Preparation method of multi-area independent dynamic color integrated keyboard backlight module

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of backlight modules, and discloses a preparation method of a multi-area independent dynamic color integrated keyboard backlight module, and a main hierarchical structure comprises a color mapping shading layer, a light guide layer, a reflecting layer and an FPC substrate layer which are arranged from top to bottom, a color mapping light shielding layer integrating light shielding, reflection and color functions is attached to the upper portion of a light guide layer, a high-precision regionalization ink deposition technology is utilized, light-transmitting ink of different colors is precisely printed on a specific keyboard key position window, and a white ink layer is printed on a non-light-transmitting area between corresponding keyboard key positions on the back face. When the LED lamp beads emit white backlight, the white ink high-reflection area directly improves the light efficiency, the color saturation and the uniformity of the colorful area by recycling escape light rays, so that the preset color independently presented by each key position achieves the optimal effect in a single light source system, and the color brightness is improved. According to the method, keyboard backlight personalized dazzling display and function partition prompt are met at the same time, and the visual interaction experience of a user is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of backlight module technology, and specifically relates to a method for preparing a multi-zone independent dynamic color integrated keyboard backlight module. Background Technology

[0002] Keyboard backlighting was initially designed to address the issue of users' use in low-light environments. Due to increasing market demand and users' pursuit of personalized usage scenarios, this technology has gradually evolved from single-color backlighting to requiring full-color dazzling backlighting modes. Today, keyboards equipped with dazzling backlighting modules have become a necessary feature for high-end devices such as laptops and gaming keyboards.

[0003] However, most existing keyboard backlight modules use a single-color LED light source with a light guide plate to achieve uniform overall illumination. At most, they can only achieve monochrome changes or area color changes for the entire keyboard, and cannot achieve the effect of each keycap displaying a different color independently. This monotonous color performance cannot meet users' needs for personalization, vibrant colors, and color-based function zoning.

[0004] Therefore, the industry urgently needs a new technical solution to achieve colorful and personalized keyboard backlighting without high costs and complex processes. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a multi-zone independent dynamic color integrated keyboard backlight module, aiming to achieve colorful and personalized keyboard backlighting without high costs and complex processes.

[0006] The present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] The fabrication method of a multi-zone independent dynamic color integrated keyboard backlight module includes the following steps:

[0008] S1. Fabricate a light guide layer, select a heat-resistant optical PC board as the substrate of the light guide layer, and perform plasma activation treatment on the surface of the heat-resistant optical PC board substrate.

[0009] S2. Create light guide dots by using any of the following processes: digital light processing (DLP), laser direct writing technology, or laser engraving mold heat transfer printing, to generate a micro-prism light guide array dot microstructure at the bottom of the light guide layer that corresponds to the keyboard key positions in a 1:1 ratio.

[0010] S3: Creating a color mapping masking layer includes the following steps:

[0011] a. Provide a transparent PET film as the substrate for the color mapping light-blocking layer;

[0012] b. On the surface of the transparent PET film substrate, a black light-blocking ink layer is printed using a high-precision inkjet printing device. The black light-blocking ink layer covers the non-transparent area, while the area corresponding to the keyboard key is reserved as the light-emitting area of ​​the key.

[0013] c. Precision printing of a predetermined color of translucent ink in the light-emitting area of ​​the key;

[0014] d. Print a white reflective ink layer on the lower surface of the substrate near the light guide layer;

[0015] e. Perform UV curing treatment on the ink layer;

[0016] S4: To fabricate a reflective layer, a PET film is selected as the substrate of the reflective layer. The surface of the PET film substrate is provided with vacuum aluminum plating or a white diffuse reflection coating, and a black ink layer is screen-printed on the back side away from the light guide layer.

[0017] S5: Fabricate the FPC substrate layer. Select a flexible circuit board as the substrate of the FPC substrate layer. Form a preset conductive line on the surface of the flexible circuit board through an etching process. Use SMT surface mount technology to precisely solder LED beads to the designated pad positions of the line.

[0018] S6: Lamination integration. A sealant is pre-applied to the edge contact area between the color mapping light-shielding layer and the reflective layer. A thermosetting adhesive layer is applied to the upper surface of the FPC substrate layer. Then, in a dust-free environment, the color mapping light-shielding layer, light guide layer, reflective layer, and FPC substrate layer are precisely stacked sequentially according to a preset layer hierarchy. The light guide layer and reflective layer have corresponding lamp holes. LED beads on the FPC substrate layer are housed within these lamp holes. The light-emitting surface of the LED beads is optically coupled to the light-incident surface on the side of the light guide layer. Finally, the layers are integrated through a hot-press lamination process to obtain the keyboard backlight module.

[0019] S7: Light source coupling and testing, performing color consistency testing, color temperature stability verification, and brightness uniformity testing on the keyboard backlight module.

[0020] Furthermore, in step d of step S3, the light-emitting area of ​​the key is printed in sections according to the function of different key areas, so that different key areas present different predetermined colors.

[0021] Furthermore, in step S2, the layout of the dot microstructure is optimized by optical software simulation to ensure uniform light diffusion.

[0022] Furthermore, in step S3, the surface of the color mapping light-shielding layer is coated with optical-grade pressure-sensitive adhesive and covered with a release film protective layer.

[0023] Furthermore, in step S6, the area of ​​the light guide layer is smaller than that of the color mapping light-shielding layer and the reflective layer, so that the edge area of ​​the color mapping light-shielding layer and the reflective layer are in direct contact, and a closed hot-pressed sealing edge is formed by the hot-pressing lamination process.

[0024] A multi-zone independent dynamic color integrated keyboard backlight module is disclosed, wherein the multi-zone independent dynamic color integrated keyboard backlight module is manufactured using the aforementioned preparation method.

[0025] Beneficial effects:

[0026] In this invention:

[0027] A method for fabricating a multi-zone independent dynamic color integrated keyboard backlight module is provided. This method involves attaching a color mapping light-shielding layer that integrates light-shielding, reflection, and color functions above a light guide layer. Using high-precision regional ink deposition technology, different colors of translucent ink are precisely printed on specific keyboard key viewing windows. A white ink layer is printed on the non-translucent area between the corresponding keyboard keys on the back, forming a high-reflectivity white ink area. When the LED beads emit white backlight, the high-reflectivity white ink area recovers the escaped light, directly improving the light efficiency, color saturation, and uniformity of the vibrant area. This ensures that the predetermined color presented by each key achieves optimal effect within a single light source system. This method simultaneously satisfies the requirements for personalized vibrant display and functional zone prompts for keyboard backlighting, and enhances the user's visual interaction experience. Furthermore, this method integrates a dot microstructure in the corresponding area of ​​the keyboard keys on the light guide layer and heat-seales the edges of the keyboard backlight module, ensuring efficient light utilization, uniform diffusion, and preventing lateral light leakage. Thus, a low-cost, high-performance vibrant backlight effect is achieved with an ultra-thin structure and simple process. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the hierarchical structure in the preparation method of the multi-zone independent dynamic color integrated keyboard backlight module of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a planar schematic diagram of the color mapping light-shielding layer in the preparation method of the multi-zone independent dynamic color integrated keyboard backlight module of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a planar schematic diagram of the light guide layer in the preparation method of the multi-zone independent dynamic color integrated keyboard backlight module of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a top view of the reflective layer in the preparation method of the multi-zone independent dynamic color integrated keyboard backlight module of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5This is a planar schematic diagram of the FPC substrate layer in the preparation method of the multi-zone independent dynamic color integrated keyboard backlight module of the present invention;

[0033] The components are: 1. Color mapping light-shielding layer; 10. Key light-emitting area; 2. Light guide layer; 20. Light guide dots; 3. Reflective layer; 4. FPC substrate layer; 5. LED beads; 6. Lamp hole.

[0034] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0035] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0036] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0037] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection, a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0038] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0039] Reference Figures 1 to 5 This invention proposes a method for fabricating a multi-zone independent dynamic color integrated keyboard backlight module, the layered structure of which can be referred to the appendix. Figure 1 The main components include, from top to bottom, a color mapping light-shielding layer 1, a light guide layer 2, a reflective layer 3, and an FPC substrate layer 4. LED beads 5 are soldered onto the FPC substrate layer 4. Light guide layer 2 and reflective layer 3 have corresponding lamp holes 6 for housing the LED beads 5. The fabrication method of the multi-zone independent dynamic color integrated keyboard backlight module includes the following steps:

[0040] S1. Fabricate light guide layer 2. Select a 0.125mm thick heat-resistant optical-grade polycarbonate (PC) sheet as the substrate for light guide layer 2. This material has good light transmittance, heat resistance (heat distortion temperature ≥125℃), and mechanical strength, and can withstand the heat and stress during subsequent processing and use. Perform plasma activation treatment on the PC sheet surface. Specifically, an atmospheric pressure plasma cleaner can be used, with a power setting of 800W and a processing speed of 5m / min. This treatment can effectively remove surface organic contaminants and increase its surface tension from approximately 38 dyn / cm to over 72 dyn / cm, greatly improving the adhesion to subsequent inks or adhesives.

[0041] S2. Create light guide dots 20 by using any of the following processes: digital light processing (DLP), laser direct writing technology, or laser engraving mold heat transfer. Generate a micro-prism light guide array dot microstructure at the bottom of the light guide layer 2 that corresponds to the keyboard key positions in a 1:1 ratio. The light guide array dot microstructure allows light to be diffused uniformly within the light guide layer 2 to the maximum extent, fundamentally eliminating dark areas and bright spots, and achieving uniform backlighting for the keyboard backlight module.

[0042] S3: Creating a color mapping masking layer 1 includes the following steps:

[0043] a. A transparent polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film with a thickness of 0.025 mm is provided as the substrate for the color mapping light-shielding layer 1. This thickness ensures mechanical support while also meeting the requirements for thinness of the module.

[0044] b. Using a high-precision inkjet printing device, UV-curable black light-blocking ink is printed on the upper surface of a transparent PET film to form a light-blocking area. This area corresponds to the non-transparent area between keyboard keys, effectively blocking the lateral propagation of light and thus preventing cross-lighting between keys. At the same time, the light-emitting area 10 of the keyboard keys not covered by the black light-blocking ink is a light-transmitting unit, ensuring uniform backlighting for each keyboard key.

[0045] c. Precision printing of predetermined colors of translucent ink on the key light-emitting area 10. According to the customer's color scheme, different colors of translucent ink are precisely printed. For example, the keyboard function area (F1-F12) keys are printed with blue ink, the letter area is printed with green ink, and the numeric keypad area is printed with red ink, thereby achieving the keyboard's zoned colorful backlight effect and satisfying the personalized colorful display and function zone prompts of the keyboard backlight.

[0046] d. On the lower surface of the transparent PET film substrate, near the light guide layer 2, a white titanium dioxide (TiO2) ink layer is printed to form a white ink high reflective area. This area corresponds to the non-transparent area between the keyboard keys. The white reflective ink reflective area can reflect the upward-escaping light back to the light guide layer 2, thereby improving the light energy utilization rate.

[0047] e. UV curing treatment of the ink layers: All ink layers are subjected to UV curing treatment to ensure the ink dries and adheres firmly. The printed film is then placed in a UV-LED curing device and precisely cured under ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 365-395nm and an energy of 800-1000mJ / cm². The exposure time is controlled within 3-5 seconds. This curing process rapidly activates the photoinitiator in the ink, initiating a polymerization reaction and allowing the ink layer to complete cross-linking and curing, forming a dense film. This ensures strong adhesion between the ink and the substrate, effectively preventing ink peeling during subsequent processing, and guaranteeing the stability and consistency of color performance.

[0048] S4: To make reflective layer 3, a PET film with a thickness of 0.025mm is selected as the substrate of reflective layer 3. A high-purity aluminum film is deposited on its upper surface by vacuum evaporation to form a mirror reflective layer. Alternatively, a diffuse reflective coating containing white scattering particles can be coated to form a diffuse reflective layer. On its lower surface, a layer of black light-blocking ink is screen-printed to absorb stray light and ensure that the color of the light-emitting area of ​​the key is pure and the brightness is uniform.

[0049] S5: Fabricate FPC substrate layer 4. Select a flexible circuit board with a thickness of 0.1mm as the substrate of FPC substrate layer 4. Through traditional exposure, development and etching processes, form keyboard backlight circuit on the surface of the flexible circuit board. Use a fully automatic SMT placement machine to accurately mount and solder a preset number of LED beads 5 on the designated pad positions of the circuit. The placement accuracy is controlled within ±0.05mm to ensure that the light-emitting center line of all LED beads 5 is aligned with the side light-incident surface of the light guide layer 2.

[0050] S6: Lamination Integration. First, sealant is pre-applied to the edge contact area between the color mapping light-shielding layer 1 and the reflective layer 3, and a thermosetting adhesive layer is prepared on the upper surface of the FPC substrate layer 4. Then, in a dust-free environment, the color mapping light-shielding layer 1, the light guide layer 2, the reflective layer 3, and the FPC substrate layer 4 are sequentially stacked to ensure that the lamp holes 6 of the light guide layer 2 and the reflective layer 3 are precisely aligned with the LED beads 5 on the FPC substrate layer 4, so that the LED beads 5 are completely contained within the lamp holes 6, achieving optical coupling between their light-emitting surface and the light-incident surface on the side of the light guide layer 2. Next, the stack is sent to a hot press laminator and held at 85°C and 0.6MPa for 90 seconds to fully activate and cure the adhesive, forming a complete hot-pressed sealing edge, and finally obtaining a dense and well-sealed keyboard backlight module.

[0051] S7: Light source coupling and testing. Connect the laminated and integrated keyboard backlight module to the driver power supply for final optical performance testing. Sequentially complete color consistency testing (ΔE<3), color temperature stability verification (target white light 6500K±500K), and brightness uniformity measurement (>90%).

[0052] Through the above steps, a thin, lightweight, multi-zone independent dynamic color integrated keyboard backlight module with dazzling backlight, uniform brightness, and stable performance has been successfully prepared.

[0053] refer to Figures 1 to 5 In one embodiment, in step d of step S3, the key backlight area 10 is printed in sections according to the functions of different key areas, so that different key areas present different predetermined colors. The colored translucent ink of the key backlight area 10 is not a single color, but is designed and printed in sections according to the functions of different key areas of the keyboard. For example, the key backlight area of ​​the WASD game control area is printed with red translucent ink; the key backlight area of ​​the function key area (F1-F12) is printed with blue translucent ink; the key backlight area of ​​the numeric keypad area is printed with green translucent ink; and the key backlight areas of the remaining main key areas are printed with amber translucent ink. This scheme enables the final keyboard backlight module to present a multi-colored backlight effect in sections, greatly enhancing the visual impact and functional area recognition of the keyboard, and is especially suitable for gaming keyboards and professional keyboards.

[0054] refer to Figures 1 to 5In one embodiment, in step S2, the layout of the dot microstructure is optimized through optical software simulation to ensure uniform light diffusion. Professional optical simulation software (such as LightTools) is used to simulate and optimize the density, size, and shape of the light guide dots 20. The simulation goal is to ensure that light entering from the side is sufficiently dispersed and evenly emitted upwards, ensuring a final brightness uniformity of >90%. After optimization, the distribution of the light guide dots 20 is as follows: the dots are sparse and smaller in the light-incident area near the LED bead 5, and denser and larger in the area away from the light-incident area. After fabrication, the light guide dots 20 are inspected using a high-magnification digital microscope to ensure that their outlines are clear, without defects, and that their distribution is consistent with the design drawings.

[0055] refer to Figures 1 to 5 In one embodiment, in step S3, an optical grade pressure-sensitive adhesive is coated on the surface of the color mapping light-shielding layer 1 and a release film protective layer is applied. An optical grade pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (25 μm thick) is coated on the upper surface of the printed color mapping light-shielding layer 1 and a release film is applied to protect the ink layer on the surface of the color mapping light-shielding layer 1 and facilitate peeling when the keyboard is subsequently attached.

[0056] refer to Figures 1 to 5 In one embodiment, in step S6, the area of ​​the light guide layer 2 is smaller than that of the color mapping light-shielding layer 1 and the reflective layer 3, allowing the edge areas of the color mapping light-shielding layer 1 and the reflective layer 3 to directly contact each other. A closed hot-pressed sealing edge is formed through a hot-pressing lamination process. The planar dimensions of the light guide layer 2 are designed to be 1.0 mm smaller than those of the color mapping light-shielding layer 1 and the reflective layer 3 on all sides. This dimensional difference allows the edge areas of the color mapping light-shielding layer 1 and the reflective layer 3 to directly contact each other during stacking assembly, while the light guide layer 2 is completely enclosed inside the cavity formed by the two. During the hot-pressing lamination process, the pressure and heat of the hot-pressing mold are concentrated on the directly contacting edge area. Using the light-shielding adhesive applied to the edges of the color mapping light-shielding layer 1 and the reflective layer 3, the edges of the color mapping light-shielding layer 1 and the reflective layer 3 are tightly bonded together, forming a continuous closed hot-pressed sealing edge with a width of 1 mm. This sealing edge not only effectively prevents external moisture and dust from intruding, but more importantly, it can block light leakage that may occur on the side of the light guide layer 2, significantly improving the uniformity of the keyboard backlight module.

[0057] This invention also proposes a multi-zone independent dynamic color integrated keyboard backlight module, which is manufactured using the above-mentioned multi-zone independent dynamic color integrated keyboard backlight module manufacturing method.

[0058] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of the present invention's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for preparing a multi-zone independent dynamic color integrated keyboard backlight module, characterized in that, The method comprises the following steps: S1, making a light guide layer (2), selecting a temperature-resistant optical PC board as the base material of the light guide layer (2), and performing plasma activation treatment on the surface of the temperature-resistant optical PC board base material; S2, making a light guide dot (20), using any process of digital light processing (DLP), laser direct writing technology, laser engraving mold thermal transfer, to generate a micro-prism light guide array dot microstructure corresponding to the keyboard key 1:1 on the bottom of the light guide layer (2); S3: making a color mapping light shielding layer (1) comprises the following steps: a. providing a transparent PET film as the base material of the color mapping light shielding layer (1); b. printing a black light shielding ink layer on the upper surface of the transparent PET film base material using a high-precision inkjet printing device, the black light shielding ink layer covers the non-light transmission area, and the area corresponding to the keyboard key is reserved as the key light emitting area (10); c. printing a color light transmission ink of a predetermined color on the key light emitting area (10) with precision; d. printing a white reflective ink layer on the lower surface of the base material close to one side of the light guide layer (2); e. performing UV curing treatment on the ink layer; S4: making a reflective layer (3), selecting a PET film as the base material of the reflective layer (3), and setting a vacuum aluminum plating or white diffuse reflection coating on the surface of the PET film base material, and silk-screening a black ink layer on the side away from the light guide layer (2); S5: making an FPC substrate layer (4), selecting a flexible circuit board as the base material of the FPC substrate layer (4), forming a pre-designed conductive circuit on the surface of the flexible circuit board through etching process, and accurately welding LED lamp beads (5) on the specified pad position of the circuit by SMT patch technology. S6: laminating and integrating, pre-coating a sealing glue on the edge contact area of the color mapping light shielding layer (1) and the reflective layer (2), coating a thermosetting glue layer on the upper surface of the FPC substrate layer 4, then accurately stacking the color mapping light shielding layer (1), the light guide layer (2), the reflective layer (3) and the FPC substrate layer (4) in turn in the preset layer position in a dust-free environment; wherein the light guide layer (2) and the reflective layer (3) are provided with a lamp hole (6), the LED lamp bead (5) on the FPC substrate layer (4) is accommodated in the lamp hole (6), the light emitting surface of the LED lamp bead (5) is optically coupled with the side light entering surface of the light guide layer (2), and finally the layers are integrated by hot pressing laminating process to obtain a keyboard backlight module. S7: light source coupling and testing, color consistency detection, color temperature stability verification, and brightness uniformity detection are performed on the keyboard backlight module.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises: forming a plurality of color filters on the plurality of light emitting diodes; and forming a plurality of light emitting diodes on the plurality of color filters. In step d of step S2, the key light emitting area (10) is printed according to the function of different key area, so that different key areas present different predetermined colors.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises: forming a plurality of color filters on the first substrate; and forming a plurality of light emitting diodes on the second substrate. In step S2, the layout of the dot microstructure is optimized by optical software simulation for uniform diffusion of light.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises: forming a plurality of color filters on the first substrate; and forming a plurality of light emitting diodes on the second substrate. In step S3, the surface of the color mapping light shielding layer (1) is coated with an optical grade pressure sensitive adhesive, and a release film protective layer is covered.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises: forming a plurality of color filters on the plurality of light emitting diodes; and forming a plurality of light emitting diodes on the plurality of color filters. In step S6, the area of the light guide layer (2) is smaller than the color mapping light shielding layer (1) and the reflective layer (3), so that the edge area of the color mapping light shielding layer (1) and the reflective layer (3) directly contact, and a closed heat pressing sealing edge is formed by the heat pressing lamination process.

6. A multi-zone independent dynamic color integrated keyboard backlight module, characterized in that, The multi-zone independent dynamic color integrated keyboard backlight module is made of the multi-zone independent dynamic color integrated keyboard backlight module in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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