Multifunction input module

[0002] The present invention relates to a multifunction input module, more particularly, to a multifunction input module which can be easily assembled on a circuit board and functions as a third input means for a computer mouse.

[0003] The conventional third input means of a computer mouse generally provides page-up and page-down functions. The third input means generally comprises a grating wheel, a light source, and a photo-receiver arranged on a circuit board placed outside the grating wheel. The signal received by the photo-receiver will be influenced by the rotating grating wheel and then trigger an internal circuit controlling the mouse's page-up and page-down functions.

[0004] However, in the above arrangement, the accuracy of the signal for page-down or page-up functions is sensitive to the relative positions of the grating wheel, light source and receiver. The third input means of the mouse will malfunction if those optical elements are not carefully set up.

[0005] Moreover, those optical elements are soldered to the circuit board, thus causing manufacturing problems and higher costs.

[0006] The present invention provides a reliable multifunction input module having a clamping stage, a clamping groove on the clamping stage to clamp a light source and photo-receiver, and a rack for pivotally arranging an optical chopper. By the inventive module, the chopper, light source, and photo-detector can be easily and firmly assembled to the circuit board with the help of the clamping stage and the clamping hooks formed on the clamping stage.

[0007] The various objects and advantages of the present invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the appended Drawings, in which:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0009] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a top view of the optical chopper in the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along Line A—A in FIG. 3;

[0012] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along Line B—B in FIG. 3;

[0013] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the application of the preferred embodiment of the present invention to a mouse; and,

[0014] FIG. 7 is another perspective view showing the application of the preferred embodiment of the present invention to a mouse.

[0015] FIGS. 1-3 show the preferred embodiment of the input module according to the present invention. The inventive module 20 can be used not only for a computer mouse, keyboard or notebook computer as a third input means, but also for electronic equipment to replace a standard operation button. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the inventive input module is arranged on a mouse 10. The mouse 10 comprises a base body 11 and a lid 13 having a plurality of pressing buttons 12. A circuit board 14 is placed within base body 11. A ball 15 is arranged on the bottom of base body 11. Two encoders 16, 17 are placed beside ball 15 to control vertical and horizontal movement, respectively. The mouse 10 is well-known in the art and further description is not necessary.

[0016] The present invention is intended to provide an improved input module. The inventive input module 20 comprises a clamping stage 21, an optical chopper 22, a light source 23, and a photo-detector 24. The clamping stage 21 is provided with a pivoting rack 26 having two axial holes 25. The axial holes 25 can support shaft 27 of optical chopper 22. A resilient bar 37 is used to control slits 35 to output a desired signal. The slits 35 are arranged with constant pitch on optical chopper 22 to allow transmission of light from light source 23. Suitable inclined planes 36 are provided within slit 35 to focus the incoming light.

[0017] Moreover, a handle portion 28 made of a rubber material is formed on the perimeter of optical chopper 22 to facilitate rotation of the optical chopper 22 by a user. Two clamping grooves 29, 30 are provided on clamping stage 21 and positioned away from the optical chopper 22 such that the light source 23 and the photo-detector 24 can be placed within the clamping grooves 29 and 30. Moreover, openings 31 and 32 are arranged on the side walls of the clamping grooves 29 and 30 to allow the photo-detector 24 to receive light from light source 23.

[0018] The bottom surface of the clamping stage 21 is provided with a plurality of clamping hooks 33 such that clamping stage 21 can be arranged on circuit board 14 by simply clamping the clamping hooks 33 into the corresponding clamping holes 34 on circuit board 14. By this arrangement, the optical chopper 22 along with the light source 23 and photo-detector 24 can be easily and firmly arranged on circuit board 14 of mouse 10.

[0019] When the inventive input module is used in a mouse, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the optical chopper 22 can be operated by a user to send forward or backward signals. Circuit board 14 executes corresponding functions according to the detection results of photo-detector 24.

[0020] In summary, the optical chopper, the light source and the photo-detector can be easily and firmly arranged on the circuit board of the mouse or other electronic devices according to the arrangement of the present invention. Therefore, it is convenient for a user and industrially advantageous.

[0021] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the details thereof. Various substitutions and modifications have been suggested in the previous description and others will occur to those having ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, all such substitutions and modifications are intended to be embraced within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.