Input module and electronic device, mouse and keyboard using the same

Abstract

The present invention discloses an electronic device. The electronic device includes a housing and an input module. The input module is disposed in the housing. The input module includes a knob, a circuit board, a light emitter, and a light receiver. The knob has a peripheral edge surface. The light emitter is disposed on the circuit board and faces the peripheral edge surface. The light emitter is configured to emit detection light toward the peripheral edge surface. The light receiver is disposed on the circuit board and is configured to receive reflected light of the detection light from the peripheral edge surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an input module and an electronic device, a mouse and a keyboard using the same. Background Art

[0002] Keyboards are the most common input modules for existing electronic devices. However, keyboards contain mechanical key structures, which take up a large space and only accept press-type operation (rotational operation requires a separate mouse), limiting their application. Therefore, proposing a new input module to address these issues has been a goal of researchers in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The embodiments of the present invention provide an input module and an electronic device, a mouse, and a keyboard using the same, which can improve the above-mentioned problems.

[0004] One embodiment of the present invention provides an input module. The input module includes a knob, a first circuit board, a light emitter, and a light receiver. The knob has a peripheral surface. The light emitter is disposed on the first circuit board and faces the peripheral surface. The light emitter is configured to emit a detection light toward the peripheral surface. The light receiver is configured to receive a reflected light of the detection light reflected from the peripheral surface.

[0005] Another embodiment of the present invention provides an electronic device. The electronic device includes a housing and an input module. The input module is disposed in the housing. The input module includes a knob, a first circuit board, a light emitter, and a light receiver. The knob has a peripheral surface. The light emitter is disposed on the first circuit board and faces the peripheral surface. The light emitter is configured to emit a detection light toward the peripheral surface. The light receiver is configured to receive a reflected light of the detection light reflected from the peripheral surface.

[0006] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a mouse. The mouse includes a housing, an input module, and a scroll wheel. The input module is disposed within the housing and protrudes relative to the housing. The scroll wheel is disposed within the housing and protrudes upward relative to the housing. The input module includes a knob, a first circuit board, a light emitter, and a light receiver. The knob has a peripheral surface. The light emitter is disposed on the first circuit board and faces the peripheral surface. The light emitter is configured to emit a detection light toward the peripheral surface. The light receiver is configured to receive a reflected light of the detection light reflected from the peripheral surface.

[0007] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a mouse. The mouse includes a housing and an input module. The input module is disposed within the housing and protrudes relative to the housing. The input module includes a knob, a first circuit board, a light emitter, and a light receiver. The knob has a peripheral surface. The light emitter is disposed on the first circuit board and faces the peripheral surface. The light emitter is configured to emit a detection light toward the peripheral surface. The light receiver is configured to receive a reflected light of the detection light reflected from the peripheral surface.

[0008] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a keyboard. The keyboard includes a housing and an input module. The input module is disposed within the housing and protrudes relative to the housing. The input module includes a knob, a first circuit board, a light emitter, and a light receiver. The knob has a peripheral edge surface. The light emitter is disposed on the first circuit board and faces the peripheral edge surface. The light emitter is configured to emit a detection light toward the peripheral edge surface. The light receiver is configured to receive a reflected light of the detection light reflected from the peripheral edge surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating the appearance of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0010] Figure 2 Draw Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the electronic device.

[0011] Figure 3A Draw Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the input module.

[0012] Figure 3B and 3C Draw Figure 3A Exploded diagram of the input module from different perspectives.

[0013] Figure 3D Draw Figure 3A Cross-section of the input module along the direction 3D-3D'.

[0014] Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating the appearance of an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] In order to better understand the above and other aspects of the present invention, embodiments are given below and described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] Please refer to Figures 1-2 , Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of an electronic device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 Draw Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the interior of the electronic device 10 (the second housing 12 is not shown).

[0017] like Figure 1 As shown, the electronic device 10 of the embodiment of the present invention is described by taking a mouse as an example, but this is not intended to limit the embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment, the electronic device 10 can be any product that requires input of commands, such as a keyboard, home appliance, or transportation vehicle.

[0018] like Figure 1As shown, the electronic device 10 includes a housing (including at least a first housing 11 and a second housing 12) and at least one input module 100. The first housing 11 is, for example, the bottom housing or lower housing of the housing, and the second housing 12 is, for example, the top housing or upper housing of the housing. The second housing 12 is docked with the first housing 11 to protect the components located between the second housing 12 and the first housing 11. The input module 100 is disposed in the housing and protrudes upward relative to the housing and is exposed laterally. For example, the input module 100 is disposed in the first housing 11 and protrudes relative to the upper surface of the second housing 12 and is exposed from the side of the first housing 11 to facilitate user operation.

[0019] like Figure 2 As shown, the input module 100 includes a knob 110, a first circuit board 120, a light emitter 130A and a light receiver 130B. The knob 110 has a peripheral surface 110s. The light emitter 130A is disposed on the first circuit board 120 and faces (e.g., directly opposite) the peripheral surface 110s. The light emitter 130A can emit a detection light L1 to the peripheral surface 110s. The light receiver 130B is disposed on the first circuit board 120 and is used to receive the reflected light L2 reflected from the peripheral surface 110s by the detection light L1. The electronic device 10 of the embodiment of the present invention includes an optical input module 100, which provides a rotary input operation (through the knob 110), thereby increasing the input application of the electronic device 10. In addition, a processor (not shown) can analyze the signal of the detection light L1 and the signal of the reflected light L2 to obtain the rotation direction and / or rotation amount of the knob 110.

[0020] In this embodiment, the light emitter 130A and the light receiver 130B may be integrated into the optical sensing module 130, such as an optical tracking sensor (OTS). In another embodiment, the light emitter 130A and the light receiver 130B may be two separate components (not integrated into a single unit). Furthermore, the number of light emitters 130A and / or light receivers 130B may be single or multiple.

[0021] also, Figure 2 The XY plane of the first housing 11 is, for example, parallel to the bottom surface of the first housing 11, with the X, Y, and Z axes perpendicular to each other. The optical axis of the detection light L1 emitted by the light emitter 130A can be parallel to the Z axis or form an acute angle with the Z axis. The knob 110 can rotate about a central axis AX1, which can be, for example, parallel to the Y axis, but can also form an acute or obtuse angle with the Y axis. In other embodiments, the input module 100 can be configured such that the central axis AX1 of the knob 110 is parallel to the X axis or the Z axis.

[0022] like Figure 1 and 2As shown, in addition to the input module 100, the electronic device 10 may include at least one input module 200. The input module 200 is configured in the shell and protrudes upward relative to the shell. For example, the input module 200 is exposed and protrudes relative to the upper surface of the second shell 12 to facilitate user operation. The input module 200 includes a scroll wheel 210 and an encoder (not shown). The rotating shaft of the scroll wheel 210 may pass through the encoder, and the encoder may detect the rotation direction (clockwise or counterclockwise), rotation amount and rotation speed of the scroll wheel 210. The rotation direction of the scroll wheel 210 of the input module 200 may be the same as or different from the rotation direction of the knob 110 of the input module 100. In this embodiment, the scroll wheel 210 can rotate around a rotation axis (not shown), and this rotation axis is, for example, parallel to the Y axis and / or the wheel surface of the scroll wheel 210 can be pressed. In another embodiment, the electronic device 10 may omit the input module 200, and the input module 100 may be configured Figure 1 The input module 200 may be positioned at a suitable location on the housing.

[0023] Please refer to Figures 3A to 3D As shown, Figure 3A Draw Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the appearance of the input module 100, Figure 3B and 3C Draw Figure 3A The input module 100 is shown in exploded view at different viewing angles. Figure 3D Draw Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of the input module 100 along the direction 3D-3D'.

[0024] like Figure 3B and 3D As shown, the input module 100 further includes a base 140, a fixing base 150, a first intermediate layer 160A and a second intermediate layer 160B. The base 140 can be fixed to the first shell 11 (the first shell 11 is shown in FIG. Figure 2 ). The fixing base 150 is connected to the base 140. For example, the input module 100 further includes a plurality of fixing members 145. The fixing members 145 pass through the base 140 and are fixed to the fixing base 150 to fix the relative position between the base 140 and the fixing base 150. In one embodiment, the fixing members 145 are, for example, components having threads, and the fixing base 150 has screw holes that mate with the threads. In another embodiment, the fixing members 145 and the fixing base 150 may be coupled via a snap fit, adhesive bonding, or other techniques.

[0025] like Figure 3B and 3D As shown, the base 140 has a through hole 140a, through which the first circuit board 120 can pass to extend to a position corresponding to the knob 110. Thus, the optical sensing module disposed on the first circuit board 120 can face the peripheral surface 110s of the knob 110.

[0026] like Figure 3B and 3D As shown, the knob 110 surrounds the fixed base 150 and is rotatably arranged relative to the fixed base 150. A first intermediate layer 160A is arranged between the fixed base 150 and the knob 110 to reduce the rotational resistance of the fixed base 150 and the knob 110. The knob 110 includes a protrusion 110A, and the fixed base 150 includes a groove 150r. The protrusion 110A is combined with the groove 150r to guide the relative rotation of the fixed base 150 and the knob 110. In addition, the first intermediate layer 160A can be arranged in the groove 150r to limit the displacement of the first intermediate layer 160A. The first intermediate layer 160A is arranged between the protrusion 110A and the groove 150r, wherein the protrusion 110A contacts the first intermediate layer 160A, which can reduce the rotational resistance. In addition, the first intermediate layer 160A is, for example, a lubricating layer, which can be made of a liquid material or a solid material, wherein the liquid material is, for example, lubricating oil, and the solid material is, for example, a solid material with a low friction coefficient, such as graphite, which can be realized in various geometric forms such as sheets, pads, plates, blocks and / or particles.

[0027] like Figure 3B and 3D As shown, a second intermediate layer 160B can be formed between the knob 110 and the base 140 to reduce rotational resistance between the knob 110 and the base 140. The base 140 has a recess 140r, and the knob 110 has a bottom surface 110b. The second intermediate layer 160B is disposed within the recess 140r and located between the bottom surface 110b and the groove bottom surface 140r1 of the recess 140r. The bottom surface 110b contacts the second intermediate layer 160B, reducing rotational resistance between the knob 110 and the base 140. The bottom surface 110b provides a large contact area with the second intermediate layer 160B, thereby providing excellent lubrication. The material and / or geometry of the second intermediate layer 160B can be similar or identical to those of the first intermediate layer 160A and will not be further described herein. Furthermore, in another embodiment, depending on the needs, the input module 100 may omit at least one of the first intermediate layer 160A and the second intermediate layer 160B.

[0028] like Figure 3B and 3DAs shown, the knob 110 includes a knob chassis 111 and a knob appearance 112. The knob chassis 111 has the aforementioned bottom surface 110b, and the knob appearance 112 has the aforementioned peripheral surface 110s. The knob chassis 111 is connected to the knob appearance 112, for example, the knob chassis 111 and the knob appearance 112 are engaged. Furthermore, the knob chassis 111 has at least one first engaging portion 1111, and the knob appearance 112 has at least one second engaging portion 1121, and the first engaging portion 1111 and the second engaging portion 1121 can be engaged to fix the relative position between the knob chassis 111 and the knob appearance 112. In this embodiment, the first engaging portion 1111 is, for example, a recessed portion (for example, a through hole), and the second engaging portion 1121 is, for example, a convex portion. In another embodiment, the first engaging portion 1111 may be a convex portion, and the second engaging portion 1121 may be a concave portion. The knob chassis 111 and the knob appearance 112 may be manufactured separately and then combined together through engagement. In this way, the overall manufacturability of the knob 110 can be increased. Moreover, since the knob chassis 111 and the knob appearance 112 are two separate parts, the assemblability of the fixing base 150 can be improved. For example, the fixing base 150 can be first arranged in the knob appearance 112, and then the knob appearance 112 and the knob chassis 111 can be combined. This assembly process is simple and fast.

[0029] In summary, the knob 110 of the input module 100 can provide rotational input as well as press-type input, which will be further described with examples below.

[0030] like Figure 3B and 3D As shown, the input module 100 further includes a button 170, a second circuit board 175, a switch 180 and an elastic member 185. The button 170 can provide a pressing operation. The button 170 is disposed through the knob 110. The switch 180 is disposed on the second circuit board 175 and faces the button 170. In this way, when the button 170 is translated along a trigger direction D1 (towards the switch 180), the switch 180 is triggered and a trigger signal (not shown) is sent out through the second circuit board 175 to the processor (not shown), and the processor executes the corresponding function accordingly. In addition, the trigger direction D1 is, for example, parallel to the Y axis (the Y axis is shown in FIG. Figure 2 ), but it may also form an acute angle or an obtuse angle with the Y-axis.

[0031] like Figure 3B and 3D As shown, the button 170 includes a button appearance member 171 and a trigger member 172. The relative positions of the button appearance member 171 and the trigger member 172 are fixed. For example, the button appearance member 171 and the trigger member 172 are fixed to each other by snapping. The button appearance member 171 is exposed from the housing (as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown), for example, the button appearance member 171 can be entirely exposed from the first shell 11 and / or the second shell 12 (as shown Figure 1 As shown), so that the user can press it. The knob 110 has a receiving groove 110r. The button appearance part 171 can be configured in the receiving groove 110r, for example, embedded in the receiving groove 110r. In this way, the top surface of the button appearance part 171 is roughly aligned with or recessed relative to the top surface of the knob 110, which can prevent the button appearance part 171 from protruding relative to the top surface of the knob 110. The top surface of the button appearance part 171 can also protrude relative to the top surface of the knob 110. In addition, the structure of the button appearance part 171 is not limited to the embodiment of the present invention, and can also be other suitable structures. In addition, the button 170 can be integrated into the knob 110. For example, the button 170 can be configured inside the knob 110 to avoid an increase in the volume of the input module 100. For example, the knob 110 has a through-hole 110a extending through the knob 110 along its central axis AX1. The button 170 is disposed within the through-hole 110a. The trigger member 172 is connected to the button exterior member 171 and includes a trigger portion 1721. The trigger portion 1721 faces (e.g., directly opposite) the switch 180, such that the trigger portion 1721 contacts (triggering) the switch 180 when translated in the trigger direction D1. Furthermore, the central axis AX1 is, for example, parallel to the Y-axis.

[0032] like Figure 3B and 3D As shown, the second circuit board 175 is connected to the first circuit board 120. For example, the second circuit board 175 is connected to the first circuit board 120 vertically.

[0033] like Figure 3B and 3D As shown, the elastic member 185 is disposed between the second circuit board 175 and the trigger member 172. The elastic member 185 is, for example, a spring, such as a compression spring, or an element that can provide elastic restoring force, such as a shrapnel. The trigger portion 172 of the button 170 is inserted into the aforementioned through hole 110a. The trigger member 172 also includes a flange 1722, which protrudes from the peripheral surface 1721s of the trigger portion 1721. The flange 1722 is located between the fixing seat 150 and the second circuit board 175. The outer diameter W1 of the flange 1722 is greater than the inner diameter W2 of the through hole 110a. In this way, the button 170 and the knob 110 can be prevented from being disengaged from each other, for example, the button 170 can be prevented from being disengaged from the knob 110 along the release direction D2. The release direction D2 is the direction from the switch 180 to the button 110, that is, the release direction D2 is opposite to the trigger direction D1.

[0034] Please refer to Figure 4, which shows a schematic diagram of an electronic device 20 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The electronic device 20 of this embodiment is illustrated by taking a keyboard as an example. The electronic device 20 includes a shell (at least including a first shell 21 and a second shell 22), at least one input module 100 and an input module 23. The first shell 21 is connected to the second shell 22 to protect the components located between the first shell 21 and the second shell 22. The input module 23 is configured in the second shell 22, and protrudes relative to the upper surface of the second shell 22 and is exposed from the side of the first shell 21 to facilitate user operation. In another embodiment, the input module 100 may only protrude relative to the upper surface of the shell or only protrude relative to the side of the shell. In addition, the input module 100 may be rotated with its knob 110 (not shown) Figure 4 ) is arranged in an orientation where the central axis AX1 of the input module 23 is parallel to the X-axis, Y-axis, or Z-axis. The input module 23, for example, includes at least one key 23A. Key 23A may include a keycap, a lifting mechanism, an elastic body, a base plate, and a membrane switch layer. The lifting mechanism is disposed between and connected to the keycap and base plate, allowing the keycap to rise and fall with the lifting mechanism. The elastic body is disposed between the keycap and the membrane switch layer. When key 23A is pressed, the elastic body deforms, triggering the membrane switch layer to switch on. When key 23A is released, the elastic body returns to its initial state, causing the keycap to reset.

[0035] In summary, although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to the embodiments, these are not intended to limit the present invention. Persons skilled in the art will readily be able to make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An input module, characterized in that: include: A knob having a central axis and a peripheral surface surrounding the central axis; a first circuit board; a light emitter, disposed on the first circuit board and facing the peripheral surface, the light emitter being configured to emit a detection light to the peripheral surface; and a light receiver disposed on the first circuit board and configured to receive the reflected light of the detection light reflected from the peripheral surface; wherein the central axis is perpendicular to the optical axis of the detection light; The light emitter and the light receiver are located on the same side of the peripheral surface, or the first circuit board is entirely located outside the knob.

2. The input module according to claim 1, wherein The input module includes: a fixed seat; The knob surrounds the fixing base and is rotatably disposed relative to the fixing base.

3. The input module according to claim 2, wherein: The input module also includes: A first middle layer is formed between the fixing base and the knob.

4. The input module according to claim 1, wherein: The knob includes: A knob chassis having a first engaging portion; A knob appearance part, comprising the peripheral surface and a second engaging portion; Wherein, the first engaging portion is engaged with the second engaging portion.

5. The input module according to claim 1, wherein: The knob has a bottom surface, and the input module further includes: a base having a groove; and A second intermediate layer is disposed in the groove and located between the bottom surface and a groove bottom surface of the groove.

6. The input module according to claim 1, wherein: The input module further includes a fixing base including a groove. The knob surrounds the fixing base and includes a convex portion, and the convex portion is combined with the groove.

7. The input module according to claim 6, wherein: The input module also includes: A first intermediate layer is disposed between the protrusion and the groove.

8. The input module according to claim 1, wherein: The input module also includes: a button, disposed through the knob; a second circuit board; and A switch is disposed on the second circuit board and faces the button.

9. The input module according to claim 8, wherein: The button includes: a button appearance; and A triggering member is connected to the button appearance member and includes a triggering portion, and the triggering portion faces the switch.

10. The input module according to claim 8, wherein The input module also includes: An elastic member is disposed between the second circuit board and the button.

11. The input module according to claim 9, wherein: The knob has a through hole; the trigger member includes: a trigger portion, passing through the through hole; and a flange protruding relative to the peripheral surface of the trigger portion; Wherein, the outer diameter of the flange is greater than the inner diameter of the through hole.

12. The input module according to claim 8, wherein The knob has a receiving groove; the button includes a button appearance component, and the button appearance component is embedded in the receiving groove.

13. The input module according to claim 8, wherein The knob has a through hole which passes through the knob along a central axis of the knob, and the button is inserted into the through hole.

14. The input module according to claim 8, wherein The knob includes a fixing seat, and the button includes a flange located between the fixing seat and the second circuit board to limit the button from being separated from the knob along a release direction, where the release direction is a direction from the switch to the button.

15. The input module according to claim 14, wherein: The input module also includes: An elastic member is disposed between the second circuit board and the flange.

16. An electronic device, characterized in that: The electronic device comprises: a housing; and An input module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, disposed in the housing.

17. A mouse, characterized in that: The mouse includes: a housing; An input module according to any one of claims 1 to 15, disposed in the housing and protruding relative to the housing; and A roller is disposed on the housing and protrudes upward relative to the housing.

18. A mouse, characterized in that: The mouse includes: a housing; and An input module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, disposed in the housing and protruding relative to the housing.

19. A keyboard, characterized in that: The keyboard includes: a housing; and An input module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, disposed in the housing and protruding relative to the housing.

Images