Touchpad device

Abstract

A touchpad device includes a substrate, a touch module, a first balance bar and a second balance bar. The substrate includes an upper surface. The touch module is disposed above the upper surface of the substrate, the touch module includes a touch panel, a circuit board and a mounting plate, the touch panel includes an inner surface facing the substrate, the mounting plate is fixedly stacked on the inner surface, the mounting plate includes a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface faces the inner surface and is provided with a receiving groove, the bottom surface faces the upper surface and has a first side edge and a second side edge opposite to each other, and the circuit board is accommodated in the receiving groove. The first balance bar is connected between the first side edge and the substrate, and the second balance bar is connected between the second side edge and the substrate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an input device, and more particularly to a touchpad device. Background Technology

[0002] A touchpad is a widely used input device for computers, used to sense the movement or pressure of a user's fingers to control cursor movements (such as controlling cursor displacement or selection).

[0003] The known touchpad structure has a touchpad and a substrate. The touchpad has a pivot side and is pivotally fixed to the substrate. When the part of the touchpad away from the pivot side is pressed, the touchpad can swing down relative to the substrate with the pivot side as the axis to generate a corresponding signal.

[0004] However, users do not always press the part of the touchpad away from the pivot side when operating it. Therefore, when the user presses the pivot side of the touchpad or the area or corner near the pivot side, the touchpad cannot be lowered smoothly and cannot generate the corresponding signal, causing operational inconvenience and affecting the feel of operation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above, in one embodiment, a touch panel device is provided, including a substrate, a touch module, a first balance bar, and a second balance bar. The substrate includes an upper surface. The touch module is disposed above the upper surface of the substrate and includes a touch panel, a circuit board, and a connecting plate. The touch panel includes an inner surface facing the substrate. The connecting plate is stacked and fixed on the inner surface and includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface faces the inner surface and has a receiving groove, and the bottom surface faces the upper surface and has a first side and a second side opposite to each other. The circuit board is received in the receiving groove. The first balance bar is connected between the first side and the substrate, and the second balance bar is connected between the second side and the substrate.

[0006] In summary, the touchpad device according to the embodiments of the present invention, by housing the circuit board of the touch module within the receiving groove of the assembly plate, can reduce the overall thickness of the touch module, achieving a thinner touchpad device. Furthermore, by connecting the first and second balance rods to the first and second sides of the assembly plate respectively, meaning the assembly plate is not pivotally fixed to one side of the substrate, pressure on any part of the touch module (e.g., any corner or edge of the touch module) is reduced evenly via the first and second balance rods, providing a good pressing feel. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is an application diagram of an embodiment of the touchpad device of the present invention;

[0008] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the touchpad device of the present invention;

[0009] Figure 3 This is another exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the touchpad device of the present invention;

[0010] Figure 4 This is a top view of an embodiment of the touchpad device of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A partial sectional view along line segment 5-5;

[0012] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A partial sectional view along line segment 6-6;

[0013] Figure 7 This is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the touchpad device of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 8 This is a partial bottom-view perspective view of an embodiment of the touchpad device of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the balancing component of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 10 This is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the balancing component of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 11 This is a bottom view of an embodiment of the touchpad device of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the touchpad device of the present invention.

[0019] [Symbol Explanation]

[0020] N: Notebook computer

[0021] 1: Touchpad device

[0022] 10:Substrate

[0023] 101: First trigger

[0024] 11: Upper surface

[0025] 12: Through hole

[0026] 13: First limiting component

[0027] 131: Vertical board

[0028] 132: Hook board

[0029] 14: Component insertion hole

[0030] 15: Lower surface

[0031] 16, 16': Support component

[0032] 161,161': Hole

[0033] 17: Second limiting component

[0034] 18, 18': Support component

[0035] 20: Touch module

[0036] 21: Touch panel

[0037] 211: Inner surface

[0038] 23: Circuit Board

[0039] 231: Surface

[0040] 232: Second trigger

[0041] 25: Connector Board

[0042] 251: Top surface

[0043] 252: Receiving groove

[0044] 253: Clearance slot

[0045] 254: Hollow hole

[0046] 255: Bottom

[0047] 256: First side

[0048] 257: Second side

[0049] 258: Third side

[0050] 259: Fourth side

[0051] 26: Motherboard

[0052] 27: Frame

[0053] 271: First Longest Trench

[0054] 272: First lateral opening

[0055] 273: First side trench

[0056] 275: Second longest trench

[0057] 276: Second lateral opening

[0058] 277: Second side groove

[0059] 30: First stabilizer bar

[0060] 31: First pivot

[0061] 35: First side rod

[0062] 40: Second stabilizer bar

[0063] 41: Second pivot

[0064] 45: Second side rod

[0065] 50: Balancing Components

[0066] 51: Third stabilizer bar

[0067] 52: Third pivot

[0068] 53: Third side bar

[0069] 55: Reinforcing plate

[0070] 551: Assembly side

[0071] 552: Connecting side

[0072] 553: Connector

[0073] 554: Convex Rib

[0074] 555: Surface

[0075] 56, 57: Reinforcing components

[0076] 60, 65: Reinforcing members

[0077] 70: Balancing Components

[0078] 71: Fourth Balance Bar

[0079] 72: Fourth pivot

[0080] 73: Fourth side pole

[0081] 75: Reinforcing plate Detailed Implementation

[0082] It should be noted that in the descriptions of the various embodiments, the terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" are used to describe different elements, and these elements are not limited by such predicates. Furthermore, for ease of explanation and clarity, the thickness or dimensions of the elements in the drawings are exaggerated, omitted, or approximated for the understanding and reading of those skilled in the art. The dimensions of each element are not exactly their actual dimensions and are not intended to limit the implementation of the invention; therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in proportions, or adjustments to size, without affecting the effects and objectives achieved by the invention, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this invention. The same reference numerals will be used to denote the same or similar elements in all the drawings.

[0083] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the touchpad device of the present invention. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the touchpad device of the present invention. Figure 3 This is another exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the touchpad device of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the touchpad device 1 of this embodiment can be applied to various computer products. Users can operate the touchpad device 1 by sliding or pressing their fingers to control the movement of the cursor or generate corresponding control signals. For example, in this embodiment, the touchpad device 1 is applied to a laptop computer N. However, this is not a limitation. In other embodiments, the touchpad device 1 can also be applied to other portable computers (e.g., tablet computers). Alternatively, the touchpad device 1 can also be a standalone device connected externally to a portable computer; this embodiment is not limited in this respect.

[0084] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the touchpad device 1 includes a substrate 10, a touch module 20, a first balance bar 30, and a second balance bar 40. The substrate 10 can be a rigid plate made of metal (such as iron, aluminum, or alloy) or plastic. The substrate 10 has an upper surface 11, and the touch module 20, the first balance bar 30, and the second balance bar 40 are all disposed above the upper surface 11.

[0085] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the touch module 20 includes a touch panel 21, a circuit board 23, and an assembly board 25. The touch panel 21 can be a plate made of glass or polyester resin (mylar) for users to touch or press. The touch panel 21 includes an inner surface 211 facing the substrate 10. The assembly board 25 is stacked and fixed on the inner surface 211. For example, the assembly board 25 and the inner surface 211 can be bonded by adhesive, chemical adhesive (e.g., UV-curable adhesive) or physical adhesive (e.g., thermosetting adhesive or thermoplastic adhesive).

[0086] Figure 4 This is a top view of an embodiment of the touchpad device of the present invention. Figure 5 for Figure 4 A partial sectional view along line segment 5-5. Figure 6 for Figure 4 A partial sectional view along line segment 6-6. (e.g.) Figures 2 to 6 As shown, the assembly board 25 includes a top surface 251 and a bottom surface 255. The top surface 251 faces the inner surface 211 of the touch panel 21 and is provided with a receiving groove 252, while the bottom surface 255 faces the upper surface 11 of the substrate 10. The shape of the receiving groove 252 of the assembly board 25 can correspond to the shape of the circuit board 23. For example, in this embodiment, both the receiving groove 252 and the circuit board 23 are rectangular, and the circuit board 23 is housed inside the receiving groove 252. In some embodiments, the surface of the circuit board 23 adjacent to the touch panel 21 can be located on the same plane as the top surface 251 of the assembly board 25. The circuit board 23 and the assembly board 25 can be fixed to the inner surface 211 of the touch panel 21, respectively. For example, the surfaces of the circuit board 23, the assembly board 25, and the touch panel 21 that are adjacent to each other can be bonded by means of adhesive, chemical adhesive (e.g., UV-curable adhesive), or physical adhesive (e.g., thermosetting adhesive or thermoplastic adhesive).

[0087] In some embodiments, the circuit board 23 may be a general circuit board (PCB), a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), or a rigid-flex PCB, etc., and the circuit board 23 may generate functions such as scrolling, zooming in, zooming out, or opening windows in response to the user's finger sliding or gestures on the touch panel 21. Alternatively, the circuit board 23 may generate functions such as selecting or displaying a function menu in response to the user's finger pressing, clicking, or double-clicking on the touch panel 21.

[0088] like Figures 2 to 6As shown, in this embodiment, the assembly board 25 includes a main board 26 and a ring frame 27 connected around the main board 26. Circuit boards 23 are stacked and abut against the main board 26. The thickness of the ring frame 27 is greater than the thickness of the main board 26, causing the ring frame 27 to protrude around the main board 26, thus forming the aforementioned receiving groove 252 between the ring frame 27 and the main board 26. Furthermore, the ring frame 27 of the assembly board 25 surrounds the circuit board 23. For example, the ring frame 27 can directly abut against the circuit board 23 to enhance the stability of their connection, or a slight gap can be maintained between the ring frame 27 and the circuit board 23.

[0089] like Figures 2 to 6 As shown, a first trigger 101 is provided on the substrate 10. Here, the first trigger 101 is located at the center of the substrate 10. The circuit board 23 has a surface 231 facing the substrate 10, and the surface 231 has a second trigger 232 corresponding to the first trigger 101. The connecting plate 25 is provided with a cutout hole 254 corresponding to the second trigger 232. The cutout hole 254 allows the first trigger 101 and the second trigger 232 to contact each other without being blocked by the connecting plate 25.

[0090] In some embodiments, one of the first trigger 101 and the second trigger 232 may be a push-button switch, a micro switch, or a resilient reset member. For example, the resilient reset member may be an elastic body such as a rubber dome, a metal dome, a plastic dome, a spring, or a sheet, so that the touch module 20 is positioned at a height and maintains a distance from the substrate 10. Thus, when the touch module 20 is pressed and descends relative to the substrate 10, the first trigger 101 and the second trigger 232 can press against each other to generate a signal. Furthermore, when the touch module 20 is released, the touch module 20 can rise back to the aforementioned height position by the elastic force accumulated by the first trigger 101 or the second trigger 232.

[0091] like Figures 2 to 6 As shown, the bottom surface 255 of the connecting plate 25 has a first side 256 and a second side 257 facing each other, and a third side 258 and a fourth side 259 facing each other. The first side 256, the second side 257, the third side 258, and the fourth side 259 are connected to each other and surround the circumference of the bottom surface 255. In this embodiment, the touch panel 21, the circuit board 23, and the connecting plate 25 are all rectangular. The first side 256 and the second side 257 constituting the connecting plate 25 have the same length, and the third side 258 and the fourth side 259 have the same length. The length of the first side 256 is greater than the length of the third side 258. In some embodiments, the touch panel 21, the circuit board 23, and the connecting plate 25 may also be other shapes (e.g., square, elliptical, or trapezoidal), which is not limited thereto.

[0092] like Figures 2 to 6 As shown, the first balance bar 30 is connected between the first side 256 and the substrate 10, and the second balance bar 40 is connected between the second side 257 and the substrate 10. In this embodiment, the first balance bar 30 includes a first rotating shaft 31 and two first side bars 35 respectively connected to both ends of the first rotating shaft 31. Each first side bar 35 is perpendicular to the first rotating shaft 31. The first rotating shaft 31 is arranged along the first side 256 and pivotally connected to the ring frame 27 of the assembly plate 25, so that the first rotating shaft 31 can rotate relative to the assembly plate 25. The two first side bars 35 are respectively movably connected to the substrate 10.

[0093] like Figures 2 to 6 As shown, the substrate 10 is provided with two first limiting members 13, and two first side rods 35 are slidably connected to the two first limiting members 13. For example, in this embodiment, each first limiting member 13 is a hook seat that is integrally bent upward from the substrate 10 (here it is an L-shaped hook seat, but it can also be a hook seat of other shapes such as U-shaped or T-shaped). The end of each first side rod 35 passes through each first limiting member 13 and can slide relative to each first limiting member 13.

[0094] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the diameter of the second balance bar 40 can be equal to the diameter of the first balance bar 30. The second balance bar 40 includes a second rotating shaft 41 and two second side bars 45 respectively connected to both ends of the second rotating shaft 41. Each second side bar 45 is perpendicular to the second rotating shaft 41. The second rotating shaft 41 is arranged along the second side 257 and pivotally connected to the ring frame 27 of the assembly plate 25, so that the second rotating shaft 41 can rotate relative to the assembly plate 25. The two second side bars 45 are respectively movably connected to the base plate 10.

[0095] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the substrate 10 is provided with two second limiting members 17, and two second side rods 45 are slidably connected to the two second limiting members 17. For example, in this embodiment, each second limiting member 17 is a hook seat that is integrally bent upward from the substrate 10 (here it is an L-shaped hook seat, but it can also be a hook seat of other shapes such as U-shaped or T-shaped). The end of each second side rod 45 passes through each second limiting member 17 and can slide relative to each second limiting member 17.

[0096] In this embodiment of the invention, the circuit board 23 of the touch module 20 is housed in the receiving groove 252 of the assembly plate 25, that is, the circuit board 23 is embedded in the assembly plate 25 instead of being stacked layer by layer, so that the overall thickness of the touch module 20 can be further reduced (that is, at least the thickness of the circuit board 23 is reduced), thus achieving the effect of making the touch panel device 1 thinner.

[0097] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the invention, the first balance bar 30 and the second balance bar 40 are respectively connected to the first side 256 and the second side 257 of the assembly plate 25. That is, the assembly plate 25 is not pivotally fixed to one side of the substrate 10. When any part of the touch module 20 (e.g., each corner or edge of the touch plate) is pressed, the first pivot 31 of the first balance bar 30 and the second pivot 41 of the second balance bar 40 can rotate relative to the assembly plate 25. The first side bars 35 of the first balance bar 30 and the second side bars 45 of the second balance bar 40 slide relative to the substrate 10. The action of the first balance bar 30 and the second balance bar 40 causes the touch module 20 to smoothly descend towards the substrate 10 with an average force, thereby providing a good pressing feel.

[0098] like Figures 2 to 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the ring frame 27 of the assembly plate 25 is provided with a first long groove 271 and a second long groove 275. The first long groove 271 and the second long groove 275 are recessed into the bottom surface 255 of the assembly plate 25 and are respectively arranged along the first side 256 and the second side 257. The first pivot 31 of the first balance bar 30 is pivotally mounted inside the first long groove 271, and the second pivot 41 of the second balance bar 40 is pivotally mounted inside the second long groove 275. Therefore, by providing the first long groove 271 and the second long groove 275 at the bottom of the thicker ring frame 27, the first balance bar 30 and the second balance bar 40 can use a larger diameter, thereby improving the overall structural rigidity and facilitating the transmission of force when the corners or edges of the touch module 20 are subjected to pressure. Furthermore, since at least a portion of the first rotating shaft 31 and the second rotating shaft 41 are embedded in the first long groove 271 and the second long groove 275 respectively, that is, the first rotating shaft 31 and the second rotating shaft 41 are not directly stacked on the bottom surface 255 of the assembly plate 25, the overall thickness of the touch panel device 1 can be effectively reduced.

[0099] like Figures 2 to 6As shown, in this embodiment, the annular frame 27 of the connecting plate 25 is further provided with two first side grooves 273 and two second side grooves 277. The two first side grooves 273 are recessed in the bottom surface 255 of the connecting plate 25 and connected to both ends of the first long groove 271. The two first side grooves 273 are perpendicular to the first long groove 271 and correspond to the two first side rods 35 respectively. The two second side grooves 277 are recessed in the bottom surface 255 of the connecting plate 25 and connected to both ends of the second long groove 275. The two second side grooves 277 are perpendicular to the second long groove 275 and correspond to the two second side rods 45 respectively. In this way, when the touch module 20 is pressed and descends toward the substrate 10, the two first side rods 35 of the first balance rod 30 can be respectively housed in the two first side grooves 273, and the two second side rods 45 of the second balance rod 40 can be respectively housed in the two second side grooves 277, so that the touch module 20 can be designed to be closer to the substrate 10, thereby achieving the effect of making the touch panel device 1 thinner overall.

[0100] like Figures 2 to 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the assembly plate 25 is further provided with a plurality of clearance grooves 253. Here, the plurality of clearance grooves 253 are disposed on the ring frame 27 and are respectively located above the two first limiting members 13 and the two second limiting members 17. In this way, when the touch module 20 is pressed and descends toward the substrate 10, the two first limiting members 13 and the two second limiting members 17 can be prevented from hitting the assembly plate 25 and causing damage, and at the same time, the noise of the touch panel device 1 during use can be reduced.

[0101] Figure 7 This is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the touchpad device of the present invention. Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, each first limiting member 13 includes a vertical plate 131 and a hook plate 132 connected to the top of the vertical plate 131. The length of the hook plate 132 is greater than the thickness of the substrate 10. Each first side rod 35 of the first balance bar 30 is located between the hook plate 132 and the substrate 10, and the extension direction of each first side rod 35 is the same as the length direction of the hook plate 132. That is, the first side rod 35 is inserted between the hook plate 132 and the substrate 10 along the length direction of the hook plate 132, so that there is more contact area between the first side rod 35 and the hook plate 132, thereby obtaining a better support effect and preventing the first limiting member 13 from being easily deformed by force. In some embodiments, the connection method of the second side rod 45 of the second balance bar 40 and the second limiting member 17 can also be the same as the connection method of the first side rod 35 and the first limiting member 13 described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0102] Figure 8 This is a partial bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the touchpad device of the present invention. Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the balancing component of the present invention. Figure 10 This is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the balancing component of the present invention. Please refer to it. Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the touchpad device 1 further includes at least one balancing component (here, two balancing components 50 and 70, but the number of balancing components is not limited). The two balancing components 50 and 70 are located between the first balancing rod 30 and the second balancing rod 40. One balancing component 50 is adjacent to the third side 258 of the assembly plate 25, and the other balancing component 70 is adjacent to the fourth side 259. This allows the touch module 20 to be quickly linked to other components via the two balancing components 50 and 70 when each corner or edge is pressed, thereby significantly reducing the idle travel of the touch module 20 when it is pressed and preventing the touch module 20 from shaking or bending during operation.

[0103] For example Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the balancing assembly 50 includes a third balance bar 51 and a reinforcing plate 55. The third balance bar 51 includes a third rotating shaft 52 and two third side rods 53 respectively connected to both ends of the third rotating shaft 52. Each third side rod 53 is perpendicular to the third rotating shaft 52. The third rotating shaft 52 is perpendicular to the first rotating shaft 31 of the first balance bar 30 and pivotally mounted on the bottom surface 255 of the assembly plate 25, allowing the third rotating shaft 52 to rotate relative to the assembly plate 25. Each third side rod 53 is movably connected to the base plate 10. In this embodiment, the base plate 10 is further provided with two support members 16. Each support member 16 has a closed hole 161. Each third side rod 53 can slide into the hole 161 of each support member 16 and slide relative to the assembly plate 25. The closed hole 161 can prevent each third side rod 53 from easily detaching from the assembly plate 25.

[0104] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the diameter of the third balance bar 51 can be smaller than the diameter of the first balance bar 30, allowing the touchpad device 1 to be further thinner. The reinforcing plate 55 of the balance assembly 50 is connected to the third pivot 52 and the third side bar 53 of the third balance bar 51, so that the balance assembly 50 can still be strengthened in overall rigidity by the reinforcing plate 55 even when the diameter of the third balance bar 51 is reduced. Therefore, during the process of the touch module 20 being pressed down towards the substrate 10, the third balance bar 51 can be effectively prevented from shaking or bending, so that the balance assembly 50 has a good force transmission effect and provides a better pressing feel.

[0105] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the reinforcing plate 55 has two assembly sides 551 and a connecting side 552. The two assembly sides 551 are opposite sides of the reinforcing plate 55 and are respectively assembled to two third side rods 53. For example, the two assembly sides 551 and the two third side rods 53 can be fixed by means of adhesive, snap-fit, or welding. The connecting side 552 is connected between the two assembly sides 551 and has at least one connector 553 protruding (here, there are three connectors 553 arranged at intervals, but the number of connectors 553 is not limited thereto). The third rotating shaft 52 includes multiple first partial sections and multiple second partial sections, wherein the multiple first partial sections and multiple second partial sections are different sections of the third rotating shaft 52. The multiple first partial sections are assembled (e.g., glued, snapped or welded) to multiple connectors 553, and the multiple second partial sections are pivotally mounted on the bottom surface 255 of the assembly plate 25, so that when the third balance bar 51 moves relative to the assembly plate 25, the reinforcing plate 55 can move synchronously with the third balance bar 51.

[0106] In some embodiments, the reinforcing plate 55 may be connected only to the two third side bars 53 of the third balance bar 51 without being connected to the third rotating shaft 52, which can also achieve the effect of structural reinforcement.

[0107] like Figure 3 and Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the reinforcing plate 55 has a surface 555 facing the substrate 10, but this is not a limitation. Furthermore, a reinforcing member 56 is provided on the surface 555 of the reinforcing plate 55 to further enhance the structural strength of the balancing assembly 50. The reinforcing member 56 may be an elongated reinforcing member to maximize the reinforcing area, for example... Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the reinforcing member 56 is an elongated annular rod, and its two ends are respectively adjacent to the opposite sides of the reinforcing plate 55 to increase the reinforcing effect. In addition, the strength of the annular rod is higher than that of a general straight rod, so using an annular rod can provide a better reinforcing effect. In some embodiments, the reinforcing member 56 and the reinforcing plate 55 can be fixed together by means of adhesive, snap-fit, or welding.

[0108] Figure 10 This is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the balancing component of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 10 As shown, in another embodiment, the reinforcing member 57 can also be a long plate, and the two ends of the reinforcing member 57 are respectively adjacent to the opposite sides of the reinforcing plate 55 to increase the reinforcing effect. In addition, the rigidity of the reinforcing member 57 can be greater than that of the reinforcing plate 55. For example, if the reinforcing plate 55 is a plastic plate, the reinforcing member 57 can be a metal plate to provide a better reinforcing effect.

[0109] For example Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the reinforcing plate 55 of the balancing assembly 50 is further provided with at least one protruding rib 554 (here, two protruding ribs 554, each adjacent to opposite sides of the reinforcing plate 55), and the two protruding ribs 554 extend toward the third side 258 and abut against the bottom surface 255 of the connecting plate 25. Therefore, when the touch module 20 is pressed near the corner or edge of the third side 258, the force can be transmitted to the balancing assembly 50 more quickly via the protruding ribs 554, providing a better pressing feel.

[0110] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the structure of another balancing component 70 may be the same as or similar to that of the balancing component 50 described above. In this embodiment, the balancing component 70 includes a fourth balancing rod 71 and a reinforcing plate 75. The fourth balancing rod 71 includes a fourth rotating shaft 72 and two fourth side rods 73 respectively connected to both ends of the fourth rotating shaft 72. The fourth rotating shaft 72 is perpendicular to the first rotating shaft 31 of the first balancing rod 30 and pivotally mounted on the bottom surface 255 of the assembly plate 25, so that the fourth rotating shaft 72 can rotate relative to the assembly plate 25. Each fourth side rod 73 is movably connected to the base plate 10. Here, the base plate 10 is further provided with two support members 16', each support member 16' having a closed hole 161', and each fourth side rod 73 can slide into the hole 161' of each support member 16' and slide relative to the assembly plate 25. The reinforcing plate 75 is assembled to the fourth pivot 72 and the fourth side bar 73 of the fourth balance bar 71. The connection method between the fourth balance bar 71 and the reinforcing plate 75 can be the same as or similar to the connection method between the third balance bar 51 and the reinforcing plate 55, and will not be repeated here.

[0111] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the touchpad device 1 further includes two reinforcing rods 60 and 65, which are respectively connected between the bottom surface 255 of the assembly plate 25 and the substrate 10. The balancing component 50 is located between the third side 258 and one of the reinforcing rods 60, and the balancing component 70 is located between the fourth side 259 and the other reinforcing rod 65. This allows the touch module 20 to be quickly linked to other components via the two reinforcing rods 60 and 65 when each corner or edge is pressed, thereby greatly reducing the idle stroke of the touch module 20 when it is pressed and preventing the touch module 20 from shaking or bending during operation.

[0112] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, the structures of the two reinforcing rods 60 and 65 are the same as or similar to the structures of the third balance bar 51 and the fourth balance bar 71, respectively, but this is not a limitation. In some embodiments, the structures of the two reinforcing rods 60 and 65 may also be the same as or similar to the structures of the two balance components 50 and 70, respectively, and therefore will not be described again. In addition, in this embodiment, the substrate 10 is further provided with two support members 18 for corresponding assembly of the reinforcing rods 60, and the substrate 10 is further provided with two support members 18' for corresponding assembly of the reinforcing rods 65, wherein the structure of each support member 18, 18' may be the same as or similar to the structure of each support member 16, 16'.

[0113] Figure 11 This is a bottom view of another embodiment of the touchpad device of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 2 and Figure 11 As shown, the substrate 10 includes a lower surface 15 and a plurality of through holes 12, which respectively penetrate the upper surface 11 and the lower surface 15. The two first side rods 35 of the first balance rod 30 are respectively located within the coverage area of ​​the plurality of through holes 12. Therefore, during the assembly of the touchpad device 1, the user can insert a tool through the through holes 12 on the lower surface 15 of the substrate 10 to manipulate the movement of the two first side rods 35 to assemble them onto the two first limiting members 13 and to manipulate the movement of the two second side rods 45 to assemble them onto the two second limiting members 17, thereby improving the ease of assembly.

[0114] For example Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 11As shown, in this embodiment, the substrate 10 is further provided with at least one component insertion hole 14 (in this case, two component insertion holes 14, but the number of component insertion holes 14 is not limited thereto). Multiple component insertion holes 14 penetrate the upper surface 11 and the lower surface 15 respectively, and the two reinforcing rods 60, 65 and the two balancing components 50, 70 are respectively located within the coverage area of ​​the two component insertion holes 14. Therefore, during the assembly process of the touchpad device 1, the two reinforcing rods 60, 65 and the two balancing components 50, 70 can be individually inserted from the corresponding component insertion holes 14 on the lower surface 15 of the substrate 10 to be assembled onto the bottom surface 255 of the assembly plate 25, thereby improving the ease of assembly. For example, reinforcing plate 55 can be first assembled to the third balance bar 51 to form balance assembly 50, and reinforcing plate 75 can be first assembled to the fourth balance bar 71 to form balance assembly 70. The two balance assemblies 50 and 70 are then inserted into the assembly insertion hole 14 of the substrate 10 to pivotally connect the third pivot 52 of the third balance bar 51 and the fourth pivot 72 of the fourth balance bar 71 to the bottom surface 255 of the assembly plate 25, respectively, to pass the third side rods 53 of the third balance bar 51 through the support members 16, and to pass the fourth side rods 73 of the fourth balance bar 71 through the support members 16'. The two reinforcing rods 60 and 65 can also be inserted into the assembly insertion hole 14 of the substrate 10 to pivotally connect to the bottom surface 255 of the assembly plate 25 and to be assembled to the support members 18 and 18', respectively.

[0115] In detail, during the assembly of the touchpad device 1, if the two reinforcing rods 60, 65 and the two balancing components 50, 70 are first placed at predetermined positions on the top surface 251 of the assembly plate 25, and then the assembly plate 25 is pressed down onto the two reinforcing rods 60, 65 and the two balancing components 50, 70 from top to bottom, the assembly plate 25 will obstruct the two reinforcing rods 60, 65 and the two balancing components 50, 70 during the pressing process. This makes it impossible for the assembler to see whether the assembly position is correct, and it is easy to damage the assembly part of the assembly plate 25. Therefore, the present invention, through the setting of the component insertion hole 14, allows the two reinforcing rods 60, 65 and the two balancing components 50, 70 to individually pass through the component insertion hole 14 from the lower surface 15 of the substrate 10 to be assembled onto the bottom surface 255 of the assembly plate 25, achieving the advantages of convenient and accurate assembly and avoiding component damage.

[0116] like Figure 12 The image shown is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the touchpad device of the present invention. Figure 12As shown, the difference between this embodiment and the above embodiments is at least that the first elongated groove 271 of the assembly plate 25 has a first lateral opening 272, and the second elongated groove 275 has a second lateral opening 276. That is, the first lateral opening 272 and the second lateral opening 276 are respectively oriented towards opposite sides of the touch panel 21 and not towards the substrate 10, and the first lateral opening 272 has a first orientation, while the second lateral opening 276 has a second orientation, with the first and second orientations being opposite to each other. For example, assuming the first lateral opening 272 is oriented towards the left side of the touch panel 21, the second lateral opening 276 is oriented towards the right side of the touch panel 21. Therefore, during the assembly of the touchpad device 1, the touch module 20 can be placed on the substrate 10 first, and the first balance bar 30 and the second balance bar 40 can be individually inserted into the first lateral opening 272 and the second lateral opening 276 of the assembly plate 25 from opposite sides of the touch module 20, so that the first pivot 31 of the first balance bar 30 and the second pivot 41 of the second balance bar 40 are respectively pivotally connected in the first long groove 271 and the second long groove 275. Therefore, the assembly plate 25 does not need to use the above-mentioned top-down snap-fit ​​method to assemble the first balance bar 30 and the second balance bar 40, achieving the advantages of convenient and accurate assembly and avoiding component damage.

[0117] In summary, the touchpad device according to the embodiments of the present invention, by housing the circuit board of the touch module within the receiving groove of the assembly plate, can reduce the overall thickness of the touch module, achieving a thinner touchpad device. Furthermore, by connecting the first and second balance rods to the first and second sides of the assembly plate respectively, meaning the assembly plate is not pivotally fixed to one side of the substrate, pressure on any part of the touch module (e.g., any corner or edge of the touch module) is reduced evenly via the first and second balance rods, providing a good pressing feel.

[0118] Although the technical content of the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications and refinements made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention should be included within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A touchpad device, characterized in that, include: Substrate, including the upper surface; A touch module is disposed above the upper surface of the substrate. The touch module includes a touch panel, a circuit board, and a connecting plate. The touch panel includes an inner surface facing the substrate. The connecting plate is stacked and fixed on the inner surface. The connecting plate includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface faces the inner surface and is provided with an accommodating groove. The bottom surface faces the upper surface and has a first side and a second side opposite to each other. The circuit board is accommodated in the accommodating groove. as well as A first balance bar and a second balance bar, wherein the first balance bar is connected between the first side and the substrate, and the second balance bar is connected between the second side and the substrate; The first balance bar includes a first pivot and two first side rods respectively connected to both ends of the first pivot. The first pivot is pivotally connected to the bottom surface and is disposed along the first side. The two first side rods are movably connected to the substrate. The second balance bar includes a second pivot and two second side rods respectively connected to both ends of the second pivot. The second pivot is pivotally connected to the bottom surface and is disposed along the second side. The two second side rods are movably connected to the substrate.

2. The touchpad device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The assembly board includes a main board and a ring frame connected around the main board. The circuit board abuts against the main board. The thickness of the ring frame is greater than the thickness of the main board and the ring frame surrounds the circuit board. The first pivot and the second pivot are respectively pivotally connected to the ring frame.

3. The touchpad device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The ring frame is provided with a first long groove and a second long groove. The first rotating shaft is pivotally located in the first long groove, and the second rotating shaft is pivotally located in the second long groove.

4. The touchpad device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The first elongated groove has a first lateral opening, the second elongated groove has a second lateral opening, the first lateral opening has a first orientation, the second lateral opening has a second orientation, and the first orientation and the second orientation are opposite to each other.

5. The touchpad device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The ring frame is provided with two first side grooves and two second side grooves. The two first side grooves are connected to the two ends of the first long groove and correspond to the two first side rods respectively. The two second side grooves are connected to the two ends of the second long groove and correspond to the two second side rods respectively.

6. The touchpad device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The substrate includes a lower surface and two through holes, which respectively penetrate the upper surface and the lower surface, and the two first side bars of the first balance bar are respectively located within the coverage area of ​​the two through holes.

7. The touchpad device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The base plate is provided with two first limiting members, and the two first side rods are slidably connected to the two first limiting members respectively. The assembly plate is provided with two clearance grooves, which are located above the two first limiting members respectively.

8. The touchpad device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The substrate is provided with two first limiting members, each of which includes a vertical plate and a hook plate connected to the top of the vertical plate. The length of the hook plate is greater than the thickness of the substrate. Each of the first side rods is located between the hook plate and the substrate, and the extension direction of each of the first side rods is the same as the length direction of the hook plate.

9. The touchpad device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a balancing assembly located between the first and second balancing bars. The balancing assembly includes a third balancing bar and a reinforcing plate. The third balancing bar includes a third pivot and two third side bars respectively connected to both ends of the third pivot. The third pivot is pivotally connected to the bottom surface of the assembly plate. The two third side bars are movably connected to the base plate. The reinforcing plate is assembled to the two third side bars.

10. The touchpad device as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The reinforcing plate is also assembled to the third pivot.

11. The touchpad device as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The reinforcing plate includes two assembly sides and a connecting side. The two assembly sides are opposite sides of the reinforcing plate and are respectively assembled to the two third side rods. The connecting side is connected between the two assembly sides and has at least one connecting member protruding. The third rotating shaft includes a first partial section and a second partial section. The first partial section is assembled to the at least one connecting member, and the second partial section is pivotally mounted on the bottom surface of the assembly plate.

12. The touchpad device as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the assembly plate includes a third side and a fourth side opposite to each other, the balancing component is adjacent to the third side, and the reinforcing plate is also provided with a rib that extends toward the third side and abuts against the bottom surface.

13. The touchpad device as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that, It also includes a reinforcing member connected between the bottom surface and the substrate, and the balancing assembly is located between the third side and the reinforcing member.

14. The touchpad device as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The substrate is also provided with two support members, each of which has a hole, and each of the third side rods can slide into the hole of the support member.

15. The touchpad device as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The reinforcing plate includes a surface on which a reinforcing element is also provided.

16. The touchpad device as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that, The reinforcing member is a long reinforcing member, and its two ends are respectively adjacent to the opposite sides of the reinforcing plate.

17. The touchpad device as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that, The rigidity of the reinforcing component is greater than that of the reinforcing plate.

18. The touchpad device as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that, The reinforcing member is a ring-shaped rod.

19. The touchpad device as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The substrate includes a lower surface and a component insertion hole that extends through the upper surface and the lower surface, and the balancing component is located within the coverage area of ​​the component insertion hole.

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