Touchpad module and computing device using same

A touchpad module for a computing device is provided. The touchpad module is installed within a fixing frame of the computing device. The touchpad module includes a base plate, a touch member, a conductive supporting structure, a first adhesive layer, a second adhesive layer and a conducting element. The touch member is located over the base plate. The conductive supporting structure is arranged between the base plate and the touch member. The conducting element is connected between the base plate and the fixing frame of the computing device. An electrostatic discharge path is defined by the touch member, the conductive supporting structure, the base plate, the conducting element and the fixing frame of the computing device collaboratively. In addition, static electricity generated on the touch member is guided out of the touchpad module through the electrostatic discharge path.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an input device, and more particularly to an input device with a touch control function.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With increasing development of science and technology, a variety of electronic devices are designed in views of convenience and user-friendliness. For helping the user well operate the electronic devices, the electronic devices are gradually developed in views of humanization. The common electronic devices include for example notebook computers, mobile phones, satellite navigation devices, or the like. Recently, the storage capacity and the processor's computing performance for these electronic devices are largely enhanced, and thus their functions become more powerful and complicated. For efficiently operating an electronic device, a touchpad is used as an input device of the electronic device for controlling the operations of the electronic device. For example, in case that the user's finger is placed on the touchpad and slid on the touchpad, a cursor shown on a display screen is correspondingly moved. Moreover, in case that the touchpad is pressed down by the user's finger, the electronic device executes a specified function. The use of the touchpad can implement some functions of the conventional mouse. In other words, the user may operate the electronic device through the touchpad without the need of additionally carrying or installing the mouse.

FIG.1schematically illustrates a conventional notebook computer with a touchpad module. As shown inFIG.1, the touchpad module1is installed on a casing21of the notebook computer2. Moreover, at least a portion of the touchpad module1is exposed outside so as to be touched by the user's finger. Consequently, the user may operate the touchpad module1to control the notebook computer2. For example, in case that the user's finger is placed on the touchpad module1and slid on the touchpad module1, a cursor23shown on a display screen22of the notebook computer2is correspondingly moved. Moreover, in case that the touchpad module1is pressed down by the user's finger, the notebook computer2executes a specified function.

FIG.2is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the touchpad module as shown inFIG.1. As shown inFIG.2, a fixing frame24is concavely formed in the casing21of the notebook computer2. The touchpad module1is disposed within the fixing frame24. The touchpad module1comprises a base plate11, a supporting structure12, a touch member13, a pressure sensor14, a first conductive cloth15and a second conductive cloth16.

The supporting structure12is adhered and fixed in the space between the base plate11and the touch member13by a glue dispensing process. The pressure sensor14is installed on the base plate11. When the touch member13is pressed by the user and the touch member13is moved downwardly, the supporting structure12is correspondingly moved downwardly to push the base plate11. Consequently, the base plate11is subjected to deformation, and the base plate11has a deformation amount. According to the deformation amount of the base plate11, the pressing force exerted on the touch member13is sensed by the pressure sensor14. Consequently, the pressure sensor14generates a pressure sensing signal. The first conductive cloth15is connected between the touch member13and the base plate11. The second conductive cloth16is connected between the base plate11and the fixing frame24of the notebook computer2.

An electrostatic discharge path is defined by the touch member13, the first conductive cloth15, the base plate11, the second conductive cloth16and the fixing frame24of the notebook computer2collaboratively. When the touchpad module1is in a usage state, the static electricity generated by the touchpad module I can be guided to the outside region of the touchpad module1through the electrostatic discharge path. Consequently, the pressure sensor14or other internal electronic components will not be damaged by the static electricity.

However, since the structure of establishing the electrostatic discharge path through the first conductive cloth15and the second conductive cloth16is complicated, the steps of the overall manufacturing process is complicated, and the fabricating cost is largely increased.

In accordance with an assembling process of the conventional touchpad module1, the glue is firstly dispensed to the region between the touch member13and the supporting structure12, and then the touch member13and the supporting structure12are sent into an oven to be baked. After the dispensed glue between the touch member13and the supporting structure12is solidified, a semi-finished product is formed. After the semi-finished product is removed from the oven, the glue is dispensed to the region between the base plate11and the supporting structure12, and then the base plate11and the supporting structure12are sent into the oven to be baked. After the dispensed glue between the base plate11and the supporting structure12is solidified, the assembling process is completed. As known, this assembling process is very complicated. In addition, the capacity of the oven limits the mass production of the combined structure of the touch member13, the supporting structure12and the base plate11. In other words, the production line is full of so many semi-finished products to be baked.

Therefore, there is a need of providing an improved touchpad module in order to overcome the above drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention provides a touchpad module. The structural design of the touchpad module is simple. In addition, the touchpad module can be assembled easily. Consequently, the overall fabricating process is simplified, and the fabricating cost is largely reduced.

The other objects and advantages of the present invention will be understood from the disclosed technical features.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a touchpad module for a computing device is provided. The touchpad module is installed within a fixing frame of the computing device. The touchpad module includes a base plate, a touch member, a conductive supporting structure, a first adhesive layer, a second adhesive layer and a conducting element. The touch member is located over the base plate. The conductive supporting structure is arranged between the base plate and the touch member. The first adhesive layer is arranged between the conductive supporting structure and the touch member. The second adhesive layer is arranged between the conductive supporting structure and the base plate. The conducting element is connected between the base plate and the fixing frame of the computing device. An electrostatic discharge path is defined by the touch member, the conductive supporting structure, the base plate, the conducting element and the fixing frame of the computing device collaboratively. In addition, static electricity generated on the touch member is guided out of the touchpad module through the electrostatic discharge path.

In an embodiment, the conducting element is made of conductive cloth.

In an embodiment, the conductive supporting structure has a first surface and a second surface, which are opposed to each other. The first surface of the conductive supporting structure faces the touch member. The second surface of the conductive supporting structure faces the base plate. The first adhesive layer is installed on the first surface of the conductive supporting structure. The second adhesive layer is installed on the second surface of the conductive supporting structure. The conductive supporting structure and the touch member are combined together through the first adhesive layer. The conductive supporting structure and the base plate are combined together through the second adhesive layer.

In an embodiment, the touchpad module further includes a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is installed on the base plate. When an external pressing force is exerted on the touch member, the touch member is moved in a direction toward the base plate. While the touch member is moved in the direction toward the base plate, the conductive supporting structure is correspondingly moved with the touch member to push the base plate. Consequently, the base plate is subjected to deformation, and the base plate has a deformation amount. When the pressing force exerted on the touch member is sensed by the pressure sensor according to the deformation amount, the pressure sensor generates a pressure sensing signal.

In an embodiment, the base plate includes an elastic arm. The elastic arm is aligned with the conductive supporting structure. The pressure sensor is installed on the elastic arm. While the touch member is moved in the direction toward the base plate, the conductive supporting structure is correspondingly moved with the touch member to push the elastic arm of the base plate. Consequently, the elastic arm is subjected to the deformation, and the elastic arm has the deformation amount. When the pressing force exerted on the touch member is sensed by the pressure sensor according to the deformation amount, the pressure sensor generates the pressure sensing signal.

In an embodiment, the touch member includes a touch sensitive circuit board and a touch plate. The touch plate is located over the touch sensitive circuit board. The conductive supporting structure is arranged between the touch sensitive circuit board and the base plate.

In an embodiment, the conductive supporting structure is made of conductive rubber.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a computing device is provided. The computing device includes a casing, a processor and a touchpad module. A fixing frame is concavely formed in the casing. The processor is disposed within the casing. The touchpad module is disposed within the fixing frame and electrically connected with the processor. The touchpad module includes a base plate, a touch member, a conductive supporting structure, a first adhesive layer, a second adhesive layer and a conducting element. The touch member is located over the base plate. The conductive supporting structure is arranged between the base plate and the touch member. The first adhesive layer is arranged between the conductive supporting structure and the touch member. The second adhesive layer is arranged between the conductive supporting structure and the base plate. The conducting element is connected between the base plate and the fixing frame of the computing device. An electrostatic discharge path is defined by the touch member, the conductive supporting structure, the base plate, the conducting element and the fixing frame of the computing device collaboratively. In addition, static electricity generated on the touch member is guided out of the touchpad module through the electrostatic discharge path.

From the above descriptions, the present invention provides the touchpad module. The touchpad module is equipped with the conductive supporting structure between the touch member and the base plate and equipped with the conducting element between the base plate and the fixing frame of the computing device. Consequently, the electrostatic discharge path is defined. Due to this structural design, the structure of the touchpad module is simplified, and the electrostatic discharge path is effectively shortened. Moreover, since the conductive supporting structure is directly adhered and fixed in the space between the touch member and the base plate in the adhesive bonding manner, the baking and solidifying step in the oven can be omitted. Consequently, the manufacturing process of the touchpad module is effectively simplified. The structural design of the touchpad module of the present invention is simple. In addition, the touchpad module can be assembled easily. Consequently, the fabricating cost is largely reduced.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG.3is a schematic perspective view illustrating the outer appearance of a computing device with a touchpad module according to an embodiment of the present invention. An example of the computing device3includes but is not limited to a notebook computer. In an embodiment, the computing device4comprises a casing41, a display screen42, a processor45and a touchpad module3. The processor45is disposed within the casing41. The processor45is used for processing electronic signals of the computing device4. Moreover, a fixing frame44is concavely formed in the casing41. The touchpad module3is disposed within the fixing frame44and electrically connected with the processor45. When the touchpad module3is disposed within the fixing frame44, at least a portion of the touchpad module3is exposed outside so as to be touched by the user's finger. Consequently, the user can operate the touchpad module3to control the computing device4. For example, in case that the user's finger is placed on the touchpad module3and slid on the touchpad module3, a cursor43shown on the display screen42is correspondingly moved. Moreover, in case that the touchpad module3is pressed down by the user's finger, the computing device4executes a specified function.

The other structure of the touchpad module3will be described in more details as follows.

FIG.4is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the touchpad module as shown inFIG.3. As shown inFIG.4, the touchpad module3comprises a base plate31, a touch member32, a conductive supporting structure33, a first adhesive layer34, a second adhesive layer35and a conducting element36.

The touch member32is located over the base plate31. The conductive supporting structure33is arranged between the base plate31and the touch member32. The first adhesive layer34is arranged between the conductive supporting structure33and the touch member32. The second adhesive layer35is arranged between the conductive supporting structure33and the base plate31. In addition, the conducting element36is connected between the base plate31and the fixing frame44of the computing device4.

In this embodiment, an electrostatic discharge path P is defined by the touch member32, the conductive supporting structure33, the base plate31, the conducting element36and the fixing frame44of the computing device4collaboratively. When the touch member32is touched by the user's hand or the touch member32is contacted with other objects, static electricity is generated. The static electricity can be guided to the outside region of the touchpad module3through the electrostatic discharge path P. In other words, the static electricity is guided out through the touch member32, the conductive supporting structure33, the base plate31and the fixing frame44of the computing device4.

For example, the conductive supporting structure33is made of conductive rubber or any other appropriate material. The conducting element36is made of conductive cloth or any other appropriate material. Moreover, the base plate31is made of metallic material or any other appropriate material.

As mentioned above, the touchpad module3is equipped with the conductive supporting structure33between the touch member32and the base plate31. Due to the arrangement of the conductive supporting structure33, the electrostatic discharge path between the touch member32and the base plate31is electrically conducted. In addition, the electrostatic discharge path between the base plate31and the fixing frame44of the computing device4is electrically conducted through the conducting element36. Due to this structural design, the structure of the touchpad module3is simplified. In addition, the electrostatic discharge path is effectively shortened. Since the static electricity generated by the touch member32is quickly guided out of the touchpad module3, the internal electronic components of the touchpad module3will not be influenced and damaged by static electricity.

Please refer toFIG.4again. In an embodiment, the touch member32comprises a touch sensitive circuit board321and a touch plate322. The touch plate322is located over the touch sensitive circuit board321. The conductive supporting structure33is adhered and fixed in the space between the touch sensitive circuit board321and the base plate31through the first adhesive layer34and the second adhesive layer35. Preferably but not exclusively, the touch plate322is made of glass or any other appropriate material. The material of the touch plate322may be varied according to the practical requirements. Moreover, the touch sensitive circuit board321and the touch plate322are combined together through a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) or any other appropriate material.

Please refer toFIG.4again. In an embodiment, the conductive supporting structure33has a first surface331and a second surface332, which are opposed to each other. The first surface331of the conductive supporting structure33faces the touch member32. The second surface332of the conductive supporting structure33faces the base plate31. The first adhesive layer34is installed on the first surface331of the conductive supporting structure33. The second adhesive layer35is installed on the second surface332of the conductive supporting structure33. The conductive supporting structure33and the touch member32are combined together through the first adhesive layer34. The conductive supporting structure33and the base plate31are combined together through the second adhesive layer35.

As mentioned above, in the touchpad module3of the present invention, the conductive supporting structure33is directly adhered and fixed in the space between the touch sensitive circuit board321and the base plate31in the adhesive bonding manner. Due to this structural design, the baking and solidifying step in the oven can be omitted from the manufacturing process of the touchpad module3. Since the manufacturing process of the touchpad module3is effectively simplified, the fabricating cost is reduced.

Please refer toFIG.4again. In an embodiment, the touchpad module3further comprises at least one pressure sensor37. The pressure sensor37is installed on the base plate31. According to the deformation amount of the base plate31, the pressing force exerted on the touch member32is sensed by the pressure sensor37. For example, while the touch member32is moved in the direction toward the base plate31in response to the external pressing force, the conductive supporting structure33is correspondingly moved with the touch member32to push the base plate31. Since the base plate31is subjected to deformation, the base plate31has the deformation amount. According to the deformation amount of the base plate31, the pressing force exerted on the touch member32is sensed by the pressure sensor37. Consequently, the pressure sensor37generates the pressure sensing signal.

In an embodiment, the pressure sensor37is electrically connected with the touch sensitive circuit board321of the touch member32through a flexible circuit board (not shown). After the pressing force exerted on the touch member32is sensed by the pressure sensor37and the pressure sensing signal is generated, the pressure sensing signal is transmitted to the touch sensitive circuit board321through the flexible circuit board. Then, the pressure sensing signal is transmitted from the touch sensitive circuit board321to the processor45of the computing device4to be further processed.

Please refer toFIG.4again. In an embodiment, the base plate31comprises at least one elastic arm310. The elastic arm310is aligned with the conductive supporting structure33. The pressure sensor37is installed on the elastic arm310. In an embodiment, the elastic arm310is formed on a position of the base plate31corresponding to the conductive supporting structure33by a stamping process. In response to the external pressing force, the elastic arm310is swung relative to the base plate31. Consequently, the elastic arm310is subjected to deformation. While the touch member32is moved in the direction toward the base plate31in response to the external pressing force, the conductive supporting structure33is correspondingly moved with the touch member32to push the elastic arm310of the base plate31. Since the elastic arm310is swung downwardly and subjected to the deformation, the elastic arm310has a deformation amount. According to the downward deformation amount of the elastic arm310, the pressing force exerted on the touch member32is sensed by the pressure sensor37. Consequently, the pressure sensor37generates the pressure sensing signal.

It is noted that the number of the at least one pressure sensor37and the number of the at least one elastic arm310are not restricted. For example, in some other embodiments, the touchpad module3comprises two or more than two pressure sensors37and two or more than two elastic arms310according to the practical requirements.

From the above descriptions, the present invention provides the touchpad module. The touchpad module is equipped with the conductive supporting structure between the touch member and the base plate and equipped with the conducting element between the base plate and the fixing frame of the computing device. Consequently, the electrostatic discharge path is defined. Due to this structural design, the structure of the touchpad module is simplified, and the electrostatic discharge path is effectively shortened. Moreover, since the conductive supporting structure is directly adhered and fixed in the space between the touch member and the base plate in the adhesive bonding manner, the baking and solidifying step in the oven can be omitted. Consequently, the manufacturing process of the touchpad module is effectively simplified. The structural design of the touchpad module of the present invention is simple. In addition, the touchpad module can be assembled easily. Consequently, the fabricating cost is largely reduced.