CN100517183C - Actuation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for actuating one or more functions on a remote electronic device comprises one or more button members (41) provided within a housing having no electronic components, each button member (41) being associated with at least one fluid channel (45a, 45b). A remote conversion means is also provided which is associated with the or each fluid channel (45a, 45b). The or each button member (41) is movable with respect to its at least one fluid channel (45a, 45b) to cause an internal pressure change in the fluid channel (45a, 45b). The remote conversion means can detect any pressure change in the fluid channels to thereby produce an electrical signal for actuating an appropriate function on the remote electronic device.

Description

Actuating device

Technical field

The present invention relates to be used on an electronic installation, activating the device of one or more functions.

Background technology

At this on the one hand, the electronic installation such as computing machine becomes the part of our regular job just day by day.When increasing people is on duty and all using a computer at home.In fact, no matter we there, we be unable to do without computing machine.This and coming into contacts with of electronic installation constantly increases, and certainly our total life style increased huge benefit, also causes many risks and danger simultaneously.

Thus, there are many environment not wish such radiation and should give and avoid.For example, if some electronic installation stands undesirable radiation, then they can not correctly bring into play function.In addition, in wet environment, the electronic circuit that any form does not add protection has the possibility that lost efficacy and caused electric shock.

In addition, in addition the radiation level that from bogey electric device, sends also can have influence on the good health status of susceptible individuality significantly.

Summary of the invention

The present invention seeks to provide one can help to slow down the device of such problem in one aspect.

According to a first aspect of the invention, provide the device that is used on a distant place electronic installation, activating one or more functions; This device comprises: be arranged on one or more button member that do not have in the shell of electronic unit, each button member links to each other with at least one fluid passage; The conversion equipment of one remote control links to each other with this fluid passage or each fluid passage, wherein, this button or each button with respect to it at least one described fluid passage removable, in described at least one fluid passage, to cause the variation of internal pressure, described remote control switching device is surveyed this pressure and is changed, thus, produce an electric signal and be used on the electronic installation of described distant place, activating a suitable function.

Like this, provide a device, itself do not have any type of electric/electronic circuit, and can operate at a distance such as the such electronic installation of a computing machine.Like this, this device helps to alleviate and closely contact the relevant health problem of sending of radiation from the device circuit such as computer keyboard, mouse and fixed-point apparatus.

Preferably, the motion of this button member or each button member causes at least one fluid passage compression, thereby increases internal pressure wherein.In such embodiment, a pump needn't be set keep malleation or negative pressure in the fluid passage.Therefore, can reduce the manufacturing and the operating cost of this device.

Preferably, this at least one fluid passage is provided with one or more bulbous parts that link to each other with each button member, and wherein, the motion of described button member causes relevant bulbous partly to be compressed.

Preferably, each bulbous partly is the form of a bellows.

In the embodiment that substitutes, the motion of this button member or each button member can cause the one or more holes in the fluid passage relevant with described button member to be opened, to allow the fluid passage to be connected in the environmental pressure, cause this fluid passage internal pressure to change; And wherein, described button member is setovered usually and is closed described hole.Like this, the present invention advantageously utilizes usual atmospheric pressure to activate function on the device at a distance.

Preferably, this device also comprises the device that forms a pressure gradient between the described fluid that is used in described fluid passage and the environmental pressure.

Preferably, this button or each button have a coupled closing element, so that operationally open and close described hole, wherein, described button member one activated, and described closing element is just opened described fluid passage to environmental pressure.

Preferably, described remote control switching device comprises the sensor device that is used for surveying pressure variation.

Preferably, this conversion equipment also comprises the sensor adjusting gear, and it is used for adjusting the sensitivity of sensor.Therefore, advantageously, the sensitivity of sensor can be adjusted according to required pressure drop in the atmospheric pressure of environment and the fluid passage, to optimize the detection that pressure is changed.

Preferably, the internal pressure in described at least one fluid passage changes more greatly, and then the electric signal that is produced by conversion equipment is big more.This allows to have variable intensity by the signal that conversion equipment produces, then, and the influence that this variable intensity can be variable to the function endowing that electric signal will produce.For example, traverse computer screen and move if electric signal will be given cursor, then the electric signal of Chan Shenging is big more, and cursor is removable must be fast more or far away more.

Preferably, described one or more button member interconnects in a matrix of all fluid paths; A plurality of fluid passages are set with transmitting fluid medium between described matrix and described remote control switching device; This button member or each button member have unique address in matrix, like this, when the user operates, can detect the feature of the uniqueness of this button member from described a plurality of fluid passages; Thus, feature or each unique feature of the described uniqueness when described conversion equipment may detect the operation of described button member or each button member, and produce an electric signal that is used for activating on the electronic installation a long way off a proper function.Like this, can utilize a pressure increase of composite fluid passage to determine that button member is pressed.

According to a second aspect of the invention, provide a kind of device that is used on a distant place electronic installation, activating one or more functions; This device comprises: the one or more button member that interconnect in a matrix of fluid path; Be used for a plurality of fluid passages of between a described matrix and remote control switching device transmitting fluid medium; This button member or each button member have a unique address in matrix, like this, when the user operates, can detect the feature of the uniqueness of this button member from described a plurality of fluid passages; Thus, described conversion equipment can detect feature or each unique feature of described uniqueness when the operation of described button member or each button member, and produces an electric signal that is used for activating on the electronic installation a long way off a proper function.

Therefore, the present invention allows button member to enjoy pneumatic path effectively.Therefore, the size of needed cable, pipeline or pipeline can minimize, thereby causes reducing of cost, size and weight.

Preferably, the fluid passage is pneumatic passage.

Preferably, the fluid passage is the passage of hydraulic pressure.

Preferably, button member comprises one or more actuating component, and it is used for and is used at least one fluid passage to cause the wherein variation of internal pressure.

According to a third aspect of the invention we, a kind of device that is used for activating at least one function on a distant place electronic installation is provided, this device comprises: be arranged on one or more button member that do not have in the shell of electronic unit, each button member links to each other with at least one fluid passage; The conversion equipment of one remote control links to each other with this fluid passage or each described fluid passage; Wherein, this button or each described button with respect to it at least one described fluid passage removable, in described at least one fluid passage, to cause compression, thus, the operation of described button member causes the variation of the internal pressure in described at least one fluid passage, described conversion equipment is surveyed this pressure and is changed, and thus, produces an electric signal and be used for activating a suitable function on the electronic installation of described distant place.

Preferably, the static internal pressure of getting off of described at least one fluid passage is arranged under the atmospheric pressure or greater than atmospheric pressure.

Preferably, described at least one fluid passage elastically deformable.Like this, can utilize the elasticity of fluid passage itself to come inflation again after compression.

Preferably, at least one fluid passage is formed by rubber or plastics.

Preferably, described at least one fluid passage forms by a flexible layer is coupled to a stiff base, and wherein, described flexible layer has the figure that is used for described at least one fluid passage that is formed on wherein.

According to a forth aspect of the invention, provide a kind of device that is used on a distant place electronic installation, activating one or more functions; This device comprises: be arranged on one or more button member that do not have in the shell of electronic unit, each button member links to each other with at least one hole of a pneumatic channel; The conversion equipment of one remote control links to each other with described pneumatic channel; And the device that formation pressure reduces in described pneumatic channel; Wherein, described button setovers usually and cuts out described hole, thus, activate described button member and open described hole, to allow described passage to be connected in the environmental pressure, described conversion equipment is surveyed a final pressure and is changed, and thus, produces an electric signal and be used for activating a suitable function on the electronic installation of described distant place.

Preferably, described one or more each button member can be connected to a plurality of pneumatic channel by one or more holes; Thus, activate described button member and open described one or more hole, to allow described a plurality of pneumatic channel to be connected in the environmental pressure, the final pressure that described conversion equipment is surveyed in described a plurality of pneumatic channel changes, thus, produce an electric signal and be used on the electronic installation of described distant place, activating a suitable function.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, provide a computer mouse that comprises any said apparatus.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, provide a keyboard that comprises any said apparatus.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, provide a kind of manufacturing to be used on a distant place electronic installation, activating the method for the device of one or more functions; This method comprises following all steps: a plurality of laminar laminations are provided, and each layer has one or more pneumatic path or path parts that are arranged on wherein; Make up the collector that a plurality of laminations hold so pneumatic path of three-dimensional matrice; One or more button member are linked to each other with described matrix, and this button member or each button member have a unique address in matrix; And a plurality of pneumatic passages of coupling so as between a described matrix and a remote control switching device conveying gas moving medium, described conversion equipment is surveyed the feature of the uniqueness of each button member when it is operated, and produces an electric signal that activates a proper function a long way off on the electronic installation.

Therefore, the invention provides a method, this method allows to make simply the pneumatic path of a three-dimensional matrice, and it allows all buttons to enjoy pneumatic path effectively, thereby reaches above-mentioned relevant plurality of advantages.

Brief description of drawings

Example of the present invention is now described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 illustrates the cut-open view of the device of first embodiment of the invention, and wherein, a button member is in the position of not pushing on top;

Fig. 2 illustrates the cut-open view of the device of first embodiment of the invention, and wherein, a button member is in the position of pushing the bottom;

Fig. 3 illustrates the partial section of the device of first embodiment of the invention; And

Fig. 4 illustrates and is in first cut-open view of the device of the second embodiment of the invention in the operating position not;

Fig. 5 illustrates the cut-open view of the device that is in the second embodiment of the invention in the operating position;

Fig. 6 illustrates the fluid passage in the device of second embodiment of the invention and the view of an actuator;

Fig. 7 illustrates the stereographic map of expansion of the device of third embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 8 illustrates the stereographic map of expansion of the device of fourth embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 9 illustrates the sectional view of the device of fourth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 10 illustrates the vertical view of the device of fifth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 11 illustrates the stereographic map of decomposition of the device of sixth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 12 is shown specifically a pneumatic layer of taking from Figure 11;

Figure 13 illustrates the device of seventh embodiment of the invention;

Figure 14 is at the keyboard structure as shown in figure 13 that is connected to a distant place sniffer shown in the cross section;

Figure 15 illustrates the partial section of the device of eighth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 16 a to 16c illustrates the device of ninth embodiment of the invention, and wherein, Figure 16 a illustrates a planimetric map, and Figure 16 b illustrates a stereographic map, and Figure 16 c illustrates the planimetric map in a cross section.

Embodiment

Fig. 1 and 2 illustrates the device of first embodiment of the invention with simple form, specifically, is a load button without any the form circuit.

This button is the part such as the such big matrix button of the key of an array on the keyboard.Button comprises a button member 1, and a closing member 3 that is connected to button member 1.

Button member 1 and closing member 3 are fixing movably by a shell 7, and thus, in a single day a user promotes button member 1 will cause button member 1 and closing member 3 to move to a decline position (as shown in Figure 2) from a rest position downwards.

This load button comprises one such as the such biasing element of elasticity, and it surrounds actuating component 2 so that flexibly push button member 1 and make closing member 3 turn back to upper rest position.

Alternatively, button member 1 can directly not be connected to closing member 3, and on the contrary, closing member 3 can form button member 1 in abutting connection with by thereon independent parts.For example, closing member 3 can be formed on the rubber key mat that is positioned at below the button member 1.In the state that does not press, the spring action of rubber key mat pushing closing member 3 and button member thus 1 enter into the rest position on a top.When user's pressing button member 1, it acts on the closing member 3 as a plunger, and forces it to enter into a position that descends downwards.

In example shown in Figure 1, a plurality of so button member 1 are arranged in an array, and this array is provided with one or more medium paths, and they are arranged on closing member 3 tops.In this example, medium path is a pneumatic channel 5.

The near-end of pneumatic channel 5 is open on the bottom side of shell 7 at 6 places, hole.When closing member 3 was in its upper position, it was located on the bottom side that is resisted against shell 7, made a sealing and a lock hole 6 so that rise.

Preferably, closing member is used such as the such resilient material of scum rubber and is formed, so that form an effective seal, and be biased in the upper position by a spring that surrounds actuating component 2, or such as another such elastic construction of a rubber key mat.

At the far-end of pneumatic channel 5, a pump is set, it is used for reducing the interior air pressure of passage, thus, forms local vacuum in pneumatic channel.When button was in normally not depressed state, this local vacuum was kept by pump, and stoped air to enter pneumatic channel 5 by closing member 3.Preferably, being in pressure in the pneumatic channel under the pressed state not is approximately and is lower than atmospheric pressure 5PSI.In addition, the far-end of each passage also is provided with a pressure transducer, and an electric signal is also responsively exported in its variation that is used for the detection channels internal pressure.

In case the user pushes next button, 3 of closing members move towards its down position, thus, open hole 6 and allow air to flow through pneumatic channel 5.The rising of one pressure when being broken, vacuum is arranged in the pneumatic channel thereafter.The pressure transducer that the increase of this pressure is connected each passage far-end then detects, and it exports an electric signal again.

In a preferred embodiment, this pressure transducer has a sensor adjusting gear, and it allows the sensitivity of sensor to adjust.Like this, the sensitivity of sensor can be adjusted, thus, the detection that pressure is changed can be optimized according to the required stress level that reduces in the level of environment atmospheric pressure and the pneumatic channel.For example, at the lower sea level elevation place of atmospheric pressure, the sensitivity that a user or an automatic system can increase sensor solves the pressure gradient that reduces between atmosphere and the parital vacuum.

Fig. 3 illustrates four button parts in an array button, and it is similar to above with reference to the described button of Fig. 1 and 2.In shell 7, a plurality of pneumatic channel 5 are arranged, they are open on the bottom side of shell 7 at 6 places, hole.Three in these buttons are not pressed, and the button member 1 that the right side, bottom is located among the figure is in the position of its decline, have just pressed its button member 1 as a user.Therefore, in this case, along with closing member 3 moves down, four holes 6 relevant with this button of pressing are side by side opened wide.Therefore, the vacuum in each four relevant pneumatic channel 5 is broken, and a leaked-in air is arranged from atmosphere.The pressure transducer that is positioned at these pneumatic channel far-ends detects the pressure of increase and exports an electric signal, and then, this electric signal is handled by a microcontroller, thereby determines that button is pressed.

Advantageously, adopt this embodiment, because pneumatic channel is under the parital vacuum usually, compare with compression system, any bending of passage and compression all are difficult for causing the forward of the mistake that a button member activates to survey.

Figure 4 and 5 illustrate a load button according to second embodiment of the invention with simple form.With regard to first embodiment, button is than the part in the button of big array, such as the key of an array on the keyboard in practice.

Be similar to first embodiment, a user pushes button member 21 will cause button member 21 and actuating component 22 to move down, and move to as shown in Figure 2 a decline position from as shown in Figure 1 a rest position.Moreover, be provided with one such as the such biasing element 23 of spring, so that flexibly push button member 21 and actuating component 22 turns back to static position, top.

Below each button member 21, be arranged on actuating component 22 belows, one or more medium channels are provided.For simplicity, a medium path only is shown in the Figure 4 and 5.In this example, medium path is the passage 25 of fluid (hydraulic pressure or pneumatic).All passages 25 can form with any suitable material, for example, and rubber or plastic conduit, cable or pipeline.This allows passage 25 to be resiliently deformable, and allowing its a plurality of compressions, and can be positioned at neatly in the article of various sizes or shape.

As shown in the figure, actuating component 22 is configured to pressure channel 5 when button member 21 is pushed into a decline position.In its normal condition, passage 25 can remain on direct draught, that is, on the atmospheric pressure, maybe can allow to remain under the negative pressure, then, a pump (not shown) is set, and it is used for increasing the pressure in the passage 25.If allow passage to remain under the atmospheric pressure, then just do not need a pump.

When button member 21 be in one normally do not press state the time, it is constant that the pressure in the passage 25 keep.The far-end of each passage is provided with a pressure transducer, is used for the variation of detection channels internal pressure and responsively export an electric signal.

In case the user pushes next button member, 22 of actuating component move towards its down position, thus, and pressure channel 25.The rising of one pressure when reducing effectively, the volume in the pneumatic channel is then arranged in passage thereafter.The pressure transducer that the increase of this pressure is connected each passage far-end then detects, and it exports the already added electric signal of an indicated pressure again.

All passages can be filled with any suitable fluid media (medium), for example, and air or liquid.

Pressure transducer can be surveyed the compression strenght of being given by actuating component, that is, force of compression is big more, and then the signal of Chan Shenging is big more.

Once compressing variation that pressure is arranged and can making passage reach the compression of forward before the actuating component compression, the end of passage that is not connected to pressure transducer is preferably sealed in order to ensure passage.In this connected, as what describe in detail below with reference to other embodiment of the present invention, an end of passage can form the bulbous element of a sealing so that interact with actuating component 22.

Fig. 6 illustrates the stereographic map of two passages 25 that are arranged on actuating component 22 belows of above second embodiment that is discussed according to the reference Figure 4 and 5.Obviously, the motion that actuating component 22 enters its down position will cause two passages 25 all by compression, cause the pressure in two passages 25 to increase, and then, this can be detected at the far-end of each passage.Useful especially in the situation that is arranged in an array button of passage 25 shown in Figure 6, such as the key of an array on the keyboard, because a plurality of button can interrelate the combination of channels of each button and a uniqueness along the channel location of lattice-shaped matrix.A layout like this will go through hereinafter.

Fig. 7 is at a load button according to third embodiment of the invention shown in the stereographic map that launches, and it can be used as the part of big matrix button.With regard to as second embodiment, a user pushes button member 31 and will cause actuating component 32 to move down and compress the following medium path that is passage 35 forms.Yet in this embodiment, passage 35 is provided with bellows part 36 amplification or bulbiform.When actuating component 32 moved to down position, these bellows parts 36 activated member 32 compressions.Because the fluid that bellows part 36 comprises a volume big with respect to the narrower channel part of passage 35 (for example, air or liquid), so their compression causes the big increase of pressure, this can be detected by the pressure transducer of passage 35 far-ends more easily.

In the structure shown in Figure 7, two relevant passages 35 are formed on the separating layer, and then, they can one overlap on another top.Each layer comprises a stiff base 37 and a flexible layer 38, and the silicon rubber of handy flexibility or other resilient material form, and it can be used as a self-adhesive layer and is bonded on it.Flexible layer 38 can be formed with figure and the bellows part 36 that is used for passage 35.Therefore, in case flexible layer 38 substrate 37 bondings corresponding with it, then passage 35 and bellows part 36 form the gap between figure and substrate 37.Like this, can use a simple substrate, it can have passage 35 then and be equipped with the layout of the complexity of bellows part thereon.Really, a plurality of passages and its bellows part can be formed on the simple layer.Usually these a plurality of passages will form parallel lines, with x in the array of buttons that is used as grid-like matrix or y axis.

In case after assembling, all layers are arranged on another the top.One button member, 31 the most handy plastic materials form, and it can be aligned in the top of bellows.One actuating component 32 that is three plunger forms is arranged on the button member 31.When actuating component was in its down position, the plunger at center was configured to compress the bellows 36 on the upper strata.The plunger of two peripheries is configured to extend to lower floor by the hole 39 that is arranged in the upper strata, wherein, when actuating component is in its down position, the bellows 36 in their compressible lower floors.

Fig. 8 is at a load button according to fourth embodiment of the invention shown in the stereographic map that launches, and it can be used as the part of big matrix button.This embodiment is similar to above with reference to described the 3rd embodiment of Fig. 7 in many aspects.Yet, in this case, used a single stiff base 47; Make a top flexible layer 48a be bonded to the top surface of substrate 47, and a bottom flexible layer 48b is bonded to the basal surface of substrate 47.

Top flexible layer 48a comprises one and has passage 45a relevant and bellows part 46a above-mentioned discussion same way as operation.One bellows part 46b also is arranged on the flexible layer 48a of top, and this bellows part 46b links to each other with passage 45b on being formed on lower flexible layer 48b by hole 451.Be fitted in the hole 49 by an alignment post 491, a button member 41 is alignd with all layers and thus bellows 46a and 46b.In case after the alignment, actuating component 42 has two teats, they are positioned at the bellows top, and pressing button can cause them to move down and compress the bellows part.

Fig. 9 illustrates the sectional view of simplifying of the 4th embodiment.When button member was pushed, the teat of actuating component moved down and side by side compresses bellows part 46a and 46b.Like this, the fluid (for example, air or liquid) in the inner chamber of bellows part is forced to outwards.In the situation of bellows part 46a, fluid is forced along the passage 45a that is formed on the flexible layer 48a of top.In the situation of bellows part 46b, fluid is forced downwards by the hole 451 in the substrate 47 and along the passage 45b that is formed on the lower flexible layer 48b.Then, pressure transducer can be arranged on the far-end of these passages, so that survey pressing down of button member 41.

In the above-described embodiments, be preferably, passage has the internal holes of size in the 1mm scope.If the size in hole is too little, then fluid mobile be subjected to too many restriction and response speed lower.If Kong Taida, then fluid volume increases and signal intensity reduces.Certainly, also have a plurality of additional features, they can be included in the above design.For example, in the embodiment that depends on the pressure increase, such as above-mentioned second, third and the 4th embodiment, a total sealing system can cause pressure transducer to activate mistakenly, for example, if the words of the fluid in the direct sunlight heat tunnel.Therefore, be preferably in a little air hole is set in the passage, its authorized pressure changes lentamente so that reach balance.This air hole should be that the size of pin-and-hole is emitted owing to pushing of key to avoid pressure too soon.

The layout of the foregoing description in the big matrix button scope now will be described.

Figure 10 illustrates one the 5th embodiment of the present invention, and wherein, a plurality of button arrangement that are similar to button shown in Fig. 1 to 3 are in a particular array or grid.As shown in the figure, the exemplary arrays of Figure 10 comprises 17 buttons that form a pneumatic keypad, and they are similar to above referring to figs. 1 through 3 described buttons, but more clearly say,, then will be provided with 110 for traditional " QWERTY " keyboard that is.Pneumatic channel comprises seven main pneumatic channel 55 that are connected to the pneumatic path 555 of a matrix.In this respect, the closing member 53 of each button is arranged to change flowing of medium, in this case, when relevant button is pressed, air in one or more pneumatic path 555 is relevant with this button, like this, presses each button and will cause the feature of a uniqueness in main pneumatic channel 55.

Main pneumatic channel 55 is connected to sniffer and microcontroller at a distance, and it can and be treated to an electronic signal with the Feature Conversion of uniqueness, to be used for one or more functions of operating electronic devices.In this embodiment, use a pump to come in main pneumatic channel 55, to form the vacuum of a part.Preferably, the air flow restraint device is included in the connection between main pneumatic channel 55 and the pump.The air flow restraint device helps to prevent to disturb the actuation channel internal pressure of idle passage to increase.Be that it is a single cable of multicore pipeline basically that main pneumatic channel 55 can be arranged to form easily.Like this, most of length of the main pneumatic channel 55 between matrix and the pump is revealed as a single cable or a pipeline, and making each main pneumatic channel 55 is the inner core that separates in multi-core pipe.Therefore, cable or pipeline keep compact and neat.

Each button has coupled nearly four holes 56, and they are connected to the pneumatic path 555 and the main pneumatic channel 55 of a unique combination.Hole 56 more or less can be used for different button structures and/or different button member.When a button was pressed, the pressure increase in one or more pneumatic path was detected by the pressure transducer of main pneumatic channel 55 far-ends simultaneously.The combination of pneumatic path 555 and main pneumatic channel 55 thus (wherein, the increase of detection pressure) is made by microcontroller and is used for discerning that button and presses, and responsively suitable electric signal is outputed to an electronic installation.

Figure 11 illustrates a sectional view that decomposes of the device of sixth embodiment of the invention, and this device has and is similar to an above button and a shell 67 with reference to the described an array of Figure 10.Shell 67 is compounds of a plurality of layer laminate, and they are shown as separation.These layers are clipped together in manufacture process.Wherein two layer laminate are pneumatic layers 61, and they respectively have a plurality of button holes 62.When pneumatic layer 61 was combined, corresponding button hole 62 alignd with each pneumatic layer, make form button member 611 each other can be by its hole of assembling.As shown in the figure, two pneumatic layers 61 have by the pneumatic path of they trends or the structure of path part 655.When these pneumatic layers 61 make up, form a three-dimensional network or the matrix of pneumatic path.

Each button has nearly four holes 66, and they are open on the bottom side of the pneumatic layer in bottom.Hole 66 projects upwards from the bottom surface, and is connected in one or more pneumatic path 655 in one or more layers 61.For example, a hole can be connected in the pneumatic path in the bottom layer, or projects upwards and be connected to a pneumatic path in the top layer.The three-dimensional structure of pneumatic layer 61 allows pneumatic path 655 to be isolated from each other to form the path network of a densification.One vestibular layer 69 is arranged on below the pneumatic layer in bottom and forms an inner chamber, and hole 66 can enter into this inner chamber and be open to the atmosphere outside pressure.In this embodiment, a key mat 63 has a plurality of formation closing member 64 thereon, and this key mat 63 is arranged on the below of vestibular layer 69.When matched together, all closing members 64 are fitted in the inner chamber that is formed by vestibular layer 69, and align with above-mentioned pneumatic layer 61 interior corresponding button hole 62.Like this, when a button member 61 was equipped, it was by button hole 62, and in abutting connection with near one of them closing member 64 or its.

One normally not in the pressed state, closing member 64 is sitting in the upper rest position and seal bore 66.When user's action button member, button member pushes one of them closing member 64 downwards, and the inner chamber in the vestibular layer 69 is led in the hole 66 of opening this button, thus, allows atmospheric pressure to enter pneumatic path 655.When each button was connected in the unique combination of pneumatic path 655, therefore, the operation of a special button caused the feature by the uniqueness that forms for the path 655 in the main pneumatic channel of their services.This allows to reduce the quantity of the needed main pneumatic channel of button of serving array.

Figure 12 illustrates above with reference to one of described all pneumatic layers 61 of Figure 11.As shown in the figure, each button 611 has up to four coupled holes 66.Pneumatic layer 61 also has a plurality of pneumatic path 655 that are formed on wherein, and they are connected to one or more holes 66.Wherein two pneumatic path 655 are connected to two connectivity ports 666.Remaining pneumatic path 655 is configured to be connected to other pneumatic path in the adjacent pneumatic layer.Be not directly to be exactly to pass through adjacent pneumatic layer, each pneumatic path 655 is connected at least one connectivity port 666, and the connectivity port is connected to the main pneumatic channel (not shown) of serving them with the matrix of pneumatic path.By from a plurality of pneumatic path, forming pneumatic matrix, use the manufacturing technology of simplifying to form the three-dimensional network or the collector of a complexity.For example, the available batch fabrication method such as die casting or injection molding of each layer produced, and thus, allows to make quite cheaply.Perhaps, for the available board materials production of each pneumatic layer, and path and hole can process or etch in them and form pneumatic path.For example, by the method for machinery, heating and cause ply adhesion, or utilize cementing agent to realize the superimposed of pneumatic layer.

Figure 13 illustrates the device of seventh embodiment of the invention, wherein, has used the arranged in arrays that substitutes of button, in this case, has used the button shown in any one in the image pattern 4 to 9.As shown in the figure, the arranged in arrays of button becomes a grid-like matrix, and it forms the layout of a keyboard.

Several passages A-M, i-xvi are arranged in the matrix, so that each button member 71 is positioned at one or more (being generally two) passage top.For clarity, each passage is shown as a single line.Aspect this, when relevant button member is pressed, the actuating component 72 of each button member 71 is arranged to compress the one or more passages relevant with this button member, like this, the feature of pressing the uniqueness that the pressure in the pressure transducer detection channels that will cause being connected to each channel end changes of each button member.

Therefore, in example shown in Figure 13, if press the button member that indicates " Esc ", the interior pressure of passage that then indicates " A " and " i " will increase, and the sensor that causes being connected to these passages produces an electric signal.In this structure, only just indicate the button member that indicates " Esc " by the produced simultaneously signal of sensor that is connected to passage " A " and " i ".This obtains clearer demonstration in the amplifier section of Figure 13.

Allow button member to enjoy all passages effectively as above with reference to the matrix structure shown in Figure 10 and 13.For example, in the embodiment shown in fig. 13,, only need 29 passages to serve the button of 105 separation by using a matrix of passage.By enjoying all passages in this wise, therefore, reduced the quantity of required passage, the size that is used for the required cable of keypad, pipeline or pipeline can realize minimizing, so that be applicable to desktop keypad or keyboard.In addition, by reducing the quantity of passage, desired seal and the quantity that is connected have been reduced.Owing to use less pipeline cost that significant saving is also arranged, and the pressure detector that needs quantity to reduce.

In above example, the far-end of passage is connected to sniffer and microcontroller at a distance, and they can and be treated to an electric signal with the Feature Conversion of uniqueness, to be used for one or more functions of operating electronic devices.Be that all passages can be arranged to form basically a single cable of multi-core pipe easily.Like this, most of length of the main channel between matrix and the sensor is revealed as a single cable or a pipeline, and making each passage is the inner core that separates in multi-core pipe.Therefore, cable or pipeline keep compact and neat.

Figure 14 illustrates the keyboard structure as shown in figure 13 that is connected to a distant place sniffer 101.In the embodiment shown in fig. 14, sniffer 101 comprises the polyester sheet of a flexibility, and it has the dome 102 of low pressure, and dome prints with electrically conductive ink.

When by next button member, the pressure that increases in one or more passages is delivered to the far-end of passage, and there, it is applied on the dome 102 of conduction.This causes the conduction dome to connect a following suprabasil circuit 103.This connection shows the increase of an existing pressure in this passage.Then, microcontroller uses the combination of all passages that wherein detected the pressure increase to discern which button member and is pressed, and responsively suitable electric signal is outputed to an electronic installation.As what will be realized, can use a similar detector to survey the increase of the pressure in the situation of button shown in Fig. 1 to 3.Also alternately use other detector, as long as the variation of their detectable channel inner pressures, for example, silicon pressure sensor, piezoelectric sensor, capacitive transducer, mechanical pick-up device all may be utilized.

Figure 15 illustrates the sectional view of eighth embodiment of the invention, and thus, device is applicable to computer mouse.In this example, bottom member 81 is the form of waving body, and it has two the actuating component 82a, the 82b that are positioned on pivoting device 87 both sides.It is removable in shell 84 that this waves body 81.Being positioned at below each actuating component 82a, the 82b is a bulbous part 86a, the 86b of passage 85a, 85b, and it has the far-end of the passage that is connected to a pressure transducer 88.Each bulbous part 86a, 86b are arranged in correspondences depression 89a, the 89b in the shell 84 that is formed on below each actuating component 82a, 82b.Pivoting device 87 allows to wave body 81 along the swing of direction shown in the arrow x, so alternately cause actuating component 82a, 82b pressure channel 85a.Bulbous part 86a, the 86b of 85b.In this example, pivoting device is arranged in the shell 84, yet, will recognize that pivoting device also can be arranged on the bottom side of waving body 81.

Because bulbous part 86a, 86b are alternately compressed, so the pressure in pneumatic channel 85a, the 85b equally alternately increases.Pressure transducer 88 detects the increase of pressure, then, is converted to an electric signal so that output to a computing machine (not shown) at a distance.Each bulbous part 86a, 86b and each passage thus can be configured to produce the electricity output corresponding to direction of motion.For example, in the embodiment shown in fig. 15, the compression of bulbous part 86a can produce an electric signal, to realize the motion of cursor first direction on computer screen, and the compression of bulbous part 86b can produce an electric signal, to realize the motion of cursor second direction on computer screen.Although two bulbous parts only are shown, further bulbous part also can be set to realize the motion of cursor in a plurality of direction scopes in the embodiment of Figure 15.For example, adopt four bulbous parts, the motion that then can give four direction.In addition, for each bulbous part, can exist one to be positioned at the partly actuating component of the correspondence of top of described bulbous.Perhaps, the bulbous of scope part can be arranged in the loop configuration, is positioned at below the pivotable annular actuating component.

Other button member can be arranged in the mouse so that realize selection to the icon of the institute of the cursor on computer screen highlight.These other button member can be provided with by one of second to the 4th embodiment according to the present invention, that is, make one to activate member and be used for compressing a passage when being pressed to a decline position, or be used for compressing the bulbous part of a passage.

Among the described embodiment, will recognize that bulbous partly is a preferable feature with reference to Figure 15 above, it might make actuating component 82 act directly on simply on passage 85a, the 85b.

Figure 16 a to 16c illustrates the device of ninth embodiment of the invention, and it is similar to embodiment shown in Figure 15, and thus, this device is applicable to a computer mouse.

Figure 16 a and 16b illustrate a planimetric map and a stereographic map of mouse respectively.In this example, button member is the form of the slider 91 of a mouse shape, and it is sitting on the shell 94.The slider 91 of this mouse shape can move with respect to shell 94, so that realize the motion of the various directions of mouse.

Figure 16 c illustrates the planimetric map in the cross section of mouse.As shown in the figure, in this example, four bellowss 96 are arranged in the shell 94.One activates member 92 is arranged on the bottom side of mouse shape slider 91, like this, when mouse shape slider 91 when a specific direction moves, one or more bellowss 96 activated member 92 compressions, cause the pressure in the related channel program 95 to increase.For previous embodiment, the increase of this pressure then can be utilized, and realizes the motion of cursor in a plurality of direction scopes by pressure transducer and microprocessor.

As shown in the figure, mouse also comprises a plurality of buttons that are positioned on the mouse shape slider 91, and it allows to select the icon of the cursor institute highlight on the computer screen.These other button comprises that one activates member, so that compress a passage when being pressed to a decline position.

Will recognize that, can make a plurality of changes for this device.For example, although above description mainly relates to the button of the structure that is used for the keyboard shape, the present invention includes the input media of other form, such as the mouse of a computing machine.In addition, being used for fluid in the passage can be any suitable liquid such as water or oil.Perhaps, can be such as the such gas of air.One container can be set fill it up with passage, be preferably with a non-return valve.

Claims (17)

1. one kind is used for the device that activates at a distance one or more functions on the electronic installation one, and this device comprises:

One shell does not have electronic unit and comprises at least one basalis of rigidity basically;

Be coupled at this basalis of rigidity or each one or more fluid path layers on basalis of rigidity basically basically, described one or more fluid path layer has a modeling structure that is used for the fluid path matrix that is formed on wherein, like this, described matrix is formed between the basalis and one or more fluid path layer of described rigidity basically;

A plurality of fluid passages are used for transmitting fluid medium between a matrix and a remote control switching device;

A plurality of button member, each button member and at least one fluid path interrelate to have a unique address in the matrix of fluid path, and each button member is removable with respect to its corresponding at least one described fluid path, causing the variation of internal pressure in described at least one fluid passage, described internal pressure changes and can be detected in a plurality of fluid passages and as the feature of the uniqueness of button member;

Thus, described remote control switching device can detect the feature of described uniqueness when the operation of each button member, and produces an electric signal that is used for activating on the electronic installation a long way off a proper function.

2. device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, the motion of this button member or each button member causes the fluid path layer compression at least one fluid path place, thereby increases internal pressure wherein.

3. device as claimed in claim 1 or 2 is characterized in that, this at least one fluid path is provided with one or more bulbous parts that interrelate with each button member, and wherein, the motion of described button member causes the bulbous that interrelates partly to be compressed.

4. device as claimed in claim 3 is characterized in that each bulbous partly is the form of a bellows.

5. device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, described remote control switching device comprises the sensor device that is used for surveying pressure variation.

6. device as claimed in claim 5 is characterized in that this conversion equipment also comprises the sensor adjusting gear, to be used for adjusting the sensitivity of sensor.

7. device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, conversion equipment changes in response to different pressure, and like this, the internal pressure in described a plurality of fluid paths and the fluid passage changes more greatly, and then the electric signal that is produced by conversion equipment is big more.

8. device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, fluid path and fluid passage are pneumatic passages.

9. device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, fluid path and fluid passage are the passages of hydraulic pressure.

10. device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that each button member comprises one or more actuating component, is used at least one fluid path that interrelates to cause the wherein variation of internal pressure to be used for.

11. device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, the static internal pressure of getting off of the matrix of described fluid path is arranged on atmospheric pressure or greater than atmospheric pressure.

12. device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, described fluid path elastically deformable.

13. device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, at least one the fluid path layer that forms described fluid path is formed by flexible material.

14. device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, one or more fluid path layers are bonded to this basalis of rigidity or each basalis of rigidity basically basically.

15. a computer mouse comprises the described device that is used for activating one or more functions on a distant place electronic installation as claim 1-14.

16. a keyboard comprises the described device that is used for activating one or more functions on a distant place electronic installation as claim 1-14.

17. a manufacturing is used for activating the method for the device of one or more functions on a distant place electronic installation, this method comprises following all steps:

Form one or more fluid path layers, it has the modeling structure that is used for the fluid path matrix that is formed on wherein;

With described one or more fluid path layers be coupled at least one basically the substrate of rigidity forming described matrix betwixt, described at least one basically the substrate of rigidity be arranged on one and do not have in the shell of electronic unit;

The described matrix of a plurality of button member and fluid path is interrelated, each button member and at least one fluid path interrelate to have a unique address in matrix, and each button member can move with respect at least one fluid path of its correspondence, changes to cause a pressure inside therein;

A plurality of fluid passages are provided, so as between a matrix and a remote control switching device transmitting fluid medium,

Wherein, can in a plurality of fluid passages, survey as the internal pressure in the fluid path of the feature of the uniqueness of each button member and change, and survey with in a suitable function of actuating one on the electronic installation at a distance by described remote control switching device.

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