Lamp panel, backlight module, backlight key and keyboard

Abstract

The lamp panel is used for bearing at least one keycap, the lamp panel comprises a substrate, a light emitting circuit, a light source and a protective layer, the substrate is provided with an insulating surface, a plurality of broken holes and a plurality of connecting pieces, the broken holes penetrate through the substrate, and the connecting pieces are arranged on the insulating surface of the substrate. The plurality of connecting pieces are arranged on the substrate and are used for directly or indirectly connecting at least one key cap; the light-emitting circuit is arranged on the insulating surface and is positioned on the opposite side of the plurality of connecting pieces; the light source is electrically connected with the light-emitting circuit. The protective layer is disposed on the insulating surface and covers the light emitting circuit. The lamp panel not only can be used as a bottom plate of the key structure, but also can be used as a circuit board of the backlight module due to the light-emitting circuit. Moreover, according to the lamp panel, the light-emitting circuit of the backlight module is integrated on the bottom plate of the key structure, so that the thickness of the whole key is effectively reduced, and the thin design is promoted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a light board, in particular to a light board with a key connector and a backlight module, a backlight key and a keyboard comprising the light board. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, backlit keys and keyboards are typically manufactured by separately manufacturing the key structure that generates the trigger signal and the backlight module that provides the backlight. These structures are then laminated together. However, the key structure and backlight module in the prior art are both multi-layer stacked, making it difficult to reduce the overall thickness of the backlit keys (or keyboards), hindering device thinning. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a light board, which can not only serve as the base plate of the key structure, but also has a light-emitting circuit and can serve as a light source circuit board of a backlight module.

[0004] Another object of the present invention is to provide a light board that integrates the light-emitting circuit of the backlight module into the bottom plate of the key structure, thereby effectively reducing the overall thickness of the key.

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention proposes a light board for carrying at least one keycap, the light board comprising a substrate, a light-emitting circuit, a light source and a protective layer, the substrate having an insulating surface, a plurality of holes and a plurality of connectors, the plurality of holes passing through the substrate, the plurality of connectors being arranged on the substrate and used to directly or indirectly connect to the at least one keycap; the light-emitting circuit is arranged on the insulating surface and located on the opposite side of the plurality of connectors; the light source is electrically connected to the light-emitting circuit; the protective layer is arranged on the insulating surface and covers the light-emitting circuit.

[0006] In another embodiment, the at least one keycap includes a first keycap and a second keycap, the insulating surface corresponds to at least the first keycap, the light source corresponds to at least the first keycap; the protective layer corresponds to at least the first keycap, wherein the multiple connecting members are directly or indirectly connected to the first keycap and the second keycap, respectively, and the first keycap and the second keycap can move respectively relative to the light board.

[0007] As an optional technical solution, the substrate is a non-metallic plate, and the insulating surface is the lower surface of the non-metallic plate.

[0008] As an optional technical solution, the substrate includes a metal plate and an insulating layer, the insulating layer at least partially covers the lower surface of the metal plate, and the surface of the insulating layer serves as the insulating surface.

[0009] As an optional technical solution, the light board further includes a switching circuit layer, wherein the switching circuit layer and the light-emitting circuit are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the substrate, the switching circuit layer has a switching unit, and the vertical projection of the switching unit overlaps with the light source.

[0010] As an optional technical solution, the switch circuit layer has a switch circuit, the switch circuit is electrically connected to the switch unit, and a vertical projection of the switch circuit overlaps with the light-emitting circuit.

[0011] As an optional technical solution, the substrate has a plurality of ribs to define the plurality of holes, and the switch circuit and the light-emitting circuit are respectively disposed on the upper side and the lower side of at least one of the plurality of ribs.

[0012] As an optional technical solution, vertical projections of the switch unit and the light source are both located within a range surrounded by the multiple connecting members.

[0013] As an optional technical solution, the substrate has a plurality of ribs to define the plurality of holes, the protective layer has a reflective surface and / or a microstructure, and the microstructure overlaps with at least one of the plurality of ribs of the substrate.

[0014] As an optional technical solution, the insulating surface and / or the protective layer further corresponds to the second keycap.

[0015] In addition, the present invention further provides a backlight module, which includes the aforementioned light board and a light guide plate, wherein the light emitted by the light source enters the light guide plate and is transmitted laterally to illuminate the at least one keycap.

[0016] As an optional technical solution, the light guide plate has a light hole, and the light source is accommodated in the light hole.

[0017] As an optional technical solution, the backlight module further includes an adhesive layer, wherein the adhesive layer surrounds the light source and is disposed between the light guide plate and the protective layer, and forms an adhesive-free area between the light hole and the adhesive layer.

[0018] As an optional technical solution, the backlight module further includes a reflective layer, wherein the reflective layer is arranged on the opposite side of the light guide plate relative to the protective layer, and the reflective layer has an edge adhered to the protective layer or the substrate.

[0019] As an optional technical solution, the reflective layer is adhered to the protective layer or the substrate via an edge glue layer, and the reflective layer has a microstructure disposed between the edge glue layer and the light guide plate.

[0020] As an optional technical solution, the backlight module further includes a light absorbing layer, which is disposed between the protective layer and the reflective layer or between the substrate and the reflective layer, and is adjacent to the edge of the reflective layer.

[0021] As an optional technical solution, the backlight module further includes a light shielding sheet, wherein the light shielding sheet is arranged between the protective layer and the light guide sheet, and the light shielding sheet has at least one light-transmitting window corresponding to the at least one keycap.

[0022] In addition, the present invention also provides a backlight key, which includes the aforementioned light board and the at least one keycap.

[0023] In addition, the present invention also provides a backlight keyboard, comprising the aforementioned light board and the at least one keycap.

[0024] As an optional technical solution, the at least one keycap includes a first keycap and a second keycap, the backlight keyboard includes a circuit area and a non-circuit area, the first keycap is located in the circuit area, and the second keycap is located in the non-circuit area.

[0025] As an optional technical solution, the light board divides the circuit area and the non-circuit area along the short axis direction; or, the light board divides the circuit area and two non-circuit areas along the long axis direction and the circuit area is located between the two non-circuit areas; or, the circuit area includes a first circuit area and a second circuit area, and the first circuit area and the non-circuit area are arranged along the short axis direction of the light board, and the second circuit area is arranged in the non-circuit area and surrounded by the non-circuit area; or, the circuit area includes a first circuit area and a second circuit area, multiple buttons in the first circuit area share multiple light sources, and each button in the second circuit area has its own exclusive light source.

[0026] Compared to conventional technology, the light board of this invention not only serves as the base plate of the key structure, but also incorporates light-emitting circuitry, effectively serving as the circuit board for the backlight module. Furthermore, the light board of this invention integrates the backlight module's light-emitting circuitry into the base plate of the key structure, effectively reducing the overall thickness of the key structure and promoting a thinner design.

[0027] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but they are not intended to limit the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a backlit keyboard according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional diagram of a backlight key according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3 The figure is a bottom view schematically showing the arrangement of the lower surface of the light panel around the light source according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a backlit keyboard according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the lower surface of the light panel according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 6 for Figure 5 An enlarged schematic diagram of area A.

[0034] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional diagram of a backlight key according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional diagram of a backlight keypad according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 9 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a button in a non-circuit area according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 10 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a backlit keyboard according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 11 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a backlit keyboard according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 12 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional diagram of a backlight keypad according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 13 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a backlit keyboard according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 14 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a backlit keyboard according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] In order to provide a further understanding of the purpose, structure, features and functions of the present invention, the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0043] The following descriptions of the various embodiments refer to the accompanying drawings to illustrate specific embodiments in which the present invention may be implemented. Directional terms used in this invention, such as "up," "down," "front," "back," "left," "right," and "side," refer only to the directions in the accompanying drawings. Therefore, these directional terms are intended to illustrate and facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0044] This utility model mainly involves the integrated application of the bottom plate of the key structure and the luminous circuit of the backlight module, which can reduce the overall thickness of the key and improve the ultimate luminous efficiency and luminous uniformity of the unit light output of the backlight module for a single key or even the entire key panel. Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the stacking of the backlight keyboard KB of the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 1 is a cross-sectional view of a backlight key 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the backlight keyboard KB of the present invention comprises a plurality of keys KS (such as square keys SK or multiple keys MK) and a backlight module BL, wherein each key KS (such as Figure 2 The backlight key 1) includes a keycap 12, a lifting mechanism 14, a switch circuit layer 16, a reset member 18 and a light board 10; for the backlight keyboard KB, the backlight module BL may include a light board 10, a light guide plate 210 and a reflective layer 220, that is, the light board 10 can serve as both the base plate of the key KS and the light source circuit board of the backlight module BL.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, the keycap 12 is arranged above the light board 10 and has a light-emitting area 122 (for example, one or more translucent characters) and a non-light-emitting area 124. The lifting mechanism 14 is connected between the light board 10 and the keycap 12 to support the keycap 12 to move up / down relative to the light board 10. The switch circuit layer 16 is arranged below the keycap 12 and is preferably located on the light board 10. The switch circuit layer 16 has a switch unit 162 and a switch circuit 164. When the keycap 12 is pressed, the switch unit 162 of the switch circuit layer 16 will be turned on to generate a trigger signal. The reset member 18 is arranged between the keycap 12 and the light board 10 to provide a restoring force so that the keycap 12 can move upward relative to the light board 10 and return to its position before being pressed after being pressed. In this embodiment, the reset member 18 can be an elastomer (rubber dome) and is arranged corresponding to the switch unit 162. When the keycap 12 is pressed downward to compress the reset member 18, the trigger portion 182 of the reset member 18 can trigger the switch unit 162, but the present invention is not limited to this. The switch unit 162 can be triggered by a trigger portion, and the trigger portion can be provided on the reset member 18, the lifting mechanism 14, or the keycap 12. Depending on the actual application, the reset member 18 can be any element that can provide a restoring force to drive the keycap 12 to return to its original position after being pressed, such as a spring, a magnetic member, etc., and the switch of the backlight key 1 is not limited to the switch unit 162 in the form of the switch circuit layer 16. Any suitable switch that can be triggered by the pressing of the keycap 12 is suitable for the present invention, such as a mechanical switch, a magnetic switch, an optical switch, etc. In this embodiment, the lifting mechanism 14 is a scissor-leg lifting mechanism, which has two brackets pivotally connected to each other, and the two ends of each bracket are movably connected to the light board 10 and the keycap 12, respectively, but the present invention is not limited to this. Depending on the actual application, the lifting mechanism 14 can be implemented as a butterfly-type lifting mechanism, a cantilever-type lifting mechanism, etc. The light board 10, key cap 12, lifting mechanism 14, switch circuit layer 16 and reset member 18 constitute the key unit of the backlight key 1. The light board 10 and the backlight module BL including the light board 10 of the present invention will be described in detail later.

[0046] Specifically, the light board 10 is used to carry at least one keycap (such as the keycap 12), and the light board 10 may include a substrate 110, a light emitting circuit 120, a light source 130 and a protective layer 140. The substrate 110 has an insulating surface 110a, a plurality of holes 113 and a plurality of connectors 115. The plurality of holes 113 penetrate the substrate 110 to allow light emitted by the light source 130 to pass through, thereby illuminating the keycap 12. Specifically, the substrate 110 has a plurality of ribs 117 to define the plurality of holes 113, and the shape, number, position, etc. of the ribs 117 and the holes 113 can be determined according to factors such as the structural strength of the backlit key 1, the position of the light emitting area 122 of the keycap 12, and the power of the light source 130. The plurality of connectors 115 are arranged on the substrate 110 and are used to directly or indirectly connect at least one keycap 12. In this embodiment, the connector 115 may be a hook-shaped connector, and the lifting mechanism 14 is coupled to the connector 115 to connect the keycap 12 and the light board 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. Depending on the actual application, the connector 115 may be in the form of a slot, a post, etc. In one embodiment, the keycap 12 has a hook to directly connect to the connector 115 having a guided slot structure, and the lifting mechanism 14 may not be provided in this case.

[0047] In one embodiment, the substrate 110 may include a metal plate 112 and an insulating layer 114, wherein the insulating layer 114 at least partially covers the lower surface of the metal plate 112, and the surface (e.g., the lower surface) of the insulating layer 114 serves as the insulating surface 110a. The metal plate 112 may be a conductive substrate such as an aluminum alloy or a steel plate, so that the metal plate 112 itself can shield radio waves and serve as a grounding component to reduce electrostatic discharge (ESD) problems. The insulating layer 114 may be coated on at least the lower surface of the metal plate 112 by any suitable method such as bonding, printing, coating, deposition, or molding, so that the lower surface of the substrate 110 forms the insulating surface 110a. For example, the insulating layer 114 may be disposed on the entire lower surface of the metal plate 12 or only on the partial lower surface of the metal plate 12 where the light-emitting circuit 120 is to be arranged. In one embodiment (not shown), the insulating layer 114 may even further cover the hole wall of the hole 113 (or other perforation), the edge sidewall of the metal plate 112, the surface of the connector 115, and / or the upper surface of the metal plate 112 to prevent the metal plate 112 from being exposed and causing electrostatic discharge (ESD) problems. Furthermore, the insulating layer 114 may include any insulating material that can electrically isolate the metal plate 112 and the conductive circuit (such as the light-emitting circuit 120), such as a polymer material or a dielectric material. When the substrate 110 is a metal plate 112, the connector 115 may be formed by, for example, the following methods: (1) punching out a planar connector from the metal plate and then bending the connector to stand on the surface of the metal plate; (2) using insert molding to form a plastic connector on the metal plate; or (3) using hot melt to fix a preformed plastic connector on the metal plate, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the substrate 110 may be a non-metallic plate, such as a non-conductive substrate made of glass fiber, carbon fiber, synthetic resin, polymer material, etc., and the insulating surface 110a may be the lower surface of the non-metallic plate. When the substrate 110 is a non-metallic plate, the connector 115 may be fixed to the substrate 110 by, for example, the following methods: (1) using a mold to inject the substrate 110 with the connector 115 in one step; (2) using insert molding to form a plastic connector on the non-metallic plate; (3) using a hot melt method to fix the pre-formed plastic connector to the non-metallic plate; (4) fixing a metal frame with the connector 115 to the non-metallic plate; or (5) fixing the metal frame to the non-metallic plate and then fixing the pre-formed plastic connector to the metal frame by hot melt, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0048] Please also refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 ,in Figure 3This is a schematic top view of the configuration of the lower surface of the lamp panel around the light source according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the light-emitting circuit 120 is arranged on the insulating surface 110a and is located on the opposite side of the multiple connectors 115 (that is, the multiple connectors 115 and the light-emitting circuit 120 are located on opposite sides of the substrate 110). Specifically, the connectors 115 and the light-emitting circuit 120 are respectively located on the upper surface and the lower surface of the substrate 110 (that is, the insulating surface 110a). The light-emitting circuit 120 can be formed on the insulating surface 110a by printing a metal paste (such as silver paste) or by etching a metal foil circuit from a whole piece of metal foil (such as copper foil). The light-emitting circuit 120 can include a main circuit 121 and a sub-circuit 123 for electrically connecting the light source 130 and the driving element (not shown) so that the light source 130 can be driven to emit light.

[0049] The light source 130 is electrically connected to the light-emitting circuit 120 so as to receive power from the light-emitting circuit 120 to drive the light source 130 to emit light. For example, the light source 130 can be fixed to the light-emitting circuit 120 by a conductive adhesive layer to be electrically connected to the light-emitting circuit 120, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the light source 130 can be fixed to the insulating surface 110a by a non-conductive adhesive layer and then electrically connected to the light-emitting circuit 120 by other conductive circuits. The light source 130 can be a single-chip or multi-chip light-emitting diode. In one embodiment, the light source 130 can be a side-emitting light-emitting diode, which has higher power. Although it consumes more electricity, it can transmit light farther. Therefore, the backlit keyboard KB only needs to be partially provided with a few light sources 130 to provide backlight to multiple keys KS or even all keys KS of the backlit keyboard KB, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the light source 130 may be a micro light emitting diode having a five-sided light pattern, such as top light and four side light, so that a dedicated light source 130 can be set under any key KS that requires a backlight.

[0050] The protective layer 140 is disposed on the insulating surface 110a and covers the light-emitting circuit 120, thereby providing the light-emitting circuit 120 with waterproof and insulating effects. In one embodiment, the protective layer 140 preferably has a reflective surface 146 and / or a microstructure 144. The protective layer 140 is preferably made of a reflective insulating material so that the lower surface of the protective layer 140 (i.e., the surface relatively far away from the insulating surface 110a) can serve as the reflective surface 146. In one embodiment, the protective layer 140 can be formed on the insulating surface 110a of the substrate 110 by white paint or white ink, for example, by printing. The protective layer 140 preferably covers all the insulating surfaces 110a and the light-emitting circuit 120 except for the position of the light source 130, and has a larger reflective surface 146, which is conducive to recycling more light into the light guide plate 210. From another point of view, the protective layer 140 can be regarded as having an opening 142 (shown in FIG. 142 ). Figure 3), and the opening 142 corresponds to the position of the light source 130, so that the light source 130 can protrude from the opening 142 of the protective layer 140 toward the light guide plate 210. In one embodiment, the microstructure 144 of the protective layer 140 preferably corresponds to at least one of the multiple ribs 117 of the substrate 110, so that the microstructure 144 and the at least one rib 117 at least partially overlap in the stacking direction. On the other hand, the microstructure 144 of the protective layer 140 preferably corresponds to the non-light emitting area 124 of the keycap 12, so that the microstructure 144 and the non-light emitting area 124 of the keycap 12 at least partially overlap in the stacking direction. The microstructure 144 preferably guides light to the light guide plate 210 by reflection, scattering, or diffusion to enhance light recovery and lateral propagation.

[0051] The light guide 210 is disposed below the protective layer 140 so that the light emitted by the light source 130 enters the light guide 210 and is transmitted laterally to illuminate at least one keycap 12. Specifically, the light guide 210 has a light hole 212, and the light source 130 is accommodated in the light hole 212. The light guide 210 can be a thin plate or sheet made of any suitable optical material (such as an optical polymer), and the light hole 212 is a through hole that passes through the thickness direction of the light guide 210, so that the light source 130 protrudes from the opening 142 of the protective layer 140 and can extend into the light hole 212. The light guide 210 also has a plurality of light emitting portions 214 for destroying total reflection to allow light to be emitted upward. The plurality of light emitting portions 214 are preferably arranged corresponding to the plurality of holes 113, but are not limited thereto. The light emitting portion 214 can be arranged at any suitable position where light is required to be emitted. The light emitting portion 214 may be any appropriate micro-optical structure, so that light transmitted to the light emitting portion 214 will be scattered upward.

[0052] The backlight module BL further includes an adhesive layer 230, wherein the adhesive layer 230 surrounds the light source 130 and is disposed between the light guide plate 210 and the protective layer 140, forming an adhesive-free region 232 between the light hole 212 and the adhesive layer 230. The adhesive layer 230 is disposed on the top surface of the light guide plate 210 and is located around the light hole 212. Specifically, the adhesive layer 230 is used to connect the protective layer 140 and the light guide plate 210 and is located around the light hole 212 corresponding to the light source 130. This allows the light guide plate 210 and the light source 130 to be positioned by the adhesive layer 230, thereby improving the stability of optical coupling. Furthermore, the adhesive layer 230 can be formed of an adhesive material that is translucent and has a refractive index closer to that of air to the light guide plate 210. This allows a higher proportion of reflected light to enter the light guide plate 210 and undergo total internal reflection within the light guide plate 210. A non-adhesive zone 232 is defined between the adhesive layer 230 and the edge of the light hole 212 of the light guide plate 210. This is the area surrounding the light hole 212 where the adhesive layer 230 is not disposed. Furthermore, the vertical projections of the plurality of light-emitting portions 214 on the light panel 10 preferably do not overlap with the ribs 117. In this embodiment, the plurality of light-emitting portions 214 are preferably disposed outside the non-adhesive zone 232 defined by the adhesive layer 230 to increase the ratio of light transmitted laterally.

[0053] The reflective layer 220 is disposed on the other side of the light guide plate 210 (e.g., below) relative to the protective layer 140 and is used to reflect light leaking from the bottom surface of the light guide plate 210 back into the light guide plate 210. Specifically, the reflective layer 220 may be a reflective film formed of a reflective material (e.g., a metal foil), a non-reflective film coated with a reflective material, or a plastic film doped with reflective particles (e.g., a PET film doped with reflective particles), but is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the reflective layer 220 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the light guide plate 210, but is not limited thereto. The reflective layer 220 may further include reflective layer microstructures 222 to guide light upward. For example, the reflective layer 220 may be provided at a location corresponding to the light hole 212 of the light guide plate 210 to effectively reflect light emitted by the light source 130 and allow it to enter the light guide plate 210 through the sidewalls of the light hole 212 of the light guide plate 210, but is not limited thereto. The reflective layer microstructures 222 can be disposed at any suitable location to increase light output or promote light recycling.

[0054] Furthermore, the backlight module BL may further include an adhesive layer 231, wherein the adhesive layer 231 surrounds the light source 130 and is disposed between the light guide plate 210 and the reflective layer 220, forming an adhesive-free region 233 between the light hole 212 and the adhesive layer 231. The adhesive layer 231 is disposed on the bottom surface of the light guide plate 210 and is located around the light hole 212. Specifically, the adhesive layer 231 is used to connect the light guide plate 210 and the reflective layer 220 and is located around the light hole 212 corresponding to the light source 130. This allows the light guide plate 210, the reflective layer 220, and the light source 130 to be positioned by the adhesive layer 231, thereby improving the stability of optical coupling. Furthermore, the adhesive layer 231 may be formed of an adhesive material that is translucent and has a refractive index closer to that of air than that of the light guide plate 210. This allows a higher proportion of reflected light to enter the light guide plate 210 and undergo total internal reflection within the light guide plate 210. A non-adhesive zone 233 is defined between the adhesive layer 231 and the edge of the light hole 212 of the light guide plate 210. This is the area surrounding the light hole 212 where the adhesive layer 231 is not disposed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the plurality of light-emitting portions 214 are preferably disposed outside the non-adhesive zone 233 defined by the adhesive layer 231 to increase the ratio of light transmitted laterally. In this embodiment, the non-adhesive zones 232 and 233 are, respectively, the top surface area of the light guide plate 210 surrounding the light hole 212 where the adhesive layer 230 is not disposed, and the bottom surface area where the adhesive layer 231 is not disposed. From another perspective, the non-adhesive zones 232 and 233 may be, respectively, the lower surface area of the protective layer 140 surrounding the light hole 212 of the light guide plate 210 where the adhesive layer 230 is not disposed, and the upper surface area of the reflective layer 220 where the adhesive layer 231 is not disposed. This prevents the adhesive layers 230 and 231 from entering the light hole 212 and interfering with light output.

[0055] The switch circuit layer 16 may have one or more multi-layer structures, and the switch circuit 164 is formed in one or more layers thereof. In one embodiment, the switch circuit layer 16 may be a membrane switch having a multi-layer structure, wherein the switch unit 162 and the switch circuit 164 may be arranged on one or more layers of the membrane switch, and may move downward with the keycap 12 to trigger the switch unit 162 by the trigger portion 182. When the switch circuit layer 16 is in the form of a membrane switch, the trigger portion 182 may be a non-conductive or conductive trigger portion. In another embodiment, the switch circuit layer 16 may form the switch unit 162 and the switch circuit 164 on the upper surface of the substrate 110 by a printing or wire etching process, so that the light board 10 further integrates the switch circuit, and at the same time serves as the base plate of the key structure, the switch circuit board of the key structure, and the light source circuit board of the backlight module, thereby further effectively achieving the thinning of the key structure. It should be noted here that when the switch circuit layer 16 forms the switch unit 162 and the switch circuit 164 on the upper surface of the substrate 110 by a printing or wire etching process, the upper surface of the substrate 110 is also an insulating surface, and the trigger portion 182 is preferably a conductive trigger portion so that the switch unit 162 in the form of a switch pad is turned on by the conductive trigger portion 182.

[0056] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the opening 142 of the protective layer 140 is preferably smaller than the light hole 212 of the light guide plate 210, but this is not limited to this. Furthermore, within the region corresponding to the adhesive-free area 232 or 233, the microstructure 144 of the protective layer 140 preferably corresponds to the reflective layer microstructure 222 of the reflective layer 220, such that the microstructure 144 and the reflective layer microstructure 222 at least partially overlap in the stacking direction. Furthermore, the reflective layer microstructure 222 of the reflective layer 220 is preferably disposed within the light hole 212 of the light guide plate 210 to reflect light emitted by the light source 130 and allow it to enter the light guide plate 210 from the sidewalls of the light hole 212. The switch circuit layer 16 and the light-emitting circuit 120 are respectively disposed on opposite sides (e.g., the top and bottom sides) of the substrate 110, and the switch unit 162, when perpendicularly projected onto the light panel 10, overlaps with the light source 130. Specifically, the switch circuit 164 and the light-emitting circuit 120 are respectively disposed on the upper side and lower side (such as the upper surface and lower surface) of at least one of the multiple ribs 117, and the vertical projections of the switch unit 162 and the light source 130 are preferably located within the range surrounded by the multiple connecting members 115.

[0057] Please refer to Figures 4 to 7 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a backlit keyboard according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the lower surface of the light panel of the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 for Figure 5 is an enlarged schematic diagram of region A, and Figure 7 FIG is a cross-sectional diagram of a backlight key according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the light board 10 of the backlight keyboard KB can be divided into a circuit area 10A and a non-circuit area 10B. The backlight keyboard KB includes a plurality of keys KS, and the plurality of keys KS can be divided into a plurality of first keys 1A and a plurality of second keys 1B. The plurality of first keys 1A correspond vertically to the circuit area 10A of the light board 10, and the plurality of second keys 1B correspond vertically to the non-circuit area 10B of the light board 10. On the other hand, the light board 10 is used to simultaneously carry the first keycap 12A of the first key 1A and the second keycap 12B of the second key 1B. Specifically, the plurality of keys KS are arranged in a plurality of rows along the short axis direction of the backlight keyboard KB, and each row is provided with a plurality of keys KS along the long axis direction. In this embodiment, the light board 10 is divided into a circuit area 10A and a non-circuit area 10B adjacent to each other along the short axis direction, wherein the plurality of first keys 1A are the keys located in the last row, and the plurality of second keys 1B are the keys in the remaining rows. In this way, multiple light sources 130 and circuit area 10A are concentrated on one side of the long side of the light board 10 (for example, the lower side in the figure), and light can be transmitted to the non-circuit area 10B through the light guide plate 210 by using a side-emitting LED with higher power.

[0058] In this embodiment, the light-emitting circuit 120 of the light board 10 is preferably only provided in the circuit area 10A, and the light-emitting circuit 120 is not provided in the non-circuit area 10B of the light board 10. The light source 130 is electrically connected to the light-emitting circuit 120 and corresponds to at least the first keycap 12A of the first key 1A, that is, at least one light source 130 is preferably located within the vertical projection range of the first keycap 12A, but is not limited thereto. Depending on the actual application, the light source 130 may be located at other appropriate positions in the circuit area 10A and not necessarily directly below the first keycap 12A. The protective layer 140 is provided on the insulating surface 110a and covers the light-emitting circuit 120, and the protective layer 140 corresponds to at least the first keycap 12A.

[0059] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the first keycap 12A is adjacent to the second keycap 12B, with the first keycap 12A located in the circuit area 10A and the second keycap 12B located in the non-circuit area 10B. Within the vertical shadow of the first keycap 12A, the vertical projection of the switch circuit 164 of the switch circuit layer 16 above the light board 10 can at least partially overlap with the light-emitting circuit 120 below the light board 10. Within the vertical shadow of the second keycap 12B, the lower surface of the light board 10 lacks either the light-emitting circuit 120 or the light source 130. The light source 130, located within the vertical shadow of the first keycap 12A, transmits light laterally through the light guide 210, illuminating the light-emitting area 122 of the second keycap 12B. Within the vertical projection of the second keycap 12B, the lower surface of the light board 10 can optionally be provided with an insulating layer 114 and / or a protective layer 140. In other words, the insulating surface 110a and / or the protective layer 140 can be optionally extended to further correspond to the second keycap 12B. The light-emitting circuit 120 may include a main circuit 121 and a sub-circuit 123. The light-emitting circuit 120 is arranged on the insulating surface 110a (e.g., the bottom surface) of the substrate 110 and at least partially overlaps the ribs 117. For example, the light-emitting circuit 120 may be arranged on the bottom surfaces of the frame ribs 117a, bridge ribs 117b, or island ribs 117c. To prevent light from being blocked by the holes 113 in the substrate 110, the switch circuit 164 of the switch circuit layer 16 is preferably arranged at least directly above the projection of the ribs 117 of the substrate 110, such as on the top surfaces of the frame ribs 117a, bridge ribs 117b, or island ribs 117c. Therefore, the switch circuit 164 may have sections overlapping with sections of the light-emitting circuit 120, located above and below the same frame ribs 117a, bridge ribs 117b, or island ribs 117c, and partially parallel to each other. Furthermore, the light emitting circuit 120 may further include an electronic component 150 disposed on the path of the main circuit 121 and / or the sub-circuit 123. For example, the electronic component 150 may be a resistor and disposed on the path of the sub-circuit 123, but is not limited thereto.

[0060] In addition, the edges of the long / short sides and the edges of the holes / perforations of the backlit keyboard are particularly important for light leakage and recovery. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a backlight keypad (e.g., first keypad 1A) according to the third embodiment of the present invention, illustrating light leakage and recovery at the edge of the circuit area 10A. The edge mentioned here can be the edge of the long side or short side of the backlight keyboard, or Figure 6 The edge of the perforation 116 or the side hole shown, wherein the perforation 116 can be a heat dissipation hole or a positioning hole for the backlight key. Figure 8 As shown, the protective layer 140 of the circuit area 10A can have a reflective effect across its entire surface to recycle light into the light guide 210. The reflective layer 220 is adhered to the protective layer 140 via an edge glue layer 235, and the reflective layer 220 has a microstructure 224 disposed between the edge glue layer 235 and the light guide 210. For example, at the edge of the long side of the backlit keyboard or the edge of the perforation 116, the edge glue layer 235 can be disposed between the lower surface of the protective layer 140 and the upper surface of the reflective layer 220, so that the reflective layer 220 bends upward and adheres to the protective layer 140, thereby enclosing the light guide 210 on the inside. In other words, at the edges of the circuit area 10A, such as the long / short sides of the light board and the circuit area perforations 116 / side holes, the edges of the reflective layer 220 (the long / short edges or the edges of the holes) can be bent upward to block light leakage from the side surfaces of the light guide plate 210. The edge glue layer 235 is then attached to the lower surface of the light board 10 (e.g., the lower surface of the protective layer 140) via the edge glue layer 235. The edge glue layer 235 is disposed between the edge of the protective layer 140 and the edge of the reflective layer 220. Because the edge glue layer 235 has excellent optical transmission and localized reflection properties, it can provide a certain degree of reflection, recycling light back into the light guide plate 210, regardless of whether it is located on the reflective surface of the protective layer 140 or the reflective surface of the reflective layer 220. The reflective layer 220 may have microstructures 224 on its surface at the bend, located between the side surfaces of the light guide plate 210 and the edge glue layer 235, to recycle light that may leak from the side edges or the edges of the perforations 116. Similarly, the protective layer 140 may be provided with microstructures 145 adjacent to the edge adhesive layer 235, and the microstructures 145 may be provided corresponding to the microstructures 224 to enhance light recovery. Furthermore, the adhesive layer 231 may be further provided adjacent to the side of the light guide plate 210 to bond the end of the light guide plate 210 and the reflective layer 220.

[0061] In addition, the backlight module BL of the present invention may further include a light absorbing layer 240. The light absorbing layer 240 is disposed between the protective layer 140 and the reflective layer 220 or between the substrate 110 and the reflective layer 220, and the light absorbing layer 240 is adjacent to the edge of the reflective layer 220. For example, at the edge of the circuit area 10A, regardless of whether the edge of the reflective layer 220 is bent, a light absorbing layer 240 may be disposed on the lower surface of the protective layer 140 and / or the upper surface of the reflective layer 220 to reduce light leakage from the edges of the long / short sides of the backlit keyboard and the circuit area perforations 116 / edge holes. In addition, when the light absorbing layer 240 is provided, the edge glue layer 235 may be located on the surface of the light absorbing layer 240, which can also provide a certain degree of reflection effect and recycle light into the light guide plate 210. In one embodiment, the light absorbing layer 240 may be formed by black paint or black ink, for example, by printing, but is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the light absorbing layer 240 may be formed of any appropriate light absorbing or light shielding material.

[0062] Figure 9 FIG3 is a cross-sectional view of a non-circuit area key (eg, the second key 1B) of the third embodiment of the present invention, to illustrate light leakage and recovery at the edge of the non-circuit area 10B. Figure 9 As shown, the protective layer 140 may not cover the non-circuit area 10B, so the lower surface of the light board 10 in the non-circuit area 10B may be exposed. In embodiments where the substrate 110 is formed from a non-metallic plate, the exposed surface of the non-circuit area 10B may also be the insulating surface 110a. In embodiments where the substrate 110 is formed from a metal plate 112 and an insulating layer 114, the exposed surface of the non-circuit area 10B may be the surface of the insulating layer 114 or the surface of the metal plate 112. In other words, in embodiments where the substrate 110 is formed from a metal plate 112 and an insulating layer 114, the insulating layer 114 may be provided in both the circuit area 10A and the non-circuit area 10B, or only in the circuit area 10A. Similarly, at the edge of the non-circuit area 10B, such as the long side / short side of the light board and the circuit area perforation 116 / side hole, the edge (long / short side edge or hole edge) of the reflective layer 220 can be bent upward to block light leakage from the side surface of the light guide plate 210, and adhered to the lower surface of the light board 10 (such as the lower surface of the protective layer 140, the lower surface of the insulating layer 114, the lower surface of the substrate 110 or the lower surface of the metal plate 112) through the edge glue layer 235. When the non-circuit area 10B is provided with a protective layer 140, the edge of the reflective layer 220 adheres to the protective layer 140 and Figure 8 The circuit area 10A shown is the same as the one shown. The reflective layer 220 and the protective layer 140 can be selectively provided with microstructures 224 and 145, respectively, to enhance light recovery. When the non-circuit area 10B is not provided with the protective layer 140, the edge of the reflective layer 220 adheres to the lower surface of the substrate 110 (the insulating surface 110a, the lower surface of the insulating layer 114, or the lower surface of the metal plate 112), and as shown in FIG. Figure 9As shown, the reflective layer 220 may optionally be provided with microstructures 224 to enhance light recovery. Furthermore, at the edges of the non-circuit area 10B, regardless of whether the edges of the reflective layer 220 are bent, a light absorbing layer 240 may be provided on the lower surface of the substrate 110, the lower surface of the insulating layer 114, the lower surface of the metal plate 112, or the lower surface of the protective layer 140, and / or the upper surface of the reflective layer 220 to reduce light leakage. In one embodiment, the edge bead layer 235 may be disposed between the edge of the substrate 110 (the edge of the insulating layer 114 or the edge of the metal plate 112) and the edge of the reflective layer 220. In another embodiment, the edge bead layer 235 may be disposed between the edge of the protective layer 140 and the edge of the reflective layer 220. Since the edge bead layer 235 has good optical transmission and local reflection effects, whether the edge bead layer 235 is located on the reflective surface of the protective layer 140 or the reflective surface of the reflective layer 220, or on the surface of the light absorbing layer 240, it can provide a certain degree of reflection effect and recycle light into the light guide plate 210.

[0063] Figure 10 FIG is a schematic diagram of a backlight keyboard according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 As shown, in this embodiment, the light board 10 of the backlight keyboard KB can be divided into a circuit area 10A and two non-circuit areas 10B along the long axis direction, wherein the circuit area 10A is located between the two non-circuit areas 10B. Specifically, the circuit area 10A is preferably arranged in the central area of the backlight keyboard KB, so that the first keycaps 12A of the multiple first keys 1A correspond vertically to the circuit area 10A. The two non-circuit areas 10B are respectively located on the left and right sides of the circuit area 10A, and the non-circuit areas 10B each include multiple rows of second keys 1B, and the second keycaps 12B of the multiple rows of second keys 1B are arranged in parallel and vertically correspond to the non-circuit areas 10B. In this embodiment, the structural details of the first key 1A and the second key 1B can refer to the relevant description of the aforementioned embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0064] Please refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 , Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a backlit keyboard according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 12 FIG is a cross-sectional view of a backlight key according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, in this embodiment, the backlight module BL further includes a light shielding sheet 250, wherein the light shielding sheet 250 is disposed between the protective layer 140 and the light guide sheet 210, and the light shielding sheet 250 has at least one light-transmitting window 252 corresponding to at least one keycap 12 (or the first keycap 12A). Specifically, the light shielding sheet 250 is a light-transmitting film (such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET)), and the film has a light-shielding material (or coating material) to form a light-shielding coating 254 to define a plurality of light-transmitting windows 252. The light-shielding coating 254 can be a single layer or multiple layers structure, which is used to reflect or absorb light so that most of the light can be emitted from the light-transmitting windows 252 and enter the holes 113 of the light board 10. For example, the light-shielding material can include white paint (white ink) and / or black paint (black ink), but is not limited thereto. Depending on the actual application, the light-shielding coating 254 can be disposed on the upper surface and / or lower surface of the light shielding sheet 250. The light-shielding material can be any suitable optical material, and the light-shielding coating 254 can be formed by any suitable method (such as printing) to achieve the effects of partial light shielding and partial light transmission. In this embodiment, the light-shielding sheet 250 can have a light source through-hole 256. The light source through-hole 256 is arranged corresponding to the light source 130, so that the light source 130 can extend into the light hole 212 of the light guide sheet 210 through the light source through-hole 256. In one embodiment, the light-shielding sheet 250 preferably has a one-to-one light-transmitting window 252 corresponding to the inward contour of the keycap 12 to improve the consistency of the halo at the edge of the keycap 12, but the present invention is not limited to this. In addition, the light-shielding sheet 250 and the protective layer 140 can be bonded to each other by an adhesive layer 236. For example, the adhesive layer 236 is arranged between the light-shielding sheet 250 and the protective layer 140 around the light source 130, and preferably forms an adhesive-free area 236' between the light source through-hole 256 and the adhesive layer 236. The light shielding sheet 250 and the light guide sheet 210 can be bonded to each other by the adhesive layer 238. For example, the adhesive layer 238 surrounds the light source 130 and is disposed between the light shielding sheet 250 and the light guide sheet 210. Preferably, an adhesive-free area 238' is formed between the light source through hole 256 and the adhesive layer 238.

[0065] Figure 13 FIG is a schematic diagram of a backlight keyboard according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 As shown in this embodiment, the light board 10 of the backlight keyboard KB has a first circuit area 10A1, a second circuit area 10A2 and a non-circuit area 10B'. Specifically, the first circuit area 10A1 and the non-circuit area 10B' are arranged along the short axis direction, and the second circuit area 10A2 is arranged in the non-circuit area 10B' and is surrounded by the non-circuit area 10B'. For example, the first circuit area 10A1 and the non-circuit area 10B' may have a similar Figure 4 The configuration of the circuit area 10A and the non-circuit area 10B of the embodiment, and Figure 4In the embodiment, the non-circuit area corresponding to one or more keys (such as W, A, S, D) in the non-circuit area 10B is changed to the second circuit area 10A2. In the first circuit area 10A1, multiple first keys 1A share multiple light sources 130. In the second circuit area 10A2, one or more third keys 1C can each have a dedicated light source 130, and the third keycaps 12C of the one or more third keys 1C correspond vertically to the second circuit area 10A2. In one embodiment, the first circuit area 10A1 and the second circuit area 10A2 can each have an independent driver chip or an independent connector to operate independently of each other, but are not limited to this. In another embodiment, the first circuit area 10A1 and the second circuit area 10A2 can have circuits connected to share a driver chip or connector.

[0066] Figure 14 FIG is a schematic diagram of a backlight keyboard according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 As shown, in this embodiment, the light board 10 of the backlit keyboard KB has multiple circuit areas (e.g., a first circuit area 10A1 and a second circuit area 10A2). Specifically, the second circuit area 10A2 may include one or more keys (e.g., W, A, S, D), while the remaining keys are arranged in the first circuit area 10A1. In the first circuit area 10A1, multiple rows of keycaps 12A of multiple first keys 1A are arranged in parallel and perpendicular to the first circuit area 10A1. In the first circuit area 10A1, multiple first keys 1A share multiple light sources 130, and the multiple light sources 130 can be arranged in the central area and / or edge of the backlit keyboard KB along the short axis direction. In the second circuit area 10A2, one or more third keys 1C can each have a dedicated light source 130, and the third keycaps 12C of one or more third keys 1C can perpendicularly correspond to the second circuit area 10A2. In one embodiment, the first circuit area 10A1 and the second circuit area 10A2 may each have independent driver chips or independent connectors to operate independently, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the first circuit area 10A1 and the second circuit area 10A2 may be connected by circuits to share a driver chip or connector. In this embodiment, the first circuit area 10A1 and the second circuit area 10A2 may each use high-power side-emitting LEDs or micro LEDs.

[0067] Compared to conventional technology, the light board of this invention not only serves as the base plate of the key structure, but also incorporates light-emitting circuitry, effectively serving as the circuit board for the backlight module. Furthermore, the light board of this invention integrates the backlight module's light-emitting circuitry into the base plate of the key structure, effectively reducing the overall thickness of the key structure and promoting a thinner design.

[0068] Of course, the present invention may have many other embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, technicians familiar with the field may make various corresponding changes and modifications based on the present invention, but these corresponding changes and modifications should all fall within the scope of protection of the claims attached to the present invention.

Claims

1. A light board for carrying at least one keycap, characterized in that: The light board contains: A substrate having an insulating surface, a plurality of holes and a plurality of connectors, wherein the plurality of holes penetrate the substrate, and the plurality of connectors are disposed on the substrate and are used to directly or indirectly connect to the at least one keycap; a light-emitting circuit disposed on the insulating surface and located on the opposite side of the plurality of connecting members; a light source electrically connected to the light-emitting circuit; as well as The protective layer is arranged on the insulating surface and covers the light-emitting circuit.

2. The light board according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one keycap includes a first keycap and a second keycap, the insulating surface corresponds to at least the first keycap, and the light source corresponds to at least the first keycap; the protective layer corresponds to at least the first keycap, wherein the multiple connecting parts are directly or indirectly connected to the first keycap and the second keycap, respectively, and the first keycap and the second keycap can be moved relative to the light board, respectively.

3. The light board according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The substrate is a non-metal plate, and the insulating surface is the lower surface of the non-metal plate.

4. The light board according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The substrate includes a metal plate and an insulating layer. The insulating layer at least partially covers the lower surface of the metal plate, and the surface of the insulating layer serves as the insulating surface.

5. The light board according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The light board further includes a switch circuit layer, wherein the switch circuit layer and the light-emitting circuit are respectively arranged on two opposite sides of the substrate, the switch circuit layer has a switch unit, and the vertical projection of the switch unit overlaps with the light source.

6. The light board according to claim 5, characterized in that: The switch circuit layer has a switch circuit, the switch circuit is electrically connected to the switch unit, and a vertical projection of the switch circuit overlaps with the light-emitting circuit.

7. The light board according to claim 6, characterized in that: The substrate has a plurality of ribs to define the plurality of holes. The switch circuit and the light-emitting circuit are respectively arranged on the upper side and the lower side of at least one of the plurality of ribs.

8. The light board according to claim 5, characterized in that: The vertical projections of the switch unit and the light source are both located within a range surrounded by the multiple connecting members.

9. The light board according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The substrate has a plurality of ribs to define the plurality of holes. The protection layer has a reflective surface and / or a microstructure. The microstructure overlaps with at least one of the plurality of ribs of the substrate.

10. The light board according to claim 2, characterized in that: The insulating surface and / or the protective layer further corresponds to the second keycap.

11. A backlight module, characterized in that Include: The light board according to any one of claims 1 to 10; and Light guide sheet, The light emitted by the light source enters the light guide plate and is transmitted laterally to illuminate the at least one keycap.

12. The backlight module according to claim 11, wherein: The light guide plate has a light hole, and the light source is accommodated in the light hole.

13. The backlight module according to claim 12, wherein: The backlight module further comprises a glue layer, wherein the glue layer surrounds the light source and is disposed between the light guide plate and the protection layer, and forms a glue-free area between the light hole and the glue layer.

14. The backlight module according to claim 11, wherein: The backlight module further comprises a reflective layer, wherein the reflective layer is arranged on the opposite side of the light guide plate relative to the protective layer, and the reflective layer has an edge adhered to the protective layer or the substrate.

15. The backlight module according to claim 14, wherein: The reflective layer is adhered to the protective layer or the substrate through an edge glue layer, and the reflective layer has a microstructure arranged between the edge glue layer and the light guide plate.

16. The backlight module according to claim 14, wherein: The backlight module further includes a light absorbing layer, which is arranged between the protection layer and the reflective layer or between the substrate and the reflective layer, and is adjacent to the edge of the reflective layer.

17. The backlight module according to claim 11, wherein: The backlight module further includes a light shielding sheet, wherein the light shielding sheet is arranged between the protection layer and the light guide sheet, and the light shielding sheet has at least one light-transmitting window corresponding to the at least one keycap.

18. A backlight key, characterized in that Include: The light panel according to any one of claims 1 to 10; and The at least one keycap.

19. A backlit keyboard, characterized in that Include: The light panel according to any one of claims 1 to 10; and The at least one keycap.

20. The backlit keyboard according to claim 19, wherein: The at least one keycap includes a first keycap and a second keycap. The backlight keyboard includes a circuit area and a non-circuit area. The first keycap is located in the circuit area, and the second keycap is located in the non-circuit area.

21. The backlit keyboard according to claim 20, wherein: The light board is divided into the circuit area and the non-circuit area along the short axis direction; or, the light board is divided into the circuit area and two non-circuit areas along the long axis direction and the circuit area is located between the two non-circuit areas; or, the circuit area includes a first circuit area and a second circuit area, the first circuit area and the non-circuit area are arranged along the short axis direction of the light board, and the second circuit area is arranged in the non-circuit area and surrounded by the non-circuit area; or, the circuit area includes a first circuit area and a second circuit area, multiple keys in the first circuit area share multiple light sources, and each key in the second circuit area has its own exclusive light source.

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