CN113534965A

CN113534965A - Method for switching touch control and typing modes

Info

Publication number: CN113534965A
Application number: CN202110777299.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 游伟彦; 詹金龙
Original assignee: Huaian Darfon Electronics Co ltd; Darfon Electronics Corp
Current assignee: Huaian Darfon Electronics Co ltd; Darfon Electronics Corp
Priority date: 2021-07-09
Filing date: 2021-07-09
Publication date: 2021-10-22

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for switching touch and typing modes, which is suitable for a touch keyboard capable of correspondingly outputting touch signals and typing signals, wherein the touch keyboard comprises a plurality of keys, a keyboard touch electrode plate and a bottom plate, each key comprises a keycap and a lifting mechanism, the lifting mechanism is movably connected with the keycap and the bottom plate, at least one key also comprises a light sensing component, the light sensing component comprises a light receiving element and a light emitting element for transmitting light signals to the light receiving element, and the method comprises the following steps: when the keycap of at least one key is lifted relative to the base plate, at least one part of the lifting mechanism changes the intensity of the optical signal, so that the optical sensing component generates a switching signal; and outputting a touch signal or a typing signal by the touch keyboard according to the switching signal so as to switch between the touch mode and the typing mode. The touch control keyboard can achieve the effect of automatically switching the touch control mode and the typing mode through structural design under the condition of not needing gesture judgment or other specific instructions or actions.

Description

Method for switching touch control and typing modes

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a touch keyboard, and more particularly, to a touch keyboard having a method for switching between touch and typing modes.

Background

The keyboard is mainly used for inputting text signals into the computer system. Through the evolution and integration of many years, the key layout on the keyboard gradually forms the international standard specification.

On the other hand, the touch pad provides different operation options for the user, and inputs touch signals to the computer system in a single-point or multi-point touch manner. Currently, touch control functions have been successfully incorporated on screens. However, attempts to integrate touch functionality into physical keyboards without the use of touch pads have not always resulted in operationally, functionally and structurally satisfactory results.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for switching between touch and typing modes is provided, which is applicable to a touch keyboard capable of outputting touch signals and typing signals, the touch keyboard including a plurality of keys, a keyboard touch electrode plate and a bottom plate, the keyboard touch electrode plate being disposed between the keys and the bottom plate, each of the keys including a key cap and a lifting mechanism, the lifting mechanism being movably connected to the key cap and the bottom plate, at least one of the keys further including a photo sensing element, the photo sensing element including a photo receiving element and a photo emitting element for transmitting a photo signal to the photo receiving element, the method comprising:

when the keycap of the at least one key is lifted relative to the base plate, at least one part of the lifting mechanism changes the intensity of the optical signal, so that the optical sensing component generates a switching signal; and

according to the switching signal, the touch keyboard outputs a touch signal or a typing signal so as to switch between a touch mode and a typing mode.

As an optional technical solution, the touch keyboard further includes a switch circuit module connected to the keys, a keyboard control unit connected to the switch circuit module, a touch sensing module connected to the keyboard touch electrode plate, and a touch control unit connected to the touch sensing module, wherein the light sensing module is respectively connected to the keyboard control unit and the touch control unit, the keyboard control unit receives a trigger signal from the switch circuit module, and the touch control unit receives a sensing signal from the touch sensing module;

when the light sensing component generates the switching signal and switches to the typing mode, the keyboard control unit outputs the typing signal according to the triggering signal; and

when the optical sensing component generates the switching signal and switches to the touch mode, the touch control unit outputs the touch signal according to the sensing signal.

As an optional technical solution, the touch keyboard further includes a switch circuit module connected to the keys, a touch sensing module connected to the keyboard touch electrode plate, and an integrated control unit connected to the switch circuit module, the touch sensing module, and the light sensing module, wherein the integrated control unit receives a trigger signal from the switch circuit module and a sensing signal from the touch sensing module, respectively;

when the light sensing component generates the switching signal and switches to the typing mode, the integrated control unit outputs the typing signal according to the triggering signal; and

when the optical sensing component generates the switching signal and switches to the touch mode, the integrated control unit outputs the touch signal according to the sensing signal.

As an optional technical solution, the lifting mechanism of each of the keys includes a first supporting member, a second supporting member and a light blocking structure, the first supporting member and the second supporting member are pivoted to each other in a crossed manner and movably connected to the corresponding keycap and the bottom plate, the light blocking structure is disposed on one of the first supporting member and the second supporting member, and the light sensing component is disposed on a moving path of the light blocking structure.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for switching between touch and typing modes is provided, which is applicable to a touch keyboard capable of outputting touch signals and typing signals, the touch keyboard includes a plurality of keys, a keyboard touch electrode plate and a bottom plate, the keyboard touch electrode plate is disposed between the keys and the bottom plate, each of the keys includes a key cap and a lifting mechanism, the lifting mechanism is movably connected to the key cap and the bottom plate, at least one of the keys further includes a conductor element, the conductor element includes a first parallel plate electrode disposed on the lifting mechanism and a second parallel plate electrode disposed on the bottom plate, the method includes:

when the keycap of the at least one key is lifted relative to the base plate, the first parallel plate electrode on the lifting mechanism is relatively close to or far away from the second parallel plate electrode on the base plate, so that the conductor element generates an induction capacitance value;

when the induction capacitance value is within a preset capacitance value interval, a touch mode is started and the touch keyboard outputs a touch signal; and

when the induction capacitance value is larger than the preset capacitance value interval, the typing mode is started and the touch control keyboard outputs a typing signal.

As an optional technical solution, the touch keyboard further comprises a touch sensing module connected to the keys and the keyboard touch electrode plate, and an integrated control unit connected to the touch sensing module, wherein the integrated control unit receives element sensing signals and finger sensing signals from the touch sensing module;

when the sensing capacitance value is within the preset capacitance range, the integrated control unit outputs the touch signal according to the finger sensing signal; and

when the sensing capacitance value is larger than the preset capacitance value interval, the integrated control unit outputs the typing signal according to the element sensing signal.

As an optional technical solution, the lifting mechanism of each of the keys includes a first supporting member and a second supporting member, the first supporting member and the second supporting member are pivoted to each other in a crossed manner and movably connected to the corresponding keycap and the bottom plate, and the first parallel plate electrode is disposed on at least one of the first supporting member and the second supporting member.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for switching between touch and typing modes is provided, which is applicable to a touch keyboard capable of outputting touch signals and typing signals, the touch keyboard includes a plurality of keys, a keyboard touch electrode plate and a bottom plate, the keyboard touch electrode plate is disposed between the keys and the bottom plate, each of the keys includes a key cap and a lifting mechanism, the lifting mechanism is movably connected to the key cap and the bottom plate, at least one of the keys further includes a conducting device, the conducting device includes a convex pillar having a conductor contact point and a conductor pad disposed on the bottom plate and corresponding to the convex pillar, the method includes:

when the keycap of the at least one key is lifted relative to the bottom plate, the conductor contact of the convex column of the conduction device is relatively touched or separated to the conductor pad, so that the conduction device generates a switching signal; and

As an optional technical solution, the touch keyboard further includes a switch circuit module connected to the keys, a keyboard control unit connected to the switch circuit module, a touch sensing module connected to the keyboard touch electrode plate, and a touch control unit connected to the touch sensing module, wherein the conduction device is respectively connected to the keyboard control unit and the touch control unit, the keyboard control unit receives a trigger signal from the switch circuit module, and the touch control unit receives a sensing signal from the touch sensing module;

when the conducting device generates the switching signal to switch to the typing mode, the keyboard control unit outputs the typing signal according to the triggering signal; and

when the conducting device generates the switching signal to switch to the touch mode, the touch control unit outputs the touch signal according to the sensing signal.

As an optional technical solution, the lifting mechanism of each of the keys includes a first supporting member and a second supporting member, the first supporting member and the second supporting member are pivoted to each other in a crossed manner and movably connected to the corresponding key cap and the bottom plate, and the protruding pillar is disposed on at least one of the first supporting member, the second supporting member and the key cap.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for switching between touch and typing modes is provided, which is applicable to a touch keyboard capable of outputting touch signals and typing signals, the touch keyboard includes a plurality of keys, a keyboard touch electrode plate and a bottom plate, the keyboard touch electrode plate is disposed between the keys and the bottom plate, each of the keys includes a key cap and a lifting mechanism, the lifting mechanism is movably connected to the key cap and the bottom plate, a visual sensor is used for sensing changes of top surfaces of the keys in a vertical direction, and a host computer is connected to the visual sensor and the touch keyboard, the method includes:

the visual sensor outputs a switching signal according to whether the top surfaces of the keycaps of the keys are positioned on the same plane; and

the computer host selects a touch signal or a word signal according to the switching signal to output to a screen.

As an optional technical solution, the touch keyboard further includes a switch circuit module connected to the keys, a touch sensing module connected to the keyboard touch electrode plate, and an integrated control unit connected to the switch circuit module and the touch sensing module, wherein the integrated control unit receives a trigger signal from the switch circuit module to output the typing signal and a sensing signal from the touch sensing module to output the touch signal, respectively;

when the top surfaces of the keycaps of the keys are positioned on the same plane, the visual sensor generates the switching signal to switch to the touch mode, so that the computer host selects the touch signal to output to the screen; and

when the top surfaces of the keycaps of the keys are not positioned on the same plane, the visual sensor generates the switching signal to switch to the typing mode, so that the computer host selects the typing signal to output to the screen.

As an optional technical scheme, the computer host receives the touch signal and the typing signal at the same time.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for switching between touch and typing modes is provided, which is applicable to a touch keyboard capable of outputting touch signals and typing signals, the touch keyboard includes a plurality of keys, a keyboard touch electrode plate and a bottom plate, the keyboard touch electrode plate is disposed between the keys and the bottom plate, each of the keys includes an elastic keycap and a pad mechanism, the pad mechanism is movably connected to the elastic keycap and the bottom plate, at least one of the keys is disposed in the keyboard touch electrode plate and includes a first conductive plate at the top and a second conductive plate at the bottom thereof, and the method includes:

when the elastic keycap of the at least one key is lifted relative to the bottom plate, the first conductive plate on the top of the keyboard touch control electrode plate is in contact with or separated from the second conductive plate on the bottom, so that the conductor structure generates an impedance value;

when the impedance value is larger than a preset impedance value, the touch mode is started and the touch keyboard outputs a touch signal; and

when the impedance value is smaller than the preset impedance value, the typing mode is started and the touch control keyboard outputs a typing signal.

As an optional technical solution, the touch keyboard further includes a switch circuit module connected to the keys, a keyboard control unit connected to the switch circuit module, a touch sensing module connected to the keyboard touch electrode plate, and a touch control unit connected to the touch sensing module, wherein the conductor structure is respectively connected to the keyboard control unit and the touch control unit, the keyboard control unit receives a trigger signal from the switch circuit module, and the touch control unit receives a sensing signal from the touch sensing module;

when the impedance value is smaller than the preset impedance value, the keyboard control unit outputs the typing signal according to the trigger signal; and

when the impedance value is larger than the preset impedance value, the touch control unit outputs the touch signal according to the sensing signal.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for switching between touch and typing modes is provided, which is suitable for a touch keyboard module capable of outputting touch signals and typing signals, the touch keyboard module includes a keyboard and a piezoelectric film, the keyboard includes a plurality of keys and a bottom plate, each of the keys includes a key cap and a lifting mechanism, the lifting mechanism is movably connected to the key cap and the bottom plate, the piezoelectric film covers the keys, and a host computer is connected to the piezoelectric film and the keyboard, the method includes:

the piezoelectric film generates a piezoelectric signal according to whether the keys are pressed; and

the computer host selects a touch signal or a typing signal according to the piezoelectric signal to output to a screen.

As an optional technical solution, the keyboard further includes a switch circuit module connected to the keys and a keyboard control unit connected to the switch circuit module, and the piezoelectric film further includes a touch sensing module, a touch control unit connected to the touch sensing module and a piezoelectric module connected to the touch control unit, wherein the keyboard control unit receives a trigger signal from the switch circuit module, and the touch control unit receives a sensing signal from the touch sensing module;

when the piezoelectric module generates the piezoelectric signal and switches to the typing mode, the keyboard control unit outputs the typing signal according to the trigger signal, so that the computer host selects the typing signal to output to the screen; and

when the piezoelectric module generates the piezoelectric signal and switches to the touch mode, the touch control unit outputs the touch signal according to the sensing signal, so that the computer host selects the touch signal to output to the screen.

In summary, the method for switching between touch and typing modes provided in the embodiments of the present invention is suitable for a touch keyboard capable of outputting touch signals and typing signals, and can achieve the effect of automatically switching between the touch mode and the typing mode through a structural design without gesture determination or other specific instructions or actions.

The invention is described in detail below with reference to the drawings and specific examples, but the invention is not limited thereto.

Drawings

FIG. 1A is an exploded view of a touch keypad according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a touch keyboard according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the keyboard touch electrode plate of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic view of the first electrodes and the second electrodes in the key projection area and arranged in a staggered manner in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a touch keypad according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a system block diagram of a touch keyboard according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for switching between touch and typing modes according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a system block diagram of a touch keyboard according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a touch keyboard according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a system block diagram of a touch keyboard according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for switching between touch and typing modes according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a touch keyboard according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a system block diagram of a touch keyboard according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method for switching between touch and typing modes according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a system diagram of a touch keyboard according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a system block diagram of a touch keyboard according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a method for switching between touch and typing modes according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a touch keypad according to a seventh embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18 is a system block diagram of a touch keyboard according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a method for switching between touch and typing modes according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a touch pad module according to an eighth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 21 is a system block diagram of a touch pad module according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a method for switching between touch and typing modes according to an eighth embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 1A, fig. 1B and fig. 2, fig. 1A is an exploded view of a touch keyboard according to a first embodiment of the invention, fig. 1B is a partial cross-sectional view of a touch keyboard 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention, and fig. 2 is a schematic view of a touch electrode plate 14 of the keyboard in fig. 1A and fig. 1B. In order to clearly display the electrode arrangement of the keyboard touch electrode plate 14 on the touch keyboard 10 and the corresponding relationship between the plurality of key projection areas 18 and the plurality of key electrode matrices (the plurality of key electrode matrices include a plurality of first key electrode matrices Ma having a primary matrix layout T1 and a plurality of second key electrode matrices Mb having a secondary matrix layout T2), in fig. 2, the touch keyboard 10 is shown in a manner that only the electrode arrangement of the keyboard touch electrode plate 14 and the key projection areas 18 are displayed, and the keyboard touch electrode plate 14 only displays a part of the key electrode matrices Ma/Mb to correspond to the part of the keys 12 in the staggered configuration.

As shown in fig. 1A, fig. 1B and fig. 2, the touch keyboard 10 includes a plurality of keys 12, a keyboard touch electrode plate 14 and a bottom plate 15 stacked from top to bottom. Each key 12 may include a key cap 13, a base 15, and an elevating structure 17 connecting the key cap 13 and the base 15, wherein the elevating structure 17 is movably connected to the key cap 13 and the base 15. In addition, the keyboard touch electrode plate 14 is located below the plurality of keys 12, the keyboard touch electrode plate 14 includes a plurality of key electrode matrixes Ma/Mb arranged adjacent to each other and electrically connected, the key electrode matrixes correspond to the plurality of key projection areas 18 one by one, the plurality of key projection areas 18 correspond to the plurality of keys 12 one by one, and the plurality of key electrode matrixes Ma/Mb are arranged along the length direction L and the width direction W. In various embodiments, the keyboard touch electrode plate 14 must be located above the metal or conductive substrate 15, but may alternatively be located above or below the non-metal or non-conductive substrate 15 (i.e., if the substrate 15 is a metal substrate or a conductive substrate, the keyboard touch electrode 14 must be located above the substrate 15; if the substrate 15 is a non-metal substrate or a non-conductive substrate, the keyboard touch electrode 14 may alternatively be located above the substrate 15 or below the substrate 15). Some of the keys 12 are text keys (single-size keys) or square keys or alphanumeric keys (alphanumeric keys) of equal size, which generate text signals for inputting english letters, numbers and symbols. Other portions of the keys 12 surround the periphery of the square keys, such as small keys (small keys) or multi-size keys (multi-size keys) of a larger size. Typically, the front-most row of ESC/F1-F12 function keys are small key sizes, while the space key/Enter/Shift/Capsule Lock/Ctrl is a multiple key size.

In this embodiment, the key electrode matrixes Ma/Mb corresponding to the key projection areas 18 corresponding to the keys 12 are arranged to extend along the length direction L and are arranged in at least two rows along the width direction W (fig. 2 shows that four rows of keys 12 correspond to the keyboard touch electrode plate 14, but not limited thereto). Each key 12 has a key cap 13, each key cap 13 corresponds to a key projection area 18 (shown by a dotted line in fig. 2), each key projection area 18 is an outline of each key 12 or a respective projection area of the outline of each key cap 13 along the vertical direction Z; the plurality of key projection areas 18 may be defined on the keyboard touch electrode plate 14 or on any plane parallel to the keyboard touch electrode plate 14, the plurality of key projection areas 18 are areas corresponding to the arrangement of the plurality of keys 12, and the layout of the plurality of key projection areas 18 in the length direction L and the width direction W corresponds to the layout of the plurality of keys 12 in the length direction L and the width direction W.

In more detail, each key 12 may include a key cap 13, a bottom plate 15, a lifting structure 17 (such as a pair of scissor supports, but not limited thereto) connecting the key cap 13 and the bottom plate 15, and an elastic body 16 (such as a rubber elastic body or a compression spring, but not limited thereto) as a reset member, so that when the key cap 13 is pressed, the lifting structure 17 may generate a mechanical displacement, and the key cap 13 indirectly presses down the trigger electrodes (such as the first trigger electrode 30 and the second trigger electrode 32 in fig. 3) of the keyboard touch electrode plate 14 to generate corresponding mechanically triggered trigger signals, thereby performing a key pressing function desired by a user. The keyboard touch electrode plate 14 and the bottom plate 15 are disposed opposite to each other, for example, parallel to each other or stacked face to face, and the keyboard touch electrode plate 14 is disposed on at least a portion of the key projection areas 18 (as shown in fig. 2) of the plurality of keys 12, so that the keyboard touch electrode plate 14 can sense a sensing value of a non-pressing movement of an object O (e.g., a user's finger or a stylus) on the key caps 13, thereby performing a touch function desired to be input by the user.

The following describes the electrode arrangement design of the keyboard touch electrode plate 14 in detail. The keyboard touch electrode plate 14 is formed by, for example, a single-layer or multi-layer sheet material printed electrode and a sensing circuit, as shown in fig. 2, the keyboard touch electrode plate 14 includes a plurality of first electrode serials 20 and a plurality of second electrode serials 22, the plurality of first electrode serials 20 respectively have a plurality of first electrodes 24 electrically connected in series with each other, two first electrode serials 20 adjacent to each other in the length direction L are arranged in parallel with each other, the plurality of second electrode serials 22 respectively have a plurality of second electrodes 26 electrically connected in series with each other, two second electrode serials 22 adjacent to each other in the length direction L are arranged in parallel with each other, wherein as shown in fig. 2, in each key projection area 18, a pair of adjacent first electrodes 24 and a pair of adjacent second electrodes 26 are symmetrically arranged in a staggered manner with respect to the center of the key projection area 18, and as shown in a partially enlarged view of fig. 2, each first electrode serials 20 may be an oblique electrode serials arranged mainly along a first main angle θ 1, each first electrode series 20 further includes at least one first offset segment 28 arranged along a first sub-angle θ 2. It should be noted that the above-mentioned electrode arrangement angle design for the first electrode series 20 can be applied to the second electrode series 22, and will not be described herein. In practical operation, the first electrode series 20, the second electrode series 22, and the key electrode matrix Ma/Mb may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the geometric center of the key projection area 18, or may not be arranged symmetrically with respect to the geometric center of the key projection area 18, which is not limited in any embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, to obtain low variability or uniformity of the touch sensing values of all the keys 12 with one-time key size, the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 26 have the same shape (e.g., rectangle or diamond) or size (e.g., the side length of a single rectangular electrode or the diagonal length of a diamond electrode), the electrode gaps of the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 26 in the width direction W are equal, and the electrode gaps of the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 26 in the length direction L are also equal. Of course, the electrode gap or the size of the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 26 in the width direction W and the length direction L may be the same or different. For rectangular electrodes, the electrode gap generally refers to the edge-to-edge spacing of two parallel sides corresponding to adjacent electrodes; for diamond-shaped electrodes, electrode gap generally refers to the angular-to-diagonal spacing of two opposing protruding corners corresponding to adjacent diamond-shaped electrodes. The first electrodes 24 and the second electrodes 26 are preferably rectangular in this example, and the adjacent sides of each first electrode 24 and each second electrode 26 are parallel, and more specifically, each first electrode 24 is aligned with its adjacent second electrode 26 in the length direction L, and each first electrode 24 is aligned with its adjacent second electrode 26 in the width direction W.

The individual keys 12 (including the square key/the small key/the multiple key) of the plurality of keys 12 respectively correspond to the key projection areas 18, and the key projection areas 18 can be arranged in a plurality of Rows (Lines) and a plurality of columns (Rows) along the length direction L and the width direction W. In fig. 1A, 1B and 2, the plurality of keys 12 are arranged according to, for example, an international standard. The plurality of keys 12 (corresponding to the key projection area 18) includes a first row of key combinations 121, a second row of key combinations 122, a third row of key combinations 123, and a fourth row of key combinations 124 (in fig. 2, the key projection area 18 represents a corresponding position of the key 12, and the arrangement of the key projection area 18 is the arrangement of the key 12). According to an international standard, the plurality of keys 12 (corresponding to the key projection area 18) belonging to the square keys in the first row of key combination 121, the second row of key combination 122, the third row of key combination 123 and the fourth row of key combination 124 are arranged in a staggered manner. For example, each square-key-type key 12 (and the corresponding key projection area 18 thereof) of the second row of key combinations 122 is uniformly shifted to the right (in the length direction L) by a distance P (defined as described later) of 1/2 key center distance P (compared with each square-key-type key 12 (and the corresponding key projection area 18 thereof) of the first row of key combinations 121; the square-key-type keys 12 (and the corresponding key projection areas 18 thereof) of the third row of key combination 123 are uniformly shifted rightward (in the length direction L) by a distance P of 1/4 key centers as compared with the square-key-type keys 12 (and the corresponding key projection areas 18 thereof) of the second row of key combination 122; each of the square-key type keys 12 (and the corresponding key projection areas 18 thereof) in the fourth row of key combinations 124 is uniformly shifted to the right (in the length direction L) by a distance P of 1/2 key centers compared to each of the square-key type keys 12 (and the corresponding key projection areas 18 thereof) in the third row of key combinations 123. In summary, in the first row 121, the second row 122, the third row 123 and the fourth row 124 of the plurality of keys 12, the key electrode matrix Ma/Mb belonging to the square keys 12, the key projection areas 18 of the corresponding square keys 12, the corresponding square keys 12 and the key projection areas 18 has a staggered arrangement characteristic, that is, any two key projection areas 18 or two key electrode matrices Ma/Mb (which refer to the key electrode matrices corresponding to the square keys) adjacent in the width direction W are offset from each other in the length direction L and are not aligned in the width direction W.

Under the limitation of the above-mentioned offset arrangement, the electrode size calculation disclosed in the following embodiments of the present invention may be related to the aforementioned "multiple of the key center distance P to the offset distance" (the multiple of the aforementioned example is 2 or 4), i.e., the electrode size in the embodiments of the present invention may be a function of "multiple of the ratio of the key center distance P to the offset distance". The number of electrodes in the length direction in the projection area 18 (i.e. the number of rows and columns of electrodes N covered by the key center distance P) may be the least common multiple of the "ratio of the key center distance P divided by the offset distance between the rows" of the first row 121, the second row 122, the third row 123 and the fourth row 124, or a multiple of the least common multiple. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, even if the electrode size is not directly related to the "multiple of the key center distance P to the offset distance", as long as at least two key projection areas 18 that are not aligned in the width direction respectively correspond to the same two key electrode matrixes (e.g. Ma/Mb) in the keyboard touch electrode plate 14, the touch sensing regularity of each key portion in the plurality of keys 12 can be improved as well.

In addition, the dimensions of the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 26 are preferably defined as a function of the electrode distance (electrode gap) between two adjacent electrodes (the first electrode 24 and/or the second electrode 26), the key projection area 18, the number of rows or columns of the electrodes (the first electrode or the second electrode) covered by the key electrode matrix Ma/Mb, and the key pitch. In detail, according to the experimental result, the dimension of the first electrode 24 in the width direction W (in this case, the side length in the width direction W) can be calculated according to the following formula, for example.

w＝[P-(D*N)]/N

Where P represents a Key pitch (center to center) of two adjacent Key projection areas 18 in the width direction W, D represents an electrode gap of two adjacent electrodes (two first electrodes 24 or two second electrodes 26, or a first electrode 24 and a second electrode 26) in the Key projection areas 18 and the Key electrode matrix Ma/Mb in the width direction W, N represents a number of rows and columns of electrodes covered by the Key pitch P in the width direction W, and W represents a side length of the first electrode 24 in the width direction W. In other words, the length W of the first electrode 24 in the width direction W is equal to the key center distance P minus the multiplier of the number N of electrode rows and the electrode distance D, and divided by the number N of electrode rows and columns.

Note that the electrode row-column number N is the number of electrode rows covered by the key center distance P, and since two adjacent key electrode matrices Ma/Mb are continuously arranged at a certain electrode pitch and the electrode pitches of the whole keyboard touch electrode plate 14 are usually close or the same, the electrode row-column number N is also equal to the number of corresponding electrode rows (line-row) covered in the width direction W (i.e. one side) in the single key projection area 18 or the single key electrode matrix Ma/Mb (equal to the total number of electrode rows or columns on one side in the single key projection area 18 or the single key electrode matrix Ma/Mb).

For the above and following embodiments of the present invention, a fixed electrode gap (two gaps between the first electrodes 24, two gaps between the second electrodes 26, or the gaps between the first electrodes 24 and the second electrodes 26 are the same in the same direction) and a fixed electrode size (the first electrodes 24 and the second electrodes 26 are the same in size) are assumed as the premise. With respect to the formula application in the width direction W, the dimension of any electrode in the width direction W is a function of the key center distance P of the key projection area 18, the electrode distance D, and the number N of rows and columns of electrodes in (or covered by) each key electrode matrix Ma/Mb. Similarly, the foregoing formula may also be used in the length direction L. In summary, for the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 26 having the same shape (e.g. rectangle/diamond) size (e.g. rectangle side length or diamond diagonal length), the size of the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 26 in the width direction W and the size in the length direction L can be analogized according to the above formula.

As shown in fig. 1A and 1B, the touch keyboard 10 further includes a virtual touch area 120 for a user's finger or an object O such as a touch pen to perform a touch operation (or a non-pressing movement), the touch area 120 at least covers a top area of the key 12 of the keys 12, and a plurality of key slot layouts 125, each key slot layout 125 correspondingly surrounds one key 12. Referring also to fig. 2, on the keyboard touch electrode plate 14, the touch area 120 corresponds to a touch area projection 140, the touch area projection 140 at least covers the key projection area 18 of the corresponding key type key 12, and a plurality of key space layout projections 143; the touch area projection 140 can be regarded as a projection area of the touch area 120 along the vertical direction Z. The coverage area of the touch area projection 140 may be partially or completely larger than, smaller than, or in line with the boundary of the key projection area 18 corresponding to the square key type key 12, and the outline of the touch area projection 140 may be a complete rectangle or an irregular boundary. Each key layout projection 143 correspondingly surrounds one key projection area 18.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the oblique connection of the electrodes means that two electrodes connected to each other are in an oblique or non-longitudinal or non-transverse relative position, and a central connecting line of the two electrodes connected to each other is oblique and not parallel to the longitudinal width direction W or the transverse length direction L. In contrast, the straight connection of the electrodes means a relative position where two electrodes connected to each other are vertical or horizontal, and a central line of the two electrodes connected to each other is straight and parallel to the vertical width direction W or the horizontal length direction L.

The key electrode matrixes Ma/Mb respectively correspond to the key projection areas 18 (either symmetrical or asymmetrical), and each key electrode matrix Ma/Mb comprises 4 longitudinal electrodes and 4 transverse electrodes which are arranged in order; each key electrode matrix Ma/Mb includes only the electrodes themselves, not the electrical connecting wires between the electrodes, and the outline of the key projection area 18 should sweep over all the electrodes at the outermost periphery of the corresponding key electrode matrix Ma/Mb, but the outline of the key projection area 18 does not have to be located outside all the electrodes at the outermost periphery of the key electrode matrix Ma/Mb. Although the touch electrodes are not aligned in the width direction W (staggered arrangement), if each of the key electrode matrices Ma/Mb is the same as each other, or at least two of the key electrode matrices that are not aligned in the width direction W are the same as each other, or have a certain regularity, the regularity of the touch sensing data of each of the key projection areas 18 can be accordingly improved, the break points of the touch tracks are reduced, the touch sensing sensitivity is improved, and the design complexity of the touch electrodes is also simplified.

The plurality of first electrode serials 20 and the plurality of second electrode serials 22 can jointly form a plurality of primary matrix layouts T1 corresponding to the first row of key combinations 121, the third row of key combinations 123 and the fourth row of key combinations 124, and jointly form a plurality of secondary matrix layouts T2 corresponding to the second row of key combinations 122; as shown in fig. 2, the angle of the center line of the adjacent first electrodes 24 between the secondary matrix layout T2 (corresponding to the second row of key combinations 122) and the primary matrix layout T1 (corresponding to the third row of key combinations 123) is different from the angle of the center line of the adjacent first electrodes 24 between two primary matrix layouts T1 (e.g., corresponding to the third row of key combinations 123 and the fourth row of key combinations 124).

In the embodiments of the present invention, the primary matrix layout T1 corresponds to the key electrode matrix Ma and the secondary matrix layout T2 corresponds to the key electrode matrix Mb, with the difference that the primary and secondary matrix layouts relate to both electrode connections and electrode arrangements, while the key electrode matrix relates only to electrode arrangements (the key electrode matrix does not relate to electrode connections).

Referring to fig. 1A, fig. 1B, fig. 2 and fig. 3 for a trigger design of the keyboard touch electrode plate 14, fig. 3 is an enlarged schematic view of a plurality of first electrodes 24 and a plurality of second electrodes 26 alternately arranged in the key projection area 18 in fig. 2, wherein in fig. 3, the elastic body 16 and a conducting point 19 are schematically shown by dashed lines in order to clearly show a positional relationship between the elastic body 16 and the trigger electrode. As shown in fig. 1A, 1B, 2 and 3, near the center of the key projection area 18, the first electrode serial 20 extends to form a plurality of first trigger electrodes 30, the second electrode serial 22 extends to form a plurality of second trigger electrodes 32, the plurality of first trigger electrodes 30 and the plurality of second trigger electrodes 32 are separated from each other at intervals, the first trigger electrodes 30 and the second trigger electrodes 32 are arranged on the keyboard touch electrode plate 14 in pairs and respectively correspond to the keys 12, the two first electrodes 24 located at the lower left and upper right in fig. 3 are electrically connected by a jumper 240, and an insulating layer is arranged below the jumper 240 to cover and isolate the second electrode 26 at the lower right to prevent short circuit. The touch keyboard 10 may further include a touch sensing module 34 and a switch circuit module 36 (both shown in functional block diagram), wherein the touch sensing module 34 is electrically connected to the first electrode serials 20 and the second electrode serials 22 of the keyboard touch electrode plate 14 for processing the sensing value of the keyboard touch electrode plate 14 and outputting a sensing signal, and the switch circuit module 36 is electrically connected to the first trigger electrode 30 and the second trigger electrode 32 corresponding to each of the keys 12. Thus, when a certain key 12 is pressed and mechanically displaced, the first trigger electrode 30 and the second trigger electrode 32 can be directly contacted and conducted (for example, through the conducting point 19 of the elastic body 16), so that the keyboard processing unit 36 can generate a corresponding trigger signal triggered mechanically. More specifically, as shown in fig. 1B and fig. 3, in this embodiment, the elastic body 16 may have a conductive contact 19 (such as, but not limited to, carbon particles), such that when the key cap 13 is pressed, the elastic body 16 is pressed and deflected along with the downward movement of the key cap 13, so that the conductive contact 19 contacts and conducts the first trigger electrode 30 and the second trigger electrode 32 downward, and further generates a corresponding trigger signal.

Referring to fig. 4 and 5, a touch keyboard 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is designed as the touch keyboard 10 according to the first embodiment, and includes a plurality of keys 12, a bottom plate 15, a keyboard touch electrode plate 14 disposed between the keys 12 and the bottom plate 15, a switch circuit module 36 connected to the keys 12, a keyboard control unit 35 connected to the switch circuit module 36, a touch sensing module 34 connected to the keyboard touch electrode plate 14, and a touch control unit 37 connected to the touch sensing module 34, wherein each of the keys 12 includes a key cap 13 and a lifting mechanism 17, the lifting mechanism 17 is movably connected to the key cap 13 and the bottom plate 15, at least one of the keys 12 above the keyboard touch electrode plate 14 further includes a photo sensing element 41, the photo sensing element 41 includes a light receiving element 411 and a light emitting element 412 for transmitting a light signal to the light receiving element 411, and the lifting mechanism 17 of each of the keys 12 includes a first support 171, A second support 172 and a light blocking structure 173, wherein the first support 171 and the second support 172 are pivoted to each other in a crossed manner and movably connected to the corresponding keycap 13 and the bottom plate 15, the light blocking structure 173 is disposed on one of the first support 171 and the second support 172, and the light sensing element 41 is disposed on a moving path of the light blocking structure 173. In the present embodiment, the light blocking structure 173 is disposed on the second support 172. The optical sensing device 41 of the key 12 located above the keyboard touch electrode plate 14 is connected to the keyboard control unit 35 and the touch control unit 37, respectively, the keyboard control unit 35 receives the trigger signal from the switch circuit module 36, and the touch control unit 37 receives the sensing signal from the touch sensing module 34. When the key cap 13 of at least one key 12 located above the keyboard touch electrode plate 14 is lifted relative to the bottom plate 15, at least a portion of the lifting mechanism 17 (i.e. the light blocking structure 173) changes the intensity of the optical signal transmitted by the light emitting element 412, so that the light receiving element 411 receives the changed intensity of the optical signal, and the light sensing element 41 generates a switching signal. Then, the touch keyboard 100 outputs a touch signal or a typing signal according to the switching signal to switch between the touch mode and the typing mode, wherein when the photo sensing device 41 generates the switching signal to switch to the typing mode, the keyboard control unit 35 outputs the typing signal according to the triggering signal from the switch circuit module 36; when the photo sensor 41 generates the switching signal to switch to the touch mode, the touch control unit 37 outputs a touch signal according to the sensing signal from the touch sensing module 34.

Referring to fig. 6, the touch keyboard 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention can be further used for executing a method for switching between touch and typing modes, the method includes the steps of S1: when the key cap 13 of at least one key 12 is lifted relative to the bottom plate 15, at least a part of the lifting mechanism 17 changes the intensity of the optical signal, so that the optical sensing element 41 generates a switching signal; and step S3: according to the switching signal, the touch keyboard 100 outputs a touch signal or a typing signal to switch between the touch mode and the typing mode.

In step S1, when the key cap 13 of at least one key 12 is pressed to descend relative to the bottom plate 15 or is not pressed to ascend relative to the bottom plate 15, the light blocking structure 173 of the lifting mechanism 17 blocks, partially blocks, and does not block the intensity of the light signal transmitted by the light emitting element 412 of the light sensing element 41 during the ascending and descending process, so that the intensity of the light signal received by the light receiving element 411 of the light sensing element 41 changes, and the light sensing element 41 generates a switching signal.

In step S3, in an example, when the key cap 13 of at least one key 12 descends relative to the bottom plate 15, the light blocking structure 173 of the lifting mechanism 17 blocks or partially blocks the intensity of the optical signal of the optical sensing element 41 during the descending process, and the optical sensing element 41 generates a switching signal to switch the touch keyboard 100 to the typing mode according to the switching signal and output the typing signal according to the triggering signal; and when the key cap 13 of at least one key 12 is lifted relative to the bottom plate 15, the light blocking structure 173 of the lifting mechanism 17 does not block the intensity of the optical signal of the optical sensing element 41 during the lifting process, and the optical sensing element 41 generates a switching signal to switch the touch keyboard 100 to the touch mode according to the switching signal and output the touch signal according to the sensing signal.

In step S3, in another example, when the key cap 13 of at least one key 12 descends relative to the bottom plate 15, the light blocking structure 173 of the lifting mechanism 17 does not block the intensity of the light signal of the light sensing element 41 during the descending process, and the light sensing element 41 generates a switching signal to switch the touch keyboard 100 to the typing mode according to the switching signal and output the typing signal according to the triggering signal; and when the key cap 13 of at least one key 12 is lifted relative to the bottom plate 15, the light blocking structure 173 of the lifting mechanism 17 blocks or partially blocks the intensity of the optical signal of the optical sensing element 41 during the lifting process, and the optical sensing element 41 generates a switching signal to switch the touch keyboard 100 to the touch mode according to the switching signal and output the touch signal according to the sensing signal.

It is noted that, according to the two examples, it can be understood by those skilled in the art that, when the key cap 13 of at least one key 12 is not pressed, the light blocking structure 173 does not block the optical sensing element 41 by default, so that the optical sensing element 41 generates a switching signal, and further the touch keyboard 100 is switched to the touch mode according to the switching signal, and when the key cap 13 of at least one key 12 is pressed, the light blocking structure 173 blocks or partially blocks the optical sensing element 41, so that the optical sensing element 41 generates the switching signal, and further the touch keyboard 100 is switched to the typing mode according to the switching signal; or when the key cap 13 of the at least one key 12 is not pressed, the light blocking structure 173 defaults to block or partially block the optical sensing element 41, so that the optical sensing element 41 generates a switching signal, and further the touch keyboard 100 is switched to the touch mode according to the switching signal, and when the key cap 13 of the at least one key 12 is pressed, the light blocking structure 173 does not block the optical sensing element 41, so that the optical sensing element 41 generates the switching signal, and further the touch keyboard 100 is switched to the typing mode according to the switching signal.

Referring to fig. 7, a touch keyboard 200 according to a third embodiment of the present invention is substantially the same as the touch keyboard 100 according to the second embodiment, but the difference is that the touch keyboard 200 according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes an integrated control unit 38 instead of the keyboard control unit 35 and the touch control unit 37 of the touch keyboard 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the integrated control unit 38 in the touch keyboard 200 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is connected to the switch circuit module 36, the touch sensing module 34, and the photo sensing device 41, and the integrated control unit 38 respectively receives the trigger signal from the switch circuit module 36, the sensing signal from the touch sensing module 34, and the switching signal from the photo sensing device 41. When the key cap 13 of at least one key 12 located above the keyboard touch electrode plate 14 is lifted relative to the bottom plate 15, at least a portion of the lifting mechanism 17 (i.e. the light blocking structure 173) changes the intensity of the optical signal transmitted by the light emitting element 412, so that the light receiving element 411 receives the changed intensity of the optical signal, and the light sensing element 41 generates a switching signal. Then, the touch keyboard 200 outputs a touch signal or a typing signal according to the switching signal, so as to switch between the touch mode and the typing mode. When the photo sensing device 41 generates the switching signal to switch to the typing mode, the integrated control unit 38 outputs the typing signal according to the triggering signal; when the photo sensing device 41 generates a switching signal to switch to the touch mode, the integrated control unit 38 outputs a touch signal according to the sensing signal. In addition, the method for switching between touch and typing modes of the touch keyboard 200 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is the same as the method for switching between touch and typing modes of the touch keyboard 100 according to the second embodiment, and therefore please refer to fig. 6, which is not described herein again.

Referring to fig. 8 and 9, a touch keyboard 300 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of keys 12, a bottom plate 15, a keyboard touch electrode plate 14 disposed between the keys 12 and the bottom plate 15, a touch sensing module 34 connected to the keys 12 and the keyboard touch electrode plate 14, and an integrated control unit 38 connected to the touch sensing module 34, wherein the keys 12 include keycaps 13 and a lifting mechanism 17, the lifting mechanism 17 is movably connected to the keycaps 13 and the bottom plate 15, the lifting mechanism 17 includes a first supporting member 171 and a second supporting member 172, and the first supporting member 171 and the second supporting member 172 are pivotally connected to each other in a crossing manner and movably connected to the corresponding keycaps 13 and the bottom plate 15. The integrated control unit 38 receives the device sensing signal and the finger sensing signal from the touch sensing module 34. In addition, the at least one key 12 located above the keyboard touch electrode plate 14 further includes a conductor element 51, wherein the conductor element 51 includes a first parallel plate electrode 511 disposed on the lifting mechanism 17 and a second parallel plate electrode 512 disposed on the bottom plate 15. Specifically, the first parallel plate electrode 511 is disposed on at least one of the first support 171 and the second support 172. In the present embodiment, the first parallel plate electrode 511 is disposed on the second support 172. The conductive element 51 is connected to the touch sensing module 34, so that the touch sensing module 34 receives the induced capacitance of the conductive element 51 to selectively output an element sensing signal and a finger sensing signal, wherein the element sensing signal is equivalent to the trigger signal in the first embodiment, and the finger sensing signal is equivalent to the sensing signal in the first embodiment.

When the key cap 13 of at least one key 12 located above the keyboard touch electrode plate 14 is lifted relative to the bottom plate 15, the first parallel plate electrode 511 of the lifting mechanism 17 is relatively close to or far away from the second parallel plate electrode 512 on the bottom plate 15, so that the conductor element 51 generates an induced capacitance value. Then, when the sensing capacitance is within the preset capacitance interval, the touch mode is turned on and the integrated control unit 38 outputs a touch signal according to the finger sensing signal, so that the touch keyboard 300 outputs the touch signal; and when the sensing capacitance is larger than the preset capacitance interval, the typing mode is turned on and the integrated control unit 38 outputs a typing signal according to the device sensing signal, so that the touch keyboard 300 outputs the typing signal.

Referring to fig. 10, the touch keyboard 300 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention can also be used for executing a method for switching between touch and typing modes, the method includes the steps of S11: when the key cap 13 of at least one key 12 is lifted relative to the bottom plate 15, the first parallel plate electrode 511 on the lifting mechanism 17 is relatively close to or far away from the second parallel plate electrode 512 on the bottom plate 15, so that the conductor element 51 generates an induced capacitance value; step S13: when the sensing capacitance is within the preset capacitance interval, the touch mode is turned on and the touch keyboard 300 outputs a touch signal; and step S15: when the sensing capacitance is larger than the preset capacitance interval, the typing mode is turned on and the touch keyboard 300 outputs a typing signal.

In step S11, when the key cap 13 of at least one key 12 is pressed and lowered relative to the bottom plate 15 or not pressed and raised relative to the bottom plate 15, the first parallel plate electrode 511 of the lifting mechanism 17 will induce with the second parallel plate electrode 512 on the bottom plate 15 during the lifting process to generate an induced capacitance value, so that the conductor element 51 outputs the induced capacitance value.

In step S13, when the key cap 13 of at least one key 12 is lifted relative to the bottom plate 15, the first parallel plate electrode 511 of the lifting mechanism 17 will generate a sensing capacitance value by sensing with the second parallel plate electrode 512 on the bottom plate 15 during the lifting process, the sensing capacitance value is within a predetermined capacitance value range, so that the touch keyboard 300 is switched to the touch mode according to the sensing capacitance value within the predetermined capacitance value range, and the integrated control unit 38 outputs the touch signal according to the finger sensing signal, so that the touch keyboard 300 outputs the touch signal.

In step S15, when the key cap 13 of at least one key 12 descends relative to the bottom plate 15, the first parallel plate electrode 511 of the lifting mechanism 17 will generate an induced capacitance value by inducing with the second parallel plate electrode 512 on the bottom plate 15 during the descending process, the induced capacitance value is larger than the preset capacitance value interval, so that the touch keyboard 300 switches to the typing mode according to the induced capacitance value being larger than the preset capacitance value interval, and the integrated control unit 38 outputs the typing signal according to the element sensing signal, so that the touch keyboard 300 outputs the typing signal.

Referring to fig. 11 and 12, a touch keyboard 400 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of keys 12, a bottom plate 15, a keyboard touch electrode plate 14 disposed between the keys 12 and the bottom plate 15, a switch circuit module 36 connected to the keys 12, a keyboard control unit 35 connected to the switch circuit module 36, a touch sensing module 34 connected to the keyboard touch electrode plate 14, and a touch control unit 37 connected to the touch sensing module 34, wherein each of the keys 12 includes a key cap 13 and a lifting mechanism 17, the lifting mechanism 17 is movably connected to the key cap 13 and the bottom plate 15, the lifting mechanism 17 of each of the keys 12 includes a first supporting member 171 and a second supporting member 172, the first supporting member 171 and the second supporting member 172 are pivotally connected to each other in a crossing manner and movably connect to the corresponding key cap 13 and the bottom plate 15, at least one of the keys 12 located above the keyboard touch electrode plate 14 further includes a conduction device 61, the conduction device 61 includes a convex pillar 62 having a conductor contact 64 and a conductor pad 63 disposed on the bottom plate 15 and corresponding to the convex pillar 62, and the convex pillar 62 is disposed on at least one of the first support 171, the second support 172 and the key cap 13. In the present embodiment, the posts 62 are disposed in the keycap. In addition, the conducting device 61 is respectively connected to the keyboard control unit 35 and the touch control unit 37, the keyboard control unit 35 receives the trigger signal from the switch circuit module 36, and the touch control unit 37 receives the sensing signal from the touch sensing module 34. When the key cap 13 of at least one key 12 located above the keyboard touch electrode plate 14 is lifted relative to the bottom plate 15, the conductive contact 64 of the convex pillar 62 of the conduction device 61 is relatively touched or separated to the conductive pad 63, so that the conduction device 61 generates a switching signal. Then, the touch keyboard 400 outputs a touch signal or a typing signal according to the switching signal to switch between the touch mode and the typing mode, wherein when the conducting device 61 generates the switching signal to switch to the typing mode, the keyboard control unit 35 outputs the typing signal according to the triggering signal; when the conducting device 61 generates the switching signal to switch to the touch mode, the touch control unit 37 outputs the touch signal according to the sensing signal.

Referring to fig. 13, the touch keyboard 400 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention can also be used for executing a method for switching between touch and typing modes, the method includes the steps of S21: when the key cap 13 of at least one key 12 is lifted relative to the bottom plate 15, the conductive contact 64 of the convex post 62 of the conduction device 61 is relatively touched or separated to the conductive pad 63, so that the conduction device 61 generates a switching signal; step S23: according to the switching signal, the touch keyboard 400 outputs a touch signal or a typing signal to switch between the touch mode and the typing mode.

In step S21, when the key cap 13 of at least one key 12 is pressed and lowered relative to the bottom plate 15 or not pressed and raised relative to the bottom plate 15, the conductive contact 64 of the post 62 of the conduction device 61 touches or separates relative to the conductive pad 63, so that the conduction device 61 is conducted or not conducted to generate a switching signal.

In step S23, when the key cap 13 of at least one key 12 descends relative to the bottom plate 15, the convex pillar 62 of the conduction device 61 touches the conductive pad 63 during the descending process, so that the conduction device 61 is conducted to generate a switching signal, and the touch keyboard 400 switches to the typing mode according to the switching signal and outputs the typing signal according to the triggering signal; and when the key cap 13 of at least one key 12 is lifted relative to the bottom plate 15, the conductive contact 64 of the conductive device 61 does not touch the conductive pad 63 during the lifting process of the convex pillar 62, so that the conductive device 61 is not conducted to generate a switching signal, and the touch keyboard 400 is switched to a touch mode according to the switching signal and outputs a touch signal according to the sensing signal.

Referring to fig. 14 and 15, a touch keyboard 500 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention is similar to the touch keyboard 10 of the first embodiment, and includes a plurality of keys 12, a bottom plate 15, a keyboard touch electrode plate 14 disposed between the keys 12 and the bottom plate 15, a switch circuit module 36 connected to the keys 12, a touch sensing module 34 connected to the keyboard touch electrode plate 14, and an integrated control unit 38 connected to the switch circuit module 36 and the touch sensing module 34, wherein each of the keys 12 includes a key cap 13 and a lifting mechanism 17, the lifting mechanism 17 is movably connected to the key cap 13 and the bottom plate 15, the lifting mechanism 17 of each of the keys 12 includes a first support member 171 and a second support member 172, the first support member 171 and the second support member 172 are crossed with each other and movably connected to the corresponding key cap 13 and the bottom plate 15, and the integrated control unit 38 respectively receives a trigger signal from the switch circuit module 36 to output a typing signal and a sensing signal from the touch sensing module 34 to output a touch signal A signal. The system of the touch keyboard 500 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention further includes a visual sensor 510, a computer host 520 connected to the touch keyboard 500 and the visual sensor 510, and a screen 530 connected to the computer host 520, wherein the visual sensor 510 is used for sensing the change of the top surface of the key 12 in the vertical direction. When the key cap 13 of at least one key 12 located above the keyboard touch electrode plate 14 is lifted relative to the bottom plate 15, the visual sensor 510 outputs a switching signal according to whether the top surfaces of the key caps 13 of the keys 12 are located on the same plane, and the host computer 520 selects a touch signal or a typing signal according to the switching signal to output to the screen 530, wherein when the top surfaces of the key caps 13 of the keys 12 are located on the same plane, the visual sensor 510 generates the switching signal to switch to a touch mode, so that the host computer 520 selects the touch signal to output to the screen 530; when the top surfaces of the key caps 13 of the keys 12 are not located on the same plane, the visual sensor 510 generates a switching signal to switch to the typing mode, so that the host computer 520 selects the typing signal to output to the screen 530. Also, it is noted that the host computer 520 receives the touch signal and the typing signal from the touch keyboard 500 at the same time, and selects the touch signal or the typing signal according to the switching signal output by the visual sensor 510 for outputting to the screen 530.

Referring to fig. 16, the touch keyboard 500 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention can also be used for executing a method for switching between touch and typing modes, where the method includes the steps of S31: the visual sensor 510 outputs a switching signal according to whether the top surfaces of the keycaps 13 of the keys 12 are located on the same plane; and step S33: the host computer 520 selects the touch signal or the typing signal according to the switching signal to output to the screen 530.

In step S31, when the key cap 13 of at least one key 12 is pressed and lowered relative to the bottom plate 15 and not pressed and raised relative to the bottom plate 15, the visual sensor 510 determines whether the top surfaces of the key caps 13 of the keys 12 are located on the same plane to output a switching signal.

In step S33, when the key caps 13 of at least one of the keys 12 are lowered relative to the bottom plate 15, the vision sensor 510 determines that the top surfaces of the key caps 13 of all the keys 12 are not located on the same plane to output a switching signal, and the host computer 520 switches to the typing mode according to the switching signal and outputs a typing signal to the screen 530 according to the triggering signal; and when the key cap 13 of at least one key 12 is lifted relative to the bottom plate 15, the visual sensor 510 determines that the top surfaces of the key caps 13 of all the keys 12 are located on the same plane to output a switching signal, and the computer 520 switches to the touch mode according to the switching signal and outputs a touch signal to the screen 530 according to the sensing signal.

Referring to fig. 17 and 18, a touch keyboard 600 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of keys 12, a bottom plate 15, a keyboard touch electrode plate 14 disposed between the keys 12 and the bottom plate 15, a switch circuit module 36 connected to the keys 12, a keyboard control unit 35 connected to the switch circuit module 36, a touch sensing module 34 connected to the keyboard touch electrode plate 14, and a touch control unit 37 connected to the touch sensing module 34, wherein each of the keys 12 includes an elastic keycap 113 and a pad mechanism 117, the pad mechanism 117 is movably connected to the elastic keycap 113 and the bottom plate 15, at least one of the keys 12 above the keyboard touch electrode plate 14 is correspondingly disposed with a conductor structure 71 in the keyboard touch electrode plate 14 and includes a first conductive plate 711 at the top and a second conductive plate 712 at the bottom of the keyboard touch electrode plate 14, the conductor structure 71 is respectively connected to the keyboard control unit 35 and the touch control unit 37, the keyboard control unit 35 receives the trigger signal from the switch circuit module 36, and the touch control unit 37 receives the sensing signal from the touch sensing module 34. When the elastic key cap 113 of at least one key 12 is lifted relative to the bottom plate 15, the first conductive plate 711 on the top of the keyboard touch electrode plate 14 is relatively touched or separated from the second conductive plate 712 on the bottom, so that the conductor structure 71 generates an impedance value, wherein when the impedance value is greater than a predetermined impedance value, the touch mode is turned on and the touch control unit 37 outputs a touch signal according to the sensing signal, so that the touch keyboard 600 outputs the touch signal; when the impedance value is smaller than the predetermined impedance value, the typing mode is turned on and the keyboard control unit 35 outputs a typing signal according to the trigger signal, so that the touch keyboard 600 outputs the typing signal.

Referring to fig. 19, the touch keyboard 600 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention can also be used for executing a method for switching between touch and typing modes, where the method includes the steps of S41: when the elastic key cap 113 of at least one key 12 is lifted relative to the bottom plate 15, the first conductive plate 711 on the top of the keyboard touch electrode plate 14 is relatively touched or separated from the second conductive plate 712 on the bottom, so that the conductor structure 71 generates an impedance value; step S43: when the impedance value is greater than the preset impedance value, the touch mode is turned on and the touch keyboard 600 outputs a touch signal; and step S45: when the impedance value is smaller than the predetermined impedance value, the typing mode is turned on and the touch keyboard 600 outputs a typing signal.

In step S41, when the elastic key cap 113 of at least one key 12 is pressed and lowered relative to the bottom plate 15 or not pressed and raised relative to the bottom plate 15, the first conductive plate 711 in the keyboard touch electrode plate 14 touches or separates from the second conductive plate 712 to generate an impedance value, so that the conductor structure 71 outputs the impedance value.

In step S43, when the key cap 13 of at least one key 12 is lifted relative to the bottom plate 15, the first conductive plate 711 of the keyboard touch electrode plate 14 is separated from the second conductive plate 712 to generate an impedance value, which is greater than the predetermined impedance value, so that the touch keyboard 600 is switched to the touch mode according to the impedance value being greater than the predetermined impedance value, and the touch control unit 37 outputs the touch signal according to the sensing signal so that the touch keyboard 600 outputs the touch signal.

In step S45, when the key cap 13 of at least one key 12 descends relative to the bottom plate 15, the first conductive plate 711 in the keyboard touch electrode plate 14 contacts the second conductive plate 712 to generate an impedance value, where the impedance value is smaller than the predetermined impedance value, so that the touch keyboard 600 switches to the typing mode according to the impedance value being smaller than the predetermined impedance value, and the keyboard control unit 35 outputs the typing signal according to the trigger signal, so that the touch keyboard 600 outputs the typing signal.

Referring to fig. 20 and 21, a touch keyboard module 700 according to an eighth embodiment of the invention includes a keyboard 701 and a piezoelectric film 702, wherein the keyboard 701 includes a plurality of keys 12 and a bottom plate 15, the piezoelectric film 702 covers the keys 12 of the keyboard 701, and a computer host 520 is connected to the piezoelectric film 702 and the keyboard 701. Each key 12 of the keyboard 701 includes a key cap 13 and a lifting mechanism 17, a switch circuit module 36 connected to the key 12, and a keyboard control unit 35 connected to the switch circuit module 36, wherein the lifting mechanism 17 of each key 12 includes a first supporting member 171 and a second supporting member 172, the first supporting member 171 and the second supporting member 172 are pivotally connected to each other in a crossed manner and movably connected to the corresponding key cap 13 and the bottom plate 15, and the keyboard control unit 35 receives a trigger signal from the switch circuit module 36 to output a typing signal. The piezoelectric film 702 includes a touch sensing module 34, a touch control unit 37 connected to the touch sensing module 34, and a piezoelectric module 39 connected to the touch control unit 37, wherein the touch control unit 37 receives a sensing signal from the touch sensing module 34 to output a touch signal. When the piezoelectric film generates a piezoelectric signal according to whether the key 12 is pressed, the host computer 520 selects a touch signal or a typing signal according to the piezoelectric signal to output the touch signal or the typing signal to the screen 530, wherein when the piezoelectric module 39 generates a piezoelectric signal larger than a default piezoelectric value according to the key 12 and switches to a typing mode, the keyboard control unit 35 outputs the typing signal according to the triggering signal, so that the host computer 520 selects the typing signal to output the typing signal to the screen 530; when the piezoelectric module 39 is switched to the touch mode according to the fact that the button 12 is not pressed and the generated piezoelectric signal is smaller than the default piezoelectric value, the touch control unit 37 outputs the touch signal according to the sensing signal, so that the computer 520 selects the touch signal to output to the screen 530. It is noted that the host computer 520 receives the typing signal from the keyboard 701 and the touch signal from the piezoelectric film 702, and selects the touch signal or the typing signal according to the piezoelectric signal from the piezoelectric module 39 to output to the screen 530.

Referring to fig. 22, the touch keyboard module 700 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention can also be used for executing a method for switching between touch and typing modes, where the method includes the steps of S51: the piezoelectric film 702 generates a piezoelectric signal according to whether the key 12 is pressed; and step S53: the computer 520 selects a touch signal or a typing signal according to the piezoelectric signal to output to the screen 530.

In step S51, when the button 12 is pressed or not pressed, the piezoelectric film 702 covering the button 12 generates a piezoelectric signal.

In step S53, when the key 12 is pressed, the piezoelectric film 702 covering the key 12 generates a piezoelectric signal greater than a predetermined piezoelectric value, and the host computer 520 switches to the typing mode according to the piezoelectric signal and outputs a typing signal to the screen 530 according to the trigger signal; when the key 12 is not pressed, the piezoelectric film 702 covering the key 12 generates a piezoelectric signal smaller than a predetermined piezoelectric value, and the computer 520 switches to the touch mode according to the piezoelectric signal and outputs a touch signal to the screen 530 according to the sensing signal.

The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and all equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the claims of the present invention should be covered by the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for switching touch and typing modes is suitable for a touch keyboard capable of correspondingly outputting touch signals and typing signals, and is characterized in that the touch keyboard comprises a plurality of keys, a keyboard touch electrode plate and a bottom plate, the keyboard touch electrode plate is arranged between the keys and the bottom plate, each key comprises a keycap and a lifting mechanism, the lifting mechanism is movably connected with the keycap and the bottom plate, at least one key further comprises a light sensing assembly, the light sensing assembly comprises a light receiving element and a light emitting element for transmitting light signals to the light receiving element, and the method comprises the following steps:

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the touch keyboard further comprises a switch circuit module connected to the plurality of keys, a keyboard control unit connected to the switch circuit module, a touch sensing module connected to the keyboard touch electrode plate, and a touch control unit connected to the touch sensing module, wherein the light sensing device is respectively connected to the keyboard control unit and the touch control unit, the keyboard control unit receives a trigger signal from the switch circuit module, and the touch control unit receives a sensing signal from the touch sensing module;

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the touch keyboard further comprises a switch circuit module connected to the keys, a touch sensing module connected to the touch electrode of the keyboard, and an integrated control unit connected to the switch circuit module, the touch sensing module and the photo sensing device, wherein the integrated control unit receives a trigger signal from the switch circuit module and a sensing signal from the touch sensing module respectively;

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the lifting mechanism of each of the plurality of keys comprises a first support member, a second support member and a light blocking structure, the first support member and the second support member are pivotally connected to each other in a crossed manner and movably connected to the corresponding keycap and the bottom plate, the light blocking structure is disposed on one of the first support member and the second support member, and the light sensing device is disposed on a moving path of the light blocking structure.

5. A method for switching touch and typing modes is suitable for a touch keyboard capable of correspondingly outputting touch signals and typing signals, and is characterized in that the touch keyboard comprises a plurality of keys, a keyboard touch electrode plate and a bottom plate, the keyboard touch electrode plate is arranged between the keys and the bottom plate, each key comprises a keycap and a lifting mechanism, the lifting mechanism is movably connected with the keycap and the bottom plate, at least one key further comprises a conductor element, the conductor element comprises a first parallel plate electrode arranged on the lifting mechanism and a second parallel plate electrode arranged on the bottom plate, and the method comprises the following steps:

6. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the touch keyboard further comprises a touch sensing module connected to the keys and the keyboard touch electrode plate, and an integrated control unit connected to the touch sensing module, the integrated control unit receiving device sensing signals and finger sensing signals from the touch sensing module;

7. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the lifting mechanism of each of the plurality of keys comprises a first support member and a second support member, the first support member and the second support member are pivotally connected to each other in a crossed manner and movably connected to the corresponding keycap and the bottom plate, and the first parallel plate electrode is disposed on at least one of the first support member and the second support member.

8. A method for switching touch and typing modes is suitable for a touch keyboard capable of correspondingly outputting touch signals and typing signals, and is characterized in that the touch keyboard comprises a plurality of keys, a keyboard touch electrode plate and a bottom plate, the keyboard touch electrode plate is arranged between the keys and the bottom plate, each key comprises a keycap and a lifting mechanism, the lifting mechanism is movably connected with the keycap and the bottom plate, at least one key further comprises a conduction device, the conduction device comprises a convex column with conductor contacts and a conductor connecting pad arranged on the bottom plate and corresponding to the convex column, and the method comprises the following steps:

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the touch keyboard further comprises a switch circuit module connected to the keys, a keyboard control unit connected to the switch circuit module, a touch sensing module connected to the keyboard touch electrode plate, and a touch control unit connected to the touch sensing module, wherein the conducting device is respectively connected to the keyboard control unit and the touch control unit, the keyboard control unit receives a trigger signal from the switch circuit module, and the touch control unit receives a sensing signal from the touch sensing module;

10. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the lifting mechanism of each of the plurality of keys comprises a first supporting member and a second supporting member, the first supporting member and the second supporting member are pivotally connected to each other in a crossed manner and movably connected to the corresponding key cap and the bottom plate, and the protrusion is disposed on at least one of the first supporting member, the second supporting member and the key cap.

11. A method for switching touch and typing modes is suitable for a touch keyboard capable of correspondingly outputting touch signals and typing signals, and is characterized in that the touch keyboard comprises a plurality of keys, a keyboard touch electrode plate and a bottom plate, the keyboard touch electrode plate is arranged between the keys and the bottom plate, each key comprises a keycap and a lifting mechanism, the lifting mechanism is movably connected with the keycap and the bottom plate, a visual sensor is used for sensing the change of the top surfaces of the keys in the vertical direction, and a computer host is connected with the visual sensor and the touch keyboard, and the method comprises the following steps:

12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the touch keyboard further comprises a switch circuit module connected to the keys, a touch sensing module connected to the touch electrode of the keyboard, and an integrated control unit connected to the switch circuit module and the touch sensing module, wherein the integrated control unit receives a trigger signal from the switch circuit module to output the typing signal and a sensing signal from the touch sensing module to output the touch signal respectively;

13. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the host computer receives the touch signal and the typing signal simultaneously.

14. A method for switching touch and typing modes is suitable for a touch keyboard capable of correspondingly outputting touch signals and typing signals, and is characterized in that the touch keyboard comprises a plurality of keys, a keyboard touch electrode plate and a bottom plate, the keyboard touch electrode plate is arranged between the keys and the bottom plate, each key comprises an elastic keycap and a pad connecting mechanism, the pad connecting mechanism is movably connected with the elastic keycap and the bottom plate, at least one key is correspondingly provided with a conductor structure in the keyboard touch electrode plate and comprises a first conductive plate at the top and a second conductive plate at the bottom in the keyboard touch electrode plate, and the method comprises the following steps:

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the touch keyboard further comprises a switch circuit module connected to the keys, a keyboard control unit connected to the switch circuit module, a touch sensing module connected to the keyboard touch electrode plate, and a touch control unit connected to the touch sensing module, wherein the conductor structure is respectively connected to the keyboard control unit and the touch control unit, the keyboard control unit receives a trigger signal from the switch circuit module, and the touch control unit receives a sensing signal from the touch sensing module;

16. A method for switching touch control and typing modes is suitable for a touch control keyboard module capable of correspondingly outputting touch control signals and typing signals, and is characterized in that the touch control keyboard module comprises a keyboard and a piezoelectric film, the keyboard comprises a plurality of keys and a bottom plate, each key comprises a keycap and a lifting mechanism, the lifting mechanism is movably connected with the keycap and the bottom plate, the piezoelectric film covers the keys, a computer host is connected with the piezoelectric film and the keyboard, and the method comprises the following steps:

17. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the keyboard further comprises a switch circuit module connected to the keys and a keyboard control unit connected to the switch circuit module, the piezoelectric film further comprises a touch sensing module, a touch control unit connected to the touch sensing module and a piezoelectric module connected to the touch control unit, wherein the keyboard control unit receives a trigger signal from the switch circuit module, and the touch control unit receives a sensing signal from the touch sensing module;