Touchpad module with first and second fixed points as fulcrums and computing device using same

A touchpad module includes a base plate, a touch member and an elastic structure between the touch member and the base plate. The elastic structure includes a supporting frame and a swingable resilience piece. There are a first fixing point and a second fixing point between the swingable resilience piece and the base plate. The swingable resilience piece includes a first resilience arm and a second resilience arm. The first resilience arm is connected between the first fixing point and a first inner side of the supporting frame. The second resilience arm is connected between the second fixing point and a second inner side of the supporting frame. When an external force is exerted on a first end of the touch member, the first resilience arm is correspondingly swung toward the base plate by using the first fixed point as a fulcrum.

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.

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. The use of the touchpad module1can implement some functions of the conventional mouse. In other words, the user may operate the notebook computer2through the touchpad module1without the need of additionally carrying or installing the mouse.

FIG.2is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the touchpad module as shown inFIG.1, in which the touchpad module is not pressed down.FIG.3is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the touchpad module as shown inFIG.2, in which the touchpad module is pressed down. As shown inFIGS.2and3, a fixing frame24is concavely formed in the casing21of the notebook computer2. The touchpad module1is installed within the fixing frame24. The touchpad module1comprises a supporting structure11, a triggering part12and a touch member13. The supporting structure11and triggering part12are located at two opposite sides of the fixing frame24. The touch member13of the touchpad module1is connected with the supporting structure11. Consequently, the touch member13of the touchpad module1can be swung relative to the triggering part12by using the supporting structure11as a fulcrum. The touchpad module1further comprises a switch14. The switch14is located under the touch member13and aligned with the triggering part12.

While the touch member13is pressed down by the user, the touch member13is swung downwardly relative to the triggering part12by using the supporting structure11as a fulcrum. When the switch14of the touchpad module1is pushed by the triggering part12of the fixing frame24, the switch14is triggered to generate a switch signal to the notebook computer2. According to the switch signal, the notebook computer2executes a corresponding function. When the touch member13is no longer pressed by the user, the touch member13is swung upwardly relative to the triggering part12in response to the elastic force of the supporting structure11. Consequently, the touch member13is returned to its original position.

Generally, the supporting structure11is connected with the upper component and the lower component through iron elements or plastic structures (e.g., sponge structures). Consequently, as the iron elements or the plastic structures are subjected to deformation, the touch member13can be swung upwardly or downwardly. However, the conventional touchpad module10still has some drawbacks. For example, the region of the touch member13that is aligned with the supporting structure11cannot be pressed down, but only the region of the touch member13that is not aligned with the supporting structure11can be pressed down. In other words, the touch member13of the touchpad module10can be locally pressed down. Due to the structural design of the touchpad module10, it is unable to press down the whole surface of the touch member13.

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. Due to the special design, the whole region of a touch member of the touchpad module can be pressed down. Consequently, the problem of locally pressing the touch member of the conventional touchpad module can be overcome.

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 a computing device. The touchpad module includes a base plate, a touch member and an elastic structure. The base plate includes a triggering part. The touch member is located over the base plate. The touch member includes a switch corresponding to the triggering part. The elastic structure is arranged between the touch member and the base plate. The elastic structure includes a supporting frame and a swingable resilience piece. The swingable resilience piece is connected with the supporting frame. The touch member is supported by the supporting frame. The swingable resilience piece is fixed on the base plate. There are at least one first fixing point and at least one second fixing point between the swingable resilience piece and the base plate. The swingable resilience piece includes a first resilience arm and a second resilience arm. The first resilience arm is extended from the at least one first fixing point in a direction toward the supporting frame and connected with a first inner side of the supporting frame. The second resilience arm is extended from the at least one second fixing point in a direction toward the supporting frame and connected with a second inner side of the supporting frame. When an external force is exerted on a first region at a first side of the touch member, a first end of the touch member is swung toward the base plate, so that the switch is contacted with the triggering part. While the first end of the touch member is swung toward the base plate, the supporting frame is moved downwardly, and the first resilience arm is correspondingly swung toward the base plate by using the at least one first fixed point as a fulcrum.

In an embodiment, when the external force is exerted on a second region at a second side of the touch member, a second end of the touch member is swung toward the base plate, so that the switch is contacted with the triggering part. While the second end of the touch member is swung toward the base plate, the supporting frame is moved downwardly, and the second resilience arm is correspondingly swung toward the base plate by using the at least one second fixed point as a fulcrum. The first side and the second side of the touch member are two opposite sides of the touch member.

In an embodiment, when the external force is exerted on a third region of the touch member between the first region and the second region, the touch member is moved toward the base plate, so that the switch is contacted with the triggering part. While the touch member is swung toward the base plate, the supporting frame is moved downwardly, the first resilience arm is correspondingly swung toward the base plate by using the at least one first fixed point as the fulcrum, and the second resilience arm is correspondingly swung toward the base plate by using the at least one second fixed point as the fulcrum.

In an embodiment, the swingable resilience piece further comprises an intermediate plate, and the intermediate plate is connected between the first resilience arm and the second resilience arm. The intermediate plate has a hollow region. The triggering part of the base plate is exposed to the hollow region.

In an embodiment, the supporting frame comprises a first frame piece segment, a second frame piece segment, a third frame piece segment and a fourth frame piece segment. The first frame piece segment and the second frame piece segment are opposed to each other. The third frame piece segment and the fourth frame piece segment are opposed to each other. The third frame piece segment and the fourth segment are connected between the first frame piece segment and the second frame piece segment. The first resilience arm of the swingable resilience piece is connected with the first inner side of the third frame piece segment. The second resilience arm of the swingable resilience piece is connected with the second inner side of the fourth frame piece segment.

In an embodiment, the base plate includes two first position-limiting structures and two second position-limiting structures, and the two first position-limiting structures and the two second position-limiting structures are located at two opposite sides of the base plate. The first frame piece segment includes a first end part and a second end part. The second frame piece segment includes a third end part and a fourth end part. The first end part and the second end part are opposed to each other. The third end part and the fourth end part are opposed to each other. The first end part, the second end part, the third end part and the fourth end part are protruded outside the touch member. The first end part and the second end part are respectively contacted with the corresponding first position-limiting structures. The third end part and the fourth end part are respectively contacted with the corresponding second position-limiting structures.

In an embodiment, the touchpad module further includes at least one first fastening element and at least one second fastening element. The at least one first fastening element is tightened into the base plate at a position corresponding to the at least one first fixing point. The at least one second fastening element is tightened into the base plate at a position corresponding to the at least one second fixing point. Consequently, the swingable resilience piece is fixed on the base plate.

In an embodiment, the touch member includes a covering plate and a circuit board. The covering plate is located over the circuit board. The switch is installed on the circuit board.

In an embodiment, the touchpad module further includes a first adhesive layer and a second adhesive layer. The first adhesive layer is arranged between the covering plate and the circuit board. The second adhesive layer is arranged between the circuit board and the supporting frame.

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 and an elastic structure. The base plate includes a triggering part. The touch member is located over the base plate. The touch member includes a switch corresponding to the triggering part. The elastic structure is arranged between the touch member and the base plate. The elastic structure includes a supporting frame and a swingable resilience piece. The swingable resilience piece is connected with the supporting frame. The touch member is supported by the supporting frame. The swingable resilience piece is fixed on the base plate. There are at least one first fixing point and at least one second fixing point between the swingable resilience piece and the base plate. The swingable resilience piece includes a first resilience arm and a second resilience arm. The first resilience arm is extended from the at least one first fixing point in a direction toward the supporting frame and connected with a first inner side of the supporting frame. The second resilience arm is extended from the at least one second fixing point in a direction toward the supporting frame and connected with a second inner side of the supporting frame. When an external force is exerted on a first region at a first side of the touch member, a first end of the touch member is swung toward the base plate, so that the switch is contacted with the triggering part. While the first end of the touch member is swung toward the base plate, the supporting frame is moved downwardly, and the first resilience arm is correspondingly swung toward the base plate by using the at least one first fixed point as a fulcrum.

From the above descriptions, the structure of the touchpad module is specially designed. The whole region of the touch member of the touchpad module can be pressed down. Consequently, the problem of locally pressing the touch member of the conventional touchpad module can be overcome. Moreover, there are at least one first fixing point and at least one second fixing point between the swingable resilience piece and the base plate, and the first resilience arm and the second resilience arm are respectively connected with the first inner side and the second inner side of the supporting frame. When the first region or the second region of the touch member is pressed down, the supporting frame is correspondingly moved toward the base plate. Consequently, the first resilience arm is swung toward the base plate by using the first fixing point as the fulcrum, or the second resilience arm is swung toward the base plate by using the second fixed point as the fulcrum. Due to this structural design, the following benefits can be achieved. For example, while one end of the touch member is swung toward the base plate, the other end of the touch member will not have the same movement and stroke according to the seesaw principle. Since the unnecessary movement and stroke are largely reduced, the whole region of the touch member can be pressed down in response to the pressing force with the same magnitude and the switch can be triggered. In addition, while the touch member is swung, no abnormal noise is generated. Moreover, since the structural design of the touchpad module is simplified and the touch module is assembled easily, the fabricating cost and the overall weight of the touchpad module are reduced.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG.4is 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 device4includes 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 processor41is used for processing electronic signals of the computing device4. Moreover, a fixing frame44is concavely formed in the casing41(seeFIG.5). The touchpad module3is disposed within the fixing frame44and electrically connected with the processor45. In addition, 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.

Please refer toFIGS.5,6,7and8.FIG.5is a schematic side view illustrating a portion of the touchpad module as shown inFIG.4.FIG.6is a schematic exploded view illustrating the touchpad module as shown inFIG.5.FIG.7is a schematic top view illustrating the touchpad module as shown inFIG.5.FIG.8is a schematic top view illustrating a portion of the touchpad module as shown inFIG.5. For succinctness, the touch member32, the first adhesive layer36, the second adhesive layer37and some components in the touchpad module ofFIG.5are not shown inFIG.8.

Please refer toFIGS.5,6,7and8. In an embodiment, the touchpad module3comprises a base plate31, a touch member32and an elastic structure33. The base plate31comprises a triggering part310. The touch member32is located over the base plate31. The touch member32comprises a switch320corresponding to the triggering part310. The elastic structure33is arranged between the touch member32and the base plate31. The elastic structure33comprises a supporting frame331and a swingable resilience piece332. The swingable resilience piece332is connected with the supporting frame331. Preferably but not exclusively, the top surface of the swingable resilience piece332is located at a level lower than the top surface of the supporting frame331. The supporting frame331is used to support the touch member32. The swingable resilience piece332is fixed on the base plate31. In addition, there are at least one first fixing point P1and at least one second fixing point P2between the swingable resilience piece332and the base plate31. The swingable resilience piece332comprises a first resilience arm3321and a second resilience arm3322. The first resilience arm3321is extended from the first fixing point P1in the direction toward the supporting frame331and connected with a first inner side S1of the supporting frame331. The second resilience arm3322is extended from the second fixing point P2in the direction toward the supporting frame331and connected with a second inner side S2of the supporting frame331. The first inner side S1and the second inner side S2are opposed to each other.

In this embodiment, two first fixing points P1are arranged between the swingable resilience piece332and the base plate31, and two second fixing points P2are arranged between the swingable resilience piece332and the base plate31. It is noted that the numbers of the first fixing points P1and the second fixing points P2are not restricted. In addition, the touchpad module3further comprises two first fastening elements34and two second fastening elements35. The first fastening elements34are tightened into the base plate31at the positions corresponding to the first fixing points P1. The second fastening elements35are tightened into the base plate31at the positions corresponding to the second fixing points P2. Consequently, the elastic structure33is fixed on the base plate31through the first fastening elements34and the second fastening elements35. It is noted that the numbers of the first fastening element34and the second fastening elements35are not restricted. That is, the numbers of the first fastening elements and the second fastening elements may be increased or decreased according to the numbers of the first fixing points P1and the second fixing points P2.

Please refer toFIGS.5and6again. In an embodiment, the touch member32comprises a covering plate321and a circuit board322. The covering plate321is located over the circuit board322. The switch320is installed on a bottom surface of the circuit board322. The bottom surface of the circuit board322faces the base plate31. Preferably but not exclusively, the covering plate321is made of glass or any other appropriate material. The material of the covering plate321may be varied according to the practical requirements. Preferably but not exclusively, the switch33is a metal dome.

Please refer toFIGS.5and6again. In an embodiment, the touchpad module3further comprises a first adhesive layer36and a second adhesive layer37. The first adhesive layer36is arranged between the covering plate321and the circuit board322of the touch member32. The covering plate321and the circuit board322are combined together through the first adhesive layer36. The second adhesive layer37is arranged between the circuit board322of the touch member32and the supporting frame331of the elastic structure33. The circuit board322and the supporting frame311are combined together through the second adhesive layer37. Preferably but not exclusively, the first adhesive layer36and the second adhesive layer37are pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA). It is noted that the materials of the first adhesive layer36and the second adhesive layer37are not restricted.

Please refer toFIGS.5,6and8again. In this embodiment, the swingable resilience piece332further comprises an intermediate plate3323. The intermediate plate3323is connected between the first resilience arm3321and the second resilience arm3323. The intermediate plate3323has a hollow region R. When the elastic structure33is fixed on the base plate31, the triggering part310on the base plate31is exposed to the hollow region R of the intermediate plate3323.

Please refer toFIGS.5,6and8again. The supporting frame331comprises a first frame piece segment3311, a second frame piece segment3312, third frame piece segment3313and a fourth frame piece segment3314. The first frame piece segment3311and the second frame piece segment3312are opposed to each other. The third frame piece segment3313and the fourth frame piece segment3314are opposed to each other. The third frame piece segment3313and the fourth segment3314are connected between the first frame piece segment3311and the second frame piece segment3312. The first resilience arm3321of the swingable resilience piece332is connected with the first inner side51of the third frame piece segment3313. The second resilience arm3322of the swingable resilience piece332is connected with the second inner side S2of the fourth frame piece segment3314.

Please refer toFIGS.5,6,7and8again. The base plate31further comprises two first position-limiting structures311and two second position-limiting structures312. The first position-limiting structures311and the second position-limiting structures312are located at two opposite sides of the base plate31. The first frame piece segment3311of the supporting frame331comprises a first end part E1and a second end part E2, which are opposed to each other. The second frame piece segment3312of the supporting frame331comprises a third end part E3and a fourth end part E4, which are opposed to each other. The first end part E1, the second end part E2, the third end part E3and the fourth end part E4are protruded outside the touch member32. The first end part E1and the second end part E2of the first frame piece segment3311are respectively contacted with the corresponding first position-limiting structures311. The third end part E3and the fourth end part E4of the second frame piece segment3312are respectively contacted with the corresponding second position-limiting structures312. Preferably but not exclusively, the first position-limiting structures311and the second position-limiting structures312are hooks that are protruded from the base plate31. In an embodiment, the base plate31is made of metallic material or any other appropriate material.

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

Please refer toFIGS.5,6,7and8again. When an external force is exerted on a first region R1of the touch member32, a first end of the touch member32is swung in a direction toward the base plate31. Consequently, the switch320on the touch member32is contacted with the triggering part310on the base plate31. While the first end of the touch member32is swung toward the base plate31, the supporting frame331is correspondingly moved toward the base plate31. As mentioned above, the first resilience arm3321is connected with the first inner side S1of the supporting frame331. Consequently, while the supporting frame331is moved toward the base plate31, the first resilience arm3321of the swingable resilience piece332is correspondingly moved toward the base plate31. That is, the first resilience arm3321of the swingable resilience piece332is swung in the direction toward the base plate31by using the first fixing point P1as the fulcrum. Moreover, while the supporting frame331is correspondingly moved with the touch member32in the direction toward the base plate31, the first end part E1of the first frame piece segment3311and the third end part E3of the second frame piece segment3312in the supporting frame331are respectively detached from the first position-limiting structures311and the second position-limiting structures312at the left side of the base plate31. In other words, while the supporting frame331is moved, the first end part E1of the first frame piece segment3311and the third end part E3of the second frame piece segment3312are moved in the space between the first position-limiting structure311and the second position-limiting structure312at the left side of the base plate31.

As shown inFIGS.5,6,7and8, the first region R1is located at a first side of the touch member32. Moreover, a second region R2is located at a second side of the touch member32. When an external force is exerted on the second region R2of the touch member32, a second end of the touch member32is swung toward the base plate31. Consequently, the switch320on the touch member32is contacted with the triggering part310on the base plate31. While the second end of the touch member32is swung toward the base plate31, the supporting frame331is correspondingly moved toward the base plate31. As mentioned above, the second resilience arm3322is connected with the second inner side S2of the supporting frame331. Consequently, while the supporting frame331is moved toward the base plate31, the second resilience arm3322of the swingable resilience piece332is correspondingly moved toward the base plate31. That is, the second resilience arm3322of the swingable resilience piece332is swung in the direction toward the base plate31by using the second fixed point P2as the fulcrum. Moreover, while the supporting frame331is correspondingly moved with the touch member32in the direction toward the base plate31, the second end part E2of the first frame piece segment3311of the supporting frame331and the fourth end part E4of the second frame piece segment3312in the supporting frame331are respectively detached from the first position-limiting structures311and the second position-limiting structures312at the right side of the base plate31. In other words, while the supporting frame331is moved, the second end part E2of the first frame piece segment3311of the supporting frame331and the fourth end part E4of the second frame piece segment3312are moved in the space between the first position-limiting structure311and the second position-limiting structure312at the right side of the base plate31.

As shown inFIGS.5,6,7and8, a third region R3of the touch member32is arranged between the first region R1and the second region R2. When an external force is exerted on the third region R3of the touch member32, the touch member32is moved toward the base plate31. Consequently, the switch320on the touch member32is contacted with the triggering part310on the base plate31. While a middle region of the touch member32is swung toward the base plate31, the supporting frame331is correspondingly moved toward the base plate31. As mentioned above, the first resilience arm3321is connected with the first inner side S1of the supporting frame331, and the second resilience arm3322is connected with the second inner side S2of the supporting frame331. Consequently, while the supporting frame331is moved toward the base plate31, the first resilience arm3321and the second resilience arm3322of the swingable resilience piece332are correspondingly moved toward the base plate31. That is, the first resilience arm3321of the swingable resilience piece332is swung in the direction toward the base plate31by using the first fixing point P1as the fulcrum, and the second resilience arm3322of the swingable resilience piece332is swung in the direction toward the base plate31by using the second fixed point P2as the fulcrum. Moreover, while the supporting frame331is correspondingly moved with the touch member32in the direction toward the base plate31, the first end part E1of the first frame piece segment3311and the third end part E3of the second frame piece segment3312are respectively detached from the first position-limiting structures311and the second position-limiting structures312at the left side of the base plate31, and the second end part E2of the first frame piece segment3311of the supporting frame331and the fourth end part E4of the second frame piece segment3312are respectively detached from the first position-limiting structures311and the second position-limiting structures312at the right side of the base plate31.

As mentioned above, the intermediate plate3323of the swingable resilience piece332is connected between the first frame piece segment3321and the second resilience arm3322. Consequently, while the first resilience arm3321of the swingable resilience piece332is swung toward the base plate31by using the first fixed points P1as the fulcrum, an action force (i.e., a restoring force) in the direction away from the base plate31is generated and applied to the intermediate plate3323of the swingable resilience piece332. In response to the restoring force, the intermediate plate3323is slightly upturned. That is, while the first resilience arm3321is swung, the generated reaction force is absorbed by the intermediate3323. Consequently, the action forces applied to the first fastening elements34, which are tightened into the base plate31at the positions corresponding to the first fixing points P1, are dispersed. In this way, even if the first resilience arm3321is frequently swung upwardly or downwardly, the first fastening elements34are not detached from the first fixing points P1.

Similarly, while the second resilience arm3322of the swingable resilience piece332is swung toward the base plate31by using the second fixed points P2as the fulcrum, an action force (i.e., a restoring force) in the direction away from the base plate31is generated and applied to the intermediate plate3323of the swingable resilience piece332. In response to the restoring force, the intermediate plate3323is slightly upturned. That is, while the first resilience arm3321is swung, the generated reaction force is absorbed by the intermediate3323. Consequently, the action forces applied to the second fastening elements35, which are tightened into the base plate31at the positions corresponding to the second fixed points P2, are dispersed. In this way, even if the second resilience arm3322is frequently swung upwardly or downwardly, the second fastening elements35are not detached from the second fixed points P2.

Especially, the position of the first fixed point P1between the swingable resilience piece332and the base plate31may be varied according to the practical requirement. For example, the first fixed point P1is located at the position close to the third frame piece segment3313of the supporting frame331or away from the third frame piece segment3313of the supporting frame331. Similarly, the position of the second fixed point P2between the swingable resilience piece332and the base plate31may be varied according to the practical requirement. For example, the second fixed point P2is located at the position close to the fourth frame piece segment3314of the supporting frame331or away from the fourth frame piece segment3314of the supporting frame331. Consequently, the tactile feel of depressing the touchpad module3is adjustable. That is, the magnitude of pressing down the touch member32by the user can be adjusted.

From the above descriptions, the structure of the touchpad module is specially designed. The whole region of the touch member of the touchpad module can be pressed down. Consequently, the problem of locally pressing the touch member of the conventional touchpad module can be overcome. Moreover, there are at least one first fixing point and at least one second fixing point between the swingable resilience piece and the base plate, and the first resilience arm and the second resilience arm are respectively connected with the first inner side and the second inner side of the supporting frame. When the first region or the second region of the touch member is pressed down, the supporting frame is correspondingly moved toward the base plate. Consequently, the first resilience arm is swung toward the base plate by using the first fixing point as the fulcrum, or the second resilience arm is swung toward the base plate by using the second fixed point as the fulcrum. Due to this structural design, the following benefits can be achieved. For example, while one end of the touch member is swung toward the base plate, the other end of the touch member will not have the same movement and stroke according to the seesaw principle. Since the unnecessary movement and stroke are largely reduced, the whole region of the touch member can be pressed down in response to the pressing force with the same magnitude and the switch can be triggered. In addition, while the touch member is swung, no abnormal noise is generated. Moreover, since the structural design of the touchpad module is simplified and the touch module is assembled easily, the fabricating cost and the overall weight of the touchpad module are reduced.