阅读说明：本技术 键开关机构、用户输入设备及制造键开关机构的方法 (Key switch mechanism, user input device, and method of manufacturing key switch mechanism ) 是由 吉帕玛·古里洛二世 于 2018-02-01 设计创作，主要内容包括：根据各种实施例,提供一种键开关机构,包括：键钮；柱塞,其附接至键钮且在中性位置与启动位置之间可移位；弹性体圆顶,其在柱塞处于中性位置时是非变形的且其在柱塞处于启动位置时通过柱塞而弹性变形；导电弹簧,其具有静止端部及可移动端部,静止端部电耦接至电路,且可移动端部以在柱塞结合弹性体圆顶的相应变形朝向启动位置移位时移动的方式耦接至弹性体圆顶；以及电触点,其电耦接至电路,其中,当柱塞处于中性位置时,电触点以距可移动端部一定距离布置,且当柱塞处于启动位置时,可移动端部移动以接触电触点。(According to various embodiments, there is provided a key switch mechanism comprising: a key button; a plunger attached to the key button and displaceable between a neutral position and an activated position; an elastomeric dome that is non-deformable when the plunger is in the neutral position and that is elastically deformed by the plunger when the plunger is in the activated position; an electrically conductive spring having a stationary end and a movable end, the stationary end being electrically coupled to the electrical circuit, and the movable end being coupled to the elastomeric dome in a manner that moves when the plunger is displaced toward the activated position in conjunction with a corresponding deformation of the elastomeric dome; and an electrical contact electrically coupled to the electrical circuit, wherein the electrical contact is disposed at a distance from the movable end when the plunger is in the neutral position, and the movable end moves to contact the electrical contact when the plunger is in the activated position.)

1. A key switch mechanism comprising:

a key button;

a plunger attached to the key button and displaceable between a neutral position and an activated position;

an elastomeric dome that is non-deformable when the plunger is in the neutral position and that is elastically deformed by the plunger when the plunger is in the activated position;

an electrically conductive spring having a stationary end and a movable end, the stationary end being electrically coupled to an electrical circuit, and the movable end being coupled to the elastomeric dome in a manner that moves when the plunger is displaced toward the activated position in conjunction with a corresponding deformation of the elastomeric dome; and

an electrical contact electrically coupled to the electrical circuit, wherein the electrical contact is disposed at a distance from the movable end when the plunger is in the neutral position, and the movable end moves to contact the electrical contact when the plunger is in the activated position.

2. The key switch mechanism of claim 1, wherein the electrical contact is external to the elastomeric dome.

3. The key switch mechanism of claim 1, further comprising:

another electrical contact outside the elastomeric dome, the other electrical contact connecting the electrical circuit to the stationary end.

4. The key switch mechanism of claim 1, further comprising:

an actuation spring disposed adjacent to the plunger, the actuation spring compressible in a first direction that is at least substantially perpendicular to a second direction of the displacement of the plunger between the neutral position and the activated position.

5. The key switch mechanism of claim 1 wherein the plunger is also displaceable from the actuated position to a bottom position wherein the movable end still contacts and is resiliently deflected by the electrical contact.

6. The key switch mechanism of claim 5, wherein the elastomeric dome is fully compressed when the plunger is in the bottom position.

7. The key switch mechanism of claim 1, wherein the movable end includes a through hole that fits at least partially over and around the elastomeric dome to couple the movable end to the elastomeric dome.

8. The key switch mechanism of claim 1, wherein the conductive spring comprises copper.

9. The key switch mechanism of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric dome is at least partially light transmissive.

10. The key switch mechanism of claim 1, further comprising:

a light emitter disposed below the elastomeric dome.

11. The key switch mechanism of claim 10, wherein the plunger includes a hollow space that is at least substantially aligned with the light emitter.

12. The key switch mechanism of claim 1, wherein the key button is at least partially light transmissive.

13. The key switch mechanism of claim 1, further comprising:

a housing surrounding the elastomeric dome and the movable end of the conductive spring.

14. A user input device, comprising:

the key switch mechanism of claim 1.

15. The user input device of claim 14, being one of a game controller or a keyboard.

16. A method of manufacturing a key switch mechanism, the method comprising:

attaching a key button to a plunger displaceable between a neutral position and an activated position;

providing an elastomeric dome that is non-deformable when the plunger is in the neutral position and that is elastically deformed by the plunger when the plunger is in the activated position;

electrically coupling a stationary end of a conductive spring to an electrical circuit;

coupling a movable end of the electrically conductive spring to the elastomeric dome in a manner that moves when the plunger is displaced toward the activated position in conjunction with a corresponding deformation of the elastomeric dome;

arranging electrical contacts such that when the plunger is in the neutral position the electrical contacts are at a distance from the movable tip portion and when the plunger is in the activated position the movable tip portion moves to contact the electrical contacts; and

electrically coupling the electrical contact to the electrical circuit.

Technical Field

Various embodiments relate to key switch mechanisms and user input devices.

Background

A user input device is a device that allows a user to provide information to a computing device for interaction with an application executing on the computing device. The computing devices referred to herein may be of a broad class, including personal computers, game control panels, mobile devices, and simulators. The user input devices may include a mouse, keyboard, game controller and joystick. These user input devices typically include at least one button that can be depressed to initiate a function in an application program executing on a computing device in communication with the user input device. User input devices typically use a dome switch as the primary actuation mechanism for the button. Dome switches offer the advantage of low manufacturing costs, but professional players and game enthusiasts may find dome switches too slow, in other words too unresponsive, for gaming applications that require short reaction times. Dome switches tend to be slow in initiating electrical connection because of the need to fully collapse the dome for electrical contact and because the electrical connectivity of the carbon used as the electrical conductor in the dome switch is relatively low. Also, because dome switches do not provide audible feedback (audible feedback) to indicate actuation of the switch, users may find the experience of using a dome switch unsatisfactory.

Disclosure of Invention

According to various embodiments, there may be provided a key switch mechanism comprising: a key button; a plunger attached to the key button and displaceable between a neutral position and an activated position; an elastomeric dome that is non-deformable when the plunger is in the neutral position and that is elastically deformed by the plunger when the plunger is in the activated position; an electrically conductive spring having a stationary end and a movable end, the stationary end being electrically coupled to the electrical circuit, and the movable end being coupled to the elastomeric dome in a manner that moves when the plunger is displaced toward the activated position in conjunction with a corresponding deformation of the elastomeric dome; and an electrical contact electrically coupled to the electrical circuit, wherein the electrical contact is disposed at a distance from the movable end when the plunger is in the neutral position, and the movable end moves to contact the electrical contact when the plunger is in the activated position.

According to various embodiments, a user input device may be provided that includes a key switch mechanism. The key switch mechanism may include: a key button; a plunger attached to the key button and displaceable between a neutral position and an activated position; an elastomeric dome that is non-deformable when the plunger is in the neutral position and that is elastically deformed by the plunger when the plunger is in the activated position; an electrically conductive spring having a stationary end and a movable end, the stationary end being electrically coupled to the electrical circuit, and the movable end being coupled to the elastomeric dome in a manner that moves when the plunger is displaced toward the activated position in conjunction with a corresponding deformation of the elastomeric dome; and an electrical contact electrically coupled to the electrical circuit, wherein the electrical contact is disposed at a distance from the movable end when the plunger is in the neutral position, and the movable end moves to contact the electrical contact when the plunger is in the activated position.

According to various embodiments, there may be provided a method of manufacturing a key switch mechanism, the method comprising: attaching a key button to a plunger displaceable between a neutral position and an activated position; providing an elastomeric dome that is non-deformable when the plunger is in the neutral position and that is elastically deformed by the plunger when the plunger is in the activated position; electrically coupling a stationary end of a conductive spring to an electrical circuit; coupling the movable end of the electrically conductive spring to the elastomeric dome in a manner to move when the plunger is displaced toward the activated position in conjunction with a corresponding deformation of the elastomeric dome; configuring the electrical contacts such that when the plunger is in the neutral position, the electrical contacts are at a distance from the movable end, and when the plunger is in the activated position, the movable end moves to contact the electrical contacts; and electrically coupling the electrical contacts to the electrical circuit.

Drawings

In the drawings, like reference numerals generally refer to like parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the following description, various embodiments are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a user input device in accordance with various embodiments.

Fig. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a key switch mechanism according to various embodiments.

Fig. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a key switch mechanism according to various embodiments.

Fig. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a key switch mechanism according to various embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of a key switch mechanism according to various embodiments.

Fig. 6 illustrates a conceptual diagram of a key switch mechanism according to various embodiments.

Fig. 7 illustrates a conceptual diagram of a key switch mechanism according to various embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates a conceptual diagram of a user input device according to various embodiments.

Fig. 9 shows a flow diagram of a method for manufacturing a key switch mechanism, in accordance with various embodiments.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

The embodiments described below in the context of a key switch mechanism or user input device are similarly valid for the respective method, and vice versa. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the embodiments described below may be combined, e.g., a portion of one embodiment may be combined with a portion of another embodiment.

It should be understood that any of the properties described herein with respect to a particular key switch mechanism or a particular user input device may also be applicable to any of the key switch mechanisms or any user input devices described herein. It should be understood that any property described herein with respect to a particular method may also be applicable to any method described herein. Further, it should be understood that for any key switch mechanism or user input device or method described herein, not all of the components or steps described need necessarily be included in the key switch mechanism or user input device or method, but may include only some (but not all) of the components or steps.

In this case, the user input device as described in this specification may include, for example, a memory used in processing performed in the user input device. The memory used in the embodiments may be: volatile memory such as DRAM (dynamic random access memory); or volatile memory, such as PROM (programmable read-only memory), EPROM (erasable PROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM); or flash memory such as floating gate memory, charge trapping memory, MRAM (magnetoresistive random access memory) or PCRAM (phase change random access memory).

It will be appreciated that the terms "upper", "above", "top", "bottom", "lower", "side", "rear", "left", "right", "front", "lateral", "upward", "downward", and the like, when used in the following description, are used for convenience and to aid in understanding the relative position or orientation, and are not intended to limit the orientation of any device or structure or any portion of any device or structure. In addition, the singular terms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Similarly, the word "or" is intended to include "and" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In the specification, the term "comprising" should be understood as having a similar broad meaning as the term "having" and should be understood as implying that an integer or step or group of integers or steps is included but not excluding any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. This definition also applies to variations on the term "comprising", such as "comprising" and "comprises".

The term "coupled" (or "connected") herein may be understood as electrically or mechanically coupled, e.g., attached or fixed, or merely contacted without any fixation, and it is understood that direct or indirect coupling (in other words, coupling without direct contact) may be provided.

Reference to any conventional means in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that the referenced conventional means forms part of the common general knowledge in australia (or any other country).

In order that the present invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, various embodiments will now be described by way of example, and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Conventional dome switches fail to provide the player with the required feedback during the course of intense game play, as they tend to bottom out or fade out and "stick out" over time. In contrast, mechanical switches are generally responsive and "click", i.e., provide resilient tactile feedback as well as audible feedback that provides a better user experience. However, mechanical switches may provide extremely short travel distances and actuation times, which may result in the user accidentally activating the switch.

The key switch mechanism according to various embodiments may achieve a fast response time similar to a mechanical switch while providing a longer travel distance. Moreover, the key switch mechanism can provide a satisfactory tactile sensation to the user upon actuation of the key switch, the return of the key being relatively quick. The key switch mechanism may further provide audible feedback to the user, such as a "click" sound, when the key switch is actuated. The key switch mechanism may use copper for the electrical contacts instead of carbon. The conductivity of copper is about 5.85 x 107 siemens/m compared to the conductivity of carbon of about 5.9 x 106 siemens/m. Moreover, the key switch mechanism may establish electrical contacts; in other words, the switch is activated halfway through the travel of the key button, rather than only making contact at the full travel of the key button. The key switch mechanism includes a conductive spring coupled to the dome. The conductive spring is electrically coupled to the electrical contact when the dome is only partially collapsed, i.e. at a halfway stroke of the key button. The combination of the high conductivity of the electrical contacts and the ability to establish electrical contacts on the halfway travel of the key button allows the key switch mechanism to be fast and responsive. The dome may collapse when the key is pressed. The collapse of the dome may provide a satisfactory tactile feel to the user. Additionally, the dome may also provide a longer travel distance compared to a mechanical switch, thereby reducing the chance of a user accidentally actuating the switch. The key switch mechanism may further include an actuator spring for emitting a clicking sound similar to the audible feedback of a mechanical switch. The actuator spring may be compressed when the key button is depressed. The actuator spring may rebound at the instant of brake and may impact an interior surface of the key switch mechanism to produce a clicking sound. The impact may also provide increased tactile feedback or a "clicking" feel to the user when the actuator spring rebounds and impacts the interior surface. The actuator spring, the conductive spring and the electrical contact may be outside the dome, in other words, arranged outside the dome. When the user releases his finger from the key, the dome may return to its undeformed state due to the elasticity of the dome material. Upon returning to its undeformed state, the dome may push the key back to its original position. Additionally, the conductive spring and the actuator spring may also push the plunger back to the original position as they rebound, thereby reducing stress buildup on the dome over time. Thereby, the common problem of the conventional dome switch that the dome sticks out over time, i.e., it loses its resiliency to return to the undeformed state, can be avoided. Further, the combined force of the dome, contact spring, and actuator spring pushing the plunger back to its original position may result in a snap-back of the key. As a result, the key may feel "springy" or solid to the user, thereby improving the tactile feel of the key.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a user input device 100 according to various embodiments. The user input device 100 may be a game controller. The game controller may be used to provide control inputs to a game application executing on a computing device communicatively coupled to the game controller. The coupling may be provided by a wired connection, such as a universal serial bus cable, or a wireless connection, such as WiFi or bluetooth. The computing device may be, for example, a personal computer, a video game control panel, such as Microsoft Xbox, Sony PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch. The user input device may also be integrated as part of the computing apparatus, or the computing apparatus may be included within a housing of the user input device, for example in the case of a mobile phone or handheld game console.

The game controller may include a housing 110. The housing 110 may enclose the internal components of the game controller. The game controller may include a plurality of buttons 102, which may be referred to as ABXY buttons. The game controller may also include at least one of a thumb pad 112 and a directional pad 114. Each button 102 may include a key switch mechanism 200 at a lower portion. The key switch mechanism 200 may be one of the game controller internal components enclosed within the housing 110 such that it is not visible in fig. 1. The button 102 may be depressible (in other words: depressed or actuated) to actuate a key switch mechanism located at the lower portion. In other words, when the button 102 is depressed, the key switch mechanism can make an electrical connection, i.e., switch the circuit, to generate an electrical signal.

Fig. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a key switch mechanism 200 according to various embodiments. The key switch mechanism 200 may include a key button 202, a plunger 204, a dome 216, a conductive spring 210, and electrical contacts 228. The key button 202 may be the button 102 or may be a part of the button 102. The key buttons 202 may include symbols, words or pictures on the surface 218 as an identification of the function of the key buttons 202. The plunger 204 may be attached to the key button 202 such that when the key button 202 is pressed in direction a (i.e., downward), the plunger 204 moves in the same direction with the key button 202. The plunger 204 may be disposed adjacent to the dome 216, for example, the plunger 204 may be located on the dome 216 and may be supported in a neutral position as shown in fig. 2 by the elastomeric dome 216. The dome 216 may be elastomeric, in other words made of an elastomer such as rubber or silicone. The dome 216 may be resilient, in other words, resilient and resilient. The dome 216 may be deformable or compressible when external pressure is applied thereto. The dome 216 may return to its original shape when external pressure is removed. The dome 216 need not be rounded or hemispherical in shape. The dome 216 may include a surface that defines a cavity such that the surface of the dome 216 may collapse into the cavity when external pressure is applied to the surface. The dome 216 may also be hinged, in other words, include a hinge that allows the dome to be compressed. The dome 216 may at least partially deform or collapse when the plunger 204 exerts pressure on the dome 216. The conductive spring 210 may be a cantilever. The conductive spring may be made of a conductive and resilient material such as metal. The metal may include, for example, copper, iron, steel, gold, platinum, silver, or palladium. The conductive spring 210 may include a stationary end 212 and a movable end 214. The stationary end 212 may be anchored such that it may remain stationary even as the movable end 214 moves. The stationary end 212 may be anchored to the bottom cap 208. The movable end 214 may be opposite the stationary end 212, and the movable end 214 may be connected to the stationary end 212 via a hinge portion 220. The stationary end 212, the hinge portion 220, and the movable end 214 may be integrally formed. The movable end 214 may be movable in a manner deflectable about the hinge portion 220. The movable end 214 may include a contact pad 222. Contact pads 222 may also be electrical conductors and may be shaped to have sufficient surface area to electrically couple with electrical contacts 228. Electrical contacts 228 may be electrically coupled to circuit 224. The electrical contacts 228 may be posts inserted through the insulator with two opposing ends extending out of the insulator. One end of the electrical contact 228 may be in contact with the circuit 224, while the other end of the electrical contact 228 may be at a distance D from the movable end 214. The movable end 214 may be aligned with the electrical contact 228 such that the contact pad 222 contacts the electrical contact 228 when the movable end 214 is deflected in the direction a. The stationary end 212 may also be electrically coupled to the electrical circuit 224, for example, via another electrical contact 226. The electrical contacts 226 may be posts extending from the circuit 224 through the insulator to the stationary end 212. Electrical contact 226 may be identical to electrical contact 228. Electrical contacts 226 and 228, like conductive spring 210, may be electrical conductors and may comprise copper, such as beryllium copper. The key switch mechanism 200 may further include a housing or cover that surrounds the dome 216. The housing may also at least partially or substantially enclose at least one of the electrical contacts 228, the conductive spring 210, and the plunger 204. The cover may include a top cover 206 and a bottom cover 208. The top cover 206 and the bottom cover 208 may be matingly coupled together or adhered together to form a housing.

The plunger 204 may be displaceable between a neutral position (as shown in fig. 2) and an activated position. When an external force is applied to the key button 202 in the direction a, for example, when a user presses on the key button 202, the plunger 204 may correspondingly be displaced in the direction a from the neutral position to the activated position. In the activated position, the plunger 204 may compress the dome 216. As a result, the dome 216 may be elastically deformed to partially collapse. The movable end 214 of the conductive spring 210 may be coupled to the dome 216 as follows: when the dome 216 collapses, the movable end 214 may move accordingly. The movable end 214 is movable by deflecting about the hinge portion 220. The movable end 214 or the contact pad 222 may contact the electrical contact 228 when the movable end 214 moves in cooperation with partial collapse of the dome 216. As a result, the circuit 224 may generate an electrical signal. The key switch mechanism 200 may transmit the generated electrical signal to a controller or computing device. The activated position may be referred to as a half-stroke position because the key button 202 is only displaced by approximately half of the total distance it can be depressed.

The plunger 204 may be further displaced from the activated position to the bottom position. When the plunger 204 is in the bottom position, the movable end 214 may still be in contact with the electrical contact 228 and may be resiliently deflected by the electrical contact 228. When the plunger 204 is in the bottom position, the dome 216 may be fully compressed or collapsed such that the plunger 204 cannot be displaced further in the direction a. The bottom position may be referred to as the full stroke position because the key button 202 cannot be depressed further once the bottom position has been reached. Due to the spring-irreproducible collapsing nature of the dome 216, the key switch mechanism 200 may provide a satisfactory tactile feel to the user. The key switch mechanism 200 also achieves a fast response time when the dome 216 is only partially collapsed, since an electrical signal is generated at the halfway stroke. If the user continues to depress the key button 202 after the plunger 204 has reached the activated position, the plunger 204 may be displaced from the activated position to the bottom position. The user does not have to depress the key button 202 to the bottom position to activate the switch, but the user may choose to do so depending on preference or habit.

When the user releases the downward force from the key button 202 when the plunger 204 is in the activated or bottom position, the dome 216 may resume its original shape due to the resilient nature of the elastomer. Additionally, the movable end 214 of the conductive spring 210 may also pivot about the hinge portion 220, in other words, the conductive spring 210 may spring back from a deflected position. As the dome 216 returns to its original shape and the resilient action of the conductive spring 210, the plunger 204 may be pushed back to the neutral position in direction C accordingly. Direction C may be opposite to direction a. The key buttons 202 may also be raised into position due to the displacement of the plunger 204. Due to the return force from the conductive spring 210, the plunger 204 may be pushed back to the neutral position faster and with a stronger force than conventional dome switches. The quick and strong push back of the plunger 204 may provide a superior user experience.

Fig. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a key switch mechanism 300 according to various embodiments. The key switch mechanism 300 may include the key switch mechanism 200. In addition, the key switch mechanism 300 may further include an actuation spring 330. The actuation spring 330 may be disposed adjacent to the plunger 204. The actuation spring 330 may be made from a stretchable, malleable material such as metal. The actuation spring 330 need not be an electrical conductor. The actuation spring 330 may be compressible in a direction B, which may be at least substantially perpendicular to the direction a. The actuation spring 330 includes a body 334. The actuation spring 330 may also include a connecting portion 338 and an abutment portion 340. The body 334 may be connected to a connection portion 338. The connecting portion 338 may extend toward the plunger 204. The connecting portion 338 may be bent obliquely and extend to the abutting portion 340. The abutment portion 340 may be curved outwardly, i.e. towards the plunger 204. The abutment section 340 may be kinked or bent. When the actuation spring 330 is compressed in direction B, the abutment portion 340 may deflect toward the body 334 about the connection portion 338. The body 334 may be disposed in the sliding groove 336 of the bottom cover 208. The plunger 204 may include a protrusion 332. The protrusion 332 may be shaped to engage the abutment portion 340. When the plunger 204 is displaced from the neutral position to the activated position, the protrusion 332 may push against the abutment portion 340, thereby compressing the actuation spring 330 in the direction B. When the actuation spring 330 is compressed, it may slide along the slide groove 336 in direction a. When the plunger 204 is displaced further downwards, e.g. just past the activation position or from the activation position to the bottom position, such that the protrusion 332 passes the kink in the abutment portion 340, the actuation spring 330 may spring back to its original shape and, at this point, release the stored energy in the actuation spring 330 to move the actuation spring 330 upwards in the direction C. When the actuation spring 330 moves upward in direction C, it may impact the inner surface of the top cover 206, thereby producing a clicking sound. The clicking sound provides audible feedback to the user to indicate that an electrical signal was generated. The actuation spring 330 may be a leaf spring. When the actuation spring 330 moves upward in direction C, the abutment portion 340 may push against the protrusion 332 of the plunger 204. As a result, the actuation spring 330 may exert an upward force on the plunger 204, which increases the speed at which the plunger 204 may return to the neutral position.

Fig. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a key switch mechanism 400 according to various embodiments. The key switch mechanism 400 may include the key switch mechanism 200, or the key switch mechanism 300. The key switch mechanism 400 may be at least substantially similar to the key switch mechanism 200 or the key switch mechanism 300. In the key switch mechanism 400, the key buttons 202 and domes 216 may be at least partially light transmissive. In other words, the key buttons 202 and domes 216 may be transparent or translucent so that light may pass through the domes 216 and key buttons 202. The plunger 204 may also be at least partially light transmissive. Alternatively or additionally, the plunger 204 may include a hollow space or through hole for light to pass through the plunger 204. The key switch mechanism 400 may further include a light emitter 440 in addition to the key switch mechanism 200 or 300. The light emitter 440 may be disposed below the dome 216, e.g., within the cavity defined by the dome 216, or embedded into the bottom cover 208 and aligned to be located below the cavity defined by the dome 216. The light emitter 440 may be placed directly at the center of the cavity defined by the dome. The light emitter 440 may be electrically coupled to the circuit 224. Optical transmitter 440 may receive electrical energy from electrical circuitry 224 and may convert the electrical energy to visible light. The light emitter 440 may be at least substantially aligned with the hollow space of the plunger 204. When light emitter 440 emits light 442, light 442 may pass through light permeable dome 216, into the hollow space of plunger 204 and then through light permeable key button 202. As a result, the key buttons 202 can be brightened from the inside. The light emitter 440 may be configured to emit light when the movable end 214 or the contact pad 222 contacts the electrical contact 228. For example, the light emitter 440 may be electrically coupled to the electrical contacts 226 and 228. Alternatively, the light emitter 440 may be configured to emit light at all times as long as the key switch mechanism is powered. Still alternatively, the light emitter 440 may be electrically coupled to another circuit and may be operated by the controller to emit light in accordance with other conditions, such as a manual selection by a user or an event in an application executing on the computing device. The light emitter 440 may also be configured to change its lighting color, sequence, or intensity based on control signals received from the controller. The light emitter 440 may be a Light Emitting Diode (LED).

Fig. 5 illustrates an exploded view 500 of a key switch mechanism, such as any of key switch mechanisms 200, 300, or 400, according to various embodiments. The actuation spring 330 and the light emitter 440 may be optional components in the key switch mechanism. The exploded view 500 shows an example of the arrangement of the components of the key switch mechanism. The key buttons 202 may be disposed above the top cover 206. The cap 206 may be disposed over the plunger 204. The cap 206 may include a through-hole 552 for receiving a portion of the plunger 204. The plunger 204 may include a shaft 554 that may be received in the through-hole 552. The plunger 204 may be coupled to the key button 202 via a shaft 554. A conductive spring 210 may be disposed below the plunger 204. The conductive spring 210 may include a through hole 550 in its movable end 214 for receiving a portion of the dome 216. The through-hole 550 may fit at least partially over and around the dome 216 in order to couple the movable end 214 to the dome 216. The conductive spring 210 may be disposed between the plunger 204 and the dome 216. The bottom cover 208 may be disposed below and around the dome 216. The dome 216 may be disposed between the plunger 204 and the bottom cap 208. The bottom cover 208 may include a cavity 556 in which the dome 216 may be located. The bottom cover 208 may be couplable to the top cover 206, or the top cover 206 may fit over the bottom cover 208 to form a housing that encloses at least the dome 216 and the movable end of the conductive spring 210. The bottom cover 208 may include a bore 560 extending through the base flange 558. The electrical contact 226 may be inserted through the first bore 560 to contact the stationary end of the conductive spring 210. The electrical contact 228 may be inserted through the second bore 506 to be at a short distance from the movable end 214 of the conductive spring 210. The base flange 558 or the entire bottom cover 208 may be made of an electrically insulating material or electrically insulate the conductive spring 210 from the circuit 224. The key switch mechanism may further include an actuation spring 330. The actuation spring 330 may be partially received in a slide groove 336 of the bottom cover 208. The body 334 may be slidably located in the slide channel 336. The abutment portion 340 of the actuation spring 330 may extend into the cavity 556. The key switch mechanism may further include a light emitter 440. The light emitter 440 may be disposed between the dome 216 and the bottom cover 208. The light emitter 440 may be surrounded by a dome 216.

Fig. 6 illustrates a conceptual diagram of a key switch mechanism 600 according to various embodiments. The key switch mechanism 600 may be part of any of the key switch mechanisms 200, 300, or 400, or may include any of the key switch mechanisms 200, 300, or 400. The key switch mechanism 600 may include a key button 202, a plunger 204, an elastomeric dome 216, a conductive spring 210, and electrical contacts 228. The plunger 204 may be attached to the key button 202 and may be displaced between a neutral position and an activated position. The elastomeric dome 216 may be non-deformable when the plunger 204 is in the neutral position and may be elastically deformed by the plunger 204 when the plunger 204 is in the activated position. The conductive spring 210 may have a stationary end and a movable end. The stationary end may be electrically coupled to the electrical circuit, and the movable end may be coupled to the elastomeric dome 216 in a manner that moves when the plunger 204 is displaced toward the activated position in conjunction with a corresponding deformation of the elastomeric dome 216. The electrical contacts 228 may be electrically coupled to an electrical circuit. The electrical contacts 228 may be disposed at a distance from the movable end when the plunger 204 is in the neutral position. When the plunger 204 is in the activated position, the movable end may move to contact the electrical contact 228. The key button 202, the plunger 204, the elastomeric dome 216, the conductive spring 210, and the electrical contact 228 may be coupled to one another, as indicated by line 660, e.g., mechanically and/or electrically coupled.

In other words, according to various embodiments, the key switch mechanism 600 may include a key button 202 attached to a plunger 204. The plunger 204 is movable between a neutral position and an activated position. The plunger 204 may be moved from the neutral position to the activated position when an external force is applied to the key button 202. The key switch mechanism 600 may also include an elastomeric dome 216. The elastomeric dome 216 may be non-deformable when the plunger 204 is in the neutral position. The plunger 204 may elastically deform the elastomeric dome 216 when the plunger 204 is in the activated position. The conductive spring 210 may be a cantilever spring. The conductive spring 210 may comprise copper or beryllium copper. The conductive spring 210 may have a stationary end 212 opposite a movable end 214. The stationary end 212 may be in electrical contact with the circuit. The movable end 214 may be at a distance from the electrical contact 228, and the electrical contact 228 may be in electrical contact with an electrical circuit. The electrical contacts 228 may be external to the elastomeric dome 216. The movable end 214 may be coupled to the elastomeric dome 216 such that when the elastomeric dome 216 deforms in conjunction with displacement of the plunger 204 toward the activated position, the movable end 214 moves accordingly. The movable end 214 may include a through hole that fits at least partially over and around the elastomeric dome 216 to couple the movable end 214 to the elastomeric dome 216. When the plunger 204 is in the activated position, the movable end may move to contact the electrical contact 228. The plunger 204 may be further displaceable from the activated position to a bottom position in which the movable end 214 may also contact the electrical contact 228 and may be resiliently deflectable by the electrical contact 228. When the plunger 204 is in the bottom position, the elastomeric dome 216 may be fully compressed or collapsed.

Fig. 7 illustrates a conceptual diagram of a key switch mechanism 700 according to various embodiments. The key switch mechanism 700 may be part of any of the key switch mechanisms 200, 300, 400, or 600, or may include any of the key switch mechanisms 200, 300, 400, or 600. In addition to the key switch mechanism 600, the key switch mechanism 700 may further include another electrical contact 226, an actuation spring 330, a light emitter 440, and a housing 770. Another electrical contact 226 may be external to the elastomeric dome 216 and may connect electrical circuitry to the stationary end 212. The actuation spring 330 may be disposed adjacent to the plunger 204. The actuation spring 330 may be compressible in a first direction. The first direction may be at least substantially perpendicular to a second direction in which the plunger 204 is displaced between the neutral position and the activated position. The light emitter 440 may be arranged below the elastomeric dome 216, or in other words, surrounded by the elastomeric dome 216. The elastomeric dome 216 may be at least partially light transmissive such that light emitted by the light emitter 440 may be visible from outside the elastomeric dome 216. The plunger 204 may also include a hollow space that is at least substantially aligned with the light emitter 440 such that light emitted by the light emitter 440 may be visible from the opening of the plunger 204. The key buttons 202 may also be at least partially light permeable such that light emitted by the light emitter 440 may be visible from outside the key buttons 202. The key button 202, the plunger 204, the elastomeric dome 216, the conductive spring 210, the electrical contact 228, the further electrical contact 226, the actuation spring 330, the light emitter 440 and the housing 770 may be coupled to each other as indicated by line 760, e.g. mechanically and/or electrically coupled.

Fig. 8 illustrates a conceptual diagram of a user input device 800 according to various embodiments. User input device 800 may be a game controller, such as user input device 100. The user input device 800 may also be any of a keyboard, mouse, or joystick. User input device 800 may include a key switch mechanism 880. The key switch mechanism 880 may be part of any of the key switch mechanisms 200, 300, 400, 600, or 700, or may include any of the key switch mechanisms 200, 300, 400, 600, or 700.

Fig. 9 shows a flow diagram 900 of a method for manufacturing a key switch mechanism, in accordance with various embodiments. The method may include processes 902, 904, 906, 908, 910, and 912. Process 902 may include attaching a key button to a plunger that is displaceable between a neutral position and an actuated position. The process 904 may include providing an elastomeric dome that is non-deformable when the plunger is in the neutral position and that is elastically deformed by the plunger when the plunger is in the activated position. Process 906 may include electrically coupling the stationary end of the conductive spring to the circuit. Process 908 may include coupling the movable end of the conductive spring to the elastomeric dome in a manner that moves when the plunger is displaced toward the activated position in conjunction with a corresponding deformation of the elastomeric dome. The process 910 may include configuring the electrical contacts such that the electrical contacts are at a distance from the movable end when the plunger is in the neutral position, and the movable end moves to contact the electrical contacts when the plunger is in the activated position. Process 912 may include electrically coupling the electrical contacts to the circuit.

The following examples relate to further embodiments.

Example 1 is a key switch mechanism, comprising: a key button; a plunger attached to the key button and displaceable between a neutral position and an activated position; an elastomeric dome that is non-deformable when the plunger is in the neutral position and that is elastically deformed by the plunger when the plunger is in the activated position; an electrically conductive spring having a stationary end and a movable end, the stationary end being electrically coupled to the electrical circuit, and the movable end being coupled to the elastomeric dome in a manner that moves in conjunction with a corresponding deformation of the elastomeric dome as the plunger is displaced toward the activated position; and an electrical contact electrically coupled to the electrical circuit, wherein the electrical contact is disposed at a distance from the movable end when the plunger is in the neutral position, and the movable end moves to contact the electrical contact when the plunger is in the activated position.

In example 2, the subject matter of example 1 can optionally include the electrical contact being outside the elastomeric dome.

In example 3, the subject matter of example 1 or example 2 can optionally include another electrical contact outside the elastomeric dome, the other electrical contact connecting the circuit to the stationary end.

In example 4, the subject matter of any of examples 1-3 can optionally include an actuation spring disposed adjacent to the plunger, the actuation spring compressible in a first direction that is at least substantially perpendicular to a second direction of displacement of the plunger between the neutral position and the activated position.

In example 5, the subject matter of any of examples 1 to 4 can optionally include that the plunger can also be displaced from the activated position to a bottom position, wherein the movable end still contacts the electrical contact and is elastically deflected by the electrical contact.

In example 6, the subject matter of example 5 can optionally include: the elastomeric dome is fully compressed when the plunger is in the bottom position.

In example 7, the subject matter of any of examples 1 to 6 can optionally include: the movable end includes a through hole that fits at least partially over and around the elastomeric dome to couple the movable end to the elastomeric dome.

In example 8, the subject matter of any of examples 1 to 7 can optionally include that the conductive spring comprises copper.

In example 9, the subject matter of any of examples 1 to 8 can optionally include: the elastomeric dome is at least partially light transmissive.

In example 10, the subject matter of any of examples 1 to 9 can optionally include the light emitter disposed below the elastomeric dome.

In example 11, the subject matter of example 10 can optionally include the plunger comprising a hollow space, the hollow space at least substantially aligned with the light emitter.

In example 12, the subject matter of any of examples 1 to 11 can optionally include: the key buttons are at least partially light transmissive.

In example 13, the subject matter of any of examples 1 to 12 can optionally include a housing surrounding the elastomeric dome and the movable end of the conductive spring.

Example 14 is a user input device, comprising: the key switch mechanism of any one of examples 1 to 13.

In example 15, the subject matter of example 14 can optionally include: the user input device is one of a game controller or a keyboard.

Example 16 is a method of manufacturing a key switch mechanism, the method comprising: attaching a key button to a plunger displaceable between a neutral position and an activated position; providing an elastomeric dome that is non-deformable when the plunger is in the neutral position and that is elastically deformed by the plunger when the plunger is in the activated position; electrically coupling a stationary end of a conductive spring to an electrical circuit; coupling a movable end of an electrically conductive spring to the elastomeric dome in a manner that moves in conjunction with a corresponding deformation of the elastomeric dome when the plunger is displaced toward the activated position; configuring the electrical contacts such that when the plunger is in the neutral position, the electrical contacts are at a distance from the movable tip portion, and when the plunger is in the activated position, the movable tip portion moves to contact the electrical contacts; and electrically coupling the electrical contacts to the electrical circuit.

While embodiments of the invention have been particularly shown and described with reference to particular embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein. It should be understood that common numerals used in the associated drawings indicate components for similar or identical purposes.

It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the claims, wherein elements in the singular are not intended to mean "one and only one" unless specifically so stated, but rather "one or more. Combinations such as "A, B or at least one of C", "A, B or one or more of C", "A, B and at least one of C", "one or more of A, B and C", and "A, B, C or any combination thereof" include A, B, and/or any combination of C, and may include multiples of a, multiples of B, or multiples of C. Specifically, combinations such as "at least one of A, B or C", "one or more of A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", "one or more of A, B and C", and "A, B, C or any combination thereof" may be a only, B only, C, A and B, A and C, B and C only, or a and B and C, where any such combination may include one or more members of A, B or C. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. The words "module", "mechanism", "element", "device", and the like cannot replace the word "device". Thus, unless a claim element is explicitly recited using the phrase "means for", no claim element should be construed as a means-plus-function.