Key structure

Abstract

The invention discloses a key structure. The key structure comprises a key cap, a bottom plate, at least one bracket and a circuit board, the bottom plate and the key cap are oppositely arranged, and the bottom plate comprises at least one through hole located below the key cap. The support is rotatably connected between the key cap and the bottom plate. The support lies flat along with the descending of the key cap to the lowest position and stands obliquely along with the ascending of the key cap, and the support comprises at least one abutting part and at least one lower protruding part. The circuit board is located between the key cap and the bottom plate, the circuit board is provided with at least one opening and at least one extending part, and the at least one extending part extends in parallel with the bottom plate and overlaps with the at least one through hole of the bottom plate. When the key cap reaches the lowest position, the extending part of the circuit board and the abutting part of the support are at least partially overlapped, and the lower protruding part of the support at least partially enters the at least one opening of the circuit board.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an input device, and in particular to a key structure. Background Art

[0002] The keyboard is a commonly used manual input device. In order to allow users to use the keyboard flexibly, the bottom of the keycap is supported on the base plate with a scissor foot structure so that the keycap can move relative to the base plate. The scissor foot structure of a traditional key is buckled to the hook of the base plate. When the user presses the key, the scissor foot structure will directly collide with the base plate, causing loud noise and vibration, thereby affecting the quietness of the operation. In addition, the thin film circuit board is provided with multiple openings so that the scissor foot structure can be buckled to the hook of the base plate. The position and size of the opening will affect the space for the wiring of the thin film circuit board. Therefore, how to increase the noise reduction effect without affecting the opening design is one of the development goals of the design industry of related institutions. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a key structure, which has the effect of increasing noise reduction and further increases the space for wiring.

[0004] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention provides a key structure, including a keycap, a base plate, at least one bracket and a circuit board, the base plate is arranged opposite to the keycap, the base plate includes at least one through hole, and the at least one through hole is located below the keycap; the at least one bracket is rotatably connected between the keycap and the base plate, the at least one bracket lies flat as the keycap descends to the lowest position, and stands up tilted as the keycap rises, the at least one bracket includes at least one abutment portion and at least one lower protrusion; the circuit board is located between the keycap and the base plate, the circuit board has at least one opening and at least one extension portion, the at least one extension portion extends parallel to the base plate, and the at least one extension portion at least partially overlaps with the corresponding through hole on the base plate; wherein, when the keycap reaches the lowest position, the at least one extension portion at least partially overlaps with the corresponding abutment portion, and the at least one lower protrusion at least partially enters the corresponding opening.

[0005] As an optional technical solution, the at least one extension portion is located between the corresponding lower protrusion and the hole edge of the corresponding through hole.

[0006] As an optional technical solution, the circuit board includes a conductor, the edges of the at least one extension portion each include an edge sealing area, and the hole edge of the at least one through hole is at least partially located between the corresponding edge sealing area and the conductor.

[0007] As an optional technical solution, the edges of the at least one extension portion each include an edge sealing area, and a section of each edge sealing area that overlaps with the corresponding through hole exceeds 50% of the edge sealing area.

[0008] As an optional technical solution, the edges of the at least one extension portion each have a sealed edge region, and a portion of each sealed edge region corresponding to the through hole at least partially overlaps with the corresponding bracket.

[0009] As an optional technical solution, when the key cap reaches the lowest position, the at least one extension portion is located between the lower surface of the corresponding abutment portion and the lower surface of the corresponding lower protrusion.

[0010] As an optional technical solution, when the key cap reaches the lowest position, the at least one extension portion is located between the lower surface of the corresponding abutment portion and the upper surface of the base plate.

[0011] As an optional technical solution, the at least one abutment portion and the corresponding lower protrusion are located on the bottom side of the side arm of the at least one bracket; or, the at least one abutment portion and the corresponding lower protrusion are located on the bottom side of the upper end of the at least one bracket.

[0012] As an optional technical solution, the at least one abutting portion and the corresponding lower protrusion are arranged in parallel and extend in the same direction.

[0013] As an optional technical solution, the at least one bracket has a corner, the at least one extension portion has a corresponding flange, and the flange overlaps with the corner.

[0014] As an optional technical solution, the corner has an axial hole, and the flange overlaps with the axial hole.

[0015] As an optional technical solution, the at least one extending portion is perpendicular to the corresponding abutting portion.

[0016] As an optional technical solution, the bottom plate further includes a through hole, which is located outside the at least one through hole, and the hole edge of the at least one through hole is located between the corresponding extension portion and the through hole.

[0017] As an optional technical solution, the circuit board further includes a wire, and the wire is located between the corresponding extension portion and the through hole.

[0018] As an optional technical solution, the through hole passes through the circuit board and the base plate, and the through hole at least partially exceeds the keycap.

[0019] The present invention also proposes another key structure, including two adjacent keycaps, a base plate, at least two brackets and a circuit board, wherein the base plate is arranged opposite to the two keycaps, and the base plate includes at least two adjacent through holes, and the two through holes are respectively located under the two adjacent keycaps; the at least two brackets are movably connected between the two keycaps and the base plate, respectively, to support the two keycaps to rise and fall in the vertical direction respectively; the circuit board is located between the two keycaps and the base plate, and the circuit board has an extension portion and an opening, and the extension portion and the opening are respectively located under the two adjacent keycaps, the extension portion at least partially overlaps with one of the two through holes, and the opening at least partially overlaps with the other of the two through holes; wherein one of the two brackets at least partially overlaps with the extension portion in the vertical direction, and at the same time, the other of the two brackets does not interfere with the edge of the opening at least partially in the vertical direction.

[0020] As an optional technical solution, the opening has a mouth edge adjacent to the extension portion, the through hole corresponding to the opening has a hole edge, and the mouth edge of the opening and the hole edge of the through hole are close to each other.

[0021] As an optional technical solution, the first upper end of one of the at least two brackets at least partially overlaps with the extension portion in the vertical direction.

[0022] As an optional technical solution, the first lower end of one of the at least two brackets does not interfere with the edge of the opening at least partially in the vertical direction.

[0023] The present invention also proposes another key structure, including a keycap, a base plate, at least one bracket and a circuit board, the base plate is arranged opposite to the keycap, the base plate includes at least one through hole, the at least one through hole is located below the keycap, the base plate also includes a through hole, the through hole is located on the outside of the through hole; the at least one bracket is rotatably connected between the keycap and the base plate, the at least one bracket can support the keycap to descend to the lowest position and lie flat, and can support the keycap to rise and stand tilted, the at least one bracket includes at least one abutment portion and at least one lower protrusion; the circuit board is located between the keycap and the base plate, the circuit board has at least one opening and at least one extension portion, the at least one extension portion is located on one side of the corresponding opening, and at least partially overlaps with the corresponding through hole; wherein the at least one extension portion is arranged so that the hole edge of the corresponding through hole is located between the at least one extension portion and the through hole.

[0024] As an optional technical solution, the circuit board further includes a conductive wire, and the conductive wire is located between the at least one extension portion and the through hole.

[0025] As an optional technical solution, the through hole at least partially extends beyond the keycap.

[0026] The present invention provides a key structure, which has a buffer structure (i.e., an extension of a circuit board) for slowing down the impact of a bracket on a bottom plate, and utilizes the elastic properties of the insulating material of the circuit board to achieve the effect of buffering and reducing noise. In addition, the key structure of the present invention can also increase the space for routing the circuit board (i.e., the extension of the circuit board), and utilize the upper and lower overlapping parts of at least one through hole of the circuit board and the bottom plate (i.e., the extension of the circuit board) as an edge sealing area or additional space to increase the area utilization rate of the circuit board.

[0027] The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but is not intended to limit the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1A FIG. 4 is an exploded schematic diagram of a key structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 1B A top view of a key structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0030] Figure 1C A schematic diagram illustrating a circuit board disposed on a base plate according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0031] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B Draw according to Figure 1B A schematic cross-sectional view of the key structure of the embodiment along line 2A and line 2B when the key structure is pressed down.

[0032] Figure 2C to Figure 2D Draw according to Figure 1B The cross-sectional diagram of the key structure of the embodiment in FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a cross-section along line 2C when the key structure is not pressed and when pressed.

[0033] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a key structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0034] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a key structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Implementation

[0035] In order to provide a further understanding of the purpose, structure, features and functions of the present invention, the following detailed description is given in conjunction with the embodiments.

[0036] In one embodiment of the present invention, a key structure for reducing noise is provided, wherein when the keycap is pressed and moves to the lowest position, the bracket buckled under the keycap can lie flat as the keycap descends to the lowest position. Since a part of the bracket extends parallel to the bottom plate to form a support portion, the support portion overlaps at least partially with at least one extension portion of the circuit board, and the support portion overlaps with the through hole of the bottom plate up and down, so that the bracket will not hit the bottom plate or other components below and generate noise during the movement process. In addition, another part of the bracket extends perpendicular to the bottom plate to form a lower protrusion, the lower protrusion overlaps with the through hole of the bottom plate up and down, and when the keycap reaches the lowest position, the lower protrusion can partially enter the through hole of the bottom plate, so that the bracket has a larger descending space to be accommodated therein or move to a lower position during the pressing process, reducing the bracket from hitting the bottom plate or other components below and generating noise during the movement process. Therefore, the embodiment of the present invention has a buffer structure (i.e., the extension portion of the circuit board) to slow down the bracket from hitting the bottom plate, and the elastic properties of the insulating material of the circuit board are used to achieve the effect of buffering and reducing noise. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can also increase the space for routing the circuit board (i.e., the extended portion of the circuit board), and utilize the upper and lower overlapping portion of at least one through hole of the circuit board and the base plate (i.e., the extended portion of the circuit board) as an edge sealing area or additional space to increase the area utilization of the circuit board.

[0037] Please refer to Figures 1A to 1C , which respectively illustrate an exploded schematic diagram, a top view and a schematic diagram of a key structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a circuit board 120 is disposed on a bottom plate 110. The key structure 100 includes a bottom plate 110, a circuit board 120, a key cap 130, an elastic body 140 and at least one bracket (i.e., a first bracket 150 and / or a second bracket 160, and in this embodiment, both the first bracket 150 and the second bracket 160 are included, but not limited thereto). The bottom plate 110 and the key cap 130 are disposed opposite to each other, and the circuit board 120 (e.g., a film circuit board) is located between the key cap 130 and the bottom plate 110. The elastic body 140 is disposed between the circuit board 120 and the key cap 130 to support the key cap 130. The elastic body 140 deforms when the key cap 130 is pressed and can make the key cap 130 rise from a lower position to a higher position by restoring the deformation when the key cap 130 is released. The first bracket 150 and the second bracket 160 are disposed between the keycap 130 and the bottom plate 110. The first bracket 150 and the second bracket 160 are connected by a rotating shaft to form a scissor leg structure. The first bracket 150 and the second bracket 160 are rotatably connected between the keycap 130 and the bottom plate 110. The first bracket 150 and the second bracket 160 can support the keycap 130 and lie flat when the keycap 130 is lowered to the lowest position (such as Figures 2A to 2B As shown), and can support the key cap 130 to rise and stand at an angle (as shown Figure 2C shown).

[0038] The bottom plate 110 includes a rib frame 1101, a plurality of ribs 1102 and 1103, an intermediate support portion 111, at least one hook (i.e., a first hook 112 and / or a second hook 113), and at least one through hole (i.e., a first through hole 114 and / or a second through hole 115. In this embodiment, the at least one through hole includes a pair of first through holes 114 and a pair of second through holes 115, which are respectively located on opposite sides of the ribs 1102 and 1103, but the present invention is not limited thereto). One end of the plurality of ribs 1102 and 1103 is connected to the intermediate support portion 111, and the other end is connected to the outer rib frame 1101, so as to support the intermediate support portion 111 in the rib frame 1101 and define the position and size of the at least one through hole.

[0039] The first through hole 114 and the second through hole 115 are hollow areas between the middle support portion 111 and the rib frame 1101. The first hook 112 is formed by the rib frame 1101 extending into the first through hole 114. The first hook 112 is vertically disposed upwardly to the bottom plate 110. The bottom plate 110 may also be provided with an auxiliary positioning member 1121 on the opposite side of the first hook 112. The auxiliary positioning member 1121 is formed by the rib 1102 extending into the first through hole 114. The auxiliary positioning member 1121 is vertically disposed upwardly to the bottom plate 110, so that one end of the first bracket 150 (bottom plate end 156) can be slidably positioned between the first hook 112 and the auxiliary positioning member 1121. In this embodiment, a pair of first hooks 112 and a pair of auxiliary positioning members 1121 are disposed on the bottom plate 110, and the pair of auxiliary positioning members 1121 are located between the pair of first hooks 112. In addition, the second hook 113 includes a pair of second hooks 113, which are respectively formed by extending from opposite sides of the rib 1103 to the second through hole 115, and the second hook 113 is vertically disposed upwardly with respect to the bottom plate 110, so that one end (bottom plate end 164) of the second bracket 160 can be slidably positioned in the second hook 113. The first through hole 114 and the second through hole 115 are mainly used to make way when the key cap 130 moves downward, and also to prevent the downward protruding part of the key cap 130 and / or the first bracket 150 and the second bracket 160 from hitting the bottom plate 110 or other components when the key cap 130 moves downward, thereby generating noise.

[0040] The circuit board 120 is disposed on the base plate 110, and the circuit board 120 includes a trigger portion 1201, at least one opening (i.e., a first opening 121 and / or a second opening 122. In the present embodiment, the at least one opening includes a pair of first openings 121 and a pair of second openings 122, but is not limited thereto) and at least one extension portion (i.e., a first extension portion 123, a second extension portion 124 and / or a third extension portion 125).

[0041] like Figure 1CAs shown, the first extension portion 123 extends from the edge 121a of the first opening 121 in a direction away from the first opening 121, and the first extension portion 123 extends parallel to the bottom plate 110 and at least partially overlaps with the first through hole 114 of the bottom plate 110. In this way, the first extension portion 123 is located between the first hook 112 and the hole edge 114a of the first through hole 114 (for example Figure 1C In addition, the second extension portion 124 extends from the edge 122a of the second opening 122 toward a direction away from the second opening 122, and the second extension portion 124 extends parallel to the bottom plate 110 and at least partially overlaps with the second through hole 115 of the bottom plate 110. In this way, the second extension portion 124 is located between the second hook 113 and the hole edge 115a of the second through hole 115 (for example Figure 1C In addition, the third extension portion 125 extends from the edge 122a of the second opening 122 toward a direction away from the second opening 122, and the third extension portion 125 extends parallel to the bottom plate 110 and at least partially overlaps with the second through hole 115 of the bottom plate 110. In this way, the third extension portion 125 is located between the second hook 113 and the hole edge 115a of the second through hole 115 (for example Figure 1C In one embodiment, the first extension portion 123 is formed by extending from at least the edge 121a of the first opening 121 along the X-axis direction toward the opposite sides away from the first opening 121, so that the first extension portion 123 includes at least two portions located on both sides of the first opening 121 along the X-axis direction. The second extension portion 124 is formed by extending from at least the edge 122a of the second opening 122 along the X-axis direction away from the opposite sides of the second opening 122, so that the second extension portion 124 includes at least two portions located on both sides of the second opening 122 along the X-axis direction. The third extension portion 125 is formed by extending from 122a of the second opening 122 along the Y-axis direction away from the opposite sides of the second opening 122, so that the third extension portion 125 includes at least two portions located on both sides of the second opening 122 along the Y-axis direction, but is not limited thereto.

[0042] Please refer to Figure 1A , the middle support portion 111 is arranged opposite to the trigger portion 1201 of the circuit board 120. That is to say, the trigger portion 1201 of the circuit board 120 is located on the middle support portion 111 of the base plate 110, and the elastic body 140 is arranged on the trigger portion 1201 of the circuit board 120. The trigger portion 1201 is, for example, composed of two electrical contacts separated by a predetermined distance. When the keycap 130 is located at a higher position (not pressed), the two electrical contacts are far apart and not conductive. When the keycap 130 is pressed and drops to a lower position, the two electrical contacts are close and conductive to trigger the electronic signal corresponding to the pressed position. This electronic signal can be transmitted to an external control circuit via the circuit board 120 to output a key command.

[0043] In this embodiment, the first bracket 150 is, for example, an outer frame, and the first bracket 150 includes an axial hole 155, a first bottom plate end 156, a first keycap end 157 and two first bracket side arms 158. The axial hole 155 is located between the first keycap end 157 and the first bottom plate end 156. The first keycap end 157 is pivotally connected to the keycap 130. The first bottom plate end 156 is movably connected to the first hook 112. The two first bracket side arms 158 are connected between the first keycap end 157 and the first bottom plate end 156. The second bracket 160 is, for example, an inner frame, and the second bracket 160 includes a convex shaft 163, a second bottom plate end 164, a second keycap end 165 and two second bracket side arms 166. The convex shaft 163 is located between the second keycap end 165 and the second bottom plate end 164 and can be set in the shaft hole 155 of the first bracket 150. The second keycap end 165 is pivotally connected to the keycap 130, the second bottom plate end 164 is movably connected to the second hook 113, and the two second bracket side arms 166 are connected between the second keycap end 165 and the second bottom plate end 164.

[0044] Please refer to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D ,in FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B Draw according to Figure 1B A schematic cross-sectional view of the key structure of the embodiment of FIG. 1 along line 2A and line 2B when the key structure is pressed down, Figure 2C to Figure 2D Draw according to Figure 1B The schematic cross-sectional view of the key structure 100 of the embodiment in FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view along line 2C when the key structure 100 is not pressed and when the key structure 100 is pressed. Figure 2A In the cross section near the rotation axis, it can be seen that the first extension portion 123 extends parallel to the bottom plate 110 and at least partially overlaps with the first through hole 114 of the bottom plate 110. Each first bracket side arm 158 includes a first abutting portion 151 and a first lower protrusion 152. The first abutting portion 151 is located on the outside of the first lower protrusion 152 (that is, in comparison, the first abutting portion 151 is closer to the outer edge of the keycap 130). The first abutting portion 151 and the first lower protrusion 152 are located on the bottom side of the first bracket side arm 158 (that is, on the side facing the bottom plate 110), and the first abutting portion 151 and the first lower protrusion 152 are arranged side by side and extend in the same direction. When the keycap 130 is pressed to the lowest position, as shown in FIG. Figure 2A As shown, the first abutting portion 151 at least partially overlaps with the first extending portion 123, and the first lower protrusion 152 at least partially enters the first through hole 114 of the circuit board 120. At this time, part of the first extending portion 123 (the first extending portion 123 located on one side of the first opening 121) is located between the first lower protrusion 152 and the hole edge 114a of the first through hole 114.

[0045] In addition, each second bracket side arm 166 includes a second abutting portion 161 and a second lower protrusion 162, the second abutting portion 161 is located on the inner side of the second lower protrusion 162 (that is, the second abutting portion 161 is closer to the outer edge of the keycap 130 in comparison), and the second abutting portion 161 and the second lower protrusion 162 are located on the bottom side of the second bracket side arm 166 (that is, on the side facing the bottom plate 110), and the second abutting portion 161 and the second lower protrusion 162 are arranged side by side and extend in the same direction. When the keycap 130 is pressed down to the lowest position, as shown in FIG. Figure 2A As shown, the second abutting portion 161 at least partially overlaps with the first extending portion 123, and the second lower protrusion 162 at least partially enters the first through hole 114 of the circuit board 120. At this time, part of the first extending portion 123 (the first extending portion 123 located on the other side of the first opening 121) is located between the second lower protrusion 162 and the hole edge 114a of the first through hole 114.

[0046] In addition, Figure 2A In the embodiment, the circuit board 120 may include a conductive wire 126, and the edge of the first extension portion 123 (for example, starting from the edge 121a of the first opening 121) may include at least one edge sealing area (i.e., the first edge sealing area 123a), and the first edge sealing area 123a is an area sealed with a sealing glue to prevent moisture from entering. The hole edge 114a of the first through hole 114 of the bottom plate 110 is at least partially located between the first edge sealing area 123a and the conductive wire 126. Since the first extension portion 123 extends toward the first through hole 114 (or the first extension portion 123 and the first through hole 114 at least partially overlap), it is not aligned with the hole edge 114a of the first through hole 114. As a part of the circuit board 120, the first extension portion 123 can be used to design circuit routing, so the circuit board 120 can reserve routing space for the conductive wire 126 at or near the first extension portion 123 to increase the wiring area. In one embodiment, the overlapped section of the first edge-sealed area 123a and the first through hole 114 exceeds a predetermined value, for example, 50% of the area of ​​the first edge-sealed area 123a. That is, the section of the first through hole 114 of the base plate 110 corresponding to the first edge-sealed area 123a overlaps with the first through hole 114 by more than 50%, and the width of the first edge-sealed area 123a is about 0.5 mm or about 5% of the side length of the keycap 130. In addition, since the first extension 123 extends toward the first through hole 114 (or the first extension 123 and the first through hole 114 at least partially overlap), the first edge-sealed area 123a is correspondingly located below the first abutting portion 151. In this way, the portion of the first extension 123 corresponding to the first through hole 114 overlaps at least partially with the first bracket 150, so that when the keycap 130 moves downward to the lowest position, the first abutting portion 151 can interfere with the first edge-sealed area 123a, thereby preventing the first abutting portion 151 from hitting other components and reducing noise.

[0047] In addition, Figure 2A In the embodiment, when the keycap 130 reaches the lowest position, since the first lower protrusion 152 at least partially enters the first through hole 114 of the circuit board 120, the first extension 123 is located between the lower surface 151a of the first abutting portion 151 and the lower surface 152a of the first lower protrusion 152 in the direction perpendicular to the keycap 130. In other words, when the keycap 130 reaches the lowest position, the first extension 123 is located between the lower surface 151a of the first abutting portion 151 and the upper surface 110a of the bottom plate 110. In this way, the first abutting portion 151 is prevented from directly hitting the bottom plate 110 by the blocking of the first extension 123, thereby reducing noise.

[0048] exist Figure 2B In the cross section near the second hook 113, it can be seen that the second extension portion 124 extends parallel to the bottom plate 110 and at least partially overlaps with the second through hole 115 of the bottom plate 110. When the key cap 130 is pressed to the lowest position, the first abutting portion 151 at least partially overlaps with a portion of the second extension portion 124, and the first lower protrusion 152 at least partially enters the second through hole 115 of the circuit board 120. In other words, a portion of the second extension portion 124 is located between the first lower protrusion 152 and the hole edge 115a of the second through hole 115.

[0049] In addition, Figure 2BIn the embodiment, the circuit board 120 may include a conductive wire 127, and the edge of the second extension portion 124 (for example, starting from the edge 122a of the second opening 122) may include at least one edge sealing area (i.e., the second edge sealing area 124a), and the second edge sealing area 124a is an area sealed with a sealing glue to prevent moisture from entering. The hole edge 115a of the second through hole 115 of the bottom plate 110 is at least partially located between the second edge sealing area 124a and the conductive wire 127. Since the second extension portion 124 extends toward the second through hole 115 (or the second extension portion 124 and the second through hole 115 at least partially overlap), it is not aligned with the hole edge 115a of the second through hole 115, and the second extension portion 124, as a part of the circuit board 120, can be used to design circuit routing, so the circuit board 120 can reserve routing space for the conductive wire 127 at or near the second extension portion 124 to increase the wiring area. In one embodiment, the overlapped section of the second edge-sealed area 124a and the second through hole 115 exceeds a predetermined value, for example, 50% of the area of ​​the second edge-sealed area 124a. That is, the section of the second edge-sealed area 124a corresponding to the second through hole 115 of the bottom plate 110 overlaps with the second through hole 115 by more than 50%, and the width of the second edge-sealed area 124a is about 0.5 mm or about 5% of the side length of the keycap 130. In addition, since the second extension 124 extends toward the second through hole 115 (or the second extension 124 and the second through hole 115 at least partially overlap), the second edge-sealed area 124a is correspondingly located below the first abutting portion 151. In this way, the portion of the second extension 124 corresponding to the second through hole 115 overlaps at least partially with the second bracket 160, so that when the keycap 130 moves downward to the lowest position, the first abutting portion 151 can interfere with the second edge-sealed area 124a, thereby preventing the first abutting portion 151 from hitting other components and reducing noise.

[0050] In addition, Figure 2B In the embodiment, when the keycap 130 reaches the lowest position, since the second lower protrusion 162 at least partially enters the second through hole 115 of the circuit board 120, the second extension 124 is located between the lower surface 151a of the first abutting portion 151 and the lower surface 152a of the first lower protrusion 152 in the direction perpendicular to the keycap 130. In other words, when the keycap 130 reaches the lowest position, the second extension 124 is located between the lower surface 151a of the first abutting portion 151 and the upper surface 110a of the bottom plate 110. In this way, the first abutting portion 151 is prevented from directly hitting the bottom plate 110 by the obstruction of the second extension 124, thereby reducing noise.

[0051] exist Figure 2C and Figure 2DIn the cross section near the first key cap end 157, it can be seen that the third extension portion 125 extends parallel to the bottom plate 110 and at least partially overlaps with the second through hole 115 of the bottom plate 110. The first key cap end 157 includes a third abutment portion 153 and a third lower protrusion 154, the third abutment portion 153 is located on the outside of the third lower protrusion 154 (that is, in comparison, the third abutment portion 153 is closer to the outer edge of the key cap 130), and the third abutment portion 153 and the third lower protrusion 154 are located on the bottom side of the upper end (the first key cap end 157) (that is, on the side facing the bottom plate 110), and the third abutment portion 153 and the third lower protrusion 154 are arranged side by side and extend in the same direction. When the key cap 130 is pressed to the lowest position, as shown in FIG. Figure 2D As shown, the third abutting portion 153 at least partially overlaps with a portion of the third extension portion 125 (the third extension portion 125 located on one side of the second opening 122), and the third lower protrusion 154 at least partially enters the second through hole 115 of the circuit board 120. In addition, the second abutting portion 161 at least partially overlaps with another portion of the third extension portion 125 (the third extension portion 125 located on the other side of the second opening 122), and the second lower protrusion 162 at least partially enters the second through hole 115 of the circuit board 120. At this time, a portion of the third extension portion 125 (the third extension portion 125 located on one side of the second opening 122) is located between the third lower protrusion 154 and the hole edge 115a of the second through hole 115, and a portion of the third extension portion 125 (the third extension portion 125 located on the other side of the second opening 122) is located between the second lower protrusion 162 and the hole edge 115a of the second through hole 115.

[0052] In addition, Figure 2C and Figure 2DIn the embodiment, the circuit board 120 may include a conductor 128, and the edge of the third extension 125 (e.g., starting from the edge 122a of the second opening 122) may include at least one edge sealing area (i.e., the third edge sealing area 125a), and the third edge sealing area 125a is an area sealed with a sealing glue to prevent moisture from entering. The hole edge 115a of the second through hole 115 of the bottom plate 110 is at least partially located between the third edge sealing area 125a and the conductor 128. Since the third extension 125 extends toward the second through hole 115 (or the third extension 125 and the second through hole 115 at least partially overlap), it is not aligned with the hole edge 115a of the second through hole 115. As a part of the circuit board 120, the third extension 125 can be used to design circuit routing, so the circuit board 120 can reserve routing space for the conductor 128 at or near the third extension 125 to increase the wiring area. In one embodiment, the overlapped section of the third edge-sealing area 125a and the second through hole 115 exceeds a predetermined value, for example, 50% of the area of ​​the third edge-sealing area 125a. In other words, the section of the third edge-sealing area 125a corresponding to the second through hole 115 of the bottom plate 110 overlaps with the second through hole 115 by more than 50%. In addition, since the third extension portion 125 extends toward the second through hole 115 (or the third extension portion 125 at least partially overlaps with the second through hole 115), the third edge-sealing area 125a of a portion of the third extension portion 125 is correspondingly located below the third abutting portion 153, and the third edge-sealing area 125a of another portion of the third extension portion 125 is correspondingly located below the second abutting portion 161. In this way, the portion of the third extension portion 125 corresponding to the second through hole 115 at least partially overlaps with the first bracket 150 and / or the second bracket 160, so that when the keycap 130 moves downward to the lowest position, the third abutting portion 153 and / or the second abutting portion 161 can interfere with the third edge sealing area 125a, thereby preventing the third abutting portion 153 and / or the second abutting portion 161 from colliding with other components, thereby reducing noise.

[0053] In addition, Figure 2D In the embodiment, when the keycap 130 reaches the lowest position, since the third lower protrusion 154 at least partially enters the second through hole 115 of the circuit board 120, the third extension 125 is located between the lower surface 153a of the third abutting portion 153 and the lower surface 154a of the third lower protrusion 154 in the direction perpendicular to the keycap 130. In other words, when the keycap 130 reaches the lowest position, part of the third extension 125 is located between the lower surface 153a of the third abutting portion 153 and the upper surface 110a of the bottom plate 110. In this way, the third abutting portion 153 is prevented from directly hitting the bottom plate 110 by the blocking of the third extension 125, thereby reducing noise.

[0054] Please refer to Figure 1B, looking down from the top of the first bracket 150, it can be seen that the first bracket 150 has a corner 150a, and the second extension portion 124 has a flange 124b overlapping the corner 150a. In addition, the first bracket 150 has an axis hole 150b, and the axis hole 150b is pivotally connected to the axis at the bottom of the key cap 130 (see Figure 2C ), so that one end of the first bracket 150 (ie, the first key cap end 157) is pivotally connected to the bottom of the key cap 130. Looking down from the top of the first bracket 150, the flange 124b of the second extension portion 124 overlaps with the shaft hole 150b.

[0055] In addition, in one embodiment, the first extension portion 123 and the second extension portion 124 are both disposed along the Y axis, the third extension portion 125 is disposed along the X axis, and the first abutting portion 151, the second abutting portion 161 and the third abutting portion 153 are respectively disposed along the X axis, the first extension portion 123 is perpendicular to the first abutting portion 151, the second extension portion 124 is perpendicular to the first abutting portion 151, and the third extension portion 125 is perpendicular to the third abutting portion 153 and / or the second abutting portion 161. When the keycap 130 reaches the lowest position, the first extension portion 123 at least partially overlaps with the first abutting portion 151, the second extension portion 124 at least partially overlaps with the first abutting portion 151, and the third extension portion 125 at least partially overlaps with the third abutting portion 153 and / or the second abutting portion 161.

[0056] Please refer to Figure 3, which depicts a schematic diagram of a key structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. The key structure 100 includes a base plate 110, a circuit board 120, two keycaps adjacent to each other (i.e., a base keycap 1301 and a neighbor keycap 1302, indicated by dotted lines), and at least two supports (i.e., a base support 1501 and a neighbor support 1502). The base plate 110 and the two keycaps (the base keycap 1301 and the neighbor keycap 1302) are arranged opposite to each other, and the circuit board 120 is located between the two keycaps (the base keycap 1301 and the neighbor keycap 1302) and the base plate 110. Although the elastic body is not shown in the figure, it can be imagined that the two elastic bodies are respectively arranged between the circuit board 120 and the two keycaps (the present keycap 1301 and the adjacent keycap 1302) to support the two keycaps (the present keycap 1301 and the adjacent keycap 1302) so that the two keycaps 130 (the present keycap 1301 and the adjacent keycap 1302) can be raised from a lower position to a higher position. In addition, the two brackets (the present bracket 1501 and the adjacent bracket 1502) are movably connected between the two keycaps (the present keycap 1301 and the adjacent keycap 1302) and the bottom plate 110 to support the two keycaps (the present keycap 1301 and the adjacent keycap 1302) to rise and fall in the vertical direction. The structures of the main bracket 1501 and the adjacent bracket 1502 are substantially the same. Each main bracket 1501 and the adjacent bracket 1502 may include a first bracket 150 and a second bracket 160 connected to each other. Please refer to the above description of the first bracket 150 and the second bracket 160, which will not be repeated here.

[0057] The base plate 110 includes two adjacent through holes (i.e., a base through hole 1141 and a neighbor through hole 1142) respectively located below two adjacent keycaps (a base keycap 1301 and a neighbor through hole 1142). In other words, the base through hole 1141 is located below the base keycap 1301, and the neighbor through hole 1142 is located below the neighbor keycap 1302.

[0058] The circuit board 120 is disposed on the bottom plate 110. The circuit board 120 has an extension portion (i.e., a base extension portion 1231) and an opening (i.e., a neighbor opening 1211) respectively located below two adjacent keycaps (a base keycap 1301 and a neighbor keycap 1302). In other words, the base extension portion 1231 is located below the base keycap 1301, and the neighbor opening 1211 is located below the neighbor keycap 1302. In addition, the base extension portion 1231 overlaps with the base through hole 1141 of the bottom plate 110, and the neighbor opening 1211 overlaps with the neighbor through hole 1142.

[0059] Among them, looking down from the top of the present keycap 1301 and the adjacent keycap 1302, the present bracket 1501 and the present extension portion 1231 of the circuit board 120 at least partially overlap in the vertical direction, and the adjacent bracket 1502 and the edge 1211a of the adjacent opening 1211 of the circuit board 120 at least partially do not interfere in the vertical direction. For example, looking down from the top of the present keycap 1301 and the adjacent keycap 1302, the first upper end (i.e., the first keycap end 157) of the present bracket 1501 and the present extension portion 1231 of the circuit board 120 at least partially overlap in the vertical direction. The first lower end (i.e., the first bottom plate end 156) of the adjacent bracket 1502 and the edge 1211a of the adjacent opening 1211 of the circuit board 120 at least partially do not interfere in the vertical direction. Since the extension portion 1231 extends parallel to the base plate 110 and at least partially overlaps with the through hole 1141, and the adjacent opening 1211 at least partially overlaps with the adjacent through hole 1142, the circuit board 120 has a larger routing space between adjacent keycaps 1301 and adjacent keycaps 1302 or between adjacent brackets 1501 and adjacent brackets 1502 to increase the wiring area of ​​the circuit board 120.

[0060] Please refer to Figure 3 , the adjacent opening 1211 of the circuit board 120 has an edge 1211a adjacent to the main extension 1231, and the adjacent through hole 1142 corresponding to the adjacent opening 1211 has an edge 1142a, and the edge 1211a of the adjacent opening 1211 and the edge 1142a of the adjacent through hole 1142 are almost aligned with each other (i.e., the distance between them is very small). Furthermore, since the main extension 1231 extends toward the main through hole 1141 (or the main extension 1231 at least partially overlaps with the main through hole 1141), it is not aligned with the edge 1141a of the main through hole 1141. In this way, the wiring space of the circuit board 120 changes from the original edge 1211a of the adjacent opening 1211 to the edge 1141a of the main through hole 1141 to the edge 1211a of the adjacent opening 1211 to the main extension 1231, and the extra area can be used as a wiring area or as an edge sealing area.

[0061] Please refer to Figure 4, which depicts a schematic diagram of a key structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. The key structure 100 comprises a base plate 110, a circuit board 120, a key cap 130 (indicated by a dotted line) and at least one bracket (i.e., a first bracket 150 and / or a second bracket 160). The base plate 110 and the key cap 130 are arranged opposite to each other, and the circuit board 120 is located between the key cap 130 and the base plate 110. Although the elastomer 140 is not shown in the figure, it can be imagined that the elastomer 140 is arranged between the circuit board 120 and the key cap 130 to support the key cap 130 so that the key cap 130 can be raised from a lower position to a higher position. The first bracket 150 and the second bracket 160 are rotatably connected between the key cap 130 and the base plate 110. The first bracket 150 and the second bracket 160 can support the key cap 130 to descend to the lowest position and lie flat, and can support the key cap 130 to rise and stand tilted. The first bracket 150 and the second bracket 160 include at least one abutting portion (i.e., the first abutting portion 151, the second abutting portion 161 and / or the third abutting portion 153) and at least one lower protrusion (i.e., the first lower protrusion 152, the second lower protrusion 162 and / or the third lower protrusion 154).

[0062] The bottom plate 110 includes at least one through hole (i.e., the first through hole 114 and / or the second through hole 115) located below the keycap 130. In addition, the bottom plate 110 also includes a through hole 116, which is located outside the first through hole 114 and / or the second through hole 115, that is, the through hole 116 is closer to the outer edge of the keycap 130. In one embodiment, the through hole 116 at least partially overlaps with the keycap 130, and the through hole 116 at least partially exceeds the keycap 130.

[0063] In addition, the circuit board 120 is located between the keycap 130 and the base plate 110, and the circuit board 120 has at least one opening (i.e., the first opening 121 and / or the second opening 122) and at least one extension portion (i.e., the first extension portion 123, the second extension portion 124 and / or the third extension portion 125). At least one extension portion (i.e., the first extension portion 123, the second extension portion 124 and / or the third extension portion 125) is located on one side of at least one opening (i.e., the first opening 121 and / or the second opening 122) and overlaps with at least one through hole (i.e., the first through hole 114 and / or the second through hole 115) of the base plate 110. For example, the first extension portion 123 is located on one side of the first opening 121 and at least partially overlaps with the first through hole 114 of the base plate 110; the second extension portion 124 is located on one side of the second opening 122 and at least partially overlaps with the second through hole 115 of the base plate 110; the third extension portion 125 is located on the other side of the second opening 122 and at least partially overlaps with the second through hole 115 of the base plate 110.

[0064] In one embodiment, the extension portion of the circuit board 120 is disposed so that the hole edge of the through hole is located between the extension portion and the through hole 116. That is, in the circuit board 120, the first extension portion 123 is disposed so that the hole edge 114a of the first through hole 114 is located between the first extension portion 123 and the through hole 116, the second extension portion 124 is disposed so that the hole edge 115a of the corresponding second through hole 115 is located between the second extension portion 124 and the through hole 116, and the third extension portion 125 is disposed so that the hole edge 115a of the corresponding second through hole 115 is located between the third extension portion 125 and the through hole 116.

[0065] Please refer to Figure 4 The circuit board 120 further includes a wire 129, and the wire 129 is located between any of the above-mentioned extensions and the through hole 116. In this way, the wire 129 can pass through the area between two adjacent keys (i.e., the current key and the adjacent key) and connect to the triggering portion 1201 of the circuit board 120. Therefore, the arrangement of the first to third extensions 123-125 can increase the wiring space of the circuit board 120.

[0066] Of course, the present invention may have many other embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, technicians familiar with the field may make various corresponding changes and deformations based on the present invention, but these corresponding changes and deformations should all fall within the scope of protection of the claims attached to the present invention.

Claims

1. A key structure, characterized in that include: keycap; A bottom plate is arranged opposite to the key cap, the bottom plate comprises at least one through hole, and the at least one through hole is located below the key cap; At least one bracket is rotatably connected between the keycap and the base plate, the at least one bracket lies flat as the keycap descends to the lowest position, and stands up tilted as the keycap rises, the at least one bracket comprising at least one abutting portion and at least one lower protrusion; A circuit board is located between the keycap and the bottom plate, the circuit board having at least one opening and at least one extension portion, the at least one extension portion extends parallel to the bottom plate, and the at least one extension portion at least partially overlaps with a corresponding through hole on the bottom plate; Wherein, when the key cap reaches the lowest position, the at least one extending portion at least partially overlaps with the corresponding abutting portion, and the at least one lower protrusion at least partially enters the corresponding opening.

2. The key structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one extending portion is located between the corresponding lower protrusion and the hole edge of the corresponding through hole.

3. The key structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The circuit board includes a conductor, the edges of the at least one extension portion each include an edge sealing area, and the hole edge of the at least one through hole is at least partially located between the corresponding edge sealing area and the conductor.

4. The key structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The edges of the at least one extension portion each include an edge sealing area, and a section of each edge sealing area that overlaps with the corresponding through hole exceeds 50% of the edge sealing area.

5. The key structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The edges of the at least one extension portion each have a sealed edge region, and a portion of each sealed edge region corresponding to the through hole at least partially overlaps with the corresponding bracket.

6. The key structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the key cap reaches the lowest position, the at least one extending portion is located between the lower surface of the corresponding abutting portion and the lower surface of the corresponding lower protrusion.

7. The key structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the key cap reaches the lowest position, the at least one extending portion is located between the lower surface of the corresponding abutting portion and the upper surface of the bottom plate.

8. The key structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one abutting portion and the corresponding lower protrusion are located on the bottom side of the side arm of the at least one bracket; or, the at least one abutting portion and the corresponding lower protrusion are located on the bottom side of the upper end of the at least one bracket.

9. The key structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one abutting portion and the corresponding lower protrusion are arranged in parallel and extend in the same direction.

10. The key structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one bracket has a corner, the at least one extension portion has a corresponding flange, and the flange overlaps the corner.

11. The key structure according to claim 10, characterized in that: The corner has an axial hole, and the flange overlaps with the axial hole.

12. The key structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one extending portion is perpendicular to the corresponding abutting portion.

13. The key structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom plate also includes a through hole, which is located outside the at least one through hole, and the hole edge of the at least one through hole is located between the corresponding extension portion and the through hole.

14. The key structure according to claim 13, characterized in that: The circuit board also includes a conducting wire, which is located between the corresponding extending portion and the through hole.

15. The key structure according to claim 13, characterized in that: The through hole passes through the circuit board and the bottom plate, and the through hole at least partially exceeds the key cap.

16. A key structure, characterized in that include: Two keycaps next to each other; A bottom plate is arranged opposite to the two key caps, and the bottom plate comprises at least two adjacent through holes, and the two through holes are respectively located under the two adjacent key caps; At least two brackets are movably connected between the two key caps and the base plate to support the two key caps to rise and fall in the vertical direction; A circuit board is located between the two keycaps and the bottom plate, the circuit board has an extension portion and an opening, the extension portion and the opening are respectively located under the two adjacent keycaps, the extension portion at least partially overlaps with one of the two through holes, and the opening at least partially overlaps with the other of the two through holes; One of the two brackets at least partially overlaps with the extension portion in the vertical direction, while the other of the two brackets at least partially does not interfere with the edge of the opening in the vertical direction.

17. The key structure according to claim 16, characterized in that: The opening has a mouth edge adjacent to the extension portion, and the through hole corresponding to the opening has a hole edge, and the mouth edge of the opening and the hole edge of the through hole are close to each other.

18. The key structure according to claim 16, characterized in that: The first upper end of one of the at least two brackets at least partially overlaps with the extension portion in the vertical direction.

19. The key structure as claimed in claim 16, wherein the first lower end of one of the at least two brackets does not interfere with the edge of the opening at least partially in the vertical direction.

20. A key structure, characterized in that include: keycap; A bottom plate is arranged opposite to the key cap, the bottom plate comprises at least one through hole, the at least one through hole is located below the key cap, and the bottom plate further comprises a through hole, the through hole is located outside the through hole; At least one bracket is rotatably connected between the keycap and the base plate, the at least one bracket can support the keycap to descend to the lowest position and lie flat, and can support the keycap to rise and stand up tilted, and the at least one bracket includes at least one abutment portion and at least one lower protrusion; A circuit board is located between the keycap and the bottom plate, the circuit board has at least one opening and at least one extension, the at least one extension is located on one side of the corresponding opening and at least partially overlaps with the corresponding through hole; The at least one extending portion is disposed so that the hole edge of the corresponding through hole is located between the at least one extending portion and the through hole.

21. The key structure according to claim 20, characterized in that: The circuit board also includes a conductive wire, which is located between the at least one extending portion and the through hole.

22. The key structure according to claim 20, characterized in that: The through hole at least partially extends beyond the key cap.

Images