Light-emitting keyboard and optical module thereof

Abstract

A light-emitting keyboard and an optical module thereof are disclosed. The light-emitting keyboard includes a key module and an optical module. The key module includes a plurality of keys. The optical module is disposed below the key module. The optical module includes a light-shielding sheet and a light guide plate. The light-shielding sheet has a light-shielding pattern. The light-shielding pattern defines a plurality of light-transmitting regions. The light-transmitting regions correspond to the plurality of keys. An outer light-transmitting region of the plurality of light-transmitting regions has a light-transmitting boundary. The light guide plate has a light-emitting edge. A vertical projection of the light-emitting edge on the light-shielding sheet is at least partially located in the outer light-transmitting region and is not parallel to the light-transmitting boundary. The light-emitting keyboard and the optical module thereof can improve the brightness of the keys, especially the outer keys, and make the keys have stable light-emitting effects.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a light-emitting keyboard and an optical module thereof, and in particular, to a light-emitting keyboard and an optical module thereof suitable for a narrow-bezel design. BACKGROUND

[0002] A keyboard is a very important input device for electronic products, especially computers. With the miniaturization and lightness of electronic products, a narrow-bezel design is one of the important research and development directions of keyboards today. However, for a light-emitting keyboard, the integration of a key module and a backlight module must be considered, especially the adhesion between the multiple optical films of the backlight module and the problem of avoiding side light leakage, so that the light-emitting uniformity of the outer keys and the inner keys is not easy to control. In particular, in a narrow-bezel design, as the remaining space at the edge is reduced, the light-emitting keyboard of the narrow-bezel design is prone to the problem of the outer keys being too bright or too dark. SUMMARY

[0003] In view of the problems in the prior art, the present application provides a light-emitting keyboard and an optical module thereof to solve the above problems.

[0004] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present application is to provide an optical module suitable for a light-emitting keyboard, the light-emitting keyboard comprising a plurality of keys, the optical module comprising: a light-shielding sheet having a light-shielding pattern, the light-shielding pattern defining a plurality of light-transmitting regions, the plurality of light-transmitting regions being arranged corresponding to the plurality of keys, and an outer light-transmitting region of the plurality of light-transmitting regions having a light-transmitting boundary; and a light guide plate arranged on one side of the light-shielding sheet, the light guide plate having a light-emitting edge, a vertical projection of the light-emitting edge on the light-shielding sheet being at least partially located in the outer light-transmitting region, and the light-emitting edge being not parallel to the light-transmitting boundary of the outer light-transmitting region.

[0005] As an optional technical solution, in the extension direction of the light-transmitting boundary, the vertical projection of the light-emitting edge is concave with respect to the light-transmitting boundary.

[0006] The present application also provides an optical module suitable for a light-emitting keyboard, the light-emitting keyboard comprising a plurality of keys, the optical module comprising: a light-shielding sheet having a light-shielding pattern, the light-shielding pattern defining a plurality of light-transmitting regions, the plurality of light-transmitting regions being arranged corresponding to the plurality of keys, and an outer light-transmitting region of the plurality of light-transmitting regions having a light-transmitting boundary; and a light guide plate arranged on one side of the light-shielding sheet, the light guide plate having a light-emitting edge and an opening, a vertical projection of the light-emitting edge on the light-shielding sheet being at least partially located in the outer light-transmitting region, and a vertical projection of the opening on the light-shielding sheet being located in the outer light-transmitting region.

[0007] As an optional technical solution, the light-shielding sheet further has an auxiliary pattern, which is arranged in the outer light-transmitting region, and a vertical projection of the opening at least partially overlaps the auxiliary pattern.

[0008] The present application also provides an optical module suitable for a light-emitting keyboard, which comprises a light-shielding sheet having a light-shielding pattern defining a plurality of light-transmitting regions and a plurality of sub-light-transmitting regions, the plurality of light-transmitting regions being arranged corresponding to a plurality of keys, the plurality of light-transmitting regions comprising an outer light-transmitting region, and the plurality of sub-light-transmitting regions being arranged adjacent to the outer light-transmitting region; and a light guide plate arranged on one side of the light-shielding sheet, the light guide plate having a light-emitting edge, a vertical projection of the light-emitting edge on the light-shielding sheet at least partially being located in the plurality of sub-light-transmitting regions.

[0009] As an optional technical solution, the optical module further comprises a reflecting sheet, wherein the reflecting sheet is arranged on the other side of the light guide plate relative to the light-shielding sheet, and there is a light-blocking portion between the reflecting sheet and the light guide plate, the light-blocking portion being arranged adjacent to the light-emitting edge.

[0010] As an optional technical solution, the light-blocking portion is a glue portion or a light-shielding coating.

[0011] The present application also provides a light-emitting keyboard, which comprises a key module comprising a plurality of keys, the plurality of keys comprising a switch layer; and an optical module arranged below the switch layer, and the light-shielding sheet is closer to the switch layer than the light guide plate; wherein the switch layer has one or more light-shielding portions, a vertical projection of the light-shielding portion on the light-shielding sheet being located in the outer light-transmitting region.

[0012] As an optional technical solution, a vertical projection of the light-emitting edge at least partially overlaps a vertical projection of the light-shielding portion.

[0013] The present application also provides a light-emitting keyboard, which comprises a key module comprising a plurality of keys, the key module comprising a bottom plate; and an optical module arranged below the bottom plate, and the light-shielding sheet is closer to the bottom plate than the light guide plate; wherein the bottom plate has a coating region corresponding to the light-emitting edge of the light guide plate.

[0014] The present application also provides a light-emitting keyboard, which comprises a key module comprising a plurality of keys and a bottom plate, the plurality of keys being arranged on the bottom plate and comprising at least one outer key and at least one inner key, the outer key comprising a key cap, an outer edge of the key cap being aligned with an end edge of the bottom plate, and the inner key being arranged on one side of the outer key and away from the end edge of the bottom plate; and an optical module arranged below the bottom plate, and the light-shielding sheet is closer to the bottom plate than the light guide plate, wherein an end edge of the light-transmitting boundary adjacent to the light-shielding sheet is aligned with the end edge of the bottom plate.

[0015] As an optional technical solution, the vertical projection of the key cap of the outer key on the light shielding sheet exceeds the outside of the light transmission boundary of the outer light transmission area.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the light-emitting keyboard of the present application comprises a key module and an optical module. The key module comprises a plurality of keys, and the optical module is arranged below the key module. The optical module comprises a light shielding sheet and a light guide plate. The light shielding sheet has a light shielding pattern, which defines a plurality of light transmission areas arranged corresponding to the plurality of keys, for selectively partially blocking or allowing light to pass through, and an outer light transmission area of the plurality of light transmission areas has a light transmission boundary. The light guide plate has a light emitting edge, which is at least partially located in the outer light transmission area and is not parallel to the light transmission boundary in the vertical projection of the light shielding sheet, so that the side surface (or end surface) of the light guide plate adjacent to the light emitting edge can serve as a light emitting surface to enhance the brightness of the outer key. The light-emitting keyboard of the present application can improve the brightness of the keys, especially the outer keys, and make the keys have stable light-emitting effect.

[0017] The present application will be described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but is not limited to the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is an exploded schematic view of the light-emitting keyboard of the first embodiment of the present application.

[0019] Figure 2A It is a sectional view of the key of the light-emitting keyboard of the first embodiment of the present application.

[0020] Figure 2B It is a sectional view of the key of the light-emitting keyboard of the first embodiment of the present application. Figure 2A

[0021] Figure 2C It is a top view of the light-emitting keyboard of the first embodiment of the present application to show the relative positions of the outer light transmission area of the light shielding sheet and the light emitting edge of the light guide plate. Figure 2A

[0022] Figure 3A It is a sectional view of the key of the light-emitting keyboard of the first embodiment of the present application. Figure 3B

[0023] Figure 4 It is a sectional view of the key of the light-emitting keyboard of the first embodiment of the present application.

[0024] Figure 5A Figure 5B It is a sectional view of the key of the light-emitting keyboard of the first embodiment of the present application.​​​​

[0025] Figure 6 A partial enlarged view of a cross section of a key of the light-emitting keyboard of the fifth embodiment of the present application.

[0026] Figure 7 A partial top view of a key of the light-emitting keyboard of the sixth embodiment of the present application, showing the relative positions of the light-transmitting area on the outer side of the light-shielding sheet, the light-emitting edge of the light guide plate, the opening of the bottom plate, and the light-shielding portion of the switch layer.

[0027] Figure 8 A partial top view of a key of the light-emitting keyboard of the seventh embodiment of the present application, showing the relative positions of the coated area of the bottom plate and the light-emitting edge of the light guide plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] To further understand the purpose, structure, features, and functions of the present application, the following embodiments are provided.

[0029] The present application provides a light-emitting keyboard and an optical module thereof, so as to improve the brightness of the keys (especially the outer keys) and to make the keys have stable light-emitting effects. The light-emitting keyboard of the present application can be a stand-alone keyboard device or a light-emitting keyboard integrated in an electronic product (such as a mobile device or a notebook computer), especially a light-emitting keyboard with a narrow frame design, but is not limited thereto. In the following, a computer keyboard (such as shown in Figure 1

[0030] Figure 1 ​​As shown, in the first embodiment, the light-emitting keyboard 1 comprises an optical module 10 and a key module 20, wherein the optical module 10 is disposed below the key module 20. The key module 20 comprises a plurality of keys 200, and the plurality of keys 200 comprises outer keys 201 and inner keys 202. In one aspect, the plurality of keys 200 are arranged into multiple rows along the Y-axis direction, and the outermost keys (e.g. the keys at the two ends in the X-axis direction) in each row can be the outer keys 201, and the keys between the outermost outer keys 201 in each row are the inner keys 202. In another aspect, the outermost keys (e.g. the uppermost and lowermost keys at the two ends in the Y-axis direction) in the multiple rows arranged along the Y-axis direction can also be the outer keys 201, and the keys between the outermost outer keys 201 are the inner keys 202. That is, the outer keys 201 have at least one side not adjacent to other keys, such as the keys arranged at the periphery, while the inner keys 202 are surrounded by other keys. In this embodiment, the left edge (e.g. the left edge of the keycap) of the left outer key 201 is aligned along the Y-axis direction, the right edge (e.g. the right edge of the keycap) of the right outer key 201 is aligned along the Y-axis direction, the upper edge (e.g. the upper edge of the keycap) of the upper outer key 201 is aligned along the X-axis direction, and the lower edge (e.g. the lower edge of the keycap) of the lower outer key 201 is aligned along the X-axis direction, but not limited thereto.

[0031] In particular, the key 200 can be any suitable key unit with a light-transmissive keycap. Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of a key of the light-emitting keyboard of the first embodiment of the present application is shown. As shown, Figure 2A In one embodiment, the key (e.g. the left outer key 201) is movably connected to the keycap 220 and the bottom plate 210 by the scissor support frame 230 to support the movement of the keycap 220, thereby compressing the elastic body 250 to trigger the switch layer 240 (e.g. a membrane switch), and resetting by the restoring force of the elastic body 250, but not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the scissor support frame 230 can be replaced by other lifting mechanisms, such as a butterfly wing support mechanism, a sliding block support mechanism, a cantilever support mechanism, etc., and the elastic body 250 can also be replaced by other restoring units, such as a magnet, a spring, etc. Furthermore, the switch layer 240 can also be replaced by other switch units, such as a mechanical switch, an optical switch, etc. In other words, the key 200 of the key module 20 can have any suitable structure to achieve the function of generating a trigger signal after pressing.

[0032] Referring again to Figure 1The optical module 10 includes a light shield 110 and a light guide plate 120. The light shield 110 has a light shielding pattern 112. The light shielding pattern 112 defines a plurality of light transmission regions 114, and the plurality of light transmission regions 114 are respectively arranged corresponding to the plurality of keys 200. For example, the plurality of light transmission regions 114 include outer light transmission regions 114A and inner light transmission regions 114B, wherein the outer light transmission regions 114A correspond to the outer keys 201, and the inner light transmission regions 114B correspond to the inner keys 202. The outer light transmission regions 114A have light transmission boundaries 116, for example, the light transmission boundary 116 of the left outer light transmission region 114A is a left boundary extending along the Y-axis direction, and the light transmission boundary 116 of the right outer light transmission region 114A is a right boundary extending along the Y-axis direction. Specifically, the light shield 110 is arranged on one side (for example, the upper side) of the light guide plate 120, and the light shield 110 has the light shielding pattern 112 thereon to selectively block or allow light to pass through. For example, the light shield 110 is a light-transmissive optical film (for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET)), and the light shield 110 has the light shielding pattern 112 formed by a light shielding material (for example, ink) thereon to allow light to pass through the plurality of light transmission regions 114 and shield the portions (for example, the gap portions between the keys 200) of the keypad module 20 that do not need light. In an embodiment, the shape and size of the light shield 110 are preferably corresponding to the bottom plate 210 of the key module 20.

[0033] The light guide plate 120 is arranged on one side (for example, the lower side) of the light shield 110. The light guide plate 120 has a light exit boundary 122, and the light exit boundary 122 corresponds to the light transmission boundary 116, so that the vertical projection of the light exit boundary 122 on the light shield 110 is at least partially located in the outer light transmission region 114A and is not parallel to the light transmission boundary 116 (as shown in FIG. 1B). Figure 2C(As shown). Specifically, the light guide plate 120 can be a thin plate or sheet made of any suitable optical material (e.g., an optical polymer), and the size of the light guide plate 120 is slightly smaller than the size of the light shield 110, and the upper light-emitting surface 128 of the light guide plate 120 corresponds to a plurality of light-transmitting areas 114. For example, the size of the light guide plate 120 in the X-axis direction is preferably smaller than the size of the light shield 110, such that the edge of the light shield 110 protrudes beyond the light-emitting edge 122 of the light guide plate 120 to facilitate bonding with other components (e.g., reflector 130, base plate 210). For example, the light-emitting edge 122 of the light guide plate 120 defines the boundary of the light-emitting surface 128 in the X-axis direction. In this embodiment, the light guide plate 120 has a plurality of light source holes 124, and the inner surface of the light source holes 124 can serve as the light incident surface of the light guide plate 120, while the top surface of the light guide plate 120 (i.e., the upper surface extending along the XY axis plane) serves as the light emitting surface 128 of the light guide plate 120. After the light enters the light guide plate 120 through the light incident surface, it travels substantially along the extending direction of the light guide plate 120 (e.g., the XY plane direction) and travels to the plurality of light-transmitting areas 114 of the light shield 110 before being emitted.

[0034] like Figure 2A As shown, in one embodiment, the optical module 10 includes a light source 140 that provides light to the light guide plate 120, and the optical module 10 can constitute the backlight module of the illuminated keyboard 1. Specifically, the light source 140 is preferably a light-emitting diode (LED), particularly preferably a side-emitting LED, but not limited thereto. The light source 140 is disposed in the light source hole 124, so that its light-emitting surface preferably faces the light-incident surface of the light guide plate 120, so that light passes through the light-incident surface and is transmitted into the light guide plate 120. In one embodiment, multiple light sources 140 are preferably integrated on a circuit board to form an integrated light source unit, thereby increasing assembly efficiency.

[0035] Furthermore, the optical module 10 may optionally include a reflective sheet 130, which is disposed on the opposite side of the light guide plate 120 (e.g., below the light guide plate 120) relative to the light shield 110, and is used to reflect light leaking from the lower surface of the light guide plate 120 back to the light guide plate 120. Specifically, the reflective sheet 130 may be a reflective film formed of a reflective material (e.g., a metal foil), a non-reflective film coated with a reflective material, or a plastic film doped with reflective particles (e.g., a PET film doped with reflective particles). The shape and size of the reflective sheet 130 preferably correspond to the light shield 110, and the ductility / deformability of the reflective sheet 130 is preferably greater than that of the light shield 110. That is, the reflective sheet 130 is preferably more deformable than the light shield 110, making the reflective sheet 130 easier to adhere.

[0036] like Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown,Figure 2B for Figure 2A A magnified view of a portion of the image, and Figure 2B Only the base plate 210 of the optical module 10 and the key module 20 is shown, while the components on which the keys are mounted (such as the switch layer 240, elastomer 250, scissor-type support frame 230, and keycap 220) are omitted. The upper surface of the end of the light shield 110 is bonded to the lower surface of the base plate 210, and the lower surface of the end of the light shield 110 is bonded to the upper surface of the reflector 130, so that the light guide plate 120 is surrounded between the light shield 110 and the reflector 130 to prevent lateral light leakage. In this embodiment, the keycap 220 of the outer key 201 and the base plate 210 can be aligned with the edge of the optical module 10. For example, the left edges of the keycap 220, the base plate 210, and the light shield 110 and the reflector 130 of the optical module 10 are aligned with each other along the stacking direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) to facilitate the narrow bezel design of the backlit keyboard 1. Specifically, in the narrow bezel design, the size and shape of the inner light-transmitting area 114B are preferably consistent with the corresponding keycap 220, that is, the vertical projection of the inner light-transmitting area 114B and the corresponding keycap 220 in the direction of the base plate 210 is preferably substantially completely overlapped. However, the size and shape of the outer light-transmitting area 114A are limited by bonding requirements and considerations to prevent lateral light leakage, resulting in the outer light-transmitting area 114A being smaller than the corresponding keycap 220. For example, the outer light-transmitting area 114A is recessed inward by a predetermined width from the edge of the light-shielding sheet 110 in the X-axis direction. In one embodiment, the bonding width D1 (e.g., the bonding distance from the end edge along the X-axis direction) between the reflector 130 and the light-shielding sheet 110 is preferably not less than 1.5mm to ensure that when the backlit keyboard 1 has a narrow bezel design, the risk of light leakage due to glue failure of the optical module 10 is reduced. That is, the outer light-transmitting area 114A on one side is at least 1.5 mm shorter than the corresponding keycap 220 in the X-axis direction; for the outer light-transmitting areas 114A on both sides, the light guide plate 120 is at least 3.0 mm (=2x1.5 mm) shorter than the light shield 110 in the X-axis direction, but is not limited thereto.

[0037] refer to Figure 2B and Figure 2C , Figure 2C for Figure 2AThe top view shows the relative positions of the outer light-transmitting area 114A of the light-shielding sheet 110 and the light-emitting edge 122 of the light guide plate 120. In this embodiment, the vertical projection of the light-emitting edge 122 of the light guide plate 120 onto the light-shielding sheet 110 is at least partially located in the outer light-transmitting area 144A and is not parallel to the light-transmitting boundary 116, so that the side surface (or end face) of the light guide plate 120 adjacent to the light-emitting edge 122 can serve as the light-emitting surface to enhance the brightness of the outer button 201. In other words, the size of the light guide plate 120 in the X-axis direction is not only smaller than the size of the light-shielding sheet 110, but also smaller enough that the edge (light-emitting edge 122) of the light guide plate 120 is recessed to the inside of the light-transmitting boundary 116, so that when the light guide plate 120 and the light-shielding sheet 110 are stacked, there is a gap G between the light-emitting edge 122 and the light-transmitting boundary 116 in the X-axis direction, and this gap G varies in size along the Y-axis direction. That is, the light-emitting edge 122 extends non-linearly along the Y-axis (or is not parallel to the light-transmitting boundary 116), so that the spacing G along the Y-axis is not a fixed value. In one embodiment, the vertical projection of the light-emitting edge 122 is concave relative to the light-transmitting boundary 116 in the extension direction of the light-transmitting boundary 116 (e.g., the Y-axis direction). In other words, the spacing G is smaller near the two ends of the light-transmitting boundary 116 along the Y-axis, and larger near the middle part of the light-transmitting boundary 116 along the Y-axis. In this way, the light emitted from the light-emitting edge 122 of the light guide plate 120 can be emitted earlier, avoiding excessive concentration of light energy when emitting light from the side adjacent to the light-emitting edge 122, thereby improving the uniformity of light emission. The concave shape of the light-emitting edge 122 can be changed according to the actual required light energy, such as, but not limited to: arc, stepped, sawtooth, or any suitable shape.

[0038] In the above embodiments, the brightness of the outer buttons is enhanced by the edge structure design of the light guide plate, but this is not a limitation. In other embodiments, the effect of enhancing the brightness of the outer buttons can be achieved by other design variations of the light shield and the light guide plate. Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view and a top view of the illuminated keyboard and its optical film assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3A and Figure 3B For similar Figure 2B The views shown in Figure 2C will be used as a reference. The following description will focus only on the differences between this embodiment and the previous embodiments; other similar or corresponding parts will not be repeated. Figure 3A and Figure 3BAs shown, in this embodiment, the light guide plate 120 has a light exit edge 122 and an aperture 126. The light exit edge 122 is located at least partially in the outer light transmission region 114A of the light shield 110, and the aperture 126 is also located in the same outer light transmission region 114A of the light shield 110. Specifically, the light exit edge 122 of the light guide plate 120 can extend along a direction parallel to the Y-axis (e.g. parallel to the light transmission boundary 116), and the light guide plate 120 has the aperture 126 in the region of the key cap 220 corresponding to the outer side key 201, to adjust the intensity of the light emitted from the side of the light exit edge 122. For example, by providing the aperture 126, the light rays of the light guide plate 120 can be caused to exit earlier from the aperture 126, to avoid the light energy being too concentrated when emitted from the side adjacent to the light exit edge 122, to improve the uniformity of the light emission. The aperture 126 is preferably provided on the far side of the character key cap relative to the light exit edge 122, and the shape, size and number of the aperture 126 can be changed according to the actual light energy requirements, without being limited by the embodiments.

[0039] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a partial top view of the light-emitting keyboard of the third embodiment of the present application, to show the relative positions of the outer light transmission region 114A of the light shield 110 and the light exit edge 122 of the light guide plate 120, wherein Figure 4 FIG. 5 is a partial top view of a variant of FIG. 3B, which only focuses on the differences between the present embodiment and the previous embodiments, and the similar or corresponding parts are not described again. As shown, Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the light shield 110 further has an auxiliary pattern 115. The auxiliary pattern 115 is provided in the outer light transmission region 114A, and the vertical projection of the aperture 126 of the light guide plate 120 at least partially overlaps the auxiliary pattern 115. Specifically, the light shield 110 can have a pattern coating at the position corresponding to the aperture 126 of the light guide plate 120 to adjust the intensity of the light, to adjust the intensity of the light emitted from the aperture 126. For example, the auxiliary pattern 115 can be a stripe pattern or other suitable pattern provided perpendicularly to the light exit edge 122 of the aperture 126, such as two auxiliary patterns 115 provided on opposite sides of the aperture 126 along the Y-axis. In addition, the auxiliary pattern 115 can be a light-shielding coating to attenuate the light emitted from the aperture 126, or can be a reflective coating to reflect the light emitted from the aperture 126 towards the reflective sheet 130, to disperse the light, thereby improving the uniformity of the light emission.

[0040] Figure 5A and Figure 5B FIG. 6 is a partial enlarged sectional view and a top view of the key of the light-emitting keyboard of the fourth embodiment of the present application, to show the relative positions of the sub light transmission region 118 of the light shield 110 and the light exit edge 122 of the light guide plate 120, wherein Figure 5A and Figure 5B are similar toFigure 2B and Figure 2C are views, only the differences between the present embodiment and the foregoing embodiments will be described below, and the similar or corresponding parts will not be described again. As shown in Figure 5A and Figure 5B , in this embodiment, the light shielding pattern 112 of the light shielding sheet 110 defines a plurality of light transmission regions (e.g., 114) and a plurality of sub-light transmission regions 118. The plurality of light transmission regions 114 correspond to the plurality of keys 200. The plurality of sub-light transmission regions 118 are disposed adjacent to the outer light transmission region 114A, and the light emitting edge 122 of the light guide plate 120 is at least partially located in the plurality of sub-light transmission regions 118 in the vertical projection of the light shielding sheet 110. Specifically, the light emitting edge 122 of the light guide plate 120 can extend along the direction parallel to the Y-axis, and the plurality of sub-light transmission regions 118 are disposed outside the light transmission boundary 116 of the outer light transmission region 114A along the extension direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) of the light transmission boundary 116, i.e., close to the edge side where the light shielding sheet 110 is cut flush with the bottom plate 210. In other words, the plurality of sub-light transmission regions 118 and the adjacent outer light transmission region 114A correspond to the same outer key 201, so that the plurality of sub-light transmission regions 118 and the adjacent outer light transmission region 114A are within the projection range of the key cap 220 of the outer key 201. In this embodiment, the vertical projection of the light emitting edge 122 of the light guide plate 120 falls outside the light transmission boundary 116 of the outer light transmission region 114A, so that the light emitting edge 122 of the light guide plate 120 is at least partially in the plurality of sub-light transmission regions 118. Although four sub-light transmission regions 118 of the same shape and size are shown in this embodiment, the number of sub-light transmission regions 118 is not limited to this embodiment. In other embodiments, the size of the side light emitting area of the light emitting edge 122 can be controlled by changing the number and shape of the sub-light transmission regions 118, so as to adjust the brightness of the outer key 201.

[0041] Figure 6 is a partial enlarged view of the cross section of a key of the light emitting keyboard of the fifth embodiment of the present application, wherein Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 2B , only the differences between the present embodiment and the foregoing embodiments will be described below, and the similar or corresponding parts will not be described again. As shown in Figure 6 , in this embodiment, the light blocking portion 132 is further provided between the reflective sheet 130 and the light guide plate 120, wherein the light blocking portion 132 is adjacent to the light emitting edge 122. Specifically, in one embodiment, the light blocking portion 132 can be an adhesive portion provided between the light guide plate 120 and the reflective sheet 130 along the light emitting edge 122, so as to absorb part of the light energy by the adhesive portion to attenuate the brightness of the light, thereby achieving the effect of uniform light emission. In another embodiment, the light blocking portion 132 can be a light blocking pattern (e.g., a light shielding coating) formed on the reflective sheet 130 along the light emitting edge 122, thereby reducing the local reflection effect of the reflective sheet 130 to attenuate the brightness of the light and achieve the effect of uniform light emission.

[0042] Figure 7 This is a partial top view of the keys of the illuminated keyboard according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, showing the relative positions of the outer light-transmitting area 114A of the light-shielding sheet 110, the light-emitting edge 122 of the light guide plate 120, the opening 214 of the base plate 210, and the light-shielding portion 242 of the switch layer 240, wherein... Figure 7 For similar Figure 2C The following description focuses only on the differences between this embodiment and the previous embodiments; other similar or corresponding parts will not be repeated. Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the switch layer 240 of the button module 20 has one or more light-shielding portions 242, and the vertical projection of the light-shielding portion 242 onto the light-shielding plate 110 is located in the outer light-transmitting area 114A. Specifically, depending on the actual application, the switch layer 240 can be disposed above or below the base plate 210, while the optical module 10 is disposed below the switch layer 240, and the light-shielding plate 110 is closer to the switch layer 240 than the light guide plate 120. For example, when the switch layer 240 is disposed above the base plate 210, the base plate 210 can have an opening 214 for light to pass through, and the switch layer 240 can form one or more light-shielding portions 242 at the position corresponding to the light-emitting edge 122, so that the vertical projection of the light-emitting edge 122 is at least partially located in the vertical projection of the light-shielding portion 242, so as to attenuate the energy of the light and achieve a uniform light emission effect.

[0043] Figure 8 This is a partial top view of the keys of the illuminated keyboard according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, showing the relative position of the coating area 212 of the base plate 210 and the light-emitting edge 122 of the light guide plate 120, wherein... Figure 8 For similar Figure 2C The following description focuses only on the differences between this embodiment and the previous embodiments; other similar or corresponding parts will not be repeated. Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the base plate 210 has a coating area 212, and the coating area 212 corresponds to the light-emitting edge 122 of the light guide plate 120. Specifically, the coating area 212 can be coated along the light-emitting edge 122 on the side of the base plate 210 facing the light shield 110 (e.g., the lower surface), so that the coating area 212 (e.g., the coating area 212 formed by black ink) attenuates the light emitted from the outer light-transmitting area 14A, or the coating area 212 (e.g., the coating area 212 formed by white ink) can scatter the light emitted from the outer light-transmitting area 14A to produce a fogging effect, so as to achieve the purpose of uniform light emission.

[0044] As described above, the light-emitting keyboard 1 of the present application preferably has a narrow frame design, and the key module 20 includes a plurality of keys 200 and a bottom plate 210. The plurality of keys 200 are disposed on the bottom plate 210 and include at least one outer key 201 and at least one inner key 202. The outer key 201 includes a key cap 220, wherein the outer edge of the key cap 220 of the outer key 201 is substantially aligned with the end edge of the bottom plate 210, and the inner key 202 is disposed on one side of the outer key 201 and away from the end edge of the bottom plate 210. The optical module 10 described above can be disposed below the bottom plate 210, such that the light-shielding sheet 110 is closer to the bottom plate 210 than the light guide plate 120, and the end edge of the light-shielding sheet 110 is adjacent to the light-transmitting boundary 116. The end edge of the light-shielding sheet 110 is substantially aligned with the end edge of the bottom plate 210. Furthermore, the vertical projection of the key cap 220 of the outer key 201 on the light-shielding sheet 110 exceeds the outer side of the light-transmitting boundary 116 of the outer light-transmitting region 14A.

[0045] It should be noted that in other embodiments, various structural designs for improving the light-emitting brightness of the outer keys in the above-described embodiments (such as the non-linear light-emitting edge design and / or the aperture design of the light guide plate, the auxiliary pattern and / or the sub-light-transmitting region design of the light-shielding sheet, the light-blocking portion design of the reflective sheet, the light-shielding portion design of the switch layer, the coated region design of the bottom plate, etc.) can be selected and integrated into one or more keys or a plurality of keys of a single light-emitting keyboard according to actual needs, thereby improving the light-emitting uniformity of the light-emitting keyboard.

[0046] In summary, the light-emitting keyboard of the present application includes a key module and an optical module. The key module includes a plurality of keys, and the optical module is disposed below the key module. The optical module includes a light-shielding sheet and a light guide plate. The light-shielding sheet has a light-shielding pattern that defines a plurality of light-transmitting regions corresponding to the plurality of keys, for selectively partially blocking or allowing light to pass through, and the outer light-transmitting region of the plurality of light-transmitting regions has a light-transmitting boundary. The light guide plate has a light-emitting edge that is at least partially located in the outer light-transmitting region and is not parallel to the light-transmitting boundary in the vertical projection of the light-shielding sheet, such that the side surface (or end surface) of the light guide plate adjacent to the light-emitting edge can serve as a light-emitting surface, thereby enhancing the brightness of the outer keys. The present application achieves the effect of enhancing the brightness of the outer keys by the edge structure design of the light guide plate, or by other designs of the light-shielding sheet and the light guide plate, such as by changing the number and shape of the sub-light-transmitting regions to control the size of the side light-emitting area of the light-emitting edge, etc. The light-emitting keyboard of the present application can enhance the brightness of the keys, especially the outer keys, and make the keys have stable light-emitting effects.

[0047] Of course, the present application can have other various embodiments, and those skilled in the art can make various corresponding changes and modifications according to the present application without departing from the spirit and essence of the present application, and these corresponding changes and modifications shall all belong to the protection scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. An optical module suitable for an illuminated keyboard, characterized in that, The backlit keyboard contains multiple keys, and the optical module includes: A light-shielding sheet has a light-shielding pattern that defines multiple light-transmitting areas, each corresponding to a multiple set of buttons, and the outer light-transmitting areas of the multiple light-transmitting areas have light-transmitting boundaries; and A light guide plate is disposed on one side of the light shield. The light guide plate has a light-emitting edge and an opening. The vertical projection of the light-emitting edge onto the light shield is at least partially located in the outer light-transmitting area, and the vertical projection of the opening onto the light shield is also located in the outer light-transmitting area. The light shield also has an auxiliary pattern disposed in the outer light-transmitting area. The vertical projection of the opening at least partially overlaps with the auxiliary pattern. The auxiliary pattern is at least mostly not located between the opening and the light-emitting edge. The auxiliary pattern is a light-shielding coating or a reflective coating.

2. An optical module suitable for an illuminated keyboard, characterized in that, The backlit keyboard contains multiple keys, and the optical module includes: A light-shielding sheet having a light-shielding pattern defining multiple light-transmitting areas and multiple sub-light-transmitting areas, the multiple light-transmitting areas corresponding to multiple buttons, the multiple light-transmitting areas including an outer light-transmitting area, and the multiple sub-light-transmitting areas disposed adjacent to the outer light-transmitting area; and A light guide plate is disposed on one side of the light shield. The light guide plate has a light-emitting edge. The vertical projection of the light-emitting edge onto the light shield is at least partially located in the plurality of sub-light-transmitting areas. The outer light-transmitting area has a light-transmitting boundary. The light shield also has a light-shielding portion located between the plurality of sub-light-transmitting areas and the light-transmitting boundary.

3. The optical module as described in any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The optical module also includes a reflector, which is disposed on the other side of the light guide plate relative to the light shield, and a light blocking portion is provided between the reflector and the light guide plate, which is disposed adjacent to the light-emitting edge.

4. The optical module as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The light-blocking part is an adhesive part or a light-shielding coating.

5. A backlit keyboard, characterized in that... Include: A button module comprising multiple buttons, each button including a switch layer; and The optical module as described in any one of claims 1 to 4 is disposed below the switching layer, and the light shield is closer to the switching layer than the light guide plate; The switching layer has one or more light-shielding parts, and the vertical projection of the light-shielding part onto the light-shielding sheet is located in the outer light-transmitting area.

6. The illuminated keyboard as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The vertical projection of the light-emitting edge is at least partially located within the vertical projection of the light-shielding part.

7. A backlit keyboard, characterized in that... Include: A button module comprising multiple buttons, the button module including a base plate; and The optical module as described in any one of claims 1 to 4 is disposed below the base plate, and the light shield is closer to the base plate than the light guide plate; The base plate has a coating area that corresponds to the light-emitting edge of the light guide plate.

8. A backlit keyboard, characterized in that... Include: A button module includes multiple buttons and a base plate. The multiple buttons are disposed on the base plate and include at least one outer button and at least one inner button. The outer button includes a keycap, the outer edge of which is aligned with the end edge of the base plate. The inner button is disposed on one side of the outer button and away from the end edge of the base plate. as well as The optical module as described in any one of claims 1 to 4 is disposed below the base plate, and the light-shielding plate is closer to the base plate than the light guide plate. The edge of the light-shielding sheet adjacent to the light-transmitting boundary is aligned with the edge of the base plate.

9. The illuminated keyboard as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The keycap of the outer button extends beyond the light-transmitting boundary of the outer light-transmitting area in its vertical projection onto the light-shielding sheet.

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