TWI756042B - Luminous keyboard and optical module thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A luminous keyboard includes a keyswitch module including a plurality of keyswitches and an optical module disposed under the keyswitch module. The optical module includes a mask film and a light guide sheet. The mask film has a mask pattern defining a plurality of light-transparent regions respectively corresponding to the plurality of keyswitches, and an outer light-transparent region of the light-transparent regions has a boundary. The light guide sheet has an light exit edge. The vertical projection of the light exit edge of the light guide sheet at least partially falls within the outer light-transparent region and is not parallel to the boundary.

Description

Illuminated keyboard and optical module thereof

The present invention generally relates to a light-emitting keyboard and an optical module thereof, and in particular, the present invention relates to a light-emitting keyboard and an optical module thereof suitable for a narrow frame design.

Keyboards are very important input devices for electronic products (especially computers). With the miniaturization and lightness of electronic products, narrow bezel design is one of the important research and development directions of keyboards today. However, in the case of an illuminated keyboard, the integration of the key module and the backlight module must be considered, especially the adhesion between the multilayer optical films of the backlight module and the avoidance of side light leakage. The uniformity of light emission of the keys is not easy to control. In particular, in the design of the narrow frame, as the margin margin is reduced, the luminous keyboard with the narrow frame design is prone to the problem of brighter or darker outer keys.

One object of the present invention is to provide a light-emitting keyboard and an optical module thereof, which can compensate for the brightness of the keys by changing the edge structure of the light guide plate to emit light from the edge.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a light-emitting keyboard and its optical module, which emit light from the edge of the light guide plate to enhance the brightness of the keys, and cooperate with the light-shielding pattern design of the light-shielding sheet, so that the keys have a stable lighting effect, suitable for in narrow bezel design.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides an optical module suitable for a light-emitting keyboard, the light-emitting keyboard includes a plurality of keys, and the optical module includes a light-shielding sheet and a light guide plate, wherein the light-shielding sheet has a light-shielding pattern, and the light-shielding pattern defines a plurality of light-transmitting regions, The plurality of light-transmitting areas are arranged corresponding to the plurality of keys, and the outer light-transmitting areas of the complex light-transmitting areas have a light-transmitting boundary; the light guide plate is arranged on one side of the light-shielding sheet, and the light-guiding plate has a light-emitting edge, and the light-emitting edge is at least partially projected on the vertical projection of the light-shielding sheet. Located in the outer light-transmitting area and not parallel to the light-transmitting boundary.

In one embodiment, in the extending direction of the light-transmitting boundary, the vertical projection of the light-emitting edge is concave relative to the light-transmitting boundary.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides an optical module suitable for a light-emitting keyboard, the light-emitting keyboard includes a plurality of keys, and the optical module includes a light-shielding sheet and a light guide plate, wherein the light-shielding sheet has a light-shielding pattern, and the light-shielding pattern defines a plurality of light-transmitting regions , the plurality of light-transmitting areas are arranged corresponding to the plurality of keys, and the outer light-transmitting area of the complex light-transmitting area has a light-transmitting boundary; the light guide plate is arranged on one side of the light-shielding sheet, and the light-guiding plate has a light-emitting edge and an opening, and the light-emitting edge is on the light-shielding sheet. The vertical projection is at least partially located in the outer transparent area, and the vertical projection of the opening on the light shielding sheet is located in the outer transparent area.

In one embodiment, the light shielding sheet further has an auxiliary pattern, wherein the auxiliary pattern is arranged in the outer light-transmitting area, and the vertical projection of the opening of the light guide plate at least partially overlaps with the auxiliary pattern.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides an optical module suitable for a light-emitting keyboard, the light-emitting keyboard includes a plurality of keys, and the optical module includes a light shielding sheet and a light guide plate, wherein the light shielding sheet has a light-shielding pattern, and the light-shielding pattern defines a plurality of light-transmitting areas. and a plurality of sub-transmissive areas, the complex translucent areas are set corresponding to the complex keys, the complex translucent areas include an outer translucent area, and the plurality of sub translucent areas are arranged adjacent to the outer translucent areas; the light guide plate is arranged on one side of the light shield, and the light guide plate It has a light-emitting edge, and the vertical projection of the light-emitting edge on the light-shielding sheet is at least partially located in the plurality of sub-light-transmitting regions.

In the above embodiment, the optical module further includes a reflective sheet, wherein the reflective sheet is disposed on the other side of the light guide plate relative to the light shielding sheet, and there is a light blocking portion between the reflective sheet and the light guide plate, and the light blocking portion is adjacent to the light exit edge. . In one embodiment, the light blocking portion is an adhesive portion or a light blocking coating.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a light-emitting keyboard, which includes a key module and the above-mentioned optical module, the key module includes a plurality of keys, and the plurality of keys includes a switch layer; the optical module is disposed below the switch layer and shields light The sheet is closer to the switch layer than the light guide plate; wherein the switch layer has one or more light-shielding parts, and the vertical projection of the light-shielding parts on the light-shielding plate is located in the outer light-transmitting area. In one embodiment, the vertical projection of the light-emitting edge is at least partially located in the vertical projection of the light-shielding portion.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a light-emitting keyboard, which includes a key module and the above-mentioned optical module, wherein the key module includes a plurality of keys, and the plurality of keys includes a base plate; the optical module is arranged under the base plate, and The light shielding sheet is closer to the bottom plate than the light guide plate; wherein the bottom plate has a coating area, and the coating area corresponds to the light emitting edge of the light guide plate.

Compared with the prior art, the luminous keyboard and its optical module of the present invention not only enhance the luminous brightness of the corresponding keys by virtue of the edge light emission characteristics of the light guide plate, but also cooperate with the shading pattern design of the shading sheet, so that the luminous keyboard has a uniform luminescence. The flexibility is suitable for narrow bezel designs.

1: Illuminated keyboard

10: Optical module

110: Shading sheet

112: Shading Pattern

114: Translucent area

114A: Outside light transmission area

114B: inner light transmission area

115: Auxiliary pattern

116: Translucent Boundary

118: Sub-transparent area

120: light guide plate

122: light edge

124: light source hole

126: Opening

128: light-emitting surface

130: Reflector

132: light blocking part

140: light source

20:Key module

200: key

201: Outside buttons

202: Inside button

210: Bottom plate

212: Coating area

214: Opening

220: keycap

230: Scissor support frame

240: switch layer

242: Shading part

250: Elastomer

D1: Bonding width

G: Spacing

FIG. 1 is an exploded schematic diagram of the light-emitting keyboard according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

2A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the keys of the light-emitting keyboard according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 2A .

FIG. 2C is a schematic top view of FIG. 2A , showing the relative positions of the outer light-transmitting area of the light shielding sheet and the light-emitting edge of the light guide plate.

3A and 3B are a partial enlarged schematic cross-sectional view and a schematic top view of the keys of the light-emitting keyboard according to the second embodiment of the present invention, to show the relative positions of the outer light-transmitting area of the light-shielding sheet and the light-emitting edge of the light-guiding plate.

4 is a partial top view of the light-emitting keyboard according to the third embodiment of the present invention, to show the relative positions of the light-transmitting area on the outer side of the light-shielding sheet and the light-emitting edge of the light-guiding plate.

5A and 5B are a partial enlarged schematic cross-sectional view and a schematic top view of the keys of the light-emitting keyboard according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, to show the relative positions of the sub-transmissive regions of the light-shielding sheet and the light-emitting edge of the light-guiding plate.

6 is a partial enlarged schematic view of a cross-section of a key of a light-emitting keyboard according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a partial top view of the keys of the light-emitting keyboard according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, showing the relative positions of the outer light-transmitting area of the light-shielding sheet, the light-emitting edge of the light-guiding plate, the opening of the bottom plate and the light-shielding part of the switch layer.

8 is a partial top view of the keys of the light-emitting keyboard according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, showing the relative positions of the coating area of the bottom plate and the light-emitting edge of the light guide plate.

The present invention provides a light-emitting keyboard and an optical module thereof, so as to improve the brightness of the keys (especially the outer keys) and make the keys have a stable light-emitting effect. The light-emitting keyboard of the present invention can be an independent keyboard device or a light-emitting keyboard integrated in electronic products (such as mobile devices, notebook computers), especially a light-emitting keyboard with a narrow frame design, but not limited thereto. In the following, the computer keyboard (as shown in FIG. 1 ) is used as an example for illustration.

As shown in FIG. 1 , in the first embodiment, the light-emitting keyboard 1 includes an optical module 10 and a key module 20 , wherein the optical module 10 is disposed below the key module 20 . The key module 20 includes a plurality of keys 200 , and the plurality of keys 200 includes an outer key 201 and an inner key 202 . In one aspect, the plurality of keys 200 are along the Y axis The directions are arranged in a plurality of rows, and the outermost buttons (eg, buttons at both ends of the X-axis direction) in each row are outer buttons 201 , and the buttons between the outer buttons 201 at both ends of each row are inner buttons 202 . On the other hand, among the plurality of rows of buttons arranged along the Y-axis direction, the outermost row of buttons (for example, the uppermost and lowermost buttons at both ends of the Y-axis direction) may also be the outer buttons 201, and the outermost row of buttons may be the outer buttons 201. The keys between the keys 201 are the inner keys 202 . That is, at least one side of the outer key 201 is not adjacent to other keys, such as keys arranged around the periphery, while the inner key 202 is surrounded by other keys. In this embodiment, the left edge of the left outer key 201 (eg, the left edge of the keycap) is aligned along the Y-axis direction, while the right edge of the right outer key 201 (eg, the right edge of the keycap) is aligned along the Y-axis direction, and the upper The upper edges of the outer keys 201 (eg, the upper edges of the keycaps) are aligned along the X-axis direction, and the lower edges (eg, the lower edges of the keycaps) of the lower outer keys 201 are aligned along the X-axis direction, but not limited thereto.

Specifically, the key 200 can be any suitable key unit with a light-transmitting keycap. 2A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the keys of the light-emitting keyboard according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2A , in one embodiment, the keys (such as the outer key 201 on the left side) are movably connected to the key cap 220 and the bottom plate 210 through the scissor-type support frame 230 to support the movement of the key cap 220 , thereby compressing the elastic body 250 is used to trigger the switch layer 240 (eg, a membrane switch), and reset by the restoring force of the elastic body 250 , but not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the scissor support frame 230 can be replaced by other lifting mechanisms, such as butterfly wing support mechanism, sliding block support mechanism, cantilever support mechanism, etc., and the elastic body 250 can also be replaced by other recovery units, such as magnets, springs, etc. . Furthermore, the switch layer 240 can also be replaced with other switch units, such as mechanical switches, optical switches, and the like. In other words, the key 200 of the key module 20 can have any suitable structure, so as to achieve the function of generating a trigger signal after being pressed.

Referring to FIG. 1 again, the optical module 10 includes a light shielding sheet 110 and a light guide plate 120 . The light shielding sheet 110 has a light shielding pattern 112 . The light-shielding pattern 112 defines a plurality of light-transmitting regions 114, and the plurality of light-transmitting regions 114 are respectively Corresponding to the plural key 200 settings. For example, the plurality of transparent regions 114 include an outer transparent region 114A and an inner transparent region 114B, wherein the outer transparent region 114A corresponds to the outer key 201 , and the inner transparent region 114B corresponds to the inner key 202 . The outer light-transmitting region 114A has a light-transmitting boundary 116. For example, the light-transmitting boundary 116 of the left outer light-transmitting region 114A is a left boundary extending along the Y-axis direction, and the light-transmitting boundary 116 of the right outer light-transmitting region 114A is a Y-axis. The right boundary of the extension in the axis direction. Specifically, the light shielding sheet 110 is disposed on one side (eg, above) of the light guide plate 120 , and has a light shielding pattern 112 to selectively partially block light or allow light to pass therethrough. For example, the light-shielding sheet 110 is a light-transmitting optical film (eg, Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)) and has a light-shielding pattern 112 formed by a light-shielding material (eg, ink) on the film to allow The light passes through the plurality of light-transmitting regions 114 and shields the portion of the keyboard module 20 that does not need light (eg, the gap portion between the keys 200 ). In one embodiment, the shape and size of the light shielding sheet 110 preferably correspond to the bottom plate 210 of the key module 20 .

The light guide plate 120 is disposed on one side of the light shielding sheet 110 , for example, below. The light guide plate 120 has a light-emitting edge 122, and the light-emitting edge 122 corresponds to the light-transmitting boundary 116, so that the vertical projection of the light-emitting edge 122 on the light shielding sheet 110 is at least partially located in the outer light-transmitting area 114A and not parallel to the light-transmitting boundary 122 (as shown in FIG. 2C ). shown). Specifically, the light guide plate 120 can be a thin plate or sheet made of any suitable optical material (eg, optical polymer), and the size of the light guide plate 120 is slightly smaller than that of the light shielding sheet 110 , and has a plurality of upper light emitting surfaces 128 corresponding to a plurality of a light-transmitting area 114 . For example, the size of the light guide plate 120 in the X-axis direction is preferably smaller than that of the light shielding sheet 110, so that the edge of the light shielding sheet 110 protrudes from the light exit edge 122 of the light guide plate 120, so as to facilitate interaction with other components (such as the reflective sheet 130, the bottom plate 210) bonding. For example, the light emitting edge 122 of the light guide plate 120 defines the boundary of the light emitting surface 128 in the X-axis direction. In this embodiment, the light guide plate 120 has a plurality of light source holes 124, and the side surfaces of the light source holes 124 can be used as the light incident surface of the light guide plate 120, and the top surface of the light guide plate 120 (ie, the upper surface extending along the XY axis plane) As the light exit surface of the light guide plate 120 128. After entering the light guide plate 120 through the light incident surface, the light substantially travels along the extending direction of the light guide plate 120 (eg, the XY plane direction), and travels to the plurality of light transmission areas 114 of the light shielding sheet 110 to be emitted.

As shown in FIG. 2A , in one embodiment, the optical module 10 includes a light source 140 that provides light to the light guide plate 120 , and the optical module 10 can constitute a backlight module of the light-emitting keyboard 1 . Specifically, the light source 140 is preferably a light emitting diode (LED), especially a side-emitting light emitting diode, but not limited thereto. The light source 140 is disposed in the light source hole 124 so that the light-emitting surface preferably faces the light-incident surface of the light guide plate 120 , so that the light can pass through the light-incident surface and be transmitted to the light guide plate 120 . In one embodiment, the plurality of light sources 140 are preferably integrated on the circuit board to form an integrated light source unit, thereby improving assembly efficiency.

Furthermore, the optical module 10 may optionally include a reflective sheet 130 . The reflective sheet 130 is disposed on the other side (eg, below) of the light guide plate 120 relative to the light shielding sheet 110 , and is used for the light leaking from the lower surface of the light guide plate 120 . reflected back to the light guide plate 120 . Specifically, the reflective sheet 130 may be a reflective sheet formed of a reflective material (eg, a metal foil), or a non-reflective sheet coated with a reflective material, or a plastic sheet doped with reflective particles (eg, a plastic sheet doped with reflective particles). PET film). The shape and size of the reflection sheet 130 preferably correspond to the light shielding sheet 110 , and the ductility/deformability of the reflection sheet 130 is preferably greater than that of the light shielding sheet 110 . That is, the reflective sheet 130 is preferably more easily deformed than the light shielding sheet 110, so that the reflective sheet 130 is easier to stick.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , FIG. 2B is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 2A , and FIG. 2B only shows the bottom plate 210 of the optical module 10 and the key module 20 , and the components ( For example, the switch layer 240, the elastic body 250, the scissor support frame 230 and the key cap 220). The upper surface of the end portion of the light shielding sheet 110 is bonded to the lower surface of the bottom plate 210, and the lower surface of the end portion of the light shielding sheet 110 is bonded to the upper surface of the reflecting sheet 130, so as to enclose the light guide plate 120 between the light shielding sheet 110 and the reflecting sheet 130, preventing the Lateral leaks. In this embodiment, the key cap 220 and the bottom plate 210 of the outer key 201 can be flush with the edge of the optical module 10 , for example, the key cap 220 , the bottom plate 210 and the left edge of the light shielding sheet 110 and the reflective sheet 130 of the optical module 10 They are aligned with each other along the stacking direction (eg, the Z-axis direction), so as to facilitate the narrow frame design of the light-emitting keyboard 1 . Specifically, in the narrow frame design, the size and shape of the inner light-transmitting area 114B are preferably consistent with the corresponding keycaps 220 , that is, the vertical projection of the inner light-transmitting area 114B and the corresponding keycap 220 in the direction of the bottom plate 210 is better. The size and shape of the outer light-transmitting region 114A are limited by the adhesive requirements and consideration of preventing lateral light leakage, so that the size of the outer light-transmitting region 114A is smaller than that of the corresponding keycap 220 . For example, the outer light-transmitting region 114A is shrunk by a predetermined width from the edge of the light-shielding sheet 110 in the X-axis direction. In one embodiment, the bonding width D1 of the reflective sheet 130 and the light shielding sheet 110 (for example, the bonding distance from the end edge along the X-axis direction) is preferably not less than 1.5 mm, so as to ensure that when the light-emitting keyboard 1 has a narrow frame design, the optical mode is reduced. Risk of light leakage from Group 10 opening glue. That is, the size of the outer light-transmitting area 114A on one side in the X-axis direction is at least 1.5 mm shorter than that of the corresponding keycap 220 ; for the outer light-transmitting areas 114A on both sides, the size of the light guide plate 120 in the X-axis direction is smaller than The shading sheet 110 is at least 3.0mm (=2×1.5mm) short, but not limited thereto.

Referring to FIGS. 2B and 2C , FIG. 2C is a schematic top view of FIG. 2A , which shows a top view of the relative position of the outer light-transmitting area 114A of the light shielding sheet 110 and the light-emitting edge 122 of the light guide plate 120 . In this embodiment, the vertical projection of the light-emitting edge 122 of the light guide plate 120 on the light shielding sheet 110 is at least partially located in the outer light-transmitting region 144A and not parallel to the light-transmitting boundary 116 , so that the light guide plate 120 is adjacent to the side surface of the light-emitting edge 122 (or end surface) can be used as a light-emitting surface to enhance the brightness of the outer key 201 . In other words, the size of the light guide plate 120 in the X-axis direction is not only smaller than the size of the light shielding sheet 110 , but also so small that the edge of the light guide plate 120 (the light exit edge 122 ) shrinks to the inner side of the light transmission boundary 116 , so that the light guide plate 120 and the light shield When the sheets 110 are superimposed, in the X-axis direction, there is a distance G between the light-emitting edge 122 and the light-transmitting boundary 116 , and the distance G varies in size along the Y-axis direction. That is, the light-emitting edge 122 extends non-linearly along the Y-axis direction (or does not extend parallel to the light-transmitting boundary 116 ), so that the distance G is not a fixed value along the Y-axis direction. In one embodiment, in the extending direction of the light-transmitting boundary 116 (eg, the Y-axis direction), the vertical projection of the light-emitting edge 122 is relative to the inside of the light-transmitting boundary 116 . concave. In other words, the distance G is relatively small near both ends of the light-transmitting boundary 116 in the Y-axis direction, and is relatively large near the middle portion of the light-transmitting boundary 116 in the Y-axis direction. In this way, part of the light emitted from the light emitting edge 122 of the light guide plate 120 can be emitted in advance, so as to avoid excessive concentration of light energy when the light is emitted from the side adjacent to the light emitting edge 122, so as to improve the uniformity of light emission. The concave shape of the light emitting edge 122 can be changed according to the actual required light energy, such as but not limited to: arc shape, stepped shape, sawtooth shape, or any suitable shape.

In the above embodiment, the brightness of the outer keys is enhanced by the edge structure design of the light guide plate, but not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the effect of enhancing the brightness of the outer keys can be achieved by other design changes of the light shielding sheet and the light guide plate. FIGS. 3A and 3B are a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view and a top view of a light-emitting keyboard and an optical film set thereof according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIGS. 3A and 3B are views similar to FIGS. 2B and 2C , and only emphasis will be given later The differences between this embodiment and the preceding embodiments will not be repeated for other similar or corresponding parts. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B , in this embodiment, the light guide plate 120 has a light emitting edge 122 and an opening 126 . The vertical projection of the light emitting edge 122 on the light shielding sheet 110 is at least partially located in the outer light transmission area 114A, and the vertical projection of the opening 126 on the light shielding sheet 110 is also located in the same outer light transmission area 114A. Specifically, the light-emitting edge 122 of the light guide plate 120 may extend parallel to the Y-axis direction (eg, parallel to the light-transmitting boundary 116 ), and the light guide plate 120 has openings 126 in the area corresponding to the keycaps 220 of the outer keys 201 for adjustment The intensity of the light emitted from the side of the light-emitting edge 122 . For example, through the opening of the opening 126, the light part of the light guide plate 120 can be emitted from the opening 126 in advance, so as to avoid excessive concentration of light energy when the light is emitted from the side adjacent to the light-emitting edge 122, so as to improve the uniformity of light emission . The openings 126 are preferably formed on the far side of the keycap characters relative to the light emitting edge 122 , and the shape, size and number of the openings 126 can be changed according to actual light energy requirements, which is not limited to the embodiment.

4 is a partial top view of the light-emitting keyboard according to the third embodiment of the present invention, showing the relative positions of the outer light-transmitting area 114A of the light shielding sheet 110 and the light-emitting edge 122 of the light guide plate 120 , wherein FIG. 4 is a change corresponding to FIG. 3C For example, only the differences between this embodiment and the foregoing embodiments will be emphasized in the following, and the remaining similar or corresponding parts will not be repeated. As shown in FIG. 4 , in this embodiment, the light shielding sheet 110 further has an auxiliary pattern 115 . The auxiliary pattern 115 is disposed in the outer light-transmitting area 116 , and the vertical projection of the opening 126 of the light guide plate 120 at least partially overlaps the auxiliary pattern 115 . Specifically, the light shielding sheet 110 may have a pattern coating for adjusting the intensity of light at positions corresponding to the openings 126 of the light guide plate 120 , so as to adjust the intensity of the light emitted from the openings 126 . For example, the auxiliary patterns 115 can be striped patterns or other suitable shapes arranged on the sides of the openings 126 perpendicular to the light-emitting edge 122 , for example, two auxiliary patterns 115 are arranged on opposite sides of the openings 126 along the Y-axis direction . In addition, the auxiliary pattern 115 can be a light-shielding coating for attenuating the light emitted from the openings 126, or a reflective coating for reflecting the light emitted from the openings 126 toward the reflective sheet 130, so as to disperse the light and further enhance the Luminous uniformity.

5A and 5B are a partial enlarged schematic cross-sectional view and a top view of the keys of the light-emitting keyboard according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, to show the relative positions of the sub-transmissive regions 118 of the light shielding sheet 110 and the light-emitting edge 122 of the light guide plate 120, wherein FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are views similar to FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C , respectively, and only the differences between this embodiment and the previous embodiments will be emphasized hereafter, and other similar or corresponding parts will not be repeated. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B , in this embodiment, the light-shielding pattern 112 of the light-shielding sheet 110 defines a plurality of light-transmitting regions (eg, 114 ) and a plurality of sub-light-transmitting regions 118 . The plurality of light-transmitting regions 114 are provided corresponding to the plurality of keys 200 . The plurality of sub-transmissive regions 118 are disposed adjacent to the outer light-transmitting regions 114A, and the vertical projection of the light-emitting edge 122 of the light guide plate 120 on the light shielding sheet 110 is at least partially located in the plurality of sub-transmissive regions 118 . Specifically, the light-emitting edge 122 of the light guide plate 120 may extend parallel to the Y-axis direction, and the plurality of sub-light-transmitting regions 118 are disposed along the extending direction of the light-transmitting boundary 116 (eg, the Y-axis direction) at the light-transmitting boundary of the outer light-transmitting region 114A The outer side of 116, that is, close to the edge where the shading sheet 110 and the bottom plate 210 are cut in line edge side. In other words, the plurality of sub-transmissive regions 118 and their adjacent outer translucent regions 114A correspond to the same outer keys 201 , so that the plurality of sub-transmissive regions 118 and their adjacent outer translucent regions 114A are in the outer keycaps 220 of the outer keys 201 . within the projection range. In this embodiment, the vertical projection of the light-emitting edge 122 of the light guide plate 120 falls outside the light-transmitting boundary 116 of the outer light-transmitting region 114A, so that the light-emitting edge 122 of the light guide plate 120 is at least partially in the plurality of sub-light-transmitting regions 118 . Although four sub-transmissive regions 118 with the same shape and size are shown in this embodiment, the embodiment is not limited. In other embodiments, the size of the side light-emitting area of the light-emitting edge 122 can be controlled by changing the number and shape of the sub-light-transmitting areas 118 , thereby adjusting the brightness of the outer key 201 .

6 is a partial enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of a key of a light-emitting keyboard according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 2B , and only the difference between this embodiment and the previous embodiment will be emphasized, and other similar or corresponding parts will be emphasized. No longer. As shown in FIG. 6 , in this embodiment, a light blocking portion 132 is further provided between the reflection sheet 130 and the light guide plate 120 , wherein the light blocking portion 132 is adjacent to the light exit edge 122 . Specifically, in one embodiment, the light blocking portion 132 may be an adhesive portion disposed between the light guide plate 120 and the reflective sheet 130 along the light exit edge 122 , so that the adhesive portion absorbs part of the light energy and attenuates the brightness of the light , so as to achieve the effect of uniform light emission. In another embodiment, the light-blocking portion 132 may be a light-blocking pattern (eg, a light-shielding coating) formed on the reflective sheet 130 along the light-emitting edge 122 , thereby reducing the local reflection effect of the reflective sheet 130 to attenuate the brightness of the light. To achieve a uniform glow effect.

7 is a partial top view of the keys of the light-emitting keyboard according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, showing the outer light-transmitting area 114A of the light-shielding sheet 110 , the light-emitting edge 122 of the light guide plate 120 , the opening 214 of the bottom plate 210 and the light-shielding of the switch layer 240 The relative positions of the parts 240 are shown in FIG. 7 . FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 2C . Only the differences between this embodiment and the previous embodiments will be emphasized hereafter, and the other similar or corresponding parts will not be repeated. As shown in FIG. 7 , in this embodiment, the switch layer 240 of the key module 20 has one or more light shielding portions 242 , and the vertical projection of the light shielding portions 242 on the light shielding sheet 110 is located in the outer light-transmitting area 114A. Specifically, depending on the actual application, the switch The layer 240 can be disposed above or below the bottom plate 210 , and the optical module 10 is disposed below the switch layer 240 , and the light shielding sheet 110 is closer to the switch layer 240 than the light guide plate 120 . For example, when the switch layer 240 is disposed above the bottom plate 210, the bottom plate 210 may have an opening 214 for light to pass through, and the switch layer 240 may form one or more light-shielding portions 242 at positions corresponding to the light-emitting edge 122, so that the light-emitting edge The vertical projection of 122 is at least partially located in the vertical projection of the light shielding portion 242 to attenuate the energy of the light to achieve the effect of uniform light emission.

8 is a partial top view of the keys of the light-emitting keyboard according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, to show the relative positions of the coating area 212 of the bottom plate 210 and the light-emitting edge 122 of the light guide plate 120, wherein FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 2C, In the following, only the differences between this embodiment and the foregoing embodiments will be emphasized, and the remaining similar or corresponding parts will not be repeated. As shown in FIG. 8 , in this embodiment, the bottom plate 210 has a coating area 212 , and the coating area 212 corresponds to the light emitting edge 122 of the light guide plate 120 . Specifically, the coating area 212 can be coated on one side (eg, the lower surface) of the bottom plate 210 facing the light shielding sheet 110 along the light exit edge 122 , so that the coating area 212 (eg, the coating area 212 formed by black ink) The light emitted from the outer transparent area 14A can be attenuated, or the light emitted from the outer transparent area 14A can be scattered by the coating area 212 (eg, the coating area 212 formed by white ink) to generate an atomization effect, so as to achieve uniform light emission.

It can be seen from the above description that the luminous keyboard 1 of the present invention preferably has a narrow frame design, and the key module 20 includes a plurality of keys 200 and a bottom plate 210 . The inner buttons 202 and the outer buttons 201 include key caps 220 , wherein the outer edges of the key caps 220 of the outer buttons 201 are substantially aligned with the edge of the bottom plate 210 , and the inner buttons 202 are disposed on one side of the outer buttons 201 and away from the end of the bottom plate 210 . edge. The above-mentioned optical module 1 can be disposed under the bottom plate 210 , so that the light shielding sheet 110 is closer to the bottom plate 210 than the light guide plate 120 , and the end edge of the light shielding sheet 210 adjacent to the light-transmitting boundary 116 is substantially aligned with the end edge of the bottom plate 210 . Furthermore, the vertical projection of the keycap 220 of the outer key 201 on the light shielding sheet 110 is beyond the outer side of the light transmission boundary 116 of the outer light transmission area 114A.

It should be noted here that, in other embodiments, various structural designs (such as non-linear light-emitting edge design and/or aperture design of the light guide plate, auxiliary patterns of the light shielding sheet and/ or sub-transmissive area design, light blocking part design of reflective sheet, light blocking part design of switch layer, coating area design of bottom plate, etc.), one or more designs can be selected according to actual needs to integrate multiple keys or single keys on a single illuminated keyboard. key, thereby improving the luminous uniformity of the luminous keyboard.

The present invention has been described by the above-mentioned embodiments, however, the above-mentioned embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and not for limitation. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments specifically described herein may incorporate other modifications of the illustrated embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention also encompasses such modifications and is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

110: Shading sheet

114A: Outside light transmission area

116: Translucent Boundary

120: light guide plate

122: light edge

G: Spacing

Claims (12)

An optical module suitable for a light-emitting keyboard, the light-emitting keyboard includes a plurality of keys, the optical module includes: a light-shielding sheet with a light-shielding pattern, the light-shielding pattern defines a plurality of light-transmitting regions, the plurality of light-transmitting regions are disposed corresponding to the plurality of keys, and an outer light-transmitting region of the plurality of light-transmitting regions has a light-transmitting boundary; and A light guide plate is disposed on one side of the light shielding plate, the light guiding plate has a light emitting edge, and the vertical projection of the light emitting edge on the light shielding plate is at least partially located in the outer light-transmitting area and not parallel to the light-transmitting boundary. The optical module according to claim 1, wherein in the extending direction of the light-transmitting boundary, the vertical projection of the light-emitting edge is concave relative to the light-transmitting boundary. An optical module suitable for a light-emitting keyboard, the light-emitting keyboard includes a plurality of keys, the optical module includes: a light-shielding sheet with a light-shielding pattern, the light-shielding pattern defines a plurality of light-transmitting regions, the plurality of light-transmitting regions are disposed corresponding to the plurality of keys, and an outer light-transmitting region of the plurality of light-transmitting regions has a light-transmitting boundary; and A light guide plate is disposed on one side of the light-shielding sheet, the light-guiding plate has a light-emitting edge and an opening, the vertical projection of the light-emitting edge on the light-shielding sheet is at least partially located in the outer light-transmitting area, and the opening is located in the outer light-transmitting area. The vertical projection of the light-shielding sheet is located in the outer light-transmitting area. The optical module of claim 3, wherein the light shielding sheet further has an auxiliary pattern, the auxiliary pattern is disposed in the outer light-transmitting area, and the vertical projection of the opening at least partially overlaps the auxiliary pattern. An optical module suitable for a light-emitting keyboard, the light-emitting keyboard includes a plurality of keys, the optical module includes: A light-shielding sheet with a light-shielding pattern, the light-shielding pattern defines a plurality of light-transmitting regions and a plurality of sub-light-transmitting regions, the plurality of light-transmitting regions are arranged corresponding to the plurality of keys, and the plurality of light-transmitting regions includes an outer light-transmitting region, the plurality of sub-light-transmitting regions The light-transmitting area is disposed adjacent to the outer light-transmitting area; and A light guide plate is disposed on one side of the light shielding plate, the light guiding plate has a light emitting edge, and the vertical projection of the light emitting edge on the light shielding plate is at least partially located in the plurality of sub-light-transmitting regions. The optical module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a reflective sheet, wherein the reflective sheet is disposed on the other side of the light guide plate relative to the light shielding sheet, and the reflective sheet is connected to the light guide plate. A light blocking part is further arranged therebetween, and the light blocking part is adjacent to the light emitting edge. The optical module according to claim 6, wherein the light blocking part is an adhesive part or a light blocking coating. An illuminated keyboard comprising: a key module, including a plurality of keys, the plurality of keys including a switch layer; and The optical module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is disposed below the switch layer, and the light shielding sheet is closer to the switch layer than the light guide plate; The switch layer has one or more light-shielding parts, and the vertical projection of the light-shielding parts on the light-shielding sheet is located in the outer light-transmitting area. The light-emitting keyboard of claim 8, wherein the vertical projection of the light-emitting edge is at least partially located in the vertical projection of the light-shielding portion. An illuminated keyboard comprising: a key module, including a plurality of keys, the plurality of keys including a base plate; and The optical module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which is disposed below the bottom plate, and the light shielding sheet is closer to the bottom plate than the light guide plate; The bottom plate has a coating area, and the coating area corresponds to the light emitting edge of the light guide plate. An illuminated keyboard comprising: A key module includes a plurality of keys and a base plate, the plurality of keys are arranged on the base plate and include at least one outer key and at least one inner key, the outer key includes a key cap, an outer edge of the key cap and the base plate One end edge is substantially aligned, and the inner key is disposed on one side of the outer key and away from the end edge of the bottom plate; and The optical module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, is disposed below the bottom plate, and the light shielding sheet is closer to the bottom plate than the light guide plate, A light-shielding edge of the light-shielding sheet adjacent to the light-transmitting boundary is substantially aligned with the end edge of the base plate. The light-emitting keyboard as claimed in claim 11, wherein the vertical projection of the keycap of the outer key on the light shielding sheet is beyond the outer side of the light-transmitting boundary of the outer light-transmitting area.

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