Key and light-emitting key

Abstract

The application discloses a key and a light-emitting key. The light-emitting key comprises a key cap, a pair of supports, a pair of elastic members and a lighting light source. The pair of supports support the key cap to perform lifting movement, and are oppositely arranged and pivotally connected to each other to define an internal space below the key cap. The pair of elastic members are respectively coupled to the pair of supports to be located at opposite sides of the internal space. The lighting light source is arranged in the internal space and between the pair of elastic members. During the lifting movement of the key cap, the vertical projections of the pair of supports all surround the internal space and do not interfere with the internal space, so that the lighting light passes through the internal space to irradiate the key cap. The key provided by the application has a substantially unobstructed internal space, which is beneficial to the spatial arrangement of key components and improves the feasibility of key development, especially the development of the light-emitting key. The light-emitting key has the structure of the substantially unobstructed internal space and the centrally arranged lighting light source, which can effectively improve the central backlight range and the light-emitting uniformity of the light-emitting key.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a button structure, and more specifically, to a button and an illuminated button. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional keys typically have a support mechanism that supports the keycap's up / down movement and a return unit that resets the support mechanism and keycap. Common return units include an elastomer (including a spring), and this elastomer (including the spring) is usually located in the center of the support mechanism. This results in the inefficient use of the central space of the key, further limiting the feasibility of key development (especially for backlit keys).

[0003] Generally, due to space constraints in the support mechanism and return unit, the illumination source for backlit keys is usually positioned off-center. This means the light can only illuminate the keycap from the side, resulting in uneven brightness of the characters. Furthermore, even if the illumination source can be positioned closer to the center of the key, the blocking effect of key components (such as the support mechanism and return unit) can weaken the light intensity or cause localized interference in the illuminated area, also leading to uneven brightness of the characters. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a key and an illuminated key, wherein the brackets correspond to an internal space below the keycap. During the keycap's lifting and lowering movement, the vertical projections of a pair of brackets surround the keycap without interfering with the internal space. Furthermore, the key can have a centrally placed illumination source, which can effectively increase the central backlight range and thus enhance the uniformity of illumination of the illuminated key.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes an illuminated button with a substantially unobstructed internal space structure and a centrally located illumination source, which effectively improves the uniformity of light emission of the illuminated button.

[0006] Specifically, in one embodiment, the present invention provides an illuminated key, which includes a keycap, a pair of brackets, a pair of elastic members, and an illumination source. The pair of brackets are used to support the keycap in lifting and lowering movements. The pair of brackets are arranged opposite to each other and substantially pivotally connected to define an internal space below the keycap. The pair of elastic members are respectively coupled to the pair of brackets and are located on opposite sides of the internal space. The illumination source is disposed in the internal space and located between the pair of elastic members. The illumination source provides illumination light. During the lifting and lowering movement of the keycap, the vertical projections of the pair of brackets surround the keycap without interfering with the internal space, so that the illumination light passes through the internal space and illuminates the keycap.

[0007] In one embodiment, the luminous button of the present invention further includes a light switch, wherein the light switch has a light signal path and the light signal path is arranged in a straight line with the lighting source.

[0008] In one embodiment, the luminous button of the present invention further includes a light shield, wherein the light shield at least partially blocks the light switch to isolate the light switch and the lighting source.

[0009] In one embodiment, the optical switch includes a transmitter and a receiver, wherein the transmitter emits an optical signal toward the receiver, and the light shield has a partition for isolating the transmitter and the receiver, and the partition has a hole that allows the optical signal to pass through.

[0010] In one embodiment, one of the supports has a blocking portion for selectively blocking the optical signal path in accordance with the movement of the support.

[0011] In one embodiment, the luminous button of the present invention further includes an optical element disposed between the illumination source and the keycap, the optical element being used to modulate the optical properties of the illumination light.

[0012] In one embodiment, each of the pair of brackets has a keycap end and a base plate end, and each of the pair of elastic members is coupled to the base plate end of the pair of brackets.

[0013] In one embodiment, the base plate end of one of the brackets is closer to the keycap end of the other of the brackets than the base plate end of the other of the brackets.

[0014] In one embodiment, when the keycap moves up and down, the pair of elastic members do not actually move up and down with the keycap's movement.

[0015] In one embodiment, the pair of brackets are substantially identical, wherein each of the pair of brackets is a U-shaped bracket and each has a pair of side arms, the pair of brackets are arranged opposite each other and substantially avoid the illumination area of ​​the illumination light without blocking the illumination light.

[0016] In one embodiment, a pair of side arms of one of the brackets and a pair of side arms of the other of the brackets are staggered along an axis.

[0017] In one embodiment, each bracket has an extension at its respective keycap end, wherein each extension extends from one of a pair of side arms of the corresponding bracket, such that the extension of one of the brackets corresponds to one of a pair of side arms of the other bracket, and the brackets have a substantially rectangular planar profile.

[0018] In one embodiment, each of the pair of brackets has a pair of bent structures, and each pair of bent structures is respectively disposed in the middle section of a corresponding pair of side arms, such that a pair of bent structures of one of the pair of brackets is correspondingly coupled to a pair of bent structures of the other pair of brackets in the direction parallel to the axis, so that the pair of brackets can be pivotally connected in a movable manner.

[0019] In one embodiment, each pair of bent structures includes a receiving portion and a pressing portion, wherein the pressing portion of one of the brackets interacts with the receiving portion of the other of the brackets, and the receiving portion of one of the brackets interacts with the pressing portion of the other of the brackets.

[0020] Furthermore, this invention also proposes a button with a substantially unobstructed internal space architecture, which facilitates the spatial configuration of button components and effectively enhances the feasibility of button development.

[0021] Specifically, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a key comprising a keycap, a pair of U-shaped supports, and a pair of elastic members. The pair of U-shaped supports supports the keycap for lifting and lowering movement. The pair of U-shaped supports are arranged opposite to each other and substantially pivotally connected along their axes. Each pair of U-shaped supports has a pair of parallel extending side arms, such that the four side arms of the pair of U-shaped supports form two sets of side arm groups that are parallel to each other and spaced apart, thereby defining an internal space between the keycap and the two sets of side arm groups. The pair of elastic members are respectively coupled to the pair of U-shaped supports and are respectively arranged parallel to each other on the adjacent sides of the two sets of side arm groups, so as to be located on opposite sides of the internal space. The pair of elastic members are respectively coupled to the pair of U-shaped supports along their vertical axes, and during the lifting and lowering movement of the keycap, the vertical projections of the pair of U-shaped supports and the pair of elastic members surround each other and do not interfere with the internal space.

[0022] In one embodiment, the pair of U-shaped brackets are substantially identical and each has a keycap end and a base plate end. The base plate end of one of the pair of U-shaped brackets is closer to the keycap end of the other pair of U-shaped brackets than the base plate end of the other pair of U-shaped brackets, and the pair of elastic members are each coupled to the base plate end of the pair of U-shaped brackets.

[0023] In one embodiment, each U-shaped bracket has an extension at its respective keycap end, and each extension extends from one of a pair of side arms of the corresponding U-shaped bracket, such that the extension of one of the pair of U-shaped brackets corresponds to one of the pair of side arms of the other of the pair of U-shaped brackets.

[0024] In one embodiment, a pair of side arms of one of the U-shaped brackets are staggered with a pair of side arms of the other U-shaped bracket along the axis.

[0025] In one embodiment, each of the U-shaped brackets has a pair of bending structures, and each pair of bending structures is respectively disposed in the middle section of a corresponding pair of side arms, such that a pair of bending structures of one of the U-shaped brackets is correspondingly coupled to a pair of bending structures of the other U-shaped bracket in the direction parallel to the axis, so that the pair of U-shaped brackets can be pivotally connected in a movable manner.

[0026] In one embodiment, the button of the present invention further includes an optical switch having an optical signal path, and one of the pair of U-shaped brackets has a blocking portion for selectively blocking the optical signal path in accordance with the movement of the pair of U-shaped brackets.

[0027] Compared to conventional technology, the button of the present invention provides a substantially unobstructed internal space, which is beneficial for the spatial configuration of button components and enhances the feasibility of button development, especially for the development of illuminated buttons. Furthermore, the illuminated button of the present invention has a substantially unobstructed internal space structure and a centrally located illumination source, which can effectively increase the central backlight range, thereby improving the light emission uniformity of the illuminated button.

[0028] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but this is not intended to limit the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a (light-emitting) button according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the (illuminated) button.

[0031] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A diagram showing the combination of (illuminated) keys with the keycaps omitted.

[0032] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A plan view of the (illuminated) button.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic plan view of a pair of supports and a pair of elastic members according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 6A This is a bottom view schematic diagram of a pair of brackets combined according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 6B This is a partially enlarged top view of a pair of brackets combined according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is a schematic diagram of an optical component from different viewing angles according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 8A and Figure 8B This is a schematic diagram of a light shield according to an embodiment of the present invention from different perspectives.

[0038] Figures 9A to 9C This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a (light-emitting) button according to an embodiment of the present invention. Implementation

[0039] To provide a further understanding of the purpose, structure, features, and functions of the present invention, detailed descriptions are provided below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0040] This invention provides a button with an unobstructed central internal space. Specifically, the button of this invention can be a computer keyboard button, but is not limited thereto. The button of this invention can be any button structure that requires effective utilization of the central internal space, such as an illuminated button, but is not limited thereto. Details of the button of an embodiment of this invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a (light-emitting) button according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the (illuminated) button. Figure 3 for Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the combination of (illuminated) keys with the keycaps omitted. Figure 4 for Figure 3 A plan view of the (illuminated) button. (See attached image.) Figures 1 to 4 As shown, in one embodiment, button 1 includes a keycap 10, a pair of supports 20A and 20B, a pair of elastic elements 30A and 30B, a base plate 50, and a light switch 60. In this embodiment, button 1 may further include an illumination source 40, an optical element 70, and a light shield 80 to serve as a light-emitting button. The details of button 1 will now be described using a light-emitting button as an example.

[0042] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the keycap 10 can be, for example, an injection-molded rectangular keycap, and the keycap 10 can be a light-transmitting keycap with a light-transmitting portion 12 for use in illuminated keys. For example, the light-transmitting portion 12 can be in the form of a character to represent the key input command. Furthermore, the lower surface of the keycap 10 has a coupling member that couples to the pair of supports 20A and 20B, so that the keycap 10 and the supports 20A and 20B can form a linkage relationship.

[0043] The base plate 50 serves as a structural strength support plate for the key 1 and has connectors 510A and 510B connecting the pair of supports 20A and 20B. In one embodiment, the base plate 50 is preferably formed by stamping a metal sheet. Connectors 510A and 510B are preferably hook-type connectors that bend and protrude from the surface of the base plate towards the keycap 10. Figure 1As shown, two connectors 510A for connecting bracket 20A and two connectors 510B for connecting bracket 20B are respectively disposed at opposite ends in the X-axis direction, and the two connectors 510A and two connectors 510B are staggered in the Y-axis direction. For example, connector 510A is closer to bracket 20B than connector 510B in the X-axis direction, and connector 510B is closer to bracket 20A than connector 510A in the X-axis direction. It should be noted that when other components of the button (e.g., circuit board 630) have sufficient structural strength, connectors 510A and 510B can be selectively disposed on the circuit board, eliminating the need for a base plate 50.

[0044] Corresponding to the arrangement of the key components, the base plate 50 may also have multiple positioning portions (e.g., 520, 530, 540) for positioning the optical component 70 and the light shield 80. For example, the positioning portion 520 may be a positioning structure that bends and protrudes from the surface of the base plate toward the keycap 10 and has a hole, with the hole extending along the X-axis direction. The positioning portion 530 may be a through hole extending through the base plate 50 in the Z-axis direction, thereby positioning portions 520 and 530 can be used to position the optical component 70. The positioning portion 540 may be a positioning structure that bends and protrudes from the surface of the base plate toward the keycap 10 and has a hole, with the hole extending along the Y-axis direction, thereby positioning portion 540 can be used to position the light shield 80. In this embodiment, the positioning portions 520, 530, and 540 are preferably arranged sequentially along the X-axis direction, such that the optical component 70 and the light shield 80 are arranged adjacent to each other along the X-axis direction. Although this embodiment illustrates a base plate 50 having multiple positioning portions 520, 530, and 540, the invention is not limited thereto. Depending on the application, the positioning portions of the base plate 50 can have various suitable shapes, numbers, and positions to position the corresponding components of the button. Furthermore, the base plate 50 may further have an opening 550 for accommodating components of the illumination source 40 and the light switch 60 (e.g., transmitter 620 and receiver 610). For example, the opening 550 is preferably an elongated opening along the X-axis direction, so that the illumination source 40, receiver 610, and transmitter 620 can be positioned along the X-axis direction and protrude from the surface of the base plate 50 through the opening 550. In this embodiment, the opening 550 is preferably a single opening adjacent to the positioning portions 520 and 540, but this is not a limitation. In other embodiments, the opening 550 may be implemented as including two adjacent sub-openings in the X-axis direction, and the two sub-openings may or may not be connected to each other.

[0045] Also refer to Figures 1 to 5 ,in Figure 5This diagram shows a plan view of a pair of supports 20A and 20B and a pair of elastic elements 30A and 30B. As shown, the supports 20A and 20B are positioned between the keycap 10 and the base plate 50 to serve as a support mechanism for the keycap 10 to move vertically, for example, relative to the base plate 50. The supports 20A and 20B are positioned opposite each other and substantially pivotally connected to define an internal space 200 below the keycap 10. The elastic elements 30A and 30B are coupled to the supports 20A and 20B respectively and are located on opposite sides of the internal space 200.

[0046] Specifically, such as Figure 5 , Figure 6A and Figure 6B As shown, Figure 6A This is a bottom view schematic diagram of a pair of brackets combined according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6B This is a partially enlarged top view of a pair of brackets according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the pair of brackets 20A and 20B are substantially identical, and each of the brackets 20A and 20B is a U-shaped bracket and each has a pair of side arms (for example, bracket 20A has a pair of side arms 220A1 / 220A2, and bracket 20B has a pair of side arms 220B1 / 220B2). The fact that the pair of brackets 20A and 20B are substantially identical means that when the U-shaped openings of the pair of brackets 20A and 20B are in the same direction (i.e., when one of the pair of brackets 20A and 20B is rotated 180 degrees), the vertical projections of the pair of brackets 20A and 20B substantially overlap, thereby reducing the cost of manufacturing different brackets. Furthermore, the side arms (e.g., 220A1 and 220A2) of one of the brackets (e.g., bracket 20A) are staggered with the side arms (e.g., 220B1 and 220B2) of the other bracket (e.g., bracket 20B) along an axis A1 (e.g., the Y-axis direction). For example, the brackets 20A and 20B are arranged opposite each other along the X-axis direction (i.e., the openings of the U-shaped brackets face each other), such that their side arms are arranged sequentially as 220A1, 220B2, 220A2, and 220B1 along axis A1 (e.g., the Y-axis direction). Each support 20A (or 20B) has a pair of side arms 220A1 and 220A2 (or 220B1 and 220B2) that extend substantially parallel, for example, parallel to the X-axis direction, such that the four side arms 220A1, 220A2, 220B1, and 220B2 of the pair of supports 20A and 20B form two sets of side arm groups, which are arranged parallel to each other at intervals. For example, the side arm 220A1 of support 20A and the side arm 220B2 of support 20B form one set of side arm groups, and the side arm 220A2 of support 20A and the side arm 220B1 of support 20B form another set of side arm groups, and the two sets of side arm groups are substantially parallel to each other across an internal space 200.

[0047] Each of the brackets 20A and 20B has a pair of bent structures (e.g., bracket 20A has a pair of bent structures 221A / 222A, and bracket 20B has a pair of bent structures 221B / 222B) respectively disposed in the middle section of the opposite side arms (e.g., 220A1 / 220A2, 220B1 / 220B2), such that the pair of bent structures (e.g., 221A, 222A) of one of the brackets (e.g., bracket 20A) and the pair of bent structures (e.g., 222B, 221B) of the other bracket (e.g., bracket 20B) are respectively coupled in a direction parallel to axis A1, so that the pair of brackets 20A and 20B are pivotally connected about axis A1. Figure 6A and Figure 6BAs shown, in one embodiment, a pair of bending structures of bracket 20A includes a receiving portion 221A and a pressing portion 222A respectively disposed in the middle sections of side arms 220A1 and 220A2 (for example, the receiving portion 221A is disposed in the middle section of side arm 220A1, and the pressing portion 222A is disposed in the middle section of side arm 220A2), and a pair of bending structures of bracket 20B includes a receiving portion 221B and a pressing portion 222B respectively disposed in the middle sections of side arms 220B1 and 220B2 (for example, the receiving portion 221B is disposed in the middle section of side arm 220B1, and the pressing portion 222B is disposed in the middle section of side arm 220B2). The pressing portion (e.g., 222A) of one of the brackets (e.g., bracket 20A) interacts with the receiving portion (e.g., 221B) of the other bracket (e.g., bracket 20B), and the receiving portion (e.g., 221A) of one of the brackets (e.g., bracket 20A) interacts with the pressing portion (e.g., 222B) of the other bracket (e.g., bracket 20B). Specifically, in one embodiment, the receiving portion 221A (or 221B) may be a hook structure that extends downward (i.e., in the Z-axis direction) from the inside of the side arm 220A1 (or 220B1) and extends downward at an angle relative to the extension direction (X-axis direction) of the side arm 220A1 (or 220B1) toward the keycap end 211A (or 211B). The pressing portion 222A (or 222B) may be a stepped structure extending outward (i.e., in the Y-axis direction) from the outside of the side arm 220A2 (or 220B2) to correspond to the receiving portion 221B (or 221A). When the brackets 20A and 20B are coupled to each other by the bending structure, the side arm 220A1 of the bracket 20A is located outside the side arm 220B2 of the bracket 20B, and the pressing portion 222B provided in the middle section of the side arm 220B2 protrudes toward the receiving portion 221A provided in the middle section of the side arm 220A1, so that the receiving portion 221A supports the pressing portion 222B, and the pressing portion 222B is partially located below the side arm 220A1. Similarly, the side arm 220B1 of the bracket 20B is located outside the side arm 220A2 of the bracket 20A, and the pressing portion 222A located in the middle section of the side arm 220A2 protrudes toward the receiving portion 221B located in the middle section of the side arm 220B1, so that the receiving portion 221B supports the pressing portion 222A, and the pressing portion 222A is partially located below the side arm 220B1. In this way, the pair of brackets 20A and 20B can be coupled to each other to form a scissor-type support mechanism.

[0048] Furthermore, each of the brackets 20A and 20B has a keycap end 211A, 211B and a base plate end 212A, 212B (for example, bracket 20A has a keycap end 211A and a base plate end 212A, and bracket 20B has a keycap end 211B and a base plate end 212B), and the pair of elastic members 30A and 30B are each coupled to the base plate ends 212A and 212B of the brackets 20A and 20B. For example, the keycap end 211A is the connecting end of the two arms 220A1 and 220A2 of the U-shaped bracket (e.g., 20A), and the base plate end 212A is the free end extending from the two arms 220A1 and 220A2. Similarly, the keycap end 211B is the connecting end of the two arms 220B1 and 220B2 of the U-shaped bracket (e.g., 20B), and the base plate end 212B is the free end extending from the two arms 220B1 and 220B2. The base plate end (e.g., 212A) of one of the brackets (e.g., bracket 20A) is closer to the keycap end (e.g., 211B) of the other bracket (e.g., bracket 20B) than the base plate end (e.g., 212B) of the other bracket (e.g., bracket 20B). Specifically, since the brackets 20A and 20B are coupled to each other to form a scissor-type support mechanism by a coupling structure (e.g., a receiving part and a pressing part) provided in the middle of the side arm, the free end (i.e., the base plate end) of the side arm of one bracket extends toward the keycap end of the other bracket.

[0049] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 6A As shown, corresponding to the connectors 510A and 510B of the base plate 50, the brackets 20A and 20B respectively have connecting portions 260A and 260B (for example, bracket 20A has connecting portion 260A, and bracket 20B has connecting portion 260B). The connecting portion 260A (or 260B) is preferably provided at the base plate end 212A (or 212B) of the side arms 220A1 and 220A2 (or 220B1 and 220B2), and can be a frame-shaped groove structure to couple with the hook-type connector 510A (or 510B). For example, the joints 260A and 260B located on the side arms 220A1 and 220B1 respectively can extend inward from the inner side of the corresponding side arm and protrude toward the other side arm of the U-shaped bracket (e.g., 220A2 and 220B2), and the joints 260A and 260B located on the side arms 220A2 and 220B2 can extend outward from the outer side of the corresponding side arm and protrude from the U-shaped bracket. In other words, the two joints 260A (or 260B) of the bracket 20A (or 20B) preferably extend in the same direction, so as to be located on the inner and outer sides of the bracket 20A (or 20B) respectively.

[0050] like Figure 5As shown, each bracket 20A (or 20B) has an extension 240A (or 240B) at its keycap end 211A (or 211B). The extension 240A (or 240B) extends from one of the paired side arms (e.g., 220A2, 220B2), such that the extension 240A of one of the brackets (e.g., bracket 20A) corresponds to one of the paired side arms (e.g., 220B1) of the other bracket (e.g., bracket 20B), and the brackets 20A and 20B have substantially rectangular planar outlines. Specifically, the extension 240A of bracket 20A extends along the Y-axis from the connecting end of the side arm 220A2 of bracket 20A, corresponding to or adjacent to the free end of the outer side arm 220B1 of bracket 20B. The extension 240B of the bracket 20B extends from the connecting end of the side arm 220B2 of the bracket 20B along the Y-axis direction to correspond to or be adjacent to the free end of the outer side arm 220A1 of the bracket 20A. In other words, the projection of the extension 240A (or 240B) and the corresponding side arm 220B1 (or 220A1) in the X-axis direction at least partially coincides, so that the brackets 20A and 20B have a substantially rectangular planar profile in the Z-axis direction, thereby improving the support and stability of the keycap 10.

[0051] like Figure 5 and Figure 6AAs shown, the pair of elastic elements 30A and 30B can be implemented in the form of springs, such as tension springs, and preferably, each of the elastic elements 30A and 30B is coupled to the base plate ends 212A and 212B of the pair of brackets 20A and 20B. Accordingly, each bracket 20A and 20B has a coupling portion 250A and 250B at its base plate end for coupling the elastic elements 30A and 30B. For example, the coupling portions 250A and 250B can be hook-type coupling portions that bend and protrude from the free end of the corresponding side arm toward the keycap 10. In one embodiment, the coupling portions 250A and 250B disposed on the side arms 220A1 and 220B1 are preferably disposed on the connecting portions 260A and 260B, such that the coupling portions 250A and 250B are closer to the other side arm 220A2 and 220B2 of the U-shaped bracket (or closer to the center of the opening of the U-shaped bracket) than the connecting portions 260A and 260B. The coupling portions 250A and 250B disposed on the side arms 220A2 and 220B2 are preferably disposed on the inner side of the corresponding side arm, so as to be opposite to the coupling portions 250A and 250B of the side arms 220A1 and 220B1. The two ends of the elastic element 30A are respectively sleeved on the coupling portion 250A of the side arm 220A1 of the bracket 20A and the coupling portion 250B of the side arm 220B2 of the bracket 20B. The two ends of the elastic element 30B are respectively sleeved on the coupling portion 250A of the side arm 220A2 of the bracket 20A and the coupling portion 250B of the side arm 220B1 of the bracket 20B. This makes the elastic elements 30A and 30B perpendicular to the axis A1 and coupled to the pair of brackets 20A and 20B. They are located on the adjacent sides of the side arm group (220A1 and 220B2) and the side arm group (220A2 and 220B1), respectively, so as to be located on opposite sides of the internal space 200. Therefore, when the keycap 10 moves up and down, the elastic elements 30A and 30B are coupled to the base plate ends 212A and 212B of the brackets 20A and 20B, so that the elastic elements 30A and 30B do not actually move up and down with the keycap 10, thereby improving the stability of the key 1 operation.

[0052] like Figure 5 As shown, by coupling the pair of U-shaped supports (e.g., 20A and 20B) with the aforementioned elastic elements 30A and 30B respectively, and arranging them on opposite sides of the internal space 200, the internal space 200 is substantially located in the central region of the vertical projection of the keycap 10. That is, the internal space 200 covers the central region of the vertical projection of the keycap 10, and the center of the internal space 200 is preferably substantially the center of the vertical projection of the keycap 10. During the lifting and lowering movement of the keycap 10, the vertical projections of the supports 20A and 20B and the elastic elements 30A and 30B surround and do not interfere with the internal space 200. In this way, the key 1 can have a substantially unobstructed internal space 200 structure, which helps in the spatial arrangement of key components and effectively improves the feasibility of key development (e.g., backlit keys).

[0053] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, one of the brackets (e.g., 20B) preferably has a blocking portion 230, which is used to trigger the optical switch 60 to generate a trigger signal. For example, the blocking portion 230 is preferably a baffle extending downward from the keycap end 211B of the bracket 20B, and the blocking portion 230 can move closer to or away from the optical switch 60 in response to the movement of the brackets 20A and 20B, thereby causing the optical switch 60 to generate a trigger signal.

[0054] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the optical switch 60 may include a transmitter 620, a receiver 610, and a circuit board 630. The circuit board 630 is disposed below the base plate 50 and has switching circuitry. The transmitter 620 and receiver 610 are disposed on the circuit board 630 at a distance from each other and are electrically connected to the switching circuitry of the circuit board 630. The transmitter 620 can emit an optical signal towards the receiver 610 along the optical signal path P, and when the intensity of the optical signal received by the receiver 610 changes, it triggers the optical switch 60 to generate a trigger signal. For example, the transmitter 620 can be any transmitter capable of emitting an optical signal with a suitable wavelength, and the optical signal emitted by the transmitter 620 can include electromagnetic waves, infrared light, or visible light. The receiver 610 can be any suitable receiver capable of receiving the corresponding optical signal. The transmitter 620 and receiver 610 are preferably arranged in a straight line, such that the optical signal path P between the transmitter 620 and receiver 610 is a straight path, but this is not a limitation. In this embodiment, the transmitter 620 and receiver 610 are disposed on opposite sides of the blocking portion 230 in the X-axis direction, such that the blocking portion 230 selectively blocks the optical signal path P (refer to later) in response to the movement of the brackets 20A and 20B. Figures 9A to 9C (See detailed description). Furthermore, corresponding to the optical component 70 and the shielding part 230, the circuit board 630 may have positioning holes 631 and 632 and a clearance groove 633, wherein the positioning holes 631 and 632 are used to position the optical component 70, and the clearance groove 633 allows the shielding part 230 to enter in order to increase the pressing stroke.

[0055] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the illumination source 40 is disposed within the internal space 200 and located between the elastic members 30A and 30B. The illumination source 40 provides illumination light and is preferably disposed substantially at the center of the internal space 200, that is, substantially at the center of the vertical projection of the keycap 10. During the lifting and lowering movement of the keycap 10, the vertical projections of the pair of supports 20A and 20B surround and do not interfere with the internal space 200, allowing the illumination light to pass through the internal space 200 without interference and illuminate the keycap 10. Figure 2As shown, the illumination light from the illumination source 40 has an illumination area 400, which substantially corresponds to the internal space 200. Specifically, the illumination range of the illumination area 400 on the keycap 10 is preferably substantially the same as the vertical projection of the internal space 200 onto the keycap 10, so that when the illumination light provided by the illumination source 40 shines on the keycap 10 through the internal space 200, it is substantially unaffected by the key components (i.e., non-optical elements). For example, the supports 20A and 20B are arranged opposite to each other, and the supports 20A and 20B, and the elastic elements 30A and 30B substantially avoid the illumination area 400 of the illumination light and do not block the illumination light. In other words, in the illumination area 400 of the illumination light, there are substantially no actuating components (such as support mechanisms and return units) supporting the up-and-down movement of the keycap and no switching elements generating trigger signals, so that the illumination source 40, which is centrally located in the substantially unobstructed internal space 200, can effectively improve the uniformity of light emission of the illuminated keys. It should be noted here that... Figure 4 Although the illustration shows elastic elements 30A and 30B located outside the internal space 200, this is not a limitation. Depending on the actual application, the illumination area 400 of the illumination source 40 can be a bowl-shaped area. With the brackets 20A and 20B and the elastic elements 30A and 30B substantially avoiding the illumination area 400, for example, with the elastic elements 30A and 30B positioned below and outside the bowl-shaped illumination area 400, the illumination range of the keycap 10 can be larger than the illustrated internal space 200. From another perspective, the elastic elements 30A and 30B can be located within the internal space 200, meaning the internal space 200 can encompass the area where the elastic elements 30A and 30B are located.

[0056] Corresponding to the arrangement of the illumination source 40, the circuit board 630 preferably has a light source circuit for driving the illumination source 40. The illumination source 40 can be disposed on the circuit board 630 and electrically connected to the light source circuit of the circuit board 630 to provide illumination light emitted towards the light-transmitting portion 12 of the keycap 10. In one embodiment, the illumination source 40 is preferably a light-emitting diode, and the wavelength of the light emitted by the illumination source 40 is preferably different from the wavelength of the light signal emitted by the transmitter 620 to reduce interference, but this is not a limitation. Figure 2 and 4As shown, the illumination source 40 is preferably positioned in the center of the internal space 200, that is, substantially located in the center of the vertical projection range of the keycap 10 onto the base plate 50, to effectively enhance the central backlight range and thus strengthen the uniformity of the backlighting of the illuminated keys. The illumination source 40 is preferably arranged in a straight line with the light signal path P. For example, the illumination source 40 is preferably located on the extension line of the light signal path P of the transmitter 620 and the receiver 610, such that the illumination source 40, receiver 610, and transmitter 620 are arranged in a straight line along the X-axis direction, but this is not a limitation. Depending on the actual application, the illumination source 40, transmitter 620, and receiver 610 may have different configuration relationships. For example, the positions of the transmitter 620 and receiver 610 can be interchanged, such that the illumination source 40, transmitter 620, and receiver 610 are arranged in a straight line along the X-axis direction.

[0057] Also refer to Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 7A and Figure 7B , Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is a schematic diagram of an optical component from different viewing angles according to an embodiment of the present invention. Depending on the requirements of optical modulation, an optical component 70 for modulating the optical properties of the illumination light may be provided in the illumination area 400. The optical component 70 is disposed between the illumination source 40 and the keycap 10 to modulate the optical properties of the illumination light. Specifically, the optical component 70 may be a lens element in the form of a photomask, and the optical component 70 preferably covers the illumination source 40. In one embodiment, the optical component 70 may have a body 740 and positioning members 710 and 720. The body 740 is used to modulate the optical properties of the illumination light, so that the illumination light passing through the body 740 has the desired optical properties, such as adjusting the direction and uniformity of the illumination light. The positioning members 710 and 720 are disposed at appropriate positions on the body 740 to position the optical component 70 on the base plate 50. For example, positioning members 710 and 720 may be in the form of protruding pillars, wherein positioning member 710 protrudes outward and downward from one side of the body 740 (e.g., the side away from the light shield 80), and positioning member 720 protrudes downward from below the body 740. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, when the optical component 70 is disposed on the base plate 50, the optical component 70 covers the illumination source 40, the positioning component 710 engages with the positioning part 520 and extends downward through the opening 550 into the positioning hole 631 of the circuit board 630, and the positioning component 720 passes through the positioning part 530 and is inserted downward into the positioning hole 632 of the circuit board 630.

[0058] Furthermore, the optical component 70 may further have a limiting portion 730, which is used to limit or position the light shield 80. In one embodiment, the limiting portion 730 is disposed on the side of the body 740 adjacent to the light shield 80, and the limiting portion 730 may be in the form of a notch to accommodate the alignment portion 820 of the light shield 80.

[0059] Please refer to Figure 8A and Figure 8B , Figure 8A and Figure 8B This is a schematic diagram of a light shield according to an embodiment of the present invention from different viewing angles. Figure 8A and Figure 8B As shown, the light shield 80 at least partially shields the optical switch 60 to isolate the optical switch 60 and the illumination source 40. Specifically, the light shield 80 can substantially cover the transmitter 620 and the receiver 610, and the light shield 80 may have a partition 810 for isolating the transmitter 620 and the receiver 610. The partition 810 has an aperture 812 that allows light signals to pass through. The partition 810 extends downward from the light shield 80, such that the transmitter 620 and the receiver 610 are located on opposite sides of the partition 810 in the X-axis direction. The aperture 812 is preferably positioned on the partition 810 aligned with the light signal path P, so that while the transmitter 620 and the receiver 610 are isolated by the partition 810, the light signal emitted by the transmitter 620 can reach the receiver 610 through the aperture 812.

[0060] In one embodiment, the light shield 80 may have an alignment portion 820, a locking portion 840, a channel 830, and an extension portion 850. The alignment portion 820 is disposed corresponding to the limiting portion 730 of the optical element 70, and the alignment portion 820 may be a block extending from the side of the light shield 80 adjacent to the optical element 70 toward the optical element 70. When the light shield 80 and the optical element 70 are disposed adjacent to each other along the X-axis direction, the block-shaped alignment portion 820 is placed in the recessed limiting portion 730 to position the light shield 80. The locking portion 840 is disposed on opposite sides of the light shield 80 along the Y-axis direction to correspond to the positioning portion 540 of the base plate 50. When the light shield 80 is disposed on the base plate 50, the locking portion 840 and the positioning portion 540 engage with each other to position the light shield 80. The channel 830 is provided with the shielding portion 230 corresponding to the bracket 20B and preferably at least partially coincides with the clearance groove 633 of the circuit board 630 in the Z-axis direction, so that the shielding portion 230 can move in the channel 830 to selectively block the optical signal path P (or be located between the transmitter 620 and the receiver 610) and enter and exit the clearance groove 633. The extension portion 850 extends from the end of the light shield 80 away from the optical component 70, so that when the light shield 80 is provided on the base plate 50, the extension portion 850 extends below the bracket 20B and is located on the base plate 50 to improve the positioning effect of the light shield 80.

[0061] For reference Figures 9A to 9C Explain the operation of (illuminated) key 1 (keycap 10 not shown). Figures 9A to 9C This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a (light-emitting) button according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9AAs shown, when button 1 is in the unpressed state (or initial state), the brackets 20A and 20B are positioned higher than the base plate 50, and the blocking part 230 is located at the upper end of the channel 830 of the light shield 80 and away from the light switch 60. In this state, the transmitter 620 emits a light signal, and the light signal reaches the receiver 610 through the aperture 812 of the light shield 80, so that the receiver 610 receives a light signal with a first intensity. Figure 9B As shown, when pressure is applied to the keycap 10, causing the supports 20A and 20B to move downwards relative to the base plate 50 to the trigger position, the blocking part 230 moves downwards in the channel 830 into the optical signal path P, such that the blocking part 230 is located between the transmitter 620 and the receiver 610 and at least partially blocks the aperture 812. In this state, the transmitter 620 emits an optical signal, and the optical signal is at least partially blocked by the blocking part 230, so that the optical signal cannot pass through the aperture 812 of the light shield 80 in a substantial or very small amount to reach the receiver 610. Therefore, the receiver 610 receives an optical signal with a second intensity. In other words, the second intensity is less than the first intensity, or the second intensity is substantially zero. This triggers the optical switch 60 to generate a trigger signal. Figure 9C As shown, when key 1 is triggered and keycap 10 is pressed continuously, causing brackets 20A and 20B to continue moving downward relative to the base plate 50 to a lower position, the blocking part 230 continues to move downward in the channel 830 into the relief groove 633 of the circuit board 630, thereby increasing the pressing stroke of key 1. When the pressing force is released, the restoring force provided by the elastic elements 30A and 30B allows brackets 20A and 20B to drive keycap 10 back to the unpressed state (i.e., as shown). Figure 9A (The state shown).

[0062] In the above Figures 9A to 9CDuring the operation of button 1, since elastic elements 30A and 30B are connected to the base plates 212A and 212B of brackets 20A and 20B, the movement of elastic elements 30A and 30B in the Z-axis direction is very small, and can be considered as not moving up and down with the lifting and lowering of keycap 10. In other words, elastic elements 30A and 30B can be considered as only stretching in the X-axis direction, significantly improving the operational stability of button 1. Furthermore, since the elastic elements 30A and 30B are located on opposite sides of the internal space 200, during the lifting and lowering movement of the keycap 10, the vertical projections of the brackets 20A and 20B and the elastic elements 30A and 30B surround and do not interfere with the internal space 200 (or the elastic elements 30A and 30B are located in the internal space 200 and simultaneously below and outside the illumination area 400). As a result, the illumination light emitted by the illumination source 40, which is actually centrally located in the internal space 200, is not interfered with by the brackets 20A and 20B and the elastic elements 30A and 30B, and illuminates the keycap 10 through the substantially uninterrupted internal space 200. That is, there are no non-optical key components in the illumination area 400 of the illumination light, thereby effectively improving the uniformity of key illumination.

[0063] It should be noted that while the above embodiments use an optical switch as an example, the implementation is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the optical switch can be replaced by other switches, such as a Hall effect switch. In one embodiment, a magnetic element can be disposed on a bracket, and a Hall effect sensor can be disposed corresponding to the magnetic element. This allows the relative position of the magnetic element and the Hall effect sensor to change according to the movement of the bracket, thereby changing the intensity of the sensing signal of the Hall effect sensor and generating a trigger signal. In another embodiment, the transmitter and receiver described above can be implemented as a magnetic element and a Hall effect sensor, such that the blocking part moves relative to the magnetic element and the Hall effect sensor to change the signal intensity sensed by the Hall effect sensor, thereby generating a trigger signal.

[0064] Compared to conventional technology, the button of the present invention provides a substantially unobstructed internal space, which is beneficial for the spatial configuration of button components and enhances the feasibility of button development, especially for the development of illuminated buttons. Furthermore, the illuminated button of the present invention has a substantially unobstructed internal space structure and a centrally located illumination source, which can effectively increase the central backlight range, thereby improving the light emission uniformity of the illuminated button.

[0065] Of course, the present invention may have other various embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various corresponding changes and modifications according to the present invention, but these corresponding changes and modifications should all fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A light-emitting button, characterized in that... Include: keycap; A pair of supports for supporting the keycap in a lifting and lowering motion, the pair of supports being arranged opposite each other and pivotally connected to define an internal space under the keycap; A pair of elastic members, respectively coupled to the pair of brackets, are located on opposite sides of the internal space; as well as An illumination source is disposed in the internal space and located between the pair of elastic members. The internal space is located in the central region of the vertical projection of the keycap, and the center of the internal space is the center of the vertical projection of the keycap, so that the illumination source is disposed in the center of the vertical projection of the keycap and the illumination source provides illumination light. During the keycap's lifting and lowering movement, the vertical projections of the two supports surround the keycap without interfering with the internal space, allowing the illumination light to pass through the internal space and illuminate the keycap. The illuminated button further includes an optical switch, wherein the optical switch has an optical signal path and the optical signal path is arranged in a straight line with the lighting source; The illuminated button further includes a light shield, wherein the light shield at least partially covers the light switch to isolate the light switch and the lighting source; The optical switch includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter emits an optical signal toward the receiver. The light shield has a partition for isolating the transmitter and the receiver, and the partition has a hole that allows the optical signal to pass through.

2. The luminous button according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the brackets has a blocking portion that selectively blocks the optical signal path in accordance with the movement of the bracket.

3. The luminous button according to claim 1, characterized in that, The illuminated key further includes an optical element disposed between the illumination source and the keycap, the optical element being used to modulate the optical properties of the illumination light.

4. The luminous button according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the two brackets has a keycap end and a base plate end, and each of the two elastic elements is coupled to the base plate end of the two brackets.

5. The luminous button according to claim 4, characterized in that, The base plate end of one of the brackets is closer to the keycap end of the other of the brackets than the base plate end of the other of the brackets.

6. The luminous button according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the keycap moves up and down, the pair of elastic elements do not move up and down with the keycap.

7. The luminous button according to claim 4, characterized in that, The pair of brackets are identical, each of them being a U-shaped bracket with a pair of side arms. The pair of brackets are positioned opposite each other and avoid the area illuminated by the lighting light without blocking it.

8. The luminous button according to claim 7, characterized in that, One pair of side arms of the bracket is staggered with the other pair of side arms of the bracket along the axis.

9. The luminous button according to claim 7, characterized in that, Each bracket has an extension at its respective keycap end, each extension extending from one of a pair of side arms of the corresponding bracket, such that the extension of one of the brackets corresponds to one of the pair of side arms of the other bracket, and the brackets have a rectangular planar profile.

10. The luminous button according to claim 8, characterized in that, Each of the two brackets has a pair of bent structures, and each pair of bent structures is respectively located in the middle section of the corresponding pair of side arms, so that the pair of bent structures of one of the brackets is coupled to the pair of bent structures of the other bracket in a direction parallel to the axis, so that the two brackets can be pivotally connected in a movable manner.

11. The luminous button according to claim 10, characterized in that, Each pair of bending structures includes a receiving part and a pressing part. The pressing part of one of the brackets interacts with the receiving part of the other bracket, and the receiving part of one of the brackets interacts with the pressing part of the other bracket.

12. A button, characterized in that... Include: keycap; A pair of U-shaped supports for supporting the keycap's lifting and lowering movement. The pair of U-shaped supports are positioned opposite each other and pivotally connected along an axis. Each pair of U-shaped supports has a pair of parallel extending side arms, forming two sets of side arm groups. These two sets of side arm groups are parallel to each other and spaced apart, defining an internal space between the keycap and the two sets of side arm groups. This internal space is located in the central region of the keycap's vertical projection, and the center of this internal space is the center of the keycap's vertical projection. A centrally located lighting source can be positioned within this internal space. A pair of elastic members are respectively coupled to the pair of U-shaped brackets and are respectively arranged parallel to each other on the adjacent sides of the two sets of side arms, so as to be located on opposite sides of the internal space. The pair of elastic elements are respectively coupled to the pair of U-shaped brackets perpendicular to the axis. During the lifting and lowering movement of the keycap, the vertical projections of the pair of U-shaped brackets and the pair of elastic elements surround the internal space without interfering with it. The button further includes a light switch, wherein the light switch has a light signal path and the light signal path is arranged in a straight line with the lighting source; The button further includes a light shield, wherein the light shield at least partially covers the light switch to isolate the light switch and the lighting source; The optical switch includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter emits an optical signal toward the receiver. The light shield has a partition for isolating the transmitter and the receiver, and the partition has a hole that allows the optical signal to pass through.

13. The button according to claim 12, characterized in that, The pair of U-shaped brackets are identical and each has a keycap end and a base plate end. The base plate end of one of the pair of U-shaped brackets is closer to the keycap end of the other pair of U-shaped brackets than the base plate end of the other pair of U-shaped brackets, and the pair of elastic elements are each coupled to the base plate end of the pair of U-shaped brackets.

14. The button according to claim 13, characterized in that, Each U-shaped bracket has an extension at its respective keycap end, and each extension extends from one of the pair of side arms of the corresponding U-shaped bracket, such that the extension of one of the pair of U-shaped brackets corresponds to one of the pair of side arms of the other pair of U-shaped brackets.

15. The button according to claim 12, characterized in that, The pair of side arms of one of the U-shaped brackets are staggered with the pair of side arms of the other U-shaped bracket along the axis.

16. The button according to claim 12, characterized in that, Each pair of U-shaped supports has a pair of bending structures, and each pair of bending structures is respectively set in the middle section of the corresponding pair of side arms, so that the pair of bending structures of one of the U-shaped supports is coupled to the pair of bending structures of the other U-shaped support in a direction parallel to the axis, so that the pair of U-shaped supports can be pivotally connected in a movable manner.

17. The button according to claim 12, characterized in that, One of the U-shaped brackets has a blocking portion that selectively blocks the optical signal path in accordance with the movement of the corresponding U-shaped bracket.

Images