TWI794087B - Illuminated keyswitch structure - Google Patents

Abstract

An illuminated keyswitch structure incudes a vertically movable keycap, and three light-emitting dies disposed under the keycap. A coverage space of the keycap in a vertical direction has a heterochromatic sensitive area. The individual distances of the three light-emitting dies reaching the heterochromatic sensitive area are close to each other. In an embodiment, the heterochromatic sensitive area is an end of a light-transmissive indicator area of the keycap. The light-transmissive indicator area has a lengthwise direction. The three light-emitting dies are arranged under the keycap perpendicular to the lengthwise direction and the vertical direction and are located at the same side of a projection of the light-transmissive indicator area in the vertical direction. There is no other light-emitting part under the light-transmissive indicator area.

Description

Illuminated button structure

The present invention relates to a button structure, in particular to a light-emitting button structure.

One-to-one luminous keys are usually provided with a light source under each keycap to emit light to form a backlight. When the keycap has a light-transmitting area corresponding to a character such as a word or a symbol, the light source is usually set right on the character and emits light toward the character. In actual products, there are often other components, such as brackets, bottom plates, circuit boards, etc., in the light-transmitting area from the light source to the keycap, which interferes with the light transmission path and causes uneven color of the characters on the keycap. In the case where the light source has a plurality of colors, a serious problem of color deviation also occurs.

In view of the problems in the prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide a light-emitting button structure, by making the individual distances of the three light-emitting crystal grains reach the different-color sensitive area close to each other, so as to suppress the emission of the different-color sensitive area to the light-emitting crystal grains. The effect of light mixing.

According to an embodiment, a light-emitting key structure includes a keycap and three light-emitting dies. The keycap is movably arranged along a vertical direction. The keycap has a different color sensitive area in the vertical direction coverage. The three light-emitting crystals are arranged under the keycap. The three light-emitting crystals emit light of different colors upward to illuminate the keycap. The individual distances of the three luminescent crystal grains to the heterochromatic sensitive area are close to each other. Wherein, the different-color sensitive area is an end of a translucent indicating region of the keycap, the translucent indicating region has a length direction, and the three light-emitting crystal grains are arranged perpendicular to the length direction and the vertical direction. The translucent indicating area is below and located on the same side as the projection of the heterochromatic sensitive area in the vertical direction. There are no other illuminants below the light-transmittable indicating area. Thereby, since the three light-emitting dies reach the The distances between the ends of the translucent indicating area are similar, and the different colored lights emitted by the three luminescent crystal grains travel to the end of the translucent indicating area at similar distances, thereby suppressing uneven light mixing and color deviation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a light-emitting key structure, by making the individual distances between the light-emitting crystal grains and the two opposite light-transmittable characters close to each other, so as to prevent the two light-transmittable characters from emitting to the light-emitting crystal grains. The effect of light mixing.

A light-emitting key structure according to an embodiment includes a key cap and at least one first light-emitting die, at least one second light-emitting die and at least one third light-emitting die disposed under the key cap. The key cap is movably arranged along a vertical direction, the key cap includes a first light-transmittable character closest to a first side of the key cap, and the key cap includes a second light-transmittable character closest to the key A second side of the cap, the first side is parallel to the second side. The at least one first light-emitting crystal grain, the at least one second light-emitting grain and the at least one third light-emitting grain have gaps with each other and generate different colors of light. The first light-emitting crystal grains and the second light-emitting crystal grains are aligned side by side parallel to each other, and the third light-emitting grains are not located on the connecting line between the first light-emitting grains and the second light-emitting grains. Wherein, the individual distances between the first light-emitting crystal grain and the second light-emitting grain and the first light-transmissible character are close to each other, and the first light-emitting grain and the second light-emitting grain reach the second light-transmittable character. The individual distances of the characters are close to each other. Thereby, since the individual distances between the first light-emitting crystal grain and the second light-emitting grain and the second light-transmissible character are close to each other, the different color lights emitted by the first light-emitting grain and the second light-emitting grain are as follows: A similar distance travels to the first light-transmissible characters and the second light-transmissible characters, thereby suppressing uneven light mixing and color deviation.

In practice, the connection between the first light-transmissible character and the second light-transmittable character passes through the connection between the first light-emitting crystal grain, the second light-emitting grain and the third light-emitting grain on the keycap. Union extent for vertical projection.

In practice, the connection line between the first light-transmissible character and the second light-transmissible character passes through the vertical projection of the third light-emitting crystal grain on the keycap.

In practice, the first light-transmittable character and the second light-transmissible character define a light-transmissible finger The light-transmissible indication area defines a long axis perpendicular to the connection line between the first light-emitting crystal grain and the second light-emitting grain.

In practice, the first light-transmissible character and the second light-transmissible character define a light-transmissible indication area, and the light-transmissible indication area defines a long axis perpendicular to the first light-emitting crystal grain and the second light-emitting crystal grain. As for the connection line between the two light-emitting crystals, the center of the joint range of the vertical projections of the first light-emitting crystal, the second light-emitting crystal, and the third light-emitting crystal on the keycap is located at the central point of the long axis.

In practice, the first light-transmissible character and the second light-transmissible character define a light-transmittable indication area, and there is no first light-emitting crystal grain, the second light-emitting grain and the second light-emitting grain below the light-transmissible indication area. Other luminous bodies other than the third luminescent crystal grain.

The advantages and spirit of the present invention can be further understood through the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings.

1,3: Illuminated button structure

12: Keycap

12a, 12a': transparent indication area

12b, 12b': length direction

12c, 12c': major axis

12d, 12d': minor axis

14: Bottom plate

142, 142', 142", 144: through holes

142a', 142a", 144a, 144b: hole edge

146: Outer plate edge

16: The first bracket

162: lower surface

164: upper surface

166a, 166b: frame part

18: Second bracket

20: switch circuit board

202, 203a, 203b: switch contacts

202a: flat edge

202b: Center of circle

202c: Radius

202d: Distance

2032a, 2032b: peripheral part

2034a, 2034b: Center

2036a, 2036b: connecting part

204: wire segment

206: through hole

22a, 22b, 22c, 22a', 22b', 22c', 22a", 22b", 22c": luminescent grains

24:Light source circuit board

26: Elastic round protrusion

A1: Pivot axis

D1: vertical direction

D2, D2', D2": arrangement direction

D3,D3',D3": horizontal direction

d1, d1a, d1a', d1b, d1b', d2, d3: the distance between light output

G: Gap projection

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a light-emitting button structure according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the light-emitting button structure in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line X-X of the light-emitting key structure in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4A is a top view configuration diagram of a switch circuit board and a light emitting chip of a part of the light emitting key structure in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4B is a top configuration diagram of another embodiment of the extension of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a top configuration diagram of another embodiment of the extension of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is a top configuration diagram of switch contacts and light-emitting chips in FIG. 4A according to another embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a top configuration diagram of switch contacts and light-emitting chips in FIG. 4A according to another embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the light-emitting button structure in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 8 is a top configuration diagram of a part of the switch circuit board and the light emitting chip according to an embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view along the line Y-Y of the embodiment corresponding to Fig. 8 .

Fig. 10 is an exploded view of a light-emitting key structure according to another embodiment.

FIG. 11A is a top view of the light-emitting key structure in FIG. 10 with the keycap removed.

Fig. 11B is a top view of another embodiment of the extension of Fig. 11A.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the light-emitting button structure in FIG. 10 , and its section is located at the position shown by the middle line Z-Z in FIG. 10 .

FIG. 13A is a top view of the light-emitting button structure in FIG. 10 .

Figure 13B is a top view of another embodiment of the extension of Figure 13A.

See Figures 1 through 3. According to an embodiment, a light-emitting key structure 1 includes a keycap 12, a bottom plate 14, a first bracket 16, a second bracket 18, a transparent switch circuit board 20, and one or more light-emitting chips (such as but Not limited to three light-emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, 22c, which emit light of different colors, such as red light, green light, and blue light; and the light-emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, 22c can be implemented by but not limited to light-emitting diodes). The keycap 12 is arranged above the bottom plate 14, and the first bracket 16 and the second bracket 18 are connected between the keycap 12 and the bottom plate 14 to support the keycap 12 and enable the keycap 12 to pass through the first bracket 16 and the second bracket. 18 is movable along a vertical direction D1 (marked with a double-headed arrow in the figure). The switch circuit board 20 is placed on the base plate 14 (ie located under the keycap 12 ). The light-emitting crystals 22a, 22b, and 22c are disposed under the switch circuit board 20, for example, fixed on the light source circuit board 24 (such as but not limited to a flexible printed circuit board) located under the base plate 14, and the base plate 14 forms corresponding through holes 142. In order to expose the light emitting crystal grains 22 a , 22 b , 22 c ; in practice, the light emitting crystal grains 22 a , 22 b , 22 c may partially or completely enter the through hole 142 . The circuit of the switch circuit board 20 (parts of which are shown in dotted lines in FIG. 2 ) does not shield the light emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, 22c, so that the light emitted upwards by the light emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, 22c can pass through the switch circuit board 20 to Illuminate the keycap 12.

In this embodiment, the switch circuit board 20 is implemented as a thin film circuit board, which is usually formed by stacking three layers of transparent sheets, wherein the upper layer and the lower layer of transparent sheets form the required circuits on it, and the middle transparent sheet provides the circuit. desired insulation effect. The circuit of the switch circuit board 20 includes a switch contact 202 and several wire segments (the hidden contours of which are all shown by dotted lines in FIG. 2 ). The luminous button structure 1 utilizes a translucent elastic The elastic round protrusion 26 is used as a recovery element. The elastic round protrusion 26 is aligned with the switch contact 202 and arranged on the switch circuit board 20 to cover the switch contact 202 and the light emitting chips 22a, 22b, 22c in the vertical direction D1. The keycap 12 can be pressed (for example, by a user's finger) to press the elastic round protrusion 26 downwards, thereby triggering the switch contact 202 . After the external force applied to the keycap 12 is removed (for example, the user removes the finger from the keycap 12 ), the compressed elastic circular protrusion 26 can return to its original shape to push the keycap 12 upwards to return to its original position.

Please also refer to FIG. 4A , in which the circuits of the switch circuit board 20 and the hidden outlines of the light emitting chips 22 a , 22 b , and 22 c are shown in solid lines. The switch contact 202 has a non-circular profile, such as but not limited to a flat circular profile with a flat edge 202a. The light-emitting crystals 22a, 22b, 22c are arranged along an arrangement direction D2 (marked by double-headed arrows in the figure), and the arrangement direction D2 is parallel to the flat side 202a. There is a light emitting distance d1 between the light emitting crystals 22a, 22b, 22c and the switch contact 202 in a horizontal direction D3 (marked by a double-headed arrow in the figure). The distance from the projection on the switch circuit board 20 to the flat edge 202a). In principle, the farther the light-emitting crystals 22a, 22b, 22c are from the switch contact 202, the less the situation that the switch contact 202 blocks the light emitted by the light-emitting crystals 22a, 22b, 22c; in practice, the light emitting distance d1 can be Designed to be between 0.3mm to 0.5mm. In addition, in this embodiment, the flattened circular outline has a center 202b and a radius 202c, and the ratio of the distance 202d from the center 202b to the flat side 202a to the radius 202c is greater than 0.5. In principle, the switch contact 202 can maintain an acceptable properties of contact conduction.

Referring to FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C , it is a top configuration view of another embodiment of FIG. 4A , the through hole 142 ′ of the bottom plate 14 (its outline projection is shown in the figure with a dotted line) has a part of the arc edge and the switch contact 202 The arc edges are parallel, and the other side has three mutually perpendicular edges, forming a bullet-shaped through hole 142' as a whole. In FIG. 4B, all light-emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, and 22c are arranged along an arrangement direction D2, and the light-emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, and 22c are not only adjacent to the flat edge 202a of the switch contact 202, but also adjacent to the flat edge of the through hole 142' of the base plate 14. The straight hole edge 142a' is suitably arranged so that the arrangement direction D2 of the light-emitting chips 22a, 22b, 22c is roughly parallel to the hole edge 142a' of the through hole 142' of the bottom plate 14, and also parallel to the flat side 202a of the switch contact 202. In FIG. 4C , the light emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, and 22c are arranged in a triangle, and the light emitting crystal grains 22a face the straight edge of the through hole 142' of the bottom plate 14. 142a', and the light emitting crystal grains 22b, 22c are arranged in a straight line along an arrangement direction D2, at this time, the arrangement direction of at least two light emitting crystal grains 22b, 22c is roughly parallel to the straight hole edge 142a' of the through hole 142' of the bottom plate 14, The flat side 202a of the switch contact 202 is also parallel. However, the implementation is not limited thereto. For example, at least two light-emitting crystals 22b, 22c may also be arranged along the horizontal direction D3, so that the arrangement direction of the at least two light-emitting crystals 22b, 22c is roughly perpendicular to the through hole of the bottom plate 14. The straight hole edge 142a' of 142' is also perpendicular to the flat edge 202a of the switch contact 202, but parallel to the horizontal direction D3. In another embodiment, the three vertical edges of the bullet-shaped through-hole 142' of the bottom plate 14 in Fig. 4B and 4C can be reduced as needed to become a key-shaped through-hole 142' with a circular arc at one end and a long and narrow end; at this time, the light-emitting crystal All or at least both of the grains 22a, 22b, 22 may be aligned in a straight line perpendicular to the flat side 202a of the switch contact 202 and the hole edge 142a' at the end.

The edge 142a' of the through hole 142' of the base plate 14 and the flat side 202a of the switch contact 202 are so-called sensitive areas for different colors, which will cause the problem of uneven light mixing and color deviation. Therefore, in the foregoing technical solutions, a plurality of light-emitting crystals 22a, 22b, and 22c are arranged on the same side of the heterochromatic sensitive area, that is, the light-emitting crystals 22a, 22b, and 22c are simultaneously arranged on the hole edge 142a' of the through hole 142' of the bottom plate 14. on the same side, and/or the light emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, 22c are simultaneously arranged on the same side of the flat side 202a of the switch contact 202, and the plurality of light emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, 22c reach the individual of the same different color sensitive area close to each other. Since the process technology of the light-emitting crystals 22a, 22b, and 22c has reached the millimeter or even micron level, even if the light-emitting crystals 22a, 22b, and 22c are not arranged in a straight line, the individual distances to the same different-color sensitive area are very close to each other. In order to show clearly, the plurality of light-emitting crystal grains in each figure of the present invention are drawn in a larger size, and the distance between the plurality of light-emitting crystal grains is relatively large.

In addition, in practice, the switch contacts of the switch circuit board 20 may have different shapes. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 , the switch contact 203a according to one embodiment includes a peripheral portion 2032a, a central portion 2034a and two connecting portions 2036a located inside the peripheral portion 2032a. The connecting portion 2036a is located on opposite sides of the central portion 2034a and connects the peripheral portion 2032a and the central portion 2034a. The peripheral portion 2032a extends incompletely along a circular path (shown in dashed lines in the figure) to form a C-shape. The central portion 2034a has a circular profile. Luminous grains 22a, 22b, 22c are located between the two ends of the peripheral portion 2032a (that is, at the C-shaped opening), and the circular path passes through the light emitting crystals 22a, 22b, 22c (that is, the light emitting crystals 22a, 22b, 22c are arranged on the on a circular path). The light-emitting crystals 22a, 22b, 22c are closer to the central portion 2034a and have a light emitting distance d1a from the central portion 2034a; similarly, in practice, the light emitting distance d1a can be designed to be between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm. If the light-emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, 22c are closer to the two ends of the peripheral part 2032a and there is a light emitting distance d1a' between them and the two ends of the peripheral part 2032a; similarly, in practice, the light emitting distance d1a' can also be designed to be between 0.3 mm to 0.5mm.

For another example, as shown in FIG. 6 , the switch contact 203b according to an embodiment includes a peripheral portion 2032b, a central portion 2034b located inside the peripheral portion 2032b, and a connecting portion 2036b. The connecting portion 2036b connects the peripheral portion 2032b and the central portion 2034b. The peripheral portion 2032b extends incompletely along a convex polygonal path (such as but not limited to a pentagonal path, shown by a dotted line in the figure) and is roughly C-shaped. The central portion 2034b has a convex polygonal profile (such as but not limited to a quadrilateral). The convex polygonal path passes through the light emitting dies 22a, 22b, 22c. The light-emitting crystals 22a, 22b, 22c are closer to the central portion 2034b and have a light emitting distance d1b from the central portion 2034b; similarly, in practice, the light emitting distance d1b can be designed to be between 0.3mm and 0.5mm. If the light emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, 22c are closer to the peripheral portion 2032b and there is a light emitting distance d1b′ between them and the peripheral portion 2032b; similarly, in practice, the light emitting distance d1b′ can also be designed to be between 0.3mm and 0.5mm . In addition, in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the convex polygonal path can also be a triangular path, a hexagonal path, etc. in practice; the contours of the central parts 2034a, 2034b can also be other convex polygonal contours, such as triangular contours , hexagonal outlines, etc.

See Figures 1 through 3. In this embodiment, the keycap 12 has a translucent indicating region 12a (shown in a dotted line frame), and the light emitted by the light-emitting crystals 22a, 22b, 22c can pass through the translucent indicating region 12a to form a visual on the indication effect. In practice, the translucent indicating area 12a can be numbers, symbols, letters, characters, graphics or combinations thereof; in other words, the translucent indicating area 12a can contain a plurality of translucent characters, and the translucent characters can be as numbers, symbols, letters, text or graphics.

Please also refer to FIG. 7 (wherein the hidden outlines of the luminescent grains 22a, 22b, 22c are drawn in thin solid lines Show). In this embodiment, the translucent indicating area 12a has a lengthwise direction 12b (for example, the direction in which letters are arranged in the figure, marked by a double-headed arrow in the figure). The light-emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, 22c are arranged perpendicular to the length direction 12b below the light-transmissible indicating region 12a (that is, the arrangement direction D2 is perpendicular to the length direction 12b), thereby reducing or eliminating the gap between the light-emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, 22c. The effect of uneven light mixing caused by the arrangement on the light-transmittable indicating area 12a. In other words, the two ends of the translucent indicating region 12a (and the translucent indicating region 12a' in subsequent embodiments) are so-called "color-sensitive regions", which are prone to uneven light mixing and cause color differences when the keycap 12 emits light. question. The translucent indicating area 12a may contain a plurality of translucent characters arranged along a long axis, and the so-called different-color sensitive area is the last character on both sides of the plurality of translucent characters.

In addition, in this embodiment, the translucent indicating area 12a is a rectangle, on which a long axis 12c and a short axis 12d can be defined (both shown as chain lines in FIG. 7 ), and the long axis 12c is parallel to the longitudinal direction 12b, the minor axis 12d is perpendicular to the length direction 12b. The translucent indicating area 12a is structurally symmetrical with respect to the major axis 12c and the minor axis 12d respectively. In terms of vertical projection, the entire light emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, 22c pass through the long axis 12c and the center of the light emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, 22c (the light emitting grain 22b in this embodiment) is located on the long axis 12c. In practice, it is also possible to design the luminescent crystal grains 22a, 22b, and 22c to pass through the center of the long axis 12c as a whole, as shown in the dotted box in FIG. , and the overall center of the light-emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, and 22c (in this embodiment, the light-emitting grain 22b) is also located at the center of the major axis 12c and the minor axis 12d; but not limited thereto. For example, the light-emitting grains 22a, 22b, and 22c are offset parallel to the short axis 12d, so that the overall center of the light-emitting grains 22a, 22b, and 22c deviates from the center of the long axis 12c and the short axis 12d (for example, the light-emitting grains 22a or 22c are located on the long axis. The center of the axis 12c and the short axis 12d; as another example, none of the light-emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, and 22c is located at the center of the long axis 12c and the short axis 12d, as shown by the chain-line box in FIG. 7). In addition, in the light-emitting key structure 1, although the light-emitting chips 22a, 22b, and 22c are arranged in a straight line, they can also be arranged in a non-linear manner in practice, for example, arranged in a triangle; at this time, when the light-emitting chips 22a, 22b, 22c When it can be close enough (this can be obtained through actual testing of the product), it can also reduce or eliminate the influence of uneven light mixing caused by the excessively large arrangement spacing of the light-emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, 22c on the light-transmissible indicating area 12a . Each technical solution of this embodiment is to combine the complex number The light emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, 22c are arranged on the same side of the different-color sensitive area, that is, the light emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, 22c are simultaneously arranged on the same side of the last character of a plurality of translucent characters. For the last character "L", the luminous crystals 22a, 22b, 22c are set on the same side of the last character "L" at the same time; Grains 22a, 22b, 22c are also located on the same side of the last character "d". As far as the heterochromatic sensitive area of the last character "L" is concerned, the arrangement direction of the light-emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, 22c is at least partially perpendicular to the light-transmittable indicating area 12a, so that the same heterochromatic sensitive area (the last character "L") is reached The individual distances are close to each other, which can reduce the problem of heterochromia. Similarly, as far as the different-color-sensitive area of the last character "d" is concerned, the arrangement direction of the luminescent crystal grains 22a, 22b, 22c is at least partially perpendicular to the light-transmissible indicating area 12a, so that the same different-color-sensitive area (the last character "" The individual distances of d") are close to each other, which can also reduce the problem of heterochromaticity. In the present invention, the coverage of the keycap 12 in the vertical direction D1 has a different-color sensitive area. The area (the end of the light-transmittable indicating area 12a) is on the same side of the projection of the vertical direction D1. Since the distances from the plurality of light-emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, 22c to the end of the light-transmissible indication area 12a are similar, the different colored lights emitted by the multiple light-emitting grains 22a, 22b, 22c can travel to the light-transmittable indication area at similar distances. 12a, thereby suppressing the effects of uneven light mixing and color deviation.

In the light-emitting key structure 1 , the switch contact 202 is roughly located in the central area, but the implementation is not limited thereto. For example, the switch contact 202 is set away from the central area, and is triggered by the keycap 12 (such as a structure protruding downward) or the bracket (the first bracket 16 or the second bracket 18), at this time, the light-emitting crystals 22a, 22b, 22c can be detached Below the elastic round protrusion 26, the light emitted by the light-emitting crystals 22a, 22b, 22c does not need to pass through the elastic round protrusion 26, which can reduce light intensity attenuation. In addition, the circuit of the switch circuit board 20 generally refers to the combination of multiple wires (trace) and multiple circuit elements (such as the aforementioned switch contact 202), all of which need to be avoided by the light-emitting chips 22a, 22b, and 22c. Object. Specifically, in the light-emitting key structure 1, the light-emitting chips 22a, 22b, and 22c are closer to the switch contact 202 than other parts of the circuit; however, in practice, the light-emitting chips 22a, 22b, and 22c may also be closer The switch contact 202 is closer to other parts of the circuit.

For example, in another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8 (in which the hidden outline of the circuit of the switch circuit board 20 is drawn with a thin solid line), the light emitting chips 22a, 22b, 22c are disposed close to a wire segment 204 . The wire segment 204 extends in a straight line, the arrangement direction D2' of the light-emitting crystals 22a, 22b, 22c is parallel to the wire segment 204, and there is a light emitting distance d2 between the light-emitting crystals 22a, 22b, 22c and the wire segment 204 in a horizontal direction D3' (That is, the distance from the edge of the light-emitting range of the light-emitting crystals 22a, 22b, 22c projected on the switch circuit board 20 to the wire segment 204). In practice, the light emitting distance d2 can also be designed to be between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm.

In practice, the switch circuit board 20 may also be arranged under the base plate 14 as needed. At this time, the switch circuit board 20 is closer to the lowermost light-emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, 22c to cover a larger light-emitting range, and a greater avoidance is required. For the circuit far away from the switch circuit board 20, for the circuit elements (such as the switch contact 202) or the wires (such as the wire segment 204) that constitute the circuit, the appropriate aforementioned light-emitting distance d1, d2 may exceed the above-mentioned higher critical value of 0.5mm; In some implementation examples, the suitable light emitting distances d1 and d2 are 0.59mm, 0.66mm and 0.78mm. When the circuit of the switch circuit board 20 is far away from the light-emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, 22c, for example, a thicker base plate 14 is used, or other structural parts are added due to the light-emitting key structure 1 (such as a magnetic suction reset or a mobile plate used for a sinking keyboard. , magnets, bosses, etc.), the suitable light emitting distances d1 and d2 may be lower than the lower critical value; for example, in some implementation examples, the suitable light emitting distances d1 and d2 are 0.27mm, 0.23mm and 0.17mm. Therefore, according to the experimental data of different models, the light emitting distances d1 and d2 are preferably within the range of 0.17 mm to 0.78 mm.

Furthermore, the switch contacts 202 may be printed on the upper and lower transparent sheets of the switch circuit board 20 respectively, and the upper and lower switch contacts 202 may have different patterns and outer diameters. The outermost edges of the upper and lower switch contacts 202 of the avoidance switch circuit board 20 , that is, the aforementioned light emitting distance d1 must be based on the overall outline of the upper and lower switch contacts 202 .

In addition, please also refer to Figure 9. In this example, the switch circuit board 20 has a through-hole 206, and the light-emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, 22c are facing the through-hole 142" of the bottom plate 14 and are arranged facing the through-hole 206, so that the light-emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, 22c emit upward The light can pass through the through hole 142 ″ and the through hole 206 to illuminate the keycap 12 , which can eliminate the intensity attenuation caused by the light passing through the physical structure of the switch circuit board 20 . The configuration shown in Figure 4A In the center, if the structural design allows, the switch circuit board 20 can also form through holes facing the light-emitting chips 22a, 22b, 22c near the switch contacts 202, so as to reduce light intensity attenuation.

In addition, in this embodiment, all the light-emitting chips 22 a , 22 b , and 22 c for providing the backlight of the keycap 12 are arranged in a straight line parallel to the flat side 202 a , but the implementation is not limited thereto. For example, the light-emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, and 22c are arranged in other arrangements (such as arc, triangle, polygon, array, etc.), wherein the light-emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, or 22c closest to the switch contact 202 are between the switch contact 202 The distance in the horizontal direction D3 is defined as the light emitting distance. Similarly, the outline of the switch contact 202 close to the light-emitting chips 22a, 22b, 22c is not limited to a straight line, and the wire segment 204 close to the light-emitting chips 22a, 22b, 22c is not limited to a straight line. The closer the light-emitting crystals 22a, 22b, 22c can be arranged to the circuit, the more the range of the light-emitting crystals 22a, 22b, 22c can be arranged, that is, the design flexibility of the light-transmittable indicating area 12a can be increased.

Please refer to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11A , which show a light-emitting key structure 3 according to another embodiment, which is similar in structure to the light-emitting key structure 1 . For other descriptions of the luminous key structure 3, please refer to the relevant descriptions of the components with the same names and their variations in the luminous key structure 1 above. In the light-emitting key structure 3 , the first bracket 16 and the second bracket 18 are arranged opposite to each other and can transmit light, and are connected to the bottom side of the keycap 12 and the top side of the bottom plate 14 together.

When the keycap 12 is not pressed, the light-transmitting first bracket 16 and the second bracket 18 are X-shaped scissors legs in an extended state (as shown in FIG. 10 or refer to FIG. 3 ). In other words, the light emitted by the light-emitting crystals 22a, 22b, and 22c located below the bottom plate 14 is far from the inclined upper half and inclined lower half of the first bracket 16 and the second bracket 18, as well as different surfaces of different parts such as the upper end and the lower end. , with different transfer paths and angles of incidence/reflection/refraction. The junction of the first bracket 16 and the second bracket 18 belongs to the "different-color sensitive area", or the vertical range covering the projection G of the gap is the so-called "different-color sensitive area", which is easy to mix unevenly and cause the light to reach the keycap. 12 o'clock causing color difference issues. If the monochromatic light source is placed on the gap projection G range of the first bracket 16 and the second bracket 18 (shown in FIG. Projection), will make the light through the first bracket 16 and the second branch Different parts of the frame 18 transmit illumination to the keycap 12 directly or indirectly, resulting in a serious problem of uneven illumination. If a multi-color light source such as light-emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, 22c is placed within the range of the gap projection G (or overlapping with the range of the gap projection G), it will be generated at different positions on the keycap 12 due to uneven light mixing. The heterochromatic problem of color deviation.

Therefore, in this embodiment, all light-emitting dies 22a, 22b, 22c (in FIG. The light-emitting crystals 22a, 22b, and 22c are located within the projection range of the first bracket 16 in the vertical direction D1) and are located in the through hole 144 (or the through hole 144 facing the bottom plate 14 is located under the bottom plate; that is, the light-emitting chips 22a, 22b , 22c are located in the projection of the through hole 144 in the vertical direction D1). The light emitted by the light-emitting crystals 22 a , 22 b , 22 c travels upwards from the through hole 144 and passes through the first bracket 16 (or passes through the through hole 144 and the first bracket 16 ) to illuminate the keycap 12 . Since the light emitted by the light-emitting crystals 22a, 22b, and 22c passes through the same bracket, in principle the light is subject to very similar effects (such as intensity attenuation, path divergence or offset, etc.), which can inhibit the light from passing through the structure. The degree to which color shift may occur. Also, in this embodiment, the light emitted by the light-emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, 22c enters the first support 16 from a lower surface 162 of the first support 16, and exits the first support from an upper surface 164 of the first support 16. 16. The lower surface 162 is parallel to the upper surface 164. This structural configuration also helps to suppress the degree of color shift that may occur after the light passes through the structural member. Similarly, in practice, the light emitting chips 22a, 22b, 22c can also be arranged under the second bracket 18, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 11A. In this way, as long as the gap projection G of the first bracket 16 and the second bracket 18 (that is, the projection area of the gap area of the first bracket 16 and the second bracket 18 in the vertical direction) does not overlap with the light-emitting chips 22a, 22b , 22c overlap, that is, the aforementioned color shift problem can be avoided. The gap projection G of the aforementioned first bracket 16 and the second bracket 18 does not overlap with the light-emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, 22c, except that it means that the gap projection G does not directly overlap any one of the light-emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, 22c itself, It also covers that the gap projection G does not pass through the gap between any two adjacent light emitting crystal grains 22a/22b, 22b/22c (that is, the gap projection G does not overlap or pass through the whole of the light emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, 22c, the light emitting crystal grains The overall logic of 22a, 22b, 22c can be represented by a single convex polygonal area that can cover all light emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, 22c Now, for example, the light-emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, 22c are not arranged in a straight line (as shown by the dotted line box in Figure 11A), and the whole can be represented by a convex hexagonal area (as shown by the chain line polygon in Figure 11A)) (or triangular arrangement in terms of its center line). On the premise that the gap projection G does not overlap or pass through the entire light emitting crystal grains 22a', 22b', 22c', the arrangement of the light emitting crystal grains 22a', 22b', 22c' may also have a specific relative relationship with the gap projection G. For example, at least two of the dotted line light-emitting grains 22a', 22b', and 22c' arranged in a triangular arrangement in FIG. ).

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11B with the three dotted-line light-emitting grains 22a', 22b', and 22c' arranged in a triangle at the second bracket 18, when the dotted-line light-emitting grains 22a', 22b', and 22c' are arranged in a triangle ( In terms of its central line), in order to avoid at least two gap projections G adjacent to the junction of the first bracket 16 and the second bracket 18 at the same time, but reaching the gap projection G The distances are not equal, resulting in local slight heterochromatic problems. The arrangement direction D2" of at least two dotted line light-emitting grains 22a', 22b', 22c' adjacent to the gap projection G can be parallel to the gap projection G, and also parallel to the horizontal direction D3" vertical; as for the third dotted-line light-emitting grain 22a', 22b' or 22c' arranged in a triangle, it is roughly located on the center line connecting the aforementioned two dotted-line light-emitting grains 22a', 22b' or 22c', and the third dotted line The light-emitting grains 22a', 22b' or 22c' can be far away from the gap projection G, or can be closer to the gap projection G than the other two.

In addition, in this embodiment, the first bracket 16 is a rectangular frame as a whole, and the light-emitting chips 22a, 22b, 22c are located under one of the frame parts 166a of the rectangular frame, and the projection of the frame part 166a in the vertical direction D1 has a length direction (As shown in the viewing angle of FIG. 11A, the longitudinal direction corresponds to the arrangement direction D2" of the light emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, 22c), and is parallel to the array direction D2" of the light emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, 22c. In practice, the light-emitting chips 22a, 22b, and 22c can also be located under one of the frame portions 166b of the rectangular frame, and the light-emitting chips 22a, 22b, and 22c are arranged parallel to the length direction (or extension direction) of the frame portion 166b. Moreover, the first bracket 16 can also be implemented by a frame arranged in other geometric shapes, such as a U-shaped (or n-shaped) frame.

To sum up, the foregoing technical solutions of this embodiment are to combine the light-emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, 22c and 22a', 22b' or 22c' are arranged on the same side of the projection G of the heterochromatic sensitive area, that is, the gap. At the same time, as far as the light-emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, and 22c are concerned, the individual distances to the same heterochromatic sensitive area (gap projection G) are similar to each other; The individual distances of the sensitive areas (gap projection G) are also close to each other. For example, the size of the keycap is on the order of cm, and the distance between a plurality of light-emitting crystal grains is less than 1mm, so that the individual distances to the same different-color sensitive area are similar to each other, which means that each light-emitting crystal grain reaches the same different-color sensitive area (gap projection G) The difference in distance between each other is almost negligible (for example, the distance difference between each light-emitting crystal grain reaching the same different-color sensitive area is less than 1mm), and the difference in color caused by such a small distance difference can no longer be recognized by the human eye. In the present invention, the coverage of the keycap 12 in the vertical direction D1 has a different-color sensitive area, such as the gap projection G between the first bracket 16 and the second bracket 18 of the keycap 12, a plurality of light-emitting crystals 22a, 22b The whole of , 22c does not overlap with the gap projection G. Since the light of different colors emitted by the plurality of light-emitting crystals 22a, 22b, and 22c can travel at similar distances, the influence of the gap projection G on uneven light mixing and color deviation can be suppressed.

In addition, please also refer to Figure 12. In this embodiment, the bottom plate 14 has an outer edge 146 closest to the light-emitting chips 22a, 22b, 22c in the horizontal direction D3", and the distance between the light-emitting chips 22a, 22b, 22c and the outer edge 146 is in the horizontal direction D3 "There is a light emitting distance d3 on it. In principle, the farther the light-emitting crystals 22a, 22b, 22c are from the outer edge 146, the more the bottom plate 14 can suppress the light emitted by the light-emitting crystals 22a, 22b, 22c from escaping from the outer edge 146; Suitable light emitting distances for each model are 4.8 mm, 5.3 mm, 6.2 mm, 7.1 mm, and 7.8 mm, and the light emitting distance d3 is preferably between 4.8 and 7.7 mm. In addition, in this embodiment, the arrangement direction D2 ″ of the light emitting chips 22 a , 22 b , 22 c is parallel to the outer edge 146 , but it is not limited to this in practice.

In addition, please also refer to FIG. 13A , in which the hidden contours of the light-emitting crystals 22a, 22b, and 22c are drawn with thin solid lines. Generally speaking, the arrangement direction of the monochromatic light source does not need to consider the length direction 12b ′ of the light-transmittable indicating region 12a ′ of the keycap 12 . However, in the case of a multi-color light source, if the three-color light-emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, and 22c are mixed into various colors to be presented, if the arrangement direction D2" of the light-emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, and 22c is parallel to that of the keycap 12, In the length direction 12b' of the light-transmitting indication area 12a', the two light-emitting crystals on the outside 22a, 22c provide the most sufficient amount of light in the adjacent character segments, but the character segments far away from the luminescent crystal grains 22a, 22c have the problem of insufficient light, resulting in two end regions of the light-transmittable indication area 12a' in the length direction 12b' Segments produce color cast problems. Furthermore, FIG. 13B is a top view of another embodiment of the extension of FIG. 13A. The arrangement direction D2" of at least two light-emitting crystal grains 22b", 22c" is perpendicular to the length direction 12b'/major axis direction 12c' of the light-transmissible indicating region 12a', and also perpendicular to the horizontal direction D3", while parallel to the short axis direction 12d', Since the light-emitting crystal grains 22b", 22c" are located on the same side of the same different-color sensitive area, that is, the last character "L" or "d", and the distance to the same different-color sensitive area, that is, the last character "L" or "d" has already are close to each other, so heterochromatic problems can be ruled out. As for the third light-emitting crystal grain 22a', it is preferably adjacent to the central line of the short axis 12d' of the light-transmissible indicating region 12a'. On the whole, the light-emitting crystal grains 22a", 22b", 22c" are preferably adjacent to the geometric center of the light-transmittable indicating region 12a'.

In this embodiment, the length direction 12b' of the translucent indicating region 12a' of the keycap 12 located above the light-emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, and 22c is perpendicular to the arrangement direction D2", so that the light-emitting grains 22a, 22b can be reduced or eliminated. , 22c due to the phenomenon of uneven light mixing due to spaced arrangement on the light-transmissible indicator area 12a'. In addition, other explanations about the relative positional relationship between the light-emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, 22c and the light-transmissible indicator area 12a', Reference may be made to the relative positional relationship between the light-emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, 22c and the light-transmissible indicating area 12a and the related descriptions of the variations thereof above, and will not be repeated. In addition, in this embodiment, the through hole 144 is approximately rectangular, and its hole The edges 144a, 144b are parallel to the sides of the translucent indicating area 12a', and the arrangement direction D2" of the light-emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, 22c is also parallel to the edges 144a, 144b of the through hole 144 (also equivalent to the edge of the inner plate), As shown in Figure 10 and Figure 12. This configuration helps to reduce the influence of the through hole 144 on the light field provided by the light-emitting dies 22a, 22b, 22c to the light-transmittable indicating region 12a'. This description is also applicable to the arrangement of the light-emitting crystals 22a, 22b, and 22c relative to the through hole 142" in FIGS. In addition, the aforementioned arrangement of parallel hole edges is also applicable to the arrangement of the light-emitting chips 22a, 22b, 22c relative to the through-holes 142 (for example, modified into rectangular holes) in the light-emitting key structure 1 , and will not be repeated here.

In addition, in the light-emitting button structure, it can also be modified in practice so that the light-emitting chips 22a, 22b, 22c are disposed above the bottom plate 14, which can avoid the interference of the bottom plate 14 on the light emitted by the light-emitting crystals 22a, 22b, 22c. At this time, the bottom plate 14 does not need to form through holes corresponding to the light-emitting crystals 22 a , 22 b , 22 c , which is beneficial to the strength of the bottom plate 14 . In addition, the light-emitting crystals 22a, 22b, and 22c can be integrated into the circuit of the switch circuit board 20. For example, the light-emitting crystals 22a, 22b, and 22c are directly arranged on the middle and lower transparent sheets of the switch circuit board 20, and the electric power is provided by the circuit on it. Openings are formed on the middle and upper transparent sheets to expose the light-emitting crystals 22a, 22b, and 22c. This structural configuration can eliminate the interference of the switch circuit board 20 on the light emitted by the light-emitting crystals 22a, 22b, and 22c.

In addition, in the light-emitting button structures 1 and 3, the first and second brackets 16 and 18 are pivotally connected to each other by a pivot axis A1 (shown by a chain line in the figure) at their middle parts to form an X-shaped scissor foot support frame, but it is not limited to this in practice. For example, one end of the first and second brackets 16, 18 can be pivotally connected to each other, or one end can be directly connected to the bottom plate 14 to form a V-shaped butterfly foot bracket or an inverted V-shaped bat bracket. For another example, the first and second brackets 16, 18 can be changed to be opposite and spaced apart (for example, each is rotatably connected to the bottom plate 14), and a linkage bracket is used to link the first and second brackets 16, 18. In addition, the light-emitting button structures 1 and 3 use the elastic circular protrusion 26 as the restoring force mechanism, but it is not limited to this in practice. For example, a spring or a magnetic mechanism is used to realize the restoring force mechanism. In actual operation, as shown in FIG. 10 , in this embodiment, the keycap 12 has a light-transmissible indicating area 12a', the light-transmitting indicating area 12a' has a length direction 12b', and the pivot axis A1 is parallel to the transparent The light indicates the length direction 12b' of the region 12a'. When the light-emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, and 22c are arranged as shown in FIG. 11A, the light of different colors emitted by the light-emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, and 22c can travel to the end of the light-transmitting indicating region 12a' at a similar distance, thereby suppressing confusion. Problems of uneven light and color deviation.

In addition, the light-emitting button structures 1 and 3 were used to illustrate the relative positional relationship between the light-emitting crystal grains 22a, 22b, 22c and the circuit of the switch circuit board 20 and the first and second brackets 16 and 18. In other embodiments, the light-emitting The button structure may also have both situations. For example, the switch contact 202 is adjacent to or located under the first bracket 16 or the second bracket 18 , and the light emitting chips 22 a , 22 b , 22 c are located under the first bracket 16 or the second bracket 18 . As another example, the light emitting crystals 22a, 22b, 22c located under the first support 16 or the second support 18 Also adjacent to the circuitry of the switching circuit board 20 . Moreover, in practical applications, some structural features in each embodiment may also be applied to other embodiments. For example, when the light-emitting crystals 22a, 22b, and 22c located below the base plate 14 are arranged close to the circuit of the switch circuit board 20, the light-emitting crystals 22a, 22b, and 22c may also be close to the edge of the base plate 14, and the aforementioned light-emitting key structure 3 is applicable. .

Although the present invention discloses the above-mentioned preferred implementation ranges of the optical distances d1, d2, and d3 through the actual data, in practice, the optimal implementation ranges of the optical spacings d1, d2, and d3 of the present invention are used to slightly sacrifice the light output effect, and the light output effect can still be achieved. A certain level of overall optical design benefits, therefore, using the plus or minus 15% to 20% of the preferred implementation range of the light emitting distances d1, d2, d3 of the present invention should still fall within the coverage of the light emitting distances d1, d2, and d3 of the present invention.

The above descriptions are only preferred embodiments of the present invention, and all equivalent changes and modifications made according to the scope of the patent application of the present invention shall fall within the scope of the present invention.

3: Luminous button structure

12: Keycap

12a': Translucent indication area

12b': Length direction

14: Bottom plate

142,144: through hole

144a, 144b: hole edge

146: Outer plate edge

16: The first bracket

162: lower surface

164: upper surface

18: Second bracket

20: switch circuit board

202: switch contact

22a, 22b, 22c: luminescent grains

24:Light source circuit board

26: Elastic round protrusion

A1: Pivot axis

D2": Arrangement direction

Claims (6)

A light-emitting key structure, comprising: a key cap, which is movably arranged along a vertical direction, the key cap includes a first light-transmittable character closest to a first side of the key cap, and the key cap includes a second The light-transmissible character is closest to a second side of the keycap, the first side is parallel to the second side; and at least one first light-emitting grain, at least one second light-emitting grain and at least one first light-emitting grain Three light-emitting crystal grains are arranged under the key cap, and have gaps with each other and produce different colors of light. The first light-emitting crystal grain and the second light-emitting crystal grain are arranged side by side parallel to each other in a straight line. The third light-emitting crystal grain is not Located on the connection line between the first light-emitting crystal grain and the second light-emitting grain; wherein, the first light-emitting grain, the second light-emitting grain and the third light-emitting grain reach the first light-transmissible character The individual distance difference is less than 1mm, and the individual distance difference between the first light-emitting crystal grain, the second light-emitting grain and the third light-emitting grain and the second light-transmissible character is less than 1mm. The light-emitting key structure according to claim 1, wherein the connection between the first light-transmitting character and the second light-transmitting character passes through the first light-emitting crystal grain, the second light-emitting crystal grain and the third light-emitting crystal The joint range of the vertical projection of the particles on the keycap. The light-emitting key structure according to claim 1, wherein the connection line between the first light-transmissible character and the second light-transmissible character passes through the vertical projection of the third light-emitting crystal grain on the keycap. The light-emitting key structure according to claim 1, wherein the first light-transmissible character and the second light-transmissible character define a light-transmittable indication area, and the light-transmissible indication area defines a long axis perpendicular to the second light-transmissible indication area The connection between a luminescent crystal grain and the second luminescent crystal grain. The light-emitting key structure according to claim 1, wherein the first light-transmissible character and the second light-transmissible character define a light-transmittable indication area, and the light-transmissible indication area defines a long axis perpendicular to the second light-transmissible indication area The connection line between a light-emitting crystal grain and the second light-emitting grain, the center of the joint range of the vertical projection of the first light-emitting grain, the second light-emitting grain, and the third light-emitting grain on the keycap is located in the major axis Be careful. The light-emitting key structure according to claim 1, wherein the first light-transmissible characters and the second light-transmittable characters define a light-transmittable indication area, and there is no first light-emitting crystal grain, The second light-emitting crystal grain and other light-emitting bodies other than the third light-emitting crystal grain.

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