Straight-through three-in-one light-emitting key core module

Abstract

The application discloses a straight-through type three-in-one light-emitting key core module, which comprises a supporting structure, an insulating layer, a circuit layer, a spacer layer, an elastic conducting piece, an LED lamp and a key cap. The insulating layer is arranged on the supporting structure, the circuit layer is arranged on the insulating layer, and the spacer layer is arranged above the insulating layer. A first through hole is formed in the spacer layer at a position corresponding to the key cap, and the elastic conducting piece is arranged at a position corresponding to the first through hole. The LED lamp is installed on the circuit layer and arranged at a position corresponding to the key cap. A second through hole is formed in the spacer layer at a position corresponding to the LED lamp, and the LED lamp is installed in the second through hole. The key cap is arranged above the elastic conducting piece. The key cap area is directly illuminated by the LED, the thickness of the keyboard can be reduced as a whole, and the light and thin design of the keyboard is more favorable. The LED can be selected as a low-power element, which is favorable for reducing the power consumption and the heat generation of the LED as a whole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention discloses a keyboard structure, particularly a through-type three-in-one backlit key core module, belonging to the field of computer peripheral equipment technology. Background Technology

[0002] The keyboard is the most commonly used and primary input device. It allows users to input English letters, Chinese characters, numbers, punctuation marks, and other symbols into a computer, thereby issuing commands and inputting data. It can be said that since the invention of the computer, the keyboard has been an indispensable peripheral device.

[0003] With the continuous development of keyboards, backlit keyboards (or illuminated keyboards) have emerged to improve the user experience. These keyboards feature keycaps with a light-transmitting structure, illuminating them with light emitted from a backlight module. This makes them more suitable for nighttime typing, improving visibility of the keycaps, and also creates a more visually appealing effect. Current backlit keyboards typically have a backlight module inside the keyboard. This module emits light to illuminate the keycaps. The backlight module usually consists of a light-shielding film, a light guide film, a reflective film, and LEDs. These layers are stacked, and the LEDs are positioned on the side of the light guide film. The light emitted by the LEDs enters the light guide film, is guided through it to the individual keycaps, and then shines through to illuminate them. Currently, common backlit keyboards have inherent disadvantages due to their structural limitations: (1) Due to the backlight module, especially the limitations of the LEDs in the backlight module, the thickness of the entire backlight module is more than 0.5mm, which affects the overall thinness of the keyboard; (2) Since it uses a light guide film in conjunction with the LED structure to emit light, the LEDs must be high-power, high-brightness LEDs. On the one hand, high-power, high-brightness LEDs will cause excessive power consumption, resulting in high power consumption. On the other hand, high-power, high-brightness LEDs generate a lot of heat during use. Since only one or a few LEDs are set, the heat is concentrated, which will cause poor heat dissipation and problems such as localized keyboard overheating, affecting the user experience. In particular, when used in laptops, it will also affect the laptop's own heat dissipation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the existing backlit keyboards mentioned above, which use backlight modules for illumination, resulting in thicker keyboards, higher power consumption, and poor heat dissipation, this invention provides a direct-through three-in-one backlit key core module. This module uses a specially designed backlit key core module to directly illuminate the keycap area using LEDs, thereby solving the above problems.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve its technical problem is: a through-type three-in-one light-emitting key core module, the light-emitting key core module includes a support structure, an insulating layer, a circuit layer, a spacer layer, an elastic conductive element, an LED light and a keycap. The insulating layer is disposed on the support structure, the circuit layer is disposed on the insulating layer, the spacer layer is disposed above the insulating layer, a first through hole is opened on the spacer layer corresponding to the keycap position, the elastic conductive element is disposed corresponding to the first through hole position, the LED light is mounted on the circuit layer and disposed corresponding to the keycap position, a second through hole is opened on the spacer layer corresponding to the LED light position, the LED light is installed in the second through hole, and the keycap is disposed above the elastic conductive element.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve its technical problem further includes:

[0007] The supporting structure is made of steel sheets with a thickness of 0.10mm to 0.25mm.

[0008] The thickness of the insulating layer is 0.02mm to 0.05mm.

[0009] The insulating layer is fixed together with the steel sheet using an adhesive layer.

[0010] A switch is provided on the circuit layer corresponding to the keycap position.

[0011] The thickness of the septum layer is 0.02 to 0.07 mm.

[0012] A conductive layer is provided above the spacer layer, and an elastic conductive element is fixedly installed above the conductive layer. The thickness of the conductive layer is 0.02 to 0.07 mm. A conductive sheet is fixedly provided below the conductive layer at the position corresponding to the elastic conductive element. The conductive sheet is set corresponding to the first through hole and uses silver paste dots.

[0013] A third through hole is provided on the conductive layer corresponding to the position of the LED light. The LED light is disposed in the second and third through holes. A black ink layer is provided on the conductive layer and disposed on top of the conductive layer.

[0014] One to four LEDs can be set for each keycap.

[0015] The keycap is positioned above the elastic conductor, and a scissor switch is installed between the keycap and the elastic conductor. The keycap and the scissor switch are respectively mounted on a steel sheet.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention uses LEDs to directly illuminate the keycap area, thereby eliminating the need for a backlight module structure, which can reduce the overall thickness of the keyboard and is more conducive to the design of a thinner and lighter keyboard; on the other hand, by using LEDs to directly illuminate the keycap area, low-power components can be selected for the LEDs, which not only helps to reduce overall power consumption, but also reduces their own heat generation. At the same time, since the LEDs adopt a distributed design, heat dissipation is more effective, especially when applied to laptops, where the keyboard can also help dissipate the heat generated by the laptop itself (mainly the CPU).

[0017] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the partial three-dimensional decomposed structure of a single keycap in this invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the partial cross-sectional decomposition state of a single keycap in this invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a partial top view of the structure of a single keycap in this invention.

[0021] In the diagram, 1-steel sheet, 2-adhesive layer, 3-insulation layer, 4-circuit layer, 5-partition layer, 6-conductive layer, 7-LED light, 8-spring contact, 9-scissor pin, 10-keycap, 11-switch, 12-conductive sheet, 13-first through hole, 14-second through hole, 15-third through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0022] This embodiment is a preferred embodiment of the present invention. All other embodiments that are the same as or similar to this embodiment in principle and basic structure are within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0023] Please refer to the appendix. Figure 1 To be continued Figure 3This invention primarily protects a through-type three-in-one illuminated keycap module, which is applied in an illuminated keyboard. The attached drawings show the structure of a single keycap. In practice, the structure of each keycap is identical. This invention mainly includes a support structure, an insulating layer 3, a circuit layer 4, a spacer layer 5, an elastic conductive element, an LED light 7, and a keycap 10. The insulating layer 3 is disposed on the support structure, the circuit layer 4 is disposed on the insulating layer 4, and the spacer layer 5 is disposed above the insulating layer 4. A first through hole 13 is provided on the spacer layer 5 corresponding to the position of the keycap 10. The elastic conductive element is disposed corresponding to the position of the first through hole 13. The LED light 7 is mounted on the circuit layer 4 and is disposed corresponding to the position of the keycap 10, so that the light emitted by the LED light 7 can illuminate the keycap 10. A second through hole 14 is provided on the spacer layer 5 corresponding to the position of the LED light 7, and the LED light 7 is disposed in the second through hole 14. The keycap 10 is disposed above the elastic conductive element.

[0024] In this embodiment, the support structure uses steel sheet 1 to facilitate the installation of the entire illuminated key module. In practical implementation, the support structure can also be the keyboard shell or the internal structure of an electronic product (such as a laptop, mobile phone, or e-reader) using the illuminated key module. In this embodiment, the thickness of steel sheet 1 is 0.10mm to 0.25mm, which meets the strength requirements without making the overall structure too thick. When this invention is used in a scissor-switch keyboard, steel sheet 1 also has mounting structures, such as mounting holes and hooks, for mounting scissor-switch switches and keycaps. The mounting structure is the same as that of a conventional keyboard and will not be described further here.

[0025] In this embodiment, the insulating layer 3 is made of polyimide insulating material and is used to attach and fix the circuit layer 4. In specific implementations, the insulating layer 3 and the circuit layer 4 can also adopt an FPC structure or other circuit board structures in the prior art. The insulating layer 3 can also be made of other insulating materials that are suitable for attaching the circuit layer 4. The thickness of the insulating layer 3 is 0.02mm to 0.05mm, which is sufficient to meet the attachment requirements of the circuit layer 4.

[0026] In this embodiment, the insulating layer 3 is fixedly installed to the steel sheet 1 using an adhesive layer 2. The adhesive layer 2 is preferably a thermosetting adhesive for easy processing. In practice, self-adhesive materials can also be used. The thickness of the adhesive layer 2 is negligible, as long as it meets the bonding requirements. Alternatively, during production and processing, the adhesive layer 2 can be omitted, and other fixing structures can be used to fix the insulating layer 3 to the steel sheet 1. Or, the insulating layer 3 can be directly placed on the steel sheet 1.

[0027] In this embodiment, the circuit layer 4 is a copper foil circuit, which is attached to the insulating layer 3. It can be formed by conventional circuit board processing technology such as etching, screen printing or pasting. The circuit structure of the circuit layer 4 adopts conventional keyboard circuit and conventional LED light driving circuit structure. This invention does not limit it. A switch 11 is provided on the circuit layer 4 corresponding to the keycap position, that is, a keyboard key switch. The switch 11 is the same as the conventional keyboard structure.

[0028] In this embodiment, the separator layer 5 is made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) material with a thickness of 0.02-0.07 mm, preferably 0.05 mm, and mainly serves as an insulator. In specific implementation, it can also be made of other materials with insulating properties.

[0029] In this embodiment, a conductive layer 6 is also provided above the partition layer 5. The conductive layer 6 serves two purposes: firstly, to install and fix the elastic conductive component, and secondly, to shield light from escaping between the keycaps and affecting the performance. In this embodiment, the elastic conductive component is fixedly installed above the conductive layer 6. Below the conductive layer 6, corresponding to the position of the elastic conductive component, a conductive sheet 12 is fixedly provided. The conductive sheet 12 is positioned corresponding to the first through hole 13, in other words, it is positioned above the switch 11. In this embodiment, the conductive sheet 12 is formed on the conductive layer 6 using silver paste dots through a coating process. A third through hole 15 is provided on the conductive layer 6 corresponding to the position of the LED light 7. That is, the second through hole 14 and the third through hole 15 are stacked and connected to form a single through hole. The LED light 7 is disposed within the second through hole 14 and the third through hole 15. In this embodiment, a black ink layer (not shown in the figure) is provided on the conductive layer 6. Preferably, the black ink layer is provided on the top of the conductive layer 6. In specific implementation, it can also be provided on the bottom, but the effect is poor. The conductive layer 6 can also be made of black material directly, so that the light emitted by the LED lamp 7 can only be emitted from the third through hole 15, thereby illuminating the bottom of the keycap 10. The light emitted by the LED lamp 7 in other directions is absorbed by the black ink layer on the conductive layer 6, so that it will not be emitted in other directions.

[0030] In this embodiment, the conductive layer 6 is made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) material with a thickness of 0.02-0.07 mm, preferably 0.05 mm. In specific implementations, other materials can also be used.

[0031] In this embodiment, the LED light 7 uses a low-power LED, which is usually only needed to illuminate one keycap. One to four LEDs can be set for each keycap. Ordinary keys typically require one or two LEDs 7, while larger and longer keys such as "Enter," "Shift," and "Space" require two to four LEDs 7 to meet their illumination needs. More LEDs can also be set for a single keycap depending on actual requirements. LEDs may not be placed under keycaps that do not need illumination.

[0032] In this embodiment, the elastic conductive element is selected as a spring sheet 8, which can also be called a Rubber Dome or a dome switch. In specific implementation, it can also be selected as a rubber or silicone button, which mainly plays the role of elastic support and increasing the feel.

[0033] In this embodiment, the keycap 10 is disposed above the elastic conductor. The keycap 10 adopts a conventional keyboard key structure. In order to increase the key travel feel, in this embodiment, a scissor switch 9 is installed between the keycap 10 and the elastic conductor. The keycap 10 and the scissor switch 9 are respectively mounted on the steel plate 1.

[0034] When in use, pressing the keycap 10 compresses the scissor arms 9. Continuing to press down compresses the spring 8, causing it to deform. The spring 8 then presses down on the conductive layer 6, which, along with the conductive sheet 12, moves downwards. Through the first through-hole 13 on the spacer layer 5, the conductive sheet 12 contacts the switch 11, connecting it to achieve the key press effect. Releasing the keycap 10 causes the scissor arms 9 and the spring 8 to spring back, disengaging the conductive sheet 12 from the switch 11 and disconnecting it.

[0035] This invention uses LEDs to directly illuminate the keycap area, thus eliminating the need for a backlight module structure. This reduces the overall thickness of the keyboard, making it more suitable for a thinner and lighter design. Furthermore, by using LEDs to directly illuminate the keycap area, low-power LEDs can be selected, which not only helps reduce overall power consumption but also reduces the heat generated by the LEDs themselves. In addition, the distributed design of the LEDs is more conducive to heat dissipation, especially in laptops, where the keyboard can also help dissipate the heat generated by the laptop itself (mainly the CPU).

Claims

1. A through-type three-in-one light-emitting key module, characterized in that: The light-emitting key core module includes a support structure, an insulating layer (3), a circuit layer (4), a spacer layer (5), an elastic conductive element, an LED light (7), and a keycap (10). The insulating layer (3) is disposed on the support structure, the circuit layer (4) is disposed on the insulating layer (3), the spacer layer (5) is disposed above the insulating layer (4), a first through hole (13) is opened on the spacer layer (5) corresponding to the position of the keycap (10), the elastic conductive element is disposed corresponding to the position of the first through hole (13), the LED light (7) is mounted on the circuit layer (4) and is disposed corresponding to the position of the keycap (10), a second through hole (14) is opened on the spacer layer (5) corresponding to the position of the LED light (7), the LED light (7) is installed in the second through hole (14), and the keycap (10) is disposed above the elastic conductive element. The supporting structure is made of steel sheet (1); A conductive layer (6) is provided above the partition layer (5), and an elastic conductive element is fixedly installed above the conductive layer (6). A conductive sheet (12) is fixedly provided below the conductive layer (6) at the position corresponding to the elastic conductive element. The conductive sheet (12) is provided corresponding to the first through hole (13). The conductive sheet (12) is made of silver paste. The conductive layer (6) is provided with a third through hole (15) at the position corresponding to the LED lamp (7). The LED lamp (7) is disposed in the second through hole (14) and the third through hole (15). A black ink layer is disposed on the conductive layer (6) and the black ink layer is disposed above the conductive layer (6). The keycap (10) is positioned above the elastic conductor, and a scissor leg (9) is installed between the keycap (10) and the elastic conductor. The keycap (10) and the scissor leg (9) are respectively mounted on the steel sheet (1). The steel sheet (1) has a thickness of 0.10 mm to 0.25 mm; The insulation layer (3) has a thickness of 0.02 mm to 0.05 mm; the insulation layer (3) is made of polyimide insulating material; A switch (11) is provided on the circuit layer (4) corresponding to the keycap position; the circuit layer (4) is the copper foil circuit; The thickness of the separator layer (5) is 0.05 mm; the separator layer (5) is made of polyethylene terephthalate material; The thickness of the conductive layer (6) is 0.05 mm; the conductive layer (6) is made of polyethylene terephthalate.

2. The through-type three-in-one light-emitting key module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The insulating layer (3) is fixed together with the steel sheet (1) using an adhesive layer (2).

3. The through-type three-in-one light-emitting key module according to claim 1, characterized in that: One to four LEDs can be set for each keycap (10).

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