keyboard

Abstract

The present invention relates to a keyboard comprising a bottom plate, a membrane switch layer, a frame, a light emitting element, a key cap and a lifting mechanism. The light emitting element is disposed in a through opening of the frame. A first vertical distance from a first top surface of the frame to an upper surface of the membrane switch layer is defined when the key cap is in an unpressed position. A second vertical distance from the upper surface of the membrane switch layer to a second top surface of the light emitting element is defined. A horizontal distance between an optical axis of the light emitting element and an inner side wall of the through opening of the frame is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance is calculated by the first vertical distance, the second vertical distance and an included angle of a light coverage area surrounding the optical axis of the light emitting element. Thus, the light emitted by the light emitting element and directed towards the first top surface of the frame in the present invention will not be scattered by the first top surface to the eyes of a user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a keyboard, in particular to a keyboard comprising a light emitting element and a frame, wherein the light emitted by the light emitting element will not be scattered from the top surface of the frame to the user's eyes. Background Art

[0002] Keyboards are a common input peripheral device on the market. Prior art keyboards often use upward-emitting light-emitting elements as the light source for indicators on keycaps (e.g., the Caps Lock on indicator). Current keyboards also use upward-emitting light-emitting elements as the backlight source for illuminated keys.

[0003] However, keyboards in the prior art use light-emitting elements that emit light upward. However, because the geometric relationship between the position of the light-emitting elements and the elements and components of the keyboard is not taken into consideration, the light emitted by the light-emitting elements and directed toward the frame often scatters from the top surface of the frame to the user's eyes. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a keyboard comprising a light emitting element and a frame, wherein the light emitted by the light emitting element will not be scattered from the top surface of the frame to the user's eyes.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a keyboard, comprising:

[0006] A bottom plate having a first through hole;

[0007] a membrane switch layer having a second through hole and an upper surface, wherein the membrane switch layer is disposed on the bottom plate so that the second through hole is aligned with the first through hole;

[0008] a frame having a through opening and a first top surface, wherein the through opening has an inner sidewall, and the frame is disposed on the membrane switch layer so that the second through hole is located below the through opening;

[0009] a light-emitting element having a second top surface, an optical axis perpendicular to the second top surface, and a light coverage area surrounding the optical axis and facing upward, the light coverage area having an angle (2θ), and the light-emitting element being disposed in the first through hole;

[0010] a keycap, disposed above the through opening and having a lower edge; and

[0011] A lifting mechanism is disposed between the bottom plate and the keycap, and the lifting mechanism limits the keycap to move between an un-pressed position and a pressed position. When the keycap is in the pressed position, the lower side edge of the keycap is located in the through opening. When the keycap is in the un-pressed position, a vertical distance from the first top surface of the frame to the upper surface of the membrane switch layer is defined as a first vertical distance (X), a vertical distance from the upper surface of the membrane switch layer to the second top surface of the light emitting element is defined as a second vertical distance (Y), and a horizontal distance between the optical axis of the light emitting element and the inner side wall is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance (Q). The predetermined distance (Q) is calculated by the following formula: Q = (X + Y) x tan(θ).

[0012] As an optional technical solution, the included angle of the light coverage area ranges from 110 degrees to 140 degrees.

[0013] As an optional technical solution, the keyboard further comprises:

[0014] A circuit board, on which the light emitting element is electrically connected, is disposed on the lower surface of the bottom plate.

[0015] As an optional technical solution, the membrane switch layer comprises a switch located below the keycap, and the keyboard further comprises:

[0016] An elastic actuating element is disposed between the keycap and the bottom plate and located above the switch. When the keycap is pressed and moved to the pressed position, the elastic actuating element is deformed and causes the switch to open. When the keycap is released, the elastic actuating element provides a restoring force required for the keycap to return to the un-pressed position, and the switch is closed.

[0017] As an optional technical solution, when the keycap is in the un-pressed position, the lower side edge of the keycap is higher than the first top surface of the frame, the first vertical distance is positive, the second top surface of the light emitting element is lower than the upper surface of the membrane switch layer, and the second vertical distance is positive.

[0018] As an optional technical solution, when the keycap is in the un-pressed position, the lower side edge of the keycap is higher than the first top surface of the frame, the first vertical distance is positive, the second top surface of the light emitting element is higher than the upper surface of the membrane switch layer, and the second vertical distance is negative.

[0019] As an optional technical solution, when the keycap is in the un-pressed position, the lower side edge of the keycap is lower than or flush with the first top surface of the frame, the first vertical distance is positive, the second top surface of the light emitting element is higher than the upper surface of the membrane switch layer, and the second vertical distance is negative.

[0020] As an optional technical solution, the second top surface of the light emitting element is lower than the first top surface of the frame.

[0021] As an optional technical solution, when the keycap is in the unpressed position, the lower edge of the keycap is lower than the first top surface of the frame or is flush with the first top surface of the frame, the first vertical distance is a positive value, and the second top surface of the light-emitting element is lower than the upper surface of the membrane switch layer, and the second vertical distance is a positive value.

[0022] In summary, unlike the prior art, the keyboard of the present invention includes a light-emitting element that emits light upward and a frame, and the geometric relationship between the position of the light-emitting element and the elements and components of the keyboard is carefully planned to prevent the light emitted by the light-emitting element and directed toward the frame from being scattered from the top surface of the frame to the user's eyes.

[0023] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but this does not limit the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 This is an appearance diagram of a keyboard according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the keys of the middle keyboard along line AA;

[0026] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of a modified example of the keys of the middle keyboard along line AA;

[0027] Figure 4 Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of another modified example of the keys of the middle keyboard along line AA;

[0028] Figure 5 Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view along line AA of another variation of the keys of the middle keyboard. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] See also Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 . Figure 1 FIG1 is a schematic diagram showing an appearance of a keyboard 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of key 2 of the middle keyboard 1 along line AA. Figure 3 for Figure 1A partial cross-sectional view of a modified example of the key 2 of the middle keyboard 1 along line AA. Figure 4 for Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of another modified example of the key 2 of the middle keyboard 1 along line AA. Figure 5 for Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of another modified example of the key 2 of the middle keyboard 1 along line AA.

[0030] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the keyboard 1 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a key 2 equipped with a light emitting element 23. The key cap 24 has a third top surface 240 and a light-transmitting area 244. The light-transmitting area 244 is formed on the third top surface 240 of the key cap 24. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the illustrated example, the light-transmitting area 244 represents an indicator light, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In a preferred embodiment of the keyboard 1 of the present invention, the keys 2 may also be luminous keys 2. In other words, the light-transmitting area 244 on the keycap 24 may also display a pattern representing one of a character, a number, a symbol, or a function key.

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, the key 2 includes a base plate 20, a membrane switch layer 21, a frame 22, a light-emitting element 23, a key cap 24, and a lifting mechanism 25. If the light-transmitting area 244 of the key cap 24 represents an indicator light, the key 2 of the present invention can be equipped with only one light-emitting element 23. If the key 2 of the present invention is an illuminating key 2, the key 2 of the present invention can be equipped with multiple light-emitting elements 23. Figure 2 In the figure, only one light emitting element 23 is shown as a representative. The light emitting element 23 is driven to emit light. The light emitted by the light emitting element 23 is directed toward the light-transmitting area 244 of the keycap 24 and then passes through the light-transmitting area 244 of the keycap 24.

[0032] In a specific embodiment, each light emitting element 23 can be a light emitting element such as a semiconductor light emitting diode element, an organic light emitting diode element, etc.

[0033] The bottom plate 20 has a first through hole 202. The membrane switch layer 21 has a second through hole 214 and an upper surface 212. The membrane switch layer 21 is disposed on the bottom plate 20 such that the second through hole 214 of the membrane switch layer 21 is aligned with the first through hole 202 of the bottom plate 20.

[0034] The frame 22 has a through-opening 222 and a first top surface 224. The through-opening 222 of the frame 22 has an inner sidewall 2222 that is close to the user's eye 3. The frame 22 is disposed on the membrane switch layer 21 such that the second through-hole 214 of the membrane switch layer 21 is located below the through-opening 222 of the frame 22.

[0035] The light-emitting element 23 has a second top surface 232, an optical axis 234 perpendicular to the second top surface 232, and a light coverage area Z surrounding the optical axis 234 and facing upward. The light coverage area Z is generally conical and has an angle (2θ). The light-emitting element 23 is disposed in the first through hole 202 of the base plate 20.

[0036] The keycap 24 is positioned above the through-opening 222 and has a lower edge 242. A lifting mechanism 25 is disposed between the base plate 20 and the keycap 24. The lifting mechanism 25 restricts movement of the keycap 24 between an unpressed position and a pressed position. When the keycap 24 is in the pressed position, the lower edge 242 of the keycap 24 is located within the through-opening 222 of the frame 22.

[0037] When the keycap 24 is in the unpressed position, the vertical distance from the first top surface 224 of the frame 22 to the upper surface 212 of the membrane switch layer 21 is defined as a first vertical distance (X). The vertical distance from the upper surface 212 of the membrane switch layer 21 to the second top surface 232 of the light-emitting element 23 is defined as a second vertical distance (Y). The horizontal distance (D) between the optical axis of the light-emitting element 23 and the inner sidewall 2222 of the through-opening 222 is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance (Q). As long as the above conditions are met, the light emitted by the light-emitting element 23 will not be scattered from the second top surface 232 of the frame 22 to the user's eyes 3. It should be emphasized that if the key 2 of the present invention is equipped with multiple light-emitting elements 23, the horizontal distance (D) refers to the distance between the optical axis of the light-emitting element 23 closest to the inner sidewall 2222 of the through-opening 222 and the inner sidewall 2222 of the through-opening 222.

[0038] The predetermined distance (Q) is calculated using the following formula:

[0039] Q = (X + Y) × tan (θ).

[0040] In one embodiment, the angle (2θ) of the light coverage area Z may range from 110 degrees to 140 degrees.

[0041] In one embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, when the keycap 24 is in the unpressed position, the lower edge 242 of the keycap 24 is higher than the first top surface 224 of the frame 22. The first vertical distance (X) is a positive value. The second top surface 232 of the light-emitting element 23 is lower than the upper surface 212 of the membrane switch layer 21. The second vertical distance (Y) is a positive value.

[0042] like Figure 3As shown, in a variation of the key 2 of the keyboard 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the keycap 24 is in the unpressed position, the lower edge 242 of the keycap 24 is higher than the first top surface 224 of the frame 22. The first vertical distance (X) is a positive value. The second top surface 232 of the light-emitting element 23 is higher than the upper surface 212 of the membrane switch layer 21. The second vertical distance (Y) is a negative value. Figure 3 There are Figure 2 Elements marked with the same number have the same or similar structures and functions, and will not be described in detail here.

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, in another variation of the key 2 of the keyboard 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the keycap 24 is in the unpressed position, the lower edge 242 of the keycap 24 is lower than or flush with the first top surface 224 of the frame 22. The first vertical distance (X) is a positive value. The second top surface 232 of the light-emitting element 23 is lower than the upper surface 212 of the membrane switch layer 21. The second vertical distance (Y) is a positive value. Figure 4 There are Figure 2 Elements marked with the same number have the same or similar structures and functions, and will not be described in detail here.

[0044] like Figure 5 As shown, in another variation of the key 2 of the keyboard 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the keycap 24 is in the unpressed position, the lower edge 242 of the keycap 24 is lower than or flush with the first top surface 224 of the frame 22. The first vertical distance (X) is a positive value. The second top surface 232 of the light-emitting element 23 is higher than the upper surface 212 of the membrane switch layer 21. The second vertical distance (Y) is a negative value. Figure 5 There are Figure 2 Elements marked with the same number have the same or similar structures and functions, and will not be described in detail here.

[0045] Further, similarly Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the keyboard 2 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes a circuit board 26. The light emitting element 23 is electrically connected to the circuit board 26. The circuit board 26 is disposed on the lower surface 204 of the base plate 20, so that the light emitting element 23 is disposed in the first through hole 202 of the base plate 20.

[0046] Further, similarly Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the keyboard 2 of the preferred embodiment of the present application further comprises a resilient actuating element 27. The membrane switch layer 21 comprises a switch 216. The switch 216 is located below the keycap 24. The resilient actuating element 27 is disposed between the keycap 24 and the bottom plate 20, and above the switch 216. When the keycap 24 is pressed and moved to a pressed position, the resilient actuating element 27 is deformed and causes the switch 216 to open. When the keycap 24 is released, the resilient actuating element 27 provides a restoring force required for the keycap 24 to return to an unpressed position, and the switch 216 is closed.

[0047] From the above detailed description of the present application, it is clear that the keyboard of the present application comprises light emitting elements that emit light upwardly and a frame, and the position where the light emitting elements are disposed and the geometric relationship between the elements and members of the keyboard are carefully planned to avoid the light emitted by the light emitting elements and directed toward the frame from being scattered by the top surface of the frame to the eyes of the user.

[0048] The above description is only the preferred embodiment of the present application, and any equivalent changes and modifications made within the scope of the patent application of the present application shall be included in the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A keyboard, characterized in that Comprising: a bottom plate having a first through-hole; a membrane switch layer having a second through-hole and an upper surface, the membrane switch layer being disposed on the bottom plate such that the second through-hole is aligned with the first through-hole; a frame having a through-opening with an inner sidewall and a first top surface, the frame being disposed on the membrane switch layer such that the second through-hole is located below the through-opening; a light emitting element having a second top surface, an optical axis perpendicular to the second top surface, and an upward light coverage region surrounding the optical axis, the light coverage region having an included angle 2θ, the light emitting element being disposed in the first through-hole; a key cap disposed above the through-opening and having a lower side edge; and a lifting mechanism disposed between the bottom plate and the key cap, the lifting mechanism limiting the key cap to move between an unpressed position and a pressed position, wherein when the key cap is in the pressed position, the lower side edge of the key cap is located in the through-opening, when the key cap is in the unpressed position, a vertical distance from the first top surface of the frame to the upper surface of the membrane switch layer is defined as a first vertical distance X, a vertical distance from the upper surface of the membrane switch layer to the second top surface of the light emitting element is defined as a second vertical distance Y, and a horizontal distance between the optical axis of the light emitting element and the inner sidewall is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance Q, the predetermined distance Q being calculated by the following formula: Q = (X + Y) x tan(θ).

2. The keyboard of claim 1, wherein, The included angle of the light coverage region ranges from 110 degrees to 140 degrees.

3. The keyboard of claim 2, wherein, Further comprising: a circuit board, the light emitting element being electrically connected to the circuit board, the circuit board being disposed on a lower surface of the bottom plate.

4. The keyboard of claim 3, wherein, The membrane switch layer comprises a switch located below the key cap, the keyboard further comprising: a resilient actuating element disposed between the key cap and the bottom plate and located above the switch, wherein when the key cap is pressed and moved to the pressed position, the resilient actuating element is deformed and causes the switch to open, when the key cap is released, the resilient actuating element provides a restoring force required for the key cap to return to the unpressed position, and the switch is closed.

5. The keyboard of claim 4, wherein, When the key cap is in the unpressed position, the lower side edge of the key cap is higher than the first top surface of the frame, the first vertical distance is positive, the second top surface of the light emitting element is lower than the upper surface of the membrane switch layer, and the second vertical distance is positive.

6. The keyboard of claim 4, wherein, When the key cap is in the unpressed position, the lower side edge of the key cap is higher than the first top surface of the frame, the first vertical distance is positive, the second top surface of the light emitting element is higher than the upper surface of the membrane switch layer, and the second vertical distance is negative.

7. The keyboard of claim 4, wherein, When the key cap is in the unpressed position, the lower side edge of the key cap is lower than or flush with the first top surface of the frame, the first vertical distance is positive, the second top surface of the light emitting element is higher than the upper surface of the membrane switch layer, and the second vertical distance is negative.

8. A keyboard according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that, The second top surface of the light emitting element is lower than the first top surface of the frame.

9. The keyboard of claim 4, wherein, When the keycap is in the unpressed position, the lower side edge of the keycap is below or flush with the first top surface of the frame, the first vertical distance is positive, the second top surface of the light emitting element is below the upper surface of the membrane switch layer, and the second vertical distance is positive.

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