Multiple key button structure

CN116564740BActive Publication Date: 2026-10-27HUAIAN DARFON ELECTRONICS +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202211141552.5
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-01-27
Filing Date
2022-09-20
Publication Date
2026-10-27
Estimated Expiration
2042-09-20

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

但平衡杆的设置缩减了升降机构的设置空间,故可能在一定程度上影响升降机构本身的结构刚性及作动的稳定性

Benefits of technology

[0021]本发明提供一种倍数键按键结构,通过将支撑机构的外支架设置为包含强化本体及固定于强化本体上的连接结构,利用强化本体强化外支架的结构强度,提升支撑机构的结构刚性及作动稳定性的同时,利于薄型化设计。

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Abstract

The application provides a multiple key button structure, which comprises a bottom plate, a key cap and a supporting mechanism. The supporting mechanism supports the key cap on the bottom plate. An outer support of the supporting mechanism comprises a reinforcing body and a connecting structure fixed on the reinforcing body. The outer support is connected to the bottom plate and the key cap through the connecting structure. The reinforcing body has a first opening and a second opening, and the supporting mechanism has a first inner support and a second inner support, which are respectively located inside the first opening and the second opening. The structural strength of the outer support is reinforced by the reinforcing body, which improves the structural rigidity and operation stability of the supporting mechanism and is beneficial to thin design.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a button structure, and more particularly to a multiplier button structure. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the main structure of mechanical keycaps consists of a lifting mechanism connecting the keycap to the base plate, allowing the keycap to move up and down relative to the base plate. The stability of keycap operation, including its travel and smoothness, typically relies on this lifting mechanism. If the lifting mechanism itself is unstable, the keycap will also struggle to operate smoothly. For multi-size keys, such as the spacebar, Enter, Shift, Caps Lock, and Ctrl keys, multiple lifting mechanisms are generally used to support the keycap. In this architecture, each lifting mechanism operates independently. When a keycap is pressed, it is difficult for it to move horizontally and vertically synchronously, making it prone to tilting and causing poor key activation. To address this, a stabilizer bar, independent of the lifting mechanism but connected to the keycap and base plate, can be added to improve the keycap's horizontal alignment during vertical movement. However, the stabilizer bar reduces the space available for the lifting mechanism, which may affect the structural rigidity and operational stability of the lifting mechanism itself to some extent. In addition, lifting mechanisms are generally made of plastic. When the buttons are designed to be thin, the structure of each component will also be thin, resulting in insufficient rigidity of the components themselves, which will exacerbate the aforementioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the problems in the prior art, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a multiplier key button structure, wherein the outer bracket of the support mechanism has a reinforced structure, thereby improving the structural rigidity and operational stability of the support mechanism.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes a multiplier key structure, comprising a base plate, a keycap, and a support mechanism. The support mechanism vertically supports the keycap on the base plate and includes a first inner support, a second inner support, and an outer support. The first and second inner supports are connected to the base plate and the keycap. The outer support includes a reinforcing body and a connecting structure fixed to the reinforcing body. The elastic modulus of the reinforcing body is greater than the elastic modulus of the connecting structure. The reinforcing body has a first opening and a second opening, which are arranged along a rotation axis. The outer support is pivotally connected to the base plate, the keycap, the first inner support, and the second inner support around the rotation axis via the connecting structure. The first and second inner supports are located inside the first and second openings, respectively.

[0005] As an optional technical solution, the connection structure includes a first connection part and a second connection part, the first connection part and the second connection part do not contact each other, the first inner bracket is pivotally connected to the outer bracket via the first connection part, and the second inner bracket is pivotally connected to the outer bracket via the second connection part.

[0006] As an optional technical solution, the reinforced body extends along a plane and has a first bent edge that is inserted into the connecting structure and is not perpendicular to the plane.

[0007] As an optional technical solution, the first bent edge of the plate is located at the first opening.

[0008] As an optional technical solution, the reinforced body has a second bent edge, which is bent relative to the plane and inserted into the connecting structure. The first bent edge and the second bent edge extend in the same direction or extend away from each other.

[0009] As an optional technical solution, the support mechanism includes an intermediate bracket connected between the base plate and the keycap, the outer bracket and the intermediate bracket being pivotally connected to each other around the rotation axis, and the intermediate bracket being located between the first inner bracket and the second inner bracket.

[0010] As an optional technical solution, the reinforced body has a third opening, which is located between the first opening and the second opening, and the intermediate support is located inside the third opening.

[0011] As an optional technical solution, the outer bracket defines a side connection section on each side parallel to the rotation axis and a middle connection section between the two side connection sections. One of the two side connection sections includes the first opening, and the other of the two side connection sections includes the second opening. The outer bracket is connected to the base plate and the keycap via the two side connection sections and to the keycap via the middle connection section.

[0012] This invention proposes a multiplier key structure, comprising a base plate, keycaps, and a support mechanism. The support mechanism vertically supports the keycaps on the base plate and includes a first inner support and an outer support. The first inner support is connected to the base plate and the keycaps. The outer support includes a reinforcing body and a connecting structure fixed to the reinforcing body. The elastic modulus of the reinforcing body is greater than that of the connecting structure. The reinforcing body has a first opening. The outer support is pivotally connected to the base plate, the keycaps, and the first inner support about a rotation axis via the connecting structure. The first inner support is located inside the first opening. The reinforcing body extends along a plane and has a first bent edge. The first bent edge is inserted into the connecting structure and is not perpendicular to the plane.

[0013] As an optional technical solution, the first bent edge of the plate is located at the first opening.

[0014] As an optional technical solution, the reinforced body has a second bent edge, which is bent relative to the plane and inserted into the connecting structure. The first bent edge and the second bent edge extend in the same direction or extend away from each other.

[0015] As an optional technical solution, the support mechanism further includes a second inner support, the reinforcing body has a second opening, the first opening and the second opening are arranged along the rotation axis, the second inner support is pivotally connected to the inside of the second opening about the rotation axis, the support mechanism includes a middle support, wherein the middle support is connected between the base plate and the keycap, the outer support and the middle support are pivotally connected to each other about the rotation axis, and the middle support is located between the first inner support and the second inner support.

[0016] As an optional technical solution, the support mechanism further includes a second inner support, the reinforcing body has a second opening, the first opening and the second opening are arranged along the rotation axis, the second inner support is pivotally connected to the inside of the second opening around the rotation axis, the connection structure includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part, the first connecting part and the second connecting part do not contact each other, the first inner support is pivotally connected to the outer support via the first connecting part, and the second inner support is pivotally connected to the outer support via the second connecting part.

[0017] As an optional technical solution, the length-to-width ratio of the keycap is between 4.5 and 7.5.

[0018] As an optional technical solution, the elastic modulus of the first inner support is the same as that of the connecting structure.

[0019] As an optional technical solution, the reinforced body has a through hole, and the connecting structure fills the through hole.

[0020] As an optional technical solution, the connection structure is a polymer connection structure, and the reinforcing body is a metal plate.

[0021] This invention provides a multiplier key structure. By setting the outer support of the support mechanism to include a reinforcing body and a connecting structure fixed on the reinforcing body, the structural strength of the outer support is enhanced by the reinforcing body, thereby improving the structural rigidity and operational stability of the support mechanism and facilitating a thinner design.

[0022] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the multiplier key structure according to the first embodiment;

[0024] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded view of the structure of the middle multiple key, in which the supports of the supporting mechanism are shown in a coplanar manner to facilitate observation of the outline of each support structure;

[0025] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Exploded view of the central support structure;

[0026] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Exploded view of the Chinese and foreign stents;

[0027] Figure 5 for Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of XX along the Chinese and foreign support lines;

[0028] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of an example of edge variation in a reinforced body;

[0029] Figure 7 An exploded view of the multiplier key structure according to the second embodiment is shown, wherein the supports of the support mechanism are shown in a coplanar manner to facilitate observation of the outline of each support structure.

[0030] Figure 8 An exploded view of the multiplier key structure according to the third embodiment;

[0031] Figure 9 This is a partial exploded view of the multiplier key structure according to the fourth embodiment, wherein the supports of the support mechanism are shown in a coplanar manner to facilitate observation of the outline of each support structure. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To more clearly illustrate the present invention, the following description, in conjunction with preferred embodiments and accompanying drawings, further explains the invention. Similar components in the drawings are indicated by the same reference numerals. Those skilled in the art should understand that the specific description below is illustrative rather than restrictive and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] Please see Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the multiplier key structure according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded view of the structure of the middle multiple-number keys, showing the support mechanisms arranged coplanarly to facilitate observation of the outlines of each support structure. Figure 3 for Figure 2 An exploded view of the central support structure. (See attached image.) Figures 1 to 3As shown, the multiplier key structure 1 includes a base plate 10, a keycap 12, a support mechanism 14, a switch circuit board 16, and an elastic element 18. The keycap 12 extends longitudinally along the long side direction D1 (i.e., the direction parallel to the long side of the keycap 12, indicated by a double-headed arrow in the figure), thus the keycap 12 has a long and narrow structure; in this embodiment, the keycap 12 is rectangular, having a length and a width, with the length-to-width ratio between 4.5 and 7.5. The support mechanism 14 also extends longitudinally along the long side direction D1. The support mechanism 14 connects between the keycap 12 and the base plate 10 to support the keycap 12 on the base plate 10 in the vertical direction D2 (indicated by a double-headed arrow in the figure). The long side direction D1, the short side direction D3 (i.e., the direction parallel to the short side of the keycap 12), and the vertical direction D2 are perpendicular to each other. The switch circuit board 16 is stacked on the base plate 10, and the switch circuit board 16 has a switch 16a (indicated by a circle with a diagonal line in the figure). Figure 2 (In the middle); The switch circuit board 16 can be formed from, but is not limited to, a thin-film circuit board (which in practical applications has a three-layer structure, with switch circuits formed on the upper and lower layers and an insulating layer sandwiched between the upper and lower layers). An elastic element 18 is disposed on the switch circuit board 16 corresponding to the switch 16a and passes through the opening 140a of the support mechanism 14. The elastic element 18 can be, but is not limited to, a rubber protrusion. The keycap 12 can move up and down relative to the base plate 10 via the support mechanism 14. The keycap 12 can be pressed down to squeeze the elastic element 18, thereby triggering the switch 16a. The rebound force generated by the elastically deformed elastic element 18 can push the keycap 12 upwards back to its original position. Alternatively, in practical applications, elastic elements (passing through the openings 140b) can also be disposed on the switch circuit board 16 corresponding to the openings 140b on both sides of the support mechanism 14, which can also be squeezed by the keycap 12 to generate a rebound force to reset the keycap 12. Alternatively, the switch circuit board 16 can also have switches corresponding to these elastic elements for triggering.

[0034] In this embodiment, the support mechanism 14 includes an outer bracket 142, a first inner bracket 144, a second inner bracket 146, and an intermediate bracket 148. The outer bracket 142, the first inner bracket 144, the second inner bracket 146, and the intermediate bracket 148 are all pivotally connected to each other around a rotation axis 14a (shown as a chain in the figure), which is parallel to the long side direction D1. The intermediate bracket 148 is located between the first inner bracket 144 and the second inner bracket 146. The outer bracket 142, the first inner bracket 144, the second inner bracket 146, and the intermediate bracket 148 are respectively connected between the keycap 12 and the base plate 10. In this embodiment, the first inner bracket 144 and the second inner bracket 146 each form an opening 140b, and the intermediate bracket 148 forms an opening 140a.

[0035] Please see Figures 2 to 4 , Figure 4 for Figure 3 Exploded view of the internal and external support structures. (See attached image.) Figures 2 to 4As shown, the outer support 142 includes a reinforcing body 1422 and a connecting structure 1424 fixed to the reinforcing body 1422. The elastic modulus of the reinforcing body 1422 is greater than that of the connecting structure 1424. For example, the reinforcing body 1422 may be made of metal (e.g., but not limited to stainless steel, copper, etc.), while the connecting structure 1424 may be made of polymer (e.g., but not limited to thermoplastic plastic). Therefore, the outer support 142 can improve the overall structural strength by utilizing the larger elastic modulus of the reinforcing body 1422. In practical applications, the connection between the reinforcing body 1422 and the connecting structure 1424 can be achieved through injection molding. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first inner support 144, the second inner support 146, and the intermediate support 148 are made of the same material as the connecting structure 1424 of the outer support 142 (and therefore have the same elastic modulus), but this is not a limitation in practical applications.

[0036] The outer support 142 is pivotally connected to the base plate 10, keycap 12, first inner support 144, second inner support 146, and intermediate support 148 about the rotation axis 14a via the connecting structure 1424. The reinforcing body 1422 includes a first opening 1422a, a second opening 1422b, and an intermediate opening 1422c, which are arranged along the rotation axis 14a, with the intermediate opening 1422c located between the first opening 1422a and the second opening 1422b. The connecting structure 1424 covers the edges of the holes of the first opening 1422a, the second opening 1422b, and the intermediate opening 1422c. The first inner support 144, the second inner support 146, and the intermediate support 148 are located inside the first opening 1422a, the second opening 1422b, and the intermediate opening 1422c, respectively.

[0037] The outer support 142 defines two side connection sections 142a on both sides of the long side direction D1 (indicated by dashed boxes). Figure 3 In the middle), the outer support 142 also defines an intermediate connecting section 142b (represented by a dashed box) on the long side direction D1. Figure 3The outer bracket 142 is located between two side connection sections 142a along the long side direction D1. The first opening 1422a and the second opening 1422b are located within the side connection section 142a, and the middle opening 1422c is located within the middle connection section 142b. The outer bracket 142 is connected to the base plate 10 and the keycap 12 via the side connection sections 142a and the middle connection section 142b. Each side connection section 142a includes two base plate connection portions 142c and keycap connection portions 142d. The base plate connection portion 142c is connected to the connection portion 102 of the base plate 10, and the keycap connection portion 142d is connected to the connection portion 122 of the keycap 12. The middle connection section 142b includes two keycap connection portions 142e, which are connected to the connection portion 124 of the keycap 12. In practical applications, the number of base plate connecting parts 142c and keycap connecting parts 142d and 142e in each section 142a and 142b depends on the design and is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the sum of the number of base plate connecting parts 142c and keycap connecting parts 142d in the side connecting section 142a is greater than or equal to 3. As another example, the middle connecting section 142b also includes base plate connecting parts.

[0038] Furthermore, in the outer support 142, the reinforcing body 1422 is plate-shaped and extends along a plane (corresponding to the plane where the main body of the reinforcing body 1422 is located), occupying more than 80% of the projected area of ​​the outer support 142 (e.g., the projection on this plane). This structural configuration can improve the contribution of the reinforcing body 1422 to the structural strength of the outer support 142. On the other hand, although the outer support 142 is arranged around the first inner support 144, the second inner support 146, and the intermediate support 148, the outer support 142 also has structures between the first inner support 144 and the intermediate support 148, and between the intermediate support 148 and the second inner support 146, which can also improve the structural strength of the outer support 142.

[0039] In addition, please see Figures 3 to 5 , Figure 5 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the XX section along the Chinese and foreign support lines. (See attached image.) Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the reinforcing body 1422 has bent edges at multiple structural edges, which increases the structural strength of the reinforcing body 1422 itself and also facilitates the connection between the reinforcing body 1422 and the connecting structure 1424. Taking the first opening 1422a as an example, the reinforcing body 1422 has a first bent edge 1422d, located inside the first opening 1422a (i.e., the edge of the hole in the first opening 1422a); the reinforcing body 1422 also has a second bent edge 1422e, located outside the first opening 1422a (i.e., the outer edge of the connecting section 142a on the corresponding side of the reinforcing body 1422). The first bent edge 1422d and the second bent edge 1422e are relative to plane P1 (i.e., the plane in which the reinforcing body 1422 extends as a whole, at...) Figure 5 (Represented by a horizontal chain line) bends and inserts into connecting structure 1424 (or connecting structure 1424 covers the first bent edge 1422d and the second bent edge 1422e). For example... Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the first bent edge 1422d and the second bent edge 1422e extend obliquely relative to the reinforcing body 1422, that is, relative to the plane P1 and its normal D3 (indicated by the arrow). Figure 5 The first bent edge 1422d and the second bent edge 1422e extend obliquely (i.e., they are not perpendicular to plane P1). Because the first bent edge 1422d and the second bent edge 1422e do not extend perpendicular to plane P1, the connecting structure 1424 can provide structural constraints in multiple directions on the reinforcing body 1422 (along with the first bent edge 1422d and the second bent edge 1422e), so that, in principle, unless the structure breaks the connecting structure 1424, the reinforcing body 1422 will not separate from the connecting structure 1424. Conversely, if the first bent edge 1422d and the second bent edge 1422e extend perpendicular to plane P1, then... Figure 5 From the perspective of the connection structure 1424, there is a lack of a structure that directly prevents the reinforced body 1422 from detaching upwards.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first bent edge 1422d and the second bent edge 1422e extend in the same direction; however, this is not a limitation in practical applications. For example, please refer to... Figure 6 , Figure 6 for Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of an example of edge variation in a reinforced body. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the first bent edge 1422d is repositioned outside the first opening 1422a (i.e., on the other side of the reinforcing body 1422 opposite to the second bent edge 1422e) and is represented by a third bent edge 1422f, such that the third bent edge 1422f extends away from the second bent edge 1422e. This structural configuration further helps prevent the reinforcing body 1422 from separating from the connecting structure 1424. Additionally, in this embodiment, in practical applications, the reinforcing body 1422 may also have at least one through hole 1422g (indicated by dashed lines). Figure 2 (In the middle), the connecting structure 1424 fills the through hole 1422g. This structural configuration is beneficial to strengthening the connection between the body 1422 and the connecting structure 1424.

[0041] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3The first inner support 144, the second inner support 146, and the intermediate support 148 are respectively connected to the corresponding connecting portions 104 on the base plate 10, and are also respectively connected to the corresponding connecting portions 126 on the keycap 12. In this embodiment, the base plate 10 can be a metal plate (e.g., manufactured using a stamping process), and the connecting structure 1424 of the first inner support 144, the second inner support 146, the intermediate support 148, and the outer support 142 can be a polymer (e.g., thermoplastic plastic, manufactured using an injection molding process). Therefore, the connecting structure 1424 of the first inner support 144, the second inner support 146, the intermediate support 148, and the outer support 142 is softer than the connecting portions 102 / 104 of the base plate 10, and in principle, no obvious noise will be produced when the two slide, rotate, or rub against each other. In addition, the keycap 12 can be made of polymer (e.g., thermoplastic plastic). Therefore, the connection structure 1424 of the first inner support 144, the second inner support 146, the middle support 148 and the outer support 142 is made of the same material as the keycap 12, so that when the two slide, rotate or rub against each other, no obvious noise will be produced in principle.

[0042] Please see Figure 2 In the multiplier key structure 1, the connecting portion 122 (connected to the outer support 142) and connecting portions 124 and 126 (connected to the intermediate support 148 and the first inner support 144 and the second inner support 146) of the keycap 12 are all located near the key skirt. Therefore, in the vertical direction D2, the outline of the support mechanism 14 is only slightly smaller than the outline of the keycap 12, allowing the support mechanism 14 to support the keycap 12 more stably. This structural configuration also helps the support mechanism 14 transmit the movement of the keycap 12 in the long side direction D1, that is, improves the horizontality of the keycap 12 when moving up and down. In addition, although the reinforcing body 1422 is a plate in this embodiment, it is not limited to this in actual applications. For example, the reinforcing body 1422 can be formed by at least one rod or a combination of rod and plate, which can achieve the effect of improving the structural strength of the outer support 142.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connecting structure 1424 of the outer support 142 is a single structural component, but this is not a limitation in practical applications. For example, please refer to... Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the multiplier key structure according to the second embodiment, wherein the supports of the support mechanism are shown in a coplanar arrangement to facilitate observation of the outline of each support structure. Figure 7As shown, the multiplier key structure 1a is similar in structure to the aforementioned multiplier key structure 1, and in principle, multiplier key structure 1a uses the same component symbols as multiplier key structure 1. For other descriptions of the components of multiplier key structure 1a, please refer to the relevant descriptions of the components with the same names and their variations in multiplier key structure 1, which will not be repeated here. The main difference between multiplier key structure 1a and multiplier key structure 1 is that in multiplier key structure 1a, the connection structure of the outer bracket 142' of the support mechanism 14' is a collection of three separate structures. The connection structure of the outer bracket 142' includes a first part 1425a, a second part 1425b, and a middle part 1425c, which are arranged at intervals along the rotation axis 14a, corresponding to the first inner bracket 144, the second inner bracket 146, and the middle bracket 148. In practical applications, the connection structure can be further reduced in size to be sufficient to connect with other components (such as base plate 10, keycap 12, first inner support 144, second inner support 146 and intermediate support 148); at this time, the connection structure will be a collection of more structures.

[0044] Additionally, in the multiplier key structures 1 and 1a, the support mechanisms 14 and 14' include an intermediate support 148, but this is not a limitation in practical applications. For example, please refer to... Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the multiplier key structure according to the third embodiment. Figure 8 As shown, the multiplier key structure 1b is similar in structure to the aforementioned multiplier key structure 1, and in principle, it uses the same component symbols as the multiplier key structure 1. For further explanation of the components in multiplier key structure 1b, please refer to the relevant explanations of the components with the same names and their variations in multiplier key structure 1, which will not be repeated here. The main difference between multiplier key structure 1b and multiplier key structure 1 is that the support mechanism 14" of multiplier key structure 1b includes a first intermediate support 148a and a second intermediate support 148b. For another example, please refer to... Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is a partial exploded view of the multiplier key structure according to the fourth embodiment, wherein the supports of the support mechanism are shown in a coplanar arrangement to facilitate observation of the outline of each support structure. Figure 9 As shown, the multiplier key structure 1c is similar in structure to the aforementioned multiplier key structure 1, and in principle, it uses the same component symbols as the multiplier key structure 1. For further explanation of the components in multiplier key structure 1c, please refer to the relevant explanations of the components with the same names and their variations in multiplier key structure 1, which will not be repeated here. The main difference between multiplier key structure 1c and multiplier key structure 1 is that the support mechanism 14"' of multiplier key structure 1c does not have an intermediate support.

[0045] In summary, in the multiple-key structures 1, 1a, 1b, and 1c, the support mechanism 14 enhances structural rigidity by reinforcing the body 1422, thereby improving the operational stability of the multiple-key structures 1, 1a, 1b, and 1c. The support mechanism 14 extends parallel to the long side direction D1, providing significant horizontal stability support for elongated keycaps (such as keycap 12). This ensures that when a corner of keycap 12 is pressed, the support mechanism 14 can reliably transmit the pressing force along the long side direction D1 to the other end of the long side of keycap 12, allowing both ends of the long side of keycap 12 to descend synchronously at approximately the same height. Therefore, in practical applications, keycap 12 can move smoothly up and down relative to the base plate 10 without the need for a stabilizer bar. Compared to existing key structure designs that require a stabilizer bar in addition to the lifting mechanism, the multiple-key structures 1, 1a, 1b, and 1c use fewer supports, simplifying the assembly process and increasing production speed. Furthermore, in the multiple key button structures 1, 1a, 1b, and 1c, the structurally reinforced outer supports 142 and 142' do not require increasing the thickness to improve structural rigidity, so the multiple key button structures 1, 1a, 1b, and 1c are also suitable for thin design.

[0046] In summary, this invention provides a multiplier key structure. By configuring the outer support of the support mechanism as including a reinforcing body and a connecting structure fixed to the reinforcing body, the reinforcing body strengthens the structural strength of the outer support, improving the structural rigidity and operational stability of the support mechanism while facilitating a thinner design. Obviously, the above embodiments of this invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the invention and are not intended to limit the implementation of the invention. For those skilled in the art, other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is impossible to exhaustively list all embodiments here. All obvious variations or modifications derived from the technical solutions of this invention are still within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A multiplier key structure, characterized in that... Include: Base plate; Keycaps; and A support mechanism that vertically supports the keycap on the base plate, the support mechanism comprising: The first inner bracket is connected to the base plate and the keycap; The second inner support is connected to the base plate and the keycap; and An outer support includes a reinforcing body and a connecting structure fixed to the reinforcing body. The elastic modulus of the reinforcing body is greater than that of the connecting structure. The reinforcing body has a first opening and a second opening, which are arranged along a rotation axis. The outer support is pivotally connected to the base plate, the keycap, the first inner support, and the second inner support around the rotation axis via the connecting structure. The first inner support and the second inner support are located inside the first opening and the second opening, respectively. The connecting structure is a polymer connecting structure, the reinforcing body is a metal plate, the reinforcing body extends along a plane, the reinforcing body has a first bent edge, the first bent edge is inserted into the connecting structure and is not perpendicular to the plane.

2. The multiplier key structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The connection structure includes a first connection part and a second connection part, which do not contact each other. The first inner support is pivotally connected to the outer support via the first connection part, and the second inner support is pivotally connected to the outer support via the second connection part.

3. The multiplier key structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first bend in the plate edge is located at the first opening.

4. The multiplier key structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The reinforced body has a second bent edge that bends relative to the plane and is inserted into the connecting structure. The first bent edge and the second bent edge extend in the same direction or extend away from each other.

5. The multiplier key structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The support mechanism includes an intermediate bracket connected between the base plate and the keycap, an outer bracket and the intermediate bracket pivotally connected to each other about the rotation axis, and the intermediate bracket is located between the first inner bracket and the second inner bracket.

6. The multiplier key structure as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The reinforced body has a third opening located between the first opening and the second opening, and the intermediate support is located inside the third opening.

7. The multiplier key structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer bracket defines a side connection section on each side parallel to the rotation axis and a middle connection section between the two side connection sections. One of the two side connection sections includes the first opening, and the other of the two side connection sections includes the second opening. The outer bracket is connected to the base plate and the keycap via the two side connection sections and to the keycap via the middle connection section.

8. A multiplier key structure, characterized in that... Include: Base plate; Keycaps; and A support mechanism that vertically supports the keycap on the base plate, the support mechanism comprising: The first inner support is connected to the base plate and the keycap; and An outer support includes a reinforcing body and a connecting structure fixed to the reinforcing body. The elastic modulus of the reinforcing body is greater than that of the connecting structure. The reinforcing body has a first opening. The outer support is pivotally connected to the base plate, the keycap, and the first inner support about a rotation axis via the connecting structure. The first inner support is located inside the first opening. The connecting structure is a polymer connecting structure. The reinforcing body is a metal plate. The reinforcing body extends along a plane as a whole. The reinforcing body has a first bent edge. The first bent edge is inserted into the connecting structure and is not perpendicular to the plane.

9. The multiplier key structure as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The first bend in the plate edge is located at the first opening.

10. The multiplier key structure as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The reinforced body has a second bent edge that bends relative to the plane and is inserted into the connecting structure. The first bent edge and the second bent edge extend in the same direction or extend away from each other.

11. The multiplier key structure as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The support mechanism also includes a second inner support, the reinforcing body has a second opening, the first opening and the second opening are arranged along the rotation axis, the second inner support is pivotally connected to the inside of the second opening about the rotation axis, the support mechanism includes a middle support, wherein the middle support is connected between the base plate and the keycap, the outer support and the middle support are pivotally connected to each other about the rotation axis, and the middle support is located between the first inner support and the second inner support.

12. The multiplier key structure as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The support mechanism also includes a second inner support, the reinforcing body has a second opening, the first opening and the second opening are arranged along the rotation axis, the second inner support is pivotally connected to the inside of the second opening about the rotation axis, the connection structure includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part, the first connecting part and the second connecting part do not contact each other, the first inner support is pivotally connected to the outer support via the first connecting part, and the second inner support is pivotally connected to the outer support via the second connecting part.

13. The multiplier key structure as described in claim 1 or 8, characterized in that, The length-to-width ratio of this keycap is between 4.5 and 7.

5.

14. The multiplier key structure as described in claim 1 or 8, characterized in that, The elastic modulus of the first inner support is the same as that of the connecting structure.

15. The multiplier key structure as described in claim 1 or 8, characterized in that, The reinforced body has a through hole, and the connecting structure fills the through hole.

Citation Information

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