Keyboard device including a plurality of substrate plates connected by elastic bridge member

A keyboard device includes a substrate and keycaps disposed on the substrate. The substrate includes a long slit and an elastic bridge member. The long slit divides the substrate into a first plate having a first side edge and a second plate having a second side edge opposite to the first side edge. A gap is between the first side edge and the second side edge. The elastic bridge member is connected between the first side edge and the second side edge. The first plate is movable relative to the second plate. The first side edge includes a first bridge seat. The second side edge includes a second bridge seat. The elastic bridge member is connected between the first bridge seat and the second bridge seat. The elastic bridge member includes a wedge portion connected to an inner corner between the elastic bridge member and the first bridge seat.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The instant disclosure relates to an input device, in particular, to a keyboard device.

Related Art

Keyboards are common input devices. Usually, they are used along with electronic devices, such as laptops, notebook computers, smart phones, tablets, etc.

In general, a keyboard known to the inventor(s) is provided with a base plate (substrate) for assembling with other components. For example, the base plate may comprise a plurality of assembly structures, such that a plurality of liftable connecting members can be assembled with a plurality of keycaps through the assembly structures, respectively. For instance, each of the liftable connecting members can be assembled between the corresponding keycap and the corresponding assembly structure, so that the keycaps can be supported by the liftable connecting members, and the movements of the keycaps can be guided by the liftable connecting members.

SUMMARY

However, since the base plate is a plate primarily for assembling with other components, the assembling of the keyboard device may be difficult and the overall precision of the keyboard device may be worsened if the base plate has a larger tolerance upon manufacturing.

In view of this, in one embodiment, a keyboard device is provided. The keyboard device comprises a substrate and a plurality of keycaps. The plurality of keycaps is liftably disposed on the substrate. The substrate comprises a long slit and an elastic bridge member. The long slit divides the substrate into a first plate and a second plate. The first plate has a first side edge, and the second plate has a second side edge. The first side edge and the second side edge are opposite to each other. A gap is between the first side edge and the second side edge. The elastic bridge member is connected between the first side edge and the second side edge. The first plate is movable relative to the second plate. The first side edge comprises a first bridge seat extending toward the second side edge, the second side edge comprises a second bridge seat extending toward the first side edge, and the elastic bridge member is connected between the first bridge seat and the second bridge seat. The elastic bridge member further comprises a wedge portion connected to an inner corner between the elastic bridge member and the first bridge seat.

As above, according to one or some embodiments of the instant disclosure, the substrate is divided into a first plate and a second plate, and the elastic bridge member is connected between the first side edge of the first plate and the second side edge of the second plate. Hence, during the assembly process of the first plate and the second plate, the first plate and the second plate can be moved relative to each other and the positions of the first plate and the second plate are thus adjustable, thereby eliminating the accumulated tolerances upon manufacturing of the keyboard device. Hence, the assembly precision of the keyboard device is not affected by the manufacturing tolerance. Moreover, the elastic bridge member further comprises a wedge portion connected to an inner corner between the elastic bridge member and the bridge seat. Therefore, the stress is not focused at the inner corner when the elastic bridge member is forced and moved, thereby greatly reducing the stress suffered by the inner corner to prevent the elastic bridge member from being broken easily or from exceeding the elasticity limit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments are provided for facilitating the descriptions of the instant disclosure. However, the embodiments are provided as examples for illustrative purpose, but not a limitation to the instant disclosure. In all the figures, same reference numbers designate identical or similar elements.FIG. 1illustrates a perspective view of a keyboard device according to an exemplary embodiment of the instant disclosure, andFIG. 2illustrates a top view of a substrate according to an exemplary embodiment of the instant disclosure. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, in this embodiment, the keyboard device1comprises a substrate10and a plurality of keycaps50. Here, the number of the plurality of keycaps50is three; however, the plurality of keycaps50may comprise a plurality of alphabet keys, a plurality of number keys, a space key, an enter key, and a caps lock key, and it is understood that these keys are omitted in the figures.

As shown inFIG. 1, in some embodiments, the substrate10may be a rigid plate made of metal (e.g., iron, aluminum, alloy, etc.), or plastic materials. The plurality of keycaps50is liftably disposed on the substrate10, so that a user can press the keycap(s)50and the keyboard device1thus generate signal(s) corresponding to the pressed keycap(s)50. For example, the plurality of keycaps50is assembled on the substrate10through a plurality of connecting members51, respectively. The connecting member51may comprise a scissor component and an elastic member (e.g., elastic rubber, elastic piece, a mechanical switch, etc.)

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the substrate10is on an X-Y plane of the figures, and the substrate10has at least one long slit C, so that the substrate10is divided into a plurality of plates. In this embodiment, the substrate10has two long slits C, D, and the two long slits C, D respectively extending in the Y axis direction shown in the figures, so that the substrate10is divided into three plates (here, a first plate11, a second plate12, and a third plate13) arranged in the X axis direction shown in the figures; however, embodiments are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the substrate10may have one long slit C, so that the substrate10is divided into two plates arranged in the X axis direction. Alternatively, the substrate10may have more than two long slits, so that the substrate10can be divided into four or more plates arranged in the X axis direction.

In some embodiments, the long slits C, D may be linear slits or slits with multiple segments. Taking the long slit C shown inFIG. 2as an example, the long slit C is a slit with multiple segments, and the long slit C has several X direction sections CXand several Y direction sections CYeach connected between adjacent two X direction sections CX. Each Y direction section CYis extending in the Y axis direction (the Y direction section CYmay be parallel to the Y axis direction or not), and each X direction section CXis extending in the X axis direction (the X axis direction CXmay be parallel to the X axis direction or not), but embodiments are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, each long slit C may be a linear slit extending in the Y axis direction. In this embodiment, the substrate10is a rectangular plate, the long side of the substrate10is parallel to the X direction section CX, and the short side of the substrate10is parallel to the Y direction section CY, but embodiments are not limited thereto.

As shown inFIGS. 2 to 4.FIG. 3illustrates an enlarged partial view ofFIG. 2.FIG. 4illustrates an enlarged partial view of an elastic bridge member shown inFIG. 3. Taking the first plate11and the second plate12of the substrate10as an example, the first plate11has a first side edge111near the long slit C, the second plate12has a second side edge121near the long slit C, the first side edge111and the second side edge121are opposite to each other, and a gap G is between the first side edge111and the second side edge121. Similarly, because of the long slit D, a gap G is between the second plate12and the third plate13, repeated descriptions are omitted.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, each of the long slits C, D comprises at least one elastic bridge connection member (in this embodiment, the long slit comprises a plurality of elastic bridge members20and a plurality of elastic bridge components30). The elastic bridge connection members are connected between the first plate11and the second plate12and connected between the second plate12and the third plate13, respectively. Taking the long slit C as an example, the plurality of elastic bridge members20and the plurality of elastic bridge components30are disposed in the plurality of Y direction sections CYof the long slit C. Hence, the relative positions of the first plate11and the second plate12can be adjusted relative to each other during the assembling process, but embodiments are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, each of the long slits C, D may have the elastic bridge members20only or the elastic bridge components30only, and the number or the position of the elastic bridge member20(or the elastic bridge component30) can be adjusted according to user requirements.

As shown inFIGS. 2 to 4, taking the first plate11and the second plate12as an example, the first plate11can be moved relative to the second plate12in an X direction, so that the first plate11comes close to the second plate12or leaves away from the second plate12(in this embodiment, the X direction is the X axis direction of the figures and the X direction is coplanar with the substrate10). When the first plate11is moved away from the second plate12in the X direction, the gap G between the first plate11and the second plate12increases. Conversely, when the first plate11is moved toward the second plate12in the X direction, the gap G between the first plate11and the second plate12decreases. The first side edge111of the first plate11comprises a first bridge seat112, and the first bridge seat112is extending toward the second side edge121but not in contact with the second side edge121. The second side edge121of the second plate12comprises a second bridge seat122, and the second bridge seat122is extending toward the first side edge111but not in contact with the first side edge111. Moreover, the first bridge seat112and the second bridge seat122are in a misalignment with each other; for instance, as shown in the figures, the first bridge seat112is not aligned with the second bridge seat122in the Y axis direction. The elastic bridge member20is extending in the Y direction and connected between the first bridge seat112and the second bridge seat122. The Y direction in this embodiment indicates a direction perpendicular to the X direction (in this embodiment, the Y direction is the Y axis direction of the figures), and the Y direction is coplanar with the substrate10. It is understood that, in this embodiment, the substrate10is a rectangular plate. Hence, the first plate11can be moved relative to the second plate12in the X direction (in this embodiment, the X direction is parallel to the long side of the substrate10) to prevent the long side of the substrate10from having an excessive tolerance and causing difficulties in product assembly for the keyboard device1.

Please refer toFIGS. 2 to 4. In this embodiment, the elastic bridge member20has a middle portion25, a first end23, and a second end24opposite to the first end23. The middle portion25is between the first end23and the second end24. The first end23is connected to the first bridge seat112, and the second end24is connected to the second bridge seat122. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the first bridge seat112, the second bridge seat122, and the elastic bridge member20together form a Z-shape structure. In some embodiments, the first bridge seat112, the second bridge seat122, and the elastic bridge member20may be plates integrally formed with the substrate10. For example, the substrate10may be stamped to form the long slit C, and the first bridge seat112, the second bridge seat122, and the elastic bridge member20are unremoved portions of the substrate10.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 4 to 6, during the assembly of the substrate10, the first plate11and the second plate12may be moved relative to each other in the X axis direction (as shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, the first plate11and the second plate12can be moved toward or away from each other in the X axis direction), so that the relative positions of the first plate11and the second plate12can be adjusted. Moreover, during the relative movements of the first plate11and the second plate12, the connection portion between the elastic bridge member20and the first bridge seat112and the connection portion between the elastic bridge member20and the second bridge seat122are forced to perform elastic deformations, so that instead of the first plate11being detached off the second plate12, the elastic bridge member20can still be connected to the first plate11and the second plate12after the first plate1and the second plate12are moved. Accordingly, the first plate11and the second plate12of the substrate10can be moved relative to each other to adjust the positions of the first plate11and the second plate12, such that the accumulated tolerance of the keyboard device1(for instance, the tolerance generated on the substrate10, keycap50, or other components during the manufacturing process of the keyboard device1) can be eliminated. Therefore, the assembly precision of the keyboard device1is not affected by the accumulated tolerance. Moreover, in a similar manner, the second plate12and the third plate13can be moved relative to each other to adjust the positions of the second plate12and the third plate13, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

In some embodiments, with reference toFIGS. 4 to 6, the elastic bridge member20further has at least one wedge portion21and a side surface201adjacent to the first side edge111, the first bridge seat112comprises a side edge1121adjacent to and connected to the side surface201, an inner corner is formed between the side surface201and the side edge1121, the wedge portion21located at the inner corner and directly connected to the side surface201and the side edge1121. In this embodiment, the elastic bridge member20has two wedge portions21(as indicated by the region enclosed with dashed line shown inFIG. 4). The two wedge portions21are integrally formed at two opposite ends of the elastic bridge member20and respectively connected to an inner corner between the elastic bridge member20and the first bridge seat112and to an inner corner between the elastic bridge member20and the second bridge seat122. Hence, the inner corner between the elastic bridge member20and the first bridge seat112does not form a sharp angle (right angle or acute angle), and the inner corner between the elastic bridge member20and the second bridge seat122does not form a sharp angle, either. Accordingly, as shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, when the connection portion between the elastic bridge member20and the first bridge seat112is forced to perform elastic deformation, the stress can be prevented from being focused at the inner corner between the elastic bridge member20and the first bridge seat112. Similarly, when the connection portion between the elastic bridge member20and the second bridge seat122is forced to perform elastic deformation, the stress can be prevented from being focused at the inner corner between the elastic bridge member20and the second bridge seat122. Accordingly, the stress at the inner corners can be greatly reduced to prevent the elastic bridge member20from being broken easily or from exceeding the elasticity limit.

As shown inFIG. 4, in some embodiments, the wedge portion21of the elastic bridge member20further has a curved edge22. For example, the curved edge22may be a logarithmic curved edge, a parabolic curved edge, a hyperbolic curved edge, or other nonlinear curved edges. Hence, the inner corner between the elastic bridge member20and the first bridge seat112form a smooth curve to further reduce the stress at the inner corner, but embodiments are not limited thereto. Similarly, the inner corner between the elastic bridge member20and the second bridge seat122form a smooth curve to further reduce the stress at the inner corner, but embodiments are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, each wedge portion21of the bridge elastic member20may have a linear edge. Hence, the inner corner between the elastic bridge member20and the first bridge seat112forms an obtuse angle, thereby reducing the stress at the inner corner. Similarly, the inner corner between the elastic bridge member20and the second bridge seat122forms an obtuse angle, thereby reducing the stress at the inner corner.

As shown inFIG. 4, in this embodiment, the curved edge22of each wedge portion21of the elastic bridge member20is formed by at least two radius-angle curved edges221(in this embodiment, three radius-angle curved edges221). Furthermore, the radius-angle curved edge221of the at least two radius-angle curved edges221near the first bridge seat112(or the second bridge seat122) has a smaller radius of curvature. In other words, in this embodiment, the curved edge22of each wedge portion21is formed by connecting several radius-angle curved edges221having different radiuses of curvature with one another. Moreover, the radius of curvature of the curved edge22increases gradually from the end portion toward the middle portion25of the elastic bridge member20. Hence, the inner corner between the elastic bridge member20and the first bridge seat112forms a smooth curve, thereby reducing the stress at the inner corner. Similarly, the inner corner between the elastic bridge member20and the second bridge seat122forms a smooth curve, thereby reducing the stress at the inner corner. In some embodiments, the curved edge22of each wedge portion21may be an equal radius-angle curved edge; in other words, the curved edge22may be formed by a single radius-angle curved edge221.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 4, the width of the middle portion25of the elastic bridge member20may be less than the width of the first end23, and the width of the middle portion25of the elastic bridge member20may be less than the width of the second end24. For example, in this embodiment, two sides of the middle portion25may be concave shaped and respectively connected to the curved edges22of the wedge portions21. Hence, the section from the inner corner between elastic bridge member20and the first bridge seat112to the middle portion25forms a smooth curve, and the section from the inner corner between the elastic bridge member20and the second bridge seat122to the middle portion25forms a smooth curve as well, thereby facilitating the delivery of the stress.

As shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, at least one stopping portion26is further protruding from the elastic bridge member20, so that the elastic bridge member20can be stopped by the stopping portion26before the elastic bridge member20exceeds the elasticity limit. For instance, in this embodiment, two stopping portions26are protruding from the elastic bridge member20, and the two stopping portions26are respectively at opposite sides of the two wedge portions21but not in contact with the first side edge111and the second side edge121. Accordingly, as shown inFIG. 5, when the first plate11and the second plate12are moved toward each other, the first plate11and the second plate12can be stopped by the two stopping portions26(in this embodiment, the two stopping portions26are respectively abutted against the first side edge111and the second side edge121). Hence, the elastic bridge member20can be prevented from exceeding the elastic deformation range.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 4, a stopping portion125may be protruding from the second side edge121of the second plate12to correspond to the first bridge seat111but not to contact the first bridge seat111. Furthermore (or alternatively), a stopping portion (omitted here) may be protruding from the first side edge111of the first plate11to correspond to the second bridge seat122but not to contact the second bridge seat122. Hence, when the first plate11and the second plate12move toward each other, the first plate11and the second plate12can further be stopped by the stopping portion(s)125to prevent the elastic bridge member20from exceeding the elasticity limit.

Please refer toFIGS. 7 and 8.FIG. 7illustrates an enlarged partial view of an elastic bridge member according to another exemplary embodiment of the instant disclosure.FIG. 8illustrates an operational view of the elastic bridge member of the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 7. In this embodiment, the middle portion25′ of the elastic bridge member20′ has an elongated hollowed hole251. The elongated hollowed hole251is extending in the Y axis direction. The first bridge seat112and the second bridge seat122are respectively connected to two opposite sides of the middle portion25′ of the elastic bridge member20. Accordingly, as shown inFIG. 8, during the movements of the first plate11and the second plate12(here,FIG. 8illustrates that the first plate11and the second plate12are moved away from each other). The middle portion25′ of the elastic bridge member20′ is forced to perform elastic deformation and to expand. Therefore, instead of the first plate being detached off the second plate12, the elastic bridge member20′ can still be connected to the first plate11and the second plate12after the first plate11and the second plate12are moved.

Again, as shown inFIGS. 7 and 8, the elastic bridge member20′ further has a plurality of wedge portions21′. The plurality of wedge portions21′ is respectively connected to the inner corner between the elastic bridge member20′ and the first bridge seat112and to the inner corner between the elastic bridge member20′ and the second bridge seat122. The structure of the wedge portion21′ of the elastic bridge member20′ in this embodiment may be the same as or similar to the structure of the wedge portion21of the elastic bridge member20in the foregoing embodiments. For example, in this embodiment, the wedge portion21′ of the elastic bridge member20′ has an equal radius-angle curved edge. Therefore, the inner corner between the elastic bridge member20′ and the first bridge seat112forms a smooth curve, thereby reducing the stress at the inner corner. Similarly, the inner corner between the elastic bridge member20′ and the second bridge seat122forms a smooth curve, thereby reducing the stress at the inner corner. It is understood that the configuration of the wedge portion21′ is not limited to the foregoing embodiments. In some embodiments, the edge of the wedge portion21′ may be a logarithmic curved edge, a parabolic curved edge, a hyperbolic curved edge, or other nonlinear curved edges.

Please refer toFIGS. 2, 9, and 10.FIG. 9illustrates an enlarged partial view of the B region inFIG. 2.FIG. 10illustrates an enlarged partial view of an elastic bridge component shown inFIG. 9. In this embodiment, the first side edge111of the first plate11comprises two first bridge connections113. The two first bridge connections113are respectively extending toward the second side edge121but not in contact with the second side edge121. Similarly, the second side edge121of the second plate12comprises two second bridge connections123. The two second bridge connections123are respectively extending toward the first side edge111but not in contact with the first side edge111. The two first bridge connections113and the two second bridge connections123respectively correspond to each other and a space is between each of the first bridge connections113and the corresponding second bridge connection123. The elastic bridge component30comprises a first elastic bar31, a second elastic bar32, and a connecting element33. In this embodiment, the first elastic bar31is extending in the Y axis direction and connected between the two first bridge connections113, the second elastic bar32is extending in the Y axis direction and connected between the two second bridge connections123. The connecting element33is connected between the middle section of the first elastic bar31and the middle section of the second elastic bar32. Hence, the elastic bridge component30forms an H-shape structure. It is understood that, the middle section of the first elastic bar31is a section of the first elastic bar31between the two first bridge connections113, and the middle section of the second elastic bar32is a section of the second elastic bar32between the two second bridge connections123, and the number and the positions of the connecting element33can be adjusted according to actual requirements.

In some embodiments, the two first bridge connections113, the two second bridge connections123, and the elastic bridge component30may be plates integrally formed with the substrate10. For example, the substrate10may be stamped to form the long slit C, and the two first bridge connections113, the two second bridge connections123, and the elastic bridge component30are unremoved portions of the substrate10.

Accordingly, as shown inFIGS. 11 and 12, during the movements of the first plate11and the second plate12(for instance, the first plate11and the second plate12may be moved toward or away from each other), the middle section of the first elastic bar31and the middle section of the second elastic bar32of the elastic bridge component30, connection portions between the first elastic bar31and each of the first bridge connections113, and connection portions between the second elastic bar32and each of the second bridge connections123are forced to perform elastic deformation. Hence, instead of the first plate being detached off the second plate12, the elastic bridge component30can still be connected to the first plate11and the second plate12after the first plate1and the second plate12are moved. Consequently, the assembly precision of the keyboard device1is not affected by the manufacturing tolerance. Moreover, since the elastic bridge component30suffers the force (stress) with several points (portions), the stress can be properly dispersed over the elastic bridge component30, rather than the stress being focused at a certain portion of the elastic bridge component30. Therefore, the elastic bridge component30can be prevented from being broken easily or from exceeding the elasticity limit.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 10, the first elastic bar31of the elastic bridge component30has at least one wedge portion311. In this embodiment, the first elastic bar31of the elastic bridge component30has two wedge portions311(as indicated by the region enclosed with dashed line shown inFIG. 10). The two wedge portions311are at two opposite ends of the first elastic bar31and respectively connected to inner corners between the first elastic bar31and each of the first bridge connections113. Hence, the inner corners between the first elastic bar31and each of the first bridge connections113do not form a sharp angle (right angle or acute angle). Accordingly, as shown inFIGS. 11 and 12, when the connection portions between the first elastic bar31and each of the first bridge connections113are forced to perform elastic deformation, the stress can be prevented from being focused at the inner corners between the first elastic bar31and each of the first bridge connections113. Accordingly, the stress at the inner corners can be greatly reduced to prevent the elastic bridge component30from being broken easily or from exceeding the elasticity limit.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 10, the wedge portion311of the first elastic bar31further has a curved edge312. The configuration of the curved edge312may be the same as or similar to the curved edge22of the wedge portion21of the elastic bridge member20in the foregoing embodiments. For example, the curved edge312of the wedge portion311of the first elastic bar31may be a logarithmic curved edge, a parabolic curved edge, a hyperbolic curved edge, or other nonlinear curved edges. Alternatively, the curved edge312of the wedge portion311may be formed by connecting several radius-angle curved edges having different radiuses of curvature with one another. Moreover, the radius of curvature of the curved edge312increases gradually from the end portion toward the middle section of the first elastic bar31. Hence, the inner corners between the first elastic bar31and each of the first bridge connections113respectively form smooth curves, thereby reducing the stress at the inner corners. In some embodiments, the curved edge312of the wedge portion311may have a linear edge. Hence, the inner corners between the first elastic bar31and each of the first bridge connections113form obtuse angles, thereby reducing the stress at the inner corners.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 10, the second elastic bar32of the elastic bridge component30may have two wedge portions321(as indicated by the region enclosed with dashed line shown inFIG. 10). The two wedge portions321are at two opposite ends of the second elastic bar32and respectively connected to inner corners between the second elastic bar32and each of the second bridge connections123. It is understood that, the structure and the function of the wedge portion321of the second elastic bar32may be the same as or similar to those of the wedge portion311of the first elastic bar31, repeated descriptions are thus omitted.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 10 to 12, a plurality of stopping flanges313,314is protruding from the first elastic bar31of the elastic bridge component30. The stopping flange313is protruding from the middle section of the first elastic bar31, and the wedge portion311and the stopping flange313are located at the same side of the first elastic bar31. Each of the two stopping flanges314and the corresponding wedge portion311are located at opposite sides of the first elastic bar31. Therefore, when the first plate11and the second plate12are moved relative to each other, the first plate11and the second plate12can be stopped by the plurality of stopping flanges313,314before the elastic bridge component30exceeds the elasticity limit. In some embodiments, a plurality of stopping flanges323,324may be protruding from the second elastic bar32, thereby improving the stopping performance; repeated descriptions are omitted.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 13 and 14, another embodiment of the elastic bridge component30′ is illustrated.FIG. 13illustrates an enlarged partial view of an elastic bridge component according to another exemplary embodiment of the instant disclosure.FIG. 14illustrates an operational view of the elastic bridge component of the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 13. In this embodiment, the elastic bridge component30′ only has the first elastic bar31connecting to the two first bridge connections113; in other words, in this embodiment, the elastic bridge component30′ does not have the second elastic bar and the connecting element. Moreover, one second bridge connection123is protruding from the second side edge121of the second plate12and connected to the middle section of the first elastic bar31. Accordingly, during the movements of the first plate11and the second plate12, the middle section of the first elastic bar31of the elastic bridge component30′ and the connection portions between the first elastic bar31and each of the first bridge connections113are forced to perform elastic deformation. Therefore, under such configuration, the elastic bridge component30′ suffers the force (stress) with several points, and the stress can be properly dispersed over the elastic bridge component30′, rather than the stress being focused at a certain portion of the elastic bridge component30′. Therefore, the elastic bridge component30′ can be prevented from being broken easily or from exceeding the elasticity limit.

In some embodiments, stopping member(s) may be additionally assembled on the substrate10of the keyboard device1to prevent the elastic bridge member20and the elastic bridge component30from exceeding the elastic deformation range. Different embodiments are to be provided with drawing in the following paragraphs.

Please refer toFIG. 15.FIG. 15illustrates an enlarged partial view of the A′ region inFIG. 1, and the A′ region corresponds to the A region shown inFIGS. 2 and 3. As shown inFIGS. 2, 3, and 15, the first side edge111of the first plate11comprises a first stopping member41, and the second side edge121of the second plate12comprises a second stopping member42. The first stopping member41and the second stopping member42are aligned along a same direction (in this embodiment, along the X axis direction), and a certain interval S is between the first stopping member41and the second stopping member42. The certain interval S is less than the gap G between the first side edge111and the second side edge121(as shown inFIG. 3). Hence, the elastic bridge member20and the elastic bridge component30can be stopped by the first stopping member41and the second stopping member42before the elastic bridge member20and the elastic bridge component30exceed the elasticity limit.

As shown inFIGS. 2, 3, and 15, in this embodiment, the first stopping member41and the second stopping member42are disposed in the X direction section CXof the long slit C, but embodiments are not limited thereto. Specifically, in one embodiment, the first stopping member41comprises a plurality of grooves411and a first standing plate413. The plurality of grooves411is recessed from the first side edge111and away from the second side edge121. The first standing plate413is integrally formed with the first side edge111, and the first standing plate413is bent and extending from the first side edge111. The second stopping member42comprises a plurality of protruding sheets421and a second standing plate423. The plurality of protruding sheets421is integrally extending toward the first side edge111from the second side edge121, and each of the protruding sheets421is extending toward the corresponding groove411and not in contact with the corresponding groove411. The second standing plate423is integrally formed with the second side edge121, and the second standing plate423is bent and extending from the second side edge121. The certain interval S is between the edge of each of the protruding sheets421and the edge of the corresponding groove411. The first standing plate413and the second standing plate423are aligned along the X axis direction, and the certain interval S is between the first standing plate413and the second standing plate423.

Accordingly, as shown inFIGS. 5 to 8andFIGS. 11 to 14, when the first plate11and the second plate12are moved relative to each other, the first plate11and the second plate12can be stopped by the protruding sheets421and the grooves411as well as the first standing plate413and the second standing plate423in the X axis direction. Hence, the elastic bridge member20and the elastic bridge component30can be prevented from exceeding the elasticity limit. For example, in this embodiment, when the first plate11and the second plate12moved toward each other, the first plate11and the second plate12can be stopped by the protruding sheets421and the grooves411as well as the first standing plate413and the second standing plate423at the same time. Moreover, since the first standing plate413and the second standing plate423are bent and extending from the substrate10, the areas the portions of the first plate11and the second plate12stopped by the first standing plate1413and the second standing plate423can further increase so as to prevent the misalignment between the first plate11and the second plate12. On the other hand, when the first plate11and the second plate12are moved away from each other, the first plate11and the second plate12can be stopped by the protruding sheets421and the grooves411, so that the elastic bridge member20and the elastic bridge component30can be prevented from exceeding the elastic limit.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 16 to 18, the first side edge111of the first plate11further comprises a third stopping member43. The second stopping member42is between the first stopping member41and the third stopping member43. The first stopping member41, the second stopping member42, and the third stopping member43are aligned along the X direction (in this embodiment, along the X axis direction). The certain interval S is between the third stopping member43and the second stopping member42(as shown inFIG. 3). Accordingly, no matter the first plate11and the second plate12are moved toward or away from each other, the first plate11and the second plate12can be stopped by the first stopping member41, the second stopping member43, and the third stopping member43. Hence, the elastic bridge member20and the elastic bridge component30can be prevented from exceeding the elasticity limit. For example, when the first plate11and the second plate12are moved toward each other, the first stopping member41and the second stopping member42are moved toward each other, so that the first stopping member41and the second stopping member42are abutted against each other to provide the stopping function. Conversely, when the first plate11and the second plate12are moved away from each other, the second stopping member42and the third stopping member43are moved toward each other, so that the second stopping member42and the third stopping member43are abutted against each other to provide the stopping function.

Please refer toFIG. 16.FIG. 16illustrates an enlarged partial view of a stopping member according to a second embodiment of the instant disclosure. As compared with the embodiment shown inFIG. 15, in this embodiment, the first stopping member41comprises a first standing plate413integrally formed with the first side edge111of the first plate11, and the first standing plate413is bent and extending from the first side edge111of the first plate11. The second stopping member42comprises a second standing plate423integrally formed with the second side edge121of the second plate12, and the second standing plate423is bent and extending from the second side edge121of the second plate12. The third stopping member43comprises a third standing plate433integrally formed with the first side edge111of the first plate11, and the third standing plate433is bent and extending from the first side edge111of the first plate11. The first standing plate413, the second standing plate423, and the third standing plate433are aligned along the X axis direction. The certain interval S is between the first standing plate413and the second standing plate423, and the certain interval S is also between the second standing plate423and the third standing plate433.

Please refer toFIG. 17.FIG. 17illustrates an enlarged partial view of a stopping member according to a third embodiment of the instant disclosure. In this embodiment, the first stopping member41comprises a first protruding plate412, and the first protruding plate412is disposed on the first side edge111and protruding toward the second side edge121. The second stopping member42comprises a second protruding plate422, and the second protruding plate422is disposed on the second side edge121and protruding toward the first side edge111. The third stopping member43comprises a third protruding plate432, and the third protruding plate432is disposed on the first side edge111and protruding toward the second side edge121. The first protruding plate412, the second protruding plate422, and the third protruding plate432are aligned along the X axis direction. The certain interval S is between the first protruding plate412and the second protruding plate422, and the certain interval S is also between the second protruding plate422and the third protruding plate432.

Moreover, as shown inFIG. 17, in this embodiment, the first protruding plate412and the third protruding plate432are fixedly stacked on the surface of the first plate11. For example, an end portion of the first protruding plate412and an end portion of the third protruding plate432are disposed on the surface of the first plate11by gluing, soldering, or locking. Similarly, in this embodiment, the second protruding plate422is fixedly stacked on the surface of the second plate12. For example, an end portion of the second protruding plate422is disposed on the surface of the second plate12by gluing, soldering, or locking. However, it is understood that, in some embodiments, the first protruding plate412and the third protruding plate432may be integrally extending from the first side edge111, and the second protruding plate422may be integrally extending from the second side edge121.

Furthermore, as shown inFIG. 17, in some embodiments, the first protruding plate412and the third protruding plate432may be further extending to the surface of the second plate12, and the second protruding plate422may be further extending to the surface of the first plate11. Therefore, the first plate11can be stopped by the second protruding plate422, and the movement of the first plate11in the Z axis direction can be properly limited by the second protruding plate422. Similarly, the second plate12can be stopped by the first protruding plate412and the third protruding plate432, and the movement of the second plate12in the Z axis direction can be properly limited by the first protruding plate412and the third protruding plate432.

Please refer toFIGS. 18 to 20.FIG. 18illustrates an enlarged partial view of a stopping member according to a fourth embodiment of the instant disclosure.FIG. 19illustrates a cross-sectional view of the stopping member of the fourth embodiment.FIG. 20illustrates another cross-sectional view of the stopping member of the fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, the first stopping member41comprises a first stopping block414, the first side edge111comprises a first fixing member114, and the first fixing member114is adapted to fix the first stopping block414on the first side edge111. Similarly, in this embodiment, the second stopping member42comprises a second stopping block424, the second side edge121comprises a second fixing member124, and the second fixing member124is adapted to fix the second stopping block424on the second side edge121. Similarly, in this embodiment, the third stopping member43comprises a third stopping block434, the first side edge111further comprises a third fixing member134, and the third fixing member134is adapted to fix the third stopping block434on the first side edge111. Moreover, the first stopping block414, the second stopping block424, and the third stopping block434are aligned along the X axis direction. The certain interval S is between the first stopping block414and the second stopping block424, and the certain interval S is also between the second stopping block424and the third stopping block434.

As shown inFIGS. 18 to 20, in this embodiment, the first fixing member114and the third fixing member134are bent plates formed by stamping the first side edge111of the first plate11, and the second fixing member124is a bent plate formed by stamping the second side edge121of the second plate12. The first stopping block414and the third stopping block434may be made of plastics and respectively assembled with the first fixing member114and the third fixing member134by insert molding techniques. As shown inFIG. 19, in this embodiment, the first stopping block414is engaged with and covering the first fixing member114. Similarly, in this embodiment, the second stopping block424may be assembled with the second fixing member124by insert molding techniques. As shown inFIG. 20, in this embodiment, the second stopping block424is engaged with and covering the second fixing member124. It is understood that, in some embodiments, the first stopping block414, the second stopping block424, and the third stopping block434may be respectively fixed on the first fixing member114, the second fixing member124, and the third fixing member134by ways of, for example, gluing, soldering, or locking.

Further, as shown inFIGS. 18 to 20, in some embodiments, the first stopping block414and the third stopping block434are further extending to the surface of the second plate12, and the second stopping block424is further extending to the surface of the first plate11. Hence, the first plate11can be stopped by the second stopping block424, and the movement of the first plate11in the Z axis direction can be properly limited by the second stopping block424. Similarly, the second plate12can be stopped by the first stopping block414and the third stopping block434, and the movement of the second plate12in the Z axis direction can be properly limited by the first stopping block414and the third stopping block434.