TWI635523B - Illuminated keyswitch and illuminated keyboard including such illuminated keyswitch - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses an illuminated button and an illuminated keyboard comprising the same. The illuminating button of the present invention comprises a light transmissive keycap, a flexible circuit layer and at least one illuminating element. The fixed portion of the flexible circuit layer is attached to the top or bottom surface of the light transmissive keycap. The flexible circuit layer comprises a flexible substrate and circuitry coupled to the flexible substrate. At least one of the light-emitting elements is electrically connected to the circuit such that light emitted by each of the light-emitting elements is guided to illuminate the light-transmitting region of the light-transmitting keycap.

Description

Illuminated button and illuminated keyboard including the same

The present invention relates to an illuminated button and an illuminated keyboard comprising the same, and more particularly to an illuminated button that does not require a backlight and an illuminated keyboard that includes the illuminated button.

As the user's use requirements increase, the keyboard is no longer merely providing a simple input peripheral device, and the function and aesthetics of the auxiliary input are also required. At present, a keyboard with a backlight is provided on the market, which allows the user to clearly understand the position of the button under the backlight, without input errors or sensory aesthetics.

Please refer to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the prior art illuminated keyboard 1. The illuminated keyboard 1 includes a backlight 18 and a plurality of illuminated buttons 10 mounted on the backlight 18. In Fig. 1, only one illuminated button 10 is shown as a representative. The light-emitting button 10 includes a bottom plate 11, a switch film layer 12, a light-transmitting keycap 14, a scissors-type support device 16, an elastic actuator 17, and a backlight 18. The scissor support device 16 is mounted on the bottom plate 11, and the bottom plate 11 is formed with a structure for assisting the fixing of the scissor support device 16. The light transmissive keycap 14 is mounted on the scissor support device 16. The scissor-type support device 16 restricts the vertical movement of the light-transmitting keycap 14 relative to the switch film layer 12, and moves between the un-pressed position and the pressed position.

The elastic actuator 17 is disposed on the switching film layer 12. As shown in FIG. 1, the general elastic actuator 17 is a resilient dome, and Has a considerable height. The top 172 of the resilient actuator 17 abuts against the bottom surface 140 of the light transmissive keycap 14. An external force is applied to the light-transmitting keycap 14 to move the light-transmitting keycap 14 toward the switching film layer 12. The elastic actuator 17 deforms as the light-transmitting keycap 14 moves, thereby actuating the switching film layer 12 to trigger.

As also shown in FIG. 1, the switching film layer 12 can be formed by the upper film circuit 124 and the lower film circuit 126, and the upper film circuit 124 and the lower film circuit 126 are separated by the spacer member 128. The switch 122 includes an upper electrode block 1222 and at least one lower electrode block 1224. In FIG. 1, only one lower electrode block 1224 is shown as a representative. The upper electrode block 1222 is formed on the lower surface 1244 of the upper film circuit 124, and the lower electrode block 1224 is formed on the upper surface 1262 of the lower film circuit 126. Two isolation members 128 are disposed on both sides of the lower electrode block 1224, respectively. The isolation member 128 is disposed between the upper film circuit 124 and the lower film circuit 126 to form the space 129, so that the upper electrode block 1222 and the lower electrode block 1224 are not accidental before the user has pressed the light-transmitting key cap 14. Contact is turned on. The upper electrode block 1222 and the lower electrode block 1224 of the switch 122 are disposed within the space 129. When the user's finger presses the light-transmitting keycap 14 to the pressing position, the upper electrode block 1222 is brought into contact with the lower electrode block 1224, and the switch 122 is actuated to be triggered.

The backlight device 18 includes a light guide plate 180, a light source 182, and a reflective structure 184. The light guide plate 180 has a light incident side 1802, a front surface 1804, and a back surface 1806. The light incident side 1802 serves as a light incident surface for the light source 182 to emit light.

The light source 182 is disposed adjacent to the light guide plate 180, that is, adjacent to the side edge 1802 of the light guide plate 180. The light source 182 is configured to emit light, enter the light guide plate 180 and conduct within the light guide plate 180. The reflective structure 184 is disposed on the back surface 1806 of the light guide plate 180. The reflective structure 184 is configured to guide the light that is directed toward the reflective structure 184 to the front surface 1804 of the light guide plate 180 and further from the front surface 1804 of the light guide plate 180. The backlight device 18 also includes a reflective sheet 186. The reflective sheet 186 is attached to the back surface 1806 of the light guide plate 180 to assist in reflecting the light conducted in the light guide plate 180.

The bottom plate 11 has at least one first through hole 112, and the switch film layer 12 has at least one second through hole 127, and the light transmitting key cap 14 has a light transmitting region 142 thereon. In the actual product design, the light transmitting region 142 may be a light transmitting portion or a through hole. When the light ray L1 is led out from the light guide plate 180, the light ray L1 sequentially passes through the at least one first through hole 112 and the at least one second through hole 127 to illuminate the light transmitting region 142 of the transparent keycap 14. The light transmissive region 142 is generally designed to present a pattern on the top surface 140 of the light transmissive keycap 14, which represents one of a character, a number, a symbol, and a function key. Therefore, when the ambient light source is weak, the illuminated keyboard 1 allows different keys to be easily distinguished, and is convenient for the user to input data.

In other prior art, the light guide plate has a through opening and the light source is placed in the opening of the light guide plate. However, in order to prevent the backlight from being away from the light source, there may be dark areas. This prior art not only employs a large number of light sources, but also requires a high-power light-emitting diode.

Other prior art arrangements place the backlight between the backplane and the switch film layer or on the switch film layer. Regardless of which layer of components the backlight device is placed on or under, the other layer elements or the light guide plate of the backlight device itself need to be designed with through holes to allow the light emitted by the light source to be smoothly emitted. However, with the new illuminated keyboard design, and the light transmissive area of each of the transparent keycaps on the same illuminated keyboard is different, and the light transmission path needs to avoid the elastic actuator below the transparent keycap. The blocking of the support device such as the scissor support device makes the design of the prior art illuminated keyboard and the illuminated button quite complicated.

In addition, the above prior art backlight device for an illuminated keyboard is not conducive to the further thinning of the illuminated keyboard.

Therefore, one technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an illuminated button that does not require a backlight device and an illuminated keyboard that includes the illuminated button. Thereby, the illuminating button and the illuminating keyboard of the present invention can be simplified in design, further thinned, and the power consumption required for illuminating is small.

The illuminating button of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a bottom plate, a light-transmitting keycap, a flexible circuit layer and at least one illuminating element. The light-transmitting keycap has a light-transmitting area, a top surface and a bottom surface, and is movably connected above and below the bottom plate, so that the light-transmitting keycap moves relative to the bottom plate between the unpressed position and the pressed position. The flexible circuit layer has a fixed portion. The fixed portion of the flexible circuit layer is attached to the top or bottom surface of the light transmissive keycap. The flexible circuit layer comprises a flexible substrate and circuitry coupled to the flexible substrate. The circuit is electrically connected to an external power source. At least one of the light-emitting elements is electrically connected to the circuit of the fixed portion, such that each of the light-emitting elements is driven by the current supplied by the external power source to be guided to illuminate the light-transmitting region of the light-transmitting keycap.

In a specific embodiment, the flexible circuit layer also has a buffer portion. The cushioning portion extends from the fixed portion and is suspended from the periphery of the light-transmitting keycap.

In one embodiment, the light transmissive keycap has at least one aperture formed in the top surface. Each hole corresponds to one light-emitting element. The circuit is bonded to the lower surface of the flexible substrate. The fixed portion of the flexible circuit layer is secured to the top surface of the light transmissive keycap with the lower surface of the flexible substrate such that each of the light emitting elements is placed within its corresponding aperture. The light emitted by each of the light-emitting elements is incident on the light-transmitting keycap, and the light is guided by the light-transmitting keycap to illuminate the light-transmitting region.

Further, the illuminating button of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises a light extraction structure. The light extraction structure is formed on the bottom surface of the light-transmitting keycap at a position corresponding to the light-transmitting region. The light extraction structure is used to scatter light transmitted in the light-transmitting keycap to the light-transmitting region.

In one embodiment, the light extraction structure is a plurality of microlenses formed on the bottom surface of the light transmissive keycap, or an ink pattern layer coated on the bottom surface of the light transmissive keycap.

According to a variation of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the illuminating button of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes a light guide element. The light guiding element is fixed to the bottom surface of the light transmissive keycap. The light transmissive keycap has at least one through hole formed in the top surface. Each of the through holes corresponds to one light emitting element. The circuit is bonded to the lower surface of the flexible substrate. The fixed portion of the flexible circuit layer is secured to the top surface of the light-transmissive keycap by the lower surface of the flexible substrate such that each of the light-emitting elements passes through its corresponding through-hole. The light emitted by each of the light-emitting elements is incident into the light-guiding element, and the light is guided by the light-guiding element to illuminate the light-transmitting region.

According to another variation of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the light transmissive keycap has at least one hole formed in a bottom surface of the light transmissive keycap. Each hole corresponds to one light-emitting element. The circuit is bonded to the upper surface of the flexible substrate. The fixed portion of the flexible circuit layer is secured to the bottom surface of the light transmissive keycap by the upper surface of the flexible substrate such that each of the light emitting elements is placed within its corresponding aperture. The light emitted by each of the light-emitting elements is incident on the light-transmitting keycap, and the light is guided by the light-transmitting keycap to illuminate the light-transmitting region.

According to another variation of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the circuit is bonded to the upper surface of the flexible substrate. The fixed portion of the flexible circuit layer is fixed to the bottom surface of the light-transmitting keycap with the upper surface of the flexible substrate such that each of the light-emitting elements is positioned below the light-transmitting region. The light emitted by each of the light-emitting elements is incident on the light-transmitting keycap to illuminate the light-transmitting region.

In one embodiment, the flexible substrate can be a woven fabric, a polymeric film, or an artificial leather.

In one embodiment, the circuit is formed by partially applying a conductive paste to a flexible substrate.

In another embodiment, the flexible substrate can be a woven fabric, and the circuitry is woven with the woven fabric by conductive yarns.

The illuminating button of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a bottom plate, a light-transmitting keycap, a flexible circuit layer, a reflective layer and at least one illuminating element. The light-transmitting keycap has a light-transmitting area, a top surface, and a bottom surface, and is capable of The lower portion is movably coupled to the upper portion of the bottom plate such that the light transmissive keycap moves relative to the bottom plate between the unpressed position and the pressed position. The flexible circuit layer has a fixed portion. The fixed portion of the flexible circuit layer is attached to the top or bottom surface of the light transmissive keycap. The flexible circuit layer comprises a flexible substrate and circuitry coupled to the flexible substrate. The circuit is electrically connected to an external power source. The reflective layer is disposed above the bottom plate and under the light transmissive keycap. At least one of the light-emitting elements is electrically connected to the circuit of the fixed portion, such that each of the light-emitting elements is driven by the current supplied by the external power source to emit light to the bottom plate, and is reflected by the reflective layer to illuminate the light-transmitting region.

Further, the illuminating button of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises a light transmissive elastic dome. The light transmissive elastic dome system is disposed between the keycap and the bottom plate. The reflective layer is covered by a light transmissive elastomeric dome.

In one embodiment, the light transmissive keycap has at least one through hole formed in the top surface. Each of the through holes corresponds to one light emitting element. The fixed portion of the flexible circuit layer is fixed to the top surface of the light-transmitting keycap with the lower surface of the flexible substrate such that each of the light-emitting elements is placed in its corresponding through-hole.

In another embodiment, the fixed portion of the flexible circuit layer is attached to the bottom surface of the light-transmissive keycap with the upper surface of the flexible substrate such that the light emitted by each of the light-emitting elements is directed toward the light-reflecting layer. The light is reflected by the reflective layer to illuminate the light-transmitting region.

Further, the illuminating button of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises a switching film layer. The switching film layer is disposed on the bottom plate. The reflective layer is applied to the switch film layer.

An illuminated keyboard in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of illuminated buttons in accordance with the present invention.

Different from the prior art, the illuminating button of the present invention does not use a backlight device to combine the illuminating element with the transparent keycap. Therefore, compared with the prior art illuminated keyboard, the illuminated button and the illuminated keyboard of the present invention can be designed to be simple, further thinned, and consume less power for illumination.

The advantages and spirit of the present invention will be further understood from the following detailed description of the invention.

1‧‧‧ illuminated keyboard

10‧‧‧Lighting button

11‧‧‧floor

112‧‧‧First through hole

12‧‧‧Switch film layer

122‧‧‧ switch

1222‧‧‧Upper electrode block

1224‧‧‧lower electrode block

122‧‧‧ switch

1222‧‧‧Upper electrode block

1224‧‧‧lower electrode block

124‧‧‧Upper film circuit

1244‧‧‧ lower surface

126‧‧‧ under the thin film circuit

1262‧‧‧ upper surface

127‧‧‧second through hole

128‧‧‧Isolation components

129‧‧‧Interval space

14‧‧‧Lighting keycap

142‧‧‧Lighting area

16‧‧‧Scissors

17‧‧‧Elastic actuator

172‧‧‧ top

18‧‧‧Backlight

180‧‧‧Light guide

1802‧‧‧light side

1804‧‧‧ positive

1806‧‧‧Back

182‧‧‧Light source

184‧‧‧reflective structure

186‧‧‧reflector

2‧‧‧Lighting button

20‧‧‧floor

21‧‧‧Lighting keycap

210‧‧‧ top surface

212‧‧‧ bottom surface

214‧‧‧Lighting area

216‧‧‧ holes

217‧‧‧through hole

218‧‧‧ holes

219‧‧‧Lighting layer

22‧‧‧Soft circuit layer

220‧‧‧Fixed part

222‧‧‧Flexible substrate

2220‧‧‧ upper surface

2222‧‧‧ lower surface

2224‧‧‧ first hole

224‧‧‧ Circuitry

2242‧‧‧ Conductive floating point

226‧‧‧ buffer section

23‧‧‧Lighting elements

24‧‧‧Switch film

242‧‧‧Switch

2422‧‧‧Upper electrode block

2424‧‧‧ lower electrode block

244‧‧‧Upper film circuit

2444‧‧‧ lower surface

246‧‧‧ Lower film circuit

2462‧‧‧ upper surface

248‧‧‧Isolated components

249‧‧‧Interval space

25‧‧‧Light extraction structure

26‧‧‧Light guiding elements

260‧‧‧Reflective surface

262‧‧‧Light extraction structure

27‧‧‧Elastic actuator

272‧‧‧ top

28‧‧‧Support device

29‧‧‧Waterproof layer

292‧‧‧Second hole

30‧‧‧reflective layer

32‧‧‧Translucent elastic dome

322‧‧‧ top

L1, L2, L3‧‧‧ rays

1 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art illuminated button.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a light-emitting button of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is an essential component of the illuminated button of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention -

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of one of the light-emitting keys of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing another variation of the light-emitting button of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing another variation of the light-emitting button of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing another variation of the light-emitting button of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing another variation of the light-emitting button of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing another variation of the light-emitting button of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a light-emitting button of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11 is a modification of one of the illuminating buttons of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention Section view.

Referring to FIG. 2 to FIG. 9 , in addition to FIG. 3 , the light-emitting keys 2 of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention are schematically depicted in a cross-sectional view, and the illuminated keyboard according to the present invention is Two adjacent illuminated buttons 2 are shown in the figures. 3 is a side view schematically showing an example of a necessary component of the light-emitting button 2 of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flexible circuit layer 22, and at least one of the light-emitting elements 23.

As shown in FIG. 2, the light-emitting button 2 of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a bottom plate 20, a light-transmitting keycap 21, a flexible circuit layer 22, and at least one light-emitting element 23. The light-transmitting keycap 21 has a light-transmitting region 214, a top surface 210, and a bottom surface 212, and is movably connected above and below the bottom plate 20, so that the light-transmitting keycap 21 is pressed and pressed against the bottom plate 20. Move between positions. In Fig. 2, only one light-emitting element 23 is shown as a representative.

In a practical application, as shown in FIG. 2, the light-transmitting region 214 presents a pattern on the top surface 210 of the light-transmitting keycap 21, and the pattern represents one of a character, a number, a symbol, and a function key.

The flexible circuit layer 22 has a fixed portion 220. The fixed portion 220 of the flexible circuit layer 22 is fixed to the top surface 210 or the bottom surface 212 of the light-transmitting keycap 21. The flexible circuit layer 22 includes a flexible substrate 222 and a circuit 224 bonded to the flexible substrate 222. Circuit 224 is electrically coupled to an external power source. At least one light-emitting element 23 is electrically connected to the circuit 224 of the fixed portion 220, so that each light-emitting element 23 is driven by the current supplied by the external power source to emit light L2 that is guided to illuminate the light-transmitting keycap 21 Area 214.

As also shown in FIG. 2, the illuminated button 2 of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes a switching film layer 24. The switching film layer 24 is disposed on the bottom plate 20. The switching film layer 24 includes a switch 242. When the light transmissive keycap 21 is moved to the pressed position, the switch 242 is actuated to trigger.

The illuminating button 2 of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes a support device 28. One end of the support device 28 is movably coupled to the light transmissive keycap 21, and the other end of the support device 28 is movably coupled to the bottom plate 20. In a specific embodiment, the support device 28 can be a scissor support device, but is not limited thereto.

The illuminating button 2 of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes an elastic actuator 27. The elastic actuator 27 is disposed on the switching film layer 24. As shown in Fig. 1, the general elastic actuator 27 is an elastic dome and has a considerable height. The top 272 of the resilient actuator 27 abuts against the bottom surface 212 of the light transmissive keycap 21. An external force is applied to the light-transmitting keycap 21 to move the light-transmitting keycap 21 toward the switching film layer 24. The elastic actuator 27 is deformed in accordance with the movement of the light-transmitting keycap 21, and the actuation switch 242 is triggered.

As also shown in FIG. 2, the switching film layer 24 can be formed by the upper film circuit 244 and the lower film circuit 246, and the upper film circuit 244 is separated from the lower film circuit 246 by the spacer member 248. The switch 242 includes an upper electrode block 2422 and at least one lower electrode block 2424. In FIG. 2, only one lower electrode block 2424 is shown as a representative. The upper electrode block 2422 is formed on the lower surface 2444 of the upper film circuit 244, and the lower electrode block 2424 is formed on the upper surface 2462 of the lower film circuit 246. Two isolation members 248 are respectively disposed on both sides of the outside of the lower electrode block 2424. The spacer member 248 is disposed between the upper film circuit 244 and the lower film circuit 246 to form a space 249 such that the upper electrode block 2422 and the lower electrode block 2424 are not accidental until the user has pressed the light-transmitting key cap 21 Contact is turned on. The upper electrode block 2422 and the lower electrode block 2424 of the switch 242 are disposed within the spacing space 249. When the user's finger presses the light-transmitting keycap 21 to move to the pressing position, the upper electrode block 2422 is brought into contact with the lower electrode block 2424, and the switch 242 is actuated to be triggered.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the flexible circuit layer 22 also has a buffer portion 226. The buffer portion 226 extends from the fixed portion 220 and is suspended from the periphery of the light-transmitting keycap 21. Two adjacent illuminated buttons 2 The flexible circuit layer 22 is the same component, that is, the buffer portions 226 of the flexible circuit layers 22 of the two adjacent light-emitting keys 2 are joined together, whereby the illuminated keyboard including the light-emitting keys 2 of the present invention can be dustproof and waterproof.

Further, the light-emitting button 2 of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes a light shielding layer 219. The light shielding layer 219 is formed on the top surface 210 of the light-transmitting keycap 21 at a position other than the corresponding light-transmitting region 214. In one embodiment, the light shielding layer 219 can be formed by coating a dark ink layer on the top surface 210 of the transparent keycap 21, but is not limited thereto.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the light transmissive keycap 21 has at least one aperture 216 formed in the top surface 210. In Fig. 2, only one hole 216 is shown as a representative. Each of the holes 216 corresponds to one light-emitting element 23. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the circuit 224 is bonded to the lower surface 2222 of the flexible substrate 222. The fixed portion 220 of the flexible circuit layer 22 is secured to the top surface 210 of the light transmissive keycap 21 by the lower surface 2222 of the flexible substrate 222 such that each of the light emitting elements 23 is placed within its corresponding aperture 216. The light L2 emitted by each of the light-emitting elements 23 is incident on the light-transmitting keycap 21, and the light L2 is guided by the light-transmitting keycap 21 to illuminate the light-transmitting region 214.

In one embodiment, the flexible substrate 222 can be a woven fabric, a polymeric film, or an artificial leather.

In one embodiment, the circuit 224 is formed by partially applying a conductive paste to the flexible substrate 222.

In another embodiment, the flexible substrate 222 can be a woven fabric and the circuit 224 is woven with the woven fabric by conductive yarns. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the flexible substrate 222 is a woven fabric. The conductive yarn constituting the circuit 224 is provided with a plurality of conductive floating points 2242 by means of a textile technique, and the light-emitting elements 23 are soldered to the conductive floating points 2242.

In one embodiment, the conductive yarn may be coated with at least one conductive core filament or a plurality of conductive staple fibers by one or two wires. (short fiber), a coupling yarn composed of at least one non-conductive core filament or a plurality of non-conductive staple fibers, coated with at least one conductive core and long fiber by one or two rolled wires, a core-spun yarn comprising at least one non-conductive core filament or a plurality of non-conductive staple fibers, a twisted yarn composed of at least one wire, and at least two wires A doubled yarn or a twisted yarn composed of the above-mentioned core yarn, conjugate yarn and twisted yarn combination.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the light-emitting button 2 of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes a waterproof layer 29. The waterproof layer 29 is formed on the upper surface 2220 of the flexible substrate 222.

In one embodiment, both the flexible substrate 222 and the waterproof layer 29 are light transmissive.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, according to a variation of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flexible substrate 222 has a first hole 2224 corresponding to the light transmitting region 214, and a waterproof layer. 29 has a second hole 292 corresponding to the light transmitting region 214, whereby the light L2 illuminating the light transmitting region 214 can be emitted. In FIG. 4, elements having the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 have the same or similar structures and functions, and will not be further described herein.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the illuminating button 2 of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes a light extraction structure 25. The light extraction structure 25 is formed on the bottom surface 212 of the light-transmitting keycap 21 at a position corresponding to the light-transmitting region 214. The light extraction structure 25 is used to scatter the light L2 transmitted in the light-transmitting keycap 21 to the light-transmitting region 214.

In one embodiment, the light extraction structure 25 is a plurality of microlenses formed on the bottom surface 212 of the light transmissive keycap 21, or an ink pattern layer coated on the bottom surface 212 of the light transmissive keycap 21.

Referring to FIG. 5, another variation of the illuminated button 2 of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. As shown in Figure 5, in accordance with the present invention According to another variation of the first preferred embodiment, the illuminating button 2 of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes a light guiding element 26. The light guiding element 26 is fixed to the bottom surface 212 of the light transmissive keycap 21. The light transmissive keycap 21 has at least one through hole 217 formed on the top surface 210. Each of the through holes 217 corresponds to one light emitting element 23. Circuitry 224 is bonded to lower surface 2222 of flexible substrate 222. The fixed portion 220 of the flexible circuit layer 22 is secured to the top surface 210 of the light-transmissive keycap 21 by the lower surface 2222 of the flexible substrate 222 such that each of the light-emitting elements 23 passes through its corresponding through-hole 217. The light L2 emitted by each of the light-emitting elements 23 is incident on the light guiding element 26, and the light is guided by the light guiding element 26 to illuminate the light-transmitting region 214. The components in FIG. 5 having the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 have the same or similar structures and functions, and will not be further described herein.

The figure is shown in Fig. 5. Further, the illuminating button 2 of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises a light extraction structure 262. The light extraction structure 262 is formed on the reflective surface 260 of the light guiding element 26 at a position corresponding to the light transmitting region 214. The light extraction structure 262 is used to scatter the light L2 transmitted in the light guiding element 26 to the light transmitting region 214.

In one embodiment, both the flexible substrate 222 and the waterproof layer 29 are light transmissive.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6 , the flexible substrate has a first hole 2224 corresponding to the light transmitting region 214 , and the waterproof layer 29 has a second hole 292 corresponding to the light transmitting region 214 , thereby The light ray L2 that illuminates the light transmitting region 214 can be emitted. In FIG. 6, the components having the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 5 have the same or similar structures and functions, and will not be further described herein.

Referring to FIG. 7, another variation of the illuminating button 2 of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, in accordance with another variation of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the light transmissive keycap 21 has at least one aperture 218 formed in the bottom surface 212 of the light transmissive keycap 21. Every hole 218 corresponds to one light-emitting element 23. Circuitry 224 is bonded to upper surface 2220 of flexible substrate 222. The fixed portion 220 of the flexible circuit layer 22 is secured to the bottom surface 212 of the light transmissive keycap 21 by the upper surface 2220 of the flexible substrate 222 such that each of the light emitting elements 23 is placed within its corresponding aperture 218. The light L2 emitted by each of the light-emitting elements 23 is incident on the light-transmitting keycap 21, and the light L2 is guided by the light-transmitting keycap 21 to illuminate the light-transmitting region 214. The components in FIG. 7 having the same reference numerals as in FIG. 2 have the same or similar structures and functions, and will not be described herein.

The figure is shown in Fig. 7. Further, the illuminating button 2 of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises a light extraction structure 25. The light extraction structure 25 is formed on the bottom surface 212 of the light-transmitting keycap 21 at a position corresponding to the light-transmitting region. The light extraction structure 25 is used to scatter the light L2 transmitted in the light-transmitting keycap 21 to the light-transmitting region 214.

In one embodiment, the light extraction structure 25 is a plurality of microlenses formed on the bottom surface 212 of the light transmissive keycap 21, or an ink pattern layer coated on the bottom surface 212 of the light transmissive keycap 21.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the light-emitting button 2 of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes a waterproof layer 29. The waterproof layer 29 is formed on the buffer portion 226 of the flexible circuit layer 22. Thereby, the illuminated keyboard including the illuminated button 2 of the present invention can be dustproof and waterproof.

Referring to FIG. 8, another variation of the illuminating button 2 of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, in accordance with another variation of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, circuit 224 is bonded to upper surface 2220 of flexible substrate 222. The fixed portion 220 of the flexible circuit layer 22 is secured to the bottom surface 212 of the light transmissive keycap 21 by the upper surface 2220 of the flexible substrate 222 such that each of the light emitting elements 23 is positioned below the light transmissive region 214. The light L2 emitted from each of the light-emitting elements 23 is incident on the light-transmitting keycap 21 to illuminate the light-transmitting region 214. Figure 8 has the same number mark as in Figure 2. The components, which have the same or similar structures and functions, are not described here.

Referring to FIG. 9, another variation of the illuminating button 2 of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, in accordance with another variation of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, circuit 224 is bonded to upper surface 2220 of flexible substrate 222. The fixed portion 220 of the flexible circuit layer 22 is secured to the bottom surface 212 of the light transmissive keycap 21 by the upper surface 2220 of the flexible substrate 222 such that each of the light emitting elements 23 is positioned below the light transmissive region 214. The light L2 emitted from each of the light-emitting elements 23 is incident on the light-transmitting keycap 21 to illuminate the light-transmitting region 214. The illuminating button 2 of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes a light extraction structure 25. The light extraction structure 25 is formed on the bottom surface 212 of the light-transmitting keycap 21 at a position corresponding to the light-transmitting region 214. The light extraction structure 25 is used to scatter the light L2 transmitted in the light-transmitting keycap 21 to the other light-transmitting region 214. The components in FIG. 9 having the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 have the same or similar structures and functions, and will not be further described herein.

In one embodiment, the light extraction structure 25 is a plurality of microlenses formed on the bottom surface 212 of the light transmissive keycap 21, or an ink pattern layer coated on the bottom surface 212 of the light transmissive keycap 21.

Please refer to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 , which are schematic cross-sectional views showing the illuminating button 2 of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, and two adjacent illuminating buttons of the illuminating keyboard according to the present invention. 2 is shown in the figures.

As shown in FIG. 10, the light-emitting button 2 of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention also includes a bottom plate 20, a light-transmitting keycap 21, a flexible circuit layer 22, and at least one light-emitting element 23. In Fig. 10, only one light-emitting element 23 is shown as a representative. In contrast to the illuminated button 2 of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the illuminated button 2 of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes a reflective layer 30.

Illuminated button 2 with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention Similarly, the light-transmitting keycap 21 has a light-transmitting region 214, a top surface 210, and a bottom surface 212, and is movably connected above and below the bottom plate 20, so that the light-transmitting keycap 21 is in an unpressed position relative to the bottom plate 20. Moves between the pressed position.

Also shown in FIG. 10, the fixed portion 220 of the flexible circuit layer 22 is attached to the top surface 210 or the bottom surface 212 of the light transmissive keycap 21. The flexible circuit layer 22 includes a flexible substrate 222 and a circuit 224 bonded to the flexible substrate 222. Circuit 224 is electrically coupled to an external power source. The reflective layer 30 is disposed above the bottom plate 20 and is located below the light transmissive keycap 21. At least one light-emitting element 23 is electrically connected to the circuit 224 of the fixed portion 220, so that each light-emitting element 23 is driven by the current supplied by the external power source to emit the light L3 emitted toward the bottom plate 20, and is reflected by the reflective layer 30. The light transmitting region 214 is illuminated. The components in FIG. 10 having the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 have the same or similar structures and functions, and will not be further described herein.

In a specific embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the illuminating button 2 of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes a switching film layer 24. The switching film layer 24 is disposed on the bottom plate 20. The reflective layer 30 is applied to the switching film layer 24.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the illuminating button 2 of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes a light transmissive elastic dome 32. The light transmissive elastic dome 32 is disposed between the light transmissive keycap 21 and the bottom plate 20. The top portion 322 of the light transmissive elastic dome 32 abuts against the bottom surface 212 of the light transmissive keycap 21. The reflective layer 30 is covered by the light transmissive elastic dome 32. After being reflected by the reflective layer 30, the light L3 can pass through the transparent elastic dome 32 to illuminate the light-transmitting region 214.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the light transmissive keycap 21 has at least one through hole 217 formed in the top surface 210. Each of the through holes 217 corresponds to one light emitting element 23. The fixed portion 220 of the flexible circuit layer 22 is fixed to the top surface 210 of the transparent keycap 21 by the lower surface 2222 of the flexible substrate 222, so that each of the light-emitting elements 23 is placed in its corresponding through hole 217. .

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, according to a modification of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fixing portion 220 of the flexible circuit layer 22 is divided into the upper surface 2220 of the flexible substrate 222. It is fixed to the bottom surface 212 of the light-transmitting keycap 21 such that the light L3 emitted from each of the light-emitting elements 23 is incident on the light-reflecting layer 30. The light ray L3 is reflected by the light reflecting layer 30 to illuminate the light transmitting region 214. Elements having the same reference numerals as those in Figs. 2 and 10 have the same or similar structures and functions, and will not be further described herein.

In one embodiment, the flexible substrate 222 can be a woven fabric, a polymeric film, or an artificial leather.

In one embodiment, the circuit 224 is formed by partially applying a conductive paste to the flexible substrate 222.

In another embodiment, the flexible substrate 222 can be a woven fabric, and the circuit 224 is woven with the woven fabric by conductive yarns, as shown in FIG.

An illuminated keyboard in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of illuminated buttons 2 in accordance with the present invention. In particular, the buffer portions 226 of the flexible circuit layers 22 of the two adjacent light-emitting keys 2 are joined together, whereby the illuminated keyboard of the present invention can be dustproof and waterproof.

From the above detailed description of the present invention, it can be clearly understood that the illuminating button of the present invention is combined with the light-transmitting keycap without using a backlight device. Therefore, the light-emitting button and the illuminated keyboard of the present invention can be designed to be simpler and further thinner than the prior art illuminated keyboard. Moreover, the illuminating keyboard of the present invention does not have the backlight device using the light guide plate of the prior art, so the power of the illuminating element used is relatively small. Therefore, the illuminating keyboard of the present invention requires less power consumption for illuminating. Moreover, the illuminated keyboard of the present invention has two buffered light-emitting buttons whose buffer portions of the flexible circuit layer are joined together to achieve dustproof and waterproof effects.

The features and spirit of the present invention are more clearly described in the above detailed description of the preferred embodiments, and are not preferred as described above. The specific embodiments are intended to limit the scope of the invention. On the contrary, the intention is to cover various modifications and equivalents that are within the scope of the invention as claimed. Therefore, the scope of the patent application of the present invention should be construed broadly in the light of the above description, so that it covers all possible changes and arrangements.

Claims (24)

A light-emitting button comprises: a bottom plate; a light-transmissive key cap having a light-transmitting area, a top surface and a bottom surface, and being connectable above and below the bottom plate so as to be movable up and down, so that the light-transmitting key cap Moving between an unpressed position and a pressed position relative to the bottom plate; a flexible circuit layer having a fixed portion, the fixed portion of the flexible circuit layer being fixed to the top surface or the bottom of the transparent keycap The flexible circuit layer comprises a flexible substrate and a circuit coupled to the flexible substrate, the circuit is electrically connected to an external power source; and the at least one light emitting element is electrically connected The circuit of the fixed portion causes each of the light-emitting elements to be driven by a current supplied by the external power source to be guided to illuminate the light-transmitting region. The illuminating button of claim 1, wherein the flexible circuit layer further has a buffer portion extending from the fixing portion and suspended from a periphery of the light-transmitting keycap. The illuminating button of claim 1, wherein the light-transmitting keycap has at least one hole formed on the top surface, each hole corresponding to a light-emitting element, the circuit being bonded to a lower surface of the flexible substrate The fixed portion of the flexible circuit layer is fixed on the top surface of the transparent keycap by the lower surface of the flexible substrate, so that each of the light-emitting elements is placed in a corresponding hole thereof. The light emitted by each of the light-emitting elements is incident on the light-transmitting keycap, and the light is guided by the light-transmitting keycap to illuminate the light-transmitting region. The illuminating button of claim 1, further comprising a light extraction structure formed on the bottom surface at a position corresponding to the light transmitting region, wherein the light extraction structure is configured to be transmitted in the transparent keycap The light is scattered to the light transmissive area. The illuminating button of claim 4, wherein the light extraction structure is a plurality of microlenses formed on the bottom surface or an ink pattern layer coated on the bottom surface. The illuminating button of claim 1, further comprising a light guiding element fixed to the bottom surface, wherein the transparent keycap has at least one through hole formed on the top surface, and each through hole corresponds to one illuminating An element, the circuit is bonded to a lower surface of the flexible substrate, and the fixed portion of the flexible circuit layer is fixed on the top surface of the transparent keycap by the lower surface of the flexible substrate The light-emitting elements are caused to pass through the corresponding through-holes, and the light emitted by each of the light-emitting elements is incident into the light-guiding element, and the light is guided by the light-guiding element to illuminate the light-transmitting region. The illuminating button of claim 6, further comprising a light extraction structure formed on a reflective surface of one of the light guiding elements at a position corresponding to the light transmitting region, wherein the light extraction structure is used to guide the light The light transmitted within the component is scattered to the light transmissive region. The illuminating button of claim 1, wherein the light-transmitting keycap has at least one hole formed on the bottom surface, each hole corresponding to a light-emitting element, the circuit being coupled to the flexible substrate Surfacely, the fixed portion of the flexible circuit layer is fixed on the bottom surface of the transparent keycap by the upper surface of the flexible substrate, so that each of the light-emitting elements is placed In the corresponding hole, the light emitted by each of the light-emitting elements is incident into the light-transmissive keycap, and the light is guided by the light-transmitting keycap to illuminate the light-transmitting region. The illuminating button of claim 8, further comprising a light extraction structure formed on the bottom surface at a position corresponding to the light transmitting region, wherein the light extraction structure is configured to be transmitted in the transparent keycap The light is scattered to the light transmissive area. The illuminating button of claim 1, wherein the circuit is bonded to the upper surface of the flexible substrate, the fixed portion of the flexible circuit layer is fixed to the upper surface of the flexible substrate The bottom surface of the light-transmitting keycap is such that each of the light-emitting elements is positioned below the light-transmitting region, and the light emitted by each of the light-emitting elements is incident into the light-transmitting keycap to illuminate the light-transmitting region. The illuminating button of claim 1, further comprising a supporting device, one end of the supporting device movably connecting the transparent keycap, and the other end of the supporting device is movably connected to the bottom plate. The illuminating button of claim 11, wherein the supporting device is a scissor supporting device. The illuminating button of claim 1, wherein the flexible substrate is selected from the group consisting of a woven fabric, a polymer film, and an artificial leather. The illuminating button of claim 13, wherein the circuit is formed by partially applying a conductive paste to the flexible substrate. The illuminating button of claim 1, wherein the flexible substrate is woven The cloth is woven with the woven fabric by a conductive yarn. A light-emitting button comprises: a bottom plate; a light-transmissive key cap having a light-transmitting area, a top surface and a bottom surface, and being connectable above and below the bottom plate so as to be movable up and down, so that the light-transmitting key cap Moving between an unpressed position and a pressed position relative to the bottom plate; a flexible circuit layer having a fixed portion, the fixed portion of the flexible circuit layer being fixed to the top surface or the bottom of the transparent keycap The flexible circuit layer comprises a flexible substrate and a circuit coupled to the flexible substrate, the circuit is electrically connected to an external power source; a reflective layer is disposed on the bottom plate And being located under the light-transmissive keycap; and at least one light-emitting element electrically connected to the circuit of the fixed portion, such that each of the light-emitting elements is driven by a current supplied by the external power source to emit a light toward The bottom plate is irradiated and reflected by the reflective layer to illuminate the light-transmitting region. The illuminating button of claim 16, further comprising a transparent elastic dome disposed between the transparent keycap and the bottom plate, wherein the reflective layer is covered by the transparent elastic dome. The illuminating button of claim 16, wherein the light-transmitting keycap has at least one through hole formed on the top surface, each of the through holes corresponding to one light-emitting element, the fixed portion of the flexible circuit layer being flexible The lower surface of the substrate is attached to the top surface of the light-transmissive keycap such that each of the light-emitting elements is placed in its corresponding through-hole. The illuminating button of claim 16, wherein the fixed portion of the flexible circuit layer is fixed to the bottom surface of the transparent keycap by the upper surface of the flexible substrate, so that each of the light-emitting elements The emitted light is directed toward the reflective layer, and the light is reflected by the reflective layer to illuminate the light transmissive region. The illuminating button of claim 16, further comprising a switch film layer disposed on the bottom plate, wherein the reflective layer is coated on the switch film layer. The illuminating button of claim 16, wherein the flexible substrate is selected from the group consisting of a woven fabric, a polymeric film, and an artificial leather. The illuminating button of claim 21, wherein the circuit is formed by partially applying a conductive paste to the flexible substrate. The illuminating button of claim 16, wherein the flexible substrate is a woven fabric, and the circuit is woven with the woven fabric by a conductive yarn. An illuminated keyboard comprising a plurality of illuminated keys as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23.