Input devices and switch components

Abstract

An input device includes a switch connector having a plurality of electrical terminals, which is fixedly mounted to a circuit board. The input device includes a switch assembly that is magnetically coupled to the switch connector in a detachable manner. The switch assembly includes a switch adapter having a plurality of contact elements, which engages with the plurality of electrical terminals of the switch connector and is assembled to a switch of the switch adapter, and a plurality of leads of the switch are electrically connected to the plurality of contact elements of the switch adapter. The switch adapter is located between the switch connector and the switch. The input device includes a magnetic snap-fit ​​configuration, which has a first snap-fit ​​unit at the circuit board and a second snap-fit ​​unit at the switch adapter, which cooperate with each other to magnetically couple the switch assembly to the switch connector. A corresponding switch assembly and a computer mouse are provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments generally relate to an input device and a switch assembly of the input device. In particular, various embodiments generally relate to an input device, such as a computer mouse, having a detachable switch assembly for swapping or interchanging between different switch assemblies. Various embodiments also relate to the detachable switch assembly thereof. Background Art

[0002] Users generally choose computer mice based on usage requirements such as the click feeling of the mouse buttons, the durability of the mouse, the battery life of the mouse, etc. However, these usage requirements are typically different for different usage scenarios and / or computer applications. Therefore, in order to meet different usage requirements, users may need to have multiple computer mice that meet different usage requirements. For example, when using a computer mouse for a game application, a user may prefer a computer mouse with a mouse button equipped with a mouse switch that can provide more tactile click feelings; when using a computer mouse in an office work environment, a user may prefer a computer mouse with a mouse button equipped with a mouse switch that can provide a quieter click feeling; when using a computer mouse during a trip or outside a typical home / office environment, a user may prefer a computer mouse that can use less electricity so that the computer mouse has a longer battery life; or when using a computer mouse at home, a user may prefer a computer mouse that can be more durable so that the mouse has a longer service life.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need to provide an input device or computer mouse that provides a simpler and more versatile solution. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to various embodiments, an input device is provided. The input device may include a circuit board. The input device may include a switch connector fixedly mounted to the circuit board. The switch connector may have a plurality of electrical terminals. The input device may include a switch assembly magnetically coupled to the switch connector in a detachable manner. The switch assembly may include a switch adapter that interfaces with the switch connector. The switch adapter may include a plurality of contact elements that engage with the plurality of electrical terminals of the switch connector. The switch adapter may include a configuration of electrical elements connected to the plurality of contact elements of the switch adapter. The switch assembly may include a switch assembled to the switch adapter, a plurality of leads of the switch being engaged to the configuration of the electrical element so as to electrically connect the plurality of leads of the switch to the plurality of contact elements of the switch adapter. The switch assembly may be magnetically coupled to the switch connector, the switch adapter being located between the switch connector and the switch. The input device may include a magnetic catch arrangement to magnetically couple the switch assembly to the switch connector. The magnetic catch arrangement may include a first catch unit coupled to the circuit board and a second catch unit coupled to the switch adapter. The first snap unit and the second snap unit may include a pair of cooperating magnetic elements or a cooperating pair of a magnetic metal element and a magnetic element, so that the first snap unit and the second snap unit cooperate with each other to magnetically couple the switch assembly and the switch connector.

[0005] According to various embodiments, a switch assembly for magnetically coupling to a switch connector on a circuit board fixedly mounted to an input device is provided. The switch assembly may include a switch adapter that interfaces with the switch connector of the circuit board. The switch adapter may include a plurality of contact elements on a first side of the switch adapter for engaging with a plurality of electrical terminals of the switch connector of the circuit board. The switch adapter may include a configuration of electrical components connected to the plurality of contact elements of the switch adapter. The switch assembly may include a switch mounted to the switch adapter, a plurality of leads of the switch being engaged to the configuration of the electrical components so as to electrically connect the plurality of leads of the switch to the plurality of contact elements of the switch adapter. The switch may be mounted to the switch adapter on a second side of the switch adapter, the second side of the switch adapter being opposite to the first side of the switch adapter having the plurality of contact elements. The switch assembly may include a snap unit coupled to the switch adapter. The snap unit may include a magnetic element or a magnetic metal element to cooperate with a corresponding snap unit of the circuit board so as to magnetically couple the switch assembly to the switch connector via the switch adapter.

[0006] According to various embodiments, a computer mouse is provided. The computer mouse may include a circuit board. The computer mouse may include a switch connector fixedly mounted to the circuit board. The switch connector may have a plurality of electrical terminals. The computer mouse may include a mouse switch assembly magnetically coupled to the switch connector in a detachable manner. The mouse switch assembly may have a plurality of contact elements engaged with the plurality of electrical terminals of the switch connector. The computer mouse may include a magnetic snap configuration that magnetically couples the mouse switch assembly to the switch connector. The magnetic snap configuration may include a first snap unit coupled to the circuit board and a second snap unit coupled to the mouse switch assembly. The first snap unit and the second snap unit may include a pair of co-acting magnetic elements or a co-acting pair of a magnetic metal element and a magnetic element, so that the first snap unit and the second snap unit cooperate with each other to magnetically couple the mouse switch assembly and the switch connector. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] In the drawings, like reference symbols generally refer to like parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but emphasis is generally placed on illustrating the principles of the invention. In the following description, various embodiments are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1A shows a schematic assembly view of a computer mouse as an example of an input device according to various embodiments;

[0009] Figure 1B Display according to various embodiments Figure 1A A schematic exploded view of a computer mouse;

[0010] Figure 1C Display according to various embodiments Figure 1A A schematic top view of a switch connector of a circuit board of a computer mouse;

[0011] Figure 1D Display according to various embodiments Figure 1A A schematic bottom view of a switch assembly of a computer mouse;

[0012] Figure 2 showing a front portion of a computer mouse as an example of an input device according to various embodiments, with a cover portion of a housing of the computer mouse removed;

[0013] Figure 3A Display according to various embodiments Figure 2 A computer mouse having a first switch assembly of a mechanical switch, wherein a portion of the circuit board is cut away to reveal a switch connector having a plurality of electrical terminals;

[0014] Figure 3B Display according to various embodiments Figure 3A an exploded view of a first switch assembly;

[0015] Figure 3C Display according to various embodiments Figure 3B A perspective top view of a first switch adapter of a first switch assembly;

[0016] Figure 3D Display according to various embodiments Figure 3C A perspective bottom view of a first switch adapter;

[0017] Figure 4A Display according to various embodiments Figure 2 A computer mouse having a second switch assembly of an optical switch, wherein a portion of the circuit board is cut away to reveal a switch connector having a plurality of electrical terminals;

[0018] Figure 4B Display according to various embodiments Figure 4A an exploded view of a second switch assembly;

[0019] Figure 4C Display according to various embodiments Figure 4B A perspective top view of a second switch adapter of a second switch assembly;

[0020] Figure 4D Display according to various embodiments Figure 4C A perspective bottom view of a second switch adapter;

[0021] Figure 5A showing portions of internal components of a computer mouse without a housing as an example of an input device according to various embodiments;

[0022] Figure 5B Display according to various embodiments Figure 5A A computer mouse having a variation of a second switch assembly having an optical switch for coupling to a switch connector having a plurality of electrical terminals, the switch connector being located on a circuit board of the computer mouse; and

[0023] Figure 5C Display according to various embodiments Figure 5B An exploded view of the second switch assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The embodiments described below in the context of the apparatus are similarly valid for the corresponding methods, and vice versa. Furthermore, it should be understood that the embodiments described below may be combined, for example, a portion of one embodiment may be combined with a portion of another embodiment.

[0025] It should be understood that the terms "upper", "above", "top", "bottom", "lower", "side", "rear", "left", "right", "front", "lateral", "sideways", "upward", "downward", etc., when used in the following description, are used for convenience and to assist in understanding relative positions or directions, and are not intended to limit the orientation of any device or structure, or any part of any device or structure. In addition, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular terms "a", "an" and "the" include plural forms. Similarly, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the word "or" is intended to include "and".

[0026] Various embodiments generally relate to input devices and switch assemblies of the input devices. In particular, various embodiments generally relate to device devices, such as computer mice, having detachable switch assemblies for swapping or interchanging. Various embodiments also relate to detachable switch assemblies thereof. According to various embodiments, the input device may include a computer mouse, a touchpad, a trackball, a joystick, a controller, a gamepad, a keyboard, or any other suitable device having at least one key. According to various embodiments, the input device may include a detachable switch assembly for at least one key so as to swap or interchange the detachable switch assembly with a switch assembly configured with a desired tactile click feeling for at least one key, and the durability and battery usage of the switch assembly so as to customize the input device to match or meet the requirements of the user according to the computer application and usage scenario. Therefore, since the switch assembly is removable from the input device, the user may swap or interchange between different switch assemblies of different configurations for at least one key according to the desired tactile click feeling and usage requirements. Therefore, the user may be able to obtain the desired tactile click feeling and characteristics of the input device to adapt to various usage scenarios without having multiple input devices.

[0027] According to various embodiments, an input device may include a switch connector and a detachable switch assembly that may be detachably magnetically coupled to the switch connector such that the switch assembly may be easily swapped and interchanged. According to various embodiments, the switch connector and the detachable switch assembly being magnetically coupled to each other may provide a user with a simple, pleasant, and versatile solution to swap or interchange switch assemblies depending on the user's desired tactile click feel and characteristics of the input device.

[0028] The following examples relate to various embodiments.

[0029] Example 1 is an input device, comprising:

[0030] Circuit boards;

[0031] a switch connector fixedly mounted to the circuit board, the switch connector having a plurality of electrical terminals;

[0032] A switch assembly is magnetically coupled to a switch connector in a detachable manner, the switch assembly comprising:

[0033] A switch adapter that interfaces with the switch connector, the switch adapter having:

[0034] a plurality of contact elements engaging the plurality of electrical terminals of the switch connector; and

[0035] an arrangement of electrical components connected to the plurality of contact elements of the switch adapter; and

[0036] a switch mounted to the switch adapter, the plurality of leads of the switch being bonded to the configuration of the electrical component so as to electrically connect the plurality of leads of the switch to the plurality of contact elements of the switch adapter,

[0037] wherein the switch assembly is magnetically coupled to the switch connector, and the switch adapter is located between the switch connector and the switch; and

[0038] A magnetic snap-on configuration for magnetically coupling a switch assembly to a switch connector, the magnetic snap-on configuration comprising a first snap-on unit coupled to a circuit board and a second snap-on unit coupled to a switch adapter, wherein the first snap-on unit and the second snap-on unit comprise a pair of co-acting magnetic elements or a co-acting pair of a magnetic metal element and a magnetic element, so that the first snap-on unit and the second snap-on unit cooperate with each other to magnetically couple the switch assembly and the switch connector.

[0039] In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 can optionally include that each of the plurality of electrical terminals of the switch connector can include a pogo pin or a spring-loaded pin.

[0040] In Example 3, the subject matter of Example 1 or 2 may optionally include that the switch may include a mechanical switch, an optical switch, a magnetic switch, a Hall effect switch, a diaphragm switch, a pressure sensitive switch, or a piezoelectric switch.

[0041] In Example 4, the subject matter of Example 3 can optionally include that the plurality of electrical terminals of the switch connector are configurable in a manner such that the switch assembly is interchangeable between a first switch assembly having a mechanical switch and a second switch assembly having an optical switch.

[0042] In Example 5, the subject matter of Example 3 or 4 can optionally include that when the switch is a mechanical switch, the configuration of the electrical components of the switch adapter can include spaced apart conductive strips extending in a vertical direction from the switch connector to the mechanical switch within the switch adapter.

[0043] In Example 6, the subject matter of Example 5 can optionally include that each of the plurality of contact elements of the switch adapter can be a first end portion of each conductive strip oriented toward the switch connector.

[0044] In Example 7, the subject matter of Example 6 can optionally include that each conductive strip can be bent at the second end portion thereof to engage with a corresponding lead of the plurality of leads of the mechanical switch.

[0045] In Example 8, the subject matter of any one of Examples 5 to 7 may optionally include: the switch adapter may include an insulating pad having a plurality of holes, the insulating pad being located on a side of the switch adapter opposite to the plurality of contact elements of the switch adapter, wherein the mechanical switch is assembled to the switch adapter in a manner such that it can abut against the insulating pad, and the plurality of leads of the mechanical switch are respectively inserted through the plurality of holes of the insulating pad to respectively engage with the conductive strips.

[0046] In Example 9, the subject matter of Example 3 or 4 can optionally include that when the switch is an optical switch, the configuration of the electrical components of the switch adapter can include intervening circuitry disposed in the switch adapter.

[0047] In Example 10, the subject matter of Example 9 can optionally include that the intervening circuit can include a plurality of contact elements and one or more connection points of the switch adapter to connect to the optical switch.

[0048] In Example 11, the subject matter of Example 10 may optionally include: the intermediate circuit may include a printed circuit board assembly, the printed circuit board assembly having a first printed circuit board and a second printed circuit board in a double-layer configuration and interconnected to each other, wherein the first printed circuit board has a plurality of contact elements and the second printed circuit board has one or more connection points, wherein the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board are configurable in a manner such that the plurality of contact elements and the one or more connection points are oriented away from each other.

[0049] In Example 12, the subject matter of Example 11 can optionally include that the switch adapter can include one or more plastic pins to separate the first printed circuit board from the second printed circuit board.

[0050] In Example 13, the subject matter of Example 11 or 12 may optionally include: the switch assembly can be magnetically coupled to the switch connector, multiple contact elements of the first printed circuit board of the switch adapter are in contact with multiple electrical terminals of the switch connector, and the optical switch is abutted against the second printed circuit board of the switch adapter.

[0051] In Example 14, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 13 may optionally include that the first snap unit may include one or more snap elements, and the second snap unit includes one or more corresponding snap elements.

[0052] In Example 15, the subject matter of Example 14 may optionally include: the first snap unit may include a slender snap element coupled to the circuit board, and the second snap unit may include a corresponding slender snap element coupled to the switch adapter, wherein, when the slender snap element of the circuit board and the corresponding slender snap element of the switch adapter cooperate to magnetically couple the switch adapter and the switch connector, the slender snap element of the first snap unit of the circuit board is aligned to the corresponding slender snap element of the second snap unit of the switch adapter in a manner that aligns multiple contact elements of the switch adapter to multiple electrical terminals of the switch connector.

[0053] In Example 16, the subject matter of Example 14 may optionally include: the first snap unit may include two or more snap elements coupled to the circuit board, and the second snap unit may include two or more corresponding snap elements coupled to the switch adapter, wherein, when the two or more snap elements of the first snap unit of the circuit board and the two or more corresponding snap elements of the second snap unit of the switch adapter cooperate to magnetically couple the switch adapter and the switch connector, the two or more snap elements of the first snap unit of the circuit board can be arranged relative to the multiple electrical terminals of the switch connector, and the two or more corresponding snap elements of the second snap unit of the switch adapter are aligned to the multiple contact elements of the switch adapter in a manner that aligns the multiple contact elements of the switch adapter to the multiple electrical terminals of the switch connector.

[0054] In Example 17, the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 16 can optionally include that the switch adapter of the switch assembly can include an alignment structure for aligning the switch adapter of the switch assembly to the switch connector during assembly.

[0055] In Example 18, the subject matter of Example 17 can optionally include that the alignment structure can include two or more alignment pins for aligning with corresponding grooves, or for aligning with a surrounding wall structure surrounding the switch connector.

[0056] In Example 19, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 18 may optionally include: the circuit board may have a flat surface, wherein the plurality of electrical terminals of the switch connector may be oriented vertically away from the flat surface of the circuit board, wherein the switch assembly may be magnetically coupled to the switch connector in a manner so as to be removably stackable onto the switch connector in a direction perpendicular to the flat surface of the circuit board, and wherein a switch adapter of the switch assembly may be located between the switch connector and the switch of the switch assembly in a direction perpendicular to the flat surface of the circuit board.

[0057] Example 20 is a switch assembly for magnetically coupling to a switch connector on a circuit board fixedly mounted to an input device, the switch assembly comprising:

[0058] A switch adapter that interfaces with the switch connector of the circuit board, the switch adapter having:

[0059] a plurality of contact elements on a first side of the switch adapter for engaging with a plurality of electrical terminals of a switch connector of a circuit board; and

[0060] a configuration of electrical components connected to the plurality of contact elements of the switch adapter;

[0061] a switch mounted to the switch adapter, the plurality of leads of the switch being engaged to a configuration of electrical components so as to electrically connect the plurality of leads of the switch to the plurality of contact elements of the switch adapter, wherein the switch is mounted to the switch adapter on a second side of the switch adapter that is opposite to a first side of the switch adapter having the plurality of contact elements; and

[0062] A snap unit is coupled to the switch adapter, the snap unit comprising a magnetic element or a magnetic metal element to cooperate with a corresponding snap unit of the circuit board to magnetically couple the switch assembly to the switch connector via the switch adapter.

[0063] In Example 21, the subject matter of Example 20 can optionally include that the switch can include an optical switch, a mechanical switch, a magnetic switch, a Hall effect switch, a diaphragm switch, a pressure sensitive switch, or a piezoelectric switch.

[0064] In Example 22, the subject matter of Example 21 can optionally include that when the switch is a mechanical switch, the configuration of the electrical components of the switch adapter can include spaced apart conductive strips within the switch adapter extending from a first side of the switch adapter toward a second side of the switch adapter.

[0065] In Example 23, the subject matter of Example 22 can optionally include that each of the plurality of contact elements of the switch adapter can be a first end portion of each conductive strip at a first side of the switch adapter.

[0066] In Example 24, the subject matter of Example 23 can optionally include that each conductive strip can be bent at the second end portion thereof to engage with a corresponding lead of the plurality of leads of the mechanical switch.

[0067] In Example 25, the subject matter of any one of Examples 22 to 24 may optionally include: the switch adapter may include an insulating pad having a plurality of holes, the insulating pad being located on a second side of the switch adapter, wherein the mechanical switch is assembled to the switch adapter in a manner such that it can abut against the insulating pad, and a plurality of leads of the mechanical switch are respectively inserted through the plurality of holes of the insulating pad to respectively engage with the conductive strips.

[0068] In Example 26, the subject matter of Example 21 can optionally include that when the switch is an optical switch, the configuration of the electrical components of the switch adapter can include an intermediate circuit disposed in the switch adapter.

[0069] In Example 27, the subject matter of Example 26 can optionally include that the intervening circuit can include a plurality of contact elements of the switch adapter and one or more connection points to connect to the optical switch.

[0070] In Example 28, the subject matter of Example 27 may optionally include: the intermediate circuit may include a printed circuit board assembly, the printed circuit board assembly having a first printed circuit board and a second printed circuit board in a double-layer configuration and interconnected to each other, wherein the first printed circuit board has a plurality of contact elements and the second printed circuit board has one or more connection points, wherein the first printed circuit board is located at a first side of the switch adapter and the second printed circuit board is located at a second side of the switch adapter.

[0071] In Example 29, the subject matter of Example 28 can optionally include that the switch adapter can include a plastic pin to separate the first printed circuit board from the second printed circuit board.

[0072] In Example 30, the subject matter of Example 29 can optionally include that the optical switch can be mounted to the switch adapter, the optical switch abutting the second printed circuit board of the switch adapter.

[0073] In Example 31, the subject matter of any one of Examples 20 to 30 may optionally include: the snap unit may include an elongated snap element coupled to the switch adapter so that it cooperates with a corresponding elongated snap element of the circuit board to magnetically couple the switch adapter to the switch connector of the circuit board, and an elongated snap element is aligned to multiple contact elements of the switch adapter so that the multiple contact elements of the switch adapter engage with multiple electrical terminals of the switch connector.

[0074] In Example 32, the subject matter of any one of Examples 20 to 30 may optionally include: the snap unit may include two or more snap elements coupled to the switch adapter so that the two or more snap elements cooperate with two or more corresponding snap elements of the circuit board to magnetically couple the switch adapter to the switch connector of the circuit board, and the two or more snap elements are aligned to multiple contact elements of the switch adapter so that the multiple contact elements of the switch adapter engage with multiple electrical terminals of the switch connector.

[0075] In Example 33, the subject matter of any of Examples 20 to 32 may optionally include: the switch adapter of the switch assembly may include an alignment structure at a first side of the switch adapter for aligning the switch adapter of the switch assembly to a switch connector of a circuit board during assembly.

[0076] In Example 34, the subject matter of Example 33 can optionally include that the alignment structure can include two or more alignment pins for aligning with corresponding grooves in the switch connector, or for aligning with a surrounding wall structure surrounding the switch connector.

[0077] Example 35 is a computer mouse, comprising:

[0078] Circuit boards;

[0079] a switch connector fixedly mounted to the circuit board, the switch connector having a plurality of electrical terminals;

[0080] a mouse switch assembly removably magnetically coupled to the switch connector, the mouse switch assembly having a plurality of contact elements that engage a plurality of electrical terminals of the switch connector; and

[0081] A magnetic snap configuration that magnetically couples a mouse switch assembly to a switch connector, the magnetic snap configuration comprising a first snap unit coupled to a circuit board and a second snap unit coupled to the mouse switch assembly, wherein the first snap unit and the second snap unit comprise a pair of co-acting magnetic elements or a co-acting pair of a magnetic metal element and a magnetic element, such that the first snap unit and the second snap unit cooperate with each other to magnetically couple the mouse switch assembly and the switch connector.

[0082] In Example 36, the subject matter of Example 35 can optionally include that each of the plurality of electrical terminals of the switch connector can include a spring pin or a spring-loaded pin.

[0083] In Example 37, the subject matter of Example 35 or 36 may optionally include: the mouse switch assembly may include an optical switch, a mechanical switch, a magnetic switch, a Hall effect switch, a membrane switch, a pressure sensitive switch, or a piezoelectric switch.

[0084] In Example 38, the subject matter of Example 37 can optionally include that the plurality of electrical terminals of the switch connector are configurable in a manner such that the mouse switch assembly is interchangeable between a first mouse switch assembly having an optical switch and a second mouse switch assembly having a mechanical switch.

[0085] In Example 39, the subject matter of any one of Examples 35 to 38 may optionally include that the first snap unit may include one or more snap elements, and the second snap unit includes one or more corresponding snap elements.

[0086] In Example 40, the subject matter of Example 39 may optionally include: the first snap unit may include a slender snap element coupled to the circuit board, and the second snap unit may include a corresponding slender snap element coupled to the mouse switch assembly, wherein, when the slender snap element of the circuit board and the corresponding slender snap element of the mouse switch assembly cooperate to magnetically couple the switch assembly and the switch connector, the slender snap element of the circuit board can be aligned to the corresponding slender snap element of the mouse switch assembly in a manner that aligns multiple contact elements of the mouse switch assembly to multiple electrical terminals of the switch connector.

[0087] In Example 41, the subject matter of Example 39 may optionally include: the first snap unit may include two or more snap elements coupled to the circuit board, and the second snap unit may include two or more corresponding snap elements coupled to the mouse switch assembly, wherein, when the two or more snap elements of the circuit board and the two or more corresponding snap elements of the switch assembly cooperate to magnetically couple the switch assembly and the switch connector, the two or more snap elements of the circuit board may be arranged relative to the multiple electrical terminals of the switch connector, and the two or more corresponding snap elements of the mouse switch assembly may be arranged relative to the multiple contact elements of the mouse switch assembly in a manner that aligns the multiple contact elements of the switch assembly to the multiple electrical terminals of the switch connector.

[0088] In Example 42, the subject matter of any of Examples 35 to 41 can optionally include that the mouse switch assembly can include an alignment structure for aligning the mouse switch assembly to the switch connector during assembly.

[0089] In Example 43, the subject matter of Example 42 can optionally include that the alignment structure can include two or more alignment pins for aligning with corresponding grooves in the switch connector, or for aligning with a surrounding wall structure surrounding the switch connector.

[0090] Figure 1A A schematic assembly view of a computer mouse 100 is shown as an example of an input device according to various embodiments. Figure 1B Display according to various embodiments Figure 1A10; as shown, the computer mouse 100 may include a housing 110. The housing 110 may be an outer shell of the computer mouse 100. Furthermore, the housing 110 may include a cover portion 112 and a base portion 114. The cover portion 112 and the base portion 114 may be two separate parts of the housing 110. The cover portion 112 of the housing 110 may be a top shell cover of the outer shell of the computer mouse 100. The base portion 114 of the housing 110 may be a bottom shell cover of the outer shell of the computer mouse 100. According to various embodiments, when the cover portion 112 and the base portion 114 are assembled together, the housing 110 may define an inner cavity to accommodate or enclose the internal components 104 of the computer mouse 100.

[0091] According to various embodiments, the internal components 104 of the computer mouse 100 may include a circuit board 120. The circuit board 120 may include a printed circuit board or any other suitable electronic circuit. The circuit board 120 may be connected to a processor-based device, such as a computer or a laptop or notebook computer, via the cable 102. According to various embodiments, the internal components 104 of the computer mouse 100 may include a motion detection unit 130. The motion detection unit 130 may include an optical sensor, or a laser sensor, or a tracking ball mechanism, or any other electronic or mechanical component that may be configured to detect the movement of the computer mouse 100. The motion detection unit 130 may be further configured to communicate with the circuit board 120, so that the detected movement of the computer mouse may be transmitted via the circuit board 120 to the processor-based device to which the computer mouse 100 may be connected.

[0092] According to various embodiments, the cover portion 112 of the housing 110 may include one or more buttons 116. The one or more buttons 116 may be configured to interact with the circuit board 120 of the computer mouse 100 for a user to provide input to a processor-based device to which the computer mouse 100 may be connected via clicking the one or more buttons 116 of the computer mouse 100. The one or more buttons 116 may include a click button or a scroll button, or a button, or any combination of suitable buttons. If desired, the one or more buttons 116 may be located at any desired area of ​​the cover portion 112 as desired.

[0093] According to various embodiments, the internal components 104 of the computer mouse 100 may include a switch assembly 140 (or mouse switch assembly) associated with each of the one or more buttons 116. Thus, the internal components 104 of the computer mouse 100 may include one or more switch assemblies 140 corresponding to the one or more buttons 116. According to various embodiments, each of the one or more buttons 116 may respectively interact with the switch assembly 140 to provide an input signal to the circuit board 120 for transmission to the processor-based device.

[0094] According to various embodiments, the circuit board 120 may include a switch connector 122 for each switch assembly 140. Therefore, the circuit board 120 may include one or more switch connectors 122 corresponding to the number of switch assemblies 140. According to various embodiments, the switch connector 122 may be fixedly mounted to the circuit board 120. Therefore, the switch connector 122 may be firmly attached or reliably fastened or permanently bonded to the circuit board 120. According to various embodiments, each switch assembly 140 may be detachably coupled to the corresponding switch connector 122 of the circuit board 120. According to various embodiments, the circuit board 120 may include a flat surface 121. Therefore, the switch connector 122 may be fixedly mounted to the flat surface 121 of the circuit board 120.

[0095] According to various embodiments, the switch assembly 140 may be magnetically coupled to the switch connector 122 of the circuit board 120 in a detachable manner. Thus, the switch assembly 140 and the switch connector 122 may be held or engaged or connected together via a magnetic attraction or force. Thus, the switch assembly 140 and the switch connector 122 may be magnetically attracted to each other in a manner that allows the switch assembly 140 and the switch connector 122 to be held or maintained engaged with each other. Furthermore, the switch assembly 140 and the switch connector 122 may be separated or removed from each other via applying a pulling force to overcome the magnetic attraction or force, thereby pulling the switch assembly 140 and the switch connector 122 apart. Thus, the switch assembly 140 and the switch connector 122 may be removed from each other via applying a pulling force greater than the magnetic force.

[0096] According to various embodiments, the base portion 114 of the housing 110 may include a substantially flat section 115. When the computer mouse 100 is placed on a tracking surface, the substantially flat section 115 of the base portion 114 of the housing 110 may be parallel to the tracking surface on which the computer mouse 100 is placed. Thus, the computer mouse 100 may be placed with the substantially flat section 115 of the base portion 114 of the housing 110 substantially flat against or substantially parallel to a mouse pad, a desk, or any other suitable tracking surface on which a computer mouse may be used. According to various embodiments, the circuit board 120 of the computer mouse 100 may be arranged or positioned or mounted within the housing 110 in a manner parallel to the substantially flat section 115 of the base portion 114 of the housing 110. Thus, the flat surface 121 of the circuit board 120 may be parallel to the substantially flat section 115 of the base portion 114 of the housing 110.

[0097] According to various embodiments, the base portion 114 of the housing 110 may include a window 118. The window 118 may be an opening or a transparent portion of the base portion 114. Thus, the window 118 may allow the motion detection unit 130 to detect relative movement between the computer mouse 100 and a tracking surface on which the computer mouse 100 may be placed and moved.

[0098] Figure 1C A schematic top view of a switch connector 122 of a circuit board 120 of a computer mouse 100 is shown in accordance with various embodiments. Figure 1D A schematic bottom view of the switch assembly 140 of the computer mouse 100 is shown in accordance with various embodiments.

[0099] According to various embodiments, the switch connector 122 may include a plurality of electrical terminals 124. The plurality of electrical terminals 124 may be used as endpoints of the electronic network of the circuit board 120. Therefore, a connection may be made to the electronic network of the circuit board 120 via the plurality of electrical terminals 124. According to various embodiments, for example, the plurality of electrical terminals 124 may include, but are not limited to, one or a combination of a voltage supply terminal, a voltage reference (or ground) terminal, or a switch state signal terminal. According to various embodiments, the plurality of electrical terminals 124 may be used as points at which the switch assembly 140 establishes an electrical connection with the circuit board 120. According to various embodiments, the switch state signal terminal may receive a binary signal or an analog signal.

[0100] According to various embodiments, the plurality of electrical terminals 124 may be disposed or located at the top surface 126 of the switch connector 122. The top surface 126 of the switch connector 122 may be oriented away from the planar surface 121 of the circuit board 120 or in a direction pointing away from the planar surface 121 of the circuit board 120. Thus, the plurality of electrical terminals 124 may be oriented vertically away from the planar surface 121 of the circuit board 120. Thus, during installation, the switch assembly 140 may be brought toward the switch connector 122 along a path perpendicular to the planar surface 121 of the circuit board 120 to connect the switch assembly 140 to the switch connector 122. According to various embodiments, as an example, the plurality of electrical terminals 124 may be arranged in a straight line along the top surface 126 of the switch connector 122. According to various embodiments, the plurality of electrical terminals 124 may be arranged on the top surface 126 of the switch connector 122 in any suitable pattern. According to various embodiments, each of the plurality of electrical terminals 124 of the switch connector 122 may include, but is not limited to, a spring pin or a spring-loaded pin or a contact pad or a pin or a plug or a jack or a socket.

[0101] According to various embodiments, the switch assembly 140 may include a plurality of contact elements 144. The plurality of contact elements 144 may serve as endpoints for conductors from the switch assembly 140 to reach the end. Thus, the plurality of contact elements 144 may be an electrical interface of the switch assembly 140 for connecting the switch assembly 140 to the electronic network of the circuit board 120. According to various embodiments, for example, the plurality of contact elements 144 may include, but are not limited to, one or a combination of voltage supply contacts, voltage reference (or ground) contacts, or switch state signal contacts. According to various embodiments, the switch state signal contacts may transmit binary signals or analog signals. According to various embodiments, the plurality of contact elements 144 of the switch assembly 140 may be respectively engaged or connected or mated or engaged to the plurality of electrical terminals 124 of the switch connector 122 to establish an electrical connection with the circuit board 120. According to various embodiments, each of the plurality of contact elements 144 of the switch assembly 140 may be a corresponding electrical terminal 124 of the switch connector 122 opposite to each other. Thus, each of the plurality of contact elements 144 of the switch assembly 140 may include, but is not limited to, a pogo pin or a spring-loaded pin or a contact pad or a pin or a plug or a receptacle or a socket.

[0102] According to various embodiments, the plurality of contact elements 144 may be disposed or positioned at the bottom surface 146 (or bottom face) of the switch assembly 140. Thus, the plurality of contact elements 144 may be oriented in a direction protruding outward from the bottom surface 146 of the switch assembly 140. According to various embodiments, the switch assembly 140 may be coupled to the switch connector 122, wherein the bottom surface 146 of the switch assembly 140 and the top surface 126 of the switch connector 122 are oriented toward each other or face each other or abut each other. Thus, the switch assembly 140 may be coupled to the switch connector 122 in such a manner that the plurality of contact elements 144 of the switch assembly 140 and the plurality of electrical terminals 124 of the switch connector 122 may be oriented toward each other to engage with each other in order to establish an electrical connection between the switch assembly 140 and the circuit board 120. According to various embodiments, the plurality of contact elements 144 of the switch assembly 140 may be arranged in a pattern at the bottom surface 146, which corresponds to the pattern of the plurality of electrical terminals 124 of the switch connector 122. For example, when the plurality of electrical terminals 124 are arranged in a straight line along the top surface 126 of the switch connector 122, the plurality of contact elements 144 of the switch assembly 140 may also be arranged in a corresponding straight line row along the bottom surface 146 of the switch assembly 140. In other words, when facing (or opposite) each other, the configuration of the plurality of contact elements 144 of the switch assembly 140 and the configuration of the plurality of electrical terminals 124 of the switch connector 122 may be mirror reflections of each other.

[0103] According to various embodiments, the internal component 104 of the computer mouse 100 may include a magnetic snap configuration 150. According to various embodiments, the magnetic snap configuration 150 may magnetically couple the switch assembly 140 to the switch connector 122. According to various embodiments, the magnetic snap configuration 150 may include a first snap unit 152 coupled to the circuit board 120. According to various embodiments, the first snap unit 152 may be adjacent or immediately adjacent or close to or near the switch connector 122. Therefore, the first snap unit 152 and the switch connector 122 may not necessarily contact each other and may have a small gap or space between them. According to various embodiments, the first snap unit 152 may be located on the same flat surface 121 of the circuit board 120 as the switch connector 122, or may be located on an opposite surface of the circuit board 120.

[0104] According to various embodiments, the magnetic snap arrangement 150 may include a second snap unit 154 coupled to the switch assembly 140. According to various embodiments, the second snap unit 154 may be co-located at the bottom surface 146 of the switch assembly 140 together with the plurality of contact elements 144 of the switch assembly 140. According to various embodiments, the second snap unit 154 may be adjacent or proximate or close to the plurality of contact elements 144 of the switch assembly 140. Therefore, the second snap unit 154 and the plurality of contacts 144 may not necessarily contact each other and may have a small gap or space between them. According to various embodiments, when the second snap unit 154 and the first snap unit 152 cooperate or attract each other to magnetically couple the switch assembly 140 and the switch connector 122, the second snap unit 154 and the plurality of contact elements 144 of the switch assembly 140 may be configured in a manner that corresponds to the configuration of the plurality of electrical terminals 124 of the switch connector 122 and the first snap unit 152 so that the plurality of contact elements 144 of the switch assembly 140 and the plurality of electrical terminals 124 of the switch connector 122 may engage with each other. Thus, the second snap unit 154 and the plurality of contact elements 144 of the switch assembly 140 may be configured to mirror the configuration of the plurality of electrical terminals 124 of the switch connector and the first snap unit 152.

[0105] According to various embodiments, the first snap unit 152 and the second snap unit 154 of the magnetic snap configuration 150 may include a pair of co-acting magnetic elements. Therefore, the first snap unit 152 may include a first magnetic element and the second snap unit 154 may include a second magnetic element, wherein the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element may act together to attract each other. For example, when the switch assembly 140 is aligned with the switch connector 122 of the circuit board 120, one side of the first magnetic element of the first snap unit 152 and one side of the second magnetic element of the second snap unit 154 may be opposite poles relative to each other, so that the first magnetic element of the first snap unit 152 and the second magnetic element of the second snap unit 154 can be pulled toward each other to magnetically couple the switch assembly 140 and the switch connector 122.

[0106] According to various embodiments, the first snap unit 152 and the second snap unit 154 may include a co-acting pair of a magnetic metal element and a magnetic element. Thus, the first snap unit 152 may include a magnetic metal element and the second snap unit 154 may include a magnetic element, or vice versa. Thus, when the switch assembly 140 is aligned with the switch connector 122 of the circuit board 120, the magnetic metal element and the magnetic element may co-act to attract each other. Thus, due to the attractive force between the magnetic metal element and the magnetic element, the first snap unit 152 and the second snap unit 154 may be pulled toward each other so as to magnetically couple the switch assembly 140 and the switch connector 122.

[0107] According to various embodiments, the first snap unit 152 of the magnetic snap configuration 150 may include one or more snap elements, and the second snap unit 154 of the magnetic snap configuration 150 may include one or more corresponding snap elements. According to various embodiments, the first snap unit 152 of the magnetic snap configuration 150 may include one or more magnetic snap elements, and the second snap unit 154 of the magnetic snap configuration 150 may include one or more corresponding magnetic snap elements. According to various embodiments, the first snap unit 152 of the magnetic snap configuration 150 may include one or more magnetic metal snap elements, and the second snap unit 154 of the magnetic snap configuration 150 may include one or more corresponding magnetic metal snap elements. According to various embodiments, the first snap unit 152 of the magnetic snap configuration 150 may include one or more magnetic snap elements, and the second snap unit 154 of the magnetic snap configuration 150 may include one or more corresponding magnetic metal snap elements.

[0108] According to various embodiments, for example, Figure 1C As shown, the first snap unit 152 of the magnetic snap arrangement 150 may include an elongated snap element coupled to the circuit board 120. According to various embodiments, for example, Figure 1DAs shown, the second snap unit 154 of the magnetic snap arrangement 150 may include a corresponding elongated snap element coupled to the switch assembly 140. According to various embodiments, when the elongated snap element of the first snap unit 152 of the circuit board 120 and the corresponding elongated snap element of the second snap unit 154 of the switch assembly cooperate to magnetically couple the switch assembly and the switch connector, the elongated snap element of the first snap unit 152 of the circuit board 120 may be aligned to the corresponding elongated snap element of the second snap unit 154 of the switch assembly in a manner that aligns the plurality of contact elements 144 of the switch assembly to the plurality of electrical terminals 124 of the switch connector 122.

[0109] According to various embodiments, one elongated snap element of the first snap unit 152 may be arranged relative to the plurality of electrical terminals 124 of the switch connector 122, and a corresponding elongated snap element of the second snap unit 154 may be arranged relative to the plurality of contact elements 144 of the switch assembly 140, in such a manner that when the switch assembly 140 is aligned with the switch connector 122 to align one elongated snap element of the first snap unit 152 and a corresponding elongated snap element of the second snap unit 154, the plurality of electrical terminals 124 of the switch connector 122 and the plurality of contact elements 144 of the switch assembly 140 may be aligned, so that magnetically coupling the switch assembly 140 to the switch connector 122 may engage the plurality of contact elements 144 of the switch assembly 140 and the plurality of electrical terminals 124 of the switch connector 122. According to various embodiments, when the switch assembly 140 and the switch connector 122 are magnetically coupled, a slender snap element of the first snap unit 152 and a corresponding slender snap element of the second snap unit 154 can be respectively set or configured so that a slender snap element of the first snap unit 152 and a corresponding slender snap element of the second snap unit 154 can work together to attract and align each other so as to align the multiple electrical terminals 124 of the switch connector 122 and the multiple contact elements 144 of the switch assembly 140.

[0110] According to various embodiments, for example, Figure 3A and Figure 4A As shown, the first snap unit 152 may include two or more snap elements coupled to the circuit board 120 (see, for example, Figure 3A The snap-fit ​​elements 352a, 352b and Figure 4A 452a, 452b), and the second buckle unit 154 may include two or more corresponding buckle elements coupled to the switch assembly 140 (see, for example Figure 3C The snap-fit ​​elements 354a, 354b and Figure 4CAccording to various embodiments, when two or more snap elements of the first snap unit 152 of the circuit board 120 and two or more corresponding snap elements of the second snap unit 154 of the switch assembly 140 cooperate to magnetically couple the switch assembly 140 and the switch connector 122, the two or more snap elements of the first snap unit 152 of the circuit board 120 may be arranged relative to the multiple electrical terminals 124 of the switch connector, and the two or more corresponding snap elements of the second snap unit 154 of the switch assembly 140 may be arranged relative to the multiple contact elements 144 of the switch connector 122 in a manner that aligns the multiple contact elements 144 of the switch assembly 140 to the multiple electrical terminals 124 of the switch connector 122.

[0111] According to various embodiments, two or more snap elements of the first snap unit 152 may be set relative to the multiple electrical terminals 124 of the switch connector 122, and two or more corresponding snap elements of the second snap unit 154 may be set relative to the multiple contact elements 144 of the switch assembly 140, in such a manner that when the switch assembly 140 is aligned with the switch connector 122 to align the two or more snap elements of the first snap unit 152 and the two or more corresponding snap elements of the second snap unit 154, the multiple electrical terminals 124 of the switch connector 122 and the multiple contact elements 144 of the switch assembly 140 can be aligned so that the connector magnetically coupling the switch assembly 140 to the switch connector 122 can engage the multiple contact elements 144 of the switch assembly 140 and the multiple electrical terminals 124 of the switch connector 122. According to various embodiments, when the switch assembly 140 and the switch connector 122 are magnetically coupled, two or more snap elements of the first snap unit 152 and two or more corresponding snap elements of the second snap unit 154 may be respectively arranged or configured so that the two or more snap elements of the first snap unit 152 and the two or more corresponding snap elements of the second snap unit 154 may cooperate to attract and align each other so as to align the multiple electrical terminals 124 of the switch connector 122 and the multiple contact elements 144 of the switch assembly 140.

[0112] According to various embodiments, the switch assembly 140 may include, but is not limited to, an optical switch (see, e.g. Figure 4A 248b) or a mechanical switch (see e.g. Figure 3A248a) or a magnetic switch, or a Hall effect switch, or a membrane switch, or a pressure sensitive switch, or a piezoelectric switch. According to various embodiments, the different types of switches (e.g., at least between an optical switch and a mechanical switch) differ in that they provide different tactile click sensations and characteristics for one or more keys 116. According to various embodiments, since the switch assembly 140 is magnetically coupled to the switch connector 122 in a detachable manner, the switch assembly 140 of the computer mouse 100 can be in a first switch assembly (see, e.g., Figure 3A 140a) and a second switch assembly (see for example Figure 4A According to various embodiments, the plurality of electrical terminals 124 of the switch connector 122 may be configured or arranged in such a manner that the switch assembly 140 magnetically coupled to the switch connector 122 may be swapped or interchanged between a first switch assembly that includes (at least) a first type of switch (e.g., a mechanical switch) and a second switch assembly that includes a second type of switch (e.g., an optical switch). According to various embodiments, each type of switch may have a plurality of leads (e.g., see Figure 3B 349 in). Depending on the type of switch, the plurality of leads may include, but are not limited to, a voltage supply lead, a voltage reference lead, or a switch state signal lead. For example, the switch may include all three leads or may include only a switch state signal lead and a voltage supply lead, or a voltage reference lead. According to various embodiments, the switch state signal lead may send a binary signal when the switch is a binary switch, or send an analog signal when the switch is an analog switch to indicate the state of the switch. According to various embodiments, when the switch assembly 140 is magnetically coupled to the switch connector 122, the plurality of leads of the switches of the switch assembly 140 may be connected to the plurality of contact elements 144 of the switch assembly 140 so as to be connected to the plurality of electrical terminals 124 of the switch connector 122.

[0113] According to various embodiments, the switch assembly 140 may include an alignment structure (see, for example, Figure 5C580 in the figure) for aligning the switch assembly 140 to the switch connector 122 during assembly. According to various embodiments, the alignment structure can be used as a guide for aligning the switch assembly 140 and the switch connector 122, so that the first snap unit 152 and the second snap unit 154 can be aligned to work together to pull the switch assembly 140 and the switch connector 122 together, and the multiple electrical terminals 124 of the switch connector 122 and the multiple contact elements 144 of the switch assembly 140 can be aligned so as to be able to engage with each other when the switch assembly 140 and the switch connector 122 are magnetically coupled together. According to various embodiments, the alignment structure of the switch assembly 140 may include two or more alignment pins for aligning with corresponding grooves in the switch connector 122. According to various embodiments, the alignment structure of the switch assembly 140 may include a surrounding wall structure (see, for example, FIG. 14) that surrounds the switch connector 122. Figure 5C 580 in ).

[0114] Figure 2 A front portion of a computer mouse 200 is shown as an example of an input device according to various embodiments, with the cover portion 112 of the housing 110 removed. According to various embodiments, the computer mouse 200 is provided to illustrate Figure 1A and Figure 1B Thus, the computer mouse 200 includes Figure 1A and Figure 1B All features and limitations of the computer mouse 100 are disclosed herein, and the same reference symbols are used hereinafter to represent the same / common parts.

[0115] According to various embodiments, a computer mouse 200 as an example of an input device may include a circuit board 120 having a flat surface 121. According to various embodiments, a computer mouse 200 as an example of an input device may include a switch connector 122 fixedly mounted to the circuit board 120 (see, e.g., Figure 3A and Figure 4A ). A computer mouse 200 as an example of an input device may include a switch assembly 140 that is magnetically coupled to the circuit board 120 in a detachable manner. Figure 2 As shown (reference Figure 3A and Figure 4A ), the switch assembly 140 can be stacked on the switch connector 122 in a direction perpendicular to the flat surface 121 of the circuit board 120.

[0116] According to various embodiments, Figure 2As shown, the switch assembly 140 may include a switch adapter 242 that interfaces with the switch connector 122 and a switch 248 that is mounted to the switch adapter 242. According to various embodiments, the switch assembly 140 may be magnetically coupled to the switch connector 122, wherein the switch adapter 242 is between the switch connector 122 and the switch 248 along a direction perpendicular to the planar surface 121 of the circuit board 120. Therefore, when the switch assembly 140 is magnetically coupled to the switch connector 122, the configuration of the switch assembly 140 and the switch connector 122 relative to the direction perpendicular to the planar surface 121 of the circuit board 120 may be that the switch connector 122 is at the bottom, the switch adapter 242 is in the middle, and the switch 248 is at the top.

[0117] According to various embodiments, the switch assembly 140 may be a first switch assembly 140a (see, for example, Figure 3A ) or the second switch assembly 140b (see e.g. Figure 4A ). According to various embodiments, the first switch assembly 140a is different from the second switch assembly 140b in that the first switch assembly 140a may include a mechanical switch 248a and a first switch adapter 242a for the mechanical switch 248a, while the second switch assembly 140b may include an optical switch 248b and a second switch adapter 242b for the optical switch 248b. According to various embodiments, since the switch assembly 140 is magnetically coupled to the switch connector 122 of the circuit board 120 in a detachable manner, the switch assembly 140 may be swapped or interchanged between (at least) the first switch assembly 140a and the second switch assembly 140a. According to various embodiments, the plurality of electrical terminals 124 of the switch connector 122 may be configured or arranged in a manner that enables swapping or interchangeability between the first switch assembly 140a and the second switch assembly 140b. Therefore, the user may swap or interchange between the first switch assembly 140a and the second switch assembly 140b to connect to the switch connector 122 of the circuit board 120 of the computer mouse 200 according to the desired tactile feel and usage requirements.

[0118] According to various embodiments, Figure 2 , the circuit board 120 of the computer mouse 200 is shown as a separate board from the main circuit board 220a of the computer mouse 200. According to various embodiments, the circuit board 120 that can accommodate the switch assembly 140 can be separated from the main circuit board 220a of the computer mouse 200 or can also be integrated into the main circuit board as a single continuous monolithic circuit board. According to various embodiments, when the circuit board 120 and the main circuit board 220a are separated, as shown in FIG. Figure 2As shown, the circuit board 120 and the main circuit board 220a can be connected via various connection methods, including (but not limited to) a board-to-board (BTB or B2B) connector, a flat flexible connector (FFC), or a spring and welding wire connection. According to various embodiments, when the circuit board 120 and the main circuit board 220a are separated, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, the circuit board 120 may include fasteners, including but not limited to rivets, snaps, or at least one screw to punch the circuit board 120 to the base portion 114 of the housing 110 .

[0119] Figure 3A Display according to various embodiments Figure 2 A computer mouse 200 having a first switch assembly 140a of a mechanical switch 248a, wherein a portion of a circuit board 120 is cut away to show a switch connector having a plurality of electrical terminals 124. According to various embodiments, the plurality of electrical terminals 124 may be oriented vertically away from a planar surface 121 of the circuit board 120. Thus, the switch assembly 140 may then be stacked or assembled to the plurality of electrical terminals 124 of the switch connector 122 in a direction perpendicular to the planar surface 121 of the circuit board 120. According to various embodiments, when the plurality of electrical terminals 124 include spring pins or spring-loaded pins, the plunger portion of the spring pins or spring-loaded pins may protrude away from the planar surface 121 of the circuit board 120, and the spring-loading direction of the spring pins or spring-loaded pins may be perpendicular to the planar surface 121 of the circuit board 120. According to various embodiments, when the plurality of electrical terminals 124 include pins, the pins may protrude vertically away from the planar surface 121 of the circuit board 120. According to various embodiments, when the plurality of electrical terminals 124 include contact pads, the contact pads may face in a direction vertically away from the planar surface 121 of the circuit board 120 .

[0120] Figure 3B Display according to various embodiments Figure 3A FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the first switch assembly 140 a. Figure 3C A perspective top view of the first switch adapter 242a of the first switch assembly 140a is shown in accordance with various embodiments. Figure 3D A perspective bottom view of the first switch adapter 242a of the first switch assembly 140a is shown in accordance with various embodiments.

[0121] According to various embodiments, the first switch adapter 242a of the first switch assembly 140a may include a first adapter body 390. The first adapter body 390 may serve as a structure to hold the multiple parts of the first switch adapter 242a, or the first adapter body 390 may serve as a structure to which the multiple parts of the first switch adapter 242a can be assembled. Therefore, the first switch adapter 242a can be implemented by giving the first switch adapter 242a its physical form by the first adapter body 390. According to various embodiments, the first switch adapter 242a of the first switch assembly 140a may include a plurality of contact elements 144 (see, for example, FIG. 1 ) on the first side 343 of the first switch adapter 242a. Figure 3D ). Thus, the plurality of contact elements 144 may be on the first side 343 of the first adapter body 390 of the first switch adapter 242a. According to various embodiments, when the first switch assembly 140a is magnetically coupled to the switch connector 122, the first side 343 of the first switch adapter 242a may be oriented toward the switch connector 122.

[0122] According to various embodiments, the first switch adapter 242a of the first switch assembly 140a may include a configuration of an electrical element 360 connected to a plurality of contact elements 144 of the first switch adapter 242a. According to various embodiments, in the first switch assembly 140a having the mechanical switch 248a, the configuration of the electrical element 360 of the first switch adapter 242a may include spaced apart conductive strips 362. According to various embodiments, the conductive strips 362 may be spaced apart laterally. According to various embodiments, the conductive strips 362 may be mounted inside the first switch adapter 242a. Thus, the conductive strips 362 may be inserted into the first adapter body 390 of the first switch adapter 242a. According to various embodiments, when the first switch assembly 140a is magnetically coupled to the switch connector 122, the conductive strips 362 may extend from the switch connector 122 to the mechanical switch 248a in a vertical direction inside the first switch adapter 242a. Therefore, the conductive strip 362 may extend inside the first switch adapter 242a and extend vertically from the first side 343 of the first switch adapter 242a toward the second side 345 of the first switch adapter 242a, wherein the first side 343 and the second side 345 are on opposite sides of the first switch adapter 242a. For example, the first side 343 of the first switch adapter 242a may be the bottom of the first adapter body 390, and the second side 345 of the first switch adapter 242a may be the top of the first adapter body 390.

[0123] According to various embodiments, the first switch adapter 242a may include one conductive strip 362 for each of the plurality of contact elements 144. Thus, the first switch adapter 242a may include a corresponding number of conductive strips 362 for the plurality of contact elements 144. For example, the first switch adapter 242a may include three contact elements 144 and three conductive strips 362.

[0124] According to various embodiments, each of the plurality of contact elements 144 of the first switch adapter 242a may be a first end of each conductive strip 362 at the first side 343 of the first switch adapter 242a. When the first switch assembly 140a is magnetically coupled to the switch connector 122, the first end of each conductive strip 362 at the first side 343 of the first switch adapter 242a may be oriented toward the switch connector 122. Thus, each of the plurality of contact elements 144 of the first switch adapter 242a and the corresponding conductive strip 362 may be a continuous monolithic structure or a single integral structure. According to various embodiments, the second end of each conductive strip 362 may be within the first switch adapter 242a and may be oriented toward the second side 345 of the first switch adapter 242a. According to various embodiments, the first ends of the plurality of contact elements 144 or the conductive strips 362 may be exposed through the first side 343 of the first switch adapter 242a.

[0125] According to various embodiments, the mechanical switch 248a may include a plurality of leads 349. According to various embodiments, each of the plurality of leads 349 of the mechanical switch 248a may include a length of wire or a needle. According to various embodiments, the plurality of leads 349 of the mechanical switch 248a may engage with the configuration of the electrical element 360. Thus, the plurality of leads 349 of the mechanical switch 248a may be electrically connected to the plurality of contact elements 144 of the first switch adapter 242a via the configuration of the electrical element 360 in the form of the conductive strip 362. According to various embodiments, the mechanical switch 248a may be assembled to the first switch adapter 242a, wherein the plurality of leads 349 are inserted through the second side 345 of the first switch adapter 242a. Thus, the plurality of leads 349 of the mechanical switch 248a may respectively engage or contact the second end of the conductive strip 362 so as to be respectively connected to the plurality of contact elements 144, which are the first end of the conductive strip 362.

[0126] According to various embodiments, the second end of each conductive strip 362 of the first switch adapter 242a may be bent at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction of the conductive strip 362. Therefore, as the conductive strip 362 is bent at its second end, when the mechanical switch 248a is assembled to the second side 345 of the first switch adapter 242a, the plurality of leads 349 of the mechanical switch 248a may engage or contact the second end of the conductive strip 362. According to various embodiments, bending the second end of the conductive strip 362 of the first switch adapter 242a may enhance the engagement or contact between the plurality of leads 349 of the mechanical switch 248a and the second end of the conductive strip 362.

[0127] According to various embodiments, the first switch adapter 242a may include an insulating pad 347. According to various embodiments, the insulating pad 347 may include a plurality of holes 347a. According to various embodiments, the insulating pad 347 may be at the second side 345 of the first switch adapter 242a. Thus, the insulating pad 347 may be at a side of the first switch adapter 242a opposite to the plurality of contact elements 144 of the first switch adapter 242a. Thus, the insulating pad 347 may be at the second side 345 of the first adapter body 390 of the first switch adapter 242a. According to various embodiments, the insulating pad 347 may be oriented perpendicular to a direction extending from the first side 343 of the first switch adapter 242a to the second side 345 of the first switch adapter 242a. According to various embodiments, the plurality of holes 347a may correspond to the conductive strips 362 or the plurality of contact elements 144 of the first switch adapter 242a. Thus, the number of holes 347a in the insulating pad 347 may correspond to the number of conductive strips 362 or the number of contact elements 144. Furthermore, the positions of the plurality of holes 347 a may be aligned with the conductive strips 362 or the plurality of contact elements 144 , respectively.

[0128] According to various embodiments, the mechanical switch 248a can be mounted to the first switch adapter 242a in a manner such that it can abut against the insulating pad 347, and the plurality of leads 349 of the mechanical switch are respectively inserted through the plurality of holes 347a of the insulating pad 347 to respectively engage with the conductive strips 362 inside the first switch adapter 242a. Therefore, the mechanical switch 248a can be mounted to the second side of the first switch adapter 242a.

[0129] According to various embodiments, the first switch adapter 242a may include the second snap unit 154 of the magnetic snap configuration 150. Therefore, the second snap unit 154 of the magnetic snap configuration 150 may be coupled to the first switch adapter 242a. Therefore, the first switch assembly 140a may be magnetically coupled to the switch connector 122 of the circuit board 120 via the second snap unit 154 at the first switch adapter 242a. According to various embodiments, the second snap unit 154 may be located at the first side 343 of the first switch adapter 242a so that the first switch assembly 140a may be magnetically coupled to the switch connector 122 of the circuit board 120, wherein the first side 343 of the first switch adapter 242a is oriented toward the switch connector 122 of the circuit board 120. Therefore, the second snap unit 154 of the magnetic snap configuration 150 may be coupled to the first side 343 of the first adapter body 390 of the first switch adapter 242a.

[0130] According to various embodiments, the first adapter body 390 of the first switch adapter 242a can be an elongated shape, including (but not limited to) a rectangular, oblong, oval, flat oval, or a racetrack shape. According to various embodiments, the plurality of contact elements 144 of the first switch adapter 242a can be longitudinally aligned at the first side 343 of the first switch adapter 242a. According to various embodiments, the second snap unit 154 can include two snap elements 354a, 354b. The two snap elements 354a, 354b can be respectively disposed or located at the two longitudinal ends of the first side 343 of the first switch adapter 242a.

[0131] According to various embodiments, the first snap unit 152 of the magnetic snap configuration 150 may be located at the circuit board 120. According to various embodiments, when the second snap unit 154 includes two snap elements 354a, 354b, the first snap unit 152 may include two corresponding snap elements 352a, 352b. According to various embodiments, when the plurality of contact elements 144 of the first switch adapter 242a are arranged in a single row, the plurality of electrical terminals 124 of the switch connector 122 of the circuit board 120 may also be arranged to correspond to the plurality of contact elements 144 of the first switch adapter 242a. Therefore, the two corresponding snap elements 352a, 352b of the first snap unit 152 may be aligned to the plurality of electrical terminals 124 of the switch connector 122. For example, according to various embodiments, the two corresponding snap elements 352a, 352b of the first snap unit 152 may be arranged at both ends of a row of the plurality of electrical terminals 124 of the switch connector 122, respectively. According to various embodiments, the two corresponding snap elements 352 a , 352 b of the first snap unit 152 may be placed in a snap housing 392 below the circuit board 120 .

[0132] According to various embodiments, the snap housing 392 may extend vertically from the base portion of the housing 110 in an upward direction toward the circuit board 120. Therefore, the snap housing 392 may protrude upright from the base portion 114 of the housing 110. According to various embodiments, the snap housing 392 may be configured such that, when the two corresponding snap elements 352a, 352b of the first snap unit 152 are placed in the snap housing 392, the two corresponding snap elements 352a, 352b of the first snap unit 152 may abut against the underside of the circuit board 120 so as to be located at the circuit board 120. Therefore, the two corresponding snap elements 352a, 352b of the first snap unit 152 may be held by the snap housing 392 in such a manner that the two corresponding snap elements 352a, 352b of the first snap unit 152 may be located under the circuit board 120.

[0133] According to various embodiments, as an example, a plurality of electrical terminals 124 in the form of spring pins or spring-loaded pins may also be held by the snap housing 392. Thus, the spring pins or spring-loaded pins may extend upright from the snap housing 392 and penetrate the circuit board 120 to protrude vertically away from the flat surface 121 of the circuit board 120. Figure 3A As shown, there may be three electrical terminals 124. According to various embodiments, the plurality of electrical terminals 124 may include two or three or four or five or six or more electrical terminals 124.

[0134] Figure 4A Display according to various embodiments Figure 2 The computer mouse 200 having the second switch assembly 140 b of the optical switch 248 b, wherein a portion of the circuit board 120 is cut away to reveal the switch connector 122 having the plurality of electrical terminals 124 . Figure 4B Display according to various embodiments Figure 4A 140b is an exploded view of the second switch assembly 140b. Figure 4C A perspective top view of the second switch adapter 142b of the second switch assembly 140b is shown in accordance with various embodiments. Figure 4D A perspective bottom view of the second switch adapter 242b is shown in accordance with various embodiments.

[0135] According to various embodiments, the second switch adapter 242b of the second switch assembly 140b may (similar to FIG. 3A to FIG. 3DThe first switch adapter 242a of the first switch assembly 140a includes a second adapter body 490. The second adapter body 490 can be used as a structure to hold the multiple parts of the second switch adapter 242b, or the second adapter body 490 can be used as a structure to which the multiple parts of the second switch adapter 242b can be assembled. Therefore, the second switch adapter 242b can be implemented by giving the second switch adapter 242b its physical form by the second adapter body 490. According to various embodiments, the second switch adapter 242b of the second switch assembly 140b can be (similar to FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D The first switch adapter 242a of the first switch assembly 140a includes a plurality of contact elements 144 (see, for example, Figure 4D ). Thus, the plurality of contact elements 144 may be on the first side 443 of the second adapter body 490 of the second switch adapter 242b. According to various embodiments, when the second switch assembly 140b is magnetically coupled to the switch connector 122, the first side 443 of the second switch adapter 242b may be oriented toward the switch connector 122.

[0136] According to various embodiments, the second switch adapter 242b of the second switch assembly 240b may include a configuration of electrical components 460 connected to the plurality of contact elements 144 of the second switch adapter 242b. According to various embodiments, in the second switch assembly 240b having the optical switch 248b, the configuration of the electrical components 460 of the second switch adapter 242b may include an intermediate circuit 462 disposed in the second switch adapter 242b. According to various embodiments, the intermediate circuit 462 may include, but is not limited to, a circuit board, a circuit panel, or a printed circuit board.

[0137] According to various embodiments, the intermediate circuit 462 may include a plurality of contact elements 144 of the second switch adapter 242b. Thus, the plurality of contact elements 144 of the second switch adapter 242b may be on a circuit board, a circuit panel, or a printed circuit board. According to various embodiments, the intermediate circuit 462 may also include one or more connection points 441 for connecting to the optical switch 248b. Thus, the one or more connection points 441 of the second switch adapter 242b may be on a circuit board, a circuit panel, or a printed circuit board. In addition, the optical switch 248b may be connected to the intermediate circuit 462 of the second switch assembly 240b via the one or more connection points 441. According to various embodiments, the plurality of contact elements 144 of the intermediate circuit 462 may be electrically connected to the one or more connection points 441 of the intermediate circuit 462. Thus, when the optical switch 248b is assembled to the second switch adapter 242b, the leads of the optical switch 248b may be joined to one or more connection points 441 of the second switch adapter 242b, which may then electrically connect the multiple leads of the optical switch 248b to the multiple contact elements 144 of the second switch adapter 242b.

[0138] According to various embodiments, the intermediate circuit 462 may include an infrared (IR) component and / or a photothermal radiation (PTR) component for the optical switch 248b. According to various other embodiments, the optical switch 248b may have an infrared (IR) component and / or a photothermal radiation (PTR) component built in.

[0139] According to various embodiments, the intermediate circuit 462 may include a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA). According to various embodiments, the printed circuit board assembly may include a first printed circuit board 462a and a second printed circuit board 462b in a double-layer configuration. Therefore, the first printed circuit board 462a and the second printed circuit board 462b may be parallel to each other. The first printed circuit board 462a may be at a first side 443 of the second adapter body 490 of the second switch adapter 242b, and the second printed circuit board may be at a second side 445 of the second adapter body 490 of the second switch adapter 242b. The first side 443 and the second side 445 may be opposite sides of the second switch adapter 242b. For example, the first side 443 of the second switch adapter 242b may be the bottom of the second adapter body 490, and the second side 445 of the second switch adapter 242b may be the top of the second adapter body 490.

[0140] According to various embodiments, the first printed circuit board 462a and the second printed circuit board 462b may be interconnected to each other. Therefore, the first printed circuit board 462a and the second printed circuit board 462b may be electrically connected to each other. According to various embodiments, the first printed circuit board 462a may include a plurality of contact elements 144. Therefore, the plurality of contact elements 144 may be contact pads on the first printed circuit board 462a. According to various embodiments, the second printed circuit board 462b may include one or more connection points 441. Therefore, the one or more connection points may be contact pads on the second printed circuit board 462b. According to various embodiments, the first printed circuit board 462a and the second printed circuit board 462b may be configured in a manner such that the plurality of contact elements 144 and the one or more connection points 441 may be oriented away from each other. Therefore, the plurality of contact elements 144 and the one or more connection points 441 may face in opposite directions away from each other.

[0141] According to various embodiments, the second switch adapter 242b may include one or more plastic pins 470 to hold the first printed circuit board 462a and the second printed circuit board 462b apart. According to various embodiments, the one or more plastic pins 470 may be an internal part of the second adapter body 490 of the second switch adapter 242b. According to various embodiments, each of the one or more plastic pins 470 may hold the first printed circuit board 462a and the second printed circuit board 462b, respectively, at different points along the length of the plastic pin. According to various embodiments, the one or more plastic pins 470 may hold the first printed circuit board 462a at the first side 443 of the second switch adapter 242b and hold the second printed circuit board 462b at the second side 445 of the second switch adapter 242b.

[0142] According to various embodiments, the second switch adapter 242b may (similar to the first switch adapter 242a) include a second snap unit 154 of the magnetic snap configuration 150. Therefore, the second snap unit 154 of the magnetic snap configuration 150 may be coupled to the second switch adapter 242b. Therefore, the second switch assembly 140b may be magnetically coupled to the switch connector 122 of the circuit board 120 via the second snap unit 154 at the second switch adapter 242b. According to various embodiments, the second snap unit 154 may be at a first side 443 of the second switch adapter 242b, so that the second switch assembly 140b may be magnetically coupled to the switch connector 122 of the circuit board 120, wherein the first side 443 of the second switch adapter 242b is oriented toward the switch connector 122 of the circuit board 120. Therefore, the second snap unit 154 of the magnetic snap configuration 150 may be coupled to the first side 443 of the second adapter body 490 of the second switch adapter 242b.

[0143] According to various embodiments, the second switch adapter 242b can be an elongated shape, including (but not limited to) a rectangular, oblong, oval, flat oval or racetrack shape. According to various embodiments, the plurality of contact elements 144 of the second switch adapter 242b can be longitudinally aligned. According to various embodiments, the second snap unit 154 can include two snap elements 454a, 454b. The two snap elements 454a, 454b can be respectively disposed or located at the two longitudinal ends of the second switch adapter 242b.

[0144] According to various embodiments, when the second snap unit 154 includes two snap elements 454a, 454b, the first snap unit 152 of the magnetic snap arrangement 150 at the circuit board 120 may include two corresponding snap elements 452a, 452b. According to various embodiments, when the plurality of contact elements 144 of the second switch adapter 242b are arranged in a single row, the plurality of electrical terminals 124 of the switch connector 122 of the circuit board 120 may also be arranged to correspond to the plurality of contact elements 144 of the second switch adapter 242b. Therefore, the two corresponding snap elements 452a, 452b of the first snap unit 152 may be aligned to the plurality of electrical terminals 124 of the switch connector 122. For example, according to various embodiments, the two corresponding snap elements 452a, 452b of the first snap unit 152 may be arranged at both ends of a row of the plurality of electrical terminals 124 of the switch connector 122, respectively. According to various embodiments, two corresponding snap elements 452 a , 452 b of the first snap unit 152 may be placed in a snap housing 492 below the circuit board 120 .

[0145] According to various embodiments, the snap housing 492 may extend vertically from the base portion 114 of the housing 110 in an upward direction toward the circuit board 120. Therefore, the snap housing 492 may protrude upright from the base portion 114 of the housing 110. According to various embodiments, the snap housing 492 may be configured such that, when the two corresponding snap elements 452a, 452b of the first snap unit 152 are placed in the snap housing 492, the two corresponding snap elements 452a, 452b of the first snap unit 152 may abut against the underside of the circuit board 120 so as to be located at the circuit board 120. Therefore, the two corresponding snap elements 452a, 452b of the first snap unit 152 may be held by the snap housing 492 in such a manner that the two corresponding snap elements 452a, 452b of the first snap unit 152 may be located under the circuit board 120.

[0146] According to various embodiments, as an example, a plurality of electrical terminals 124 in the form of spring pins or spring-loaded pins may also be held by the snap housing 492. Thus, the spring pins or spring-loaded pins may extend upright from the snap housing 492 and penetrate the circuit board 120 to protrude vertically away from the flat surface 121 of the circuit board 120. Figure 4A As shown, there may be three electrical terminals 124. According to various embodiments, the plurality of electrical terminals 124 may include two or three or four or five or six or more electrical terminals 124.

[0147] Figure 5A A portion of the internal components 104 of a computer mouse 500 without the housing 110 is shown as an example of an input device according to various embodiments. The computer mouse 500 is provided to illustrate the Figure 1A and Figure 1B Thus, the computer mouse 500 includes Figure 1A and Figure 1B All features and limitations of the computer mouse 100 are disclosed herein, and the same reference symbols are used hereinafter to represent the same / common parts. Figure 5B Display according to various embodiments Figure 5A A computer mouse 500 having a variation of a second switch assembly 540 b having an optical switch for coupling to a switch connector 122 having a plurality of electrical terminals 124 , the switch connector 122 being located on a circuit board 120 . Figure 5C Display according to various embodiments Figure 5B 1 is an exploded view of the second switch assembly 540b.

[0148] According to various embodiments, a computer mouse 500 as an example of an input device may include a circuit board 120 having a flat surface 121. According to various embodiments, a computer mouse 500 as an example of an input device may include a switch connector 122 fixedly mounted to the circuit board 120. The computer mouse 500 as an example of an input device may include a second switch assembly 540b magnetically coupled to the switch connector 122 in a detachable manner. Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, the second switch assembly 540 b may be stacked onto the switch connector 122 in a direction perpendicular to the planar surface 121 of the circuit board 120 .

[0149] According to various embodiments, Figure 5A and Figure 5BAs shown, the second switch assembly 540b may include a second switch adapter 542b that interfaces with the switch connector 122 and an optical switch 248b assembled to the second switch adapter 542b. According to various embodiments, the second switch assembly 540b may be magnetically coupled to the switch connector 122 in a direction perpendicular to the flat surface 121 of the circuit board 120, wherein the second switch adapter 542b is located between the switch connector 122 and the optical switch 248b. Therefore, when the second switch assembly 540b is magnetically coupled to the switch connector 122, the configuration of the second switch assembly 540b and the switch connector 122 relative to the direction perpendicular to the flat surface 121 of the circuit board 120 may be such that the switch connector 122 is at the bottom, the second switch adapter 542b is in the middle, and the optical switch 248b is at the top.

[0150] According to various embodiments, since the second switch assembly 540b is magnetically coupled to the switch connector 122 of the circuit board 120 in a detachable manner, the second switch assembly 540b can be similar to Figures 2 to 4D The switch connector 122 may be configured or arranged in a manner that enables the first switch assembly 140a and the second switch assembly 140b to be swapped or interchanged with the first switch assembly (not shown). According to various embodiments, the plurality of electrical terminals 124 of the switch connector 122 may be configured or arranged in a manner that enables the swapping or interchangeability between the first switch assembly and the second switch assembly 540b. Therefore, according to the desired tactile click feeling and usage requirements, the user may swap or interchange between the first switch assembly and the second switch assembly 540b to connect to the switch connector 122 of the circuit board 120 of the computer mouse 500.

[0151] According to various embodiments, the second switch adapter 542b of the second switch assembly 540b is connected to FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C The second switch adapter 242b of the second switch assembly 240b is different in that the second switch adapter 542b of the second switch assembly 540b may include an enclosure 580 surrounding an adapter body 590 of the second switch adapter 542b of the second switch assembly 540b. The adapter body 590 can be used as a structure to hold multiple parts of the second switch adapter 542b, or the adapter body 590 can be used as a structure to which multiple parts of the second switch adapter 542b can be assembled. Therefore, the second switch adapter 542b can be implemented by giving the second switch adapter 542b its physical form by the adapter body 590. According to various embodiments, the adapter body 590 of the second switch adapter 542b can be similar to Figures 4 to 5. Figure 4C The second switch adapter 242b of the second switch assembly 240b is assembled or includes a plurality of contact elements 144, an arrangement of electrical elements 460 and one or more connection points 441.

[0152] According to various embodiments, the enclosure wall structure of the enclosure 580 of the second switch adapter 542b of the second switch assembly 540b can be used as an alignment structure. Therefore, the enclosure 580 can be used as a guide to align the second switch assembly 540b and the switch connector 122, so that the plurality of electrical terminals 124 of the switch connector 122 and the plurality of contact elements 144 of the second switch assembly 540b can be aligned so as to be able to engage with each other when the second switch assembly 540b and the switch connector 122 are magnetically coupled together.

[0153] According to various embodiments, the second switch adapter 542b of the second switch assembly 540b is connected to FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C A further difference of the second switch adapter 242b of the second switch assembly 240b is that the second snap unit 154 of the second switch adapter 542b of the second switch assembly 540b may include an elongated snap element 554a. The elongated snap element 554a may be longitudinally disposed or longitudinally aligned relative to the second switch adapter 542b.

[0154] According to various embodiments, when the second snap unit 154 includes an elongated snap element 554a, the first snap unit 152 of the magnetic snap arrangement 150 at the circuit board 120 may include a corresponding elongated snap element 552a. According to various embodiments, the plurality of electrical terminals 124 of the switch connector 122 of the circuit board 120 may be arranged in a row to correspond to the plurality of contact elements 144 of the second switch adapter 542b. Therefore, the corresponding elongated snap element 552a of the first snap unit 152 may be aligned longitudinally or parallel to the plurality of electrical terminals 124 of the switch connector 122. For example, according to various embodiments, the corresponding elongated snap element 552a of the first snap unit 152 may be arranged below the circuit board 120 along the row of the plurality of electrical terminals 124 of the switch connector 122.

[0155] Various embodiments have provided an input device or computer mouse that allows a user to customize the mouse click feel of a mouse button by swapping or interchanging switch assemblies based on usage requirements. Various embodiments have also provided a switch assembly that a user can use to swap or interchange in an input device or computer mouse.

[0156] Although the present invention has been specifically shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, forms and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is indicated by the appended claims, and therefore it is intended to include all changes within the equivalent meaning and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An input device, comprising: Circuit boards; a switch connector fixedly mounted to the circuit board, the switch connector having a plurality of electrical terminals; A switch assembly is detachably magnetically coupled to the switch connector, the switch assembly comprising: A switch adapter interfaced with the switch connector, the switch adapter having: a plurality of contact elements engaging the plurality of electrical terminals of the switch connector, and an arrangement of electrical components connected to a plurality of contact elements of the switch adapter, and a switch mounted to the switch adapter, the plurality of leads of the switch being bonded to the configuration of the electrical component so as to electrically connect the plurality of leads of the switch to the plurality of contact elements of the switch adapter, wherein the switch assembly is magnetically coupled to the switch connector, and the switch adapter is located between the switch connector and the switch, Wherein, the switch is a mechanical switch or an optical switch, Wherein, when the switch is a mechanical switch, the configuration of the electrical components of the switch adapter includes spaced apart conductive strips extending in a vertical direction from the switch connector to the mechanical switch within the switch adapter, Wherein, when the switch is an optical switch, the configuration of the electrical components of the switch adapter includes an intermediate circuit disposed in the switch adapter; and A magnetic snap-fit ​​configuration for magnetically coupling the switch assembly to the switch connector, the magnetic snap-fit ​​configuration comprising a first snap-fit ​​unit coupled to the circuit board and a second snap-fit ​​unit coupled to the switch adapter, wherein the first snap-fit ​​unit and the second snap-fit ​​unit comprise a pair of co-acting magnetic elements or a co-acting pair of a magnetic metal element and a magnetic element, so that the first snap-fit ​​unit and the second snap-fit ​​unit cooperate with each other to magnetically couple the switch assembly and the switch connector.

2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of electrical terminals of the switch connector includes a pogo pin or a spring-loaded pin.

3. The input device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of contact elements of the switch adapter is a first end portion of each of the conductive strips oriented toward the switch connector.

4. The input device as claimed in claim 3, wherein: Each of the conductive strips is bent at a second end portion thereof so as to engage with a corresponding lead among a plurality of leads of the mechanical switch.

5. The input device according to claim 1, wherein: The switch adapter includes an insulating pad having a plurality of holes, the insulating pad being located on a side of the switch adapter opposite to the plurality of contact elements of the switch adapter, wherein the mechanical switch is assembled to the switch adapter in a manner such that it can abut against the insulating pad, and a plurality of leads of the mechanical switch are respectively inserted through the plurality of holes of the insulating pad to respectively engage with the conductive strips.

6. The input device according to claim 1, wherein: The intermediate circuit includes a plurality of contact elements of the switch adapter and one or more connection points to connect to the optical switch.

7. The input device as claimed in claim 6, wherein: The intermediate circuit includes a printed circuit board assembly having a first printed circuit board and a second printed circuit board in a double-layer configuration and interconnected to each other, wherein the first printed circuit board has the plurality of contact elements and the second printed circuit board has the one or more connection points, wherein the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board are configured in such a manner that the plurality of contact elements and the one or more connection points are oriented away from each other.

8. The input device as claimed in claim 7, wherein: The switch adapter includes one or more plastic pins to separate the first printed circuit board from the second printed circuit board.

9. The input device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The switch assembly is magnetically coupled to the switch connector, the plurality of contact elements of the first printed circuit board of the switch adapter are in contact with the plurality of electrical terminals of the switch connector, and the optical switch abuts against the second printed circuit board of the switch adapter.

10. The input device according to claim 1, wherein: The first snap-in unit comprises one or more snap-in elements, and the second snap-in unit comprises one or more corresponding snap-in elements.

11. The input device according to claim 10, wherein: The first snap unit includes an elongated snap element coupled to the circuit board, and the second snap unit includes a corresponding elongated snap element coupled to the switch adapter, wherein, when the elongated snap element of the circuit board and the corresponding elongated snap element of the switch adapter cooperate to magnetically couple the switch adapter and the switch connector, the elongated snap element of the first snap unit of the circuit board is aligned to the corresponding elongated snap element of the second snap unit of the switch adapter in such a manner that multiple contact elements of the switch adapter are aligned to multiple electrical terminals of the switch connector.

12. The input device according to claim 10, wherein: The first snap unit includes two or more snap elements coupled to the circuit board, and the second snap unit includes two or more corresponding snap elements coupled to the switch adapter, wherein, when the two or more snap elements of the first snap unit of the circuit board and the two or more corresponding snap elements of the second snap unit of the switch adapter cooperate to magnetically couple the switch adapter and the switch connector, the two or more snap elements of the first snap unit of the circuit board are arranged relative to the multiple electrical terminals of the switch connector, and the two or more corresponding snap elements of the second snap unit of the switch adapter are aligned to the multiple contact elements of the switch adapter in such a manner that the multiple contact elements of the switch adapter are aligned to the multiple electrical terminals of the switch connector.

13. The input device according to claim 1, wherein: The switch adapter of the switch assembly includes an alignment structure for aligning the switch adapter of the switch assembly to the switch connector during assembly.

14. The input device according to claim 13, wherein: The alignment structure includes two or more alignment pins for aligning with corresponding grooves, or for aligning with a surrounding wall structure surrounding the switch connector.

15. The input device according to claim 1, in, The circuit board has a flat surface, wherein the plurality of electrical terminals of the switch connector are oriented vertically away from the flat surface of the circuit board, wherein the switch assembly is magnetically coupled to the switch connector in such a manner that it can be detachably stacked onto the switch connector in a direction perpendicular to the planar surface of the circuit board, The switch adapter of the switch assembly is located between the switch connector and the switch of the switch assembly along a direction perpendicular to the flat surface of the circuit board.

16. A switch assembly for magnetically coupling to a switch connector on a circuit board fixedly mounted to an input device, the switch assembly comprising: A switch adapter that interfaces with a switch connector of the circuit board, the switch adapter having: a plurality of contact elements on a first side of the switch adapter for engaging a plurality of electrical terminals of a switch connector of the circuit board, and a configuration of electrical components connected to a plurality of contact elements of the switch adapter; a switch mounted to the switch adapter, the plurality of leads of the switch being engaged to the configuration of the electrical element so as to electrically connect the plurality of leads of the switch to the plurality of contact elements of the switch adapter, wherein the switch is mounted to the switch adapter on a second side of the switch adapter that is opposite to a first side of the switch adapter having the plurality of contact elements; and a snap unit coupled to the switch adapter, the snap unit comprising a magnetic element or a magnetic metal element to cooperate with a corresponding snap unit of the circuit board to magnetically couple the switch assembly to the switch connector via the switch adapter, Wherein, the switch is a mechanical switch or an optical switch, Wherein, when the switch is a mechanical switch, the configuration of the electrical components of the switch adapter includes spaced apart conductive strips extending within the switch adapter from a first side of the switch adapter toward a second side of the switch adapter, Wherein, when the switch is an optical switch, the configuration of the electrical components of the switch adapter includes an intermediate circuit arranged in the switch adapter.

17. The switch assembly of claim 16, wherein: Each of the plurality of contact elements of the switch adapter is a first end portion of each of the conductive strips at a first side of the switch adapter.

18. The switch assembly of claim 17, wherein: Each of the conductive strips is bent at a second end portion thereof so as to engage with a corresponding lead among a plurality of leads of the mechanical switch.

19. The switch assembly of claim 16, wherein: The switch adapter includes an insulating pad having a plurality of holes, the insulating pad being located on a second side of the switch adapter, wherein the mechanical switch is assembled to the switch adapter in a manner such that it can abut against the insulating pad, and a plurality of leads of the mechanical switch are respectively inserted through the plurality of holes of the insulating pad to respectively engage with the conductive strips.

20. The switch assembly of claim 16, wherein: The intermediate circuit includes a plurality of contact elements of the switch adapter and one or more connection points to connect to the optical switch.

21. The switch assembly of claim 20, wherein: The intermediate circuit includes a printed circuit board assembly having a first printed circuit board and a second printed circuit board in a double-layer configuration and interconnected with each other, wherein the first printed circuit board has the plurality of contact elements and the second printed circuit board has the one or more connection points, wherein the first printed circuit board is located at a first side of the switch adapter and the second printed circuit board is located at a second side of the switch adapter.

22. The switch assembly of claim 21, wherein: The switch adapter includes plastic pins to separate the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board.

23. The switch assembly of claim 22, wherein: The optical switch is mounted to the switch adapter, the optical switch abutting against a second printed circuit board of the switch adapter.

24. The switch assembly of claim 16, wherein: The snap-on unit includes an elongated snap-on element coupled to the switch adapter so as to cooperate with a corresponding elongated snap-on element of the circuit board to magnetically couple the switch adapter to a switch connector of the circuit board, wherein the elongated snap-on element is aligned to a plurality of contact elements of the switch adapter so that the plurality of contact elements of the switch adapter engage with a plurality of electrical terminals of the switch connector.

25. The switch assembly of claim 16, wherein: The snap-on unit includes two or more snap-on elements coupled to the switch adapter so as to cooperate with two or more corresponding snap-on elements of the circuit board to magnetically couple the switch adapter to a switch connector of the circuit board, wherein the two or more snap-on elements are aligned to a plurality of contact elements of the switch adapter so that the plurality of contact elements of the switch adapter engage with a plurality of electrical terminals of the switch connector.

26. The switch assembly of claim 16, wherein: The switch adapter of the switch assembly includes an alignment structure at a first side of the switch adapter for aligning the switch adapter of the switch assembly to the switch connector of the circuit board during assembly.

27. The switch assembly of claim 26, wherein: The alignment structure includes two or more alignment pins for aligning with corresponding grooves in the switch connector, or for aligning with a surrounding wall structure surrounding the switch connector.

28. A computer mouse comprising: Circuit boards; a switch connector fixedly mounted to the circuit board, the switch connector having a plurality of electrical terminals; A mouse switch assembly is detachably magnetically coupled to the switch connector, the mouse switch assembly having: A switch adapter interfaced with the switch connector, the switch adapter having: a plurality of contact elements engaging the plurality of electrical terminals of the switch connector, and an arrangement of electrical components connected to a plurality of contact elements of the switch adapter, and a switch mounted to the switch adapter, the plurality of leads of the switch being engaged to the configuration of the electrical element so as to electrically connect the plurality of leads of the switch to the plurality of contact elements of the switch adapter; A magnetic snap configuration to magnetically couple the mouse switch assembly to the switch connector, the magnetic snap configuration comprising a first snap unit coupled to the circuit board and a second snap unit coupled to the mouse switch assembly, wherein the first snap unit and the second snap unit comprise a pair of cooperating magnetic elements or a cooperating pair of a magnetic metal element and a magnetic element, such that the first snap unit and the second snap unit cooperate with each other to magnetically couple the mouse switch assembly and the switch connector, Wherein, the switch is a mechanical switch or an optical switch, Wherein, when the switch is a mechanical switch, the configuration of the electrical components of the switch adapter includes spaced apart conductive strips extending in a vertical direction from the switch connector to the mechanical switch within the switch adapter, Wherein, when the switch is an optical switch, the configuration of the electrical components of the switch adapter includes an intermediate circuit arranged in the switch adapter.

29. The computer mouse of claim 28, wherein: Each of the plurality of electrical terminals of the switch connector includes a pogo pin or a spring-loaded pin.

30. The computer mouse of claim 28, wherein: The plurality of electrical terminals of the switch connector are configured in a manner such that the mouse switch assembly is interchangeable between a first mouse switch assembly having the optical switch and a second mouse switch assembly having the mechanical switch.

31. The computer mouse of claim 28, wherein: The first snap-in unit comprises one or more snap-in elements, and the second snap-in unit comprises one or more corresponding snap-in elements.

32. The computer mouse of claim 31, wherein: The first snap unit includes an elongated snap element coupled to the circuit board, and the second snap unit includes a corresponding elongated snap element coupled to the mouse switch assembly, wherein, when the elongated snap element of the circuit board and the corresponding elongated snap element of the mouse switch assembly cooperate to magnetically couple the switch assembly and the switch connector, the elongated snap element of the circuit board is aligned to the corresponding elongated snap element of the mouse switch assembly in a manner that aligns multiple contact elements of the mouse switch assembly to multiple electrical terminals of the switch connector.

33. The computer mouse of claim 31, wherein: The first snap unit includes two or more snap elements coupled to the circuit board, and the second snap unit includes two or more corresponding snap elements coupled to the mouse switch assembly, wherein, when the two or more snap elements of the circuit board and the two or more corresponding snap elements of the switch assembly cooperate to magnetically couple the switch assembly and the switch connector, the two or more snap elements of the circuit board are arranged relative to the multiple electrical terminals of the switch connector, and the two or more corresponding snap elements of the mouse switch assembly are arranged relative to the multiple contact elements of the mouse switch assembly in a manner that aligns the multiple contact elements of the switch assembly to the multiple electrical terminals of the switch connector.

34. The computer mouse of claim 28, wherein: The mouse switch assembly includes an alignment structure for aligning the mouse switch assembly to the switch connector during assembly.

35. The computer mouse of claim 34, wherein: The alignment structure includes two or more alignment pins for aligning with corresponding grooves in the switch connector, or for aligning with a surrounding wall structure surrounding the switch connector.

Images