Keyboard device

Abstract

The present application provides a keyboard device. The keyboard device comprises a housing and at least one support leg. The housing comprises at least one receiving slot. The support leg comprises a first support part, a second support part and a pivot shaft between the first support part and the second support part. The support leg is pivotally connected to the receiving slot by the pivot shaft and is switched between a storage state and a support state by rotating relative to the housing through the pivot shaft. In the storage state, the support leg is located in the receiving slot, and the first support part and the second support part cover the receiving slot. In the process of switching from the storage state to the support state, the first support part moves in the receiving slot according to the pushing of external force, and at the same time drives the second support part to move away from the receiving slot.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of input devices, and more particularly to a keyboard device with a support stand. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of technology and the booming development of electronic devices, many conveniences have been brought to human life. Therefore, making the operation of electronic devices more user-friendly is an important issue. Common input devices for electronic devices include mice, keyboards, and trackballs. Among them, keyboards allow users to directly input text and symbols into the computer, and are therefore highly valued.

[0003] Most keyboard devices on the market today have a support stand at the bottom. Since the support stand is pivotally connected to the bottom of the keyboard device, users can rotate the support stand relative to the keyboard device to switch between a stowed state and a supported state, thereby adjusting the tilt of the keyboard device. This allows users to operate the keyboard device at a more comfortable angle, reducing improper force on the hand joints and muscles, and effectively reducing the risk of hand joint and muscle injuries.

[0004] Please see Figure 1 This is a partial structural diagram of a known keyboard device with supporting legs. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the bottom of the known keyboard device 1 is recessed with a receiving groove 100, and the support leg 10 is pivotally connected to the receiving groove 100. In the retracted state, the support leg 10 is retracted into the receiving groove 100. During the process of switching from the retracted state to the supported state, the support leg 10 rotates relative to the keyboard device 1 and moves out of the receiving groove 100. In addition, the known keyboard device 1 has a finger slot 101 communicating with the receiving groove 100. This finger slot 101 is located at the end of the support leg 10, allowing the user's fingers to be inserted into the finger slot 101 to facilitate operating the support leg 100. However, the finger slot 101 communicating with the receiving groove 100 affects the aesthetics of the keyboard device 1. For example, when the support leg 10 is retracted into the receiving groove 100, the finger slot 101 makes the appearance of the keyboard device 1 look like a hole. Therefore, how to improve the above-mentioned problems is a focus of attention for those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a keyboard device in which a support leg pivotally connected in a receiving groove can switch between a retracted state and a supported state. In the retracted state, the support leg covers the receiving groove so that the appearance of the keyboard device does not have any obvious holes, thereby achieving an aesthetic effect.

[0006] Other objects and advantages of the present invention can be further understood from the technical features disclosed herein.

[0007] To achieve one, some, or all of the above-mentioned objectives, or other objectives, the present invention provides a keyboard device, including a housing and at least one support leg. The housing includes at least one receiving groove. The support leg includes a first support portion, a second support portion, and a pivot shaft located between the first support portion and the second support portion. The support leg is pivotally connected to the receiving groove via the pivot shaft and can switch between a retracted state and a supported state by rotating relative to the housing via the pivot shaft. In the retracted state, the support leg is located within the receiving groove, and the first and second support portions cover the receiving groove. During the transition from the retracted state to the supported state, the first support portion moves within the receiving groove under the push of an external force, simultaneously causing the second support portion to move away from the receiving groove.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first support portion extends in a first direction away from the pivot axis and has a first length, and the second support portion extends in a second direction away from the pivot axis and has a second length, wherein the first direction and the second direction are different from each other, and the first length is less than the second length.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned receiving groove has an arc-shaped inner wall. During the process of switching from the storage state to the support state, the first support part moves along the arc-shaped inner wall within the receiving groove according to the push of the external force.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the housing includes an upper cover and a lower cover assembled together, the upper cover being provided with a plurality of button structures, and a receiving groove being recessed in the lower cover.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the lower cover has a first bottom surface, a second bottom surface, and an inclined surface connecting the first bottom surface and the second bottom surface. When the keyboard device is placed on a reference plane, the first bottom surface and the second bottom surface of the lower cover are parallel to the reference plane, and the inclined surface has an angle with the reference plane.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first support portion has a first surface and the second support portion has a second surface. In the storage state, the first support portion and the second support portion cover the receiving groove, and the first surface and the first bottom surface of the lower cover are coplanar with each other, and the second surface and the inclined surface of the lower cover are coplanar with each other.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the keyboard device further includes an identification structure disposed on a first surface of the first support portion.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second support portion further has an abutting surface adjacent to the second surface. In the stored state, the abutting surface faces into the receiving groove, and in the supported state, the abutting surface faces the reference plane.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the keyboard device further includes a buffer pad, and the second support portion further has a groove recessed from the abutment surface, the buffer pad is disposed in the groove, and a portion of the buffer pad protrudes out of the groove.

[0016] The keyboard device of this invention operates by simply pushing the first support portion into the receiving slot, which easily moves the second support portion away from the receiving slot, thus switching the support foot from a retracted state to a supported state. This eliminates the need for additional finger slots as in existing technologies, allowing users to insert their fingers and manipulate the support foot. Furthermore, when the support foot is in the retracted state, it is located within the receiving slot and does not protrude from the housing. The first and second support portions completely cover the receiving slot, and their surfaces are coplanar with the surface of the housing. Because there are no additional finger slots, the keyboard device has a smooth appearance without any obvious holes, achieving an aesthetically pleasing result.

[0017] 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. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a partial structural diagram of a keyboard device with a support stand, which is known to the public.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the keyboard device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The keyboard device shown is a schematic diagram of its appearance from another perspective.

[0021] Figure 4 For along Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of line segment AA.

[0022] Figure 5 for Figure 4 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the support leg in its supported state.

[0023] Figures 6A to 6C This is a schematic diagram of the operation flow of the support leg according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0025] 1, 2: Keyboard device

[0026] 10, 21: Supporting tripod

[0027] 100, 200: Receiving slots

[0028] 101: Finger groove

[0029] 20: Shell

[0030] 22: Identify Structure

[0031] 201: Top Cover

[0032] 202: Bottom Cover

[0033] 211: First Support Section

[0034] 212: Second Support Section

[0035] 213: Pivot axis

[0036] 2000: Raised Platform

[0037] 2001, 2121: Groove

[0038] 2002, 2122: Cushioning Pads

[0039] 3: Button Structure

[0040] 300: Reference plane

[0041] B1: First bottom surface

[0042] B2: Second bottom surface

[0043] B3: Inclined surface

[0044] D1: First Direction

[0045] D2: Second Direction

[0046] L1: First Length

[0047] L2: Second Length

[0048] P1: First Section

[0049] P2: Second Section

[0050] S1: First surface

[0051] S2: Second surface

[0052] S3: Contact Surface

[0053] W: Curved inner wall

[0054] θ: included angle

[0055] AA: line segment Detailed Implementation

[0056] Please see Figures 2 to 5 , Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the keyboard device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 for Figure 2 The keyboard device shown is a schematic diagram of its appearance from another perspective. Figure 4 For along Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of line segment AA. Figure 5 for Figure 4 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the support leg in its supported state.

[0057] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the keyboard device 2 of this embodiment includes a housing 20 and at least one support stand 21. The housing 20 includes at least one receiving groove 200. The support stand 21 includes a first support portion 211, a second support portion 212, and a pivot shaft 213 located between the first support portion 211 and the second support portion 212. Specifically, the first support portion 211 and the second support portion 212 of the support stand 21 are connected to each other to form an integral structure, and the pivot shaft 213 is located at the junction of the first support portion 211 and the second support portion 212. The support stand 21 is pivotally connected to the receiving groove 200 of the housing 20 via the pivot shaft 213, and the support stand 21 rotates relative to the housing 20 via the pivot shaft 213, so that the support stand 21 switches between a retracted state and a supported state. When the support stand 21 is in the retracted state, the first support portion 211 and the second support portion 212 cover the receiving groove 200 of the housing 20.

[0058] The detailed structure of the support leg 21 in the embodiment of the present invention will be further described below.

[0059] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the first support portion 211 of the support leg 21 extends in a first direction D1 away from the pivot axis 213 and has a first length L1, while the second support portion 212 of the support leg 21 extends in a second direction D2 away from the pivot axis 213 and has a second length L2. In this embodiment, the first direction D1 of the first support portion 211 and the second direction D2 of the second support portion 212 are two different directions, that is, there is an angle θ between the first direction D1 of the first support portion 211 and the second direction D2 of the second support portion 212. Furthermore, the first length L1 of the first support portion 211 is less than the second length L2 of the second support portion 212.

[0060] like Figures 2 to 5As shown, the housing 20 of this embodiment includes an upper cover 201 and a lower cover 202 assembled together. The upper cover 201 of the housing 20 is provided with a plurality of key structures 3, which can be classified as general keys, numeric keys, and function keys, etc., which are respectively used by the user to press with their fingers to cause the keyboard device 2 to generate corresponding key signals to the computer, thereby causing the computer to perform corresponding functions. At least one receiving groove 200 is recessed in the lower cover 202. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the number of support legs 21 is, for example, two, and the number of receiving grooves 200 is, for example, two. These two receiving grooves 200 are, for example, recessed on opposite sides of the lower cover 202, but the present invention does not limit the configuration position of the receiving grooves 200, and the two support legs 21 are respectively pivotally connected to the corresponding receiving grooves 200.

[0061] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the lower cover 202 of the housing 20 in this embodiment has a first bottom surface B1, a second bottom surface B2, and an inclined surface B3 connecting the first bottom surface B1 and the second bottom surface B2. When the keyboard device 2 of this embodiment is placed on a reference plane 300 (e.g., a desktop), the first bottom surface B1 and the second bottom surface B2 of the lower cover 202 are parallel to the reference plane 300, and the inclined surface B3 of the lower cover 202 has an angle with the reference plane 300. It is worth mentioning that the design of the first bottom surface B1, the second bottom surface B2, and the inclined surface B3 will form a raised platform 2000 in the lower cover 202 (e.g., Figure 3 (As shown). When the support leg 21 is in an unused, stored state (e.g.) Figure 4 As shown, the raised platform 2000 of the lower cover 202 can also effectively support the keyboard device 2. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first bottom surface B1 of the lower cover 202 (that is, the bottom surface of the raised platform 2000) has, for example, a groove 2001, and a buffer pad 2002 is disposed within this groove 2001, with a portion of the buffer pad 2002 protruding outside the groove 2001. When the keyboard device 2 is supported on the reference plane 300 by the raised platform 2000, the buffer pad 2002 will first contact the reference plane 300, preventing the first bottom surface B1 from directly colliding with the reference plane 300 and causing damage to the raised platform 2000.

[0062] It should be noted that the structure of the lower cover 202 of the housing 20 having a raised platform 2000 is only one embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the lower cover 202 of the housing 20 may also have a planar structure without the raised platform 2000. Furthermore, when the raised platform 2000 is present, the above-mentioned groove 2001 on the first bottom surface B1 of the lower cover 202 and the buffer pad 2002 disposed in the groove 2001 are only one embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the first bottom surface B1 of the lower cover 202 does not have the groove 2001 and the buffer pad 2002, and the first bottom surface B1 directly contacts the reference plane 300.

[0063] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the first support portion 211 of the support leg 21 has a first surface S1, and the second support portion 212 has a second surface S2. When the support leg 21 is in the position as shown... Figure 4 In the retracted state, the first support portion 211 and the second support portion 212 cover the receiving groove 200 of the housing 20. Simultaneously, the first surface S1 of the first support portion 211 and the first bottom surface B1 of the lower cover 202 are coplanar, while the second surface S2 of the second support portion 212 and the inclined surface B3 of the lower cover 202 are coplanar. With this structural design, when the support legs 21 are in the retracted state, the keyboard device 2 presents a flat appearance, thus achieving an aesthetically pleasing effect.

[0064] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the second support portion 212 of the support leg 21 in this embodiment also has an abutment surface S3 adjacent to the second surface S2. When the support leg 21 is in such a position... Figure 4 In the folded state shown, the abutment surface S3 of the second support 212 faces the interior of the receiving groove 200 of the housing 20. When the support leg 21 is in the position shown... Figure 5 In the supported state shown, the abutment surface S3 of the second support portion 212 faces the reference plane 300. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second support portion 212 also has a groove 2121 recessed from the abutment surface S3, and a cushioning pad 2122 is disposed within this groove 2121, with a portion of the cushioning pad 2002 protruding outside the groove 2001. When the keyboard device 2 is supported on the reference plane 300 by the support legs 21, the cushioning pad 2122 on the second support portion 212 will first contact the reference plane 300, preventing the abutment surface S3 of the second support portion 212 from directly colliding with the reference plane 300 and causing breakage or damage to the support legs 21.

[0065] It should be noted that the groove 2121 on the abutment surface S3 of the second support portion 212 and the buffer pad 2122 disposed in the groove 2121 are only one embodiment of the present invention. The present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the abutment surface S3 of the second support portion 212 does not have the groove 2121 and the buffer pad 2122, and the abutment surface S3 directly abuts against the reference plane 300.

[0066] Please see Figures 6A to 6C This is a schematic diagram of the operation flow of the support leg in an embodiment of the present invention, and please refer to it in conjunction with the following: Figure 4 and Figure 5 First, as Figure 6A As shown, when the support leg 21 is in the retracted state, the support leg 21 is housed in the receiving groove 200 of the housing 20, and the first support part 211 and the second support part 212 cover the receiving groove 200 of the housing 20. That is, the first surface S1 of the first support part 211 and the first bottom surface B1 of the lower cover 202 are coplanar with each other, while the second surface S2 of the second support part 212 and the inclined surface B3 of the lower cover 202 are coplanar with each other.

[0067] like Figure 6B As shown, during the process of switching the support leg 21 from the retracted state to the supported state, the first support portion 211 of the support leg 21 moves within the receiving groove 200 of the housing 20 under the push of an external force. At the same time, the first support portion 211 drives the second support portion 212 to move away from the receiving groove 200, so that the support leg 21 switches to the supported state as shown. Figure 6C The support configuration is shown. Specifically, the receiving groove 200 of the housing 20 has a first section P1 and a second section P2 that are interconnected, and the first section P1 of the receiving groove 200 has an arc-shaped inner wall W (as shown). Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, when the support leg 21 switches from the storage state to the support state, the first support part 211 moves along the arc-shaped inner wall W in the receiving groove 200.

[0068] It should be noted that the accommodating space size of the first section P1 of the accommodating groove 200 is designed based on the first length L1 of the first support 211. When the first length L1 of the first support 211 is less than the second length L2 of the second support 212, the accommodating space size of the first section P1 of the accommodating groove 200 can be greatly reduced, thereby effectively reducing the manufacturing cost.

[0069] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the first surface S1 of the first support portion 211 is provided with an identification structure 22. The user can identify the position of the first support portion 211 through this identification structure 22, thereby pushing the first support portion 211 to move within the receiving groove 200, and simultaneously causing the second support portion 212 to move away from the receiving groove 200, thus switching the support leg 21 to... Figure 6C The support state is shown. In this embodiment, the identification structure 22 is, for example, a strip-shaped protrusion, but the present invention does not limit the appearance shape of the identification structure 22.

[0070] It is worth mentioning that there are two ways for the support leg 21 of this embodiment to switch from the storage state to the support state. One way is that the user pushes the first support part 211 and moves the second support part 212 to the desired position. Figure 6C The support configuration is shown. Another method involves the user first pushing the first support 211 while simultaneously moving the second support 212 to a position slightly away from the receiving groove 200 (e.g., ...). Figure 6B (As shown), then the user pushes the second support 212 and simultaneously moves the first support 211 to the position shown. Figure 6C The support state is shown.

[0071] In summary, the keyboard device of this invention allows the support legs to move easily away from the receiving groove simply by pushing the first support part into the receiving groove, thus switching the support legs from a retracted state to a supported state. This eliminates the need for additional finger slots as in existing technologies, allowing users to insert their fingers and manipulate the support legs. Furthermore, when the support legs are in the retracted state, they are located within the receiving groove and do not protrude from the housing. The first and second support parts completely cover the receiving groove, and their surfaces are coplanar with the surface of the housing. Because there are no additional finger slots, the keyboard device has a smooth appearance without any obvious holes, achieving an aesthetically pleasing result.

[0072] However, 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 invention are still within the scope of this patent. Furthermore, no embodiment or claim of the present invention needs to achieve all the objectives, advantages, or features disclosed in the 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 invention. Moreover, the terms "first," "second," etc., mentioned 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.

Claims

1. A keyboard device, comprising: A housing, including at least one receiving groove; as well as At least one support leg includes a first support portion, a second support portion, and a pivot shaft located between the first support portion and the second support portion. The at least one support leg is pivotally connected to the at least one receiving groove via the pivot shaft and can switch between a storage state and a support state by rotating relative to the housing via the pivot shaft. In the stored state, at least one support leg is located in the receiving groove, and the first support part and the second support part cover the at least one receiving groove. During the process of switching from the stored state to the support state, the first support part moves in the at least one receiving groove according to the push of an external force, and at the same time drives the second support part to move away from the at least one receiving groove. The first support portion extends in a first direction away from the pivot axis and has a first length, and the second support portion extends in a second direction away from the pivot axis and has a second length. The first direction and the second direction are different from each other, and the first length is less than the second length.

2. The keyboard device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one receiving groove has an arc-shaped inner wall, and during the process of switching from the storage state to the support state, the first support portion moves along the arc-shaped inner wall within the at least one receiving groove according to the push of an external force.

3. The keyboard device of claim 1, wherein the housing includes an upper cover and a lower cover disposed on each other, the upper cover being configured with a plurality of key structures, and the at least one receiving groove being recessed in the lower cover.

4. The keyboard device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the lower cover has a first bottom surface, a second bottom surface, and an inclined surface connecting the first bottom surface and the second bottom surface, and when the keyboard device is placed on a reference plane, the first bottom surface and the second bottom surface of the lower cover are parallel to the reference plane, and the inclined surface has an included angle with the reference plane.

5. The keyboard device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first support portion has a first surface, the second support portion has a second surface, and in the stored state, the first support portion and the second support portion cover the receiving groove, and the first surface and the first bottom surface of the lower cover are coplanar with each other, and the second surface and the inclined surface of the lower cover are coplanar with each other.

6. The keyboard device of claim 5, further comprising an identification structure disposed on the first surface of the first support portion.

7. The keyboard device of claim 5, wherein the second support portion further has an abutting surface adjacent to the second surface, wherein in the stored state the abutting surface faces into the at least one receiving groove, and in the supported state the abutting surface faces the reference plane.

8. The keyboard device of claim 7 further includes a cushioning pad, the second support portion having a groove recessed from the abutment surface, the cushioning pad being disposed in the groove, and a portion of the cushioning pad protruding from the groove.

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