CN114446694A

CN114446694A - Keyboard device

Info

Publication number: CN114446694A
Application number: CN202011229210.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 吴明翰; 杨哲玮
Original assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd
Current assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd
Priority date: 2020-11-06
Filing date: 2020-11-06
Publication date: 2022-05-06

Abstract

The invention provides a keyboard device. The keyboard device comprises a thin film circuit board, a key bottom board and a key structure. The key bottom plate is arranged below the thin film circuit board. The key structure comprises a key cap, a first connecting component, a second connecting component, a balancing rod and an auxiliary balancing rod. The keycap is arranged above the film circuit board. The first connecting component and the second connecting component are arranged between the keycap and the key bottom plate. The first connecting component is provided with a first side and a second side which are opposite to each other. The second connecting assembly has a third side and a fourth side opposite to each other, and the third side and the second side are opposite to each other. The balance rod is pivoted on the keycap, the first side of the first connecting assembly and the fourth side of the second connecting assembly. The auxiliary balancing rod is pivoted to the keycap, the second side of the first connecting assembly and the third side of the second connecting assembly.

Description

Keyboard device

Technical Field

The invention relates to the field of input devices, in particular to a keyboard device.

Background

With the development of technology, the electronic devices are greatly developed to bring convenience to human life, and therefore it is an important issue how to make the operations of the electronic devices more humanized. Common input devices for electronic devices include mouse devices, keyboard devices, and trackball devices, wherein the keyboard devices allow users to directly input characters and symbols into a computer, and are therefore highly appreciated.

First, the structure and function of a conventional keyboard device are described, please refer to fig. 1 to 3, fig. 1 is an external structural diagram of the conventional keyboard device, fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the keyboard device shown in fig. 1 at one viewing angle, and fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the portion of the keyboard device shown in fig. 1 at another viewing angle. For clarity, only a single key structure 10' and related components are shown in fig. 2 and 3. The conventional keyboard apparatus 1 comprises a plurality of key structures 10, 10 ', a key base 11 and a film circuit board 12, wherein the film circuit board 12 has a plurality of film switches 121 corresponding to the plurality of key structures 10, 10 ', and the key structures 10, 10 ' comprise keycaps 101, scissors-type connecting elements 102 and elastic bodies 103; the scissors-type connecting element 102 is connected between the key cap 101 and the key bottom plate 11, and includes a first frame 1021 and a second frame 1022 pivotally connected to the first frame 1021, so that the first frame 1021 and the second frame 1022 can swing relative to each other, and the elastic body 103 is disposed between the key cap 101 and the key bottom plate 11 and has a top part 1031.

When the key cap 101 of any key structure 10, 10' is pressed and moves downward relative to the key base plate 11, the first frame 1021 and the second frame 1022 of the scissors-type connecting element 102 change from the open-close state to the folded state, and the key cap 101 moving downward presses the elastic body 103, so that the abutting portion 1031 of the elastic body 103 abuts against and triggers the corresponding membrane switch 121, and the keyboard apparatus 1 generates the corresponding key signal. When the keys 10 and 10' are no longer pressed, the key cap 101 moves upward relative to the key base 11 according to the elastic force of the elastic body 103, and the first frame 1021 and the second frame 1022 change from the folded state to the open-closed state, and the key cap 101 returns to the original position.

Furthermore, some key structures 10', such as keys having a length L1 greater than a width W1, further include two balance bars 104, and each balance bar 104 includes a cross bar portion 1041 and two hook portions 1042 respectively located at two ends of the cross bar portion 1041. In addition, the key bottom plate 11 includes a first bottom plate connection portion 111 and a second bottom plate connection portion 112 extending upward and passing through the thin film circuit board 12, and the first bottom plate connection portion 111 has two first hook holes 1111, and the second bottom plate connection portion 112 has two second hook holes 1121 corresponding to the two first hook holes 1111, respectively. The cross bar portion 1041 of each balance bar 104 is pivotally connected to the key cap 101 of the key structure 10', and the two hook portions 1042 of each balance bar 104 respectively pass through the first hook hole 1111 of the first bottom board connecting portion 111 and the second hook hole 1121 of the second bottom board connecting portion 112.

Please refer to fig. 4, which is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the balance bar of the keyboard apparatus shown in fig. 1. When the key cap 101 of the key structure 10 'moves upward or downward relative to the key base 11, the balance bar 104 will move toward the direction D11 or the direction D12 and turn toward the direction D13 or the direction D14, so as to balance the key structure 10' when moving upward or downward relative to the key base 11 without tilting, and to increase the strength of the key cap 101.

However, the conventional keyboard apparatus 1 has a disadvantage that when the key cap 101 of any key structure 10' is pressed and moves downward relative to the key base 11, the hook 1042 of the balance bar 104 is also liable to strike or strike the key base 11 and the first base connecting portion 111 and the second base connecting portion 112, and since the balance bar 104, the key base 11 and the first base connecting portion 111 or the second base connecting portion 112 are made of metal, the above actions are liable to generate a sound of striking or striking between metals, which is unpleasant for the user. Therefore, how to improve the above problems is the focus of attention of those skilled in the art.

Disclosure of Invention

One objective of the present invention is to provide a keyboard device, wherein a balance bar and an auxiliary balance bar of a key structure are both connected between a key cap and a connecting assembly, so as to reduce the impact of the balance bar and the auxiliary balance bar on a key bottom plate or the impact of the balance bar and the auxiliary balance bar on the key bottom plate, thereby reducing the noise generated during the operation of the key structure and improving the comfort of a user operating the keyboard device.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be further understood from the technical features disclosed in the present invention.

In order to achieve one or a part of or all of the above or other objects, the present invention provides a keyboard device, which includes a thin film circuit board, a key bottom plate and a key structure. The key bottom plate is arranged below the thin film circuit board. The key structure comprises a key cap, a first connecting component, a second connecting component, at least one balance rod and at least one auxiliary balance rod. The keycap is configured above the thin film circuit board and is used for lifting and moving relative to the thin film circuit board. The first connecting assembly is arranged between the keycap and the key bottom plate and provided with a first side and a second side which are opposite to each other. The second connecting component is arranged between the keycap and the key bottom plate. The second connecting assembly has a third side and a fourth side opposite to each other, and the third side and the second side are opposite to each other. The balance rod is pivoted on the keycap, the first side of the first connecting assembly and the fourth side of the second connecting assembly. The auxiliary balancing rod is pivoted to the keycap, the second side of the first connecting assembly and the third side of the second connecting assembly. When the keycap is lifted and moved relative to the film circuit board, the keycap drives the balance rod and the auxiliary balance rod to swing.

In an embodiment of the invention, the first connecting assembly includes a first frame, a second frame, and a first base, the second connecting assembly includes a third frame, a fourth frame, and a second base, the first frame and the second frame are connected between the keycap and the first base, the first base is connected to the key base plate, and the first frame and the second frame are pivoted to each other to have a first pivot joint, the third frame and the fourth frame are connected between the keycap and the second base, the second base is connected to the key base plate, and the third frame and the fourth frame are pivoted to each other to have a second pivot joint.

In an embodiment of the invention, the first frame has a first sliding groove and a second sliding groove opposite to each other, the second frame has a third sliding groove and a fourth sliding groove opposite to each other, the third frame has a fifth sliding groove and a sixth sliding groove opposite to each other, the fourth frame has a seventh sliding groove and an eighth sliding groove opposite to each other, the first sliding groove and the third sliding groove are located on the first side, the second sliding groove and the fourth sliding groove are located on the second side, the fifth sliding groove and the seventh sliding groove are located on the third side, the sixth sliding groove and the eighth sliding groove are located on the fourth side, the at least one balance bar is pivotally connected to the first sliding groove and the sixth sliding groove or pivotally connected to the third sliding groove and the eighth sliding groove, and the at least one auxiliary balance bar is pivotally connected to the second sliding groove and the fifth sliding groove or pivotally connected to the fourth sliding groove and the seventh sliding groove.

In an embodiment of the invention, the number of the at least one balance bar is plural, the balance bars include a first balance bar and a second balance bar, the number of the at least one auxiliary balance bar is plural, the auxiliary balance bars include a first auxiliary balance bar and a second auxiliary balance bar, the first balance bar is pivoted to the first sliding slot and the sixth sliding slot, the second balance bar is pivoted to the third sliding slot and the eighth sliding slot, the first auxiliary balance bar is pivoted to the second sliding slot and the fifth sliding slot, and the second auxiliary balance bar is pivoted to the fourth sliding slot and the seventh sliding slot.

In an embodiment of the invention, the first balance bar includes a first cross bar portion and first hook portions respectively located at two ends of the first cross bar portion, the second balance bar includes a second cross bar portion and second hook portions respectively located at two ends of the second cross bar portion, the first auxiliary balance bar includes a third cross bar portion and third hook portions respectively located at two ends of the third cross bar portion, the second auxiliary balance bar includes a fourth cross bar portion and fourth hook portions respectively located at two ends of the fourth cross bar portion, the first balance bar is pivoted to the first sliding slot and the sixth sliding slot by the first hook portion, the second balance bar is pivoted to the third sliding slot and the eighth sliding slot by the second hook portion, the first auxiliary balance bar is pivoted to the second sliding slot and the fifth sliding slot by the third hook portion, and the second auxiliary balance bar is pivoted to the fourth sliding slot and the seventh sliding slot by the fourth hook portion.

In an embodiment of the invention, when the key cap moves upward relative to the film circuit board, the key cap simultaneously drives the first balance bar, the second balance bar, the first auxiliary balance bar and the second auxiliary balance bar to swing, so that the first hook moves in the first sliding groove and the sixth sliding groove in a direction away from the first pivot joint and the second pivot joint, the second hook moves in the third sliding groove and the eighth sliding groove in a direction away from the first pivot joint and the second pivot joint, the third hook moves in the second sliding groove and the fifth sliding groove in a direction away from the first pivot joint and the second pivot joint, and the fourth hook moves in the fourth sliding groove and the seventh sliding groove in a direction away from the first pivot joint and the second pivot joint.

In an embodiment of the invention, when the key cap descends and moves relative to the film circuit board, the key cap simultaneously drives the first balance bar, the second balance bar, the first auxiliary balance bar and the second auxiliary balance bar to swing, so that the first hook moves in the first sliding groove and the sixth sliding groove toward a direction close to the first pivot joint and the second pivot joint, the second hook moves in the third sliding groove and the eighth sliding groove toward a direction close to the first pivot joint and the second pivot joint, the third hook moves in the second sliding groove and the fifth sliding groove toward a direction close to the first pivot joint and the second pivot joint, and the fourth hook moves in the fourth sliding groove and the seventh sliding groove toward a direction close to the first pivot joint and the second pivot joint.

In an embodiment of the invention, the first base has a first sliding slot, a second sliding slot, a third sliding slot and a fourth sliding slot, the second base has a fifth sliding slot, a sixth sliding slot, a seventh sliding slot and an eighth sliding slot, the first sliding slot and the third sliding slot are located on the first side, the second sliding slot and the fourth sliding slot are located on the second side, the fifth sliding slot and the seventh sliding slot are located on the third side, the sixth sliding slot and the eighth sliding slot are located on the fourth side, at least one balance rod is pivotally connected to the first sliding slot and the sixth sliding slot or pivotally connected to the third sliding slot and the eighth sliding slot, and at least one auxiliary balance rod is pivotally connected to the second sliding slot and the fifth sliding slot or pivotally connected to the fourth sliding slot and the seventh sliding slot.

In an embodiment of the invention, the first connecting element and the second connecting element are butterfly-type connecting elements or scissor-type connecting elements.

According to the keyboard device provided by the embodiment of the invention, the balance rod and the auxiliary balance rod of the key structure are connected between the key cap and the connecting component, so that the situation that the balance rod and the auxiliary balance rod impact or strike the key bottom plate is reduced, the noise generated in the action process of the key structure can be reduced, the noise reduction effect is achieved, and the comfortable feeling of a user for operating the keyboard device is improved.

In order to make the aforementioned and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention comprehensible, preferred embodiments accompanied with figures are described in detail below.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of an appearance structure of a conventional keyboard device.

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the keyboard apparatus shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the keyboard apparatus shown in fig. 1 from another perspective.

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the operation of the balance bar of the keyboard apparatus shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is an external structural schematic view of a keyboard device according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a key structure of the keyboard apparatus shown in fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is an exploded view of the key structure of the keyboard apparatus shown in fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged schematic view of a partial region a shown in fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged schematic view of a partial region B shown in fig. 7.

Fig. 10A is a schematic diagram of relative positions of the auxiliary balancing bar, the second sliding groove and the fourth sliding groove when the key cap of the key structure shown in fig. 6 is not pressed.

Fig. 10B is a schematic diagram illustrating relative positions of the auxiliary balancing bar, the fifth sliding groove and the seventh sliding groove when the key cap of the key structure shown in fig. 6 is not pressed.

Fig. 10C is a schematic diagram illustrating relative positions of the balancing bar, the first sliding groove and the third sliding groove when the key cap of the key structure shown in fig. 6 is not pressed.

Fig. 10D is a schematic diagram illustrating relative positions of the balancing bar, the sixth sliding groove and the eighth sliding groove when the key cap of the key structure shown in fig. 6 is not pressed.

Fig. 11A is a schematic diagram of relative positions of the auxiliary balancing bar, the second sliding groove and the fourth sliding groove after the key cap of the key structure shown in fig. 6 is pressed.

Fig. 11B is a schematic diagram illustrating a relative position between the auxiliary balancing bar and the fifth and seventh sliding grooves after the key cap of the key structure shown in fig. 6 is pressed.

Fig. 11C is a schematic diagram of relative positions of the balancing bar, the first sliding groove and the third sliding groove after the key cap of the key structure shown in fig. 6 is pressed.

Fig. 11D is a schematic diagram of relative positions of the balancing bar, the sixth sliding groove and the eighth sliding groove after the key cap of the key structure shown in fig. 6 is pressed.

Fig. 12 is an exploded view of a key structure according to another embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 13 is an enlarged schematic view of a partial region C shown in fig. 12.

Fig. 14 is an enlarged schematic view of a partial region D shown in fig. 12.

Fig. 15A is a schematic diagram illustrating relative positions of the auxiliary balancing bar, the second sliding groove and the fourth sliding groove when the key cap of the key structure shown in fig. 12 is not pressed.

Fig. 15B is a schematic diagram illustrating relative positions of the auxiliary balancing bar, the fifth sliding groove and the seventh sliding groove when the key cap of the key structure shown in fig. 12 is not pressed.

Fig. 15C is a schematic diagram illustrating relative positions of the balancing bar, the first sliding groove and the third sliding groove when the key cap of the key structure shown in fig. 12 is not pressed.

Fig. 15D is a schematic diagram illustrating relative positions of the balancing bar, the sixth sliding groove and the eighth sliding groove when the key cap of the key structure shown in fig. 12 is not pressed.

Fig. 16A is a schematic diagram of relative positions of the auxiliary balancing bar, the second sliding groove and the fourth sliding groove after the key cap of the key structure shown in fig. 12 is pressed.

Fig. 16B is a schematic diagram of relative positions of the auxiliary balancing bar, the fifth sliding groove and the seventh sliding groove after the key cap of the key structure shown in fig. 12 is pressed.

Fig. 16C is a schematic diagram of relative positions of the balancing bar, the first sliding groove and the third sliding groove after the key cap of the key structure shown in fig. 12 is pressed.

Fig. 16D is a schematic diagram of relative positions of the balancing bar, the sixth sliding groove and the eighth sliding groove after the key cap of the key structure shown in fig. 12 is pressed.

Fig. 17 is an exploded view of a key structure according to another embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 18 is an enlarged schematic view of a partial region E shown in fig. 17.

Fig. 19 is an enlarged schematic view of a partial region F shown in fig. 17.

The reference numbers are as follows:

1. 2: keyboard device

10. 10 ', 20', 20a, 20 b: key structure

11. 21: key bottom board

12. 22: thin film circuit board

101. 201: key cap

102: scissor type connecting element

103: elastic body

104: balancing pole

111: first bottom plate connecting part

112: second bottom plate connecting part

121: membrane switch

1111: first hook hole

1121: second hook hole

1021: first frame

1022: second frame

1031: butting part

1041: horizontal bar part

1042: hook part

202. 202 b: first connecting component

203. 203 b: second connecting component

204: first balance bar

205: second balance bar

206: first auxiliary balance bar

207: second auxiliary balance bar

2021: first frame

2022: second frame

2023: first base

2031: third frame

2032: fourth frame

2033: second base

2041: first cross bar part

2042: the first hook part

2051: second cross bar part

2052: second hook part

2061: third cross bar part

2062: third hook part

2071: the fourth cross bar part

2072: the fourth hook part

A1, a1 'a 2, a 2': arrow head

A. B, C, D: local area

D11, D12, D13, D14: direction of rotation

H1: first chute

H2: second chute

H3: third chute

H4: the fourth chute

H5: fifth chute

H6: sixth chute

H7: seventh chute

H8: eighth chute

L1: length of

P1: first pin joint

P2: second pivot joint

S1: first side

S2: second side

S3: third side

S4: fourth side

W1: width of

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 5 to 9, fig. 5 is an external structural schematic view of a keyboard device according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a key structure of the keyboard apparatus shown in fig. 5. Fig. 7 is an exploded view of the key structure of the keyboard apparatus shown in fig. 6. Fig. 8 is an enlarged schematic view of a partial region a shown in fig. 7. Fig. 9 is an enlarged schematic view of a partial region B shown in fig. 7. As shown in fig. 5, the keyboard device 2 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of key structures 20 and 20 ', a key base plate 21, and a thin film circuit board 22 disposed between the key structures 20 and 20' and the key base plate 21. The key structures 20' can be classified into general keys, numeric keys, function keys, etc. which are respectively used by a user to touch with fingers to enable the keyboard device 2 to generate corresponding key signals to the computer, so as to enable the computer to execute corresponding functions, for example, the general keys are used for inputting symbols such as english letters, the numeric keys are used for inputting numbers, the function keys are used for providing various shortcut functions such as F1-F12, etc., and the key structures 20 are multiple keys such as Space keys (Space) or Shift keys with larger area and longer length.

In the following description of the embodiments, the key structure 20 of the keyboard apparatus 2 will be taken as an example for illustration, and for better clarity, the following drawings only show a single key structure 20 and related component structures.

As shown in fig. 6 to 9, the key structure 20 of the present embodiment includes a key cap 201, a first connecting member 202, a second connecting member 203, a first balance bar 204, a second balance bar 205, a first auxiliary balance bar 206, and a second auxiliary balance bar 207. The key cap 201 is disposed above the thin film circuit board 22, and the key cap 201 is configured to move up and down relative to the thin film circuit board 22. The first connecting element 202 and the second connecting element 203 are disposed between the key cap 201 and the key base 21, the first connecting element 202 is disposed on one side of the key base 21, and the second connecting element 203 is disposed on the opposite side of the key base 21. Furthermore, the first connecting element 202 has a first side S1 and a second side S2 opposite to each other, the second connecting element 203 has a third side S3 and a fourth side S4 opposite to each other, and the second side S2 of the first connecting element 202 and the third side S4 of the second connecting element 203 are opposite to each other. The first balance bar 204 and the second balance bar 205 are pivotally connected to the key cap 201, the first side S1 of the first connecting element 202 and the fourth side S4 of the second connecting element 203, and the first connecting element 202 and the second connecting element 203 are located between the first balance bar 204 and the second balance bar 205. The first auxiliary balance bar 206 and the second auxiliary balance bar 207 are pivotally connected to the key cap 201, the second side S2 of the first connecting member 202 and the third side S3 of the second connecting member 203, and the first auxiliary balance bar 206 and the second auxiliary balance bar 207 are located between the first balance bar 204 and the second balance bar 205. When the key cap 201 moves up and down relative to the film circuit board 22, the key cap 201 drives the first balance bar 204, the second balance bar 205, the first auxiliary balance bar 206 and the second auxiliary balance bar 207 to swing.

It should be noted that the number of the balance bars (the first balance bar 204 and the second balance bar 205) and the number of the auxiliary balance bars (the first auxiliary balance bar 206 and the second auxiliary balance bar 207) in this embodiment are two, which is only one embodiment of the present invention, and in other embodiments, the number of the balance bars and the auxiliary balance bars may be at least one or more, for example, and the present invention does not limit the number of the balance bars and the auxiliary balance bars. In addition, the first connecting element 202 and the second connecting element 203 of the present embodiment are, for example, butterfly-type connecting elements, but the invention is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the first connecting element 202 and the second connecting element 203 are, for example, scissors-type connecting elements.

As shown in fig. 6 to 9, the first connection assembly 202 of the present embodiment includes a first frame 2021, a second frame 2022 and a first base 2023. The first frame 2021 and the second frame 2022 are connected between the key cap 201 and the first base 2023, the first base 2023 is connected to the key bottom 21, and the first frame 2021 and the second frame 2022 are pivotally connected to each other to form a first pivot joint P1, specifically, the key cap 201 and the first base 2023 respectively have a plurality of connecting structures (e.g., hooks) for connecting with the first frame 2021 and the second frame 2022. The second connection assembly 203 of the present embodiment includes a third frame 2031, a fourth frame 2032, and a second base 2033. The third frame 2031 and the fourth frame 2032 are connected between the key cap 201 and the second base 2033, the second base 2033 is connected to the key base 21, and the third frame 2031 and the fourth frame 2032 are pivoted to each other to form a second pivot joint P2, specifically, the key cap 201 and the second base 2033 respectively have a plurality of connecting structures (e.g., hooks) for connecting with the third frame 2031 and the fourth frame 2032. When the key cap 201 moves up and down relative to the film circuit board 22, the key cap 201 drives the first frame 2021 and the second frame 2022 to swing with the first pivot point P1 as a pivot point and simultaneously drives the third frame 2031 and the fourth frame 2032 to swing with the second pivot point P2 as a pivot point.

It should be noted that, in the embodiment, the first connecting component 202 and the second connecting component 203 are respectively fixed on the key base 21 by the first base 2023 and the second base 2033, that is, the first base 2023 and the second base 2033 do not swing along with the first frame 2021, the second frame 2022, the third frame 2031, and the fourth frame 2032 during the swinging process, and under such a structural design, the first base 2023 and the second base 2033 can be used as barriers between the first frame 2021, the second frame 2022, the third frame 2031, the fourth frame 2032, and the key base 21, so that the first frame 2021, the second frame 2022, the third frame 2031, and the fourth frame 2032 do not directly impact the key base 21 to generate unpleasant sound during the swinging process.

As shown in fig. 6 to 9, the first frame 2021 of the present embodiment has a first sliding groove H1 and a second sliding groove H2 opposite to each other, the second frame 2022 has a third sliding groove H3 and a fourth sliding groove H4 opposite to each other, the first sliding groove H1 and the third sliding groove H3 are located on the first side S1 of the first connecting assembly 202, and the second sliding groove H2 and the fourth sliding groove H4 are located on the second side S2 of the first connecting assembly 202. The third frame 2031 of the embodiment has a fifth chute H5 and a sixth chute H6 opposite to each other, the fourth frame 2032 has a seventh chute H7 and an eighth chute H8 opposite to each other, the fifth chute H5 and the seventh chute H7 are located on the third side S3 of the second connecting assembly 203, and the sixth chute H6 and the eighth chute H8 are located on the fourth side S4 of the second connecting assembly 203. In this embodiment, the first balance bar 204 is pivotally connected to the first sliding groove H1 of the first frame 2021 and the sixth sliding groove H6 of the third frame 2031, the second balance bar 205 is pivotally connected to the third sliding groove H3 of the second frame 2022 and the eighth sliding groove H8 of the fourth frame 2032, the first auxiliary balance bar 206 is pivotally connected to the second sliding groove H2 of the first frame 2021 and the fifth sliding groove H5 of the third frame 2031, and the second auxiliary balance bar 207 is pivotally connected to the fourth sliding groove H4 of the second frame 2022 and the seventh sliding groove H7 of the fourth frame 2032.

It should be noted that in other embodiments, if there is only one balancing bar and one auxiliary balancing bar, the balancing bar may be disposed at the sixth sliding slot H6 pivoted to the first sliding slot H1 of the first frame 2021 and the third frame 2031 or at the eighth sliding slot H8 pivoted to the third sliding slot H3 of the second frame 2022 and the fourth sliding slot H8 of the fourth frame 2032, and the auxiliary balancing bar may be disposed at the fifth sliding slot H5 pivoted to the second sliding slot H2 of the first frame 2021 and the third sliding slot H2031 or at the seventh sliding slot H7 pivoted to the fourth sliding slot H4 of the second frame 2022 and the fourth sliding slot H2032.

As shown in fig. 6 to 9, the first balance bar 204 of the present embodiment includes a first cross bar 2041 and first hook portions 2042 respectively located at two ends of the first cross bar 2041. The second balance bar 205 includes a second cross-bar portion 2051 and second hook portions 2052 respectively located at two ends of the second cross-bar portion 2051. The first auxiliary balance bar 206 includes a third cross bar portion 2061 and third hook portions 2062 at both ends of the third cross bar portion 2061. The second auxiliary balancing bar 207 includes a fourth cross bar part 2071 and fourth hook parts 2072 at both ends of the fourth cross bar part 2071. In the present embodiment, the first balance bar 204 is pivotally connected to the key cap 201 by the first cross bar 2041, and pivotally connected to the first sliding slot H1 of the first frame 2021 and the sixth sliding slot H6 of the third frame 2031 by the first hook 2042, the second balance bar 205 is pivotally connected to the key cap 201 by the second cross bar 2051, and pivotally connected to the third sliding slot H3 of the second frame 2022 and the eighth sliding slot H8 of the fourth frame 2032 by the second hook 2052, the first auxiliary balance bar 206 is pivotally connected to the key cap 201 by the third cross bar 2061, and pivotally connected to the second sliding slot H2 of the first frame 2021 and the fifth sliding slot H5 of the third frame 2031 by the third hook 2062, the second auxiliary balance bar 207 is pivotally connected to the key cap 201 by the fourth cross bar 2071, and pivotally connected to the fourth sliding slot H4 of the second frame 2022 and the seventh sliding slot H7 of the fourth frame 2032 by the fourth hook 2032.

Referring to fig. 10A to 10D, fig. 10A is a schematic diagram illustrating relative positions of the auxiliary balancing bar, the second sliding groove and the fourth sliding groove when the key cap of the key structure shown in fig. 6 is not pressed. Fig. 10B is a schematic diagram illustrating relative positions of the auxiliary balancing bar, the fifth sliding groove and the seventh sliding groove when the key cap of the key structure shown in fig. 6 is not pressed. Fig. 10C is a schematic diagram illustrating relative positions of the balancing bar, the first sliding groove and the third sliding groove when the key cap of the key structure shown in fig. 6 is not pressed. Fig. 10D is a schematic diagram illustrating relative positions of the balancing bar, the sixth sliding groove and the eighth sliding groove when the key cap of the key structure shown in fig. 6 is not pressed. When the key cap 201 moves upward relative to the film circuit board 22, that is, the key cap 201 is turned from the touched state to the non-touched state, the key cap 201 simultaneously drives the first balance bar 204, the second balance bar 205, the first auxiliary balance bar 206 and the second auxiliary balance bar 207 to swing, as shown in fig. 10A and 10B, the third hook portion 2062 of the first auxiliary balance bar 206 moves in the second sliding slot H2 of the first frame 2021 and the fifth sliding slot H5 of the third frame 2031 in a direction away from the first pivot point P1 and the second pivot point P2 (as an arrow a1), and the fourth hook portion 2072 of the second auxiliary balance bar 207 moves in the fourth sliding slot H4 of the second frame 2022 and the seventh sliding slot H7 of the fourth frame 2032 in a direction away from the first pivot point P1 and the second pivot point P2 (as an arrow a 1). As shown in fig. 10C and 10D, the first hook 2042 of the first balance bar 204 moves in the first sliding slot H1 of the first frame 2021 and in the sixth sliding slot H6 of the third frame 2031 in a direction away from the first pivot point P1 and the second pivot point P2 (as indicated by arrow a1), and the second hook 2052 of the second balance bar 205 moves in the third sliding slot H3 of the second frame 2022 and in the eighth sliding slot H8 of the fourth frame 2032 in a direction away from the first pivot point P1 and the second pivot point P2 (as indicated by arrow a 1).

Referring to fig. 11A to 11C, fig. 11A is a schematic diagram illustrating relative positions of the auxiliary balancing bar, the second sliding groove and the fourth sliding groove after the key cap of the key structure shown in fig. 6 is pressed. Fig. 11B is a schematic diagram of relative positions of the auxiliary balancing bar, the fifth sliding groove and the seventh sliding groove after the key cap of the key structure shown in fig. 6 is pressed. Fig. 11C is a schematic diagram of relative positions of the balancing bar, the first sliding groove and the third sliding groove after the key cap of the key structure shown in fig. 6 is pressed. Fig. 11D is a schematic diagram of relative positions of the balancing bar, the sixth sliding groove and the eighth sliding groove after the key cap of the key structure shown in fig. 6 is pressed. When the key 201 cap moves downward relative to the film circuit board 22, that is, the key cap 201 is in a process of being converted from an untouched state to a touched state, the key cap 201 simultaneously drives the first balance bar 204, the second balance bar 205, the first auxiliary balance bar 206 and the second auxiliary balance bar 207 to swing. As shown in fig. 11A and 11B, the third hook 2062 of the first auxiliary balance bar 206 moves in the second sliding groove H2 of the first frame 2021 and the fifth sliding groove H5 of the third frame 2031 toward the direction close to the first pivot P1 and the second pivot P2 (as indicated by arrow a2), and the fourth hook 2072 of the second auxiliary balance bar 207 moves in the fourth sliding groove H4 of the second frame 2022 and the seventh sliding groove H7 of the fourth frame 2032 toward the direction close to the first pivot P1 and the second pivot P2 (as indicated by arrow a 2). As shown in fig. 11C and 11D, the first hook 2042 of the first balance bar 204 moves in the first sliding slot H1 of the first frame 2021 and the sixth sliding slot H6 of the third frame 2031 toward the first pivot point P1 and the second pivot point P2 (as indicated by arrow a2), and the second hook 2052 of the second balance bar 205 moves in the third sliding slot H3 of the second frame 2022 and the eighth sliding slot H8 of the fourth frame 2032 toward the first pivot point P1 and the second pivot point P2 (as indicated by arrow a 2).

Referring to fig. 12 to 14, fig. 12 is an exploded view of a key structure according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 is an enlarged schematic view of a partial region C shown in fig. 12. Fig. 14 is an enlarged schematic view of a partial region D shown in fig. 12. As shown in fig. 12 to 14, the key structure 20a of the present embodiment is similar to the key structure 20 shown in fig. 5 to 7, except that the first base 2023 of the first connecting assembly 202 of the present embodiment has a first sliding groove H1, a second sliding groove H2, a third sliding groove H3 and a fourth sliding groove H4, and the second base 2033 of the second connecting assembly 203 has a fifth sliding groove H5, a sixth sliding groove H6, a seventh sliding groove H7 and an eighth sliding groove H8. The first sliding groove H1 and the third sliding groove H3 of the first base 2023 are located on the first side S1, the second sliding groove H2 and the fourth sliding groove H4 are located on the second side S2, the fifth sliding groove H5 and the seventh sliding groove H7 of the second base 2033 are located on the third side S3, and the sixth sliding groove H6 and the eighth sliding groove H8 are located on the fourth side S4. In the present embodiment, the first balance bar 204 is pivotally connected to the first sliding slot H1 of the first base 2023 and the sixth sliding slot H6 of the second base 2033 by the first hook 2042, the second balance bar 205 is pivotally connected to the third sliding slot H3 of the first base 2023 and the eighth sliding slot H8 of the second base 2033 by the second hook 2052, the first auxiliary balance bar 206 is pivotally connected to the second sliding slot H2 of the first base 2023 and the fifth sliding slot H5 of the second base 2033 by the third hook 2062, and the second auxiliary balance bar 207 is pivotally connected to the fourth sliding slot H4 of the first base 2023 and the seventh sliding slot H7 of the second base 2033 by the fourth hook 2072. In the embodiment, the first connecting element 202 and the second connecting element 203 are, for example, butterfly-type connecting elements, but the invention is not limited thereto.

It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the first connecting component 202 and the second connecting component 203 are respectively fixed on the key bottom board 21 by the first base 2023 and the second base 2033, that is, in the process of swinging the first frame 2021, the second frame 2022, the third frame 2031 and the fourth frame 2032, the first base 2023 and the second base 2033 do not swing along with the first base 2023 and the second base 2033, and under such a structural design, the balance bar and the auxiliary balance bar disposed on the first base 2023 and the second base 2033 can obtain a better supporting force.

Referring to fig. 15A to 15D, fig. 15A is a schematic diagram illustrating relative positions of the auxiliary balancing bar, the second sliding groove and the fourth sliding groove when the key cap of the key structure shown in fig. 12 is not pressed. Fig. 15B is a schematic diagram illustrating relative positions of the auxiliary balancing bar, the fifth sliding groove and the seventh sliding groove when the key cap of the key structure shown in fig. 12 is not pressed. Fig. 15C is a schematic diagram illustrating relative positions of the balancing bar, the first sliding groove and the third sliding groove when the key cap of the key structure shown in fig. 12 is not pressed. Fig. 15D is a schematic diagram illustrating relative positions of the balancing bar, the sixth sliding groove and the eighth sliding groove when the key cap of the key structure shown in fig. 12 is not pressed. When the key cap 201 of the key structure 20a moves upward relative to the film circuit board 22, that is, during the process of the key cap 201 being converted from the touched state to the non-touched state, the key cap 201 simultaneously drives the first balance bar 204, the second balance bar 205, the first auxiliary balance bar 206 and the second auxiliary balance bar 207 to swing, as shown in fig. 15A and 15B, the third hook 2062 of the first auxiliary balance bar 206 moves in the second sliding slot H2 of the first base 2023 and the fifth sliding slot H5 of the second base 2033 in a direction away from the first pivot joint P1 and the second pivot joint P2 (as an arrow a1 '), and the fourth hook 2072 of the second auxiliary balance bar 207 moves in the fourth sliding slot H4 of the first base 2023 and the seventh sliding slot H7 of the second base 2023 in a direction away from the first pivot joint P1 and the second pivot joint P2 (as an arrow a 1'). As shown in fig. 15C and 15D, the first hook 2042 of the first balance bar 204 moves in the first sliding slot H1 of the first base 2023 and in the sixth sliding slot H6 of the second base 2033 in a direction away from the first pivot point P1 and the second pivot point P2 (as indicated by arrow a1 '), and the second hook 2052 of the second balance bar 205 moves in the third sliding slot H3 of the first base 2023 and in the eighth sliding slot H8 of the second base 2033 in a direction away from the first pivot point P1 and the second pivot point P2 (as indicated by arrow a 1').

Referring to fig. 16A to 16D, fig. 16A is a schematic diagram illustrating relative positions of the auxiliary balancing bar, the second sliding groove and the fourth sliding groove after the key cap of the key structure shown in fig. 12 is pressed. Fig. 16B is a schematic diagram of relative positions of the auxiliary balancing bar, the fifth sliding groove and the seventh sliding groove after the key cap of the key structure shown in fig. 12 is pressed. Fig. 16C is a schematic diagram illustrating relative positions of the balance bar, the first sliding groove and the third sliding groove after the key cap of the key structure shown in fig. 12 is pressed. Fig. 16D is a schematic diagram of relative positions of the balancing bar, the sixth sliding groove and the eighth sliding groove after the key cap of the key structure shown in fig. 12 is pressed. When the key 201 cap of the key structure 20a moves downward relative to the film circuit board 22, that is, the key cap 201 is in a process of being converted from an untouched state to a touched state, the key cap 201 simultaneously drives the first balance bar 204, the second balance bar 205, the first auxiliary balance bar 206 and the second auxiliary balance bar 207 to swing. As shown in fig. 16A and 16B, the third hook 2062 of the first auxiliary balance bar 206 moves in the second sliding slot H2 of the first base 2023 and the fifth sliding slot H5 of the second base 2033 toward the direction close to the first pivot P1 and the second pivot P2 (as indicated by arrow a2 '), and the fourth hook 2072 of the second auxiliary balance bar 207 moves in the fourth sliding slot H4 of the first base 2023 and the seventh sliding slot H7 of the second base 2033 toward the direction close to the first pivot P1 and the second pivot P2 (as indicated by arrow a 2'). As shown in fig. 16C and 16D, the first hook 2042 of the first balance bar 204 moves in the first sliding slot H1 of the first base 2023 and the sixth sliding slot H6 of the second base 2033 toward the direction close to the first pivot point P1 and the second pivot point P2 (as indicated by arrow a2 '), and the second hook 2052 of the second balance bar 205 moves in the third sliding slot H3 of the first base 2023 and the eighth sliding slot H8 of the second base 2033 toward the direction close to the first pivot point P1 and the second pivot point P2 (as indicated by arrow a 2').

Referring to fig. 17 to 19, fig. 17 is an exploded view of a key structure according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 18 is an enlarged schematic view of a partial region E shown in fig. 17. Fig. 19 is an enlarged schematic view of a partial region F shown in fig. 17. As shown in fig. 17 to 19, the key structure 20b of the present embodiment is similar to the key structure 20a shown in fig. 12 to 14, and the difference is that the first connecting element 202b and the second connecting element 203b of the present embodiment are, for example, scissors-type connecting elements. In the present embodiment, the first base 2023 of the first connecting assembly 202b has a first sliding groove H1, a second sliding groove H2, a third sliding groove H3 and a fourth sliding groove H4, and the second base 2033 of the second connecting assembly 203b has a fifth sliding groove H5, a sixth sliding groove H6, a seventh sliding groove H7 and an eighth sliding groove H8. The first sliding groove H1 and the third sliding groove H3 of the first base 2023 are located on the first side S1, the second sliding groove H2 and the fourth sliding groove H4 are located on the second side S2, the fifth sliding groove H5 and the seventh sliding groove H7 of the second base 2033 are located on the third side S3, and the sixth sliding groove H6 and the eighth sliding groove H8 are located on the fourth side S4. In the present embodiment, the first balance bar 204 is pivotally connected to the first sliding slot H1 of the first base 2023 and the sixth sliding slot H6 of the second base 2033 by the first hook 2042, the second balance bar 205 is pivotally connected to the third sliding slot H3 of the first base 2023 and the eighth sliding slot H8 of the second base 2033 by the second hook 2052, the first auxiliary balance bar 206 is pivotally connected to the second sliding slot H2 of the first base 2023 and the fifth sliding slot H5 of the second base 2033 by the third hook 2062, and the second auxiliary balance bar 207 is pivotally connected to the fourth sliding slot H4 of the first base 2023 and the seventh sliding slot H7 of the second base 2033 by the fourth hook 2072.

When the key cap 201 of the key structure 20b moves upward relative to the film circuit board 22, that is, in the process of changing the key cap 201 from the pressed state to the non-pressed state, the key cap 201 simultaneously drives the first balance bar 204, the second balance bar 205, the first auxiliary balance bar 206 and the second auxiliary balance bar 207 to swing, which is similar to the operation manner shown in fig. 15A to 15D. When the key 201 cap of the key structure 20b descends and moves relative to the film circuit board 22, that is, in the process of changing the key cap 201 from the non-touched state to the touched state, the key cap 201 simultaneously drives the first balance bar 204, the second balance bar 205, the first auxiliary balance bar 206 and the second auxiliary balance bar 207 to swing, which is similar to the operation manner shown in fig. 16A to 16D.

It should be noted that the key structure of the keyboard apparatus in the above-mentioned embodiment (as shown in fig. 5 to fig. 19) can be applied to not only Space keys (Space) or Shift keys (Shift) with large area and long length but also general keys for inputting symbols such as english letters, numeric keys for inputting numbers, or function keys for providing various shortcut functions, etc., and the invention is not limited to be applied to specific keys of the keyboard.

In summary, in the keyboard apparatus of the embodiment of the invention, the balance bar and the auxiliary balance bar of the key structure are both connected between the key cap and the connecting assembly, so that the situation that the balance bar and the auxiliary balance bar impact or strike the key bottom plate is reduced, and the sound generated during the action of the key structure can be reduced to achieve the effect of reducing noise, so as to improve the comfort of the user operating the keyboard apparatus.

However, the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention should not be limited thereby, and all the simple equivalent changes and modifications made by the claims and the description of the present invention are still within the scope of the present invention. Moreover, not all objects or advantages or features disclosed herein are necessarily achieved by any one embodiment or claim of the invention. In addition, the abstract section and the title are provided for assisting the search of patent documents and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and the like in the description or in the claims are used only for naming elements (elements) or distinguishing different embodiments or ranges, and are not used for limiting the upper limit or the lower limit on the number of elements.

Claims

1. A keyboard apparatus, comprising:

a thin film circuit board;

a key bottom board configured below the film circuit board; and

a key structure, comprising:

the keycap is configured above the thin film circuit board and is used for lifting and moving relative to the thin film circuit board;

the first connecting assembly is arranged between the keycap and the key bottom plate and is provided with a first side and a second side which are opposite to each other;

a second connecting element disposed between the keycap and the key bottom plate, the second connecting element having a third side and a fourth side opposite to each other, wherein the third side and the second side are opposite to each other;

at least one balance rod, which is pivoted to the keycap, the first side of the first connecting component and the fourth side of the second connecting component; and

at least one auxiliary balancing rod pivoted to the keycap, the second side of the first connecting assembly and the third side of the second connecting assembly;

when the keycap moves up and down relative to the thin-film circuit board, the keycap drives the at least one balance rod and the at least one auxiliary balance rod to swing.

2. The keyboard device of claim 1, wherein the first connecting element comprises a first frame, a second frame and a first base, the second connecting assembly comprises a third frame, a fourth frame and a second base, the first frame and the second frame are connected between the keycap and the first base, the first base is connected with the key bottom plate, and the first frame and the second frame are pivoted with each other and provided with a first pivoting position, the third frame and the fourth frame are connected between the keycap and the second base, the second base is connected with the key bottom plate, and the third frame and the fourth frame are pivoted with each other and have a second pivot joint, when the keycap moves up and down relative to the film circuit board, the keycap drives the first frame and the second frame to swing by taking the first pin joint as a fulcrum and drives the third frame and the fourth frame to swing by taking the second pin joint as a fulcrum.

3. The keyboard apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first frame has a first sliding slot and a second sliding slot opposite to each other, the second frame has a third sliding slot and a fourth sliding slot opposite to each other, the third frame has a fifth sliding slot and a sixth sliding slot opposite to each other, the fourth frame has a seventh sliding slot and an eighth sliding slot opposite to each other, the first sliding slot and the third sliding slot are located on the first side, the second sliding groove and the fourth sliding groove are located on the second side, the fifth sliding groove and the seventh sliding groove are located on the third side, the sixth sliding chute and the eighth sliding chute are positioned at the fourth side, the at least one balancing rod is pivoted with the first sliding chute and the sixth sliding chute or pivoted with the third sliding chute and the eighth sliding chute, the at least one auxiliary balancing rod is pivoted to the second sliding groove and the fifth sliding groove or pivoted to the fourth sliding groove and the seventh sliding groove.

4. The keyboard apparatus of claim 3, wherein the at least one balance bar is plural in number, the plurality of balance bars includes a first balance bar and a second balance bar, the at least one auxiliary balance bar is plural in number, the plurality of auxiliary balance bars includes a first auxiliary balance bar and a second auxiliary balance bar, the first balance bar is pivotally connected to the first runner and the sixth runner, the second balance bar is pivotally connected to the third runner and the eighth runner, the first auxiliary balance bar is pivotally connected to the second runner and the fifth runner, and the second auxiliary balance bar is pivotally connected to the fourth runner and the seventh runner.

5. The keyboard apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first balance bar comprises a first cross bar portion and a first hook portion respectively disposed at two ends of the first cross bar portion, the second balance bar comprises a second cross bar part and second hook parts respectively positioned at two ends of the second cross bar part, the first auxiliary balancing pole comprises a third cross pole part and a third hook part respectively positioned at the two ends of the third cross pole part, the second auxiliary balancing pole comprises a fourth cross bar part and a fourth hook part respectively positioned at the two ends of the fourth cross bar part, the first balance bar is pivoted with the first sliding chute and the six sliding chutes by the first hook part, the second balance bar is pivoted with the third sliding chute and the eighth sliding chute by the second hook part, the first auxiliary balancing rod is pivoted to the second sliding groove and the fifth sliding groove through the third hook part, and the second auxiliary balancing rod is pivoted to the fourth sliding groove and the seventh sliding groove through the fourth hook part.

6. The keyboard apparatus of claim 5, wherein when the key cap moves upward relative to the thin film circuit board, the key cap simultaneously drives the first balance bar, the second balance bar, the first auxiliary balance bar and the second auxiliary balance bar to swing such that the first hook moves in the first sliding slot and the sixth sliding slot in a direction away from the first pivot joint and the second pivot joint, the second hook moves in the third sliding slot and the eighth sliding slot in a direction away from the first pivot joint and the second pivot joint, the third hook moves in the second sliding slot and the fifth sliding slot in a direction away from the first pivot joint and the second pivot joint, and the fourth hook moves in the fourth sliding slot and the seventh sliding slot in a direction away from the first pivot joint and the second pivot joint.

7. The keyboard apparatus of claim 5, wherein when the key cap moves downward relative to the thin film circuit board, the key cap simultaneously drives the first balance bar, the second balance bar, the first auxiliary balance bar and the second auxiliary balance bar to swing such that the first hook moves in the first sliding slot and the sixth sliding slot in a direction close to the first pivot joint and the second pivot joint, the second hook moves in the third sliding slot and the eighth sliding slot in a direction close to the first pivot joint and the second pivot joint, the third hook moves in the second sliding slot and the fifth sliding slot in a direction close to the first pivot joint and the second pivot joint, and the fourth hook moves in the fourth sliding slot and the seventh sliding slot in a direction close to the first pivot joint and the second pivot joint.

8. The keyboard apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first base has a first sliding slot, a second sliding slot, a third sliding slot and a fourth sliding slot, the second base has a fifth sliding slot, a sixth sliding slot, a seventh sliding slot and an eighth sliding slot, the first sliding slot and the third sliding slot are located on the first side, the second sliding slot and the fourth sliding slot are located on the second side, the fifth sliding slot and the seventh sliding slot are located on the third side, the sixth sliding slot and the eighth sliding slot are located on the fourth side, the at least one balance bar is pivotally connected to the first sliding slot and the sixth sliding slot or pivotally connected to the third sliding slot and the eighth sliding slot, and the at least one auxiliary balance bar is pivotally connected to the second sliding slot and the fifth sliding slot or pivotally connected to the fourth sliding slot and the seventh sliding slot.

9. The keyboard apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one balance bar is plural in number, the plurality of balance bars includes a first balance bar and a second balance bar, the at least one auxiliary balance bar is plural in number, the plurality of auxiliary balance bars includes a first auxiliary balance bar and a second auxiliary balance bar, the first balance bar is pivotally connected to the first runner and the sixth runner, the second balance bar is pivotally connected to the third runner and the eighth runner, the first auxiliary balance bar is pivotally connected to the second runner and the fifth runner, and the second auxiliary balance bar is pivotally connected to the fourth runner and the seventh runner.

10. The keyboard apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first connecting element and the second connecting element are a butterfly connecting element or a scissors connecting element.