Keyboard structure combining membrane switch and backlight module

Abstract

The utility model discloses a keyboard structure combining a membrane switch and a backlight module, which belongs to the technical field of keyboards and sequentially comprises a keycap, a scissor type support frame, a support plate, a shading layer, a light guide layer, an elastic piece, an upper circuit layer, a middle interlayer, a lower circuit and a light source layer. Wherein the lower circuit layer is formed by integrating a traditional lamp panel, a reflecting layer and a keyboard lower circuit layer into one layer; wherein the lower circuit and light source layer and each key position are at least connected with zero to a plurality of light-emitting LEDs, the LEDs transmit light to the light guide layer through the middle interlayer and the upper circuit layer, the light guide layer emits the light to the key caps through reflection and refraction microstructures on the light guide layer, and therefore the backlight effect is achieved; the substrate of the lower circuit layer and the light source layer is a plastic film or an imide film or a metal plate or a composite structure of the plastic film and a metal film. According to the keyboard structure combining the membrane switch and the backlight module, the backlight keyboard can be thinned, the weight of the keyboard is reduced, and the endurance of a computer is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of keyboard technology, and in particular to a keyboard structure that combines a membrane switch and a backlight module. Background Technology

[0002] With the trend of making computers thinner and lighter, backlit keyboards have become widely used. However, traditional backlit keyboards are heavy and require a lot of materials due to the many processes and complex overall structure. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a keyboard structure that combines a membrane switch and a backlight module to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a keyboard structure combining a membrane switch and a backlight module, comprising, in sequence, keycaps, a scissor-type support frame, a support plate, a light-shielding layer, a light guide layer, an elastic element, an upper circuit layer, a middle partition layer, a lower circuit layer, and a light source layer;

[0005] The lower circuit layer integrates the traditional light board, reflector layer and keyboard lower circuit layer into one layer;

[0006] The lower circuit and light source layer has at least zero to multiple light-emitting LEDs connected under each key. The LEDs transmit light to the light guide layer through the middle partition layer and the upper circuit layer. The light guide layer scatters the light to the keycap through the reflection and refraction microstructures on it, thereby achieving the backlight effect.

[0007] The lower circuit layer and the light source layer are made of a plastic film, an imide film, a metal plate, or a composite structure of a plastic film and a metal film, and have a first circuit, a second circuit, and contacts.

[0008] The lower circuit layer and light source lamp have circuits and contacts made of screen-printed conductive paste, electroplated conductive layer or etched conductive layer, and the circuits are connected to the external connector.

[0009] The first and second lines are distributed on the front and back of the substrate, or one of them may exist. The lines on the front and back are connected by drilling and grouting or electroplating.

[0010] The middle partition has a 5-1 slot for contact between the upper and lower circuit contacts and a 5-2 slot for LED clearance. The middle partition is attached to the lower circuit layer and the light source layer by hot melt adhesive process, glue or self-adhesive.

[0011] The upper circuit layer is a plastic film or an imide film as its substrate, on which there are contacts and circuits. The contacts and circuits are made of screen-printed conductive paste, electroplated conductive layer or etched conductive layer, and have corresponding grooves for LED clearance.

[0012] The light guide layer is made of PC, PET, or PMMA material with optical functions. The light guide layer has microstructures, including an 8-1 slot for receiving and guiding LED light, and an 8-3 slot for avoiding the movement of elastic components.

[0013] The light-shielding layer has a substrate of transparent or colored plastic film, on which mixed-color ink and black ink are printed or coated. The mixed-color ink is below the black ink and is printed on the back of the film, while the black ink is printed on the front of the film. Alternatively, the mixed-color ink and black ink can be overprinted on the front or back of the film. The mixed-color ink includes white ink, other visible light color inks, and inks with light-filtering functions.

[0014] A support plate having designated slots corresponding to those in other components for the transmission of light;

[0015] Scissor-type support bracket, used for connecting and fixing keycaps and support plates;

[0016] The lower circuit layer, light source layer, light shielding layer, and light guide layer are all bonded together with patterned or full-surface adhesive, self-adhesive, or hot melt adhesive to meet waterproof and moisture-proof functions.

[0017] Preferably, the LED can be a miniCSP LED, or an LED in other package sizes.

[0018] Preferably, the contact has three styles: a first style, a second style, and a third style.

[0019] Preferably, the support plate is made of malleable metal, plastic, PMMA, or polycarbonate.

[0020] Preferably, the scissor-type support frame is a combination of malleable plastic, polycarbonate, or elastic metal parts.

[0021] Preferably, the microstructure is one of the following: dot-like, strip-like, or line-like structures.

[0022] Preferably, the 8-slotted structure is one of the following: circular, elliptical, rectangular, or polygonal.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the technical effects and advantages of this utility model are as follows:

[0024] The keyboard structure, which combines a membrane switch and a backlight module, redefines the keyboard stack-up, integrating the original four-layer backlight structure and keyboard circuitry together, reducing the overall thickness and weight of the keyboard, and allowing the use of miniLEDs to reduce keyboard power consumption and increase computer battery life.

[0025] This keyboard structure, which combines membrane switches and a backlight module, can reduce the thickness of the backlit keyboard, decrease keyboard weight, and improve computer battery life. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a top view of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the disassembled state of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a top view of the lower circuit and light source layer of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a partial enlarged view of the lower circuit and light source layer of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a partial enlarged view of the light guide layer of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 6 These are enlarged views of three different styles of the contact points of this utility model.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0034] In the picture:

[0035] 1. Keycap, 2. Scissor-type support bracket, 3. Support plate, 4. Designated slot, 5. Light shielding layer, 6. Light guide layer, 7. 8. 81 slot, 8. Microstructure, 82. 83 slot, 8. Elastic component, 8. Upper circuit layer, 9. Contact, 10. Corresponding slot, 41. Circuit, 42. Circuit, 43. Middle partition layer, 5. 51 slot, 52 slot, 52 slot, 9. Lower circuit and light source layer, 11. LED, 92. First circuit, 93. Contact, 93. First style, 931. Second style, 932. Third style, 933. Electroplated connection, 94. Second circuit, 95. Connector, 10. Detailed Implementation

[0036] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, certain technical features well-known in the art have not been described in order to avoid confusion with the present invention.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, the directions of up, down, left, right, front, back, inside, and outside mentioned herein are based on the directions of up, down, left, right, front, back, inside, and outside shown in the figures of this utility model, and are explained here together.

[0038] The connection method can be any existing method, such as bonding, welding, or bolting, depending on the actual needs.

[0039] Please see Figures 1 to 6 As shown, a keyboard structure combining a membrane switch and a backlight module is provided. This embodiment includes keycaps 1, scissor-type support frame 2, support plate 6, light-shielding layer 7, light guide layer 8, elastic element 3, upper circuit layer 4, middle partition layer 5, lower circuit and light source layer 9.

[0040] The lower circuit layer integrates the traditional light board, reflector layer and keyboard lower circuit layer into one layer;

[0041] The lower circuit and light source layer 9 has at least zero to a plurality of light-emitting LEDs 91 connected under each key position. The LEDs 91 transmit light to the light guide layer 8 through the middle partition layer 5 and the upper circuit layer 4. The light guide layer 8 scatters the light to the scissors and keycaps through its reflection and refraction microstructures, thereby achieving the backlight effect. The LEDs 91 can be miniCSPLEDs or LEDs of other package sizes.

[0042] The lower circuit layer and light source layer 9 are made of a plastic film, an imide film, a metal plate, or a composite structure of a plastic film and a metal film. The lower circuit layer and light source layer have a first circuit 92, a second circuit 95, and a contact 93. The contact 93 has three styles: the first style 931, the second style 932, and the third style 933.

[0043] The lower circuit layer and light source lamp have circuits and contacts made of screen-printed conductive paste, electroplated conductive layer or etched conductive layer, and the circuits are connected to the external connector 10.

[0044] The first line 92 and the second line 95 are distributed on the front and back of the substrate, or one of them exists, and the lines on the front and back are connected by drilling and grouting or electroplating 94.

[0045] The middle partition layer 5 has a five-slot 51 for contact between upper and lower circuit contacts and a five-slot 52 for LED clearance. The middle partition layer 5 is attached to the lower circuit layer and the light source layer 9 by hot melt adhesive process, glue or self-adhesive.

[0046] The upper circuit layer 4 has a substrate of plastic film or imide film, and has contacts 41 and lines 43 on it. The contacts 41 and lines 43 are made of screen-printed conductive paste, electroplated conductive layer or etched conductive layer; it has corresponding slots 42 for LED avoidance.

[0047] The light guide layer 8 is made of PC, PET, or PMMA material with optical functions. The light guide layer has microstructures 82, which are one of the structure of dot, strip, or line. It has an 8-slot 81 for receiving and guiding LED light. The 8-slot 81 is one of the structure of circle, ellipse, rectangle, or polygon. It has an 8-3 slot 83 for avoiding the elastic element.

[0048] The light-shielding layer 7 has a substrate of transparent or colored plastic film, on which mixed-color ink and black ink are printed or coated. The mixed-color ink is below the black ink and is printed on the back of the film, while the black ink is printed on the front of the film. Alternatively, the mixed-color ink and black ink can be overprinted on the front or back of the film. The mixed-color ink includes white ink, other visible light color inks, and inks with light-filtering functions.

[0049] Support plate 6, the support plate is made of malleable metal or plastic or PMMA or polycarbonate, and has a designated slot 61 corresponding to other parts for light transmission.

[0050] Scissor-type support bracket 2, the scissor-type support bracket is a combination of malleable plastic, polycarbonate or elastic metal parts, used for connecting and fixing keycaps and support plates;

[0051] The lower circuit layer, light source layer, light shielding layer, and light guide layer are all bonded together with patterned or full-surface adhesive, self-adhesive, or hot melt adhesive to meet waterproof and moisture-proof functions.

[0052] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "one" and "two" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, the phrase "comprising an element defined as..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0053] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A keyboard structure combining a membrane switch and a backlight module, characterized in that, It includes, in sequence, keycaps, scissor-type support bracket, support plate, light-shielding layer, light guide layer, elastic component, upper circuit layer, middle partition layer, lower circuit layer and light source layer; The lower circuit layer integrates the traditional light board, reflector layer and keyboard lower circuit layer into one layer; The lower circuit and light source layer has at least zero to multiple light-emitting LEDs connected under each key. The LEDs transmit light to the light guide layer through the middle partition layer and the upper circuit layer. The light guide layer scatters the light to the keycap through the reflection and refraction microstructures on it, thereby achieving the backlight effect. The lower circuit layer and the light source layer are made of a plastic film, an imide film, a metal plate, or a composite structure of a plastic film and a metal film, and have a first circuit, a second circuit, and contacts. The lower circuit layer and light source lamp have circuits and contacts made of screen-printed conductive paste, electroplated conductive layer or etched conductive layer, and the circuits are connected to the external connector. The first and second lines are distributed on the front and back of the substrate, or one of them may exist. The lines on the front and back are connected by drilling and grouting or electroplating. The middle partition has a 5-1 slot for contact between the upper and lower circuit contacts and a 5-2 slot for LED clearance. The middle partition is attached to the lower circuit layer and the light source layer by hot melt adhesive process, glue or self-adhesive. The upper circuit layer is a plastic film or an imide film as its substrate, on which there are contacts and circuits. The contacts and circuits are made of screen-printed conductive paste, electroplated conductive layer or etched conductive layer, and have corresponding grooves for LED clearance. The light guide layer is made of PC, PET, or PMMA material with optical functions. The light guide layer has microstructures, including an 8-1 slot for receiving and guiding LED light, and an 8-3 slot for avoiding the movement of elastic components. The light-shielding layer has a substrate of transparent or colored plastic film, on which mixed-color ink and black ink are printed or coated. The mixed-color ink is below the black ink. The mixed-color ink is printed on the back of the film, and the black ink is printed on the front of the film, or the mixed-color ink and black ink are overprinted on the front or back of the film. Color-blending inks include: white inks, other visible light color inks, and inks with light-filtering functions; A support plate having designated slots corresponding to those in other components for the transmission of light; Scissor-type support bracket, used for connecting and fixing keycaps and support plates; The lower circuit layer, light source layer, light shielding layer, and light guide layer are all bonded together with patterned or full-surface adhesive, self-adhesive, or hot melt adhesive to meet waterproof and moisture-proof functions.

2. The keyboard structure combining a membrane switch and a backlight module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The LED can be a miniCSP LED or an LED in other package sizes.

3. The keyboard structure combining a membrane switch and a backlight module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The contact has three styles: the first style, the second style, and the third style.

4. The keyboard structure combining a membrane switch and a backlight module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support plate is made of malleable metal, plastic, PMMA, or polycarbonate.

5. The keyboard structure combining a membrane switch and a backlight module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microstructure is one of the following: dot-like, strip-like, or line-like structures.

6. The keyboard structure combining a membrane switch and a backlight module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The 81 slotted structure can be one of the following: circular, elliptical, rectangular, or polygonal.

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