TWM472236U - Thin keyboard - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses a thin keyboard including a membrane switch circuit, a light-guiding plate, a flexible layer, an actuating layer, and light source. The membrane switch circuit includes a plurality of switches. The light-guiding plate is disposed on the membrane switch circuit. The flexible layer is transparent, has a plurality of press regions, and is disposed on a front surface of the light-guiding plate. The actuating layer is disposed between the membrane switch and the flexible layer, and has a plurality of protruding structures. Each protruding structure is located beneath one press region, and corresponds one switch. The light source is disposed adjacent to the light-guiding plate, and emits a light into the light-guiding plate which guides the light. Then, the light emits out from the front surface of the light-guiding plate and toward the flexible layer.

Description

Thin keyboard

This creation is about a thin keyboard, and especially with a thin illuminated keyboard.

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

Please refer to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the prior art illuminated keyboard 1. The illuminated keyboard 1 includes a plurality of buttons mounted on the backlight 18. In Fig. 1, only one button is shown as a representative. The illuminated keyboard 1 includes a bottom plate 10, a membrane switch 12, a keycap 14, a scissor support device 16, an elastic actuator 17, and a backlight 18. The scissor support device 16 is mounted on the bottom plate 10, and the bottom plate 10 is formed with a structure for assisting the fixing of the scissor support device 16. The keycap 14 is mounted on the scissor support device 16. The scissor support device 16 limits the vertical movement of the keycap 14 relative to the membrane switch 12 to move between the undepressed position and the depressed position.

The membrane switch 12 is composed of an upper membrane circuit 122 and a lower membrane circuit 124, and the upper membrane circuit 122 is separated from the lower membrane circuit 124 by a partition member 126. The elastic actuator 17 is disposed on the upper film circuit 122. As shown in Fig. 1, the general elastic actuator 17 is a resilient dome having a considerable height. An external force is applied to the keycap 14 to move the keycap 14 toward the upper film circuit 122. The elastic actuator 17 is generated as the key cap 14 moves The deformation causes the film circuit 122 to be deformed to move toward the lower film circuit 124, thereby turning on the membrane switch 12.

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

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

The bottom plate 10 has a first light transmitting region 102, and the key cap 14 has a second light transmitting region 142 thereon. In the actual product design, the first light transmitting region 102 can be a through hole. When the light is led out from the light guide plate 180, the first light transmitting region 102, the membrane switch 12, the elastic actuator 17, and the second light transmitting region 142 of the key cap 14 are sequentially passed through. The elastic actuator 17 can be constructed of a transparent or translucent material such that light can pass directly through the elastic actuator 17 to reach the second light transmissive region 142 of the keycap 14, or the light can be diffused by the elastic actuator 17 to The light around the keycap 14 and the light passing through the second light transmissive region 142 are softer. If the second light transmitting region 142 corresponds to a symbol or a letter on the key cap 14, the symbol or letter region represented by the second light transmitting region 142 is allowed. Therefore, when the ambient light source is weak, the illuminated keyboard 1 allows different keys to be easily distinguished, and is convenient for the user to input data. It should be noted that if the bottom plate 10 is made of a light transmissive material, the first light transmitting region 102 may not be in the form of a through hole. The area of the bottom plate 10 outside the first light-transmissive area 102 is also allowed to pass through a small amount of light to provide a backlight effect with respect to the first light-transmissive area 102.

In the prior art illuminated keyboard 1, the keycap 14, the scissor support device 16, the elastic actuator 17, and the like have a considerable thickness so that they cannot be thinned.

Therefore, one of the technical problems to be solved by the present invention is to provide a thin keyboard, especially a thin type of illuminated keyboard, which does not require a scissor support device, an elastic actuator, etc., and can greatly reduce the overall thickness.

The thin keyboard of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a membrane switch layer, an elastic layer and an actuation layer. The membrane switch layer contains a plurality of switches. The elastic layer is light transmissive and has a top surface and a plurality of pressing regions formed on a top surface thereof, and is disposed on the membrane switch layer. The top surface of the elastic layer faces upward. The actuation layer is disposed between the membrane switch layer and the elastic layer and has a plurality of convex structures. Each of the raised structures is located below a pressing area and corresponds to a switch. When the user presses one of the plurality of pressing regions, the corresponding protruding structure is triggered, that is, the corresponding switch is triggered.

The thin keyboard of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a light guide plate, a membrane switch layer, an elastic layer, an actuation layer, and a light source. The light guide plate has a front side. The membrane switch layer is light transmissive and is disposed on the front surface of the light guide plate and includes a plurality of switches. The elastic layer is light transmissive and has a top surface and a plurality of pressing regions formed on a top surface thereof. The elastic layer is disposed on the membrane switch layer with the top surface of the elastic layer facing upward such that each of the pressing regions is aligned with a switch. The actuation layer is disposed between the membrane switch layer and the elastic layer and has a plurality of convex structures. Each of the raised structures is located below a pressing area and corresponds to a switch. When the user presses one of the plurality of pressing regions, the corresponding protruding structure is triggered, that is, the corresponding switch is triggered. The light source is disposed adjacent to the light guide plate. The light source is used to emit light, is incident on the light guide plate and is conducted in the light guide plate, and then is emitted from the front surface of the light guide plate and is directed to the membrane switch layer and the elastic layer.

A thin keyboard of a third preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a membrane switch layer, an elastic layer, an actuation layer, and a light source. The membrane switch layer contains a plurality of switches. The elastic layer is light transmissive and has a top surface and a plurality of pressing regions formed on a top surface thereof. The elastic layer is disposed on the membrane switch layer with the top surface of the elastic layer facing upward such that each of the pressing regions is aligned with a switch. The actuation layer is disposed between the membrane switch layer and the elastic layer and has a plurality of convex structures. Each of the raised structures is located below a pressing area and corresponds to a switch. When the user presses one of the plurality of pressing regions, the corresponding protruding structure is triggered, that is, the corresponding switch is triggered. The light source is disposed adjacent to the elastic layer. The light source is for emitting light, is incident on the elastic layer and is conducted in the elastic layer, and is then emitted from the top surface of the elastic layer.

In one embodiment, each of the pressing regions is a platform that projects upward. There is a recessed area between every two adjacent pressing regions. The recessed area allows the user to tactilely distinguish between two adjacent pressing areas.

Different from the prior art, the thin keyboard of the present invention does not require a scissor-type supporting device, an elastic actuator, etc., and its key cap is instead implemented by a pressing region of a light-transmissive elastic layer, which greatly reduces the overall thickness.

The advantages and spirit of the present invention can be further understood by the following embodiments and the drawings.

1‧‧‧ illuminated keyboard

10‧‧‧floor

102‧‧‧First light transmission area

12‧‧‧ Membrane switch

122‧‧‧Upper film circuit

124‧‧‧ Lower film circuit

126‧‧‧Isolated components

14‧‧‧Key Cap

142‧‧‧Second light transmission area

16‧‧‧Scissors

17‧‧‧Elastic actuator

18‧‧‧Backlight

180‧‧‧Light guide

1802‧‧‧light side

1804‧‧‧ positive

1806‧‧‧Back

182‧‧‧Light source

184‧‧‧reflective structure

186‧‧‧reflector

2‧‧‧Thin keyboard

20‧‧‧membrane switch layer

202‧‧‧ switch

203‧‧‧ top surface

204‧‧‧ Lower film circuit

205‧‧‧Contacts

206‧‧‧Isolation components

207‧‧‧ Space

208‧‧‧Upper film circuit

209‧‧‧Contacts

22‧‧‧Light guide plate

222‧‧‧ positive

224‧‧‧ back

226‧‧‧light side

228‧‧‧Reflective structure

24‧‧‧Elastic layer

242‧‧‧ top surface

244‧‧‧ Pressing area

25‧‧‧Response

252‧‧‧Flexible dome

26‧‧‧ actuation layer

262‧‧‧ convex structure

27‧‧‧Capacitive sensing layer

28‧‧‧Light source

29‧‧‧Isolation

292‧‧‧ lower surface

294‧‧‧ upper surface

3‧‧‧Thin keyboard

30‧‧‧membrane switch layer

302‧‧‧ switch

303‧‧‧ top surface

304‧‧‧ Lower film circuit

305‧‧‧Contacts

306‧‧‧Isolated components

307‧‧‧ Space

308‧‧‧Upper film circuit

309‧‧‧Contacts

32‧‧‧Light guide plate

322‧‧‧ positive

324‧‧‧ back

326‧‧‧light side

328‧‧‧Reflective structure

34‧‧‧Elastic layer

342‧‧‧ top surface

344‧‧‧ Pressing area

36‧‧‧Activity layer

362‧‧‧ convex structure

38‧‧‧Light source

39‧‧‧Isolation

392‧‧‧ lower surface

394‧‧‧ upper surface

4‧‧‧Thin keyboard

40‧‧‧membrane switch layer

402‧‧‧ switch

403‧‧‧ top surface

404‧‧‧ Lower film circuit

405‧‧‧Contacts

406‧‧‧Isolation components

407‧‧‧ Space

408‧‧‧Upper film circuit

409‧‧‧Contacts

44‧‧‧Elastic layer

442‧‧‧ top surface

444‧‧‧ Pressing area

446‧‧‧light side

448‧‧‧ bottom surface

45‧‧‧Response

452‧‧‧Flexible dome

46‧‧‧Activity layer

462‧‧‧ convex structure

47‧‧‧Capacitive sensing layer

48‧‧‧Light source

49‧‧‧Isolation

492‧‧‧ lower surface

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

2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a thin keyboard of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a variation of one of the thin keyboards of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing another variation of the thin keyboard of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing another variation of the thin keyboard of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing another variation of the thin keyboard of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a thin keyboard of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a variation of one of the thin keyboards of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a partial cross-sectional view showing another variation of the thin keyboard of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a thin keyboard of a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a variation of one of the thin keyboards of the third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 12 is a partial cross-sectional view showing another variation of the thin keyboard of the third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing the thin keyboard 2 of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The thin keyboard 2 of the present invention comprises a membrane switch layer 20, an elastic layer 24 and an actuation layer 26.

The membrane switch layer 20 includes a plurality of switches 202. In FIG. 2, only three switches 202 are shown as representative.

The elastic layer 24 is light transmissive and has a top surface 242 and a plurality of pressing regions 244 formed on a top surface 242 thereof. In FIG. 2, only three pressing regions 244 are shown as representative. The plurality of pressing areas 244 correspond to symbols or letters on the thin keyboard 2.

In one embodiment, each of the pressing regions 244 is a convex platform on which the corresponding symbol or letter pattern is printed. There is a recessed area between every two adjacent pressing regions 244. The recessed area allows the user to tactilely distinguish between two adjacent pressing regions 244.

The elastic layer 24 is disposed on the membrane switch layer 20 with the top surface 242 of the elastic layer 24 facing upward. The actuation layer 26 is disposed between the membrane switch layer 20 and the elastic layer 24 and has a plurality of raised structures 262. In FIG. 2, only three raised structures 262 are shown as representative. Each of the raised structures 262 is located below a pressing region 244 and corresponds to a switch 202. When the user presses one of the plurality of pressing regions 244, its corresponding protrusion structure 262 is triggered, that is, its corresponding switch 202 is triggered.

Further, the thin keyboard 2 of the present invention further includes a light guide plate 22 and a light source 28. The light guide plate 22 is disposed between the membrane switch layer 20 and the elastic layer 24, and has a front surface 222, a back surface 224, and a light incident side 226. The light source 28 is disposed adjacent to the light guide plate 22. The light source 28 is used to emit light and enter the light guide plate 22. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the light source 28 is disposed adjacent to the light incident side 226 of the light guide plate 22. The light incident side 226 acts as a light incident surface for the light source 28 to emit light. The light incident into the light guide plate 22 is conducted inside the light guide plate 22, and is emitted from the front surface 222 of the light guide plate 22 and is incident on the elastic layer 24.

The membrane switch layer 20 includes a lower membrane circuit 204, a separator member 206, and an upper membrane circuit 208. Lower film circuit 204 includes a lower contact 205 for each switch 202. The isolation member 206 is disposed on the lower film circuit 204. The upper film circuit 208 is disposed on the isolation member 206 and includes an upper contact 209 of each of the switches 202. The isolation member 206 separates the lower film circuit 204 and the upper film circuit 208 to form a plurality of spaces 207. Each lower contact 205 and its corresponding upper contact 209 are disposed within a space 207. The external force applied to the pressing region 244 of the alignment switch 202 causes the upper film circuit 208 to deform toward the lower film circuit 204. When the upper film circuit 208 is deformed and moved to bring the upper contact 209 of the switch 202 into contact with the lower contact 205 of the switch 202, The switch 202 is turned on.

In FIG. 2, the actuation layer 26 is formed on the back surface 224 of the light guide plate 22. That is, the convex structure 262 is formed on the back surface 224 of the light guide plate 22. In practice, the raised structure 262 and the light guide plate 22 may be integrally formed.

Further, the light guide plate 22 further includes a reflective structure 228. The reflective structure 228 is disposed on the back surface 224 of the light guide plate 22. The reflective structure 228 is used to guide the light that is directed toward the reflective structure 228 to the front surface 222 of the light guide plate 22 and further from the front surface 222 of the light guide plate 22 . In general, the reflective structures 228 are distributed at locations corresponding to the pressing regions 244.

Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a variation of the thin keyboard 2 of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, the thin keyboard 2 of the present invention further includes an isolation layer 29. The isolation layer 29 is disposed between the light guide plate 22 and the membrane switch layer 20 and has a lower surface 292 forming the actuation layer 26. That is, the raised structure 262 is formed on the lower surface 292 of the isolation layer 29. In practice, the raised structure 262 and the isolation layer 29 can be integrally formed. The components in FIG. 3 having the same reference numerals as in FIG. 2 have the same or similar structures and functions, and will not be further described herein.

Referring to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing another variation of the thin keyboard 2 of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the thin keyboard 2 of the present invention further includes a reply layer 25. The recovery layer 25 is disposed between the membrane switch layer 20 and the actuation layer 26 and has a plurality of elastic domes 252. In Fig. 4, only three elastic domes 252 are shown as representative. Each of the elastic domes 252 is located between a pressing region 244 and a raised structure 262, respectively. When the user first presses the pressing area 244 and then releases the pressing area 244, through its corresponding elastic dome 252, even its corresponding pressing area 244 moves upward.

Further, the thin keyboard 2 of the present invention includes a capacitive sensing layer 27. The capacitive sensing layer 27 is disposed below the elastic layer 24 and above the membrane switch layer 20 such that the plurality of switches 202 in the membrane switch layer 20 do not affect the operation of the capacitive sensing layer 27. Capacitive sensing layer 27 provides a capacitive touch input. The user detects the trajectory of the user's finger moving over the plurality of pressing regions 244 through the capacitive touch input. The components in FIG. 4 having the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 2 and 3 have the same or similar structures and functions, and will not be further described herein.

Referring to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing another variation of the thin keyboard 2 of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, the thin keyboard 2 of the present invention further includes an isolation layer 29. The isolation layer 29 is disposed between the light guide plate 22 and the membrane switch layer 20 and has an upper surface 294 forming the actuation layer 26. Upper surface 294 is the reverse side of lower surface 292. That is, the raised structure 262 is formed on the upper surface 294 of the isolation layer 29. In practice, the raised structure 262 and the isolation layer 29 can be integrally formed. The elements in FIG. 5 having the same reference numerals as in FIG. 2 have the same or similar structures and functions, and will not be described herein.

Referring to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing another variation of the thin keyboard 2 of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6, the thin keyboard 2 of the present invention has a thin film circuit 208 having a top surface 203 forming an actuation layer 26. That is, the raised structure 262 is formed on the top surface 203 of the upper film circuit 208. In practice, the raised structure 262 and the upper film circuit 208 can be integrally formed. The elements in FIG. 6 having the same reference numerals as in FIG. 2 have the same or similar structures and functions, and will not be described here.

Referring to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a thin keyboard 3 of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. The thin keyboard 3 of the present invention comprises a light guide plate 32, a membrane switch layer 30, an elastic layer 34, an actuation layer 36, and a light source 38.

The light guide plate 32 has a front surface 322, a back surface 324, and a light incident side 326. The membrane switch layer 30 is light transmissive and is disposed on the front surface 322 of the light guide plate 32 and includes a plurality of switches 302. In Figure 7, only three switches 302 are shown as representative.

The elastic layer 34 is light transmissive and has a top surface 342 and a plurality of pressing regions 344 formed on a top surface 342 thereof. In FIG. 7, only three pressing regions 344 are shown as representative. The plurality of pressing areas 344 correspond to symbols or letters on the thin thin keyboard 3.

In one embodiment, each of the pressing regions 344 is an upwardly projecting platform on which the corresponding symbol or letter pattern is printed. There is a recessed area between every two adjacent pressing regions 344. The recessed area allows the user to tactilely distinguish between two adjacent pressing regions 344.

The elastic layer 34 is disposed on the membrane switch layer 30 with the top surface 342 of the elastic layer 34 facing upward such that each of the pressing regions 344 is aligned with a switch 302. The actuation layer 36 is disposed between the membrane switch layer 30 and the elastic layer 34 and has a plurality of raised structures 362. In FIG. 7, only three raised structures 362 are shown as representative. Each of the raised structures 362 is located below a pressing area 344 and corresponds to a switch 302. When the user presses one of the plurality of pressing regions 344, its corresponding protruding structure 362 is triggered, that is, its corresponding switch 302 is triggered.

The light source 38 is disposed adjacent to the light guide plate 32. The light source 38 is used to emit light and enter the light guide plate 32. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the light source 38 is disposed adjacent to the light incident side 326 of the light guide plate 32. The light incident side 326 serves as a light incident surface for the light source 38 to emit light. The light incident into the light guide plate 32 is conducted inside the light guide plate 32, and is emitted from the front surface 322 of the light guide plate 32 and is incident on the membrane switch layer 30 and the elastic layer 34.

The membrane switch layer 30 includes a lower membrane circuit 304, a separator member 306, and an upper membrane circuit 308. Lower film circuit 304 includes each switch 302 The lower contact 305. The isolation member 306 is disposed on the lower film circuit 304. The upper film circuit 308 is disposed on the isolation member 306 and includes an upper contact 309 of each of the switches 302. The isolation member 306 separates the lower film circuit 304 and the upper film circuit 308 to form a plurality of spaces 307. Each lower contact 305 and its corresponding upper contact 309 are disposed in a space 307. The external force applied to the pressing region 344 of the alignment switch 302 causes the upper film circuit 308 to deform toward the lower film circuit 304. When the upper film circuit 308 is deformed to move the upper contact 309 of the switch 302 into contact with the lower contact 305 of the switch 302, the switch 302 is opened.

In FIG. 7, upper film circuit 308 has a top surface 303 that forms actuation layer 36. That is, the raised structure 362 is formed on the top surface 303 of the upper film circuit 308. In practice, the raised structure 362 and the upper film circuit 308 can be integrally formed.

Further, the light guide plate 32 further includes a reflective structure 328. The reflective structure 328 is disposed on the back surface 324 of the light guide plate 32. The reflective structure 328 is configured to direct the light directed toward the reflective structure 328 to the front side 322 of the light guide plate 32 and further from the front surface 322 of the light guide plate 32. In general, the reflective structures 328 are distributed at locations corresponding to the pressing regions 344.

Referring to FIG. 8, FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a variation of the thin keyboard 3 of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 8, the thin keyboard 3 of the present invention further includes an isolation layer 39. The isolation layer 39 is disposed between the elastic layer 34 and the membrane switch layer 30 and has a lower surface 392 that forms the actuation layer 36. That is, the raised structure 362 is formed on the lower surface 392 of the isolation layer 39. In practice, the raised structure 362 and the isolation layer 39 can be integrally formed. The components in FIG. 8 having the same reference numerals as in FIG. 7 have the same or similar structures and functions, and will not be described herein.

Referring to FIG. 9, FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing another variation of the thin keyboard 3 of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 9, the thin keyboard 3 of the present invention further includes an isolation layer 39. The isolation layer 29 is disposed between the elastic layer 34 and the membrane switch layer 30 and has an upper surface 394 that forms the actuation layer 36. Upper surface 394 is the reverse of lower surface 392. That is, the raised structure 362 is formed on the upper surface 394 of the isolation layer 39. In practice, the raised structure 362 and the isolation layer 39 can be integrally formed. The elements in FIG. 9 having the same reference numerals as in FIG. 7 have the same or similar structures and functions, and will not be further described herein.

Referring to FIG. 10, FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a thin keyboard 4 of a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. The thin keyboard 4 of the present invention comprises a membrane switch layer 40, an elastic layer 44, an actuation layer 46 and a light source 48.

The membrane switch layer 40 includes a plurality of switches 402. In Figure 10, only three switches 402 are shown as representative. The elastic layer 44 is light transmissive and has a top surface 442 and a plurality of pressing regions 444 formed on a top surface 442 thereof. In FIG. 10, only three pressing regions 444 are shown as representative. The plurality of pressing areas 444 correspond to symbols or letters on the thin keyboard 4.

In one embodiment, each of the pressing regions 444 is a platform that projects upwardly and prints a corresponding symbol or letter pattern thereon. There is a recessed area between every two adjacent pressing regions 444. The recessed area allows the user to tactilely distinguish between two adjacent pressing regions 444.

The elastic layer 44 is disposed on the membrane switch layer 40 with the top surface 442 of the elastic layer 44 facing upward such that each of the pressing regions 444 is aligned with a switch 402. The actuation layer 46 is disposed between the membrane switch layer 40 and the elastic layer 44 and has a plurality of raised structures 462. In FIG. 9, only three raised structures 462 are shown as representative. Each of the raised structures 462 is located below a pressing area 444 and corresponds to a switch 402. When the user presses one of the plurality of pressing regions 444, the corresponding protrusion 402 is triggered through its corresponding raised structure 462.

Light source 48 is disposed adjacent to elastic layer 44. The light source 48 is used to emit light and enter the light guide plate 42. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the light source 48 is disposed adjacent the light entrance side 446 of the elastic layer 44. The light incident side 446 serves as a light incident surface for the light source 48 to emit light. Light incident into the elastic layer 44 is conducted within the elastic layer 44 and is emitted from the top surface 442 of the elastic layer 44.

The membrane switch layer 40 includes a lower membrane circuit 404, a separator member 406, and an upper membrane circuit 408. The lower film circuit 404 includes the lower contact 405 of each switch 402. The isolation member 406 is disposed on the lower film circuit 404. The upper film circuit 408 is disposed on the isolation member 406 and includes an upper contact 409 of each of the switches 402. The isolation member 406 separates the lower film circuit 404 and the upper film circuit 408 to form a plurality of spaces 407. Each lower contact 405 and its corresponding upper contact 409 are disposed in a space 407. The external force applied to the pressing region 444 of the alignment switch 402 causes the upper film circuit 308 to deform toward the lower film circuit 404. When the upper film circuit 308 is deformed to move the upper contact 409 of the switch 402 into contact with the lower contact 405 of the switch 402, the switch 402 is opened.

In FIG. 10, the elastic layer 44 also has a bottom surface 448 that forms the actuation layer 46. That is, the raised structure 462 is formed on the bottom surface 448 of the elastic layer 44. In practice, the raised structure 462 and the elastic layer 44 may be integrally formed.

Referring to FIG. 11, FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a variation of the thin keyboard 4 of the third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 11, the upper film circuit 408 has a top surface 403 that forms an actuation layer 46. That is, the raised structure 462 is formed on the top surface 403 of the upper film circuit 408. In practice, the raised structure 462 and the upper film circuit 408 can be integrally formed. Elements having the same reference numerals as in Fig. 10 in Fig. 11 have the same or similar structures and functions, and will not be further described herein.

Please refer to FIG. 12, which is schematically depicted in a partial cross-sectional view. Another variation of the thin keyboard 4 of the third preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown.

As shown in FIG. 12, the thin keyboard 4 of the present invention further includes an isolation layer 49. The isolation layer 49 is disposed between the elastic layer 44 and the membrane switch layer 40 and has a lower surface 492 that forms the actuation layer 46. That is, the raised structure 462 is formed on the lower surface 492 of the isolation layer 49. In practice, the raised structure 462 and the isolation layer 49 can be integrally formed.

Further, the thin keyboard 4 of the present invention further includes a reply layer 45. The recovery layer 45 is disposed between the membrane switch layer 40 and the actuation layer 46 and has a plurality of elastic domes 452. In Fig. 12, only three elastic domes 452 are shown as representative. Each of the elastic domes 452 is located between a pressing region 444 and a raised structure 462, respectively. When the user first presses the pressing area 444 and then releases the pressing area 444, through its corresponding elastic dome 452, even its corresponding pressing area 444 moves upward.

Further, the thin keyboard 4 of the present invention includes a capacitive sensing layer 47. The capacitive sensing layer 47 is disposed below the elastic layer 44 and above the membrane switch layer 40 such that the plurality of switches 402 in the membrane switch layer 40 do not affect the operation of the capacitive sensing layer 47. Capacitive sensing layer 47 provides a capacitive touch input. The user detects the trajectory of the user's finger moving on the plurality of pressing regions 444 through the capacitive touch input. The components in Fig. 12 having the same reference numerals as in Fig. 10 have the same or similar structures and functions, and will not be described again.

In one embodiment, the light guide plate 22 and the light guide plate 32 may be made of acrylic, silicone, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or other commercial light-guided polymer materials. to make. The layer thickness of the light guide plate 32 can be determined as needed, and is not particularly limited. For example, in one example, the thickness of the light guide plate 32 ranges from about 0.125 mm to 0.25 mm.

In a specific embodiment, the reflective structure 228 and the reflective structure 328 It may be formed by printing a dot-colored (for example, white) ink on the back surface 224 and the back surface 324, or may be formed by micro-lens, or may be integrally formed with the light guide plate 22 and the light guide plate 32 by a plating method. However, the formation of the reflective structure 228 and the reflective structure 328 is not limited to the above process.

In one embodiment, the light source 28, the light source 38, and the light source 48 may be light-emitting diode (LED) devices, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The light source 28, the light source 38, and the light source 48 may be other light emitting devices, such as a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL).

In one embodiment, the recovery layer 25 and the recovery layer 45 may be formed by stamping a metal plate, and then the elastic dome 252 and the elastic dome 452 are punched out.

In summary, it can be fully understood that the thin keyboard of the present invention does not require a scissor support device, an elastic actuator, etc., and the key cap is instead implemented by a pressing area of the light transmissive elastic layer, which greatly reduces the overall thickness.

The features and spirit of the present invention are more clearly described in the above detailed description of the preferred embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. On the contrary, the purpose is to cover all kinds of changes and equivalence arrangements within the scope of the patent application to which the present invention is intended. Therefore, the scope of the patent application filed by this creator should be interpreted broadly based on the above description so that it covers all possible changes and equivalent arrangements.

2‧‧‧Thin keyboard

20‧‧‧membrane switch layer

202‧‧‧ switch

203‧‧‧ top surface

204‧‧‧ Lower film circuit

205‧‧‧Contacts

206‧‧‧Isolation components

207‧‧‧ Space

208‧‧‧Upper film circuit

209‧‧‧Contacts

22‧‧‧Light guide plate

222‧‧‧ positive

224‧‧‧ back

226‧‧‧light side

228‧‧‧Reflective structure

24‧‧‧Elastic layer

242‧‧‧ top surface

244‧‧‧ Pressing area

26‧‧‧ actuation layer

262‧‧‧ convex structure

28‧‧‧Light source

Claims (23)

A thin keyboard comprising: a membrane switch layer comprising a plurality of switches; an elastic layer permeable to light, and having a top surface and a plurality of pressing regions formed on a top surface thereof, and disposed on the film a top surface of the elastic layer facing upwards; and an actuating layer disposed between the membrane switch layer and the elastic layer and having a plurality of convex structures, wherein each of the convex structures is located at one press Below the area and corresponding to a switch, when a user presses one of the plurality of pressing areas, the corresponding protruding structure is triggered, that is, the corresponding switch is triggered. The thin keyboard of claim 1, further comprising: a light guide plate disposed between the membrane switch layer and the elastic layer and having a front surface; and a light source disposed adjacent to the light guide plate for A light is emitted, incident on the light guide plate and conducted in the light guide plate, and then emitted from the front surface and directed toward the elastic layer. The thin keyboard of claim 1, further comprising: a recovery layer disposed between the membrane switch layer and the actuation layer, and having a plurality of elastic domes, wherein each of the elastic domes is located Between a pressing area and a convex structure, when the user first presses the pressing area and then releases the pressing area, through the corresponding elastic dome body, even if the corresponding pressing area moves upward . The thin keyboard of claim 1, further comprising: a capacitive sensing layer disposed under the elastic layer and above the thin film switch layer, so that the plurality of switches in the thin film switch layer do not affect The capacitive sensing layer provides a capacitive touch input, and the user detects the trajectory of the finger of the user moving over the plurality of pressing regions through the capacitive touch input. The thin keyboard of claim 1, wherein each pressing area is an upwardly protruding platform, and each of the two adjacent pressing areas has a recessed area, the recessed area allowing the user to tactilely distinguish two phases The pressing area of the neighbor. The thin keyboard of claim 2, wherein the light guide plate further has a back surface, and the back surface is a reverse side of the front surface, and the actuation layer is formed on the back surface. The thin keyboard of claim 2, further comprising: an isolation layer disposed between the light guide plate and the membrane switch layer, and the actuation layer is formed on a lower surface of the isolation layer. The thin keyboard of claim 2, further comprising: an isolation layer disposed between the light guide plate and the membrane switch layer, and the actuation layer is formed on an upper surface of the isolation layer. The thin keyboard of claim 1, wherein the membrane switch layer comprises: a thin film circuit comprising one of each of the switches; a spacer member disposed on the lower film circuit; a thin film circuit disposed on the isolation member and including one of the upper contacts of each of the switches, wherein the isolation member separates the lower film circuit and the upper film circuit to form a plurality of spaces, each under contact The upper contact point corresponding thereto is disposed in a space, and an external force applied to the pressing area of the switch is configured to cause the upper film circuit to deform toward the lower film circuit, and when the upper film circuit is deformed and moved to The switch is turned on when the contact on the switch contacts the contact under the switch. The thin keyboard of claim 9, wherein the upper film circuit has a top surface, and the actuation layer is formed on the top surface. A thin keyboard comprising: a light guide plate having a front surface; a membrane switch layer permeable to light and disposed on the front surface and comprising a plurality of switches; an elastic layer permeable to light, and Having a top surface and a plurality of pressing regions formed on a top surface thereof, and disposed on the membrane switch layer, the top surface of the elastic layer facing upward, such that each pressing region is aligned with a switch; The utility model is disposed between the membrane switch layer and the elastic layer, and has a plurality of convex structures, wherein each convex structure is respectively located below a pressing area and corresponds to a switch, when a user presses the plurality of pressing areas In one case, through the corresponding convex structure, the corresponding switch is triggered; and a light source is disposed adjacent to the light guide plate for emitting a light, incident on the light guide plate and conducting in the light guide plate And ejected from the front surface and directed toward the membrane switch layer and the elastic layer. The thin keyboard of claim 11, wherein each pressing area is in a direction The upper protruding platform has a recessed area between each two adjacent pressing areas, and the recessed area allows the user to tactilely distinguish two adjacent pressing areas. The thin keyboard of claim 12, further comprising: an isolation layer disposed between the elastic layer and the membrane switch layer, and the actuation layer is formed on a lower surface of the isolation layer. The thin keyboard of claim 12, further comprising: an isolation layer disposed between the elastic layer and the membrane switch layer, and the actuation layer is formed on an upper surface of the isolation layer. The thin keyboard of claim 12, wherein the membrane switch layer comprises: a lower film circuit comprising one of each of the switches; a spacer member disposed on the lower film circuit; and an upper a thin film circuit disposed on the isolation member and including one of the upper contacts of each of the switches, wherein the isolation member separates the lower film circuit and the upper film circuit to form a plurality of spaces, each under The contact point and the corresponding upper contact point are disposed in a space, and an external force applied to the pressing area of the switch is configured to cause the upper film circuit to deform toward the lower film circuit, and when the upper film circuit is deformed and moved to When the upper contact of the switch is in contact with the contact under the switch, the switch is turned on. The thin keyboard of claim 15 wherein the upper film circuit has a top surface and the actuation layer is formed on the top surface. A thin keyboard comprising: a membrane switch layer comprising a plurality of switches; An elastic layer, permeable to light, having a top surface and a plurality of pressing regions formed on a top surface thereof, and disposed on the membrane switch layer, the top surface of the elastic layer facing upward, such that each The pressing area is aligned with a switch; the actuating layer is disposed between the membrane switch layer and the elastic layer, and has a plurality of convex structures, wherein each of the protruding structures is respectively located below a pressing area and corresponds to a switch. When a user presses one of the plurality of pressing regions, the corresponding protruding structure is triggered to trigger the corresponding switch; and a light source is disposed adjacent to the elastic layer for emitting a light and shooting The elastic layer is introduced into the elastic layer and is emitted from the top surface of the elastic layer. The thin keyboard of claim 17, wherein each pressing area is an upwardly protruding platform, and each of the two adjacent pressing areas has a recessed area, the recessed area allowing the user to tactilely distinguish two phases The pressing area of the neighbor. The thin keyboard of claim 18, further comprising: a recovery layer disposed between the membrane switch layer and the actuation layer, and having a plurality of elastic domes, wherein each of the elastic domes is located Between a pressing area and a convex structure, when the user first presses the pressing area and then releases the pressing area, through the corresponding elastic dome body, even if the corresponding pressing area moves upward . The thin keyboard of claim 19, further comprising: a capacitive sensing layer is disposed under the elastic layer and above the thin film switch layer, so that the plurality of switches in the thin film switch layer do not affect the operation of the capacitive sensing layer, and the capacitive sensing layer provides a The capacitive touch input, the user detects the trajectory of the finger of the user moving on the plurality of pressing regions through the capacitive touch input. The thin keyboard of claim 18, wherein the elastic layer further has a bottom surface, the actuation layer being formed on the bottom surface. The thin keyboard of claim 18, wherein the membrane switch layer comprises: a lower film circuit comprising one of each of the switches; a spacer member disposed on the lower film circuit; and an upper a thin film circuit disposed on the isolation member and including one of the upper contacts of each of the switches, wherein the isolation member separates the lower film circuit and the upper film circuit to form a plurality of spaces, each under The contact point and the corresponding upper contact point are disposed in a space, and an external force applied to the pressing area of the switch is configured to cause the upper film circuit to deform toward the lower film circuit, and when the upper film circuit is deformed and moved to When the upper contact of the switch is in contact with the contact under the switch, the switch is turned on. The thin keyboard of claim 22, wherein the upper film circuit has a top surface and the actuation layer is formed on the top surface.