Keycap lifting mechanism

Abstract

The invention discloses a keycap lifting mechanism. The stability of supporting a keycap is improved through the structural design of a bracket. For example, the vertical projections of the sliding hole, the grabbing hole and the bottom hole on the bracket are overlapped in the short side direction. For example, the vertical projections of the sliding hole, the grabbing hole and the pivot hole on the bracket are overlapped in the short edge direction. For example, the bracket does not have a structure connected with other members within the coverage area of the dome hole jointly formed by the bracket in the long side direction. For example, in the coverage range of the supporting arms on the two sides of the dome hole in the long edge direction, the support is provided with more than eight connecting parts used for being connected with the key cap and the bottom plate. For example, the width of the supporting arms on the two sides of the dome hole is 0.8-2 times of the length of the supporting arms.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a key structure, and more particularly to a keycap lifting mechanism for a long rectangular key structure. Background Technology

[0002] With the miniaturization of key structures, the usable space for each component is significantly reduced, making it difficult to maintain the structural strength of the components and thus decreasing the overall stability of the key structure's operation. For example, the stability of the transmission between the bracket and other components (such as another bracket, keycap, or base plate) decreases, as does the stability of the bracket supporting the keycap. Furthermore, after using the key structure for a period of time or during bracket assembly, the bracket may also undergo some permanent deformation, affecting the stability of operation and even rendering the key structure unusable. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the problems in the prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a keycap lifting mechanism for a long rectangular key structure. The vertical projections of the sliding holes, gripping holes, and bottom holes on the support of this keycap lifting mechanism overlap in the short-side direction, which helps to increase the stability of the support in transmitting force between the keycap and the base plate in the short-side direction, thereby improving the overall stability of the key structure's operation.

[0004] A keycap lifting mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention is used for a rectangular key structure. The rectangular key structure has a long side direction and a short side direction. The keycap lifting mechanism includes a base plate, a first bracket, and a second bracket. The base plate includes a bottom hook. The first bracket includes a bottom shaft, a bottom hole formed next to the bottom shaft, a sliding shaft, and a sliding hole formed next to the sliding shaft. The bottom shaft is rotatably hooked to the bottom hook, the bottom hook extends into the bottom hole, and the first bracket is slidably and rotatably connected to the keycap of the rectangular key structure via the sliding shaft. The second bracket is pivotally connected to the first bracket about a pivot axis parallel to the long side direction. The second bracket includes a gripping shaft and a gripping hole formed next to the gripping shaft. The second bracket is rotatably connected to the keycap of the rectangular key structure via the gripping shaft. The projections of the bottom hole, the sliding hole, and the gripping hole in a vertical direction overlap each other in the short side direction. In this way, the force transmitted from the keycap of the rectangular key structure to the base plate via the first bracket is shortened, increasing the stability of force transmission and the stability of supporting the keycap. Similarly, the force transmitted from the keycap to the base plate via the second bracket and the first bracket is also shortened, further increasing the stability of force transmission and the stability of supporting the keycap. Furthermore, the aforementioned arrangement of the bottom hole, the sliding hole, and the gripping hole helps reduce the torque perpendicular to the long side generated by the force transmission on the first and second brackets, thereby reducing structural torsion of the first and second brackets during force transmission. Therefore, this keycap lifting mechanism improves the overall stability of the key structure's operation.

[0005] As an optional technical solution, the first bracket includes a pivot hole, and the second bracket includes a pivot shaft. The pivot shaft is inserted into the pivot hole to allow the first bracket and the second bracket to rotate relative to each other about the pivot axis. The projections of the pivot hole, the sliding hole, and the gripping hole in the vertical direction overlap each other in the short side direction.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a keycap lifting mechanism for a long rectangular key structure. The vertical projections of the sliding holes, gripping holes, and pivot holes on the support of this keycap lifting mechanism overlap in the short-side direction, which helps to increase the stability of force transmission from the keycap between the supports in the short-side direction, thereby improving the overall stability of the key structure's operation.

[0007] A keycap lifting mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention is used for a rectangular key structure. The rectangular key structure has a long side direction and a short side direction. The keycap lifting mechanism includes a first support and a second support. The first support includes a pivot hole, a sliding shaft, and a sliding hole formed next to the sliding shaft. The first support is slidably and rotatably connected to the keycap of the rectangular key structure via the sliding shaft. The second support includes a pivot, a gripping shaft, and a gripping hole formed next to the gripping shaft. The second support is rotatably connected to the keycap of the rectangular key structure via the gripping shaft. The pivot is inserted into the pivot hole to allow the first support and the second support to rotate relative to each other about a pivot axis parallel to the long side direction. The projections of the pivot hole, the sliding hole, and the gripping hole in a vertical direction overlap each other in the short side direction. This allows the first support to transmit force from the keycap of the rectangular key structure to the second support via a shorter path, increasing the stability of force transmission and the stability of supporting the keycap. The same applies to the second support. Furthermore, the configuration of the aforementioned pivot hole, sliding hole, and gripping hole helps to reduce the torque perpendicular to the long side generated by the force transmission on the first and second supports, thereby reducing the structural torsion of the first and second supports during force transmission. Therefore, this keycap lifting mechanism can improve the overall stability of the key structure's operation.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a keycap lifting mechanism for a long rectangular key structure. In this keycap lifting mechanism, within the area covered by the dome formed by the support in the long side direction, the support does not have a structure connecting it to other components. This helps to increase the structural strength of the support within this coverage area, thereby improving the overall stability of the key structure during operation.

[0009] A keycap lifting mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention is used for a rectangular key structure. The rectangular key structure has a long side direction and a short side direction. The keycap lifting mechanism includes a first support and a second support, the second support being pivotally connected to the first support about a pivot axis. The first support and the second support together form a dome. The dome is defined as the coverage area of ​​the first support and the second support along the long side direction; within the coverage area of ​​the dome, neither the first nor the second support has any structure connecting to the keycap and base plate of the rectangular key structure, nor to the first or second support. Therefore, the structural strength of the first and second supports within the coverage area of ​​the dome is maintained, thereby improving the overall stability of the key structure's operation.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a keycap lifting mechanism for a long rectangular key structure. The support arm of the keycap lifting mechanism defines the support arm coverage area on both sides of the dome. Within this support arm coverage area, the support arm has eight or more connecting parts for connecting with the keycap and the base plate. This increases the stability of the keycap and the base plate provided by the keycap lifting mechanism within this support arm coverage area, thereby improving the overall stability of the key structure's operation.

[0011] A keycap lifting mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention is used for a long rectangular key structure. The long rectangular key structure has a long side direction and a short side direction. The keycap lifting mechanism includes a first support and a second support, which are pivotally connected to each other about a pivot axis. The first support includes a long arm, a first sub-arm, and a second sub-arm. The long arm extends parallel to the long side direction, and the first and second sub-arms extend protruding from the long arm in a direction not parallel to the long side direction, forming a dome between the first and second sub-arms. Specifically, for the first and second supports, the support arm coverage area is defined along the long side direction, with the first and second sub-support arms as boundaries. The first support includes several first connecting parts within the support arm coverage area, and the first support is connected to the second support, the keycap, and the base plate of the rectangular key structure via these first connecting parts. The second support includes several second connecting parts within the support arm coverage area, and the second support is connected to the first support, the keycap, and the base plate of the rectangular key structure via these second connecting parts. The sum of the number of the first and second connecting parts is greater than or equal to 8. Therefore, although the support arm coverage area encompasses the dome, the first and second supports have a sufficient number of connecting parts within this support arm coverage area, thus the keycap lifting mechanism can still provide stable support for the keycap and the base plate within this support arm coverage area, thereby improving the overall stability of the key structure's operation.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a keycap lifting mechanism for a long rectangular key structure. The width of the support arms on both sides of the dome of the keycap lifting mechanism is 0.8 to 2 times the length, which can increase the structural strength of the support arms and thus improve the overall stability of the key structure during operation.

[0013] A keycap lifting mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention is used for a long rectangular key structure. The long rectangular key structure has a long side direction and a short side direction. The keycap lifting mechanism includes a first support and a second support, which are pivotally connected to each other about a pivot axis. The first support includes a first long arm, a first sub-arm, and a second sub-arm, the first long arm extending parallel to the long side direction. The first and second sub-arms protrude from the first long arm in a direction not parallel to the long side direction, forming a dome between the first and second sub-arms. The first support includes a second long arm, a third sub-arm, and a fourth sub-arm. The second long arm extends parallel to the second long side direction, and the third and fourth sub-arms protrude from the second long arm in a direction not parallel to the long side direction. In this configuration, along the long side, the first sub-arm and the second sub-arm are located between the third sub-arm and the fourth sub-arm. Each of the first to fourth sub-arms has a width along the long side and a length perpendicular to the long side, with the width being 0.8 to 2 times the length. This ensures that the first to fourth sub-arms maintain a certain structural strength, which is beneficial to the structural strength of the first and second supports near the dome, thereby improving the overall stability of the button structure during operation.

[0014] As an optional technical solution, the first bracket includes a bracket body and a reinforcing member, the reinforcing member being embedded in the bracket body and passing through the slide shaft. As an optional technical solution, the reinforcing member surrounds the sliding hole. As an optional technical solution, the diameter of the slide shaft is larger than the diameter of the gripping shaft. As an optional technical solution, the first bracket includes a bracket body and a reinforcing member, the reinforcing member being embedded in the bracket body. The first bracket has a slide shaft and a sliding hole formed beside the slide shaft, the reinforcing member passing through the slide shaft. The first bracket is slidably and rotatably connected to the keycap of the rectangular key structure via the slide shaft. As an optional technical solution, the reinforcing member surrounds the sliding hole. As an optional technical solution, the first bracket has a slide shaft and a sliding hole formed beside the slide shaft, the second bracket has a gripping shaft and a gripping hole formed beside the gripping shaft, the diameter of the slide shaft is larger than the diameter of the gripping shaft, the first bracket is slidably and rotatably connected to the keycap of the rectangular key structure via the slide shaft, and the second bracket is rotatably connected to the keycap of the rectangular key structure via the gripping shaft.

[0015] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but this is not intended to limit the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a partially exploded view of the rectangular button structure according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded view of a medium-length rectangular button structure.

[0018] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A top view of the first bracket, the second bracket, and the base plate of the medium-length rectangular button structure.

[0019] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Front view of the first support bracket.

[0020] Figure 5 for Figure 2 Front view of the second bracket in the middle.

[0021] Figure 6 for Figure 2 A magnified schematic diagram of the first semi-open pivot hole of the first support in the middle from another perspective.

[0022] Figure 7 for Figure 2 A magnified schematic diagram of the second semi-open pivot hole of the first support in the middle from another perspective.

[0023] Figure 8 for Figure 2 A magnified schematic diagram of the fully open pivot hole in the first support, indicated by a chain coil, from another perspective.

[0024] Figure 9 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the explosion of the first support structure.

[0025] Figure 10 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the explosion of the second support structure.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a partially exploded view of the rectangular button structure according to the second embodiment.

[0027] Figure 12 for Figure 11 An exploded view of a medium-length rectangular button structure.

[0028] Figure 13 for Figure 11 A top view of the first bracket, the second bracket, and the base plate of the medium-length rectangular button structure.

[0029] Figure 14 for Figure 12 Front view of the first support bracket.

[0030] Figure 15 for Figure 12 Front view of the second bracket in the middle.

[0031] Figure 16 for Figure 12 A magnified schematic diagram of the first semi-open pivot hole of the first support in the middle from another perspective.

[0032] Figure 17 for Figure 12 A magnified schematic diagram of the second semi-open pivot hole of the first support in the middle from another perspective.

[0033] Figure 18 for Figure 12 A magnified schematic diagram of the fully open pivot hole in the first support, indicated by a chain coil, from another perspective.

[0034] Figure 19 for Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the explosion of the first support structure.

[0035] Figure 20 for Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the explosion of the second support structure.

[0036] Figure 21 for Figure 13 Left side view of the structure shown.

[0037] Figure 22 This is a partially exploded view of the rectangular button structure according to the third embodiment.

[0038] Figure 23 for Figure 22 An exploded view of a medium-length rectangular button structure.

[0039] Figure 24 for Figure 22 A top view of the first bracket, the second bracket, and the base plate of the medium-length rectangular button structure.

[0040] Figure 25 for Figure 23 Front view of the first support bracket.

[0041] Figure 26 for Figure 23 Front view of the second bracket in the middle.

[0042] Figure 27 for Figure 23 A magnified schematic diagram of the first semi-open pivot hole of the first support in the middle from another perspective.

[0043] Figure 28 for Figure 23 A magnified schematic diagram of the second semi-open pivot hole of the first support in the middle from another perspective.

[0044] Figure 29 for Figure 23 A magnified schematic diagram of the fully open pivot hole in the first support, indicated by a chain coil, from another perspective.

[0045] Figure 30 for Figure 24 Left side view of the structure shown. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The directional terms mentioned in the following embodiments, such as up, down, left, right, front, or back, are only for reference to the accompanying diagrams. Prefixes for component names, such as first, second, etc., are only for distinguishing components and facilitating description, and do not impose any other limitations on the components; furthermore, components with the same prefix in different embodiments do not necessarily correspond. The correspondence of components in each embodiment should still be determined according to the specific structure described in each embodiment.

[0047] This invention proposes a keycap lifting mechanism for a rectangular key structure having a long side and a short side. The keycap lifting mechanism includes a base plate, a first bracket, and a second bracket. The base plate includes a bottom hook; the first bracket includes a bottom shaft, a bottom hole formed next to the bottom shaft, a sliding shaft, and a sliding hole formed next to the sliding shaft. The bottom shaft is rotatably hooked to the bottom hook, and the bottom hook extends into the bottom hole. The first bracket is slidably and rotatably connected to the keycap of the rectangular key structure via the sliding shaft. The second bracket is pivotally connected to the first bracket about a pivot axis parallel to the long side. The second bracket includes a gripping shaft and a gripping hole formed next to the gripping shaft. The second bracket is rotatably connected to the keycap of the rectangular key structure via the gripping shaft. The projections of the bottom hole, the sliding hole, and the gripping hole in a vertical direction overlap each other in the short side direction.

[0048] The present invention also proposes a keycap lifting mechanism for a rectangular key structure having a long side and a short side. The keycap lifting mechanism includes a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket includes a pivot hole, a sliding shaft, and a sliding hole formed next to the sliding shaft. The first bracket is slidably and rotatably connected to the keycap of the rectangular key structure via the sliding shaft. The second bracket includes a pivot, a gripping shaft, and a gripping hole formed next to the gripping shaft. The second bracket is rotatably connected to the keycap of the rectangular key structure via the gripping shaft. The pivot is inserted into the pivot hole to allow the first bracket and the second bracket to rotate relative to each other about a pivot axis parallel to the long side. The projections of the pivot hole, the sliding hole, and the gripping hole in a vertical direction overlap each other in the short side direction.

[0049] This invention also proposes a keycap lifting mechanism for a long rectangular key structure having a long side direction and a short side direction. The keycap lifting mechanism includes a first bracket and a second bracket. The second bracket and the first bracket are pivotally connected to each other about a pivot axis, and the first bracket and the second bracket together form a dome. The dome is defined as the coverage area of ​​the first bracket and the second bracket along the long side direction, with the dome as the boundary. Within the coverage area of ​​the dome, neither the first bracket nor the second bracket has a structure connecting to the keycap and the base plate of the long rectangular key structure.

[0050] The present invention also proposes a keycap lifting mechanism for a long rectangular key structure having a long side direction and a short side direction. The keycap lifting mechanism includes a first bracket and a second bracket. The first support includes a long arm, a first sub-arm, and a second sub-arm. The long arm extends parallel to the long side, and the first and second sub-arms extend from the long arm in a direction not parallel to the long side, forming a dome between the first and second sub-arms. The first and second supports are pivotally connected to each other about a pivot axis. The support arm coverage area is defined along the long side direction, with the first and second sub-arms as boundaries. Within the support arm coverage area, the first support includes several first connecting parts, which connect to the second support and the keycap and base plate of the rectangular key structure. Within the support arm coverage area, the second support includes several second connecting parts, which connect to the first support and the keycap and base plate of the rectangular key structure. The sum of the number of the first and second connecting parts is greater than or equal to 8.

[0051] The present invention also proposes a keycap lifting mechanism for a long rectangular key structure having a long side direction and a short side direction. The keycap lifting mechanism includes a first bracket and a second bracket. The first support includes a first long arm, a first sub-arm, and a second sub-arm. The first long arm extends parallel to the long side, and the first and second sub-arms extend from the first long arm in a direction not parallel to the long side, forming a dome between the first and second sub-arms. The first and second supports are pivotally connected to each other about a pivot axis. The first support includes a second long arm, a third sub-arm, and a fourth sub-arm. The second long arm extends parallel to the second long side, and the third and fourth sub-arms extend from the second long arm in a direction not parallel to the long side. In the direction of the long side, the first and second sub-arms are located between the third and fourth sub-arms. Each of the first to fourth sub-arms has a width along the long side and a length perpendicular to the long side, wherein the width is 0.8 to 2 times the length.

[0052] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The rectangular button structure 1 according to the first embodiment has a long side direction D1 and a short side direction D2 (both indicated by double-headed arrows in the figure), with the long side direction D1 and the short side direction D2 perpendicular. In actual operation, the rectangular button structure 1 can be, but is not limited to, the space key. The ratio of the dimension of the button structure 1 in the long side direction D1 to its dimension 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 a limitation, and the button structure 1 can be a button structure of other shapes, in which case the long side direction D1 and the short side direction D2 are the extension directions of two mutually perpendicular sides of the button structure 1. The embodiments described later are similar and will not be repeated. The rectangular button 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 disposed above the base plate 12. The first support 14 and the second support 16 are pivotally connected to each other about a pivot axis A1 (shown as a chain in the figure), which is parallel to the long side direction D1. The first support 14 and the second support 16 are respectively connected to the keycap 10 and the base plate 12 to support the keycap 10 above the base plate 12, so that the keycap 10 can move relative to the base plate 12 via the first support 14 and the second support 16 (e.g., move up and down or move parallel to a vertical direction Dv1). The vertical direction Dv1 (shown as a double-headed arrow in the figure) is perpendicular to the long side direction D1 and the short side direction D2. A switch circuit board 18 is placed on the base plate 12. The switch circuit board 18 may be, but is not limited to, a membrane circuit board, which has a switch 182 (shown as a circle filled with diagonal lines in the figure), approximately corresponding to the center of the keycap 10. An elastic protrusion 20 is disposed on the switch circuit board 18 corresponding to the switch 182 and located below the keycap 10. The keycap 10 can be pressed towards the base plate 12, thereby squeezing the elastic protrusion 20 to trigger the switch 182 downwards. 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 base plate 12, can be regarded as a keycap lifting mechanism.

[0053] Please also refer to Figures 3 to 5 Among them, Yu Figure 3 In the middle, the outline of keycap 10 is drawn with dashed lines. Figure 3 The first support 14 is a frame structure, mainly comprising a rectangular outer frame and multiple connecting parts that connect the two long sides of the rectangular outer frame (parallel to the long side direction D1) to the inside of the rectangular outer frame. The first support 14 is connected to the keycap 10 and the base plate 12 via the two long sides of the rectangular outer frame. The second support 16 includes a long arm 162 and multiple support arms 164 extending from the long arm 162 non-parallel to the long side direction D1 (extending perpendicular to the long side direction D1 in the first embodiment); the extent of the long arm 162 and the support arms 164 are indicated by dashed boxes. Figure 5The second support 16 is connected to the keycap 10 via a long arm 162 and to the base plate 12 via the ends of support arms 164. All ends of the support arms 164 of the second support 16 are connected to the base plate 12. The second support 16 has no support arms 164 with free ends; therefore, all support arms 164 of the second support 16 contribute substantially to the overall structural strength of the second support 16. The second support 16 is pivotally connected to the inside of the first support 14; conversely, on the pivot axis A1, the first support 14 is located on two opposite outer sides of the second support 16. Logically, the first support 14 can be considered an outer support, and the second support 16 can be considered an inner support.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, the first support 14 includes pivot holes. For example, the first support 14 includes a first semi-open pivot hole 142, a second semi-open pivot hole 144, and six fully open pivot holes 146. In this embodiment, there are six fully open pivot holes 146, but this is not a limitation in other embodiments. The six fully open pivot holes 146 are arranged along the pivot axis A1 between the first semi-open pivot hole 142 and the second semi-open pivot hole 144. Please also refer to... Figure 6 The first semi-open pivot hole 142 includes two first hook portions 1422 and a first blind hole 1424, which are arranged adjacently along the pivot axis A1. The two first hook portions 1422 are disposed opposite to each other to form a first gripping space 1422a, which communicates with the first blind hole 1424. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 and Figure 7 The second semi-open pivot hole 144 includes two second hook portions 1442 and a second blind hole 1444, which are arranged adjacently along the pivot axis A1. The two second hook portions 1442 are arranged opposite each other to form a second gripping space 1442a, which communicates with the second blind hole 1444. Figure 4 As shown, the first semi-open pivot hole 142 and the second semi-open pivot hole 144 are structurally symmetrical. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4 and Figure 8 ,in Figure 8 This diagram shows an enlarged view of one of the fully open pivot holes 146. This fully open pivot hole 146 includes two third hooks 1462, which are arranged opposite each other to form a third gripping space 1462a. Other fully open pivot holes 146 have the same structure, but their orientations may be the same or opposite (depending on...). Figure 4 (And the judgment is made), so I will not go into details.

[0055] In addition, such as Figure 6As shown, the distance 1422b from the front end of the first hook 1422 near the bottom plate connecting side (i.e., the side near the bottom plate 12) in the short side direction D2 to the bottom plate connecting side is greater than the width 1422c of the first hook 1422 in the long side direction D1. For example, the distance 1422b is 1 to 4 times the width 1422c, but this is not a limitation in actual operation. This structural design helps to maintain the structural strength of the first hook 1422 and the gripping force of the two first hooks 1422.

[0056] like Figure 5 As shown, the second support 16 includes pivots, for example, the second support 16 includes a first pivot 166, a second pivot 168, and intermediate pivots 170. In this embodiment, there are six intermediate pivots 170, but this is not a limitation in other embodiments. The six intermediate pivots 170 are arranged along the pivot axis A1 between the first pivot 166 and the second pivot 168. Please also refer to... Figure 3 The first support 14 and the second support 16 are pivotally connected to the first semi-open pivot hole 142, the second semi-open pivot hole 144, and the six fully open pivot holes 146 respectively via the first pivot 166, the second pivot 168, and the six intermediate pivot holes 170, thereby pivotally connecting the first support 14 and the second support 16 around the pivot axis A1. Wherein, as... Figure 3 As shown, the first pivot 166 is held in the first holding space 1422a by the two first hooks 1422 and extends into the first blind hole 1424; the second pivot 168 is held in the second holding space 1442a by the two second hooks 1442 and extends into the second blind hole 1444; and the intermediate pivot 170 is held in the third holding space 1462a by the two third hooks 1462. In the first semi-open pivot hole 142, the first pivot 166 is simultaneously constrained by the two first hooks 1422 and the first blind hole 1424; the same applies to the second semi-open pivot hole 144 and the second pivot 168. In the fully open pivot hole 146, the intermediate pivot 170 is primarily constrained by the two third hooks 1462. Therefore, in principle, the connection strength between the first semi-open pivot hole 142 and the first pivot 166 (or the second semi-open pivot hole 144 and the second pivot 168) is greater than the connection strength between the fully open pivot hole 146 and the intermediate pivot 170.

[0057] Please see Figures 3 to 5 In the first bracket 14, the bottom of the first blind hole 1424 (of the first semi-open pivot hole 142) and the bottom of the second blind hole 1444 (of the second semi-open pivot hole 144) are spaced 145a along the pivot axis A1, and the opening of the first blind hole 1424 and the opening of the second blind hole 1444 are spaced 145b along the pivot axis A1; wherein, the first blind hole 1424 and the second blind hole 1444 are... Figure 4The hidden outline is shown as a dashed line. In the second bracket 16, there is a gap 169 between the end of the first pivot 166 and the end of the second pivot 168 along the pivot axis A1. The gap 169 is greater than the gap 145b and less than the gap 145a. In the actual assembly of the first bracket 14 and the second bracket 16, force can be applied to the second bracket 16 first to make it slightly arched, so that the straight distance between the first pivot 166 and the second pivot 168 is reduced to be less than the straight distance between the first semi-open pivot hole 142 and the second semi-open pivot hole 144. Then, the second bracket 16 is kept arched and the first pivot 166 and the second pivot 168 of the second bracket 16 are engaged with the first semi-open pivot hole 142 and the second semi-open pivot hole 144; then, the second bracket 16 is released. At this time, the intermediate pivot 170 will, in principle, contact the corresponding fully open pivot hole 146. Next, the second bracket 16 is pressed against the first bracket 14 so that the intermediate pivot 170 engages with the fully open pivot hole 146. Finally, the first semi-open pivot hole 142, the second semi-open pivot hole 144, and the fully open pivot hole 146 are fully connected with the first pivot 166, the second pivot 168, and the intermediate pivot 170, respectively. Furthermore, in the connection structure between the first bracket 14 and the second bracket 16, the first semi-open pivot hole 142 and the second semi-open pivot hole 144 are located on the outermost side of the first bracket 14 along the pivot axis A1. Therefore, during the assembly of the first bracket 14 and the second bracket 16, the second bracket 16 can achieve a smaller degree of deformation to allow the first pivot 166 and the second pivot 168 to engage with the first semi-open pivot hole 142 and the second semi-open pivot hole 144. In other words, this connection structure design balances the ease of assembly of the first bracket 14 and the second bracket 16 with the overall connection strength between them. Furthermore, the fact that the first semi-open pivot hole 142 and the second semi-open pivot hole 144 are located on the outermost side along the pivot axis A1 also helps to maintain the stability of the pivot connection between the first support 14 and the second support 16.

[0058] In addition, such as Figures 6 to 8 As shown, in the first embodiment, the two first hooks 1422, the two second hooks 1442, or the two third hooks 1462 have an open structure on one side in the direction of the pivot axis A1, while the other side has a sidewall (perpendicular to the pivot axis A1; for example...). Figure 6 Mid-lateral wall 1426, Figure 7 Mid-lateral wall 1446, Figure 8 The connection of the middle sidewall 1464 helps to increase the structural strength of the hook itself and the gripping strength of the hook. However, this is not a limitation in actual operation. For example, the structure of the two first hooks 1422, the two second hooks 1442, or the two third hooks 1462 can be modified so that both sides are structurally open (i.e., without sidewall connection) in the direction of pivot axis A1; this structural design can increase its structural flexibility and is beneficial for assembly with the first pivot 166, the second pivot 168, and the intermediate pivot 170.

[0059] Please see Figures 1 to 4 The first support 14 has sliding shafts and bottom shafts. In this embodiment, the first support 14 has six sliding shafts 148a and 148b and six bottom shafts 150, but this is not limited to other embodiments. The six sliding shafts 148a and 148b are arranged parallel to the pivot axis A1, with four sliding shafts 148a located between two sliding shafts 148b. The sliding shafts 148b can be formed as protrusions extending parallel to the pivot axis A1. The first support 14 also has a sliding hole 149 formed next to each sliding shaft 148a. The first support 14 is slidably and rotatably connected to the keycap 10 (sliding hook 102) via the sliding shafts 148a and 148b, wherein the sliding hook 102 extends into the corresponding sliding hole 149. Furthermore, the six bottom shafts 150 are also arranged parallel to the pivot axis A1, and the first support 14 also has a bottom hole 151 formed next to each bottom shaft 150. The first bracket 14 is rotatably connected to the base plate 12 (with bottom hooks 122) via a bottom shaft 150, wherein the bottom shaft 150 is rotatably hooked onto a corresponding bottom hook 122, and the bottom hook 122 extends into a corresponding bottom hole 151. Furthermore, the base plate 12 includes a plurality of stops 123. The stops 123 limit the first bracket 14 so that the bottom shaft 150 remains hooked onto the corresponding bottom hook 122.

[0060] Please see Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5 The second support 16 has gripping shafts and bottom shafts. In this embodiment, the second support 16 has eight gripping shafts 172 and eight bottom shafts 174, but this is not limited to other embodiments. The eight gripping shafts 172 and the eight bottom shafts 174 are arranged parallel to the pivot axis A1. The eight gripping shafts 172 are disposed on the long arm 162, and each arm 164 has two bottom shafts 174. The second support 16 also has gripping holes 173 formed next to each gripping shaft 172. The second support 16 is rotatably connected to the keycap 10 (the hook 104) via the gripping shafts 172, wherein the hook 104 extends into the corresponding gripping hole 173. Furthermore, the second support 16 also has bottom holes 175 formed next to each bottom shaft 174. The second bracket 16 is slidably and rotatably connected to the base plate 12 (bottom hook 124) via a bottom shaft 174, wherein the bottom shaft 174 is slidably and rotatably hooked to the corresponding bottom hook 124, and the bottom hook 124 extends into the corresponding bottom hole 175.

[0061] In addition, please see Figure 1 and Figure 3 The keycap 10 has a first long side 10a and a second long side 10b, both of which are parallel to the long side direction D1. Figure 3 In the diagram, the vertical direction Dv1 is perpendicular to the paper, so the structural outline shown in the figure corresponds to its vertical projection onto the paper; also, the outline of keycap 10 is... Figure 3The image is shown in dashed lines. In the first embodiment, the projection of the sliding hole 149 of the first bracket 14 onto the vertical direction Dv1 and the projection of the first long side 10a of the keycap 10 onto the vertical direction Dv1 form a first distance L1 in the short side direction D2. The projection of the gripping hole 173 of the second bracket 16 onto the vertical direction Dv1 and the projection of the second long side 10b of the keycap 10 onto the vertical direction Dv1 form a second distance L2 in the short side direction D2. The first distance L1 is greater than the second distance L2. This structural configuration provides more space for the structural and actuation design of the sliding shaft 148a of the first bracket 14. Furthermore, the shaft diameter of the sliding shaft 148a of the first bracket 14 is greater than the shaft diameter of the gripping shaft 172 of the second bracket 16; this structural configuration helps to increase the stability of the rotation and sliding of the sliding shaft 148a.

[0062] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, both the first support 14 and the second support 16 have structural reinforcement designs. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4 and Figure 9 ,in Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the first support 14. The first support 14 includes a support body 140 and a reinforcing member 141, which is embedded in the support body 140. The reinforcing member 141 passes through the sliding shaft 148a and completely surrounds the sliding hole 149. Both of these structural features increase the structural strength of the sliding shaft 148a, thereby contributing to the stability of the sliding shaft 148a's rotation and sliding. In addition, the reinforcing member 141 is also partially arranged around the first semi-open pivot hole 142 and the second semi-open pivot hole 144 (around its three sides), which helps to increase the structural strength of the first semi-open pivot hole 142 and the second semi-open pivot hole 144, thereby contributing to the stability of the pivot connection between the first support 14 and the second support 16. Furthermore, the reinforcing member 141 itself also has multiple bending structures, which extend parallel to the pivot axis A1. This structural feature helps to increase the structural strength of the reinforcing member 141 itself, thereby increasing the structural strength of the first support 14. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, although the reinforcing member 141 is not distributed throughout the entire rectangular outer frame of the first bracket 14 (for example, the reinforcing member 141 exists on one of the two short sides and the two long sides of the rectangular outer frame), the reinforcing member 141 still structurally connects to the two long sides of the rectangular outer frame (through the connecting portion passing through the inner side of the rectangular outer frame to connect the two sides), so that the reinforcing member 141 can still provide a certain structural reinforcement effect to the entire rectangular outer frame. In actual operation, the reinforcing member 141 can also be designed to exist on both long sides simultaneously.

[0063] Similarly, please see Figure 5 and Figure 10 ,in Figure 10This is an exploded view of the second support 16. The second support 16 includes a support body 160 and a reinforcing member 161. The reinforcing member 161 is embedded in the support body 160 to enhance the structural strength of the second support 16. Furthermore, the reinforcing member 161 itself has multiple bending structures, which helps to increase the structural strength of the reinforcing member 161 itself, thereby increasing the structural strength of the second support 16. In practice, the support bodies 140 and 160 can be, but are not limited to, plastic, and the reinforcing members 141 and 161 can be, but are not limited to, metal. Also, in practice, it is not limited to both the first support 14 and the second support 16 being structurally reinforced by the reinforcing members 141 and 161.

[0064] The second support is pivotally connected to the first support about a pivot axis. Additionally, as... Figure 3 As shown, in the first embodiment, the first support 14 and the second support 16 together form a dome 22 (wherein, an elastic round protrusion 20 is accommodated, as shown in the figure). Figure 1 (As shown). For the first support 14 and the second support 16, the dome coverage area R1 is defined along the long side direction D1 with the dome 22 as the boundary (its range is indicated by chain lines in the figure). Within this dome coverage area R1, the first support 14 and the second support 16 do not have any structures connecting to the keycap 10 and the base plate 12 (e.g., slide shaft 148a / slide hole 149, grip shaft 172 / grip hole 173). This structural design avoids weakening the structure of the first support 14 and the second support 16 at this location due to the presence of connecting structures. In one embodiment, the aforementioned plurality of support arms 164 include a first sub-support arm and a second sub-support arm, with the dome 22 formed between the first sub-support arm and the second sub-support arm. For the first support and the second support, the support arm coverage area is defined along the long side direction D1 with the first sub-support arm and the second sub-support arm as the boundary. The first bracket includes several first connecting parts within the coverage area of ​​the support arm. The first bracket is connected to the second bracket and the keycap and base plate of the long rectangular key structure via the several first connecting parts. The second bracket includes several second connecting parts within the coverage area of ​​the support arm. The second bracket is connected to the first bracket and the keycap and base plate of the long rectangular key structure via the several second connecting parts. The sum of the number of the several first connecting parts and the several second connecting parts is greater than or equal to 8.

[0065] Please see Figure 11 and Figure 12The rectangular key structure 3 according to the second embodiment has a long side direction D3 and a short side direction D4 (both indicated by double-headed arrows in the figure), with the long side direction D3 perpendicular to the short side direction D4. In actual operation, the rectangular key structure 3 can be, but is not limited to, the space key. The rectangular 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 disposed 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), with the pivot axis A3 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 (e.g., move up and down or move parallel to a vertical direction Dv3). The vertical direction Dv3 (indicated by a double-headed arrow in the figure) is perpendicular to both the long side direction D3 and the short side direction D4. A switch circuit board 38 is placed on the base plate 32. The switch circuit board 38 can be, but is not limited to, a membrane circuit board, having a switch 382 (indicated by a circle filled with diagonal lines in the figure), roughly corresponding to the center of the keycap 30. A resilient protrusion 40, corresponding to the switch 382, ​​is disposed on the switch circuit board 38 and located below the keycap 30. The keycap 30 can be pressed towards the base plate 32, thereby squeezing the resilient protrusion 40 to trigger the switch 382 downwards. Therefore, logically, the combination of the first support 34 and the second support 36, or the combination of the first support 34, the second support 36, and the base plate 32, can both be considered as a keycap lifting mechanism.

[0066] Please also refer to Figures 13 to 15 Among them, Yu Figure 13 In the middle, the outline of keycap 30 is drawn with dashed lines. Figure 13 The first support 34 includes a first long arm 342 and a plurality of first branch arms 344 extending from the first long arm 342 in a direction not parallel to the long side D3 (in the second embodiment, they extend perpendicular to the long side D3); the extent of the first long arm 342 and the first branch arms 344 is indicated by dashed boxes. Figure 14 In the middle, the first bracket 34 is connected to the keycap 30 via the first long arm 342 and to the base plate 32 via the end of the first branch arm 344. The second bracket 36 includes a second long arm 362 and a plurality of second branches 364 extending from the second long arm 362 in a direction not parallel to the long side D3 (in the second embodiment, extending perpendicular to the long side D3); the extent of the second long arm 362 and the second branches 364 are indicated by dashed boxes. Figure 15The second support 36 is connected to the keycap 30 via the second long arm 362 and to the base plate 32 via the end of the second support arm 364. The first support 34 and the second support 36 are pivotally connected to each other via the plurality of first supports 344 and the plurality of second supports 364. The plurality of first supports 344 and the plurality of second supports 364 are generally staggered along the pivot axis A3; wherein the outermost support arm on the pivot axis A3 is the first support arm 344, and at least one of the first supports 344 is located between two second supports 364 in the long side direction D3, and one of the second supports 364 is located between two first supports 344 in the long side direction D3. On the other hand, the first support 34 extends to the two opposite outer sides of the second support 36 on the pivot axis A3. Logically, the first support 34 can be regarded as the outer support and the second support 36 can be regarded as the inner support. Furthermore, the ends of all the first arms 344 of the first support 34 are connected to the base plate 32. The first support 34 does not have any first arms 344 with free ends; therefore, all the first arms 344 of the first support 34 contribute substantially to the overall structural strength of the first support 34. Similarly, the ends of all the second arms 364 of the second support 36 are connected to the base plate 32. The second support 36 does not have any second arms 364 with free ends; therefore, all the second arms 364 of the second support 36 contribute substantially to the overall structural strength of the second support 36. This structural configuration increases the stability of the operation of the first support 34 and the second support 36.

[0067] like Figure 14 As shown, the first support 34 includes pivot holes. For example, the first support 34 includes a first semi-open pivot hole 346, a second semi-open pivot hole 348, and a fully open pivot hole 350. In this embodiment, there are six fully open pivot holes 350, but this is not a limitation in other embodiments. The first semi-open pivot hole 346, the second semi-open pivot hole 348, and the six fully open pivot holes 350 are all disposed on the plurality of first arms 344. The six fully open pivot holes 350 are arranged along the pivot axis A3 between the first semi-open pivot hole 346 and the second semi-open pivot hole 348. Please also refer to... Figure 16 The first semi-open pivot hole 346 includes two first hook portions 3462 and a first blind hole 3464, which are arranged adjacently along the pivot axis A3. The two first hook portions 3462 are disposed opposite to each other to form a first gripping space 3462a, which communicates with the first blind hole 3464. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 14 and Figure 17 The second semi-open pivot hole 348 includes two second hook portions 3482 and a second blind hole 3484, which are arranged adjacently along the pivot axis A3. The two second hook portions 3482 are arranged opposite each other to form a second gripping space 3482a, which communicates with the second blind hole 3484. Figure 14 As shown, the first semi-open pivot hole 346 and the second semi-open pivot hole 348 are structurally symmetrical. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 14 and Figure 18 ,in Figure 18 This diagram shows an enlarged view of one of the fully open pivot holes 350. This fully open pivot hole 350 includes two third hooks 3502, which are arranged opposite each other to form a third gripping space 3502a. Other fully open pivot holes 350 have the same structure, but their orientations may be the same or opposite (depending on...). Figure 14 (And the judgment is made), so I will not go into details.

[0068] In addition, such as Figure 16 As shown, the distance 3462b from the front end of the first hook 3462 near the bottom plate connecting side (i.e., the side near the bottom plate 32) in the short side direction D4 to the bottom plate connecting side is greater than the width 3462c of the first hook 3462 in the long side direction D3. For example, the distance 3462b is 1 to 4 times the width 3462c, but this is not a limitation in actual operation. This structural design helps maintain the structural strength of the first hook 3462 and the gripping force of the two first hooks 3462.

[0069] like Figure 15 As shown, the second support 36 includes pivots, for example, the second support 36 includes a first pivot 366, a second pivot 368, and intermediate pivots 370. In this embodiment, there are six intermediate pivots 370, but this is not a limitation in other embodiments. The six intermediate pivots 370 are arranged along the pivot axis A3 between the first pivot 366 and the second pivot 368. Please also refer to... Figure 13 The first support 34 and the second support 36 are pivotally connected to each other around the pivot axis A3 via the first pivot 366, the second pivot 368, and the six intermediate pivots 370, respectively, through the connection of the first semi-open pivot hole 346, the second semi-open pivot hole 348, and the six fully open pivot holes 350. Figure 13As shown, the first pivot 366 is held in the first holding space 3462a by the two first hooks 3462 and extends into the first blind hole 3464; the second pivot 368 is held in the second holding space 3482a by the two second hooks 3482 and extends into the second blind hole 3484; and the intermediate pivot 370 is held in the third holding space 3502a by the two third hooks 3502. In the first semi-open pivot hole 346, the first pivot 366 is simultaneously constrained by the two first hooks 3462 and the first blind hole 3464; the same applies to the second semi-open pivot hole 348 and the second pivot 368. In the fully open pivot hole 350, the intermediate pivot 370 is mainly constrained by the two third hooks 3502. Therefore, in principle, the connection strength between the first semi-open pivot hole 346 and the first pivot 366 (or the second semi-open pivot hole 348 and the second pivot 368) is greater than the connection strength between the fully open pivot hole 350 and the intermediate pivot 370.

[0070] Please see Figures 13 to 15 In the first bracket 34, there is a distance 349a between the bottom of the first blind hole 3464 (of the first semi-open pivot hole 346) and the bottom of the second blind hole 3484 (of the second semi-open pivot hole 348) along the pivot axis A3, and a distance 349b between the opening of the first blind hole 3464 and the opening of the second blind hole 3484 along the pivot axis A3; wherein, the first blind hole 3464 and the second blind hole 3484 are located at... Figure 14The hidden outline is shown as a dashed line. In the second bracket 36, there is a gap 367 between the end of the first pivot 366 and the end of the second pivot 368 along the pivot axis A3. The gap 367 is greater than the gap 349b and less than the gap 349a. In the actual assembly of the first bracket 34 and the second bracket 36, force can be applied to the second bracket 36 first to make it slightly arched, so that the straight distance between the first pivot 366 and the second pivot 368 is reduced to be less than the straight distance between the first semi-open pivot hole 346 and the second semi-open pivot hole 348. Then, the second bracket 36 is kept arched and the first pivot 366 and the second pivot 368 of the second bracket 36 are engaged with the first semi-open pivot hole 346 and the second semi-open pivot hole 348; then, the second bracket 36 is released. At this time, the intermediate pivot 370 will, in principle, contact the corresponding fully open pivot hole 350. Next, the second bracket 36 is pressed against the first bracket 34 so that the intermediate pivot 370 is engaged in the fully open pivot hole 350. Finally, the first semi-open pivot hole 346, the second semi-open pivot hole 348, and the fully open pivot hole 350 are fully connected with the first pivot 366, the second pivot 368, and the intermediate pivot 370, respectively. Furthermore, in the connection structure between the first bracket 34 and the second bracket 36, the first semi-open pivot hole 346 and the second semi-open pivot hole 348 are located on the outermost side of the first bracket 34 along the pivot axis A3. Therefore, during the assembly of the first bracket 34 and the second bracket 36, the second bracket 36 can achieve a smaller degree of deformation to allow the first pivot 366 and the second pivot 368 to engage with the first semi-open pivot hole 346 and the second semi-open pivot hole 348. In other words, this connection structure design balances the ease of assembly of the first bracket 34 and the second bracket 36 with the overall connection strength between them. Furthermore, the fact that the first semi-open pivot hole 346 and the second semi-open pivot hole 348 are located on the outermost side along the pivot axis A3 also helps to maintain the stability of the pivot connection between the first support 34 and the second support 36.

[0071] In addition, such as Figures 16 to 18 As shown, in the second embodiment, the two first hooks 3462, the two second hooks 3482, or the two third hooks 3502 have an open structure on one side in the direction of the pivot axis A3, while the other side has a sidewall (perpendicular to the pivot axis A3; for example...). Figure 16 Mid-lateral wall 3466, Figure 17 Mid-lateral wall 3486, Figure 18 The connection of the middle sidewall 3504 helps to increase the structural strength of the hook itself and the gripping strength of the hook. However, this is not a limitation in actual operation. For example, the structure of the two first hooks 3462, the two second hooks 3482, or the two third hooks 3502 can be modified so that both sides are structurally open (i.e., without sidewall connection) in the direction of pivot axis A3; this structural design can increase its structural flexibility and is beneficial for assembly with the first pivot 366, the second pivot 368, and the intermediate pivot 370.

[0072] Please see Figures 11 to 14 The first support 34 has sliding shafts and bottom shafts. In this embodiment, the first support 34 has six sliding shafts 352a and 352b and eight bottom shafts 354, but this is not limited to other embodiments. The six sliding shafts 352a and 352b are arranged parallel to the pivot axis A3 and disposed on the first long arm 342, wherein four sliding shafts 352a are located between two sliding shafts 352b. The sliding shafts 352b can be formed as protrusions extending parallel to the pivot axis A3. The first support 34 also has a sliding hole 353 formed next to each sliding shaft 352a. The first support 34 is slidably and rotatably connected to the keycap 30 (the sliding hook 302) via the sliding shafts 352a and 352b, wherein the sliding hook 302 extends into the corresponding sliding hole 353. Furthermore, the eight bottom shafts 354 are arranged parallel to the pivot axis A3 and are disposed on the plurality of first supports 344. The first bracket 34 also has a bottom hole 355 formed next to each bottom shaft 354. The first bracket 34 is rotatably connected to the bottom plate 32 (bottom hook 322) via the bottom shafts 354, wherein the bottom shafts 354 are rotatably hooked to the corresponding bottom hooks 322, and the bottom hooks 322 extend into the corresponding bottom holes 355. In addition, the bottom plate 32 also includes a plurality of stops 323. The stops 323 limit the first brackets 34 so that the bottom shafts 354 are held by the corresponding bottom hooks 322. In addition, in the second embodiment, the stop portion 323 is aligned with the first hook portion 3462, the second hook portion 3482, or the third hook portion 3502 in the short side direction D4. This structural configuration allows the stop portion 323 to provide structural restraint on the first hook portion 3462, the second hook portion 3482, or the third hook portion 3502, which is beneficial to the gripping force of the first hook portion 3462, the second hook portion 3482, or the third hook portion 3502.

[0073] Please see Figures 11 to 13 and Figure 15 The second support 36 has gripping shafts and bottom shafts. In this embodiment, the second support 36 has six gripping shafts 372 and eight bottom shafts 374, but this is not limited to other embodiments. The six gripping shafts 372 and the eight bottom shafts 374 are arranged parallel to the pivot axis A3. The six gripping shafts 372 are disposed on the long arm 362, and each second arm 364 is provided with two bottom shafts 374. The second support 36 also has a gripping hole 373 formed next to each gripping shaft 372. The second support 36 is rotatably connected to the keycap 30 (the gripping hook 304) via the gripping shafts 372, wherein the gripping hook 304 extends into the corresponding gripping hole 373. Furthermore, the second support 36 also has a bottom hole 375 formed next to each bottom shaft 374. The second bracket 36 is slidably and rotatably connected to the base plate 32 (bottom hook 324) via a bottom shaft 374, wherein the bottom shaft 374 is slidably and rotatably hooked to the corresponding bottom hook 324, and the bottom hook 324 extends into the corresponding bottom hole 375.

[0074] In addition, please see Figure 11 and Figure 13 The keycap 30 has a first long side 30a and a second long side 30b, both of which are parallel to the long side direction D3. Figure 13 In the diagram, the vertical direction Dv3 is perpendicular to the paper, so the structural outline shown in the figure corresponds to its vertical projection onto the paper; also, the outline of the keycap 30 is... Figure 13 The image is shown in dashed lines. In the second embodiment, the projection of the sliding hole 353 of the first bracket 34 onto the vertical direction Dv3 and the projection of the first long side 30a of the keycap 30 onto the vertical direction Dv3 have a first distance L3 in the short side direction D4. The projection of the gripping hole 373 of the second bracket 36 onto the vertical direction Dv3 and the projection of the second long side 30b of the keycap 30 onto the vertical direction Dv3 have a second distance L4 in the short side direction D4. The first distance L3 is greater than the second distance L4. This structural configuration provides more space for the structural and actuation design of the sliding shaft 352a of the first bracket 34. Furthermore, the shaft diameter of the sliding shaft 352a of the first bracket 34 is greater than the shaft diameter of the gripping shaft 372 of the second bracket 36; this structural configuration helps to increase the stability of the rotation and sliding of the sliding shaft 352a.

[0075] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, both the first support 34 and the second support 36 have structural reinforcement designs. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 14 and Figure 19 ,in Figure 19 This is an exploded view of the first support 34. The first support 34 includes a support body 340 and a reinforcing member 341, which is embedded in the support body 340. The reinforcing member 341 passes through the sliding shaft 352a and completely surrounds the sliding hole 353. Both of these structural features increase the structural strength of the sliding shaft 352a, thereby contributing to the stability of the sliding shaft 352a's rotation and sliding. In addition, the reinforcing member 341 is also partially arranged around the first semi-open pivot hole 346 and the second semi-open pivot hole 348 (around their three sides), which helps to increase the structural strength of the first semi-open pivot hole 346 and the second semi-open pivot hole 348, thereby contributing to the stability of the pivot connection between the first support 34 and the second support 36. Furthermore, the reinforcing member 341 itself also has multiple bending structures that extend parallel to the pivot axis A3. This structural feature helps to increase the structural strength of the reinforcing member 341 itself, thereby increasing the structural strength of the first support 34.

[0076] Similarly, please see Figure 15 and Figure 20 ,in Figure 20This is an exploded view of the second support 36. The second support 36 includes a support body 360 and a reinforcing member 361. The reinforcing member 361 is embedded in the support body 360 to enhance the structural strength of the second support 36. Furthermore, the reinforcing member 361 itself has multiple bending structures, which helps to increase the structural strength of the reinforcing member 361 itself, thereby increasing the structural strength of the second support 16. In practice, the support bodies 340 and 360 can be, but are not limited to, plastic, and the reinforcing members 341 and 361 can be, but are not limited to, metal. Also, in practice, it is not limited to both the first support 34 and the second support 36 being structurally reinforced by the reinforcing members 341 and 361.

[0077] The second support is pivotally connected to the first support about a pivot axis. Additionally, as... Figure 13 As shown, in the second embodiment, the first support 34 and the second support 36 together form a dome 42 (in which an elastic round protrusion 40 is accommodated, such as...). Figure 11 (As shown). For the first support 34 and the second support 36, the dome coverage area R3 is defined along the long side direction D3 with the dome 42 as the boundary (its range is marked by a chain line in the figure). Within this dome coverage area R3, the first support 34 and the second support 36 do not have any structures connecting to the keycap 30 and the base plate 32 (e.g., slide bar 352a / slide hole 353, grip bar 372 / grip hole 373). This structural design avoids the weakening of the structure of the first support 34 and the second support 36 at this location due to the setting of connecting structures.

[0078] In addition, such as Figure 14 As shown, in the first support 34, a dome 42 is formed between two of the first arms 344 (or, in other words, the two first arms 344 form the dome 42, and no second arm 364 is provided between these two first arms 344; these two first arms 344 can be defined as the first sub-arm and the second sub-arm, i.e., the dome 42 is formed between the first sub-arm and the second sub-arm). The distance 356 from the bottom hole 355 on this first arm 344 to the dome 42 in the long side direction D3 is greater than or equal to 0.25 times the aperture 42a of the dome 42 in the long side direction D3. This structural design helps to maintain the structural strength of the arm adjacent to the dome 42 (i.e., the aforementioned two first arms 344).

[0079] Additionally, please see Figure 13 and Figure 21 ;in Figure 21 for Figure 13In the left-side view, pivot A3 is marked with a cross in the figure. The hidden outline of the first pivot 366 (on the second bracket 36) is drawn with chain lines. The hidden outline of the first blind hole 3464 of the first semi-open pivot hole 346 (on the first bracket 34) coincides with the hidden outline of the first pivot 366. The hidden outlines of the bottom hooks 322 and 324 (on the base plate 32) are drawn with chain lines. The hidden outline of the bottom hole 355 (on the first bracket 34) is also drawn with dashed lines. The hidden outline of the bottom hole 375 (on the second bracket 36) is also drawn with dashed lines. Figure 21 As shown, the projection of the first pivot 366 onto the long side direction D3 (i.e., the one shown in the hidden outline of the first pivot 366 in the figure) overlaps with the projection of the bottom hook 322 or bottom hole 355 onto the long side direction D3 (i.e., the one shown in the hidden outline of the bottom hook 322 or bottom hole 355 in the figure); the projection of the first pivot 366 onto the long side direction D3 overlaps with the projection of the bottom hook 324 or bottom hole 375 onto the long side direction D3 (i.e., the one shown in the hidden outline of the bottom hook 324 or bottom hole 375 in the figure). This structural configuration reduces the distance from the first pivot 366 to the bottom hooks 322 and 324, that is, reduces the lever arm from the first pivot 366 to the bottom hooks 322 and 324, which can reduce the degree of deformation of the first support 34 and the second support 36 during force transmission, thereby increasing the stability of the operation of the first support 34 and the second support 36. The foregoing description also applies to the structural features of the second semi-open pivot hole 348 and the fully open pivot hole 350 on the first bracket 34, the second pivot 368 and the intermediate pivot 370 on the second bracket 36, the other bottom hooks 322 and 324 on the base plate 32, the other bottom holes 355 on the first bracket 34, and the other bottom holes 375 on the second bracket 36, which will not be described in detail again.

[0080] In addition, such as Figure 13As shown in the second embodiment, taking the connection structure of the first support 34 and the second support 36 as an example (shown by the link frame in the figure), the sliding shaft 352a, sliding hole 353, fully open pivot hole 350, bottom shaft 354 and bottom hole 355 of the first support 34 and the gripping shaft 372, gripping hole 373, intermediate pivot 370, bottom shaft 374 and bottom hole 375 of the second support 36 are arranged relatively close to each other. The first support 34 and the second support 36 transmit force and move together between each other and between the keycap 30 and the base plate 32 through the aforementioned structure. The relatively clustered arrangement of the aforementioned structure on the pivot A3 helps to reduce the torque component perpendicular to the pivot A3 when transmitting force. This helps to stabilize the movement between the first support 34 and the second support 36 and between the keycap 30 and the base plate 32, thereby increasing the stability of the operation of the first support 34 and the second support 36. In one embodiment, the projections of the bottom hole 355, the sliding hole 352a, and the gripping hole 373 on a vertical direction Dv3 overlap on the short side direction D4. In a second embodiment, the projections of the bottom hole 355 and the sliding hole 352a of the first bracket 34, and the gripping hole 373 of the second bracket 36 on a vertical direction Dv3 overlap on the short side direction D4; wherein, in Figure 13 In the figure, the vertical direction Dv3 is perpendicular to the paper surface, so the structural outline shown in the figure corresponds to its vertical projection onto the paper surface. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the pivot of the second bracket is inserted into the pivot hole of the first bracket, causing the first and second brackets to rotate relative to each other around the pivot axis. The projections of the pivot hole, sliding hole, and gripping hole on the vertical direction Dv4 overlap on the short side direction D4. In the second embodiment, the projections of the sliding hole 352a and the fully open pivot hole 350 of the first bracket 34, and the gripping hole 373 of the second bracket 36 on the vertical direction Dv3 also overlap on the short side direction D4. In addition, in the second embodiment, the first bracket 34 and the second bracket 36 have multiple relatively adjacent connecting structures, which also have the aforementioned projection overlap characteristic, and therefore also have corresponding functions, which will not be elaborated further.

[0081] In addition, such as Figure 13As shown, for the first bracket 34 and the second bracket 36, the support arm coverage area R4 is defined on the long side direction D3, with the two first arms 344 of the first bracket 34 immediately adjacent to the dome 42 (or, in other words, the two first arms 344 form the dome 42, and there is no second arm 364 between the two first arms 344). This support arm coverage area R4 covers multiple connecting structures in the dome 42, the first bracket 34, and the second bracket 36. Within the coverage area R4 of this support arm, the sum of the number of connecting structures of the first support 34 (including two sliding shafts 352a / sliding holes 353, two bottom shafts 354 / bottom holes 355, and two fully open pivot holes 350) and the connecting structures of the second support 36 (including two gripping shafts 372 / grip holes 373, and two intermediate pivots 370) reaches a certain value (e.g., but not limited to, greater than or equal to 8). In one embodiment, the first support includes several first connecting parts within the coverage area R4 of the support arm, and the first support is connected to the second support and the keycaps and base plate of the rectangular key structure via the several first connecting parts. The second support includes several second connecting parts within the coverage area R4 of the support arm. The connecting part, the second bracket is connected to the first bracket and the keycap and base plate of the rectangular key structure via a plurality of second connecting parts, the sum of the plurality of first connecting parts and the plurality of second connecting parts is greater than or equal to 8; in the second embodiment, the sum of the number of connecting structures is 10), which can increase the structural strength of the first bracket 34 and the second bracket 36 at this point (in other words, compensate for the reduction in structural strength of the first bracket 34 and the second bracket 36 caused by the presence of the dome 42), so as to improve the transmission effect of the first bracket 34 and the second bracket 36 at this point (including the transmission along the pivot axis A3), thereby increasing the stability of the operation of the first bracket 34 and the second bracket 36.

[0082] In addition, such as Figure 14 and Figure 15As shown, the two first arms 344 (i.e., the first and second sub-arms) adjacent to the dome 42 have a width 344a along the long side direction D3 and a length 344b perpendicular to the long side direction D3, with the width 344a being 0.8 to 2 times the length 344b. This structural design helps maintain the structural strength of the first arms 344 to a certain extent. Furthermore, the two second arms 364 (which can be defined as the third and fourth sub-arms) adjacent to the two first arms 344 have a width 364a along the long side direction D3 and a length 364b perpendicular to the long side direction D3, with the width 364a also being 0.8 to 2 times the length 364b. In other words, along the long side direction, the first and second sub-arms are located between the third and fourth sub-arms, and each of the first to fourth sub-arms has a width along the long side direction D3 and a length perpendicular to the long side direction D3, with the width being 0.8 to 2 times the length. Similarly, this structural design helps maintain the structural strength of the second arm 364 to a certain extent. In addition, there are two second arms 364 adjacent to the two first arms 344, and the two second arms 364 are located outside the two first arms 344 along the pivot axis A3.

[0083] Please see Figure 22 and Figure 23 The rectangular key structure 5 according to the third embodiment has a long side direction D5 and a short side direction D6 (both indicated by double-headed arrows in the figure), with the long side direction D5 perpendicular to the short side direction D6. In actual operation, the rectangular key structure 5 can be, but is not limited to, the space key. The rectangular 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 round protrusion 60. The keycap 50 is disposed 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), with the pivot axis A5 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 via the first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56 (e.g., move up and down or move parallel to a vertical direction Dv5). The vertical direction Dv5 (indicated by a double-headed arrow in the figure) is perpendicular to both the long side direction D5 and the short side direction D6. A switch circuit board 58 is placed on the base plate 52. The switch circuit board 58 has a switch 582 (indicated by a circle filled with diagonal lines in the figure), roughly corresponding to the center of the keycap 50. A resilient protrusion 60, corresponding to the switch 582, is disposed on the switch circuit board 58 and located below the keycap 50. The keycap 50 can be pressed towards the base plate 52, thereby squeezing the resilient protrusion 60 to trigger the switch 582 downwards. 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 base plate 52, can both be considered as a keycap lifting mechanism.

[0084] Please also refer to Figures 24 to 26 Among them, Yu Figure 24 In the middle, the outline of keycap 50 is drawn with dashed lines. Figure 24 The first support 54 includes a first long arm 542 and a plurality of first branch arms 544 extending from the first long arm 542 in a direction not parallel to the long side D5 (in the third embodiment, they extend perpendicular to the long side D5); the extent of the first long arm 542 and the first branch arms 544 is indicated by dashed boxes. Figure 25 In the middle, the first bracket 54 is connected to the keycap 50 via the first long arm 542 and to the base plate 52 via the end of the first branch arm 544. The second bracket 56 includes a second long arm 562 and a plurality of second branches 564 extending from the second long arm 562 in a direction not parallel to the long side D5 (in the third embodiment, they extend perpendicular to the long side D5); the extent of the second long arm 562 and the second branches 564 are indicated by dashed boxes. Figure 26 The second support 56 is connected to the keycap 50 via the second long arm 562 and to the base plate 52 via the end of the second support arm 564. The first support 54 and the second support 56 are pivotally connected to each other via the plurality of first supports 544 and the plurality of second supports 564. The plurality of first supports 544 and the plurality of second supports 564 are generally staggered along the pivot axis A5; wherein the outermost support arm on the pivot axis A5 is the first support arm 544, and at least one of the first supports 544 is located between two second supports 564 in the long side direction D5, and one of the second supports 564 is located between two first supports 544 in the long side direction D5. On the other hand, the first support 54 extends to the two opposite outer sides of the second support 56 on the pivot axis A5. Logically, the first support 54 can be regarded as the outer support and the second support 56 can be regarded as the inner support. Furthermore, the ends of all the first arms 544 of the first support 54 are connected to the base plate 52. The first support 54 does not have any first arms 544 with free ends; therefore, all the first arms 544 of the first support 54 contribute substantially to the overall structural strength of the first support 54. Similarly, the ends of all the second arms 564 of the second support 56 are connected to the base plate 52. The second support 56 does not have any second arms 564 with free ends; therefore, all the second arms 564 of the second support 56 contribute substantially to the overall structural strength of the second support 56. This structural configuration increases the stability of the operation of the first support 54 and the second support 56.

[0085] like Figure 25As shown, the first support 54 includes pivot holes. For example, the first support 54 includes a first semi-open pivot hole 546, a second semi-open pivot hole 548, and a fully open pivot hole 550. In this embodiment, there are six fully open pivot holes 550, but this is not a limitation in other embodiments. The first semi-open pivot hole 546, the second semi-open pivot hole 548, and the six fully open pivot holes 550 are all disposed on the plurality of first arms 344. The six fully open pivot holes 550 are arranged along the pivot axis A5 between the first semi-open pivot hole 546 and the second semi-open pivot hole 548. Please also refer to... Figure 27 The first semi-open pivot hole 546 includes two first hook portions 5462 and a first blind hole 5464, which are arranged adjacently along the pivot axis A5. The two first hook portions 5462 are disposed opposite to each other to form a first gripping space 5462a, which communicates with the first blind hole 5464. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 25 and Figure 28 The second semi-open pivot hole 548 includes two second hook portions 5482 and a second blind hole 5484, which are arranged adjacently along the pivot axis A5. The two second hook portions 5482 are arranged opposite each other to form a second gripping space 5482a, which communicates with the second blind hole 5484. Figure 25 As shown, the first semi-open pivot hole 546 and the second semi-open pivot hole 548 are structurally symmetrical. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 25 and Figure 29 ,in Figure 29 This diagram shows an enlarged view of one of the fully open pivot holes 550. This fully open pivot hole 550 includes two third hooks 5502, which are arranged opposite each other to form a third gripping space 5502a. Other fully open pivot holes 550 have the same structure, but their orientations may be the same or opposite (depending on...). Figure 25 (And the judgment is made), so I will not go into details.

[0086] In addition, such as Figure 27 As shown, the distance 5462b from the front end of the first hook 5462 near the bottom plate connecting side (i.e., the side near the bottom plate 52) in the short side direction D6 to the bottom plate connecting side is greater than the width 5462c of the first hook 5462 in the long side direction D5. For example, the distance 5462b is 1 to 4 times the width 5462c, but this is not a limitation in actual operation. This structural design helps to maintain the structural strength of the first hook 5462 and the gripping force of the two first hooks 5462.

[0087] like Figure 26As shown, the second support 16 includes pivots. For example, the second support 56 includes a first pivot 566, a second pivot 568, and intermediate pivots 570. In this embodiment, there are six intermediate pivots 570, but this is not a limitation in other embodiments. The six intermediate pivots 370 are arranged along the pivot axis A5 between the first pivot 566 and the second pivot 568. Please also refer to... Figure 24 The first support 54 and the second support 56 are pivotally connected to the first semi-open pivot hole 546, the second semi-open pivot hole 548, and the six fully open pivot holes 550 respectively via the first pivot 566, the second pivot 568, and the six intermediate pivot holes 570, thereby pivotally connecting the first support 54 and the second support 56 around the pivot axis A5. For example, Figure 24 As shown, the first pivot 566 is held in the first holding space 5462a by the two first hooks 5462 and extends into the first blind hole 5464; the second pivot 568 is held in the second holding space 5482a by the two second hooks 5482 and extends into the second blind hole 5484; and the intermediate pivot 570 is held in the third holding space 5502a by the two third hooks 5502. In the first semi-open pivot hole 546, the first pivot 566 is simultaneously constrained by the two first hooks 5462 and the first blind hole 5464; the same applies to the second semi-open pivot hole 548 and the second pivot 568. In the fully open pivot hole 550, the intermediate pivot 570 is mainly constrained by the two third hooks 5502. Therefore, in principle, the connection strength between the first semi-open pivot hole 546 and the first pivot 566 (or the second semi-open pivot hole 548 and the second pivot 568) is greater than the connection strength between the fully open pivot hole 550 and the intermediate pivot 570.

[0088] Please see Figures 24 to 26 In the first bracket 54, there is a distance 549a between the bottom of the first blind hole 5464 (of the first semi-open pivot hole 546) and the bottom of the second blind hole 5484 (of the second semi-open pivot hole 548) along the pivot axis A5, and a distance 549b between the opening of the first blind hole 5464 and the opening of the second blind hole 5484 along the pivot axis A5; wherein, the first blind hole 5464 and the second blind hole 5484 are located at... Figure 25The hidden outline is shown as a dashed line. In the second bracket 56, there is a gap 567 between the end of the first pivot 566 and the end of the second pivot 568 along the pivot axis A5. The gap 567 is greater than the gap 549b and less than the gap 549a. In the actual assembly of the first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56, force can be applied to the second bracket 56 first to make it slightly arched, so that the straight distance between the first pivot 566 and the second pivot 568 is reduced to be less than the straight distance between the first semi-open pivot hole 546 and the second semi-open pivot hole 548. Then, the second bracket 56 is kept arched and the first pivot 566 and the second pivot 568 of the second bracket 56 are engaged with the first semi-open pivot hole 546 and the second semi-open pivot hole 548; then, the second bracket 56 is released. At this time, the intermediate pivot 570 will, in principle, contact the corresponding fully open pivot hole 550. Next, the second bracket 56 is pressed against the first bracket 54 so that the intermediate pivot 570 is engaged in the fully open pivot hole 550. Finally, the first semi-open pivot hole 546, the second semi-open pivot hole 548, and the fully open pivot hole 550 are fully connected with the first pivot 566, the second pivot 568, and the intermediate pivot 570, respectively. Furthermore, in the connection structure between the first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56, the first semi-open pivot hole 546 and the second semi-open pivot hole 548 are located on the outermost side of the first bracket 54 along the pivot axis A5. Therefore, during the assembly of the first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56, the second bracket 56 can achieve a smaller degree of deformation to allow the first pivot 566 and the second pivot 568 to engage with the first semi-open pivot hole 546 and the second semi-open pivot hole 548. In other words, this connection structure design balances the ease of assembly between the first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56 with the overall connection strength between the first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56. Furthermore, the fact that the first semi-open pivot hole 546 and the second semi-open pivot hole 548 are located on the outermost side along the pivot axis A5 also helps to maintain the stability of the pivot connection between the first support 54 and the second support 56.

[0089] In addition, such as Figures 27 to 29 As shown, in the third embodiment, the two first hooks 5462, the two second hooks 5482, or the two third hooks 5502 have an open structure on one side in the direction of the pivot axis A5, while the other side has a sidewall (perpendicular to the pivot axis A5; for example...). Figure 27 Mid-lateral wall 5466, Figure 28 Mid-lateral wall 5486, Figure 29 The connection of the middle sidewall 5504 helps to increase the structural strength of the hook itself and the gripping strength of the hook. However, this is not a limitation in actual operation. For example, the structure of the two first hooks 5462, the two second hooks 5482, or the two third hooks 5502 can be modified so that both sides are structurally open (i.e., without sidewall connection) in the direction of pivot axis A5; this structural design can increase its structural flexibility and is beneficial for assembly with the first pivot 566, the second pivot 568, and the intermediate pivot 570.

[0090] Please see Figures 22 to 25 The first support 54 has sliding shafts and bottom shafts. In this embodiment, the first support 54 has six sliding shafts 552a and 552b and eight bottom shafts 554, but this is not limited to other embodiments. The six sliding shafts 552a and 552b are arranged parallel to the pivot axis A5 and disposed on the first long arm 542, wherein four sliding shafts 552a are located between two sliding shafts 552b. The sliding shafts 552b can be formed as protrusions extending parallel to the pivot axis A5. The first support 54 also has a sliding hole 553 formed next to each sliding shaft 552a. The first support 54 is slidably and rotatably connected to the keycap 50 (the sliding hook 502) via the sliding shafts 552a and 552b, wherein the sliding hook 502 extends into the corresponding sliding hole 553. Furthermore, the eight bottom shafts 554 are arranged parallel to the pivot axis A5 and are disposed on the plurality of first supports 544. The first bracket 54 also has a bottom hole 555 formed next to each bottom shaft 554. The first bracket 54 is rotatably connected to the bottom plate 52 (bottom hook 522) via the bottom shafts 554, wherein the bottom shafts 554 are rotatably hooked to the corresponding bottom hooks 522, and the bottom hooks 522 extend into the corresponding bottom holes 555. In addition, the bottom plate 52 also includes a plurality of stops 523. The stops 523 limit the first brackets 54 so that the bottom shafts 554 are held by the corresponding bottom hooks 522. In addition, in the third embodiment, the stop portion 523 is aligned with the first hook portion 5462, the second hook portion 5482, or the third hook portion 5502 in the short side direction D6. This structural configuration allows the stop portion 523 to provide structural restraint on the first hook portion 5462, the second hook portion 5482, or the third hook portion 5502, which is beneficial to the gripping force of the first hook portion 5462, the second hook portion 5482, or the third hook portion 5502.

[0091] Please see Figures 22 to 24 and Figure 26 The second support 56 has gripping shafts and bottom shafts. In this embodiment, the second support 56 has six gripping shafts 572 and eight bottom shafts 574, but this is not limited to other embodiments. The six gripping shafts 572 and the eight bottom shafts 574 are arranged parallel to the pivot axis A5. The six gripping shafts 572 are disposed on the long arm 562, and each second arm 564 is provided with two bottom shafts 574. The second support 56 also has a gripping hole 573 formed next to each gripping shaft 572. The second support 56 is rotatably connected to the keycap 50 (the gripping hook 504) via the gripping shafts 572, wherein the gripping hook 504 extends into the corresponding gripping hole 573. Furthermore, the second support 56 also has a bottom hole 575 formed next to each bottom shaft 574. The second bracket 56 is slidably and rotatably connected to the base plate 52 (bottom hook 524) via a bottom shaft 574, wherein the bottom shaft 574 is slidably and rotatably hooked to the corresponding bottom hook 524, and the bottom hook 524 extends into the corresponding bottom hole 575.

[0092] In addition, please see Figure 22 and Figure 24 The keycap 50 has a first long side 50a and a second long side 50b, both of which are parallel to the long side direction D5. Figure 24 In the diagram, the vertical direction Dv5 is perpendicular to the paper, so the structural outline shown in the diagram corresponds to its vertical projection onto the paper; also, the outline of the keycap 50 is... Figure 24 The image is shown in dashed lines. In the third embodiment, the projection of the sliding hole 553 of the first bracket 54 onto the vertical direction Dv5 and the projection of the first long side 50a of the keycap 50 onto the vertical direction Dv5 have a first distance L5 in the short side direction D6. The projection of the gripping hole 573 of the second bracket 56 onto the vertical direction Dv5 and the projection of the second long side 50b of the keycap 50 onto the vertical direction Dv5 have a second distance L6 in the short side direction D6. The first distance L5 is greater than the second distance L6. This structural configuration provides more space for the structural and actuation design of the sliding shaft 552a of the first bracket 54. Furthermore, the shaft diameter of the sliding shaft 552a of the first bracket 54 is greater than the shaft diameter of the gripping shaft 572 of the second bracket 56; this structural configuration helps to increase the stability of the rotation and sliding of the sliding shaft 552a.

[0093] The second support is pivotally connected to the first support about a pivot axis. Additionally, as... Figure 24 As shown, in the third embodiment, the first support 54 and the second support 56 together form a dome 62 (in which an elastic round protrusion 60 is accommodated, as shown in the figure). Figure 22 (As shown). For the first support 54 and the second support 56, the dome coverage area R5 is defined along the long side direction D5 with the dome 62 as the boundary (its range is marked by chain lines in the figure). Within this dome coverage area R5, the first support 54 and the second support 56 do not have any structures connecting to the keycap 50 and the base plate 52 (e.g., slide bar 552a / slide hole 553, grip bar 572 / grip hole 573). This structural design avoids weakening the structure of the first support 54 and the second support 56 at this location due to the addition of connecting structures.

[0094] In addition, such as Figure 25 As shown, in the first support 54, a dome 62 is formed between two of the first arms 544 (or, in other words, the two first arms 544 form the dome 62, and no second arm 564 is provided between these two first arms 544; these two first arms 544 can be defined as a first sub-arm and a second sub-arm, i.e., the dome 62 is formed between the first sub-arm and the second sub-arm). The distance 556 from the bottom hole 555 on this first arm 544 to the dome 62 in the long side direction D5 is greater than or equal to 0.25 times the aperture 62a of the dome 62 in the long side direction D5. This structural design helps to maintain the structural strength of the arm adjacent to the dome 62 (i.e., the aforementioned two first arms 544).

[0095] Additionally, please see Figure 24 and Figure 30 ;in Figure 30 for Figure 24 In the left-side view, pivot A5 is marked with a cross in the figure. The hidden outline of the first pivot 566 (on the second bracket 56) is also drawn with chain lines. The hidden outline of the first blind hole 5464 of the first semi-open pivot hole 546 (on the first bracket 54) coincides with the hidden outline of the first pivot 566. The hidden outlines of the bottom hooks 522 and 524 (on the base plate 52) are drawn with chain lines. The hidden outline of the bottom hole 555 (on the first bracket 54) is drawn with dashed lines. The hidden outline of the bottom hole 575 (on the second bracket 56) is also drawn with dashed lines. Figure 30 As shown, the projection of the first pivot 566 onto the long side direction D5 (i.e., the one shown in the hidden outline of the first pivot 566 in the figure) overlaps with the projection of the bottom hook 522 or bottom hole 555 onto the long side direction D5 (i.e., the one shown in the hidden outline of the bottom hook 522 or bottom hole 555 in the figure); the projection of the first pivot 566 onto the long side direction D5 overlaps with the projection of the bottom hook 524 or bottom hole 575 onto the long side direction D5 (i.e., the one shown in the hidden outline of the bottom hook 524 or bottom hole 575 in the figure). This structural configuration reduces the distance from the first pivot 566 to the bottom hooks 522 and 524, that is, reduces the lever arm from the first pivot 566 to the bottom hooks 522 and 524, which can reduce the degree of deformation of the first support 54 and the second support 56 during force transmission, thereby increasing the stability of the operation of the first support 54 and the second support 56. The foregoing description also applies to the structural features such as the second semi-open pivot hole 548 and the fully open pivot hole 550 on the first bracket 54, the second pivot 568 and the intermediate pivot 570 on the second bracket 56, the other bottom hooks 522 and 524 on the base plate 52, the other bottom holes 555 on the first bracket 54, and the other bottom holes 575 on the second bracket 56, which will not be described in detail again.

[0096] In addition, such as Figure 24As shown in the third embodiment, taking the connection structure of the first support 54 and the second support 56 as an example (framed by a chain line), the sliding shaft 552a, sliding hole 553, fully open pivot hole 550, bottom shaft 554 and bottom hole 555 of the first support 54 and the gripping shaft 572, gripping hole 573, intermediate pivot 570, bottom shaft 574 and bottom hole 575 of the second support 56 are arranged relatively close to each other. The first support 54 and the second support 56 transmit force and move together between each other and between the keycap 50 and the base plate 52 through the aforementioned structure. The relatively clustered arrangement of the aforementioned structure on the pivot A5 helps to reduce the torque component perpendicular to the pivot A5 when transmitting force. This helps to stabilize the movement between the first support 54 and the second support 56 and between the keycap 50 and the base plate 52, thereby increasing the stability of the operation of the first support 54 and the second support 56. In the second embodiment, the projections of the bottom hole 555 and sliding hole 552a of the first bracket 54 and the gripping hole 573 of the second bracket 56 onto the vertical direction Dv5 overlap on the short side direction D6; wherein, in Figure 24 In the figure, the vertical direction Dv5 is perpendicular to the paper surface, so the structural outline shown in the figure corresponds to its vertical projection onto the paper surface. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the projections of the sliding hole 552a and the fully open pivot hole 550 of the first bracket 54, and the gripping hole 573 of the second bracket 56 onto the vertical direction Dv5 also overlap on the short side direction D6. In addition, in the third embodiment, the first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56 have multiple relatively adjacent connecting structures, which also have the aforementioned projection overlap characteristic, and therefore also have corresponding functions, which will not be elaborated further.

[0097] In addition, such as Figure 24As shown, for the first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56, the support arm coverage area R6 is defined on the long side direction D5, with the two first arms 544 of the first bracket 54 immediately adjacent to the dome 62 (or, in other words, the two first arms 544 form the dome 62, and no second arm 564 is provided between the two first arms 544). This support arm coverage area R6 covers multiple connecting structures in the dome 62, the first bracket 54, and the second bracket 56. Within the coverage area R6 of this support arm, the sum of the number of connecting structures of the first support 54 (including two sliding shafts 552a / sliding holes 553, two bottom shafts 554 / bottom holes 555, and two fully open pivot holes 550) and the connecting structures of the second support 56 (including two gripping shafts 572 / grip holes 573, and two intermediate pivots 570) reaches a certain value (e.g., but not limited to, greater than or equal to 8). In one embodiment, the first support includes several first connecting parts within the coverage area R6 of the support arm, and the first support is connected to the second support and the keycaps and base plate of the rectangular key structure via the several first connecting parts. The second support includes several second connecting parts within the coverage area R6 of the support arm. The connecting part, the second bracket is connected to the first bracket and the keycap and base plate of the rectangular key structure via a plurality of second connecting parts, the sum of the plurality of first connecting parts and the plurality of second connecting parts is greater than or equal to 8; in the third embodiment, the sum of the number of connecting structures is 10), which can increase the structural strength of the first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56 at this point (in other words, compensate for the reduction in structural strength of the first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56 caused by the presence of the dome 62), so as to improve the transmission effect of the first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56 at this point (including the transmission along the pivot axis A5), thereby increasing the stability of the operation of the first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56.

[0098] In addition, such as Figure 25 and Figure 26As shown, the first arm 544 (i.e., the first and second sub-arms) adjacent to the dome 62 has a width 544a along the long side direction D5 and a length 544b perpendicular to the long side direction D5, with the width 544a being 0.8 to 2 times the length 544b. This structural design helps maintain the structural strength of the first arm 544 to a certain extent. Furthermore, the two second arms 564 (which can be defined as the third and fourth sub-arms) adjacent to the two first arms 544 have a width 564a along the long side direction D5 and a length 564b perpendicular to the long side direction D5, with the width 564a also being 0.8 to 2 times the length 564b. In other words, along the long side direction, the first and second sub-arms are located between the third and fourth sub-arms, and each of the first to fourth sub-arms has a width along the long side direction D3 and a length perpendicular to the long side direction D3, with the width being 0.8 to 2 times the length. Similarly, this structural design helps maintain the structural strength of the second arm 564 to a certain extent. In addition, there are two second arms 564 adjacent to the two first arms 544, and the two second arms 564 are located outside the two first arms 544 along the pivot axis A5.

[0099] Of course, the present invention may have other various embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various corresponding changes and modifications according to the present invention, but these corresponding changes and modifications should all fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A keycap lifting mechanism for a long rectangular key structure, the long rectangular key structure having a long side direction and a short side direction, characterized in that... The keycap lifting mechanism includes: Base plate, which includes a bottom hook; The first bracket includes a bottom shaft, a bottom hole formed next to the bottom shaft, a sliding shaft, and a sliding hole formed next to the sliding shaft. The bottom shaft is rotatably hooked to the bottom hook, the bottom hook extends into the bottom hole, and the first bracket is slidably and rotatably connected to the keycap of the long rectangular key structure via the sliding shaft. as well as The second bracket is pivotally connected to the first bracket about a pivot axis parallel to the long side. The second bracket includes a gripping axis and a gripping hole formed next to the gripping axis. The second bracket is rotatably connected to the keycap of the long rectangular key structure via the gripping axis. The projections of the bottom hole, the sliding hole, and the gripping hole in a vertical direction overlap each other in the short side direction.

2. The keycap lifting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first bracket includes a pivot hole, and the second bracket includes a pivot shaft inserted into the pivot hole to allow the first bracket and the second bracket to rotate relative to each other about the pivot shaft. The projections of the pivot hole, the sliding hole, and the gripping hole in the vertical direction overlap each other in the short side direction.

3. A keycap lifting mechanism for a long rectangular key structure, the long rectangular key structure having a long side direction and a short side direction, characterized in that... The keycap lifting mechanism includes: A first bracket includes a pivot hole, a sliding shaft, and a sliding hole formed next to the sliding shaft. The first bracket is slidably and rotatably connected to the keycap of the long rectangular key structure via the sliding shaft. as well as The second support includes a pivot, a gripping axis, and a gripping hole formed next to the gripping axis. The second support is rotatably connected to the keycap of the long rectangular key structure via the gripping axis. The pivot is inserted into the pivot hole to allow the first support and the second support to rotate relative to each other about a pivot axis parallel to the long side. The projections of the pivot hole, the sliding hole, and the gripping hole in a vertical direction overlap each other in the short side direction.

4. A keycap lifting mechanism for a long rectangular key structure, the long rectangular key structure having a long side direction and a short side direction, characterized in that... The keycap lifting mechanism includes: First support; as well as The second support is pivotally connected to the first support about a pivot axis, and the first support and the second support together form a dome. Specifically, for the first support and the second support, the coverage area of ​​the dome is defined along the long side direction with the dome as the boundary; The first bracket and the second bracket do not have a structure that connects to the keycap and base plate of the long rectangular key structure within the coverage area of ​​the dome.

5. A keycap lifting mechanism for a long rectangular key structure, the long rectangular key structure having a long side direction and a short side direction, characterized in that... The keycap lifting mechanism includes: A first support includes a long arm, a first sub-arm, and a second sub-arm. The long arm extends parallel to the long side, and the first and second sub-arms extend from the long arm in a direction not parallel to the long side. A dome is formed between the first and second sub-arms. as well as The second support, the first support and the second support are pivotally connected to each other about a pivot axis; Specifically, for the first bracket and the second bracket, the coverage area of ​​the support arm is defined along the long side direction with the first sub-support arm and the second sub-support arm as the boundary; The first bracket includes several first connecting parts within the coverage area of ​​the support arm. The first bracket is connected to the second bracket and the keycap and base plate of the long rectangular key structure via the several first connecting parts. The second bracket includes several second connecting parts within the coverage area of ​​the support arm. The second bracket is connected to the first bracket and the keycap and base plate of the long rectangular key structure via the several second connecting parts. The sum of the number of the several first connecting parts and the several second connecting parts is greater than or equal to 8.

6. The keycap lifting mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, Both the first sub-arm and the second sub-arm have a width along the long side and a length perpendicular to the long side, the width being 0.8 to 2 times the length.

7. A keycap lifting mechanism for a long rectangular key structure, the long rectangular key structure having a long side direction and a short side direction, characterized in that... The keycap lifting mechanism includes: A first support includes a first long arm, a first sub-support arm, and a second sub-support arm. The first long arm extends parallel to the long side, and the first and second sub-support arms extend from the first long arm in a direction not parallel to the long side. A dome is formed between the first and second sub-support arms. as well as The second support, the first support and the second support are pivotally connected to each other about a pivot axis, the first support includes a second long arm, a third sub-support arm and a fourth sub-support arm, the second long arm extends parallel to the second long side, and the third sub-support arm and the fourth sub-support arm extend from the second long arm in a direction not parallel to the long side. In the long side direction, the first sub-arm and the second sub-arm are located between the third sub-arm and the fourth sub-arm; Each of the first to fourth sub-arms has a width along the long side and a length perpendicular to the long side, wherein the width is 0.8 to 2 times the length.

8. The keycap lifting mechanism according to any one of claims 1, 3, and 4, characterized in that, The first bracket includes a bracket body and a reinforcing member, which is embedded in the bracket body and passes through the slide shaft.

9. The keycap lifting mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that, The reinforcement surrounds the sliding hole.

10. The keycap lifting mechanism according to any one of claims 1, 3, and 4, characterized in that, The diameter of the sliding shaft is larger than the diameter of the gripping shaft.

11. The keycap lifting mechanism according to any one of claims 5 and 7, characterized in that, The first bracket includes a bracket body and a reinforcing member. The reinforcing member is embedded in the bracket body. The first bracket has a sliding shaft and a sliding hole formed next to the sliding shaft. The reinforcing member passes through the sliding shaft. The first bracket is slidably and rotatably connected to the keycap of the long rectangular key structure via the sliding shaft.

12. The keycap lifting mechanism according to claim 11, characterized in that, The reinforcement surrounds the sliding hole.

13. The keycap lifting mechanism according to any one of claims 5 and 7, characterized in that, The first bracket has a sliding shaft and a sliding hole formed next to the sliding shaft, and the second bracket has a gripping shaft and a gripping hole formed next to the gripping shaft. The shaft diameter of the sliding shaft is larger than the shaft diameter of the gripping shaft. The first bracket is slidably and rotatably connected to the keycap of the long rectangular key structure via the sliding shaft, and the second bracket is rotatably connected to the keycap of the long rectangular key structure via the gripping shaft.

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