Touch sensor and keyboard using the same

Abstract

The present invention provides a touch sensor and a keyboard using the same. The touch sensor includes a plurality of main sensing structures and a plurality of elastic structures. There is a gap between any two adjacent main sensing structures. Each elastic structure is connected between two adjacent main sensing structures, and the cross-sectional width of each elastic structure is smaller than the width of the gap. Thus, when different parts of the touch sensor are pressed, they can deform independently.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor and an input device using the same, and more particularly to a touch sensor and a keyboard using the same. Background Art

[0002] Keyboards are widely used as user interfaces in computer systems to allow users to operate the computer systems. Common types of keyboards include "dome-switch" or "scissor-switch" keyboards. These keyboards include a plurality of mechanical keys, and the plurality of mechanical keys are configured to move independently and comply with key pitch and actual actuation pressure standards.

[0003] Recently, a touch-sensing mechanical keyboard that combines the functions of both a mouse device and a traditional keyboard has been developed. That is, such a touch-sensing mechanical keyboard can operate in two or more modes, for example, a typing mode and a mouse mode, so that the user can not only input commands but also control the cursor position on the display.

[0004] Existing touch-sensing mechanical keyboards may include a plurality of mechanical keys and a touch-sensing structure. The touch-sensing structure may include a film or a flexible printed circuit (FPC), and a plurality of touch-sensing electrodes formed on the film (or FPC). Each touch-sensing electrode is arranged to correspond to the position of at least one mechanical key. The film is usually made of a flexible material. Therefore, when the user presses one of the mechanical keys, the film (or FPC) corresponding to the pressed mechanical key is also forced to deform. However, unlike each mechanical key that can be operated independently, the amount of deformation of the film (or FPC) at the pressed position is limited by other parts, which affects the user's touch feeling. For existing touch-sensing mechanical keyboards including a decorative layer to cover and protect the plurality of mechanical keys, the influence on the touch feeling is more obvious.

[0005] Specifically, the decorative layer is usually made of a material having a tactile quality. However, since the touch-sensing structure and the decorative layer are made of different materials and adhered to each other, when the decorative layer is pressed by the user, the degree of deformation of the part of the touch-sensing structure being pressed is limited by the decorative layer. The touch feeling of pressing the plurality of mechanical keys will be severely affected. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is that, through the touch sensor and the keyboard using the same disclosed by the present invention, the structure of the touch sensor is improved so that different parts of the touch sensor can deform independently when receiving a pressing force.

[0007] In one aspect, the present invention provides a touch sensor, which includes a base layer, a plurality of sensing electrode pairs, and a plurality of connection lines. The base layer includes a plurality of setting portions and a plurality of connection portions. There is a gap between any two adjacent setting portions to allow one of the connection portions to be connected between any two adjacent setting portions. The plurality of sensing electrode pairs are respectively disposed on the setting portions to form a plurality of main sensing structures. The plurality of connection lines are respectively disposed on the plurality of connection portions to respectively form a plurality of elastic structures. The cross-sectional width of each elastic structure is smaller than the width of the gap.

[0008] Preferably, each main sensing structure and one of the elastic structures connected thereto together define a hollow region.

[0009] Preferably, each elastic structure has a strip segment located in the gap and two bending segments, and the two bending segments are respectively connected to opposite ends of the strip segment and respectively extend toward two adjacent setting portions.

[0010] Preferably, the plurality of elastic structures include a plurality of first elastic structures and a plurality of second elastic structures. Each first elastic structure is connected between two adjacent main sensing structures arranged in a first direction, and the strip segment of each first elastic structure extends along a second direction and has a first length. Each second elastic structure is connected between two adjacent main sensing structures arranged in a second direction, the strip segment of each second elastic structure extends along the first direction and has a second length, and the second length is greater than the first length.

[0011] In addition, the shortest distance between the strip segments of any two adjacent second elastic structures is less than the shortest distance between the strip segments of any two adjacent first elastic structures.

[0012] Preferably, each sensing electrode pair includes a first electrode and a second electrode that are insulated from each other, and the first electrode and the second electrode overlap each other in a thickness direction of the base layer.

[0013] Preferably, the plurality of connection lines include a plurality of first connection lines and a plurality of second connection lines. Each first connection line is connected between two first electrodes, and the two first electrodes are respectively disposed on two adjacent setting portions, and each second connection line is connected between two second electrodes, and the two second electrodes are respectively disposed on two adjacent setting portions.

[0014] Preferably, the first electrode and the second electrode of each sensing electrode pair are respectively located on two opposite sides of the base layer.

[0015] Preferably, each of the main sensing structures has four corners, and the four corners are respectively connected to the four elastic structures.

[0016] In another aspect, the present invention provides a touch sensor, which includes a plurality of main sensing structures and a plurality of elastic structures. There is a gap between any two adjacent main sensing structures. Each of the elastic structures is connected between two adjacent main sensing structures, and the cross-sectional width of each elastic structure is smaller than the width of the gap.

[0017] Preferably, each of the main sensing structures includes a setting portion and a sensing electrode pair, and the sensing electrode pair is disposed on the setting portion.

[0018] Preferably, each of the elastic structures includes a connecting portion and a connecting line disposed on the connecting portion, and the connecting portion and the setting portion together form a base layer.

[0019] Preferably, each of the main sensing structures and one of the elastic structures connected thereto together define a hollow region.

[0020] Preferably, each of the main sensing structures has four corners, and each of the four corners is connected to one of the elastic structures.

[0021] Preferably, each of the main sensing structures has four sides, and each of the four sides is connected to one of the elastic structures.

[0022] Preferably, any four of the main sensing structures arranged in a matrix and the four elastic structures connected thereto together define an opening pattern.

[0023] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a keyboard, which includes a plurality of key units, a cover layer, and a touch sensor. Each of the key units includes a keycap. The cover layer is disposed on the plurality of key units and includes a plurality of protruding regions. The plurality of protruding regions respectively correspond to the plurality of keycaps of the plurality of key units. The touch sensor is disposed between the plurality of key units and the cover layer.

[0024] Preferably, the keyboard further includes a plurality of upper adhesive layers and a plurality of lower adhesive layers. Among them, a part of the plurality of main sensing structures is connected to the corresponding plurality of protruding regions through the upper adhesive layers, and is connected to the corresponding plurality of keycaps through the lower adhesive layers, and the other plurality of main sensing structures are not connected to any of the plurality of upper adhesive layers and the plurality of lower adhesive layers.

[0025] Preferably, the touch sensor further includes a protective layer, and each of the sensing electrode pairs is disposed between the base layer and the protective layer.

[0026] Therefore, one of the beneficial effects of the present invention is that in the touch sensor provided by the present invention and the keyboard applying the same, through the technical features that "there is a gap between any two adjacent main sensing structures (or setting parts)" and "each of the elastic structures (or connecting parts) is connected between two adjacent main sensing structures (or setting parts), and the cross-sectional width of each of the elastic structures (or connecting parts) is smaller than the width of the gap", the touch sensor can be partially deformed. When the touch sensor is applied to a keyboard, a plurality of elastic structures allow several main sensing structures subjected to pressing force to deform independently, and it is possible to prevent the touch sensor from interfering with the downward movement of the keycaps. In addition, the keyboard including the touch sensor of the present invention can provide a better touch feeling for the user.

[0027] To enable a further understanding of the features and technical content of the present invention, please refer to the following detailed description of the present invention and the attached drawings. However, the attached drawings provided are only for reference and illustration, and are not intended to limit the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 It is a partial top view schematic diagram of the touch sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 For Figure 1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram taken along line II-II.

[0030] Figure 3 For Figure 1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram taken along line III-III.

[0031] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention along the first direction.

[0032] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention along the second direction.

[0033] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the touch sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention along the first direction.

[0034] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the touch sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention along the second direction.

[0035] Figure 8 It is a partial top view schematic diagram of the touch sensor according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 9 Exploded schematic view of a keyboard according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 10 Side view schematic of one of the multiple key units according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 11 Enlarged top view schematic of a keyboard according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed implementation manners

[0039] The following are specific embodiments to illustrate the implementation manners of the present invention regarding "touch sensors and keyboards using the same". Those skilled in the art can understand the advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. The present invention can be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified and changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the concept of the present invention. Additionally, the drawings of the present invention are only simple schematic illustrations and are not drawn according to actual dimensions, hereby stated in advance. The following implementation manners will further elaborate on the related technical content of the present invention, but the disclosed content is not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention. Moreover, the term "or" used herein should, depending on the actual situation, possibly include any one or a combination of more of the associated listed items.

[0040] Refer to Figures 1 to 3 。 Figure 1 Partial top view schematic of a touch sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 Is the cross-sectional schematic along Figure 1 Line II-II. Figure 3 Is the cross-sectional schematic along Figure 1 Line III-III.

[0041] The touch sensor T1 of the present invention is used to detect touch events and the touched positions. In this embodiment, the touch sensor T1 is a capacitive touch sensor. As Figure 1 shown, the touch sensor T1 includes a plurality of main sensing structures 1 and a plurality of elastic structures 2.

[0042] The plurality of main sensing structures 1 are arranged in an array. That is to say, the plurality of main sensing structures 1 are respectively arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. In this embodiment, when viewed from a three-dimensional top view, each main sensing structure 1 is a quadrilateral. That is to say, each main sensing structure 1 has four sides and four corners. However, the top view shape of the main sensing structure 1 is not limited to the foregoing embodiment. In another embodiment, when viewed from the top view, the main sensing structure 1 can be other geometric shapes.

[0043] As Figure 1As shown, each main sensing structure 1 includes a setting portion 10 and a sensing electrode pair 11. The setting portion 10 is made of a flexible insulating material.

[0044] The sensing electrode pair 11 is disposed on the setting portion 10. The sensing electrode pair 11 includes a first electrode 111 and a second electrode 112. The first electrode 111 extends in a first direction D1, and the second electrode 112 extends in a second direction D2.

[0045] As Figure 2 shown, in this embodiment, the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are commonly disposed on the same side of the setting portion 10. In addition, the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 partially overlap each other in the thickness direction of the setting portion 10. However, the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are insulated from each other. Specifically, the overlapping portion of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 is insulated from the second electrode 112 through an insulating portion 13. The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 of each sensing electrode pair 11 jointly form a capacitor. By detecting the change in the coupling capacitance between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112, the touched position can be determined.

[0046] In this embodiment, there is a gap G1 between any two adjacent main sensing structures 1, and each elastic structure 2 is connected between two adjacent main sensing structures 1. In addition, the cross-sectional width W1 of each elastic structure 2 is smaller than the width H1 of the gap G1.

[0047] As Figure 1 shown, each main sensing structure 1 and one of the elastic structures 2 connected thereto jointly define a hollow region (not labeled). Specifically, in this embodiment, any four main sensing structures 1 arranged in a matrix and the four elastic structures 2 connected thereto jointly define an opening pattern S1. Therefore, compared with the existing touch sensing structure, the touch sensor T1 of the present invention has a plurality of opening patterns S1. In other words, the plurality of main sensing structures 1 and the plurality of elastic structures 2 jointly form a sieve-like or grid-like structure to improve the stretchability of the touch sensor T1.

[0048] When the touch sensor T1 receives a pressing force, it is easier to partially deform the touch sensor T1. Specifically, each elastic structure 2 has stretchability. When several main sensing structures 1 are pressed, each elastic structure 2 connected between the pressed main sensing structure 1 and the unpressed main sensing structure 1 will be stretched, tilted downward, or slightly twisted by the pressing force applied to the touch sensor T1, so that several pressed main sensing structures 1 can be independently pressed down.

[0049] As Figure 1As shown, the four corners of each main sensing structure 1 are respectively connected to four elastic structures 2. Each elastic structure 2 has a strip segment 2x (2x') and two bending segments 2y (2y'). The strip segment 2x (2x') is located in the gap G1 and extends in a direction substantially parallel to one side edge of the main sensing structure 1. The two bending segments 2y (2y') are respectively connected to opposite ends of the strip segment 2x (2x') and extend respectively toward two adjacent main sensing structures 1. In other words, in this embodiment, when viewed from above, each elastic structure 2 is substantially formed in a Z shape.

[0050] In addition, the plurality of elastic structures 2 includes a plurality of first elastic structures 2A and a plurality of second elastic structures 2B. Each first elastic structure 2A is connected between two adjacent main sensing structures 1 arranged in the first direction D1. That is, the plurality of main sensing structures 1 arranged in the same column are connected to each other through the plurality of first elastic structures 2A. However, the strip segment 2x of each first elastic structure 2A extends along the second direction D2 and has a first length L1.

[0051] Each second elastic structure 2B is connected between two adjacent main sensing structures 1 arranged in the second direction D2. That is, the plurality of main sensing structures 1 arranged in the same row are connected to each other through the plurality of second elastic structures 2B. The strip segment 2x' of each second elastic structure 2B extends along the first direction D1 and has a second length L2.

[0052] In this embodiment, the second length L2 is greater than the first length L1. Therefore, as Figure 1 shown, the shortest distance between the strip segments 2x' of any two adjacent second elastic structures 2B is less than the shortest distance between the strip segments 2x of any two adjacent first elastic structures 2A.

[0053] However, the present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments. In another embodiment, each elastic structure 2 (including the plurality of first elastic structures 2A and the plurality of second elastic structures 2B) may extend between the two side edges of two adjacent main sensing structures 1.

[0054] In addition, as Figure 1 shown, each elastic structure 2 includes a connecting portion and a connecting line. Specifically, each first elastic structure 2A includes a first connecting portion 20A and a first connecting line 21A, and the first connecting line 21A is provided on the first connecting portion 20A. Specifically, the first connecting line 21A of each first elastic structure 2A is connected between two first electrodes 111, and the two first electrodes 111 are respectively provided on two adjacent setting portions 10 in the same column. That is, any two adjacent first electrodes 111 can be electrically connected through one of the first connecting lines 21A.

[0055] Similarly, each second elastic structure 2B includes a second connecting portion 20B and a second connecting line 21B, and the second connecting line 21B is disposed on the second connecting portion 20B. The second connecting line 21B of each second elastic structure 2B is connected between two second electrodes 112, and the two second electrodes 112 are respectively disposed on two adjacent setting portions 10 in the same row. In addition, any two adjacent second electrodes 112 can be electrically connected through one of the second connecting lines 21B.

[0056] It should be noted that the setting portion 10, the first connecting portion 20A, and the second connecting portion 20B together form a base layer. In addition, the sensing electrode pairs 11, the first connecting lines 21A, and the second connecting lines 21B together form a sensing layer. In this embodiment, the sensing layer is located on one side of the base layer, and when viewed from above, the top view shape of the sensing layer is substantially the same as the top view shape of the base layer.

[0057] As Figure 2 shown, the touch sensor T1 further includes a protective layer 3 covering all the main sensing structures 1 and the elastic structures 2. The protective layer 3 also has a plurality of hollow regions or opening patterns. In one embodiment, when viewed from above, the top view shape of the protective layer 3 is substantially the same as the top view shape of the base layer.

[0058] Specifically, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the protective layer 3 includes a plurality of first portions 30 and a plurality of second portions 31. The plurality of first portions 30 are respectively disposed on the plurality of main sensing structures 1. When viewed from above, the shape of each first portion 30 is substantially the same as the shape of the setting portion 10, and covers the sensing electrode pair 11 of the corresponding main sensing structure 1 to prevent the sensing electrode pair 11 from being damaged.

[0059] Similarly, the plurality of second portions 31 are respectively disposed on the plurality of elastic structures 2. The top view shape of each second portion 31 is substantially the same as the top view shape of the corresponding elastic structure 2, and the elastic structure 2 includes a first elastic structure 2A and a second elastic structure 2B. Since the elastic structure 2 will be stretched, tilted downward, or slightly twisted due to the pressing force applied to the touch sensor T1, it is necessary to protect the connecting lines to prevent them from being easily damaged. Therefore, the plurality of second portions 31 respectively cover the plurality of connecting lines (including the first connecting lines 21A and the second connecting lines 21B) to protect the plurality of connecting lines.

[0060] Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , which are cross-sectional schematic views of a touch sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention along the first direction and the second direction respectively. And Figure 2 and 3Elements that are similar or identical to the elements shown will be labeled with the same or similar element symbols.

[0061] In this embodiment, the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 of each sensing electrode pair 11 are respectively located on two opposite sides of the setting portion 10 (or the base layer).

[0062] Specifically, as Figure 5 shown, the multiple first electrodes 111 of the multiple sensing electrode pairs 11 and the multiple first connection lines 21A together form a first sensing layer. As Figure 4 shown, the multiple second connection lines 21B and the multiple second electrodes 112 of the multiple sensing electrode pairs 11 together form a second sensing layer. The first sensing layer and the second sensing layer are respectively located on two opposite sides of the base layer.

[0063] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , which are cross-sectional schematic views of the touch sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention along the first direction and the second direction respectively. Elements that are similar or identical to the Figure 2 and 3 shown elements are labeled with the same or similar element symbols.

[0064] As Figure 6 shown, in this embodiment, each main sensing structure 1 includes a sensing electrode pair 11, a first setting portion 10A, and a second setting portion 10B, and the sensing electrode pair 11, the first setting portion 10A, and the second setting portion 10B overlap each other in the thickness direction of the main sensing structure 1. The multiple first electrodes 111 and the multiple second electrodes 112 of each sensing electrode pair 11 are respectively located in the multiple first setting portions 10A and the multiple second setting portions 10B, and are insulated from each other. One of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 is disposed between the first setting portion 10A and the second setting portion 10B. In this embodiment, the second electrode 112 is disposed between the first setting portion 10A and the second setting portion 10B, and the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are respectively located on two opposite sides of the second setting portion 10B.

[0065] In addition, as Figure 6As shown, each first elastic structure 2A is connected between two adjacent main sensing structures 1 arranged in the first direction D1, and each first elastic structure 2A includes a first connecting portion 20A, a first connecting line 21A, and a first dummy portion 22A. The first connecting portion 20A is connected between two adjacent first setting portions 10A arranged in the first direction D1, and the first dummy portion 22A is connected between two adjacent second setting portions 10B arranged in the first direction D1. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first dummy portion 22A is located below the first connecting portion 20A, and the first connecting line 21A is disposed on the first connecting portion 20A. When viewed from above, the first connecting portion 20A, the first connecting line 21A, and the first dummy portion 22A have substantially the same contour.

[0066] As Figure 7 shown, each second elastic structure 2B is connected between two adjacent main sensing structures 1 arranged in the second direction D2, and each second elastic structure 2B includes a second connecting portion 20B, a second connecting line 21B, and a second dummy portion 22B. The second connecting portion 20B is connected between two adjacent second setting portions 10B arranged in the second direction D2, and the second dummy portion 22B is connected between two adjacent first setting portions 10A arranged in the second direction D2. Therefore, in this embodiment, the second connecting portion 20B is located below the second dummy portion 22B, and the second connecting line 21B is disposed between the second connecting portion 20B and the second dummy portion 22B. When viewed from the top view direction, the second connecting portion 20B, the second connecting line 21B, and the second dummy portion 22B have substantially the same contour.

[0067] Referring Figure 6 and combining Figure 7 , it is worth noting that the multiple first setting portions 10A of the multiple main sensing structures 1, the multiple first connecting portions 20A of the multiple first elastic structures 2A, and the multiple second dummy portions 22B of the multiple second elastic structures 2B together form a first base layer. In addition, the multiple second setting portions 10B of the multiple main sensing structures 1, the multiple second connecting portions 20B of the multiple second elastic structures 2B, and the multiple first dummy portions 22A of the multiple first elastic structures 2A together form a second base layer. Similar to Figure 1 the embodiment shown, when viewed from the top view direction, the shapes of the first base layer and the second base layer are substantially the same. That is, each first base layer and the second base layer have multiple hollow regions or opening patterns.

[0068] In addition, the multiple first electrodes 111 and the multiple first connecting lines 21A together form a first sensing layer. The multiple second electrodes 112 and the multiple second connecting lines 21B together form a second sensing layer. The first sensing layer and the second sensing layer are respectively formed on the first base layer and the second base layer.

[0069] However, the structure of the touch sensor T1 is not limited to the foregoing embodiments. In another embodiment, the top-down shape of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 can be adjusted according to specific requirements.

[0070] Referring to Figure 8 , which is a partial top-down schematic view of the touch sensor according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Similar or identical elements to those Figure 1 shown have the same or similar element symbols.

[0071] In the touch sensor T2 of this embodiment, each main sensing structure 1 has four sides, and each of the four sides is connected to an elastic structure 2. More specifically, each elastic structure 2 extends across the gap G1 between two adjacent main sensing structures 1 and is connected between the two closest sides of the two adjacent main sensing structures 1.

[0072] In addition, when viewed from above, each elastic structure 2 has bending segments 2s, 2s'. As Figure 8 shown, the bending segments 2s, 2s' are generally in an "S" shape, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the bending segments 2s, 2s' can be in a "V" shape, a "U" shape, or a "C" shape.

[0073] That is to say, as long as the main sensing structure 1 and the elastic structure 2 together form a sieve-like or grid-like structure to improve the stretchability of the touch sensor T1, and the plurality of sensing electrode pairs 11 can be electrically connected to each other, the top-down shape of each elastic structure 2 is not limited to the foregoing embodiments.

[0074] The touch sensor T1 (T2) of the present invention can be applied to electronic products, such as keyboards, mice, or watches, and can not only be used to detect touch events and the touched positions, but also provide a better pressing touch feeling for users.

[0075] Referring to Figures 9 to 11 . Figure 9 is an exploded schematic view of a keyboard according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 is a side view schematic of one of the plurality of key units according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 is an enlarged top-down schematic view of a keyboard according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] The keyboard Z shown is a stand-alone keyboard and is not integrated with a computer. However, in other embodiments, the keyboard Z can be integrated with the housing or chassis of a computer or other device components, such as a mobile device, an e-book, a computer, a laptop, a desktop computer, a stand-alone keyboard, an input device, an accessory (such as a tablet computer case with a built-in keyboard), a screen, an electronic kiosk, a gaming device, an automated teller machine (ATM), a vehicle dashboard, a control panel, a medical workstation, and an industrial workstation.

[0077] The keyboard Z can be electrically coupled or integrated with a computer as a user interface to allow a user to input instructions. In addition, the keyboard Z can also include a touchpad and other input mechanisms ( Figure 9 not shown), but the present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments.

[0078] It should be noted that, in an embodiment of the present invention, the keyboard Z is a mechanical keyboard capable of detecting a coupled capacitance signal. In one embodiment, the keyboard Z can be a touch-sensing mechanical keyboard for detecting both touch and press events.

[0079] As Figure 9 shown, the keyboard Z includes a housing Z1, a plurality of key units Z2, a cover layer Z3, and a touch sensor Z4.

[0080] The housing Z1 can include a bottom plate and a top plate to define a receiving space. The plurality of key units Z2 are disposed in the housing Z1 and arranged in an array. Specifically, the plurality of key units Z2 can be received in the receiving space of the housing Z1. However, a part of each key unit Z2 is exposed from the housing Z1 for easy operation.

[0081] Each key unit Z2 includes a press sensing circuit Z20, a flexible conductive film Z21, an elastic element Z22, and a keycap Z23.

[0082] The press sensing circuit Z20 is embedded in a circuit board for detecting a press event. The press sensing circuit Z20 includes a first detection layer Z20a and a second detection layer Z20b, and the first detection layer Z20a and the second detection layer Z20b are insulated from each other and alternately disposed on the same insulating layer. As Figure 10 shown, a part of the first detection layer Z20a and a part of the second detection layer Z20b are separated from each other to define a contact point P1 between the first detection layer Z20a and the second detection layer Z20b.

[0083] It should be noted that the circuit board has an opening h1 corresponding to the contact point P1. The flexible conductive film Z21 is disposed above the press sensing circuit Z20 and covers the opening h1. The flexible conductive film Z21 can be made of a material having conductivity and elasticity, such as a carbon film.

[0084] The elastic element Z22 is disposed above the flexible conductive film Z21. The keycap Z23 is movably disposed above the circuit board and is separated from the circuit board by the elastic element Z22. That is, the elastic element Z22 is made of a compressible and elastic material and is disposed between the keycap Z23 and the press-sensing circuit Z20, so that the keycap Z23 can move relative to the circuit board between an unpressed position and a pressed position. The elastic element Z22 can be a rubber dome or a metallic dome. In addition, the elastic element Z22 includes a protruding portion Z221, and the elastic element Z22 is disposed on the circuit board, and the protruding portion Z221 aligns with the opening h1 and the contact point P1 in the thickness direction of the circuit board.

[0085] When the key unit Z2 is in the unpressed state (i.e., the keycap Z23 is in the unpressed position), the protruding portion Z221 can be disposed above the flexible conductive film Z21 and separated from the flexible conductive film Z21. When the user presses the key unit Z2 with an object F, such as a finger, and maintains the key unit Z2 in the pressed state (i.e., the keycap Z23 is in the pressed position), the elastic element Z22 is deformed due to the pressing force, and the protruding portion Z221 moves downward and forces the flexible conductive film Z21 to extend into the opening h1 and contact the underlying contact point P1. In this way, the press-sensing circuit Z20 is closed and transmits a press signal.

[0086] Therefore, the keyboard Z can further include a processing circuit (not shown in Figure 10 ) that is electrically connected to the press-sensing circuit Z20 of each key unit Z2. The processing circuit receives the press signal transmitted from the press-sensing circuit Z20 and determines that the keycap Z23 corresponding to the press-sensing circuit Z20 is pressed. In one embodiment, the processing circuit can be integrated with the circuit board.

[0087] As Figure 9 shown, the covering layer Z3 covers the housing Z1 and the plurality of key units Z2. The covering layer Z3 can be made of a material that provides better tactile quality, such as leather. The covering layer Z3 includes a plurality of protruding regions Z31 that define a plurality of recessed regions Z30. Specifically, the covering layer Z3 is disposed on the housing Z1 and covers all the key units Z2, and the plurality of protruding regions Z31 are respectively aligned with the plurality of key units Z2. As Figure 9 and Figure 10 shown, it is worth noting that each protruding region Z31 represents a corresponding character or instruction. In addition, the outer surface of the covering layer Z3 can serve as a touch-sensing surface.

[0088] The touch sensor Z4 is disposed between the key unit Z2 and the overlay Z3. The touch sensor Z4 can be either the touch sensor T1 or the touch sensor T2, the details of which have been described in the foregoing paragraphs. In Figure 10 and Figure 11 the illustrated embodiment, the touch sensor T1 shown in Figure 1 is taken as an example for illustration, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0089] As Figure 11 shown, each protruding area Z31 corresponds to several main sensing structures 1 of the touch sensor Z4. Specifically, when a user touches one of the protruding areas Z31 with an object F, such as a finger or a conductive object, and does not press the protruding area Z31 (or the keycap Z23), the electric field of a plurality of sensing electrode pairs 11 located below the touched protruding area Z31 will be changed, thereby changing the coupling capacitance between the plurality of sensing electrode pairs 11. In addition, each sensing electrode pair 11 can be electrically connected to a processing circuit, so that the processing circuit can detect the change in the coupling capacitance between each sensing electrode pair 11 and determine which one or which some of the protruding areas Z31 are touched.

[0090] Compared with the existing keyboard, whose touch sensing circuit is installed in the circuit board and located below the keycap, the touch sensor Z4 of the present invention is disposed between the overlay Z3 and the key unit Z2, and thus has higher sensitivity.

[0091] The keyboard Z further includes a plurality of upper adhesive layers Z5 ( Figure 10 only one upper adhesive layer is taken as an example in Figure 10 ) and a plurality of lower adhesive layers Z6 (

[0092] only one lower adhesive layer is taken as an example in

[0093] ). The overlay Z3 is fixed on the touch sensor Z4 through the upper adhesive layer Z5, and the touch sensor Z4 is fixed on the key unit Z2 through the lower adhesive layer Z6. Specifically, a part of the plurality of main sensing structures 1 are respectively connected between a corresponding protruding area Z31 and a corresponding keycap Z23 through the upper adhesive layer Z5 and the lower adhesive layer Z6. However, another part of the plurality of main sensing structures 1 will not be connected to any of the plurality of upper adhesive layers Z5 or the plurality of lower adhesive layers Z6.

[0094] That is to say, when one of the protruding regions Z31 of the touch sensor Z4 with the elastic structure 2 is pressed, it can be partially deformed. Specifically, when one of the protruding regions Z31 is pressed, the elastic structure 2 can prevent the touch sensor Z4 from interfering with the downward movement of the keycap Z23.

[0095] In summary, one of the advantages of the present invention is that in the touch sensors T1 and T2 provided herein and the keyboard Z applying the same, through the technical features that "there is a gap G1 between any two adjacent main sensing structures 1" and "each elastic structure 2 is connected between two adjacent main sensing structures 1, and the cross-sectional width of each elastic structure 2 is smaller than the width of the gap G1", the touch sensors T1 and T2 can be partially deformed. When the touch sensors T1 and T2 are applied to the keyboard Z, a plurality of elastic structures 2 allow several main sensing structures 1 subjected to pressing force to deform independently, and can prevent the touch sensors T1 and T2 from interfering with the downward movement of the keycap Z23. In addition, the keyboard Z including the touch sensors T1 and T2 of the present invention can provide a better touch feeling for the user.

[0096] The content disclosed above is only the preferred feasible embodiment of the present invention, and does not limit the protection scope of the claims of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent technical changes made by using the content of the specification and drawings of the present invention are included in the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A touch sensor, characterized in that, The touch sensor includes: A base layer, which includes a plurality of setting portions and a plurality of connecting portions. Among them, a gap is formed between any two adjacent setting portions to allow one of the connecting portions to be connected between any two adjacent setting portions; A plurality of sensing electrode pairs, which are respectively arranged on the setting portions to form a plurality of main sensing structures; and A plurality of connecting lines, which are respectively arranged on the plurality of connecting portions to respectively form a plurality of elastic structures. The plurality of elastic structures include: A plurality of first elastic structures. Among them, each first elastic structure is connected between two adjacent main sensing structures arranged in a first direction, and the strip segment of each first elastic structure extends along a second direction and has a first length; and A plurality of second elastic structures. Among them, each second elastic structure is connected between two adjacent main sensing structures arranged in the second direction. The strip segment of each second elastic structure extends along the first direction and has a second length, and the second length is greater than the first length; Among them, the cross-sectional width of each elastic structure is smaller than the width of the gap; Each elastic structure has a strip segment located in the gap and two bending segments. The two bending segments are respectively connected to opposite ends of the strip segment and respectively extend toward two adjacent setting portions.

2. The touch sensor according to claim 1, wherein Each main sensing structure and one of the elastic structures connected thereto jointly define a hollow area.

3. The touch sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shortest distance between the strip segments of any two adjacent second elastic structures is smaller than the shortest distance between the strip segments of any two adjacent first elastic structures.

4. A touch sensor, characterized in that, The touch sensor includes: A base layer, which includes a plurality of setting portions and a plurality of connecting portions. Among them, a gap is formed between any two adjacent setting portions to allow one of the connecting portions to be connected between any two adjacent setting portions; A plurality of sensing electrode pairs, which are respectively arranged on the setting portions to form a plurality of main sensing structures. And each sensing electrode pair includes a first electrode and a second electrode that are insulated from each other, and the first electrode and the second electrode overlap each other in a thickness direction of the base layer; A plurality of connecting lines, which are respectively arranged on the plurality of connecting portions to respectively form a plurality of elastic structures. The cross-sectional width of each elastic structure is smaller than the width of the gap; The plurality of connecting lines include a plurality of first connecting lines and a plurality of second connecting lines. Each first connecting line is connected between two first electrodes, and the two first electrodes are respectively arranged on two adjacent setting portions, and each second connecting line is connected between two second electrodes, and the two second electrodes are respectively arranged on two adjacent setting portions.

5. The touch sensor according to claim 4, wherein, The first electrode and the second electrode of each sensing electrode pair are respectively located on two opposite sides of the base layer.

6. The touch sensor according to claim 4, wherein, Each main sensing structure has four corners, and the four corners are respectively connected to four elastic structures.

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