Key structure

Abstract

The invention provides a key structure which comprises a key cap and a backlight module. The key cap is provided with a light-transmitting area. The backlight module is arranged below the key cap and comprises a light-emitting element, and the light-emitting element and the light-transmitting area are arranged in a staggered mode. Wherein an elastic element is arranged between the light propagation path of the light-emitting element and the light-transmitting area, the elastic element is used for enabling the key cap to elastically reset, and the elastic element is made of a light-proof material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of input devices, and more particularly to a key structure for a keyboard device. Background Technology

[0002] There are many types of keyboards available today. Backlit keys, due to their complex structure and limited space for illuminating elements, are mostly limited to a single element. However, as users' functional needs increase, backlit keys are no longer limited to single functions; they have evolved to have dual functions on a single key. Therefore, it is necessary to display corresponding characters for each function on the top surface of the keycap, and then illuminate each character with light from at least two illuminating elements. However, placing multiple illuminating elements on a key can easily cause interference between the light sources, resulting in poor zonal illumination and drawing criticism. Therefore, improving these issues is a focus of attention for those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide an improved button structure.

[0004] This invention provides a key structure, including a keycap and a backlight module. The keycap has a light-transmitting area. The backlight module is disposed below the keycap and includes a light-emitting element, which is offset from the light-transmitting area. An elastic element is disposed between the light propagation path of the light-emitting element and the light-transmitting area. The elastic element is used to elastically reset the keycap, and the elastic element is made of an opaque material.

[0005] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elastic element is a dark-colored elastic element or a black elastic element.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the keycap further includes a second light-transmitting area, and the backlight module further includes a second light-emitting element. The second light-transmitting area is disposed directly above the light-emitting element, and the second light-emitting element is disposed directly below the light-transmitting area.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elastic element is located between the second light propagation path of the second light-emitting element and the second light-transmitting region.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element are linear light-emitting elements.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the keycap has a top surface and a bottom surface, and the light-transmitting area has a light channel that connects the top surface and the bottom surface.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the optical channel has an inlet and an outlet, with the inlet located on the bottom surface of the keycap and the outlet located on the top surface of the keycap.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the button structure further includes a switch layer and a base plate, the switch layer being disposed on the base plate, and the switch layer and the base plate being located between the elastic element and the backlight module.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the switching layer includes at least one through hole, the base plate includes at least one clearance hole, the at least one through hole and the at least one clearance hole are disposed corresponding to the light-emitting element, and the light-emitting element is accommodated in the at least one through hole and the at least one clearance hole.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the switch layer further includes at least one through hole, and the base plate further includes at least one hook structure, the at least one hook structure being disposed corresponding to at least one through hole, and the at least one hook structure passing through at least one through hole.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the key structure further includes a connecting component, and the keycap further includes a connecting structure, wherein the connecting component pivotally connects to the connecting structure and the hook structure.

[0015] To make the above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the appearance of the first embodiment of the button structure of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2A and Figure 2B for Figure 1 An exploded view of the button structure.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a top view of the first embodiment of the button structure of the present invention, omitting the connecting components.

[0019] Figure 4 For along Figure 1 The diagram shown is a cross-sectional view of the BB line segment, omitting the connecting components.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a top view of the first embodiment of the key structure of the present invention, omitting the keycaps.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the bottom projection range of the elastic element on the backlight module in the first embodiment of the button structure of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 7A and Figure 7BThis is an exploded view of the second embodiment of the button structure of the present invention, omitting the connecting components.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a top view of the second embodiment of the button structure of the present invention, omitting the connecting components.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the keycap projection area formed on the backlight module in the second embodiment of the keycap structure of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the appearance of the third embodiment of the button structure of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 11A and Figure 11B for Figure 10 The exploded view of the button structure omits the connecting components, switch layer, and base plate.

[0027] Figure 12 For along Figure 10 The diagram shown is a cross-sectional view of the CC line segment, omitting the connecting components.

[0028] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the elastic element in the third embodiment of the button structure of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 14 This is a top view of the third embodiment of the button structure of the present invention, omitting the connecting components, switch layer and base plate.

[0030] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing the keycap projection area formed on the backlight module in the third embodiment of the keycap structure of the present invention.

[0031] The reference numerals in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0032] KS, KS′, KS″: Key structure

[0033] 1, 1″: Keycaps

[0034] 1′, 1″′: Keycap projection area

[0035] 2, 2″: Backlight module

[0036] 3, 3′, 3″: Elastic elements

[0037] 4: Switching layer

[0038] 5: Base plate

[0039] 6: Connection components

[0040] R1: First Region

[0041] R2: Second Region

[0042] R3: Third Region

[0043] R4: Fourth Region

[0044] 11: Top surface

[0045] 12: Bottom

[0046] 13: Hat brim

[0047] 14A: First light-transmitting area

[0048] 14B: Second light-transmitting area

[0049] 14C: Third light-transmitting zone

[0050] 14D: Fourth light-transmitting area

[0051] 21: Circuit board

[0052] 22A: First light-emitting element

[0053] 22B: Second light-emitting element

[0054] 22C: Third light-emitting element

[0055] 22D: Fourth light-emitting element

[0056] 31: Top of the dome

[0057] 32: Bottom of the dome

[0058] 33: Conductor post

[0059] 34: Sloping wall section

[0060] 31′, 31″: Top

[0061] 32′, 32″: Bottom

[0062] 32′A: Orthographic projection range of the dome's base

[0063] 31C″: Central part

[0064] 31E″: Extension

[0065] 34′, 34″: Side wall portion

[0066] 41: Switch

[0067] 42: Through hole

[0068] 43: Through hole

[0069] 51: Clearance Hole

[0070] 61: Internal connector

[0071] 62: External connector

[0072] 121: Connection Structure

[0073] 611: Inner body part

[0074] 612: First connecting part

[0075] 613: Second connecting part

[0076] 621: Outer body part

[0077] 622: Third connecting part

[0078] 623: Fourth connecting part

[0079] 311, 311′, 311″: First page

[0080] 312, 312′, 312″: Second side

[0081] 321, 321′, 321″: Second base surface

[0082] 322, 322′, 322″: Hollow section

[0083] L1: First Ray

[0084] L2: Second Ray

[0085] L3: Third Ray

[0086] L4: Fourth Ray

[0087] L1R: First optical propagation path

[0088] L2R: Second optical path

[0089] L3R: Third optical path

[0090] L4R: Fourth Light Propagation Path

[0091] 14A1: First optical channel

[0092] 14B1: Second optical channel

[0093] 14C1: Third optical channel

[0094] 14D1: Fourth Optical Channel

[0095] 14A11: First Entrance

[0096] 14B11: Second Entrance

[0097] 14C11: Third Entrance

[0098] 14D11: The Fourth Entrance

[0099] 14A12: Exit 1

[0100] 14B12: Second Exit

[0101] 14C12: Third Exit

[0102] 14D12: Fourth Exit

[0103] D1: First Distance

[0104] D2: Second Distance

[0105] R: Diameter

[0106] X: X-axis

[0107] Y: Y-axis

[0108] Z: Z-axis

[0109] A: Rotation axis

[0110] BB, CC: line segments Detailed Implementation

[0111] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the appearance of the first embodiment of the button structure of the present invention. Figure 2A and Figure 2B for Figure 1 An exploded view of the button structure. Figure 3 This is a top view of the first embodiment of the button structure of the present invention, omitting the connecting components. Figure 4 For along Figure 1 The diagram shown is a cross-sectional view of the BB line segment, omitting the connecting components.

[0112] Figure 5 This is a top view of the first embodiment of the key structure of the present invention, omitting the keycaps. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the bottom projection range of the elastic element on the backlight module in the first embodiment of the button structure of the present invention. Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is an exploded view of the second embodiment of the button structure of the present invention, omitting the connecting components. Figure 8 This is a top view of the second embodiment of the button structure of the present invention, omitting the connecting components. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the keycap projection area formed on the backlight module in the second embodiment of the keycap structure of the present invention. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the appearance of the third embodiment of the button structure of the present invention. Figure 11A and Figure 11B for Figure 10 The exploded view of the button structure omits the connecting components, switch layer, and base plate. Figure 12 For along Figure 10The diagram shown is a cross-sectional view of the CC line segment, omitting the connecting components. Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the elastic element in the third embodiment of the button structure of the present invention. Figure 14 This is a top view of the third embodiment of the button structure of the present invention, omitting the connecting components, switch layer and base plate. Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing the keycap projection area formed on the backlight module in the third embodiment of the keycap structure of the present invention.

[0113] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2B This embodiment provides a key structure KS, which includes a keycap 1, a backlight module 2, an elastic element 3, a switch layer 4, a base plate 5, and a connecting assembly 6. The keycap 1, elastic element 3, switch layer 4, and base plate 5 are stacked from top to bottom. The elastic element 3 is housed inside the connecting assembly 6, and its upper and lower ends abut against the keycap 1 and switch layer 4, respectively (see...). Figure 4 In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the buttons can be, but are not limited to, character keys, function keys, single keys, or multiple keys. The following provides a further detailed description of each component of the button structure KS.

[0114] Please refer to the following: Figure 4The keycap 1 includes a top surface 11, a bottom surface 12, a brim 13, a first light-transmitting area 14A, and a second light-transmitting area 14B. The top surface 11 and the bottom surface 12 are positioned opposite each other. The top surface 11 is used by the user to press and identify the function or character represented by the key. The bottom surface 12 has multiple connecting structures 121 protruding from it. The brim 13 extends from the bottom surface 12 in a direction away from the top surface 11, that is, it protrudes along the negative Z-axis direction. The first light-transmitting area 14A includes a first light channel 14A1, which connects the top surface 11 and the bottom surface 12 of the keycap 1. The first light channel 14A1 is located at the bottom surface 12 of the keycap 1 and is located at the top surface 11 of the keycap 1 and is located at the top surface 11 of the keycap 1 and is located at the bottom surface 12 of the keycap 1 and is located at the top surface 11 of the keycap 1 and is located at the top surface 11 of the keycap 1 and is located at the bottom surface 12 of the keycap 1 and is located at the top surface 11 of the keycap 1 and is located at the top surface 12 of the keycap 1 and is located at the top surface 12 of the keycap 1 and is located at the top surface 14A12 of the keycap 1. The second light-transmitting area 14B includes a second light channel 14B1, which connects the top surface 11 and the bottom surface 12 of the keycap 1. The second light channel 14B1 located at the bottom surface 12 of the keycap 1 is the second entrance 14B11, and the second light channel 14B1 located at the top surface 11 of the keycap 1 is the second exit 14B12. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the body of the keycap 1 is made of a light-transmitting material. An opaque material is attached to the body of the keycap 1 by a spraying process or an equivalent process. Then, a portion of the opaque material is removed by a laser engraving process, thereby forming a light-transmitting area, such as a first light-transmitting area 14A and a second light-transmitting area 14B. Light can pass through any of the light-transmitting areas, while the portion of the opaque material that has not been removed will block the passage of light. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first light-transmitting area 14A may be, but is not limited to, for example, phonetic symbols, English letters, numbers, or functions represented by them; the second light-transmitting area 14B may be, but is not limited to, for example, phonetic symbols, English letters, numbers, or functions represented by them.

[0115] Please refer to it again. Figures 2A to 4The backlight module 2 is located below the keycap 1 and is used to illuminate the key structure KS. The backlight module 2 includes a circuit board 21, a first light-emitting element 22A, and a second light-emitting element 22B. The first light-emitting element 22A and the second light-emitting element 22B are disposed on the circuit board 21, which is equipped with a driver IC (not shown). The first light-emitting element 22A and the second light-emitting element 22B are electrically connected to the driver IC (not shown) so that the driver IC can control the current and PWM signal of the first light-emitting element 22A and the second light-emitting element 22B, thereby enabling the first light-emitting element 22A to generate a first light L1 and the second light-emitting element 22B to generate a second light L2. The first light L1 has a first light propagation path L1R, and the second light has a second light propagation path L2R. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first light-emitting element 22A is positioned corresponding to the first light-transmitting region 14A, that is, the first light-emitting element 22A is approximately located directly below the first light-transmitting region 14A, so that the first light ray L1 generated by the first light-emitting element 22A illuminates the first light-transmitting region 14A; the second light-emitting element 22B is positioned corresponding to the second light-transmitting region 14B, that is, the second light-emitting element 22B is approximately located directly below the second light-transmitting region 14B, so that the second light ray L2 generated by the second light-emitting element 22B illuminates the second light-transmitting region 14B. In other words, the first light-emitting element 22A and the second light-transmitting region 14B are offset, and the second light-emitting element 22B and the first light-transmitting region 14A are also offset, that is, the first light-emitting element 22A is not located directly below the second light-transmitting region 14B, and the second light-emitting element 22B is not located directly below the first light-transmitting region 14A. The first light-emitting element 22A and the second light-emitting element 22B can be, but are not limited to, for example, linear light-emitting elements.

[0116] Please refer to it again. Figures 2A to 4The elastic element 3 is used to allow the keycap 1 to spring back and provide light-blocking functionality. The elastic element 3 is disposed between the keycap 1 and the backlight module 2. The elastic element 3 is located between the first light propagation path L1R of the first light ray L1 generated by the first light-emitting element 22A and the second light-transmitting area 14B. Simultaneously, the elastic element 3 is also located between the second light propagation path L2R of the second light ray L2 generated by the second light-emitting element 22B and the first light-transmitting area 14A. The elastic element 3 is made of an opaque material. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the elastic element 3 can be, but is not limited to, dark or black, for example. Specifically, because the opaque material design of the elastic element 3 blocks light transmission, the first light ray L1 enters the first light channel 14A1 from the first entrance 14A11 and exits the keycap 1 from the first exit 14A12. The second light ray L2 enters the second light channel 14B1 from the second entrance 14B11 and exits the keycap 1 from the second exit 14B12. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the elastic element 3 is a rubber dome. The elastic element 3 includes a dome top 31, a dome bottom 32, a conductive post 33, and a sloping wall portion 34. The dome top 31 has a first surface 311 and a second surface 312, both of which are circular in shape. The first surface 311 and the second surface 312 are arranged opposite to each other, with the first surface 311 abutting upward against the bottom surface 12 of the keycap 1. The dome bottom 32 has a second bottom surface 321 and a hollow portion 322, with the second bottom surface 321 abutting downward against the switch layer 4. The conductive post 33 extends from the second surface 312 of the dome top 31 toward the dome bottom 32, that is, it protrudes in the negative direction of the Z-axis. The sloping wall portion 34 connects the dome top 31 and the dome bottom 32. When the user presses the keycap 1, the keycap 1 will move downwards, and the dome top 31 along with the conductive post 33 will also move downwards. The inclined wall 34 will then deform. When the conductive post 33 touches the switch 41 of the switch layer 4, the conductive post 33 triggers the switch 41 of the switch layer 4.

[0117] Please refer to it again. Figures 2A to 4A switch layer 4 is disposed below the elastic element 3. The switch layer 4 includes a switch 41, at least one through-hole 42, and at least one through-hole 43. The switch 41 is disposed directly below the conductive post 33 for triggering. The through-hole 42 penetrates the switch layer 4. The position of the through-hole 42 corresponds to the light-emitting elements 22A and 22B of the backlight module 2. The light-emitting elements 22A and 22B are accommodated within the through-hole 42. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, since the backlight module 2 includes a first light-emitting element 22A and a second light-emitting element 22B, the number of through-holes 42 is at least two. The two through-holes 42 are respectively used to accommodate the first light-emitting element 22A and the second light-emitting element 22B. However, the invention is not limited to this; a single through-hole 42 can also accommodate multiple light-emitting elements. Multiple through-holes 43 penetrate the switch layer 4. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the number of through-holes 43 can be, but is not limited to, for example, four. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the switching layer 4 may be, but is not limited to, for example, a multilayer membrane switch.

[0118] Please refer to it again. Figures 2A to 4 A base plate 5 is disposed between the switch layer 4 and the backlight module 2. The base plate 5 provides support for the button structure KS; therefore, the material of the base plate 5 has hardness. The material of the base plate 5 can be, but is not limited to, metal or plastic. The base plate 5 includes multiple hook structures (not shown) and at least one or more clearance holes 51. The hook structures protrude upwards from the surface of the base plate 5 and pass through the through holes 43 of the switch layer 4. The hook structures are formed by the body of the base plate 5 through a stamping process. The clearance holes 51 penetrate the base plate 5. The position of the clearance holes 51 corresponds to the setting of the light-emitting elements of the backlight module 2. Furthermore, the clearance holes 51 connect to the through holes 42 of the switch layer 4. The light-emitting elements are simultaneously accommodated in the through holes 42 and the clearance holes 51. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the number of clearance holes 51 can be, but is not limited to, for example, two. The two clearance holes 51 are respectively used to accommodate the first light-emitting element 22A and the second light-emitting element 22B.

[0119] Please refer to the following for further details. Figure 5The connecting component 6 is used to connect the keycap 1 and the base plate 5, allowing the keycap 1 to move back and forth relative to the base plate 5 along the Z-axis, that is, allowing the keycap 1 to move up and down relative to the base plate 5. The connecting component 6 includes an inner connecting member 61 and an outer connecting member 62. The inner connecting member 61 is pivotally connected to the inner side of the outer connecting member 62 with a rotation axis A. The inner connecting member 61 has a pair of inner body parts 611, a first connecting part 612 and a second connecting part 613. The pair of inner body parts 611 are respectively connected to the first connecting part 612 and the second connecting part 613. The hook structure (not shown) between the inner connecting member 61 and the base plate 5 is connected through the first connecting part 612. The connection structure 121 between the inner connecting member 61 and the bottom surface 12 of the keycap 1 is connected through the second connecting part 613. The outer connector 62 has an outer body portion 621, a third connecting portion 622, and a fourth connecting portion 623. The outer body portion 621 is connected to the third connecting portion 622 and the fourth connecting portion 623 respectively. The hook structure (not shown) between the outer connector 62 and the base plate 5 is connected through the third connecting portion 622, and the connection structure 121 between the outer connector 62 and the bottom surface 12 of the keycap 1 is connected through the fourth connecting portion 623. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inner connector 61 and the outer connector 62 are made of a dark or black material, that is, the whole is an opaque color. The advantage of this design is that it prevents light refraction or leakage. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inner connector 61 and the outer connector 62 are made of a light-transmitting material directly above the corresponding light-emitting elements 22A and 22B, while the other parts are made of a dark or black material. That is, the inner connector 61 and the outer connector 62 are made of a light-transmitting material near the rotation axis, so that the light is not blocked and the effect of reducing refraction or light leakage is achieved. In this embodiment, the inner connector 61 and the outer connector 62 are composite material connecting components 6 formed by a dual-material injection molding process.

[0120] Please refer to further information. Figure 6 In this embodiment, the dome bottom 32 of the elastic element 3 forms a dome bottom orthographic projection range 32′A on the backlight module 2. The dome bottom orthographic projection range 32′A is circular and has a diameter R. The first light-emitting element 22A has a straight-line distance of D1 to the circumference of the dome bottom orthographic projection range 32′A, and the second light-emitting element 22B has a straight-line distance of D2 to the circumference of the dome bottom orthographic projection range 32′A. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first distance D1 is not greater than the diameter R, and the second distance D2 is not greater than the diameter R. The advantage of this setting is that, in this embodiment, the elastic element 3 is a rubber dome structure. If the distance between the first light-emitting element 22A and the second light-emitting element 22B and the elastic element 3 is too large, its light-blocking effect will decrease. Therefore, this embodiment adjusts the distance between the first light-emitting element 22A and the second light-emitting element 22B and the elastic element 3 to enhance the light-blocking effect.

[0121] Please see Figures 7A to 7B . Figures 7A to 7B This is an exploded view of the second embodiment of the key structure KS′ of the present invention, omitting the connecting component 6. This embodiment is largely the same in structure as the first embodiment, and the similarities will not be repeated here. The only difference lies in the structure of the elastic element 3′. In this embodiment, the elastic element 3′ is generally rectangular. The elastic element 3′ includes a top 31′, a bottom 32′, a conductive post 33, and a sidewall portion 34′. The top 31′ has a first surface 311′ and a second surface 312′, which are arranged opposite to each other. The first surface 311′ and the second surface 312′ are extended strips, for example, rectangular. The first surface 311′ abuts upward against the bottom surface 12 of the keycap 1. The bottom 32′ has two second bottom surfaces 321′ and a hollow portion 322′. The two second bottom surfaces 321′ are rectangular and abut downward against the switch layer 4. The guide post 33 is formed by protruding from the second surface 312' of the top 31' toward the bottom 32', that is, protruding in the negative direction of the Z-axis. The side wall portion 34' connects the top 31' and the bottom 32'.

[0122] Please refer to further information. Figure 8 and Figure 9 In this embodiment, the keycap 1 forms a keycap projection area 1′ on the backlight module 2. An elastic element 3′ roughly divides the keycap projection area 1′ into a first region R1 and a second region R2. A first light-emitting element 22A is located within the first region R1, and a second light-emitting element 22B is located within the second region R2. A first light-transmitting region 14A is roughly positioned directly above the first light-emitting element 22A, and a second light-transmitting region 14B is roughly positioned directly above the second light-emitting element 22B. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the areas of the first region R1 and the second region R2 are approximately equal.

[0123] Please see Figures 10 to 15 , Figures 10 to 15 This is the third embodiment of the key structure KS″ of the present invention. The structure of this embodiment is roughly the same as that of the previous two embodiments, and the similarities will not be repeated here. The only differences are the number of light-transmitting areas of the keycap 1″, the number of light-emitting elements of the backlight module 2″, and the structure of the elastic element 3″.

[0124] Please see Figures 10 to 12In this embodiment, the keycap 1″ further includes a third light-transmitting region 14C and a fourth light-transmitting region 14D. The third light-transmitting region 14C includes a third light channel 14C1, which connects the top surface 11 and the bottom surface 12 of the keycap 1″. The third light channel 14C1 located at the bottom surface 12 of the keycap 1″ is the third entrance 14C11, and the third light channel 14C1 located at the top surface 11 of the keycap 1″ is the third exit 14C12. The fourth light-transmitting area 14D includes a fourth light channel 14D1, which connects the top surface 11 and bottom surface 12 of the keycap 1″. The fourth light channel 14D1 located at the bottom surface 12 of the keycap 1″ is the fourth entrance 14D11, and the fourth light channel 14D1 located at the top surface 11 of the keycap 1″ is the fourth exit 14D12. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first light-transmitting area 14A, the second light-transmitting area 14B, the third light-transmitting area 14C, and the fourth light-transmitting area 14D are respectively located near the four corners of the keycap 1″, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0125] Please refer to it again. Figures 10 to 12 In this example, the backlight module 2″ further includes a third light-emitting element 22C and a fourth light-emitting element 22D. The third light-emitting element 22C and the fourth light-emitting element 22D are disposed on the circuit board 21. The third light-emitting element 22C and the fourth light-emitting element 22D have an electrical connection (not shown) with the driver IC to facilitate the driver IC controlling the current and PWM signal of the third light-emitting element 22C and the fourth light-emitting element 22D. This enables the third light-emitting element 22C to generate a third ray L3 and the fourth light-emitting element 22D to generate a fourth ray L4. The third ray L3 has a third light propagation path L3R, and the fourth ray has a fourth light propagation path L4R. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the third light-emitting element 22C is generally located directly below the third light-transmitting region 14C, and the fourth light-emitting element 22D is generally located directly below the fourth light-transmitting region 14D. The third light-emitting element 22C and the fourth light-emitting element 22D can be, but are not limited to, linear light-emitting elements, for example, linear light-emitting elements.

[0126] Please refer to the following for further details. Figure 13In this embodiment, the elastic element 3″ includes a top 31″, a bottom 32″, a conductive post 33, and a sidewall portion 34″. The top 31″ has a central portion 31C″ and four extension portions 31E″ extending away from the central portion 31C″. The central portion 31C″ and the extension portions 31E″ have a first surface 311″ and a second surface 312″. The first surface 311″ and the second surface 312″ are arranged opposite to each other. The first surface 311″ and the second surface 312″ are generally cross-shaped or X-shaped. The first surface 311″ abuts upward against the bottom surface 12 of the keycap 1″. The bottom 32″ includes multiple second bottom surfaces 321″ and a hollow portion 322″. The multiple second bottom surfaces 321″ are generally L-shaped and abut downwards against the switch layer 4. The conduction post 33 extends from the second surface 312″ near the center portion 31C of the top 31″ towards the bottom 32″, that is, it protrudes in the negative direction of the Z-axis. The side wall portion 34″ connects the top 31″ and the bottom 32″.

[0127] Please refer to further information. Figure 14 and Figure 15 In this embodiment, the keycap 1″ forms a keycap orthographic projection range 1″′ on the backlight module 2″. The elastic element 3″ roughly divides the keycap orthographic projection range 1″′ into a first region R1, a second region R2, a third region R3, and a fourth region R4. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the areas of the first region R1, the second region R2, the third region R3, and the fourth region R4 are approximately equal. Specifically, the first region R1 is adjacent to the second region R2 and the fourth region R4; the second region R2 is adjacent to the third region R3 and the first region R1; the third region R3 is adjacent to the fourth region R4 and the second region R2; and the fourth region R4 is adjacent to the first region R1 and the third region R3. Region R1 is positioned opposite to region R3, and region R2 is positioned opposite to region R4. A first light-emitting element 22A is located within region R1, a second light-emitting element 22B is located within region R2, a third light-emitting element 22C is located within region R3, and a fourth light-emitting element 22D is located within region R4. A first light-transmitting region 14A is positioned approximately directly above the first light-emitting element 22A, a second light-transmitting region 14B is positioned approximately directly above the second light-emitting element 22B, a third light-transmitting region 14C is positioned approximately directly above the third light-emitting element 22C, and a fourth light-transmitting region 14D is positioned approximately directly above the fourth light-emitting element 22D.

[0128] In summary, the advantage of this invention lies in the fact that the key structure of this invention has an elastic element made of opaque material between the light-emitting element and the light-transmitting area of ​​the keycap that is misaligned with the light-emitting element. In addition to the function of elastically restoring the keycap, this elastic element can also achieve the effect of blocking light, so that the light generated by the light-emitting element of this invention is concentrated in its corresponding light-transmitting area, allowing the key structure to emit light in sections without the need for additional structures. Therefore, the advantage of the key structure of this invention is that the overall structure is simple and has the function of zonal light emission.

[0129] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Any simple equivalent variations and modifications made in accordance with the claims and description of the invention are still within the scope of this patent. Furthermore, no embodiment or claim of the present invention needs to achieve all the objectives, advantages, or features disclosed in the invention. In addition, the abstract and headings are merely for assisting in patent document searches and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., mentioned in this specification or claims are only used to name elements or distinguish different embodiments or scopes, and are not used to limit the upper or lower limit of the number of elements.

Claims

1. A button structure, comprising: A keycap that has a light-transmitting area; as well as A backlight module is located below the keycap. The backlight module includes a light-emitting element, which is offset from the light-transmitting area. An elastic element is provided between a light propagation path of the light-emitting element and the light-transmitting area. The elastic element is used to make the keycap elastically reset. The elastic element is made of an opaque material.

2. The button structure as described in claim 1, wherein, The elastic element is a dark-colored elastic element or a black elastic element.

3. The button structure as described in claim 1, wherein, The keycap further includes a second light-transmitting area, and the backlight module further includes a second light-emitting element. The second light-transmitting area is located directly above the light-emitting element, and the second light-emitting element is located directly below the light-transmitting area.

4. The button structure as described in claim 3, wherein, The elastic element is located between a second light propagation path of the second light-emitting element and the second light-transmitting area.

5. The button structure as described in claim 3, wherein, The light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element are directional light-emitting elements.

6. The button structure as described in claim 1, wherein, The keycap has a top surface and a bottom surface, and the light-transmitting area has a light channel that connects the top surface and the bottom surface.

7. The button structure as described in claim 6, wherein, The light channel has an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being located on the bottom surface of the keycap and the outlet being located on the top surface of the keycap.

8. The button structure as described in claim 1, wherein, The button structure further includes a switch layer and a base plate, the switch layer is disposed on the base plate, and the switch layer and the base plate are located between the elastic element and the backlight module.

9. The button structure as described in claim 8, wherein, The switch layer includes at least one through hole, and the base plate includes at least one clearance hole. The at least one through hole and the at least one clearance hole are disposed opposite to the light-emitting element, and the light-emitting element is housed in the at least one through hole and the at least one clearance hole.

10. The button structure as described in claim 9, wherein, The switch layer further includes at least one through hole, and the base plate further includes at least one hook structure, the at least one hook structure being disposed corresponding to the at least one through hole, the at least one hook structure passing through the at least one through hole.

11. The button structure as described in claim 10, wherein, The key structure further includes a connecting component, and the keycap further includes a connecting structure, the connecting component pivotally connecting the connecting structure and the latch structure.

12. The button structure as described in claim 1, wherein, The elastic element includes: A dome-shaped top, with the top of the dome pressing upward against the keycap; A dome base, the dome base forming a dome base orthographic projection area on the backlight module, the dome base orthographic projection area having a diameter; and A sloping wall connects the top and bottom of the dome.

13. The button structure as described in claim 12, wherein, The light-emitting element has a distance from the orthographic projection range of the bottom of the dome, and this distance is not greater than the length of the diameter.

14. The button structure as described in claim 3, wherein, The elastic element includes: A top surface that abuts against the keycap, the top surface having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface and the second surface being disposed opposite to each other, the first surface and the second surface being an extended strip; A bottom portion, which is positioned close to the backlight module; and A side wall portion that connects the top and the bottom; The keycap forms a keycap projection area in the backlight module, and the elastic element divides the keycap projection area into a first region and a second region.

15. The button structure as described in claim 14, wherein, The light-emitting element is located within the first region, and the second light-emitting element is located within the second region.

16. A button structure, comprising: A keycap having a first light-transmitting area, a second light-transmitting area, a third light-transmitting area and a fourth light-transmitting area; A backlight module is disposed below the keycap. The backlight module includes a first light-emitting element, a second light-emitting element, a third light-emitting element, and a fourth light-emitting element. The first light-emitting element corresponds to a first light-transmitting area, the second light-emitting element corresponds to a second light-transmitting area, the third light-emitting element corresponds to a third light-transmitting area, and the fourth light-emitting element corresponds to a fourth light-transmitting area. An elastic element, which is used to elastically return the keycap to its original position, is made of an opaque material; The keycap forms a keycap projection area on the backlight module. The elastic element divides the keycap projection area into a first region, a second region, a third region, and a fourth region. The first light-emitting element is located within the first region, the second light-emitting element is located within the second region, the third light-emitting element is located within the third region, and the fourth light-emitting element is located within the fourth region.

17. The button structure as described in claim 16, wherein, The elastic element includes a central portion, a first extension, a second extension, a third extension, and a fourth extension. The central portion is located between the first light-emitting element, the second light-emitting element, the third light-emitting element, and the fourth light-emitting element. The first extension is disposed between the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element. The second extension is disposed between the second light-emitting element and the third light-emitting element. The third extension is disposed between the third light-emitting element and the fourth light-emitting element. The fourth extension is disposed between the fourth light-emitting element and the first light-emitting element.

18. The button structure as described in claim 16, wherein, The elastic element is either a dark-colored elastic element or a black elastic element.

19. The button structure as described in claim 16, wherein, The first light-emitting element, the second light-emitting element, the third light-emitting element, and the fourth light-emitting element are linear light-emitting elements.

20. The button structure as described in claim 16, wherein, The keycap has a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface and the bottom surface are disposed opposite to each other, the top surface is away from the backlight module, and the bottom surface is close to the backlight module.

21. The button structure as described in claim 20, wherein, The first light-transmitting area has a first light channel, the second light-transmitting area has a second light channel, the third light-transmitting area has a third light channel, and the fourth light-transmitting area has a fourth light channel. The first light channel, the second light channel, the third light channel, and the fourth light channel are respectively connected to the bottom surface and the top surface of the keycap.

22. The button structure as described in claim 21, wherein, The first optical channel has a first inlet and a first outlet, the second optical channel has a second inlet and a second outlet, the third optical channel has a third inlet and a third outlet, and the fourth optical channel has a fourth inlet and a fourth outlet. The first inlet, the second inlet, the third inlet and the fourth inlet are disposed on the bottom surface of the keycap, and the first outlet, the second outlet, the third outlet and the fourth outlet are disposed on the top surface of the keycap.

23. The button structure as described in claim 22, wherein, The first light-emitting element generates a first light ray toward the first light-transmitting area, the second light-emitting element generates a second light ray toward the second light-transmitting area, the third light-emitting element generates a third light ray toward the third light-transmitting area, and the fourth light-emitting element generates a fourth light ray toward the fourth light-transmitting area. The first light ray enters the first light channel from the first inlet and exits from the first outlet. The second light ray enters the second light channel from the second inlet and exits from the second outlet. The third light ray enters the third light channel from the third inlet and exits from the third outlet. The fourth light ray enters the fourth light channel from the fourth inlet and exits from the fourth outlet.

24. The button structure as described in claim 16, wherein, The button structure further includes a switch layer and a base plate, the switch layer is disposed on the base plate, and the switch layer and the base plate are located between the elastic element and the backlight module.

25. The button structure as described in claim 24, wherein, The switch layer includes at least one through hole, and the base plate includes at least one clearance hole. The at least one through hole corresponds to and communicates with the at least one clearance hole. The first light-emitting element, the second light-emitting element, the third light-emitting element, and the fourth light-emitting element are housed in the at least one through hole and the at least one clearance hole.

26. The button structure as described in claim 25, wherein, The switch layer further includes at least one through hole, and the base plate further includes at least one hook structure, the at least one hook structure being disposed corresponding to the at least one through hole, the at least one hook structure passing through the at least one through hole.

27. The button structure as described in claim 26, wherein, The key structure further includes a connecting component, and the keycap further includes a connecting structure, the connecting component pivotally connecting the connecting structure and the latch structure.

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