Luminous key

Abstract

The invention discloses a light-emitting key which comprises a bottom plate, a key cap, a light-emitting source arranged on the bottom plate and a light guide element. The key cap is provided with a light-transmitting area and can be connected to the upper portion of the bottom plate in an up-down moving mode. The light guide element comprises an actuating part and a light incident part connected with the actuating part. The light incident part is provided with a first light reflecting surface and is arranged above the bottom plate, so that the first light reflecting surface is positioned above the light emitting source. The actuating part is provided with a second reflective surface far away from the first reflective surface and is arranged between the bottom surface of the keycap and the switch contact. Light emitted by the luminous source enters the light guide element, is reflected by the first reflective surface, is guided by the light guide element and is emitted from the front surface of the actuating part so as to uniformly irradiate the light-transmitting area. The second reflective surface reflects light emitted to the second reflective surface. The brightness of the light-transmitting area of the light-emitting keycap is more uniform.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a light-emitting key, and more particularly to a light-emitting key in which light emitted from a light source can uniformly irradiate a light-transmitting area of a keycap. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, the light-emitting key generally uses a light source to directly emit light to irradiate the light-transmitting area of the keycap. Further, in order to achieve the up-and-down movement and actuation triggering of the keycap, the light-emitting key in the prior art is further provided with a dome-shaped elastic actuator and a lifting device (for example, a scissor-type lifting device).

[0003] However, due to the limitations of components such as the dome-shaped elastic actuator and the lifting device, the light-emitting key in the above prior art can only arrange the light source below one side of the keycap, resulting in the light emitted by the light source being unable to uniformly irradiate the light-transmitting area of the keycap. That is to say, for the light-emitting key in the above prior art, when the light source emits light, the appearance of the keycap shows the defect that one side is darker and the other side is brighter. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the problems in the prior art, the present invention provides a light-emitting key to solve the above problems.

[0005] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a light-emitting key, which includes: A bottom plate; A keycap having a light-transmitting area and movably connected to the bottom plate in an up-and-down manner so that the keycap can move between an unpressed position and a pressed position of the key relative to the bottom plate; A light source disposed on the bottom plate; and A light guide element including an actuating portion and a light-incident portion connecting the actuating portion. The light-incident portion has a first reflecting surface, and the actuating portion has a second reflecting surface away from the first reflecting surface. The light-incident portion is placed above the bottom plate so that the first reflecting surface is located above the light source. The light emitted by the light source enters the light guide element and is reflected by the first reflecting surface, and part of the light is guided by the light guide element to exit from the front surface of the actuating portion. At the same time, the second reflecting surface reflects the light incident on the second reflecting surface and then exits from the front surface of the actuating portion.

[0006] As an optional technical solution, the light-emitting key further includes: A flexible printed circuit board placed on the bottom plate, and the light source is electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board; A switch contact formed on the flexible printed circuit board; and An elastic dome body is fixed to the flexible printed circuit board so that the switch contact is located directly below the elastic dome body. At least the inner surface of the elastic dome body is made of a conductive material. The actuating part abuts against the bottom surface of the keycap and the top of the elastic dome body. Wherein, when the keycap moves to the pressing position, the actuating part deforms the elastic dome body, and then the inner surface of the elastic dome body contacts the switch contact to conduct the switch contact. Wherein, when the keycap is released and moves to the non-pressing position, the elastic dome body returns to its original shape, and then the inner surface of the elastic dome body separates from the switch contact.

[0007] As an optional technical solution, the light incident part further has a depression opposite to the first reflecting surface. The light incident part is placed above the flexible printed circuit board so that the depression is located above the light source. The light emitted by the light source enters the light guide element from the depression.

[0008] As an optional technical solution, the range of the first included angle between the first normal line of the first reflecting surface and the second normal line of the flexible printed circuit board is from 120 degrees to 150 degrees.

[0009] As an optional technical solution, the range of the second included angle between the third normal line of the second reflecting surface and the second normal line of the flexible printed circuit board is from 30 degrees to 60 degrees.

[0010] As an optional technical solution, the light guide element further includes an actuating column formed on the back surface of the actuating part and pressing against the elastic dome body.

[0011] As an optional technical solution, the actuating part defines a central axis passing through the actuating column and parallel to the first reflecting surface. The illuminated key further includes a reflecting layer covering the second reflecting surface and the front surface on the side of the central axis away from the first reflecting surface.

[0012] As an optional technical solution, the actuating part further has a side surface adjacent to the front surface and the second reflecting surface. The light guide element further includes N positioning parts, where N is a natural number. The N positioning parts extend outward from the side surface, and each positioning part has a through positioning hole. The keycap correspondingly includes N positioning columns formed on the bottom surface, and each positioning column corresponds to a positioning hole and passes through its corresponding positioning hole.

[0013] As an optional technical solution, the elastic dome body is formed by a metal sheet; or, the elastic dome body is formed by mixing a polymer material with multiple graphite particles or multiple metal particles.

[0014] As an alternative technical solution, the elastic dome is formed of a polymer material, and the elastic dome further includes a metal film that partially covers the inner surface of the elastic dome.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, a light guide element is provided in the light-emitting button of the present invention, so that the light emitted by the light source in the light-emitting button can irradiate the light-transmitting area of the keycap more evenly. Further, a reflective layer is provided on the side of the light guide element away from the light source to increase the brightness of the part of the light-transmitting area away from the light source, and further make the brightness of the light-transmitting area of the light-emitting keycap uniform.

[0016] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but it is not intended to limit the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 It is an exploded view of the components and parts of the light-emitting button of the preferred specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the components and parts of the light-emitting button of the preferred specific embodiment of the present invention after assembly and along the Figure 1 line A-A in the figure.

[0019] Figure 3 It is a top view of the necessary component - the light guide element of the light-emitting button of the preferred specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 It is a schematic view from the bottom perspective of the necessary component - the light guide element of the light-emitting button of the preferred specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 It is a schematic view from the bottom perspective of the necessary component - the light guide element of a variant of the light-emitting button of the preferred specific embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0022] In order to further understand the purpose, structure, features and functions of the present invention, the following is a detailed description in conjunction with the embodiments.

[0023] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 , these drawings schematically depict the light-emitting button 1 according to the preferred specific embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 It is a schematic exploded view of the components and parts of the light-emitting button 1 according to the preferred specific example of the present invention. Figure 2 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the components and parts of the light-emitting button 1 according to the preferred specific example of the present invention after assembly and along the Figure 1 line A-A in the figure. Figure 3Top view of the light guide element 14, which is an essential component of the illuminated button 1 according to a preferred specific embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 Schematic view of the bottom perspective of the light guide element 14, which is an essential component of the illuminated button 1 according to a preferred specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] As Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the illuminated button 1 according to a preferred specific embodiment of the present invention includes a bottom plate 10, a keycap 12, a light source 13, and a light guide element 14.

[0025] The keycap 12 has a light-transmitting area 120. The keycap 12 is movably connected to the bottom plate 10 in an up-and-down manner, so that the keycap 12 can move relative to the bottom plate 10 between the unpressed position and the pressed position of the illuminated button 1. As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, in this embodiment, two pairs of receiving members 102 are formed on the bottom plate 10. Two pairs of receiving grooves 126 are correspondingly formed on the bottom surface 122 of the keycap 12. The keycap 12 is connected to the bottom plate 10 in an up-and-down movable manner by engaging the receiving grooves 126 with the receiving members 102. In one embodiment, the two pairs of receiving grooves 126 are symmetrically arranged on the bottom surface 122 of the keycap 12..

[0026] In one embodiment, the light source 13 is disposed on the bottom plate 10. The light guide element 14 includes an actuating portion 140 and a light-incoupling portion 142, and the light-incoupling portion 142 is used to connect the actuating portion 140. The light-incoupling portion 142 has a first reflecting surface 1420. The actuating portion 140 has a second reflecting surface 1400 away from the first reflecting surface 1420. The light-incoupling portion 142 is placed above the bottom plate 10 so that the first reflecting surface 1420 is located above the light source 13. The light emitted upward by the light source 13 enters the light guide element 14, the light is reflected by the first reflecting surface 1420 and at least part of the light is guided by the light guide element 14 and emitted from the front surface 1402 of the actuating portion 140, and then evenly irradiates the light-transmitting area 120 of the keycap 12. At the same time, the second reflecting surface 1400 of the actuating portion 140 reflects the light incident on the second reflecting surface 1400, and the light is emitted from the front surface 1402 of the actuating portion 140 after being reflected by the second reflecting surface 1400. Thereby, the light emitted by the light source 13 can be cooperatively matched by the first reflecting surface 1420 of the light-incoupling portion 142 and the second reflecting surface 1400 away from the first reflecting surface 1420, and the light emitted by the light source 13 of the illuminated button 1 according to a preferred specific embodiment of the present invention can evenly irradiate the light-transmitting area 120 of the keycap 12.

[0027] In a specific embodiment, the light source 13 can be a light-emitting diode element or an organic light-emitting diode element, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0028] Furthermore, the illuminated key 1 according to a preferred specific embodiment of the present invention further includes a flexible printed circuit board 15, a switch contact 11, and an elastomeric dome 16. The flexible printed circuit board 15 is placed on the bottom plate 10. The switch contact 11 is formed on the flexible printed circuit board 15. The light source 13 is electrically joined to the flexible printed circuit board 15. The elastomeric dome 16 is fixed to the flexible printed circuit board 15 such that the switch contact 11 is positioned directly below the elastomeric dome 16. In this embodiment, at least the inner surface 160 of the elastomeric dome 16 is conductive. The actuating portion 140 abuts against the bottom surface 122 of the keycap 12 and the top 162 of the elastomeric dome 16. When the keycap 12 is moved to the pressed position, the actuating portion 140 moves downward therewith and presses to deform the elastomeric dome 16, thereby causing the inner surface 160 of the elastomeric dome 16 to contact the switch contact 11 to turn on the switch contact 11. When the keycap 12 is released and moved to the unpressed position, the elastomeric dome 16 returns to its original shape, thereby separating the inner surface 160 of the elastomeric dome 16 from the switch contact 11. As Figure 1 shown, the flexible printed circuit board 15 has four perforations 152, and two pairs of receiving members 102 respectively pass through the corresponding perforations 152 to facilitate connection with the receiving channels 126.

[0029] In a specific embodiment, the light incident portion 142 further has a recess 1422 opposite to the first reflecting surface 1420. The light incident portion 142 is placed above the flexible printed circuit board 15 such that the recess 1422 of the light incident portion 142 is located above the light source 13. The light emitted upward by the light source 13 enters the light guiding element 14 from the recess 1422 of the light incident portion 142. By providing the recess 1422, the guiding effect of the light incident portion 142 on the light emitted by the light source 13 can be improved. Further, when the keycap 12 is moved to the pressed position, the recess 1422 can be used as an avoidance to prevent the light incident portion 142 from hitting the light source 13, and at the same time, the light source 13 can be partially received in the recess 1422, which is beneficial to reducing the overall thickness of the illuminated key 1.

[0030] In a specific embodiment, the light guiding element 14 can be made of acrylic, silicone, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or other commercially available light guiding polymer materials.

[0031] In a specific embodiment, the range of the first angle between the first normal line N1 of the first reflecting surface 1420 of the light incident portion 142 and the second normal line N2 of the flexible printed circuit board 15 is from 120 degrees to 150 degrees. As Figure 2As shown, compared with the flexible circuit board 15, the first reflecting surface 1420 is inclined. The above-mentioned angle setting causes the light rays incident from the light source 13 to be reflected (even totally reflected) at the first reflecting surface 1420, reducing or even avoiding the refraction of light rays at the first reflecting surface 1420, which may cause a decrease in the light output efficiency or even light leakage at the edge of the keycap 12. The specific angle depends on the refractive index of the light guide.

[0032] In a specific embodiment, the range of the second angle between the third normal line N3 of the second reflecting surface 1400 of the actuating portion 140 and the second normal line N2 of the flexible circuit board 15 is from 30 degrees to 60 degrees. Combining Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, compared with the flexible circuit board 15, the second reflecting surface 1400 as a whole can be inclined. The above-mentioned angle setting causes the light rays incident on the second reflecting surface 1400 among the part of the light rays incident from the light source 13 into the light guide element 14 to be reflected (even totally reflected) at the second reflecting surface 1400, reducing or even avoiding the refraction of light rays at the second reflecting surface 1400, which may cause a decrease in the light output efficiency or even light leakage at the edge of the keycap 12. The specific angle depends on the refractive index of the light guide.

[0033] In a specific embodiment, the light guide element 14 further includes an actuating post 146. The actuating post 146 is formed on the back surface 1404 of the actuating portion 140 (i.e., the side of the actuating portion 140 away from the keycap 12), and abuts against the elastic dome 16.

[0034] In a specific embodiment, the elastic dome 16 can be formed by a metal sheet.

[0035] In another specific embodiment, the elastic dome 16 can be formed by a polymer material mixed with multiple graphite particles or multiple metal particles.

[0036] In another specific embodiment, the elastic dome 16 can be formed by a polymer material. Further, the elastic dome 16 includes a metal film. The metal film is partially coated on the inner surface 160 of the elastic dome 16 so that at least the inner surface of the elastic dome can conduct electricity.

[0037] In a specific embodiment, the actuating part 140 further has a side surface 1406, where the side surface 1406 is adjacent to the front surface 1402 and the second reflecting surface 1400. The light guide element 14 further includes N positioning parts 144, where N is a natural number. The N positioning parts 144 extend outward from the side surface 1406 of the actuating part 140. Each positioning part 144 has a through positioning hole 1442. The keycap 12 includes N positioning posts 124. The N positioning posts 124 are formed on the bottom surface 122 of the keycap 12. Each positioning post 124 corresponds to a positioning hole 1442 and passes through its corresponding positioning hole 1442.

[0038] As Figures 1 to 4 shown, in this embodiment, N is 3, that is, the light guide element 14 includes 3 positioning parts 144. Based on the middle area where the actuating part 146 is located, the light incident part 142 protrudes and extends from one side thereof, and the three positioning parts 144 protrude and extend from the other three sides thereof respectively. Thus, four notch parts can be formed between adjacent protruding parts 144 and between the protruding part 144 and the light incident part 142, and the shapes of the respective notch parts can be different. The foregoing two pairs of bearing members 102 and two pairs of receiving channels 126 can be arranged and connected corresponding to this position. In this way, by providing the positioning parts 144, the positioning between the light guide element 14 and the keycap 12 can be realized, and notch parts can be formed, facilitating the arrangement and connection of the bearing members 102 and the receiving channels 126.

[0039] Please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 is a schematic bottom view of a light guide element 14, which is an essential element of a deformation of the light-emitting key 1 according to a preferred specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] As Figure 5As shown, further, the actuating part 140 defines a central axis 1408, where the central axis 1408 passes through the actuating column 146. Taking the central axis 1408 as the boundary, one side of the central axis 1408 is the part adjacent to the light source 13, and the other side of the central axis is the part far from the light source 13, and the central axis 1408 is parallel to the first reflecting surface 1420 of the light incident part 142. According to a variant example of the light-emitting button 1 of a preferred specific embodiment of the present invention, the light-emitting button 1 further includes a reflective layer 17. The reflective layer 17 is coated on the second reflecting surface 1400 and the front surface 1402 located on the side of the central axis 1408 far from the first reflecting surface 1420. By reflecting light through the reflective layer 17, the light incident on the part of the light-transmitting area 120 far from the light source 13 can be further increased, so as to increase the brightness of the part of the light-transmitting area 120 far from the light source 13, so that the amount of light incident on the part of the light-transmitting area 120 far from the light source 13 is more consistent with the amount of light incident on the part adjacent to the light source 13. Thus, the light-emitting button 1 according to the preferred specific embodiment of the present invention can make the light emitted by the light source 13 irradiate the light-transmitting area 120 of the keycap 12 more evenly.

[0041] In a specific embodiment, the reflective layer 17 can be formed by a light-colored ink (for example, white ink). In another specific embodiment, the reflective layer 17 can be formed by a coating.

[0042] In summary, a light guide element is provided in the light-emitting button of the present invention, so that the light emitted by the light source in the light-emitting button can irradiate the light-transmitting area of the keycap more evenly. Further, by providing a reflective layer on the side of the light guide element far from the light source, the brightness of the part of the light-transmitting area far from the light source is increased, and further the brightness of the light-transmitting area of the light-emitting keycap is made uniform.

[0043] By the above detailed description of the present invention, it can be clearly understood that the light-emitting button according to the present invention does not adopt the dome-shaped elastic actuator and the lifting device used in the existing light-emitting button, but adopts a novel light guide element, and the overall structure enables the light emitted by the light source to irradiate the light-transmitting area of the keycap evenly.

[0044] Of course, the present invention can also have many other embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various corresponding changes and deformations according to the present invention, but these corresponding changes and deformations should all fall within the protection scope of the appended claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A light-emitting button, characterized in that: The illuminated button contains: Base plate; A key cap having a light-transmitting area and connected to the base plate so as to be movable up and down, so that the key cap can move relative to the base plate between a non-pressed position of the key and a pressed position of the key; A light source, the light source being disposed on the base plate; as well as A light-guiding element, the light-guiding element comprises an actuating portion and a light-entering portion connected to the actuating portion, the light-entering portion having a first light-reflecting surface, the actuating portion having a second light-reflecting surface away from the first light-reflecting surface, the light-entering portion being disposed above the base plate so that the first light-reflecting surface is located above the light source, the light emitted by the light source enters the light-guiding element and is reflected by the first light-reflecting surface, and part of the light is guided by the light-guiding element to be emitted from the front side of the actuating portion, while the second light-reflecting surface reflects the light incident on the second light-reflecting surface and then emits from the front side of the actuating portion.

2. The luminous key according to claim 1, characterized in that: The luminous key further comprises: A thin film circuit board, the thin film circuit board is placed on the bottom plate, and the light source is electrically connected to the thin film circuit board; a switch contact formed on the thin film circuit board; and An elastic dome body is fixed on the film circuit board so that the switch contact is located directly below the elastic dome body, and at least the inner surface of the elastic dome body is made of a conductive material, wherein the actuating portion abuts against the bottom surface of the keycap and the top of the elastic dome body. When the key cap moves to the pressing position, the actuating portion deforms the elastic dome so that the inner surface of the elastic dome contacts the switch contact to make the switch contact conductive. When the key cap is released and moves to the unpressed position, the elastic dome body recovers its original shape so that the inner surface of the elastic dome body is separated from the switch contact.

3. The luminous key according to claim 2, characterized in that: The light incident portion also has a recess opposite to the first light reflecting surface. The light incident portion is placed above the thin film circuit board so that the recess is located above the light source. The light emitted by the light source enters the light guide element from the recess.

4. The luminous key according to claim 2, characterized in that: A first angle between a first normal line of the first light reflecting surface and a second normal line of the thin film circuit board ranges from 120 degrees to 150 degrees.

5. The luminous key according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second included angle between the third normal line of the second light reflecting surface and the second normal line of the film circuit board ranges from 30 degrees to 60 degrees.

6. The luminous key according to claim 2, characterized in that: The light guide element further comprises an actuating column, which is formed on the back side of the actuating portion and is tightly against the elastic dome.

7. The luminous key according to claim 6, characterized in that: The actuating portion defines a central axis which passes through the actuating column and is parallel to the first reflective surface. The luminous key further comprises a reflective layer which covers the second reflective surface and the front surface which are located on a side of the central axis away from the first reflective surface.

8. The luminous key according to claim 2, characterized in that: The actuating portion also has a side surface, which is adjacent to the front surface and the second reflective surface. The light guide element further includes N positioning portions, where N is a natural number. The N positioning portions extend outward from the side surface, and each positioning portion has a through positioning hole. The keycap correspondingly includes N positioning columns, which are formed on the bottom surface. Each positioning column corresponds to a positioning hole and passes through its corresponding positioning hole.

9. The luminous key according to claim 2, characterized in that: The elastic dome body is formed by a metal sheet; or, the elastic dome body is formed by a polymer material mixed with a plurality of graphite particles or a plurality of metal particles.

10. The luminous key according to claim 2, characterized in that: The elastic dome body is formed of a polymer material and further comprises a metal film, wherein the metal film partially covers the inner surface of the elastic dome body.

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