TWI765552B - Luminous keyboard and optical module thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A luminous keyboard and an optical module thereof are provided. The optical module includes a light guide plate, a reflective film, and an optical film. The reflective film is disposed at one side of the light guide plate, and the optical film is disposed at another side of the light guide plate opposite to the reflective film. The optical film has a mask pattern defining a light-transparent region, a light-shielding region, and a light modulation region extending from the light-shielding region to the light-transparent region, wherein: the light-transparent region allows light to transmit therethrough, the light-shielding region blocks light, and the light modulation region partially allows light to transmit therethrough and partially blocks light, so that an average light transmittance per unit area of the light modulation region is smaller than that of the light-transparent region and larger than that of the light-shielding region.

Description

Illuminated keyboard and optical module thereof

The present invention generally relates to a light-emitting keyboard and an optical module thereof, and in particular, the present invention relates to a light-emitting keyboard and an optical module thereof suitable for modulating the brightness of keys.

Keyboards are very important input devices for electronic products (especially computers). With the miniaturization and lightness of electronic products, narrow bezel design is one of the important research and development directions of keyboards today. However, in the case of an illuminated keyboard, the integration of the key module and the backlight module must be considered, especially the adhesion between the multilayer optical films of the backlight module and the avoidance of side light leakage. The uniformity of light emission of the keys is not easy to control. In particular, in the design of narrow bezels, as the edge margin is reduced, the problem of brighter or darker outer keys is prone to occur on the illuminated keyboard.

Furthermore, generally for heat dissipation or positioning design, the backlight module usually needs to open through holes for airflow or for positioning mechanisms (such as positioning posts, screws, etc.) to pass through, so that the keys near the through holes are brighter or brighter than other keys. dark issue. In addition, the buttons close to the light source of the backlight module may also be partially bright or dark.

One object of the present invention is to provide a light-emitting keyboard and an optical module thereof, which can adjust the brightness of the outer keys, the keys adjacent to the holes, and/or the keys adjacent to the light source through the design of the shading pattern of the optical film, thereby improving the light emission of the keys. uniformity.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides an optical module suitable for a light-emitting keyboard, which includes a light guide plate, a reflection sheet and an optical film, wherein the reflection sheet is disposed on one side of the light guide plate, and the optical film is disposed relative to the reflection sheet On the other side of the light guide plate; the optical film has a light-shielding pattern, the light-shielding pattern defines a light-transmitting area, a light-shielding area and a light-quantity modulating area, and the light-quantity modulating area extends from the shading area to the light-transmitting area, wherein: the light-transmitting area allows When the light passes through, the shading area blocks the light, and the light quantity modulation area partially allows the light to pass through and partially blocks the light, so that the average light transmittance per unit area of the light quantity modulation area is smaller than the light transmission area and greater than the shading area.

In one embodiment, the light quantity modulation region includes a plurality of sub-light-shielding regions and a plurality of sub-light-transmitting regions, and the plurality of sub-light-shielding regions and the plurality of sub-light-transmitting regions are alternately arranged.

In one embodiment, each of the plurality of sub light-shielding regions has opposite first ends and second ends, the first end is connected to the light-shielding region, and the second end extends to the light-transmitting region.

In one embodiment, the width of the first end is greater than or equal to the width of the second end, and when the width of the first end is greater than the width of the second end, the width of the sub-shielding region gradually decreases from the shielding region to the transparent region.

In one embodiment, the light quantity modulation region surrounds the light shielding region, the width of the first end is smaller than the width of the second end, and the width of the sub light shielding region gradually increases from the light shielding region to the light transmitting region.

In one embodiment, the light-shielding area partially surrounds the adjacent light-transmitting area to form a boundary line, and both ends of the boundary line are substantially connected to the middle sections of opposite sides of the light quantity modulation area.

In one embodiment, the average light transmittance per unit area of the light quantity modulating region increases or is fixed from the light-shielding region toward the light-transmitting region.

In one embodiment, the light guide plate has an edge, and when the optical film, the light guide plate and the reflective sheet are stacked on each other, the vertical projection of the edge of the light guide plate on the optical film at least partially falls in the light quantity modulation area, or in the light shielding area. and adjacent to the light quantity modulation area.

In one embodiment, the plurality of sub-light-shielding regions and the plurality of sub-light-transmitting regions are staggered along the edge of the light guide plate.

In one embodiment, the light guide plate has a hole, and the hole defines a hole edge. When the optical film, the light guide plate and the reflective sheet are stacked on each other, the hole edge of the light guide plate falls at least partially in the light quantity modulation area due to the vertical projection of the optical film. , and the plurality of sub-light-shielding regions and the plurality of sub-light-transmitting regions are staggered along the hole edge of the light guide plate.

In one embodiment, the optical module of the present invention further includes a light source, wherein the light source has a light-emitting surface; the light guide plate guides the light emitted by the light source, and the vertical projection of the light source on the optical film falls in the light-shielding area, and the light quantity is modulated in the area. The self-shielding area extends between the light-transmitting area and the light-emitting surface

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a light-emitting keyboard, which includes: the above-mentioned optical module and at least one key, wherein the at least one key is disposed above the optical module, the key includes a keycap, and the keycap is located between the optical film. The vertical projection covers at least the light-transmitting area.

In one embodiment, the keycap has light-transmitting characters, and when the light quantity modulation area includes a plurality of sub-light-shielding regions and a plurality of sub-light-transmitting regions, the plurality of sub-light-shielding regions and the plurality of sub-light-transmitting regions are staggered along the arrangement direction of the light-transmitting characters.

Compared with the prior art, the light-emitting keyboard and its optical module of the present invention can effectively improve the light-emitting uniformity of the keys and the halo around the keycaps through the shading pattern design of the optical film, which is not only suitable for general light-emitting keyboards. , can also be applied to illuminated keyboards with narrow bezel designs.

1: Illuminated keyboard

10: Optical module

101: Through hole

110: Optical film

111: Upper through hole

112: Shading Pattern

113: Hole edge

114: Translucent area

115: Boundary Line

115a, 115b: end

116: Shading area

118: Light quantity modulation area

1182: Sub shading area

1182a: First End

1182b: second end

1184: Sub-transparent area

120: light guide plate

121: Hole

122: Edge

123: light source hole

125: hole edge

130: Reflector

131: Lower through hole

133: Perforation

140: light source

142: circuit board

20:Key module

200: key

201: Outside buttons

202: Inside button

210: Bottom plate

220: keycap

222: Translucent characters

230: Scissor support frame

240: switch layer

250: Elastomer

FIG. 1 is an exploded schematic diagram of a light-emitting keyboard according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a key of an illuminated keyboard according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a schematic exploded plan view of an optical module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4A is a schematic diagram of the light-shielding pattern of the optical film and its relative position with the light guide plate according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a modification example of FIG. 4A , which is a schematic diagram showing another relative position with the light guide plate.

5A is a schematic diagram of the light-shielding pattern of the optical film and its relative position with the light guide plate according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a modification example of FIG. 5A , which is a schematic diagram showing another relative position with the light guide plate.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a variation example of the light quantity modulation region of the optical film of the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the light quantity modulation area of the optical film of the present invention and the light-transmitting characters of the keycap.

FIG. 7B is a modification of FIG. 7A .

8 is a schematic diagram of the relative positions of the light shielding pattern of the optical film and the light guide plate according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a schematic diagram of the relative positions of the light-shielding pattern of the optical film and the light guide plate according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

10A is a schematic diagram of the relative positions of the light-shielding pattern and the light source of the optical film according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10B is a modification of FIG. 10A .

The present invention provides a light-emitting keyboard and an optical module thereof, so as to improve the light-emitting uniformity of the keys or the halo around the keys. The light-emitting keyboard of the present invention can be an independent keyboard device or a light-emitting keyboard integrated in electronic products (such as mobile devices, notebook computers), and the optical module of the present invention is not only suitable for general light-emitting keyboards, but also suitable for a narrow frame design , but not limited to, the illuminated keyboard.

As shown in FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, the light-emitting keyboard 1 includes an optical module 10 and a key module 20 , wherein the optical module 10 is disposed below the key module 20 . The key module 20 includes a plurality of keys 200 , and the plurality of keys 200 includes an outer key 201 and an inner key 202 . In one aspect, the plurality of buttons 200 are arranged in a plurality of rows along the Y-axis direction, and the outermost buttons in each row (for example, the buttons at both ends of the X-axis direction) can be the outer buttons 201 , and the outer buttons 201 at both ends of each row are the outer buttons 201 . The buttons in between are inner buttons 202 . On the other hand, among the plurality of rows of buttons arranged along the Y-axis direction, the outermost row of buttons (for example, the uppermost and lowermost buttons at both ends of the Y-axis direction) may also be the outer buttons 201, and the outermost row of buttons may be the outer buttons 201. The keys between the keys 201 are the inner keys 202 . That is, the outer button 201 has at least one side that is not adjacent to other buttons, such as buttons arranged around the periphery, while the inner button 202 is surrounded by other buttons. In this embodiment, the left edge of the left outer key 201 (eg, the left edge of the keycap) is aligned along the Y-axis direction, while the right edge of the right outer key 201 (eg, the right edge of the keycap) is aligned along the Y-axis direction, and the upper The upper edges of the outer keys 201 (eg, the upper edges of the keycaps) are aligned along the X-axis direction, and the lower edges (eg, the lower edges of the keycaps) of the lower outer keys 201 are aligned along the X-axis direction, but not limited thereto.

Specifically, the key 200 can be any suitable key unit with a light-transmitting keycap. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a key of an illuminated keyboard according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2 , in one embodiment, the key 200 is movably connected to the key cap 220 and the bottom plate 210 through the scissor-type support frame 230 to support the key cap 220 to move, thereby compressing the elastic body 250 to trigger the switch layer 240 (eg, membrane switch), and is reset by the restoring force of the elastic body 250, but not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the scissor support frame 230 can be replaced by other lifting mechanisms, such as butterfly wing support mechanism, sliding block support mechanism, cantilever support mechanism, etc., and the elastic body 250 can also be replaced by other recovery units, such as magnets, springs, etc. . Furthermore, the switch layer 240 can also be replaced with other switch units, such as mechanical switches, optical switches, and the like. In other words, the key 200 of the key module 20 can have any suitable structure, so as to achieve the function of generating a trigger signal after being pressed. When the plurality of keys 200 are integrated into the keyboard, some components of each key 200 (eg, the switch layer 240 , the elastic body 250 , and the bottom plate 210 ) can be integrated into a single component to facilitate the assembly, but not limited thereto.

FIG. 3 is an exploded schematic view of the optical module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , in one embodiment, the optical module 10 includes an optical film 110 , a light guide plate 120 , a reflection sheet 130 and a light source 140 . The light source 140 provides light, and the light guide plate 120 is disposed on one side (eg, the lower side) of the optical film 110 to guide the light to exit toward the plurality of keys (eg, 200 ). For example, the optical film 110 is disposed on one side (eg, above) of the light guide plate 120 and adjacent to the bottom plate 210 , and the optical film 110 has a light-shielding pattern 112 to selectively partially block light or allow light to pass therethrough. The reflection sheet 130 is disposed on the other side (eg, below) of the light guide plate 120 relative to the optical film 110 , and is used to reflect the light leaked from the lower surface of the light guide plate 120 back to the light guide plate 120 .

Specifically, the light source 140 is preferably a light emitting diode (LED), especially a side-emitting light emitting diode, but not limited thereto. The light emitting surface of the light source 140 preferably faces the entrance of the light guide plate 120 the light surface, so that the light is transmitted to the light guide plate 120 through the light incident surface. In one embodiment, the plurality of light sources 140 are preferably integrated on the circuit board 142 to form an integrated light source unit, thereby improving assembly efficiency.

The light guide plate 120 may be a thin plate or sheet made of any suitable optical material (eg, an optical polymer) for receiving light from the light source 140 . The size of the light guide plate 120 corresponds to the size of the key module 20 and is slightly smaller than the size of the optical film 110 . For example, the size of the light guide plate 120 in the X-axis and/or the Y-axis direction is preferably smaller than the size of the optical film 110, so that the edge of the optical film 110 protrudes from the light guide plate 120, so as to facilitate interaction with other components (such as a reflective sheet) 130, the bonding of the bottom plate 210), but not limited thereto. In this embodiment, the light guide plate 120 has a plurality of light source holes 123, and the side surfaces (for example, parallel to the YZ plane) of the light source holes 123 can be used as the light incident surface of the light guide plate 120, and the top surface of the light guide plate 120 (that is, along the XY axis) The upper surface extending from the plane) is used as the light emitting surface of the light guide plate 120 . The light guide plate 120 has an edge 122 to define the boundary of the light exit surface. For example, the edge 122 of the light guide plate 120 is a boundary line extending along the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction and surrounding the light exit surface.

The reflective sheet 130 can be a reflective film formed of a reflective material (such as a metal foil), or a non-reflective film coated with a reflective material, or a plastic film doped with reflective particles (such as a PET film doped with reflective particles). formed reflector. The shape and size of the reflective sheet 130 preferably correspond to the optical film 110 , and the ductility/deformability of the reflective sheet 130 is preferably greater than that of the optical film 110 . That is, the reflective sheet 130 is preferably more easily deformed than the optical film 110, so that the reflective sheet 130 is easier to stick. In this embodiment, the reflection sheet 130 has a plurality of through holes 133 corresponding to the light source holes 123 of the light guide plate 120 , so that the light source 140 can be inserted into the light source holes 123 from below the reflection sheet 130 through the through holes 133 . In this way, after the light provided by the light source 140 enters the light guide plate 120 through the light incident surface inside the light source hole 123 , it substantially travels along the extending direction of the light guide plate 120 to the light-transmitting part of the optical film 110 (for example, the light-transmitting part) zone 114, described in detail below).

In one embodiment, the optical film 110 is a light-transmitting optical film (eg, Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)), and the film has a light-shielding pattern 112 formed by a light-shielding material (eg, ink), but Not limited to this. In other embodiments, the optical film 110 may be an opaque optical film, which is cut to form the light-shielding pattern 112 . The light-shielding pattern 112 of the optical film 110 defines one or more light-transmitting regions 114 , a light-shielding region 116 and one or more light-modulating regions 118 . For example, the light-transmitting area 114 is an area on the light-transmitting optical film without a light-shielding material, the light-shielding area 116 is an area where a light-shielding material is disposed on the light-transmitting optical film, and the light quantity modulation area 118 is formed from the light-shielding area The 116 extends to the light-transmitting area 114 to at least partially modulate the light energy between the light-shielding area 116 and the light-transmitting area 114 . In this embodiment, the light-shielding pattern 112 defines a plurality of light-transmitting regions 114 , and the plurality of light-transmitting regions 114 are respectively disposed corresponding to the plurality of keys 200 . For example, the number, location and shape of the light-transmitting regions 114 preferably correspond to the number, location and shape of the key caps 220 of the keys 200 , but not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the shape and size of the optical film 110 preferably correspond to the bottom plate 210 of the key module 20 , so that the upper surface of the end of the optical film 110 is adhered to the lower surface of the bottom plate 210 , and the lower surface of the end of the optical film 110 The surface is adhered to the upper surface of the reflection sheet 130 to surround the light guide plate 120 between the optical film 110 and the reflection sheet 130 to prevent lateral light leakage. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the key caps 220 and the bottom plate 210 of the outer keys 201 can be flush with the edges of the optical film 110 and the reflection sheet 130 , for example, the key caps 220 , the bottom plate 210 and the optical film 110 and the reflection sheet 130 The edges are aligned with each other along the stacking direction (eg, the Z-axis direction) to facilitate the narrow bezel design of the light-emitting keyboard 1 . For example, the size and shape of the light-transmitting area 114 corresponding to the inner key 202 is preferably consistent with the corresponding keycap 220 , that is, the vertical projection of the light-transmitting area 114 and the corresponding keycap 220 in the direction of the bottom plate 210 is preferably substantially identical. However, the size and shape of the light-transmitting area 114 corresponding to the outer key 201 are limited by the requirements of bonding and the consideration of preventing lateral light leakage. That is, in each key 200 , the vertical projection of the key cap 220 on the optical film 110 at least covers the corresponding light-transmitting area 114 .

The light intensity modulation area 118 can be selectively disposed at the corresponding position of one or more keys that require light intensity modulation. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 , when the outer keys 201 in the uppermost row require light quantity modulation, the light quantity modulation areas 118 may be respectively disposed along the X-axis direction corresponding to the light transmission areas 114 . The light quantity modulating area 118 extends from the light shielding area 116 to the light transmitting area 114 . The light-transmitting area 114 allows light to pass through, the light-shielding area 116 blocks light, and the light-quantity modulating area 118 partially allows light to pass through and partially blocks light, so that the average light transmittance per unit area of the light-quantity modulating area 118 is smaller than that of the light-transmitting area 114 and greater than the shading area District 116. Next, referring to FIGS. 4A to 10B , various configuration embodiments of the light-shielding pattern of the optical film are illustrated with a single button.

As shown in FIG. 4A , in the first embodiment, the light-shielding region 116 partially surrounds the adjacent light-transmitting region 114 to form a boundary line 115 , and the two ends 115 a and 115 b of the boundary line 115 are substantially connected to two opposite sides of the light-modulating region 118 . the middle of the side. For example, the light-shielding region 116 can be regarded as surrounding the adjacent light-transmitting region 114 to form a substantially rectangular boundary line 115 , and the light-quantity modulating region 118 straddles part of the boundary line 115 between the light-shielding region 116 and the light-transmitting region 114 , The light quantity modulation area 118 is located between the light-shielding area 116 and the light-transmitting area 114 , and the middle sections of the two sides of the light quantity modulation area 118 are respectively connected to the two ends 115 a and 115 b of the boundary line 115 . In one embodiment, the light quantity modulation region 118 includes a plurality of sub-light-shielding regions 1182 and a plurality of sub-light-transmitting regions 1184 , and the plurality of sub-light-shielding regions 1182 and the plurality of sub-light-transmitting regions 1184 are arranged alternately, for example, along the edge 122 of the light guide plate 120 . Or staggered along the extending direction of the boundary line 115 . Specifically, the plurality of sub-light-shielding regions 1182 are regions in the light-modulation region 118 where light-shielding materials are provided, and the plurality of sub-light-transmitting regions 1184 are regions in the light-modulation region 118 where no light-shielding materials are provided. In other words, in the optical film 110 , the light-shielding material is disposed in the light-shielding region 116 (eg, the space between adjacent keys or the edge of the keyboard) and the plurality of sub-light-shielding regions 1182 to form the light-shielding pattern 112 . In one embodiment, the plurality of sub light-shielding regions 1182 each have a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the first end is connected to the light-shielding region 116 , and the second end extends to the light-transmitting region 114 . For example, the plurality of sub-light-shielding regions 1182 may have the same shape and size, and each sub-light-shielding region 1182 extends from the light-shielding region 116 to the light-transmitting region 114, But not limited to this. The plurality of sub-shading regions 1182 may have different shapes, sizes, and numbers according to actual light intensity modulation requirements.

In this embodiment, the sub light-shielding region 1182 has a triangular shape, so that the width of the first end of the sub-light-shielding region 1182 (ie, adjacent to the light-shielding region 116 ) is greater than the width of the second end (ie, adjacent to the light-transmitting region 114 ), and the sub-light-shielding region 1182 has a triangular shape. The width of 1182 gradually decreases from the light-shielding region 116 to the light-transmitting region 114 . That is, the wide base of the triangular sub-shading area 1182 is connected to the shaded area 116 , and crosses the virtual connection between the two ends 115 a and 115 b of the boundary line 115 , so that the apex extends toward the transparent area 114 . The triangular sub-light-shielding regions 1182 are disposed adjacent to each other along the edge 122 of the light guide plate 120 , so that a sub-light-transmitting region 1184 is sandwiched between two adjacent sub-light-shielding regions 1182 . Correspondingly, the sub-transmissive region 1184 has a similar triangular shape, and the wide base of the sub-transparent region 1184 is adjacent to the light-transmitting region 114 , and the narrow vertex is adjacent to the light-shielding region 116 , so that the average light transmittance per unit area of the light-modulating region 118 is It increases from the light-shielding region 116 toward the light-transmitting region 114 . For example, “the average light transmittance per unit area increases from the light-shielding region 116 to the light-transmitting region 114 ” means that the width of the sub-light-transmitting region 1184 increases from the light-shielding region 116 to the light-transmitting region 114 , or that the light in the light quantity modulation region 118 increases The transmittable area ratio increases along the direction in which the light-shielding region 116 extends toward the light-transmitting region 114 . When the optical film 110 , the light guide plate 120 and the reflection sheet 130 are stacked on each other, the vertical projection of the edge 122 of the light guide plate 120 on the optical film 110 falls on the light quantity modulation area 118 . In this way, the optical film 110 can shield the light emitted from the edge 122 of the light guide plate 120 by the sub light shielding region 1182 of the light amount modulation region 118 , and allow the light emitted from the light guide plate by the sub light transmission region 1184 of the light amount modulation region 118 The light emitted from the edge 122 of the light guide plate 120 passes through to adjust the light output effect of the edge 122 of the light guide plate 120 , which is beneficial to improve the uniformity of light emission of the keys, and is suitable for the design of a keyboard with a narrow frame.

As shown in FIG. 4B , in a modified example, another schematic diagram of relative positions of the light shielding pattern 112 of the optical film 110 and the light guide plate 120 is shown. In this embodiment, the light-shielding pattern 112 of the optical film 110 defines a light-transmitting area 114 , a light-shielding area 116 and a light-quantity-modulating area 118 similar to those in FIG. 4A , the difference is that when When the optical film 110 , the light guide plate 120 and the reflective sheet 130 are stacked on each other, the vertical projection of the edge 122 of the light guide plate 120 on the optical film 110 falls on the light shielding area 116 and is adjacent to the light quantity modulation area 118 . In this way, the light-shielding area 116 of the optical film 110 substantially shields the light emitted from the edge 122 of the light guide plate 120, but part of the light can still pass through the sub-transmissive area 1184 of the light quantity modulation area 118, so as to enhance the light emission of the keys uniformity. In other words, the distance (or relative position) between the edge 122 of the light guide plate 120 and the light quantity modulation area 118 can be adjusted according to the actual optical effect. The design of FIG. 4A, otherwise, a design similar to that of FIG. 4B can be used.

5A and 5B are schematic diagrams of the light-shielding pattern 112 of the optical film 110 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The light quantity modulation region 118 includes a plurality of sub-light-shielding regions 1182 and a plurality of sub-light-transmitting regions 1184 , and the plurality of sub-light-shielding regions 1182 and the plurality of sub-light-transmitting regions 1184 are staggered along the edge 122 of the light guide plate 120 (or along the extending direction of the boundary line 115 ) . Hereinafter, only the differences from the foregoing embodiments will be emphasized, and the remaining similar or identical parts will not be repeated. In this embodiment, the sub-shading area 1182 is rectangular, so that the width of the first end of the sub-shading area 1182 is equal to the width of the second end. The plurality of sub-light-shielding regions 1182 are arranged at intervals along the edge 122 of the light guide plate 120 , so that a sub-light-transmitting region 1184 is sandwiched between two adjacent sub-light-shielding regions 1182 . Correspondingly, the sub-transmissive regions 1184 have similar rectangular shapes, so that the average light transmittance per unit area of the light-modulation region 118 is substantially constant from the light-shielding region 116 to the light-transmitting region 114 . In other words, the width of the sub-transmissive region 1184 is substantially constant from the light-shielding region 116 to the light-transmitting region 114 , or the area ratio of the light-transmittable area in the light-modulation region 118 along the extending direction of the light-shielding region 116 toward the light-transmitting region 114 is substantially fixed. Furthermore, FIG. 5A shows that the vertical projection of the edge of the light guide plate 120 on the optical film 110 falls on the light quantity modulation area 118 , and FIG. 5B shows that the vertical projection of the edge of the light guide plate 120 on the optical film 110 falls on the light shielding area 116 and It is adjacent to the light quantity modulation area 118 . The distance (or relative position) between the edge 122 of the light guide plate 120 and the light quantity modulating area 118 can be adjusted according to the actual optical effect, so that a configuration similar to FIG. 5A or FIG. 5B can be selected.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, although the light quantity modulation area is shown as a triangular or rectangular sub-shielding area and a sub-transmitting area, it is not limited to this. In another embodiment (not shown), the sub-light-shielding regions and the sub-light-transmitting regions may have any suitable shape, such as a trapezoid, but not limited thereto. In other embodiments, according to practical applications, the light intensity modulation region can be formed with a gradient design by printing technology, so that the light transmittance of the light intensity modulation region 118 increases along the direction extending from the light shielding region 116 to the light transmission region 114 . As shown in FIG. 6 , FIG. 6 shows that the light-shielding material in the light quantity modulation region 118 forms a plurality of sub-light-shielding regions 1182 in a dot matrix manner, and the region not covered by the light-shielding material is the sub-light-transmitting region 1184 . In this embodiment, the sub-light-shielding regions 1182 are arranged in a dotted manner, and the distribution density of the sub-light-shielding regions 1182 decreases from the light-shielding region 116 to the light-transmitting region 114 . That is, the distribution density of the sub light-shielding region 1182 becomes larger as it approaches the light-shielding region 116 , and becomes smaller as it approaches the light-transmitting region 114 , which is not limited thereto. In the embodiment of FIG. 6 , the sub-shading regions 1182 do not overlap with each other, but not limited thereto; in other embodiments, a plurality of sub-shading regions 1182 may partially overlap according to practical applications and optical requirements.

As shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B , the relative positions of the light quantity modulation area of FIG. 4A and FIG. 5A and the light-transmitting characters 222 of the keycap are respectively shown. In this embodiment, the light-transmitting character 222 of the keycap 220 is "Esc" as an example. The plurality of sub-light-shielding regions 1182 and the plurality of sub-light-transmitting regions 1184 of the light quantity modulation region 118 are preferably arranged alternately along the arrangement direction of the light-transmitting characters 222 . That is, the plurality of sub-light-shielding regions 1182 and the plurality of sub-light-transmitting regions 1184 are preferably disposed along the long axis direction of the light-transmitting characters 222 . In one embodiment, the length of the light-modulating region 118 extending from the light-shielding region 116 to the light-transmitting region 114 and the width along the boundary line 115 are preferably at least equal to the height and length of the light-transmitting characters 222 (for example, covering the entire character height and length), In addition, the boundary line 115 is preferably connected to the light quantity modulation area 118 at about 1/2 of the character height, but not limited thereto.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 , for heat dissipation or positioning design, the optical module 10 is usually provided with through holes 101 for airflow or for positioning mechanisms (eg, positioning posts, screws, etc.) to pass through. As shown in FIG. 3 , the optical film 110 has an upper through hole 111 , the light guide plate 120 has a hole 121 , and the reflection sheet 130 has a hole 121 . There are lower through holes 131 . When the optical film 110 , the light guide plate 120 and the reflection sheet 130 are stacked in sequence, the upper through hole 111 , the hole 121 and the lower through hole 131 are aligned with each other to form the through hole 101 . When the position of the through hole 101 is at least partially within the vertical projection range of the key 200 , the light quantity modulation area 118 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the key 200 . As shown in FIG. 8 , the hole 121 of the light guide plate 120 defines a hole edge 125 . The hole edge 113 of the upper through hole 111 of the optical film 110 is located inside the hole edge 125 of the light guide plate 120 , that is, the diameter of the upper through hole 111 is smaller than the diameter of the hole 121 , so that the optical film 110 protrudes around the hole 121 to form a ring-shaped light shield District 116. The plurality of sub-light-shielding regions 1182 and the plurality of sub-light-transmitting regions 1184 of the light quantity modulating region 118 are arranged alternately along the hole edge 125 of the light guide plate 120 and extend from the light-shielding region 116 to the light-transmitting region 114 . Specifically, according to the actual position of the through hole 101 corresponding to the keycap 220 , the light modulation area 118 can completely or partially surround the light shielding area 116 , so that the light modulation area 118 is a complete annular area or a partially annular sector. In this embodiment, the light intensity modulation area 118 is shown as substantially completely surrounding the light shielding area 116 (ie, the through hole 101 is substantially completely within the range of the light transmission area 114 corresponding to the keycap 220 ), so that the light transmission area 114 can surround the light intensity adjustment. The peripheral portion of the variable region 118, but not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the light quantity modulating area 118 may be a fan-shaped area partially surrounding the light-shielding area 116 , that is, the through hole 101 is only partially within the range of the light-transmitting area 114 corresponding to the keycap 220 , so that the light-transmitting area 114 surrounds the outside of the fan-shaped area. The shading area 116 is connected to the side edges of the fan-shaped area and extends to the inner fan edge of the fan-shaped area.

In this embodiment, each sub-shading portion 1182 has a triangular-like shape, and the first end 1182 a of the sub-shading portion 1182 is connected to the light-shielding region 116 , and the second end 1182 b extends to the light-transmitting region 114 . The width of the first end 1182 a of the sub-shading portion 1182 is greater than the width of the second end 1182 b , so that the width of the sub-shading region 1182 gradually decreases from the light-shielding region 116 to the light-transmitting region 114 . In this embodiment, the center line (eg, the angle bisector) of the second end 1182b of each sub-shading portion 1182 preferably passes through the center of the hole 121 and the upper through hole 111 . The plurality of sub-light-shielding regions 1182 are disposed adjacent to each other along the hole edge 125 of the light guide plate 120 , so that a sub-light-transmitting region 1184 is sandwiched between two adjacent sub-light-shielding regions 1182 . Correspondingly, the sub-transmissive regions 1184 have a similar triangular shape, and due to the amount of light The modulation region 118 surrounds the light-shielding region 116 and extends radially outward toward the light-transmitting region 114 . The wide base of the sub-light-transmitting region 1184 is adjacent to the light-transmitting region 114 and is greater than the arc length of the first end 1182 a of the sub-light-shielding region 1182 . The narrow apex is adjacent to the light-shielding region 116 , so that the average light transmittance per unit area of the light-modulation region 118 increases from the light-shielding region 116 toward the light-transmitting region 114 . In this embodiment, when the optical film 110 , the light guide plate 120 and the reflective sheet 130 are stacked on each other, the vertical projection of the hole edge 125 of the light guide plate 120 on the optical film 110 preferably falls on the light quantity modulation area 118 , so as to achieve the purpose of using The light emission uniformity of the keys 200 corresponding to the through holes 101 is improved by the light quantity modulation area 118 .

FIG. 9 is a modification of FIG. 8 . In this embodiment, the sub-shading region 1182 is fan-shaped, wherein the extending directions of the two edges of the fan-shaped preferably pass through the center of the hole 121 and the upper through hole 111 . In this embodiment, since the light quantity modulation region 118 surrounds the light shielding region 116 and extends radially outward toward the light transmitting region 114 , the width of the first end 1182a of the sub light shielding region 1182 is smaller than the width of the second end 1184b, and the sub light shielding region The width of 1182 increases from the light-shielding region 116 toward the light-transmitting region 114 . That is, the plurality of sub-light-shielding regions 1182 are arranged at intervals along the hole edge 125 of the light guide plate 120 , so that the sub-light-transmitting regions 1184 are sandwiched between two adjacent sub-light-shielding regions 1182 . Correspondingly, the sub-transmissive regions 1184 have a similar fan shape, and the widths of the sub-transmissive regions 1184 gradually increase from the light-shielding region 116 to the light-transmitting region 114 , wherein the area ratio of the light-transmitting area in the light quantity modulation region 118 is along the light-shielding region. Although the extending direction of 116 toward the light-transmitting region 114 does not increase, the light-transmissible area in the light-quantity modulating region 118 gradually increases with the distance from the light-shielding region 116 . In this embodiment, when the optical film 110 , the light guide plate 120 and the reflective sheet 130 are stacked on each other, the vertical projection of the hole edge 125 of the light guide plate 120 on the optical film 110 preferably falls on the light quantity modulation area 118 , so as to achieve the purpose of using The light emission uniformity of the keys 200 corresponding to the through holes 101 is improved by the light quantity modulation area 118 .

Furthermore, the design of the light quantity modulation area 118 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 can also be applied to the corners of the keys. In this case, the optical film 110 may not have the upper through hole 111, and the light-shielding area 116 of the optical film 110 extends to the position corresponding to the upper through hole 111, so as to improve the uniformity of light emission at the corner portion of the key position or halo performance. In addition, in the embodiments of FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 , the number, shape, and size of the sub-light-shielding regions 1182 (or the sub-light-transmitting regions 1184 ) of the light quantity modulation region 118 can be determined according to actual requirements (eg, light intensity, light leakage degree). Change.

FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram of the relative positions of the light-shielding pattern and the light source of the optical film according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10B is a modification of FIG. 10A . As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B , the light source 140 is disposed in the light source hole 123 of the light guide plate 120 , and the optical film 110 is disposed above the light guide plate 120 and covers the light source hole 123 (and the light source 140 ). When the light source 140 is adjacent to the key 200 , the optical film 110 may be provided with a light quantity modulating area 118 at a position corresponding to the key 200 to adjust the uniformity of light emission of the key. For example, the shading area 116 extends to cover the light source hole 123 (and the light source 140 ), and the light quantity modulating area 118 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the light emitting surface of the light source 140 and extend from the shading area 116 to the light transmitting area 114 . The plurality of sub-light-shielding regions 1182 and the plurality of sub-light-transmitting regions 1184 of the light quantity modulation region 118 may be arranged in a staggered manner along the extending direction of the light-emitting surface of the light source 140 . In the embodiment of FIG. 10A , the light intensity modulating area 118 has the structure shown in FIG. 4A , wherein the width of the sub-shading area 1182 gradually decreases from the shading area 116 to the light transmitting area 114 , and the average light intensity per unit area of the light quantity modulating area 118 is The transmittance increases from the light-shielding region 116 toward the light-transmitting region 114 . In the embodiment of FIG. 10B , the light intensity modulating area 118 has the structure shown in FIG. 4B , wherein the width of the sub-shading area 1182 is substantially constant from the shading area 116 to the light transmitting area 114 , and the unit area of the light intensity modulating area 118 is average. The light transmittance is substantially constant from the light-shielding region 116 to the light-transmitting region 114 . According to practical applications, the number, shape and size of the sub-light-shielding regions 1182 and the sub-light-transmitting regions 1184 can be changed according to the amount of light provided by the light source 140 , the distance between the light-transmitting region 114 and the light source 140 , the position of the light-transmitting characters 222 of the keycap 220 , etc. , to achieve the desired optical effect.

It should be noted here that the configuration of one or more light-modulating regions in the above-mentioned embodiments can be integrated into a single light-emitting keyboard according to practical applications, so as to design the light-shielding pattern of the optical film to The brightness of the outer keys, the keys adjacent to the holes, and/or the keys adjacent to the light source is modulated, so as to improve the uniformity of the light emission of the keys.

The present invention has been described by the above-mentioned embodiments, however, the above-mentioned embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and not for limitation. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments specifically described herein may incorporate other modifications of the illustrated embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention also encompasses such modifications and is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

114: Translucent area

115: Boundary Line

115a, 115b: end

116: Shading area

118: Light quantity modulation area

1182: Sub shading area

1184: Sub-transparent area

122: Edge

Claims (13)

An optical module suitable for a light-emitting keyboard, comprising: a light guide plate; a reflection sheet disposed on one side of the light guide plate; and an optical film disposed on the other side of the light guide plate relative to the reflection sheet , the optical film has a light-shielding pattern, the light-shielding pattern defines a light-transmitting area, a light-shielding area and a light-quantity modulation area, and the light-quantity modulation area extends from the light-shielding area to the light-transmitting area, and the light-shielding area is partially A boundary line is formed around and adjacent to the light-transmitting area, and both ends of the boundary line are substantially connected to the middle sections of opposite sides of the light quantity modulation area, wherein: the light-transmitting area allows light to pass through, the light-shielding area blocks light, and , the light quantity modulation area partially allows light to pass through and partially blocks light, so that the average light transmittance per unit area of the light quantity modulation area is smaller than the light transmission area and greater than the light shielding area. The optical module according to claim 1, wherein the light quantity modulation area includes a plurality of sub-light-shielding regions and a plurality of sub-light-transmitting regions, and the plurality of sub-light-shielding regions and the plurality of sub-light-transmitting regions are arranged alternately. The optical module of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of sub-shielding regions has a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the first end is connected to the shielding region, and the second end extends to the light-transmitting region Area. The optical module of claim 3, wherein the width of the first end is greater than or equal to the width of the second end, and when the width of the first end is greater than the width of the second end, the width of the sub-shading area is automatically The light-shielding area is gradually reduced toward the light-transmitting area. The optical module according to claim 1, wherein the light guide plate has an edge, and when the optical film, the light guide plate and the reflection sheet are stacked on each other, the edge of the light guide plate is perpendicular to the optical film At least part of the projection falls on the light quantity modulating area, or falls on the shading area and is adjacent to the light quantity modulating area. The optical module of claim 5, wherein the light quantity modulation area includes a plurality of sub-light-shielding regions and a plurality of sub-light-transmitting regions, and the plurality of sub-light-shielding regions and the plurality of sub-light-transmitting regions are staggered along the edge of the light guide plate set up. The optical module according to claim 1, further comprising a light source with a light-emitting surface, wherein the light guide plate guides the light emitted by the light source, and the vertical projection of the light source on the optical film falls on the light-shielding area, And the light quantity modulation area extends from the light shielding area between the light transmission area and the light emitting surface. An optical module suitable for a light-emitting keyboard, comprising: a light guide plate with a hole, the hole defines a hole edge; a reflection sheet arranged on one side of the light guide plate; and an optical film relative to the light guide plate The reflective sheet is disposed on the other side of the light guide plate, the optical film has a light-shielding pattern, the light-shielding pattern defines a light-transmitting area, a light-shielding area and a light-quantity modulation area, and the light-quantity modulation area is formed from the light-shielding area extending to the light-transmitting area, wherein: the light-transmitting area allows light to pass through, the light-shielding area blocks light, and the light-quantity modulation area partially allows light to pass through and partially blocks light, so that the average light transmittance per unit area of the light-quantity modulation area is It is smaller than the light-transmitting area and larger than the light-shielding area, and when the optical film, the light guide plate and the reflective sheet are stacked on each other, the hole of the light guide plate falls at least partially on the vertical projection of the optical film. the light quantity modulation area. The optical module according to claim 8, wherein the light quantity modulation area surrounds the light shielding area, the light quantity modulation area includes a plurality of sub-light-shielding areas and a plurality of sub-light-transmitting areas, and each of the plurality of sub-light-shielding areas has a corresponding first One end and a second end, the first end is connected to the light-shielding area, and the second end extends to the light-transmitting area, the width of the first end is smaller than the width of the second end, and the width of the sub-shielding area is from The light-shielding area gradually increases toward the light-transmitting area. The optical module according to claim 1 or 8, wherein the average light transmittance per unit area of the light quantity modulating region increases or is fixed from the light shielding region toward the light transmitting region. The optical module according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of sub-light-shielding regions and the plurality of sub-light-transmitting regions are arranged staggered along the hole edge of the light guide plate. A light-emitting keyboard, comprising: the optical module as described in any one of claims 1 to 7; and at least one key, disposed above the optical module, the key comprising a key cap, wherein the key cap is on the optical film The vertical projection of the sheet covers at least the light-transmitting area. The luminous keyboard as claimed in claim 12, wherein the keycap has a light-transmitting character, and when the light quantity modulation region includes a plurality of sub-light-shielding regions and a plurality of sub-light-transmitting regions, the plurality of sub-light-shielding regions and the plurality of sub-light-transmitting regions The zones are staggered along the setting direction of the light-transmitting characters.

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