Key structure with display function

Abstract

The present invention provides a key structure with a display function. The key structure includes a thin film circuit board, an elastic element layer, an elastic key frame, and a display module. The elastic element layer is located above the thin film circuit board and includes a plurality of separated elastic elements. The elastic key frame is adjacent to the plurality of elastic elements and includes a plurality of openings corresponding to the plurality of elastic elements. The display module is located above the elastic element layer and the elastic key frame. The display module includes a circuit substrate and a plurality of light-emitting elements, the plurality of light-emitting elements being located above the circuit substrate. The lower surface of the circuit substrate faces the elastic element layer and the elastic key frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a key structure with a display function. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid advancement of technology, the booming development of electronic devices has brought numerous conveniences to human life. Therefore, making the operation of electronic devices more user-friendly is an important issue. Common input devices for electronic devices include mouse devices, keyboard devices, and touch devices. Keyboard devices, among others, allow users to directly input text and symbols into computers and therefore receive considerable attention.

[0003] Traditional keyboards are typically composed of multiple keys, each of which represents a different alphabet and number. However, the patterns (such as text or symbols) on each keycap are typically printed directly on the keycap itself. These are typically square-shaped with a plastic front surface, resulting in a monotonous color such as black or another single color. Even designs that incorporate a backlight module underneath the keycap to emit a light beam directly onto it only produce a monochromatic pattern, lacking in design and variety, hindering the product's market competitiveness.

[0004] Therefore, how to make the buttons display different patterns so that the displayed images have more design sense and variability has become the focus of relevant personnel in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a key structure with a display function, which can display a specific pattern / animation based on the user's input on a human-computer interface (such as a keyboard, mouse or touch screen) or the selection of a pattern / animation in the computer (such as a built-in pattern / animation or a pattern / animation downloaded by the user).

[0006] Other objects and advantages of the present invention can be further understood from the embodiments of the present invention.

[0007] To achieve one, some, or all of the above-mentioned objectives or other objectives, the present invention provides a key structure with a display function, which includes a thin film circuit board, an elastic element layer, an elastic key frame, and a display module. The elastic element layer is located above the thin film circuit board, and the elastic element layer has a plurality of elastic elements separated from each other. The elastic key frame is adjacent to the plurality of elastic elements, and the elastic key frame has a plurality of openings corresponding to the plurality of elastic elements. The display module is located above the elastic element layer and the elastic key frame. The display module has a circuit substrate and a plurality of light-emitting elements, and the plurality of light-emitting elements are located above the circuit substrate. The lower surface of the circuit substrate faces the elastic element layer and the elastic key frame.

[0008] In some embodiments, the plurality of elastic elements are arranged along a direction, and the plurality of elastic elements are a plurality of metal domes. The elastic element layer further comprises a metal dome sheet, which is located above and covers the plurality of metal domes.

[0009] In some embodiments, when the key structure is not pressed, the elastic key frame is higher than the elastic element layer, or the elastic key frame is at the same height as the elastic element layer.

[0010] In some embodiments, the key structure further includes an upper cover, which is located above the display module and covers the plurality of light-emitting elements.

[0011] In some embodiments, the upper cover is an elastic upper cover.

[0012] In some embodiments, the plurality of light-emitting elements are a plurality of miniature light-emitting diodes (MINI LEDs), and the plurality of miniature light-emitting diodes constitute a miniature light-emitting diode array (MINI LED array).

[0013] In some embodiments, the circuit substrate of the display module is electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board, and the circuit substrate is electrically connected to the driving control circuit board through the flexible printed circuit board.

[0014] In some embodiments, the circuit substrate of the display module is electrically connected to a driving control circuit board, which includes a microcontroller unit (MCU) and multiple light-emitting element drivers. The multiple light-emitting elements are electrically connected to the microcontroller through the multiple light-emitting element drivers.

[0015] In some embodiments, the microcontroller is configured to store at least one set of input signals and input the at least one set of input signals to the plurality of light emitting device drivers.

[0016] In some embodiments, the plurality of light-emitting element drivers are configured to receive the at least one set of input signals and drive the corresponding plurality of light-emitting elements, so that the corresponding plurality of light-emitting elements emit light to display patterns.

[0017] The beneficial effect of the present invention is that, in addition to having a press-and-rebound feel, the key structure with a display function of the present invention also allows users to design patterns / animations by themselves or select patterns / animations in the computer, making the presentation screen of the key structure more design-oriented and changeable, successfully solving the above-mentioned problems in the prior art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of a key structure according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 2 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a key structure electrically connected to a drive control circuit board according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of components of a drive control circuit board according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0021] The reference numerals are as follows:

[0022] 100: Button structure

[0023] 110: Thin film circuit board

[0024] 120: Elastic element layer

[0025] 122: Elastic element

[0026] 124: Metal shrapnel film

[0027] 130: Elastic key frame

[0028] 130a: Opening

[0029] 140: Display module

[0030] 142: Circuit board

[0031] 142u: lower surface

[0032] 144: Light-emitting element

[0033] 150: Upper cover

[0034] 160: Support base

[0035] 200: Flexible printed circuit board

[0036] 300: Drive control circuit board

[0037] 302: Connector

[0038] 304: Microcontroller

[0039] 306: Light emitting element driver

[0040] X: Direction DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] 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.

[0042] As described in the prior art, how to make buttons display different patterns, so that the displayed images are more stylish and varied, has become a focus of attention for those in this field. Accordingly, the present invention provides a button structure with a display function, which can display a specific pattern / animation based on user input through a human-computer interface (such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch screen) or selection of a pattern / animation within the computer (such as a built-in pattern / animation or a pattern / animation downloaded by the user). Various embodiments of the button structure of the present invention are described in detail below.

[0043] The keyboard device includes a plurality of key structures. Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of a key structure according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the key structure 100 includes a thin film circuit board 110, an elastic element layer 120, an elastic key frame 130, and a display module 140. In some embodiments, the key structure 100 of the present invention replaces a traditional row of function keys, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0044] In some embodiments, the thin film circuit board 110 may include multiple thin films (not shown) stacked on top of each other. In some embodiments, the multiple thin films include an upper thin film (not shown) and a lower thin film (not shown). The lower surface of the upper thin film has a first circuit pattern with multiple upper contacts, while the upper surface of the lower thin film has a second circuit pattern with multiple lower contacts. The upper contacts and corresponding lower contacts together form a membrane switch. In some embodiments, the multiple thin films also include a middle thin film (not shown) disposed between the upper and lower thin films.

[0045] The elastic element layer 120 is positioned above the thin film circuit board 110 and comprises a plurality of separate elastic elements 122. When compressed, the elastic elements 122 contact switches on the thin film circuit board 110, generating corresponding input signals to the computer, thereby causing the computer to execute the corresponding function. When the elastic elements 122 are no longer compressed, their elastic force returns them to their original position. In some embodiments, the plurality of elastic elements 122 are arranged along a direction X, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0046] In some embodiments, the plurality of elastic elements 122 are a plurality of metal domes. In some embodiments, the elastic element layer 120 further comprises a metal dome sheet 124, which is located above and covers the plurality of metal domes 122. In other embodiments, the elastic element 122 can be made of rubber or other suitable elastic materials. In some embodiments, the elastic element 122 has an ultra-low stroke, which is less than or equal to 1 mm, for example, 0.9 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.4 mm, or 0.3 mm. In this way, although the key structure 100 of the present invention has a display module 140 of a certain thickness, it can still have a relatively thin overall thickness, thereby being applicable to various keyboard devices with ultra-thin requirements.

[0047] The elastic key frame 130 is adjacent to the plurality of elastic elements 122. In a top view, the elastic key frame 130 surrounds each elastic element 122. Figure 1 As shown, the elastic key frame 130 has a plurality of openings 130a corresponding to the plurality of elastic elements 122. The elastic key frame 130 is configured to separate the elastic elements 122. In addition, the elastic key frame 130 can also be configured to support the display module 140 and to elevate the area without the elastic elements 122. When the key structure 100 is pressed, the elastic key frame 130 is compressed and its thickness is reduced. When the key structure 100 is no longer pressed, the elastic force of the elastic key frame 130 causes the elastic key frame 130 to return to its original position. In some embodiments, the elastic key frame 130 is located above the elastic element layer 120. In some embodiments, the elastic key frame 130 can be made of rubber, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), or other suitable materials. In some embodiments, when the key structure 100 is not pressed, the elastic key frame 130 is higher than the elastic element layer 120, or the elastic key frame 130 is flush with the elastic element layer 120.

[0048] The display module 140 is located above the elastic element layer 120 and the elastic key frame 130. The display module includes a circuit substrate 142 and a plurality of light-emitting elements 144. The plurality of light-emitting elements 144 are located on the circuit substrate 142. The lower surface 142u of the circuit substrate 142 faces the elastic element layer 120 and the elastic key frame 130. In some embodiments, the circuit substrate 142 is a flexible printed circuit board, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0049] In some embodiments, the plurality of light-emitting elements 144 are a plurality of miniature light-emitting diodes (MINI LEDs), which are arranged to form a miniature LED array. In some embodiments, the plurality of miniature LEDs are secured to the circuit substrate 142 using surface mount technology (SMT). In some embodiments, the display module 140 further includes a protective layer (not shown) covering the plurality of miniature LEDs to prevent direct exposure of the plurality of miniature LEDs.

[0050] In some embodiments, the key structure 100 further includes an upper cover 150, which is located above the display module 140 and covers the plurality of light-emitting elements 122. The upper cover 150 can protect the display module 140. In some embodiments, the upper cover 150 contacts the display module 140. In some embodiments, the upper cover 150 is an elastic upper cover. In some embodiments, the upper cover 150 can be made of rubber, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC) or other suitable materials. In this way, when the key structure 100 is pressed, the elastic upper cover 150 will not damage the light-emitting elements 122 in the display module 140. In some embodiments, as Figure 1 As shown, the upper cover 150 has a uniform thickness. In other embodiments, the upper cover 150 has a higher thickness at the portion corresponding to the opening 130a and a lower thickness at the portion corresponding to the elastic key frame 130, so as to facilitate the user to know the pressable position.

[0051] In some embodiments, the key structure 100 further includes a support base (or key base) 160, which is disposed below the thin film circuit board 110 to support the thin film circuit board 110 and the elastic element layer 120, elastic key frame 130, and display module 140 thereon. In some embodiments, the support base 160 is made of metal or other suitable materials.

[0052] In some embodiments, the key structure 100 does not include a scissor structure, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the key structure 100 may include a scissor structure.

[0053] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a perspective diagram of a key structure electrically connected to a drive control circuit board according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the circuit substrate 142 of the display module 140 is electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board 200, and the circuit substrate 142 is electrically connected to the driving control circuit board 300 through the flexible printed circuit board 200. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. Figure 2As shown, the flexible printed circuit board 200 is connected to a connector 302 of the driving control circuit board 300. In some embodiments, the flexible printed circuit board 200 and the circuit substrate 142 are integrally formed.

[0054] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the circuit substrate 142 of the display module 140 is electrically connected to the drive control circuit board 300. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, the circuit substrate 142 is electrically connected to a connector 302 of the driving control circuit board 300 .

[0055] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of components of a drive control circuit board according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 3 As shown, the driving control circuit board 300 includes a microcontroller unit (MCU) 304 and a plurality of light emitting element drivers 306. Figure 1 The plurality of light emitting elements 122 are electrically connected to the microcontroller 304 via a plurality of light emitting element drivers 306 . In some embodiments, each light emitting element driver 306 has a plurality of leads, each of which can be electrically connected to one light emitting element 122 .

[0056] In some embodiments, the microcontroller 304 is configured to store at least one set of input signals and input the at least one set of input signals to the plurality of light-emitting element drivers 306. In some embodiments, the plurality of light-emitting element drivers 306 are configured to receive the at least one set of input signals and drive the corresponding plurality of light-emitting elements 122 so that the corresponding plurality of light-emitting elements 122 emit light according to the at least one set of input signals to display a pattern.

[0057] The following provides several embodiments of how the key structure of the present invention displays patterns / animations. In some embodiments, a user can design a specific pattern / animation through a human-machine interface (such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch screen), input the signal to a system controller (such as a system embedded controller (system EC)), transmit it to a system driver, and then transmit it to the system driver. Figure 3 The microcontroller 304 stores the signal and transmits it to Figure 3 The light emitting element driver 306 drives the corresponding light emitting element 122 to emit light to display a pattern / animation. The pattern may be, for example, a character or a specific pattern. The animation may be composed of different patterns (dots) displayed at different time points.

[0058] In some embodiments, the user can select the computer's built-in pattern / animation through the human-machine interface, input the signal to the system controller, then transmit it to the system driver, and then transmit it to the Figure 3 The microcontroller 304 stores the signal and transmits it to Figure 3 The light emitting element driver 306 drives the corresponding light emitting element 122 to emit light to display a pattern / animation.

[0059] In some embodiments, the user can download the pattern / animation through the human-machine interface, convert it into a signal through the specific software in the computer and input it into the system controller, and then transmit it to the system driver, and then transmit it to the Figure 3 The microcontroller 304 stores the signal and transmits it to Figure 3 The light emitting element driver 306 drives the corresponding light emitting element 122 to emit light and display patterns / animations.

[0060] In some embodiments, the system controller and system driver can be set on the system motherboard or on the Figure 3 The drive control circuit board 300 is configured as follows, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0061] As can be seen from the above, the key structure with display function of the present invention not only has a pressing and rebounding feel, but also allows users to design patterns / animations by themselves or select patterns / animations in the computer, making the presentation screen of the key structure more design-oriented and changeable, successfully solving the above-mentioned problems in the prior art.

[0062] However, the above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Simply equivalent variations and modifications based on the claims and description of the present invention are also within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, no embodiment or claim of the present invention is required to achieve all of the disclosed objects, advantages, or features. Furthermore, the abstract and title are intended solely to assist in searching patent documents and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A key structure with a display function, comprising: a thin film circuit board; an elastic element layer located above the film circuit board, the elastic element layer comprising a plurality of elastic elements separated from each other, wherein the plurality of elastic elements are a plurality of metal springs; an elastic key frame adjacent to the plurality of elastic elements, the elastic key frame having a plurality of openings corresponding to the plurality of elastic elements, wherein when the key structure is not pressed, a distance between each elastic element and the elastic key frame is greater than a thickness of each elastic element; as well as A display module is located above the elastic element layer and the elastic key frame. The display module has a circuit substrate and a plurality of light-emitting elements. The plurality of light-emitting elements are located above the circuit substrate, wherein a lower surface of the circuit substrate faces the elastic element layer and the elastic key frame. The plurality of light-emitting elements are a plurality of micro light-emitting diodes.

2. The key structure with display function as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of elastic elements are arranged along a direction, and the elastic element layer further comprises a metal dome film, which is located above and covers the plurality of metal domes. 3 . The key structure with display function as claimed in claim 1 , wherein when the key structure is not pressed, the elastic key frame is higher than the elastic element layer, or the elastic key frame is at the same height as the elastic element layer.

4. The key structure with display function as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a top cover, which is located above the display module and covers the plurality of light-emitting elements. 5 . The key structure with display function as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the upper cover is an elastic upper cover. 6 . The key structure with display function as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of micro-LEDs form a micro-LED array. 7 . The key structure with display function as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the circuit substrate of the display module is electrically connected to a flexible printed circuit board, and the circuit substrate is electrically connected to a drive control circuit board through the flexible printed circuit board.

8. A key structure with a display function as described in claim 1, wherein the circuit substrate of the display module is electrically connected to a drive control circuit board, the drive control circuit board includes a microcontroller and a plurality of light-emitting element drivers, and the plurality of light-emitting elements are electrically connected to the microcontroller through the plurality of light-emitting element drivers. 9 . The key structure with display function as claimed in claim 8 , wherein the microcontroller is configured to store at least one set of input signals and input the at least one set of input signals to the plurality of light emitting element drivers.

10. The key structure with display function as claimed in claim 9, wherein the plurality of light-emitting element drivers are configured to receive the at least one set of input signals and drive the corresponding plurality of light-emitting elements, so that the corresponding plurality of light-emitting elements emit light to display a pattern.

Images