Input device and input module

Abstract

An input device includes a direction sensing module and an input module. The input module includes a base, a swing element, a switch element, and an operating element. The swing element is disposed on the base and can swing relative to the base to different tilt angles. The swing element includes a connecting end and a trigger end, the trigger end being used to connect to the direction sensing module. The switch element is disposed on the base. The operating element is connected to the connecting end of the swing element, and the operating element can extend and retract relative to the swing element to trigger the switch element.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Input devices, such as keyboards, mice, switches, or buttons, are common electronic devices used in daily life to allow users to interact with electronic devices in order to achieve specific functions or operations.

[0003] Most common input devices can only switch between two states. Take a push-button switch as an example. Push-button switches are commonly used in home appliances or other electronic devices. When a user presses the switch, the internal circuit is turned on, thereby starting or stopping certain functions. When the switch is released, the circuit is turned off, and the device stops operating. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above, in one embodiment, an input module is provided for connecting a direction sensing module. The input module includes a base, a swing member, a switch member, and an operating member. The swing member is disposed on the base and can swing relative to the base to different tilt angles. The swing member includes a connecting end and a trigger end, the trigger end being used to connect to the direction sensing module. The switch member is disposed on the base. The operating member is connected to the connecting end of the swing member, and the operating member can extend and retract relative to the swing member to trigger the switch member.

[0005] In another embodiment, an input device is provided, including a pointing sensing module and the aforementioned input module, wherein the trigger end of the oscillating element of the input module is connected to the pointing sensing module.

[0006] In summary, according to the embodiments of the present invention, the input device and input module allow the user to press and operate the operating member to extend and retract relative to the swing member to trigger the switch member. In addition, the operating member can also be controlled by the user to drive the swing member to swing relative to the base to different tilt angles, so that the pointing sensing module generates a directional sensing signal, thus enabling a single input module to meet a variety of different operating needs. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the input device of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the input device of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the input device of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a partially exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the input module of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A sectional view along line segment 5-5.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a pressing animation diagram of one embodiment of the operating element of the input device of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 7 An animated diagram showing the swing motion of an operating component of the input device of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the input device of the present invention.

[0015] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0016] 1: Input device

[0017] 10: Pointer sensor module

[0018] 101: Sensor

[0019] 102: Assembly Department

[0020] 11: Substrate

[0021] 111: First Surface

[0022] 112: Second Surface

[0023] 113 Through Hole

[0024] 114: Assembly Hole

[0025] 12: Framework

[0026] 121: Assembly slot

[0027] 122: Connecting Post

[0028] 20: Input Module

[0029] 30: Base

[0030] 301: First arc surface

[0031] 302: Through hole

[0032] 40: Swing component

[0033] 41: Connection end

[0034] 411: First column

[0035] 42: Trigger End

[0036] 43: Flange

[0037] 431: Second arc surface

[0038] 44: Annular groove

[0039] 45: Cover

[0040] 451: Opening

[0041] 46: Storage space

[0042] 50: Switching components

[0043] 60: Operating components

[0044] 61: Pressing component

[0045] 65: Shaft

[0046] 651: Second column

[0047] 652: Slide

[0048] 70: Elastic band

[0049] 71: Elastic reset component

[0050] 72: Circular elastomer

[0051] 73: Elastic return washer

[0052] 731: Ring-shaped body

[0053] 732: Elastic protrusion

[0054] 80: Fasteners

[0055] A: Tilt angle

[0056] C: Central axis Detailed Implementation

[0057] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the input device of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the input device of the present invention. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the input device of the present invention. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the input device 1 includes a trackpoint module 10 and an input module 20, with the input module 20 being connected to the trackpoint module 10.

[0058] In some embodiments, the input device 1 may be a hardware device used to input user instructions, information, or data into the computer system, such as a keyboard, mouse, or button switch. Figure 1As shown, the input device 1 in this embodiment is a keyboard. The input device 1 may include multiple keys, such as multiple letter keys, multiple number keys, a space key, an enter key, and a Caps Lock key. The input module 20 may be one of the keys of the input device 1. In some embodiments, the number of input modules 20 may be one or more, and the number of pointing sensing modules 10 may correspond to the number of input modules 20.

[0059] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the input device 1 has a substrate 11, which can be a rigid plate made of metal (e.g., aluminum, steel, alloy, etc.) or plastic. Alternatively, the substrate 11 can also be a circuit board. The input module 20 is disposed above the substrate 11 and includes a base 30, a swing member 40, a switch member 50, and an operating member 60. In some embodiments, the input module 20 can be directly assembled and fixed to the substrate 11, or the input module 20 can be indirectly assembled to the substrate 11 via other components.

[0060] For example, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, a frame 12 is provided above the substrate 11 of the input device 1. For example, the frame 12 can be fixed to the substrate 11 by means of adhesive, snap-on or locking. The frame 12 has multiple assembly slots 121 for each button to be assembled. The input module 20 can be assembled into one of the assembly slots 121 to be fixed above the substrate 11. Here, the input module 20 is assembled into the assembly slot 121 of the frame 12 with its base 30.

[0061] Figure 4 This is a partially exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the input module of the present invention. Figure 5 for Figure 2 A sectional view along line segment 5-5. (e.g.) Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the swing member 40 is disposed on the base 30, and the swing member 40 can swing relative to the base 30 to different tilt angles. In this embodiment, the swing member 40 is a rod and includes a connecting end 41 and a trigger end 42, wherein the trigger end 42 is closer to the substrate 11 relative to the connecting end 41, and the trigger end 42 is connected to the pointing sensing module 10. Thus, when the swing member 40 swings to different tilt angles, the pointing sensing module 10 can sense the swing direction and / or force of the swing member 40 to generate a directional sensing signal. For example, the pointing sensing module 10 may have a sensor 101, such as a strain gauge or a pressure sensor, and the sensor 101 is connected to the trigger end 42 of the swing member 40 to sense the swing direction and / or force of the swing member 40.

[0062] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the input module 20 includes a cover 45, and the base 30 is a hollow base. The cover 45 is assembled on the base 30 to form an accommodating space 46. The swing member 40 is located within the accommodating space 46 and has a flange 43. The flange 43 is located between the connecting end 41 and the trigger end 42. The base 30 has a first arc surface 301 and a through hole 302. The first arc surface 301 is annular and surrounds the through hole 302. The flange 43 of the swing member 40 has an annular second arc surface 431, and the swing member 40 contacts the first arc surface 301 of the base 30 with the second arc surface 431. Therefore, when the swing member 40 swings relative to the base 30, interference can be avoided through the contact relationship between the first arc surface 301 and the second arc surface 431, allowing the swing member 40 to operate smoothly. In addition, in this embodiment, the trigger end 42 of the swing member 40 is connected to the sensor 101 of the pointing sensing module 10 through the through hole 302.

[0063] In some embodiments, the pointing sensing module 10 can be assembled to the substrate 11 or the frame 12. For example... Figures 2 to 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the substrate 11 has a first surface 111 and a second surface 112 facing each other, and a through hole 113, which penetrates the first surface 111 and the second surface 112. The frame 12 and the input module 20 are disposed on the first surface 111 of the substrate 11, the pointing sensing module 10 is disposed on the second surface 112 of the substrate 11, and the sensor 101 of the pointing sensing module 10 is located in the through hole 113. The trigger end 42 of the swing member 40 extends into the through hole 113 to connect with the sensor 101.

[0064] In some embodiments, the pointing sensing module 10 can be disposed on the second surface 112 of the substrate 11 by means of adhesion, snap-fit, or locking. For example Figures 2 to 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the substrate 11 may have one or more assembly holes 114, wherein the number of assembly holes 114 is three and they are spaced apart from each other, and each assembly hole 114 penetrates the first surface 111 and the second surface 112 of the substrate 11. The pointing sensing module 10 has an assembly part 102, and the number and position of the assembly parts 102 correspond to the number and position of the assembly holes 114. The frame 12 has connecting posts 122, the number of connecting posts 122 corresponds to the number of assembly holes 114, and each connecting post 122 passes through each assembly hole 114. Each assembly part 102 of the pointing sensing module 10 can be fixed to each connecting post 122 by a fastener 80, such as a rivet, screw, or bolt, so that the pointing sensing module 10 is disposed on the second surface 112 of the substrate 11 and assembled and fixed with the frame 12. However, the above embodiment is only an example. In other embodiments, the pointing sensing module 10 may also be directly assembled to the first surface 111 or the second surface 112 of the substrate 11.

[0065] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the operating member 60 is assembled to the connecting end 41 of the swing member 40, and the operating member 60 can telescopically move relative to the swing member 40. For example, in this embodiment, the swing member 40 has a central axis C. After the operating member 60 is assembled to the swing member 40, the operating member 60 can move along the direction of the central axis C to approach the swing member 40 and the base plate 11 or move away from the swing member 40 and the base plate 11 along the direction of the central axis C. In this embodiment, the operating member 60 includes a pressing member 61 and a shaft 65. Here, the pressing member 61 is a keycap, and the pressing member 61 is located outside the cover 45 and the base 30 for user operation. The shaft 65 of the operating member 60 can be assembled to the pressing member 61 (e.g., Figure 5 (As shown) Alternatively, the shaft 65 can be integrally connected with the pressing member 61 to form an integrally formed structure.

[0066] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the operating member 60 is connected to the connecting end 41 of the swing member 40 via a shaft 65. In this embodiment, the cover 45 has an opening 451, the shaft 65 of the operating member 60 is located within the opening 451, one end of the shaft 65 is connected to the pressing member 61, and the other end of the shaft 65 extends into the receiving space 46 to be connected to the connecting end 41 of the swing member 40. Thus, when the pressing member 61 is pushed by the user in a certain direction (e.g., forward, backward, left, or right), the swing member 40 can be driven to swing relative to the base 30.

[0067] In some embodiments, the shaft 65 of the operating member 60 and the connecting end 41 of the swing member 40 may be slidably connected, allowing the operating member 60 to extend and retract relative to the swing member 40. For example... Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, a first column 411 is provided between the connecting end 41 and the trigger end 42 of the swing member 40, and a second column 651 is provided on the shaft 65 of the operating member 60. The second column 651 has a sliding groove 652, and the sliding groove 652 of the shaft 65 of the operating member 60 is sleeved on the outside of the first column 411 of the swing member 40, so that the operating member 60 can slide telescopically relative to the swing member 40. However, the above embodiment is only an example. In other embodiments, the structures of the first column 411 and the second column 651 can also be interchanged, and the purpose of sliding connection between the operating member 60 and the swing member 40 can also be achieved.

[0068] like Figure 5As shown, the input device 1 also has an elastic reset member 71, which may be a spring or a sheet, and is connected between the operating member 60 and the swing member 40. In this embodiment, the elastic reset member 71 is a spring and is sleeved on the outside of the first column 411 of the swing member 40 and the second column 651 of the operating member 60, and the elastic reset member 71 abuts against the operating member 60. Thus, when the user presses the operating member 60 to move towards the swing member 40, the operating member 60 can compress the elastic reset member 71 to store elastic force (e.g., ...). Figure 6 As shown), when the user releases the operating member 60, the elastic force stored in the elastic reset member 71 can drive the operating member 60 to move away from the swing member 40 and return to the unpressed position (as shown). Figure 5 (As shown).

[0069] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the switch 50 is disposed on the base 30 and located within the accommodating space 46. The switch 50 may be a reed switch, an optical switch, a push button switch, or a spring switch, etc. When the user presses the operating member 60 to move in the direction of the swing member 40, the operating member 60 can trigger the switch 50 to generate a corresponding pressing signal.

[0070] In summary, the operating element 60 of the input module 20 in this embodiment of the invention can be pressed by the user to extend and retract relative to the swing element 40, causing the operating element 60 to trigger the switch element 50 to generate a corresponding pressing signal. Furthermore, the operating element 60 can also be controlled by the user to swing the swing element 40 relative to the base 10 to different tilt angles, causing the direction sensing module 10 to generate a directional sensing signal, thus enabling a single input module 20 to meet various different operational needs.

[0071] Specifically, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, taking the input module 20 as an example of a keyboard key, when the user needs to input the existing function of the key, the pressing member 61 (i.e., the keycap) of the operating member 60 can be pressed and moved towards the swing member 40 and the base plate 11 (e.g., Figure 6 As shown), this will cause the operating element 60 to trigger the switching element 50 to generate a corresponding pressing signal. For example, if the input module 20 has letter or number keys, the above pressing signal can control the corresponding computer system to perform letter or number input. Additionally, please refer to... Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the user can also operate the pressing member 61 of the operating member 60 of the same input module 20 to move in different directions (e.g., forward, backward, left, right) to drive the swing member 40 to swing relative to the base 10 to different tilt angles (e.g., ...). Figure 7The tilt angle A shown can trigger the pointing sensing module 10 to generate a directional sensing signal. For example, the aforementioned directional sensing signal can control the movement of the cursor or mouse pointer on the computer screen, so that the user does not need to operate the touchpad or mouse separately, thus improving the convenience of use. In addition, the input device 1 does not need to be equipped with a directional control element (such as a pointing stick) to avoid changing the original appearance of the input device 1.

[0072] like Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, an elastic ring 70 may also be assembled around the outer periphery of the shaft 65 of the operating member 60. For example, the material of the elastic ring 70 may be rubber, silicone, or foam, and the elastic ring 70 is located within the accommodating space 46 and contacts the cover 45. Thus, as... Figure 6 As shown, when the user presses the operating member 60 and moves it towards the swing member 40, the elastic ring 70 can disengage from the cover 45 as the operating member 60 is pressed. When the user releases the operating member 60 and it returns to its unpressed position (as shown in the image), the elastic ring 70 will disengage from the cover 45. Figure 5 As shown), the elastic ring 70 acts as a buffer to prevent the shaft 65 of the operating member 60 from impacting the cover 45 and generating noise. Furthermore, as... Figure 7 As shown, when the user controls the operating element 60 to swing and tilt, one side of the elastic ring 70 can be compressed by the cover 45 to avoid the operating element 60 and the cover 45 rubbing against each other and generating noise. Furthermore, when the user releases the operating element 60, the elastic force generated by the compression of the elastic ring 70 can also help the operating element 60 smoothly swing back to its original position (e.g., ...). Figure 5 (As shown).

[0073] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the swing member 40 has an annular groove 44, and an elastic reset washer 73 is provided within the annular groove 44. For example, the elastic reset washer 73 can be made of rubber, silicone, or foam, and the elastic reset washer 73 is located within the through hole 302 of the base 30. Thus, as... Figure 7 As shown, when the user controls the operating component 60 to cause the swing component 40 to swing and tilt, one side of the elastic reset washer 73 can be pressed against the wall of the through hole 302 and accumulate elastic force (such as...). Figure 7 As shown), when the user releases the operating element 60, the elastic force stored in the elastic reset washer 73 helps the operating element 60 swing smoothly back to its original position (as shown). Figure 5 (As shown).

[0074] For example Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, in this embodiment, the elastic reset washer 73 has an annular body 731 and a plurality of elastic protrusions 732. The plurality of elastic protrusions 732 are integrally connected to the outer periphery of the annular body 731 and are spaced apart from each other. Here, each elastic protrusion 732 is a semi-circular protrusion, but this is not a limitation, and each elastic protrusion 732 can also be other shapes (e.g., square, elliptical, or other irregular shapes). Thus, as... Figure 7 As shown, when the user controls the operating component 60 to cause the swing component 40 to swing and tilt, the wall of the through hole 302 can press against part of the elastic protrusion 732 of the elastic return washer 73 to accumulate elastic force, and the elastic protrusion 732 is more easily compressed, so as to avoid excessive resistance to the user during the tilting process of controlling the operating component 60, thereby improving the comfort of operation. In addition, when the user releases the operating component 60, the elastic force accumulated in the elastic protrusion 732 can also help the operating component 60 to swing smoothly back to its original position (e.g., Figure 5 (As shown).

[0075] In some embodiments, the swing member 40 and the base 30 can also be connected in other ways to enable the swing member 40 to swing relative to the base 30. For example... Figure 8 The image shown is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the input device of the present invention. This embodiment is similar to the one described above. Figure 5 The difference in the embodiments is at least that, in this embodiment, the flange 43 of the swing member 40 has an annular elastic body 72 between it and the base 30. For example, the material of the annular elastic body 72 can be rubber, silicone, or foam. The annular elastic body 72 can be located in the accommodating space 46 and fixed to the surface of the flange 43 facing away from the operating member 60, or the annular elastic body 72 can be located in the accommodating space 46 and fixed around the through hole 302 of the base 30, or the annular elastic body 72 can be sandwiched between the flange 43 of the swing member 40 and the base 30. In this way, when the user controls the operating member 60 to swing and tilt, because the annular elastic body 72 is elastic, the flange 43 of the swing member 40 can compress one side of the annular elastic body 72 and swing and tilt synchronously with the operating member 60 to trigger the pointing sensing module 10 to generate a directional sensing signal. In addition, when the user releases the operating member 60, the elastic force accumulated by the annular elastic body 72 under pressure can also help the operating member 60 swing smoothly back to its original position. Therefore, this embodiment is different from the above. Figure 5 In this embodiment, the elastic reset washer 73 can be omitted, and there is no need to provide the first arc surface 301 and the second arc surface 431 to contact each other between the base 30 and the swing member 40, so that the swing member 40 can swing relative to the base 30.

[0076] 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. An input module, characterized in that, This input module is used to connect to a direction sensing module and includes: Base; An oscillating element is disposed on the base. The oscillating element can selectively oscillate relative to the base to different tilt angles. The oscillating element includes a connecting end and a trigger end, the trigger end being used to connect to the pointing sensing module. A switch element is disposed on the base; and An operating element is connected to the connecting end of the oscillating element, and the operating element can selectively extend and retract relative to the oscillating element to trigger the switching element.

2. The input module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The operating component includes a pressing element and a shaft, the shaft being connected to the pressing element and also connected to the connecting end of the swing element.

3. The input module as described in claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a cover body assembled on the base to form an accommodating space, the swing member and the switch member being located within the accommodating space, the cover body having an opening, the shaft being located within the opening, and one end of the shaft being connected to the pressing member, and the other end of the shaft being connected to the connecting end of the swing member.

4. The input module as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The shaft is provided with an elastic ring on its outer periphery, which is located within the accommodating space and contacts the cover.

5. The input module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an elastic reset member connected between the operating member and the swing member.

6. The input module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The oscillating member has a flange located between the connecting end and the trigger end. The base has a first arc surface, and the flange has a second arc surface. The oscillating member contacts the first arc surface of the base with the second arc surface.

7. The input module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The swing element has an annular groove with an elastic reset washer inside the annular groove, and the base has a through hole with the elastic reset washer located inside the through hole.

8. The input module as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The resilient reset washer has an annular body and a plurality of resilient protrusions connected to the annular body and spaced apart from each other.

9. The input module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The oscillating element has a flange located between the connecting end and the trigger end, and an annular elastomer is present between the flange and the base.

10. An input device, characterized in that, include: Pointing sensor module; as well as The input module as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the trigger end of the oscillating member of the input module is connected to the pointing sensing module.

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