# US 9,437,379 B2 · Key plate and illuminated keyboard having the same

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- Number: US 9,437,379 B2
- Document ID: US9437379B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 14/247,781
- Filed: 2014-04-08
- Published: 2014-11-06
- Granted: 2016-09-06
- Earliest claimed: 2013-05-03
- Applicants: Yun-Heng Shiu
- Inventors: Yun-Heng Shiu
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9437379B2

## CPC

- H01H 13/83: characterised by legends, e.g. Braille, liquid crystal displays, light emitting or optical elements
- H01H 13/023: {Light-emitting indicators (for multi-layer switches H01H13/83)}
- H01H 2219/048: Constituting key
- H01H 2219/06: Reflector
- H01H 2219/062: Light conductor
- H01H 2221/07: transparent
- H01H: ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES (contact cables H01B7/10; electrolytic self-interrupters H01G9/18; emergency protective circuit arrangements H02H; switching by electronic means without contact-making H03K17/00)

## Abstract

A key plate includes a light-permeable covering plate having a plurality of first key openings and includes a key symbol display plate disposed on the light-permeable covering plate and having a plurality of second key openings and a plurality of light-permeable key symbol blocks. The light-permeable key symbol blocks are positioned proximate to the second key openings, respectively. The second key openings correspond in position to the first key openings, respectively. Further provided is an illuminated keyboard with the key plate. Accordingly, the key plate and the illuminated keyboard feature simplified structure, low manufacturing costs, and short manufacturing process, prevent users' fingers from hiding symbols displayed on the keys in bright and dark environments, prevent the symbols displayed on the keys from getting blurred or smeared after long contact with the users' fingers, and feature variable appearance of the key symbol display plate.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An illuminated keyboard, comprising:
a light-permeable covering plate having a plurality of first key openings;
a key symbol display plate disposed on the light-permeable covering plate and having a plurality of second key openings and a plurality of light-permeable key symbol blocks positioned proximate to the second key openings, respectively, the second key openings corresponding in position to the first key openings, respectively;
a key module disposed beneath the light-permeable covering plate and having a plurality of keys and a light-permeable key holding plate, the keys being disposed at the light-permeable key holding plate, spaced apart from each other, and disposed in the first key openings and the second key openings, respectively;
a light-permeable circuit film disposed beneath the key module;
a backlight device disposed beneath the light-permeable circuit film and provided in form of one of a light guiding plate with a light source and an electroluminescent plate, the light guiding plate having a plurality of reflection blocks corresponding in position to the light-permeable key symbol blocks, respectively, and the electroluminescent plate corresponding in position to the light-permeable key symbol blocks; and
a bottom casing disposed beneath the backlight device and coupled to the light-permeable covering plate so as to enclose the key module, the light-permeable circuit film, and the backlight device.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The illuminated keyboard of claim 1, wherein the light-permeable covering plate is light-permeable in its entirety, or a margin of the light-permeable covering plate is opaque, and a periphery of the first key openings is light-permeable.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The illuminated keyboard of claim 1, wherein the key symbol display plate adheres to the light-permeable covering plate, is engaged with the light-permeable covering plate, or is changeable.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The illuminated keyboard of claim 1, wherein the light-permeable key symbol blocks are positioned to a top of the second key openings, respectively.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The illuminated keyboard of claim 1, further comprising a light-permeable fixing board disposed between the light-permeable circuit film and the backlight device.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The illuminated keyboard of claim 1, further comprising a reflector disposed between the backlight device and the bottom casing.