TWM671978U - Keyboard device and key module - Google Patents

Abstract

A keyboard device includes a key module, which includes a substrate, a key cap and a balancing assembly. The key cap has an inner surface, which faces the substrate and has a first side and a second side. The first movable plate of the balancing assembly includes a first axis plate and a plurality of first extension plates, the first axis plate is rotatably assembled to the inner surface and arranged along the first side, and each first extension plate has a first extension side and a first pivot. The second movable plate of the balancing assembly includes a second axis plate and a plurality of second extension plates, the second axis plate is rotatably assembled to the inner surface and arranged along the second side, and each second extension plate has a second extension side and a second pivot. There is a first distance between the first axis plate and the second axis plate, and there is a second distance between the first extension side and the second extension side, and the second distance is smaller than the first distance.

Description

Keyboard devices and key modules

This invention relates to an input device, and more particularly to a keyboard device and a key module.

Keyboards have become an indispensable and common input device in today's life. For example, computer products that we often come into contact with in daily life (such as laptops, desktop computers or tablet computers) or large-scale control equipment or processing equipment in industry often use keyboards for operation or text input.

For larger or longer keys (such as blank keys) on the keyboard, users usually cannot accurately press the center of the key every time during operation. When users press the sides or corners of the keys, the force on the keys is easily unevenly distributed, resulting in the keys not being able to descend smoothly or evenly, affecting the generation of signals, thereby causing user operational distress and poor operating feel.

In view of the above, in one embodiment, a key module is provided, including a substrate, a key cap, and a balance assembly. The key cap is located on the substrate, and the key cap has an inner surface, the inner surface faces the substrate and has a first side edge and a second side edge that are opposite to each other. The balance assembly includes a first movable plate and a second movable plate, the first movable plate includes a first shaft plate and a plurality of first extension plates, the first shaft plate is rotatably assembled to the inner surface and is disposed along the first side edge, the plurality of first extension plates extend from one side of the first shaft plate, and each first extension plate has a first extension side and a first pivot portion, the first extension side is rotatably assembled to the substrate, and the first pivot portion is located between the first extension side and the first shaft plate. The second movable plate includes a second shaft plate and a plurality of second extension plates, the second shaft plate is rotatably assembled to the inner surface and arranged along the second side, the plurality of second extension plates extend from one side of the second shaft plate, and each second extension plate has a second extension side and a second pivot portion, the second extension side is rotatably assembled to the base plate, the second pivot portion is between the second extension side and the second shaft plate, and the second pivot portion is pivoted to the first pivot portion. There is a first spacing between the first shaft plate and the second shaft plate, there is a second spacing between the first extension side of each first extension plate and the second extension side of each second extension plate, and the second spacing is smaller than the first spacing.

In another embodiment, a keyboard device is provided, including the key module mentioned above.

In summary, according to the key module of the present invention, the first axis plate of the first movable plate is arranged along the first side edge of the key cap and the second axis plate of the second movable plate is arranged along the second side edge of the key cap, so that when any part of the key cap (such as the corner or edge of the key cap) is pressed, the pressing force can be transmitted to other parts of the key cap through the first movable plate and the second movable plate, so that the key cap is evenly lowered to provide a good operating feel. In addition, the present invention makes the distance between the first shaft plate and the second shaft plate greater than the distance between the first extension side and the second extension side, so that the first shaft plate and the second shaft plate can be as close to the first side and the second side of the key cap as possible, thereby eliminating the need for additional balance rod components, thereby achieving the advantages of saving costs and simplifying the assembly process.

It should be noted that in the description of each embodiment, the so-called "first" and "second" are used to describe different elements, and these elements are not limited by such terms. In addition, for the convenience and clarity of the description, the thickness or size of each element in the drawings is exaggerated, omitted or roughly represented for the understanding and reading of people familiar with this technology, and the size of each element is not completely its actual size, and is not used to limit the limiting conditions for the implementation of this creation, so it has no technical substantive significance. Any structural modification, change in proportion or adjustment of size should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed by this creation without affecting the effect and purpose that can be achieved by this creation. The same reference numerals will be used to represent the same or similar elements in all drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the creative keyboard device, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the first embodiment of the creative key module, and FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the first embodiment of the creative key module. As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the keyboard device 1 includes a key module 2, and the key module 2 includes a substrate 30, a key cap 40, and a balance component B. The keyboard device 1 can be an input device of various electronic products (such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or other electronic devices), and the keyboard device 1 can include a plurality of keys. For example, the plurality of keys can include a plurality of letter keys, a plurality of numeric keys, a space key, an input key, and a caps lock key.

As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 , the substrate 30 may be a hard plate made of metal (such as aluminum, steel, alloy, etc.) or plastic material. In this embodiment, a circuit board 35 is stacked on the substrate 30, wherein the circuit board 35 may be a general circuit board (Printed Circuit Board, PCB), a membrane circuit board (Membrane Circuit Board), a flexible circuit board (Flexible Print Circuit Board, FPCB) or a rigid-flex composite circuit board (Rigid-Flex PCB), etc.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the number of keycaps 40 may be one or more, and the keycaps 40 are located on the substrate 30 and the circuit board 35. The keycaps 40 can be pressed by the user to input text, symbols or instructions. For example, a reset member 36 may be provided between the keycap 40 and the circuit board 35. For example, the reset member 36 may be an elastic body such as a rubber dome, a metal dome, a plastic dome, a spring or a spring sheet, and the reset member 36 may be located in the center of the circuit board 35. Thus, when the user presses the keycap 40 to move toward the substrate 30, the keycap 40 may compress the reset member 36 to accumulate elastic force and trigger the circuit board 35 to generate a signal. When the user releases the key cap 40, the elastic force stored in the reset member 36 can drive the key cap 40 to move away from the substrate 30 and return to the unpressed position.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the keycap 40 may be a multiple key with a relatively larger aspect ratio among the multiple keys, for example, the multiple key may be a space key, an enter key, or a caps lock key, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the keycap 40 may also be a key with a larger area in the keyboard device 1 .

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the key cap 40 of the present embodiment is a space key as an example, and the key cap 40 has an inner surface 41, and the inner surface 41 faces the substrate 30 and has a first side 411, a second side 412, a first short side 413, and a second short side 414 connected to each other. In the present embodiment, the key cap 40 is rectangular, the first side 411 and the second side 412 are the long sides of the key cap 40, the length of the first side 411 is the same as the length of the second side 412 and is parallel to each other, the length of the first side 411 is greater than the length of the first short side 413 and the length of the second short side 414, and the first short side 413 and the second short side 414 are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first side 411.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 , the number of the balancing components B may correspond to the number of the keycaps 40. The balancing components B are located between the keycaps 40 and the base plate 30. The balancing components B include a first movable plate 50 and a second movable plate 60. The first movable plate 50 includes a first shaft plate 51 and a plurality of first extension plates 55. The first shaft plate 51 is rotatably assembled to the inner surface 41 of the keycap 40 and is disposed along the first side edge 411. The plurality of first extension plates 55 extend from one side of the first shaft plate 51 and are spaced apart from each other. Each first extension plate 55 has a first extension side 551, and the first extension side 551 is rotatably assembled to the base plate 30. Preferably, the plurality of first extension plates 55 extend respectively from a side of the first shaft plate 51 not assembled to the key cap 40 , and the first extension side 551 is located at a side of the first extension plate 55 not connected to the first shaft plate 51 .

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 , in this embodiment, the first axis plate 51 of the first movable plate 50 and the plurality of first extension plates 55 are integrally formed structures, and each first extension plate 55 extends in a direction away from the side of the first axis plate 51 connected to the key cap 40. Here, each first extension plate 55 extends in a direction perpendicular to the first axis plate 51, and there are four first extension plates 55, two of which are located at two opposite ends of the first axis plate 51, and the other two first extension plates 55 are adjacent to the center of the first axis plate 51.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the first embodiment of the creative key module, and FIG. 5 is a side view of the first embodiment of the creative key module. As shown in FIG. 2 to FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, the substrate 30 has a plurality of assembly seats 32 spaced apart from each other, wherein each assembly seat 32 may be a hook that is bent upward and extended from the substrate 30 as a whole (for example, the shape of the hook may be L-shaped, U-shaped or T-shaped). Each first extension plate 55 of the first movable plate 50 may have at least one first assembly member 553 (as shown in FIG. 5), wherein the first assembly member 553 is a shaft and is located at the first extension side 551 of each first extension plate 55, and the first assembly member 553 of each first extension plate 55 may be respectively assembled on the assembly seat 32 of the substrate 30, and the first assembly member 553 may be able to rotate relative to the assembly seat 32 of the substrate 30. The inner surface 41 of the key cap 40 has a plurality of connecting seats 42, wherein the connecting seats 42 may be hinge seats or hooks (for example, the shape of the hooks may be L-shaped, U-shaped or T-shaped), some of the connecting seats 42 (six connecting seats 42 in this case) are arranged along the first side 411 of the inner surface 41, and other connecting seats 42 (five connecting seats 42 in this case) are arranged along the second side 412 of the inner surface 41, and the first axis plate 51 of the first movable plate 50 has a plurality of first connecting members 513, wherein each first connecting member 513 is a shaft, and the plurality of first connecting members 513 are respectively assembled on the plurality of connecting seats 42 on the first side 411, so that the first connecting members 513 can rotate relative to the connecting seats 42 of the key cap 40. Thereby, when the key cap 40 is pressed by the user and moves toward the base plate 30 , the first movable plate 50 can rotate relative to the base plate 30 and the key cap 40 .

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 , the second movable plate 60 of the balancing assembly B includes a second shaft plate 61 and a plurality of second extension plates 65. The second shaft plate 61 is rotatably assembled to the inner surface 41 of the key cap 40 and is disposed along the second side edge 412. The plurality of second extension plates 65 extend from one side of the second shaft plate 61 and are disposed at intervals from each other. Each second extension plate 65 has a second extension side 651, and the second extension side 651 is rotatably assembled to the base plate 30. Preferably, the plurality of second extension plates 65 extend from one side of the second shaft plate 61 that is not assembled to the key cap 40, and the second extension side 651 is located at one side of the second extension plate 65 that is not connected to the second shaft plate 61. It should be noted that different second extension plates 65 may have different structures, but one end of the second extension plate 65 extends from the second shaft plate 61 and the other end is rotatably assembled to the base plate 30 .

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 , in this embodiment, the second shaft plate 61 of the second movable plate 60 and the plurality of second extension plates 65 are integrally formed structures, and each second extension plate 65 extends in a direction away from the side of the second shaft plate 61 connected to the key cap 40. Here, each second extension plate 65 extends in a direction perpendicular to the second shaft plate 61, and there are two second extension plates 65, and each second extension plate 65 is between two first extension plates 55. The second extension side 651 of each second extension plate 65 of the second movable plate 60 has at least one second assembly component 653, and the second assembly component 653 is located on the second extension side 651 of each second extension plate 65. The second assembly component 653 of each second extension plate 65 and the first assembly component 553 of each first extension plate 55 can be the same shaft, and the extension direction of the shaft can be parallel to the first shaft plate 51 and the second shaft plate 61. The second assembly component 653 of each second extension plate 65 can be respectively assembled on the assembly seat 32 of the base plate 30, so that the second assembly component 653 can rotate relative to the assembly seat 32 of the base plate 30. The second shaft plate 61 of the second movable plate 60 has a plurality of second connecting members 613, each of which is a shaft, and the plurality of second connecting members 613 are respectively assembled on a plurality of connecting seats 42 of the second side 412 of the key cap 40, so that the second connecting members 613 can rotate relative to the connecting seats 42 of the key cap 40. Thus, when the key cap 40 is pressed by the user and moves toward the base plate 30, the second movable plate 60 can also rotate relative to the base plate 30 and the key cap 40.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 , each first extension plate 55 of the first movable plate 50 has at least one first pivot portion 552, and the first pivot portion 552 is located between the first extension side 551 and the first shaft plate 51. Each second extension plate 65 of the second movable plate 60 has at least one second pivot portion 652 located between the second extension side 651 and the second shaft plate 61, wherein one of the first pivot portion 552 and the second pivot portion 652 may be a shaft rod, and the other may be a shaft hole (e.g., a teardrop-shaped shaft hole), and the first pivot portion 552 and the second pivot portion 652 are pivotally connected to each other, so that the first movable plate 50 and the second movable plate 60 are cross-connected to each other and can rotate relative to each other with the first pivot portion 552 and the second pivot portion 652 as the axis. 5 and 6 , preferably, the shortest distance L1 from the center of the first pivot portion 552 of each first extension plate 55 of the first movable plate 50 to the first extension side 551 may be shorter than the shortest distance L2 from the center of the first pivot portion 552 to the side of the first shaft plate 51 connected to the key cap 40. The shortest distance L3 from the center of the second pivot portion 652 of each second extension plate 65 of the second movable plate 60 to the second extension side 651 may be shorter than the shortest distance L4 from the center of the second pivot portion 652 to the side of the second shaft plate 61 connected to the key cap 40.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 , there is a first spacing D1 between the first axis plate 51 of the first movable plate 50 and the second axis plate 61 of the second movable plate 60 , and there is a second spacing D2 between the first extension sides 551 of each first extension plate 55 of the first movable plate 50 and the second extension sides 651 of each second extension plate 65 of the second movable plate 60 . In the present embodiment, the keyboard device 1 has a first horizontal direction F and a second horizontal direction S, wherein the first horizontal direction F is parallel to the first side 411 of the key cap 40 or the substrate 30, and the second horizontal direction S is perpendicular to the first horizontal direction F and parallel to the first short side 413 of the key cap 40 or the substrate 30. As shown in FIG. 5 , the first spacing D1 may be the shortest distance between the side of the first axis 51 connected to the key cap 40 and the side of the second axis 61 connected to the key cap 40, or the first spacing D1 may also be the distance between the first axis 51 and the second axis 61 in the second horizontal direction S. The second distance D2 may be the shortest distance between the first extension side 551 of each first extension plate 55 of the first movable plate 50 and the second extension side 651 of each second extension plate 65 of the second movable plate 60, or the second distance D2 may be the distance between the first extension side 551 and the second extension side 651 in the second horizontal direction S, and the second distance D2 is smaller than the first distance D1, so that the balancing assembly B as a whole is wide at the top and narrow at the bottom.

In addition, as shown in Figures 5 to 7, it should be noted that when the key cap 40 is pressed by the user and moves toward the substrate 30, causing the first movable plate 50 and the second movable plate 60 to rotate relative to the substrate 30 and the key cap 40, during the movement of the first movable plate 50 and the second movable plate 60, the above-mentioned first distance D1 or second distance D2 will change, but the first distance D1 is still maintained to be greater than the second distance D2.

In summary, the present invention has a first movable plate 50 with a first axis plate 51 disposed along a first side edge 411 of the key cap 40 and a second axis plate 61 disposed along a second side edge 412 of the key cap 40, so that when any part of the key cap 40 (such as a corner or edge of the key cap 40) is pressed, the pressing force can be transmitted to other parts of the key cap 40 through the first movable plate 50 and the second movable plate 60, so that the key cap 40 is evenly lowered to provide a good operating feel. In addition, as shown in FIG. 5 , the present invention makes the first distance D1 between the first shaft plate 51 and the second shaft plate 61 greater than the second distance D2 between the first extension side 551 and the second extension side 651, so that the first shaft plate 51 and the second shaft plate 61 can be as close as possible to the first side edge 411 and the second side edge 412 of the key cap 40, thereby eliminating the need to additionally provide other balance rod components, thereby achieving the advantages of saving costs and simplifying the assembly process.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 , two first connecting members 513 of the first axis plate 51 of the first movable plate 50 may be respectively adjacent to two opposite ends of the first side edge 411 of the keycap 40, so that the two first connecting members 513 are as close as possible to the corners of the keycap 40. Two second connecting members 613 of the second axis plate 61 of the second movable plate 60 may be respectively adjacent to two opposite ends of the second side edge 412 of the keycap 40, so that the two second connecting members 613 are as close as possible to the corners of the keycap 40. In this way, when one corner of the keycap 40 is pressed by the user, the pressing force can be immediately transmitted to the other corners, so that the keycap 40 is lowered uniformly as a whole.

In some embodiments, the length of each first extension plate 55 of the first movable plate 50 in the first horizontal direction F may be different from the length of each second extension plate 65 of the second movable plate 60 in the first horizontal direction F. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 , in this embodiment, the length of each second extension plate 65 in the first horizontal direction F is greater than the length of each first extension plate 55 in the first horizontal direction F. Preferably, when the second movable plate 60 includes two second extension plates 65, the length of each second extension plate 65 of the second movable plate 60 in the first horizontal direction F may be between 1/3 and 1/2 of the length of the key cap 40, so that the second movable plate 60 has better structural strength and can improve the efficiency of the balancing assembly B in transmitting force.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 , the first movable plate 50 may include at least one first reinforcing plate 52. In this embodiment, there are two first reinforcing plates 52. Each first reinforcing plate 52 is parallel to the first axis plate 51 and perpendicular to each first extension plate 55. Each first reinforcing plate 52 is connected between the first extension sides 551 of two of the first extension plates 55, so that the first movable plate 50 has better structural strength and can improve the efficiency of the balancing component B in transmitting force. In addition, in this embodiment, at least a portion of each first reinforcing plate 52 overlaps with the adjacent second extension plate 65 in a vertical direction V, and the vertical direction V is perpendicular to the base plate 30, the first horizontal direction F, and the second horizontal direction S.

FIG6 is a cross-sectional view along line 6-6 of FIG4, FIG7 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the creative key module when pressed, FIG8 is a cross-sectional view along line 8-8 of FIG4, and FIG9 is another cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the creative key module when pressed. As shown in FIG3 to FIG9, each first reinforcement plate 52 of the first movable plate 50 includes two connecting plates 521 and a U-shaped plate 525, and the U-shaped plate 525 is connected between the two connecting plates 521. Each second extension plate 65 adjacent to the second movable plate 60 and each first reinforcement plate 52 has a groove 654. In this embodiment, the groove 654 is a hollow groove and corresponds to the U-shaped plate 525 of the first reinforcement plate 52. 6 and 7 , when the key cap 40 is pressed by the user and moves toward the base plate 30 to a pressed position (as shown in FIG. 7 ), the U-shaped plates 525 of each first reinforcing plate 52 of the first movable plate 50 can be located in the groove 654 of each second extension plate 65 of the second movable plate 60, so that the overall balance component B can be nearly flat after being pressed, and the thickness of the keyboard device 1 can be further reduced.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 9 , the U-shaped plate 525 of each first reinforcing plate 52 of the first movable plate 50 has a recess 526, and a local area of the circuit board 35 on the substrate 30 may correspond to the recess 526. The substrate 30 has a plurality of through holes 31, and the two connecting plates 521 of each first reinforcing plate 52 of the first movable plate 50 correspond to the plurality of through holes 31, respectively. Thus, please refer to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 . When the key cap 40 is pressed by the user and moves toward the substrate 30 to a pressed position (as shown in FIG. 9 ), a local area of the circuit board 35 can be located in the recess 526 of the U-shaped plate 525 of each first reinforcement plate 52, and each connecting plate 521 of each first reinforcement plate 52 can be sunk into the through hole 31 of the substrate 30. Such a design can not only expand the use area of the circuit board 35 and provide more space for wiring arrangement, but also the wiring on the circuit board 35 does not need to bypass the balance component B to improve the convenience of wiring arrangement, and can also reduce the overall thickness of the keyboard device 1 and make it thinner.

As shown in FIG. 2 , FIG. 3 , FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 , the longer the length of the recess 526 of each first reinforcing plate 52 is, the larger the usable area of the circuit board 35 can be. Preferably, when the second movable plate 60 includes two second extension plates 65 , the length of the recess 526 of each first reinforcing plate 52 can be between 1/3 and 1/2 of the length of the key cap 40 , so that the usable area of the circuit board 35 can be increased as much as possible to provide more space for wiring layout.

Please refer to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 . In this embodiment, when the key cap 40 is not pressed by the user (as shown in FIG. 8 ), a local area of the circuit board 35 is already located in the recess 526 of the U-shaped plate 525 of each first reinforcement plate 52, and each connecting plate 521 of each first reinforcement plate 52 is already located in the through hole 31 of the substrate 30, so that the overall thickness of the keyboard device 1 can be further reduced.

As shown in FIG3, FIG8 and FIG9, the thickness of each connecting plate 521 of each first reinforcing plate 52 of the first movable plate 50 can be less than the thickness of the first extension plate 55, so that each connecting plate 521, the U-shaped plate 525 and the adjacent first extension plate 55 form a receiving groove 522. As shown in FIG9, when the key cap 40 is pressed by the user and moves toward the base plate 30 to the pressed position, a partial area of each second extension plate 65 of the second movable plate 60 can be located in the receiving groove 522, and each connecting plate 521 constituting the first reinforcing plate 52 and each second extension plate 65 of the second movable plate 60 overlap each other in the vertical direction V, so that the balance assembly B as a whole can be closer to a flat shape after being pressed, so that the overall thickness of the keyboard device 1 can be further reduced.

FIG10 is an exploded three-dimensional diagram of the second embodiment of the creative key module, FIG11 is a top view of the second embodiment of the creative key module, and FIG12 is a cross-sectional view along line segment 12-12 of FIG11. As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 , the difference between the present embodiment and the above-mentioned first embodiment is at least that the first axial plate 51 of the first movable plate 50 of the present embodiment further has a first axial groove 511 and two first side grooves 512, the two first side grooves 512 are connected to two opposite ends of the first axial groove 511, a first reinforcing rod 53 is assembled in the first axial groove 511 and the two first side grooves 512, the first reinforcing rod 53 includes a first axial rod 531 and two first side rods 532, the first axial rod 531 is assembled in the first axial groove 511, and the two first side rods 532 are respectively assembled in the two first side grooves 512. The second axis plate 61 of the second movable plate 60 further has a second axial groove 611 and two second side grooves 612. The two second side grooves 612 are connected to the opposite ends of the second axial groove 611. A second reinforcing rod 63 is assembled in the second axial groove 611 and the two second side grooves 612. The second reinforcing rod 63 includes a second axial rod 631 and two second side rods 632. The second axial rod 631 is assembled in the second axial groove 611, and the two second side rods 632 are respectively assembled in the two second side grooves 612. Thereby, the first reinforcing rod 53 and the second reinforcing rod 63 can further increase the structural strength of the first movable plate 50 and the second movable plate 60, thereby improving the efficiency of the balancing assembly B in transmitting force.

In some embodiments, each first side rod 532 of the first reinforcement rod 53 and each second side rod 632 of the second reinforcement rod 63 may be a straight rod or a curved rod (eg, an L-shaped, U-shaped, V-shaped or other irregularly shaped curved rod). For example, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 , in this embodiment, the first axial rod 531 of the first reinforcing rod 53 and the second axial rod 631 of the second reinforcing rod 63 are parallel to each other, each first side rod 532 of the first reinforcing rod 53 is an L-shaped rod and is integrally bent from the end of the first axial rod 531, and each second side rod 632 of the second reinforcing rod 63 is an L-shaped rod and is integrally bent from the end of the second axial rod 631.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 , the first shaft plate 51 of the first movable plate 50 is further rotatably assembled to the inner surface 41 of the key cap 40 by means of a first reinforcing rod 53. In this embodiment, the first connecting members 513 at both ends of the first shaft plate 51 are rotatably assembled to two of the connecting seats 42 of the key cap 40, and the first shaft plate 51 is rotatably assembled to the other connecting seats 42 of the key cap 40 by means of the first reinforcing rod 53, so as to enhance the connection strength between the first movable plate 50 and the key cap 40.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 , in the first embodiment, the first pivoting portion 552 of each first extension plate 55 is a teardrop-shaped shaft hole, and the second pivoting portion 652 of each second extension plate 65 is a shaft rod and is located on both sides of each second extension plate 65. As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 , another difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that in the second embodiment, the first pivoting portion 552 of each first extension plate 55 is a U-shaped shaft hole, and the second pivoting portion 652 of each second extension plate 65 is a shaft rod and protrudes from one side of each second extension plate 65.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the third embodiment of the creative key module, FIG. 14 is a top view of the third embodiment of the creative key module, and FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view along line 15-15 of FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 13 to FIG. 15, the difference between the present embodiment and the second embodiment described above is at least that the two first side grooves 512 of the first movable plate 50 of the present embodiment further extend to the two first extension plates 55 near the two ends of the first shaft plate 51, so that the first side rod 532 of the first reinforcing rod 53 assembled in the first side groove 512 can simultaneously reinforce the first extension plate 55, thereby further improving the structural strength of the first movable plate 50. The two second side grooves 612 of the second movable panel 60 also extend to the two second extension plates 65 respectively, so that the second side rods 632 of the second reinforcing rods 63 assembled in the second side grooves 612 can reinforce the second extension plates 65 at the same time, thereby improving the structural strength of the second movable panel 60. In addition, in this embodiment, each first side rod 532 of the first reinforcement rod 53 is a straight rod and is integrally bent from the end of the first axial rod 531, and each first side rod 532 extends to the corresponding first extension plate 55, and each second side rod 632 of the second reinforcement rod 63 is a straight rod and is integrally bent from the end of the second axial rod 631, and each second side rod 632 extends to the corresponding second extension plate 65.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 , another difference between this embodiment and the second embodiment described above is that, in addition to the first shaft plate 51 being rotatably assembled to the inner surface 41 of the key cap 40 by the first reinforcing rod 53, the second shaft plate 61 of the second movable plate 60 of this embodiment is also rotatably assembled to the inner surface 41 of the key cap 40 by the second reinforcing rod 63. For example, in this embodiment, the second connecting members 613 at both ends of the second shaft plate 61 are rotatably assembled to two of the connecting seats 42 of the key cap 40, and the second shaft plate 61 is rotatably assembled to the other connecting seats 42 of the key cap 40 by the second reinforcing rod 63, so as to enhance the connection strength between the second movable plate 60 and the key cap 40.

Figure 16 is an exploded three-dimensional diagram of the fourth embodiment of the creative key module of the present invention, Figure 17 is a partially exploded three-dimensional diagram of the fourth embodiment of the creative key module of the present invention, Figure 18 is a top view of the fourth embodiment of the creative key module of the present invention, Figure 19 is a side view of the fourth embodiment of the creative key module of the present invention, Figure 20 is a sectional view along the line segment 20-20 of Figure 18, Figure 21 is a pressed sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the creative key module of the present invention, Figure 22 is a sectional view along the line segment 22-22 of Figure 18, and Figure 23 is another pressed sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the creative key module of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 16 to 23 , the key module 2a of the present embodiment also includes a base plate 30, a key cap 40 and a balance assembly B. The first movable plate 50 of the balance assembly B includes a first axis plate 51 and a plurality of first extension plates 55. The first axis plate 51 is rotatably assembled to the inner surface 41 of the key cap 40 and disposed along the first side 411. The plurality of first extension plates 55 extend from one side of the first axis plate 51 and are spaced apart from each other. Each first extension plate 55 has a first extension side 551, and the first extension side 551 is rotatably assembled to the base plate 30. The second movable plate 60 of the balancing assembly B includes a second shaft plate 61 and a plurality of second extension plates 65. The second shaft plate 61 is rotatably assembled to the inner surface 41 and is disposed along the second side edge 412. The plurality of second extension plates 65 extend from one side of the second shaft plate 61 and are disposed at intervals from each other. Each second extension plate 65 has a second extension side 651, and the second extension side 651 is rotatably assembled to the base plate 30. In addition, a first spacing D1 between the first shaft plate 51 and the second shaft plate 61 is greater than a second spacing D2 between the first extension side 551 and the second extension side 651 (as shown in FIG. 19 ). Thus, when any part of the key cap 40 of the present invention (for example, a corner or an edge of the key cap 40) is pressed, the pressing force can be transmitted to other parts of the key cap 40 via the first movable plate 50 and the second movable plate 60, so that the key cap 40 is evenly lowered to provide a good operating feel, and the first shaft plate 51 and the second shaft plate 61 can be as close as possible to the first side edge 411 and the second side edge 412 of the key cap 40, thereby eliminating the need to additionally provide other balance rods, thereby achieving the advantages of saving costs and simplifying the assembly process.

As shown in FIGS. 16 to 23 , one difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that the number of the first extension plates 55 and the second extension plates 65 are different. In this embodiment, the number of the first extension plates 55 of the first movable plate 50 is six, and the plurality of first extension plates 55 are arranged at intervals from each other. The first movable plate 50 includes two first reinforcement plates 52, one of which is connected between the two first extension plates 55 near one end of the key cap 40, and the other first reinforcement plate 52 is connected between the two first extension plates 55 near the other end of the key cap 40. The number of the second extension plates 65 of the second movable plate 60 is four, and each second extension plate 65 is located between two first extension plates 55. Thus, compared with the first embodiment, the present embodiment has more first extension plates 55 and second extension plates 65, which can improve the supporting effect of the balancing component B and the connection strength between the first movable plate 50 and the second movable plate 60, thereby improving the efficiency of the balancing component B in transmitting force.

As shown in Figures 16 to 23, another difference between this embodiment and the above-mentioned first embodiment is that the structure of the groove body 654 of the second extension plate 65 is different. In this embodiment, the groove body 654 of the second extension plate 65 is an inner groove (as shown in Figures 20 and 21) rather than a hollow groove, so that the second extension plate 65 can have better structural strength. In addition, as shown in Figures 20 to 23, when the key cap 40 is pressed by the user and moves toward the base plate 30 to the pressing position (as shown in Figures 21 and 23), the U-shaped plates 525 of each first reinforcement plate 52 of the first movable plate 50 can also be located in the groove body 654 of each second extension plate 65 of the second movable plate 60, so that the overall balance component B can be close to a flat state after being compressed.

Although the technical content of this creation has been disclosed as above in the form of a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit this creation. Any slight changes and modifications made by anyone familiar with this art without departing from the spirit of this creation should be included in the scope of this creation. Therefore, the scope of protection of this creation shall be based on the scope defined in the attached patent application.

1: keyboard device 2, 2a: key module 30: substrate 31: through hole 32: assembly seat 35: circuit board 36: reset member 40: key cap 41: inner surface 411: first side 412: second side 413: first short side 414: second short side 42: connection seat B: balance assembly 50: first movable plate 51: first axis plate 511: first axial groove 512: first side groove 513: first connection member 52: first reinforcement plate 521: connection plate 522: accommodation groove 525: U-shaped plate 526: recess 53: first reinforcement rod 531: first axial rod 532: first A side rod 55: first extension plate 551: first extension side 552: first pivot part 553: first assembly member 60: second movable plate 61: second axial plate 611: second axial groove 612: second side groove 613: second connection member 63: second reinforcement rod 631: second axial rod 632: second side rod 65: second extension plate 651: second extension side 652: second pivot part 653: second assembly member 654: groove body D1: first distance D2: second distance V: vertical direction F: first horizontal direction S: second horizontal direction L1, L2, L3, L4: shortest distance

Fig. 1 is a three-dimensional diagram of an embodiment of the present creative keyboard device. Fig. 2 is an exploded three-dimensional diagram of the first embodiment of the present creative key module. Fig. 3 is a partially exploded three-dimensional diagram of the first embodiment of the present creative key module. Fig. 4 is a top view of the first embodiment of the present creative key module. Fig. 5 is a side view of the first embodiment of the present creative key module. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view along line segment 6-6 of Fig. 4. Fig. 7 is a pressed cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the present creative key module. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view along line segment 8-8 of Fig. 4. Fig. 9 is another pressed cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the present creative key module. Fig. 10 is an exploded three-dimensional diagram of the second embodiment of the present creative key module. Fig. 11 is a top view of the second embodiment of the creative key module. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 11 along the line 12-12. Fig. 13 is an exploded stereoscopic view of the third embodiment of the creative key module. Fig. 14 is a top view of the third embodiment of the creative key module. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 14 along the line 15-15. Fig. 16 is an exploded stereoscopic view of the fourth embodiment of the creative key module. Fig. 17 is a partially exploded stereoscopic view of the fourth embodiment of the creative key module. Fig. 18 is a top view of the fourth embodiment of the creative key module. Fig. 19 is a side view of the fourth embodiment of the creative key module. Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 18 along the line 20-20. Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the creative key module. Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view along line 22-22 of Fig. 18. Fig. 23 is another cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the creative key module.

2: Button module

30:Substrate

31:Through hole

32: Assembly socket

35: Circuit board

36: Reset piece

40: Key caps

41: Inner surface

411: First side

412: Second side

413: First short side

414: Second short side

42: Connector

B:Balance component

50: First movable board

51: First axle plate

513: First connecting piece

52: First reinforcement board

55: First extension plate

551: First extension side

552: First joint

60: Second movable panel

61: Second axle plate

613: Second connecting piece

65: Second extension plate

651: Second extension side

652: Second joint

654: Tank

V: vertical direction

F: First horizontal direction

S: Second horizontal direction

Claims (20)

A key module comprises: a substrate; a key cap located on the substrate, the key cap having an inner surface, the inner surface facing the substrate and having a first side and a second side opposite to each other; and a balance assembly, comprising a first movable plate and a second movable plate, the first movable plate comprising a first shaft plate and a plurality of first extension plates, the first shaft plate being rotatably assembled to the inner surface and arranged along the first side, the first extension plates extending from one side of the first shaft plate respectively, and each of the first extension plates having a first extension side and a first pivot portion, the first extension side being rotatably assembled to the substrate, the first pivot portion being located between the first extension side and the first shaft plate; the second The movable plate includes a second shaft plate and a plurality of second extension plates, the second shaft plate is rotatably assembled to the inner surface and arranged along the second side, the second extension plates extend respectively from one side of the second shaft plate, and each of the second extension plates has a second extension side and a second pivot portion, the second extension side is rotatably assembled to the base plate, the second pivot portion is located between the second extension side and the second shaft plate, and the second pivot portion is pivoted to the first pivot portion; wherein, there is a first spacing between the first shaft plate and the second shaft plate, and there is a second spacing between the first extension side of each of the first extension plates and the second extension side of each of the second extension plates, and the second spacing is smaller than the first spacing. A key module as described in claim 1, wherein the first distance is the shortest distance between the side of the first shaft plate connected to the key cap and the side of the second shaft plate connected to the key cap, and the second distance is the shortest distance between the first extended side of each of the first extension plates and the second extended side of each of the second extension plates. A key module as described in claim 1, wherein each second extension plate of the second movable plate is located between two of the first extension plates. A key module as described in claim 1, wherein the first movable plate includes a first reinforcement plate connected between two of the first extension plates. A key module as described in claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the first reinforcement plate and the adjacent second extension plate overlap each other in a vertical direction, and the vertical direction is perpendicular to the substrate. A key module as described in claim 1, wherein the first movable plate includes a first reinforcement plate, the first reinforcement plate includes two connecting plates and a U-shaped plate, and the U-shaped plate is connected between the two connecting plates. A key module as described in claim 6, wherein the U-shaped plate has a recess, the substrate has a circuit board, and a local area of the circuit board is located in the recess. A key module as described in claim 6, wherein the substrate has a plurality of through holes, and the two connecting plates are respectively located in the through holes. A key module as described in claim 6, wherein the second extension plate adjacent to the first reinforcement plate has a groove, and the key cap can be selectively moved toward the substrate to a pressing position. When the key cap is at the pressing position, the U-shaped plate of the first reinforcement plate is located in the groove. A key module as described in claim 6, wherein the thickness of each connecting plate of the first reinforcement plate is smaller than the thickness of the first extension plate, so that a receiving groove is formed between each connecting plate, the U-shaped plate and the adjacent first extension plate, and the key cap can be selectively moved toward the substrate to a pressing position. When the key cap is in the pressing position, a local area of the second extension plate is located in the receiving groove. A key module as described in claim 1, wherein the first axis plate of the first movable plate has a first axial groove, and a first reinforcing rod is assembled in the first axial groove. A key module as described in claim 11, wherein the first shaft plate is rotatably assembled to the inner surface via the first reinforcement rod. A key module as described in claim 11, wherein the first movable plate has two first side grooves, the two first side grooves are connected to the opposite ends of the first axial groove and extend to the first extension plates respectively, the first reinforcement rod includes a first axial rod and two first side rods, the first axial rod is assembled in the first axial groove, and the two first side rods are respectively assembled in the two first side grooves. A key module as described in claim 1, wherein the second axis plate of the second movable plate has a second axial groove, and a second reinforcing rod is assembled in the second axial groove. A key module as described in claim 14, wherein the second shaft plate is rotatably assembled to the inner surface via the second reinforcement rod. A key module as described in claim 14, wherein the second movable plate has two second side grooves, the two second side grooves are connected to the opposite ends of the second axial groove and extend to the second extension plates respectively, the second reinforcement rod includes a second axial rod and two second side rods, the second axial rod is assembled in the second axial groove, and the two second side rods are respectively assembled in the two second side grooves. A key module as described in claim 1, wherein the first axis plate of the first movable plate has a plurality of first connecting members, the first connecting members are rotatably assembled on the inner surface, and two of the first connecting members are respectively adjacent to the opposite ends of the first side. A key module as described in claim 1, wherein the second axis plate of the second movable plate has a plurality of second connecting members, the second connecting members are rotatably assembled on the inner surface, and two of the second connecting members are respectively adjacent to the opposite ends of the second side. A key module as described in claim 1, wherein one of the first pivot part and the second pivot part is a shaft rod and the other is a shaft hole. A keyboard device comprises a key module as described in any one of claims 1 to 19.

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