Key structure

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the appearance of the first embodiment of the button structure of the present invention. Figures 2A and 2B are exploded views of the button structure in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a top view of the first embodiment of the button structure of the present invention, omitting the connecting components. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along line segment BB shown in Figure 1, omitting the connecting components. Figure 5 is a top view of the first embodiment of the key structure of the present invention with the keycaps omitted. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the bottom projection range of the elastic element of the first embodiment of the button structure of the present invention on the backlight module. Figures 7A and 7B are exploded views of the second embodiment of the button structure of the present invention, omitting the connecting components. Figure 8 is a top view of the second embodiment of the button structure of the present invention, omitting the connecting components. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the keycap projection range formed on the backlight module in the second embodiment of the keycap structure of the present invention. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the appearance of the third embodiment of the button structure of the present invention. Figures 11A and 11B are exploded views of the button structure in Figure 10, omitting the connecting components, switch layer, and base plate. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view along the CC line segment shown in Figure 10, omitting the connecting components. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the appearance of the elastic element in the third embodiment of the button structure of the present invention. Figure 14 is a top view of the third embodiment of the button structure of the present invention, omitting the connecting components, switch layer and base plate. Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the keycap projection range formed on the backlight module in the third embodiment of the keycap structure of the present invention. Implementation

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the appearance of the first embodiment of the button structure of the present invention. Figures 2A and 2B are exploded views of the button structure of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a top view of the first embodiment of the button structure of the present invention omitting the connecting components. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along line BB shown in Figure 1 omitting the connecting components. Figure 5 is a top view of the first embodiment of the button structure of the present invention omitting the keycap. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the bottom of the elastic element of the first embodiment of the button structure of the present invention forming a bottom orthographic projection range on the backlight module. Figures 7A and 7B are exploded views of the second embodiment of the button structure of the present invention omitting the connecting components. Figure 8 is a top view of the second embodiment of the button structure of the present invention omitting the connecting components. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the keycap forming a keycap orthographic projection range on the backlight module in the second embodiment of the button structure of the present invention. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the appearance of the third embodiment of the button structure of the present invention. Figures 11A and 11B are exploded views of the button structure of Figure 10 omitting the connecting components, switch layer, and base plate. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view along line CC shown in Figure 10 omitting the connecting components. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the appearance of the elastic element of the third embodiment of the button structure of the present invention. Figure 14 is a top view of the third embodiment of the button structure of the present invention, omitting the connecting components, switch layer, and base plate. Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the keycaps forming the orthographic projection range on the backlight module in the third embodiment of the button structure of the present invention.

[0018] See Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2B . This embodiment provides a keystroke structure KS comprising a keycap 1 , a backlight module 2 , an elastic element 3 , a switch layer 4 , a base plate 5 , and a connecting assembly 6 . The keycaps 1 , elastic element 3 , switch layer 4 and base plate 5 are stacked from top to bottom, the elastic element 3 is accommodated on the inside of the connecting assembly 6. The upper and lower ends of the elastic element 3 against the key cap 1 and switch layer 4, respectively (see Figure 4 ). In a better embodiment of the invention, a keystroke may be, but is not limited to, for example: a character key, a function key, a single key, or a multiple key. Further details are given below for each component of the keystroke structure KS.

[0019] See Figure 4 together. Keycaps 1 include a top surface 11, a bottom surface 12, a brim 13, a first light-transmitting region 14A and a second light-transmitting region 14B. The top surface 11 is set opposite the bottom surface 12 . The top surface 11 for the user to press and identify the function or character represented by the key. The bottom surface 12 protrusion is provided with a plurality of connecting structures 121 . The hat brim 13 is formed by extending the bottom surface 12 toward a direction away from the top surface 11 , i.e., extending protruding in a negative direction along the Z-axis. The first light-transmitting region 14A includes a first optical channel 14A 1 , which connects the top surface 11 and the bottom surface 12 of the keycap 1. The first optical channel 14A 1 is located at the bottom surface 12 of the keycap 1 is the first inlet 14A 11 , and the first optical channel 14A 1 is located on the top surface 11 of the keycap 1 and is the first exit 14A 12 . The second light-transmitting region 14B includes a second optical channel 14B 1 which connects the top surface 11 and the bottom surface 12 of the keycap 1. The second optical channel 14B1 is located at the bottom surface 12 of the keycap 1 is the second inlet 14B 11 , and the second optical channel 14B1 is located on the top surface 11 of the keycap 1 and is the second exit 14B12 . In a better embodiment of the invention, the body of the keycap 1 is a light-transmitting material, the light-transmitting material is attached to the body of the keycap 1 by a spray coating process or a process of equivalent effect, and then part of the light-transmitting material is removed by the laser engraving process, thereby forming a light-transmitting area, e.g. In a better embodiment of the invention, the first light-transmitting region 14A may be, but is not limited to, functions of, for example: phonetic symbols, English letters, numbers, or representatives;

[0020] See Figures 2A to 4 again. The backlight module 2 is located below the keycap 1 and the backlight module 2 is used to make the keystroke structure KS glow. The backlight module 2 includes a circuit board 21 , a first light-emitting element 22A , and a second light-emitting element 22B . A first light-emitting element 22A and a second light-emitting element 22B are disposed on a circuit board 21 with a driver IC (not shown), a line having an electrical connection between the first light-emitting element 22A and the second light-emitting element 22B and the driver IC (not shown) to facilitate the driver IC to control the first light-emitting element The current of the piece 22A and the second light-emitting element 22B as well as the PWM signal, thereby enabling the first light-emitting element 22A to produce a first ray L1, causing the second light-emitting element 22B to produce a second ray L2, the first light-emitting element L1 having a first light-propagating path L1R, and the second light-propagating path L2R. In a better embodiment of the invention, the position of the first light-emitting element 22A will correspond to the first light-transmitting region 14A disposition, i.e., the first light-emitting element 22A is located substantially just below the first light-transmitting region 14A , such that the first light-emitting element L1 produced by the first light-emitting element 22A illuminates the first light-transmitting area Region 14A ; In other words, the first light-emitting element 22A is misplaced with the second light-transmitting region 14B , and the second light-emitting element 22B is misplaced with the first light-transmitting region 14A . Wherein, the first light-emitting element 22A and the second light-emitting element 22B may be, but are not limited to, e.g., orthogonal light-emitting element.

[0021] See Figures 2A to 4 again. Elastic element 3 is used to elastically reset the keycap 1 and provide a light blocking function. The elastic element 3 is disposed between the keycap 1 and the backlight module 2 , and, the elastic element 3 will be located between the first light propagation path L1R of the first ray L1 generated by the first light emitting element 22A and the second light-transmitting region 14B Between the second light propagation path L2R of the second ray L2 produced by piece 22B and the first light-transmitting region 14A, wherein, the elastic element 3 is made of an impermeable material, in a better embodiment of the invention, the elastic element 3 may be, but is not limited to, e.g., dark or black. In detail, because the design of the opaque material of the elastic element 3 is able to block the passage of light, the first ray L1 will enter the first light channel 14A1 from the first inlet 14A 11 In the first embodiment of the invention, the elastic element 3 is a rubber dome (Rubber Dome). The elastic element 3 includes the top of the dome 31 , the bottom of the dome 32 , the conduction column 33 , and the inclined wall portion 34 . The top of the dome 31 has a first face 311 and a second face 312 , the first face 311 and the second face 312 are circular in appearance, the first face 311 is set opposite to the second face 312 , and the first face 311 rests up against the bottom surface 12 of the keycap 1 . The dome base 32 has a second base face 321 and a hollow portion 322 , the second base face 321 against the switch layer 4 downwards. The conduction column 33 protrudes from a second face 312 of the top of the circle 31 extending toward the bottom of the dome 32 , i.e., toward the negative direction of the Z-axis. The sloped wall portion 34 connects the top 31 of the dome and the bottom 32 of the dome. When the user presses the keycap 1 , the keycap 1 moves downward, the top of the dome 31 with the conduction column 33 also moves downward, the sloped wall portion 34 thereby produces deformation, and when the conduction column 33 touches the switch 41 of the switch layer 4 , the conductor column 33 triggers the switch 41 of the switch layer 4 .

[0022] See Figures 2A to 4 again. The switch layer 4 is provided below the elastic element 3 . The switch layer 4 includes a switch 41 , at least a consistent hole 42 , and at least one through hole 43 . The switch 41 corresponds to be disposed directly below the conduction column 33 for being triggered. The through hole 42 will penetrate the switch layer 4 . The position of the through hole 42 will correspond to the light-emitting element 22A, 22B of the backlight module 2 set up, the light-emitting element 22A, 22B will be accommodated in through-holes 42. In a better embodiment of the invention, since the backlight module 2 includes a first light-emitting element 22A and a second light-emitting element 22B , the number of through-holes 42 is at least two, two through-holes 42 used to accommodate the first light-emitting element 22A and the second light-emitting element 22B , respectively, but the invention is not limited to this, and a single light-emitting element 42 can also be provided to accommodate a plurality of light-emitting elements. A plurality of through-holes 43 will penetrate the switch layer 4. In a better embodiment of the invention, the number of through-holes 43 may be, but not limited to, e.g., four. In a better embodiment of the invention, the switch layer 4 may be, but is not limited to, e.g., a multilayer thin film switch (Membrane).

[0023] See Figures 2A to 4 again. The base plate 5 is provided between the switch layer 4 and the backlight module 2 . The base plate 5 is used to provide the keystroke structure KS support, therefore, the material of the base plate 5 has hardness, the material of the base plate 5 may be but is not limited to, for example: metal or plastic. The base plate 5 includes a plurality of snap-hook structures (not shown) and at least one plurality of avoidance holes 51 . The snap-hook structure protrudes upward from the surface of the base plate 5 and passes through the through hole 43 of the switch layer 4. The snap-hook structure is formed from the body of the base plate 5 through a stamping process. The avoidance hole 51 will penetrate the base plate 5 , the position of the avoidance hole 51 will correspond to the light-emitting element setup of the backlight module 2 , and, the avoidance hole 51 will be connected to the through-hole 42 of the switch layer 4 , the light-emitting element will be simultaneously accommodated in the through-hole 42 and the avoidance Among the giveaway holes 51 , in a better embodiment of the invention, the number of avoidance holes 51 may be, but not limited to, for example: two, two avoidance holes 51 are used to house the first light-emitting element 22A and the second light-emitting element 22B , respectively.

[0024] Please refer further to Figure 5. The connecting component 6 is used to connect the keycap 1 and the base plate 5, so that the keycap 1 can move back and forth relative to the base plate 5 along the Z-axis, that is, the keycap 1 can move up and down relative to the base plate 5. The connecting component 6 includes an inner connector 61 and an outer connector 62. The inner connector 61 is pivotally connected to the inner side of the outer connector 62 with a rotation axis A. The inner connector 61 has a pair of inner body parts 611, a first connecting part 612 and a second connecting part 613. The pair of inner body parts 611 are respectively connected to the first connecting part 612 and the second connecting part 613. The hook structure (not shown) between the inner connector 61 and the base plate 5 is connected through the first connecting part 612. The connection structure 121 between the inner connector 61 and the bottom surface 12 of the keycap 1 is connected through the second connecting part 613. The outer connector 62 has an outer body portion 621, a third connecting portion 622, and a fourth connecting portion 623. The outer body portion 621 is connected to the third connecting portion 622 and the fourth connecting portion 623 respectively. The hook structure (not shown) between the outer connector 62 and the base plate 5 is connected through the third connecting portion 622, and the connection structure 121 between the outer connector 62 and the bottom surface 12 of the keycap 1 is connected through the fourth connecting portion 623. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inner connector 61 and the outer connector 62 are made of a dark or black material, that is, the whole is an opaque color. The advantage of this setting is that it will not cause light refraction or leakage. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inner connector 61 and the outer connector 62 are made of a light-transmitting material directly above the corresponding light-emitting elements 22A and 22B, while the other parts are made of a dark or black material. That is, the inner connector 61 and the outer connector 62 are made of a light-transmitting material near the rotation axis, so that the light is not blocked and the effect of reducing refraction or light leakage is achieved. In this embodiment, the inner connector 61 and the outer connector 62 are composite material connecting components 6 formed through a dual-material injection molding process.

[0025] Please refer to Figure 6 for further details. In this embodiment, the dome bottom 32 of the elastic element 3 forms a dome bottom orthographic projection range 32'A on the backlight module 2. The dome bottom orthographic projection range 32'A is circular and has a diameter R. The first light-emitting element 22A has a straight-line distance of D1 to the circumference of the dome bottom orthographic projection range 32'A, and the second light-emitting element 22B has a straight-line distance of D2 to the circumference of the dome bottom orthographic projection range 32'A. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first distance D1 is not greater than the diameter R, and the second distance D2 is not greater than the diameter R. The advantage of this setting is that, in this embodiment, the elastic element 3 is a rubber dome structure. If the distance between the first light-emitting element 22A and the second light-emitting element 22B and the elastic element 3 is too large, its light-blocking effect will decrease. Therefore, this embodiment adjusts the distance between the first light-emitting element 22A and the second light-emitting element 22B and the elastic element 3 to enhance the light-blocking effect.

[0026] Please refer to Figures 7A and 7B. Figures 7A and 7B are exploded views of the second embodiment of the key structure KS' of the present invention, omitting the connecting component 6. The structure of this embodiment is largely the same as that of the first embodiment, and the similarities will not be repeated here. The only difference is the structure of the elastic element 3'. In this embodiment, the elastic element 3' is generally rectangular in shape. The elastic element 3' includes a top 31', a bottom 32', a conductive post 33, and a side wall portion 34'. The top 31' has a first surface 311' and a second surface 312', which are arranged opposite to each other. The appearance of the first surface 311' and the second surface 312' is an extended strip, for example, a rectangle. The first surface 311' abuts upward against the bottom surface 12 of the keycap 1. The bottom 32' has two second bottom surfaces 321' and a hollow portion 322'. The two second bottom surfaces 321' are rectangular in shape and abut downward against the switch layer 4. The guide post 33 is formed by protruding from the second surface 312' of the top 31' toward the bottom 32', that is, protruding in the negative direction of the Z-axis. The side wall portion 34' connects the top 31' and the bottom 32'.

[0027] Please refer to Figures 8 and 9 for further details. In this embodiment, the keycap 1 forms a keycap orthographic projection area 1' on the backlight module 2. The elastic element 3' roughly divides the keycap orthographic projection area 1' into a first region R1 and a second region R2. The first light-emitting element 22A is located within the first region R1, and the second light-emitting element 22B is located within the second region R2. The first light-transmitting region 14A is roughly positioned directly above the first light-emitting element 22A, and the second light-transmitting region 14B is roughly positioned directly above the second light-emitting element 22B. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the areas of the first region R1 and the second region R2 are approximately equal.

[0028] Please refer to Figures 10 to 15. Figures 10 to 15 show the third embodiment of the key structure KS'' of the present invention. The structure of this embodiment is roughly the same as that of the previous two embodiments. The similarities will not be repeated here. The only differences are the number of light-transmitting areas of the keycap 1'', the number of light-emitting elements of the backlight module 2'', and the structure of the elastic element 3''.

[0029] Please refer to Figures 10 to 12. In this embodiment, the keycap 1'' further includes a third light-transmitting region 14C and a fourth light-transmitting region 14D. The third light-transmitting region 14C includes a third light channel 14C1, which connects the top surface 11 and the bottom surface 12 of the keycap 1''. The third light channel 14C1 is located at the bottom surface 12 of the keycap 1'' and is the third entrance 14C11. The third light channel 14C1 is located at the top surface 11 of the keycap 1'' and is the third exit 14C12. The fourth light-transmitting region 14D includes a fourth light channel 14D1, which connects the top surface 11 and the bottom surface 12 of the keycap 1''. The fourth light channel 14D1 is located at the bottom surface 12 of the keycap 1'' and is the fourth entrance 14D11. The fourth light channel 14D1 is located at the top surface 11 of the keycap 1'' and is the fourth exit 14D12. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first light-transmitting area 14A, the second light-transmitting area 14B, the third light-transmitting area 14C and the fourth light-transmitting area 14D are respectively located near the four corners of the keycap 1'', but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0030] Referring again to FIG. The third light-emitting element 22C and the fourth light-emitting element 22D are disposed on the circuit board 21. A line (not shown) with an electrical connection between the third light-emitting element 22C and the fourth light-emitting element 22D and the driver IC to facilitate the control of the third light-emitting element 22C and the fourth light-emitting element by the driver IC The current of the element 22D as well as the PWM signal, thereby enabling the third light-emitting element 22C to produce a third light-emitting element L3, causing the fourth light-emitting element 22D to produce a fourth light-emitting element L4, the third light-emitting element L3 having a third light-propagation path L3R, and the fourth light-propagating path L4R. In a better embodiment of the invention, the third light-emitting element 22C is located substantially directly below the third light-transmitting region 14C, and the fourth light-emitting element 22D is located substantially directly below the fourth light-transmitting region 14D, wherein, the third light-emitting element 22C and the fourth light-emitting element 22D may be, but are not limited to, e.g.

[0031] See further together in FIG. Top 31'' having center portion 31C'' and four extensions 31E'' extending far from center portion 31C'', center portion 31C'' and extension 31E'' having first side 311'' and second side 312'', first side 311'' set opposite to second side 312'', first side 311'' and the second face 312 '' roughly cross or X-shaped in appearance, the first face 311 '' up against the bottom surface 12 of the keycap 1''. The bottom 32'' includes a plural second base 321'' and a hollow portion 322'', the plural second base 321 '' is roughly L-shaped in appearance, the plural second base 321 '' is down against the switch layer 4 . The conduction column 33 is formed by a protrusion of the second face 312 '' from the top 31'' near the center portion 31C'' toward the bottom 32'', i.e., toward the negative direction of the Z-axis. Side wall portion 34'' connects top 31'' and bottom 32''.

[0032] Please further refer to Figures 14 and 15. In this embodiment, the keycap 1'' forms a keycap orthographic projection range 1''' on the backlight module 2''. The elastic element 3'' roughly divides the keycap orthographic projection range 1''' into a first region R1, a second region R2, a third region R3, and a fourth region R4. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the areas of the first region R1, the second region R2, the third region R3, and the fourth region R4 are approximately equal. Specifically, the first region R1 is adjacent to the second region R2 and the fourth region R4; the second region R2 is adjacent to the third region R3 and the first region R1; the third region R3 is adjacent to the fourth region R4 and the second region R2; and the fourth region R4 is adjacent to the first region R1 and the third region R3. The first region R1 and the third region R3 are positioned opposite each other, and the second region R2 and the fourth region R4 are positioned opposite each other. The first light-emitting element 22A is located within the first region R1, the second light-emitting element 22B is located within the second region R2, the third light-emitting element 22C is located within the third region R3, and the fourth light-emitting element 22D is located within the fourth region R4. The first light-transmitting region 14A is approximately positioned directly above the first light-emitting element 22A, the second light-transmitting region 14B is approximately positioned directly above the second light-emitting element 22B, the third light-transmitting region 14C is approximately positioned directly above the third light-emitting element 22C, and the fourth light-transmitting region 14D is approximately positioned directly above the fourth light-emitting element 22D.

[0033] In summary, the advantage of this invention lies in the fact that the key structure of this invention has an elastic element made of opaque material between the light-emitting element and the light-transmitting area of ​​the keycap that is misaligned with the light-emitting element. In addition to the function of elastically restoring the keycap, this elastic element can also achieve the effect of blocking light, so that the light generated by the light-emitting element of this invention is concentrated in its corresponding light-transmitting area, allowing the key structure to emit light in sections without the need for additional structures. Therefore, the advantage of the key structure of this invention is that the overall structure is simple and has the effect of zonal light emission.

[0034] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Any simple equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the claims and description of the present invention are still within the scope of the patent. Furthermore, no embodiment or claim of the present invention needs to achieve all the objectives, advantages, or features disclosed in the present invention. In addition, the abstract and headings are merely for assisting in patent document searches and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., used in this specification or claims are only used to name elements or distinguish different embodiments or scopes, and are not intended to limit the upper or lower limit of the number of elements.

[0035] KS, KS', KS'': Key structure 1, 1'': Keycap 1', 1''': Keycap projection area 2, 2'': Backlight module 3, 3', 3'': Elastic element 4: Switching Layer 5: Base plate 6: Connecting components R1: First Region R2: Second Region R3: Third Region R4: Fourth Region 11: Top surface 12: Bottom surface 13: Hat brim 14A: First light-transmitting area 14B: Second light-transmitting area 14C: Third light-transmitting zone 14D: Fourth light-transmitting zone 21: Circuit Board 22A: First light-emitting element 22B: Second light-emitting element 22C: Third light-emitting element 22D: Fourth light-emitting element 31: Top of the dome 32: Bottom of the dome 33: Conductor Post 34: Sloping wall section 31'、31'': Top 32', 32'': Bottom 32'A: Orthographic projection range of the dome's base 31C'': Central part 31E'': Extended portion 34', 34'': Side wall portion 41: Switch 42: Through hole 43: Through hole 51: Clearance Hole 61: Internal connector 62: External connector 121: Connection Structure 611: Inner body part 612: First connecting part 613: Second connecting part 621: Outer body part 622: Third connecting part 623: Fourth connecting part 311, 311', 311'': First page 312, 312', 312'': Second side 321, 321', 321'': Second bottom surface 322, 322', 322'': Hollow section L1: First Ray L2: Second Ray L3: Third Ray L4: Fourth Ray L1R: First optical propagation path L2R: Second light propagation path L3R: Third optical path L4R: Fourth Light Propagation Path 14A1: First optical channel 14B1: Second optical channel 14C1: Third optical channel 14D1: Fourth Optical Channel 14A11: First Entrance 14B11: Second Entrance 14C11: Third Entrance 14D11: Fourth Entrance 14A12: First Exit 14B12: Second Exit 14C12: Third Exit 14D12: Fourth Exit D1: First Distance D2: Second distance R: Diameter X: X-axis Y: Y-axis Z: Z-axis A: Rotation axis BB, CC: line segments

Claims

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

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

3. The button structure as described in request item 1, wherein, The elastic element is located between a second light propagation path of the second light-emitting element and the second light-transmitting area.

4. The button structure as described in claim 1, wherein, The light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element are directional light-emitting elements.

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

6. The button structure as described in claim 5, wherein, The light channel has an entrance and an exit, the entrance being located on the bottom surface of the keycap and the exit being located on the top surface of the keycap.

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

8. The button structure as described in claim 7, wherein, The switch layer includes at least one through hole, and the base plate includes at least one clearance hole. The at least one through hole and the at least one clearance hole are disposed corresponding to the light-emitting element, and the light-emitting element is housed in the at least one through hole and the at least one clearance hole.

9. The button structure as described in claim 8, wherein, The switch layer further includes at least one through hole, and the base plate further includes at least one hook structure, the at least one hook structure being disposed corresponding to the at least one through hole, the at least one hook structure passing through the at least one through hole.

10. The button structure as described in claim 9, wherein, The key structure further includes a connecting component, and the keycap further includes a connecting structure, the connecting component pivotally connecting the connecting structure and the latch structure.

11. The button structure as described in claim 1, wherein, The elastic element includes: a dome top that abuts upward against the keycap; a dome bottom that forms a dome bottom projection area in the backlight module, the dome bottom projection area having a diameter; and a sloping wall connecting the dome top and the dome bottom.

12. The button structure as described in claim 11, wherein, The light-emitting element has a distance from the orthographic projection of the bottom of the dome, and this distance is not greater than the length of the diameter.

13. The button structure as described in claim 1, wherein, The elastic element includes: a top that abuts upward against the keycap, the top having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface and the second surface being disposed opposite each other and forming an extending strip; a bottom that is disposed near the backlight module; and a side wall that connects the top and the bottom; wherein the keycap forms a keycap orthographic projection area in the backlight module, and the elastic element divides the keycap orthographic projection area into a first region and a second region.

14. The button structure as described in claim 13, wherein, The light-emitting element is located within the first region, and the second light-emitting element is located within the second region.

15. A button structure, comprising: A keycap having a first light-transmitting area, a second light-transmitting area, a third light-transmitting area and a fourth light-transmitting area; A backlight module is disposed below the keycap. The backlight module has a first light-emitting element, a second light-emitting element, a third light-emitting element, and a fourth light-emitting element. The first light-emitting element is disposed corresponding to a first light-transmitting area, the second light-emitting element is disposed corresponding to a second light-transmitting area, the third light-emitting element is disposed corresponding to a third light-transmitting area, and the fourth light-emitting element is disposed corresponding to a fourth light-transmitting area. An elastic element is also provided to allow the keycap to elastically return to its original position. The elastic element is made of an opaque material. The keycap forms a projected area on the backlight module. The elastic element divides this projected area into a first region, a second region, a third region, and a fourth region. The first light-emitting element is located within the first region, the second light-emitting element is located within the second region, the third light-emitting element is located within the third region, and the fourth light-emitting element is located within the fourth region.

16. The button structure as described in claim 15, wherein, The elastic element includes a central portion, a first extension, a second extension, a third extension, and a fourth extension. The central portion is located between the first light-emitting element, the second light-emitting element, the third light-emitting element, and the fourth light-emitting element. The first extension is disposed between the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element. The second extension is disposed between the second light-emitting element and the third light-emitting element. The third extension is disposed between the third light-emitting element and the fourth light-emitting element. The fourth extension is disposed between the fourth light-emitting element and the first light-emitting element.

17. The button structure as described in claim 15, wherein, The elastic element is either a dark-colored elastic element or a black elastic element.

18. The button structure as described in claim 15, wherein, The first light-emitting element, the second light-emitting element, the third light-emitting element, and the fourth light-emitting element are linear light-emitting elements.

19. The button structure as described in claim 15, wherein, The keycap has a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface and the bottom surface are disposed opposite to each other, the top surface is away from the backlight module, and the bottom surface is close to the backlight module.

20. The button structure as described in claim 19, wherein, The first light-transmitting area has a first light channel, the second light-transmitting area has a second light channel, the third light-transmitting area has a third light channel, and the fourth light-transmitting area has a fourth light channel. The first light channel, the second light channel, the third light channel, and the fourth light channel are respectively connected to the bottom surface and the top surface of the keycap.

21. The button structure as described in claim 20, wherein, The first optical channel has a first inlet and a first outlet, the second optical channel has a second inlet and a second outlet, the third optical channel has a third inlet and a third outlet, and the fourth optical channel has a fourth inlet and a fourth outlet. The first inlet, the second inlet, the third inlet and the fourth inlet are disposed on the bottom surface of the keycap, and the first outlet, the second outlet, the third outlet and the fourth outlet are disposed on the top surface of the keycap.

22. The button structure as described in claim 21, wherein, The first light-emitting element generates a first light ray toward the first light-transmitting area, the second light-emitting element generates a second light ray toward the second light-transmitting area, the third light-emitting element generates a third light ray toward the third light-transmitting area, and the fourth light-emitting element generates a fourth light ray toward the fourth light-transmitting area. The first light ray enters the first light channel from the first inlet and exits from the first outlet. The second light ray enters the second light channel from the second inlet and exits from the second outlet. The third light ray enters the third light channel from the third inlet and exits from the third outlet. The fourth light ray enters the fourth light channel from the fourth inlet and exits from the fourth outlet.

23. The button structure as described in claim 15, wherein, The button structure further includes a switch layer and a base plate, the switch layer is disposed on the base plate, and the switch layer and the base plate are located between the elastic element and the backlight module.

24. The button structure as described in claim 23, wherein, The switch layer includes at least one through hole, and the base plate includes at least one clearance hole. The at least one through hole corresponds to and communicates with the at least one clearance hole. The first light-emitting element, the second light-emitting element, the third light-emitting element, and the fourth light-emitting element are housed in the at least one through hole and the at least one clearance hole.

25. The button structure as described in claim 24, wherein, The switch layer further includes at least one through hole, and the base plate further includes at least one hook structure, the at least one hook structure being disposed corresponding to the at least one through hole, the at least one hook structure passing through the at least one through hole.

26. The button structure as described in claim 25, wherein, The key structure further includes a connecting component, and the keycap further includes a connecting structure, the connecting component pivotally connecting the connecting structure and the latch structure.

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