A touchpad module, electronic device

Abstract

This application discloses a touchpad module and an electronic device. The touchpad module includes a touchpad and a spring. The touchpad has a first surface and a second surface facing each other. The first surface is used to withstand pressing operations at least once. The spring is located on the side of the touchpad facing away from the first surface and is used to support the touchpad at least once. The spring has a first spring arm with a first end and a second end facing each other. The first end is fixedly connected to the second surface, and the second end is used to be fixedly connected to a support for the touchpad module. During the process of the touchpad moving when the first surface is pressed, the first spring arm can undergo elastic deformation and apply a supporting force to the touchpad from the second end to the first end through the first end. The component of the supporting force in the target direction is greater than zero. The target direction is the direction from the geometric center of the second surface to the first end on the second surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic device technology, and in particular to a touchpad module and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] With the trend towards thinner and lighter electronic devices, higher design requirements have been placed on the thickness of touchpad modules. However, while traditional design solutions reduce the thickness of touchpad modules, they also lead to a decrease in overall stability. Touchpads are prone to structural deformation after long-term use, which affects their lifespan. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides the following technical solution:

[0004] A touchpad module, comprising:

[0005] The touchpad has a first side and a second side opposite to each other, the first side being at least used to withstand a pressing operation;

[0006] A spring sheet, located on the side of the touchpad facing away from the first surface, is used to support the touchpad at least. The spring sheet has a first spring arm with a first end and a second end opposite to each other. The first end is fixedly connected to the second surface, and the second end is used to be fixedly connected to a support for the touchpad module. During the process of the touchpad moving when the first surface is pressed, the first spring arm can elastically deform and apply a supporting force to the touchpad from the second end to the first end through the first end. The component of the supporting force in the target direction is greater than zero. The target direction is the direction from the geometric center of the second surface to the first end on the second surface.

[0007] Optionally, in the above-mentioned touchpad module, the touchpad has a first side and a second side, the first side is set as the fixed end of the touchpad, the second side is set as the floating end of the touchpad, and the line connecting the first end and the second end in the orthographic projection of the second surface satisfies the condition of parallelism with the second side.

[0008] Optionally, in the above-mentioned touchpad module, the spring has a second spring arm extending from the second end to the third end, the third end being fixedly connected to the second surface, and in the direction from the second side to the first side, the third end is a first distance away from the first side, and the first end is a second distance away from the first side, the first distance being less than the second distance.

[0009] Optionally, in the above-mentioned touchpad module, the spring is made of metal, the third end is fixedly connected to the touchpad by a first fastener extending into the touchpad, and the spring is electrically connected to the reference ground plane of the touchpad by the first fastener.

[0010] Optionally, in the above-mentioned touchpad module, two springs are provided, and the two springs are symmetrically arranged with respect to the center line of the second surface. The center line passes through the geometric center of the second surface and satisfies the perpendicular condition with the second side.

[0011] Optionally, the touchpad module described above includes a connecting piece that connects the third ends of the two spring pieces, and the two spring pieces are integrally formed with the connecting piece.

[0012] Optionally, the touchpad module described above includes:

[0013] A first bracket is fixed to the second surface. The side of the first bracket facing away from the second surface is fixedly connected to the connecting piece. When the first surface is not pressed, the connecting piece and the second elastic arm satisfy the coplanar condition.

[0014] Optionally, the touchpad module described above includes:

[0015] A second bracket, fixed to the second surface, has a clearance hole to avoid a push-button switch located on the second surface; and / or,

[0016] A third bracket is fixed to the first side of the touchpad. The third bracket is provided with mounting holes for installing a second fastener, which is used to fix the third bracket to the support.

[0017] Optionally, the touchpad module described above includes at least one of the following:

[0018] The two ends of the second bracket are respectively fixedly connected to the first ends of the two spring pieces;

[0019] The length of the orthographic projection of the second elastic arm on the second surface is greater than the minimum distance from the orthographic projection of the second end on the second surface to the orthographic projection of the connecting piece on the second surface;

[0020] The arm of the first spring arm, located between the first end and the second end, extends in a straight line when the first surface is not pressed.

[0021] An electronic device, comprising:

[0022] Support;

[0023] Touchpad module, the touchpad module comprising:

[0024] The touchpad has a first side and a second side opposite to each other, the first side being at least used to withstand a pressing operation;

[0025] A spring sheet, located on the side of the touchpad facing away from the first surface, is used to support the touchpad at least. The spring sheet has a first spring arm with a first end and a second end opposite to each other. The first end is fixedly connected to the second surface, and the second end is fixedly connected to the support. When the touchpad moves due to pressure on the first surface, the first spring arm can elastically deform and apply a supporting force to the touchpad from the second end to the first end through the first end. The component of the supporting force in the target direction is greater than zero. The target direction is the direction from the geometric center of the second surface to the first end on the second surface. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a front view of a touchpad module according to an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a touchpad module according to an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of a touchpad module according to an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a partial perspective view of the touchpad module according to an embodiment of this application from another viewpoint;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a disassembly diagram of the touchpad module and support according to an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 7 This is an assembly diagram of the touchpad module and support according to an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the touchpad module in the structure shown;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the force exerted on the touchpad by the first spring arm of the spring during the pressing operation of the touchpad.

[0036] The diagram is marked as follows:

[0037] 100. Touchpad; 101. First side; 102. Second side; 110. Cover plate; 111. First surface; 120. Circuit board; 121. Second surface;

[0038] 200. Shrapnel; 210. First spring arm; 211. First end; 212. Second end; 220. Second spring arm; 221. Third end;

[0039] 300. Second bracket; 301. Limiting hook; 302. Clearance hole;

[0040] 400. Fourth bracket; 410. Support; 411. First fixing hole; 412. Second fixing hole;

[0041] 500, Connecting piece; 600, First fastener; 700, Third bracket; 710, Protruding edge; 711, Mounting hole; 800, First bracket; 900, Push switch. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0043] In the description of this application, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of those different embodiments or examples.

[0044] In the description of this specification, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element.

[0045] See Figures 1-9 This application provides a touchpad module, which may include a touchpad 100 and a spring 200. The touchpad 100 may have a first surface 111 and a second surface 121 facing each other. The first surface 111 may be used to at least bear a pressing operation. The spring 200 may be located on the side of the touchpad 100 away from the first surface 111, that is, on the side facing the second surface 121 of the touchpad 100. The spring 200 may be used to at least support the touchpad 100. The spring 200 may have a first spring arm 210, which may have a first end 211 and a second end 212. The first end 211 may be fixedly connected to the second surface 121 of the touchpad 100, and the second end 212 may be fixedly connected to the support 410 supporting the touchpad module. During the process of the touchpad 100 moving when the first surface 111 of the touchpad 100 is pressed, that is, during the process of the user using the touchpad module by pressing, the first spring arm 210 may undergo elastic deformation and apply a supporting force F2 from the second end 212 to the first end 211 of the first spring arm 210 to the touchpad 100 through the first end 211 of the first spring arm 210. The component force F3 of the supporting force F2 in the target direction S may be greater than zero. The target direction S may be the direction from the geometric center P of the second surface 121 of the touchpad 100 to the first end 211 of the first spring arm 210.

[0046] The touchpad module can be used in various electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. The support 410 can be understood as a component of the electronic device in which the touchpad module is located. For example, the support 410 can be the chassis of a laptop computer or the control panel of a CNC machine tool. One function of the touchpad module is to accept user pressure. Under the action of the pressing force F1, at least a portion of the touchpad 100 can move relative to the support 410, thereby energizing the press switch 900. After the user releases the pressing force F1 on the touchpad 100, the touchpad 100 can return to its initial position under the elastic restoring force of the spring 200. The state of the press switch 900's energization can be changed by the position change, thereby de-energizing the press switch 900.

[0047] The touchpad module of this application is provided with a spring piece 200 connected between the touchpad 100 and the support 410 to realize the reset of the touchpad 100. The spring piece 200 can occupy a small size in the thickness direction of the touchpad module (i.e., the thickness direction of the touchpad 100), which is beneficial to the thin design of the touchpad module. Moreover, in the touchpad module of this application, the two ends of the first spring arm 210 of the spring piece 200 are fixedly connected to the touchpad 100 and the support 410, respectively. When the touchpad 100 is pressed and moves, the first spring arm 210 can elastically deform and apply a supporting force F2 to the touchpad 100 from the second end 212 to the first end 211. The component F3 of the supporting force F2 in the target direction S is greater than zero. The target direction S is the direction on the second surface 121 of the touchpad 100 from the geometric center P of the second surface 121 to the first end 211 of the first spring arm 210. During the pressing process, the spring... The supporting force F2 of the plate 200 on the touchpad 100 has a component force F3 from the first end 211 of the first spring arm 210 toward the geometric center P of the second surface 121 away from the touchpad 100. Therefore, it can produce a stretching effect on the touchpad 100. In this way, under the stretching action of the component force F3 of the supporting force F2, the touchpad 100 tends to become flatter, which resists the tendency of the pressing force F1 to cause the touchpad 100 to bend. This can improve the touchpad 100's resistance to bending deformation during the pressing process, so that the touchpad 100 can withstand more pressing without deformation damage, which is beneficial to improving the service life of the touchpad module.

[0048] See Figure 9The direction of the supporting force F2 is determined by the positional relationship between the first end 211 and the second end 212 of the first spring arm 210. The target direction S is determined by the positional relationship between the geometric center P of the second surface 121 of the touch panel 100 and the orthographic projection of the first end 211 of the first spring arm 210 onto the second surface 121. It should be understood that the target direction S and the second surface 121 of the touch panel 100 are parallel. Since the first end 211 of the first spring arm 210 is fixed to the second surface 121 of the touch panel 100, and the second end 212 of the first spring arm 210 is separated from the second surface 121 of the touch panel 100 by a certain distance, that is, there is a positional difference between the first end 211 and the second end 212 of the first spring arm 210 in the thickness direction of the touch panel 100. Therefore, there is a certain angle between the direction from the second end 212 to the first end 211 of the first spring arm 210, that is, the direction of the supporting force F2, and the second surface 121 of the touch panel 100.

[0049] To ensure that the component force F3 of the supporting force F2 in the target direction S is greater than zero, the first spring arm 210 can be connected to the second surface 121 of the touch panel 100 as follows: First, select a point other than the geometric center P on the second surface 121 as the position point for connecting the first end 211 of the first spring arm 210. Then, draw an auxiliary line through the position point on the second surface 121. The auxiliary line and the line connecting the position point to the geometric center P are perpendicular. Next, take the first spring arm 210 and place the first end 211 of the first spring arm 210 at the above-mentioned position point on the second surface 121 of the touch panel 100. Determine whether the orthographic projection of the second end 212 of the first spring arm 210 on the second surface 121 is located on the side of the above-mentioned auxiliary line closer to the geometric center P. If not, rotate the first spring arm 210 around the above-mentioned position point so that the orthographic projection of the second end 212 of the first spring arm 210 on the second surface 121 is located on the side of the above-mentioned auxiliary line closer to the geometric center P. Finally, fix the first end 211 of the first spring arm 210 to the touch panel 100.

[0050] It should be noted that, in different embodiments, the position point on the second surface 121 of the touchpad 100 where the first end 211 of the first spring arm 210 is connected may be different. Moreover, when the position point is determined, the orthographic projection of the second end 212 of the first spring arm 210 on the second surface 121 is different depending on the orientation of the first spring arm 210 relative to the position point, as long as the orthographic projection is located on the side of the above-mentioned auxiliary line close to the geometric center P.

[0051] When applying a touchpad module to an electronic device, the first surface 111 of the touchpad 100 is typically flush with the surface of the support 410 to minimize protrusions on the outer surface of the electronic device. However, in related technologies, the touchpad 100 often develops a corner warping problem after prolonged use; that is, when the first surface 111 of the touchpad 100 is not pressed, the corners of the touchpad 100 protrude from the surface of the support 410. See [link to relevant documentation] Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the first end 211 of the first spring arm 210 can be fixedly connected to the intersection of two adjacent sides of the touch panel 100 or a position close to such intersection (e.g., no more than 5 cm). Since the first spring arm 210 is fixedly connected to the touch panel 100, and the connection point is the intersection of two adjacent sides of the touch panel 100 or a position close to such intersection, the corners formed by the two sides of the touch panel 100 are connected to the support 410 via the first spring arm 210. Thus, when the first surface 111 of the touch panel 100 is not pressed, the first spring arm 210 can provide positional constraint on the corners of the touch panel 100, preventing the corners from protruding from the surface of the support 410, thereby reducing the likelihood of the aforementioned corner warping problem and helping the touch panel 100 remain flat after long-term use. See also... Figure 3 In some embodiments, the touchpad 100 may include a cover plate 110 stacked with the circuit board 120, the first side 111 of the touchpad 100 is the side of the cover plate 110 facing away from the circuit board 120, and the second side 121 of the touchpad 100 is the side of the circuit board 120 facing away from the cover plate 110.

[0052] In some embodiments, the touchpad module can be configured such that the touchpad 100 has a first side 101 and a second side 102 opposite to each other, the first side 101 being a fixed end of the touchpad 100, and the second side 102 being a floating end of the touchpad 100; the line connecting the first end 211 and the second end 212 of the first spring arm 210 projected onto the second surface 121 of the touchpad 100 is parallel to the second side 102 of the touchpad 100. It should be understood that the fixed end of the touchpad 100 is fixedly disposed relative to the support 410, and the floating end of the touchpad 100 is movably disposed relative to the support 410, that is, during the pressing process that turns on the push switch 900, the fixed end of the touchpad 100 remains stationary relative to the support 410, while the floating end of the touchpad 100 can move relative to the support 410. In related technologies, when the first side 101 of the touchpad 100 is a fixed end and the second side 102 is a floating end, the user's pressing operation is more likely to cause the second side 102 of the touchpad 100 to bend and deform. Therefore, in some embodiments of this application, the first elastic arm 210 can be set such that the line connecting the first end 211 and the second end 212 of the first elastic arm 210 on the orthographic projection of the second surface 121 of the touchpad 100 is parallel to the second side 102 of the touchpad 100. In this way, during the pressing process, the supporting force F2 applied by the first elastic arm 210 to the touchpad 100 can generate a stretching effect in a direction that is parallel to the second side 102 of the touchpad 100, so that the second side 102 of the touchpad 100 can better remain straight during the pressing process, reducing the possibility of the second side 102 of the touchpad 100 bending and deforming.

[0053] Of course, in other embodiments, depending on the part of the touchpad 100 that is prone to bending deformation, the first spring arm 210 can be arranged in other directions so that the relative positional relationship between the first end 211 and the second end 212 of the first spring arm 210 on the plane where the touchpad 100 is located can better meet the needs of the touchpad 100 to resist bending deformation.

[0054] In some embodiments, the touchpad module can be configured such that the arm of the first spring arm 210 located between the first end 211 and the second end 212 extends in a straight line when the first surface 111 of the touchpad 100 is not pressed. That is, in the initial state, the arm between the first end 211 and the second end 212 of the first spring arm 210 can be in a straight line shape. It is easy to understand that since the first end 211 of the first spring arm 210 is fixedly connected to the touchpad 100 and the second end 212 is fixedly connected to the support 410 supporting the touchpad module, during the pressing process, the arm between the first end 211 and the second end 212 of the first spring arm 210 will change from a straight line shape to an arc shape. After the user releases the pressing force F1 on the touchpad 100, the touchpad 100 returns to the initial position under the action of the elastic restoring force of the spring piece 200, and the aforementioned part of the first spring arm 210 returns to a straight line shape. The initial shape of the first spring arm 210 can be understood as the shape it was made when manufactured separately, that is, the natural shape of the first spring arm 210 before it is connected to the touchpad 100. The arm body between the first end 211 and the second end 212 of the first spring arm 210 is set to be straight in its natural state. On the one hand, this helps to reduce the manufacturing difficulty of the first spring arm 210. On the other hand, given the limited thickness of the touchpad module, the straight shape of the first spring arm 210 helps to reduce the difficulty of its arrangement and can save relatively more space for the first spring arm 210 to bend.

[0055] Of course, in other embodiments, the first spring arm 210 can also be made into an arc shape, that is, the first spring arm 210 is arc-shaped in the initial state or in its natural state, and the pressing process will further increase the degree of bending of the first spring arm 210 based on the initial state. For example, the first spring arm 210 can be set to be an arch shape convex towards the touch panel 100 when the first surface 111 of the touch panel 100 is not pressed.

[0056] In some embodiments, the spring 200 may have a second spring arm 220 extending from a second end 212 to a third end 221, the third end 221 being fixedly connected to the second surface 121 of the touch panel 100, and in the direction from the second side 102 of the touch panel 100 to the first side 101, the third end 221 of the second spring arm 220 may be a first distance away from the first side 101 of the touch panel 100, and the first end 211 of the first spring arm 210 may be a second distance away from the first side 101 of the touch panel 100, the first distance being less than the second distance. In this structure, the first end 211 and the second end 212 are the two opposite ends of the first spring arm 210, and the second end 212 and the third end 221 are the two opposite ends of the second spring arm 220. The second end 212 is shared by the first spring arm 210 and the second spring arm 220. The first spring arm 210 and the second spring arm 220 can be understood as two spring arms extending in different directions from the second end 212. These two spring arms are components of the same spring piece 200.

[0057] When the first side 101 of the touchpad 100 is a fixed end and the second side 102 is a floating end, in order to better improve the bending deformation resistance of the floating end of the touchpad 100 during the pressing process, the first spring arm 210 can be arranged in the area of ​​the second surface 121 of the touchpad 100 near the second side 102. In this arrangement, since the first spring arm 210 is relatively far from the first side 101 of the touchpad 100, the area of ​​the touchpad 100 located between the first spring arm 210 and the first side 101 is... Since the benefit of 0 is relatively small, the spring 200 can be provided with a second spring arm 220. The end of the second spring arm 220 that is fixedly connected to the touch panel 100, namely the aforementioned third end 221, can be closer to the first side 101 of the touch panel 100 than the first end 211 of the first spring arm 210. In this way, the second spring arm 220 can be used to support the area of ​​the touch panel 100 located between the first spring arm 210 and the first side 101, so that this part of the touch panel 100 can also obtain better resistance to bending deformation during the pressing process.

[0058] In some embodiments, two springs 200 can be provided, and the two springs 200 can be symmetrically arranged with respect to the center line of the second surface 121 of the touch panel 100. The center line can pass through the geometric center P of the second surface 121 and satisfy the perpendicular condition with the second side 102 of the touch panel 100. When the first side 101 of the touch panel 100 is a fixed end and the second side 102 is a floating end, symmetrically arranging the two springs 200 on both sides of the aforementioned center line can provide more balanced support for the touch panel 100. Moreover, the push switch 900 is usually arranged in the area through which the aforementioned center line passes or in the area adjacent to the center line. The symmetrical arrangement of the two springs 200 with respect to the center line can leave space for the placement of the push switch 900.

[0059] In some embodiments, the touchpad module may include a connecting piece 500, which may be configured to connect the third ends 221 of two spring contacts 200, and the two spring contacts 200 may be integrally formed with the connecting piece 500. The connecting piece 500 serves to make the two spring contacts 200 a whole and can enhance the overall structural strength of the touchpad module. The two spring contacts 200 are connected as a whole by the connecting piece 500, that is, the two spring contacts 200 can be two parts of the same component. Therefore, the assembly with the touchpad 100 can be completed more quickly and efficiently during the manufacturing of the touchpad module.

[0060] In some embodiments, the spring 200 can be made of metal, and the third end 221 of the second spring arm 220 can be fixedly connected to the touch panel 100 by a first fastener 600 (e.g., screw, rivet, etc.) extending into the touch panel 100. The spring 200 can also be electrically connected to the reference ground plane of the touch panel 100 via the first fastener 600. It should be understood that the touch panel 100 may include a circuit board 120, and the reference ground plane is the internal structure of the circuit board 120. Making the spring 200 of metal allows it to function as a grounding connector, thus enriching its functionality.

[0061] It should be noted that the embodiments in this application that use the spring piece 200 as a grounding connector are not limited to the case where the touchpad module includes the connecting piece 500, but... Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, since the touchpad module may include a connecting piece 500 integrally formed with the spring 200, and the end of the connecting piece 500 may be connected to the third end 221 of the second spring arm 220 of the spring 200, the end of the connecting piece 500 can be understood as an extension of the third end 221 of the second spring arm 220. Therefore, Figure 1 The first fastener 600 shown fixes the end of the connecting piece 500 to the touch panel 100. This can be understood as the third end 221 of the second spring arm 220 being fixedly connected to the touch panel 100 through the first fastener 600.

[0062] In some embodiments, the touchpad module may include: a first bracket 800 fixed to the second surface 121 of the touchpad 100, the side of the first bracket 800 facing away from the second surface 121 of the touchpad 100 being fixedly connected to the connecting piece 500, and when the first surface 111 of the touchpad 100 is not pressed, the connecting piece 500 and the second spring arm 220 of the spring piece 200 satisfy the coplanar condition. In this structure, the first bracket 800 can be located between the second surface 121 of the touch panel 100 and the connecting piece 500, such that the connecting piece 500 and the second end 212 of the first spring arm 210 are at approximately the same height relative to the second surface 121 of the touch panel 100. That is, in the thickness direction of the touch panel 100, the distance from the connecting piece 500 to the touch panel 100 and the distance from the second end 212 of the first spring arm 210 to the touch panel 100 can be approximately equal. In this way, the connecting piece 500 and the second spring arm 220 of the spring piece 200 can satisfy the coplanar condition, that is, the connecting piece 500 and the second spring arm 220 can be located on the same plane that satisfies the parallel condition with the second surface 121 of the touch panel 100.

[0063] Since the second spring arm 220 is in a plane parallel to the second surface 121 of the touchpad 100 in the initial state (i.e., when the first surface 111 of the touchpad 100 is not pressed), it can bend and deform relatively easily when the user presses the touchpad 100. Therefore, the design of the second spring arm 220 does not significantly increase the pressing force required for the user to perform a regular pressing operation on the touchpad 100. In other words, the structure described above helps to reduce the impact of the second spring arm 220 on the ease of pressing. To minimize the increase in the overall weight of the touchpad module, the first bracket 800 can be made of plastic.

[0064] To further reduce the impact of the second spring arm 220 on the ease of pressing operation, in some embodiments, the touchpad module can be configured such that the length of the orthographic projection of the second spring arm 220 onto the second surface 121 of the touchpad 100 is greater than the minimum distance from the orthographic projection of the second end 212 of the first spring arm 210 onto the second surface 121 to the orthographic projection of the connecting piece 500 onto the second surface 121. For example, in Figure 1In the exemplary embodiment, to ensure that the length of the second spring arm 220 projected onto the second surface 121 of the touchpad 100 is greater than the minimum distance between the projection of the second end 212 of the first spring arm 210 onto the second surface 121 and the projection of the connecting piece 500 onto the second surface 121, the second spring arm 220 can be configured as a Z-shape. Of course, in other embodiments, the second spring arm 220 can be configured as other shapes, such as M-shape, S-shape, L-shape, etc. With the above configuration, the second spring arm 220 connecting the second end 212 of the first spring arm 210 and the connecting piece 500 can have a relatively large length. This allows for sufficient deformable extension of the second spring arm 220, enabling it to bend and deform relatively easily when the user presses the touchpad 100, thus reducing the impact of the second spring arm 220 on the ease of pressing.

[0065] In some embodiments, the touchpad module may include a second bracket 300 fixed to the second surface 121 of the touchpad 100. The second bracket 300 has a clearance hole 302 to avoid a press switch 900 disposed on the second surface 121. The electrical conduction of the press switch 900 is achieved by the user pressing the touchpad 100. Therefore, during the use of the touchpad module, the position of the first surface 111 of the touchpad 100 corresponding to the press switch 900 and the surrounding area of ​​the press switch 900 may be pressed more times than other positions. By providing the second bracket 300, the structural strength of the parts of the touchpad 100 that are pressed more often can be increased, thereby reducing the possibility of local sinking of the touchpad 100 in the above-mentioned areas and helping the touchpad 100 to remain flat after long-term use.

[0066] In some embodiments, the touchpad module may include a third bracket 700 fixed to the first side 101 of the touchpad 100. The third bracket 700 is provided with mounting holes 711 for mounting second fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, etc.), which are used to fix the third bracket 700 to the support 410. When the first side 101 of the touchpad 100 is set as a fixed end, the fixed end of the touchpad 100 and the support 410 can be locked together by fasteners using the mounting holes 711 of the third bracket 700, thus making the fixed connection between the fixed end of the touchpad 100 and the support 410 more stable. To minimize the increase in the overall weight of the touchpad module, the third bracket 700 may be made of plastic.

[0067] See Figure 6 and Figure 7In some embodiments, the third bracket 700 may be provided with two or more protruding edges 710, and the protruding edges 710 may have mounting holes 711. The support 410 may be provided with a second fixing hole 412 that mates with the mounting holes 711 of the third bracket 700. For example, the touchpad module... Figure 7 After being placed on the support 410, the second fastener connecting the third bracket 700 and the support 410 can be moved along... Figure 7 The arrow C in the diagram passes through the mounting hole 711 and the second fixing hole 412 in sequence for installation.

[0068] In an embodiment where the touchpad module includes a second bracket 300 and two spring contacts 200, both ends of the second bracket 300 can be fixedly connected to the first ends 211 of the two spring contacts 200, respectively. The second bracket 300 is fixed to the second surface 121 of the touchpad 100, increasing the structural strength of the touchpad 100 and indirectly fixing the first end 211 of the first spring arm 210 to the second surface 121 of the touchpad 100. For example, if the spring contacts 200 are metal, the second bracket 300 can also be metal. The second bracket 300 can be glued to the second surface 121 of the touchpad 100, and the first end 211 of the first spring arm 210 can be spot-welded to the end of the second bracket 300.

[0069] In some embodiments, the touchpad module may include a fourth bracket 400 located on the side of the touchpad 100 facing away from the first surface 111, and fixedly connected to the second end 212 of the first spring arm 210. The fourth bracket 400 is used to fixably connect to the support 410 that supports the touchpad module. When the touchpad module is assembled with the support 410, the fourth bracket 400 can indirectly fix the second end 212 of the first spring arm 210 to the support 410. Of course, in other embodiments, the second end 212 of the first spring arm 210 can be directly fixedly connected to the support 410.

[0070] The fourth bracket 400 is fixed to the support 410 to support the spring piece 200. When the spring piece 200 is made of metal, the fourth bracket 400 can also be made of metal. The second end 212 of the first spring arm 210 can be fixed to the fourth bracket 400 by spot welding. In some embodiments, the fourth bracket 400 can be fixedly connected to the support 410 by fasteners such as screws or bolts. Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the support 410 may be provided with a first fixing hole 411 for fixing the fourth bracket 400, such as the touchpad module. Figure 7 After being placed on the support 410, the fasteners connecting the fourth bracket 400 and the support 410 can be moved along... Figure 7The arrow B in the diagram is inserted through the first fixing hole 411 for installation.

[0071] See Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the second bracket 300 may be provided with a limiting hook 301, and the fourth bracket 400 may be provided with a locking structure that cooperates with the limiting hook 301. Since the second bracket 300 is fixed to the touchpad 100, and the fourth bracket 400 is fixed to the support 410 supporting the touchpad module, when the user presses the first surface 111 of the touchpad 100 to make the touchpad 100 move, the second bracket 300 can move with the touchpad 100 relative to the fourth bracket 400, causing the limiting hook 301 to disengage from the locking structure of the fourth bracket 400. After the user releases the pressing force F1 on the touchpad 100, the touchpad 100 can move in the opposite direction under the elastic restoring force of the spring 200 until the limiting hook 301 of the second bracket 300 meets and locks together with the locking structure of the fourth bracket 400. With the limit hook 301 in place, the spring 200 can be configured such that the first spring arm 210 has an elastic restoring force when the first surface 111 of the touchpad 100 is not pressed. That is, during the manufacturing of the touchpad module, the first spring arm 210 undergoes a certain elastic deformation before being assembled between the touchpad 100 and the fourth bracket 400. With this configuration, the spring 200 has a relatively strong rebound capability, which can still meet the requirement of returning the touchpad 100 to its initial position after more pressing operations, thus helping to improve the service life of the touchpad module.

[0072] This application also provides an electronic device, which may include a support 410 and a touchpad module. The touchpad module may include: a touchpad 100, which may have opposing first surfaces 111 and second surfaces 121, the first surface 111 being at least capable of bearing a pressing operation; and a spring 200, which may be located on the side of the touchpad 100 opposite to the first surface 111, and may be at least capable of supporting the touchpad 100. The spring 200 may have a first spring arm 210, the first spring arm 210 may have opposing first ends 211 and second ends 212, the first end 211... 11 can be fixedly connected to the second surface 121, and the second end 212 can be fixedly connected to the support 410. During the process of the touch panel 100 moving when the first surface 111 is pressed, the first spring arm 210 can undergo elastic deformation and apply a supporting force F2 from the second end 212 to the first end 211 to the touch panel 100 through the first end 211. The component force F3 of the supporting force F2 in the target direction S can be greater than zero. The target direction S can be the direction from the geometric center P of the second surface 121 to the first end 211 on the second surface 121.

[0073] In some embodiments, the electronic device can be of various types such as a laptop, tablet, or mobile phone, and the support 410 can be part of the casing of the electronic device. The structural form of the touchpad module can be referred to the preceding description of touchpad modules, and will not be repeated here. Since the touchpad module disclosed in the above embodiments has the aforementioned technical effects, the electronic device having this touchpad module also has the aforementioned technical effects, and will not be repeated here.

[0074] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0075] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A touchpad module, characterized in that, include: The touchpad has a first side and a second side opposite to each other, the first side being at least used to withstand a pressing operation; A spring sheet, located on the side of the touchpad facing away from the first surface, is used to support the touchpad at least. The spring sheet has a first spring arm with a first end and a second end opposite to each other. The first end is fixedly connected to the second surface, and the second end is used to be fixedly connected to a support for the touchpad module. During the process of the touchpad moving when the first surface is pressed, the first spring arm can elastically deform and apply a supporting force to the touchpad from the second end to the first end through the first end. The component of the supporting force in the target direction is greater than zero. The target direction is the direction from the geometric center of the second surface to the first end on the second surface.

2. The touchpad module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The touchpad has a first side and a second side, the first side is set as the fixed end of the touchpad, and the second side is set as the floating end of the touchpad. The line connecting the first end and the second end in the orthographic projection of the second surface satisfies the condition of parallelism with the second side.

3. The touchpad module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The spring has a second spring arm extending from the second end to the third end. The third end is fixedly connected to the second surface. In the direction from the second side to the first side, the third end is a first distance away from the first side, and the first end is a second distance away from the first side. The first distance is less than the second distance.

4. The touchpad module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The spring is made of metal, and the third end is fixedly connected to the touch panel by a first fastener that extends into the touch panel. The spring is also electrically connected to the reference ground plane of the touch panel through the first fastener.

5. The touchpad module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The spring is configured in two pieces, which are symmetrically arranged with respect to the center line of the second surface. The center line passes through the geometric center of the second surface and is perpendicular to the second side.

6. The touchpad module according to claim 5, characterized in that, It includes a connecting piece that connects the third ends of the two spring pieces, and the two spring pieces are integrally formed with the connecting piece.

7. The touchpad module according to claim 6, characterized in that, include: A first bracket is fixed to the second surface. The side of the first bracket facing away from the second surface is fixedly connected to the connecting piece. When the first surface is not pressed, the connecting piece and the second elastic arm satisfy the coplanar condition.

8. The touchpad module according to claim 7, characterized in that, include: The second bracket is fixed to the second surface, and the second bracket has a clearance hole to avoid the push switch located on the second surface; And / or, A third bracket is fixed to the first side of the touchpad. The third bracket is provided with mounting holes for installing a second fastener, which is used to fix the third bracket to the support.

9. The touchpad module according to claim 8, characterized in that, Includes at least one of the following: The two ends of the second bracket are respectively fixedly connected to the first ends of the two spring pieces; The length of the orthographic projection of the second elastic arm on the second surface is greater than the minimum distance from the orthographic projection of the second end on the second surface to the orthographic projection of the connecting piece on the second surface; The arm of the first spring arm, located between the first end and the second end, extends in a straight line when the first surface is not pressed.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: Support; Touchpad module, the touchpad module comprising: The touchpad has a first side and a second side opposite to each other, the first side being at least used to withstand a pressing operation; A spring sheet, located on the side of the touchpad facing away from the first surface, is used to support the touchpad at least. The spring sheet has a first spring arm with a first end and a second end opposite to each other. The first end is fixedly connected to the second surface, and the second end is fixedly connected to the support. When the touchpad moves due to pressure on the first surface, the first spring arm can elastically deform and apply a supporting force to the touchpad from the second end to the first end through the first end. The component of the supporting force in the target direction is greater than zero. The target direction is the direction from the geometric center of the second surface to the first end on the second surface.

Images