U.S. patent application number 16/292799 was filed with the patent office on 2020-06-25 for keyboard keycap connecting element.
The applicant listed for this patent is Primax Electronics Ltd.. Invention is credited to Sheng-Huang Huang, Chuang-Shu Jhuang, Zhi-Hui Zeng.
Application Number | 20200203098 16/292799 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68316772 |
Filed Date | 2020-06-25 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200203098 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jhuang; Chuang-Shu ; et
al. |
June 25, 2020 |
KEYBOARD KEYCAP CONNECTING ELEMENT
Abstract
A keyboard device includes a base, a wing-type connecting
element and a keycap. The base plate includes a close-type
connecting bracket. The wing-type connecting element includes a
first frame and a second frame. A connecting shaft of the second
frame is received within the close-type connecting bracket.
Consequently, the wing-type connecting element is connected with
the base plate. While the keycap is depressed, the connecting shaft
is only allowed to be rotated and limited within the close-type
connecting bracket. Since the swinging range of the wing-type
connecting element is reduced, the keyboard device of the present
invention is capable of improving the depressing stability of the
keycap.
Inventors: |
Jhuang; Chuang-Shu; (Taipei,
TW) ; Huang; Sheng-Huang; (Taipei, TW) ; Zeng;
Zhi-Hui; (Taipei, TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Primax Electronics Ltd. |
Taipei |
|
TW |
|
|
Family ID: |
68316772 |
Appl. No.: |
16/292799 |
Filed: |
March 5, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/0202 20130101;
G06F 3/02 20130101; H01H 2205/002 20130101; H01H 13/7065 20130101;
H01H 13/705 20130101; H01H 13/7006 20130101; H01H 13/14
20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01H 13/70 20060101
H01H013/70; H01H 13/14 20060101 H01H013/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 21, 2018 |
CN |
201811571931.1 |
Claims
1. A keyboard device, comprising: a base plate; a wing-type
connecting element located over the base plate and connected with
the base plate, wherein the wing-type connecting element is
permitted to be swung relative to the base plate, and the wing-type
connecting element comprises a first frame and a second frame,
wherein the first frame is connected with the base plate and
arranged near a first side of the base plate, the first frame
comprises a first position-limiting structure, and the first
position-limiting structure is disposed on a first lateral wall of
the first frame, wherein the second frame is connected with the
base plate and arranged near a second side of the base plate, and a
portion of the second frame is inserted in the first frame so as to
be connected with the first frame; and a keycap connected with the
first frame and the second frame, and movable relative to the base
plate, wherein when the keycap is not depressed, the first
position-limiting structure is contacted with the base plate,
wherein while the keycap is depressed, the first frame and the
second frame are swung relative to the base plate, so that the
first position-limiting structure is departed from the base plate,
wherein the first frame further comprises: a first connecting shaft
located at a first end of the first frame and disposed on an outer
side of the first end of the first frame, wherein the first
connecting shaft is connected with a sliding hook of the keycap; a
second connecting shaft disposed within a first lateral wall of the
first frame, and disposed on an inner side of the first lateral
wall, wherein the second connecting shaft is connected with the
base plate; and an indentation located at a second end of the first
frame and formed in an inner side of the first frame, wherein a
second end of the second frame is received within the indentation,
so that the first frame and the second frame are combined together,
wherein the first position-limiting structure is disposed on the
first lateral wall and arranged near the second end of the first
frame.
2. (canceled)
3. The keyboard device according to claim 1, wherein the first
frame further comprises a first perforation, which is formed in the
first lateral wall of the first frame, wherein a base hook of the
base plate is inserted in the first perforation and connected with
the second connecting shaft, and the second connecting shaft is
disposed within the first perforation.
4. The keyboard device according to claim 1, wherein the second
frame comprises: a rotation shaft located at a first end of the
second frame, wherein the rotation shaft is inserted in the
indentation of the first frame, so that the first frame and the
second frame are combined together and the rotation shaft is
rotatable within the indentation; a third connecting shaft located
at the second end of the second frame, wherein the third connecting
shaft is inserted in a fixed hook of the keycap; and a fourth
connecting shaft disposed within a second lateral wall of the
second frame, and disposed on an inner side of the second lateral
wall, wherein the fourth connecting shaft is connected with the
base plate.
5. The keyboard device according to claim 4, wherein the base plate
comprises: a close-type connecting bracket, wherein the fourth
connecting shaft is received within the close-type connecting
bracket, so that the close-type connecting bracket is connected
with the second frame; a base hook arranged beside the close-type
connecting bracket, wherein the second connecting shaft is inserted
in the base hook and connected with the first frame; and a second
position-limiting structure arranged between the close-type
connecting bracket and the base hook, wherein the second
position-limiting structure is contactable with the first
position-limiting structure.
6. The keyboard device according to claim 5, wherein a travelling
distance of the keycap is determined according to a height of the
second position-limiting structure.
7. The keyboard device according to claim 5, wherein when the
keycap is not depressed, the first frame and the second frame are
is a non-parallel state, and the first position-limiting structure
and the second position-limiting structure are in contact with each
other, wherein while the keycap is depressed, the first frame and
the second frame are swung relative to the base plate to be in
parallel with each other, so that the first position-limiting
structure is separated from the second position-limiting structure
and moved to a concave structure of the keycap.
8. The keyboard device according to claim 5, wherein while the
keycap is depressed and the first frame and the second frame are
swung relative to the base plate, the first connecting shaft is
moved within the sliding hook, the second connecting shaft is moved
within the base hook, the third connecting shaft is moved within
the fixed hook, and the fourth connecting shaft is moved within the
close-type connecting bracket.
9. The keyboard device according to claim 5, wherein the second
frame further comprises: a second perforation formed in the second
end of the second frame and arranged beside the third connecting
shaft, wherein the fixed hook is penetrated through the second
perforation; and a third perforation formed in the second lateral
wall of the second frame, wherein the close-type connecting bracket
is inserted in the third perforation and connected with the fourth
connecting shaft, wherein the fourth connecting shaft is received
within the third perforation, and a length of the fourth connecting
shaft is smaller than a width of the third perforation.
10. The keyboard device according to claim 4, wherein the second
frame further comprises a notch, and the first frame further
comprises a protrusion structure, wherein the notch is formed in
the second lateral wall, and the protrusion structure is protruded
from the second end of the first frame, wherein when the first
frame and the second frame are combined together, the protrusion
structure is received within the notch, so that the frame and the
second frame are not separated from each other.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an input device, and more
particularly to a keyboard device with plural key structures.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Generally, the widely-used peripheral input device of a
computer system includes for example a mouse device, a keyboard
device, a trackball device, or the like. Via the keyboard device,
characters or symbols can be directly inputted into the computer
system. Consequently, most users and most manufacturers of input
devices pay much attention to the development of keyboard devices.
The subject of the present invention is related to a keyboard
device.
[0003] A key structure of a keyboard device will be described as
follows. The key structure comprises a scissors-type connecting
element. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view
illustrating a conventional key structure. As shown in FIG. 1, the
conventional key structure 1 comprises a keycap 11, a scissors-type
connecting element 12, a rubbery elastomer 13, a membrane switch
circuit member 14 and a base plate 15. The keycap 11, the
scissors-type connecting element 12, the rubbery elastomer 13 and
the membrane switch circuit member 14 are supported by the base
plate 15. The scissors-type connecting element 12 is used for
connecting the base plate 15 and the keycap 11.
[0004] The scissors-type connecting element 12 is arranged between
the base plate 15 and the keycap 11, and the base plate 15 and the
keycap 11 are connected with each other through the scissors-type
connecting element 12. The scissors-type connecting element 12
comprises a first frame 121 and a second frame 122. A first end of
the first frame 121 is connected with the keycap 11. A second end
of the first frame 121 is connected with the base plate 15. The
rubbery elastomer 13 is enclosed by the scissors-type connecting
element 12. The membrane switch circuit member 14 comprises plural
key intersections (not shown). When one of the plural key
intersections is triggered, a corresponding key signal is
generated. The rubbery elastomer 13 is disposed on the membrane
switch circuit member 14. Each rubbery elastomer 13 is aligned with
a corresponding key intersection. When the rubbery elastomer 13 is
depressed, the rubbery elastomer 13 is subjected to deformation to
push the corresponding key intersection of the membrane switch
circuit member 14. Consequently, the corresponding key signal is
generated.
[0005] The operations of the conventional key structure 1 in
response to the depressing action of the user will be illustrated
as follows. Please refer to FIG. 1 again. When the keycap 11 is
depressed, the keycap 11 is moved downwardly to push the
scissors-type connecting element 12 in response to the depressing
force. As the keycap 11 is moved downwardly relative to the base
plate 15, the keycap 11 pushes the corresponding rubbery elastomer
13. At the same time, the rubbery elastomer 13 is subjected to
deformation to push the membrane switch circuit member 14 and
trigger the corresponding key intersection of the membrane switch
circuit member 14. Consequently, the membrane switch circuit member
14 generates a corresponding key signal. When the keycap 11 is no
longer depressed by the user, no external force is applied to the
keycap 11 and the rubbery elastomer 13 is no longer pushed by the
keycap 11. In response to the elasticity of the rubbery elastomer
13, the rubbery elastomer 13 is restored to its original shape to
provide an upward elastic restoring force. Consequently, the keycap
11 is returned to its original position where it is not depressed.
The structures and the operations of the conventional key structure
have been mentioned as above.
[0006] However, while the keycap 11 is depressed, the first frame
121 and the second frame 122 are swung with the movement of the
keycap 11. As the first frame 121 and the second frame 122 are
swung, the first frame 121 and the second frame 122 are rocked.
Since the keycap 11 is correspondingly rocked, the movement of the
keycap is unstable. Moreover, after the first frame 121 and the
second frame 122 are assembled, the first frame 121 and the second
frame 122 are readily detached from the base plate 15 because of
the structural limitations.
[0007] Therefore, there is a need of providing a keyboard device
with enhanced assembling stability
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] An object of the present invention provides a keyboard
device with enhanced assembling stability.
[0009] Another object of the present invention provides a keyboard
device capable of overcoming the rocking problem of the keycap.
[0010] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a keyboard device. The keyboard device includes a base
plate, a wing-type connecting element and a keycap. The wing-type
connecting element is located over the base plate and connected
with the base plate. The wing-type connecting element is permitted
to be swung relative to the base plate. The wing-type connecting
element includes a first frame and a second frame. The first frame
is connected with the base plate and arranged near a first side of
the base plate. The first frame includes a first position-limiting
structure. The first position-limiting structure is disposed on a
first lateral wall of the first frame. The second frame is
connected with the base plate and arranged near a second side of
the base plate. A portion of the second frame is inserted in the
first frame so as to be connected with the first frame. The keycap
is connected with the first frame and the second frame, and movable
relative to the base plate. When the keycap is not depressed, the
first position-limiting structure is contacted with the base plate.
While the keycap is depressed, the first frame and the second frame
are swung relative to the base plate, so that the first
position-limiting structure is departed from the base plate.
[0011] In an embodiment, the first frame further includes a first
connecting shaft, a second connecting shaft and an indentation. The
first connecting shaft is located at a first end of the first frame
and disposed on an outer side of the first end of the first frame.
The first connecting shaft is connected with a sliding hook of the
keycap. The second connecting shaft is disposed within a first
lateral wall of the first frame, and disposed on an inner side of
the first lateral wall. The second connecting shaft is connected
with the base plate. The indentation is located at a second end of
the first frame and formed in an inner side of the first frame. A
second end of the second frame is received within the indentation.
Consequently, the first frame and the second frame are combined
together. The first position-limiting structure is disposed on the
first lateral wall and arranged near the second end of the first
frame.
[0012] In an embodiment, the first frame further includes a first
perforation, which is formed in the first lateral wall of the first
frame. A base hook of the base plate is inserted in the first
perforation and connected with the second connecting shaft. The
second connecting shaft is disposed within the first
perforation.
[0013] In an embodiment, the second frame includes a rotation
shaft, a third connecting shaft and a fourth connecting shaft. The
rotation shaft is located at a first end of the second frame. The
rotation shaft is inserted in the indentation of the first frame.
Consequently, the first frame and the second frame are combined
together, and the rotation shaft is rotatable within the
indentation. The third connecting shaft is located at the second
end of the second frame. The third connecting shaft is inserted in
a fixed hook of the keycap. The fourth connecting shaft is disposed
within a second lateral wall of the second frame, and disposed on
an inner side of the second lateral wall. The fourth connecting
shaft is connected with the base plate.
[0014] In an embodiment, the base plate includes a close-type
connecting bracket, a base hook and a second position-limiting
structure. The fourth connecting shaft is received within the
close-type connecting bracket, so that the close-type connecting
bracket is connected with the second frame. The base hook is
arranged beside the close-type connecting bracket. The second
connecting shaft is inserted in the base hook and connected with
the first frame. The second position-limiting structure is arranged
between the close-type connecting bracket and the base hook. The
second position-limiting structure is contactable with the first
position-limiting structure.
[0015] From the above descriptions, the present invention provides
the keyboard device. The wing-type connecting element is connected
with the base plate and the keycap. The close-type connecting
bracket has a special shape. The base plate and the wing-type
connecting element are combined together through the close-type
connecting bracket. Since the fourth connecting shaft of the
wing-type connecting element is received within the close-type
connecting bracket, the swinging extent of the wing-type connecting
element is smaller than the swinging extent of the conventional
scissors-type connecting element. Since the swinging extent of the
wing-type connecting element is reduced when compared with the
conventional scissors-type connecting element, the wing-type
connecting element is swung more stably. Consequently, the
depressing stability of the keycap is enhanced. In addition, the
thickness of the keyboard device is reduced. Moreover, the first
frame and the second frame are combined together through the
rotation shafts and the indentations. Consequently, the process of
assembling the first frame and the second frame is simplified when
compared with the process of assembling the conventional
scissors-type connecting element. In other words, the keyboard
device of the present invention is cost-effective.
[0016] The above objects and advantages of the present invention
will become more readily apparent to those ordinarily skilled in
the art after reviewing the following detailed description and
accompanying drawings, in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view illustrating
a conventional key structure;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view illustrating a portion
of a keyboard device according to an embodiment of the present
invention and taken along a viewpoint;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded view illustrating a keycap
and a wing-type connecting element of the keyboard device according
to the embodiment of the present invention and taken along another
viewpoint;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a schematic exploded view illustrating the
wing-type connecting element of the keyboard device according to
the embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a
portion of the keyboard device according to the embodiment of the
present invention, in which the keycap is not depressed; and
[0022] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a
portion of the keyboard device according to the embodiment of the
present invention, in which the keycap is depressed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] For solving the drawbacks of the conventional technologies,
the present invention provides a keyboard device.
[0024] Hereinafter, the structure of the keyboard device of the
present invention will be illustrated with reference to FIGS. 2 and
3. FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view illustrating a portion of a
keyboard device according to an embodiment of the present invention
and taken along a viewpoint. FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded view
illustrating a keycap and a wing-type connecting element of the
keyboard device according to the embodiment of the present
invention and taken along another viewpoint. The keyboard device 2
comprises a base plate 21, plural keycaps 22, plural wing-type
connecting elements 23, a circuit board 24 and plural triggering
switches 25. For succinctness, only one keycap 22, one wing-type
connecting element 23 and one triggering switch 25 are shown in the
drawings.
[0025] The base plate 21 comprises plural close-type connecting
brackets 211, plural base hooks 212 and plural second
position-limiting structures 213. The plural close-type connecting
brackets 211 are located at a second side of the base plate. The
plural base hooks 212 are arranged beside the corresponding
close-type connecting brackets 211. The second position-limiting
structures 213 are arranged between the corresponding close-type
connecting brackets 211 and the corresponding base hooks 212.
[0026] The wing-type connecting element 23 is located over the base
plate 21. In addition, the wing-type connecting element 23 is
connected with the corresponding connecting brackets 211 and the
corresponding base hooks 212 of the base plate 21. The wing-type
connecting elements 23 can be swung relative to the base plate 21.
Each wing-type connecting element 23 is aligned with a
corresponding keycap 22. In an embodiment, the wing-type connecting
element 23 comprises a first frame 231 and a second frame 232. The
first frame 231 is connected with the plural base hooks 212 of the
base plate 21 and arranged near a first side of the base plate 21.
The second frame 232 is connected with the plural connecting
brackets 211 of the base plate 21 and arranged near the second side
of the base plate 21. A portion of the second frame 232 is inserted
into the first frame 231, and thus the second frame 232 is
connected with the first frame 231.
[0027] The keycap 22 is connected with the corresponding first
frame 231 and the corresponding second frame 232. The keycap 22 is
movable upwardly or downwardly relative to the base plate 21. In
this embodiment, the keycap 22 comprises plural sliding hooks 221,
plural fixed hooks 222 and plural concave structures 223.
[0028] Please refer to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. FIG. 4 is a schematic
exploded view illustrating the wing-type connecting element of the
keyboard device according to the embodiment of the present
invention. The first frame 231 of the wing-type connecting element
23 comprises plural first connecting shafts 2311, plural second
connecting shafts 2312, plural indentations 2313, plural first
portion-limiting structures 2314 and plural first perforations
2315. The first connecting shafts 2311 are located at a first end
of the first frame 231 and disposed on an outer side of the first
end of the first frame 231. The first connecting shafts 2311 are
connected with the corresponding sliding hooks 221 of the keycap
22. The second connecting shafts 2312 are disposed within a first
lateral wall 2316 of the first frame 231 and disposed on an inner
side of the first lateral wall 2316. The second connecting shafts
2312 are connected with the base plate 21. The indentations 2313
are located at a second end of the first frame 231 and formed in an
inner side of the second end of the first frame 231. A second end
of the second frame 232 is received within the indentations 2313.
Consequently, the first frame 231 and the second frame 232 are
combined together. The first portion-limiting structures 2314 are
disposed on the first lateral wall 2316 of the first frame 231 and
arranged near the second end of the first frame 231. Moreover, the
first portion-limiting structures 2314 are aligned with the
corresponding concave structures 223 of the keycap 22. The first
perforations 2315 are formed in the first lateral wall 2316 of the
first frame 231. The second connecting shafts 2312 are disposed
within the corresponding first perforations 2315.
[0029] In an embodiment, the first frame 231 has an inverted U
shape. Moreover, the plural first connecting shafts 2311, the
plural second connecting shafts 2312, the plural indentations 2313,
the plural first portion-limiting structures 2314 and the plural
first perforations 2315 of the first frame 231 are in a symmetrical
arrangement. It is noted that numerous modifications and
alternations may be made while retaining the teachings of the
present invention. For example, one or plural ones for each of the
above components may be feasible according to the practical
requirements.
[0030] The second frame 232 comprises plural third connecting
shafts 2321, plural fourth connecting shafts 2322, plural rotation
shafts 2323, plural second perforations 2324 and plural third
perforations 2325. The third connecting shafts 2321 are located at
a second end of the second frame 232. The third connecting shafts
2321 are inserted into the corresponding fixed hooks 222 of the
keycap 22. The fourth connecting shafts 2322 are disposed within a
second lateral wall 2326 of the second frame 232 and disposed on an
inner side of the second lateral wall 2326. The fourth connecting
shafts 2322 are connected with the base plate 21. The rotation
shafts 2323 are located at a first end of the second frame 232. The
rotation shafts 2323 are inserted into the corresponding
indentations 2313 of the first frame 231. Consequently, the first
frame 231 and the second frame 232 are combined together. In
addition, the rotation shafts 2323 are rotatable within the
corresponding indentations 2313. The second perforations 2324 are
formed in the second end of the second frame 232 and arranged
beside the corresponding third connecting shafts 2321. The third
perforations 2325 are formed in the second lateral wall 2326 of the
second frame 232. The fourth connecting shafts 2322 are disposed
within the corresponding third perforations 2325. Moreover, the
length of the fourth connecting shaft 2322 is smaller than the
width of the corresponding third perforation 2325.
[0031] In an embodiment, the second frame 232 also has an inverted
U shape. Moreover, the plural third connecting shafts 2321, the
plural fourth connecting shafts 2322, the plural rotation shafts
2323, the plural second perforations 2324 and the plural third
perforations 2325 of the second frame 232 are in a symmetrical
arrangement. It is noted that numerous modifications and
alternations may be made while retaining the teachings of the
present invention. For example, one or plural ones for each of the
above components may be feasible according to the practical
requirements.
[0032] As mentioned above, the length of the fourth connecting
shaft 2322 is smaller than the width of the corresponding third
perforation 2325. Consequently, the close-type connecting brackets
211 can be inserted into the corresponding third perforations 2325,
and the fourth connecting shafts 2322 are inserted into the
corresponding close-type connecting brackets 211. That is, the
fourth connecting shafts 2322 are received within the corresponding
close-type connecting brackets 211. Similarly, the base hooks 212
are inserted into the corresponding first perforations 2315, and
thus the second connecting shafts 2312 are received within the
corresponding base hooks 212. Consequently, the second connecting
shafts 2312 are connected with the corresponding base hooks 212. In
such way, the base plate 21 is connected with the first frame 231
and the second frame 232. Moreover, the close-type connecting
brackets 211 are inserted into the corresponding third perforations
2325 and connected with the fourth connecting shafts 2322. The
sliding hooks 221 of the keycap 22 are connected with the
corresponding first connecting shafts 2311. The fixed hooks 222 of
the keycap 22 are penetrated through the corresponding second
perforations 2324 and connected with the corresponding third
connecting shafts 2321. Consequently, the keycap 22 is connected
with the first frame 231 and the second frame 232.
[0033] Please refer to FIGS. 2, 3 and 5. FIG. 5 is a schematic
perspective view illustrating a portion of the keyboard device
according to the embodiment of the present invention, in which the
keycap is not depressed. The circuit board 24 is located over the
base plate 21. The triggering switches 25 are arranged between the
corresponding keycaps 22 and the circuit board 24. The triggering
switches 25 are electrically connected with the circuit board 24.
When the keycap 22 is moved downwardly to trigger the corresponding
triggering switch 25, a key signal corresponding to the keycap 22
is generated by the corresponding triggering switch 25. The key
signal is outputted from the circuit board 24. The circuit board 24
comprises plural openings 241. Each opening 241 is aligned with one
close-type connecting bracket 211 and one base hooks 212. When the
circuit board 24 is stacked on the base plate 21, the plural
close-type connecting brackets 211 and the plural base hooks 212
are penetrated through the corresponding openings 241 and connected
with the first frame 231 and the second frame 232.
[0034] In this embodiment, the triggering switches 25 and the
circuit board 24 cooperate to generate the key signals, and the
triggering switches 25 are installed on the circuit board 24
according to a surface mount technology (SMT). It is noted that
numerous modifications and alternations may be made while retaining
the teachings of the present invention. For example, in another
embodiment, rubbery elastomers (or metal domes) and a membrane
switch circuit board cooperate to generate the key signals.
[0035] Please refer to FIG. 5 again. The base plate 21, the
corresponding wing-type connecting element 23, the circuit board 24
and the corresponding triggering switch 25 are combined together.
Since the keycap 22 is not depressed, the wing-type connecting
element 23 is in a non-parallel state. Meanwhile, the second
position-limiting structures 213 of the base plate 21 are contacted
with the corresponding first portion-limiting structures 2314 of
the first frame 231. Moreover, the second position-limiting
structures 213 are located under the corresponding concave
structures 223 of the keycap 22.
[0036] Please refer to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 6 is a schematic
perspective view illustrating a portion of the keyboard device
according to the embodiment of the present invention, in which the
keycap is depressed. While the keycap 22 is depressed, the keycap
22 is moved downwardly in a vertical direction to push the first
connecting shafts 2311 and the third connecting shafts 2321.
Consequently, the second frame 232 is swung relative to the
indentations 2313 by using the rotation shafts 2323 as fulcrums.
Consequently, the first frame 231 and the second frame 232 are
swung relative to the base plate 21. While the keycap 22 is moved
downwardly, the first connecting shafts 2311 are moved within the
corresponding sliding hooks 221 of the keycap 22, and the second
connecting shafts 2312 are moved within the corresponding base
hooks 212 of the base plate 21. In addition, the third connecting
shafts 2321 are rotated within the corresponding fixed hooks 222,
and the fourth connecting shafts 2322 are rotated within the
corresponding close-type connecting brackets 211. As the first
frame 231 is swung, the first portion-limiting structures 2314 are
departed from the corresponding position-limiting structures 213
and not contacted with the corresponding position-limiting
structures 213.
[0037] As the keycap 22 is continuously moved downwardly to push
the corresponding triggering switch 25, the triggering switch 25 is
triggered to generate the key signal. Moreover, the key signal
corresponding to the keycap 22 is outputted from the circuit board
24. Meanwhile, the first frame 231 and the second frame 232 are in
parallel with each other. Moreover, the first portion-limiting
structures 2314 departed from the corresponding position-limiting
structures 213 are accommodated within the corresponding concave
structures 223 of the keycap 22.
[0038] When the triggering switch 25 is no longer pushed by the
keycap 22, the keycap 22 is moved upwardly in the vertical
direction and returned to its original position in response to an
elastic force provided by an elastic element of the triggering
switch 25. As the keycap 22 is moved upwardly in the vertical
direction, the first frame 231 and the second frame 232 are swung
and restored to the state of FIG. 5.
[0039] Please refer to FIGS. 4 and 5 again. The second frame 232
further comprises plural notches 2327. The plural notches 2327 are
formed in the second lateral wall 2326. The first frame 231 further
comprises plural protrusion structures 2317. The plural protrusion
structures 2317 are protruded from the second end of the first
frame 231. When the first frame 231 and the second frame 232 are
combined together, the plural protrusion structures 2317 are
received within the corresponding notches 2327 (see FIG. 5).
Consequently, the frame 231 and the second frame 232 are not
separated from each other during the swinging process.
[0040] In this embodiment, the first portion-limiting structures
2314 are bulges, and the position-limiting structures 213 are
raised structures. It is noted that numerous modifications and
alternations may be made while retaining the teachings of the
present invention. For example, in another embodiment, the first
frame is equipped with raised structures, and the base plate is
equipped with the corresponding bulges.
[0041] The following three aspects should be specially
described.
[0042] Firstly, the protrusion structure 2317 further comprises a
fillet structure to assist in swinging action of the first frame
231 and the second frame 232 relative to the base plate 21. Since
the swinging action of the first frame 231 and the second frame 232
is smooth, the tactile feel of depressing the keycap 22 is
enhanced.
[0043] Secondly, since the second connecting shafts 2312 are
disposed within the corresponding first perforations 2315, the
second connecting shafts 2312 become the structures of the first
frame 231 to be connected with the base plate 21. When comparison
with the connecting shaft on the lateral wall of the first frame of
the conventional keyboard device, the second connecting shafts 2312
of the present invention have enhanced structural strength.
Consequently, the possibility of causing damage of the first frame
231 is largely reduced. The fourth connecting shafts 2322 of the
second frame 232 provide the similar efficacy. Consequently, the
possibility of causing damage of the second frame 232 is largely
reduced.
[0044] Thirdly, the structure of the keyboard device 2 of the
present invention is specially designed to provide the following
benefits. While the keycap 22 is moved upwardly or downwardly, the
first portion-limiting structure 2314 is moved in the range between
the second position-limiting structure 213 of the base plate 21 and
the concave structure 223 of the keycap 22, and the first
portion-limiting structure 2314 is contacted with the second
position-limiting structure 213. In other words, the travelling
distance of the keycap 22 is determined according to the height of
the second position-limiting structure 213. In case that the larger
travelling distance is required, the height of the second
position-limiting structure is reduced to increase the travelling
distance of the keycap. Whereas, in case that the smaller
travelling distance is required, the height of the second
position-limiting structure is increased to shorten the travelling
distance of the keycap. Since the keycap of the present invention
has the adjustable travelling distance, the keycap of the present
invention can be applied to the keyboard devices of various
electronic devices (or the keyboard devices requiring different
travelling distances). In other words, the keyboard device of the
present invention can be considered as a universal design.
[0045] From the above descriptions, the present invention provides
the keyboard device. The wing-type connecting element is connected
with the base plate and the keycap. The close-type connecting
bracket has a special shape. The base plate and the wing-type
connecting element are combined together through the close-type
connecting bracket. Since the fourth connecting shaft of the
wing-type connecting element is received within the close-type
connecting bracket, the swinging extent of the wing-type connecting
element is smaller than the swinging extent of the conventional
scissors-type connecting element. Since the swinging extent of the
wing-type connecting element is reduced when compared with the
conventional scissors-type connecting element, the wing-type
connecting element is swung more stably. Consequently, the
depressing stability of the keycap is enhanced. In addition, the
thickness of the keyboard device is reduced. Moreover, the first
frame and the second frame are combined together through the
rotation shafts and the indentations. Consequently, the process of
assembling the first frame and the second frame is simplified when
compared with the process of assembling the conventional
scissors-type connecting element. In other words, the keyboard
device of the present invention is cost-effective.
[0046] While the invention has been described in terms of what is
presently considered to be the most practical and preferred
embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention needs not be
limited to the disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, it is
intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements
included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims which
are to be accorded with the broadest interpretation so as to
encompass all such modifications and similar structures.
* * * * *