Thin film assembly and touch keyboard using the same

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of film assembly and touch keyboard using it.The touch keyboard includes keycap and film assembly.The film assembly is arranged below the keycap, and the keycap forms the orthographic projection area of keycap on the film assembly.The film assembly includes first capacitive electrode layer, second capacitive electrode layer and spacing layer.The capacitance is formed between the first capacitive electrode layer and the second capacitive electrode layer.The first capacitive electrode layer has first switch area, which is respectively located in the orthographic projection area of keycap.The second capacitive electrode layer has second switch area, which is respectively located in the orthographic projection area of keycap, and at least partially overlaps with the first switch area in the vertical direction.The spacing layer has spacing hole, which corresponds to the overlapping place of first and second switch areas, and separates them by first spacing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a thin-film assembly and a touch keyboard using the same. Background Technology

[0002] In modern computer operation, users need to connect multiple input devices, such as keyboards, mice, and touchpads, to achieve various functions. Each of these input devices has its own unique operating method and function; for example, the keyboard is used for text input and executing shortcut keys; the mouse is used for precise cursor control; and the touchpad is used for gesture operation and multi-touch. However, each of these input devices needs to be connected to the computer device separately, occupying multiple connection interfaces. This not only increases the complexity of user operation but also makes carrying and setting up the device more difficult. Currently, most computer devices cannot effectively solve the problem of multiple input devices coexisting, requiring users to carry or use external input devices, which is a burden for users who frequently move around or need to operate the computer device at all times. Therefore, there is a strong need for an integrated touch keyboard. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an integrated touch keyboard.

[0004] This invention provides a touch keyboard comprising multiple keycaps and a membrane assembly. The membrane assembly is disposed beneath the multiple keycaps, and the multiple keycaps form multiple keycap projection areas on the membrane assembly. The membrane assembly includes a first capacitor electrode layer, a second capacitor electrode layer, and a spacer layer. The first capacitor electrode layer has multiple first switching areas, each located within one of the keycap projection areas. A capacitor is formed between the second capacitor electrode layer and the first capacitor electrode layer. The second capacitor electrode layer has multiple second switching areas, each located within one of the keycap projection areas, and each of the second switching areas overlaps with at least a portion of the first switching areas in the vertical direction. The spacer layer has multiple spacing holes, each correspondingly disposed at the vertical overlap of the first and second switching areas, with the first and second switching areas separated by a first gap via the spacing holes.

[0005] In addition, the thin film assembly further includes a first thin film and a second thin film, with a spacer layer sandwiched between the first thin film and the second thin film.

[0006] In addition, the first film has a first inner surface and a first outer surface, and the second film has a second inner surface and a second outer surface. The first inner surface and the first outer surface are disposed opposite to each other, and the second inner surface and the second outer surface are disposed opposite to each other. The first inner surface faces the second inner surface.

[0007] In addition, the first capacitor electrode layer is disposed on the first inner surface, and the second capacitor electrode layer is disposed on the second inner surface.

[0008] In addition, the first capacitor electrode layer includes a plurality of first electrode arrays, which extend along a first direction and are spaced apart in a second direction; the second capacitor electrode layer includes a plurality of second electrode arrays, which extend along a second direction and are spaced apart in the first direction, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0009] Furthermore, the thin-film assembly is further connected to the control module. The overlapping area of ​​the first and second switch areas of the thin-film assembly is pressed, causing the first and second switch areas to move closer to each other through the gap hole to the second spacing. The capacitance values ​​of the capacitors in the first and second switch areas change, and the control module outputs a button signal, making the second spacing greater than zero.

[0010] In addition, the first spacing is 0.1 mm and the second spacing is 0.01 mm.

[0011] In addition, the first switching region and the second switching region have one or any combination of an extension, a recess, a notch, and a switching portion.

[0012] In addition, the thin-film assembly further includes a first insulating layer and a second insulating layer, the first insulating layer being disposed on the surface of the first capacitor electrode layer and the second insulating layer being disposed on the surface of the second capacitor electrode layer.

[0013] Furthermore, the first insulating layer extends further to cover the first inner surface, and the second insulating layer extends further to cover the second inner surface.

[0014] Furthermore, the touch keyboard includes multiple connecting components, a base plate, and multiple elastic elements. The connecting components pivotally connect multiple keycaps to the base plate and allow the keycaps to move up and down relative to the base plate. The base plate is positioned below the membrane assembly. The elastic elements are located between the keycaps and the membrane assembly and are used to spring back the keycaps to their original position.

[0015] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the appearance of the touch keyboard of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a partial exploded view of the touch keyboard of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the touch keyboard of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the explosion of the thin film assembly of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a partial top view of the thin-film assembly of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 6 For along Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the cross sections of line segments AA, BB, and CC.

[0022] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is a disassembly diagram of multiple first electrode arrays and multiple second electrode arrays.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the functional blocks of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a partial schematic diagram of a user pressing the touch keyboard according to the present invention.

[0025] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0026] TK: Touch Keyboard

[0027] 1: Keycaps

[0028] 2: Elastic element

[0029] 3: Connection components

[0030] 4: Thin-film components

[0031] 5: Base plate

[0032] AA, BB, CC: line segments

[0033] 11: First Page

[0034] 12: Second page

[0035] 13: Hat brim

[0036] 121: Connecting part

[0037] 1OP: Keycap projection area

[0038] 21: Top section

[0039] 22: Bottom section

[0040] 23: Sloping wall section

[0041] 211: Top surface

[0042] 212: Bottom

[0043] 213: Actuator

[0044] 231: Space

[0045] 31: Internal connector

[0046] 32: External connector

[0047] R: Rotation axis

[0048] 311: Inner body part

[0049] 312: First connecting part

[0050] 313: Second connecting part

[0051] 321: Outer body part

[0052] 322: Third connecting part

[0053] 323: Fourth connecting part

[0054] 41: First Thin Film

[0055] 42: Second thin film

[0056] 43: Spare layer

[0057] 44: First capacitor electrode layer

[0058] 45: Second capacitor electrode layer

[0059] 44AR: First Electrode Array

[0060] 45AR: Second Electrode Array

[0061] UL1: First Insulation Layer

[0062] UL2: Second Insulation Layer

[0063] 411: First inner surface

[0064] 412: First outer surface

[0065] 421: Second inner surface

[0066] 422: Second outer surface

[0067] 431: Spacer hole

[0068] 44S: First rectangle

[0069] 44SP: First Vertex

[0070] 44L: First Serial Connector

[0071] 441: First Switching Area

[0072] 4411: First Indentation

[0073] 4412: First Extension

[0074] 4413: First Switch Section

[0075] 4414: First notch

[0076] 45S: Second Rectangle

[0077] 45SP: Second Vertex

[0078] 45L: Second Serial Connector

[0079] 451: Second Switching Area

[0080] 4511: Second Indentation

[0081] 4512: Second Extension

[0082] 4513: Second Switch Section

[0083] 4514: Second notch

[0084] 51: Hook and latch structure

[0085] G1: First spacing

[0086] G2: Second spacing

[0087] CM: Control Module

[0088] CM1: Sensing Processing Unit

[0089] CM2: Connection Interface

[0090] H: Clearance hole

[0091] F: finger

[0092] X: X-axis

[0093] Y: Y-axis

[0094] Z: Z-axis Detailed Implementation

[0095] Please see Figures 1 to 3 This invention provides a touch keyboard TK, which comprises, from top to bottom, multiple keycaps 1, multiple elastic elements 2, multiple connecting components 3, a membrane assembly 4, and a base plate 5. The multiple keycaps 1 are used to provide pressure for the user. The multiple elastic elements 2 are connected to the membrane assembly 4 and provide elastic restoring force to the multiple keycaps 1. The multiple connecting components 3 are pivotally connected to the multiple keycaps 1 and the base plate 5, respectively, and are used to allow the keycaps 1 to move back and forth relative to the base plate 5 along the Z-axis. The following is a detailed description of each component.

[0096] Please continue reading. Figures 1 to 3Multiple keycaps 1 are provided for users to press. Each keycap 1 includes a first surface 11, a second surface 12, and a brim 13. The first surface 11 and the second surface 12 are arranged opposite each other. The first surface 11 includes, but is not limited to, English letters, numbers, pinyin, punctuation marks, or function symbols. The second surface 12 has multiple connecting portions 121, which extend and protrude from the second surface 12 in the negative Z-axis direction. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second surface 12 has four connecting portions 121. The brim 13 extends and protrudes from the edge of the first surface 11 in the negative Z-axis direction. Multiple keycaps 1 form multiple keycap orthographic projection areas 1OP on the membrane assembly 4. Figure 2A (Only one shown).

[0097] Please continue reading. Figures 1 to 3 The elastic element 2 is made of an elastic material, which may be, but is not limited to, rubber. The elastic element 2 provides elastic recovery force to the keycap 1 after it is pressed. Each elastic element 2 includes a top portion 21, a bottom portion 22, and a sloping wall portion 23. The top portion 21 is disposed near the keycap 1, the bottom portion 22 is connected to the membrane assembly 4, and the sloping wall portion 23 connects the top portion 21 and the bottom portion 22. The top portion 21 includes a top surface 211, a bottom surface 212, and an actuating portion 213. The top surface 211 and the bottom surface 212 are disposed opposite each other. The actuating portion 213 extends and protrudes from the bottom surface 212 in the negative Z-axis direction. The actuating portion 213 is used to press against the membrane assembly 4 to cause localized deformation. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the actuating portion 213 has a columnar appearance, such as a cylinder. The bottom portion 22 includes a connecting surface 221, which is attached to the membrane assembly 4. The inclined wall portion 23 connects the top portion 21 and the bottom portion 22 and surrounds the actuating portion 213 to form a space 231. In one embodiment of the invention, the thickness of the inclined wall portion 23 is less than that of the top portion 21 and the bottom portion 22. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the elastic element 2 may be, but is not limited to, a rubber dome.

[0098] Please continue reading. Figures 1 to 3The connecting component 3 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 3 includes an inner connecting member 31 and an outer connecting member 32. The inner connecting member 31 is pivotally connected to the inner side of the outer connecting member 32 with a rotation axis R. The inner connecting member 31 has a pair of inner body parts 311, a first connecting part 312 and a second connecting part 313. The pair of inner body parts 311 are respectively connected to the first connecting part 312 and the second connecting part 313. The hook structure 51 of the inner connecting member 31 and the base plate 5 is connected through the first connecting part 312. The connecting part 121 of the inner connecting member 31 and the second surface 12 of the keycap 1 is connected through the second connecting part 313. The external connector 32 has an outer body portion 321, a third connecting portion 322, and a fourth connecting portion 323. The outer body portion 321 is connected to the third connecting portion 322 and the fourth connecting portion 323 respectively. The external connector 32 is connected to the hook structure 51 of the base plate 5 through the third connecting portion 322, and the external connector 32 is connected to the connecting portion 121 of the second surface 12 of the keycap 1 through the fourth connecting portion 323. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connecting component 3 may be, but is not limited to, a scissor-type linking component.

[0099] Please refer to further information. Figures 4 to 6The thin-film assembly 4 is used to sense operation gestures, swipes, and key switch triggers. The thin-film assembly 4 includes a first thin film 41, a second thin film 42, a spacer layer 43, a first capacitor electrode layer 44, a second capacitor electrode layer 45, a first insulating layer UL1, and a second insulating layer UL2. The first thin film 41 is disposed above the second thin film 42, and the spacer layer 43 is sandwiched between the first thin film 41 and the second thin film 42. The first thin film 41 is generally rectangular in shape and is used to support the first capacitor electrode layer 44. The first thin film 41 has a first inner surface 411 and a first outer surface 412, which are disposed opposite to each other. The first outer surface 412 is located above the first inner surface 411, that is, the first outer surface 412 faces the multiple keycaps 1. The second film 42 is generally rectangular in shape and is used to support the second capacitor electrode layer 45. The second film 42 has a second inner surface 421 and a second outer surface 422, which are disposed opposite to each other. The second inner surface 421 is located above the second outer surface 422, meaning it faces the first inner surface 411. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the materials of the first film 41 and the second film 42 may be, but are not limited to, polyester film (PET). A spacer layer 43 has a thickness and is sandwiched between the first film 41 and the second film 42. The spacer layer 43 includes a plurality of spacer holes 431, any one of which penetrates the spacer layer 43, thus separating the first film 41 and the second film 42 from each other. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the material of the spacer layer 43 may be, but is not limited to, polyester film (PET).

[0100] Please refer to the following: Figures 7A to 7BThe first capacitor electrode layer 44 includes a plurality of first electrode arrays 44AR. The plurality of first electrode arrays 44AR extend and cover the underside of all the keycaps 1. The plurality of first electrode arrays 44AR extend linearly along the X-axis and are spaced apart along the Y-axis. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the plurality of first electrode arrays 44AR are disposed on the first inner surface 411 of the first thin film 41, that is, the plurality of first electrode arrays 44AR face the second inner surface 421 of the second thin film 42. Each first electrode array 44AR includes a plurality of first rectangles 44S, each first rectangle 44S including four first vertices 44SP. In the X-axis linear direction, one of the first vertices 44SP of any two adjacent first rectangles 44S faces each other, and the two facing first vertices 44SP are connected to each other through a first connecting portion 44L. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first rectangle 44S can be, but is not limited to, a rhombus shape. The plurality of first electrode arrays 44AR further form a plurality of first switch regions 441, which are respectively located within a plurality of keycap orthographic projection regions 1OP. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first switch regions 441 are approximately close to the center of the keycap orthographic projection region 1OP, and the first switch regions 441 correspond to the spacing holes 431 of the spacer layer 43, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0101] Due to the multiple keycaps 1( in the touch keyboard TK of the present invention) Figure 1 The keycaps 1 are not all aligned; they are staggered along the Y-axis. That is, the edges of the keycaps 1 are not aligned along the Y-axis. Therefore, the first switch region 441 of this invention can be implemented in various ways depending on the position of the keycaps 1. For example, in one embodiment of this invention, the first switch region 441 includes a first recessed portion 4411, a first extended portion 4412, and a first switch portion 4413. The first recessed portion 4411 is formed by the inward recess of a first rectangle 44S, the first extended portion 4412 is formed by the first recessed portion 4411 extending outward from the first rectangle 44S, and the first switch portion 4413 is connected to the first extended portion 4412. In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the first switch portion 4413 is positioned at the center of the keycap projection area 1OP, and the first switch portion 4413 is positioned at the spacing hole 431 of the spacer layer 43.

[0102] In another embodiment of the present invention, the first switch region 441 includes a first recess 4414, a first extension 4412, and a first switch portion 4413. The first recess 4414 is formed by recessing from the edge of the first rectangle 44S toward the interior of the first rectangle 44S. The first extension 4412 is formed by protruding from the first recess 4414 toward the edge of the first rectangle 44S. The first switch portion 4413 is connected to the first extension 4412, and is located inside the first rectangle 44S. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first switch portion 4413 is disposed at the center position of the keycap projection area 1OP, and the first switch portion 4413 is disposed at the spacing hole 431 of the spacing layer 43.

[0103] In another embodiment of the present invention, the first switch region 441 includes a first extension 4412 and a first switch portion 4413. The first extension 4412 is formed by one side of a first rectangle 44S extending and protruding in a direction away from the first rectangle 44S, and the first switch portion 4413 is connected to the first extension 4412. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first switch portion 4413 is disposed at the center position of the keycap projection region 1OP, and the first switch portion 4413 is disposed at the spacing hole 431 of the spacing layer 43.

[0104] Please continue reading. Figures 7A to 7BA capacitor is formed between the second capacitor electrode layer 45 and the first capacitor electrode layer 44. The second capacitor electrode layer 45 includes a plurality of second electrode arrays 45AR. The plurality of second electrode arrays 45AR extend and cover the underside of all the keycaps 1. The plurality of second electrode arrays 45AR extend linearly along the Y-axis and are spaced apart in the X-axis direction. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of second electrode arrays 45AR are disposed on the second inner surface 421 of the second thin film 42, that is, the plurality of second electrode arrays 45AR face the first inner surface 411 of the first thin film 41. Each second electrode array 45AR includes a plurality of second rectangles 45S, each second rectangle 45S includes four second vertices 45SP, and one of the second vertices 45SP of any two adjacent second rectangles 45S in the Y-axis linear direction is opposite to each other, and the two opposite second vertices 45SP are connected to each other through a second connecting portion 45L. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second rectangle 45S can be, but is not limited to, for example, a rhombus. Multiple second electrode arrays 45AR further form multiple second switch regions 451, which are respectively located within multiple keycap orthographic projection regions 1OP. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second switch regions 451 are approximately close to the center of the keycap orthographic projection region 1OP, and are approximately close to the spacing holes 431 of the spacer layer 43. Furthermore, the second switch regions 451 and the first switch regions 441 at least partially overlap in the Z-axis direction, that is, the second switch regions 451 and the first switch regions 441 at least partially overlap in the vertical direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0105] Due to the multiple keycaps 1( in the touch keyboard TK of the present invention) Figure 1The keycaps 1 are not all aligned; they are staggered along the Y-axis. That is, the edges of the keycaps 1 are not aligned along the Y-axis. Therefore, the second switch region 451 of this invention can be configured in various ways depending on the position of the keycaps 1. For example, in one embodiment of this invention, the second switch region 451 includes a second recessed portion 4511, a second extended portion 4512, and a second switch portion 4513. The second recessed portion 4511 is formed by recessing from a second rectangle 45S, the second extended portion 4512 is formed by protruding from the second recessed portion 4511 away from the second rectangle 45S, and the second switch portion 4513 is connected to the second extended portion 4512. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second switch portion 4513 is disposed at the center position of the keycap projection area 1OP, and the second switch portion 4513 is disposed at the spacing hole 431 of the spacer layer 43. Furthermore, the second switch portion 4513 overlaps with the first switch portion 4413 in the Z-axis direction, that is, the second switch portion 4513 overlaps with the first switch portion 4413 in the vertical direction. The first switch portion 4413 and the second switch portion 4513 are separated from each other by a first distance G1 through the spacing hole 431 of the spacer layer 43.

[0106] In another embodiment of the present invention, the second switch region 451 includes a second recess 4514, a second extension 4512, and a second switch portion 4513. The second recess 4514 is formed by recessing from the edge of the second rectangle 45S toward the interior of the second rectangle 45S. The second extension 4512 is formed by protruding from the second recess 4514 toward the edge of the second rectangle 45S. The second switch portion 4513 is connected to the second extension 4512, and is located inside the second rectangle 45S. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second switch portion 4513 is disposed at the center position of the keycap projection region 1OP, and is disposed at the spacing hole 431 of the spacer layer 43. Furthermore, the second switch portion 4513 overlaps with the first switch portion 4413 in the Z-axis direction, that is, the second switch portion 4513 overlaps with the first switch portion 4413 in the vertical direction. The first switch part 4413 and the second switch part 4513 are separated from each other by a first gap G1 through the gap hole 431 of the spacer layer 43.

[0107] In another embodiment of the present invention, the second switch region 451 includes a second extension 4512 and a second switch portion 4513. The second extension 4512 is formed by one side of the second rectangle 45S extending and protruding in a direction away from the second rectangle 45S, and the first switch portion 4513 is connected to the second extension 4512. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second switch portion 4513 is disposed at the center position of the keycap projection region 1OP, and the second switch portion 4513 is disposed at the spacing hole 431 of the spacer layer 43. The second switch portion 4513 overlaps with the first switch portion 4413 in the Z-axis direction, that is, the second switch portion 4513 overlaps with the first switch portion 4413 in the vertical direction. The first switch portion 4413 and the opposite second switch portion 4513 are separated from each other by a first distance G1 through the spacing hole 431 of the spacer layer 43. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first capacitor electrode layer 44 may be, but is not limited to, for example, multiple receiving electrodes (Rx) or multiple transmitting electrodes (Tx), and the second capacitor electrode layer 45 will correspond to the first capacitor electrode layer 44. For example, when the first capacitor electrode layer 44 is a receiving electrode, the second capacitor electrode layer 45 is a transmitting electrode; conversely, when the first capacitor electrode layer 44 is a transmitting electrode, the second capacitor electrode layer 45 is a receiving electrode.

[0108] The first insulating layer UL1 is used to insulate the first capacitor electrode layer 44. The first insulating layer UL1 is disposed on the surface of the first capacitor electrode layer 44. It is understood that the first insulating layer UL1 may also extend and completely cover the first inner surface 411 of the first thin film 41. The first insulating layer UL1 may be, but is not limited to, for example, a UV layer (Ultraviolet). The second insulating layer UL2 is used to insulate the second capacitor electrode layer 45. The second insulating layer UL2 is disposed on the surface of the second capacitor electrode layer 45. It is understood that the second insulating layer UL2 may also extend and completely cover the second inner surface 421 of the second thin film 42. The second insulating layer UL2 may be, but is not limited to, for example, a UV layer (Ultraviolet).

[0109] Please see Figures 2A to 3 The base plate 5 supports the touch keyboard TK. The base plate 5 is rectangular and can be made of materials such as, but not limited to, plastic or metal, which possess rigidity. The base plate 5 is positioned below the membrane assembly 4. In a preferred embodiment, the base plate 5 and the second outer surface 422 of the second membrane 42 of the membrane assembly 4 are abutted against each other. The base plate 5 includes multiple hook structures 51, which protrude from the plate body of the base plate 5 in the positive Z-axis direction and pass through the clearance hole H of the capacitive membrane assembly 4. In a preferred embodiment, the hook structures 51 are manufactured by a stamping process, but this is not a limitation of the invention.

[0110] Please refer to further information. Figure 8 The control module CM includes a sensing processing unit CM1 and a connection interface CM2. A thin-film assembly 4 is connected to the sensing processing unit CM1, which senses the capacitance value formed by the capacitive electrodes of the thin-film assembly 4. In this embodiment of the invention, at least two sets of capacitance threshold value ranges can be preset to correspond to the user's finger F(…). Figure 9 The control module CM outputs the sensing results from the sensing processing unit CM1 via the connection interface CM2, such as the alphanumeric input corresponding to the button structure and the touch position.

[0111] Please refer to further information. Figure 9 For example, when a charged object, such as finger F, presses keycap 1, keycap 1 moves in the negative Z-axis direction, that is, keycap 1 moves downward. Keycap 1 presses against the top portion 21 of elastic element 2, thereby deforming the inclined wall portion 23. Actuator 213 further presses against thin film assembly 4, causing the first switch portion 4413 to move downward towards the corresponding second switch portion 4513 through the spacer hole 431 of spacer layer 43. The distance between the first switch portion 4413 and the second switch portion 4513 is shortened from the first distance G1 to the second distance G2, thereby changing the capacitance value between the first switch portion 4413 and the second switch portion 4513. Therefore, the sensing processing unit CM1 can determine whether the user has pressed a key by detecting the change in capacitance value and output the sensing result through connection interface CM2. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second distance G2 is greater than zero, that is, when a key signal is output, the first switch portion 4413 and the second switch portion 4513 will not contact each other. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first spacing G1 is 0.1 mm and the second spacing G2 is 0.01 mm. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first spacing G1 and the second spacing G2 can be adjusted according to product requirements.

[0112] Furthermore, when a user slides their finger F across the touch keyboard TK without pressing any keycap 1, that is, when a gesture is performed on the touch keyboard TK, the capacitance value between the first electrode layer 44 and the second electrode layer 45 changes. Therefore, the sensing processing unit CM1 can determine whether the user has performed any gesture on the touch keyboard TK by detecting the change in capacitance. The details of how the touch keyboard TK determines gestures based on changes in capacitance are known to those skilled in this art, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0113] In summary, the advantages of this invention are:

[0114] 1. The touch keyboard of the present invention combines key input, cursor sliding and gesture input functions, so that the computer device does not need to be connected to too many input devices, such as touchpad or mouse;

[0115] 2. The first capacitor electrode layer and the second capacitor electrode layer of the thin film assembly of the present invention extend to the projected area of ​​all keycaps. Therefore, the entire touch keyboard of the present invention has the functions of a keyboard, mouse and touchpad.

[0116] 3. When the button is pressed to generate a button signal, the first switch part and the second switch part will not come into contact with each other, reducing wear and increasing product life.

[0117] 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 changes 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 only 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 touch keyboard, comprising: Multiple keycaps; as well as A membrane assembly is disposed below the plurality of keycaps, the plurality of keycaps forming a plurality of keycap projection areas on the membrane assembly, the membrane assembly comprising: A first capacitor electrode layer has multiple first switching regions, which are respectively located in the projected areas of the multiple keycaps; A second capacitor electrode layer, wherein a capacitor is formed between the second capacitor electrode layer and the first capacitor electrode layer, the second capacitor electrode layer having a plurality of second switching regions, the plurality of second switching regions being respectively located in the orthographic projection areas of the plurality of keycaps, and the plurality of second switching regions respectively overlapping at least partially with the plurality of first switching regions in the vertical direction; and A spacer layer has multiple spacer holes, which are respectively disposed at the vertical overlap of the first switch area and the second switch area, and the first switch area and the second switch area are separated by a first gap through the spacer holes.

2. The touch keyboard as described in claim 1, wherein, The thin film assembly further includes a first thin film and a second thin film, with the spacer layer sandwiched between the first thin film and the second thin film.

3. The touch keyboard as described in claim 2, wherein, The first film has a first inner surface and a first outer surface, and the second film has a second inner surface and a second outer surface. The first inner surface and the first outer surface are disposed opposite to each other, and the second inner surface and the second outer surface are disposed opposite to each other. The first inner surface faces the second inner surface.

4. The touch keyboard as described in claim 3, wherein, The first capacitor electrode layer is disposed on the first inner surface, and the second capacitor electrode layer is disposed on the second inner surface.

5. The touch keyboard as described in claim 1, wherein, The first capacitor electrode layer includes a plurality of first electrode arrays extending along a first direction and spaced apart along a second direction; the second capacitor electrode layer includes a plurality of second electrode arrays extending along the second direction and spaced apart along the first direction, the first direction being perpendicular to the second direction.

6. The touch keyboard as described in claim 1, wherein, The thin-film assembly is further connected to a control module. The thin-film assembly is pressed against the overlapping area of ​​the first switch area and the second switch area, causing the first switch area and the second switch area to move closer to each other through the gap hole to a second gap. The capacitance value of the capacitors in the first switch area and the second switch area changes, and the control module outputs a button signal. The second gap is greater than zero.

7. The touch keyboard as described in claim 6, wherein, The first spacing is 0.1 mm, and the second spacing is 0.01 mm.

8. The touch keyboard as described in claim 1, wherein, The first switching region and the second switching region have one or any combination of an extension, a recess, a notch, and a switching portion.

9. The touch keyboard as described in claim 4, wherein, The thin-film assembly further includes a first insulating layer and a second insulating layer, the first insulating layer being disposed on the surface of the first capacitor electrode layer and the second insulating layer being disposed on the surface of the second capacitor electrode layer.

10. The touch keyboard as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The first insulating layer extends further to cover the first inner surface, and the second insulating layer extends further to cover the second inner surface.

11. The touch keyboard as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: Multiple connection components; One base plate; as well as Multiple elastic elements; The plurality of connecting components are pivotally connected to the plurality of keycaps and the base plate, and are used to move the plurality of keycaps up and down relative to the base plate. The base plate is disposed below the membrane assembly. The plurality of elastic elements are located between the plurality of keycaps and the membrane assembly, and are used to elastically reset the plurality of keycaps.

12. A thin-film assembly, comprising: A first capacitor electrode layer having multiple first switching regions; A second capacitor electrode layer, wherein a capacitor is formed between the second capacitor electrode layer and the first capacitor electrode layer, and the second capacitor electrode layer has a plurality of second switching regions, wherein the plurality of second switching regions overlap with the plurality of first switching regions in at least a portion in the vertical direction; as well as A spacer layer has multiple spacer holes, which are respectively disposed at the vertical overlap of the first switch area and the second switch area, and the first switch area and the second switch area are separated by a first gap through the spacer holes.

13. The thin-film assembly of claim 12, wherein, The thin film assembly further includes a first thin film and a second thin film, with the spacer layer sandwiched between the first thin film and the second thin film.

14. The thin-film assembly of claim 13, wherein, The first film has a first inner surface and a first outer surface, and the second film has a second inner surface and a second outer surface. The first inner surface and the first outer surface are disposed opposite to each other, and the second inner surface and the second outer surface are disposed opposite to each other. The first inner surface faces the second inner surface.

15. The thin-film assembly of claim 14, wherein, The first capacitor electrode layer is disposed on the first inner surface, and the second capacitor electrode layer is disposed on the second inner surface.

16. The thin-film assembly of claim 12, wherein, The first capacitor electrode layer includes a plurality of first electrode arrays extending along a first direction and spaced apart along a second direction; the second capacitor electrode layer includes a plurality of second electrode arrays extending along the second direction and spaced apart along the first direction, the first direction being perpendicular to the second direction.

17. The thin-film assembly of claim 12, wherein, in, The thin-film assembly is further connected to a control module. The thin-film assembly is pressed against the overlapping area of ​​the first switch area and the second switch area, causing the first switch area and the second switch area to move closer to each other through the gap hole to a second gap. The capacitance value of the capacitors in the first switch area and the second switch area changes, and the control module outputs a button signal. The second gap is greater than zero.

18. The thin-film assembly of claim 17, wherein, The first spacing is 0.1 mm, and the second spacing is 0.01 mm.

19. The thin-film assembly of claim 12, wherein, The first switching region and the second switching region have one or any combination of an extension, a recess, a notch, and a switching portion.

20. The thin-film assembly of claim 15, wherein, The thin-film assembly further includes a first insulating layer and a second insulating layer, the first insulating layer being disposed on the surface of the first capacitor electrode layer and the second insulating layer being disposed on the surface of the second capacitor electrode layer.

21. The thin-film assembly of claim 20, wherein, The first insulating layer extends further to cover the first inner surface, and the second insulating layer extends further to cover the second inner surface.

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