US 12,531,192 B2 · Keyboard key structure and light guide

Abstract

In some embodiments, a keyboard key structure includes: a substrate; a key switch, which includes a top housing, a bottom housing. and a key stem. The top housing covers the key stem and is coupled to the bottom housing to form a cavity. The bottom housing is coupled to the substrate. The keyboard key structure further include a keycap including a light transmissive region, the keycap being configured to be coupled to the top housing of the key switch; and a light guide coupled to one side of the cavity of the key switch, the light guide comprising: a flat bottom surface; and a flat top surface wider than and parallel to the bottom surface. The top surface includes uncontinuous, trapezoidal-shaped Fresnel structures at end portions at both ends thereof. A light emitting element is coupled to the substrate and disposed under the bottom surface.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A keyboard key structure, comprising:

a substrate;
a key switch comprising a top housing, a bottom housing, and a key stem, the top housing covering the key stem and being coupled to the bottom housing to form a cavity, the bottom housing being coupled to the substrate;
a keycap including a light transmissive region, the keycap being configured to be coupled to the top housing of the key switch;
and
a light guide coupled to one side of the cavity of the key switch, the light guide comprising:
a flat bottom surface;
and
a flat top surface having a width greater than and parallel to the bottom surface, the top surface including Fresnel structures at end portions at both ends thereof, the Fresnel structures comprised of an uncontinuous set of ridges;
a light emitting element coupled to the substrate and disposed below the bottom surface of the light guide such that the light emitting element, the light guide, and the light transmissive region of the keycap are in a collinear arrangement,
wherein the light emitting element is operable to emit light into the bottom surface of the light guide.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Keyboard key structure and light guide

Life of this patent

Keyboard key structure and light guide

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20