Keycap lifting mechanism and key structure

Abstract

The utility model discloses a key structure and a keycap lifting mechanism. The stability of supporting a keycap is improved through the design of a support structure. And the two brackets are pivoted with each other around a pivot shaft. Wherein at least one support comprises a support body and a reinforcing piece embedded in the support body, and the elastic modulus of the reinforcing piece is larger than that of the support body. In one embodiment, the reinforcing member has a surrounding portion surrounding three sides of the pivot hole of the bracket. In another embodiment, the two brackets are both provided with reinforcing pieces, and the two reinforcing pieces have overlapped parts in the vertical direction. In addition, the key structure comprises a bottom plate, a key cap and a key cap lifting mechanism. The keycap lifting mechanism supports the keycap on the bottom plate. According to the utility model, the overall strength and the actuation stability of the keycap lifting mechanism can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] As key structures become smaller, the space available for various components shrinks significantly, making it difficult to maintain structural strength, leading to a decrease in the overall operational stability of the key structure. For example, the stability of the transmission between the bracket and other components (such as another bracket, keycap, or baseplate) decreases, as does the stability of the bracket supporting the keycap. Furthermore, after a period of use or during bracket assembly, the bracket may develop some permanent deformation, affecting operational stability and even rendering the key structure unusable. Utility Model Content

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

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the keycap lifting mechanism includes a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket includes a first bracket body and a first reinforcement member, the first reinforcement member is embedded in the first bracket body, and the elastic modulus of the first reinforcement member is greater than the elastic modulus of the first bracket body. The first bracket body has a pivot hole. The first reinforcement member has a surrounding portion, and the surrounding portion surrounds three sides of the pivot hole. The second bracket and the first bracket are pivotally connected to each other around a pivot axis. The second bracket has a pivot shaft, and the pivot shaft is rotatably inserted into the pivot hole along the pivot shaft. Thereby, the structural strength of the first bracket is improved due to the presence of the first reinforcement member. In addition, the first reinforcement member strengthens the structural strength of the pivot hole and further enhances the stability of the pivot connection between the first bracket and the second bracket. Therefore, the overall strength and actuation stability of the keycap lifting mechanism can be improved due to the presence of the first reinforcement member.

[0005] As an optional technical solution, the first reinforcement includes a Z-shaped bending structure, which includes a first plate portion, a second plate portion, and a connecting plate portion. The first plate portion, the second plate portion, and the connecting plate portion extend parallel to the pivot axis and are not coplanar. The first plate portion and the second plate portion are connected to opposite sides of the connecting plate portion, and the surrounding portion is formed on the second plate portion. As an optional technical solution, in a cross-section of the first bracket perpendicular to the pivot axis, the ratio of the length of the connecting plate portion to the thickness of the first bracket is 0.5 to 1.5. As an optional technical solution, the first plate portion is exposed from the first bracket body, and the second plate portion is not exposed from the first bracket body. As an optional technical solution, the surrounding portion is not exposed from the first bracket body. As an optional technical solution, the second bracket includes a second bracket body and a second reinforcement, the second reinforcement is embedded in the second bracket body, the elastic modulus of the second reinforcement is greater than the elastic modulus of the second bracket body, and the second reinforcement overlaps the pivot axis in a direction parallel to the pivot axis. As an optional technical solution, the second reinforcement includes a Z-shaped bending structure, which extends parallel to the pivot axis and overlaps with the pivot axis in a direction parallel to the pivot axis.

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

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a key structure includes a base plate, a keycap, and the aforementioned keycap lifting mechanism. The keycap lifting mechanism supports the keycap on the base plate in a vertical direction. As a result, the first bracket has improved structural strength due to the presence of the first reinforcement member. Furthermore, the first reinforcement member strengthens the structural strength of the pivot hole, further enhancing the stability of the pivot connection between the first bracket and the second bracket. Therefore, the key structure's overall strength and operational stability are enhanced due to the presence of the first reinforcement member in the keycap lifting mechanism.

[0008] As an optional technical solution, the first bracket extends as a whole along a reference plane, and the first bracket body has an upper surface and a lower surface in a direction perpendicular to the reference plane, the upper surface faces the keycap, and the lower surface faces the base plate, and the first reinforcement is exposed on the upper surface and not exposed on the lower surface.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a key structure, wherein the key cap lifting mechanism has a reinforced bracket, thereby increasing the overall strength of the key structure and the stability of the operation.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the key structure includes a base plate, a keycap, an outer bracket and an inner bracket. The keycap is arranged on the base plate. The outer bracket is connected to the base plate and the keycap. The outer bracket includes a first bracket body and a first reinforcement member, the first reinforcement member is embedded in the first bracket body, and the elastic modulus of the first reinforcement member is greater than the elastic modulus of the first bracket body. The outer bracket has an outer frame portion and an intermediate connecting portion, the intermediate connecting portion is located on the inner side of the outer frame portion and connects the opposite sides of the outer frame portion. The inner bracket is connected to the base plate and the keycap, and the inner bracket and the outer bracket are pivotally connected to each other relative to a pivot axis. The inner bracket includes a second bracket body and a second reinforcement member, the second reinforcement member is embedded in the second bracket body, and the elastic modulus of the second reinforcement member is greater than the elastic modulus of the second bracket body. The inner bracket is located on the inner side of the outer frame portion. The inner bracket has a first portion, a second portion, and a bridge portion, the bridge portion connecting the first portion and the second portion, the first portion and the second portion being located on either side of the middle connecting portion, and the bridge portion spanning the middle connecting portion. The keycap can be moved relative to the base plate in a vertical direction via the outer bracket and the inner bracket, and the vertical direction is perpendicular to the pivot axis. The first reinforcement member and the second reinforcement member overlap in the vertical direction. Thus, the structural strength of the outer bracket and the inner bracket is improved due to the presence of the first reinforcement member and the second reinforcement member. Furthermore, the first reinforcement member and the second reinforcement member also have overlapping portions in the vertical direction, further enhancing their reinforcing effect on the outer bracket and the inner bracket. Therefore, the overall strength and actuation stability of the key structure can be improved due to the outer bracket and the inner bracket having the first reinforcement member and the second reinforcement member.

[0011] As an optional technical solution, the first reinforcement extends in the middle connecting portion, and the second reinforcement extends in the first part, the second part and the bridging portion. As an optional technical solution, the first reinforcement extends in the middle connecting portion to opposite sides of the outer frame portion. As an optional technical solution, the first reinforcement includes a Z-shaped bending structure, which is located in the middle connecting portion, and the Z-shaped bending structure includes a first plate portion, a second plate portion and a connecting plate portion, the first plate portion, the second plate portion and the connecting plate portion extend parallel to the pivot axis and are not coplanar, and the first plate portion and the second plate portion are connected to opposite sides of the connecting plate portion. As an optional technical solution, an angle is formed between the first plate portion and the connecting plate portion, and the angle is between 40 degrees and 90 degrees. As an optional technical solution, the outer bracket extends entirely along a reference plane, and the first bracket body has an upper surface and a lower surface perpendicular to the reference plane, the upper surface facing the keycap and the lower surface facing the base plate, with the first reinforcement member exposed on the upper surface and not exposed on the lower surface. As an optional technical solution, the intermediate connecting portion has a groove located below the bridging portion, the first reinforcement member exposed in the groove, and the bridging portion enters the groove when the outer bracket and the inner bracket overlap. As an optional technical solution, the first reinforcement member includes a Z-shaped bend structure located in the intermediate connecting portion and extending to opposite sides of the outer frame portion. As an optional technical solution, the second bracket body at the bridging portion separates the first reinforcement member from the second reinforcement member in the vertical direction. As an optional technical solution, the key structure further includes a switch circuit board disposed on the base plate, wherein the intermediate connecting portion of the outer bracket and the switch circuit board do not overlap in the vertical direction. As an alternative, the switch circuit board includes a peripheral portion and a circuit connection portion. The circuit connection portion extends along a horizontal direction and connects opposite sides of the peripheral portion. The horizontal direction is perpendicular to the vertical direction and the pivot axis. The circuit connection portion overlaps with the first portion of the inner bracket in the vertical direction. As an alternative, the first portion has a groove, and the circuit connection portion enters the groove when the outer bracket and the inner bracket overlap. As an alternative, the peripheral portion does not overlap with the outer bracket and the inner bracket in the vertical direction. As an alternative, the switch circuit board does not have a portion extending parallel to the pivot axis on the inner side of the peripheral portion.

[0012] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but they are not intended to limit the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a partial exploded diagram of the key structure according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2for Figure 1 Exploded diagram of the middle button structure.

[0015] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the first bracket from another perspective.

[0016] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Exploded diagram of the first bracket.

[0017] Figure 5 for Figure 3 Schematic cross-sectional view of the first bracket along line X1-X1.

[0018] Figure 6 for Figure 3 An enlarged schematic diagram of the middle circle A from another viewing angle.

[0019] Figure 7 for Figure 3 Schematic diagram of a partial cross-section of the first bracket along line Y1-Y1.

[0020] Figure 8 for Figure 3 Partial side view of the first bracket.

[0021] Figure 9 for Figure 3 Partial top view of the first bracket.

[0022] Figure 10 for Figure 3 Schematic cross-sectional view of the first bracket along line Z1-Z1.

[0023] Figure 11 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the second bracket from another perspective.

[0024] Figure 12 for Figure 11 Explosion diagram of the second bracket.

[0025] Figure 13 for Figure 11 Enlarged schematic diagram of circle B in the middle.

[0026] Figure 14 for Figure 1 A top view of the first bracket, second bracket, and bottom plate of the middle button structure.

[0027] Figure 15 for Figure 1 The cross-sectional diagram of the middle button structure, its cross-sectional position is as follows Figure 14 Indicated by the center line W1-W1.

[0028] Figure 16 for Figure 2Top view of the middle switch circuit board.

[0029] Figure 17 for Figure 11 A partial schematic diagram of the second bracket from another perspective.

[0030] Figure 18 FIG. 1 is a partial exploded diagram of a key structure according to the second embodiment.

[0031] Figure 19 for Figure 18 Exploded diagram of the middle button structure.

[0032] Figure 20 for Figure 19 Schematic diagram of the first bracket from another perspective.

[0033] Figure 21 for Figure 20 Exploded diagram of the first bracket.

[0034] Figure 22 for Figure 20 Schematic cross-sectional view of the first bracket along line X3-X3.

[0035] Figure 23 for Figure 20 Enlarged schematic diagram of circle C in the middle.

[0036] Figure 24 for Figure 20 Schematic diagram of a partial cross-section of the first bracket along line Y3-Y3.

[0037] Figure 25 for Figure 20 Partial side view of the first bracket.

[0038] Figure 26 for Figure 20 Partial top view of the first bracket.

[0039] Figure 27 for Figure 20 Schematic cross-sectional view of the first bracket along line Z3-Z3.

[0040] Figure 28 for Figure 19 Schematic diagram of the second bracket from another perspective.

[0041] Figure 29 for Figure 28 Exploded diagram of the second bracket.

[0042] Figure 30 for Figure 28 Enlarged schematic diagram of circle D in the middle.

[0043] Figure 31 for Figure 18A top view of the first bracket, second bracket, and bottom plate of the middle button structure.

[0044] Figure 32 for Figure 18 The cross-sectional diagram of the middle button structure, its cross-sectional position is as follows Figure 31 Indicated by the center line W3-W3.

[0045] Figure 33 for Figure 19 Top view of the middle switch circuit board.

[0046] Figure 34 for Figure 28 Schematic diagram of the second bracket from another perspective.

[0047] Figure 35 FIG. 1 is a partial exploded diagram of a key structure according to a third embodiment.

[0048] Figure 36 for Figure 35 Exploded diagram of the middle button structure.

[0049] Figure 37 for Figure 36 Schematic diagram of the first bracket from another perspective.

[0050] Figure 38 for Figure 37 Exploded diagram of the first bracket.

[0051] Figure 39 for Figure 37 Schematic cross-sectional view of the first bracket along line X5-X5.

[0052] Figure 40 for Figure 37 Enlarged schematic diagram of circle E in the middle.

[0053] Figure 41 for Figure 37 Schematic cross-sectional view of the first bracket along line Y5-Y5.

[0054] Figure 42 for Figure 37 Partial side view of the first bracket.

[0055] Figure 43 for Figure 37 Partial top view of the first bracket.

[0056] Figure 44 for Figure 37 Schematic cross-sectional view of the first bracket along line Z5-Z5.

[0057] Figure 45 for Figure 36 Schematic diagram of the second bracket from another perspective.

[0058] Figure 46 for Figure 45 Explosion diagram of the second bracket.

[0059] Figure 47 for Figure 45 Enlarged schematic diagram of the middle circle F.

[0060] Figure 48 for Figure 45 Side view of the second bracket.

[0061] Figure 49 for Figure 35 A top view of the first bracket, second bracket, and bottom plate of the middle button structure.

[0062] Figure 50 for Figure 36 Top view of the middle switch circuit board.

[0063] Figure 51 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the first bracket and the second bracket from another perspective. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] Directional terms such as "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," and "rear" mentioned in the following embodiments refer only to directions in the accompanying drawings. Prefixes in component names, such as "first," "second," and so on, are used solely to distinguish components and facilitate description and do not inherently impose any limitations on the components. Furthermore, components with the same prefix across various embodiments do not necessarily correspond to each other. Correspondence between components in various embodiments depends on the specific structure.

[0065] The present invention proposes a keycap lifting mechanism, which includes a first bracket and a second bracket, the first bracket includes a first bracket body and a first reinforcement, the first reinforcement is embedded in the first bracket body, the elastic modulus of the first reinforcement is greater than the elastic modulus of the first bracket body, the first bracket body has a pivot hole, the first reinforcement has a surrounding portion, the surrounding portion surrounds three sides of the pivot hole; the second bracket and the first bracket are pivotally connected to each other around a pivot axis, the second bracket has a pivot, and the pivot is rotatably inserted into the pivot hole along the pivot axis. The present invention also proposes a key structure, which includes a base plate, a keycap, and a keycap lifting mechanism, the keycap lifting mechanism supports the keycap on the base plate in a vertical direction. In addition, the present invention also proposes another key structure, which includes a base plate, a keycap, an outer bracket, and an inner bracket. The keycap is arranged on the base plate; the outer bracket is connected to the base plate and the keycap, the outer bracket includes a first bracket body and a first reinforcement, the first reinforcement is embedded in the first bracket body, the elastic modulus of the first reinforcement is greater than the elastic modulus of the first bracket body, the outer bracket has an outer frame portion and an intermediate connecting portion, the intermediate connecting portion is located on the inner side of the outer frame portion and connects the opposite sides of the outer frame portion; the inner bracket is connected to the base plate and the keycap, the inner bracket and the outer bracket are pivotally connected to each other relative to a pivot axis, the inner bracket includes a second bracket body and a second reinforcement, the second reinforcement Embedded in the second bracket body, the elastic modulus of the second reinforcement is greater than the elastic modulus of the second bracket body, the inner bracket is located on the inner side of the outer frame, the inner bracket has a first part, a second part and a bridging part, the bridging part connects the first part and the second part, the first part and the second part are located on both sides of the middle connecting part, and the bridging part spans the middle connecting part; wherein the keycap can be moved relative to the base plate in a vertical direction via the outer bracket and the inner bracket, the vertical direction is perpendicular to the pivot axis, and the first reinforcement and the second reinforcement overlap in the vertical direction.

[0066] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2. According to the first embodiment, the key structure 1 is a long rectangular key structure, which has a long side direction D1 and a short side direction D2 (both are represented by two-way arrows in the figure), and the long side direction D1 is perpendicular to the short side direction D2. In actual operation, the long rectangular key structure 1 can be but is not limited to a blank key. The ratio of the size of the key structure 1 in the long side direction D1 to its size in the short side direction D2 can be between 1.2 and 6, preferably, between 1.5 and 5. In other embodiments, this is not limited to the above, and the key structure 1 can be a key structure of other shapes, in which case the long side direction D1 and the short side direction D2 are the extension directions of the two perpendicular sides on the key structure 1. The subsequent embodiments are similar to this and will not be described in detail. The key structure 1 includes a keycap 10, a base plate 12, a first bracket 14, a second bracket 16, a switch circuit board 18 and an elastic protrusion 20. The keycap 10 is arranged above the base plate 12. The first bracket 14 and the second bracket 16 are pivotally connected about a pivot axis A1 (indicated by a chain line in the figure), which is parallel to the longitudinal direction D1. The first bracket 14 and the second bracket 16 are each connected to the keycap 10 and the base plate 12 to support the keycap 10 above the base plate 12 (or, in other words, to support the keycap 10 above the base plate 12, the same applies below). This allows the keycap 10 to move relative to the base plate 12 (e.g., up and down, or parallel to a vertical direction Dv1) via the first bracket 14 and the second bracket 16. The vertical direction Dv1 (indicated by a double-headed arrow in the figure) is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D1 and the transverse direction D2. A switch circuit board 18 is disposed on the base plate 12. The switch circuit board 18 may be, but is not limited to, a thin-film circuit board. It has a switch 182 (indicated by a circle filled with diagonal lines in the figure), which is approximately centered on the keycap 10. A resilient protrusion 20 is disposed on the switch circuit board 18 and below the keycap 10, corresponding to the switch 182. The keycap 10 can be pressed to move toward the base plate 12, thereby squeezing the elastic protrusion 20 to trigger the switch 182 downward. Therefore, logically, the combination of the first bracket 14 and the second bracket 16 or the combination of the first bracket 14, the second bracket 16 and the base plate 12 can be regarded as a keycap lifting mechanism.

[0067] For further information, see Figure 3 and Figure 4The first bracket 14 includes a first bracket body 140 and a first reinforcement 142, which is embedded in the first bracket body 140. The elastic modulus of the first reinforcement 142 is greater than that of the first bracket body 140. Thus, the first reinforcement 142 strengthens the structure of the first bracket 14. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the first bracket 14 is a frame structure, primarily comprising a rectangular outer frame portion and a plurality of intermediate connecting portions connecting the two long sides of the rectangular outer frame portion (parallel to the long-side direction D1) on the inner side of the rectangular outer frame portion. The first bracket 14 is connected to the keycap 10 at one of its long sides and to the base plate 12 at the other long side. The first reinforcement 142 comprises a long arm and a plurality of support arms extending perpendicularly from the long arm. The long arm extends parallel to the pivot axis A1 within one of the long sides of the rectangular outer frame portion (i.e., the long side connected to the keycap 10). The plurality of support arms extend within the plurality of intermediate connecting portions and the two short sides of the outer frame portion. The first reinforcement member 142 includes a plurality of Z-shaped flexures 1422a-d, each extending parallel to the pivot axis A1 (or, the Z-shaped flexures 1422a-d extend parallel to the pivot axis A1 with their Z-shaped cross-sections). This enhances the first reinforcement member 142's ability to resist bending along the pivot axis A1 and improves the linkage of the keycap lifting mechanism (including the pivotally connected first bracket 14 and second bracket 16) along the longitudinal direction D1 (or, more accurately, increases the efficiency of force transmission along the longitudinal direction D1). Specifically, the Z-shaped flexure 1422a is located on the long arm, while the Z-shaped flexures 1422b-d are located on the multiple support arms. The support arms, including the Z-shaped flexures 1422b and 1422c, also extend to the other long side of the rectangular outer frame (i.e., the long side connected to the base plate 12), thereby enhancing the structural strength of this long side. The Z-shaped bending structures 1422a-d can further enhance the effect of the first reinforcement member 142 on the structural reinforcement of the first bracket body 140. In addition, in actual operation, the first reinforcement member 142 can also be designed to exist on both long sides of the rectangular outer frame.

[0068] In addition, if Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the first bracket body 140 (or first bracket 14) has multiple sliding shafts 144a and 144b (located on the long sides of the rectangular outer frame connecting to the keycap 10) and multiple bottom shafts 146 (located on the long sides of the rectangular outer frame connecting to the bottom plate 12). Sliding holes 145 are formed next to the sliding shafts 144a. Bottom holes 147 are formed next to the bottom shafts 146. The first bracket 14 is slidably and rotatably connected to (the sliding hooks 102 of) the keycap 10 via the sliding shafts 144a and 144b. The sliding hooks 102 extend into the corresponding sliding holes 145. The first bracket 14 is rotatably connected to (the bottom hooks 122 of) the bottom plate 12 via the bottom shafts 146. The bottom shafts 146 are rotatably hooked to the corresponding bottom hooks 122, and the bottom hooks 122 extend into the corresponding bottom holes 147.

[0069] See also Figures 3 to 6 ;At Figure 6 In the figure, the hidden outline of the first reinforcement 142 is shown in dotted lines. The first reinforcement 142 surrounds the sliding hole 145 and passes through the sliding shaft 144a, so it can strengthen the structural strength of the first bracket 14 at the sliding hole 145 and the sliding shaft 144a, and can also increase the stability of the mutual connection between the first bracket 14 and the keycap 10. In the first embodiment, the first reinforcement 142 realizes the aforementioned structural configuration with a Z-shaped bending structure 1422a, but the actual operation is not limited to this. Among them, the Z-shaped bending structure 1422a is located on one side edge of the first reinforcement 142, and is distributed on the entire side edge. The Z-shaped bending structure 1422a is at Figure 3 The center circle A includes a first plate portion 1424a and a second plate portion 1424b. The first plate portion 1424a and the second plate portion 1424b are not coplanar. The first plate portion 1424a and the second plate portion 1424b are connected to form a through hole 1424c. The sliding hole 145 is located inside the through hole 1424c. The second plate portion 1424b passes through the sliding shaft 144a. In addition, Figure 5 As shown, the sliding shaft 144a extends parallel to the pivot axis A1 with a non-rectangular cross-section. In the first embodiment, the non-rectangular cross-section is generally trapezoidal, so that the thickness of the sliding shaft 144a gradually decreases away from the pivot axis A1. This can prevent the sliding shaft 144a from interfering with the keycap 10. The second plate portion 1424b passes through the sliding shaft 144a, compensating for the reduced structural strength of the sliding shaft 144a caused by the gradually decreasing thickness, and even further enhancing the structural strength of the sliding shaft 144a.

[0070] On the other hand, the first bracket body 140 has a side edge (i.e., the long side connected to the keycap 10) whose thickness gradually decreases in the direction away from the pivot axis A1. This can avoid structural interference between the first bracket body 140 and the keycap 10. The Z-shaped bending structure 1422a, due to its structural bending feature, can extend perpendicularly to the pivot axis A1 into this side edge, compensating for the reduced structural strength of this side edge due to the gradual decrease in thickness, and even further enhancing the structural strength of this side edge. In addition, Figure 3 Taking the structure of the first bracket 14 at the midline Y1-Y1 as an example, Figure 7As shown, the Z-shaped bending structure 1422a includes a first plate portion 1424a', a second plate portion 1424b', and a connecting plate portion 1424d'. The first plate portion 1424a', the second plate portion 1424b', and the connecting plate portion 1424d' extend parallel to the pivot axis A1 and are not coplanar. The first plate portion 1424a' and the second plate portion 1424b' are connected to opposite sides of the connecting plate portion 1424d'. The first plate portion 1424a' is exposed from the first bracket body 140, while the second plate portion 1424b' extends into the side edge thereof. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, an angle 1424e' (i.e., a bending angle) is formed between the first plate portion 1424a' and the connecting plate portion 1424d'. The angle 1424e' is greater than 90 degrees, for example, 120 degrees. However, this is not a limitation in practice. For example, the angle 1424e' can be between 40 and 90 degrees. This description of the bending angle also applies to the angle between the second plate portion 1424b' and the connecting plate portion 1424d' and will not be further elaborated. Furthermore, the ratio of the length 1424g of the connecting plate portion 1424d' (indicated by a dashed line in the figure) to the thickness 1424h of the first bracket 14 at the bending point can be, but is not limited to, 0.5 to 1.5 in actual operation.

[0071] In addition, see Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 8 ;At Figure 8 In the figure, the hidden outline of the Z-shaped bending structure 1422a is drawn with a dotted line. Although the Z-shaped bending structure 1422a does not directly pass through the sliding shaft 144b, the Z-shaped bending structure 1422a and the sliding shaft 144b overlap in a direction parallel to the pivot axis A1. This structural configuration is also beneficial to the connection stability between the sliding shaft 144b and the corresponding sliding hook 102 of the keycap 10. In addition, as Figure 8 As shown, in the first embodiment, the two bending portions 1424f of the Z-shaped bending structure 1422a overlap with the sliding shaft 144b in a direction parallel to the pivot axis A1, which is also beneficial to the connection stability between the sliding shaft 144b and the corresponding sliding hook 102 of the keycap 10.

[0072] Also, see Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 9 and Figure 10 ;At Figure 9 In the figure, the hidden outline of the first reinforcement 142 is shown in dotted lines. The first bracket body 140 (or the first bracket 14) has a plurality of pivot holes 148. The pivot holes 148 can be realized by, but not limited to, a pair of oppositely disposed hooks, but are not limited to this in actual operation. The first bracket 14 is pivotally connected to the second bracket 16 via the plurality of pivot holes 148. Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, the Z-shaped bending structure 1422c includes a first plate portion 1426a and a second plate portion 1426b. The first plate portion 1426a and the second plate portion 1426b are not coplanar. The first plate portion 1426a is exposed from the first bracket body 140, and the second plate portion 1426b is buried in the first bracket body 140. The first reinforcement member 142 has a surrounding portion 1426c at the Z-shaped bending structure 1422c (or logically, it can also be regarded as the surrounding portion 1426c extending from the second plate portion 1426b or formed on the second plate portion 1426b), surrounding the three sides of the adjacent pivot hole 148 (with Figure 9 From the perspective of the upper side, the left side and the lower side), this structural configuration can increase the structural strength of the pivot hole 148 and enhance the stability of the pivot connection between the first bracket 14 and the second bracket 16. In addition, in the first embodiment, the surrounding portion 1426c is not exposed from the first bracket body 140. Moreover, the surrounding portion 1426c overlaps with the pivot hole 148 in a direction parallel to the pivot axis A1, but this is not limited to the actual operation. In addition, the bending portion of the Z-shaped bending structure 1422c is adjacent to the pivot hole 148, and this structural configuration has the effect of strengthening the structure of the pivot hole 148. In actual operation, the position of the Z-shaped bending structure 1422c can be modified (such as Figure 9 The Z-shaped bending structure 1422c is provided as shown in the two chain line segments in the middle) so that the bending portion overlaps with the pivot hole 148 in a direction parallel to the pivot axis A1 (this also makes the bending portion overlap with the pivot axis inserted into the pivot hole 148), which can further increase the effect of the Z-shaped bending structure 1422c on strengthening the structure of the pivot hole 148. At this time, the surrounding portion 1426c is formed on the bending portion of the Z-shaped bending structure 1422c.

[0073] As described above, in the first embodiment, the first reinforcement member 142 is partially exposed from the first bracket body 140. Figure 3As shown, the first bracket 14 extends entirely along a reference plane P1 (indicated by a chain line; in principle, reference plane P1 can be considered a plane containing pivot axis A1). The first bracket body 140 has an upper surface (facing the keycap 10) and a lower surface (facing the base plate 12) perpendicular to reference plane P1. The first reinforcement member 142 is exposed on the upper surface but not on the lower surface. This structural configuration effectively prevents the first reinforcement member 142 from directly colliding with underlying components (such as the base plate 12) and generating noise (for example, both the first reinforcement member 142 and the base plate 12 are made of metal). However, this is not a limitation in practice. Furthermore, the aforementioned description of the bending angle of the Z-shaped bending structure 1422a is also applicable to the Z-shaped bending structures 1422b-d, provided that there is no conflict, and further explanation is omitted. In one embodiment, the first bracket 14 and the second bracket 16 are made of one or a combination of plastic, glass fiber, and nylon fiber, such as a combination of glass fiber and nylon fiber. In practice, the first reinforcement member 142 may be exposed in a localized area on both the upper and lower surfaces, only on the upper surface, or only on the lower surface, depending on the space margin in the thickness direction of the key structure 1 at the location, adjacent components that may interfere with or collide with the structure, or other factors. The following embodiments are similar and will not be described in detail.

[0074] See also Figure 11 and Figure 12 The second bracket 16 includes a second bracket body 160 and a second reinforcement 162. The second reinforcement 162 is embedded in the second bracket body 160. The elastic modulus of the second reinforcement 162 is greater than the elastic modulus of the second bracket body 160. Similarly, the second reinforcement 162 also has the effect of strengthening the structure of the second bracket 16. The second bracket 16 as a whole includes multiple supporting parts and multiple bridging parts (at Figure 11 The plurality of support portions and bridge portions are arranged in a staggered manner along the pivot axis A1, and the bridge portions connect adjacent support portions. A second reinforcing member 162 is present in each of the plurality of support portions and bridge portions. Each support portion has a pivot on both sides along the pivot axis A1. The second bracket 16 is pivotally connected to the first bracket 14 via the plurality of pivots (inserted into the pivot holes 148). In the first embodiment, the second bracket 16 is pivotally connected to the inner side of the first bracket 14, or the second bracket 16 is located inside the rectangular outer frame of the first bracket 14 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 1 and Figure 2 ), wherein the support portion is located between two adjacent intermediate connecting portions, or between a short side of the rectangular outer frame and an adjacent intermediate connecting portion. On the other hand, along pivot axis A1, first bracket 14 is located on two opposite outer sides of second bracket 16. Logically, first bracket 14 can be considered an outer bracket, and second bracket 16 can be considered an inner bracket.

[0075] Furthermore, for simplicity of description, two support portions and the bridge portion therebetween are shown as an example, such as the first portion 164, the second portion 166, and the bridge portion 168 (connecting the first and second portions 164, 166). A pivot 170 is provided on the first and second portions 164, 166. The second bracket 16 is inserted through the pivot hole 148 (of the first bracket 14) via the pivot 170 to pivotally connect with the first bracket 14. The second reinforcement member 162 extends through the first and second portions 164, 166, and the bridge portion 168. The second reinforcement member 162 includes a plurality of Z-shaped bending structures 1622a-d, wherein the Z-shaped bending structures 1622a-c extend parallel to the pivot axis A1 (or the Z-shaped bending structures 1622a-c extend parallel to the pivot axis A1 with a Z-shaped cross section), and the Z-shaped bending structure 1622d extends perpendicular to the pivot axis A1 and overlaps with the pivot axis 170 in a direction parallel to the pivot axis A1. The Z-shaped bending structure 1622d can increase the ability of the second reinforcement member 162 to resist bending in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis A1, thereby helping the second bracket 16 to stably transmit force in this direction (perpendicular to the pivot axis A1). In addition, the bridge portion 168 spans the middle connecting portion corresponding to the rectangular outer frame portion of the first bracket 14 (see also FIG. 1 ). Figure 1 and Figure 2 ); wherein the intermediate connecting portion has a groove 150 (see Figure 3 ), the groove 150 is located below the bridge portion 168, and the first reinforcement member 142 is exposed in the groove 150. When the first bracket 14 and the second bracket 16 overlap, the bridge portion 168 enters the groove 150. Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 11 As shown, the second bracket body 160 (or second bracket 16) has multiple gripping shafts 172 and multiple bottom shafts 174, logically located on the multiple supporting portions. Gripping holes 173 are formed next to the gripping shafts 172. Bottom holes 175 are formed next to the bottom shafts 174. The second bracket 16 is rotatably connected to (the hooks 104 of) the keycap 10 via the gripping shafts 172, with the hooks 104 extending into the corresponding gripping holes 173. The second bracket 16 is rotatably connected to (the hooks 124 of) the base plate 12 via the bottom shafts 174, with the bottom shafts 174 rotatably hooked to the corresponding bottom hooks 124, which then extend into the corresponding bottom holes 175. Furthermore, a bridge portion 168 is located on the side of the second bracket 16 that connects to the keycap 10. This structural configuration helps enhance the stability of the second bracket 16 in supporting the keycap 10.

[0076] See also Figures 11 to 13 ;At Figure 13In the figure, the hidden outline of the second reinforcement 162 is shown with a dotted line. The second reinforcement 162 surrounds three sides of the gripping hole 173 and does not extend into the gripping shaft 172. This structural configuration helps to strengthen the structural strength of the second bracket 16 here (i.e., strengthening the structure of the gripping hole 173 is beneficial to the structural stability of the gripping shaft 172), and is beneficial to the connection stability between the gripping shaft 172 and the corresponding gripping hook 104 of the keycap 10. However, this is not limited to the actual operation. For example, if the structural size design allows, the second reinforcement 162 can also be designed to pass through the gripping shaft 172. This can further strengthen the structural strength of the second bracket 16 at the gripping hole 173 and the gripping shaft 172, and can also increase the stability of the mutual connection between the second bracket 16 and the keycap 10. In addition, the second reinforcement 162 surrounds the bottom hole 175 of the first part 164 (such as Figure 13 The second reinforcement member 162 is also partially exposed from the second bracket body 160. Specifically, the second reinforcement member 162 is exposed on the upper surface of the second bracket body 160 (facing the keycap 10) and not on the lower surface of the second bracket body 160 (facing the base plate 12). This also effectively prevents the second reinforcement member 162 from directly colliding with underlying components (such as the base plate 12) and generating noise (for example, both the second reinforcement member 162 and the base plate 12 are made of metal).

[0077] Also, see Figure 3 、 Figure 11 and Figure 14 ;At Figure 14 In the figure, the outline of the keycap 10 is shown in dotted lines. In the first embodiment, the diameter of the sliding shaft 144a (or sliding shaft 144b) of the first bracket 14 is larger than the 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 144a (or sliding shaft 144b). In addition, the keycap 10 has a first long side 10a and a second long side 10b, and the first long side 10a and the second long side 10b are both parallel to the long side direction D1. Figure 14 In the figure, 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. In the first embodiment, a first distance L1 is defined in the short-side direction D2 between the projection of the sliding hole 145 of the first bracket 14 in the vertical direction Dv1 and the projection of the first long side 10a of the keycap 10 in the vertical direction Dv1. A second distance L2 is defined in the short-side direction D2 between the projection of the gripping hole 173 of the second bracket 16 in the vertical direction Dv1 and the projection of the second long side 10b of the keycap 10 in the vertical direction Dv1. The first distance L1 is greater than the second distance L2. This structural configuration provides ample space for the structural and actuation design of the sliding shaft 144a of the first bracket 14.

[0078] Also, see Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 11 、 Figure 12 and Figure 15 ;At Figure 15 In the figure, the keycap 10 is not shown to simplify the drawing. The first reinforcement member 142 and the second reinforcement member 162 overlap in the vertical direction Dv1. Figure 15 As shown, the second bracket body 160 at the bridge portion 168 separates the first reinforcement 142 and the second reinforcement 162 in the vertical direction Dv1, so that even if the first reinforcement 142 is exposed in the groove 150, the second reinforcement 162 can be prevented from hitting the first reinforcement 142 and generating noise.

[0079] See also Figure 16 , which is a top view of the switch circuit board 18; the outline of the first bracket 14 is depicted in thin solid lines, and the outline of the second bracket 16 is depicted in dashed lines. The switch circuit board 18 includes a peripheral portion 180a and multiple circuit connection portions 180b (the area of ​​which is indicated by a chain-line frame; the rest of the switch circuit board 18 is the peripheral portion 180a). The circuit connection portions 180b extend along a horizontal direction Dh1 (indicated by a double-headed arrow in the figure) (i.e., the length of the circuit connection portions 180b is parallel to the horizontal direction Dh1) and connect opposite sides of the peripheral portion 180a. The horizontal direction Dh1 is perpendicular to the vertical direction Dv1 and the pivot axis A1, and therefore parallel to the short-side direction D2. The switch circuit board 18 has no portion extending parallel to the pivot axis A1 on the inner side of the peripheral portion 180a. Compared to conventional switch circuit boards in key structures (which typically include both vertical and horizontal connection structures on their interior), the switch circuit board 18 has only a single connection structure (the circuit connection portion 180b) on its interior, minimizing interference with the first and second brackets 14, 16. In the first embodiment, the key structure 1 has a length-to-width ratio of approximately 6, and utilizes five circuit connection portions 180b extending generally parallel to the short-side direction D2; however, this is not a limitation in practice. Furthermore, the first and second brackets 14, 16 are located inward of the outer portion 180a in the vertical direction Dv1, or in other words, the first and second brackets 14, 16 do not overlap with the outer portion 180a in the vertical direction Dv1. The circuit connection portion 180b does not overlap with the intermediate connection portions of the first bracket 14 (e.g., the outermost intermediate connection portion along the pivot axis A1) in the vertical direction Dv1, allowing these intermediate connection portions to extend downward to enhance structural strength. This also provides increased structural flexibility for the reinforcement member (e.g., the first reinforcement member 142) in this location.

[0080] In addition, in the first embodiment, the supporting portion of the second bracket 16 overlaps with the circuit connection portion 180b of the switch circuit board 18 in the vertical direction Dv1. Taking the first portion 164 of the second bracket 16 as an example, (please also refer to Figure 17) The first portion 164 has a groove 164a, and when the first bracket 14 and the second bracket 16 overlap, the corresponding circuit connection portion 180b enters the groove 164a. On the other hand, through the design of the groove 164a, the first portion 164 can be further extended downward to increase the structural strength, which also helps to increase the structural design flexibility of the reinforcement (such as the second reinforcement 162) here. Thereby, this structural configuration can enhance the structural strength of the first portion 164 and help to reduce the overall height of the key structure 1. The second portion 166 is the same and will not be described separately. In addition, in the first embodiment, the rectangular outer frame portion of the first bracket 14 also overlaps with the circuit connection portion 180b of the switch circuit board 18 in the vertical direction Dv1, and the rectangular outer frame portion also has a groove correspondingly (for example, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 The groove 152 is marked in the figure, so that when the first bracket 14 and the second bracket 16 overlap, the corresponding circuit connection portion 180b will also enter the groove 152. Similarly, this structural configuration can enhance the structural strength of the rectangular outer frame of the first bracket 14 and help reduce the overall height of the key structure 1.

[0081] See also Figure 18 and Figure 19 . The key structure 3 according to the second embodiment is a long rectangular key structure, which has a long side direction D3 and a short side direction D4 (both indicated by double-headed arrows in the figure), and the long side direction D3 is perpendicular to the short side direction D4. In actual operation, the long rectangular key structure 3 can be but is not limited to a blank key. The key structure 3 includes a keycap 30, a base plate 32, a first bracket 34, a second bracket 36, a switch circuit board 38 and an elastic protrusion 40. The keycap 30 is arranged above the base plate 32. The first bracket 34 and the second bracket 36 are pivotally connected to each other around a pivot axis A3 (indicated by a chain line in the figure), and the pivot axis A3 is parallel to the long side direction D3. The first bracket 34 and the second bracket 36 are respectively connected to the keycap 30 and the base plate 32 to support the keycap 30 above the base plate 32, so that the keycap 30 can move relative to the base plate 32 via the first bracket 34 and the second bracket 36 (for example, move up and down or move parallel to a vertical direction Dv3). The vertical direction Dv3 (indicated by a double-headed arrow in the figure) is perpendicular to 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 thin-film circuit board. It has a switch 382 (indicated by a circle filled with diagonal lines in the figure), which roughly corresponds to the center of the keycap 30. An elastic protrusion 40 is provided on the switch circuit board 38 and below the keycap 30, corresponding to the switch 382. The keycap 30 can be pressed toward the base plate 32, thereby squeezing the elastic protrusion 40 downward to trigger the switch 382. Therefore, logically, the combination of the first bracket 34 and the second bracket 36, or the combination of the first bracket 34, the second bracket 36, and the base plate 32 can be considered a keycap lifting mechanism.

[0082] For further information, see Figure 20 and Figure 21 The first bracket 34 includes a first bracket body 340 and a first reinforcement member 342, which is embedded in the first bracket body 340. The elastic modulus of the first reinforcement member 342 is greater than that of the first bracket body 340. Thus, the first reinforcement member 342 strengthens the structure of the first bracket 34. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the first bracket 34 is generally a frame structure, primarily comprising a rectangular outer frame portion and a plurality of intermediate connecting portions connecting two long sides of the rectangular outer frame portion (parallel to the long-side direction D3) on the inner side of the rectangular outer frame portion. The first bracket 34 is connected to the keycap 30 at one of its long sides and to the base plate 32 at the other long side. The first reinforcement member 342 generally comprises a long arm and a plurality of arms extending perpendicularly from the long arm. The innermost arms of the plurality of arms are connected at their respective ends by a connecting arm to form a ring-shaped structure. The long arm extends parallel to the pivot axis A3 within one of the long sides of the rectangular outer frame portion (i.e., the long side connected to the keycap 30). The multiple arms extend within the multiple intermediate connecting portions and the two short sides of the rectangular outer frame, and each arm extends to the other long side of the rectangular outer frame (i.e., the long side connected to the base plate 32), along which the connecting arms extend. These multiple arms enhance the structural strength of the intermediate connecting portions and also contribute to the structural strength of the long side connected to the base plate 32. The multiple connecting arms enhance the structural strength of the long side connected to the base plate 32, and the annular structure enhances the effect of the first reinforcement member 342 on the structural reinforcement of the first bracket body 340. The first reinforcement member 342 includes multiple Z-shaped bend structures 3422a-d, each extending parallel to the pivot axis A3 (or, the Z-shaped bend structures 3422a-d extend parallel to the pivot axis A3 with a Z-shaped cross-section). This enhances the first reinforcement member 342's ability to resist bending along the pivot axis A3 and improves the linkage of the keycap lifting mechanism (including the pivotally connected first bracket 34 and second bracket 36) along the longitudinal direction D3 (or, more accurately, increases the efficiency of force transmission along the longitudinal direction D3). Specifically, the Z-shaped bend structure 3422a is located on the long arm, while the Z-shaped bend structures 3422b-d are located on the multiple support arms (the Z-shaped bend structure 3422c can also be logically considered to be located at the junction of the support arms and the long arm). The Z-shaped bend structures 3422a-d further enhance the structural reinforcement effect of the first reinforcement member 342 on the first bracket body 340.

[0083] In addition, if Figure 18 and Figure 20As shown, the first bracket body 340 (or first bracket 34) has multiple sliding shafts 344a and 344b (located on the long sides of the rectangular outer frame connecting to the keycap 30) and multiple bottom shafts 346 (located on the long sides of the rectangular outer frame connecting to the bottom plate 32). Sliding holes 345 are formed next to the sliding shafts 344a. Bottom holes 347 are formed next to the bottom shafts 346. The first bracket 34 is slidably and rotatably connected to (the sliding hooks 302 of) the keycap 30 via the sliding shafts 344a and 344b. The sliding hooks 302 extend into the corresponding sliding holes 345. The first bracket 34 is rotatably connected to (the bottom hooks 322 of) the bottom plate 32 via the bottom shafts 346. The bottom shafts 346 are rotatably hooked to the corresponding bottom hooks 322, and the bottom hooks 322 extend into the corresponding bottom holes 347.

[0084] See also Figures 20 to 23 ;At Figure 23 , the hidden outline of the first reinforcement 342 is shown in dotted lines. The first reinforcement 342 surrounds the sliding hole 345 and passes through the sliding shaft 344a, so it can strengthen the structural strength of the first bracket 34 at the sliding hole 345 and the sliding shaft 344a, and can also increase the stability of the mutual connection between the first bracket 34 and the keycap 30. In the second embodiment, the first reinforcement 342 realizes the aforementioned structural configuration with a Z-shaped bending structure 3422a, but the actual operation is not limited to this. Among them, the Z-shaped bending structure 3422a is located on one side edge of the first reinforcement 342, and is distributed on the entire side edge. The Z-shaped bending structure 3422a is at Figure 20 The center circle C includes a first plate portion 3424a and a second plate portion 3424b. The first plate portion 3424a and the second plate portion 3424b are not coplanar. The first plate portion 3424a and the second plate portion 3424b are connected to form a through hole 3424c. The sliding hole 345 is located inside the through hole 3424c. The second plate portion 3424b passes through the sliding shaft 344a. In addition, as shown in FIG. Figure 22 As shown, the sliding shaft 344a extends parallel to the pivot axis A3 with a non-rectangular cross-section. In the second embodiment, the non-rectangular cross-section is generally trapezoidal, so that the thickness of the sliding shaft 344a gradually decreases away from the pivot axis A3. This can prevent the sliding shaft 344a from interfering with the keycap 30. The second plate portion 3424b passes through the sliding shaft 344a, compensating for the reduced structural strength of the sliding shaft 344a caused by the decreasing thickness, and can even further enhance the structural strength of the sliding shaft 344a.

[0085] On the other hand, the first bracket body 340 has a side edge (i.e., the long side connected to the keycap 30) whose thickness gradually decreases in the direction away from the pivot axis A3. This can avoid structural interference between the first bracket body 340 and the keycap 30. The Z-shaped bending structure 3422a, due to its structural bending feature, can extend perpendicularly to the pivot axis A3 into this side edge, compensating for the reduced structural strength of this side edge due to the gradual decrease in thickness, and even further enhancing the structural strength of this side edge. In addition, Figure 20 Taking the structure of the first bracket 34 at the center line Y3-Y3 as an example, Figure 24 As shown, the Z-shaped bending structure 3422a includes a first plate portion 3424a', a second plate portion 3424b', and a connecting plate portion 3424d'. The first plate portion 3424a', the second plate portion 3424b', and the connecting plate portion 3424d' extend parallel to the pivot axis A3 and are not coplanar. The first plate portion 3424a' and the second plate portion 3424b' are connected to opposite sides of the connecting plate portion 3424d'. The first plate portion 3424a' is exposed from the first bracket body 340, while the second plate portion 3424b' extends into the side edge. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, an angle 3424e' (i.e., a bending angle) is formed between the first plate portion 3424a' and the connecting plate portion 3424d'. The angle 3424e' is greater than 90 degrees, for example, 120 degrees. However, in practice, this is not limited to this. For example, the angle 3424e' can be between 40 and 90 degrees. This description of the bending angle also applies to the angle between the second plate portion 3424b' and the connecting plate portion 3424d' and will not be further elaborated. Furthermore, the ratio of the length 3424g of the connecting plate portion 3424d' (indicated by a thick dashed line in the figure) to the thickness 3424h of the first bracket 34 at the bending point can be, but is not limited to, 0.5 to 1.5 in actual operation.

[0086] In addition, see Figure 20 、 Figure 21 and Figure 25 ;At Figure 25 In the figure, the hidden outline of the Z-shaped bending structure 3422a is drawn with a dotted line. Although the Z-shaped bending structure 3422a does not directly pass through the sliding shaft 344b, the Z-shaped bending structure 3422a and the sliding shaft 344b overlap in a direction parallel to the pivot axis A3. This structural configuration is also beneficial to the connection stability between the sliding shaft 344b and the corresponding sliding hook 302 of the keycap 30. In addition, as Figure 25 As shown, in the second embodiment, the two bending portions 3424f of the Z-shaped bending structure 3422a overlap with the sliding shaft 344b in a direction parallel to the pivot axis A3, which is also beneficial to the connection stability between the sliding shaft 344b and the corresponding sliding hook 302 of the keycap 30.

[0087] Also, see Figure 20 、 Figure 21 、 Figure 26 and Figure 27 ;At Figure 26 In the figure, the hidden outline of the first reinforcement 342 is shown in dotted lines. The first bracket body 340 (or the first bracket 34) has a plurality of pivot holes 348. The pivot holes 348 can be realized by, but not limited to, a pair of oppositely disposed hooks, but are not limited to this in actual operation. The first bracket 34 is pivotally connected to the second bracket 36 via the plurality of pivot holes 348. Figure 26 and Figure 27 As shown, the Z-shaped bending structure 3422b includes a first plate portion 3426a and a second plate portion 3426b, and the first plate portion 3426a and the second plate portion 3426b are not coplanar. The first plate portion 3426a is exposed from the first bracket body 340, and the second plate portion 3426b is buried in the first bracket body 340. The first reinforcement member 342 has a surrounding portion 3426c at the Z-shaped bending structure 3422b (or logically, the surrounding portion 3426c can also be regarded as extending from or formed on the second plate portion 3426b), surrounding the three sides of the adjacent pivot hole 348 (with Figure 26 From the perspective of the upper side, the left side and the lower side), this structural configuration can increase the structural strength of the pivot hole 348 and enhance the stability of the pivot connection between the first bracket 34 and the second bracket 36. In addition, in the second embodiment, the surrounding portion 3426c is not exposed from the first bracket body 340. Moreover, the surrounding portion 3426c overlaps with the pivot hole 348 in a direction parallel to the pivot axis A3, but this is not limited to the actual operation. In addition, the bending portion of the Z-shaped bending structure 3422b is adjacent to the pivot hole 348, and this structural configuration has the effect of strengthening the structure of the pivot hole 348. In actual operation, the position of the Z-shaped bending structure 3422b can be modified (such as Figure 26 The Z-shaped bending structure 3422b is formed on the bent portion of the pivot hole 348 in a direction parallel to the pivot axis A3 (as shown by the two chain line segments in the middle) so that the bent portion overlaps with the pivot hole 348 in a direction parallel to the pivot axis A3 (this also makes the bent portion overlap with the pivot inserted into the pivot hole 348), which can further enhance the effect of the Z-shaped bending structure 3422b on strengthening the pivot hole 348 structure. In this case, the surrounding portion 3426c is formed on the bent portion of the Z-shaped bending structure 3422b. In addition, as shown in FIG. Figure 26 As shown, the first reinforcement member 342 also surrounds three sides of another pivot hole 348 at the Z-shaped bending structure 3422 c to strengthen the structure of the pivot hole 348 .

[0088] In addition, if Figure 26 As shown, the ends of the arms of the first reinforcement member 342 corresponding to the bottom shaft 346 and bottom hole 347 also surround three sides of the bottom hole 347, thereby strengthening the structure of the bottom hole 347 and improving the stability of the connection between the first bracket 34 and the bottom plate 32. Furthermore, in actual operation, if the structural dimensions allow, the first reinforcement member 342 can also be designed to pass through the bottom shaft 346. This can further strengthen the structural strength of the first bracket 34 at the bottom shaft 346 and bottom hole 347.

[0089] As described above, in the second embodiment, the first reinforcement member 342 is partially exposed from the second bracket body 340. Figure 20 As shown, the first bracket 34 extends entirely along a reference plane P3 (indicated by a chain line; in principle, reference plane P3 can be considered a plane containing pivot axis A3). The first bracket body 340 has an upper surface (facing the keycap 30) and a lower surface (facing the base plate 32) perpendicular to reference plane P3. The first reinforcement member 342 is exposed on the upper surface but not on the lower surface. This structural configuration effectively reduces the possibility of the first reinforcement member 342 directly colliding with underlying components (such as the base plate 32) and generating noise (for example, if both the first reinforcement member 342 and the base plate 32 are metal). However, this is not a limitation in practice. Furthermore, the aforementioned description of the bending angle of the Z-shaped bending structure 3422a also applies to the Z-shaped bending structures 3422b-d, provided that it is consistent with this description, and will not be further elaborated. In one embodiment, the first bracket 34 and the second bracket 36 are plastic brackets.

[0090] See also Figure 28 and Figure 29 The second bracket 36 includes a second bracket body 360 and a second reinforcement 362, and the second reinforcement 362 is embedded in the second bracket body 360. The elastic modulus of the second reinforcement 362 is greater than the elastic modulus of the second bracket body 360. Similarly, the second reinforcement 362 also has the effect of strengthening the structure of the second bracket 36. The second bracket 36 as a whole includes multiple supporting parts and multiple bridging parts (at Figure 28 The plurality of support portions and bridge portions are arranged in an interlaced manner along the pivot axis A3, and the bridge portions connect adjacent support portions. A second reinforcing member 362 is present in each of the plurality of support portions and bridge portions. Each support portion has a pivot on both sides along the pivot axis A3. The second bracket 36 is pivotally connected to the first bracket 34 via the plurality of pivots (inserted into the pivot holes 348). In the second embodiment, the second bracket 36 is pivotally connected to the inner side of the first bracket 34, or the second bracket 36 is located inside the rectangular outer frame of the first bracket 34 (see FIG. 2 ). Figure 18 and Figure 19 ), wherein the support portion is located between two adjacent intermediate connecting portions, or between a short side of the rectangular outer frame and an adjacent intermediate connecting portion. On the other hand, along the pivot axis A3, the first bracket 34 is located on two opposite outer sides of the second bracket 36. Logically, the first bracket 34 can be considered an outer bracket, and the second bracket 36 can be considered an inner bracket.

[0091] Furthermore, for simplicity of description, two support portions and the bridge portion therebetween are shown as an example, such as the first portion 364, the second portion 366, and the bridge portion 368 (connecting the first portion 364 and the second portion 366). A pivot 370 is provided on the first portion 364 and the second portion 366. The second bracket 36 is inserted through the pivot hole 348 (of the first bracket 34) via the pivot 370 to pivotally connect with the first bracket 34. The second reinforcement member 362 extends through the first portion 364, the second portion 366, and the bridge portion 368. The second reinforcement member 362 includes a plurality of Z-shaped bend structures 3622a-e. The Z-shaped bend structure 3622a extends along the edge of the second reinforcement member 362 (adjacent to the keycap 30) (including a component extending parallel to and perpendicular to the pivot axis A3). The Z-shaped bend structures 3622b-e each extend parallel to the pivot axis A3 (or, the Z-shaped bend structures 3622b-e extend parallel to the pivot axis A3 with their Z-shaped cross-sections). The Z-shaped bend structures 3622a-e each increase the second reinforcement member 362's ability to resist bending along the pivot axis A3. The Z-shaped bend structure 3622a also has some resistance to bending perpendicular to the pivot axis A3 (this helps the second bracket 36 to stably transmit force in this direction (perpendicular to the pivot axis A3)). Furthermore, the bridging portion 368 spans the corresponding intermediate connection portion of the rectangular outer frame portion of the first bracket 34 (see also FIG. 2 ). Figure 18 and Figure 19 ); wherein the intermediate connecting portion has a groove 350 (see Figure 20 ), the groove 350 is located below the bridge portion 368, and the first reinforcement member 342 is exposed in the groove 350. When the first bracket 34 and the second bracket 36 overlap, the bridge portion 368 enters the groove 350. Figure 18 、 Figure 19 and Figure 28 As shown, the second bracket body 360 (or second bracket 36) has multiple gripping shafts 372 and multiple bottom shafts 374, logically located on the multiple supporting portions. Gripping holes 373 are formed next to the gripping shafts 372. Bottom holes 375 are formed next to the bottom shafts 374. The second bracket 36 is rotatably connected to (the hooks 304 of) the keycap 30 via the gripping shafts 372, with the hooks 304 extending into corresponding gripping holes 373. The second bracket 36 is rotatably connected to (the hooks 324 of) the base plate 32 via the bottom shafts 374, with the bottom shafts 374 rotatably hooked to corresponding bottom hooks 324, which then extend into corresponding bottom holes 375. Furthermore, a bridge portion 368 is located on the side of the second bracket 36 that connects to the keycap 30. This structural configuration helps enhance the stability of the second bracket 36 in supporting the keycap 30.

[0092] See also Figures 28 to 30 ;At Figure 30In the figure, the hidden outline of the second reinforcement member 362 is shown with dashed lines. The second reinforcement member 362 (the Z-shaped bent structure 3622a thereof) surrounds three sides of the grip hole 373 and does not extend into the grip shaft 372. This structural configuration helps strengthen the structural strength of the second bracket 36 at this location (i.e., it strengthens the grip hole 373, which contributes to the structural stability of the grip shaft 372), and improves the connection stability between the grip shaft 372 and the corresponding hook 304 of the keycap 30. The portion of the Z-shaped bent structure 3622a at this location (i.e., the portion surrounding the grip hole 373) includes components extending both parallel to the pivot axis A3 and perpendicular to the pivot axis A3, further strengthening the grip hole 373. However, this is not a limitation in actual operation. For example, if the structural dimensions allow, the second reinforcement member 362 may be designed to pass through the gripping shaft 372. This can further strengthen the structural strength of the second bracket 36 at the gripping hole 373 and the gripping shaft 372, and also increase the stability of the connection between the second bracket 36 and the keycap 30. In addition, the second reinforcement member 362 surrounds the bottom hole 375 of the first portion 364 (e.g., Figure 30 The second reinforcement member 362 is also partially exposed from the second bracket body 360. Specifically, the second reinforcement member 362 is exposed on the upper surface of the second bracket body 360 (facing the keycap 30) and not on the lower surface of the second bracket body 360 (facing the bottom plate 32). This also effectively prevents the second reinforcement member 362 from directly colliding with underlying components (such as the bottom plate 32) and generating noise (for example, both the second reinforcement member 362 and the bottom plate 32 are made of metal).

[0093] Also, see Figure 20 、 Figure 28 and Figure 31 ;At Figure 31 In the figure, the outline of the keycap 30 is shown with a dotted line. In the second embodiment, the diameter of the sliding shaft 344a (or sliding shaft 344b) of the first bracket 34 is larger than the 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 344a (or sliding shaft 344b). In addition, the keycap 30 has a first long side 30a and a second long side 30b, and the first long side 30a and the second long side 30b are both parallel to the long side direction D3. Figure 31In the figure, 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. In the second embodiment, a first distance L3 is defined in the short-side direction D4 between the projection of the sliding hole 345 of the first bracket 34 in the vertical direction Dv3 and the projection of the first long side 30a of the keycap 30 in the vertical direction Dv3. A second distance L4 is defined in the short-side direction D4 between the projection of the gripping hole 373 of the second bracket 36 in the vertical direction Dv3 and the projection of the second long side 30b of the keycap 30 in the vertical direction Dv3. The first distance L3 is greater than the second distance L4. This structural configuration provides ample space for the structural and actuation design of the sliding shaft 344a of the first bracket 34.

[0094] Also, see Figure 20 、 Figure 21 、 Figure 28 、 Figure 29 and Figure 32 ;At Figure 32 In the figure, the key cap 30 is not shown to simplify the drawing. The first reinforcement member 342 and the second reinforcement member 362 overlap in the vertical direction Dv3. Figure 32 As shown, the second bracket body 360 at the bridging portion 368 separates the first reinforcement 342 and the second reinforcement 362 in the vertical direction Dv3, so that even if the first reinforcement 342 is exposed in the groove 350, the second reinforcement 362 can be prevented from hitting the first reinforcement 342 and generating noise.

[0095] See also Figure 33, which is a top view of the switch circuit board 38; the outline of the first bracket 34 is depicted in thin solid lines, and the outline of the second bracket 36 is depicted in dashed lines. The switch circuit board 38 includes a peripheral portion 380a and multiple circuit connection portions 380b (the area of ​​which is indicated by a chain-line frame; the rest of the switch circuit board 38 is the peripheral portion 380a). The circuit connection portions 380b extend along a horizontal direction Dh3 (indicated by a double-headed arrow in the figure) (i.e., the length of the circuit connection portions 380b is parallel to the horizontal direction Dh3) and connect opposite sides of the peripheral portion 380a. The horizontal direction Dh3 is perpendicular to the vertical direction Dv3 and the pivot axis A3, and therefore parallel to the short-side direction D4. The switch circuit board 38 has no portion extending parallel to the pivot axis A3 on the inner side of the peripheral portion 380a. Compared to conventional switch circuit boards in key structures (which typically include both vertical and horizontal connection structures on their interior), the switch circuit board 38 has only a single connection structure (the circuit connection portion 380b) on its interior, minimizing interference with the first and second brackets 34, 36. In the second embodiment, the key structure 3 has a length-to-width ratio of approximately 6, and utilizes seven circuit connection portions 380b extending generally parallel to the short-side direction D4; however, this is not a limitation in practice. Furthermore, the first and second brackets 34, 36 are located inward of the outer portion 380a in the vertical direction Dv3. In other words, the first and second brackets 34, 36 do not overlap with the outer portion 380a in the vertical direction Dv3. The circuit connection portions 380b do not overlap with the intermediate connection portions of the first bracket 34 (e.g., the outermost intermediate connection portions along the pivot axis A3) in the vertical direction Dv3. This allows these intermediate connection portions to extend downward to enhance structural strength. This also increases the structural design flexibility of the reinforcement members (e.g., the first reinforcement member 342) in this area.

[0096] In addition, in the second embodiment, the supporting portion of the second bracket 36 overlaps with the circuit connection portion 380b of the switch circuit board 38 in the vertical direction Dv3. Taking the first portion 364 of the second bracket 36 as an example, (please also refer to Figure 34 ) The first portion 364 has a groove 364a, and when the first bracket 34 and the second bracket 36 overlap, the corresponding circuit connection portion 380b enters the groove 364a. On the other hand, through the design of the groove 364a, the first portion 364 can be further extended downward to increase the structural strength, which also helps to increase the structural design flexibility of the reinforcement (such as the second reinforcement 362) here. Thereby, this structural configuration can enhance the structural strength of the first portion 364 and help to reduce the overall height of the key structure 3. The second portion 366 is the same and will not be described separately. In addition, in the second embodiment, the rectangular outer frame portion of the first bracket 34 also overlaps with the circuit connection portion 380b of the switch circuit board 38 in the vertical direction Dv3, and the rectangular outer frame portion also has a groove correspondingly (for example, as Figure 20 and Figure 21 The groove 352 is marked in the figure, so that when the first bracket 34 and the second bracket 36 overlap, the corresponding circuit connection portion 380b will also enter the groove 352. Similarly, this structural configuration can enhance the structural strength of the rectangular outer frame of the first bracket 34 and help reduce the overall height of the key structure 3.

[0097] See also Figure 35 and Figure 36 . The key structure 5 according to the third embodiment is a long rectangular key structure, which has a long side direction D5 and a short side direction D6 (both indicated by double-headed arrows in the figure), and the long side direction D5 is perpendicular to the short side direction D6. In actual operation, the long rectangular key structure 5 can be but is not limited to a blank key. The key structure 5 includes a keycap 50, a base plate 52, a first bracket 54, a second bracket 56, a switch circuit board 58 and an elastic protrusion 60. The keycap 50 is arranged above the base plate 52. The first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56 are pivotally connected to each other around a pivot axis A5 (indicated by a chain line in the figure), and the pivot axis A5 is parallel to the long side direction D5. The first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56 are respectively connected to the keycap 50 and the base plate 52 to support the keycap 50 above the base plate 52, so that the keycap 50 can move relative to the base plate 52 via the first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56 (for example, 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 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 can be, but is not limited to, a thin-film circuit board. It has a switch 582 (indicated by a circle filled with diagonal lines in the figure), which roughly corresponds to the center of the keycap 50. The elastic protrusion 60 is disposed on the switch circuit board 58 and is located below the keycap 50 in correspondence with the switch 582. The keycap 50 can be pressed toward the base plate 52, thereby squeezing the elastic protrusion 60 downward to trigger the switch 582. 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 be considered a keycap lifting mechanism.

[0098] For further information, see Figure 37 and Figure 38The first bracket 54 includes a first bracket body 540 and a first reinforcement 542, and the first reinforcement 542 is embedded in the first bracket body 540. The elastic modulus of the first reinforcement 542 is greater than the elastic modulus of the first bracket body 540. Thus, the first reinforcement 542 has the effect of strengthening the structure of the first bracket 54. In addition, in the third embodiment, the first bracket body 540 as a whole includes a long arm extending approximately parallel to the pivot axis A5 and a plurality of support arms extending perpendicularly from the long arm. The first bracket 54 is connected to the keycap 50 via the long arm of the first bracket body 540, and is connected to the base plate 52 via (the end of) the support arm of the first bracket body 540. The first reinforcement 542 as a whole includes a long arm and a plurality of support arms extending perpendicularly from the long arm. The long arm of the first reinforcement 542 extends parallel to the pivot axis A5 within the long arm of the first bracket body 540, and the support arms of the first reinforcement 542 extend within the support arms of the first bracket body 540. The first reinforcement member 542 includes multiple Z-shaped bend structures 5422a-d, each extending parallel to the pivot axis A5 (or, the Z-shaped bend structures 5422a-d extend parallel to the pivot axis A5 with a Z-shaped cross-section). This enhances the first reinforcement member 542's ability to resist bending along the pivot axis A5 and improves the linkage of the keycap lifting mechanism (including the pivotally connected first bracket 54 and second bracket 56) along the longitudinal direction D5 (or, more effectively, increases the force transmission efficiency along the longitudinal direction D5). Specifically, the Z-shaped bend structure 5422a is located on the long arm of the first reinforcement member 542, while the Z-shaped bend structures 5422b-d are located on the side arms of the first reinforcement member 542. These Z-shaped bend structures 5422a-d further enhance the structural reinforcement effect of the first reinforcement member 542 on the first bracket body 540.

[0099] In addition, if Figure 35 and Figure 37 As shown, the first bracket body 540 (or first bracket 54) has multiple sliding shafts 544a and 544b (located on the long arms of the first bracket body 540) and multiple bottom shafts 546 (located at the ends of the arms of the first bracket body 540). Sliding holes 545 are formed next to the sliding shafts 544a. Bottom holes 547 are formed next to the bottom shafts 546. The first bracket 54 is slidably and rotatably connected to (the sliding hooks 502 of) the keycap 50 via the sliding shafts 544a and 544b. The sliding hooks 502 extend into the corresponding sliding holes 545. The first bracket 54 is rotatably connected to (the bottom hooks 522 of) the base plate 52 via the bottom shafts 546. The bottom shafts 546 are rotatably hooked to the corresponding bottom hooks 522, and the bottom hooks 522 extend into the corresponding bottom holes 547.

[0100] See also Figures 37 to 40 ;At Figure 40In the figure, the hidden outline of the first reinforcement 542 is shown with a dotted line. The first reinforcement 542 surrounds the sliding hole 545 and passes through the sliding shaft 544a, so it can strengthen the structural strength of the first bracket 54 at the sliding hole 545 and the sliding shaft 544a, and can also increase the stability of the mutual connection between the first bracket 54 and the keycap 50. In the third embodiment, the first reinforcement 542 realizes the aforementioned structural configuration with a Z-shaped bending structure 5422a, but it is not limited to this in actual operation. Among them, the Z-shaped bending structure 5422a is located on one side edge of the first reinforcement 542, and is distributed on the entire side edge. The Z-shaped bending structure 5422a is at Figure 20 The center circle E includes a first plate portion 5424a and a second plate portion 5424b. The first plate portion 5424a and the second plate portion 5424b are not coplanar. The first plate portion 5424a and the second plate portion 5424b are connected to form a through hole 5424c. The sliding hole 545 is located inside the through hole 5424c. The second plate portion 5424b passes through the sliding shaft 544a. In addition, as shown in FIG. Figure 39 As shown, the sliding shaft 544a extends parallel to the pivot axis A5 with a non-rectangular cross-section. In the third embodiment, the non-rectangular cross-section is generally trapezoidal, so that the thickness of the sliding shaft 544a gradually decreases away from the pivot axis A5. This can prevent the sliding shaft 544a from interfering with the keycap 50. The second plate portion 5424b passing through the sliding shaft 544a can compensate for the reduced structural strength of the sliding shaft 544a caused by the gradually decreasing thickness, and can even further enhance the structural strength of the sliding shaft 544a.

[0101] On the other hand, the first bracket body 540 has a side edge (i.e., the long arm connected to the keycap 50) whose thickness gradually decreases in the direction away from the pivot axis A5. This can avoid structural interference between the first bracket body 540 and the keycap 50. The Z-shaped bending structure 5422a, due to its structural bending feature, can extend perpendicularly to the pivot axis A5 into this side edge, compensating for the reduced structural strength of this side edge due to the gradual decrease in thickness, and even further enhancing the structural strength of this side edge. In addition, Figure 37 Taking the structure of the first bracket 34 at the center line Y5-Y5 as an example, Figure 41As shown, the Z-shaped bending structure 5422a includes a first plate portion 5424a', a second plate portion 5424b', and a connecting plate portion 5424d'. The first plate portion 5424a', the second plate portion 5424b', and the connecting plate portion 5424d' extend parallel to the pivot axis A5 and are not coplanar. The first plate portion 5424a' and the second plate portion 5424b' are connected to opposite sides of the connecting plate portion 5424d'. The first plate portion 5424a' is exposed from the first bracket body 540, while the second plate portion 5424b' extends into the side edge thereof. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, an angle 5424e' (i.e., a bending angle) is formed between the first plate portion 5424a' and the connecting plate portion 5424d'. The angle 5424e' is greater than 90 degrees, for example, 120 degrees. However, this is not a limitation in practice. For example, the angle 5424e' can be between 40 and 90 degrees. This description of the bending angle also applies to the angle between the second plate portion 5424b' and the connecting plate portion 5424d' and will not be further elaborated. Furthermore, the ratio of the length 5424g of the connecting plate portion 5424d' (indicated by a thick dashed line in the figure) to the thickness 5424h of the first bracket 54 at the bending point can be, but is not limited to, 0.5 to 1.5 in actual operation.

[0102] In addition, see Figure 37 、 Figure 38 and Figure 42 ;At Figure 42 In the figure, the hidden outline of the Z-shaped bending structure 5422a is drawn with a dotted line. Although the Z-shaped bending structure 5422a does not directly pass through the sliding shaft 544b, the Z-shaped bending structure 5422a and the sliding shaft 544b overlap in a direction parallel to the pivot axis A5. This structural configuration is also beneficial to the connection stability between the sliding shaft 544b and the corresponding sliding hook 502 of the keycap 50. In addition, as Figure 42 As shown, in the third embodiment, one of the two bending portions 5424f of the Z-shaped bending structure 5422a overlaps with the sliding shaft 544b in a direction parallel to the pivot axis A5, which is also beneficial to the connection stability between the sliding shaft 544b and the corresponding sliding hook 502 of the keycap 50.

[0103] Also, see Figure 37 、 Figure 38 、 Figure 43 and Figure 44 ;At Figure 26 In the figure, the hidden outline of the first reinforcement 542 is shown in dotted lines. The first bracket body 540 (or the first bracket 54) has a plurality of pivot holes 548 (located on the support arms of the first bracket 54). The pivot holes 548 can be realized by, but not limited to, a pair of oppositely disposed hooks, but this is not the case in actual operation. The first bracket 54 is pivotally connected to the second bracket 56 via the plurality of pivot holes 548. Figure 43 and Figure 44As shown, the Z-shaped bending structure 5422b includes a first plate portion 5426a and a second plate portion 5426b, and the first plate portion 5426a and the second plate portion 5426b are not coplanar. The first plate portion 5426a is exposed from the first bracket body 540, and the second plate portion 5426b is buried in the first bracket body 540. The first reinforcement member 542 has a surrounding portion 5426c at the Z-shaped bending structure 5422b (or logically, the surrounding portion 5426c can also be regarded as extending from the second plate portion 5426b or formed on the second plate portion 5426b), surrounding the three sides of the adjacent pivot hole 548 (with Figure 43 From the perspective of the pivot hole 548, that is, the upper side, the left side and the lower side), this structural configuration can increase the structural strength of the pivot hole 548 and enhance the stability of the pivot connection between the first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56. In addition, in the third embodiment, the surrounding portion 5426c is not exposed from the first bracket body 540. In addition, the surrounding portion 5426c overlaps with the pivot hole 548 in a direction parallel to the pivot axis A5, but this is not limited to the actual operation. In addition, the bending portion of the Z-shaped bending structure 5422b is adjacent to the pivot hole 548, and this structural configuration has the effect of strengthening the structure of the pivot hole 548. In actual operation, the position of the Z-shaped bending structure 5422b can be modified (such as Figure 43 The Z-shaped bending structure 5422b is provided with a plurality of chain segments (as shown in the middle) so that the bending portion overlaps with the pivot hole 548 in a direction parallel to the pivot axis A5 (this also makes the bending portion overlap with the pivot axis inserted into the pivot hole 548), which can further increase the effect of the Z-shaped bending structure 5422b on strengthening the structure of the pivot hole 548. At this time, the surrounding portion 5426c is formed on the bending portion of the Z-shaped bending structure 5422b.

[0104] As described above, in the third embodiment, the first reinforcement member 542 is partially exposed from the second bracket body 540. Figure 37 As shown, the first bracket 54 extends entirely along a reference plane P5 (indicated by a chain line; in principle, reference plane P5 can be considered a plane containing pivot axis A5). The first bracket body 540 has an upper surface (facing the keycap 50) and a lower surface (facing the base plate 52) perpendicular to reference plane P5. The first reinforcement member 542 is exposed on the upper surface but not on the lower surface. This structural configuration effectively prevents the first reinforcement member 542 from directly colliding with underlying components (such as the base plate 52) and generating noise (for example, if both the first reinforcement member 542 and the base plate 52 are metal). However, this is not a limitation in practice. Furthermore, the aforementioned description of the bending angle of the Z-shaped bending structure 5422a is also applicable to the Z-shaped bending structures 5422b-d, provided that it is consistent with this description, and will not be further elaborated. In one embodiment, the first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56 are plastic brackets.

[0105] See also Figure 45 and Figure 46The second bracket 56 includes a second bracket body 560 and a second reinforcement 562, and the second reinforcement 562 is embedded in the second bracket body 560. The elastic modulus of the second reinforcement 562 is greater than the elastic modulus of the second bracket body 560. Similarly, the second reinforcement 562 also has the effect of strengthening the structure of the second bracket 56. In addition, in the third embodiment, the second bracket body 560 as a whole includes a long arm extending approximately parallel to the pivot axis A5 and a plurality of support arms extending perpendicularly from the long arm. The second bracket 56 is connected to the keycap 50 via the long arm of the second bracket body 560, and is connected to the base plate 52 via (the end of) the support arm of the second bracket body 560. The second reinforcement 562 as a whole includes a long arm and a plurality of support arms extending perpendicularly from the long arm. The long arm of the second reinforcement 562 extends parallel to the pivot axis A5 within the long arm of the second bracket body 560, and the support arm of the second reinforcement 562 extends within the support arm of the second bracket body 560. The second reinforcement member 562 includes a plurality of Z-shaped bend structures 5622a-d. Z-shaped bend structure 5622a extends along the edge of the second reinforcement member 562 (adjacent to the keycap 50) (including a component extending parallel to and perpendicular to the pivot axis A5). Z-shaped bend structures 5622b-d each extend parallel to the pivot axis A5 (or, the Z-shaped bend structures 5622b-d extend parallel to the pivot axis A5 with a Z-shaped cross-section). The Z-shaped bend structures 5622a-d enhance the second reinforcement member 562's ability to resist bending along the pivot axis A5 and improve the linkage of the keycap lifting mechanism (including the pivotally connected first bracket 54 and second bracket 56) along the longitudinal direction D5 (or, more accurately, enhance the efficiency of force transmission along the longitudinal direction D5). The Z-shaped bending structure 5622a also has some resistance to bending in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis A5 (this helps the second bracket 56 to stably transmit force in this direction (perpendicular to the pivot axis A5)). The Z-shaped bending structures 5622a-d can further enhance the effect of the second reinforcement member 562 on the structural reinforcement of the first bracket body 560.

[0106] In addition, if Figure 35 and Figure 45As shown, the second bracket body 560 (or second bracket 56) has multiple gripping shafts 564 (located on the long arms of the second bracket body 560) and multiple bottom shafts 566 (located at the ends of the arms of the second bracket body 560). Gripping holes 565 are formed next to the gripping shafts 564. Bottom holes 567 are formed next to the bottom shafts 566. The second bracket 56 is rotatably connected to (the hooks 504 of) the keycap 50 via the gripping shafts 564, with the hooks 504 extending into corresponding gripping holes 565. The second bracket 56 is rotatably connected to (the hooks 524 of) the bottom plate 52 via the bottom shafts 566. The bottom shafts 566 are rotatably hooked to corresponding bottom hooks 524, which extend into corresponding bottom holes 567. Furthermore, the arms of the second bracket body 560 have pivot shafts 568 on either side of the pivot axis A5. The first brackets 54 and the second brackets 56 are arranged alternately along the pivot axis A5 and are pivotally connected to each other via the pivot axis 564 inserted into the pivot hole 548. On the other hand, the first brackets 54 are located on opposite outer sides of the second bracket 56 along the pivot axis A5. Logically, the first brackets 54 can be considered as outer brackets, and the second brackets 56 can be considered as inner brackets.

[0107] See also Figures 45 to 47 ;At Figure 47 In the figure, the hidden outline of the second reinforcement member 562 is shown with dashed lines. The second reinforcement member 562 (the Z-shaped bent structure 5622a thereof) surrounds three sides of the grip hole 565 and does not extend into the grip shaft 564. This structural configuration helps strengthen the structural strength of the second bracket 56 at this location (i.e., strengthening the grip hole 565 structure, which contributes to the structural stability of the grip shaft 564), and improves the connection stability between the grip shaft 564 and the corresponding hook 504 of the keycap 50. The portion of the Z-shaped bent structure 5622a at this location (i.e., surrounding the grip hole 565) includes components extending both parallel to the pivot axis A5 and perpendicular to the pivot axis A5, further strengthening the grip hole 565 structure. However, this is not a limitation in actual operation. For example, if the structural dimensions allow, the second reinforcement member 562 can be designed to pass through the gripping shaft 564. This further strengthens the structural strength of the second bracket 56 at the gripping hole 565 and gripping shaft 564, and also increases the stability of the connection between the second bracket 56 and the keycap 50. Furthermore, the second reinforcement member 562 surrounds three sides of the bottom hole 567, thereby helping to strengthen the bottom hole 567. Furthermore, the second reinforcement member 562 is also partially exposed from the second bracket body 560; specifically, the second reinforcement member 562 is exposed on the upper surface of the second bracket body 560 (facing the keycap 50) and not on the lower surface of the second bracket body 560 (facing the base plate 52). This also effectively prevents the second reinforcement member 562 from directly colliding with underlying components (such as the base plate 52) and generating noise (for example, since both the second reinforcement member 562 and the base plate 52 are made of metal).

[0108] Also, see Figure 48The hidden outline of the Z-shaped bending structure 5622b is shown in dashed lines. One of the two bending portions 5624 of the Z-shaped bending structure 5622b overlaps with the pivot 568 in a direction parallel to the pivot axis A5, which also helps to stabilize the connection between the pivot 568 and the pivot hole 548 of the first bracket 54.

[0109] Also, see Figure 37 、 Figure 45 and Figure 49 ;At Figure 49 In the figure, the outline of the keycap 50 is shown with a dotted line. In the third embodiment, the diameter of the sliding shaft 544a (or sliding shaft 544b) of the first bracket 54 is larger than the diameter of the gripping shaft 564 of the second bracket 56; this structural configuration helps to increase the stability of the rotation and sliding of the sliding shaft 544a (or sliding shaft 544b). In addition, the keycap 50 has a first long side 50a and a second long side 50b, and the first long side 50a and the second long side 50b are both parallel to the long side direction D5. Figure 49 In the figure, the vertical direction Dv5 is perpendicular to the paper, so the structural outline shown in the figure corresponds to its vertical projection onto the paper. In the third embodiment, a first distance L5 is defined in the short-side direction D6 between the projection of the sliding hole 545 of the first bracket 54 in the vertical direction Dv5 and the projection of the first long side 50a of the keycap 50 in the vertical direction Dv5. A second distance L6 is defined in the short-side direction D6 between the projection of the gripping hole 565 of the second bracket 56 in the vertical direction Dv5 and the projection of the second long side 50b of the keycap 50 in the vertical direction Dv5. The first distance L5 is greater than the second distance L6. This structural configuration provides ample space for the structural and actuation design of the sliding shaft 544a of the first bracket 54.

[0110] See also Figure 50, which is a top view of the switch circuit board 58; the outline of the first bracket 54 is depicted in thin solid lines, and the outline of the second bracket 56 is depicted in dashed lines. The switch circuit board 58 generally comprises a peripheral portion 580a and a plurality of circuit connection portions 580b (the area of ​​which is indicated by a chain-line frame; the rest of the switch circuit board 58 is the peripheral portion 580a). The circuit connection portions 580b extend along a horizontal direction Dh5 (indicated by a double-headed arrow in the figure) (i.e., the length of the circuit connection portions 580b is parallel to the horizontal direction Dh5) and connect opposite sides of the peripheral portion 580a. The horizontal direction Dh5 is perpendicular to the vertical direction Dv5 and the pivot axis A5, and therefore parallel to the short-side direction D6. The switch circuit board 58 does not have any portion extending parallel to the pivot axis A5 on the inner side of the peripheral portion 580a. Compared to conventional switch circuit boards in key structures (which typically include both vertical and horizontal connection structures on their interior), the switch circuit board 58 has only a single connection structure (circuit connection portion 580b) on its interior, minimizing interference with the structures of the first and second brackets 54, 56. In the third embodiment, the key structure 5 has a length-to-width ratio of approximately 6, and utilizes seven circuit connection portions 580b extending generally parallel to the short-side direction D6; however, this is not a limitation in practice. Furthermore, the majority of the first and second brackets 54, 56 are located inward of the outer portion 580a in the vertical direction Dv5. In other words, the first and second brackets 54, 56 only partially overlap with the outer portion 580a in the vertical direction Dv5.

[0111] In addition, in the third embodiment, the first bracket body 540 (of the first bracket 54) and the second bracket body 560 (of the second bracket 56) overlap with the circuit connection portion 580b of the switch circuit board 58 in the vertical direction Dv5. Figure 51 , which is a schematic diagram of the bottom of the first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56. The first bracket body 540 has multiple grooves 540a, 540b, and the second bracket body 560 has multiple grooves 560a, 560b. When the first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56 overlap, the corresponding circuit connection portion 580b enters the grooves 540a, 540b, 560a, and 560b. On the other hand, the design of the grooves 540a, 540b, 560a, and 560b allows the first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56 to extend downward to increase structural strength, which also helps to increase the structural design flexibility of the reinforcement members (such as the first reinforcement member 542 and the second reinforcement member 562) at this location. Thus, this structural configuration can enhance the structural strength of the first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56 and help reduce the overall height of the key structure 5.

[0112] The key structure and keycap lifting mechanism of the present invention have a reinforcement member disposed on the bracket. The elastic modulus of the reinforcement member is greater than the elastic modulus of the bracket body, thereby improving the structural strength of the bracket. Furthermore, the overall strength of the key structure and the stability of the operation can be improved.

[0113] The present invention may have many other embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art may make various corresponding changes and modifications based on the present invention, but these corresponding changes and modifications should all fall within the scope of protection of the claims attached to the present invention.

Claims

1. A keycap lifting mechanism, characterized in that Include: a first bracket, the first bracket comprising a first bracket body and a first reinforcement member, the first reinforcement member being embedded in the first bracket body, the first reinforcement member having an elastic modulus greater than that of the first bracket body, the first bracket body having a pivot hole, and the first reinforcement member having a surrounding portion surrounding three sides of the pivot hole; as well as The second bracket is pivotally connected to the first bracket around a pivot axis. The second bracket has a pivot axis that is rotatably inserted into the pivot hole along the pivot axis.

2. The keycap lifting mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The first reinforcement includes a Z-shaped bending structure, which includes a first plate portion, a second plate portion and a connecting plate portion. The first plate portion, the second plate portion and the connecting plate portion extend parallel to the pivot axis and are not coplanar. The first plate portion and the second plate portion are connected to opposite sides of the connecting plate portion, and the surrounding portion is formed on the second plate portion.

3. The keycap lifting mechanism according to claim 2, wherein: In a cross section of the first bracket perpendicular to the pivot axis, a ratio of the length of the connecting plate portion to the thickness of the first bracket is 0.5 to 1.

5.

4. The keycap lifting mechanism according to claim 2, wherein: The first plate portion is exposed from the first bracket body, and the second plate portion is not exposed from the first bracket body.

5. The keycap lifting mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The surrounding portion is not exposed from the first bracket body.

6. The keycap lifting mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The second bracket includes a second bracket body and a second reinforcement. The second reinforcement is embedded in the second bracket body. The elastic modulus of the second reinforcement is greater than that of the second bracket body. The second reinforcement overlaps the pivot in a direction parallel to the pivot axis.

7. The keycap lifting mechanism according to claim 6, wherein: The second reinforcement member includes a Z-shaped bending structure. The Z-shaped bending structure extends parallel to the pivot axis. The Z-shaped bending structure and the pivot axis overlap in a direction parallel to the pivot axis.

8. A key structure, characterized in that Include: base plate; keycaps; and The keycap lifting mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the keycap lifting mechanism supports the keycap on the base plate in a vertical direction.

9. The key structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first bracket extends as a whole along a reference plane. The first bracket body has an upper surface and a lower surface in a direction perpendicular to the reference plane. The upper surface faces the keycap, and the lower surface faces the base plate. The first reinforcement is exposed on the upper surface and not on the lower surface.

10. A key structure, characterized in that Include: base plate; a keycap, the keycap being disposed on the base plate; an outer bracket connected to the base plate and the keycap, the outer bracket comprising a first bracket body and a first reinforcement member, the first reinforcement member being embedded in the first bracket body, the elastic modulus of the first reinforcement member being greater than the elastic modulus of the first bracket body, the outer bracket comprising an outer frame portion and an intermediate connecting portion, the intermediate connecting portion being located inside the outer frame portion and connecting opposite sides of the outer frame portion; and an inner bracket connected to the base plate and the keycap, the inner bracket and the outer bracket being pivotally connected to each other relative to a pivot axis, the inner bracket comprising a second bracket body and a second reinforcement member, the second reinforcement member being embedded in the second bracket body, the elastic modulus of the second reinforcement member being greater than the elastic modulus of the second bracket body, the inner bracket being located inside the outer frame portion, the inner bracket comprising a first portion, a second portion, and a bridging portion, the bridging portion connecting the first portion and the second portion, the first portion and the second portion being located on either side of the middle connecting portion, and the bridging portion spanning the middle connecting portion; The keycap can move relative to the base plate in a vertical direction via the outer bracket and the inner bracket. The vertical direction is perpendicular to the pivot axis, and the first reinforcement member and the second reinforcement member overlap in the vertical direction.

11. The key structure according to claim 10, characterized in that: The first reinforcement extends in the middle connecting portion, and the second reinforcement extends in the first portion, the second portion and the bridge portion.

12. The key structure according to claim 10, characterized in that: The first reinforcement extends in the middle connecting portion to two opposite sides of the outer frame portion.

13. The key structure according to claim 10, characterized in that: The first reinforcement includes a Z-shaped bending structure, which is located at the middle connecting portion. The Z-shaped bending structure includes a first plate portion, a second plate portion and a connecting plate portion. The first plate portion, the second plate portion and the connecting plate portion extend parallel to the pivot axis and are not coplanar. The first plate portion and the second plate portion are connected to opposite sides of the connecting plate portion.

14. The key structure according to claim 13, characterized in that: An included angle is formed between the first plate portion and the connecting plate portion, and the included angle is between 40 degrees and 90 degrees.

15. The key structure according to claim 10, characterized in that: The outer bracket as a whole extends along a reference plane. The first bracket body has an upper surface and a lower surface in a direction perpendicular to the reference plane. The upper surface faces the keycap, and the lower surface faces the base plate. The first reinforcement is exposed on the upper surface and not on the lower surface.

16. The key structure according to claim 10, characterized in that: The middle connecting portion has a groove, the groove is located below the bridging portion, the first reinforcing component is exposed in the groove, and when the outer bracket and the inner bracket overlap, the bridging portion enters the groove.

17. The key structure according to claim 10, characterized in that: The first reinforcement member includes a Z-shaped bending structure, which is located at the middle connecting portion and extends to two opposite sides of the outer frame portion.

18. The key structure according to claim 10, characterized in that: The second bracket body at the bridging portion separates the first reinforcement component and the second reinforcement component in the vertical direction.

19. The key structure according to claim 10, characterized in that: The key structure further includes a switch circuit board, which is arranged on the bottom plate, wherein the middle connecting portion of the outer bracket and the switch circuit board do not overlap in the vertical direction.

20. The key structure according to claim 19, characterized in that: The switch circuit board includes a peripheral portion and a circuit connection portion, wherein the circuit connection portion extends along a horizontal direction and connects opposite sides of the peripheral portion. The horizontal direction is perpendicular to the vertical direction and the pivot axis, and the circuit connection portion overlaps with the first portion of the inner bracket in the vertical direction.

21. The key structure according to claim 20, characterized in that: The first portion has a groove, and when the outer bracket and the inner bracket overlap, the circuit connection portion enters the groove.

22. The key structure according to claim 20, characterized in that: The outer portion does not overlap with the outer bracket and the inner bracket in the vertical direction.

23. The key structure according to claim 20, characterized in that: The switch circuit board has no portion extending parallel to the pivot axis on the inner side of the peripheral portion.

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