TWI820390B - Keybaord touch electrode module and touch keyboard therewith - Google Patents

Abstract

A keyboard touch electrode module includes a plurality of same electrode matrices which are arranged along a lengthwise direction and a widthwise direction and are formed by a plurality of series of first electrodes and a plurality of series of second electrodes which interlace with each other. Two of the electrode matrices which are adjacent in the widthwise direction are mis-aligned. The electrode matrices thereon define a plurality of key projection areas correspondingly, each of which covers a same key-face electrode pattern. A touch keyboard includes a base, a plurality of keycaps, a plurality of supporting structures connected to and between the base and the keycaps, and the keyboard touch electrode module. The keyboard touch electrode module is disposed between the base and the keycaps and can senses a non-pressing movement over the keycaps. The keycap can move up and down relative to the base and the keyboard touch electrode module through the corresponding supporting structure.

Description

Keyboard touch electrode module and touch keyboard

The present invention relates to a touch keyboard, in particular to a touch keyboard with a keyboard touch electrode module. At least two key projection areas that are not aligned in the width direction correspond to the same two electrodes in the keyboard touch electrode module. matrix.

The keyboard is mainly used to input text signals into the computer system. After years of evolution and integration, the key layout on the keyboard has gradually formed an international standard.

On the other hand, the touch panel provides users with different operation options to input touch signals into the computer system in a single-point or multi-touch manner. At present, the touch function has been successfully integrated into the screen. However, attempts to integrate touch functions on a physical keyboard without using a trackpad have always been unable to achieve satisfactory results in terms of operation, function and structure.

In view of the problems in the prior art, one objective of the present invention is to provide a keyboard touch electrode module that is integrated into the keyboard structure and used to sense the non-pressing movement of an object on the keys.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a keyboard touch electrode module includes an electrode carrying structure, a plurality of first electrode series and a plurality of second electrode series. The plurality of first electrode series extend linearly parallel to a length direction and are arranged in parallel and spaced apart on the electrode carrying structure in a width direction. The plurality of second electrode series extend linearly parallel to the width direction and are arranged in parallel and spaced apart on the electrode carrying structure in the length direction. The plurality of first electrode series and the plurality of second electrode series are staggered to form a plurality of identical electrode matrices. The plurality of electrode matrices along the length direction and the width The two adjacent electrode matrices in the width direction are not aligned. A plurality of key projection areas are defined on the plurality of electrode matrices, each electrode matrix corresponds to a key projection area, and each key projection area covers the same key surface electrode pattern.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a keyboard touch electrode module includes a plurality of electrode matrices, which are continuously arranged along a length direction and a width direction. Two adjacent electrode matrices in the width direction are offset from each other along the length direction without being aligned along the width direction. At least two electrode matrices that are not aligned in the width direction are identical to each other. Each electrode matrix includes a plurality of first electrode series segments and a plurality of second electrode series segments. The plurality of first electrode series segments and the plurality of second electrode series segments are arranged staggeredly with each other.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a keyboard touch electrode module includes a plurality of electrode matrices, which are continuously arranged along a length direction and a width direction and are electrically connected to each other. Two adjacent electrode matrices in the width direction are offset from each other along the length direction without being aligned along the width direction. At least two electrode matrices that are not aligned in the width direction are identical to each other. Each electrode matrix includes a plurality of first electrode series segments and a plurality of second electrode series segments. The plurality of first electrode series segments and the plurality of second electrode series segments are arranged staggeredly with each other.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a keyboard touch electrode module includes a plurality of first electrode series and a plurality of second electrode series. The plurality of first electrode series and the plurality of second electrode series are arranged in a staggered manner to form a plurality of electrode matrices arranged along a length direction and a width direction. Each electrode matrix corresponds to a button projection area. The two adjacent electrode matrices and the two key projection areas in the width direction are offset from each other along the length direction and are not aligned along the width direction. At least two electrode matrices that are not aligned in the width direction are identical to each other.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a keyboard touch electrode module includes a plurality of electrode matrices corresponding to a plurality of key projection areas on a one-to-one basis. The plurality of electrode matrices are arranged along a length direction and a width direction. At least two electrode matrices that are not aligned in the width direction are identical to each other. The electrode moment The array includes a plurality of electrodes arranged at the same electrode spacing, wherein the size of the electrode in the width direction is a key center distance of the key projection area, the electrode spacing, and an electrode row covered by the key center distance. function of numbers.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a keyboard touch electrode module includes a plurality of electrode matrices corresponding to a plurality of key projection areas on a one-to-one basis. The plurality of electrode matrices are arranged along a length direction and a width direction. At least two electrode matrices that are not aligned in the width direction are identical to each other, wherein the two electrode matrices that are not aligned in the width direction have the same through hole layout.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a keyboard touch electrode module includes a plurality of electrode matrices corresponding to a plurality of key projection areas on a one-to-one basis. The plurality of electrode matrices are arranged along a length direction and a width direction. A key gap layout projection is defined around each electrode matrix. At least two key gap layout projections that are not aligned in the width direction cover the same area on the two corresponding electrode matrices.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a keyboard touch electrode module includes a plurality of electrode matrices corresponding to a plurality of key projection areas on a one-to-one basis. The plurality of electrode matrices are arranged along a length direction and a width direction. Each key projection area defines a key surface electrode pattern in each electrode matrix, and at least two key surface electrode patterns that are not aligned in the width direction are the same as each other.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a keyboard touch electrode module includes a plurality of electrode matrices corresponding to a plurality of key projection areas on a one-to-one basis. The plurality of electrode matrices are arranged along a length direction and a width direction. A key gap electrode pattern is defined around each electrode matrix, and at least two key gap electrode patterns that are not aligned in the width direction are the same as each other.

One object of the present invention is to provide a touch keyboard with a keyboard touch electrode module that can sense the non-pressing movement of an object on the keys.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a touch keyboard includes a base plate, a plurality of keycaps, a plurality of supporting mechanisms and a keyboard touch electrode module. The plurality of keycaps are arranged above the base plate. The key The disk touch electrode module is disposed between the base plate and the plurality of keycaps. The plurality of supporting mechanisms are correspondingly connected between the base plate and the plurality of keycaps, so that the keycaps can move up and down relative to the base plate and the keyboard touch electrode module via the corresponding supporting mechanisms. The keyboard touch electrode module can be any one of the plurality of keyboard touch electrode modules mentioned above and can sense the non-pressing movement of an object on the plurality of keycaps.

Compared with the prior art, the keyboard touch electrode module according to the present invention is arranged in the same plural electrode matrix to correspond to the misaligned key projection areas. The two corresponding electrode matrices of the two key projection areas that are not aligned in the width direction adopt the same design, so that the two corresponding key surface electrode patterns can be the same as each other, and the two corresponding key gap electrode patterns (surrounding the corresponding The key surface electrode patterns) can be the same as each other, and the two corresponding perforation layouts can also be the same as each other, so the complexity of the electrode layout design can be reduced, and the regularity of the electrode sensing performance can be improved, thereby greatly improving the touch control of the touch keyboard Operational accuracy. In addition, through the above-mentioned series of electrodes (used to sense non-press movement on the keys to generate touch signals), and the trigger electrodes (contacted through the mechanical displacement of the keys to generate text signals) are simultaneously formed on the keyboard touch With the single-layer integrated design on the control electrode module, the present invention can also effectively reduce the thickness of the circuit layer of the touch keyboard, which is beneficial to the thin design of the touch keyboard.

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

10:Touch keyboard

11:Thin film circuit board

112:Key switch

114,342,342a~e,442,542: First trigger conductive part

116,344,344a~e,444,544: Second trigger conductive part

12:Button structure

120:Touch area

121: First row button combination

122: Second row button combination

123:Third row button combination

124:Fourth row button combination

125: Key gap layout

13:Keycap

14,14a~c,34,44,54: Keyboard touch electrode module

140:Touch area projection

141:Perforation

141a,141b: Perforated layout

142,144,146,148: Electrode carrying structure

1422,1482: First substrate

1422a, 1482b: first inner surface

1424,1484: Second substrate

1424a,1484a: Second inner surface

1426,1486: Spacer layer

1426a,1486a: Opening

143: Key gap layout projection

144a: Upper surface

144b: Lower surface

1482a: First outer surface

15: Bottom plate

16: Elastic reset piece

17:Support structure

18,18a~c: Button projection area

19: Conductive Department

20: First electrode series

20a~l: first electrode series section

21,31:Control module

212: Keyboard processing unit

214,314: Induction processing unit

216,316:Connection interface

22: Second electrode series

22a~l: Second electrode series section

24: First electrode

26: Second electrode

446,546: conduction connection part

AL,AW: arrangement spacing

DL,DW: gap

L:Length direction

M,Ma~c: electrode matrix

Mf1~3: Bond electrode pattern

Mg1, Mg2: bond gap electrode pattern

O:Object

PL,PW: bond center distance

SL,SW: size

W: Width direction

Figure 1A is an exploded schematic diagram of some components of a touch keyboard according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1B is a partial cross-sectional view of a touch keyboard according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of the electrode layout of part of the keyboard touch electrode module in Figures 1A and 1B.

Figure 2B is an enlarged view of three adjacent electrode matrices in Figure 2A.

Figure 2C shows the electrode matrix in Figure 2B split into a plurality of first electrode series segments and a plurality of second electrode series segments. The decomposition diagram.

Figure 2D is an enlarged view of the projection of the bond gap layout on two adjacent electrode matrices in Figure 1A.

Figure 2E is a schematic diagram of the composition of the bond surface electrode pattern and the bond gap electrode pattern of the two electrode matrices in Figure 2D.

Figure 3 is an exploded schematic diagram of the keyboard touch electrode module in Figures 1A and 1B.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the keyboard touch electrode module in Figures 1A and 1B according to a modified example.

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the keyboard touch electrode module in Figures 1A and 1B according to another variation.

Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the keyboard touch electrode module in Figures 1A and 1B according to another variation.

Figure 7 is a functional block diagram of a touch keyboard according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a partially exploded schematic diagram of a keyboard touch electrode module according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the electrode layout of the keyboard touch electrode module in Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a variation of the first and second triggering conductive parts in Figures 8 and 9.

Figures 11 to 14 are schematic diagrams of various variations of the first and second triggering conductive parts in Figures 8 and 9.

Figure 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of a keyboard touch electrode module according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of a keyboard touch electrode module according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 17 is a functional block diagram of a touch keyboard including a keyboard touch electrode module according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention relates to how to reliably integrate a touch electrode layer with a computer keyboard. Ideally, for keyboards arranged in a neat matrix of equal sizes, the film circuit board is usually equipped with a pair of trigger electrodes corresponding to the trigger points of each key press. If the keyboard touch electrode module (with X-Y axis arranged in a neat matrix electrodes) are overlapped between the key components, then when the key is pressed, the key can press the pair of trigger electrodes through the rubber elastic body to make contact, thereby generating a text signal (Text Signal; signal for inputting letters/numbers/symbols) to execute Corresponding key input function. When the user is not pressing the keys, the keyboard touch electrode module can sense the capacitance generated by the user's non-pressing movements on the key surface (such as single or multi-point contact/click/continuous movement, etc.) The sensing value is then generated to generate a touch signal to perform the corresponding touch function. Furthermore, the touch electrode layer can be integrated with the film circuit board structure, which is beneficial to the thin design of the touch keyboard.

However, for keyboards and keys that are not arranged in a neat matrix of equal sizes, the international standard layout adopts a staggered arrangement design; for example, the largest number of more than 40 text keys, namely square keys or alphanumeric keys, Keys (alphanumeric keys) are usually keys that can input English letters/numbers and some symbols. If the keyboard touch electrode modules arranged in a neat matrix are directly superimposed on the keyboard structure, the X-Y axis electrode patterns corresponding to the projection range of each text button will in principle be different. In other words, text buttons with the same size but staggered arrangement will correspond to different X-Y axis electrode matrix patterns. Since the text button distribution area is the area with the highest frequency of typing input on the keyboard, and is also the area with the greatest opportunity to switch to the touch function, different X-Y axis electrode matrix patterns will cause the touch event groups in each text button area to appear differently. Capacitive sensing data population.

In addition to the limitations of different key sizes and misaligned key arrangements, there are other factors that lead to poor keyboard touch sensing performance. The present invention identifies several problems. One is that the height of the touch object (such as the finger O or the stylus in Figure 1B) is different when moving within the touch area (covering multiple buttons and the gaps between them, such as the touch area 120 in Figure 1A), The medium between the touch object and the touch electrode layer is different; for example, in Figure 1B, when the object O moves from the key surface to the key gap, the object O tends to sink slightly into the key gap (such as the key gap layout 125), causing the object O to be separated. When there is a gap between the key surface and the key, the key gap electrode patterns Mg1 and Mg2 and the key surface electrode pattern Mf1 on the keyboard touch electrode modules 14, 14a~c, 34, 44, and 54 in each of the embodiments described below. , Mf2, Mf3), there will be height differences and media differences, resulting in changes in touch sensing data. It is difficult to adjust the threshold value for triggering touch signals (such as a specific capacitance value) key by key. After all, the key space mainly includes air media (or an additional keyboard frame), and the bottom surface of the key includes multiple key components to allow the keys to move up and down. Another problem is the openings on the touch electrodes, because the touch electrodes may need to be penetrated by the keyboard frame or key components; especially if the relative positions and shapes and sizes of the multiple openings are inconsistent, some touch electrode shapes/sizes will be Incomplete and inconsistent, or the location/number will be inconsistent, which makes the variability of touch sensing data remain high. Because it is too complicated and difficult to customize the configuration of each local sensing area of each key, each text key is prone to false triggering or breakpoint failure at different locations, which makes the keyboard touch sensing uniform or regular. ization brings great challenges, and it is also one of the technical problems that the present invention will be able to overcome through the following embodiments.

See Figures 1A and 1B. The touch keyboard 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of key structures 12 and a keyboard touch electrode module 14 structurally integrated with the plurality of key structures 12 (for simplified illustration, in Figures 1A and 1B are expressed as a single component). The key structure 12 includes a keycap 13, a bottom plate 15, an elastic return member 16 and a support structure 17 (not shown in Figure 1A to simplify the drawing). The keycap 13 is arranged above the base plate 15 . An elastic return member 16 (such as a rubber round protrusion) is disposed between the keycap 13 and the bottom plate 15 . The support structure 17 is connected between the keycap 13 and the bottom plate 15 . The plurality of key structures 12 share the same base plate 15 . The keyboard touch electrode module 14 is disposed between the bottom plate 15 and the plurality of keycaps 13 . The keycap 13 can move up and down relative to the base plate 15 and the keyboard touch electrode module 14 via the corresponding support mechanism 17 . The keycap 13 moving downward can squeeze the elastic return member 16, and the rebound force of the squeezed elastic return member 16 can drive the keycap 13 to move upward back to its original position. A virtual touch area 120 (only shown in Figure 1A) can be defined on the touch keyboard 10 for the user's finger or stylus and other objects O to perform touch operations (including non-press movements), which is roughly located The middle part of the touch keyboard 10 covers the area covered by multiple key structures 12 (or the top side area of the keycap 13) and a plurality of key gap layouts 125 (shown as a hatched area in Figure 1A). Each key gap The layout 125 corresponds to surrounding a key structure 12 (or keycap 13). The projection of the touch area 120 on the keyboard touch electrode module 14 (i.e., the touch area projection 140, shown with a dotted line in Figure 1A), the keycap 13 is on the keyboard touch electrode module 14 The projection on the electrode module 14 is the key projection area 18 (shown as a dotted line in Figure 1A), and the projection of the key gap layout 125 on the keyboard touch electrode module 14 is the key gap layout projection 143 (shown as a hatched area). As shown in FIG. 1A ), the key gap layout projection 143 surrounds the corresponding key projection area 18 . The touch area projection 140 covers multiple key projection areas 18 and corresponding key gap layout projections 143 . The keyboard touch electrode module 14 can sense the non-pressing movement of the object O in the touch area 120 .

In addition, in the first embodiment, some parts of the plurality of keycaps 13 are text keys of equal size, that is, single-siz keys/square keys or alphanumeric keys. Keys (alphanumeric keys) can generate text signals to input English letters/numbers and certain symbols. Other parts of the keycaps 13 surround the square keys, such as smaller keys or multi-size keys. Usually the ESC/F1~F12 function keys in the front row are small key sizes, while the space key/Enter/Shift/CapsLock/Ctrl are multiple key sizes. Among them, the key structures 12 (or keycaps 13) corresponding to the touch area 120 are all of the same geometric size (for example, square keys) and are arranged in four rows, including a first row of key combinations 121, a second row of key combinations 122, There is a third row of key combinations 123 and a fourth row of key combinations 124. The key structures 12 of two adjacent rows are not aligned in the width direction W (that is, they are arranged in a staggered manner). Therefore, the key projection areas 18 are also misaligned in the width direction W (that is, they are also misaligned), and the same is true for the key gap layout projection 143 .

Please also see Figures 2A and 2B. Among them, in Figure 2A, only the electrodes of the keyboard touch electrode module 14 are shown to simplify the drawing; in addition, the key projection area 18 is also shown in Figure 2A to facilitate observation of the keyboard touch electrode module. The relative position of the electrode layout 14 and the key projection area 18. The keyboard touch electrode module 14 includes a plurality of first electrode series 20 (shown as thin solid lines in the figure) and a plurality of second electrode series 22 (shown as thick solid lines in the figure). Each first electrode series 20 includes a plurality of first electrodes 24 connected in series, and each second electrode series 22 includes a plurality of second electrodes 26 connected in series. The plurality of first electrode series 20 extend straightly parallel to a length direction L (indicated by an arrow in the figure) and are arranged in parallel and spaced apart in a width direction W (indicated by an arrow in the figure); that is, each first electrode series 20 extends straightly in a length direction L (indicated by an arrow in the figure). The first electrodes 24 in an electrode series 20 are connected in a straight line. The plurality of second electrode series 22 extend linearly parallel to the width direction W and They are arranged at parallel intervals in the length direction L; that is, the second electrodes 26 in each second electrode series 22 are connected in a straight line. The plurality of first electrode series 20 and the plurality of second electrode series 22 are staggered and form a uniform distribution of electrodes. The plurality of first electrode series 20 and the plurality of second electrode series 22 form a plurality of identical electrode matrices M, which are continuously arranged along the length direction L and the width direction W. Each electrode matrix M has the same electrode layout (including the number, relative positions, etc. of the first electrodes 24 and the second electrodes 26 ). The plurality of electrode matrices M correspond to the plurality of key projection areas 18 on a one-to-one basis. Therefore, the electrode matrix M also adopts the same arrangement as the key projection area 18 located in the touch area projection 140, in which the two adjacent electrode matrices M in the width direction W are not aligned.

As shown in Figure 2B (which also shows three key projection areas 18, respectively marked 18a~c; for example, the key projection area 18a corresponds to the third row of key combinations 123, and the key projection areas 18b, 18c correspond to the second row of keys. Combination 122), the button projection area 18a is located in the corresponding electrode matrix M (marked as Ma), and the button projection area 18b (adjacent to the button projection area 18a in the width direction W) is located in the corresponding electrode matrix M (marked as Mb) , the key projection area 18c (adjacent to the key projection area 18b in the length direction L) is located in the corresponding electrode matrix M (marked as Mc). Please also refer to Figure 2C, which separately shows a schematic diagram of the electrode layout corresponding to the first electrode series 20 and the second electrode series 22 of the electrode matrix in Figure 2B. As for the electrode matrix Ma, it includes a plurality of first electrode series segments 20a~d and a plurality of second electrode series segments 22a~d, which are staggered with each other; as for the electrode matrix Mb, it includes a plurality of first electrode series segments 22a~d. The electrode series segments 20e~h and the plurality of second electrode series segments 22e~h are staggered with each other; as far as the electrode matrix Mc is concerned, it includes a plurality of first electrode series segments 20i~l and a plurality of second electrodes. The series segments 22i~l are arranged staggered with each other. Among them, the first electrode series segments 20e~h are respectively connected in series with the first electrode series segments 20i~l in the length direction L, and the second electrode series segments 22a and the second electrode series segments 22l are connected in the width direction W. The second electrode series segments 22b~d and the second electrode series segments 22e~g are connected in series in the width direction W.

Please also refer to Figures 2D and 2E. As shown in Figures 2D and 2E, one key gap layout projection 143 (labeled 143a) surrounds the corresponding key projection area 18a (or surrounds the corresponding electrode matrix Ma), and another A key gap layout projection 143 (labeled 143b) surrounds the corresponding key projection area 18b (or surrounds the corresponding electrode matrix Mb). The key gap layout projections 143a and 143b overlap adjacent to the electrode matrices Ma and Mb (key projection areas 18a and 18b). As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, in the first embodiment, the arrangement of the plurality of first electrode series 20 and the plurality of second electrode series 22 is specially designed so that each keycap 13 (or The button structure 12) can correspond to the same electrode layout, improve the regularity of touch sensing data, reduce breakpoints in touch traces, improve touch sensing sensitivity, and simplify the design complexity of touch electrodes.

Wherein, the arrangement spacing of the key projection area 18 along the length direction L (for example, the center distance between the key projection area 18 b and the key projection area 18 c (or two adjacent keycaps 13 in the length direction L) in the length direction L) is defined as Bond center distance PL (as shown in Figure 2B). The key projection areas 18 corresponding to the first row of key combinations 121 and the second row of key combinations 122 are misaligned with 1/2 the key center distance PL; the key projection areas corresponding to the second row of key combinations 122 and the third row of key combinations 123 18. The key projection areas 18 corresponding to the third row of key combinations 123 and the fourth row of key combinations 124 are misaligned with a key center distance of 1/4 PL. Corresponding to each electrode matrix M (eg, electrode matrix Ma), it includes four first electrode series segments 20a~d and four second electrode series segments 22a~d. Therefore, as shown in Figure 2B, taking the electrode matrix Ma and the electrode matrix Mb as an example, the electrode matrix Ma is offset to the right in the length direction L by 1/4 of the bond center distance PL relative to the electrode matrix Mb, which is exactly the second electrode A multiple of the arrangement pitch AL of the series 22 in the length direction L (1 times in this example), so the second electrode series segments 22b~d of the electrode matrix Ma can be the same as the second electrode series segment 22b~d of the electrode matrix Mb. 22e~g are aligned. This alignment result also occurs between other electrode matrices M corresponding to different rows of button combinations, which will not be described again. In addition, the arrangement pitch between the electrode matrix Mb and the electrode matrix Mc in the length direction L (i.e., the key-to-center distance PL) is a multiple of the arrangement pitch AL (4 times in this example), so the electrode matrix Mb and the electrode matrix Mc Can correspond to the same second electrode series 22 layout. This electrode layout corresponding result also occurs between other electrode matrices M corresponding to the same row of key combinations, which will not be described again. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the arrangement pitch of the key projection area 18 along the width direction W (for example, the center distance between the key projection area 18 a and the key projection area 18 b in the width direction W) is defined as the key pitch PW. , which is the first electrode series 20 in the width direction W The arrangement spacing AW is 4 times, so adjacent electrode matrices M (for example, electrode matrix Ma and electrode matrix Mb) in the width direction W can correspond to the same layout of the first electrode series 20 . Therefore, in the first embodiment, the key surface electrode patterns covered by each key projection area 18 of the corresponding electrode matrix M are all the same. For example, the key surface electrode patterns Mf1, Mf2, and Mf3 covered by the key projection areas 18a~c are all the same ( As shown in Figures 2B and 2E); each bond gap layout projection 143 covers the same bond gap electrode pattern, for example, the bond gap electrode patterns Mg1 and Mg2 covered by the bond gap layout projections 143a~b are the same (as shown in Figure 2E as shown in the figure).

In addition, in the first embodiment, the keyboard touch electrode module 14 is located between the base plate 15 and the keycap 13, so the keyboard touch electrode module 14 has a plurality of through holes 141 (only shown in Figure 2E for simplicity. Figure) to provide the space required for the connection structure between the support structure 17 and the base plate 15. The perforation 141 is located directly below the keycap 13 and will affect the key surface electrode pattern. As shown in Figure 2E, the key surface electrode pattern Mf1 of the key projection area 18a has a perforation layout 141a (or it is defined by the perforations 141 corresponding to the key projection area 18a), and the key surface electrode pattern Mf2 of the key projection area 18b There is a perforation layout 141b (or it is defined by the perforations 141 corresponding to the key projection area 18b), and the perforation layouts 141a and 141b are the same.

In addition, as shown in Figures 1A and 1B, in the first embodiment, the touch keyboard 10 also includes a film circuit board 11 (for simplicity, both are shown as a single component in Figures 1A and 1B). Between the keyboard touch electrode module 14 and the base plate 15 . The thin film circuit board 11 includes a key switch 112 corresponding to each key structure 12 (or each key projection area 18) (located below the corresponding key cap 13 and shown as a single block in Figure 1B). The keycap 13 can be pressed down to trigger the corresponding key switch 112 (squeezing the keyboard touch electrode module 14 and the film circuit board 11 through the elastic return member 16). In practice, the thin film circuit board 11 can be a three-layer structure, which includes two opposite substrates and a spacer layer sandwiched between them. A switch circuit is provided on the opposite surfaces of the substrates to form the key switch 112 . In the first embodiment, the thin film circuit board 11 and the keyboard touch electrode module 14 are flatly stacked on the base plate 15 in sequence; for example, but not limited to, the thin film circuit board 11 and the keyboard touch electrode module 14 are bonded with glue. . In different embodiments, the keyboard touch electrode module 14 needs to be located above the metal/conductor bottom plate 15, but can be selectively disposed above or below the non-metal/non-conductor bottom plate 15.

Please also refer to Figure 3; in order to simplify the drawing, several first electrode series 20 and second electrode series 22 are exaggeratedly shown in Figure 3. In the first embodiment, the keyboard touch electrode module 14 uses an electrode carrying structure 142 to carry the plurality of first electrode series 20 and the plurality of second electrode series 22 . The electrode carrying structure 142 includes a first substrate 1422, a second substrate 1424 disposed relative to the first substrate 1422, and a spacer layer 1426 sandwiched between the two. The plurality of first electrode series 20 are formed on a first inner surface 1422a of the first substrate 1422 (facing the second substrate 1424), and the plurality of second electrode series 22 are formed on a first inner surface 1422a of the second substrate 1424. On the inner surface 1424a (facing the first substrate 1422). The spacer layer 142c can provide insulation between the plurality of first electrode series 20 and the plurality of second electrode series 22. In addition, the viewing angle in Figure 3 is not limited to the same as that in Figure 1A; in other words, in practice, the keyboard touch electrode module 14 is arranged so that the second substrate 1424 can be located between the first substrate 1422 and the thin film circuit between the boards 11 , or the first substrate 1422 can be positioned between the second substrate 1424 and the thin film circuit board 11 .

In the first embodiment, the electrode carrying structure 142 is implemented with a three-layer structure, but the implementation is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 , the keyboard touch electrode module 14 a according to a variation uses an electrode carrying structure 144 of a single substrate to carry the plurality of first electrode series 20 and the plurality of second electrode series 22 . The plurality of first electrode series 20 are formed on the upper surface 144a of the electrode carrying structure 144, and the plurality of second electrode series 22 are formed on the lower surface 144b of the electrode carrying structure 144. The electrode carrying structure 144 itself provides the plurality of Insulation between the first electrode series 20 and the plurality of second electrode series 22. In this structure, in practice, a protective layer (not shown in the figure) can be covered on the plurality of first electrode series 20 and the plurality of second electrode series 22 to provide protection and insulation functions at the same time.

For another example, as shown in FIG. 5 , the keyboard touch electrode module 14 b according to another variation also uses the same surface 146 a of the electrode carrying structure 146 of a single substrate to carry the plurality of first electrode series 20 and the plurality of first electrode series 20 . The second electrode series 22 . An insulation structure may be provided at the intersection of the first electrode series 20 and the second electrode series 22 to prevent the connecting lines between the first electrodes 24 from contacting the connecting lines between the second electrodes 26 . For example, the complete first electrode series 20 and the second electrode 26 in the second electrode series 22 are first formed. It is formed on the electrode carrying structure 146, and then covers the connecting line between the first electrodes 24 with an insulating film (which does not cover the second electrode 26). Finally, connection lines between the second electrodes 26 are formed on the insulating film to complete the arrangement of the plurality of second electrode series 22 . Similarly, in this structure, in practice, the plurality of first electrode series 20 and the plurality of second electrode series 22 can be covered with a protective layer (not shown in the figure), which can provide protection at the same time. and insulation effect.

For another example, as shown in FIG. 6 , the electrode carrying structure 148 of the keyboard touch electrode module 14c according to another variation includes a first substrate 1482, a second substrate 1484 disposed relative to the first substrate 1482, and A spacer layer 1486 is sandwiched between the two. The plurality of first electrode series 20 and the plurality of second electrode series 22 are formed on a first outer surface 1482a of the first substrate 1482 (for the formation method, please refer to the relevant description in FIG. 5 ). The spacer layer 1486 has an opening 1486a. A first triggering conductive part 114 and a second triggering conductive part 116 are respectively formed on a first inner surface 1482b of the first substrate 1482 and a second inner surface 1484a of the second substrate 1484 corresponding to the openings 1486a at relatively intervals. The first triggering conductive part 114 and the second triggering conductive part 116 form a key switch (such as the aforementioned key switch 112). The portions of the keyboard touch electrode module 14c corresponding to the first and second triggering conductive portions 114 and 116 can be pressed so that the first and second triggering conductive portions 114 and 116 contact each other through the opening 1486a. In practice, a switch circuit connected to the first trigger conductive part 114 and the second trigger conductive part 116 will be formed on the first inner surface 1482b and the second inner surface 1484a to sense the first and second trigger conductive parts 114 , 116 contact status.

See Figure 7. In the aforementioned first embodiment and its modifications, the touch keyboard 10 can monitor the electrical status of the thin film circuit board 11 and the keyboard touch electrode module 14 through a control module 21 . The control module 21 includes a keyboard processing unit 212 and a sensor processing unit 214. The keyboard processing unit 212 is electrically connected to the thin film circuit board 11 to sense the state of the key switch 112 . The sensing processing unit 214 is electrically connected to the keyboard touch electrode module 14 to sense the capacitance value of the electrodes. The control module 21 outputs the sensing result through a connection interface 216, such as outputting the alphanumeric input corresponding to the key structure 12 and the touch position in the touch area 120.

In the aforementioned first embodiment and its related variations, the touch operation sensor and the button operation sensor They should be implemented separately in structure, but the implementation is not limited to this. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , the keyboard touch electrode module 34 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is exaggeratedly illustrated with several first electrode series 20 and second electrode series 22 in order to simplify the drawing. (shown in the figure), its structure is similar to the aforementioned keyboard touch electrode module 14, so the component symbols of the keyboard touch electrode module 14 are used. For other descriptions of the keyboard touch electrode module 34, please refer to the relevant description of the keyboard touch electrode module 14, which will not be described again. For ease of explanation, Figures 8 and 9 mainly show only the part of the keyboard touch electrode module 34 corresponding to one key projection area 18. The main difference between the keyboard touch electrode module 34 and the keyboard touch electrode module 14 is that the keyboard touch electrode module 34 integrates key switches into its electrode layout. In the second embodiment, the keyboard touch electrode module 34 includes a first triggering conductive part 342 and a second triggering conductive part 344 corresponding to one key projection area 18 . The first triggering conductive part 342 and the second triggering conductive part 344 are located in the corresponding key projection area 18 and extend from a first electrode series 20 and a second electrode series 22 respectively. The spacer layer 1426 of the electrode carrying structure 142 of the keyboard touch electrode module 34 has an opening 1426a. The first and second triggering conductive parts 342 and 344 are relatively spaced apart corresponding to the opening 1426a. That is, in the normal state, the first and second triggering conductive parts 342 and 344 do not contact each other. The first and second triggering conductive parts 342 and 344 form a key switch. The portions of the keyboard touch electrode module 34 corresponding to the first and second triggering conductive portions 342 and 344 can be pressed (for example, via the elastic return member 16 in Figure 1B) to cause the first and second triggering conductive portions 342 and 344 to They contact each other through the opening 1426a, that is, the key switch is triggered.

In the second embodiment, the first triggering conductive part 342 is a contact surface (such as but not limited to a circle), and the second triggering conductive part 344 is a contact line (for example, directly thickening the connection line between the second electrodes 26 Realized), the first triggering conductive part 342 and the second triggering conductive part 344 overlap in the vertical direction (perpendicular to the length direction L and the width direction W). However, this is not the limit in practice. For example, as shown in Figure 10, it shows the respective outlines of the first and second triggering conductive parts 342a, 344a and the schematic diagram of their superimposition. The first and second triggering conductive parts 342a and 344a are both contact lines, and both are straight lines. As another example, as shown in FIG. 11, it shows the respective outlines of the first and second triggering conductive parts 342b and 344b and the schematic diagram of their superimposition. First and second trigger The conductive parts 342b and 344b are also contact lines, and both are rectangular and have the same size. For another example, as shown in FIG. 12, it shows the respective outlines of the first and second triggering conductive parts 342c and 344c and the schematic diagram of their superimposition. The first and second triggering conductive parts 342c and 344c are also contact lines, and both are in a zigzag shape; the first triggering conductive part 342c is in an N-shape, and the second triggering conductive part 344c is in a Z-shape. In terms of structural logic, the first and second triggering conductive parts 342b, 344b, 342c, and 344c can also be regarded as a combination of multiple contact lines. As another example, as shown in Figure 13, it shows the respective outlines of the first and second trigger conductive parts 342d and 344d and the schematic diagram of their superimposition. The first triggering conductive part 342d is a contact line and is in a straight line, and the second triggering conductive part 344d includes two contact lines, which are a straight line and a ring shape respectively. As another example, as shown in FIG. 14, it shows the respective outlines of the first and second triggering conductive parts 342e and 344e and the schematic diagram of their superimposition. The first triggering conductive part 342e is a circular contact surface; the second triggering conductive part 344e includes a circular contact surface, a linear contact line and an annular contact line. In practice, the contact line can be one of a straight line, an arc, a ring, a rectangle, a zigzag, or any combination thereof, and the contact surface can be any geometric shape (such as a convex polygon). The above are only suitable examples of the first and second triggering conductive parts, and the implementation is not limited thereto. In addition, the first and second triggering conductive parts 342, 342a~e, 344, 344a~e are all connected in series to the first electrode series 20 and the second electrode series 22, but the implementation is not limited to this. For example, in accordance with the actual product design, the first and second triggering conductive parts can also be formed by extending from the connecting lines or electrodes between the electrodes in the corresponding electrode series. In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments, in practice, if the first and second trigger conductive parts are implemented in a line type, their line widths are in principle wider than the connection lines between electrodes to increase the contact area.

In addition, as shown in Figure 15, the keyboard touch electrode module 44 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is similar in structure to the aforementioned keyboard touch electrode module 14c, so the components of the keyboard touch electrode module 14c are used. symbol. For other descriptions of the keyboard touch electrode module 44, please refer to the relevant description of the keyboard touch electrode module 14c, which will not be described again. For ease of explanation, FIG. 15 mainly shows only the portion of the keyboard touch electrode module 44 corresponding to one key projection area 18 . The main difference between the keyboard touch electrode module 44 and the keyboard touch electrode module 14c lies in the first electrode series 20 and the second electrode series of the keyboard touch electrode module 44 20 are located inside the electrode carrying structure 148 (all formed on the first inner surface 1482b), and the keyboard touch electrode module 44 integrates the key switch into its electrode layout. In the third embodiment, the keyboard touch electrode module 44 includes a first trigger conductive part 442, a second trigger conductive part 444 and a conductive connection part 446 corresponding to one key projection area 18. The first triggering conductive portion 442 extends from one first electrode series 20 (for example, from the first electrode 24 or a connecting line between the first electrodes 24) or is formed by one of the first electrodes 24 in the first electrode series 20 ( That is, the first electrode 24 also serves as the first trigger conductive portion 442). The second triggering conductive portion 444 extends from one of the second electrode series 22 (for example, from the second electrode 26 or the connection line between the first electrodes 26) or is formed by one of the second electrodes 26 in the second electrode series 22 ( That is, the second electrode 26 also serves as the second trigger conductive portion 444). The conductive connection portion 446 is formed on the second inner surface 1484a of the second substrate 1484 corresponding to the opening 1486a. The first and second triggering conductive parts 442 and 444 and the conductive connection part 446 are located in the corresponding key projection area 18. The conductive connection part 446 is arranged at a distance from the first and second triggering conductive parts 442 and 444 corresponding to the opening 1486a. The first and second triggering conductive parts 442, 444 and the conductive connection part 446 form a key switch. The portions of the keyboard touch electrode module 44 corresponding to the first and second triggering conductive portions 442 and 444 can be pressed so that the conductive connection portion 446 simultaneously contacts the first and second triggering conductive portions 442 and 444 through the opening 1486a.

In the third embodiment, the first and second triggering conductive parts 442 and 444 are electrically connected through the conductive connection part 446 inside the electrode carrying structure 148. However, in practice, the keyboard touch electrode module 44 can also be modified so that The first and second triggering conductive parts 442 and 444 are instead connected by the downwardly protruding conductive part 19 of the elastic return member 16 (as shown in Figure 1B). In this variation, the first and second triggering conductive portions 442 and 444 together with the first and second electrode series 20 and 22 are modified on the first outer surface 1482a of the first substrate 1482 so that the conductive portion 19 Can contact the first and second trigger conductive parts 442, 444; wherein, the second substrate 1484 and the spacer layer 1486 can be omitted, and the first and second electrode series 20, 22 can be covered with a protective layer, but the first and second The triggering conductive parts 442 and 444 need to be exposed for the conductive part 19 to contact.

In addition, as shown in Figure 16, the keyboard touch electrode module 54 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is similar in structure to the aforementioned keyboard touch electrode module 44, so the method of the keyboard touch electrode module 44 is used. Component symbol. For other descriptions of the keyboard touch electrode module 54, please refer to the relevant description of the keyboard touch electrode module 44, which will not be described again. For ease of explanation, FIG. 16 mainly shows only the portion of the keyboard touch electrode module 54 corresponding to one key projection area 18 . The main difference between the keyboard touch electrode module 54 and the keyboard touch electrode module 44 is that the first electrode series 20 of the keyboard touch electrode module 54 is located on the first outer surface 1482 a of the first substrate 1482 . In the fourth embodiment, the first triggering conductive portion 542 and the second triggering conductive portion 544 of the keyboard touch electrode module 54 are formed on the second inner surface 1484a of the second substrate 1484 at intervals, and the conductive connection portion 546 is formed from a first The two electrode series 22 are formed by extending (for example, from the second electrode 26 or the connecting line between the second electrodes 26) or by one of the second electrodes 26 in the second electrode series 22 (that is, this second electrode 26 also serves as a conductive Connector 546). The first and second triggering conductive parts 542, 544 and the conductive connection part 546 are located in the corresponding key projection area 18. The conductive connection part 546 is arranged at a distance from the first and second triggering conductive parts 542, 544 corresponding to the opening 1486a. The first and second triggering conductive parts 542, 544 and the conductive connection part 546 form a key switch. The portions of the keyboard touch electrode module 54 corresponding to the first and second triggering conductive parts 542 and 544 can be pressed so that the conductive connection part 546 simultaneously contacts the first and second triggering conductive parts 542 and 544 through the opening 1486a. Similarly, in a variation of the keyboard touch electrode module 54, the first electrode series 20 is located on the first inner surface 1482b of the first substrate 1482, and the second electrode series 22 is located on the first outer surface of the first substrate 1482. On the surface 1482a, the conductive connection portion 546 extends from one of the first electrode series 20 (for example, from the first electrode 24 or the connecting line between the first electrodes 24) or is formed by one of the first electrodes 24 in the first electrode series 20 (That is, the first electrode 24 also serves as the conductive connection portion 546). The first and second triggering conductive parts 542, 544 and the conductive connection part 546 can also form a key switch and be triggered by pressing the keyboard touch electrode module 54.

In the second to fourth embodiments and their modifications, the key opening is structurally integrated with the keyboard touch electrode modules 34, 44, and 54. Therefore, in principle, it is possible to monitor the keyboard touch electrode modules 34, 44, and 54 only. The electrical state can simultaneously sense the key operation (ie, triggering the key switch) and the touch operation in the touch area 120 . Taking the second embodiment as an example, as shown in Figure 17, a control module 31 includes a sensing processing unit 314 and a connection interface 316. The sensing processing unit 314 is electrically connected to the keyboard touch electrode module 34 to sense the capacitance value of the electrodes. In practice, two sets of capacitance threshold ranges can be preset to correspond to key operations and touch operations respectively. The control module 31 outputs the sensing results through the connection interface 316 , for example, outputs the alphanumeric input corresponding to the key structure 12 and the touch position in the touch area 120 .

In addition, in the second to fourth embodiments and their modifications, although the first and second triggering conductive parts and the conductive connection parts are in contact with each other as the button triggering mechanism, the implementation is not limited to this. In principle, after the finger presses the keycap 13, a large capacitance value change can be produced in the keyboard touch electrode module 34, which can be used to determine whether the finger presses the key in the vertical direction (perpendicular to the length direction L and the width direction W). Cap 13. For example, in the second embodiment, when the keyboard touch electrode module 34 is pressed, the first and second triggering conductive parts 342 and 344 are only close to each other through the opening 1426a, but the capacitance value can change without physical contact, and as What is sensed by the sensing processing unit 314 is then used as a basis for determining the key trigger (for example, when the change in capacitance value reaches a threshold value, it is determined that the key is triggered). At the same time, when your finger presses down, your finger can also change the capacitance value. In addition, the bottom surface of the elastic return member 16 can be coated with a conductive substance (for example, there are conductive carbon particles on the downwardly protruding conductive portion 19 of the elastic return member 16 in 1B), which also helps to enhance the capacitance value when the finger presses down. changes. In practice, the accuracy of sensing by the sensing processing unit 314 can be increased by setting the operation mode (for example, setting the keyboard touch electrode module 34 to a key operation mode or a touch operation module according to actual usage requirements). Similarly, in the first embodiment, in practice, only the keyboard touch electrode module 14 can be used to sense key operations. For example, when a finger presses down, the finger can also change the capacitance value of the keyboard touch electrode module 14 to determine whether a key operation occurs. Similarly, the bottom surface of the elastic return member 16 can be coated with a conductive substance (for example, there are conductive carbon particles on the downwardly protruding conductive portion 19 of the elastic return member 16 in 1B), which also helps to enhance the capacitance when the finger presses down. value changes.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the arrangement of the plurality of first electrode series 20 and the plurality of second electrode series 22 is specially designed so that each keycap 13 (or key structure 12) can correspond to Same electrode layout. Please see Figures 2A and 2B. The plurality of first electrode series 20 and the plurality of first electrode series 20 The two electrode series 22 are staggered to form a uniform electrode distribution. The arrangement pitch AL of the second electrode series 22 in the longitudinal direction L is also equivalent to the arrangement pitch AL of the adjacent first electrodes 24 in the longitudinal direction L. The arrangement pitch AW of the first electrode series 20 in the width direction W is also equivalent to the arrangement pitch AW of the adjacent second electrodes 26 in the width direction W. In practice, the outline of each first electrode 24 is basically the same. The size SW of the first electrode 24 (or the second electrode 26) in the width direction W is the key-to-center pitch PW. A function of the number of first electrodes 24 (or second electrodes 26) covered by the gap DW of an electrode 24 (or the second electrode 26) and the key center distance PW; the length of the first electrode 24 (or the second electrode 26) The size SL in the direction L is the key center distance PL, the gap DL between the adjacent first electrodes 24 (or second electrodes 26) in the length direction L, and the first electrode 24 (or the second electrode 26) covered by the key center distance PL. 26) function of quantity. For example: SW=(PW-DW*NW)/NW; SL=(PL-DL*NL)/NL; where PW represents two adjacent key projection areas 18 (for example, the key projection areas 18a/18b in Figure 2B or electrode matrix Ma/Mb) in the width direction W, and PL is the key center distance PW of two adjacent key projection areas 18 (for example, the key projection area 18b/18c in Figure 2B or the electrode matrix Mb/Mc) in the length direction The key center distance on L. DW represents the key projection area 18 (for example, the key projection area 18a/18b/18c in Figure 2B) or the two adjacent electrodes (two first electrodes 24/two) in the electrode matrix M (for example, Ma/Mb/Mc in Figure 2B). The gaps DW and DL of the second electrode 26) in the width direction W represent the key projection area 18 (for example, the key projection area 18a/18b/18c in Figure 2B) or the electrode matrix M (for example, Ma/Mb/Mc in Figure 2B ) in the gap DL between two adjacent electrodes (two first electrodes 24/two second electrodes 26) in the length direction L. NW represents the number of electrode columns covered by the key center distance PW in the width direction W (for the first electrode 24, it is equivalent to the number of the first electrode series 20 covered in the width direction W; for the second electrode 26 , equivalent to the number of second electrodes 26 covering the second electrode series 22 in the width direction W), NL represents the number of electrode columns covered by the key center distance PL in the length direction L (for the first electrode 24, equivalent to The number of first electrodes 24 covering the first electrode series 20 in the length direction L; for the second electrodes 26, it is equivalent to the number of the second electrode series 22 covering the second electrode series 22 in the length direction L). SW generation represents the size of the first electrode 24 or the second electrode 26 in the width direction W, and SL represents the size of the first electrode 24 or the second electrode 26 in the length direction L.

The number of rows and columns of the electrode matrix (NW, NL) is the number of rows and columns of electrodes covered by the bond center distance (PW, PL) according to the aforementioned formula. Since two adjacent electrode matrices M/Ma/Mb/Mc are continuously arranged with a certain electrode spacing/and usually The electrode spacing of the entire keyboard touch electrode module 14 is similar or the same, and the number of electrode rows (NW, NL) is also equivalent to the single key projection area 18/18a/18b/18c or the electrode matrix M/Ma/Mb/Mc The corresponding line-row amount of electrodes covered in the width direction W or the length direction L (ie, one side) (equivalent to a single button projection area 1818/18a/18b/18c or the electrode matrix M/Ma/Mb /The total number of electrode rows or columns on one side in Mc). As for the electrode matrix Ma/Mb/Mc in Figure 2B, the number of electrode rows and columns of the electrode matrix/Ma/Mb/Mc is 4, which is equivalent to the number N of 4 electrode rows and rows covered by the bond center distance PW/PL.

On the other hand, the aforementioned functional relationship representing the size of the first electrode 24 (or the second electrode 26) can also be expressed as: w=[P-(D*N)]/N; where P represents adjacent The key pitch (Key pitch) of the two-button projection area 18 (or the two-electrode matrix Ma/Mb in Figure 2B) in the width direction W or the length direction L (center to center/in the width direction W or the length direction L distance component PW or PL), D represents the two adjacent electrodes (two first electrodes 24/two second electrodes 26, or the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 26) in the key projection area 18/electrode matrix Ma/Mb. The electrode gap DW or DL in the width direction W or the length direction L, N represents the number of electrode rows NW or NL covered by the key center distance P in the width direction W or the length direction L, w represents the first electrode 24 in the width direction The length of the side above W. In other words, the side length w of the first electrode 24 in the width direction W is equal to the key-to-center distance P minus the multiplier of the number of electrode rows N and the electrode spacing D, and then divided by the number of electrode rows and rows N.

Note that the number of electrode rows and rows N is the number of electrode rows and rows covered by the key center distance P. Since two adjacent electrode matrices M/Ma/Mb are continuously arranged with a certain electrode spacing/and usually the entire keyboard touch electrode module 14 The electrode spacing is similar or the same, and the number of electrode rows and rows N is also equivalent to a single button projection area of 18/ The corresponding line-row amount of electrodes covered in the width direction W (i.e. one side) of the electrode matrix Ma/Mb (equivalent to the single button projection area 18/the total electrode rows on one side of the electrode matrix Ma/Mb number or column number). As for the electrode matrix Ma/Mb in Figure 2A, the number of electrode rows and rows of the electrode matrix Ma/Mb is 4, which is equivalent to the number N of 4 electrode rows and rows covered by the bond center distance P.

For the above and following embodiments of the present invention, the electrode gap is fixed (the gap between the two first electrodes 24/the gap between the two second electrodes 26, or the gap between the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 26 is the same in the same direction) and the fixed electrode gap is used. The electrode size (the size of the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 26 is the same) is taken as a premise. Using the formula in the width direction W, the size of any electrode in the width direction W is the key center distance PW/electrode spacing DW/ of the key projection area 18 and each electrode matrix Ma/Mb (or the key center distance PW covers ) is a function of the number of electrode rows and columns NW. Similarly, the aforementioned formula can also be used in the length direction L, that is, the size of any electrode in the length direction L is the key center distance PL/electrode spacing DL/ of the key projection area 18 and each electrode matrix Ma/Mb ( Or the function of the number of electrode rows and columns NL covered by the bond center distance PL. To sum up, for the first electrode 24 / the second electrode 26 with the same shape (such as rectangle/rhombus) and size (such as the side length of the rectangle or the diagonal length of the rhombus), the first electrode 24 / the second electrode 26 are in the width direction W The dimensions above/the dimensions in the length direction L can be deduced based on the above formula.

As shown in Figure 1A/1B, the touch keyboard 10 also includes a virtual touch area 120 for the user's fingers or objects O such as stylus pens to perform touch operations (or non-press movements). The touch area 120 It at least covers the top side area of the square key type key structures 12 in these key structures 12 and the area covered by the plurality of key gap layouts 125. Each key gap layout 125 corresponds to surrounding one key structure 12. Referring to Figures 2A/2B/2C/2D/2E, on the keyboard touch electrode module 14, the touch area 120 corresponds to the touch area projection 140, and the touch area projection 140 at least covers the corresponding key type key structure 12 The key projection area 18/18a/18b/18c, and the plurality of key gap layout projections 143/143a/143b; the touch area projection 140 can be regarded as the projection area of the touch area 120 along the vertical direction Z. The area covered by the touch area projection 140 can be partially or completely, larger, smaller, or conform to the boundary of the key projection area 18/18a/18b/18c corresponding to the square key type key structure 12, and the outline of the touch area projection 140 can be completely Rectangular or irregular borders. Each key gap layout projection 143/143a/143b corresponds to surrounding a key Projection area 18/18a/18b/18c. At least two adjacent key structures 12 (square keys) in the touch area 120 that are not aligned in the width direction W respectively correspond to the same two-electrode matrix Ma/Mb in Figures 2B/2C/2D/2E.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the direct connection of electrodes means that the two electrodes connected to each other are in a longitudinal or transverse relative position. The center line of the two directly connected electrodes is straight and will be in line with the longitudinal or transverse width direction W. The length direction L is parallel. In Figures 2B/2C/2D/2E, the electrode matrix Ma includes four first electrode series segments 20a/20b/20c/20d (respectively part of a first electrode series 20) and four second electrode series Segments 22a/22b/22c/22d (respectively are part of a second electrode series 22), and the first electrode series segment 20a/20b/20c/20d is connected with the second electrode series segment 22a/22b/22c/ 22d staggered. The electrode matrix Mb includes four first electrode series segments 20e/20f/20g/20h (respectively part of a first electrode series 20) and four second electrode series segments 22e/22f/22g/22h (respectively). (both are part of a second electrode series 22), the first electrode series segments 20e/20f/20g/20h are staggered with the second electrode series segments 22e/22f/22g/22h.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 26 are in a diamond shape, which can increase the area utilization of the electrode distribution and also increase the degree of interlacing between the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 26, both of which are Helps improve the sensing accuracy of touch locations. In addition, in the first embodiment, one electrode matrix M corresponds to four second electrode series 22 and four first electrode series 20 , which is denoted as a 4*4 arrangement for ease of explanation. In practice, the electrode matrix can also be arranged in a 4*3 arrangement (that is, four second electrode series 22 and three first electrode series 20), a 4*5 arrangement, a 4*6 arrangement, or an 8* The arrangement of 3, the arrangement of 8*4, the arrangement of 8*5, the arrangement of 8*6, etc. can all keep the electrode matrix aligned in the length direction L and the width direction W.

The above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention, and all equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the patentable scope of the present invention shall fall within the scope of the present invention.

18,18a~c: Button projection area

20: First electrode series

20a~l: first electrode series section

22: Second electrode series

22a~l: Second electrode series section

24: First electrode

26: Second electrode

AL,AW: arrangement spacing

DL,DW: gap

L:Length direction

M,Ma~c: electrode matrix

Mf1~3: Bond electrode pattern

PL,PW: bond center distance

SL,SW: size

W: Width direction

Claims (22)

A keyboard touch electrode module is combined into a keyboard structure. The keyboard structure includes a plurality of keycaps. The keyboard touch electrode module is located below the plurality of keycaps and includes: an electrode bearing structure; a plurality of keycaps. An electrode series, linearly extending parallel to a length direction and arranged at parallel intervals in a width direction on the electrode carrying structure; and a plurality of second electrode series, linearly extending parallel to the width direction and arranged in parallel in the length direction. Arranged at parallel intervals on the electrode carrying structure, the plurality of first electrode series and the plurality of second electrode series are staggered to form a plurality of identical electrode matrices. The plurality of electrode matrices are arranged along the length direction and the Arranged in the width direction, the two adjacent electrode matrices in the width direction are not aligned, the plurality of electrode matrices correspond to the plurality of keycaps one-to-one, and each keycap forms a button on the corresponding electrode matrix Projection area, each key projection area covers the same key surface electrode pattern. The keyboard touch electrode module according to claim 1, wherein a key gap layout projection is defined on the plurality of electrode matrices corresponding to each key projection area, and the key gap layout projection surrounds the corresponding key projection area, and each key gap layout projection surrounds the corresponding key projection area. The bond gap layout projection covers the same bond gap electrode pattern. The keyboard touch electrode module of claim 1, wherein the electrode carrying structure includes a first substrate, a second substrate arranged relative to the first substrate, and a spacer layer sandwiched between the two, The plurality of first electrode series are formed on a first inner surface of the first substrate, and the plurality of second electrode series are formed on a second inner surface of the second substrate. The keyboard touch electrode module according to claim 3 further includes first and second trigger conductive parts, wherein the first and second trigger conductive parts are located in one of the key projection areas and are respectively formed from one of the first electrodes. The series and a second electrode series are formed extending in the series, the spacer layer has an opening, the first and second triggering conductive parts are arranged at relative intervals corresponding to the opening, and the keyboard touch electrode module corresponds to Portions of the first and second triggering conductive portions can be pressed to bring the first and second triggering conductive portions closer to each other through the opening. The keyboard touch electrode module according to claim 4, wherein one of the first triggering conductive part and the second triggering conductive part includes a contact surface, and wherein one of the first triggering conductive part and the second triggering conductive part The other one includes at least one contact line, and the first and second triggering conductive parts are in contact with each other through the contact surface and the at least one contact line. The keyboard touch electrode module according to claim 4, wherein the first triggering conductive part and the second triggering conductive part respectively include at least one contact line, and the first and second triggering conductive parts are connected by the contact lines. contact each other. The keyboard touch electrode module of claim 5, wherein the contact line is one of a straight line, an arc, a ring, a rectangle, a zigzag, or any combination thereof. The keyboard touch electrode module of claim 1 further includes first and second triggering conductive parts and a conductive connection part, wherein the electrode carrying structure includes a first substrate, and a The second substrate, and a spacer layer sandwiched between the two, the spacer layer having an opening, the plurality of first electrode series and the plurality of second electrode series are formed on a first side of the first substrate. On an inner surface, the conductive connection portion is formed on a second inner surface of the second substrate corresponding to the opening, and the first triggering conductive portion extends from one of the first electrode series or is formed by the first electrode series. One of the first electrodes is formed, the second triggering conductive portion extends from one of the second electrode series or is formed by one of the second electrodes in the second electrode series, and the first and second triggering conductive portions are located at In one of the key projection areas, the conductive connection portion corresponds to the opening and the first and second trigger conductive portions are arranged relatively spaced apart, and the portion of the keyboard touch electrode module corresponding to the first and second trigger conductive portions can be pressed. So that the conductive connection part is close to the first and second triggering conductive parts simultaneously through the opening. The keyboard touch electrode module of claim 1 further includes first and second trigger conductive parts and a conductive connection part, wherein the electrode carrying structure includes a first substrate, relative to the first substrate The board is provided with a second substrate and a spacer layer sandwiched between the two. The spacer layer has an opening. The plurality of first electrodes are formed in series on a first inner surface of the first substrate and the third On one of the first outer surfaces of a substrate, the plurality of second electrodes are formed in series on the other of the first inner surface and the first outer surface and are located in a key projection area, and the third One and second trigger conductive portions are formed at intervals on a second inner surface of the second substrate, and the conductive connection portion is formed by extending from or extending from one of the first or second electrodes formed on the first inner surface. One of the first or second electrode series is formed on the first inner surface, and the conductive connection part is arranged corresponding to the opening and the first and second triggering conductive parts at a relative distance, and the keyboard touch The portions of the electrode module corresponding to the first and second triggering conductive parts can be pressed so that the conductive connection part is simultaneously close to the first and second triggering conductive parts through the opening. The keyboard touch electrode module of claim 1 further includes a film circuit board, wherein the electrode carrying structure is stacked on the film circuit board, and the film circuit board has a key switch corresponding to each key projection area. The keyboard touch electrode module of claim 1 further includes first and second triggering conductive parts, wherein the electrode carrying structure includes a first substrate, a second substrate disposed relative to the first substrate, and A spacer layer is sandwiched between the two. The plurality of first electrode series and the plurality of second electrode series are formed on a first outer surface of the first substrate. The spacer layer has an opening. First and second trigger conductive parts are formed on a first inner surface of the first substrate and a second inner surface of the second substrate respectively corresponding to the opening, and the keyboard touch electrode module corresponds to the third Portions of the first and second triggering conductive portions can be pressed to bring the first and second triggering conductive portions closer to each other through the opening. The keyboard touch electrode module of claim 1, wherein the key surface electrode pattern has a same perforation layout. A keyboard touch electrode module, including: A plurality of electrode matrices are continuously arranged along a length direction and a width direction. Two adjacent electrode matrices in the width direction are offset from each other along the length direction without being aligned along the width direction. In the width direction, At least two electrode matrices that are not aligned in the direction are the same as each other, and each electrode matrix includes: a plurality of first electrode series segments; and a plurality of second electrode series segments, interleaved with each other with the first electrode series segments Arrangement; wherein at least two electrode matrices that are not aligned in the width direction have the same perforation layout, and the perforation layout includes at least one perforation located in the electrode matrix. A keyboard touch electrode module that senses the non-pressed movement of an object on a plurality of mechanically triggered keys. The keyboard touch electrode module includes: a plurality of electrode matrices, continuously arranged along a length direction and a width direction, and are electrically connected to each other. Two adjacent electrode matrices in the width direction are offset from each other along the length direction and are not aligned along the width direction. At least two electrode matrices are not aligned in the width direction. The matrices are the same as each other, and each of the electrode matrices includes: a plurality of first electrode series segments; and a plurality of second electrode series segments, which are staggered with the first electrode series segments; wherein there are no At least two aligned electrode matrices have the same through hole layout, and the through hole layout includes at least one through hole located in the electrode matrix. A keyboard touch electrode module that senses the non-pressed movement of an object on a plurality of mechanically triggered keys. The keyboard touch electrode module includes: a plurality of first electrode series; and a plurality of second electrode series. , are staggered with the first electrodes in series, and form a plurality of electrode matrices arranged along a length direction and a width direction. Each electrode matrix corresponds to a button projection area, and two adjacent electrode matrices are arranged in the width direction. The electrode matrix and the two button projection areas, along The at least two electrode matrices that are not aligned in the width direction are the same as each other; wherein, the at least two electrode matrices that are not aligned in the width direction are the same as each other. Having the same perforation layout, the perforation layout includes at least one perforation located in the electrode matrix. A keyboard touch electrode module includes a plurality of electrode matrices, corresponding to a plurality of key projection areas on a one-to-one basis. The plurality of electrode matrices are arranged along a length direction and a width direction, and at least two of the electrode matrices are not aligned in the width direction. The electrode matrices are identical to each other, and the electrode matrix includes a plurality of electrodes arranged at the same electrode spacing, wherein the size of the electrodes in the width direction is the key center distance of the key projection areas, the electrode spacing, and The key center distance covers a function of the number of electrode rows and columns. At least two electrode matrices that are not aligned in the width direction have the same perforation layout, and the perforation layout includes at least one perforation located in the electrode matrix. A keyboard touch electrode module includes a plurality of electrode matrices, corresponding to a plurality of key projection areas on a one-to-one basis. The plurality of electrode matrices are arranged along a length direction and a width direction, and at least two of the electrode matrices are not aligned in the width direction. The electrode matrices are identical to each other, wherein the keyboard touch electrode module has a plurality of perforations, and the plurality of perforations form the same perforation layout on the at least two electrode matrices that are not aligned in the width direction. The keyboard touch electrode module according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein a key gap layout projection is defined around each electrode matrix, and at least two of the key gaps are not aligned in the width direction. The layout projection covers the same area on the two corresponding electrode matrices. A keyboard touch electrode module is combined into a keyboard structure. The keyboard structure includes a plurality of keycaps. The keyboard touch electrode module is located below the plurality of keycaps and includes a plurality of electrode matrices. The plurality of electrodes The matrix corresponds to the plurality of keycaps one-to-one, and each keycap forms a key projection area on the corresponding electrode matrix. The plurality of electrode matrices are aligned with a width along a length direction. Directional arrangement, wherein a key gap layout projection is defined around each electrode matrix, and at least two key gap layout projections that are not aligned in the width direction cover the same area on the two corresponding electrode matrices. . A keyboard touch electrode module is combined into a keyboard structure. The keyboard structure includes a plurality of keycaps. The keyboard touch electrode module is located below the plurality of keycaps and includes a plurality of electrode matrices. The plurality of electrodes The matrix corresponds to the plurality of keycaps one-to-one, and each keycap forms a key projection area on the corresponding electrode matrix. The plurality of electrode matrices are arranged along a length direction and a width direction, wherein each key projection area A key surface electrode pattern is defined in each electrode matrix, and at least two key surface electrode patterns that are not aligned in the width direction are the same as each other. A keyboard touch electrode module is combined into a keyboard structure. The keyboard structure includes a plurality of keycaps. The keyboard touch electrode module is located below the plurality of keycaps and includes a plurality of electrode matrices. The plurality of electrodes The matrix corresponds to the plurality of keycaps one-to-one, and each keycap forms a key projection area on the corresponding electrode matrix. The plurality of electrode matrices are arranged along a length direction and a width direction, and each of the electrode matrices is surrounded by A key gap electrode pattern is defined around each other, and at least two of the key gap electrode patterns that are not aligned in the width direction are the same as each other. A touch keyboard, including: a base plate; a plurality of keycaps disposed above the base plate; a keyboard touch electrode module as described in any one of claims 1 to 17 and 19 to 21, disposed on the base plate Between the plurality of keycaps, the keyboard touch electrode module senses the non-pressing movement of an object on the plurality of keycaps; and a plurality of support mechanisms are correspondingly connected to the base plate and the plurality of keycaps. time, so that the support mechanism can move up and down relative to the base plate and the keyboard touch electrode module through the corresponding support mechanism.

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