiments illustrated and described are provided merely as examples to illustrate the various features of the claims. However, the features shown and described with respect to any given embodiment are not necessarily limited to the associated embodiment and may be used or combined with other embodiments shown and described. Furthermore, the claims are not intended to be limited to any of the exemplary embodiments.

[0064] Although the subject matter has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that modifications, variations, and equivalents of such embodiments can be readily derived by those skilled in the art upon acquiring an understanding of the foregoing. Therefore, it should be understood that this disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes rather than limiting, as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and does not exclude such modifications, variations, and / or additions to the subject matter. In fact, the methods and systems described herein can be embodied in various other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made to the form of the methods and systems described herein without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications that fall within the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

[0065] While this disclosure provides certain exemplary embodiments and applications, other embodiments that will be apparent to those skilled in the art—including embodiments that do not provide all the features and advantages set forth herein—are also within the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is intended to be limited only by reference to the appended claims.

[0066] Unless otherwise specifically stated or otherwise understood in the context in which they are used, conditional language used herein, such as “can,” “may,” “may,” “can,” “for example,” etc., is generally intended to convey that certain examples include certain features, elements, and / or steps while other examples do not. Therefore, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that one or more examples require features, elements, and / or steps in any way, or that one or more examples must include logic for determining, with or without author input or prompting, whether such features, elements, and / or steps are included in any particular example or to be performed in any particular example.

[0067] The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” etc., are synonymous and used inclusively in an open-ended manner, without excluding additional elements, features, actions, operations, etc. Furthermore, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (rather than its exclusive sense), such that, for example, when used to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. The use of “suitable for” or “configured to” herein implies open-ended and inclusive language, which does not exclude means suitable for or configured to perform additional tasks or steps. Additionally, the use of “based on” implies open-ended and inclusiveness because a process, step, calculation, or other action “based on” one or more of the stated conditions or values ​​may actually be based on additional conditions or values ​​besides those stated. Similarly, the use of “at least partially based on” implies open-ended and inclusiveness because a process, step, calculation, or other action “at least partially based on” one or more of the stated conditions or values ​​may actually be based on additional conditions or values ​​besides those stated. The headings, lists, and numbers included herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting.

Claims

1. A key switch, comprising: a stem movable vertically in response to a user touch and having a protrusion; an analog sensor circuit configured to measure an aspect of motion of the stem; a circuit switch to place the analog sensor circuit in a sleep mode; a first elongate spring contact of the circuit switch mounted adjacent the stem, wherein an end of the first elongate spring contact extends above the protrusion of the stem such that the end will be lifted when the stem is in an uppermost position when not pressed by a user; a first fixed plate contact of the circuit switch positioned to make electrical contact with the first elongate spring contact in a vertical position of the stem; and a stop positioned to limit vertical movement of the end of the first elongate spring contact such that a circuit signal between the first elongate spring contact and the first fixed plate contact is sent within 0.5 mm of vertical movement of the stem downward from the uppermost position of the stem. The first fixed plate contact is in contact with the first elongate spring contact when the stem is in an uppermost position.

2. The key switch according to claim 1, wherein, The first fixed plate contact is in contact with the first elongate spring contact when the stem is pressed.

3. The key switch according to claim 1, wherein The stop is a first arm of the first fixed plate contact that extends above the protrusion of the stem to limit the amount the protrusion lifts the first elongate spring contact.

4. The key switch according to claim 1, wherein, 5. The key switch of claim 4, further comprising a second arm of the first fixed plate contact that extends above the protrusion of the stem on an opposite side of the first elongate spring contact from the first arm. The circuit signal between the first elongate spring contact and the first fixed plate contact is sent within 0.1 mm of vertical movement of the stem downward from the uppermost position of the stem.

6. The key switch according to claim 1, wherein, The first elongate spring contact includes a vertical portion, a curved portion connected to the vertical portion and extending beyond a contact portion of the first fixed plate contact, and an arm extending from the curved portion to a position above the contact portion of the first fixed plate contact, the arm spring biased to press downward against the contact portion of the first fixed plate contact.

7. The key switch according to claim 1, wherein, The stop is a first arm of the first fixed plate contact that extends above the first elongate spring contact.

8. The key switch according to claim 1, wherein, The second switch wakes up keyboard circuitry from a sleep mode and the first switch turns on the analog sensor when the keyboard is awake.

9. The key switch of claim 8, further comprising a second elongated spring contact adjacent to the first elongated spring contact and extending over the first stationary plate contact and the protrusion of the stem, the second elongated spring contact being part of a second switch with the first stationary plate contact, and the second elongated spring contact being in an open position when the first elongated spring contact is in a closed position, wherein, The first switch wakes up keyboard circuitry from a sleep mode and the second switch turns on the analog sensor when the keyboard is awake.

10. The key switch of claim 8, further comprising a second stationary plate contact located below the first elongated spring contact and being part of a second switch along with the first elongated spring contact, and when the first stationary plate contact is in a closed position, the second stationary plate contact is in an open position, wherein, The stop is part of a key housing.

11. The key switch according to claim 1, wherein, ​ 12. The key switch according to claim 1, wherein, The first elongated spring contact has a vertical portion and a horizontal portion, wherein the horizontal portion extends adjacent and parallel to one side of the stem above the stem's protrusion proximate the vertical portion, wherein a distal end of the horizontal portion is above the first fixed plate contact; and wherein the stop is above the distal end of the horizontal portion of the first spring contact.

13. The key switch according to claim 1, wherein, The stop includes a conductive contact that links the first elongated spring contact and the fixed plate contact.

14. A key switch, comprising: a stem movable vertically in response to user touch and having a protrusion; an analog sensor circuit configured to measure aspects of the stem's motion; a circuit switch to place the analog sensor circuit in a sleep mode; a first elongated spring contact of the circuit switch mounted adjacent the stem, wherein a portion of the first elongated spring contact extends above the stem's protrusion such that the first elongated spring contact will be lifted when the stem is in an uppermost position when not depressed by a user; a first fixed plate contact of the circuit switch positioned to make electrical contact with the first elongated spring contact in the stem's vertical positions; a stop positioned to limit vertical motion of the first elongated spring contact such that a circuit signal between the first elongated spring contact and the first fixed plate contact is sent within 0.2mm of the stem moving vertically downward from the stem's uppermost position, wherein the stop is a first arm of the first fixed plate contact that extends above the stem's protrusion to limit the amount the protrusion lifts the first elongated spring contact; and wherein the first fixed plate contact is in contact with the first elongated spring contact when the stem is depressed.

15. The key switch of claim 14, further comprising a second arm of the first fixed plate contact that extends above the stem's protrusion on an opposite side of the first elongated spring contact from the first arm.

16. The key switch according to claim 14, wherein, A circuit signal between the first elongated spring contact and the first fixed plate contact is sent within 0.1mm of the stem moving vertically downward from the stem's uppermost position.

17. The key switch according to claim 14, wherein, The first elongated spring contact includes a vertical portion, a curved portion connected to the vertical portion and extending beyond a contact portion of the first fixed plate contact, and an arm extending from the curved portion to a position above the contact portion of the first fixed plate contact, the arm spring biased to press downward against the contact portion of the first fixed plate contact.

18. The key switch according to claim 14, wherein, The first elongated spring contact has a vertical portion and a horizontal portion, wherein the horizontal portion extends adjacent and parallel to one side of the stem above the stem's protrusion proximate the vertical portion, wherein a distal end of the horizontal portion is above the first fixed plate contact; and wherein the stop is positioned above the distal end of the horizontal portion of the first spring contact.

19. A method for providing a trigger signal to exit a sleep mode of an analog sensor circuit when a key switch is pressed, the method comprising: vertically moving a lever in response to a user touch, the lever comprising a protrusion; measuring an aspect of the lever's motion with an analog sensor in the analog sensor circuit; entering the analog sensor circuit into a sleep mode with a sleep circuit switch; lifting an end of an elongated spring contact of the sleep circuit switch to a highest position with the protrusion of the lever when not pressed by a user; making electrical contact between the elongated spring contact of the circuit switch and a fixed plate contact in a first vertical position of the lever; and limiting vertical motion of the end of the elongated spring contact with a stop such that an electrical circuit signal between the elongated spring contact and the fixed plate contact is sent within 0.3mm of the lever moving vertically down from the highest position of the lever.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, The fixed plate contact is in contact with the elongated spring contact when the lever is pressed.

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