Input device

Abstract

In some aspects, an input device may include a switch having an activation element, a button disposed relative to the switch, and a blocking member movable between a first position and a second position. When the blocking member is in the first position, the button may be pressed from an unpressed position to a pressed position to engage the activation element, and when the blocking member is in the second position, the button may be blocked from being pressed to the pressed position. The input device may further include a selector operable to cause the blocking member to move between the first position and the second position, and a motion altering device operably disposed between the selector and the blocking member to convert motion of the selector into motion of the blocking member, and a moving member for moving the blocking member between the first position and the second position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to an input device and, more particularly, to a user-configurable input device. Background Art

[0002] An input device includes any device used to provide data or control signals to an information processing system such as a computer. Input devices include joysticks, game controllers, keyboards, motion sensing devices, or computer mice that receive user input. Input devices can be used in a variety of applications, requiring different functions.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for an input device that is configurable and has improved functionality. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an input device is provided. The input device may include a switch having an activation element; a button arranged relative to the switch; a blocking member movable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the blocking member is in the first position, the button can be pressed from an unpressed position to a pressed position to engage the activation element of the switch, wherein when the blocking member is in the second position, the button is blocked from being pressed to the pressed position, wherein when the blocking member is in the second position, the blocking member is located between the switch and the button; a selector operable to cause the blocking member to move between the first position and the second position; and a motion changing device operably arranged between the selector and the blocking member to convert the motion of the selector into the motion of the blocking member for causing the blocking member to move between the first position and the second position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of an example input device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0006] Figure 2A is shown without a portion of the housing when the blocking member is in the first position Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a partial perspective view of an example input device; Figure 2B The block member is shown without the partial housing when it is in the second position. Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a partial stereogram of an example input device.

[0007] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 FIG. 1 is an exploded view of components of an example input device; Figure 3A It shows Figure 1 a diagram of a component of an example input device; Figure 3B It shows Figure 1 A diagram of two components of an example input device; Figure 3Cis shown when the blocking member is in the first position Figure 1 A diagram of some components of an example input device; Figure 3D is shown when the blocking member is in the second position Figure 1 A diagram of some components of an example input device.

[0008] Figure 4A It shows that Figure 3 a diagram of a perspective view of partially assembled components of the illustrated example input device; Figure 4B It shows that Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a perspective view of the assembled components of an example input device shown.

[0009] Figure 5A It shows that Figure 3 a diagram of an exploded front view of components of an example input device shown; Figure 5B It shows that Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a front view of the assembled components of an example input device shown.

[0010] Fig. 6A is a diagram showing a cross-sectional plane Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a stereogram of an example input device; Figure 6B is shown along the Fig. 6A An example of a cross-sectional view of an input device is shown in the cross-sectional plane.

[0011] Fig. 7A is shown when the blocking member is in the first position Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a partial front view of components of an example input device; Figure 7B is shown when the blocking member is in the second position Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a partial front view of components of an example input device.

[0012] Fig. 8A is a diagram showing a partial perspective view of an example input device without a partial housing according to another embodiment of the present disclosure when a blocking member is in a first position; Figure 8B It shows that Fig. 8A Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an example input device shown.

[0013] Fig. 9 It shows Fig. 8A FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of components of an example input device.

[0014] Fig. 10A It shows Fig. 8A FIG. 1 is a diagram of a bottom view of components of an example input device; Fig. 10B It shows that Fig. 10A a diagram of a perspective view of components of an example input device shown; Fig. 10CIt shows that Fig. 10A Figure 2 is a diagram of a front view of components of an example input device shown.

[0015] Fig.11A is shown when the blocking member is in the first position Fig. 8A A diagram of a partial front view of an example input device; Fig. 11B is shown when the blocking member is in the second position Fig. 8A Figure 2 is a partial front view of an example input device.

[0016] Fig.12 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of an example input device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Fig.13A and Fig. 13B It shows Fig.12 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a perspective view of components of an example input device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The embodiments described below in the context of an apparatus, device or system are similarly valid for the corresponding methods, and vice versa. In addition, it will be understood that the embodiments described below can be combined, for example, a portion of an embodiment can be combined with a portion of another embodiment, and a portion of an embodiment can be combined with a portion of another embodiment.

[0019] It should be understood that the terms "upper", "above", "top", "bottom", "lower", "side", "rear", "left", "right", "front", "rear", "lateral", "sideways", "upward", "downward", "vertical", "horizontal", etc., when used in the following description, are for convenience and to help understand 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, the singular terms "a, an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word "or" is intended to include "and" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0020] It will be further understood that the terms "comprise" (and any forms thereof, such as "comprises" and "comprising"), "have" (and any forms thereof, such as "has" and "having"), "include" (and any forms thereof, such as "includes" and "including"), and "contain" (and any forms thereof, such as "contains" and "containing") are open linking verbs. Thus, a method or apparatus that "comprises," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more steps or elements has those one or more steps or elements, but is not limited to having only those one or more steps or elements. Similarly, a step of a method or an element of an apparatus that "comprises," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more features has those one or more features, but is not limited to having only those one or more features. Furthermore, a device or structure that is configured in a certain manner is configured in at least that manner, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

[0021] Approximations as used herein throughout the specification and claims may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that may vary within an allowable range without causing a change in the basic function associated therewith. Therefore, values ​​modified by one or more terms such as "about," "substantially," and the like are not limited to the exact values ​​specified, but are within an acceptable tolerance range for the operation of the embodiment for its intended application. In some cases, approximations may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value.

[0022] Various aspects of the content described herein attempt to provide an input device, in particular, to provide an input device that can be configured or customized by a user. The input device may include at least one customizable button. The button may be customized to be operable or inoperable according to the user's choice. The input device may include a switch associated with the button, whereby the switch may generate a control signal when pressed and send it to a processor. The button may be connected to the switch in a manner that provides a user with access to activate the switch. The input device may be configured to be able to lock the switch and / or the button so as to prevent the button from activating the switch, and to unlock the switch and / or the button so as to provide a free path for the button to activate the switch. According to various aspects, the input device may be provided with a blocking member (or stopper) that can move between an unlocked position (first position) and a locked position (second position). In the locked position, the blocking member may be arranged between the button and the switch to block or prevent the button from activating the switch. In the unlocked position, the blocking member may be moved away from the path of the button so that the button can activate the switch. According to various aspects, the blocking member may be moved between the locked position and the unlocked position by toggling a slider mechanism, a rotatable knob mechanism, a push button mechanism, or any other suitable mechanism, thereby allowing the user to customize the button by operating the mechanism.

[0023] According to various aspects, the switch of the input device may have an activation element, and the button may be arranged relative to the switch. Further, the button may be configured to activate the switch to generate a signal that can be sent to the processor. The button may be mapped to a special function that is desired in one application but not desired in another application. Therefore, the user may wish to disable the button when the input device is used for another application. According to various aspects, the input device may include a blocking member that can move between a first position and a second position. When the blocking member is in the first position, the button may be pressed from an unpressed or static position to a pressed position to engage the activation element of the switch. When the blocking member is in the second position, the button may be blocked and cannot be pressed to the pressed position. The blocking member may be (just) located between the switch and the button when in the second position, and acts as a spacer for maintaining the distance between the button and the switch (its activation element) separated.

[0024] According to various aspects, the input device may further include a selector, which is operable to cause the blocking member to move between the first position and the second position. The input device may further include a motion changing device, which is operably arranged between the selector and the blocking member to convert the motion of the selector into the motion of the blocking member, for moving the blocking member between the first position and the second position. According to some aspects, the motion of the selector and the motion of the blocking member can be motions of different directions. Therefore, the motion changing device can be a direction changing device. For example, the lateral motion of the selector can be converted into the vertical motion of the blocking member. According to some aspects, the motion of the selector and the motion of the blocking member can be different types of motion. Therefore, the motion changing device can be a rotation to linear motion conversion device. For example, the rotational motion of the selector can be converted into the linear motion of the blocking member. Therefore, the selector can be directly rotated by hand (e.g., fingernails), or rotated with a custom tool or a standard tool (e.g., a screwdriver) to move the blocking member. According to various aspects, the selector can be touched from the outside of the housing of the input device, and the user can interact with the selector to make a selection on the operable state of the button.

[0025] In some aspects of what is described herein, when the motion changing device is a direction changing device, the motion changing device of the input device may include a motion changing element. The selector may include an engagement portion having an engagement surface. The motion changing element may include a corresponding engagement portion having an engagement tip, the engagement tip being configured to slide along the engagement surface of the engagement portion of the selector. The engagement surface may be inclined relative to a sliding axis along which the selector can slide. Therefore, a sliding movement of the selector along the sliding axis can be converted into an inclined upward / downward sliding movement of the engagement tip along the inclined engagement surface for moving the blocking member up / down.

[0026] In some other aspects of what is described herein, when the motion changing device is a rotational to linear motion conversion device, the input device may include a selector having an elongated portion, the elongated portion being fitted through a through hole at the blocking member. The elongated portion may include an external thread, and the through hole may include an internal thread. Therefore, when the elongated portion rotates about the rotation axis relative to the blocking member, the blocking member may be able to move along the elongated portion. Therefore, the rotational movement of the elongated portion of the selector can be converted into an upward / downward movement of the blocking member through the threaded engagement between it and the blocking member.

[0027] According to some aspects, the input device may include a button and a blocking member, the blocking member having a blocking element. Therefore, when the blocking member is in the second position, the blocking element of the blocking member can block the button so that the button cannot be pressed and the corresponding switch cannot be activated. According to some aspects, the input device may include two buttons and a blocking member, the blocking member having two blocking elements. Therefore, when the blocking member is in the second position, the two blocking elements of the blocking member can be placed simultaneously to block the two buttons respectively so that the two buttons cannot be pressed and the corresponding two switches cannot be activated. According to some aspects, the proposed input device may include two buttons and two blocking members, each of which has a blocking element. Therefore, when one of the two blocking members is in the second position, one of the blocking elements of the two blocking members can block a corresponding one of the two buttons so that the corresponding button cannot be pressed and the corresponding switch cannot be activated. In other words, the two blocking members can be operated separately and selectively. The user can choose to disable any one or two buttons. Although the above content is described with reference to one or two buttons, it should be understood that the various aspects are not limited to one or two buttons. The above content can be implemented in a similar manner in multiple (or two or more) button scenarios.

[0028] In some cases, aspects of the systems and techniques described herein provide technical improvements and advantages over existing approaches. For example, the proposed input device can provide an improved user experience for at least the following reasons. The proposed input device can provide buttons (e.g., auxiliary buttons) to which special functions can be assigned. The buttons can be arranged on the side surface of the input device, which is easy for the user to approach. The proposed input device can provide a selector for enabling or disabling the buttons. The selector can be arranged on the bottom surface of the input device so that the user does not inadvertently switch the selector. The movement of the selector can be synchronously transformed into the movement of the blocking member, thereby enabling or disabling the button.

[0029] The following examples relate to various aspects of the disclosure.

[0030] Example 1 is an input device comprising: a switch having an activation element; a button arranged relative to the switch; a blocking member capable of moving between a first position and a second position, wherein when the blocking member is in the first position, the button can be pressed from an unpressed position to a pressed position to engage the activation element of the switch, wherein when the blocking member is in the second position, the button is blocked from being pressed to the pressed position, wherein the blocking member is located between the switch and the button when in the second position; a selector capable of being operated to cause the blocking member to move between the first position and the second position; and a motion changing device capable of being operably arranged between the selector and the blocking member to convert the movement of the selector into the movement of the blocking member, for moving the blocking member between the first position and the second position.

[0031] In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 can optionally include that the movement of the selector and the movement of the blocking member are movements of different directions, wherein the movement changing device is a direction changing device.

[0032] In Example 3, the subject matter of Example 2 may optionally include that the selector is slidable along a sliding axis and the blocking member is linearly movable along the moving axis between a first position and a second position, wherein the sliding axis of the selector and the moving axis of the blocking member are not parallel to each other.

[0033] In Example 4, the subject matter of Example 3 can optionally include that the motion changing device includes an engagement portion at the selector that engages with a corresponding engagement portion at the blocking member.

[0034] In Example 5, the subject matter of Example 4 may optionally include that the engaging portion at the selector includes an engaging surface inclined relative to the sliding axis, and the corresponding engaging portion at the blocking member includes an engaging tip, wherein the engaging tip of the corresponding engaging portion at the blocking member abuts against the engaging surface of the engaging portion at the selector so that when the selector slides along the sliding axis, the engaging tip slides along the engaging surface to cause the blocking member to move along the moving axis.

[0035] In Example 6, the subject matter of Example 5 can optionally include the engagement tip having a corresponding beveled surface.

[0036] In Example 7, the subject matter of Example 5 can optionally include that the corresponding engagement portion at the blocking member is attached to the blocking member.

[0037] In Example 8, the subject matter of Example 5 can optionally include that the sliding axis of the selector and the movement axis of the blocking member are perpendicular to each other.

[0038] In Example 9, the subject matter of Example 5 can optionally include that the motion changing device includes a triangular prism-shaped structure at the selector and one surface thereof is inclined relative to the sliding axis to serve as an engagement surface.

[0039] In Example 10, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 9 can optionally include a guide member configured to guide movement of the blocking member along the movement axis between the first position and the second position.

[0040] In Example 11, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 10 can optionally include: a biasing member configured to bias the blocking member.

[0041] In Example 12, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 11 can optionally include that the movement of the selector and the movement of the blocking member are different types of movement, wherein the motion changing device is a rotational to linear motion conversion device.

[0042] In Example 13, the subject matter of Example 12 can optionally include that the selector is rotatable along the rotation axis and the blocking member is linearly movable along the movement axis between the first position and the second position, wherein the rotation axis of the selector and the movement axis of the blocking member are parallel to each other.

[0043] In Example 14, the subject matter of Example 13 may optionally include that the motion changing device includes a slender portion extending from the selector, the slender portion being assembled through a through hole at the blocking member, wherein the slender portion includes an external thread and the through hole includes an internal thread, wherein when the slender portion rotates around the rotation axis relative to the blocking member, the blocking member can move along the slender portion.

[0044] In Example 15, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 14 may optionally include: another switch having another activation element; another button arranged relative to the other switch; wherein, when the blocking member is in the first position, the other button can be pressed from another unpressed position to another pressed position to engage the other activation element of the other switch, wherein when the blocking member is in the second position, the other button is blocked from being pressed to the other pressed position, wherein the blocking member is located between the other switch and the other button when in the second position.

[0045] In Example 16, the subject matter of Example 15 can optionally include that the blocking member includes two parts, the first part moves between the switch and the button when in the second position, and the second part moves between the other switch and the other button when in the second position.

[0046] In Example 17, the subject matter of Example 15 can optionally include that the first portion is a mirror image of the second portion.

[0047] In Example 18, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 17 may optionally include a housing comprising an aperture, wherein the selector is accessible through the aperture of the housing and operable by a user.

[0048] In Example 19, the subject matter of Example 18 can optionally include that the aperture is disposed on a bottom surface of the housing.

[0049] In Example 20, the subject matter of Example 18 can optionally include that the housing includes another aperture disposed on a side surface of the housing, and wherein the button is accessible through the other aperture of the housing and operable by a user.

[0050] In Example 21, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 20 may optionally include that the switch comprises a mechanical type switch capable of producing an audible click sound or providing a click tactile feel, or both, when actuated.

[0051] In Example 22, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 21 can optionally include a processor configured to transmit an output signal to a computer based on activation of the switch when the blocking member is in the first position.

[0052] In Example 23, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 22 can optionally include: a support component disposed between the blocking member and the selector, wherein the support component includes a through hole for receiving a lower portion of the blocking member.

[0053] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a perspective view of the input device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2A is a diagram showing a partial perspective view of the input device 100 when the blocking member 150 of the input device 100 is in the first position; Figure 2B is a diagram showing a partial perspective view of the input device 100 when the blocking member 150 is in the second position. Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2B , and other figures discussed below, also show a reference system 101 having three orthogonal axes. Reference system 101 includes a first axis in a first direction (e.g., X direction), a second axis in a second direction (e.g., Y direction), and a third axis in a third direction (e.g., Z direction). The first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0054] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the input device 100 may include a computer mouse connected to a computer via a wired or wireless method for providing input functions. Figure 1 Some features shown in FIG. 1 (e.g., control wheel 103, control buttons 105, 106) are not described in detail, and the input device 100 may include Figure 1 The input device applicable to the embodiment may have other features not shown in FIG. Figure 1 The input devices 100 are shown with different shapes, different sizes, different numbers and / or arrangements of controls, and / or other differences. Figure 2A and Figure 2B A portion of the interior of the input device 100 is depicted without a portion of the housing 107 .

[0055] For example, Figure 1 The input device 100 shown in the figure has two auxiliary buttons 110, 120, which are arranged on one side surface of the input device 100; on the other side surface of the input device 100 opposite to the side surface where the two auxiliary buttons 110, 120 are arranged, another two auxiliary buttons can be arranged, that is, Figure 1 On the other hand, an auxiliary button may be provided on the other side surface of the input device 100 or no auxiliary button may be provided. Similarly, an auxiliary button may be provided on the side surface of the input device 100 or no auxiliary button may be provided (i.e., no buttons 110, 120 may be provided), but one or two auxiliary buttons may be provided on the other side surface of the input device 100. Therefore, the number and arrangement of auxiliary buttons should not be limited to the following. Figure 1 The number and arrangement shown in the figure shall include any number of auxiliary buttons, including one or two or three or four auxiliary buttons, which can also be arranged arbitrarily. The auxiliary buttons can be arranged according to a left-handed or right-handed mouse. The auxiliary buttons 110, 120 can be arranged near the left control button 106, so that when the user places his right hand on the input device 100 (e.g., a mouse) and his index finger rests on the left control button 106, the auxiliary buttons are within easy access of his thumb. The following description will be described mainly with reference to the components of the input device 100 arranged on its left side, including the buttons 110, 120, the blocking member 150 and other associated features as described below, it should be understood that the components of the input device 100 arranged on its right side, including the auxiliary buttons (if any) and other associated features arranged on the other (right) side surface of the input device 100, can include buttons 110, 120, blocking members 150 and other associated features as described below. Similar features. In particular, the components of the input device 100 arranged on its right side can be a mirror image of the components of the input device 100 arranged on its left side.

[0056] The housing 107 may be formed of one or more interlocking pieces (e.g., front and rear portions). The housing 107 may be made of any suitable material, including plastic (e.g., injection molding), a combination of metal or metal / alloy, etc. The housing 107 may include an aperture arrangement 104 disposed on a side surface of the housing 107. The buttons 110, 120 may be accessible and operated by a user through the aperture arrangement 104 of the housing 107. The aperture arrangement 104 may include one aperture, wherein the buttons 110, 120 both protrude from the one aperture; the aperture arrangement 104 may also include two apertures, wherein each of the buttons 110, 120 protrudes from a corresponding aperture in the two apertures, and the two apertures may contact each other. The housing 107 may include another aperture 108 disposed on the bottom surface of the housing 107. The selector 130 of the input device 100 may be accessible and operated by a user through the other aperture 108 of the housing 107. The selector 130 may be provided on the bottom surface of the input device 100 so that the user does not accidentally switch the selector 130 .

[0057] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the input device 100 may include an activation element 161 (eg, Fig. 7A The switch 160 (as shown) Figure 6B As shown). The button 120 may be disposed relative to the switch 160. The blocking member 150 may be disposed in a manner such as Figure 2A The first position shown is similar to Figure 2B 160. When the blocking member 150 is in the first position, the button 120 may be pressed from the unpressed position to the pressed position to engage the activation element of the switch 160. Therefore, when the blocking member 150 is in the first position, the button 120 may be pressed to activate its assigned related function. When the blocking member 150 is in the second position, the button 120 may be blocked from being pressed to the pressed position, wherein the blocking member 150 may be located between the switch 160 and the button 120 when in the second position. Therefore, when the blocking member 150 is in the second position, the button 120 may be disabled and unable to activate its assigned related function due to the button 120 being blocked by the blocking member 150. In some embodiments, the blocking member 150 may be located just between the switch 160 and the button 120 when in the second position so as to act as a spacer between the two.

[0058] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the input device 100 may further include a selector 130 operable to cause the blocking member 150 to move between the first position and the second position. The selector 130 may be actuated by a user from outside the housing 107 (e.g., through the aperture 108), for example, including but not limited to, by moving a lever, pin, post, slider, knob, etc., touching a capacitive or other touch-sensitive switch, applying pressure to a squeeze switch, etc. The input device 100 may further include a motion-changing device (e.g., Figure 5B The input device 100 may include a support member 180. The support member 180 may be provided to assist the movement of the blocking member 150 from the first position to the second position.

[0059] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the movement of the selector 130 and the movement of the blocking member 150 may be movements in different directions. Thus, the movement changing device may be a direction changing device (e.g., Figure 5B 109 in). For example, the selector 130 may be able to slide along the sliding axis 501 (e.g., in the X direction), and the blocking member 150 may be able to move linearly between the first position and the second position along the moving axis 502 (e.g., in the Z direction). The sliding axis of the selector 130 and the moving axis of the blocking member 150 may not be parallel to each other. That is, the sliding axis of the selector 130 and the moving axis of the blocking member 150 may form an angle having a non-zero degree. In particular, the sliding axis of the selector 130 and the moving axis of the blocking member 150 may be perpendicular to each other. Alternatively or additionally, the sliding axis of the selector 130 and the moving axis of the blocking member 150 may form an acute angle.

[0060] Reference Figure 3 , FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D , Figure 4A and Figure 4B as well as Figure 5A and Figure 5B The selector 130, the motion changing device 109, the blocking member 150 and the support component 180 are further described.

[0061] Figure 3is a diagram showing an exploded view of the selector 130, the motion changing device 109, the blocking member 150, the support member 180, and the biasing member 170 of the input device 100; Figure 3A is a diagram showing a supporting member 180 of the input device 100; Figure 3B is a diagram showing a support member 180 engaged with a blocking member 150 of an input device 100; Figure 3C is a diagram showing buttons 110, 120, the blocking member 150, and the support part 180 of the input device 100 when the blocking member 150 is in the first position; Figure 3D 4A is a diagram showing a perspective view of the partially assembled selector 130, motion changing device 109, blocking member 150, support member 180, biasing member 170 of input device 100; Figure 4B is a diagram showing a perspective view of the assembled selector 130 , motion changing device 109 , blocking member 150 , support component 180 , biasing member 170 of input device 100 . Figure 5A is a diagram showing an exploded front view of the selector 130 , the motion changing device 109 , the blocking member 150 , the support component 180 , and the biasing member 170 of the input device 100 ; Figure 5B is a diagram showing a front view of the assembled selector 130 , motion changing device 109 , blocking member 150 , support component 180 , biasing member 170 of input device 100 .

[0062] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the motion changing device 109 may include an engagement portion 133 of a selector 130 and a motion changing element 140. The selector 130 may include a knob 131 that is accessible to a user for switching between a first state and a second state of the selector 130 along a sliding axis. The selector 130 may further include an engagement portion 133. The engagement portion 133 may include a triangular prism-shaped structure in which one of the surfaces is inclined relative to the sliding axis 501 to serve as an engagement surface 135. The engagement portion 133 may be integral with the selector 130 or attached to the selector 130. Thus, when the user switches the selector 130 from the first state to the second state, the blocking member 150 may be caused to move between the first position and the second position.

[0063] The motion changing element 140 may include a drilling structure 141 for receiving the shaft structure 151 of the blocking member 150. Therefore, the blocking member 150 may be coupled to the motion changing element 140 by the engagement of the drilling structure 141 and the shaft structure 151. Thus, the shaft structure 151 of the blocking member 150 may be inserted into the drilling structure 141 of the motion changing element 140. The motion changing element 140 may also include a corresponding engagement portion 143 for engaging with the engagement portion 133 of the selector 130. The corresponding engagement portion 143 of the motion changing element 140 may include an engagement tip 145. The engagement tip 145 of the corresponding engagement portion 143 may abut against the engagement surface 135 of the engagement portion 133 of the selector 130. In this way, when the selector 130 slides along the sliding axis 501, the engagement tip 145 may slide along the engagement surface 135 between the lower position and the upper position, and thus move the blocking member 150 upward / downward along the movement axis. Thus, the movement of the selector 130 can be transmitted from the engagement portion 133 of the selector 130 to the motion changing element 140 for moving the blocking member 150 in a synchronized manner. In some embodiments, the engagement tip 145 can include a corresponding beveled surface 147. The beveled surface 147 can be parallel to the engagement surface 135 so as to slide along the engagement surface 135.

[0064] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the blocking member 150 may include a lower portion 150a and an upper portion 150b. The lower portion 150a and the upper portion 150b may be integral with each other or attached to each other. The lower portion 150a may include an axis structure 151 disposed in the middle region of the lower portion 150a and two wing structures extending from opposite sides of the axis structure 151. Each of the two wing structures may include a guide element (152, 153) disposed on the distal end of the corresponding wing structure. The guide elements 152, 153 may include an axial structure parallel to the axis structure 151 in the longitudinal direction (i.e., in the Z direction). Each of the two wing structures may further include a slot (154, 155) disposed between the axis structure 151 and the corresponding guide element (152, 153). The slots 154, 155 may be parallel to the axis structure 151, the guide elements 152, 153 in the longitudinal direction. The biasing member 170 may be disposed around the shaft structure 151 of the occlusion member 150 .

[0065] The upper portion 150b of the blocking member 150 may include a base structure 158. The base structure 158 may include a recess 158a. The recess 158a of the base structure 158 may be disposed at a middle portion of the base structure 158 and aligned with the shaft structure 151. The base structure 150 of the upper portion 150b may be disposed above the lower portion 150a, and the shaft structure 151 and the guide elements 152, 153 extend from the base structure 158. The upper portion 150b of the blocking member 150 may further include two spaced apart blocking elements 156, 157 extending upward from the same side of the base structure 158. Each of the blocking elements 156, 157 may include recesses 156a, 157a ( Figure 4A ). It should be understood that although the blocking member 150 is shown as including two blocking elements 156, 157, the number of blocking elements should not be limited. Instead, the blocking member 150 may include only one blocking element, or include three or more blocking elements that are spaced apart from each other and extend from the base structure 158. In some embodiments, the blocking member 150 may not include a wing structure including the guide elements 152, 153.

[0066] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the support component 180 may include a through hole 181 extending from its top surface to the bottom surface for receiving the lower portion 150a of the blocking member 150. The through hole 181 of the support component 180 may therefore be configured to conformably receive the shaft structure 151 and the wing structure with the guide elements 152 and 153. That is, the lower portion 150a of the blocking member 150 may be tightly received in the through hole 181 of the support component 180 when assembled. Specifically, the through hole 181 may include three corresponding cylindrical holes, wherein the middle cylindrical hole receives the cylindrical shaft structure 151, and the cylindrical holes on both sides receive the cylindrical guide elements 152 and 153, respectively. The through hole 181 may further include two narrow slots, which extend from a cylindrical side hole to the middle cylindrical side hole, respectively. Therefore, the through hole 181 can provide a guide path for the blocking member 150 to move from the first position to the second position. The support member 180 may include a protruding guide 184 disposed on the top surface. The protruding guide 184 may be aligned with the cylindrical hole in the middle of the through hole 181. When assembled, the recess 158a of the blocking member 150 may conformably engage with the protruding guide 184 of the support member 180, such as Figure 3B In one embodiment, the recess 158a of the blocking member 150 may be concave in shape, and the protruding guide 184 of the support member 180 may be U-shaped. The protruding guide 184 of the support member may be provided for balanced movement of the blocking member 150 relative to the support member 180.

[0067] In some embodiments, the input device 100 may include two auxiliary buttons 110, 120, and the blocking member 150 may include two blocking elements 156, 157. The buttons 110, 120 may each include a button step 111, 121 having a plunger 111b, 121b, such as Figure 3C and Figure 3D As shown. Figure 3C As shown, when the blocking member 150 is in the first position, the blocking element 156 can be disposed below the switch 160 and the button 120 (button step 121), and the blocking element 157 can be disposed between the other switch and the button 110 (button step 111). The blocking elements 156 and 157 can avoid the button steps 121 and 111 of the buttons 120 and 110, respectively. Thus, the two auxiliary buttons 110 and 120 can be depressible so that the plungers 111b and 121b can activate the switch 160 and the other switch, respectively. Figure 3D As shown, when the blocking member 150 is in the second position, the blocking element 156 can be disposed between the switch 160 and the button 120, and the blocking element 157 can be disposed between the other switch and the button 110. The button steps 121, 111 of the buttons 120, 110 can be disposed in the recesses 156a, 157b of the blocking elements 156, 157, respectively, and thus blocked by the blocking elements 156, 157. Specifically, the button step 121 can include a stepped structure 121a. Figure 3D As shown in the enlarged illustration 302 of FIG. 1 , when the blocking member 150 is in the second position, the stepped structure 121 may be blocked by the blocking member 156, and when the blocking member 150 is in the first position, the stepped structure 121 may be disposed above the blocking member 156, as shown in FIG. Figure 3C Thus, when in the second position, the two auxiliary buttons 110, 120 can be disabled simultaneously by a single blocking member 150.

[0068] In some embodiments, the input device 100 may include one auxiliary button, and the input device 100 may include one alternative blocking member, which includes one blocking element. Therefore, when the blocking member is in the second position, the blocking element may be arranged between the switch 160 and the one auxiliary button. In some embodiments, the input device 100 may include two auxiliary buttons 110, 120, and the input device 100 may include two blocking members, each blocking member including only one blocking element. Therefore, when one of the two alternative blocking members is in the second position, the corresponding blocking element may be arranged between the corresponding switch and the auxiliary button. Thus, the two auxiliary buttons 110, 120 may be individually disabled by one of the two blocking members.

[0069] Now we will refer to Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The input device 600 shown in FIG. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B The input device 100 shown further illustrates the operation of the occlusion member 150. Alternative occlusion members may operate in a similar manner as the occlusion member 150.

[0070] Fig. 6A is a diagram showing a perspective view of the input device 600, wherein the cross-sectional plane is parallel to the YZ plane; Figure 6B is shown along the Fig. 6A FIG. 6 is a diagram of a cross-sectional view of an input device 600 showing a cross-sectional plane. Fig. 7A FIG. 1 shows the blocking member 150 in the first position. Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a partial front view of an input device 100; Figure 7B is a diagram showing a partial front view of the input device 100 when the blocking member 150 is in the second position. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B In FIG. 1 , the buttons 110 , 120 are omitted so as to show the blocking member 150 disposed behind the buttons 110 , 120 .

[0071] like Figure 6B As shown, the input device 600 may include the above-mentioned Figures 1 to 5B The features of the input device 100 described above, therefore, common features are labeled with the same reference numerals and need not be discussed. The input device 600 may further include another button 620, another selector (not labeled), another motion changing element (not labeled), another motion changing device (including another selector and another motion changing element), another blocking member 650, another biasing member 670, and another support component 680. The other blocking member 650 may include a lower portion (not labeled) and an upper portion 650b. The upper portion 650b of the other blocking member 650 may include a blocking element 656. The other blocking member 650 may include a structure similar to the blocking member 150, but the structure of the other blocking member 650 may be a mirror image of the structure of the blocking member 150 with respect to the XZ plane. The other support component 680 may include a structure similar to the support component 180, but the structure of the other support component 680 may be a mirror image of the structure of the support component 180 with respect to the XZ plane.

[0072] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the input device 600 may include another switch 660 having another activation element (not labeled). Another button 620 may be disposed relative to the other switch 660. When the blocking member 650 is in the first position, the other button 620 may be pressed from another unpressed position to another pressed position to engage another activation element of the other switch 660. Therefore, when the other blocking member 650 is in the first position, the other button 620 may be pressed to activate its assigned related function. When the blocking member 650 is in the second position, the other button 620 may be blocked by the blocking member 650 from being pressed to another pressed position, wherein the blocking member 650 (i.e., the blocking element 656) is located between the other switch 660 and the other button 620 when in the second position. Therefore, when the other blocking member 650 is in the second position, the button 620 may be disabled and cannot activate its assigned related function because the button 620 is blocked by the other blocking member 650.

[0073] Figure 6B The blocking members 150 and 650 are shown in a first position. According to various non-limiting embodiments, when the blocking member 150 is in the first position, the blocking member 150 is moved away to make way for the button 120 so that the plunger 121b of the button 120 can be moved (by pressing the button 120) to activate the switch 160. For example, the blocking member 150 can move under the switch 160, thereby making way for the stepped structure 121a of the button 120. Similarly, when the other blocking member 650 is in the first position, the other switch 660 can be activated by the plunger of the other button 620. When the other blocking member 650 is in the second position, the other blocking member 650 (particularly, the blocking element 656) can be positioned just between the other switch 660 and the other button 620, i.e., blocking the path for the stepped structure of the other button 620. Therefore, the other button 620 can be non-pressable and blocked by the other blocking member 650. For example, the blocking element 656 may be used as a spacer just between the body of the other switch 660 and the other button 620, so that the distance between the other switch 660 and the other button 620 can be maintained by the blocking element 650, and the other button 620 cannot be pressed to engage the activation element of the other switch 660. Similarly, when the blocking member 150 is in the second position, the blocking member 150 (particularly, the blocking element 156) may be positioned just between the switch 160 and the button 120, i.e., blocking the path of the stepped structure 121a for the button 120. For example, the blocking element 156 may be used as a spacer just between the body of the switch 160 and the button 120, so that the distance between the switch 160 and the button 120 can be maintained by the blocking element 156, and the button 120 cannot be pressed to engage the activation element of the switch 160.

[0074] According to various non-limiting embodiments, and with reference to Fig. 7A and Figure 7B , the input device 100 may further include a biasing member 170 configured to bias the blocking member 150 to the first position when the blocking member 150 is in the second position. The biasing member 170 may include a spring. The biasing member 170 may keep the motion changing element 140 in close engagement with the blocking member 150 and the selector 130. This may prevent the motion changing element 140 from floating, moving, or causing a rattling sound.

[0075] Fig. 8A is a diagram showing a partial perspective view of an input device 800 without a partial housing according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 8B It shows that Fig. 8A The input device 800 is a cross-sectional view of the input device 800 shown in FIG. The input device 800 may include the Figures 1 to 7B Features of the input devices 100, 600 are described above, and therefore common features are labeled with the same reference numerals and need not be discussed. Fig. 8A and Figure 8B Partial housing of the input device 800 and buttons 110 , 120 are not shown.

[0076] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the input device 800 may include a selector 830, a blocking member 850, a motion-changing device (e.g., Fig. 9 809, including the elongated portion 831 of the selector 830 and the through hole 851 of the blocking member 850), the biasing member 870, the fastening assembly 890 and the support member 880. The input device 800 may include a button 120 and a switch 160. The button 120 may be disposed relative to the switch 160. According to various non-limiting embodiments, the movement of the selector 830 and the movement of the blocking member 850 may be different types of movement. The movement changing device may be a rotation to linear movement conversion device (e.g., such as Fig. 9 809 shown). For example, the selector 830 may be rotatable along a rotation axis (e.g., in the Z direction), and the blocking member 850 may be linearly movable along a movement axis (e.g., in the Z direction) between a first position and a second position. The rotation axis of the selector 830 and the movement axis of the blocking member 850 may be parallel to each other.

[0077] Now refer to Fig. 9 , FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C The selector 830 and the blocking member 850 are described. Fig. 9 8 is a diagram showing an exploded perspective view of the selector 830 , the blocking member 850 , the biasing member 870 , the fastening assembly 890 , and the support member 880 of the input device 800 . Fig. 10A is a diagram showing a bottom view of the assembled selector 830, blocking member 850, biasing member 870, fastening assembly 890, and support member 880 of input device 800; Fig. 10B is a diagram showing a perspective view of the assembled selector 830, blocking member 850, biasing member 870, fastening assembly 890, and support member 880 of input device 800; Fig. 10C 8 is a diagram illustrating a front view of the assembled selector 830 , blocking member 850 , biasing member 870 , fastening assembly 890 , and support component 880 of the input device 800 .

[0078] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the selector 830 may include an elongated portion 831 extending from an actuating portion 833 of the selector 830. The blocking member 850 may include a through hole 851 through which the elongated portion 831 is fitted. The elongated portion 831 may include an external helix or thread, and the through hole 851 may include an internal thread. Therefore, when the elongated portion 831 of the selector 830 rotates about the rotation axis relative to the blocking member 850, the blocking member 850 may be able to move along the elongated portion 831 through the threaded engagement therebetween. Thus, the movement of the selector 830 may be transmitted from the elongated portion 831 (thread) of the selector 830 to the through hole 851 (thread) of the blocking member 850 for moving the blocking member 850 in a synchronized manner. According to various embodiments, the elongated portion 831 of the selector 830 and the through hole 851 of the blocking member 850 may be used as a rotation to linear motion conversion device 809.

[0079] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the selector 830 may include a support component 880, a fastening assembly 890, and a biasing member 870. Similar to the support component 180 receiving the blocking member 150, the support component 880 may receive the blocking member 850. The support component 880 may include at least one socket structure 881 on its bottom surface. The fastening assembly 890 may include at least one fastening member 891 and a fastening structure 893. The at least one fastening member 891 may be used to fix the fastening structure 893 to the at least one socket structure 881 of the support component 880. The fastening structure 893 of the fastening assembly 890 may include a through hole 895 so that the elongated portion 831 of the selector 830 may pass through the fastening assembly 890, the through hole of the support component 880, and enter into and engage with the through hole 851 of the blocking member 850. The biasing member 870 may be disposed around the elongated portion 831 of the selector 830. The biasing member 870 can keep the elongated portion 831 in close engagement with the blocking member 850. This can prevent the elongated portion 831 from floating, moving, or causing a rattling sound. The biasing member 870 can include a spring.

[0080] Fig.11Ais a diagram showing a partial front view of the input device 800 when the blocking member 850 is in the first position; Fig. 11B is a diagram showing a partial front view of the input device 800 when the blocking member 850 is in the second position. Fig.11A and Fig. 11B Part of the housing and buttons 110, 120 are not shown.

[0081] Fig.11A The blocking member 850 is depicted in a first position, and the switch 860 is positioned above the blocking member 850 . Fig. 11B The occlusion member 850 is depicted in the second position, and the switch 860 is located between the occlusion member 850 and the button 120 (not shown).

[0082] Fig.12 is a diagram showing a perspective view of an input device 1200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig.13A and Fig. 13B is a diagram showing a perspective view of an auxiliary button of the input device 1200 .

[0083] According to various non-limiting embodiments, the input device 1200 may include detachable auxiliary buttons 1210, 1220, 1230, and 1240. The auxiliary buttons 1210, 1220, 1230, and 1240 may be detachable. Fig.12 Likewise, the number and arrangement of auxiliary buttons should not be limited to Fig.12 The number and arrangement shown should include any number of auxiliary buttons, including one or three or five auxiliary buttons, which can also be arranged arbitrarily.

[0084] The input device 1200 may further include detachable spacers 1250, 1260, 1270, 1280 (or blocking members) corresponding to the auxiliary buttons 1210, 1220, 1230, 1240, respectively. The user may choose to attach a spacer to the auxiliary button so that the corresponding auxiliary button is blocked by the spacer and thus disabled, such as Fig.13A As shown. On the other hand, the user may choose to remove the spacer from the auxiliary button so that the corresponding auxiliary button can be pressed to activate the corresponding switch. The four auxiliary buttons 1250, 1260, 1270, 1280 and the four spacers 1210, 1220, 1230, 1240 may have similar structures. Taking the button 1230 and the corresponding spacer 1270 as an example, as shown in FIG. Fig. 13BAs shown, the button 1230 may include a cavity 1231 and two protrusions 1232 disposed in the cavity 1231 and protruding from opposite ends of the cavity 1231. The spacer 1270 may include two recesses (e.g., see the spacer 1250) corresponding to the two protrusions 1232 of the button 1230. The spacer 1270 may be coupled to the button 1230 by receiving the protrusions 1232 into the recesses.

[0085] Various aspects of what is described herein provide a configurable input device with improved functionality, thereby enhancing the user experience.

[0086] Some of the themes and operations described in this specification may be implemented in digital electronic circuits, or in computer software, firmware or hardware, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents, or a combination of one or more of them. Some of the themes described in this specification may be implemented as one or more computer programs, i.e., one or more modules of computer program instructions, which are encoded on a computer storage medium for execution by a data processing device or for controlling the operation of a data processing device. A computer storage medium may be or may be included in a computer-readable storage device, a computer-readable storage substrate, a random or serial access memory array or device, or a combination of one or more of them. In addition, although a computer storage medium is not a propagation signal, a computer storage medium may be a source or destination of computer program instructions encoded in an artificially generated propagation signal. A computer storage medium may also be one or more separate physical components or media (e.g., multiple CDs, disks or other storage devices) or be included in one or more separate physical components or media.

[0087] Some of the operations described in this specification can be implemented as operations performed by a data processing apparatus on data stored on one or more computer-readable storage devices or received from other sources.

[0088] The term "data processing apparatus" covers all types of apparatus, devices and machines for processing data, including, for example, a programmable processor, a computer, a system on a chip, or multiple or combinations of the foregoing. The apparatus may include dedicated logic circuits, such as an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). In addition to hardware, the apparatus may also include code that creates an execution environment for the computer program in question, for example, code constituting processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, a cross-platform operating environment, a virtual machine, or a combination of one or more thereof.

[0089] A computer program (also referred to as a program, software, software application, script, or code) may be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, declarative or procedural languages, and it may be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, object, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program may, but need not, correspond to a file in a file system. A program may be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, subroutines, or portions of code). A computer program may be deployed to execute on one computer, or on multiple computers located at one site or distributed over multiple sites and interconnected by a communications network.

[0090] Some of the processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform actions by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by special purpose logic circuits (e.g., FPGA (field programmable gate array) or ASIC (application specific integrated circuit)), and the device can also be implemented as a special purpose logic circuit.

[0091] Although this specification contains many details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what is claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular examples. Certain features described in this specification or shown in the accompanying drawings in the context of separate embodiments may also be combined. Conversely, various features described or shown in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments, either alone or in any suitable subcombination.

[0092] Similarly, although operations are depicted in a particular order in the accompanying drawings, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in a sequential order, or that all of the operations shown be performed to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. In addition, the separation of various system components in the above-described embodiments should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

[0093] Various embodiments have been described. However, it should be understood that various modifications can be made. Therefore, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An input device, comprising: a switch having an activation element; a button, the button being arranged relative to the switch; a blocking member movable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the blocking member is in the first position, the button is depressible from an undepressed position to a depressed position to engage the activation element of the switch, wherein when the blocking member is in the second position, the button is blocked from being depressed to the depressed position, wherein the blocking member is located between the switch and the button when in the second position; a selector operable to cause the blocking member to move between the first position and the second position; and A motion changing device is operably arranged between the selector and the blocking member to convert the motion of the selector into the motion of the blocking member for moving the blocking member between the first position and the second position.

2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein: The movement of the selector and the movement of the blocking member are movements in different directions, wherein the movement changing means are direction changing means.

3. The input device according to claim 2, wherein: The selector is slidable along a sliding axis and the blocking member is linearly movable along a movement axis between the first position and the second position, wherein the sliding axis of the selector and the movement axis of the blocking member are non-parallel to each other.

4. The input device according to claim 3, wherein: The movement changing means comprises an engagement portion at the selector which engages with a corresponding engagement portion at the blocking member.

5. The input device according to claim 4, wherein: The engaging portion at the selector includes an engaging surface inclined relative to the sliding axis, and the corresponding engaging portion at the blocking member includes an engaging tip, wherein the engaging tip of the corresponding engaging portion at the blocking member abuts against the engaging surface of the engaging portion at the selector, so that when the selector slides along the sliding axis, the engaging tip slides along the engaging surface to cause the blocking member to move along the moving axis.

6. The input device according to claim 5, wherein: The engagement tip has a corresponding beveled surface.

7. The input device according to claim 5, wherein: The corresponding engagement portion at the stop member is attached to the stop member.

8. The input device according to claim 5, wherein: The sliding axis of the selector and the moving axis of the blocking member are perpendicular to each other.

9. The input device according to claim 5, wherein: The motion changing device includes a triangular prism-shaped structure at the selector and one of the surfaces is inclined relative to the sliding axis to serve as the engagement surface.

10. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising: A guide member is configured to guide movement of the blocking member along the movement axis between the first position and the second position.

11. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising: A biasing member is configured to bias the blocking member.

12. The input device according to claim 1, wherein: The movement of the selector and the movement of the blocking member are different types of movement, wherein the motion changing device is a rotational to linear motion conversion device.

13. The input device according to claim 12, wherein: The selector is rotatable along a rotation axis and the blocking member is linearly movable along a movement axis between the first position and the second position, wherein the rotation axis of the selector and the movement axis of the blocking member are parallel to each other.

14. The input device according to claim 13, wherein: The motion changing device includes a slender portion extending from the selector, the slender portion being assembled through a through hole at the blocking member, wherein the slender portion includes an external thread and the through hole includes an internal thread, wherein the blocking member can move along the slender portion when the slender portion rotates relative to the blocking member around the rotation axis.

15. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising: another switch having another activation element; another button, the another button being arranged relative to the another switch; wherein, when the blocking member is in the first position, the other button can be pressed from another unpressed position to another pressed position to engage the other activation element of the other switch, wherein, when the blocking member is in the second position, the other button is blocked from being pressed to the other pressed position, wherein the blocking member is located between the other switch and the other button when in the second position.

16. The input device according to claim 15, wherein: The blocking member comprises two parts, a first part moves between the switch and the button when in the second position, and a second part moves between the further switch and the further button when in the second position.

17. The input device according to claim 15, wherein: The first portion is a mirror image of the second portion.

18. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising: a housing, the housing comprising an aperture, wherein the selector is accessible through the aperture of the housing and operable by a user.

19. The input device according to claim 18, wherein: The aperture is disposed on a bottom surface of the housing.

20. The input device according to claim 18, wherein The housing comprises a further aperture provided on a side surface of the housing, and wherein the button is accessible through the further aperture of the housing and operable by a user.

21. The input device according to claim 1, wherein The switch comprises a mechanical type switch capable of producing an audible click sound or providing a click tactile feel, or producing an audible click sound and providing a click tactile feel, when actuated.

22. The input device of claim 1, further comprising: A processor is configured to transmit an output signal to a computer based on activation of the switch when the blocking member is in the first position.

23. The input device of claim 1, further comprising: a support member disposed between the blocking member and the selector, Wherein, the support component comprises a through hole for receiving a lower portion of the blocking member.

Images