Keyboard and backlight module

Abstract

The present application provides a keyboard, which includes a bottom plate, a plurality of keys and a backlight module. The bottom plate has a short axis direction and a long axis direction. The keys are arranged along the long axis direction on the bottom plate and are arranged into a plurality of columns. The backlight module is arranged on one side of the bottom plate. The backlight module includes a light shielding sheet, a light guide plate and a reflecting sheet. The light shielding sheet includes an upper surface and a lower surface, and the upper surface faces the bottom plate. The light guide plate is arranged on the lower surface of the light shielding sheet. The light guide plate includes a plurality of long slots, and each of the long slots has at least one long side. The long side is parallel to the long axis direction, and each of the long slots has a central axis, which is located between the keys of two adjacent columns. The reflecting sheet is arranged below the light guide plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a keyboard and the design of a keyboard backlight module. Background Technology

[0002] In current computer usage habits, the keyboard is an indispensable input device. The main structure of a keyboard includes a base plate, a circuit board, and multiple keys. The base plate is primarily a board for component assembly; the circuit board and keys are all housed on the base plate. Generally, there are gaps between the keys. To achieve dust prevention or avoid light leakage, a frame is also installed on the upper layer of the keyboard. The frame has multiple openings to accommodate the keys, allowing the gaps between the keys to be covered by the frame. Therefore, the positions of the openings in the frame must correspond to the positions of the keys on the base plate. If there are large tolerances in the manufacturing of the base plate, the keys assembled on the base plate will not accurately align with the openings in the frame, thus causing assembly difficulties.

[0003] To improve the overall assembly precision of keyboards, a base plate with long grooves has appeared on the market; please refer to Taiwan Invention Patent I725438. When the keys on the keyboard cannot be precisely accommodated in the opening of the frame, the structure of the long grooves allows for appropriate adjustment of the length of the base plate along its long axis, thereby adjusting the relative position of the keys to correspond to the opening of the frame.

[0004] In addition, keyboards are often equipped with backlight modules to create illuminated keyboards. Generally, the backlight module is fixed to the bottom side of the base plate (i.e., the side opposite the keys) by means of adhesive or riveting. However, when the backlight module is assembled to the base plate, even if the base plate has a long slot, the length of the base plate cannot be adjusted due to the limitation of the backlight module. In other words, existing backlight modules cannot be used with base plates that can be adjusted in length.

[0005] In addition, existing backlight modules have perforations in their light guide plates for mounting light sources or for screw fastening. The light guide plate also has a light spot structure, typically formed by ink printing. Light undergoes total internal reflection within the light guide plate, and when it comes into contact with the light spot structure, it is guided and projected towards the button, thus causing the button to emit light.

[0006] However, existing light guide plates lack a design that concentrates light into a light spot structure, resulting in low luminous efficiency of the backlight module. Furthermore, the light spot structure of existing light guide plates often suffers from incompleteness due to printing processes, such as missing corners, cutouts, or unevenness. This degrades the light reflection effect of the dot-shaped light spot structure, reduces light guide efficiency, and similarly lowers the luminous efficiency of the backlight module. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of the above problems, the main objective of the present invention is to provide a keyboard and a backlight module that solves the problem of low luminous efficiency of the backlight module in the prior art by means of the light guide structure of the light guide plate.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a keyboard comprising a base plate and a backlight module. The base plate has a minor axis direction and a major axis direction, and includes at least one elongated slot. The elongated slot is disposed along the minor axis direction of the base plate, allowing the base plate to be adjusted in length along the major axis direction. The backlight module is disposed on one side of the base plate. The backlight module includes a light-shielding sheet, a light guide plate, and a reflective sheet. The light-shielding sheet includes an upper surface and a lower surface, with the upper surface facing the base plate. The light guide plate is disposed on the lower surface of the light-shielding sheet. The reflective sheet is disposed below the light guide plate. The reflective sheet includes a plurality of first slits. When the base plate is adjusted in length along the major axis direction, these first slits allow the reflective sheet to be adjusted and moved accordingly.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention further provides a backlight module for use in a keyboard. The keyboard includes a base plate having a minor axis direction and a major axis direction. Furthermore, the base plate includes at least one elongated slot disposed along the minor axis direction. A backlight module is disposed on one side of the base plate. The backlight module includes a light-shielding sheet, a light guide plate, and a reflective sheet. The light-shielding sheet includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface faces the base plate. The light guide plate is disposed on the lower surface of the light-shielding sheet. The reflective sheet is disposed below the light guide plate. The reflective sheet includes a plurality of first slits. When the base plate is adjusted in length along its major axis direction, these first slits allow the reflective sheet to be adjusted and moved accordingly.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, two adjacent first cuts partially overlap in the short axis direction, and two adjacent first cuts have a distance in the long axis direction.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the reflective sheet includes a plurality of through holes, and one end of a portion of the first slits is connected to the through holes.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the through holes include a plurality of fixing holes, and the first slits are arranged between some of the fixing holes to form at least one slit distribution area. Furthermore, the slit distribution area is arranged along the minor axis of the reflector, such that the reflector is divided into a first portion and a second portion along the major axis by the slit distribution area.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first slit includes a straight section that is parallel to the short axis direction.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the first cut further includes a transverse section, which is parallel to the long axis direction.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vertical segment and the horizontal segment are interconnected. One end of the vertical segment or one end of the horizontal segment is connected to a fixing hole.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the through holes include a plurality of perforations. The diameter of each perforation is smaller than the diameter of each fixing hole. In addition, one end of a portion of the first slit is connected to a perforation.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the distribution position of the slit distribution area corresponds to the setting position of the long slit in the base plate.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the reflective sheet is attached to the base plate.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a reflective sheet is attached to a light-shielding sheet, and the light-shielding sheet includes a plurality of second slits, and the upper surface of the light-shielding sheet is attached to a base plate.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the spacing is between 0.01 mm and 0.3 mm.

[0021] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a keyboard comprising a base plate, a plurality of keys, and a backlight module. The base plate has a minor axis direction and a major axis direction. The keys are arranged along the major axis direction on the base plate and arranged in multiple horizontal rows. The backlight module is disposed on one side of the base plate. The backlight module includes a light-shielding sheet, a light guide plate, and a reflective sheet. The light-shielding sheet includes an upper surface and a lower surface, with the upper surface facing the base plate. The light guide plate is disposed on the lower surface of the light-shielding sheet. The light guide plate includes a plurality of elongated slots, each of which has at least one long side. The long side is parallel to the major axis direction, and each of the elongated slots has a central axis. The central axis is located between the keys in two adjacent horizontal rows. The reflective sheet is disposed below the light guide plate.

[0022] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention further provides a backlight module for use in a keyboard. The keyboard includes a base plate and multiple keys. The base plate has a minor axis direction and a major axis direction. The keys are arranged on the base plate along the major axis direction. The backlight module is disposed on one side of the base plate. The backlight module includes a light-shielding sheet, a light guide plate, and a reflective sheet. The light-shielding sheet includes an upper surface and a lower surface, with the upper surface facing the base plate. The light guide plate is disposed on the lower surface of the light-shielding sheet. The light guide plate includes multiple elongated slots, each of which has at least one long side. The long side is parallel to the major axis direction, and each of the elongated slots has a central axis. The central axis is located between two adjacent rows of keys. The reflective sheet is disposed below the light guide plate.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, each of the elongated slots has a rectangular structure.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one long side of each of the elongated slots is located within the orthographic projection range below the button.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is a spacing between two adjacent elongated slots in the long axis direction.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the reflective sheet is pasted onto the light-shielding sheet through an elongated slot.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the length of the long side of the elongated slot is greater than the width of one of the buttons.

[0028] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a keyboard comprising a base plate, a plurality of keys, and a backlight module. The base plate has a minor axis direction and a major axis direction. The keys are disposed on the base plate. The backlight module is disposed on one side of the base plate. The backlight module includes a light-shielding sheet, a light guide plate, and a reflective sheet. The light-shielding sheet includes an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface facing the base plate. The light guide plate is disposed on the lower surface of the light-shielding sheet. The light guide plate includes a plurality of light-guiding structures, each corresponding to one of the keys. Each of the light-guiding structures includes an annular portion and at least one continuous zigzag portion. The continuous zigzag portion is connected to the annular portion, and the annular portion is formed by a plurality of bends. The reflective sheet is disposed below the light guide plate.

[0029] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention further provides a backlight module for use in a keyboard. The keyboard includes a base plate and multiple keys, which are disposed on the base plate. The base plate has a minor axis direction and a major axis direction. The backlight module is disposed on one side of the base plate. The backlight module includes a light-shielding sheet, a light guide plate, and a reflective sheet. The light-shielding sheet includes an upper surface and a lower surface, with the upper surface facing the base plate. The light guide plate is disposed on the lower surface of the light-shielding sheet. The light guide plate includes multiple light-guiding structures, each corresponding to one of the keys. Each of these light-guiding structures includes an annular portion and at least one continuous zigzag portion. The continuous zigzag portion is connected to the annular portion, and the annular portion is formed by multiple bends. The reflective sheet is disposed below the light guide plate.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the keyboard further includes an elastomer having an annular base, and an annular portion being disposed corresponding to the annular base.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the continuous broken line portion corresponds to one corner of one of the buttons.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the light guide structure has four continuous zigzag sections to correspond to the four corners of the button.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the light guiding structures are multiple arc-shaped grooves formed on the surface of the light guide plate.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the bent portions of the annular portion include circular, arc-shaped, or linear shapes.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lines of the continuous zigzag portion are denser than those of the annular portion.

[0036] As described above, the keyboard according to the present invention includes a base plate and a backlight module. The base plate has an elongated slot arranged along its minor axis, thereby allowing its length to be adjusted. The reflective sheet of the backlight module includes a plurality of (first) slits. This structure allows the reflective sheet to move with the base plate and adjust its length, thereby allowing the backlight module to adjust its length with the base plate.

[0037] In addition, the light guide plate has a rectangular slot. That is, the slot has at least one long side, and the long side is parallel to the long axis of the base plate. By positioning the central axis of the slot between two adjacent rows of buttons, the light transmission within the light guide plate is concentrated in the rows with the buttons, and can be effectively guided to the light guide structure to improve the luminous efficiency of the backlight module.

[0038] Furthermore, the light guide plate's light-guiding structure includes an annular portion and at least one continuous zigzag portion, with the continuous zigzag portion connected to the annular portion. This structure allows light within the light guide plate to be concentrated in the annular portion and the continuous zigzag portion, especially in the continuous zigzag portion. In addition, the structure of the annular portion and the continuous zigzag portion is less prone to defects such as obvious missing corners, hollow areas, or unevenness, thus improving light reflection and light guide efficiency, and consequently enhancing the luminous efficiency of the backlight module. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a keyboard according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shown is an exploded view of the backlight module.

[0041] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the lower surface of the reflector shown.

[0042] Figure 4 for Figure 3 The diagram shows a planar representation of the reflector.

[0043] Figure 5 This is a planar schematic diagram of a reflective sheet according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 6 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the keyboard combination.

[0045] Figure 7 for Figure 2 The diagram shows a planar schematic of the light guide plate.

[0046] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a keyboard according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0048] Keyboard 1, 1b

[0049] Base plate 10

[0050] Long groove 11

[0051] Elastic connector 111

[0052] Backlight module 20, 20b

[0053] Light-blocking plates 21, 21b

[0054] upper surface 211

[0055] lower surface 212

[0056] Second cut 213

[0057] Light guide plates 22, 22b

[0058] Long slot 221

[0059] Long side 222

[0060] Light guide structure 223

[0061] Annular part 224

[0062] Bending part 2241

[0063] Continuous broken line section 225

[0064] Central axis 226

[0065] Reflectors 23, 23a, 23b

[0066] upper surface 231

[0067] Lower surfaces 232, 232a

[0068] First seam 233, 233a

[0069] Straight sections 2331, 2331a

[0070] Horizontal section 2332a

[0071] Fixing holes 234, 234a

[0072] Perforated 235, 235a

[0073] Adhesive layers 24, 24b

[0074] Circuit board 30

[0075] Button 40

[0076] Cutting distribution area A

[0077] Part 1 A1

[0078] Part Two A2

[0079] Orthographic projection range P

[0080] Horizontal R

[0081] Spacing S, S1

[0082] Major axis direction X

[0083] Y-axis direction Detailed Implementation

[0084] To better understand the technical content of this invention, preferred embodiments are described below.

[0085] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a keyboard according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shown is an exploded view of the backlight module. Figure 3 for Figure 2 Please also refer to the schematic diagram of the lower surface of the reflector shown. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown. The keyboard 1 in this embodiment includes a base plate 10, a backlight module 20, a circuit board 30, and multiple keys 40. Generally, the base plate 10 includes multiple assembly areas (not shown) for assembling the keys 40. The circuit board 30 is disposed above the base plate 10 and below the keys 40. When a key 40 is pressed, the circuit board 30 can be triggered to generate a corresponding input signal.

[0086] The base plate 10 has a minor axis direction Y and a major axis direction X. Specifically, the keyboard 1 has a rectangular appearance, and correspondingly, the base plate 10, backlight module 20, and circuit board 30 also have a rectangular appearance, and similarly have a minor axis direction Y and a major axis direction X. In this embodiment, the base plate 10 is used as an example for explanation. In this embodiment, the base plate 10 is made of a metal plate, and the keys 40 are arranged along the major axis direction X on the base plate 10, arranged in multiple horizontal rows R.

[0087] In addition, the base plate 10 includes at least one long groove 11. This embodiment takes two long grooves 11 as an example. Figure 1As shown. A long groove 11 is provided on the base plate 10 along the short axis direction Y. The base plate 10 is provided with multiple elastic connectors 111 in the long groove 11 so that the plates divided by the long groove 11 can be connected to each other and their relative positions can be adjusted according to assembly requirements. In the aforementioned manner, the length of the base plate 10 can also be adjusted, and the base plate 10 will not be divided into multiple independent plates. Since the structure and arrangement of the elastic connectors 111 are not the focus of this case, they will not be described in detail here. When the two short sides of the base plate 10 are pulled outward or pushed inward, the adjustable width of the long groove 11 may increase or decrease, thereby adjusting the length of the base plate 10 in the long axis direction X, thereby fine-tuning the position of the button 40 on the base plate 10. Preferably, the long groove 11 does not run horizontally through the base plate 10, but is bent and arranged on the base plate 10 to avoid the setting position of the button 40. In other embodiments, the base plate 10 may also have a plurality of shorter long slots 11, and adjacent long slots 11 are spaced apart in the long axis direction X.

[0088] In this embodiment, the backlight module 20 is disposed on one side of the base plate 10, and is located on the side of the base plate 10 opposite to the button 40. The backlight module 20 includes a light-shielding sheet 21, a light guide plate 22, and a reflective sheet 23. The light-shielding sheet 21 includes an upper surface 211 and a lower surface 212, with the upper surface 211 facing the base plate 10. The light guide plate 22 is disposed on the lower surface 212 of the light-shielding sheet 21, and the reflective sheet 23 is disposed below the light guide plate 22. In other words, the light guide plate 22 is disposed between the light-shielding sheet 21 and the reflective sheet 23.

[0089] Generally, the light-shielding sheet 21 has a light-shielding portion and multiple light-transmitting portions (not shown in the figure). The multiple light-transmitting portions are respectively used to correspond to the buttons 40, so that the light emitted by the backlight module 20 can illuminate the buttons 40. The light-shielding portion is used to block parts that do not need to emit light, such as the gaps between the buttons 40. In this embodiment, the light-shielding sheet 21 is made of a light-transmitting film (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate, PET), and the light-shielding portion is printed on the light-transmitting film. In addition, the backlight module 20 also has at least one light-emitting unit (not shown in the figure, such as a light-emitting diode), which is disposed on the side of the light guide plate 22, and the light emitted by the light-emitting unit is uniformly guided to the surface of the entire light guide plate 22 by the light guide plate 22. The reflector 23 is used to reflect light onto the button 40 to increase the luminous efficiency of the backlight module 20. Preferably, the reflector 23 is made of a film material. The side of the reflector 23 facing the light guide plate 22 can be provided with a reflective surface or coated with a reflective material to achieve the purpose of reflecting light. Specifically, the light emitted from the light guide plate 22 can pass directly through the light-transmitting part of the light shield 21, or be reflected by the reflector 23 to the light-transmitting part, and then the light is transmitted through the key surface or periphery of the button 40.

[0090] In this embodiment, the reflective sheet 23 is the bottom layer of the backlight module 20. Furthermore, the reflective sheet 23 also has an upper surface 231 and a lower surface 232. Figure 3 The lower surface 232 of the reflector 23. Figure 4 for Figure 3 Please refer to the schematic diagram of the reflector shown below. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown. The reflector 23 in this embodiment includes a plurality of first slits 233. When the base plate 10 is adjusted in length along the long axis direction X, the first slits 233 can be opened (that is, the width of the first slits 233 increases), thereby allowing the reflector 23 to be adjusted and moved in relation to the base plate 10.

[0091] Specifically, two adjacent first slits 233 partially overlap in the minor axis direction Y. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first slits 233 are arranged in a straight line, referred to here as the straight section 2331. The straight section 2331 is parallel to the minor axis direction Y. Therefore, two adjacent first slits 233 at least partially overlap in the minor axis direction Y, and may also completely overlap. Furthermore, two adjacent first slits 233 have a distance S in the major axis direction X. Preferably, the distance S can be between 0.01 mm and 0.3 mm.

[0092] By having a plurality of first slits 233 on the reflective sheet 23, with adjacent first slits 233 partially overlapping in the short axis direction Y and having a spacing S in the long axis direction X, the backlight module 20 can adjust its length along with the base plate 10. Specifically, when the two short sides of the base plate 10 are pulled outward, the structure of the long groove 11 increases the length of the base plate 10 in the long axis direction X. At the same time, as the two short sides of the reflective sheet 23 move outward with the base plate 10, the first slits 233 can be opened, thereby increasing the length of the reflective sheet 23 in the long axis direction X. Therefore, the reflective sheet 23 disposed on the bottom layer of the backlight module 20 can adjust its length along with the base plate 10. In short, the backlight module 20 of this embodiment can be applied to an adjustable-length base plate 10.

[0093] The reflective sheet 23 includes multiple through holes, including multiple fixing holes 234 and multiple perforations 235. In other words, the through holes include two types: fixing holes 234 and perforations 235. In this embodiment, both the perforations 235 and fixing holes 234 are circular holes, and the diameter of the perforation 235 is smaller than the diameter of the fixing hole 234. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the shape and size of the perforations 235 and fixing holes 234 can be adjusted according to actual needs. The fixing holes 234 are used for screws and other fixing components to pass through, for assembling the backlight module 20, for example, for locking the electronic components of the backlight module 20, or for assembling the backlight module 20 onto the base plate 10. In this embodiment, the first slits 233 are arranged between some of the fixing holes 234 to form at least one slit distribution area A. Furthermore, the slit distribution area A is mainly arranged along the minor axis direction Y on the reflector 23, so that the reflector 23 is divided into a first part A1 and a second part A2 along the major axis direction X by the slit distribution area A. Preferably, the distribution position of the slit distribution area A can correspond to the setting position of the long groove 11 of the base plate 10 (e.g., Figure 1 (As shown).

[0094] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the first slits 233 are arranged to form two slit distribution areas A, thereby dividing the reflective sheet 23 into two first parts A1 and one second part A2. The first part A1 is located on the outer side, while the second part A2 is located in the middle. When the two short sides of the reflective sheet 23 move outwards with the base plate 10, the width of the first slits 233 increases, causing the first part A1 and the second part A2 to move further apart, thereby increasing the length of the reflective sheet 23 in the long axis direction X.

[0095] In this embodiment, one end of a portion of the first slit 233 is connected to a through hole, such as a fixing hole 234 or a perforation 235, to increase the extent or width of the first slit 233 being stretched. Furthermore, the opposite ends of a portion of the first slit 233 are respectively connected to the fixing hole 234 and the perforation 235. This structure also achieves the effect of increasing the width of the first slit 233 being stretched and can increase the stretching range of the reflective sheet 23, thereby preventing damage to the reflective sheet 23 during stretching.

[0096] Figure 5 For a plan view of a reflective sheet according to another embodiment of the present invention, please refer to... Figure 5As shown. In this embodiment, the first slit 233a of the reflective sheet 23a includes a straight section 2331a. The difference from the previous embodiment is that a portion of the first slit 233a also includes a transverse section 2332a, and the straight section 2331a and the transverse section 2332a are connected to each other. Preferably, the straight section 2331a is parallel to the minor axis direction Y, and the transverse section 2332a is parallel to the major axis direction X, so that the angle between the straight section 2331a and the transverse section 2332a is 90 degrees. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the angle between the straight section 2331a and the transverse section 2332a can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0097] Similarly, providing through holes (fixing holes 234a or perforations 235a) at both ends of the first slit 233a can increase the stretching range of the reflective sheet 23a, thereby preventing damage to the reflective sheet 23a during stretching. Preferably, one end of the straight section 2331a or one end of the transverse section 2332a is connected to the fixing hole 234a. In this embodiment, one end of the transverse section 2332a is connected to the fixing hole 234a. Similarly, in this embodiment, the reflective sheet 23a includes multiple perforations 235a, and the opposite ends of a portion of the first slit 233a are respectively connected to the fixing hole 234a and the perforation 235a. In this embodiment, one end of the transverse segment 2332a is connected to the fixing hole 234a, and one end of the vertical segment 2331a is connected to the through hole 235a; and the opposite ends of the vertical segment 2331a (i.e., the first slit 233a without the transverse segment 2332a) are respectively connected to the fixing hole 234a and the through hole 235a. In other embodiments, the vertical segment 2331a may be connected to the fixing hole 234a, and the transverse segment 2332a may be connected to the through hole 235a.

[0098] Figure 6 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the keyboard combination. Figure 7 for Figure 2 Please refer to the schematic diagram of the light guide plate shown below. Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown. It should be noted that, Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the assembled keyboard 1 along the minor axis Y. In this embodiment, the upper surface 231 of the reflector 23 is adhered to the lower surface 212 of the light shield 21, and the upper surface 211 of the light shield 21 is adhered to the base plate 10. For example, the backlight module 20 also includes an adhesive layer 24, which is respectively disposed on the upper surfaces 231 and 211 of the reflector 23 and the light shield 21. After the reflector 23 covers the light guide plate 22 and is adhered to the light shield 21 by the adhesive layer 24, the backlight module 20 is assembled (adheded) to the base plate 10 by the adhesive layer 24 located on the upper surface 211 of the light shield 21.

[0099] Specifically, the light guide plate 22 of this embodiment includes a plurality of elongated slots 221, through which the reflective sheet 23 passes to be attached to the light shield 21. The elongated slots 221 of the light guide plate 22 have at least one long side 222. In this embodiment, the elongated slot 221 has two parallel long sides 222, and the elongated slot 221 has a central axis 226 parallel to the long sides 222. It should be noted that the central axis 226 is a virtual reference line, therefore... Figure 2 and Figure 7 The central axis 226 of two elongated slots 221 is shown in dashed lines. The long side 222 is parallel to the long axis direction X, and the central axis 226 of the elongated slots 221 is located between the buttons 40 of two adjacent rows R. Please refer to the above information. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown. In other words, the elongated slot 221 in this embodiment has a rectangular structure and is located in the opaque area of ​​the keyboard 1. Generally, the key 40 has translucent characters, so the area between two adjacent horizontal columns R is the opaque area. The central axis 226 of the elongated slot 221 is located in the opaque area. Since the hollow area of ​​the elongated slot 221 cannot transmit light, the elongated slot 221 can not only save the manufacturing cost of the light guide plate 22, but also concentrate the light transmission in the light guide plate 22 on the horizontal column R where the key 40 is located, thereby improving the luminous efficiency of the backlight module 20. Specifically, the light will be transmitted in the light guide plate 22 and emitted from the edge of the perforation of the light guide plate 22, so the edge of the elongated slot 221 will have higher brightness. Preferably, at least one long side 222 of the elongated slot 221 can be located within the orthographic projection range P below the translucent characters of the key 40 in two adjacent horizontal columns R (e.g., Figure 7 (as shown in the dashed box) to increase luminous efficiency.

[0100] Preferably, the length of the long side 222 of the elongated slot 221 is greater than the width of one of the buttons 40. In other words, the length of the long side 222 is greater than the width of a single button 40. In this embodiment, the range of the long side 222 can cover 2 to 4 buttons, and there is a distance S1 between adjacent elongated slots 221 in the long axis direction X (e.g., ...). Figure 7 As shown, this design prevents the light guide plate 22 from breaking due to the division of the elongated slot 221, thus maintaining the integrity of the light guide plate 22. Preferably, the light emitted by the light-emitting unit is parallel to the long side 222, which helps to improve the efficiency of light transmission.

[0101] In addition, the light guide plate 22 in this embodiment also includes a plurality of light guide structures 223, and the positions of the light guide structures 223 correspond to the buttons 40 respectively. It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity in the diagram, Figure 2 and Figure 7Two light guide structures 223 are shown. In practice, a light guide structure 223 can be formed at the position corresponding to each key 40. In this embodiment, the light guide structure 223 is a microstructure (e.g., an arc-shaped groove) formed on the surface of the light guide plate 22 to break the total internal reflection of light within the light guide plate 22, thereby guiding the light within the light guide plate 22 upward to the corresponding key 40, thus causing the keyboard 1 to emit light. In this embodiment, multiple light guide structures 223 are disposed on the upper surface of the light guide plate 22. However, this invention is not limited to this and can also be disposed on the lower surface of the light guide plate 22 or simultaneously on both the upper and lower surfaces of the light guide plate 22, depending on actual needs.

[0102] In this embodiment, each light guide structure 223 includes an annular portion 224 and at least one continuous zigzag portion 225, and the continuous zigzag portion 225 is connected to the annular portion 224. An elastomer (not shown) is provided between the button 40 and the base plate 10. The elastomer can be a rubber dome and has an annular base. Preferably, the annular portion 224 is provided corresponding to the annular base of the elastomer. Specifically, the annular portion 224 can be provided on the outer edge or below the annular base to ensure uniform brightness in the central area of ​​the button 40. In addition, the annular portion 224 is formed by a plurality of bent portions 2241, and the bent portions 2241 can be, for example, but not limited to, circular, arc-shaped, or linear. In this embodiment, the bent portions 2241 are circular, so that the annular portion 224 forms a structure like a telephone coil, such as... Figure 7 As shown. In other embodiments, if the bend 2241 is arc-shaped or semi-circular, the annular portion 224 can present an annular structure resembling a petal. If the bend 2241 is linear, the annular portion 224 can present a serrated annular structure. Furthermore, the continuous zigzag portion 225 is a bent linear structure, and the lines of the continuous zigzag portion 225 are denser and more concentrated than those of the annular portion 224.

[0103] The aforementioned elongated slot 221 allows light within the light guide plate 22 to be concentrated in the area with the light guide structure 223. The light guide structure 223 further concentrates the light, specifically focusing it on the annular portion 224 and the continuous zigzag portion 225, particularly the continuous zigzag portion 225. The structure of the annular portion 224 and the continuous zigzag portion 225 disrupts total internal reflection, allowing the light to be projected upwards onto the button 40, thus providing a bright display effect. Generally, the characters on the button 40 are the light-emitting area, so the position of the continuous zigzag portion 225 corresponds to the characters on the button 40. For example, the characters on the button 40 are often located at one corner of the button 40, so the continuous zigzag portion 225 corresponds to one corner of the button 40. In this embodiment, the light guide structure 223 has four continuous zigzag portions 225, corresponding to the four corners of the button 40. Compared to the light spot structure of the prior art, the annular part 224 and the continuous zigzag part 225 of the light guide structure 223 are less likely to produce obvious missing corners, hollows, or unevenness and other incomplete phenomena, so the light reflection effect and light guide rate can be improved, thereby improving the luminous efficiency of the backlight module 20.

[0104] Preferably, in this embodiment, the light guide structure 223 is a plurality of arc-shaped grooves formed on the surface of the light guide plate 22, such as... Figure 6 As shown. Specifically, the light guide structure 223 can be formed on the surface of the light guide plate 22 by roll forming, which can form a gently sloping arc-shaped groove. As the backlight module 20 is becoming thinner, the thickness of the light guide plate 22 is also becoming thinner. Generally, when microstructures are formed on the light guide plate 22 by hot pressing or laser engraving, the microstructures will be relatively sharp grooves, which will cause damage to the thin light guide plate 22. Conversely, the light guide structure 223 in this embodiment is an arc-shaped groove structure, which can avoid damage to the thin light guide plate 22.

[0105] It should be noted that light leakage may occur between the first slit 233 of the reflector 23 and the second slit 213 of the light-shielding sheet 21. To improve this phenomenon, the distance S1 between two adjacent elongated slots 221 in the long axis direction X (e.g., ...) Figure 7 As shown, dark areas may occur because the light is not in the path of the light. Therefore, the spacing S1 can be set at the overlap of the elongated slot 221 and the first slit 233a of the light guide plate 22 to improve the light leakage phenomenon. In addition, the first slit 233 area of ​​the reflective sheet 23 (upper surface 231) and the second slit 213 area of ​​the light shield 21 (lower surface 212) can be coated with black ink to improve the light leakage phenomenon.

[0106] Better, such as Figure 2As shown, the light-shielding sheet 21 in this embodiment may also include multiple slits, referred to here as the second slit 213. Therefore, when the two short sides of the base plate 10 are pulled outward, the two short sides of the light-shielding sheet 21 and the reflective sheet 23 can move outward with the base plate 10, so that the second slit 213 of the light-shielding sheet 21 and the first slit 233 of the reflective sheet 23 can be opened, and thus can be applied to the base plate 10 with adjustable length. Preferably, the distribution of the second slits 213 of the light-shielding sheet 21 can correspond to the first slit 233 of the reflective sheet 23, that is, the second slits 213 of the light-shielding sheet 21 can also be arranged in a shape similar to the slit distribution area A.

[0107] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a keyboard according to another embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to... Figure 8 As shown. The keyboard 1b in this embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in that the backlight module 20b is used; therefore, the base plate 10, circuit board 30, and keys 40 use the same component symbols as in the previous embodiment. In this embodiment, the light-shielding sheet 21b and the light guide plate 22b have elongated slots (i.e., Figure 8 The light-shielding sheet 21b and the light guide plate 22b are cut off, allowing the reflective sheet 23b to pass through the light-shielding sheet 21b and the light guide plate 22b and be directly attached to the base plate 10. Specifically, the adhesive layer 24b can be disposed around the periphery of the reflective sheet 23b. In addition, the adhesive layer 24b is disposed at intervals on the upper surface 231b of the reflective sheet 23b, and the portion of the reflective sheet 23b with the adhesive layer 24b passes through the light-shielding sheet 21b and the light guide plate 22b to be attached to the base plate 10. The light-shielding sheet 21b and the light guide plate 22b are covered by the reflective sheet 23b and fixed between the reflective sheet 23b and the base plate 10. In this embodiment, since the reflective sheet 23b is directly attached to the base plate 10, the light-shielding sheet 21b does not need to have a (second) slit, and the backlight module 20b can also be applied to the base plate 10 with an adjustable length.

[0108] In summary, the keyboard according to the present invention includes a base plate and a backlight module. The base plate has an elongated slot arranged along its minor axis, thereby allowing its length to be adjusted. The reflector of the backlight module includes a plurality of (first) slits, the structure of which allows the reflector to move with the base plate and adjust its length, thereby allowing the backlight module to adjust its length with the base plate.

[0109] In addition, the light guide plate has a rectangular slot. That is, the slot has at least one long side, and the long side is parallel to the long axis of the base plate. By positioning the central axis of the slot between two adjacent rows of buttons, the light transmission within the light guide plate is concentrated in the rows with the buttons, and can be effectively guided to the light guide structure to improve the luminous efficiency of the backlight module.

[0110] Furthermore, the light guide plate's light-guiding structure includes an annular portion and at least one continuous zigzag portion, with the continuous zigzag portion connected to the annular portion. This structure allows light within the light guide plate to be concentrated in the annular portion and the continuous zigzag portion, especially in the continuous zigzag portion. In addition, the structure of the annular portion and the continuous zigzag portion is less prone to defects such as obvious missing corners, hollow areas, or unevenness, thus improving light reflection and light guide efficiency, and consequently enhancing the luminous efficiency of the backlight module.

[0111] It should be noted that the above embodiments are examples for illustrative purposes only, and the scope of the claims of this invention should be determined by the scope set forth in the claims, and not limited to the above embodiments.

Claims

1. A keyboard, characterized in that, include: The base plate has both a minor axis and a major axis. Multiple buttons are arranged along the long axis on the base plate and arranged in multiple horizontal rows; as well as A backlight module, disposed on one side of the base plate, includes: A light-shielding sheet, including an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface facing the base plate; A light guide plate is disposed on the lower surface of the light shield. The light guide plate includes a plurality of elongated slots, each of the elongated slots having at least one long side parallel to the long axis direction, and each of the elongated slots having a central axis located between adjacent rows of buttons; and A reflective sheet is positioned below the light guide plate; The base plate includes at least one long slot disposed along the short axis direction, and the reflector includes a plurality of first slits that allow the reflector to be adjusted and moved relative to the base plate when the base plate is adjusted in length along the long axis direction.

2. The keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one long side of each of the elongated slots is located within the orthographic projection area below the button.

3. The keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of these elongated slots has a rectangular structure.

4. The keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, There is a distance between two adjacent elongated slots along the long axis.

5. The keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reflective sheet passes through the elongated slot and is attached to the light-shielding sheet.

6. The keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the long side of the elongated slot is greater than the width of one of the buttons.

7. The keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two adjacent first cuts partially overlap in the direction of the minor axis, and the two adjacent first cuts have a distance between them in the direction of the major axis.

8. The keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reflector includes multiple through holes, and one end of some of the first slits is connected to the through holes.

9. The keyboard according to claim 8, characterized in that, The through holes include a plurality of fixing holes, and the first slits are arranged between a portion of the fixing holes to form at least one slit distribution area, and the slit distribution area is arranged along the minor axis of the reflector, such that the reflector is divided into a first part and a second part in the major axis direction by the slit distribution area.

10. The keyboard according to claim 9, characterized in that, Each of these first cuts includes a straight section that is parallel to the direction of the minor axis.

11. The keyboard according to claim 10, characterized in that, Some of these first cuts also include transverse sections that are parallel to the long axis direction.

12. The keyboard according to claim 11, characterized in that, The vertical section and the horizontal section are interconnected, and one end of the vertical section or one end of the horizontal section is connected to the fixing hole.

13. The keyboard according to claim 9, characterized in that, The through holes include multiple perforations, each with a diameter smaller than that of the fixing holes, and one end of a portion of the first cuts is connected to the perforation.

14. The keyboard according to claim 9, characterized in that, The location of the slit distribution area corresponds to the location of the long slit on the base plate.

15. The keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reflective sheet is attached to the base plate.

16. The keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reflective sheet is attached to the light-shielding sheet, and the light-shielding sheet includes a plurality of second slits, and the upper surface of the light-shielding sheet is attached to the base plate.

17. The keyboard according to claim 7, characterized in that, The spacing is between 0.01 mm and 0.3 mm.

18. The keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light guide plate includes multiple light guide structures, which correspond to the buttons respectively. Each of the light guide structures includes an annular portion and at least one continuous zigzag portion, which is connected to the annular portion. The annular portion is formed by multiple bends.

19. The keyboard according to claim 18, characterized in that, The keyboard also includes an elastomer having an annular base, the annular portion of which is disposed corresponding to the annular base.

20. The keyboard according to claim 18, characterized in that, The continuous broken line corresponds to one corner of one of the buttons.

21. The keyboard according to claim 20, characterized in that, The light guide structure has four continuous zigzag sections to correspond to the four corners of the button.

22. The keyboard according to claim 18, characterized in that, These light guide structures are multiple arc-shaped grooves formed on the surface of the light guide plate.

23. The keyboard according to claim 18, characterized in that, The bends in the annular portion include circular, arc-shaped, or linear shapes.

24. The keyboard according to claim 18, characterized in that, The lines in the continuous broken section are denser than those in the ring section.

25. A backlight module, characterized in that, The keyboard, including a base plate and multiple keys, is applied to a keyboard. The base plate has a short axis direction and a long axis direction. The keys are arranged along the long axis direction on the base plate and arranged in multiple horizontal rows. A backlight module is disposed on one side of the base plate and includes: A light-shielding sheet, including an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface facing the base plate; A light guide plate is disposed on the lower surface of the light shield. The light guide plate includes a plurality of elongated slots, each of the elongated slots having at least one long side parallel to the long axis direction, and each of the elongated slots having a central axis located between adjacent rows of buttons; and A reflective sheet is positioned below the light guide plate; The base plate includes at least one long slot disposed along the short axis direction, and the reflector includes a plurality of first slits that allow the reflector to be adjusted and moved relative to the base plate when the base plate is adjusted in length along the long axis direction.

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