An electronic paper keyboard and input device
By using a multiplexing module and an N-type thin-film transistor design, the problems of a large number of pins and high power consumption in electronic paper keyboards were solved, resulting in a reduction in the number of control chip pins and power consumption, thus lowering product costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHENZHEN AV DISPLAY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing electronic paper keyboards have a large number of pins, resulting in high power consumption.
By employing multiplexing modules and N-type thin-film transistors, multiple electronic paper PCBs are electrically connected to the control chip through multiplexing modules, reducing the number of pins on the control chip, and N-type thin-film transistors are used to reduce leakage current in the non-operating state.
The number of pins on the control chip was reduced, lowering product costs and reducing circuit power consumption when not in operation.
Smart Images
Figure CN224536923U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of keyboards, and in particular relates to an electronic paper keyboard and input device. Background Technology
[0002] As a common physical operating component, keyboards are widely used in desktop computers, laptops, or other electronic devices. Generally speaking, a keyboard consists of multiple key structures, and each key structure includes a keycap with printed characters for users to press and identify.
[0003] Laptops are widely used worldwide, and input systems vary significantly across regions. Keyboards on the same laptop cannot be shared. Therefore, existing technology has developed electronic paper keyboards to allow the same key to display different characters. However, current electronic paper keyboards often require a large number of pins to respond to and control each key, resulting in high power consumption. Utility Model Content
[0004] This invention provides an electronic paper keyboard and input device, aiming to solve the problems of the large number of pins and high power consumption in existing electronic paper keyboards.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0006] In a first aspect, this utility model provides an electronic paper keyboard, including a keyboard substrate and a plurality of keycaps disposed on the keyboard substrate. Each keycap is provided with an electronic paper display panel and an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) electrically connected to the electronic paper display panel. The electronic paper display panel displays an image on the surface of the keycap. The keyboard substrate is provided with an electronic paper PCB (Printed Circuit Board) corresponding to each of the electronic paper display panels. Each electronic paper display panel is electrically connected to its corresponding electronic paper PCB through its FPC. The keyboard substrate is also provided with a control chip and a plurality of multiplexing modules. Each multiplexing module is electrically connected to a plurality of electronic paper PCBs, and the multiplexing module is electrically connected to the control chip.
[0007] Furthermore, the multiplexing module includes multiple transistors, with each transistor corresponding to an electronic paper PCB. The drain of the transistor is electrically connected to the corresponding pin of the electronic paper PCB. The gates of transistors in the same order within the multiplexing module are electrically connected to the same control signal line. The sources of transistors in the same multiplexing module are electrically connected and electrically connected to the corresponding pins of the control chip.
[0008] Furthermore, all the transistors are N-type thin-film transistors, and all of the multiple control signal lines are electrically connected to the control chip. The control chip provides a high-potential control signal to the control signal lines to turn on the corresponding transistors.
[0009] Furthermore, an LED module is provided below the electronic paper PCB, and the LED module is electrically connected to the control chip.
[0010] Furthermore, a diffusion film is provided between the electronic paper PCB and the LED module.
[0011] Furthermore, a transparent cover is provided on the top of the keycap, and the transparent cover is located above the electronic paper display panel.
[0012] Furthermore, the keycap has a snap-fit at the bottom and the keyboard base plate has a socket. The keycap and the keyboard base plate are connected and fixed by the snap-fit and the socket.
[0013] Furthermore, the keyboard substrate is also provided with a touch area, the touch area is provided with an electronic paper module, and the electronic paper module is provided with a touch panel.
[0014] Furthermore, a light guide plate is provided below the electronic paper module, and LED light strips are provided on the side of the light guide plate.
[0015] Secondly, this utility model also provides an input device, including an electronic paper keyboard as described in any of the first aspects.
[0016] The advantages of this utility model compared with the prior art are:
[0017] The electronic paper keyboard disclosed in this utility model has keycaps equipped with an electronic paper display panel and an FPC. The keyboard substrate is equipped with an electronic paper PCB corresponding to the FPC. The keyboard substrate is equipped with multiple multiplexing modules. Multiple electronic paper PCBs are electrically connected to the control chip through any multiplexing module. This allows the control chip to only have the same number of pins as the multiplexing modules. By electrically connecting the multiplexing modules through these pins, the control function can be realized. This reduces the number of pins of the control chip, reduces the size of the control chip, and lowers the product cost. Attached Figure Description
[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments 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 based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0019] Figure 1A schematic diagram of the structure of a laptop computer with an electronic paper keyboard provided for an embodiment of this utility model;
[0020] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the electronic paper keyboard structure provided in an embodiment of this utility model;
[0021] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the connection relationship of various structures of a laptop computer with an electronic paper keyboard provided for an embodiment of this utility model;
[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the keycap and driver module structure provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0023] Figure 5 Circuit diagram of the multiplexing module provided for embodiments of this utility model;
[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the keycap and LED module structure provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0025] Figure 7 Plan view of the keycap and LED module provided for embodiments of this utility model;
[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the keycap and keyboard substrate insertion structure provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0027] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a laptop computer with an electronic paper keyboard and a touch area provided for an embodiment of this utility model;
[0028] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the touch area structure provided for an embodiment of this utility model.
[0029] The labels for the attached figures are as follows:
[0030] 100. Laptop computer;
[0031] 10. Electronic paper keyboard;
[0032] 1. Keycaps; 11. Electronic paper display panel; 12. FPC; 121. FPC terminal; 13. Transparent cover; 14. Clips;
[0033] 2. Keyboard board; 21. Multiplexing module; 211. Transistor; 212. Control signal line;
[0034] 22. Driver module; 221. Electronic paper PCB; 2210. PCB terminal;
[0035] 23. Touch area; 231. Electronic paper module; 232. Touchpad; 233. Light guide plate; 234. LED light strip;
[0036] 24. LED module; 241. LED; 242. Backlight panel; 243. Diffuser film; 244. Data cable;
[0037] 25. Socket;
[0038] 26. LCD screen;
[0039] 3. Control chip. Detailed Implementation
[0040] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0041] like Figures 1-10 As shown, this utility model provides an electronic paper keyboard 10, which is installed on a laptop computer 100 with an LCD screen 26. The electronic paper keyboard 10 includes a keyboard substrate 2 and a plurality of keycaps 1 disposed on the keyboard substrate. Each keycap 1 contains an electronic paper display panel 11 and an FPC 12 electrically connected to the electronic paper display panel 11. The electronic paper display panel 11 displays an image on the surface of the keycap 1. The electronic paper display panel 11 is disposed on the top surface of the detection keycap 1. It can be understood that, in another embodiment, the electronic paper display panel 11 may be disposed on the side of the detection keycap 1. A driving module 22 is also provided on the keyboard substrate 2. The driving module 22 includes an electronic paper PCB 221 corresponding to each electronic paper display panel 11. The electronic paper PCB 221 is electrically connected to the pins of the FPC 12, enabling the electronic paper PCB 221 to control the corresponding electronic paper display panel 11. The keyboard substrate 2 is also equipped with a control chip 3 and multiple multiplexing modules 21. Each multiplexing module 21 is electrically connected to multiple electronic paper PCBs 221. The multiplexing module 21 is electrically connected to the control chip 3, so that the control chip 3 only needs to set the same number of pins as the multiplexing module 21, and can realize the control function by electrically connecting to each multiplexing module 21 through the pins.
[0042] Understandably, this electronic paper keyboard can dynamically change the displayed image on the electronic paper display panel 11, allowing the same keyboard keys to display different character icons, thereby achieving keyboard mode switching. For example, it can switch keyboard characters between character sets of different languages such as Japanese hiragana, Korean syllables, and Chinese pinyin to meet the requirements of different languages. For another example, it can convert the American standard QWERTY layout to the French standard AZERTY layout to adapt to the key habits of different regions. For yet another example, it can redefine the character icons and / or physical position mapping relationships of the keys according to the preferences of different professions or individuals to meet personalized requirements.
[0043] The electronic paper keyboard 10 disclosed in this utility model has keycaps 1 each equipped with an electronic paper display panel 11 and an FPC 12. The keyboard substrate 2 is provided with an electronic paper PCB 221 corresponding to the FPC 12. Multiple multiplexing modules 21 are provided on the keyboard substrate 2. Multiple electronic paper PCBs 221 are electrically connected to the control chip 3 through any multiplexing module 21. This allows the control chip 3 to only need to set the same number of pins as the multiplexing modules 21, and to realize the control function by electrically connecting to each multiplexing module 21 through these pins. This reduces the number of pins of the control chip 3, reduces the size of the control chip 3, and reduces product cost.
[0044] The specific structure of the multiplexing module 21 is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, combined with Figure 3 Each multiplexing module 21 includes three transistors 211, with each transistor 211 corresponding to an electronic paper PCB 221. The sources of the transistors 211 in the same multiplexing module 21 are electrically connected and are electrically connected to the corresponding pins of the control chip 3. The gates of transistors 211 in the same order in the multiplexing module 21 are electrically connected to the same control signal line 212, and the drains of the transistors 211 are electrically connected to the corresponding pins of the electronic paper PCB 221. Figure 5 The three transistors 211 on the left form a multiplexing module 21, and the three transistors on the right form another multiplexing module 21. Select1-3 are all control signal lines 212. Taking the multiplexing module 21 on the left as an example, the sources of the three transistors are electrically connected and connected to the control chip 3 via the Metal1 line. The drains are connected to capacitors C1-C3 respectively. When Select1 provides a high voltage, C1 charges; when Select2 provides a high voltage, C2 charges; and when Select3 provides a high voltage, C3 charges. Similarly, since the gates of the transistors with the same order in both groups are electrically connected to the same control signal line 212, when the multiplexing module 21 on the right is working, when Select1 provides a high voltage, C4 charges; when Select2 provides a high voltage, C5 charges; and when Select3 provides a high voltage, C6 charges.
[0045] Understandably, in other implementations, a group of electronic paper PCBs 221 can also include four, five, six, etc. The circuitry of the multiplexing module 21 can be adjusted accordingly, thereby further reducing the number of pins on the control chip 3.
[0046] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the control chip 3 includes a timing controller (TCON) and a keyboard processor electrically connected to the TCON. Multiple multiplexing modules 21 are connected to the TCON. The TCON converts the video signal into the data signal format required by the keyboard processor (e.g., LVDS to miniLVDS) and transmits these data signals to the keyboard processor.
[0047] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the electronic paper keyboard 10 is installed on the laptop computer 100. It is understood that in another embodiment, the electronic paper keyboard 10 can also be installed in a peripheral keyboard, a mobile terminal with buttons, a remote control with buttons, etc. The electronic paper keyboard 10 can be adapted accordingly, which will not be elaborated here.
[0048] The specific structure of the multiplexing module 21 is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, combined with Figure 3 Each multiplexing module 21 includes a plurality of transistors 211, with each transistor 211 corresponding to an electronic paper PCB 221. The source of each transistor 211 is electrically connected to the corresponding pin of the electronic paper PCB 221. The gates of transistors 211 in the same order within the multiplexing module 21 are electrically connected to the same control signal line 212. The drains of transistors 211 in the same multiplexing module 21 are electrically connected and electrically connected to the corresponding pin of the control chip 3.
[0049] Furthermore, all transistors 211 are N-type thin-film transistors 211, and multiple control signal lines 212 are electrically connected to the control chip 3. The control chip 3 provides a high-potential control signal to the control signal lines 212 to turn on the corresponding transistors 211. The N-type thin-film transistors 211 have low leakage current in the off state (low potential), which reduces the power consumption of the circuit in the non-working state. By providing control signals to multiple transistors 211 through the control signal lines 212, the control chip 3 can efficiently drive multiple transistors 211 to work simultaneously.
[0050] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, in order to facilitate the replacement of keycap 1 and reduce the thickness of keycap 1 to reduce costs, keycap 1 is only provided with electronic paper display panel 11 and FPC 12. The corresponding electronic paper PCB 221 is provided with IC. FPC terminal 121 is connected to PCB terminal 2210, so that the IC is electrically connected to the FPC 12 to provide data to the electronic paper display panel 11. The IC and FPC 12 pins are electrically connected to ensure the stability and accuracy of data transmission. The modular design makes the product maintenance and replacement more convenient and quick. If the electronic paper display panel 11 fails, only the electronic paper display panel 11 and FPC 12 need to be replaced, without replacing the electronic paper PCB 221.
[0051] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in order to optimize the contrast and clarity of the image on the electronic paper keyboard 10, an LED module 24 is provided below the electronic paper PCB 221. The LED module 24 includes LEDs 241 and a backlight panel 242. The backlight panel 242 is located below the electronic paper PCB 221, and the LEDs 241 are embedded in the backlight panel 242. The LED module 24 is independently set on the keyboard substrate 2, and each keycap 1 is backlit individually, avoiding the problem of display conflicts of some keycaps 1 under the light source. At the same time, it is also convenient for maintenance and replacement, improving user experience and product aesthetics.
[0052] Furthermore, such as Figure 7 As shown, combined with Figure 6 A diffusion film 243 is provided between the electronic paper PCB 221 and the LED module 24. The diffusion film 243 is located between the electronic paper PCB 221 and the backlight panel 242. The keyboard cap is also connected to a data cable 244 to provide data and power to the electronic paper display panel 11 and the LED module 24. The diffusion film 243 diffuses the light emitted by the LED 241 evenly, so that the light can illuminate evenly and improve the display effect of the electronic paper keyboard 10.
[0053] To protect the electronic paper display panel 11, a transparent cover plate 13 is provided on the top of the keycap 1. The transparent cover plate 13 is located above the electronic paper display panel 11. The transparent cover plate 13 is usually made of glass. The glass cover plate has good optical transmittance, which can ensure that the display content of the electronic paper display panel 11 is clearly visible, while reducing light scattering and reflection, and improving the contrast and clarity of the display pattern.
[0054] like Figure 8As shown, two sets of latches 14 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the bottom of the keycap 1, and an insertion port 25 is provided on the keyboard substrate 2. The latches 14 are inserted into the insertion port 25 to connect and fix the keycap 1 to the keyboard substrate 2. At the same time, the FPC terminal 121 is connected to the PCB terminal 2210 to electrically connect the electronic paper display panel 11 on the keycap 1 to the keyboard substrate 2. By symmetrically arranging the latches 14 on both sides of the bottom of the keycap 1 and providing the insertion port 25 on the keyboard substrate 2, the quick connection and fixation of the keycap 1 and the keyboard substrate 2 are realized, simplifying the assembly process, improving connection stability, and facilitating maintenance and replacement.
[0055] Laptops often have a touchpad at the bottom to temporarily replace a mouse; the touchpad can also be used to add e-paper functionality. Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the keyboard substrate 2 also includes a touch area 23, which includes an electronic paper module 231 and a touchpad 232. The touchpad 232 is positioned above the electronic paper module 231. The electronic paper module 231 is driven by a separate integrated circuit (IC), and its displayed content differs from that presented on the electronic paper display panel 11 on the keyboard. Due to the large area of the electronic paper module 231, the touch area 23 is configured to function as both a handwriting pad and an e-book reader, enabling interactive operation with the electronic paper display panel 11 and the LCD screen 26 in the keyboard area. Simultaneously, a light guide plate 233 is located below the electronic paper module 231, and LED light strips 234 are provided on the side of the light guide plate 233.
[0056] Secondly, this utility model also provides an input device, including an electronic paper keyboard 10 as described in any of the first aspects.
[0057] The input device provided by this utility model, by adopting the electronic paper keyboard 10 described in the above embodiments, can reduce the number of pins of the control chip 3 and reduce the size of the control chip 3.
[0058] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. An electronic paper keyboard, characterized in that, The keyboard includes a keyboard base plate and a plurality of keycaps disposed on the keyboard base plate. Each keycap is provided with an electronic paper display panel and an FPC electrically connected to the electronic paper display panel. The electronic paper display panel displays an image on the surface of the keycap. The keyboard substrate is provided with an electronic paper PCB corresponding to each of the electronic paper display panels, and each electronic paper display panel is electrically connected to the corresponding electronic paper PCB through its FPC. The keyboard substrate is also provided with a control chip and multiple multiplexing modules; each multiplexing module is electrically connected to multiple electronic paper PCBs, and the multiplexing module is electrically connected to the control chip.
2. The electronic paper keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multiplexing module includes multiple transistors, with each transistor corresponding to an electronic paper PCB. The drain of the transistor is electrically connected to the corresponding pin of the electronic paper PCB. The gates of transistors in the same order within the multiplexing module are electrically connected to the same control signal line. The sources of transistors in the same multiplexing module are electrically connected and electrically connected to the corresponding pins of the control chip.
3. The electronic paper keyboard according to claim 2, characterized in that, All transistors are N-type thin-film transistors, and multiple control signal lines are electrically connected to the control chip. The control chip provides a high-potential control signal to the control signal lines to turn on the corresponding transistors.
4. The electronic paper keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, An LED module is located below the electronic paper PCB, and the LED module is electrically connected to the control chip.
5. The electronic paper keyboard according to claim 4, characterized in that, A diffusion film is provided between the electronic paper PCB and the LED module.
6. The electronic paper keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The keycaps are topped with a transparent cover plate, which is located above the electronic paper display panel.
7. The electronic paper keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The keycap has a snap-fit at the bottom and the keyboard base plate has a slot. The keycap and the keyboard base plate are fixed together by the snap-fit and the slot.
8. The electronic paper keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The keyboard substrate is also provided with a touch area, in which an electronic paper module is provided, and a touchpad is provided on the electronic paper module.
9. The electronic paper keyboard according to claim 8, characterized in that, The electronic paper module has a light guide plate at its bottom, and LED light strips are provided on the side of the light guide plate.
10. An input device, characterized in that, Including the electronic paper keyboard as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.