Input device including trackpad

Abstract

To provide an input device including a trackpad.SOLUTION: A system including an input device for an electronic device including a trackpad of a keyboard or the like, and an input device for communicating with the electronic device is disclosed. In one example, the input device includes the trackpad including a touch surface, and an actuator configured so as to supply a tactile feedback to the trackpad. The actuator is arranged outside the periphery of the touch surface when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the touch surface. The actuator is arranged at a side part of the touch surface in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the touch surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 641,937, filed May 2, 2024, and entitled "INPUT DEVICE INCLUDING TRACKPAD," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. [Technical Field]

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to haptic feedback input devices, and more particularly to track pads, attachment of track pad components, and electronic systems for powering track pad components. [Background technology]

[0003] Electronic devices such as portable computers typically include a trackpad for receiving user input. The trackpad may be provided as an integrated component within the housing of the electronic device, or as a stand-alone component connected to the electronic device. For example, a stand-alone keyboard including a trackpad may be connected to an electronic device such as a tablet computer.

[0004] A trackpad typically includes a rectangular touch surface that monitors the position of a user's finger or another external object. A user may interact with the trackpad by controlling the position of the user's fingertip on the touch surface. The trackpad may be used to control the position of a cursor on a display screen of an electronic device or to take other suitable actions. Trackpads can use multi-touch configurations so that the movement of one or more fingers across the touch surface can be interpreted as specific commands. For example, a swipe of a user's fingertip across the touch surface can function as a gesture that instructs the electronic device to advance through a list of items. A user can also provide a force-based input, often referred to as a click, when applying a threshold amount of pressure to the trackpad, and the trackpad can provide feedback, typically haptic feedback, to indicate to the user the registration of the force-based input.

[0005] Track pads are typically incorporated into electronic devices that include an internal battery. The internal battery may be used to power actuators within the track pad to provide haptic feedback to the track pad. The internal battery may have a relatively large thickness, which necessitates a relatively large housing. This allows for a relatively large thickness of the track pad to be contained within the housing. However, it may be desirable to provide a track pad that does not include an internal battery or in a package that is significantly thinner than devices with conventional haptic track pads. There is a constant need for improvements to track pad and other input device technology. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an input device that includes a track pad including a touch surface and an actuator configured to provide haptic feedback to the track pad. The actuator may be positioned outside the periphery of the touch surface when viewed perpendicular to the touch surface. The actuator may be positioned to the side of the touch surface in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the touch surface.

[0007] In some examples, the actuator can be configured to provide haptic feedback to the track pad by generating a magnetic field that attracts a suction plate of the track pad. The suction plate can extend from inside the periphery of the touch surface, as viewed perpendicular to the touch surface, to outside the periphery of the touch surface, as viewed perpendicular to the touch surface. The suction plate can be rigidly secured to a touch assembly of the track pad, which can include the touch surface.

[0008] In some examples, the input device may further include a plurality of keys and a touch assembly. The touch assembly may include a touch surface and a logic board disposed within a periphery of the touch surface in a view perpendicular to the touch surface. The logic board may be connected to the plurality of keys and the actuators.

[0009] In some examples, the input device can further include a housing. The track pad can be positioned in an opening in a top wall of the housing. The actuator can be attached to an inner surface of the top wall of the housing by an adhesive layer.

[0010] In some examples, the actuator may include an electromagnetic actuator including a coil surrounding a core. The core may include three or fewer laminations of silicon steel.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a keyboard including a keyboard housing and a trackpad within the keyboard housing. The trackpad can include a touch assembly disposed in an opening in an upper case of the keyboard housing and an actuator attached to an inner surface of the upper case of the keyboard housing by a first adhesive layer. The actuator can be configured to apply a force to the touch assembly to provide tactile feedback to the touch assembly.

[0012] In some examples, the keyboard can further include a second adhesive layer attached to the actuator opposite the first adhesive layer, hi some examples, the second adhesive layer can be separated from the rear case of the keyboard housing by a gap.

[0013] In some examples, the track pad can further include a beam plate between the touch assembly and the rear case of the keyboard housing. The beam plate can be at least partially attached to the rear case of the keyboard housing by an adhesive material. In some examples, the track pad can further include a beam plate including a first C-shaped beam plate portion attached to the keyboard housing and a second C-shaped beam plate portion attached to the keyboard housing and separated from the first C-shaped beam plate portion.

[0014] In some examples, the track pad can further include a suction plate rigidly secured to the touch assembly. The actuator can be configured to apply a force to the suction plate to provide haptic feedback to the touch assembly. In some examples, the keyboard can further include a space bar. The actuator can be configured to apply a magnetic field to the touch assembly in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the space bar.

[0015] In some examples, the keyboard housing can include a key portion including a plurality of keys, a first edge opposite the key portion and proximate the trackpad, a second edge angled relative to the first edge and contiguous with the first edge, and a palm rest portion between the trackpad and the second edge and between the key portion and the first edge. The actuator can be attached to the keyboard housing at the palm rest portion of the keyboard housing.

[0016] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a keyboard is provided that includes a track pad, a capacitor bank, an electrical interface coupled to the capacitor bank and operable to supply power to the capacitor bank at a first rate, and an actuator coupled to the capacitor bank, wherein the actuator can be operable to provide tactile feedback to the track pad and can be configured to draw power from the capacitor bank at a second rate greater than the first rate.

[0017] In some examples, the keyboard can further include a plurality of keys. The trackpad can include a touch assembly. The touch assembly can include a logic board. The logic board can include a single controller for both the actuators and the plurality of keys.

[0018] In some examples, the keyboard may further include a key area including a plurality of keys, and the capacitor bank may be disposed between the electrical interface and the key area.

[0019] In some examples, the trackpad may include strain gauges for detecting input provided to the input surface of the trackpad. The keyboard may be configured to output a signal to the electrical interface based on the input detected via the strain gauges. The actuator may be configured to provide tactile feedback in response to the input detected via the strain gauges.

[0020] In some examples, the electrical interface can be configured to transfer power from an external device to the capacitor bank, transfer data between the keyboard and the external device, and provide magnetic coupling to the external device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] The present disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate like structural elements, and in which:

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 shows a perspective view of an input device and a computing system.

[0023] [Figure 2] 1 shows a block diagram of an input device and a computing system.

[0024] [Figure 3] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an input device.

[0025] [Figure 4] 1 shows a block diagram of a computing system.

[0026] [Figure 5] 1 shows a bottom view of the input device.

[0027] [Figure 6] 5A shows a bottom view of a portion of an input device including a trackpad, as indicated by area 522 shown in FIG. 5.

[0028] [Figure 7] 6A shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the input device taken along section line 620 in FIG. 6.

[0029] [Figure 8] 6A shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the input device taken along section line 622 in FIG. 6.

[0030] [Figure 9A] 1A-1C show perspective exploded views of two different embodiments of a track pad. [Figure 9B] 1A-1C show perspective exploded views of two different embodiments of a track pad.

[0031] [Figure 10A] FIG. 10 shows a top view of the actuator and suction plate.

[0032] [Figure 10B] FIG. 10 shows a side cross-sectional view of the actuator and suction plate.

[0033] [Figure 10C] FIG. 2 shows a front view of the actuator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit these embodiments to a single preferred embodiment. On the contrary, the following description is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as may be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

[0035] The following disclosure generally relates to input devices for electronic devices. More specifically, the disclosure relates to input devices for electronic devices including track pads that provide haptic feedback. The track pad can include actuators located on the sides of the touch surface of the track pad. This allows for a reduced thickness of the track pad. The track pad can include a beam plate through or onto which the track pad components, including the actuators, are attached. The beam plate and / or actuators can be attached to the input device housing using adhesive foam and / or other adhesive materials (e.g., pressure-sensitive adhesive, glue, flexible polymer / resin, compressible silicone layer, similar materials, or combinations thereof). This attachment can be semi-rigid and can be used to maintain tolerances within the track pad while accommodating some movement and bending of the input device housing. The input device components, including the track pad, can be powered by connection to an external electronic device. This connection can charge capacitors in the input device, which can then provide power to the input device components. This configuration allows the track pad to draw power from the capacitor at a rate greater than the connection to the external electronic device provides, and can enable the track pad to intermittently or momentarily provide a greater haptic feedback force than if the actuator were powered solely by the connection to the external electronic device (or a connection to another external source). The input device can include multiple keys, and logic boards for both the track pad and the multiple keys can be included in the track pad's touch assembly. This can reduce the number of logic boards provided in the input device, reducing the cost of the input device and improving space efficiency.

[0036] These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to Figures 1-10C. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description provided herein with reference to these figures is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. Furthermore, as used herein, a system, method, article, component, feature, or sub-feature that includes at least one of a first selection range, a second selection range, or a third selection range should be understood to refer to a system, method, article, component, feature, or sub-feature that can include one of each enumerated selection range (e.g., only one of the first selection ranges, only one of the second selection ranges, or only one of the third selection ranges), multiple of a single enumerated selection range (e.g., two or more of the first selection ranges), two selection ranges simultaneously (e.g., one of the first selection ranges and one of the second selection ranges), or a combination thereof (e.g., two of the first selection ranges and one of the second selection ranges).

[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a system 100 on which or which can be used to implement embodiments of the present disclosure. The system 100 includes an input device 102 (also referred to as a keyboard, external keyboard, or computer accessory) in electrical communication with a computing system 104 (also referred to as an electronic device, tablet computer, computer, or computing device). The input device 102 illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussed throughout this disclosure is an external keyboard (e.g., computing system 104) that includes a trackpad and can be connected to and disconnected or removed from computing system 104. However, the keyboard of the present disclosure is merely representative of a device that can be used in conjunction with the systems and methods disclosed herein. The input device 102 can correspond to any form of input device, including a trackpad, such as a standalone trackpad, an integrated keyboard (e.g., a keyboard that is an integrated component of computing system 104), etc. The computing system 104 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a tablet computer. The tablet computer of FIG. 1 is merely representative of a device that can be used in conjunction with the systems and methods disclosed herein. The computing system 104 may correspond to any form of electronic device, including a mobile phone, a smartphone, a portable media player, a media storage device, a personal digital assistant ("PDA"), a tablet computer, a computer, a laptop computer, a mobile communications device, a GPS unit, a remote control, a smart watch, or another electronic device.

[0038] The input device 102 may include a housing 106, a trackpad 108, a keyboard portion 110 (also referred to as a key area, key portion, or keyboard area) including a plurality of keys (e.g., 112), and an interface portion 114 including an electrical interface 116. The trackpad 108 and keys 112 may be disposed in an opening in a top wall or upper case of the housing 106 of the input device 102. The upper case of the housing 106 may be the top or wall of the input device 102 that defines the top surface of the input device 102, which is the surface including the trackpad 108 and keys 112. The upper case of the housing 106 may be opposite a bottom surface of the housing 106 that is configured to seat the input device 102. In examples where the input device 102 is an integrated component of a computing system 104, the upper case may refer to the upper case of the keyboard portion of the computing system 104, rather than the part of the computing system 104 that includes the display assembly. The keyboard portion 110 can optionally be omitted from the input device 102, and the input device 102 can define a trackpad 108 within the housing 106 without having a keyboard or similar key- or button-based input device within the housing 106. The interface portion 114 can provide an electrical interface (and may also provide a physical / mechanical interface) between the input device 102 and the computing system 104. For example, the interface portion 114 can include a folding stand, a pedestal, a slot, or other components that can position and angle the computing system 104 relative to the input device 102. The interface portion 114 can include magnetic components that hold the computing system 104 in a desired position. The interface portion 114 can be adjustable between different positions, such as to hold the computing system 104 at various angles and positions relative to the input device 102.The electrical interface 116 may include a flush-mount interface (e.g., with electrical contacts flush with the walls of the interface portion 114), spring-loaded electrical contacts (e.g., pogo pins), electrical ports, conductive jacks, conductive sockets, other suitable electrical contacts or connections, or combinations thereof. The electrical interface 116 may include magnetic components to magnetically couple the input device 102 to the computing system 104.

[0039] The computing system 104 may include a housing 120, a display assembly 122, and one or more electrical interfaces 124. The housing 120 may be referred to as an enclosure, case, etc. The housing 120 may be formed from materials such as plastic, glass, ceramic, fiber composite, metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, combinations or alloys thereof, etc.), other suitable materials, combinations thereof, etc. The housing 120 may receive a display assembly 122, which may be configured to drive visually displayed content. The electrical interface 124 may provide a connection between the computing system 104 and the input device 102. The electrical interface 124 may be provided on a rear wall of the housing 120 (e.g., opposite the display assembly 122), along a longitudinal sidewall of the housing 120 (as shown in FIG. 1 ), along a lateral sidewall of the housing 120, etc. Any number of electrical interfaces 124 may be included in the computing system 104. The electrical interface 124 may include spring-loaded electrical contacts (e.g., pogo pins), electrical ports, other suitable electrical contacts or connections, etc., with electrical contacts flush with the walls of the flush-mount interface (e.g., housing 120) to match the interface with the electrical interface 116 of the input device 102. The electrical interface 124 may include magnetic components to magnetically couple the computing system 104 to the input device 102.

[0040] The input device 102 and the computing system 104 can electrically communicate with each other through the electrical interface 116 of the input device 102 and the electrical interface 124 of the computing system 104. In some examples, the electrical interfaces 116, 124 can be direct electrical interfaces. For example, the electrical interfaces 116, 124 can include contacts disposed on the exterior surfaces of the input device 102 and the computing system 104. The contacts can include flush-mounted contacts on one of the input device 102 or the computing system 104 and spring-loaded electrical contacts on the other of the input device 102 or the computing system 104. Magnetic components can be included in the electrical interfaces 116, 124 to align the electrical interfaces 116, 124 with each other and to hold the electrical interfaces 116, 124 relative to each other. In some examples, the electrical interfaces 116, 124 can be indirect interfaces and can include ports that allow a cable to be connected between the input device 102 and the computing system 104. The electrical interfaces 116 , 124 may be used to provide power from the computing system 104 to the input device 102 and to transfer data between the input device 102 and the computing system 104 .

[0041] As used herein, parts that are in "electrical communication" with each other are configured to exchange electrical signals, directly or indirectly, between each other, whether unidirectional or bidirectional. An input device (e.g., input device 102) is in electrical communication with a computing system (e.g., computing system 104) if the computing system uses signals generated by the input device or signals that depend on or are at least partially derived from signals generated by the input device. For example, input device 102 can be in electrical communication with computing system 104 through an electrical interface (e.g., electrical interfaces 116, 124, or similar components) between input device 102 and computing system 104. A sensor can be in electrical communication with a processor or controller device if the processor uses signals generated by the sensor or signals / measurements / values ​​that depend on or are at least partially derived from signals generated by the sensor. An actuator can be in electrical communication with a processor or controller device if it uses signals generated by the processor, signals that depend on the processor, or signals that are at least partially derived from signals generated or provided by the processor.

[0042] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the system 100 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the input device 102 can be in electrical communication with the computing system 104. As described above, the input device 102 and the computing system 104 can be in electrical communication via electrical interfaces 116, 124. The electrical interfaces 116, 124 can provide power from the computing system 104 to the input device 102 and can provide data transfer between the input device 102 and the computing system 104. Various sensors can be included in the input device 102 to allow a user to provide input to the computing system 104 via the input device 102. For example, the keys 112 and trackpad 108 of the input device 102 can be used to provide different types of input from the input device 102 to the computing system 104. The input from the input device 102 can be used to execute commands or actions using the computing system 104. The input device 102 and / or the computing system 104 can provide feedback to the user in response to the input from the input device 102. For example, the track pad 108 may include actuators that may be configured to provide haptic feedback to a user in response to input provided via the track pad 108 .

[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of input device 102. In various embodiments, input device 102 may include various sets and subsets of the components illustrated in FIG. 3. Accordingly, FIG. 3 illustrates various components that may be included in various combinations and subsets based on the operations and functions performed by input device 102 in different embodiments. Input device 102 may include an interface 302, a logic board 304, a capacitor bank 306, an actuator 308, a track pad sensor 310, and a plurality of keys 312. The various components of input device 102 may be connected to each other through wired connections (e.g., as shown by the exemplary connecting lines in FIG. 3), via one or more buses, etc.

[0044] The interface 302 may be used to connect the input device 102 to an external device, such as the computing system 104. The interface 302 may include any of the electrical interfaces described above. The interface 302 may be the same as or similar to the electrical interface 116 described above with respect to FIG. 1. The interface 302 may be used to transfer data between the logic board 304 and the external device and may be used to provide power to the capacitor bank 306 and any other components of the input device 102. The input device 102 may not include an internal battery and may be powered via the interface 302. The interface 302 may charge the capacitor bank 306 or other energy storage device included in and connected to the input device 102.

[0045] The logic board 304 may be a controller for the keys 312 and / or the trackpad of the input device 102 (e.g., the trackpad sensor 310 and the actuator 308). In other words, the logic board 304 can execute instructions and perform operations associated with the keys 312 (e.g., having the sensors of the keys 312), the trackpad sensor 310, and the actuator 308. The logic board 304 can generate user input data that can be transmitted to an external device (e.g., the computing system 104) via the interface 302 based on user manipulation of the keys 312 and the trackpad of the input device 102 (e.g., detected by the trackpad sensor 310). The logic board 304 can generate haptic feedback commands for the actuator 308 based on user manipulation of the trackpad detected by the trackpad sensor 310. The input device 102 may include a single logic board 304 that is a controller for the keys 312, the trackpad sensor 310, and the actuator 308. The logic board 304 may be included in a touch assembly of the trackpad of the input device 102. Providing a single logic board that provides control for the keys 312, trackpad sensor 310, and actuators 308 can reduce the footprint of the logic board within the input device 102 and can reduce the cost of the logic board within the input device 102. In some examples, the input device 102 can include multiple logic boards 304 that can provide control of various components of the input device 102. The logic board 304 can include one or more processors, controllers, memory, etc., which can implement the functionality of the logic board 304. The logic board 304 can include application software for implementing various functions associated with the input device 102.

[0046] The capacitor bank 306 can be used to store electrical energy, which can be used by the components of the input device 102. The capacitor bank 306 can include several capacitors that can be charged by the interface 302 and discharged by the components of the input device 102. The number of capacitors included in the capacitor bank 306 can be determined based on the intermittent power requirements of the components of the input device 102. For example, the actuator 308 can use a relatively large power draw, but can use it intermittently. The capacitor bank 306 can be provided to supply power for the large power draw of the actuator 308 and can be charged through the interface 302 when the actuator 308 is inactive. The electrical energy stored in the capacitor bank 306 allows the actuator 308 to draw power from the capacitor bank 306 at a faster rate than the rate the interface 302 is configured to supply. This allows the actuator 308 to provide a greater haptic feedback force while using a low-power interface 302 and without including a battery in the input device 102. In some embodiments, particularly those in which the input device 102 is implemented within a thicker, larger housing, such as a notebook computer chassis, a desktop input device (e.g., a stand-alone trackpad), or other device not intended as an externally connected accessory for a portable computing system, the capacitor bank 306 can be replaced by a battery or similar electrical energy storage system. Capacitors can enable a small-profile, lightweight input device 102 due to their reduced size and energy storage capacity compared to batteries and other larger storage devices.

[0047] The key 312 may be a keyboard key that allows a user to provide input to the input device 102. The key 312 may be the same as or similar to the key 112 described above with respect to FIG. 1. The track pad sensor 310 may include various sensors that track the force and position of a user's touch on the track pad of the input device 102. For example, the track pad sensor 310 may include one or more of a position sensor, a touch sensor, and a force sensor. The track pad sensor 310 may include one or more of a strain gauge, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, an optical sensor, similar devices, and combinations thereof. The actuator 308 may be used to provide tactile feedback to the track pad of the input device 102. The actuator 308 may be activated in response to a signal from the logic board 304. The actuator 308 may be activated in response to the logic board 304 detecting a user input to the track pad via the track pad sensor 310. The actuator 308 may include a magnetic actuator (e.g., an electromagnetic actuator) that applies a magnetic field to the touch assembly of the track pad when activated. In some examples, the actuator 308 may be a linear actuator, another mechanical actuator, an electrical actuator, etc. See also actuator 308 and related components described below.

[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of computing system 104. In various embodiments, computing system 104 may include different sets and subsets of the components illustrated in FIG. 4. Accordingly, FIG. 4 illustrates various components that may be included in various combinations and subsets based on the operations and functions performed by computing system 104 in different embodiments. Computing system 104 may include a central processing unit (CPU) or processor 402 connected via a bus 404 for electrical communication to memory 406, a power supply 408, electronic storage 410, a network interface 412, an input device adapter 414, and an output device adapter 416. For example, one or more of these components may be connected to each other via a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board or other substrate) that supports bus 404 and other electrical connectors that provide electrical communication between the components. Bus 404 may include a communication mechanism for communicating information between portions of computing system 104.

[0049] The processor 402 may be a microprocessor or similar device configured to receive and execute a set of instructions 418 stored by the memory 406. The memory 406 may be referred to as a main memory, such as a random access memory (RAM) or another dynamic electronic storage device, for storing information and instructions executed by the processor 402. The memory 406 may also be used to store temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions executed by the processor 402. The processor 402 may include one or more processors or controllers, such as, for example, a CPU for the computing system 104, and a touch controller or similar sensor or I / O interface used to control and receive signals from an input device (e.g., the input device 102 via the input device interface 420), a touch input device 422, a sensor 424, etc. The power source 408 may include a power source capable of providing power to the processor 402 and other components connected to the bus 404, such as a connection to a power grid or a battery system.

[0050] Storage device 410 may include read-only memory (ROM) or another type of static storage device coupled to bus 404 for storing static or long-term (i.e., non-dynamic) information and instructions for processor 402. For example, storage device 410 may include a magnetic or optical disk (e.g., a hard disk drive (HDD)), solid-state memory (e.g., a solid-state disk (SSD)), or equivalent device.

[0051] Instructions 418 may include information for performing processes and methods using components of computing system 104 and components of input device 102. Such processes and methods may include, for example, methods described elsewhere herein and in connection with other embodiments. Instructions 418 may include any method for performing an action or command on computing system 104 in response to input from input device 102.

[0052] The network interface 412 may include an adapter for connecting the computing system 104 to external devices via a wired or wireless connection. For example, the network interface 412 may provide a connection to a computer network 426, such as a cellular network, the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a separate device capable of wirelessly communicating with the network interface 412, other external devices or network locations, and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the network interface 412 is a wireless networking adapter configured to connect via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth mesh, Bluetooth mesh, or a related wireless communication protocol to another device having interface capabilities using the same protocol. In some embodiments, a network device or a set of network devices in the network 426 may be considered part of the computing system 104. In some cases, a network device may be considered connected to the computing system 104 but not a part of it. In some examples, the computing system 104 may communicate with an input device 102 via the input device interface 420. However, in some examples, the input device 102 may include a network interface that is the same as or similar to the network interface 412, and the computing system 104 may communicate with the input device 102 via a connection between the network interface 412 and the network interface of the input device 102.

[0053] The input device adapter 414 may be configured to provide connectivity to the computing system 104 for various input devices, such as, for example, an input device interface 420, a touch input device 422 (e.g., a display 428 of the computing system 104, which may be a touch-sensitive display), sensors 424, associated devices, and combinations thereof. The input device interface 420 may be used to connect the computing system 104 to an input device, such as the input device 102. The input device 102 may be used to provide user input to the computing system 104 via the input device interface 420. As described above, the input device interface 420 may include a direct connection (e.g., via electrical interfaces 116, 124) or an indirect connection (e.g., via a cable, etc.). The input device interface 420 may be the same as or similar to the electrical interface 124 described above with respect to FIG. 1. In some examples, the input device adapter 414 is connected to the touch input device 422 and its traces to detect the position of a touch or gesture on the display 428, for example, by sensing changes in capacitance or applied force. The sensors 424 may include any of the input device sensors described herein and may be used to detect physical phenomena (e.g., light, sound waves, electric fields, forces, vibrations, etc.) in the vicinity of the computing system 104 and convert those phenomena into electrical signals.

[0054] The output device adapter 416 can be configured to provide the computing system 104 with the ability to output information to a user, such as by providing visual output using one or more displays 428, by providing audible output using one or more speakers 430, or by providing touch-sensed haptic feedback via one or more haptic feedback devices 432. Other output devices can also be used. The display 428 can be the same as or similar to the display assembly 122 described above with respect to FIG. 1. The processor 402 can be configured to control the output device adapter 416 to provide information to a user via an output device connected to the adapter 416. In some examples, the output device adapter 416 can be connected to an input device 102 and can be configured to provide the computing system 104 with the ability to output information to a user via the input device 102. For example, haptic feedback can be provided from the computing system 104 to the input device 102 via a trackpad actuator 308 of the input device 102 in response to input received from the input device 102 by the computing system 104.

[0055] FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom-up view of an exemplary implementation of the input device 102 with the rear case / back wall of the housing 106 removed. FIG. 5 illustrates the layout of various components of the input device 102. As shown in FIG. 5, the input device 102 may include an interface portion 114, a capacitor bank 306, a keyboard portion 110 including a plurality of keys 112, and a trackpad 108. The interface portion 114 may be at one end of the input device 102 (e.g., the device-connecting end), and the trackpad 108 may be at the opposite end of the interface portion 114 (e.g., the user-adjacent end). The capacitor bank 306 may be between the interface portion 114 and the keyboard portion 110. The keyboard portion 110 may be between the capacitor bank 306 and the trackpad 108.

[0056] The track pad 108 may include a touch assembly 502 (also referred to as a track pad assembly or touch stack) that includes a logic board 304 and a track pad sensor 310. The logic board 304 and the track pad sensor 310 may have the same or similar footprints (e.g., the peripheries of the logic board 304 and the track pad sensor 310 may be the same or aligned). A suction plate 504 of the track pad 108 may be attached to the touch assembly 502. The suction plate 504 may be rigidly secured to the touch assembly 502. The track pad 108 may further include a beam plate 506 and an actuator 308. The actuator 308 may be attached to the beam plate 506, which may be attached to the housing 106 of the input device 102. The actuator 308 may be rigidly secured to the beam plate 506, which may be rigidly secured to the housing 106. The touch assembly 502 and the suction plate 504 may be mounted on the beam plate 506 such that relative movement between the touch assembly 502 and the beam plate 506 may be actuated by the actuator 308 .

[0057] The actuator 308 may be a magnetic actuator. The actuator 308 may apply a magnetic field to the attraction plate 504, which may be actuated to attract or repel the attraction plate toward or away from the actuator 308. The actuator 308 may be actuated to move, pulse, or vibrate the attraction plate 504 (and the touch assembly 502 attached to the attraction plate 504) along a movement axis 508 (e.g., in a particular direction on the movement axis 508 toward or away from the actuator 308). The movement axis 508 may be parallel to a longitudinal axis 510 of the touch assembly 502, parallel to a longitudinal axis 514 of the space bar 512 of the key 112, and parallel to an edge 516 of the housing 106 proximate the track pad 108. This movement may provide tactile feedback to the touch assembly 502, such that a user, e.g., the user's fingertip, may feel movement of the track pad 108 in response to operation of the actuator 308.

[0058] The logic board 304 (see FIGS. 6 and 7 ) is connected to the electrical interface 116 of the interface portion 114 and can transfer data to and from the electrical interface 116. The logic board 304 can be connected to sensors of the keys 112 and trackpad sensors 310 and can provide input data to an external device (e.g., the computing system 104) based on input signals received from the sensors of the keys 112 and trackpad sensors 310. The logic board 304 can be connected to actuators 308 and can provide commands to the actuators 308 based on input signals received from the trackpad sensors 310. In some examples, the logic board 304 can further provide commands to the actuators 308 based on data received via the electrical interface 116 from the external device / computing device 104 or the like. In some embodiments, commands to the actuators 308 can be transmitted to the input device 102 via a wireless interface (e.g., BLUETOOTH, Wi-Fi, or the like).

[0059] The capacitor bank 306 may be connected to the electrical interface 116 of the interface portion 114. More specifically, the capacitors of the capacitor bank 306 may be connected to and charged by the electrical interface 116. The capacitor bank 306 may be connected to an actuator 308. The actuator 308 may be powered by the capacitor bank 306. The capacitor bank 306 may provide power to the actuator 308 at a rate greater than power provided through the electrical interface 116 and may support a greater actuation force of the actuator 308 than can be provided by the electrical interface 116. The number of capacitors included in the capacitor bank 306 may be determined based on the actuation force desired to be provided by the actuator 308. For example, a greater number of capacitors may be included in the capacitor bank 306 to provide a greater actuation force (and a greater haptic feedback force) provided by the actuator 308.

[0060] The actuator 308 may be positioned between the keyboard portion 110 and a first edge 516 of the housing 106 proximate the trackpad 108. The actuator 308 may be between the touch assembly 502 and a second edge 518 of the housing 106 that is adjacent to, contiguous with, and angled (e.g., perpendicular) to the first edge 516. In some examples, the trackpad 108 may be inverted such that the actuator 308 is between the touch assembly 502 and a third edge 520 of the housing 106 that is adjacent to, contiguous with, and angled (e.g., perpendicular) to the first edge 516 and opposite the second edge 520. Each of the first edge 516, second edge 518, and third edge 520 may be a sidewall of the housing 106. By positioning the actuator 308 adjacent to and outside the touch assembly 502, the trackpad 108 can be formed with a reduced thickness, which can be used to reduce the overall thickness of the input device 102. The actuator 308 can be positioned in a palm rest area of ​​the input device 102. For example, a user can rest their palm on the housing 106 of the input device 102 in a first palm rest area between the keyboard portion 110 and the first edge 516 and the trackpad 108 and the second edge 518, or in a second palm rest area between the keyboard portion 110 and the first edge 516 and the trackpad 108 and the third edge 520, when the user uses the keys 112 of the input device 102.

[0061] FIG. 6 shows an enlarged, bottom-up view of region 522 of FIG. 5. FIG. 6 illustrates the layout and attachment of various components of the track pad 108 and input device 102. For example, FIG. 6 illustrates an adhesive foam layer 602 that may be used to attach the beam plate 506 of the track pad 108 to the top and / or bottom case of the housing 106 of the input device 102, as well as several portions of adhesive 604, 606 that may be used to attach the beam plate 506 to the top or bottom case of the housing 106. FIG. 6 also illustrates connections to the logic board 304, including connections between the actuator 308 and the logic board 304 via wire 610 and between the track pad sensor 310 and the logic board 304 via connector 614.

[0062] The adhesive foam layer 602 can be used to attach the beam plate 506 to the top and / or bottom case of the housing 106 of the input device 102. The adhesive foam layer 602 can include a pressure-sensitive adhesive, glue, a flexible polymer / resin, a compressible silicone layer, similar materials, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the adhesive foam layer 602 can include foam (e.g., a foam layer with an adhesive outer layer / surface), tape (e.g., with a flexible layer and an adhesive surface), or a rubberized / elastic glue or putty, whereby the adhesive foam layer 602 provides flexible movement of the parts attached relative to each other. The adhesive foam layer 602 can provide a semi-rigid attachment between the beam plate 506 and the housing 106. The adhesive foam layer 602 can be used to maintain tolerances within the track pad 108, such as between the actuator 308 and the suction plate 504, while accommodating some movement and bending of the housing 106. This allows the tolerance between the actuator 308 and the suction plate 504 to be maintained even when the input device 102 is used in different positions (e.g., while sitting on a desk, while sitting on a user's lap, while being held at a corner, etc.) and experiences bending, small amounts of compression, etc. The adhesive foam layer 602 can be attached to both sides of the beam plate 506. For example, the adhesive foam layer 602 can be attached between the beam plate 506 and the top case and between the beam plate 506 and the bottom case. The adhesive foam layer 602 can be attached to the top case and / or the bottom case of the housing 106. A gap can be provided between one of the adhesive foam layers 602 and the top case or the bottom case of the housing 106. The adhesive foam layer 602 can prevent vibration and collision between the beam plate 506 and the housing 106 and can prevent undesirable noise caused by components of the input device 102 coming into contact with each other.

[0063] Adhesives 604, 606 may further be used to attach the beam plate 506 to the top or bottom case of the housing 106. The adhesives 604, 606 may include a pressure-sensitive adhesive, glue, a flexible polymer / resin, a compressible silicone layer, similar materials, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the adhesives 604, 606 may include foam (e.g., a foam layer with an adhesive outer layer / surface), tape (e.g., having a flexible layer and an adhesive surface), or a rubberized / elastic glue or putty, thereby providing flexible movement of the components that the adhesives 604, 606 attach relative to each other. The adhesives 604, 606 may be selectively disposed between the beam plate 506 and the top or bottom case of the housing 106. For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , the adhesives 604 may be disposed at four positions along the portion of the beam plate 506 proximate the longitudinal edges of the touch assembly 502 of the track pad 108. The adhesive 604 can be disposed at two positions along the portion of the beam plate 506 proximate each longitudinal edge of the touch assembly 502. In some examples, the two adhesives 604 disposed at two positions along the portion of the beam plate 506 proximate one longitudinal edge of the touch assembly 502 can be replaced by a single, relatively long adhesive 604 disposed at a position along the portion of the beam plate 506 proximate a longitudinal edge of the touch assembly 502. This can also be done to replace the adhesive 604 on the opposite side of the beam plate 506. The adhesives 604, 606 can further attach the beam plate 506 to the top or bottom case of the housing 106 and prevent any undesired movement or vibration between the beam plate 506 and the top or bottom case of the housing 106.

[0064] The actuator 308 may include a mounting tab 608 attached to the beam plate 506. The actuator 308 may be rigidly secured to the beam plate 506 adjacent the adhesive foam layer 602. The mounting tab 608 of the actuator 308 may be attached to the beam plate 506 by screws, adhesive, welding, or the like. The actuator 308 may be a relatively heavy component of the touchpad 108 and may be prone to movement and displacement from its intended rest position due to the actuation action of the actuator 308. By providing the adhesive foam layer 602 adjacent to the actuator 308, any undesired movement of the actuator 308 and / or the beam plate 506 may be avoided.

[0065] 6 further illustrates connections between components of the track pad 108. The actuator 308 may be connected (e.g., electrically connected) to the logic board 304 by a wire 610. The wire 610 may extend through one of the adhesive foam layers 602, which at least partially surrounds the wire 610. The wire 610 may provide a flexible connection between the actuator 308 and the logic board 304, thereby allowing relative movement between the actuator 308 and the logic board 304. For example, the wire 610 may allow the logic board 304 to move relative to the actuator 308 when the actuator 308 is actuated to provide haptic feedback.

[0066] The track pad sensor 310 may include a strain gauge 612 located between the beam plate 506 and the logic board 304. See also FIG. 9A . The strain gauge 612 may detect a force between the logic board 304 and the beam plate 506, such as a force resulting from a user input to the track pad 108. The strain gauge 612 may be connected (e.g., physically and electrically) to the logic board 304 via a connector 614. The connector 614 may be an electrical flex, substrate, or the like. The connector 614 may provide a flexible or rigid connection between the strain gauge 612 and the logic board 304. For example, the connector 614 may provide a flexible connection between the strain gauge 612 and the logic board 304, which allows relative movement between the strain gauge 612 and the logic board 304 when the actuator 308 is actuated to provide haptic feedback. In some examples, the connectors 614 can provide a rigid connection between the strain gauges 612 and the logic board 304, such that the strain gauges 612 move with the logic board 304 when the actuators 308 are actuated to provide tactile feedback. The beam plate 506 can include mounting tabs 616 (also seen in FIGS. 9A-9B ) on which the strain gauges 612 are positioned.

[0067] 6, the actuator 308 may be positioned outside the periphery of the touch assembly 502 when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the touch surface of the touch assembly 502. The suction plate 504 may be attached to the touch assembly 502 within the periphery of the touch assembly 502 and may extend outside the periphery of the touch assembly 502. At least a portion of the beam plate 506 may extend below the periphery of the touch assembly 502.

[0068] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the input device 102 taken along section line 620 in FIG. 6 . Specifically, FIG. 7 illustrates the arrangement of components of the trackpad 108 within the housing 106 of the input device 102. The housing 106 may include an upper case 702 and a bottom case 704 opposite the upper case 702. The upper case 702 of the housing 106 may be the top or wall of the input device 102, defining the top surface of the input device 102. The top surface defined by the upper case 702 may include the touch surface 710 of the trackpad 108 and the keys of the input device 102. The bottom case 704 may be the rear or bottom or wall of the housing 106. The bottom case 704 may define the back or bottom surface of the input device 102, which may be a surface configured to seat the input device 102. The trackpad 108 may be between the upper case 702 and the bottom case 704. The touch assembly 502 of the track pad 108 can extend at least partially through an opening 708 in the top case 702. The beam plate 506 can be attached to the top case 702 and / or the bottom case 704 by an adhesive foam layer 602. The actuator 308 can be attached to the beam plate 506, and the suction plate 504 can be attached to the touch assembly 502.

[0069] The touch assembly 502 may include a touch surface 710 on a cover panel, an adhesive layer 712, and a logic board 304. The logic board 304 may include various sensors and may also function as a touchpad sensor 310. For example, the logic board 304 may include a touch sensor (e.g., a capacitive touch sensor, parallel and / or overlapping conductive traces, etc.), an accelerometer, a force sensor, etc. The touchpad sensor 310 may detect contact of a user's finger or other object with the touch surface 710, and the logic board 304 may determine a user input to the track pad 108 based on the detection of the touchpad sensor 310. The touch surface 710 may be positioned on a cover panel formed of a glass material, a polymer, a metal, a composite material, etc., and the cover panel may be referred to as a cover glass or an interface plate. In some examples, the cover panel may include an aluminosilicate material. The cover panel may be attached to the logic board 304 by an adhesive layer 712, which may include a pressure-sensitive adhesive, etc.

[0070] The suction plate 504 can be attached to the touch assembly 502. Specifically, the suction plate 504 can be rigidly fixed to the touch assembly 502. The suction plate 504 can be attached to the touch assembly 502 by welding, adhesive, or the like. When the actuator 308 is actuated, the actuator 308 can generate a magnetic field, which can attract or repel the suction plate 504. This can cause the touch assembly 502 to move toward or away from the actuator 308, providing haptic feedback to the touch assembly 502. The actuator 308 can apply a magnetic field, which can cause the suction plate 504 and touch assembly 502 to move along a movement axis 508 that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the touch surface 710. The opening 708 can be sized to accommodate the touch assembly 502 with a gap around the touch assembly 502 that allows movement of the touch assembly 502 along the movement axis 508 when the actuator 308 is actuated. By positioning the actuators 308 on the sides of the touch assembly 502, outside the periphery of the touch assembly 502, the thickness of the input device 102 can be reduced. Additionally, as described in more detail below, the dimensions of the actuators 308 can be optimized to reduce the thickness of the actuators 308, further reducing the thickness of the input device 102.

[0071] The actuator 308 may include a body portion 714, a connector 716, and a coil 718. The body portion 714 may include mounting tabs used to attach the actuator 308 to the beam plate 506, a back iron portion, and a core portion that may include one or more tines. See also FIGS. 10A-10C. The connector 716 may provide a connection between the wires 610 connected to the logic board 304 and the components of the actuator 308. For example, the connector 716 may connect the coil 718 to the wires 610 and may be used to power the coil 718 when the actuator 308 is actuated. The coil 718 may include a wire wrapped around the tines of the body portion 714. When power is supplied to the coil 718, the coil 718 and the core portion of the body portion 714 generate a magnetic field via electromagnetic effects. This magnetic field may be applied to the attraction plate 504 to attract or repel the attraction plate 504 and the touch assembly 502. This causes the suction plate 504 to move towards or away from the actuator 308 and can be used to provide tactile feedback to the touch assembly 502 .

[0072] As shown in FIG. 7 , the adhesive foam layer 602 can be attached to the top surface of the beam plate 506. The adhesive foam layer 602 on the top surface of the beam plate 506 can be separated from the top case 702 by a gap or can be attached to the bottom surface of the top case 702. The adhesive foam layer 602 can be attached to the bottom surface of the beam plate 506 and the top surface of the bottom case 704. The adhesive foam layer 602 can provide a semi-rigid attachment between the beam plate 506 and the housing 106. The adhesive foam layer 602 can be used to maintain tolerances within the track pad 108, such as between the actuator 308 and the suction plate 504, while accommodating some movement and bending of the housing 106. This allows the tolerances between the actuator 308 and the suction plate 504 to be maintained even when the input device 102 is used in different positions, is subjected to bending, etc. Providing a gap between the adhesive foam layer 602 and either the top case 702 or the bottom case 704 can increase the amount of movement between components of the input device 102. The adhesive foam layer 602 can be attached to the beam plate 506 adjacent to the actuator 308 and can prevent relative movement of the components of the input device 102 caused by actuation of the actuator 308. The adhesive foam layer 602 can prevent vibration and collision between the beam plate 506 and the housing 106 and can prevent undesirable noise caused by the components of the input device 102 contacting each other.

[0073] The wires 610 may extend through and be at least partially surrounded by one of the adhesive foam layers 602 and may be connected to the connectors 716 of the actuators 308 and the logic board 304. The wires 610 may be flexible and may allow relative movement between the actuators 308 and the touch assembly 502. The wires 610 may be attached to the beam plate 506.

[0074] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the input device 102 taken along section line 622 in FIG. 6 . Specifically, FIG. 8 illustrates the arrangement of the beam plate 506 and the actuator 308 within the housing 106 of the input device 102. As shown in FIG. 8 , an adhesive foam layer 602 can be attached to the top surface of the beam plate 506 and the bottom surface of the top case 702 of the housing 106. The adhesive foam layer 602 can be attached to the bottom surface of the beam plate 506. The adhesive foam layer 602 on the bottom surface of the beam plate 506 can be separated from the bottom case 704 of the housing 106 by a gap or can be attached to the top surface of the bottom case 704. The mounting tab 608 of the actuator 308 can be attached to the top surface of the beam plate 506. The mounting tab 608 can be attached to the beam plate 506 by adhesive, screws, welding, or other fastening means. As shown in FIG. 8 , the mounting tab 608 and the beam plate 506 can include openings through which screws or other fasteners can be attached. However, the openings can be omitted and the mounting tabs 608 and beam plate 506 can comprise continuous material in the cross section of FIG.

[0075] The adhesive foam layer 602 can provide a semi-rigid attachment between the beam plate 506 and the housing 106. The adhesive foam layer 602 can be used to maintain tolerances within the track pad, such as between the actuator 308 and the suction plate, while accommodating some movement and bending of the housing 106. This allows the tolerances between the actuator 308 and the suction plate to be maintained even when the input device 102 is used in different positions and is subjected to bending, etc. Providing a gap between the adhesive foam layer 602 and either the top case 702 or the bottom case 704 can increase the amount of movement between the components of the input device 102. The adhesive foam layer 602 can be attached to the beam plate 506 adjacent to the actuator 308 to prevent relative movement of the components of the input device 102 caused by actuation of the actuator 308. The adhesive foam layer 602 can prevent vibration and collision between the beam plate 506 and the housing 106 and can prevent undesirable noise caused by the components of the input device 102 coming into contact with each other.

[0076] 9A and 9B show exploded views of a track pad 108a and a track pad 108b, respectively, according to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 9A shows the track pad 108a with an integrated beam plate 902. In the example of Fig. 9A, the beam plate 902 has a generally rectangular shape with a generally rectangular opening 904 that can be positioned below the touch assembly 502. The entire beam plate 902 can be attached to the housing of the input device (e.g., to the top and / or bottom case of the housing), which can simplify the structure of the input device.

[0077] FIG. 9B illustrates a track pad 108b having a two-piece beam plate, including a first beam plate 906 and a second beam plate 908. The beam plates 906, 908 may be U- or C-shaped with open ends facing each other and surrounding the track pad 108b except along a specific gap portion of the longitudinal edge of the track pad 108b. The beam plates 906, 908 may have a shape similar to the beam plate 902, with a central portion of the beam plate 902 removed to form the two beam plates 906, 908. Each of the beam plates 906, 908 may be independently secured to the housing of the input device (e.g., to the top and / or bottom case of the housing). This can reduce contact, noise, and vibration between the beam plates 906, 908 and the housing of the input device.

[0078] Adhesive foam layers 602a, 602b may be attached to the beam plates 902, 906. As previously described, the adhesive foam layers 602a, 602b may be used to attach the beam plates 902, 906 to the top and / or bottom cases of the housing of the input device in a semi-rigid manner. This may allow some movement of the beam plates 902, 906 relative to the housing (e.g., as the housing flexes or moves) while maintaining a gap between the actuator 308 and the suction plate 504. The adhesive foam layers 602a, 602b may further prevent the beam plates 902, 906 and the actuator 308 from contacting the housing or other components of the input device, preventing undesired noise and damage to the input device. The adhesive foam layer 602a may be attached to the top surfaces of the beam plates 902, 906, and the adhesive foam layer 602b may be attached to the bottom surfaces of the beam plates 902, 906. Adhesive foam layer 602b can have a relatively smaller width than adhesive foam layer 602a. However, any suitable dimensions can be used for adhesive foam layers 602a, 602b. Adhesive foam layer 602b can include openings that can be configured to at least partially enclose wires connected between actuator 308 and logic board 304.

[0079] The actuator 308 can be attached to the top surfaces of the beam plates 902, 906. The actuator 308 can be rigidly secured to the beam plates 902, 906 using screws, welding, adhesive, or other suitable fasteners. The actuator 308 can be attached to the beam plates 902, 906 adjacent to the adhesive foam layer 602a. The actuator 308 can be a relatively heavy component of the track pad 108a, 108b and can generate a moving force when the actuator 308 is actuated. By providing the adhesive foam layer 602a to secure the beam plates 902, 906 to the housing adjacent the actuator 308, the actuator 308 can be immobilized even when actuated. This prevents the actuator 308 and the beam plates 902, 906 from contacting other components of the input device, even when the actuator 308 is actuated.

[0080] The touch assembly 502 may include a touch surface 710 on the cover panel, an adhesive layer 712, and a logic board 304. The logic board 304 may include various sensors and may also function as a touchpad sensor 310. For example, the logic board 304 may include a touch sensor (e.g., a capacitive touch sensor), an accelerometer, a force sensor, etc. The touchpad sensor 310 may detect contact of a user's finger or other object with the touch surface 710, and the logic board 304 may determine user input to the trackpads 108a, 108b based on the detection of the touchpad sensor 310. The cover panel may be attached to the logic board 304 by an adhesive layer 712, which may include a pressure-sensitive adhesive, etc. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B , the touch surface 710, the adhesive layer 712, and the logic board 304 may have the same dimensions or footprint. The touch assembly 502 may be sized to fit into an opening in the top case of the housing of the input device.

[0081] The suction plate 504 can be attached to the touch assembly 502. Specifically, the suction plate 504 can be rigidly fixed to the logic board 304 of the touch assembly 502. The suction plate 504 can be attached to the touch assembly 502 by welding, adhesive, or the like. When the actuator 308 is actuated, the actuator 308 can generate a magnetic field that can attract or repel the suction plate 504. This can cause the touch assembly 502 to move toward or away from the actuator 308, providing haptic feedback to the touch assembly 502. The actuator 308 can apply a magnetic field that can cause the suction plate 504 and touch assembly 502 to move within a movement axis 508 that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the touch assembly 502 and the touch surface 710. The touch assembly 502 can be sized relative to an opening in the top case of the housing of the input device such that a gap is positioned around the touch assembly 502. This allows movement of the touch assembly 502 along the axis of movement 508 when the actuator 308 is actuated to provide haptic feedback to the touch assembly 502. In some embodiments, the actuator 308 attracts the attraction plate 504 due to the attraction plate 504 comprising a ferromagnetic material that is not magnetized when the actuator 308 is not generating a magnetic field. Thus, the attraction plate 504 is not repelled by the magnetic field of the actuator 308 when actuated, but instead is attracted by the magnetic field regardless of the polarity of the magnetic field. In other cases, the attraction plate 504 can comprise a magnetic material that is attracted or repelled from the actuator 308 depending on the polarity of the field generated by the actuator 308.

[0082] Pads 910 can be mounted on the beam plates 902, 906, 908. The pads 910 can allow slight shear movement of the touch assembly 502 relative to the beam plates 902, 906, 908. For example, when the actuator 308 is actuated to attract or repel the suction plate 504, the pads 910 allow shear movement of the touch assembly 502 along a movement axis 508 that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the touch assembly 502. The pads 910 can be formed from a gel material, such as a silicone material, a flexible foam material, or the like.

[0083] The strain gauges 612 may be positioned between the touch assembly 502 and the beam plates 902, 906, 908. The strain gauges 612 may be used to detect forces applied to the touch assembly 502, such as through a user input to the touch assembly 502. The strain gauges 612 may be part of the touchpad sensors 310 of the track pads 108a, 108b. The strain gauges 612 may be physically and electrically connected to the logic board 304 via connectors 614, which may be electrical flex.

[0084] 10A-10C show various views of the actuator 308 and suction plate 504 that can be used in conjunction with other figures and embodiments disclosed herein. Specifically, FIG. 10A shows a top-down view of the actuator 308 and suction plate 504. FIG. 10B shows a cross-sectional view of the actuator 308 and suction plate 504. FIG. 10C shows a front-to-back view of the actuator 308. FIGS. 10A-10C show specific configurations and dimensions of the actuator 308 and suction plate 504.

[0085] The actuator 308 may be a reluctance actuator. The actuator 308 may include a back iron 1002, mounting tabs 608 on either side of the back iron 1002, narrow and wide tines 1004 and 1006 extending from the back iron 1002, and a coil 718 wrapped around the tines 1004 and 1006. The actuator 308 may further include a connector 716, which may connect to a logic board of an input device and may be used to provide electricity to the coil 718 to operate the actuator 308. The connector 716 may be attached to the surface of the back iron 1002 by adhesive, welding, or the like. The tines 1004 and 1006 function as the core of the actuator 308, and the tines 1004 and 1006 and coil 718 generate a magnetic field when electricity is supplied to the coil 718 via the connector 716. The back iron 1002 may be formed from the material of the tines 1004, 1006 and may provide a return path for magnetic flux between the tines 1004, 1006. The back iron 1002 may have a depth 1003 ranging from about 5 mm to about 12 mm. The mounting tabs 608 may be used to attach the actuator 308 to a beam plate of an input device and may be attached to the beam plate by welding, adhesive, screws through openings, etc.

[0086] The narrow tines 1004 can be outer tines of the actuator 308, and the wide tines 1006 can be inner tines of the actuator 308. The actuator 308 can include any number of tines 1004, 1006, such as three to five tines, with the outer tines 1004 on each side being narrow tines 1004 and the inner tines being wide tines 1006. The narrow tines 1004 can have widths 1008 ranging from about 5 mm to about 7 mm, from about 6 mm to about 7 mm, etc. The wide tines 1006 can have widths ranging from about 11 mm to about 13 mm, from about 12 mm to about 13 mm, etc. Increasing the width of the tines 1004, 1006 can increase the magnetic field generated by the actuator 308, but can also increase the overall width of the actuator 308. The tines 1004, 1006 can have lengths 1009 ranging from about 9 mm to about 14 mm, from about 8 mm to about 13 mm, etc. Increasing the length 1009 of the tines 1004, 1006 can increase the magnetic field that can be generated by the actuator 308, but can also extend the length of the actuator 308.

[0087] The attraction plate 504 may include an attraction portion 1012 and an attachment portion 1014. The attraction plate 504 may be formed of a magnetic metal material, such as stainless steel. The attraction portion 1012 may have dimensions (e.g., height and width) similar to the overall dimensions of the tines 1004, 1006 and coil 718 of the actuator 308. The attraction portion 1012 may be attracted or repelled by the magnetic field generated by the actuator 308, causing the attraction plate 504 to move relative to the actuator 308. The attachment portion 1014 may be used to attach the attraction plate 504 to a touch assembly of an input device. The attachment portion 1014 may be attached to the touch assembly by a rigid attachment mechanism, such as adhesive 1016, welding, screws, etc. The attraction plate 504 may be separated from the actuator 308 by a gap 1010. The gap 1010 can have a size ranging from about 0.225 mm to about 0.375 mm, about 0.250 mm to about 0.350 mm, etc. Reducing the size of the gap 1010 between the suction plate 504 and the actuator 308 can increase the magnetic flux of the actuator 308's magnetic field applied to the suction plate 504. However, if the gap is too small, this can result in the suction plate 504 colliding with the actuator 308. Furthermore, reducing the gap 1010 can reduce the tolerances of the input device. As mentioned above, the components of the input device can be semi-rigidly attached to each other to maintain the gap 1010 even if the input device housing moves or bends during use. Therefore, the gap 1010 can be configured to be large enough to prevent contact between the suction portion 1012 and the actuator 308 while still minimizing its size for haptic generation efficiency.

[0088] The tines 1004, 1006 and back iron 1002 of the actuator 308 can be formed from the same or different materials. As shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C, both the tines 1004, 1006 and back iron 1002, or only the tines 1004, 1006, can include laminated layers 1018 of material. The tines 1004, 1006 and back iron 1002 of the actuator 308 can be formed from a material having a high magnetic permeability, thereby increasing the magnetic field that can be generated by the actuator 308. In the example shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C, the tines 1004, 1006 and back iron 1002 can be formed from four layers 1018 of laminated material. The number of layers 1018 included in the tines 1004, 1006 and back iron 1002 can range from 1 to 5 layers, or from 2 to 4 layers. Forming the tines 1004, 1006 and back iron 1002 with fewer laminations 1018 reduces the thickness of the actuator 308 but also reduces the force that can be applied by the actuator 308 (e.g., the magnetic field generated by the actuator 308). The layers 1018 of laminated material can be separated from one another by gaps, such as gaps ranging from about 25 μm to about 30 μm, about 26 μm to about 29 μm, etc. The tines 1004, 1006 and back iron 1002 can be formed from electrical steel sheet, which can include oriented or non-oriented grain. The tines 1004, 1006 and back iron 1002 can be formed from silicon steel, iron-cobalt alloy, etc. The tines 1004, 1006 and back iron 1002 can have a thickness 1020 ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 2.2 mm, about 1.2 mm to about 2.2 mm, about 1.2 mm to about 1.8 mm, etc. Each of the layers 1018 can have a thickness ranging from about 0.3 mm to about 0.7 mm, such as from about 0.35 mm to about 0.65 mm.

[0089] Each of the tines 1004, 1006 may be wrapped by a coil 718. The coil 718 may include a wire 1022 wrapped around the tines 1004, 1006. The wire 1022 may be wrapped around the tines 1004, 1006 in several layers, such as one to four layers (three layers are shown in FIG. 10B). The wire 1022 may be formed from a conductive material, such as copper, and may be coated or uncoated. The wire 1022 may have a diameter ranging from about 0.1 mm to about 0.2 mm, from about 0.16 mm to about 0.18 mm, from about 0.15 mm to about 0.22 mm, etc. Each of the coils 718 may include several turns of the wire 1022, such as 16 to 268 turns, or 38 to 120 turns. The coil 718 may be attached to the tines 1004, 1006 by an adhesive 1024, which may have a thickness ranging from about 0.08 mm to about 0.12 mm. The overall thickness 1026 of the actuator 308 between opposite surfaces of the coil 718 may range from about 2 mm to about 3.7 mm, from about 2 mm to about 2.9 mm, from about 2 mm to about 2.6 mm, etc. The coil 718 may have a length 1028 ranging from about 4 mm to about 13 mm, from about 9 mm to about 14 mm, from about 8 mm to about 13 mm, from about 12 mm to about 14 mm, etc.

[0090] It is well understood that use of personally identifiable information should comply with generally recognized privacy policies and practices that meet or exceed industry or government requirements for maintaining user privacy. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled in a manner that minimizes the risk of unintended or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to users.

[0091] In the foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, specific terminology was used to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings.

Claims

1. An input device, a trackpad with a touch surface; an actuator configured to provide haptic feedback to the track pad, the actuator being positioned outside a periphery of the touch surface in a field of view perpendicular to the touch surface and positioned to a side of the touch surface in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the touch surface.

2. The input device of claim 1 , wherein the actuator is configured to provide the haptic feedback to the track pad by generating a magnetic field that attracts an attraction plate of the track pad.

3. The input device of claim 2 , wherein the suction plate extends from inside the periphery of the touch surface when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the touch surface to outside the periphery of the touch surface when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the touch surface.

4. The input device of claim 2 , wherein the suction plate is rigidly secured to a touch assembly of the track pad, the touch assembly comprising the touch surface.

5. Multiple keys and 10. The input device of claim 1, further comprising: a touch assembly comprising the touch surface and a logic board disposed within a periphery of the touch surface when viewed perpendicular to the touch surface, the logic board connected to the plurality of keys and the actuators.

6. Further comprising a housing, the track pad is positioned in an opening in a top wall of the housing; The input device of claim 1 , wherein the actuator is attached to the inner surface of the top wall of the housing by an adhesive layer.

7. the actuator comprises an electromagnetic actuator comprising a coil surrounding a core; the core comprises three or fewer silicon steel laminations; The input device according to claim 1 .

8. A keyboard, The keyboard housing a trackpad within the keyboard housing, the trackpad comprising: a touch assembly disposed in an opening in the upper case of the keyboard housing; a trackpad comprising: an actuator attached to an inner surface of the upper case of the keyboard housing by a first adhesive layer, the actuator configured to apply a force to the touch assembly to provide tactile feedback to the touch assembly.

9. The keyboard of claim 8 further comprising a second adhesive layer attached to the actuator opposite the first adhesive layer.

10. The keyboard of claim 9 , wherein the second adhesive layer is separated from a rear case of the keyboard housing by a gap.

11. the trackpad further comprising a beam plate between the touch assembly and a rear case of the keyboard housing; the beam plate being at least partially attached to the rear case of the keyboard housing by an adhesive material; The keyboard of claim 8.

12. The track pad further comprises a beam plate, the beam plate comprising: a first C-beam plate portion attached to the keyboard housing; a second C-beam plate portion attached to the keyboard housing and separated from the first C-beam plate portion.

13. the track pad further comprising a suction plate rigidly secured to the touch assembly; the actuator is configured to apply a force to the suction plate to provide the haptic feedback to the touch assembly.

9. The keyboard of claim 8.

14. The keyboard of claim 8 , further comprising a space bar, the actuator configured to apply a magnetic field to the touch assembly in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the space bar.

15. The keyboard housing includes: a key portion having a plurality of keys; a first edge adjacent to the track pad opposite the key portion; a second edge angled relative to and contiguous with the first edge; 9. The keyboard of claim 8, further comprising: a palm rest portion between the trackpad and the second edge and between the key portion and the first edge, wherein the actuator is attached to the keyboard housing at the palm rest portion of the keyboard housing.

16. A keyboard, The trackpad and A capacitor bank, an electrical interface coupled to the capacitor bank and operable to supply power to the capacitor bank at a first rate; an actuator connected to the capacitor bank, operable to provide haptic feedback to the track pad, and configured to draw power from the capacitor bank at a second rate greater than the first rate.

17. further comprising a plurality of keys; the trackpad includes a touch assembly; the touch assembly comprising a logic board; 17. The keyboard of claim 16, wherein the logic board comprises a single controller for both the actuator and the plurality of keys.

18. 17. The keyboard of claim 16, further comprising a key area having a plurality of keys, the capacitor bank being disposed between the electrical interface and the key area.

19. the track pad comprising a strain gauge for detecting an input provided to an input surface of the track pad; the keyboard is configured to output a signal to the electrical interface based on the input detected via the strain gauge; the actuator is configured to provide the haptic feedback in response to the input detected via the strain gauge.

17. The keyboard of claim 16.

20. The electrical interface is transmitting power from an external device to the capacitor bank; transferring data between the keyboard and the external device; The keyboard of claim 16 configured to provide a magnetic coupling to the external device.

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