Light source circuit board, backlight module and illuminated buttons

Abstract

This invention provides a backlight module for use in a backlit keyboard with multiple keys. The backlight module includes a light-transmitting film, a reflective layer, a light-emitting unit, a light guide plate, and at least one adhesive member. The light-transmitting film has an optical block, an optical frame, and a light-transmitting area defined between the optical block and the optical frame; the reflective layer is located below the light-transmitting film; the light-emitting unit is located below the light-transmitting film and protrudes from the reflective layer; the light guide plate is located between the light-transmitting film and the reflective layer, and the light guide plate has a light-entry hole to accommodate the light-emitting unit; the at least one adhesive member at least partially surrounds the light-entry hole of the light guide plate, and the at least one adhesive member defines a non-adhesive ring area located between the at least one adhesive member and the light-emitting unit; wherein the optical block is located above the light-emitting unit, and the distance from the non-adhesive ring area to the optical frame of the light-transmitting film is greater than the distance from the optical block to the optical frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of backlit keyboards, and more particularly to a backlit key that balances the illumination uniformity of keycap characters and keycap outlines, as well as its backlight module and light source circuit board. Background Technology

[0002] In illumination mode, multiple keys on the backlit keyboard are illuminated by a backlight module that passes through the characters on the keycaps, ensuring each character is clearly lit. However, not all characters on the keycaps are located in the center of the top surface. While illuminating the characters helps users identify and locate the key to be pressed, creating a highly uniform halo around the outline of each of the nearly one hundred keys of varying sizes, shapes, and characters on a backlit keyboard presents a challenge. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a light source circuit board, a backlight module, and a light-emitting button, which can ensure the uniformity of light intensity for both the keycap characters and the keycap outline.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a backlight module comprising a light-transmitting film, a reflective layer, a light-emitting unit, a light guide plate, and at least one adhesive member. The light-transmitting film has an optical block, an optical frame, and a light-transmitting area defined between the optical block and the optical frame. The reflective layer is located below the light-transmitting film. The light-emitting unit is located below the light-transmitting film and protrudes from the reflective layer. The light guide plate is located between the light-transmitting film and the reflective layer, and has a light-entry hole to accommodate the light-emitting unit. The at least one adhesive member at least partially surrounds the light-entry hole of the light guide plate, and defines a non-adhesive ring area located between the at least one adhesive member and the light-emitting unit. The optical block is located above the light-emitting unit, and the distance from the non-adhesive ring area to the optical frame of the light-transmitting film is greater than the distance from the optical block to the optical frame.

[0005] As an optional technical solution, the reflective layer includes at least one pair of separate micropatterns located on both sides of the light-emitting unit.

[0006] As an optional technical solution, the light guide plate has a light-leaking edge wall, and the distance from the glue-free ring area to the edge wall of the light guide plate is greater than the distance from the at least one adhesive component to the edge wall.

[0007] As an optional technical solution, the reflective layer includes at least a pair of separate micropatterns located on both sides of the light-emitting unit, and the at least one adhesive includes an island adhesive that at least partially overlaps with the at least a pair of separate micropatterns.

[0008] As an optional technical solution, the at least one adhesive component includes a main adhesive and a sub-adhesive, the main adhesive at least partially surrounds the light-emitting unit, and the main adhesive has a notch, and the sub-adhesive at least partially overlaps the notch.

[0009] As an optional technical solution, the reflective layer includes at least one core micropattern, which is disposed adjacent to the light-emitting unit, wherein the core micropattern overlaps with at least one of the adhesive-free ring region, the main colloid, the sub-colloid, and the notch of the main colloid.

[0010] As an optional technical solution, the distance from the sub-colloid to the optical frame is less than the distance from the adhesive-free ring area to the optical frame.

[0011] As an optional technical solution, the backlight module also includes a channel that runs through the backlight module. The light-emitting unit and the notch of the main colloid extend to form a fan-shaped area, and the channel is not within the fan-shaped area.

[0012] As an optional technical solution, the reflective layer includes at least a pair of separate micropatterns located on both sides of the light-emitting unit, and at least one of the adhesive-free ring area, the adhesive component, the main adhesive, the sub-adhesive, and the notch of the main adhesive is located between the at least a pair of separate micropatterns.

[0013] As an optional technical solution, the backlight module is used to illuminate at least one character of the illuminated keyboard, and the distance from the sub-colloid to the at least one character is less than the distance from the main colloid to the optical frame.

[0014] As an optional technical solution, the backlight module is used to illuminate the main characters of the backlit keyboard, and the optical block of the light-transmitting film overlaps with the main characters at least partially.

[0015] As an optional technical solution, the backlight module is used to illuminate the main characters of the backlit keyboard, and the main characters are located between the optical block and the optical frame.

[0016] As an optional technical solution, the backlight module is used to illuminate two characters on the backlit keyboard, with the adhesive-free ring area located between the two characters.

[0017] As an optional technical solution, the backlight module is used to illuminate the characters of the illuminated keyboard, and the at least one adhesive component has a notch, the light-emitting unit extends with the notch to form a fan-shaped area, and the character and the fan-shaped area at least partially overlap.

[0018] As an optional technical solution, the optical block overlaps at least with one of the glue-free ring area and the at least one glued component.

[0019] As an optional technical solution, the backlight module also includes at least one pair of wires located below the reflective layer, and at least one adhesive component located between the non-adhesive ring area and one of the at least one pair of wires. The distance from the non-adhesive ring area to one of the at least one pair of wires is greater than the distance from the at least one adhesive component to one of the at least one pair of wires.

[0020] Furthermore, the present invention also proposes a backlight module comprising a light-transmitting film, a reflective layer, a light-emitting unit, a light guide plate, and at least one adhesive member. The light-transmitting film has an optical block, an optical frame, and a light-transmitting area defined between the optical block and the optical frame. The reflective layer is located below the light-transmitting film, and the upper surface of the reflective layer has two micro-patterns, which are separately disposed. The light-emitting unit is located below the light-transmitting film and protrudes from the reflective layer. The light guide plate is located between the light-transmitting film and the reflective layer, and the light guide plate has a light-entry hole to accommodate the light-emitting unit. The at least one adhesive member is disposed on the reflective layer, and the at least one adhesive member at least partially surrounds the light-emitting unit and is located between the two micro-patterns.

[0021] Furthermore, the present invention also proposes an illuminated key, which includes a keycap and a backlight module as described in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the keycap includes at least one character, the backlight module is disposed below the keycap, and the backlight module provides light to illuminate the at least one character.

[0022] Furthermore, the present invention also proposes a light source circuit board, which includes a base layer, a light source circuit, at least one light-emitting unit, a reflective layer, and an adhesive component. The light source circuit is located on the base layer and includes at least one pair of wires, which at least partially do not intersect. The at least one light-emitting unit is electrically connected to the at least one pair of wires. The reflective layer covers the light source circuit and has two micro-patterns on its upper surface, which are separately disposed. The adhesive component is disposed on the reflective layer and at least partially surrounds the light-emitting unit, and is located between the two micro-patterns.

[0023] As an optional technical solution, the adhesive component includes a main adhesive and a sub-adhesive, the main adhesive at least partially surrounds the light-emitting unit, and the main adhesive has a notch, the sub-adhesive at least partially overlaps the notch.

[0024] As an optional technical solution, the sub-colloid is located between the main colloid and one of the at least one pair of wires, and the distance from the sub-colloid to one of the at least one pair of wires is less than the distance from the main colloid to one of the at least one pair of wires.

[0025] As an optional technical solution, the reflective layer includes at least one core micropattern, which is disposed adjacent to the light-emitting unit, and the core micropattern is at least partially located between the adhesive and the light-emitting unit.

[0026] As an optional technical solution, the adhesive component includes island adhesive, which at least partially overlaps with at least one of the two micropatterns.

[0027] Furthermore, the present invention also proposes a backlight module comprising a light-transmitting film, a light guide plate, and a light source circuit board as described in any one of claims 20 to 23. The light-transmitting film has an optical block, an optical frame, and a light-transmitting area defined between the optical block and the optical frame. The light guide plate is located below the light-transmitting film and has a light-entry hole corresponding to the optical frame. The light source circuit board is located below the light guide plate.

[0028] This invention provides a light source circuit board, a backlight module, and an illuminated button. Utilizing the optical properties of the adhesive components, and targeting the light-emitting positions of the characters and the light-leaking positions of the channels / light guide plate edges, it employs optimized relative configurations of main adhesive, sub-adhesive, notches, adhesive-free ring areas, optical blocks, optical frames, micro-optical layers / micro-patterns / core micro-patterns, and island adhesives to give the illuminated button better illumination uniformity and halo continuity.

[0029] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a portion of the structure of a backlit keyboard according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the shape and positional relationship between the light-emitting unit, the dimming layer, and the adhesive component according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the shape and positional relationship between the light-emitting unit, the dimming layer, and the adhesive component according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the shape and positional relationship between the light-emitting unit, the dimming layer, and the adhesive component in another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the multi-layered stacking of the illuminated keyboard and backlight module in a derivative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a single key area of ​​a backlit keyboard according to a derivative embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of partial overlap of a single key area in a light-emitting keyboard according to a derivative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a partial top view of the light source circuit board in a single button area according to a derivative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the multi-layer stacking of the light source circuit board in the area of ​​a single button, according to a derivative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10A This is a schematic diagram of partial overlap of a single key area in a backlit keyboard according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10B This is a schematic diagram of partial overlap of a single key area in a backlit keyboard according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the present invention, the following description, in conjunction with preferred embodiments and accompanying drawings, further explains the invention. Similar components in the drawings are indicated by the same reference numerals. Those skilled in the art should understand that the specific description below is illustrative rather than restrictive and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] Please see Figures 1 to 2 , Figure 1 This is a partially exploded view of the structure of a backlit keyboard 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the shape and positional relationship between the light-emitting unit 26, the dimming layer 36, and the adhesive component 34 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The illuminated keyboard 10 includes a plurality of keys 12. The number and arrangement of the keys 12 are determined according to the language settings of the illuminated keyboard 10, and therefore will not be described in detail here.

[0033] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the backlit keyboard 10 may include a light source circuit board 14, a membrane circuit board 16, a backlight module 18, an elastic recovery member 20, a lifting support mechanism 22, a base plate 23, and keycaps 24. The light-emitting units 26 are disposed on the light source circuit board 14, and the membrane circuit board 16 may have multiple switches 28. The light source circuit board 14, the membrane circuit board 16, and the base plate 23 are stacked on top of each other. The lifting support mechanism 22 supports the keycaps 24, allowing the keycaps 24 to move up and down relative to the switches 28. The base plate 23 is used to connect the lifting support mechanism 22.

[0034] The backlight module 18 includes a light guide plate 30, a light-transmitting film 32, an adhesive component 34, a light-emitting unit 26, and a dimming layer 36. The light guide plate 30 has a perforation 38 for accommodating the light-emitting unit 26. A button 12 is located above the light-emitting unit 26; the light-emitting unit 26 projects illumination light into the light guide plate 30 in a first direction D1, and then through a microstructure prism (not shown) on the light guide plate 30 to illuminate multiple keycaps 24 in a second direction D2. The first direction D1 is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the second direction D2. The light-transmitting film 32 covers the light guide plate 30, and the areas of both are approximately equal. The adhesive component 34 is disposed between the light guide plate 30 and the light-transmitting film 32 to adhere them together. The adhesive component 34 has a hollow portion 341, the position of which corresponds to the perforation 38, and the size of the hollow portion 341 is larger than the size of the perforation 38. In this invention, the adhesive component 34 is made of a light-transmitting and light-guiding material (e.g., water-based adhesive), so some of the illumination light will pass through the adhesive component 34 and illuminate the character A on the keycap 24 in the second direction D2. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the adhesive component 34 has a first contour 34A, and the dimming layer 36 has a second contour 36A smaller than the first contour 34A. The adhesive component 34 has a front-lamp region 342 in the first direction D1 of the light-emitting unit 26, and a rear-lamp region 343 in the third direction D3 of the light-emitting unit 26. The adhesive component 34 and the dimming layer 36 substantially overlap in the front-lamp region 342, but do not overlap in the rear-lamp region 343, exposing an unshaded area 344 on the adhesive component 34. The unshaded area 344 on the adhesive component 34 allows the illumination light to shine on the character A in the second direction D2.

[0035] The dimming layer 36 can be a dark coating (e.g., black ink) with light-blocking function, capable of blocking part of the illumination light directed in the second direction D2; alternatively, the dimming layer 36 can also be a light-colored coating (e.g., white ink) with partial light transmission function, utilizing its semi-transparent properties to provide partial illumination light to the corresponding key above. Alternatively, one or more light-transmitting dots 361 can be provided on the dimming layer 36 to adjust the amount of light projected onto the keycap 24. The material, area, thickness, and shape of the dimming layer 36 are not limited to the embodiments disclosed in the accompanying drawings and can be determined according to design requirements. The keycap 24 of one of the plurality of keys 12 of the present invention can achieve uniform illumination of the character A by adjusting the partial overlap area between the dimming layer 36 and the adhesive 34.

[0036] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the shape and positional relationship between the light-emitting unit 26, the dimming layer 36, and the adhesive component 34 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3As shown, in another embodiment, the adhesive 34 may include a first adhesive 54 and a second adhesive 56. The first adhesive 54 is C-shaped, and the second adhesive 56 is a rectangle with a relatively small area. The illumination light emitted by the light-emitting unit 26 irradiates the notch 54A of the first adhesive 54, that is, irradiates in the first direction D1. The second adhesive 56 is disposed near the notch 54A of the first adhesive 54. The second adhesive 56 is completely covered by the dimming layer 36. The dimming layer 36 includes a main block 58 and a protrusion 60. The protrusion 60 is trapezoidal and completely covers the second adhesive 56.

[0037] In addition, the dimming layer 36 may optionally have one or more light-transmitting holes 62 located on the protrusions 60 of the dimming layer 36, for slightly increasing the brightness of the character A on the keycap 24. In other possible variations, the light-transmitting holes 62 may also be located on the main block 58 of the dimming layer 36, and their position, size, and distribution may be determined according to design requirements.

[0038] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the shape and positional relationship between the light-emitting unit 26, the dimming layer 36, and the adhesive component 34 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, elements with the same numbering as those in the previous embodiment have similar positions and functions, and therefore will not be described again. Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the area 342 in front of the lamp of the adhesive component 34 substantially overlaps with the dimming layer 36, and the dimming layer 36 may slightly protrude from the adhesive component 34 along the first direction D1. The area 343 behind the lamp of the adhesive component 34 may partially overlap with the dimming layer 36. The adhesive component 34 may expose a portion of the unshaded area 344. The unshaded area 344 on the upper part of the adhesive component 34 allows the illumination light to illuminate the character A in the second direction D2. The adhesive component 34 in this embodiment may include a first adhesive 54 and a second adhesive 56. The first adhesive 54 is C-shaped, and the second adhesive 56 is a rectangle with a relatively small area. The illumination light emitted by the light-emitting unit 26 illuminates the notch 54A of the first adhesive 54, and the second adhesive 56 is disposed near the notch 54A of the first adhesive 54. The main block 58 of the dimming layer 36 is slightly smaller than the first adhesive 54 of the adhesive component 34, and the protrusion 60 of the dimming layer 36 is rectangular and does not completely cover the second adhesive 56 of the adhesive component 34.

[0039] In summary, the backlight module and illuminated keyboard of the present invention utilize the light-guiding properties of the adhesive component as auxiliary illumination, ensuring sufficient illumination for the key characters directly above the light-emitting unit. The adhesive component is completely covered by the dimming layer in the area in front of the light, but only a small portion of the adhesive component is covered by the dimming layer in the area behind the light; or the adhesive component is not covered by the dimming layer at all in the area behind the light. In this way, regardless of the location of the light-emitting unit in the backlight module, both the front and rear ends of the keycaps of the illuminated keys receive sufficient illumination, resulting in better illumination uniformity and halo continuity for the entire illuminated key.

[0040] To improve the uniformity of light emission from the main and sub-characters of the buttons, as well as the uniformity of the halo around multiple buttons, the following embodiments provide different designs. Please refer to... Figures 5 to 9 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the multi-layered stacking of the luminous keyboard 10 and the backlight module 18 in a derivative embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the illuminated keyboard 10 of a derivative embodiment of the present invention within the range of a single key 12. Figure 7 This is a partial overlay diagram of the illuminated keyboard 10 in a derivative embodiment of the present invention within the range of a single key 12. Figure 8 This is a partial top view of the light source circuit board in the area of ​​14 single buttons 12, which is a derivative embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the multilayer stacking of a single button 12 on the light source circuit board 14 of a derivative embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Please see Figures 5 to 7 ,like Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the backlit keyboard 10 includes multiple keys 12 and a backlight module 18. Each key 12 includes a keycap 24, a base plate 23, an elastic return member 20 connecting the keycap 24 and the base plate 23, and a lifting support mechanism 22 (shown only in the diagram). Figure 6 ) and a thin-film circuit board 16 located below the keycap 24, which generates key signals when the keycap 24 is pressed (only shown in Figure 6 The thin-film circuit board 16, the elastic recovery element 20, and the lifting support mechanism 22 are all light-transmitting. The keys 12 / keycaps 24 can have different shapes or sizes; for example, keys 12 can be square keys 12A (i.e., single-sized keys), multi-sized keys 12B, or other function keys. Keycaps 24 can have one or more characters as their light-emitting areas, such as the main character A1 and the sub-character A2; some keys 12 do not have characters, for example... Figure 5The space key 12C keycap 24 does not have a backlit area. In addition to the characters serving as the backlit area, the four sides of each keycap 24 can also emit light, allowing the user to see a rectangular halo to identify the boundary of the keycap 24. The base plate 23 has a frame 231a, multiple bridge ribs 231b, and ring ribs 231c. The multiple bridge ribs 231b are connected between the ring ribs 231c and the frame 231a, thus defining multiple light-transmitting edge holes 232b and inner holes 232c.

[0042] Please see Figures 5 to 7 ,like Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the backlight module 18 is positioned below multiple keys 12. The backlight module 18 includes a light source circuit board 14, a light guide plate 30, and a light-transmitting film 32. Each key 12 / keycap 24 on the backlit keyboard 10 corresponds to at least one light-emitting unit 26 on the light source circuit board 14. To control the light emission position and area of ​​the backlight module 18, the light-transmitting film 32 includes a light-transmitting area 320, an optical block 321, and an optical frame 322. The optical block 321 is adjacent to the central area of ​​the keycap 24 (or its projection), the optical frame 322 surrounds the outer and outer sides of the outline area of ​​the keycap 24, and the light-transmitting area 320 surrounds the optical block 321 and is located between the optical block 321 and the optical frame 322. As described in the dimming layer 36 of the aforementioned embodiments, the optical block 321 located directly above the light-emitting unit 26 may include a light-shielding block 321b (e.g., a dark or black coating) and a reflective block 321w (e.g., white or with a metallic coating). The light-shielding block 321b absorbs light or is opaque, while the reflective block 321w is partially transparent, partially reflective, or completely reflective (high reflectivity means low transmittance). The optical frame 322 is also similar to the dimming layer 36 described above, including a light-shielding frame 322b (e.g., a dark or black coating) and a reflective frame 322w (e.g., white or with a metallic coating). The aperture of the optical frame 322 defines the outer boundary of the light-transmitting area 320 and can also be used to control the amount of light emitted from the halo around the keycap 24. The outer diameter of the optical block 321 defines the inner boundary of the light-transmitting area 320. The light from the light-emitting unit 26 must be transmitted laterally outward beyond the light-shielding block 321b to have a chance of local light emission, or the light can continue to be transmitted outward beyond the reflective block 321w to fully emit light through the light-transmitting area 320. In other embodiments, especially when the light-emitting unit 26 uses a colored or multi-colored light source, the optical block 321 may include light-transmitting color blocks to adjust the uniformity of light emission and / or the light mixing effect.

[0043] Please see Figures 5 to 7 ,like Figures 5 to 7As shown, the light guide plate 30 is located between the light-transmitting film 32 and the light source circuit board 14. Specifically, the light guide plate 30 is located between the reflective block 321w and the reflective frame 322w of the light-transmitting film 32 and the reflective layer 142 of the light source circuit board 14, thus maximizing the light recovery to the light guide plate 30. When the light-emitting unit 26 uses a miniLED or microLED with lower luminous power, the effective recovery and lateral transmission of light are even more important. A micro-optical layer 31a can be provided on the upper or lower surface of the light guide plate 30 to guide the light upward and diffuse it out. The composition of the micro-optical layer 31a can be a micro-pattern composed of multiple micro-optical components (such as metallic paint or white paint), or a micro-pattern composed of concave and convex microstructures. Each individual micro-pattern in a top view or cross-section view may be a micro-dot, a micro-line, or an arbitrary shape. The micro-optical layer 31a is usually arranged below the light-transmitting area, such as the light-transmitting area 320 of the light-transmitting film 32 and multiple side holes 232b and inner holes 232c of the base plate 23. Regarding the functions of light recovery and light guidance, a similar design can be set on the reflective layer 142 of the light source circuit board 14, for example, a micro-optical layer 31b can be set on the reflective layer 142. In principle, the micro-optical layers 31a and 31b are set parallel to the light guide plate 30 and the light source circuit board 14, and the micro-optical layers 31a and 31b can be set individually or simultaneously to have a synergistic effect. The micro-optical layers 31a and 31b can also be set in a position where no light is emitted. For example, when the micro-optical layers 31a and 31b overlap with the frame 231a, multiple bridge ribs 231b and ring ribs 231c of the base plate 23, the effect of light recovery and diffusion can be enhanced, allowing more light to reach the side or corner of the light-transmitting area 320 / keycap 24.

[0044] Please see Figure 6 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 ,like Figure 6 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the light source circuit board 14 consists of a base layer 140, a light source circuit 141, and a reflective layer 142. The light source circuit 141 is located between the reflective layer 142 and the base layer 140. The light-emitting unit 26 is electrically connected to the light source circuit board 14 and its light source circuit 141, and the light-emitting unit 26 protrudes from the reflective layer 142. The light source circuit board 14 and its light source circuit 141 can be a circuit board corresponding to the overall size of the illuminated keyboard 10, or simply a long, narrow, flexible circuit board. Regardless of the size of the light source circuit board 14, the size of the reflective layer 142 and the light guide plate 30 and light-transmitting film 32 above it corresponds to the overall size of the illuminated keyboard 10. To avoid thermal expansion and contraction of materials during manufacturing or use, or to reduce interference of the light source circuit board 14 to the system's radio frequency signals, the base layer 140 can be a metal substrate. In this case, a spacer layer 143 can be added between the light source circuit 141 and the base layer 140 to ensure the normal operation of the light source circuit 141. (Reference) Figure 9 The light source circuit 141 may also include a copper mesh Cm to provide structural rigidity or radio frequency shielding. The presence of the copper mesh Cm will cause a micro-optical layer 31b to appear on the surface of the reflective layer 142. Even in practical applications without the copper mesh Cm, the micro-optical layer 31b can form a diffused light spot that guides the light by controlling the size of the reflective particles. The light source circuit 141 may include a pair of main conductors 141a and a pair of sub-conductors 141b. The main conductors 141a are high-voltage or low-voltage and are electrically connected to the light-emitting unit 26 through the pair of sub-conductors 141b. In addition to... Figure 8 Beyond the core micropatterns cMP1 / cMP2 located near the light-emitting unit 26 and the light-receiving aperture 31, within the projection range of the key 12 / keycap 24, the main guide line 141a and the sub-guide line 141b divide the micro-optical layer 31b into a pair of micropatterns oMP and a pair of micropatterns iMP. In this optimized configuration, the glue-free ring area 54B, the adhesive component 34, and its main adhesive 54 / sub-adhesive 56 / notch 54A are all located between the pair of micropatterns oMP; simultaneously, the glue-free ring area 54B, the adhesive component 34, and its main adhesive 54 / sub-adhesive 56 / notch 54A are also located between the pair of micropatterns iMP. In other words, it can also be said that a pair of separate micropatterns oMP are located on both sides of the light-emitting unit 26, or a pair of separate micropatterns iMP are located on both sides of the light-emitting unit 26.

[0045] In the optimal configuration of this invention, the sub-colloid 56 is located between the main colloid 54 and the upper main line 141a along a line C connecting the light-emitting element 26, the notch 54A, and the main line 141a, or along a line C connecting the light-emitting element 26, the sub-colloid 56, and the main line 141a. At this time, the distance Tc from the non-colloid ring region 54B to the main line 141a on this line C is greater than the distance Ta from the notch 54A to the main line 141a on this line C; and the distance Tc from the non-colloid ring region 54B to the main line 141a on this line C is greater than the distance Tb from the sub-colloid 56 to the main line 141a on this line C. Furthermore, the distance Tb from the sub-colloid 56 to the main line 141a on this line C is also greater than the distance Ta from the main colloid 54 to the main line 141a on this line C. Therefore, under the optimal configuration of the present invention, on a line C connecting the light-emitting element 26, the glue-free ring area 54B, the adhesive member 34 and the main guide line 141a, the distance Tc from the glue-free ring area 54B to the main guide line 141a on this line C is greater than the distance T from the adhesive member 34 to the main guide line 141a on this line C.

[0046] Please see Figures 6 to 9 ,like Figures 6 to 9As shown, the light entrance hole 31 of the light guide plate 30 is typically made relatively small to avoid unnecessary light loss before entering the light entrance hole 31. An adhesive component 34 can be used to ensure that the light-emitting unit 26 and the light entrance hole 31 maintain a fixed relative distance. The adhesive component 34 can also be selectively disposed between the light-transmitting film 32 and the light guide plate 30. However, the adhesive material can be disposed only at the gap between the corresponding buttons 12, or only at the outer periphery of the entire light-transmitting film 32. As described in the foregoing embodiments, the light-transmitting adhesive component 34 can be used for light adjustment. The adhesive component 34 may include a main adhesive 54 (i.e., the first adhesive) and a sub-adhesive 56 (i.e., the second adhesive).

[0047] The main colloid 54 is an annular colloid that surrounds both the light entrance hole 31 and the light-emitting unit 26 within the light entrance hole 31 of the light guide plate 30. The sub-colloid 56 is a colloid block that extends at least partially outward, and is farther from the light entrance hole 31 and the light-emitting unit 26 than the main colloid 54. The main colloid 54 may have a notch 54A, and the sub-colloid 56 is disposed adjacent to the notch 54A. The notch 54A and the sub-colloid 56 can be of arbitrary shapes and do not need to correspond exactly. The sub-colloid 56 may be completely detached from the outer diameter range of the main colloid 54, or partially connected to the main colloid 54, or completely connected to the main colloid 54 (the notch 54A is merely a notch). In some embodiments, the main colloid 54 and the sub-colloid 56 may be located on different surfaces of the light guide plate 30. Since the adhesive 34 is a good light channel, light can easily pass through or into the surface of the light guide plate 30. However, because the adhesive 34 is quite close to the light-emitting unit 26, this means that some light may frequently enter and exit the light guide plate 30 at the adhesive 34, causing transmission loss. In contrast, the notch 54A and the outwardly moved sub-adhesive 56 allow more light to pass laterally, thus providing more light along the line extending from the light-emitting unit 26 to the notch 54A / sub-adhesive 56. This is suitable for peripheral characters that are not easily illuminated, such as the sub-character A2. Under the aforementioned optimized design, to ensure sufficient light in the direction of the sub-adhesive 56 and improve backlight uniformity, the distance Da from the sub-adhesive 56 to the sub-character A2 is less than the distance Db from the main adhesive 54 to the sub-character A2. Similarly, the distance from the sub-adhesive 56 to the inner edge of the optical frame 322 of the light-transmitting film 32 (whether it is the light-shielding frame 322b or the reflective frame 322w) is less than the distance from the main adhesive 54 to the inner edge of the optical frame 322.

[0048] Please see Figure 7 and Figure 8 ,like Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, a non-adhesive ring area 54B is left between the adhesive component 34 and the light entrance hole 31 of the light guide plate 30. The non-adhesive ring area 54B is arranged around the light entrance hole 31. This can prevent the adhesive component 34 from shifting or overflowing during the printing process and sticking to the light-emitting unit 26, causing changes in light emission conditions or the light-emitting unit 26 to fall off (losing electrical connection with the light source circuit 141). Therefore, it is necessary for the non-adhesive ring area 54B to exist between the main adhesive 54 and the light entrance hole 31, and also between the sub-adhesive 56 and the light entrance hole 31. In this way, the distance from the sub-adhesive 56 to the inner edge of the optical frame 322 of the light-transmitting film 32 (whether it is the light-shielding frame 322b or the reflective frame 322w) will be less than the distance from the non-adhesive ring area 54B to the inner edge of the optical frame 322. Its significance is equivalent to the configuration of the notch 54A between the sub-adhesive 56 and the main adhesive 54, which is close to and points to the position where the character brightness or halo uniformity needs to be improved. In other words, the orthographic projections of the light-emitting unit 26, the notch 54A of the main body 54, and the outer character (sub-character A2) are on a straight line; since the sub-body 56 is close to the notch 54A of the main body 54, it can also be said that the orthographic projections of the light-emitting unit 26, the sub-body 56, and the outer character (sub-character A2) are on a straight line. However, if the halo of the keycap 24 in the area adjacent to the outer character is also considered, the size of the notch 54A can also be used to fine-tune the angle of light transmission; therefore, it can also be said that the outer character (and its projection) will be set within the fan-shaped area V formed by the extension of the light-emitting unit 26 and the notch 54A (e.g., Figure 10A (As illustrated in the illustration), or in other words, the outer characters will at least partially overlap with the fan-shaped area V; of course, the aperture Hx, or the edge wall 31a of the light guide plate 30, is preferably not within the fan-shaped area V formed by the extension of the light-emitting unit 26 and the notch 54A, to avoid severe light leakage. Furthermore, in different embodiments, the adhesive-free ring area 54B may be located on the upper surface and / or lower surface of the light guide plate 30.

[0049] Please see Figure 7 and Figure 8 ,like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in actual production, if the optical block 321 of the light-transmitting film 32 has too low light transmittance (e.g., the reflective block 321w is too thick or the reflective component concentration is too high), it may lead to insufficient light emission directly above the light-emitting unit 26, resulting in insufficient brightness of the nearby main character A1. One way to increase the light emission brightness is to increase the light emission amount in the area surrounding the light entrance hole 31 of the light guide plate 30. Therefore, the aforementioned micro-optical layers 31a / 31b can be arranged in the area surrounding the light entrance hole 31. For example... Figure 8In the optical layer 31a and / or 31b, an annular core micropattern cMP1 and a rectangular core micropattern cMP2 overlap with the optical block 321 and adhesive 34 of the light-transmitting film 32. The annular core micropattern cMP1 surrounds the light-receiving aperture 31 and the light-emitting unit 26, and the optical block 321 and / or the annular core micropattern cMP1 can overlap at least partially with one or any combination of the adhesive-free ring region 54B, the main adhesive region 54, the light-shielding block 321b, and the reflective block 321w. Since the reflective block 321w can be partially transparent, the more the core micropattern cMP1 extends beyond the light-shielding block 321b, the better the upward light emission. The rectangular core micropattern cMP2 can overlap at least partially with one of the notch 54A of the main adhesive 54 and the sub-adhesive 56, or overlap both simultaneously. Since the notch 54A transmits more lateral light, the density of the rectangular core micropattern cMP2 may need to be greater than that of the annular core micropattern cMP1 to provide better light emission uniformity. As a means of mitigating the excessive brightness of the notch 54A, a micro-dot-free region 54C may also be provided within the area of ​​the glue-free ring region 54B and the notch 54A. The micro-dot-free region 54C can be said to be located between the glued part 34 and the light entrance hole 31. Under the premise that the core micro pattern cMP1 and / or cMP2 exist, this can locally avoid increasing the light output at the location of the micro-dot-free region 54C.

[0050] Please see Figures 5 to 9 ,like Figures 5 to 9As shown, around any key 12 on the backlit keyboard 10, and even within the projection range of the keycap 24 of the key 12, there may be a channel Hx penetrating the backlit keyboard 10 and its backlight module 18. The channel Hx may serve as a heat dissipation hole for the computer system, or as an assembly structure hole for fixing the backlit keyboard 10 and its backlight module 18. The channel Hx is composed of through holes in each layer of the backlit keyboard 10 and its backlight module 18; specifically, the channel Hx runs from top to bottom through the thin film circuit board 16, the base plate 23, the light-transmitting film 32, the light guide plate 30, the reflective layer 142, and the light source circuit board 14. As mentioned earlier, more light will be transmitted laterally (via total internal reflection in the light guide plate 30) at the locations of the sub-colloid 56 and the notch 54A, while the edge wall 31a of the light guide plate 30 at the channel Hx will leak light. Therefore, to avoid light leakage, the light-emitting element 26, the notch 54A, and the channel Hx must not be on a straight line, or in other words, the light-emitting element 26, the sub-colloid 56, and the channel Hx must not be on a straight line. In short, by ensuring that the notch 54A and the sub-colloid 56 do not face the channel Hx, the amount of light leaking from the channel Hx can be significantly reduced. Under this optimized configuration, the distance from the adhesive-free ring area 54B to the edge wall 31a of the light guide plate 30 cross-section is greater than the distance from the adhesive component 34 to the edge wall 31a of the light guide plate 30, regardless of whether the light-leaking edge wall 31a is located in a closed through hole of the light guide plate 30, a semi-open half-hole on the straight edge of the light guide plate 30, or a straight sidewall on the outer side of the light guide plate 30. Although the design scheme and technical principle of this invention can be clearly explained through the above and following embodiments, these optimized designs are not easily replaceable design choices, because the inventors obtained these research results only after design verification, prototype verification, trial production correction, and mass production correction of several generations of product models.

[0051] It is important to emphasize that the characters on the keycaps 24 typically overlap with the light-transmitting area 320 of the backlight membrane 32 so that the light emitted from the backlight module 18 can illuminate the characters. However, the characters are often obscured by other components / structures, or there may be special relative positions and backlighting issues due to the design. In such cases, different methods are needed to address these issues. For example... Figure 7 In the diagram, the main character A1 overlaps with the optical block 321. Therefore, in practical applications, there may be several methods to increase the light output, such as increasing or widening the inner hole 232c of the base plate 23, or drilling holes in the optical block 321 (e.g., ...). Figure 3 Methods such as increasing the light transmittance of the optical block 321 include reducing the size of the light-blocking block 321b, thinning the optical block 321 or the reflective block 321w, etc.; or increasing the light output of the LED above and adjacent problem areas by arranging micro-optical layers 31a / 31b for the corresponding characters, increasing the density of the micro-optical layers 31a / 31b, widening the width of the adhesive 34, increasing the area of ​​the adhesive 34, etc. Figure 7In the above, the predicament of sub-character A2, besides being far from the light-emitting unit 26, is that sub-character A2 overlaps with the bridge rib 231b of the base plate 23. To address this, the width / area of ​​the notch 54A can be increased, the density of the micro-optical layers 31a / 31b corresponding to the two side holes 232b near sub-character A2 can be increased, and the sub-colloid 56 can be pushed outward (making the sub-colloid 56 farther from the light-emitting unit 26). Furthermore, because the notch 54A has a certain width and the light propagates outward with a certain diffusion angle, even if there is no opening perpendicular to sub-character A2 on the base plate 23, sub-character A2 can still be illuminated through the two side holes 232b near sub-character A2.

[0052] Please see Figure 10A and Figure 10B, Figure 10A This is a partial overlay diagram of the illuminated keyboard 10 in another embodiment of the present invention within the range of a single key 12; Figure 10B This is a partial overlay diagram of the illuminated keyboard 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing the area of ​​a single key 12. (See diagram below.) Figure 10A and Figure 10B As shown, Figure 10A Examples and Figure 7 The difference is that the main character A1, which has a large light-emitting area, is located between the straight inner edge of the optical frame 322 of the light-transmitting film 32 and the optical block 321, while the main character A1 is also partially blocked by the bridge rib 231b of the base plate 23; the sub-character A2 is located in the side hole 232b of the base plate 23. Figure 10A The main colloid 54 has a second notch 54A2 pointing towards the main character A1, and it is not paired with a sub-colloid 56. The size of the notches 54A and 54A2 can be proportional to the distance between the characters or to the light-emitting area of ​​the characters; in addition, the two pointing angles of the notches 54A and 54A2 are similar to or the same as the pointing angles of the two characters A1 / A2 (centered on the light-emitting unit 26). Since there is no sub-colloid 56 coupling light into and out of the light guide plate 30 at the notch 54A2, more light can be transmitted laterally to the three side holes 232b on the top and bottom, and then emitted to illuminate the main character A1. In other words, the notches 54 / 54A can be used alone, and pairing them with the sub-colloid 56 is not absolutely necessary. Furthermore, if necessary, micro-patterns MP can be set on the micro-optical layers 31a or 31b, and adhesive islands 56i can be added to the adhesive component 34 to overlap with the micro-patterns MP. These islands can also further overlap with the side holes 232b / main character A1 of the base plate 23; however, the adhesive islands 56i do not overlap with the optical block 321 or the optical frame 322. This will improve the light emission effect of the main character A1 through the light coupling effect of the adhesive islands 56i. Figure 10B Examples and Figure 10A The difference lies in that, in addition to sub-adhesive 56a pointing to sub-character A2, adhesive 34 further adds a second sub-adhesive 56b pointing to main character A1 at notch 54A2. Furthermore, Figure 10BIn the middle, the glued part 34 (including the main glue 56, notches 54A / 54A2, sub-glue 56a / 56b, and glue-free ring area 54B) is located between the main character A1 and the sub-character A2. This is the optimized design of the glued part 34 when the main character A1 and the sub-character A2 are located on opposite sides of the light-emitting unit 26.

[0053] Please see Figures 6 to 10B ,like Figures 6 to 10B As shown, to achieve excellent light uniformity, the relative size design of the adhesive component 34 and the optical block 321 on the light-transmitting film 32 needs further discussion. First, the outer diameter of the adhesive component 34 (including the main adhesive 54 and the sub-adhesive 56) is preferably larger than that of the light-shielding block 321b. This is because if the increased local light output of the main adhesive 54 is entirely absorbed or blocked by the light-shielding block 321b, it would undoubtedly be a pointless loss of light output. However, when the outer diameter of the adhesive component 34 is larger than the inner hole 232c of the base plate 23 and overlaps with the annular rib 231c of the base plate 23, the light path will depend on the material of the base plate 23. If the base plate 23 is made of a reflective metal or coated with reflective ink, the light can still be recovered. Secondly, if the outer diameter of the adhesive component 34 is larger than that of the reflective block 321w, it will cause the area to be brighter, unless the character is directly above it, or the portion of the adhesive component 34 extending beyond the reflective block 321w overlaps with the ring rib 231c of the reflective base plate 23. Generally, it is better for the outer diameter of the adhesive component 34 not to exceed that of the reflective block 321w. However, allowing part of the adhesive component 34 to extend beyond (expose) the reflective block 321w as needed is also an effective way to increase the controllable amount of light emitted. Based on the aforementioned configuration, the light-shielding block 321b overlaps with the area without adhesive ring 54B and the area without microdots 54C, and the outer diameter of the light-shielding block 321b is also larger than that of the area without adhesive ring 54B and the area without microdots 54C. In addition, the distance from the area without adhesive ring 54B to the inner edge of the optical frame 322 is also greater than the distance from the outer edge of the optical block 321 to the inner edge of the optical frame 322.

[0054] In summary, the present invention provides a light source circuit board, a backlight module, and an illuminated button. Through the optimized configuration of the aforementioned embodiments, the light source circuit board / backlight module / illuminated button of each embodiment of the present invention can achieve uniformity of light emission for a single key and the entire panel, and can also take into account the uniformity of light emission from characters between keys and the halo of light on the outline of keycaps, thus achieving the best backlight effect.

[0055] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is impossible to exhaustively list all the implementation methods here. All obvious variations or modifications derived from the technical solutions of the present invention are still within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A backlight module, characterized in that... Includes: A light-transmitting film has an optical block, an optical frame, and a light-transmitting area defined between the optical block and the optical frame; The reflective layer is located below the light-transmitting film; The light-emitting unit is located below the light-transmitting film and protrudes from the reflective layer; A light guide plate is located between the light-transmitting film and the reflective layer, and the light guide plate has a light entrance hole to accommodate the light-emitting unit; as well as At least one adhesive component, at least partially surrounding the light entrance hole of the light guide plate, the at least one adhesive component defines a ring-free area, the ring-free area being located between the at least one adhesive component and the light-emitting unit; The optical block is located above the light-emitting unit, and the distance from the adhesive-free ring area to the optical frame of the light-transmitting film is greater than the distance from the optical block to the optical frame.

2. The backlight module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The reflective layer contains at least one pair of separate micropatterns located on both sides of the light-emitting unit.

3. The backlight module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The light guide plate has a light-leaking edge wall, and the distance from the adhesive-free ring area to the edge wall of the light guide plate is greater than the distance from the at least one adhesive component to the edge wall.

4. The backlight module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The reflective layer comprises at least one pair of separate micropatterns located on both sides of the light-emitting unit, and the at least one adhesive comprises an island adhesive that at least partially overlaps with the at least one pair of separate micropatterns.

5. The backlight module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one adhesive component includes a main adhesive and a sub-adhesive, the main adhesive at least partially surrounding the light-emitting unit, and the main adhesive having a notch, the sub-adhesive at least partially overlapping the notch.

6. The backlight module as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The reflective layer includes at least one core micropattern disposed adjacent to the light-emitting unit, wherein the core micropattern overlaps with at least one of the adhesive-free ring region, the main colloid, the sub-colloid, and the notch of the main colloid.

7. The backlight module as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The distance from the subcolloid to the optical frame is less than the distance from the non-colloidal ring region to the optical frame.

8. The backlight module as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The backlight module also includes a channel that runs through the backlight module. The light-emitting unit and the notch of the main colloid extend to form a fan-shaped area, and the channel is not within the fan-shaped area.

9. The backlight module as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The reflective layer comprises at least one pair of separate micropatterns located on both sides of the light-emitting unit, and at least one of the adhesive-free ring area, the adhesive component, the main adhesive, the sub-adhesive, and the notch of the main adhesive is located between the at least one pair of separate micropatterns.

10. The backlight module as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The backlight module is used to illuminate at least one character of the backlit keyboard, and the distance from the sub-colloid to the at least one character is less than the distance from the main colloid to the optical frame.

11. The backlight module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The backlight module is used to illuminate the main characters of the backlit keyboard, and the optical block of the light-transmitting film overlaps at least partially with the main characters.

12. The backlight module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The backlight module is used to illuminate the main characters of the backlit keyboard, and the main characters are located between the optical block and the optical frame.

13. The backlight module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The backlight module is used to illuminate two characters on the backlit keyboard, and the rubber-free ring area is located between the two characters.

14. The backlight module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The backlight module is used to illuminate the characters of the backlit keyboard, and the at least one adhesive component has a notch, the light-emitting unit extends with the notch to form a fan-shaped area, and the character and the fan-shaped area at least partially overlap.

15. The backlight module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The optical block overlaps at least with one of the glue-free ring area and one of the at least one glued component.

16. The backlight module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The backlight module also includes at least one pair of wires located below the reflective layer, and at least one adhesive component located between the adhesive-free ring area and one of the at least one pair of wires. The distance from the adhesive-free ring area to one of the at least one pair of wires is greater than the distance from the at least one adhesive component to one of the at least one pair of wires.

17. A backlight module, characterized in that... Includes: A light-transmitting film has an optical block, an optical frame, and a light-transmitting area defined between the optical block and the optical frame; A reflective layer is located below the light-transmitting film. The upper surface of the reflective layer has two micro-patterns that are separately arranged. The light-emitting unit is located below the light-transmitting film and protrudes from the reflective layer; A light guide plate is located between the light-transmitting film and the reflective layer, and the light guide plate has a light entrance hole to accommodate the light-emitting unit; as well as At least one adhesive element is disposed on the reflective layer, the at least one adhesive element at least partially surrounds the light-emitting unit, and the at least one adhesive element is located between the two micropatterns.

18. A light-emitting button, characterized in that... Includes: A keycap, which contains at least one character; as well as The backlight module as described in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the backlight module is disposed below the keycap and the backlight module provides light to illuminate the at least one character.

19. A light source circuit board, characterized in that, The light source circuit board is used in a backlight module, which includes a light guide plate having a light entrance hole. The light source circuit board includes: grassroots level; A light source circuit is located on the substrate, the light source circuit comprising at least one pair of wires, the at least one pair of wires not intersecting at least partially; At least one light-emitting unit is electrically connected to the at least one pair of wires; A reflective layer covers the light source circuit, and the upper surface of the reflective layer has two micro-patterns that are separately arranged. as well as An adhesive component is disposed on the reflective layer. The adhesive component at least partially surrounds the light-emitting unit and at least partially surrounds the light entrance hole of the light guide plate. The adhesive component is made of a light-transmitting and light-guiding material. The light-guiding properties of the adhesive component are used as auxiliary lighting, and the adhesive component is located between the two micro-patterns.

20. The light source circuit board as described in claim 19, characterized in that, The adhesive comprises a main adhesive and a sub-adhesive, the main adhesive at least partially surrounding the light-emitting unit, and the main adhesive having a notch, the sub-adhesive at least partially overlapping the notch.

21. The light source circuit board as described in claim 20, characterized in that, The sub-colloid is located between the main colloid and one of the at least one pair of wires, and the distance from the sub-colloid to one of the at least one pair of wires is less than the distance from the main colloid to one of the at least one pair of wires.

22. The light source circuit board as described in claim 19, characterized in that, The reflective layer includes at least one core micropattern disposed adjacent to the light-emitting unit, and the core micropattern is at least partially located between the adhesive and the light-emitting unit.

23. The light source circuit board as described in claim 19, characterized in that, The adhesive component includes island adhesive that at least partially overlaps with at least one of the two micropatterns.

24. A backlight module, characterized in that... Include: A light-transmitting film has an optical block, an optical frame, and a light-transmitting area defined between the optical block and the optical frame; A light guide plate is located below the light-transmitting film. The light guide plate has a light entrance hole that corresponds to the optical frame. as well as The light source circuit board as described in any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the light source circuit board is located below the light guide plate.

Images