Luminous keyboard and backlight module

Abstract

The invention discloses a light-emitting keyboard which comprises a plurality of key columns, a bottom plate and a backlight module. The keys of each key column comprise key caps, and each key cap is provided with a light emitting area; the plurality of key columns comprise a first key column and a second key column, a key cap of the first key column is defined as a first key cap, and a key cap of the second key column is defined as a second key cap; in at least one light-emitting area, the plurality of first keycaps and the plurality of second keycaps are provided with transverse keygaps and two stepped keygaps. The bottom plate supports the plurality of key columns. The backlight module is located below the plurality of key columns and comprises at least one light-emitting unit, the at least one light-emitting unit comprises a transverse light column and two longitudinal light columns, the transverse light column is located below the transverse key gap, and each longitudinal light column is located below each step key gap. According to the light-emitting keyboard and the backlight module, the number of the light-emitting elements can be reduced, and the cost of arranging the light-emitting elements is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of keyboards, and particularly to a backlit keyboard and a backlight module. Background Art

[0002] Traditional keyboards have multiple keys for users to press to input data when using an electronic device (such as a computer host). In well-lit conditions, users can clearly see the characters on the keycaps of the keys and can easily press the required keys. However, in low-light conditions, it is difficult for users to see the characters on the keycaps of the keys, and it is not easy to press the correct keys. To solve the above problems, backlit keyboards have emerged. A backlit keyboard has a backlight module, which is arranged below the keys and illuminates the keycaps of the keys from below, allowing users to see the characters on the keycaps even in low-light conditions.

[0003] The backlight module of existing backlit keyboards includes multiple light-emitting diodes, which are respectively arranged directly below each key. Although this design method can provide backlight for the keycaps of each key, since each key has a dedicated light-emitting diode as the backlight source, the structural design directly below the keys is relatively complex. In addition, since the number of keys on a backlit keyboard is large, the number of light-emitting diodes required also increases, resulting in a relatively high cost for setting up the light-emitting diodes. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a backlit keyboard and a backlight module, which can reduce the number of light-emitting elements and lower the cost of setting up the light-emitting elements.

[0005] To achieve the above purpose, the present invention provides a backlit keyboard that defines a major axis and a minor axis. The backlit keyboard includes a first key column and a second key column arranged in parallel, a bottom plate, and a backlight module. The first key column includes a plurality of first keycaps arranged along the major axis, the second key column includes a plurality of second keycaps arranged along the major axis, there is a horizontal key gap extending along the major axis between the first key column and the second key column, stepped key gaps are formed between two adjacent first keycaps and between two adjacent second keycaps that are offset on the minor axis, and the stepped key gaps are respectively located on opposite sides of the horizontal key gap; the bottom plate is located below the first key column and the second key column; the backlight module is located below the first key column and the second key column, and the backlight module includes a horizontal light column and two vertical light columns. The horizontal light column and the two vertical light columns respectively include a plurality of light-emitting elements. The horizontal light column is located below the horizontal key gap, and each vertical light column is located below each stepped key gap; wherein the light emitted by the horizontal light column and the two vertical light columns passes through the plurality of first keycaps and the plurality of second keycaps.

[0006] As an alternative technical solution, the light rays of the horizontal light column and the two vertical light columns advance towards the two long sides and the two short sides of the illuminated keyboard.

[0007] As an alternative technical solution, the illuminated keyboard has two long sides and two short sides. The light rays of the multiple light-emitting elements in the horizontal light column respectively advance towards the different two long sides; the light rays of the multiple light-emitting elements in the two vertical light columns respectively advance towards the different two short sides.

[0008] As an alternative technical solution, each light-emitting element in the horizontal light column respectively has an element major axis, and the included angle between each element major axis and the major axis is less than or equal to 30 degrees; or, each light-emitting element in each vertical light column respectively has another element major axis, and the included angle between each another element major axis and the major axis is greater than or equal to 35 degrees.

[0009] As an alternative technical solution, the bottom plate has a plurality of plate holes respectively corresponding to the plurality of first keycaps and the plurality of second keycaps, and the light rays emitted by the horizontal light column and the two vertical light columns are transmitted out by the plurality of first keycaps and the plurality of second keycaps through the plurality of plate holes.

[0010] As an alternative technical solution, the backlight module includes a light-shielding plate, and the light-shielding plate is located between the bottom plate and the horizontal light column and the two vertical light columns.

[0011] As an alternative technical solution, the backlight module includes at least one light board located below the bottom plate, and the at least one light board is for arranging the horizontal light column and the two vertical light columns.

[0012] As an alternative technical solution, the backlight module further includes a light guide plate located above the at least one light board.

[0013] As an alternative technical solution, the backlight module includes a reflective layer arranged on the at least one light board; the reflective layer has a plurality of through holes, and the horizontal light column and each vertical light column respectively pass through each through hole.

[0014] As an alternative technical solution, the light guide plate has a plurality of scattering structures, and the plurality of scattering structures respectively correspond to the plurality of first keycaps and the plurality of second keycaps.

[0015] As an alternative technical solution, the light guide plate has a cut groove, and the cut groove divides the illuminated keyboard into a left light-emitting area and a right light-emitting area arranged along the major axis.

[0016] As an alternative technical solution, it further includes a control device, and the control device is electrically connected to the multiple light-emitting elements of the horizontal light column and the two vertical light columns, and controls the multiple light-emitting elements of the horizontal light column and the two vertical light columns to emit light in turn.

[0017] As an alternative technical solution, the first key column and the second key column are divided into a left light-emitting area and a right light-emitting area. Below the left light-emitting area, there is a horizontal light column and two vertical light columns corresponding as a group. Below the right light-emitting area, there is a horizontal light column and two vertical light columns corresponding as another group.

[0018] As an alternative technical solution, the first key column and the second key column are divided into a plurality of left area keys and a plurality of right area keys respectively corresponding to the left light-emitting area and the right light-emitting area. Among them, when any left area key is pressed, a plurality of light-emitting elements in the horizontal light column and the two vertical light columns corresponding to the left light-emitting area emit light in turn.

[0019] The present invention also provides a backlight module, which includes a light-shielding plate and a lamp board. The light-shielding plate includes a first light-transmitting column and a second light-transmitting column arranged in parallel, a horizontal light-shielding area, and two stepped light-shielding areas. The first light-transmitting column and the second light-transmitting column arranged in parallel extend along a long axis respectively. The first light-transmitting column has a plurality of first light-transmitting areas arranged at intervals along the long axis. The second light-transmitting column has a plurality of second light-transmitting areas arranged at intervals along the long axis. The plurality of first light-transmitting areas and the plurality of second light-transmitting areas are not aligned on a short axis. The horizontal light-shielding area extends along the long axis and is located between the first light-transmitting column and the second light-transmitting column. The two stepped light-shielding areas are located on opposite sides of the horizontal light-shielding area. The lamp board is located below the light-shielding plate and is provided with a horizontal light column and two vertical light columns. The horizontal light column and the two vertical light columns respectively include a plurality of light-emitting elements. The horizontal light column is located below the horizontal light-shielding area, and each vertical light column is located below each stepped light-shielding area. Among them, the light emitted by the horizontal light column and the two vertical light columns is transmitted through the plurality of first light-transmitting areas and the plurality of second light-transmitting areas.

[0020] The advantages of the present invention are that the light-emitting elements are arranged in a horizontal light column and vertical light columns and are provided below the key gaps instead of below the keycaps, so the backlight structure design directly below the keys can be simplified. In addition, the lights of the light-emitting elements in a horizontal light column and two vertical light columns as a group are shared by the plurality of keys in a plurality of key columns as backlights, which can reduce the number of light-emitting elements and the cost of setting the light-emitting elements.

[0021] The present invention will be described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but it is not intended to limit the present invention. Description of the Drawings

[0022] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a light-emitting keyboard according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 It is a partial exploded view of the light-emitting keyboard according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention in the light-emitting area;

[0024] Figure 3 It is a partial cross-sectional view of the light-emitting keyboard according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the light-emitting unit of the backlight module according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention emitting light;

[0026] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the arrangement of the light-emitting elements of the light-emitting unit of the backlight module according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 Circuit block diagram of the light-emitting keyboard according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the light-emitting unit of the backlight module according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention emitting light;

[0029] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the light-emitting keyboard according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the left and right light-emitting units of the backlight module according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention emitting light;

[0031] Figure 10 Circuit block diagram of the light-emitting keyboard according to the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the left light-emitting unit and the right light-emitting unit of the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention emitting light. Detailed implementation manners

[0033] To further understand the purpose, structure, features and functions of the present invention, the following is a detailed description in conjunction with the embodiments.

[0034] Please refer to Figures 1 to 5 , Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the light-emitting keyboard according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 Partial exploded view of the light-emitting keyboard according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention in the light-emitting area, Figure 3 Partial cross-sectional view of the light-emitting keyboard according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the light-emitting unit of the backlight module according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention emitting light, Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the arrangement of the light-emitting elements of the light-emitting unit of the backlight module according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. As Figures 1 to 5As shown in the figure, the illuminated keyboard 1 of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention is in the shape of a long rectangle and defines a long axis X, a short axis Y, and a stacking axis Z that are perpendicular to each other. The illuminated keyboard 1 has two opposite short sides 10a and 10b on the long axis X, and two opposite long sides 12a and 12b on the short axis Y. The illuminated keyboard 1 includes a plurality of key columns 16, a bottom plate 42, and a backlight module 44.

[0035] Each key column 16 is arranged between the two long sides 12a and 12b along the short axis Y. Each key column 16 includes a plurality of keys 18, and the keys 18 of each key column 16 are arranged along the long axis X. In this embodiment, taking 6 key columns 16 as an example, each key 18 is a membrane switch key, but it is not limited thereto, and it can also be a mechanical key or an optical induction switch key.

[0036] Please refer to Figure 3 , each key 18 includes a keycap 20, a lifting mechanism 26, a switch structure 28, an elastic reset member 32, and a trigger member 34. The keycap 20 has at least one light-emitting area 22. The light-emitting area 22 can be, for example, the characters on the keycap and / or located on the periphery of the keycap 20. A light-shielding area 24 is formed beside the light-emitting area 22. For example, the lifting mechanism 26 includes two brackets 262 that are pivotally connected. The top of each bracket 262 is connected to the keycap 20, and the bottom of each bracket 262 is connected to the bottom plate 42. The two brackets 262 are used to support the up and down movement of the keycap 20. The switch structure 28 is a membrane switch pad, and the switch structure 28 is arranged on the membrane circuit board 30. The membrane circuit board 30 is arranged on the bottom plate 42 along the stacking axis Z. The top of the elastic reset member 32 abuts against the bottom of the keycap 20, and the bottom of the elastic reset member 32 abuts against the membrane circuit board 30. The trigger member 34 is connected to the elastic reset member 32 and corresponds to the switch structure 28. When the user presses the keycap 20, the elastic reset member 32 is squeezed to drive the trigger member 34 to press against the switch structure 28 to trigger the switch structure 28 to be in a conductive state; after the user releases the keycap 20, the elastic reset member 32 returns elastically, pushing the keycap 20 to the initial position and taking the trigger member 34 away from the switch structure 28, making the switch structure 28 in an open state.

[0037] Please refer to Figure 1 , there is a key gap 36 between two adjacent keycaps. The key column 16 includes a first key column 162 and a second key column 164 that are adjacent and arranged side by side. In this embodiment, the first key column 162 and the second key column 164 are the two columns in the key column 16 that are close to the middle on the short axis Y. Each keycap of the first key column 162 is defined as a first keycap 202, and each keycap 20 of the second key column 164 is defined as a second keycap 204. The first keycaps 202 and the second keycaps 204 are arranged in a staggered manner, and the first keycaps 202 and the second keycaps 204 are respectively arranged along the long axis X.

[0038] The illuminated keyboard 1 has at least one illuminated area 14 on the long axis X. The at least one illuminated area 14 can cover, for example, a range of 10 to 20 keys 18. In this embodiment, the illuminated keyboard 1 has one illuminated area 14, which is located in the middle area of the illuminated keyboard 1 on the long axis X and covers a range of 10 keys 18. In the illuminated area 14, there is a horizontal key gap 38 between the first keycap 202 and the second keycap 204 on the short axis Y. The horizontal key gap 38 extends along the long axis X and is, for example, located between three first keycaps 202 and the adjacent three second keycaps 204. In the illuminated area 14, a stepped key gap 40 is formed between two adjacent first keycaps 202 that are offset on the short axis Y and between two adjacent second keycaps 204. And there are stepped key gaps 40 on opposite sides of the horizontal key gap 38 on the long axis X. Each stepped key gap 40 has a left key gap segment 402 and a right key gap segment 404. The left key gap segment 402 is located between two adjacent first keycaps 202, and the right key gap segment 404 is located between two adjacent second keycaps 204.

[0039] The bottom plate 42 is located below the key columns 16 along the stacking axis Z. That is, the bottom plate 42 is located below the first key column 162 and the second key column 164. The key columns 16 are arranged on the bottom plate 42, and the bottom plate 42 is used to support the keys 18 of the key columns 16. In this embodiment, the bottom plate 42 is located above the backlight module 44. The bottom plate 42 has a plurality of plate holes 422 through which the light of the backlight module can pass. On the stacking axis Z, there is a group of plate holes 422, for example, five plate holes 422, below each key 18 of the key columns 16 of the bottom plate 42. Each group of plate holes 422 corresponds to each keycap 20 and is within the projection range of each keycap 20, but this is not limited thereto. It can also be that each keycap 20 corresponds to at least one plate hole 422.

[0040] The backlight module 44 is located below the key columns 16 in the stacking axis Z direction, that is, the backlight module 44 is located below the first key column 162 and the second key column 164. The backlight module 44 includes a light-emitting unit 46. In this embodiment, the light-emitting unit 46 is located below the bottom plate 42 in the stacking axis Z direction. The light-emitting unit 46 includes a transverse light row 47 and two longitudinal light rows 49 as a group, and the transverse light row 47 and the longitudinal light rows 49 respectively include a plurality of light-emitting elements 48, 50. The light-emitting elements 48 of the transverse light row 47 are located below the transverse key gap 38 in the stacking axis Z direction, and the light-emitting elements 50 of each longitudinal light row 49 are located below each stepped key gap 40 in the stacking axis Z direction. The light emitted by the light-emitting unit 46 passes through the plate holes 422 of the bottom plate 42 and the light-emitting areas 22 of the key caps 20 of the key columns 16, and the light emitted by the aforementioned one transverse light row 47 and two longitudinal light rows 49 also passes through the corresponding first key caps 202 and second key caps 204 through the respective plate holes 422. Thus, the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 46 can serve as the backlight for all the keys 18 of the illuminated keyboard 1. Preferably, the light of one transverse light row 47 and two longitudinal light rows 49 advances from the light-emitting area 14 towards the two long sides 12a, 12b and the two short sides 10a, 10b, that is, the light-emitting unit 46 emits light from the middle area of the illuminated keyboard 1 towards the periphery.

[0041] More specifically, please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the light-emitting elements 48, 50 of the transverse light row 47 and the longitudinal light rows 49 are side-emitting diodes, and each light-emitting element 48, 50 has a side-emitting surface 482, 502. Taking the number of the light-emitting elements 48 of the transverse light row 47 as 8 as an example, but not limited thereto. The light of the light-emitting elements 48 of the transverse light row 47 advances towards two different long sides 12a, 12b respectively, that is, a part of the light-emitting elements 48 emits light towards the long side 12a, and the other part of the light-emitting elements 48 emits light towards the other long side 12b. Each light-emitting element 48 of each transverse light row 47 respectively has an element major axis 484, and the included angle θ1 between each element major axis 484 and the major axis X is less than or equal to 30 degrees. The included angle θ1 can be any degree between 0 and 30 degrees, where 0 degree represents that the element major axis 484 is parallel to the major axis X. In Figure 5 , a plurality of reference lines L are marked, each reference line L is parallel to the major axis X, and each included angle θ1 is marked with respect to each reference line L by each element major axis 484.

[0042] The number of the light-emitting elements 50 in each longitudinal light column 49 is taken as an example of 3, but is not limited thereto. The light rays of the light-emitting elements 50 in the two longitudinal light columns 49 respectively advance toward two different short sides 10a and 10b. The light-emitting elements 50 in one longitudinal light column 49 emit light toward the short side 10a, and the light-emitting elements 50 in the other longitudinal light column 49 emit light toward the other short side 10b. Each longitudinal light column 49 has an element major axis 504, and the included angle θ2 between each element major axis 504 and the major axis X is greater than or equal to 35 degrees. The included angle θ2 can be 35 to 90 degrees, wherein 90 degrees represents that the element major axis 504 is perpendicular to the major axis X. In Figure 5 each, each included angle θ2 is marked with respect to each reference line L by each element major axis 504.

[0043] Thereby, the light emitted by the transverse light column 47 and the two longitudinal light columns 49 can cover different orientations around the light-emitting unit 46 to serve as the backlight for all the keys 18.

[0044] In an embodiment, the transverse light column 47 may include a plurality of light-emitting elements 48. The plurality of light-emitting elements 48 can be evenly divided into multiple groups, and each group includes at least two light-emitting elements 48. The light rays emitted by the at least two light-emitting elements 48 are directed toward two different long sides 12a and 12b. For example, the transverse light column 47 includes 2N light-emitting elements 48, where N is a positive integer. Every two light-emitting elements 48 form a group. In each group, the two light-emitting elements 48 can be symmetrically arranged. The light ray emitted by one light-emitting element 48 is directed toward the long side 12a (the side light-emitting surface 482 does not have to be parallel to the long side 12a), and the light ray emitted by the other light-emitting element 48 is directed toward the long side 12b (the side light-emitting surface 482 must be parallel to the long side 12b).

[0045] In this embodiment, the backlight module 44 may further include a light-shielding plate 52 and a lamp board 68. The light-shielding plate 52 is located between the bottom plate 42 and the light-emitting units 46 (the horizontal light columns 47 and the two vertical light columns 49) on the stacking axis Z. The light-shielding plate 52 has a plurality of light-transmitting columns 54 arranged along the short axis Y, and each light-transmitting column 54 has a plurality of light-transmitting areas 56 arranged at intervals along the long axis X. The light-transmitting areas 56 are respectively located directly below the keycaps 20 and correspond to the plate holes 422 of the bottom plate 42. The width and length of each light-transmitting area 56 are smaller than the range of the five plate holes 422 above it. The light-shielding plate 52 includes a transparent substrate 62 and at least one light-shielding layer, and the at least one light-shielding layer is provided on the transparent substrate 62. The at least one light-shielding layer has two layers, namely a reflective layer 64 and an absorptive layer 66. The reflective layer 64 may be, for example, white paint coated on the upper surface of the transparent substrate 62, and the absorptive layer 66 may be, for example, black paint and coated on the reflective layer 64, and the edges of the reflective layer 64 are all covered by the absorptive layer 66. The absorptive layer 66 has a plurality of hollow areas 662, and each hollow area 662 and the transparent substrate 62 located below it form each light-transmitting area 56. In one embodiment, the at least one light-shielding layer may also be one layer, for example, only the reflective layer 64 or the absorptive layer 66 is provided.

[0046] The light-transmitting columns 54 have a first light-transmitting column 542 and a second light-transmitting column 544 adjacent and juxtaposed on the short axis Y. The first light-transmitting column 522 and the second light-transmitting column 524 jointly extend along the long axis X. The first light-transmitting column 542 corresponds to the first key column 162, and the second light-transmitting column 544 corresponds to the second key column 164. Each light-transmitting area 56 of the first light-transmitting column 542 is defined as a first light-transmitting area 562, and each light-transmitting area 56 of the second light-transmitting column 544 is defined as a second light-transmitting area 564. The first light-transmitting areas 562 and the second light-transmitting areas 564 are arranged in a staggered manner, that is, the first light-transmitting areas 562 and the second light-transmitting areas 564 are not aligned on the short axis Y. In the light-emitting area 14, the light-shielding plate 52 has a horizontal shielding area 58 and two stepped shielding areas 60. The horizontal shielding area 58 is located between the first light-transmitting column 542 and the second light-transmitting column 544 on the short axis Y, and the horizontal shielding area 58 extends along the long axis X, that is, the horizontal shielding area 58 is located below the horizontal key gap 38. The two stepped shielding areas 60 are located on opposite sides of the horizontal shielding area 58 on the long axis X, and each stepped shielding area 60 is located between two adjacent first light-transmitting areas 562 and adjacent second light-transmitting areas 564 that are staggered on the short axis Y. Each stepped shielding area 60 has a first stepped shielding segment 602 and a second stepped shielding segment 604. The first stepped shielding segment 602 is located between two adjacent first light-transmitting areas 562, and the second stepped shielding segment 604 is located between two adjacent second light-transmitting areas 564, that is, each stepped shielding area 60 is located below each stepped key gap 40, and each first stepped shielding segment 602 is located below each left key gap segment 402, and each second stepped shielding segment 604 is located below each right key gap segment 404.

[0047] The lamp board 68 is located below the light-shielding board 52 on the stacking axis Z. The lamp board 68 can be a printed circuit board. The horizontal light columns 47 and the vertical light columns 49 of the light-emitting unit 46 are arranged on the lamp board 68. And the horizontal light columns 47 are located below the horizontal light-shielding areas 58 on the stacking axis Z, and each vertical light column 49 is located below each stepped light-shielding area 60 on the stacking axis Z. The lamp board 68 can be provided with a light source circuit (not shown). The light source circuit is electrically connected to the horizontal light columns 47 and the two vertical light columns 49 to provide power for driving the light-emitting elements 48, 52. The light emitted by the light-emitting unit 46 passes through the light-transmitting areas 56 of the light-transmitting columns 54, and the light emitted by the horizontal light columns 47 and the two vertical light columns 49 also passes through the first light-transmitting area 562 and the second light-transmitting area 564.

[0048] In this embodiment, the backlight module 44 optionally includes a light guide plate 70 and a reflective layer 76. The light guide plate 70 is located above the lamp board 68 and between the light-shielding board 52 and the lamp board 68 on the stacking axis Z. In the light-emitting area 14, the light guide plate 70 has a set of horizontal accommodating parts 72 and two sets of stepped accommodating parts 74. The horizontal accommodating parts 72 are located below the horizontal light-shielding areas 58 and extend along the long axis X. Each set of stepped accommodating parts 74 is located below each stepped light-shielding area 60. Each horizontal accommodating part 72 and each stepped accommodating part 74 can be structures such as grooves or perforations. Each light-emitting element 48 of the horizontal light columns 47 protrudes into each horizontal accommodating part 72, and each light-emitting element 50 of each vertical light column 49 protrudes into each stepped accommodating part 74. The side light-emitting surface 482 of each light-emitting element 48 faces the wall surface of each horizontal accommodating part 72, and the side light-emitting surface 502 of each light-emitting element 50 faces the wall surface of each stepped accommodating part 74. The light emitted by the light-emitting unit 46 is guided by the light guide plate 70, which can increase the uniformity of the overall backlight of the illuminated keyboard 1.

[0049] The light guide plate 70 can also be provided with a plurality of scattering structures 702. The scattering structures 702 are respectively located below the plate holes 422 of the bottom plate 42 and correspond to the plate holes 422 and the keycaps 20 (including corresponding to the first keycap 202 and the second keycap 204). Part of the light transmitted inside the light guide plate 70 can be scattered by the scattering structures 702 and emitted toward the plate holes 422 to increase the light output of the light-emitting areas 22 of the keycaps 20.

[0050] The reflective layer 76 is arranged between the lamp board 68 and the light guide plate 70. The reflective layer 76 is provided on the upper surface of the lamp board 68 with a reflective plate as an example, but not limited thereto. It can also be a reflective coating, and the reflective coating is coated on the upper surface of the lamp board 68. In the light-emitting area 14, the reflective layer has a plurality of through holes 762. Each light-emitting element 48 of each horizontal light column 47 and each light-emitting element 50 of each vertical light column 49 respectively pass through each through hole 762. The reflective layer 76 is used to reflect the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 46 upward to increase the light output of the light-emitting areas 22 of the keycaps 20. In another embodiment, the light guide plate 70 or the reflective layer 76 may not be provided either.

[0051] When the light-emitting elements 48 and 50 of the light-emitting unit 46 emit light, the light enters the light guide plate 70 from the side, and then irradiates upward through the light-transmitting area 56 of the light-shielding plate 52 and the plate holes 422 of the bottom plate 42 to form the backlight of the keycap 20. The light exits from the light-emitting area 22 of each keycap 20 to form the illuminated characters. In addition, the light can also exit from the key gaps 36 around each keycap 20 to form a contour halo.

[0052] Since the horizontal light row 47 of the light-emitting unit 46 and the two vertical light rows 49 are respectively located directly below the horizontal key gap 38 and the two stepped key gaps 40, that is, the light-emitting elements 48 and 50 are not located directly below the keycap 20. Therefore, the light-emitting elements 48 and 50 do not increase the structural thickness directly below the keycap 20, and the structure directly below the keycap 20 can be simplified. More importantly, all the keys 18 share the light of at least one light-emitting unit 46 as the backlight, which further reduces the cost of setting the light-emitting elements.

[0053] Figures 1 to 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the illuminated keyboard 1 has an illumination area 14, and an example is described where one light-emitting unit 46 is correspondingly provided in this illumination area 14. In other embodiments, the number of light-emitting units 46 can also be multiple and are respectively arranged in multiple illumination areas 14, and the light-emitting unit 46 provides the backlight for the keys 18.

[0054] In one embodiment, the bottom plate 42 can also be arranged below the backlight module 44, and the backlight module 44 is located between the keycap 20 and the bottom plate 42. In this way, the bottom plate 42 does not need to be provided with the plate holes 422 for the light to pass through, and the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 46 exits through the light-emitting area 22 of the keycap 20 in the key column 16.

[0055] Please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , Figure 6 which is a schematic diagram of the illuminated keyboard 2 according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7 and which is a schematic diagram of the light-emitting unit of the backlight module in the second preferred embodiment of the present invention emitting light. The illuminated keyboard 2 is based on the first embodiment. Further, the illuminated keyboard 2 further includes a control device 78, and the control device 78 is electrically connected to the keys 18 and the light-emitting unit 46. The control device 78 has multiple control modes, including a backlight mode, a light-off mode, and at least one flashing mode.

[0056] When the control device 78 executes the backlight mode, the control device 78 controls the horizontal light row 47 and the two vertical light rows 49 of the light-emitting unit 46, so that the light-emitting elements 48 and 50 of the horizontal light row 47 and the two vertical light rows 49 emit light simultaneously, thereby forming the backlight of the illuminated keyboard 2.

[0057] When the control device 78 executes the light-off mode, the control device 78 controls the light-emitting unit 46 to turn off the horizontal light column 47 and the two vertical light columns 49 simultaneously, thereby turning off the backlight of the illuminated keyboard 2.

[0058] When the control device 78 executes at least one flashing mode, when any key 18 is pressed, the control device 78 controls the horizontal light column 47 and the two vertical light columns 49 of the light-emitting unit 46, so that the light-emitting elements 48, 50 of the horizontal light column 47 and the vertical light columns 49 emit light alternately. For example, as Figure 7 shown, the light-emitting elements 48, 50 emit light alternately according to the light-emitting sequence #1 to #14, and at least one light-emitting element 48, 50 emits light each time to form a running light effect of clockwise rotation, but not limited thereto, it may also be a running light effect of counterclockwise rotation.

[0059] Please refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown is an illuminated keyboard 3 according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, which is based on the first embodiment. The difference is that the number of light-emitting areas 14 in this embodiment is two and are respectively a left light-emitting area 142 and a right light-emitting area 144 arranged along the long axis. The left light-emitting area 142 and the right light-emitting area 144 are located between the two short sides 10a, 10b on the long axis X. The first key column 162 and the second key column 164 are also divided and arranged in the left light-emitting area 142 and the right light-emitting area 144. The number of light-emitting units 46 of the backlight module 44 is two and are respectively a left light-emitting unit 462 and a right light-emitting unit 464. The left light-emitting unit 462 and the right light-emitting unit 464 are respectively located in the left light-emitting area 142 and the right light-emitting area 144. One horizontal light column 47 and two vertical light columns 49 corresponding to the left light-emitting unit 462 below the left light-emitting area 142 are taken as a group, and one horizontal light column 47 and two vertical light columns 49 corresponding to the right light-emitting unit 464 below the right light-emitting area 144 are taken as another group. The horizontal light column 47 and the two vertical light columns 49 of the left light-emitting unit 462 are located below the horizontal key gap 38 and the two stepped key gaps 40 in the left light-emitting area 142; the horizontal light column 47 and the two vertical light columns 49 of the right light-emitting unit 464 are located below the horizontal key gap 38 and the two stepped key gaps 40 in the right light-emitting area 144. The left light-emitting unit 462 emits light toward the surroundings from the left light-emitting area 142, and the right light-emitting unit 464 emits light toward the surroundings from the right light-emitting area 144. The light emitted by the left light-emitting unit 462 and the right light-emitting unit 464 passes through the light-emitting area 22 of the keycap 20 of the key column 16, and can be used as the backlight of the illuminated keyboard 3.

[0060] In this embodiment, the left light-emitting unit 462 and the right light-emitting unit 464 are arranged on the same lamp board 68, but not limited thereto. The left light-emitting unit 462 and the right light-emitting unit 464 may also be respectively arranged on two lamp boards 68.

[0061] In addition, in this embodiment, the light guide plate 70 has a cutting groove 80, which divides the illuminated keyboard 3 into a left illuminated area 142 and a right illuminated area 144. The cutting groove 80 is located between the left light-emitting unit 462 and the right light-emitting unit 464 on the long axis X, and along the short axis Y, the cutting groove 80 extends along the key gap 36 between two adjacent keycaps 20. The keys 18 in the key column 16 can be divided into a plurality of left area keys 182 and right area keys 184 with the cutting groove 80 as the boundary. The keys 18 on the left side of the cutting groove 80 are left area keys 182, and the keys 18 on the right side of the cutting groove 80 are right area keys 184. The first key column 162 and the second key column 164 also have a plurality of left area keys 182 and a plurality of right area keys 184. The cutting groove 80 can isolate the light emitted by the left light-emitting unit 462 and the right light-emitting unit 464 from each other. That is, the light emitted by the left light-emitting unit 462 is transmitted through the light-emitting area 22 of the keycap of the left area key 182 and will not shine on the keycap 20 of the right area key 184; the light emitted by the right light-emitting unit 464 is transmitted through the light-emitting area of the keycap 20 of the right area key 184 and will not shine on the keycap 20 of the left area key 182. Thereby, the backlight of the keys 18 located between the left light-emitting unit 462 and the right light-emitting unit 464 on the long axis X will not be too bright.

[0062] Please refer to Figure 10 , Figure 10 shown in FIG. 4 is an illuminated keyboard 4 according to the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, which is based on the second and third embodiments. The difference is that in the illuminated keyboard 4, the control device 78 is electrically connected to the left area keys 182, the right area keys 184, the left light-emitting unit 462, and the right light-emitting unit 464.

[0063] When the control device 78 executes the backlight mode, the control device 78 controls the left light-emitting unit 462 and the right light-emitting unit 464 to emit light simultaneously, thereby forming the backlight of the illuminated keyboard 4.

[0064] When the control device 78 executes the light-off mode, the control device 78 controls the left light-emitting unit 462 and the right light-emitting unit 464 to go out simultaneously, thereby turning off the backlight of the illuminated keyboard 4.

[0065] When the control device 78 executes at least one flashing mode, when any left area key 182 is pressed, the control device 78 controls the left light-emitting unit 462 corresponding to the left illuminated area 142, so that the light-emitting elements 48, 50 of the horizontal light column 47 and the vertical light column 49 of the left light-emitting unit 462 emit light alternately. For example, as Figure 11 shown, the light-emitting elements 48, 50 of the left light-emitting unit 462 emit light alternately according to the light-emitting sequence #1 to #14, and at least one light-emitting element 48, 50 emits light each time to form a running light effect of clockwise rotation, but not limited thereto, and it can also be a running light effect of counterclockwise rotation.

[0066] Optionally, when any right area key 184 is pressed, the control device 78 controls the right light-emitting units 464 corresponding to the right light-emitting area 142, so that the light-emitting elements 48 and 50 of the horizontal light column 47 and the vertical light column 49 of the right light-emitting units 464 emit light alternately. For example, as Figure 11 shown, the light-emitting elements 48 and 50 of the right light-emitting units 464 emit light alternately in the light-emitting sequence #1 to #14, and at least one light-emitting element 48 or 50 emits light each time to form a carousel effect that rotates counterclockwise, but not limited thereto, and it may also be a carousel effect that rotates clockwise.

[0067] Of course, another flashing mode can also be designed to control the left light-emitting units 462 and the right light-emitting units 464 to form a carousel effect with the same rotation direction.

[0068] In this embodiment, due to the light isolation effect of the cut groove 80, the carousel effect generated by the left light-emitting units 462 will only be presented on the left area keys 182, and the carousel effect generated by the right light-emitting units 464 will only be presented on the right area keys 184. The light emitted by the left light-emitting units 462 and the right light-emitting units 464 will not affect each other.

[0069] In the light-emitting keyboard of the present invention, the light-emitting elements are arranged in a horizontal light column and a vertical light column and are disposed below the key gaps instead of below the keycaps, so that the backlight structure design directly below the keys can be simplified. In addition, multiple keys share the light of one horizontal light column and two vertical light columns of light-emitting elements as a group as backlight, which can reduce the number of light-emitting elements and the cost of setting the light-emitting elements.

[0070] Of course, there can be many other embodiments of the present invention. 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 luminous keyboard, characterized in that, The luminous keyboard is defined with a major axis and a minor axis, and comprises: A first key row and a second key row arranged in parallel, the first key row comprising a plurality of first key caps arranged along the long axis, the second key row comprising a plurality of second key caps arranged along the long axis, a transverse key gap extending along the long axis is provided between the first key row and the second key row, a stepped key gap is formed between two adjacent first key caps and between two adjacent second key caps staggered on the short axis, and the stepped key gaps are provided on opposite sides of the transverse key gap respectively; A bottom plate located below the first key row and the second key row; and A backlight module is located below the first key row and the second key row. The backlight module includes a horizontal light row and two vertical light rows. The horizontal light row and the two vertical light rows each include a plurality of light-emitting elements. The horizontal light row is located below the horizontal key gap, and each vertical light row is located below each stepped key gap. The light emitted by the horizontal light row and the two vertical light rows passes through the plurality of first key caps and the plurality of second key caps.

2. The illuminated keyboard according to claim 1, wherein The light beams of the horizontal light column and the two vertical light columns advance toward the two long sides and the two short sides of the luminous keyboard.

3. The illuminated keyboard according to claim 1, wherein The luminous keyboard has two long sides and two short sides. The light beams of the multiple luminous elements of the horizontal light row respectively advance toward the two different long sides; the light beams of the multiple luminous elements of the two vertical light rows respectively advance toward the two different short sides.

4. The illuminated keyboard according to claim 1, wherein Each light-emitting element in the horizontal light column has an element long axis, and the angle between each element long axis and the long axis is less than or equal to 30 degrees; or, each light-emitting element in the vertical light column has another element long axis, and the angle between each other element long axis and the long axis is greater than or equal to 35 degrees.

5. The illuminated keyboard according to claim 1, wherein The bottom plate has a plurality of plate holes respectively corresponding to the plurality of first keycaps and the plurality of second keycaps, and the light emitted by the horizontal light column and the two vertical light columns passes through the plurality of plate holes and the plurality of first keycaps and the plurality of second keycaps.

6. The illuminated keyboard according to claim 1, wherein The backlight module comprises a light shielding plate, and the light shielding plate is located between the bottom plate and the horizontal light row and the two vertical light rows.

7. The illuminated keyboard according to claim 1, wherein, The backlight module includes at least one light board located below the bottom board, and the at least one light board is used to set the horizontal light row and the two vertical light rows.

8. The illuminated keyboard according to claim 7, wherein The backlight module also includes a light guide plate located above the at least one light board.

9. The illuminated keyboard according to claim 7, wherein, The backlight module comprises a reflective layer arranged on the at least one light board; the reflective layer has a plurality of through holes, and the horizontal light row and each vertical light row respectively pass through each through hole.

10. The illuminated keyboard according to claim 8, characterized in that, The light guide plate has a plurality of scattering structures, and the plurality of scattering structures correspond to the plurality of first key caps and the plurality of second key caps respectively.

11. The illuminated keyboard according to claim 8, wherein, The light guide plate has a groove, and the groove divides the luminous keyboard into a left luminous area and a right luminous area arranged along the long axis.

12. The illuminated keyboard according to claim 1, wherein, The invention also comprises a control device, which is electrically connected to the plurality of light-emitting elements of the horizontal light column and the two vertical light columns, and controls the plurality of light-emitting elements of the horizontal light column and the two vertical light columns to emit light in turn.

13. The illuminated keyboard according to claim 1, wherein The first key row and the second key row are divided into a left light-emitting area and a right light-emitting area. The left light-emitting area corresponds to a horizontal light row and two vertical light rows as a group, and the right light-emitting area corresponds to another horizontal light row and two vertical light rows as a group.

14. The illuminated keyboard according to claim 13, wherein, The first key column and the second key column are divided into a plurality of left-region keys and a plurality of right-region keys corresponding to the left light-emitting region and the right light-emitting region respectively; wherein, when any one of the left-region keys is pressed, a plurality of light-emitting elements in the horizontal light column and the two vertical light columns corresponding to the left light-emitting region emit light in turn.

15. A backlight module, characterized in that Comprising: A light-shielding plate, comprising: A first light-transmitting column and a second light-transmitting column arranged side by side, the first light-transmitting column and the second light-transmitting column extend along a long axis respectively, the first light-transmitting column has a plurality of first light-transmitting regions arranged at intervals along the long axis, the second light-transmitting column has a plurality of second light-transmitting regions arranged at intervals along the long axis, and the plurality of first light-transmitting regions and the plurality of second light-transmitting regions are not aligned on a short axis; A horizontal shielding region, extending along the long axis and located between the first light-transmitting column and the second light-transmitting column; and Two stepped shielding regions, located on opposite sides of the horizontal shielding region; and A lamp board, located below the light-shielding plate, provided with a horizontal light column and two vertical light columns, the horizontal light column and the two vertical light columns respectively comprise a plurality of light-emitting elements, the horizontal light column is located below the horizontal shielding region, and each vertical light column is located below each stepped shielding region; Wherein, the light emitted by the horizontal light column and the two vertical light columns is transmitted through the plurality of first light-transmitting regions and the plurality of second light-transmitting regions.

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