Keycap lifting mechanism and key structure

Abstract

The invention discloses a key structure and a key cap lifting mechanism. The stability of supporting a key cap is improved through the design of a support structure. And the two brackets are pivoted with each other around a pivot shaft. Wherein one support comprises a support body and a reinforcing piece embedded into the support body, and the elastic modulus of the reinforcing piece is larger than that of the support body. In one embodiment, the reinforcement includes a zig-zag bend extending parallel to the pivot axis. In another embodiment, the reinforced support is provided with a sliding shaft and a sliding hole formed beside the sliding shaft, and the reinforced support is slidably and rotatably connected with the key cap through the sliding shaft. The reinforcing piece surrounds the sliding hole and penetrates through the sliding shaft. In addition, the key structure comprises a bottom plate, a key cap and a key cap lifting mechanism. The keycap lifting mechanism supports the keycap on the bottom plate. According to the invention, the overall strength and the actuation stability of the keycap lifting mechanism can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a key structure, in particular to a key structure with a reinforced bracket and a key cap lifting mechanism thereof. Background Art

[0002] As the key structure becomes smaller, the available space for each component is greatly reduced, and the structural strength of the components is difficult to maintain, which reduces the stability of the overall operation of the key structure. For example, the stability of the transmission between the bracket and other components (such as another bracket, keycap or base plate, etc.) is reduced, and the stability of the bracket supporting the keycap is also reduced. For another example, after the key structure is used for a period of time or when the bracket is assembled, the bracket may also produce some permanent deformation, affecting the stability of the operation, or even making the key structure unusable. Summary of the invention

[0003] In view of the problems in the prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide a keycap lifting mechanism having a reinforced bracket, thereby increasing the overall strength of the keycap lifting mechanism and the stability of its operation.

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a keycap lifting mechanism comprises a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket comprises a first bracket body and a first reinforcing member, wherein the first reinforcing member is embedded in the first bracket body, and the elastic modulus of the first reinforcing member is greater than the elastic modulus of the first bracket body. The second bracket and the first bracket are pivotally connected to each other around a pivot axis. The first reinforcing member comprises a Z-shaped bending structure, and the Z-shaped bending structure extends parallel to the pivot axis. Thus, the structural strength of the first bracket is improved due to the presence of the first reinforcing member. Moreover, the first reinforcing member has a Z-shaped bending structure, which further enhances the reinforcing effect of the first reinforcing member on the first bracket. In addition, the Z-shaped bending structure extends parallel to the pivot axis, or the Z-shaped bending structure extends parallel to the pivot axis with a Z-shaped cross section, so the anti-bending ability of the first reinforcing member along the pivot axis can be increased. Therefore, the overall strength and the stability of the operation of the keycap lifting mechanism can be improved due to the presence of the first reinforcing member.

[0005] As an optional technical solution, the Z-shaped bending structure is located at the side edge of the first reinforcement member, the first bracket has a sliding shaft, and the Z-shaped bending structure overlaps with the sliding shaft in a direction parallel to the pivot axis. As an optional technical solution, the Z-shaped bending structure includes two bending portions, and the sliding shaft overlaps with one of the two bending portions in a direction parallel to the pivot axis. As an optional technical solution, the first bracket has a pivot, and the first bracket is pivotally connected to the second bracket via the pivot, and the Z-shaped bending structure includes two bending portions, and the pivot overlaps with one of the two bending portions in a direction parallel to the pivot axis. As an optional technical solution, the Z-shaped bending structure includes a first plate portion, a second plate portion and a connecting plate portion, the first plate portion, the second plate portion and the connecting plate portion extend parallel to the pivot axis and are not coplanar, the first plate portion and the second plate portion are connected to opposite sides of the connecting plate portion, the first bracket body has a side edge, the side edge gradually decreases in thickness in a direction away from the pivot axis, the first plate portion is exposed from the first bracket body, and the second plate portion extends into the side edge. As an optional technical solution, the first bracket as a whole extends along a reference plane, the first bracket body has an upper surface and a lower surface in a direction perpendicular to the reference plane, and the first reinforcement member is exposed from the upper surface and not exposed from the lower surface. As an optional technical solution, the Z-shaped bending structure includes a first plate portion, a second plate portion and a connecting plate portion, the first plate portion, the second plate portion and the connecting plate portion extend parallel to the pivot axis and are not coplanar, the first plate portion and the second plate portion are connected to opposite sides of the connecting plate portion, an angle is formed between the first plate portion and the connecting plate portion, and the angle is greater than 90 degrees. As an optional technical solution, the first reinforcement member includes another Z-shaped bending structure, and the other Z-shaped bending structure extends perpendicular to the pivot axis. As an optional technical solution, the second bracket includes a second bracket body and a second reinforcement member, the second reinforcement member is embedded in the second bracket body, the elastic modulus of the second reinforcement member is greater than the elastic modulus of the second bracket body, and the second reinforcement member includes a Z-shaped bending structure extending parallel to the pivot axis.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a key structure, wherein the key cap lifting mechanism has a reinforced bracket, thereby increasing the overall strength of the key structure and the stability of the operation.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the key structure includes a base plate, a keycap and the aforementioned keycap lifting mechanism. The keycap lifting mechanism supports the keycap on the base plate in a vertical direction. Similarly, the structural strength of the first bracket has been improved due to the presence of the first reinforcement. Moreover, the first reinforcement has a Z-shaped bending structure, which further enhances the reinforcement effect of the first reinforcement on the first bracket. In addition, the Z-shaped bending structure extends parallel to the pivot axis, or the Z-shaped bending structure extends parallel to the pivot axis with a Z-shaped cross section, so the ability of the first reinforcement to resist bending along the pivot axis can be increased. Therefore, the overall strength and actuation stability of the key structure can be improved because the keycap lifting mechanism has the first reinforcement.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a keycap lifting mechanism having a reinforced bracket, thereby increasing the overall strength and actuation stability of the keycap lifting mechanism.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the keycap lifting mechanism comprises a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket comprises a first bracket body and a first reinforcement member, the first reinforcement member is embedded in the first bracket body, the elastic modulus of the first reinforcement member is greater than the elastic modulus of the first bracket body, and the first bracket body has a sliding shaft and a sliding hole formed next to the sliding shaft. The first reinforcement member surrounds the sliding hole and passes through the sliding shaft. The second bracket and the first bracket are pivotally connected to each other around a pivot axis. Thereby, the structural strength of the first bracket is improved due to the presence of the first reinforcement member. In addition, the first reinforcement member strengthens the structural strength of the first bracket at the sliding hole and the sliding shaft, and can also increase the stability of the mutual linkage between the first bracket and the keycap. Therefore, the overall strength and the stability of the action of the keycap lifting mechanism can be improved due to the presence of the first reinforcement member.

[0010] As an optional technical solution, the first reinforcing member includes a first plate portion and a second plate portion, the first plate portion is connected to the second plate portion and forms a through hole, the sliding hole is located inside the through hole, and the second plate portion passes through the sliding shaft. As an optional technical solution, the first plate portion is exposed from the first bracket body, and the second plate portion is not exposed from the first bracket body. As an optional technical solution, the first plate portion and the second plate portion are not coplanar, the sliding shaft extends parallel to the pivot axis with a non-rectangular cross-section, and the thickness of the sliding shaft decreases in the direction away from the pivot axis. As an optional technical solution, the second bracket includes a second bracket body and a second reinforcing member, the second reinforcing member is embedded in the second bracket body, the elastic modulus of the second reinforcing member is greater than the elastic modulus of the second bracket body, the second bracket body has a grasping shaft and a grasping hole formed beside the grasping shaft, the second reinforcing member surrounds three sides of the grasping hole and does not extend into the grasping shaft. As an optional technical solution, the second bracket has a grasping shaft, and the shaft diameter of the sliding shaft is greater than the shaft diameter of the grasping shaft. As an optional technical solution, the first bracket as a whole extends along a reference plane, the first bracket body has an upper surface and a lower surface in a direction perpendicular to the reference plane, and the first reinforcement is exposed on the upper surface and not on the lower surface.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a key structure, wherein the key cap lifting mechanism has a reinforced bracket, thereby increasing the overall strength of the key structure and the stability of the operation.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the key structure comprises a base plate, a keycap and the aforementioned keycap lifting mechanism. The keycap lifting mechanism supports the keycap on the base plate in a vertical direction. Similarly, the structural strength of the first bracket has been improved due to the presence of the first reinforcement member. In addition, the first reinforcement member strengthens the structural strength of the first bracket at the sliding hole and the sliding shaft, and can also increase the stability of the mutual linkage between the first bracket and the keycap. Therefore, the overall strength and actuation stability of the key structure can be improved because the keycap lifting mechanism has the first reinforcement member.

[0013] As an optional technical solution, the key structure has a long side direction and a short side direction, the long side direction is parallel to the pivot axis, the second bracket has a gripping axis and a gripping hole formed next to the gripping axis, the second bracket is rotatably connected to the keycap via the gripping axis, the keycap has a first long side and a second long side, the first long side and the second long side are parallel to the long side direction, a first distance exists between the projection of the sliding hole in the vertical direction and the projection of the first long side in the vertical direction, a second distance exists between the projection of the gripping hole in the vertical direction and the projection of the second long side in the vertical direction, and the first distance is greater than the second distance.

[0014] 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

[0015] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a partial exploded schematic diagram of the key structure according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Exploded diagram of the middle button structure.

[0017] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the first bracket at another viewing angle.

[0018] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Explosion diagram of the first bracket.

[0019] Figure 5 for Figure 3 Schematic cross-sectional view of the first bracket along line X1-X1.

[0020] Figure 6 for Figure 3 An enlarged schematic diagram of the middle circle A from another viewing angle.

[0021] Figure 7 for Figure 3 Schematic diagram of a partial cross-section of the first bracket along line Y1-Y1.

[0022] Figure 8 for Figure 3 Partial side view of the first bracket.

[0023] Fig. 9 for Figure 3 A partial top view of the first bracket.

[0024] Fig.10 for Figure 3 Schematic cross-sectional view of the first bracket along line Z1-Z1.

[0025] Fig.11 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the second bracket at another viewing angle.

[0026] Fig.12 for Fig.11 Explosion diagram of the second bracket.

[0027] Fig.13 for Fig.11 Enlarged schematic diagram of the middle circle B.

[0028] Fig.14 for Figure 1 A top view of the first bracket, the second bracket and the bottom plate of the middle button structure.

[0029] Fig.15 for Figure 1 The cross-sectional diagram of the middle button structure, the cross-sectional position is as follows Fig.14 Shown as center line W1-W1.

[0030] Fig.16 for Figure 2 Top view of the switch circuit board.

[0031] Fig.17 for Fig.11 Schematic diagram of the second bracket at another viewing angle.

[0032] Fig.18 FIG. 4 is a partial exploded schematic diagram of a key structure according to the second embodiment.

[0033] Fig.19 for Fig.18 Exploded diagram of the middle button structure.

[0034] Fig. 20 for Fig.19 Schematic diagram of the first bracket at another viewing angle.

[0035] Fig.21 for Fig. 20 Explosion diagram of the first bracket.

[0036] Fig. 22 for Fig. 20 Schematic cross-sectional view of the first bracket along line X3-X3.

[0037] Fig.23 for Fig. 20 Enlarged schematic diagram of the middle circle C.

[0038] Fig.24 for Fig. 20 Schematic diagram of a partial cross-section of the first bracket along line Y3-Y3.

[0039] Fig.25 for Fig. 20 Partial side view of the first bracket.

[0040] Fig.26 for Fig. 20 A partial top view of the first bracket.

[0041] Fig. 27 for Fig. 20 Schematic cross-sectional view of the first bracket along line Z3-Z3.

[0042] Fig.28 for Fig.19 Schematic diagram of the second bracket at another viewing angle.

[0043] Fig.29for Fig.28 Explosion diagram of the second bracket.

[0044] Fig.30 for Fig.28 Enlarged schematic diagram of the middle circle D.

[0045] Fig.31 for Fig.18 A top view of the first bracket, the second bracket and the bottom plate of the middle button structure.

[0046] Fig.32 for Fig.18 The cross-sectional diagram of the middle button structure, the cross-sectional position is as follows Fig.31 Shown as center line W3-W3.

[0047] Fig.33 for Fig.19 Top view of the switch circuit board.

[0048] Fig.34 for Fig.28 Schematic diagram of the second bracket at another viewing angle.

[0049] Fig.35 FIG. 4 is a partial exploded schematic diagram of a key structure according to the third embodiment.

[0050] Fig.36 for Fig.35 Exploded diagram of the middle button structure.

[0051] Fig.37 for Fig.36 Schematic diagram of the first bracket at another viewing angle.

[0052] Fig.38 for Fig.37 Explosion diagram of the first bracket.

[0053] Fig.39 for Fig.37 Schematic cross-sectional view of the first bracket along line X5-X5.

[0054] Fig.40 for Fig.37 Enlarged schematic diagram of the middle circle E.

[0055] Fig.41 for Fig.37 Schematic cross-sectional view of the first bracket along line Y5-Y5.

[0056] Fig.42 for Fig.37 Partial side view of the first bracket.

[0057] Fig.43 for Fig.37 A partial top view of the first bracket.

[0058] Fig.44 for Fig.37 Schematic cross-sectional view of the first bracket along line Z5-Z5.

[0059] Fig.45 for Fig.36 Schematic diagram of the second bracket at another viewing angle.

[0060] Fig.46 for Fig.45 Explosion diagram of the second bracket.

[0061] Fig.47 for Fig.45 Enlarged schematic diagram of the middle circle F.

[0062] Fig.48 for Fig.45 Side view of the second bracket.

[0063] Fig.49 for Fig.35 A top view of the first bracket, the second bracket and the bottom plate of the middle button structure.

[0064] Fig.50 for Fig.36 Top view of the switch circuit board.

[0065] Fig.51 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the first bracket and the second bracket at another viewing angle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] The directional terms mentioned in the following embodiments, such as up, down, left, right, front or back, etc., are only used to refer to the directions of the attached drawings. The prefixes of the component names, such as first, second, etc., are only used to distinguish the components for the convenience of description, and they do not impose other restrictions on the components themselves; in addition, the components with the same prefix in each embodiment do not necessarily correspond to each other. The correspondence of the components in each embodiment should still depend on the specific structure described in each embodiment.

[0067] The present invention proposes a keycap lifting mechanism, which includes a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket includes a first bracket body and a first reinforcement member, the first reinforcement member is embedded in the first bracket body, and the elastic modulus of the first reinforcement member is greater than the elastic modulus of the first bracket body. The second bracket and the first bracket are pivotally connected to each other around a pivot axis. The first reinforcement member includes a Z-shaped bending structure, and the Z-shaped bending structure extends parallel to the pivot axis. The present invention also proposes another keycap lifting mechanism, which includes a first bracket and a second bracket, the first bracket includes a first bracket body and a first reinforcement member, the first reinforcement member is embedded in the first bracket body, the elastic modulus of the first reinforcement member is greater than the elastic modulus of the first bracket body, the first bracket body has a sliding shaft and a sliding hole formed next to the sliding shaft, the first reinforcement member surrounds the sliding hole and passes through the sliding shaft; the second bracket and the first bracket are pivotally connected to each other around a pivot axis. Furthermore, the present invention also provides a key structure, which includes a base plate, a key cap and a key cap lifting mechanism, wherein the key cap lifting mechanism supports the key cap on the base plate in a vertical direction. The first bracket can be slidably and rotatably connected to the key cap via a sliding shaft.

[0068] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2. The key structure 1 according to the first embodiment is a long rectangular key structure, which has a long side direction D1 and a short side direction D2 (both are indicated by double-sided arrows in the figure), and the long side direction D1 is perpendicular to the short side direction D2. In actual operation, the long rectangular key structure 1 can be but is not limited to a blank key. The ratio of the size of the key structure 1 in the long side direction D1 to its size in the short side direction D2 can be between 1.2 and 6, preferably, between 1.5 and 5. In other embodiments, this is not limited to the above, and the key structure 1 can be a key structure of other shapes, in which case the long side direction D1 and the short side direction D2 are the extension directions of the two sides perpendicular to each other on the key structure 1. The embodiments described below are similar to this and will not be described in detail. The key structure 1 includes a keycap 10, a base plate 12, a first bracket 14, a second bracket 16, a switch circuit board 18 and an elastic protrusion 20. The keycap 10 is arranged above the base plate 12. The first bracket 14 and the second bracket 16 are pivotally connected to each other around a pivot axis A1 (indicated by a chain line in the figure), and the pivot axis A1 is parallel to the long side direction D1. The first bracket 14 and the second bracket 16 are respectively connected to the keycap 10 and the base plate 12 to support the keycap 10 above the base plate 12 (or to support the keycap 10 above the base plate 12, the same below), so that the keycap 10 can move relative to the base plate 12 via the first bracket 14 and the second bracket 16 (for example, move up and down or move parallel to a vertical direction Dv1). The vertical direction Dv1 (indicated by a double-headed arrow in the figure) is perpendicular to the long side direction D1 and the short side direction D2. The switch circuit board 18 is placed on the base plate 12. The switch circuit board 18 can be but is not limited to a thin film circuit board, which has a switch 182 (indicated by a circle filled with oblique lines in the figure), and the switch 182 roughly corresponds to the center of the keycap 10. The elastic protrusion 20 is arranged on the switch circuit board 18 corresponding to the switch 182 and is located below the keycap 10. The keycap 10 can be pressed to move toward the bottom plate 12, thereby squeezing the elastic protrusion 20 to trigger the switch 182 downward. Therefore, logically, the combination of the first bracket 14 and the second bracket 16 or the combination of the first bracket 14, the second bracket 16 and the bottom plate 12 can be regarded as a keycap lifting mechanism.

[0069] For further information, see Figure 3 and Figure 4. The first bracket 14 includes a first bracket body 140 and a first reinforcement 142, and the first reinforcement 142 is embedded in the first bracket body 140. The elastic modulus of the first reinforcement 142 is greater than the elastic modulus of the first bracket body 140. Thereby, the first reinforcement 142 has the effect of strengthening the structure of the first bracket 14. In addition, in the first embodiment, the first bracket 14 is a frame structure as a whole, mainly including a rectangular outer frame portion and a plurality of intermediate connecting portions connecting the two long sides of the rectangular outer frame portion (parallel to the long side direction D1) on the inner side of the rectangular outer frame portion. The first bracket 14 is connected to the keycap 10 with one of its long sides, and is connected to the base plate 12 with the other long side. The first reinforcement 142 as a whole includes a long arm and a plurality of support arms extending vertically from the long arm. The long arm extends parallel to the pivot axis A1 in one of the long sides of the rectangular outer frame portion (i.e., the long side connected to the keycap 10). The plurality of support arms extend in the plurality of intermediate connecting portions and the two short sides of the outer frame portion. The first reinforcing member 142 includes a plurality of Z-shaped bending structures 1422a-d, all extending parallel to the pivot axis A1 (or the Z-shaped bending structures 1422a-d extend parallel to the pivot axis A1 with a Z-shaped cross section), so that the first reinforcing member 142 can increase the anti-bending ability along the pivot axis A1, and also increase the linkage of the keycap lifting mechanism (including the first bracket 14 and the second bracket 16 pivoted to each other) in the long side direction D1 (or increase the force transmission efficiency in the long side direction D1). Among them, the Z-shaped bending structure 1422a is located on the long arm, the Z-shaped bending structure 1422b-d is located on the plurality of support arms, and the support arms including the Z-shaped bending structures 1422b and 1422c also extend to the other long side of the rectangular outer frame (i.e., the long side connected to the bottom plate 12), which can improve the structural strength of this long side. The Z-shaped bending structures 1422a-d can further enhance the effect of the first reinforcing member 142 on the structural reinforcement of the first bracket body 140. In addition, in actual operation, the first reinforcing member 142 can also be designed to exist on both long sides of the rectangular outer frame.

[0070] In addition, if Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the first bracket body 140 (or the first bracket 14) has a plurality of sliding shafts 144a, 144b (located at the long side where the rectangular outer frame is connected to the keycap 10) and a plurality of bottom shafts 146 (located at the long side where the rectangular outer frame is connected to the bottom plate 12). A sliding hole 145 is formed next to the sliding shaft 144a. A bottom hole 147 is formed next to the bottom shaft 146. The first bracket 14 is slidably and rotatably connected to the keycap 10 (the sliding hook 102) via the sliding shafts 144a, 144b, and the sliding hook 102 extends into the corresponding sliding hole 145. The first bracket 14 is rotatably connected to the bottom plate 12 (the bottom hook 122) via the bottom shaft 146, wherein the bottom shaft 146 is rotatably hooked to the corresponding bottom hook 122, and the bottom hook 122 extends into the corresponding bottom hole 147.

[0071] See also Figures 3 to 6 ;At Figure 6 , the hidden outline of the first reinforcement member 142 is shown with a dotted line. The first reinforcement member 142 surrounds the sliding hole 145 and passes through the sliding shaft 144a, so that the structural strength of the first bracket 14 at the sliding hole 145 and the sliding shaft 144a can be strengthened, and the stability of the mutual linkage between the first bracket 14 and the keycap 10 can be increased. In the first embodiment, the first reinforcement member 142 implements the aforementioned structural configuration with a Z-shaped bending structure 1422a, but the actual operation is not limited to this. Among them, the Z-shaped bending structure 1422a is located on one side edge of the first reinforcement member 142, and is distributed on the entire side edge. The Z-shaped bending structure 1422a is at Figure 3 The middle circle A includes a first plate portion 1424a and a second plate portion 1424b, and the first plate portion 1424a and the second plate portion 1424b are not coplanar. The first plate portion 1424a and the second plate portion 1424b are connected to form a through hole 1424c, and the sliding hole 145 is located inside the through hole 1424c, and the second plate portion 1424b passes through the sliding shaft 144a. In addition, as Figure 5 As shown, the slide shaft 144a extends parallel to the pivot axis A1 with a non-rectangular cross section; in the first embodiment, the non-rectangular cross section is substantially trapezoidal, so that the thickness of the slide shaft 144a gradually decreases in the direction away from the pivot axis A1, which can avoid the degree of structural interference between the slide shaft 144a and the keycap 10. The second plate portion 1424b passes through the slide shaft 144a, which can compensate for the reduction in structural strength of the slide shaft 144a caused by the gradual decrease in thickness, and can even further enhance the structural strength of the slide shaft 144a.

[0072] From another perspective, the first bracket body 140 has a side edge (i.e., the long side connected to the keycap 10), whose thickness gradually decreases in the direction away from the pivot axis A1, which can avoid the degree of structural interference between the first bracket body 140 and the keycap 10. The Z-shaped bending structure 1422a can extend perpendicularly to the pivot axis A1 to the side edge due to its structural bending feature, which can compensate for the reduction in structural strength of the side edge caused by the gradual decrease in thickness, and can even further enhance the structural strength of the side edge. In addition, Figure 3 Taking the structure of the first bracket 14 at the midline Y1-Y1 as an example, Figure 7As shown, the Z-shaped bending structure 1422a includes a first plate portion 1424a', a second plate portion 1424b' and a connecting plate portion 1424d'. The first plate portion 1424a', the second plate portion 1424b' and the connecting plate portion 1424d' extend parallel to the pivot axis A1 and are not coplanar. The first plate portion 1424a' and the second plate portion 1424b' are connected to opposite sides of the connecting plate portion 1424d'. The first plate portion 1424a' is exposed from the first bracket body 140, and the second plate portion 1424b' extends into the side edge. In addition, in the first embodiment, an angle 1424e' (i.e., a bending angle) is formed between the first plate portion 1424a' and the connecting plate portion 1424d', and the angle 1424e' is greater than 90 degrees, for example, 120 degrees. However, this is not limited to this in actual operation. For example, the angle 1424e' is between 40 degrees and 90 degrees. The description of the bending angle also applies to the angle between the second plate portion 1424b' and the connecting plate portion 1424d', and will not be repeated. In addition, the ratio of the length 1424g (indicated by a dotted line in the figure) of the connecting plate portion 1424d' to the thickness 1424h of the first bracket 14 at the bending portion can be, but is not limited to, 0.5 to 1.5 in actual operation.

[0073] In addition, see Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 8 ;At Figure 8 In the figure, the hidden outline of the Z-shaped bending structure 1422a is shown by a dotted line. Although the Z-shaped bending structure 1422a does not directly pass through the sliding shaft 144b, the Z-shaped bending structure 1422a and the sliding shaft 144b overlap in a direction parallel to the pivot axis A1. This structural configuration is also beneficial to the connection stability between the sliding shaft 144b and the corresponding sliding hook 102 of the keycap 10. In addition, as Figure 8 As shown, in the first embodiment, the two bending portions 1424f of the Z-shaped bending structure 1422a overlap with the sliding shaft 144b in a direction parallel to the pivot axis A1, which is also beneficial to the connection stability between the sliding shaft 144b and the corresponding sliding hook 102 of the keycap 10.

[0074] Also, see Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Fig. 9 and Fig.10 ;At Fig. 9 In the figure, the hidden outline of the first reinforcement member 142 is shown in dotted lines. The first bracket body 140 (or the first bracket 14) has a plurality of pivot holes 148. The pivot holes 148 can be realized by, but not limited to, a pair of hooks disposed opposite to each other, but are not limited to this in actual operation. The first bracket 14 is pivotally connected to the second bracket 16 via the plurality of pivot holes 148. Fig. 9 and Fig.10As shown, the Z-shaped bending structure 1422c includes a first plate portion 1426a and a second plate portion 1426b, and the first plate portion 1426a and the second plate portion 1426b are not coplanar. The first plate portion 1426a is exposed from the first bracket body 140, and the second plate portion 1426b is buried in the first bracket body 140. The first reinforcement member 142 has a surrounding portion 1426c at the Z-shaped bending structure 1422c (or logically, the surrounding portion 1426c can also be regarded as extending from the second plate portion 1426b or formed on the second plate portion 1426b), surrounding the three sides of the adjacent pivot hole 148 (with the first reinforcing member 142 having a central portion 1426a and a central portion 1426b). Fig. 9 From the perspective of the pivot hole 148, that is, the upper side, the left side and the lower side), this structural configuration can increase the structural strength of the pivot hole 148 and enhance the stability of the pivot connection between the first bracket 14 and the second bracket 16. In addition, in the first embodiment, the surrounding portion 1426c is not exposed from the first bracket body 140. Moreover, the surrounding portion 1426c overlaps with the pivot hole 148 in a direction parallel to the pivot axis A1, but this is not limited to the actual operation. In addition, the bending portion of the Z-shaped bending structure 1422c is adjacent to the pivot hole 148, and this structural configuration has the effect of strengthening the structure of the pivot hole 148. In actual operation, the position of the Z-shaped bending structure 1422c can be modified (such as Fig. 9 The Z-shaped bending structure 1422c is arranged to overlap with the pivot hole 148 in a direction parallel to the pivot axis A1 (as shown by the two chain line segments in the middle) to further increase the effect of strengthening the structure of the pivot hole 148 by the Z-shaped bending structure 1422c. At this time, the surrounding portion 1426c is formed on the bending portion of the Z-shaped bending structure 1422c.

[0075] As described above, in the first embodiment, the first reinforcement member 142 is partially exposed from the first bracket body 140. Figure 3As shown, the first bracket 14 extends as a whole along a reference plane P1 (represented by a chain line, in principle, the reference plane P1 can be regarded as a plane including the pivot axis A1). The first bracket body 140 has an upper surface (facing the keycap 10) and a lower surface (facing the base plate 12) in a direction perpendicular to the reference plane P1, and the first reinforcing member 142 is exposed on the upper surface and not exposed on the lower surface. This structural configuration can effectively prevent the first reinforcing member 142 from directly colliding with the lower component (such as the base plate 12) and generating sound (for example, the first reinforcing member 142 and the base plate 12 are both metal). However, this is not limited to the actual operation. In addition, the above description of the bending angle of the Z-shaped bending structure 1422a is also applicable if it is not inconsistent with the Z-shaped bending structure 1422b~d, and no further description is given. In one embodiment, the first bracket 14 and the second bracket 16 are made of one of plastic materials, glass fiber materials, nylon fiber materials, or any combination thereof, such as a combination of glass fiber and nylon fiber. In actual operation, the first reinforcement member 142 may be exposed on both the upper and lower surfaces, only on the upper surface, or only on the lower surface in a local area, depending on the space margin in the thickness direction of the key structure 1 at the location, adjacent components that may interfere with collision, or other factors. The following embodiments are similar and will not be described in detail.

[0076] See also Fig.11 and Fig.12 The second bracket 16 includes a second bracket body 160 and a second reinforcement 162, and the second reinforcement 162 is embedded in the second bracket body 160. The elastic modulus of the second reinforcement 162 is greater than the elastic modulus of the second bracket body 160. Similarly, the second reinforcement 162 also has the effect of strengthening the structure of the second bracket 16. The second bracket 16 as a whole includes a plurality of support parts and a plurality of bridge parts (at Fig.11 The plurality of support portions and bridge portions are arranged alternately along the pivot axis A1, and the bridge portions connect adjacent support portions. A second reinforcing member 162 is present in each of the plurality of support portions and bridge portions. Each support portion has a pivot on both sides along the pivot axis A1. The second bracket 16 is pivotally connected to the first bracket 14 via the plurality of pivots (inserted into the pivot hole 148). In the first embodiment, the second bracket 16 is pivotally connected to the inner side of the first bracket 14, or the second bracket 16 is located inside the rectangular outer frame of the first bracket 14 (see FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2 ), wherein the supporting portion is located between two adjacent intermediate connecting portions, or between a short side of the rectangular outer frame and an adjacent intermediate connecting portion; on the other hand, the first bracket 14 is located on two opposite outer sides of the second bracket 16 on the pivot axis A1. Logically, the first bracket 14 can be regarded as an outer bracket, and the second bracket 16 can be regarded as an inner bracket.

[0077] In addition, for simplicity of description, two supporting parts and a bridge portion therebetween are taken as an example, such as the first part 164, the second part 166 and the bridge portion 168 (connecting the first part 164 and the second part 166) in the figure, and the first part 164 and the second part 166 are provided with a pivot 170. The second bracket 16 is inserted into the pivot hole 148 (of the first bracket 14) through the pivot 170 to be pivotally connected with the first bracket 14. The second reinforcement member 162 extends in the first part 164, the second part 166 and the bridge portion 168. The second reinforcement member 162 includes a plurality of Z-shaped bending structures 1622a-d, wherein the Z-shaped bending structures 1622a-c extend parallel to the pivot axis A1 (or the Z-shaped bending structures 1622a-c extend parallel to the pivot axis A1 with a Z-shaped cross section), and the Z-shaped bending structure 1622d extends perpendicular to the pivot axis A1 and overlaps with the pivot axis 170 in a direction parallel to the pivot axis A1. The Z-shaped bending structure 1622d can increase the anti-bending ability of the second reinforcement member 162 in the direction perpendicular to the pivot axis A1, which helps the second bracket 16 to stably transmit force in the direction (perpendicular to the pivot axis A1). In addition, the bridge portion 168 spans the middle connecting portion corresponding to the rectangular outer frame portion of the first bracket 14 (see also Figure 1 and Figure 2 ); wherein the intermediate connecting portion has a groove 150 (see Figure 3 ), the groove 150 is located below the bridge portion 168, and the first reinforcing member 142 is exposed in the groove 150. When the first bracket 14 and the second bracket 16 overlap, the bridge portion 168 enters the groove 150. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Fig.11 As shown, the second bracket body 160 (or the second bracket 16) has a plurality of gripping shafts 172 and a plurality of bottom shafts 174, which are logically located on the plurality of supporting parts. A gripping hole 173 is formed next to the gripping shaft 172. A bottom hole 175 is formed next to the bottom shaft 174. The second bracket 16 is rotatably connected to (the gripping hook 104 of) the keycap 10 via the gripping shaft 172, and the gripping hook 104 extends into the corresponding gripping hole 173. The second bracket 16 is rotatably connected to (the bottom hook 124 of) the bottom plate 12 via the bottom shaft 174, wherein the bottom shaft 174 is rotatably hooked to the corresponding bottom hook 124, and the bottom hook 124 extends into the corresponding bottom hole 175. In addition, the bridge portion 168 is located on one side of the second bracket 16 for connecting the keycap 10, and this structural configuration helps to improve the stability of the second bracket 16 supporting the keycap 10.

[0078] See also Figures 11 to 13 ;At Fig.13, the hidden outline of the second reinforcement member 162 is shown with a dotted line. The second reinforcement member 162 surrounds three sides of the gripping hole 173 and does not extend into the gripping shaft 172. This structural configuration helps to strengthen the structural strength of the second bracket 16 here (i.e., strengthening the structure of the gripping hole 173 is beneficial to the structural stability of the gripping shaft 172), and is beneficial to the connection stability between the gripping shaft 172 and the gripping hook 104 corresponding to the keycap 10. However, this is not limited to the actual operation. For example, if the structural size design allows, the second reinforcement member 162 can also be designed to pass through the gripping shaft 172. This can further strengthen the structural strength of the second bracket 16 at the gripping hole 173 and the gripping shaft 172, and can also increase the stability of the mutual connection between the second bracket 16 and the keycap 10. In addition, the second reinforcement member 162 surrounds the bottom hole 175 (such as Fig.13 The bottom hole 175 on the left side of the middle part is formed on three sides, which helps to strengthen the structure of the bottom hole 175. In addition, the second reinforcing member 162 is also partially exposed from the second bracket body 160; wherein, the second reinforcing member 162 is exposed from the upper surface of the second bracket body 160 (towards the keycap 10) and is not exposed from the lower surface of the second bracket body 160 (towards the bottom plate 12). This can also effectively prevent the second reinforcing member 162 from directly colliding with the lower component (such as the bottom plate 12) and generating noise (for example, the second reinforcing member 162 and the bottom plate 12 are both metal).

[0079] Also, see Figure 3 , Fig.11 and Fig.14 ;At Fig.14 In the figure, the outline of the keycap 10 is shown by a dotted line. In the first embodiment, the shaft diameter of the sliding shaft 144a (or the sliding shaft 144b) of the first bracket 14 is larger than the shaft diameter of the gripping shaft 172 of the second bracket 16; this structural configuration helps to increase the stability of the sliding shaft 144a (or the sliding shaft 144b) in rotation and sliding. In addition, the keycap 10 has a first long side 10a and a second long side 10b, and the first long side 10a and the second long side 10b are both parallel to the long side direction D1. Fig.14 In the figure, the vertical direction Dv1 is perpendicular to the paper surface, so the structural outline presented in the figure is equivalent to its vertical projection on the paper surface. In the first embodiment, the projection of the sliding hole 145 of the first bracket 14 in the vertical direction Dv1 and the projection of the first long side 10a of the keycap 10 in the vertical direction Dv1 have a first distance L1 in the short side direction D2, and the projection of the gripping hole 173 of the second bracket 16 in the vertical direction Dv1 and the projection of the second long side 10b of the keycap 10 in the vertical direction Dv1 have a second distance L2 in the short side direction D2, and the first distance L1 is greater than the second distance L2. This structural configuration provides a larger space for the structure and actuation design of the sliding shaft 144a of the first bracket 14.

[0080] Also, see Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 and Fig.15 ;At Fig.15 In the figure, the key cap 10 is not shown to simplify the drawing. The first reinforcing member 142 and the second reinforcing member 162 overlap in the vertical direction Dv1. Fig.15 As shown, the second bracket body 160 at the bridge portion 168 separates the first reinforcement member 142 and the second reinforcement member 162 in the vertical direction Dv1, so that even if the first reinforcement member 142 is exposed in the groove 150, the second reinforcement member 162 can be prevented from hitting the first reinforcement member 142 and generating noise.

[0081] See also Fig.16 , which is a top view of the switch circuit board 18; wherein the outline of the first bracket 14 is drawn with a thin solid line, and the outline of the second bracket 16 is drawn with a dotted line. The switch circuit board 18 includes a peripheral portion 180a and a plurality of circuit connection portions 180b (the range of which is indicated by a chain line frame; the other parts of the switch circuit board 18 are the peripheral portion 180a). The circuit connection portion 180b extends along the horizontal direction Dh1 (indicated by a double-headed arrow in the figure) (i.e., the length direction of the circuit connection portion 180b is parallel to the horizontal direction Dh1) and connects the opposite sides of the peripheral portion 180a. The horizontal direction Dh1 is perpendicular to the vertical direction Dv1 and the pivot axis A1, so the horizontal direction Dh1 is parallel to the short side direction D2. The switch circuit board 18 has no portion extending parallel to the pivot axis A1 on the inner side of the peripheral portion 180a. Compared with the switch circuit board of a general key structure (whose inner side usually includes vertical and horizontal connection structures), the inner side of the switch circuit board 18 has only a single-direction connection structure (circuit connection portion 180b), which reduces the degree of interference with the structure of the first bracket 14 and the second bracket 16. In the first embodiment, the ratio of the length to the width of the key structure 1 is about 6, and 5 circuit connection portions 180b extending substantially parallel to the short side direction D2 are used; but this is not limited to the actual operation. In addition, the first bracket 14 and the second bracket 16 are located inside the peripheral portion 180a in the vertical direction Dv1, or the first bracket 14 and the second bracket 16 do not overlap with the peripheral portion 180a in the vertical direction Dv1. The circuit connection portion 180b does not overlap with the intermediate connection portion of the first bracket 14 (for example, the outermost intermediate connection portion along the pivot axis A1) in the vertical direction Dv1, so that the structure of these intermediate connection portions can be further extended downward to increase the structural strength, which also helps to increase the structural design flexibility of the reinforcement member (for example, the first reinforcement member 142) here.

[0082] In addition, in the first embodiment, the supporting portion of the second bracket 16 overlaps with the circuit connecting portion 180b of the switch circuit board 18 in the vertical direction Dv1. Taking the first portion 164 of the second bracket 16 as an example, (please also refer to Fig.17) The first portion 164 has a groove 164a, and when the first bracket 14 and the second bracket 16 overlap, the corresponding circuit connection portion 180b enters the groove 164a. On the other hand, through the design of the groove 164a, the first portion 164 can be further extended downward to increase the structural strength, which also helps to increase the structural design flexibility of the reinforcement (such as the second reinforcement 162) here. Thereby, this structural configuration can enhance the structural strength of the first portion 164 and help to reduce the overall height of the key structure 1. The second portion 166 is the same and will not be described in detail. In addition, in the first embodiment, the rectangular outer frame portion of the first bracket 14 also overlaps with the circuit connection portion 180b of the switch circuit board 18 in the vertical direction Dv1, and the rectangular outer frame portion also has a groove correspondingly (for example, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 The groove 152 is indicated in the figure, so that when the first bracket 14 and the second bracket 16 overlap, the corresponding circuit connection portion 180b will also enter the groove 152. Similarly, this structural configuration can improve the structural strength of the rectangular outer frame of the first bracket 14 and help reduce the overall height of the key structure 1.

[0083] See also Fig.18 and Fig.19 . The key structure 3 according to the second embodiment is a long rectangular key structure, which has a long side direction D3 and a short side direction D4 (both are indicated by double-sided arrows in the figure), and the long side direction D3 is perpendicular to the short side direction D4. In actual operation, the long rectangular key structure 3 can be but is not limited to a blank key. The key structure 3 includes a keycap 30, a base plate 32, a first bracket 34, a second bracket 36, a switch circuit board 38 and an elastic protrusion 40. The keycap 30 is arranged above the base plate 32. The first bracket 34 and the second bracket 36 are pivotally connected to each other around a pivot axis A3 (indicated by a chain line in the figure), and the pivot axis A3 is parallel to the long side direction D3. The first bracket 34 and the second bracket 36 are respectively connected to the keycap 30 and the base plate 32 to support the keycap 30 above the base plate 32, so that the keycap 30 can move relative to the base plate 32 via the first bracket 34 and the second bracket 36 (for example, move up and down or move parallel to a vertical direction Dv3). The vertical direction Dv3 (indicated by a double-sided arrow in the figure) is perpendicular to the long side direction D3 and the short side direction D4. The switch circuit board 38 is placed on the bottom plate 32. The switch circuit board 38 can be, but is not limited to, a thin film circuit board, which has a switch 382 (indicated by a circle filled with diagonal lines in the figure), roughly corresponding to the center of the keycap 30. The elastic protrusion 40 is arranged on the switch circuit board 38 corresponding to the switch 382 and is located below the keycap 30. The keycap 30 can be pressed to move toward the bottom plate 32, thereby squeezing the elastic protrusion 40 to trigger the switch 382 downward. Therefore, logically, the combination of the first bracket 34 and the second bracket 36 or the combination of the first bracket 34, the second bracket 36 and the bottom plate 32 can be regarded as a keycap lifting mechanism.

[0084] For further information, see Fig. 20 and Fig.21 The first bracket 34 includes a first bracket body 340 and a first reinforcing member 342, and the first reinforcing member 342 is embedded in the first bracket body 340. The elastic modulus of the first reinforcing member 342 is greater than the elastic modulus of the first bracket body 340. Thus, the first reinforcing member 342 has the effect of reinforcing the structure of the first bracket 34. In addition, in the second embodiment, the first bracket 34 is a frame structure as a whole, mainly including a rectangular outer frame portion and a plurality of intermediate connecting portions connecting two long sides (parallel to the long side direction D3) of the rectangular outer frame portion on the inner side of the rectangular outer frame portion. The first bracket 34 is connected to the keycap 30 with one of its long sides, and is connected to the base plate 32 with another long side. The first reinforcing member 342 as a whole includes a long arm and a plurality of supporting arms extending vertically from the long arm, and the inner side of the plurality of supporting arms, the ends of the two supporting arms are connected by a connecting arm to form a ring structure. The long arm extends parallel to the pivot axis A3 in one of the long sides of the rectangular outer frame portion (i.e., the long side connected to the keycap 30). The plurality of arms extend within the plurality of intermediate connecting portions and the two short sides of the rectangular outer frame portion, and the plurality of arms extend to the other long side of the rectangular outer frame portion (i.e., the long side connected to the bottom plate 32), and the aforementioned connecting arms extend on this long side. The plurality of arms can enhance the structural strength of the intermediate connecting portion, and are also beneficial to the structural strength of the long side connected to the bottom plate 32. The plurality of connecting arms can enhance the structural strength of the long side connected to the bottom plate 32, and the annular structure can enhance the effect of the first reinforcing member 342 on the structural reinforcement of the first bracket body 340. The first reinforcing member 342 includes a plurality of Z-shaped bending structures 3422a-d, all of which extend parallel to the pivot axis A3 (or the Z-shaped bending structures 3422a-d extend parallel to the pivot axis A3 with a Z-shaped cross section), so that the first reinforcing member 342 can increase the ability to resist bending along the pivot axis A3, and also increase the linkage of the keycap lifting mechanism (including the first bracket 34 and the second bracket 36 pivoted to each other) in the long side direction D3 (or increase the efficiency of force transmission in the long side direction D3). Among them, the Z-shaped bending structure 3422a is located on the long arm, and the Z-shaped bending structure 3422b-d is located on the plurality of support arms (wherein the Z-shaped bending structure 3422c can also be logically regarded as being located at the connection between the support arm and the long arm). The Z-shaped bending structures 3422a-d can further enhance the effect of the first reinforcing member 342 on the structural reinforcement of the first bracket body 340.

[0085] In addition, if Fig.18 and Fig. 20As shown, the first bracket body 340 (or the first bracket 34) has a plurality of sliding shafts 344a, 344b (located at the long side where the rectangular outer frame is connected to the keycap 30) and a plurality of bottom shafts 346 (located at the long side where the rectangular outer frame is connected to the keycap 30). A sliding hole 345 is formed next to the sliding shaft 344a. A bottom hole 347 is formed next to the bottom shaft 346. The first bracket 34 is slidably and rotatably connected to the keycap 30 (the sliding hook 302) via the sliding shafts 344a, 344b, and the sliding hook 302 extends into the corresponding sliding hole 345. The first bracket 34 is rotatably connected to the bottom plate 32 (the bottom hook 322) via the bottom shaft 346, wherein the bottom shaft 346 is rotatably hooked to the corresponding bottom hook 322, and the bottom hook 322 extends into the corresponding bottom hole 347.

[0086] See also Figure 20 to Figure 23 ;At Fig.23 , the hidden outline of the first reinforcement member 342 is shown with a dotted line. The first reinforcement member 342 surrounds the sliding hole 345 and passes through the sliding shaft 344a, so that the structural strength of the first bracket 34 at the sliding hole 345 and the sliding shaft 344a can be strengthened, and the stability of the mutual linkage between the first bracket 34 and the keycap 30 can be increased. In the second embodiment, the first reinforcement member 342 implements the aforementioned structural configuration with a Z-shaped bending structure 3422a, but the actual operation is not limited to this. Among them, the Z-shaped bending structure 3422a is located on one side edge of the first reinforcement member 342, and is distributed on the entire side edge. The Z-shaped bending structure 3422a is at Fig. 20 The middle circle C includes a first plate portion 3424a and a second plate portion 3424b, and the first plate portion 3424a and the second plate portion 3424b are not coplanar. The first plate portion 3424a and the second plate portion 3424b are connected to form a through hole 3424c, and the sliding hole 345 is located inside the through hole 3424c, and the second plate portion 3424b passes through the sliding shaft 344a. In addition, as Fig. 22 As shown, the slide shaft 344a extends parallel to the pivot axis A3 with a non-rectangular cross section; in the second embodiment, the non-rectangular cross section is substantially trapezoidal, so that the thickness of the slide shaft 344a gradually decreases in the direction away from the pivot axis A3, which can avoid the degree of structural interference between the slide shaft 344a and the keycap 30. The second plate portion 3424b passes through the slide shaft 344a to compensate for the reduction in structural strength of the slide shaft 344a caused by the gradual decrease in thickness, and can even further enhance the structural strength of the slide shaft 344a.

[0087] From another perspective, the first bracket body 340 has a side edge (i.e., the long side connected to the keycap 30), whose thickness gradually decreases in the direction away from the pivot axis A3, which can avoid the degree of structural interference between the first bracket body 340 and the keycap 30. The Z-shaped bending structure 3422a can extend perpendicularly to the pivot axis A3 to the side edge due to its structural bending feature, which can compensate for the reduction in structural strength of the side edge caused by the gradual decrease in thickness, and can even further enhance the structural strength of the side edge. In addition, Fig. 20 Taking the structure of the first bracket 34 at the midline Y3-Y3 as an example, Fig.24 As shown, the Z-shaped bending structure 3422a includes a first plate portion 3424a', a second plate portion 3424b' and a connecting plate portion 3424d', the first plate portion 3424a', the second plate portion 3424b' and the connecting plate portion 3424d' extend parallel to the pivot axis A3 and are not coplanar, and the first plate portion 3424a' and the second plate portion 3424b' are connected to opposite sides of the connecting plate portion 3424d'. The first plate portion 3424a' is exposed from the first bracket body 340, and the second plate portion 3424b' extends into the side edge. In addition, in the second embodiment, an angle 3424e' (i.e., a bending angle) is formed between the first plate portion 3424a' and the connecting plate portion 3424d', and the angle 3424e' is greater than 90 degrees, for example, 120 degrees. However, this is not limited to this in actual operation. For example, the angle 3424e' is between 40 degrees and 90 degrees. The description of the bending angle also applies to the angle between the second plate portion 3424b' and the connecting plate portion 3424d', and will not be repeated. In addition, the ratio of the length 3424g of the connecting plate portion 3424d' (indicated by a thick dashed line in the figure) to the thickness 3424h of the first bracket 34 at the bending portion can be, but is not limited to, 0.5 to 1.5 in actual operation.

[0088] In addition, see Fig. 20 , Fig.21 and Fig.25 ;At Fig.25 In the figure, the hidden outline of the Z-shaped bending structure 3422a is shown by a dotted line. Although the Z-shaped bending structure 3422a does not directly pass through the sliding shaft 344b, the Z-shaped bending structure 3422a and the sliding shaft 344b overlap in a direction parallel to the pivot axis A3. This structural configuration is also beneficial to the connection stability between the sliding shaft 344b and the corresponding sliding hook 302 of the keycap 30. In addition, as Fig.25 As shown, in the second embodiment, the two bending portions 3424f of the Z-shaped bending structure 3422a overlap with the sliding shaft 344b in a direction parallel to the pivot axis A3, which is also beneficial to the connection stability between the sliding shaft 344b and the sliding hook 302 corresponding to the keycap 30.

[0089] Also, see Fig. 20 , Fig.21 , Fig.26 and Fig. 27 ;At Fig.26 In the figure, the hidden outline of the first reinforcement member 342 is shown in dotted lines. The first bracket body 340 (or the first bracket 34) has a plurality of pivot holes 348. The pivot holes 348 can be realized by, but not limited to, a pair of hooks arranged opposite to each other, but are not limited to this in actual operation. The first bracket 34 is pivotally connected to the second bracket 36 via the plurality of pivot holes 348. Fig.26 and Fig. 27 As shown, the Z-shaped bending structure 3422b includes a first plate portion 3426a and a second plate portion 3426b, and the first plate portion 3426a and the second plate portion 3426b are not coplanar. The first plate portion 3426a is exposed from the first bracket body 340, and the second plate portion 3426b is buried in the first bracket body 340. The first reinforcement member 342 has a surrounding portion 3426c at the Z-shaped bending structure 3422b (or logically, the surrounding portion 3426c can also be regarded as extending from the second plate portion 3426b or formed on the second plate portion 3426b), surrounding the three sides of the adjacent pivot hole 348 (with the first reinforcing member 342 having a central portion 3426c and a central portion 3426c). Fig.26 From the perspective of the pivot hole 348, that is, the upper side, the left side and the lower side), this structural configuration can increase the structural strength of the pivot hole 348 and enhance the stability of the pivot connection between the first bracket 34 and the second bracket 36. In addition, in the second embodiment, the surrounding portion 3426c is not exposed from the first bracket body 340. Moreover, the surrounding portion 3426c overlaps with the pivot hole 348 in a direction parallel to the pivot axis A3, but this is not limited to the actual operation. In addition, the bending portion of the Z-shaped bending structure 3422b is adjacent to the pivot hole 348, and this structural configuration has the effect of strengthening the structure of the pivot hole 348. In actual operation, the position of the Z-shaped bending structure 3422b can be modified (such as Fig.26 The bending portion of the Z-shaped bending structure 3422b overlaps with the pivot hole 348 in a direction parallel to the pivot axis A3 (this also overlaps with the pivot inserted into the pivot hole 348), which can further enhance the effect of the Z-shaped bending structure 3422b on strengthening the pivot hole 348 structure. At this time, the surrounding portion 3426c is formed at the bending portion of the Z-shaped bending structure 3422b. Fig.26 As shown, the first reinforcing member 342 also surrounds three sides of another pivot hole 348 at the Z-shaped bending structure 3422 c to strengthen the structure of the pivot hole 348 .

[0090] In addition, if Fig.26 As shown, the end of the arm of the first reinforcing member 342 corresponding to the bottom shaft 346 and the bottom hole 347 also surrounds three sides of the bottom hole 347 to strengthen the structure of the bottom hole 347 and improve the stability of the mutual linkage between the first bracket 34 and the bottom plate 32. In addition, in actual operation, if the structural size design allows, the first reinforcing member 342 can also be designed to pass through the bottom shaft 346, which can further strengthen the structural strength of the first bracket 34 at the bottom shaft 346 and the bottom hole 347.

[0091] As described above, in the second embodiment, the first reinforcement member 342 is partially exposed from the second bracket body 340. Fig. 20 As shown, the first bracket 34 extends as a whole along a reference plane P3 (represented by a chain line, in principle, the reference plane P3 can be regarded as a plane including the pivot axis A3). The first bracket body 340 has an upper surface (towards the keycap 30) and a lower surface (towards the base plate 32) in a direction perpendicular to the reference plane P3, and the first reinforcement member 342 is exposed on the upper surface and not exposed on the lower surface. This structural configuration can effectively reduce the situation where the first reinforcement member 342 directly collides with the lower component (such as the base plate 32) and produces sound (for example, the first reinforcement member 342 and the base plate 32 are both metal). However, this is not limited to the actual operation. In addition, the above description of the bending angle of the Z-shaped bending structure 3422a is also applicable if it is not inconsistent with the Z-shaped bending structure 3422b~d, and no further description is given. In one embodiment, the first bracket 34 and the second bracket 36 are plastic brackets.

[0092] See also Fig.28 and Fig.29 The second bracket 36 includes a second bracket body 360 and a second reinforcement 362, and the second reinforcement 362 is embedded in the second bracket body 360. The elastic modulus of the second reinforcement 362 is greater than the elastic modulus of the second bracket body 360. Similarly, the second reinforcement 362 also has the effect of strengthening the structure of the second bracket 36. The second bracket 36 as a whole includes a plurality of support parts and a plurality of bridge parts (at Fig.28 The plurality of support portions and bridge portions are arranged alternately along the pivot axis A3, and the bridge portions connect adjacent support portions. The plurality of support portions and bridge portions each have a second reinforcing member 362. Each support portion has a pivot on both sides along the pivot axis A3. The second bracket 36 is pivotally connected to the first bracket 34 via the plurality of pivots (inserted into the pivot hole 348). In the second embodiment, the second bracket 36 is pivotally connected to the inner side of the first bracket 34, or the second bracket 36 is located inside the rectangular outer frame of the first bracket 34 (see FIG. Fig.18 and Fig.19 ), wherein the supporting portion is located between two adjacent intermediate connecting portions, or between the short side of the rectangular outer frame portion and an adjacent intermediate connecting portion; on the other hand, the first bracket 34 is located on two opposite outer sides of the second bracket 36 on the pivot axis A3. Logically, the first bracket 34 can be regarded as an outer bracket, and the second bracket 36 can be regarded as an inner bracket.

[0093] In addition, for simplicity of description, two supporting parts and a bridge portion therebetween are taken as an example, such as the first part 364, the second part 366 and the bridge portion 368 (connecting the first part 364 and the second part 366) in the figure, and the first part 364 and the second part 366 are provided with a pivot 370. The second bracket 36 is inserted into the pivot hole 348 (of the first bracket 34) through the pivot 370 to be pivotally connected with the first bracket 34. The second reinforcement member 362 extends in the first part 364, the second part 366 and the bridge portion 368. The second reinforcement 362 includes a plurality of Z-shaped bending structures 3622a-e, wherein the Z-shaped bending structure 3622a extends along the edge (adjacent to the keycap 30) of the second reinforcement 362 (including a component extending parallel to the pivot axis A3 and a component extending perpendicular to the pivot axis A3), and the Z-shaped bending structures 3622b-e all extend parallel to the pivot axis A3 (or the Z-shaped bending structures 3622b-e extend parallel to the pivot axis A3 with a Z-shaped cross section). The Z-shaped bending structures 3622a-e can increase the ability of the second reinforcement 362 to resist bending along the pivot axis A3, and the Z-shaped bending structure 3622a also has a slight ability to resist bending in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis A3 (this helps the second bracket 36 to stably transmit force in this direction (perpendicular to the pivot axis A3)). In addition, the bridging portion 368 spans the middle connecting portion corresponding to the rectangular outer frame portion of the first bracket 34 (see also Fig.18 and Fig.19 ); wherein the intermediate connecting portion has a groove 350 (see Fig. 20 ), the groove 350 is located below the bridge portion 368, and the first reinforcing member 342 is exposed in the groove 350. When the first bracket 34 and the second bracket 36 overlap, the bridge portion 368 enters the groove 350. Fig.18 , Fig.19 and Fig.28 As shown, the second bracket body 360 (or the second bracket 36) has a plurality of gripping shafts 372 and a plurality of bottom shafts 374, which are logically located on the plurality of supporting parts. A gripping hole 373 is formed next to the gripping shaft 372. A bottom hole 375 is formed next to the bottom shaft 374. The second bracket 36 is rotatably connected to (the gripping hook 304 of) the keycap 30 via the gripping shaft 372, and the gripping hook 304 extends into the corresponding gripping hole 373. The second bracket 36 is rotatably connected to (the bottom hook 324 of) the bottom plate 32 via the bottom shaft 374, wherein the bottom shaft 374 is rotatably hooked to the corresponding bottom hook 324, and the bottom hook 324 extends into the corresponding bottom hole 375. In addition, the bridge portion 368 is located on one side of the second bracket 36 for connecting the keycap 30, and this structural configuration helps to improve the stability of the second bracket 36 supporting the keycap 30.

[0094] See also Figures 28 to 30 ;At Fig.30, the hidden outline of the second reinforcement member 362 is shown with a dotted line. The second reinforcement member 362 (Z-shaped bending structure 3622a) surrounds three sides of the gripping hole 373 and does not extend into the gripping shaft 372. This structural configuration helps to strengthen the structural strength of the second bracket 36 at this location (i.e., strengthening the structure of the gripping hole 373, which is beneficial to the structural stability of the gripping shaft 372), and is beneficial to the connection stability between the gripping shaft 372 and the corresponding gripping hook 304 of the keycap 30; wherein, the portion of the Z-shaped bending structure 3622a at this location (i.e., the portion surrounding the gripping hole 373) includes both components extending parallel to the pivot axis A3 and extending perpendicular to the pivot axis A3, which further helps to strengthen the structure of the gripping hole 373. However, this is not limited to the actual operation. For example, if the structural dimensions allow, the second reinforcing member 362 may be designed to pass through the gripping shaft 372, which can further strengthen the structural strength of the second bracket 36 at the gripping hole 373 and the gripping shaft 372, and also increase the stability of the linkage between the second bracket 36 and the keycap 30. In addition, the second reinforcing member 362 surrounds the bottom hole 375 (such as the bottom hole 375 of the first portion 364) of the first portion 364. Fig.30 The bottom hole 375 on the left side of the middle part is formed on three sides of the bottom hole 375, which helps to strengthen the structure of the bottom hole 375. In addition, the second reinforcing member 362 is also partially exposed from the second bracket body 360; wherein, the second reinforcing member 362 is exposed from the upper surface of the second bracket body 360 (towards the keycap 30) and is not exposed from the lower surface of the second bracket body 360 (towards the bottom plate 32). This can also effectively prevent the second reinforcing member 362 from directly colliding with the lower component (such as the bottom plate 32) and generating noise (for example, the second reinforcing member 362 and the bottom plate 32 are both metal).

[0095] Also, see Fig. 20 , Fig.28 and Fig.31 ;At Fig.31 In the figure, the outline of the keycap 30 is shown by a dotted line. In the second embodiment, the shaft diameter of the sliding shaft 344a (or the sliding shaft 344b) of the first bracket 34 is larger than the shaft diameter of the gripping shaft 372 of the second bracket 36; this structural configuration helps to increase the stability of the sliding shaft 344a (or the sliding shaft 344b) in rotation and sliding. In addition, the keycap 30 has a first long side 30a and a second long side 30b, and the first long side 30a and the second long side 30b are both parallel to the long side direction D3. Fig.31In the figure, the vertical direction Dv3 is perpendicular to the paper surface, so the structural outline presented in the figure is equivalent to its vertical projection on the paper surface. In the second embodiment, the projection of the sliding hole 345 of the first bracket 34 in the vertical direction Dv3 and the projection of the first long side 30a of the keycap 30 in the vertical direction Dv3 have a first distance L3 in the short side direction D4, and the projection of the gripping hole 373 of the second bracket 36 in the vertical direction Dv3 and the projection of the second long side 30b of the keycap 30 in the vertical direction Dv3 have a second distance L4 in the short side direction D4, and the first distance L3 is greater than the second distance L4. This structural configuration provides a larger space for the structure and actuation design of the sliding shaft 344a of the first bracket 34.

[0096] Also, see Fig. 20 , Fig.21 , Fig.28 , Fig.29 and Fig.32 ;At Fig.32 In the figure, the key cap 30 is not shown to simplify the drawing. The first reinforcing member 342 and the second reinforcing member 362 overlap in the vertical direction Dv3. Fig.32 As shown, the second bracket body 360 at the bridge portion 368 separates the first reinforcement member 342 and the second reinforcement member 362 in the vertical direction Dv3, so that even if the first reinforcement member 342 is exposed in the groove 350, the second reinforcement member 362 can be prevented from hitting the first reinforcement member 342 and generating sound.

[0097] See also Fig.33, which is a top view of the switch circuit board 38; wherein the outline of the first bracket 34 is drawn with a thin solid line, and the outline of the second bracket 36 is drawn with a dotted line. The switch circuit board 38 includes a peripheral portion 380a and a plurality of circuit connection portions 380b (the range of which is indicated by a chain line frame; the other parts of the switch circuit board 38 are the peripheral portion 380a). The circuit connection portion 380b extends along the horizontal direction Dh3 (indicated by a double-headed arrow in the figure) (that is, the length direction of the circuit connection portion 380b is parallel to the horizontal direction Dh3) and connects the opposite sides of the peripheral portion 380a. The horizontal direction Dh3 is perpendicular to the vertical direction Dv3 and the pivot axis A3, so the horizontal direction Dh3 is parallel to the short side direction D4. The switch circuit board 38 has no portion extending parallel to the pivot axis A3 on the inner side of the peripheral portion 380a. Compared with the switch circuit board of a general key structure (whose inner side usually includes vertical and horizontal connection structures), the inner side of the switch circuit board 38 has only a single-direction connection structure (circuit connection portion 380b), which reduces the degree of interference with the structure of the first bracket 34 and the second bracket 36. In the second embodiment, the ratio of the length to the width of the key structure 3 is about 6, and 7 circuit connection portions 380b extending substantially parallel to the short side direction D4 are used; but this is not limited to the actual operation. In addition, the first bracket 34 and the second bracket 36 are located inside the peripheral portion 380a in the vertical direction Dv3, or the first bracket 34 and the second bracket 36 do not overlap with the peripheral portion 380a in the vertical direction Dv3. The circuit connection portion 380b does not overlap with the intermediate connection portion of the first bracket 34 (for example, the outermost intermediate connection portion along the pivot axis A3) in the vertical direction Dv3, so that the structure of these intermediate connection portions can be extended downward to increase the structural strength, which also helps to increase the structural design flexibility of the reinforcement member (for example, the first reinforcement member 342) here.

[0098] In addition, in the second embodiment, the supporting portion of the second bracket 36 overlaps with the circuit connecting portion 380b of the switch circuit board 38 in the vertical direction Dv3. Taking the first portion 364 of the second bracket 36 as an example, (please also refer to Fig.34 ) The first portion 364 has a groove 364a, and when the first bracket 34 and the second bracket 36 overlap, the corresponding circuit connection portion 380b enters the groove 364a. On the other hand, through the design of the groove 364a, the first portion 364 can be further extended downward to increase the structural strength, which also helps to increase the structural design flexibility of the reinforcement (such as the second reinforcement 362) here. Thereby, this structural configuration can enhance the structural strength of the first portion 364 and help to reduce the overall height of the key structure 3. The second portion 366 is the same and will not be described in detail. In addition, in the second embodiment, the rectangular outer frame portion of the first bracket 34 also overlaps with the circuit connection portion 380b of the switch circuit board 38 in the vertical direction Dv3, and the rectangular outer frame portion also has a groove correspondingly (for example, as Fig. 20 and Fig.21The groove 352 indicated in the figure is formed so that when the first bracket 34 and the second bracket 36 overlap, the corresponding circuit connection portion 380b will also enter the groove 352. Similarly, this structural configuration can improve the structural strength of the rectangular outer frame of the first bracket 34 and help reduce the overall height of the key structure 3.

[0099] See also Fig.35 and Fig.36 . The key structure 5 according to the third embodiment is a long rectangular key structure, which has a long side direction D5 and a short side direction D6 (both are indicated by double-sided arrows in the figure), and the long side direction D5 is perpendicular to the short side direction D6. In actual operation, the long rectangular key structure 5 can be but is not limited to a blank key. The key structure 5 includes a keycap 50, a base plate 52, a first bracket 54, a second bracket 56, a switch circuit board 58 and an elastic protrusion 60. The keycap 50 is arranged above the base plate 52. The first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56 are pivotally connected to each other around a pivot axis A5 (indicated by a chain line in the figure), and the pivot axis A5 is parallel to the long side direction D5. The first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56 are respectively connected to the keycap 50 and the base plate 52 to support the keycap 50 above the base plate 52, so that the keycap 50 can move relative to the base plate 52 (for example, move up and down or move parallel to a vertical direction Dv5) via the first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56. The vertical direction Dv5 (indicated by a double-sided arrow in the figure) is perpendicular to the long side direction D5 and the short side direction D6. The switch circuit board 58 is placed on the bottom plate 52. The switch circuit board 58 can be, but is not limited to, a thin film circuit board, which has a switch 582 (indicated by a circle filled with diagonal lines in the figure), roughly corresponding to the center of the keycap 50. The elastic protrusion 60 is arranged on the switch circuit board 58 corresponding to the switch 582 and is located below the keycap 50. The keycap 50 can be pressed to move toward the bottom plate 52, thereby squeezing the elastic protrusion 60 to trigger the switch 582 downward. Therefore, logically, the combination of the first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56 or the combination of the first bracket 54, the second bracket 56 and the bottom plate 52 can be regarded as a keycap lifting mechanism.

[0100] For further information, see Fig.37 and Fig.38. The first bracket 54 includes a first bracket body 540 and a first reinforcement 542, and the first reinforcement 542 is embedded in the first bracket body 540. The elastic modulus of the first reinforcement 542 is greater than the elastic modulus of the first bracket body 540. Thereby, the first reinforcement 542 has the effect of strengthening the structure of the first bracket 54. In addition, in the third embodiment, the first bracket body 540 as a whole includes a long arm extending substantially parallel to the pivot axis A5 and a plurality of arms extending perpendicularly from the long arm. The first bracket 54 is connected to the keycap 50 by the long arm of the first bracket body 540, and is connected to the base plate 52 by (the end of) the arm of the first bracket body 540. The first reinforcement 542 as a whole includes a long arm and a plurality of arms extending perpendicularly from the long arm. The long arm of the first reinforcement 542 extends parallel to the pivot axis A5 in the long arm of the first bracket body 540, and the arm of the first reinforcement 542 extends in the arm of the first bracket body 540. The first reinforcing member 542 includes a plurality of Z-shaped bending structures 5422a-d, all extending parallel to the pivot axis A5 (or the Z-shaped bending structures 5422a-d extend parallel to the pivot axis A5 with a Z-shaped cross section), so that the first reinforcing member 542 can increase the ability to resist bending along the pivot axis A5, and also increase the linkage of the keycap lifting mechanism (including the first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56 pivoted to each other) in the long side direction D5 (or increase the efficiency of force transmission in the long side direction D5). Among them, the Z-shaped bending structure 5422a is located at the long arm of the first reinforcing member 542, and the Z-shaped bending structures 5422b-d are located at the arm of the first reinforcing member 542. The Z-shaped bending structures 5422a-d can further enhance the effect of the first reinforcing member 542 on the structural reinforcement of the first bracket body 540.

[0101] In addition, if Fig.35 and Fig.37 As shown, the first bracket body 540 (or the first bracket 54) has a plurality of sliding shafts 544a, 544b (located on the long arm of the first bracket body 540) and a plurality of bottom shafts 546 (located at the end of the arm of the first bracket body 540). A sliding hole 545 is formed next to the sliding shaft 544a. A bottom hole 547 is formed next to the bottom shaft 546. The first bracket 54 is slidably and rotatably connected to the keycap 50 (the sliding hook 502) via the sliding shafts 544a, 544b, and the sliding hook 502 extends into the corresponding sliding hole 545. The first bracket 54 is rotatably connected to the bottom plate 52 (the bottom hook 522) via the bottom shaft 546, wherein the bottom shaft 546 is rotatably hooked to the corresponding bottom hook 522, and the bottom hook 522 extends into the corresponding bottom hole 547.

[0102] See also Figures 37 to 40 ;At Fig.40, the hidden outline of the first reinforcement member 542 is shown with a dotted line. The first reinforcement member 542 surrounds the sliding hole 545 and passes through the sliding shaft 544a, so that the structural strength of the first bracket 54 at the sliding hole 545 and the sliding shaft 544a can be strengthened, and the stability of the mutual linkage between the first bracket 54 and the keycap 50 can be increased. In the third embodiment, the first reinforcement member 542 implements the aforementioned structural configuration with a Z-shaped bending structure 5422a, but the actual operation is not limited to this. Among them, the Z-shaped bending structure 5422a is located on one side edge of the first reinforcement member 542, and is distributed on the entire side edge. The Z-shaped bending structure 5422a is at Fig. 20 The middle circle E includes a first plate portion 5424a and a second plate portion 5424b, and the first plate portion 5424a and the second plate portion 5424b are not coplanar. The first plate portion 5424a and the second plate portion 5424b are connected to form a through hole 5424c, and the sliding hole 545 is located inside the through hole 5424c, and the second plate portion 5424b passes through the sliding shaft 544a. In addition, as Fig.39 As shown, the slide shaft 544a extends parallel to the pivot axis A5 with a non-rectangular cross section; in the third embodiment, the non-rectangular cross section is substantially trapezoidal, so that the thickness of the slide shaft 544a gradually decreases in the direction away from the pivot axis A5, which can avoid the degree of structural interference between the slide shaft 544a and the keycap 50. The second plate portion 5424b passes through the slide shaft 544a to compensate for the reduction in structural strength of the slide shaft 544a caused by the gradual decrease in thickness, and can even further enhance the structural strength of the slide shaft 544a.

[0103] From another perspective, the first bracket body 540 has a side edge (i.e., the long arm connected to the keycap 50), whose thickness gradually decreases in the direction away from the pivot axis A5, which can avoid the degree of structural interference between the first bracket body 540 and the keycap 50. The Z-shaped bending structure 5422a can extend perpendicularly to the pivot axis A5 to the side edge due to its structural bending feature, which can compensate for the reduction in structural strength of the side edge caused by the gradual decrease in thickness, and can even further enhance the structural strength of the side edge. In addition, Fig.37 Taking the structure of the first bracket 34 at the midline Y5-Y5 as an example, Fig.41As shown, the Z-shaped bending structure 5422a includes a first plate portion 5424a', a second plate portion 5424b' and a connecting plate portion 5424d', the first plate portion 5424a', the second plate portion 5424b' and the connecting plate portion 5424d' extend parallel to the pivot axis A5 and are not coplanar, and the first plate portion 5424a' and the second plate portion 5424b' are connected to opposite sides of the connecting plate portion 5424d'. The first plate portion 5424a' is exposed from the first bracket body 540, and the second plate portion 5424b' extends into the side edge. In addition, in the third embodiment, an angle 5424e' (i.e., a bending angle) is formed between the first plate portion 5424a' and the connecting plate portion 5424d', and the angle 5424e' is greater than 90 degrees, for example, 120 degrees. However, this is not limited to this in actual operation. For example, the angle 5424e' is between 40 degrees and 90 degrees. The description of the bending angle also applies to the angle between the second plate portion 5424b' and the connecting plate portion 5424d', and will not be repeated. In addition, the ratio of the length 5424g of the connecting plate portion 5424d' (indicated by a thick dashed line in the figure) to the thickness 5424h of the first bracket 54 at the bending portion can be, but is not limited to, 0.5 to 1.5 in actual operation.

[0104] In addition, see Fig.37 , Fig.38 and Fig.42 ;At Fig.42 In FIG. 5 , the hidden outline of the Z-shaped bending structure 5422a is shown by a dotted line. Although the Z-shaped bending structure 5422a does not directly pass through the sliding shaft 544b, the Z-shaped bending structure 5422a and the sliding shaft 544b overlap in a direction parallel to the pivot axis A5. This structural configuration is also beneficial to the connection stability between the sliding shaft 544b and the corresponding sliding hook 502 of the keycap 50. In addition, as Fig.42 As shown, in the third embodiment, one of the two bending portions 5424f of the Z-shaped bending structure 5422a overlaps with the sliding shaft 544b in a direction parallel to the pivot axis A5, which is also beneficial to the connection stability between the sliding shaft 544b and the corresponding sliding hook 502 of the keycap 50.

[0105] Also, see Fig.37 , Fig.38 , Fig.43 and Fig.44 ;At Fig.26 In the figure, the hidden outline of the first reinforcement member 542 is shown in dotted lines. The first bracket body 540 (or the first bracket 54) has a plurality of pivot holes 548 (located on the arm of the first bracket 54). The pivot holes 548 can be realized by, but not limited to, a pair of oppositely disposed hooks, but are not limited to this in actual operation. The first bracket 54 is pivotally connected to the second bracket 56 via the plurality of pivot holes 548. Fig.43 and Fig.44As shown, the Z-shaped bending structure 5422b includes a first plate portion 5426a and a second plate portion 5426b, and the first plate portion 5426a and the second plate portion 5426b are not coplanar. The first plate portion 5426a is exposed from the first bracket body 540, and the second plate portion 5426b is buried in the first bracket body 540. The first reinforcing member 542 has a surrounding portion 5426c at the Z-shaped bending structure 5422b (or logically, the surrounding portion 5426c can also be regarded as extending from the second plate portion 5426b or formed on the second plate portion 5426b), surrounding three sides of the adjacent pivot hole 548 (with the first reinforcing member 542 having a central portion 5426c and a central portion 5426c). Fig.43 From the perspective of the pivot hole 548, that is, the upper side, the left side and the lower side), this structural configuration can increase the structural strength of the pivot hole 548 and enhance the stability of the pivot connection between the first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56. In addition, in the third embodiment, the surrounding portion 5426c is not exposed from the first bracket body 540. Moreover, the surrounding portion 5426c overlaps with the pivot hole 548 in a direction parallel to the pivot axis A5, but this is not limited to the actual operation. In addition, the bending portion of the Z-shaped bending structure 5422b is adjacent to the pivot hole 548, and this structural configuration has the effect of strengthening the structure of the pivot hole 548. In actual operation, the position of the Z-shaped bending structure 5422b can be modified (such as Fig.43 The Z-shaped bending structure 5422b is arranged to overlap with the pivot hole 548 in a direction parallel to the pivot axis A5 (as shown by the two chain line segments in the middle) to further increase the effect of strengthening the structure of the pivot hole 548 by the Z-shaped bending structure 5422b. At this time, the surrounding portion 5426c is formed on the bending portion of the Z-shaped bending structure 5422b.

[0106] As described above, in the third embodiment, the first reinforcement member 542 is partially exposed from the second bracket body 540. Fig.37 As shown, the first bracket 54 extends as a whole along a reference plane P5 (represented by a chain line, in principle, the reference plane P5 can be regarded as a plane including the pivot axis A5). The first bracket body 540 has an upper surface (towards the keycap 50) and a lower surface (towards the bottom plate 52) in a direction perpendicular to the reference plane P5, and the first reinforcement member 542 is exposed on the upper surface and not exposed on the lower surface. This structural configuration can effectively avoid the situation where the first reinforcement member 542 directly collides with the lower component (such as the bottom plate 52) and produces a sound (for example, the first reinforcement member 542 and the bottom plate 52 are both metal). However, this is not limited to the actual operation. In addition, the above description of the bending angle of the Z-shaped bending structure 5422a is also applicable if it is not inconsistent with the Z-shaped bending structure 5422b~d, and no further description is given. In one embodiment, the first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56 are plastic brackets.

[0107] See also Fig.45 and Fig.46. The second bracket 56 includes a second bracket body 560 and a second reinforcement 562, and the second reinforcement 562 is embedded in the second bracket body 560. The elastic modulus of the second reinforcement 562 is greater than the elastic modulus of the second bracket body 560. Similarly, the second reinforcement 562 also has the effect of strengthening the structure of the second bracket 56. In addition, in the third embodiment, the second bracket body 560 as a whole includes a long arm extending substantially parallel to the pivot axis A5 and a plurality of arms extending perpendicularly from the long arm. The second bracket 56 is connected to the keycap 50 by the long arm of the second bracket body 560, and is connected to the base plate 52 by (the end of) the arm of the second bracket body 560. The second reinforcement 562 as a whole includes a long arm and a plurality of arms extending perpendicularly from the long arm. The long arm of the second reinforcement 562 extends parallel to the pivot axis A5 in the long arm of the second bracket body 560, and the arm of the second reinforcement 562 extends in the arm of the second bracket body 560. The second reinforcing member 562 includes a plurality of Z-shaped bending structures 5622a-d, wherein the Z-shaped bending structure 5622a extends along the edge (adjacent to the keycap 50) of the second reinforcing member 562 (including a component extending parallel to the pivot axis A5 and a component extending perpendicular to the pivot axis A5), and the Z-shaped bending structures 5622b-d extend parallel to the pivot axis A5 (or the Z-shaped bending structures 5422b-d extend parallel to the pivot axis A5 with a Z-shaped cross section). The Z-shaped bending structures 5622a-d can increase the anti-bending ability of the second reinforcing member 562 along the pivot axis A5, and also increase the linkage of the keycap lifting mechanism (including the first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56 pivotally connected to each other) in the long side direction D5 (or increase the force transmission efficiency in the long side direction D5). The Z-shaped bending structure 5622a also has a certain ability to resist bending in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis A5 (which helps the second bracket 56 to stably transmit force in this direction (perpendicular to the pivot axis A5)). The Z-shaped bending structures 5622a-d can further enhance the effect of the second reinforcing member 562 on the structural reinforcement of the first bracket body 560.

[0108] In addition, if Fig.35 and Fig.45As shown, the second bracket body 560 (or the second bracket 56) has a plurality of gripping shafts 564 (located on the long arm of the second bracket body 560) and a plurality of bottom shafts 566 (located at the end of the arm of the second bracket body 560). A gripping hole 565 is formed next to the gripping shaft 564. A bottom hole 567 is formed next to the bottom shaft 566. The second bracket 56 is rotatably connected to (the gripping hook 504 of) the keycap 50 via the gripping shaft 564, and the gripping hook 504 extends into the corresponding gripping hole 565. The second bracket 56 is rotatably connected to (the bottom hook 524 of) the bottom plate 52 via the bottom shaft 566, wherein the bottom shaft 566 is rotatably hooked to the corresponding bottom hook 524, and the bottom hook 524 extends into the corresponding bottom hole 567. In addition, the arm of the second bracket body 560 has a pivot 568 on both sides along the pivot axis A5. The first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56 are arranged alternately along the pivot axis A5 and are inserted into the pivot hole 548 via the pivot axis 564 to be pivotally connected to each other. On the other hand, the first bracket 54 is located on two opposite outer sides of the second bracket 56 on the pivot axis A5. Logically, the first bracket 54 can be regarded as an outer bracket and the second bracket 56 can be regarded as an inner bracket.

[0109] See also Figure 45 to Figure 47 ;At Fig.47 , the hidden outline of the second reinforcement member 562 is shown by dotted lines. The second reinforcement member 562 (Z-shaped bending structure 5622a) surrounds three sides of the gripping hole 565 and does not extend into the gripping shaft 564. This structural configuration helps to strengthen the structural strength of the second bracket 56 at this location (i.e., strengthening the structure of the gripping hole 565 is beneficial to the structural stability of the gripping shaft 564), and is beneficial to the connection stability between the gripping shaft 564 and the corresponding gripping hook 504 of the keycap 50; wherein, the portion of the Z-shaped bending structure 5622a at this location (i.e., the portion surrounding the gripping hole 565) includes both components extending parallel to the pivot axis A5 and components extending perpendicular to the pivot axis A5, which further helps to strengthen the structure of the gripping hole 565. However, this is not limited to the actual operation. For example, if the structural dimension design allows, the second reinforcing member 562 may be designed to pass through the grasping shaft 564, which can further strengthen the structural strength of the second bracket 56 at the grasping hole 565 and the grasping shaft 564, and can also increase the stability of the mutual linkage between the second bracket 56 and the keycap 50. In addition, the second reinforcing member 562 surrounds three sides of the bottom hole 567, so it helps to strengthen the structure of the bottom hole 567. In addition, the second reinforcing member 562 is also partially exposed from the second bracket body 560; wherein, the second reinforcing member 562 is exposed from the upper surface of the second bracket body 560 (towards the keycap 50) and is not exposed from the lower surface of the second bracket body 560 (towards the bottom plate 52). This can also effectively prevent the second reinforcing member 562 from directly colliding with the lower component (such as the bottom plate 52) and generating noise (for example, the second reinforcing member 562 and the bottom plate 52 are both metal).

[0110] Also, see Fig.48The hidden outline of the Z-shaped bending structure 5622b is shown in dotted lines. One of the two bending portions 5624 of the Z-shaped bending structure 5622b overlaps with the pivot 568 in a direction parallel to the pivot axis A5, which is also beneficial to the connection stability between the pivot 568 and the pivot hole 548 of the first bracket 54.

[0111] Also, see Fig.37 , Fig.45 and Fig.49 ;At Fig.49 In the figure, the outline of the keycap 50 is shown by a dotted line. In the third embodiment, the shaft diameter of the sliding shaft 544a (or the sliding shaft 544b) of the first bracket 54 is larger than the shaft diameter of the gripping shaft 564 of the second bracket 56; this structural configuration helps to increase the stability of the sliding shaft 544a (or the sliding shaft 544b) in rotation and sliding. In addition, the keycap 50 has a first long side 50a and a second long side 50b, and the first long side 50a and the second long side 50b are both parallel to the long side direction D5. Fig.49 In the figure, the vertical direction Dv5 is perpendicular to the paper surface, so the structural outline presented in the figure is equivalent to its vertical projection on the paper surface. In the third embodiment, the projection of the sliding hole 545 of the first bracket 54 on the vertical direction Dv5 and the projection of the first long side 50a of the keycap 50 on the vertical direction Dv5 have a first distance L5 in the short side direction D6, and the projection of the gripping hole 565 of the second bracket 56 on the vertical direction Dv5 and the projection of the second long side 50b of the keycap 50 on the vertical direction Dv5 have a second distance L6 in the short side direction D6, and the first distance L5 is greater than the second distance L6. This structural configuration provides a larger space for the structure and actuation design of the sliding shaft 544a of the first bracket 54.

[0112] See also Fig.50, which is a top view of the switch circuit board 58; wherein the outline of the first bracket 54 is drawn with a thin solid line, and the outline of the second bracket 56 is drawn with a dotted line. The switch circuit board 58 generally includes a peripheral portion 580a and a plurality of circuit connection portions 580b (the range of which is indicated by a chain line frame; the other parts of the switch circuit board 58 are the peripheral portion 580a). The circuit connection portion 580b extends along the horizontal direction Dh5 (indicated by a double-headed arrow in the figure) (that is, the length direction of the circuit connection portion 580b is parallel to the horizontal direction Dh5) and connects the opposite sides of the peripheral portion 580a. The horizontal direction Dh5 is perpendicular to the vertical direction Dv5 and the pivot axis A5, so the horizontal direction Dh5 is parallel to the short side direction D6. The switch circuit board 58 has no portion extending parallel to the pivot axis A5 on the inner side of the peripheral portion 580a. Compared to the switch circuit board of a general key structure (whose inner side usually includes vertical and horizontal connection structures), the switch circuit board 58 has only a single-direction connection structure (circuit connection portion 580b) on the inner side, which reduces the degree of interference with the first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56. In the third embodiment, the ratio of the length to the width of the key structure 5 is about 6, and 7 circuit connection portions 580b extending substantially parallel to the short side direction D6 are used; but this is not limited to the actual operation. In addition, most of the first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56 are located inside the peripheral portion 580a in the vertical direction Dv5, or the first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56 only partially overlap with the peripheral portion 580a in the vertical direction Dv5.

[0113] In addition, in the third embodiment, the first bracket body 540 (of the first bracket 54) and the second bracket body 560 (of the second bracket 56) overlap with the circuit connection portion 580b of the switch circuit board 58 in the vertical direction Dv5. Fig.51 , which is a schematic diagram of the bottom of the first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56. The first bracket body 540 has a plurality of grooves 540a, 540b, and the second bracket body 560 has a plurality of grooves 560a, 560b. When the first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56 overlap, the corresponding circuit connection portion 580b enters the grooves 540a, 540b, 560a, 560b. On the other hand, through the design of the grooves 540a, 540b, 560a, 560b, the first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56 can be further extended downward to increase the structural strength, which also helps to increase the structural design flexibility of the reinforcement member (such as the first reinforcement member 542 and the second reinforcement member 562) here. Thereby, this structural configuration can enhance the structural strength of the first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56 and help to reduce the overall height of the key structure 5.

[0114] The key structure and key cap lifting mechanism of the present invention have a reinforcing member on the bracket, and the elastic modulus of the reinforcing member is greater than the elastic modulus of the bracket body, so that the structural strength of the bracket is improved. Furthermore, the overall strength of the key structure and the stability of the operation can be improved.

[0115] 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 cap lifting mechanism, characterized in that Include: A first bracket, the first bracket comprising a first bracket body and a first reinforcement member, the first reinforcement member is embedded in the first bracket body, and the elastic modulus of the first reinforcement member is greater than the elastic modulus of the first bracket body; and A second bracket, the second bracket and the first bracket are pivotally connected to each other around a pivot axis; Wherein, the first reinforcement member includes a Z-shaped bending structure, and the Z-shaped bending structure extends parallel to the pivot axis.

2. The keycap lifting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The Z-shaped bending structure is located at the side edge of the first reinforcing member. The first bracket has a sliding shaft. The Z-shaped bending structure and the sliding shaft overlap in a direction parallel to the pivot axis.

3. The keycap lifting mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The Z-shaped bending structure includes two bending parts, and the sliding axis overlaps with one of the two bending parts in a direction parallel to the pivot axis.

4. The keycap lifting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first bracket has a pivot, and the first bracket is pivotally connected to the second bracket via the pivot. The Z-shaped bending structure includes two bending parts, and the pivot overlaps with one of the two bending parts in a direction parallel to the pivot axis.

5. The keycap lifting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The Z-shaped bending structure includes a first plate portion, a second plate portion and a connecting plate portion, wherein the first plate portion, the second plate portion and the connecting plate portion extend parallel to the pivot axis and are not coplanar, and the first plate portion and the second plate portion are connected to opposite sides of the connecting plate portion, and the first bracket body has a side edge, and the thickness of the side edge gradually decreases in the direction away from the pivot axis, the first plate portion is exposed from the first bracket body, and the second plate portion extends into the side edge.

6. The keycap lifting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first bracket as a whole extends along a reference plane. The first bracket body has an upper surface and a lower surface in a direction perpendicular to the reference plane. The first reinforcement is exposed on the upper surface but not on the lower surface.

7. The keycap lifting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The Z-shaped bending structure includes a first plate portion, a second plate portion and a connecting plate portion. The first plate portion, the second plate portion and the connecting plate portion extend parallel to the pivot axis and are not coplanar. The first plate portion and the second plate portion are connected to opposite sides of the connecting plate portion. An angle is formed between the first plate portion and the connecting plate portion, and the angle is greater than 90 degrees.

8. The keycap lifting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first reinforcing member includes another Z-shaped bending structure, and the other Z-shaped bending structure extends perpendicular to the pivot axis.

9. The keycap lifting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second bracket includes a second bracket body and a second reinforcement member. The second reinforcement member is embedded in the second bracket body. The elastic modulus of the second reinforcement member is greater than the elastic modulus of the second bracket body. The second reinforcement member includes a Z-shaped bending structure extending parallel to the pivot axis.

10. A key structure, characterized in that Include: Base plate; keycaps; and The keycap lifting mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the keycap lifting mechanism supports the keycap on the base plate in a vertical direction.

11. A key cap lifting mechanism, characterized in that Include: A first bracket, the first bracket comprising a first bracket body and a first reinforcement member, the first reinforcement member being embedded in the first bracket body, the elastic modulus of the first reinforcement member being greater than the elastic modulus of the first bracket body, the first bracket body having a sliding shaft and a sliding hole formed beside the sliding shaft, the first reinforcement member surrounding the sliding hole and passing through the sliding shaft; as well as The second bracket is pivotally connected to the first bracket around a pivot axis.

12. The keycap lifting mechanism according to claim 11, characterized in that: The first reinforcing member comprises a first plate portion and a second plate portion. The first plate portion is connected to the second plate portion and forms a through hole. The sliding hole is located inside the through hole. The second plate portion passes through the sliding shaft.

13. The keycap lifting mechanism according to claim 12, characterized in that: The first plate portion is exposed from the first bracket body, and the second plate portion is not exposed from the first bracket body.

14. The keycap lifting mechanism according to claim 12, characterized in that: The first plate portion is not coplanar with the second plate portion, the sliding shaft extends parallel to the pivot axis with a non-rectangular cross section, and the thickness of the sliding shaft gradually decreases in a direction away from the pivot axis.

15. The keycap lifting mechanism according to claim 11, characterized in that: The second bracket includes a second bracket body and a second reinforcement member, the second reinforcement member is embedded in the second bracket body, the elastic modulus of the second reinforcement member is greater than the elastic modulus of the second bracket body, the second bracket body has a grasping axis and a grasping hole formed next to the grasping axis, and the second reinforcement member surrounds three sides of the grasping hole and does not extend into the grasping axis.

16. The keycap lifting mechanism according to claim 11, characterized in that: The second bracket has a grasping shaft, and the shaft diameter of the sliding shaft is larger than the shaft diameter of the grasping shaft.

17. The keycap lifting mechanism according to claim 11, characterized in that: The first bracket as a whole extends along a reference plane. The first bracket body has an upper surface and a lower surface in a direction perpendicular to the reference plane. The first reinforcement is exposed on the upper surface but not on the lower surface.

18. A key structure, characterized in that Include: Base plate; keycaps; and The keycap lifting mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the keycap lifting mechanism supports the keycap on the base plate in a vertical direction, wherein the first bracket is slidably and rotatably connected to the keycap via the sliding shaft.

19. The key structure according to claim 18, characterized in that: The key structure has a long side direction and a short side direction, the long side direction is parallel to the pivot axis, the second bracket has a gripping axis and a gripping hole formed next to the gripping axis, the second bracket is rotatably connected to the keycap via the gripping axis, the keycap has a first long side and a second long side, the first long side and the second long side are parallel to the long side direction, a first distance is formed in the short side direction between the projection of the sliding hole in the vertical direction and the projection of the first long side in the vertical direction, a second distance is formed in the short side direction between the projection of the gripping hole in the vertical direction and the projection of the second long side in the vertical direction, and the first distance is greater than the second distance.

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