Keyboard device

Abstract

The present invention discloses a keyboard device comprising a film circuit board, multiple key structures, a backlight module, and a solar film. The key structures are disposed above the film circuit board. The backlight module is disposed below the film circuit board. The solar film is disposed between the film circuit board and the backlight module, wherein the solar film has multiple first openings that are substantially aligned with the key structures.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a keyboard device, and in particular to a keyboard device with a backlight module and a solar film. Background Art

[0002] Keyboards are essential for modern computer use. They feature numerous keys that users press to input commands. As keyboards have evolved, keyboards with backlight modules, commonly known as illuminated keyboards, have emerged. When used indoors in brightly lit environments, these keyboards create a visual effect by projecting light from the backlight module onto the keys. However, energy conservation is typically achieved by reducing current or the number of light-emitting components. This reduces the overall brightness of the illuminated keyboard, rendering it less than ideal. Therefore, finding alternative ways to achieve energy savings has become a key technical challenge in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a keyboard device having a backlight module and a solar film. The solar film converts lost light energy into electrical energy, which can be recharged into a system battery, thereby achieving energy saving.

[0004] The keyboard device of the present invention includes a film circuit board, multiple key structures, a backlight module, and a solar film. The key structures are disposed above the film circuit board. The backlight module is disposed below the film circuit board. The solar film is disposed between the film circuit board and the backlight module, wherein the solar film has multiple first openings that are substantially aligned with the key structures.

[0005] In some embodiments of the present invention, the keyboard device further includes: a support plate disposed between the thin film circuit board and the solar film.

[0006] In some embodiments of the present invention, the keyboard device further includes: a light shielding layer disposed between the support plate and the solar film.

[0007] In some embodiments of the present invention, the light shielding layer has a plurality of second openings respectively substantially aligned with the key structures.

[0008] In some embodiments of the present invention, the vertical projection of the solar film is substantially aligned with the vertical projection of the light-shielding layer.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present invention, a backlight module includes: a power supply circuit board; at least one light-emitting element disposed above the power supply circuit board; and a light guide plate adjacent to a light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present invention, the solar film contacts a portion of the upper surface of the light guide plate.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention, the backlight module further includes: a reflective element disposed between the power supply circuit board and the light guide plate and adjacent to the light-emitting element.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present invention, the keyboard device further includes: a key frame disposed above the film circuit board, the key frame having a plurality of third openings for respectively accommodating the key structures.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, a vertical projection of the solar film and a vertical projection of the key frame overlap with each other.

[0014] The advantages and beneficial effects of the keyboard device of the present invention are:

[0015] Because the keyboard device of the present invention includes a solar film disposed between the thin-film circuit board and the backlight module, it can collect lost light and convert it into electricity through photoelectric conversion. This electricity can then be recharged back into the system battery, achieving energy conservation. In other words, the keyboard device of the present invention combines both luminous and energy-saving effects while maintaining the overall brightness of the keyboard device, effectively resolving the issues mentioned in the prior art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of an exploded view of a solar film and a backlight module according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a top view schematically illustrating a solar film and a backlight module according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a keyboard device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a keyboard device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] The following are the descriptions of the reference numerals:

[0021] 110: Thin film circuit board

[0022] 120: Button structure

[0023] 130: Backlight module

[0024] 132: Power supply circuit board

[0025] 134: Light-emitting element

[0026] 136: Light guide plate

[0027] 138: Reflective element

[0028] 140: Solar film

[0029] 140a: First opening

[0030] 150: Support plate

[0031] 160: Shading sheet

[0032] 162: Base material

[0033] 164: Light-shielding layer

[0034] 164a: Second opening

[0035] 170: Key frame

[0036] 170a: Third opening DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The advantages and features of the present invention, as well as methods for achieving the same, will be more readily understood by describing them in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments and accompanying drawings. However, the present invention may be embodied in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to enable this disclosure to be more thorough, comprehensive, and fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0038] As described in the prior art, energy conservation is typically achieved by reducing the current or the number of light-emitting elements. However, this also reduces the overall brightness of the illuminated keyboard, resulting in a less-than-expected luminous effect. Therefore, achieving energy conservation through other methods has become a technical challenge in this field. Accordingly, the present invention provides a keyboard device having a backlight module and a solar film. The solar film converts lost light into electrical energy, which can be recharged to the system battery, thereby achieving energy conservation and addressing the aforementioned issues. Various embodiments of the keyboard device of the present invention are described in detail below.

[0039] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of an exploded view of a solar film and a backlight module according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a top view schematically illustrating a solar film and a backlight module according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 3 Schematic cross-sectional view of a keyboard device according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the keyboard device includes a film circuit board 110 , a plurality of key structures 120 , a backlight module 130 and a solar film 140 .

[0040] In some embodiments, reference Figure 3The film circuit board 110 may include multiple films (not shown) stacked on top of each other. In some embodiments, the films include an upper film (not shown) and a lower film (not shown). The lower surface of the upper film has a first circuit pattern, and the first circuit pattern has multiple upper contacts corresponding to the key structures 120, while the upper surface of the lower film has a second circuit pattern, and the second circuit pattern has multiple lower contacts corresponding to the upper contacts. The upper contacts and the corresponding lower contacts together form a membrane switch. In some embodiments, the films also include a middle film (not shown) disposed between the upper film and the lower film.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, the key structure 120 is disposed above the thin film circuit board 110. The key structure 120 may include general keys, numeric keys, and function keys, which are used by users to press with their fingers to generate corresponding input signals to the computer, thereby causing the computer to execute corresponding functions. For example, general keys are configured to input symbols such as English letters, numeric keys are configured to input numbers, and function keys are configured to provide various shortcut functions.

[0042] In some embodiments, each key structure 120 includes a keycap (not labeled), a connecting element (not labeled), and an elastomer (not shown). In some embodiments, the connecting element is a scissor-type connecting element and includes a first frame (not labeled) and a second frame (not labeled) pivotally connected to the first frame, and the first frame and the second frame can swing relative to each other. In some embodiments, the elastomer is disposed between the keycap and the thin film circuit board 110. In some embodiments, when a user presses a keycap of the key structure 120, the pressing force causes the keycap to descend, deforming the elastomer and triggering the thin film circuit board 110, thereby generating an input signal.

[0043] like Figure 1 、 2 As shown in FIG3 , the backlight module 130 is disposed below the thin film circuit board 110. In some embodiments, the backlight module 130 includes a power supply circuit board 132, at least one light emitting element 134, and a light guide plate 136. In some embodiments, the power supply circuit board 132 is a printed circuit board (PCB) or a flexible printed circuit board (FPC).

[0044] like Figure 1 、 2 As shown in FIG3 , the light emitting element 134 is disposed above the power supply circuit board 132. The power supply circuit board 132 carries the light emitting element 134 and is electrically connected to the light emitting element 134 to supply power to the light emitting element 134 to generate a light beam.

[0045] like Figure 3As shown, the light guide plate 136 is adjacent to the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 134 to guide the light beam generated by the light-emitting element 134 to a specific area. In some embodiments, the light guide plate 136 is adjacent to the light-emitting side surface of the light-emitting element 134 (e.g., a side-emitting light-emitting diode). The light beam generated by the light-emitting element 134 enters the light guide plate 136 and undergoes total internal reflection. It is then guided upward by the light guide plate 136 and reaches the keycap of the key structure 120. The keycap may be provided with a light-transmitting area (not shown) so that the light beam can be emitted from the light-transmitting area, thereby producing a luminous effect on the keycap.

[0046] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 、 2 As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the backlight module 130 further includes a reflective element 138 disposed between the power supply circuit board 132 and the light guide plate 136 and adjacent to the light-emitting element 134. The reflective element 138 is configured to reflect light beams intended to exit from below the light guide plate 136 back into the light guide plate 136, thereby improving light beam efficiency. In some embodiments, the reflective element 138 is reflective ink or a reflective sheet. In some embodiments, the reflective ink is printed or coated on the lower surface of the light guide plate 136.

[0047] like Figure 1 、 2 As shown in FIG3 , the solar film 140 is disposed between the film circuit board 110 and the backlight module 130. Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the solar film 140 is in a grid shape. Figure 3 As shown, the solar film 140 has a plurality of first openings 140a that are substantially aligned with the key structure 120. In some embodiments, a vertical projection of the solar film 140 partially overlaps with a vertical projection of the key structure 120.

[0048] In some embodiments, as Figure 3 As shown, the solar film 140 contacts a portion of the upper surface of the light guide plate 136. This ensures that light beams exiting the light guide plate 136 toward the light-transmitting areas of the keycaps are not blocked by the solar film 140. Furthermore, light beams exiting the light guide plate 136 toward areas outside the light-transmitting areas can be absorbed by the solar film 140, undergoing photoelectric conversion to generate electricity with a current and voltage (e.g., direct current or alternating current). In some embodiments, the solar film 140 is electrically connected to the system battery of a computer (e.g., a laptop), allowing power to be recharged into the computer's system battery.

[0049] In some embodiments, the solar film 140 is a solar thin film cell, such as a silicon (e.g., monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, or amorphous silicon) solar thin film cell, a compound semiconductor (e.g., gallium arsenide, cadmium sulfide, or copper indium selenide) solar thin film cell, a dye-sensitized thin film cell, or a nanocrystal (e.g., titanium oxide) solar thin film cell, but is not limited thereto.

[0050] In some embodiments, as Figure 3 As shown, the keyboard device further includes a support plate (or key base plate) 150, disposed between the thin-film circuit board 110 and the solar film 140, to support the thin-film circuit board 110 and the key structure 120 thereon. In some embodiments, a connecting element of the key structure 120 is connected between the keycap and the support plate 150, allowing the keycap to move up and down relative to the support plate 150.

[0051] In some embodiments, as Figure 3 As shown, the keyboard device further includes a light shielding layer 164 disposed between the support plate 150 and the solar film 140. The light shielding layer 164 is configured to prevent light from leaking between the key structures 120 when the light beam is emitted. In some embodiments, the light shielding layer 164 has a plurality of second openings 164a, each of which is substantially aligned with the key structures 120. In some embodiments, the vertical projection of the light shielding layer 164 partially overlaps with the vertical projection of the key structures 120.

[0052] In some embodiments, as Figure 3 As shown, the vertical projection of the solar film 140 is roughly aligned with the vertical projection of the light shielding layer 164. In some embodiments, the vertical projection of the solar film 140 completely overlaps or nearly completely overlaps the vertical projection of the light shielding layer 164. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional width / top view area of ​​the vertical projection of the solar film 140 is the same or almost the same as the cross-sectional width / top view area of ​​the vertical projection of the light shielding layer 164. However, the solar film 140 and the light shielding layer 164 can be designed in other layouts and are not limited to Figure 3 The embodiment shown.

[0053] In some embodiments, as Figure 3 As shown, the substrate 162 is disposed below the light shielding layer 164. The substrate 162 is a transparent substrate. In some embodiments, the substrate 162 and the light shielding layer 164 constitute the light shielding sheet 160. The light shielding layer 164 is formed on the substrate 162 by printing or other suitable methods.

[0054] In some embodiments, as Figure 3As shown, the keyboard device further includes a key frame 170 disposed above the film circuit board 110. The key frame 170 has a plurality of third openings 170a for accommodating the key structures 120. In some embodiments, the vertical projection of the solar film 140 overlaps with the vertical projection of the key frame 170. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional width / top-view area of ​​the vertical projection of the solar film 140 is greater than the cross-sectional width / top-view area of ​​the vertical projection of the key frame 170.

[0055] In some embodiments, as Figure 3 As shown, the vertical projection of the light shielding layer 164 overlaps with the vertical projection of the key frame 170. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional width / top-view area of ​​the vertical projection of the light shielding layer 164 is larger than the cross-sectional width / top-view area of ​​the vertical projection of the key frame 170 to prevent light from leaking between the key structures 120 when the light beam is emitted.

[0056] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a keyboard device according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 4 and Figure 3 The difference is that Figure 4 The light emitting element 134 is, for example, a top-emitting light emitting diode, and the plurality of light emitting elements 134 correspond to the plurality of key structures 120. Figure 4 As shown, the light guide plate 136 is adjacent to the light-emitting top surface of the light-emitting element 134. In some embodiments, the location of the light-emitting element 134 corresponds to the location of the elastic member of the key structure 120. Therefore, after the light beam exits the light guide plate 136, it can pass through the elastic member and exit from the light-transmitting area of ​​the keycap, causing the keycap to produce a luminous effect. The light beam exiting the light guide plate 136 to areas outside the light-transmitting area of ​​the keycap can be absorbed by the solar film 140, where it undergoes photoelectric conversion to generate electricity with current and voltage.

[0057] As can be seen from the above, because the keyboard device of the present invention includes a solar film 140 disposed between the film circuit board 110 and the backlight module 130, it can collect lost light and convert it into electricity through photoelectric conversion. This electricity can then be recharged back into the system battery, achieving energy conservation. In other words, the keyboard device of the present invention combines both luminous and energy-saving effects while maintaining the overall brightness of the keyboard device, effectively resolving the issues mentioned in the prior art.

[0058] However, what has been described above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and it is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. That is, any simple equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the claims and the description of the invention are still within the scope of the present invention. In addition, any embodiment or claim of the present invention does not necessarily achieve all the purposes, advantages or features disclosed in the present invention. In addition, the abstract and title are only used to assist in searching patent documents and are not used to limit the scope of the rights of the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. mentioned in this specification or claims are only used to name the elements or to distinguish different embodiments or scopes.

Claims

1. A keyboard device, characterized in that: include: a thin film circuit board; A plurality of key structures are arranged above the film circuit board; a supporting plate, disposed below the thin film circuit board; a backlight module, disposed below the support plate; as well as A solar film is disposed between the support plate and the backlight module, wherein the solar film has a plurality of first openings which are respectively and approximately aligned with the plurality of key structures.

2. The keyboard device according to claim 1, wherein Also includes: A light-shielding layer is arranged between the supporting plate and the solar film.

3. The keyboard device according to claim 2, wherein The light shielding layer has a plurality of second openings which are respectively substantially aligned with the plurality of key structures.

4. The keyboard device according to claim 2, wherein: A vertical projection of the solar film is substantially aligned with a vertical projection of the light-shielding layer.

5. The keyboard device according to claim 1, wherein The backlight module includes: a power supply circuit board; At least one light-emitting element is disposed above the power supply circuit board; and A light guide plate is adjacent to a light emitting surface of the light emitting element.

6. The keyboard device according to claim 5, wherein The solar film contacts a portion of an upper surface of the light guide plate.

7. The keyboard device according to claim 5, wherein The backlight module further includes: A reflective element is disposed between the power supply circuit board and the light guide plate and is adjacent to the light emitting element.

8. The keyboard device according to claim 1, wherein The keyboard device also includes: A key frame is arranged above the film circuit board, and the key frame has a plurality of third openings for respectively accommodating the plurality of key structures.

9. The keyboard device according to claim 8, wherein A vertical projection of the solar film and a vertical projection of the key frame overlap with each other.

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