US20140210735A1 - Touch input device with button function - Google Patents
Touch input device with button function Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140210735A1 US20140210735A1 US13/846,643 US201313846643A US2014210735A1 US 20140210735 A1 US20140210735 A1 US 20140210735A1 US 201313846643 A US201313846643 A US 201313846643A US 2014210735 A1 US2014210735 A1 US 2014210735A1
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- Prior art keywords
- module
- coupling body
- touch
- plural
- coupling
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
- G06F3/041—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
- G06F3/0416—Control or interface arrangements specially adapted for digitisers
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
- G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
- G06F1/1684—Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675
- G06F1/169—Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675 the I/O peripheral being an integrated pointing device, e.g. trackball in the palm rest area, mini-joystick integrated between keyboard keys, touch pads or touch stripes
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
- G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
- G06F3/0354—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
- G06F3/03547—Touch pads, in which fingers can move on a surface
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
- G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
- G06F3/0362—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of 1D translations or rotations of an operating part of the device, e.g. scroll wheels, sliders, knobs, rollers or belts
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
- G06F3/041—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a touch input device, and more particularly to a touch input device with a button function.
- a touch input device is installed on a notebook computer. By operating the touch input device, the movement of a cursor may be controlled or a corresponding icon of a user interface may be clicked without the need of using a mouse to operate the notebook computer.
- a physical button may be integrated into the touch input device, so that the touch input device has a button function. Under this circumstance, it is not necessary to install plural physical buttons on the peripheral area of the touch input device. Since the physical button is integrated into the touch input device, the layout space is saved and the outward appearance is aesthetically-pleasing.
- the button function can be easily implemented by simply depressing the touch input device.
- the physical button is integrated into the touch input device, the possibility of erroneously implementing the button function will be increased during the process of operating the touch input device.
- FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a conventional touch input device with a button function.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic side view illustrating the touch input device of FIG. 1 , in which the touch input device is depressed. Please refer to FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- the touch input device 1 is in communication with a computer system (not shown). By operating the touch input device 1 , the movement of a cursor (not shown) of the computer system may be controlled or a corresponding icon (not shown) of the computer system may be clicked.
- the conventional touch input device 1 comprises a casing 10 , a touch plate 11 , a supporting element 12 , and two triggering switches 13 .
- the touch plate 11 is disposed within the casing 10 .
- the touch plate 11 has a cursor control zone 111 and two button function zones 112 . These two button function zones 112 are located at a lower left corner and a lower right corner of the touch plate 11 , respectively. In other words, the cursor control zone 111 and the two button function zones 112 are not overlapped with each other.
- the two triggering switches 13 are respectively aligned with the two button function zones 112 and disposed under the two button function zones 112 .
- the two triggering switches 13 are electrically connected with the touch plate 11 .
- the supporting element 12 is connected to a sidewall of the touch plate 11 for supporting the touch plate 11 thereon.
- the user's finger For moving the cursor of the computer system, the user's finger is firstly placed on the cursor control zone 111 of the touch plate 11 and then the user's finger is moved on the cursor control zone 111 , so that the cursor is correspondingly moved with the motion of the user's finger.
- the two triggering switches 13 are used as a left button and a right button, respectively. Since the cursor control zone 111 and the two button function zones 112 are not overlapped with each other, when the user's finger is moved on the touch plate 11 , the possibility of erroneously triggering the triggering switches 13 by the user's finger will be minimized.
- the two triggering switches 13 of the touch input device 1 are separately triggered.
- the button function zone 112 of the touch plate 11 corresponding to the triggering switch 13 should be depressed in response to a strong downward force. Consequently, the touch plate 11 is subjected to deformation to push the triggering switch 13 (see FIG. 2 ). Under this circumstance, the triggering switch 13 is triggered to generate a button signal, and thus a corresponding button function is executed.
- the frequent deformation and recovery may damage the touch plate 11 . If the touch plate 11 is damaged, the touch sensitivity of the touch plate 11 is deteriorated, the tactile feel of operating the touch plate 11 is impaired, and the use life of the touch plate 11 is shortened.
- the present invention provides a touch input device with a button function in order to provide an enhanced tactile feel.
- a touch input device with a button function includes a touch input device with a button function.
- the touch input device includes a base member, a touch module, a triggering switch, a coupling module, and plural movable pads.
- the base member includes plural perforations. The plural perforations are located at a bottom side of the base member.
- the touch module is disposed over the base member and covers the base member. When the touch module is touched and a touched position is detected by the touch module, the touch module generates a touch signal.
- the triggering switch is disposed on the touch module. When the touch module is depressed, the triggering switch is triggered to generate a button signal corresponding to the touched position.
- the coupling module is disposed on a lower part of the touch module.
- the coupling module When the touch module is depressed, the coupling module is swung relative to the touch module to trigger the triggering switch.
- the plural movable pads are disposed on the coupling module, and penetrated through the corresponding perforations of the base member to be exposed outside the base member.
- the plural movable pads When the touch module is depressed, the plural movable pads are moved relative to the corresponding perforations to push the coupling module, so that the coupling module is correspondingly swung.
- the coupling module includes a first coupling body and a second coupling body.
- the first coupling body includes plural fixing slices.
- the plural fixing slices are extended from a first side of the first coupling body and connected with the lower part of the touch module.
- the second coupling body is stacked on the first coupling body.
- the plural movable pads are disposed on a bottom surface of the second coupling body for protecting the first coupling body, thereby preventing deformation of the first coupling body.
- the second coupling body is thicker than the first coupling body.
- the coupling module further includes a triggering part.
- the triggering part is disposed on the first coupling body and disposed under the triggering switch. When the coupling module is swung relative to the touch module, the triggering switch is pushed by the triggering part.
- the coupling module further includes a triggering part.
- the triggering part is disposed on the first coupling body and the second coupling body.
- the first coupling body has a first opening under the triggering switch, and the second coupling body has a second opening aligned with the first opening The triggering part is penetrated through the first opening and the second opening and fixed on the first coupling body and the second coupling body.
- first coupling body and the second coupling body are all made of metallic material, and the plural fixing slices are integrally formed with the first coupling body.
- the first coupling body and the second coupling body are combined together through rivets.
- the plural movable pads are made of rubbery materials.
- the touch input device further includes plural fixed pads.
- the plural fixed pads are disposed on the touch module and respectively penetrated through the corresponding perforations of the base member to be exposed outside the base member. When the base member is placed on a working surface, the plural fixed pads are contacted with the working surface.
- the plural movable pads are pushed by the working surface to be moved relative to the corresponding perforations, and the coupling module is pushed by the plural movable pads, so that the second coupling body and a second side of the first coupling body are swung relative to the touch module to push the triggering switch.
- the triggering switch is pushed to be triggered, the button signal corresponding to the touched position is generated by the triggering switch.
- the touch module includes a sensing circuit plate and a protective cover.
- the sensing circuit plate is used for detecting the touched position, thereby generating the touch signal.
- the triggering switch is disposed on a bottom surface of the sensing circuit plate.
- the protective cover is used for covering the sensing circuit plate, thereby protecting the sensing circuit plate. Moreover, the bottom surface of the sensing circuit plate is exposed outside the protective cover.
- the button signal corresponding to the touched position is generated by the triggering switch. If the touched position is located near a left side of the touch module, the button signal is a left button signal. Whereas, if the touched position is located near a right side of the touch module, the button signal is a right button signal.
- the protective cover further includes plural protrusion posts.
- the plural protrusion posts are disposed on a lower part of the protective cover and protruded externally from the lower part of the protective cover.
- the plural fixed pads are disposed on the plural protrusion posts, respectively.
- FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a conventional touch input device with a button function
- FIG. 2 is a schematic side view illustrating the touch input device of FIG. 1 , in which the touch input device is depressed;
- FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a touch input device with a button function according to an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the touch input device of FIG. 3 and taken along another viewpoint;
- FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating some components of the touch input device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a schematic exploded view illustrating the coupling module of the touch input device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the touch module and the triggering switch of the touch input device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a schematic side view illustrating the touch input device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
- the present invention provides a touch input device with a button function in order to provide an enhanced tactile feel.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a touch input device with a button function according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the touch input device of FIG. 3 and taken along another viewpoint.
- the touch input device 2 is in communication with a computer system (not shown). By operating the touch input device 2 , the movement of a cursor (not shown) of the computer system may be controlled or a corresponding icon (not shown) of the computer system may be clicked. As shown in FIGS.
- the touch input device 2 comprises a base member 20 , a touch module 21 , a triggering switch 22 (see FIG. 7 ), a coupling module 23 (see FIG. 5 ), plural movable pads 24 , and plural fixed pads 25 .
- the base member 20 comprises plural perforations 201 . In FIG. 4 , four perforations 201 are shown. These perforations 201 are located at a bottom side of the base member 20 .
- the touch module 21 is disposed over the base member 20 for covering the base member 20 . When the touch module 21 is touched and a touched position of the touch module 21 is detected, the touch module 21 generates a touch signal.
- the touch module 21 is a capacitive touch sensitive plate.
- the touch module 21 is a resistive touch sensitive plate.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating some components of the touch input device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
- the touch module 21 comprises a sensing circuit plate 211 and a protective cover 212 .
- the sensing circuit plate 211 is used for detecting the touched position, thereby generating the touch signal. According to the touch signal, the cursor of the computer system is correspondingly moved.
- the protective cover 212 is used for covering the sensing circuit plate 211 in order to protect the sensing circuit plate 211 .
- a bottom surface 2111 of the sensing circuit plate 211 is exposed outside the protective cover 212 .
- the protective cover 212 comprises plural protrusion posts 2121 .
- the plural protrusion posts 2121 are disposed on a lower part 2122 of the protective cover 212 , and protruded externally from the lower part 2122 of the protective cover 212 .
- the plural fixed pads 25 are disposed on the plural protrusion posts 2121 , respectively. Moreover, the plural fixed pads 25 are penetrated through the corresponding perforations 201 to be exposed outside the base member 20 (see FIG. 4 ).
- the coupling module 23 is disposed on the lower part 2122 of the protective cover 212 of the touch module 21 .
- the coupling module 23 is swung relative to the touch module 21 to trigger the triggering switch 22 .
- the plural movable pads 24 are disposed on the coupling module 23 .
- the plural movable pads 24 are penetrated through the corresponding perforations 201 to be exposed outside the base member 20 .
- the touch module 21 is depressed, the plural movable pads 24 are moved relative to the corresponding perforations 201 . Consequently, the coupling module 23 is pushed by the plural movable pads 24 to be swung.
- all of the plural movable pads 24 and the plural fixed pads 25 are made of rubbery materials.
- FIG. 6 is a schematic exploded view illustrating the coupling module of the touch input device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
- the coupling module 23 comprises a first coupling body 231 and a second coupling body 232 .
- the first coupling body 231 comprises plural fixing slices 2311 .
- two fixing slices 2311 are shown.
- the plural fixing slices 2311 are extended from a first side 2312 of the first coupling body 231 and connected with the lower part 2122 of the protective cover 212 .
- the second coupling body 232 is stacked on the first coupling body 231 .
- the plural movable pads 24 are disposed on a bottom surface 2321 of the second coupling body 232 for protecting the first coupling body 231 in order to prevent deformation of the first coupling body 231 .
- the first coupling body 231 and the second coupling body 232 are made of metallic material.
- the plural fixing slices 2311 are integrally formed with the first coupling body 231 .
- the first coupling body 231 and the second coupling body 232 are combined together through rivets (not shown).
- the plural fixing slices 2311 are fixed on the lower part 2122 of the protective cover 212 through screws.
- the first coupling body and the second coupling body may be combined together through other connecting means, and the plural fixing slices may be fixed on the lower part of the protective cover through other connecting means.
- the thickness D 2 of the second coupling body 232 is larger than the thickness D 1 of the first coupling body 231 . Since the thickness D 1 of the first coupling body 231 is smaller and the first coupling body 231 has the metallic properties, the plural fixing slices 2311 that are connected with the first coupling body 231 can provide bending elasticity. That is, the plural fixing slices 2311 may function as a hinge device. Due to the function of the hinge device provided by the plural fixing slices 2311 , the coupling module 23 may be swung relative to the touch module 21 . Moreover, due to the elasticity of the metallic material of the coupling module 23 , the coupling module 23 may provide a feedback tactile feel during the coupling module 23 is swung.
- the second coupling body 232 is stacked on a second side 2313 of the first coupling body 231 . Since the thickness D 2 of the second coupling body 232 is larger, the second coupling body 232 can provide stronger rigidity. Consequently, after the first coupling body 231 and the second coupling body 232 are stacked on each other to be collaboratively defined as the coupling module 23 , the first coupling body 231 is protected by the second coupling body 232 , and thus the possibility of causing deformation of the first coupling body 231 is minimized.
- FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the touch module and the triggering switch of the touch input device according to the embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to FIGS. 3 and 7 .
- the triggering switch 22 is shown.
- the triggering switch 22 is disposed on the bottom surface 2111 of the sensing circuit plate 211 of the touch module 21 .
- a button signal corresponding to the touched position is generated by the triggering switch 22 . That is, when the touch module 21 is depressed, the touched position on a top surface 2123 of the protective cover 212 is detected by the sensing circuit plate 211 , so that the button signal corresponding to the touched position is generated by the triggering switch 22 .
- the button signal generated by the triggering switch 22 is a left button signal.
- the left button signal is identical to the button signal that is generated by clicking the left button of the conventional mouse.
- the button signal generated by the triggering switch 22 is a right button signal.
- the right button signal is identical to the button signal that is generated by clicking the right button of the conventional mouse.
- the coupling module 23 further comprises a triggering part 233 .
- the triggering part 233 is disposed on the first coupling body 231 and the second coupling body 232 .
- the first coupling body 231 has a first opening 2314 , which is disposed under the triggering switch 22 .
- the triggering part 233 is moved upwardly to push the triggering switch 22 .
- the second coupling body 232 has a second opening 2322 .
- the second opening 2322 is aligned with the first opening 2314 .
- the triggering part 233 is sequentially penetrated through the first opening 2314 and the second opening 2322 so as to be fixed on the first coupling body 231 and the second coupling body 232 .
- the triggering part 233 is made of a plastic material.
- the triggering part is disposed on the first coupling body, and extended from the first coupling body.
- the triggering part is integrally formed with the first coupling body. That is, the triggering part is also made of a metallic material.
- FIG. 8 is a schematic side view illustrating the touch input device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
- the base member 20 of the touch input device 2 is placed on a working surface T.
- the plural movable pads 24 and the plural fixed pads 25 are all contacted with the working surface T.
- the user's finger may depress the top surface 2123 of the protective cover 212 of the touch module 21 . Consequently, the plural movable pads 24 are pushed by the working surface T to be moved relative to the corresponding perforations 201 of the base member 20 .
- the coupling module 23 is pushed by the plural movable pads 24 , the second coupling body 232 and the second side 2312 of the first coupling body 231 are swung relative to the touch module 21 .
- the triggering part 233 is moved upwardly to push the triggering switch 22 , and thus the button signal corresponding to the touched position is generated by the triggering switch 22 .
- the button signal is a left button signal or a right button signal. According to the button signal, a function of clicking a corresponding icon of the computer system is executed.
- the coupling module 23 is swung relative to the touch module 21 .
- the triggering part 233 is separated from the triggering switch 22 , so that the triggering switch 22 is no longer pushed by the triggering part 233 .
- the plural movable pads 24 are moved relative to the corresponding perforations 201 of the base member 20 . Consequently, the plural movable pads 24 are returned to their original positions where the touch module 21 is not depressed.
- the present invention provides a touch input device with a button function.
- the plural movable pads are directly disposed on the coupling module.
- the coupling module is made of a metallic material and used for controlling the movement of the plural movable pads.
- the coupling module can be smoothly swung.
- the coupling module can be smoothly swung relative to the touch module in order to provide an enhanced tactile feel.
- the thicker second coupling body may be stacked on the first coupling body in order to increase the thickness of the coupling module. Under this circumstance, the possibility of causing deformation of the first coupling body is minimized.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a touch input device, and more particularly to a touch input device with a button function.
- The applications of touch input devices are very extensive. In the early stage, a touch input device is installed on a notebook computer. By operating the touch input device, the movement of a cursor may be controlled or a corresponding icon of a user interface may be clicked without the need of using a mouse to operate the notebook computer. With the advance of science and technology, a physical button may be integrated into the touch input device, so that the touch input device has a button function. Under this circumstance, it is not necessary to install plural physical buttons on the peripheral area of the touch input device. Since the physical button is integrated into the touch input device, the layout space is saved and the outward appearance is aesthetically-pleasing. Moreover, since the physical button is not installed in the touch input device, the button function can be easily implemented by simply depressing the touch input device. However, since the physical button is integrated into the touch input device, the possibility of erroneously implementing the button function will be increased during the process of operating the touch input device.
- For solving the problem of erroneously implementing the button function, a conventional touch input device with a button function has been introduced into the market. Hereinafter, the structure of a touch input device with a button function will be illustrated with reference to
FIGS. 1 and 2 .FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a conventional touch input device with a button function.FIG. 2 is a schematic side view illustrating the touch input device ofFIG. 1 , in which the touch input device is depressed. Please refer toFIGS. 1 and 2 . The touch input device 1 is in communication with a computer system (not shown). By operating the touch input device 1, the movement of a cursor (not shown) of the computer system may be controlled or a corresponding icon (not shown) of the computer system may be clicked. The conventional touch input device 1 comprises acasing 10, atouch plate 11, a supportingelement 12, and twotriggering switches 13. Thetouch plate 11 is disposed within thecasing 10. Moreover, thetouch plate 11 has acursor control zone 111 and twobutton function zones 112. These twobutton function zones 112 are located at a lower left corner and a lower right corner of thetouch plate 11, respectively. In other words, thecursor control zone 111 and the twobutton function zones 112 are not overlapped with each other. The twotriggering switches 13 are respectively aligned with the twobutton function zones 112 and disposed under the twobutton function zones 112. The twotriggering switches 13 are electrically connected with thetouch plate 11. The supportingelement 12 is connected to a sidewall of thetouch plate 11 for supporting thetouch plate 11 thereon. - For moving the cursor of the computer system, the user's finger is firstly placed on the
cursor control zone 111 of thetouch plate 11 and then the user's finger is moved on thecursor control zone 111, so that the cursor is correspondingly moved with the motion of the user's finger. On the other hand, the two triggeringswitches 13 are used as a left button and a right button, respectively. Since thecursor control zone 111 and the twobutton function zones 112 are not overlapped with each other, when the user's finger is moved on thetouch plate 11, the possibility of erroneously triggering the triggeringswitches 13 by the user's finger will be minimized. - Moreover, the two
triggering switches 13 of the touch input device 1 are separately triggered. For triggering one of the twotriggering switches 13, thebutton function zone 112 of thetouch plate 11 corresponding to the triggeringswitch 13 should be depressed in response to a strong downward force. Consequently, thetouch plate 11 is subjected to deformation to push the triggering switch 13 (seeFIG. 2 ). Under this circumstance, thetriggering switch 13 is triggered to generate a button signal, and thus a corresponding button function is executed. - However, after the
touch plate 11 has been used for a long time, the frequent deformation and recovery may damage thetouch plate 11. If thetouch plate 11 is damaged, the touch sensitivity of thetouch plate 11 is deteriorated, the tactile feel of operating thetouch plate 11 is impaired, and the use life of thetouch plate 11 is shortened. - Therefore, there is a need of providing a touch input device with a button function in order to provide an enhanced tactile feel.
- The present invention provides a touch input device with a button function in order to provide an enhanced tactile feel.
- In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a touch input device with a button function. The touch input device includes a touch input device with a button function. The touch input device includes a base member, a touch module, a triggering switch, a coupling module, and plural movable pads. The base member includes plural perforations. The plural perforations are located at a bottom side of the base member. The touch module is disposed over the base member and covers the base member. When the touch module is touched and a touched position is detected by the touch module, the touch module generates a touch signal. The triggering switch is disposed on the touch module. When the touch module is depressed, the triggering switch is triggered to generate a button signal corresponding to the touched position.
- The coupling module is disposed on a lower part of the touch module. When the touch module is depressed, the coupling module is swung relative to the touch module to trigger the triggering switch. The plural movable pads are disposed on the coupling module, and penetrated through the corresponding perforations of the base member to be exposed outside the base member. When the touch module is depressed, the plural movable pads are moved relative to the corresponding perforations to push the coupling module, so that the coupling module is correspondingly swung.
- In an embodiment, the coupling module includes a first coupling body and a second coupling body. The first coupling body includes plural fixing slices. The plural fixing slices are extended from a first side of the first coupling body and connected with the lower part of the touch module. The second coupling body is stacked on the first coupling body. The plural movable pads are disposed on a bottom surface of the second coupling body for protecting the first coupling body, thereby preventing deformation of the first coupling body. Moreover, the second coupling body is thicker than the first coupling body.
- In an embodiment, the coupling module further includes a triggering part. The triggering part is disposed on the first coupling body and disposed under the triggering switch. When the coupling module is swung relative to the touch module, the triggering switch is pushed by the triggering part.
- In an embodiment, the coupling module further includes a triggering part. The triggering part is disposed on the first coupling body and the second coupling body. The first coupling body has a first opening under the triggering switch, and the second coupling body has a second opening aligned with the first opening The triggering part is penetrated through the first opening and the second opening and fixed on the first coupling body and the second coupling body.
- In an embodiment, the first coupling body and the second coupling body are all made of metallic material, and the plural fixing slices are integrally formed with the first coupling body. The first coupling body and the second coupling body are combined together through rivets. Moreover, the plural movable pads are made of rubbery materials.
- In an embodiment, the touch input device further includes plural fixed pads. The plural fixed pads are disposed on the touch module and respectively penetrated through the corresponding perforations of the base member to be exposed outside the base member. When the base member is placed on a working surface, the plural fixed pads are contacted with the working surface.
- In an embodiment, when the touch module is depressed, the plural movable pads are pushed by the working surface to be moved relative to the corresponding perforations, and the coupling module is pushed by the plural movable pads, so that the second coupling body and a second side of the first coupling body are swung relative to the touch module to push the triggering switch. As the triggering switch is pushed to be triggered, the button signal corresponding to the touched position is generated by the triggering switch.
- In an embodiment, the touch module includes a sensing circuit plate and a protective cover. The sensing circuit plate is used for detecting the touched position, thereby generating the touch signal. The triggering switch is disposed on a bottom surface of the sensing circuit plate. The protective cover is used for covering the sensing circuit plate, thereby protecting the sensing circuit plate. Moreover, the bottom surface of the sensing circuit plate is exposed outside the protective cover.
- In an embodiment, when the touch module is depressed and the touched position is detected by the sensing circuit plate, the button signal corresponding to the touched position is generated by the triggering switch. If the touched position is located near a left side of the touch module, the button signal is a left button signal. Whereas, if the touched position is located near a right side of the touch module, the button signal is a right button signal.
- In an embodiment, the protective cover further includes plural protrusion posts. The plural protrusion posts are disposed on a lower part of the protective cover and protruded externally from the lower part of the protective cover. Moreover, the plural fixed pads are disposed on the plural protrusion posts, respectively.
- The above objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a conventional touch input device with a button function; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic side view illustrating the touch input device ofFIG. 1 , in which the touch input device is depressed; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a touch input device with a button function according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the touch input device ofFIG. 3 and taken along another viewpoint; -
FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating some components of the touch input device according to the embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 is a schematic exploded view illustrating the coupling module of the touch input device according to the embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the touch module and the triggering switch of the touch input device according to the embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 8 is a schematic side view illustrating the touch input device according to the embodiment of the present invention. - For eliminating the drawbacks encountered from the prior art, the present invention provides a touch input device with a button function in order to provide an enhanced tactile feel.
- Hereinafter, the structure of a touch input device with a button function according to an embodiment of the present invention will be illustrated with reference to
FIGS. 3 and 4 .FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a touch input device with a button function according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the touch input device ofFIG. 3 and taken along another viewpoint. Thetouch input device 2 is in communication with a computer system (not shown). By operating thetouch input device 2, the movement of a cursor (not shown) of the computer system may be controlled or a corresponding icon (not shown) of the computer system may be clicked. As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 , thetouch input device 2 comprises abase member 20, atouch module 21, a triggering switch 22 (seeFIG. 7 ), a coupling module 23 (seeFIG. 5 ), pluralmovable pads 24, and plural fixedpads 25. Thebase member 20 comprisesplural perforations 201. InFIG. 4 , fourperforations 201 are shown. Theseperforations 201 are located at a bottom side of thebase member 20. Thetouch module 21 is disposed over thebase member 20 for covering thebase member 20. When thetouch module 21 is touched and a touched position of thetouch module 21 is detected, thetouch module 21 generates a touch signal. In this embodiment, thetouch module 21 is a capacitive touch sensitive plate. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, thetouch module 21 is a resistive touch sensitive plate. -
FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating some components of the touch input device according to the embodiment of the present invention. Please refer toFIGS. 3 , 4 and 5. Thetouch module 21 comprises asensing circuit plate 211 and aprotective cover 212. Thesensing circuit plate 211 is used for detecting the touched position, thereby generating the touch signal. According to the touch signal, the cursor of the computer system is correspondingly moved. Theprotective cover 212 is used for covering thesensing circuit plate 211 in order to protect thesensing circuit plate 211. In addition, abottom surface 2111 of thesensing circuit plate 211 is exposed outside theprotective cover 212. When one or more fingers of the user are moved on atop surface 2123 of theprotective cover 212, the touch position or the touched positions are detected by thesensing circuit plate 211. Consequently, one or more corresponding touch signals are generated to control the movement of the cursor of the computer system. Moreover, theprotective cover 212 comprises plural protrusion posts 2121. Theplural protrusion posts 2121 are disposed on alower part 2122 of theprotective cover 212, and protruded externally from thelower part 2122 of theprotective cover 212. The plural fixedpads 25 are disposed on theplural protrusion posts 2121, respectively. Moreover, the plural fixedpads 25 are penetrated through the correspondingperforations 201 to be exposed outside the base member 20 (seeFIG. 4 ). - Please refer to
FIG. 5 again. Thecoupling module 23 is disposed on thelower part 2122 of theprotective cover 212 of thetouch module 21. When thetouch module 21 is depressed, thecoupling module 23 is swung relative to thetouch module 21 to trigger the triggering switch 22. The pluralmovable pads 24 are disposed on thecoupling module 23. Moreover, the pluralmovable pads 24 are penetrated through the correspondingperforations 201 to be exposed outside thebase member 20. When thetouch module 21 is depressed, the pluralmovable pads 24 are moved relative to thecorresponding perforations 201. Consequently, thecoupling module 23 is pushed by the pluralmovable pads 24 to be swung. In this embodiment, all of the pluralmovable pads 24 and the plural fixedpads 25 are made of rubbery materials. -
FIG. 6 is a schematic exploded view illustrating the coupling module of the touch input device according to the embodiment of the present invention. Please refer toFIGS. 5 and 6 . Thecoupling module 23 comprises afirst coupling body 231 and asecond coupling body 232. Thefirst coupling body 231 comprises plural fixing slices 2311. InFIG. 6 , two fixingslices 2311 are shown. Theplural fixing slices 2311 are extended from afirst side 2312 of thefirst coupling body 231 and connected with thelower part 2122 of theprotective cover 212. Thesecond coupling body 232 is stacked on thefirst coupling body 231. Moreover, the pluralmovable pads 24 are disposed on abottom surface 2321 of thesecond coupling body 232 for protecting thefirst coupling body 231 in order to prevent deformation of thefirst coupling body 231. In this embodiment, thefirst coupling body 231 and thesecond coupling body 232 are made of metallic material. Moreover, theplural fixing slices 2311 are integrally formed with thefirst coupling body 231. Thefirst coupling body 231 and thesecond coupling body 232 are combined together through rivets (not shown). Theplural fixing slices 2311 are fixed on thelower part 2122 of theprotective cover 212 through screws. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the first coupling body and the second coupling body may be combined together through other connecting means, and the plural fixing slices may be fixed on the lower part of the protective cover through other connecting means. - More especially, the thickness D2 of the
second coupling body 232 is larger than the thickness D1 of thefirst coupling body 231. Since the thickness D1 of thefirst coupling body 231 is smaller and thefirst coupling body 231 has the metallic properties, theplural fixing slices 2311 that are connected with thefirst coupling body 231 can provide bending elasticity. That is, theplural fixing slices 2311 may function as a hinge device. Due to the function of the hinge device provided by theplural fixing slices 2311, thecoupling module 23 may be swung relative to thetouch module 21. Moreover, due to the elasticity of the metallic material of thecoupling module 23, thecoupling module 23 may provide a feedback tactile feel during thecoupling module 23 is swung. On the other hand, since the thickness D1 of thefirst coupling body 231 is smaller, thefirst coupling body 231 is easily subjected to deformation. In this embodiment, thesecond coupling body 232 is stacked on asecond side 2313 of thefirst coupling body 231. Since the thickness D2 of thesecond coupling body 232 is larger, thesecond coupling body 232 can provide stronger rigidity. Consequently, after thefirst coupling body 231 and thesecond coupling body 232 are stacked on each other to be collaboratively defined as thecoupling module 23, thefirst coupling body 231 is protected by thesecond coupling body 232, and thus the possibility of causing deformation of thefirst coupling body 231 is minimized. -
FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the touch module and the triggering switch of the touch input device according to the embodiment of the present invention. Please refer toFIGS. 3 and 7 . InFIG. 7 , the triggering switch 22 is shown. The triggering switch 22 is disposed on thebottom surface 2111 of thesensing circuit plate 211 of thetouch module 21. When thetouch module 21 is depressed by the user, a button signal corresponding to the touched position is generated by the triggering switch 22. That is, when thetouch module 21 is depressed, the touched position on atop surface 2123 of theprotective cover 212 is detected by thesensing circuit plate 211, so that the button signal corresponding to the touched position is generated by the triggering switch 22. If the touched position is located near a left side of thetouch module 21, the button signal generated by the triggering switch 22 is a left button signal. The left button signal is identical to the button signal that is generated by clicking the left button of the conventional mouse. If the touched position is located near a right side of thetouch module 21, the button signal generated by the triggering switch 22 is a right button signal. The right button signal is identical to the button signal that is generated by clicking the right button of the conventional mouse. - Please refer to
FIG. 6 again. Thecoupling module 23 further comprises a triggeringpart 233. The triggeringpart 233 is disposed on thefirst coupling body 231 and thesecond coupling body 232. Thefirst coupling body 231 has afirst opening 2314, which is disposed under the triggering switch 22. When thecoupling module 23 is swung relative to thetouch module 21, the triggeringpart 233 is moved upwardly to push the triggering switch 22. Moreover, thesecond coupling body 232 has asecond opening 2322. Thesecond opening 2322 is aligned with thefirst opening 2314. The triggeringpart 233 is sequentially penetrated through thefirst opening 2314 and thesecond opening 2322 so as to be fixed on thefirst coupling body 231 and thesecond coupling body 232. In this embodiment, the triggeringpart 233 is made of a plastic material. - It is noted that numerous modifications and alterations of the triggering part may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention. For example, in some embodiments, the triggering part is disposed on the first coupling body, and extended from the first coupling body. Moreover, the triggering part is integrally formed with the first coupling body. That is, the triggering part is also made of a metallic material. When the coupling module is swung relative to the touch module, the triggering part under the triggering switch is moved upwardly to push the triggering switch. Consequently, the triggering switch is triggered to generate a corresponding button signal.
- Now, please refer to
FIGS. 5 and 8 .FIG. 8 is a schematic side view illustrating the touch input device according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 8 , thebase member 20 of thetouch input device 2 is placed on a working surface T. In addition, the pluralmovable pads 24 and the plural fixedpads 25 are all contacted with the working surface T. For implementing the button function, the user's finger may depress thetop surface 2123 of theprotective cover 212 of thetouch module 21. Consequently, the pluralmovable pads 24 are pushed by the working surface T to be moved relative to the correspondingperforations 201 of thebase member 20. Moreover, since thecoupling module 23 is pushed by the pluralmovable pads 24, thesecond coupling body 232 and thesecond side 2312 of thefirst coupling body 231 are swung relative to thetouch module 21. Under this circumstance, the triggeringpart 233 is moved upwardly to push the triggering switch 22, and thus the button signal corresponding to the touched position is generated by the triggering switch 22. For example, the button signal is a left button signal or a right button signal. According to the button signal, a function of clicking a corresponding icon of the computer system is executed. - When the
top surface 2123 of theprotective cover 212 is no longer depressed by the user's finger, in response to the bending elasticity of theplural fixing slices 2311 fixed on thelower part 2122 of theprotective cover 212, thecoupling module 23 is swung relative to thetouch module 21. Under this circumstance, the triggeringpart 233 is separated from the triggering switch 22, so that the triggering switch 22 is no longer pushed by the triggeringpart 233. Moreover, as thecoupling module 23 is swung, the pluralmovable pads 24 are moved relative to the correspondingperforations 201 of thebase member 20. Consequently, the pluralmovable pads 24 are returned to their original positions where thetouch module 21 is not depressed. - From the above descriptions, the present invention provides a touch input device with a button function. In the touch input device of the present invention, the plural movable pads are directly disposed on the coupling module. The coupling module is made of a metallic material and used for controlling the movement of the plural movable pads. Moreover, since the force to push the triggering switch is directly transmitted from the plural movable pads to the coupling module, the coupling module can be smoothly swung. Moreover, due to the bending elasticity of the thin metal part, the coupling module can be smoothly swung relative to the touch module in order to provide an enhanced tactile feel. Moreover, due to the rigidity of the thick metal, the thicker second coupling body may be stacked on the first coupling body in order to increase the thickness of the coupling module. Under this circumstance, the possibility of causing deformation of the first coupling body is minimized.
- While the invention has been described in terms of what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention needs not be limited to the disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims which are to be accorded with the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures.
Claims (10)
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CN2013200454039U CN203070249U (en) | 2013-01-28 | 2013-01-28 | Touch control input device with key function |
CN201320045403U | 2013-01-28 | ||
CN201320045403.9 | 2013-01-28 |
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US20140210735A1 true US20140210735A1 (en) | 2014-07-31 |
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US13/846,643 Expired - Fee Related US8810539B1 (en) | 2013-01-28 | 2013-03-18 | Touch input device with button function |
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WO2016137581A1 (en) * | 2015-02-26 | 2016-09-01 | Dell Products L.P. | Touchpad with multiple tactile switches |
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CN110119218B (en) * | 2018-02-06 | 2022-07-01 | 致伸科技股份有限公司 | Touch module and electronic calculator with same |
CN111694454B (en) * | 2019-03-15 | 2022-08-12 | 致伸科技股份有限公司 | Touch pad module and electronic computer with same |
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Also Published As
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CN203070249U (en) | 2013-07-17 |
US8810539B1 (en) | 2014-08-19 |
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