Patent Publication Number: US-2022214721-A1

Title: Keyboard device

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a keyboard device, and more particularly to keyboard device with a waterproof and dustproof function. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Conventionally, the keyboard user may place a layer of elastic protective film on a top surface of a keyboard device. Due to the elastic protective film, the keyboard device has the waterproof and dustproof functions. However, since the elastic protective film is not fixed on the keyboard device, the elastic protective film is readily shifted or slid when the keyboard device is operated by the user. 
     Moreover, when the elastic protective film is glued and fixed on the keyboard device, some drawbacks occur. For example, since bubbles are readily retained in the elastic protective film, the overall appearance and the flatness of the elastic protective film are adversely affected. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a keyboard device. The keyboard device has a special structural design for facilitating attaching and fixing an elastic protective film on the keyboard device. In addition, when the elastic protective film is attached on the keyboard device, the possibility of generating bubbles in the elastic protective film will be largely reduced. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a keyboard device is provided. The keyboard device includes plural keys, a frame member and an elastic protective film. The frame member includes an outer frame and plural perforations. The keys are disposed within the outer frame. The outer frame has a first surface and a second surface opposed to the first surface. The plural perforations are in communication with the first surface and the second surface. The elastic protective film is fixed on the first surface of the frame member. The plural keys and the plural perforations are covered by the elastic protective film. 
     In an embodiment, a thickness of the elastic protective film is in a range between 0.3 mm and 1 mm, the perforations are circular holes, and a diameter of each perforation is in a range between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm. 
     In an embodiment, the elastic protective film is fixed on the first surface of the outer frame through an adhesive layer. 
     In an embodiment, the frame member further comprises inner ribs, and the plural inner ribs are disposed in seams between the adjacent keys. The elastic protective film is fixed on the inner ribs. 
     In an embodiment, the elastic protective film is attached on the inner ribs through an adhesive layer. 
     In an embodiment, the elastic protective film is made of silicone. 
     In an embodiment, the plural perforations are discretely arranged, and there is a spacing interval between every two adjacent perforations. The spacing interval is in a range between 0.3 mm and 1 mm. 
     In an embodiment, the outer frame includes a farther frame part, a nearer frame part, a left frame part and a right frame part. The farther frame part and the nearer frame part are connected with each other through the left frame part and the right frame part. A user&#39;s palm is permitted to be placed on the nearer frame part. The perforations are formed in at least one of the farther frame part, the nearer frame part, the left frame part and the right frame part. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a keyboard device is provided. The keyboard device includes plural keys, a frame member and an elastic protective film. The frame member includes an outer frame and plural grooves. The plural keys are disposed within the outer frame. The outer frame has a first surface and a second surface opposed to the first surface. The plural grooves are extended from the first surface to the second surface, but not contacted with the second surface. The elastic protective film is fixed on the first surface of the frame member. The plural keys and the plural grooves are covered by the elastic protective film. 
     In an embodiment, a thickness of the elastic protective film is in a range between 0.3 mm and 1 mm, and a width of each groove is in a range between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm. 
     In an embodiment, the elastic protective film is fixed on the first surface of the outer frame through an adhesive layer. 
     In an embodiment, the frame member further comprises inner ribs, and the plural inner ribs are disposed in seams between the adjacent keys. The elastic protective film is fixed on the inner ribs. 
     In an embodiment, the elastic protective film is attached on the inner ribs through an adhesive layer. 
     In an embodiment, the elastic protective film is made of silicone. 
     In an embodiment, the plural grooves are discretely arranged, and the plural grooves are not in communication with each other. 
     In an embodiment, the plural grooves are in parallel with each other, and a spacing interval between every two adjacent grooves is in a range between 0.3 mm and 1 mm. 
     In an embodiment, a depth of each groove is smaller than or equal to a half of a thickness of the frame member. 
     In an embodiment, a depth of each groove is 0.6 mm. 
     In an embodiment, a ratio of a depth to a width of each groove is 2:1. 
     In an embodiment, the outer frame comprises a farther frame part, a nearer frame part, a left frame part and a right frame part. The farther frame part and the nearer frame part are connected with each other through the left frame part and the right frame part. A user&#39;s palm is permitted to be placed on the nearer frame part. The grooves are formed in at least one of the farther frame part, the left frame part, the right frame part and the nearer frame part. 
     The above objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which: 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic exploded view illustrating a keyboard device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic perspective view illustrating the keyboard device as shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the keyboard device as shown in  FIG. 1  and taken along the line  3 - 3 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic enlarged view illustrating a portion of the keyboard device as shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic enlarged view illustrating a variant example of the structure as shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic exploded view illustrating a keyboard device according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic perspective view illustrating the keyboard device as shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the keyboard device as shown in  FIG. 6  and taken along the line  8 - 8 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic enlarged view illustrating a portion of the keyboard device as shown in  FIG. 8 ; and 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic enlarged view illustrating a variant example of the structure as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In a first embodiment, the present invention provides a keyboard device. The keyboard device is a wired keyboard device or a wireless keyboard device. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the keyboard device is used as the keyboard device of a notebook computer. It is noted that the applications of the keyboard device of the present invention are not restricted. A keyboard device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4 .  FIG. 1  is a schematic exploded view illustrating a keyboard device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2  is a schematic perspective view illustrating the keyboard device as shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3  is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the keyboard device as shown in  FIG. 1  and taken along the line  3 - 3 .  FIG. 4  is a schematic enlarged view illustrating a portion of the keyboard device as shown in  FIG. 3 . The keyboard device  1  comprises plural keys  11 , a frame member  12  and an elastic protective film  13 . 
     The frame member  12  comprises an outer frame  121 . The outer frame  121  comprises a farther frame part  1211 , a nearer frame part  1212 , a left frame part  1213  and a right frame part  1214 . The farther frame part  1211  and the nearer frame part  1212  are connected with each other through the left frame part  1213  and the right frame part  1214 . The farther frame part  1211  and the nearer frame part  1212  are determined according to the distances from the user or the positions relative to the user when the keyboard device  1  is operated. The farther frame part  1211  is away from the user. The nearer frame part  1212  is closer to the user. When the keyboard device  1  is operated by the user, the palm of the user can be placed on the nearer frame part  1212 . Moreover, the outer frame  121  has a first surface  1215  and a second surface  1216 . The first surface  1215  and the second surface  1216  are opposed to each other. For example, in case that the first surface  1215  is a top surface of the outer frame  121 , the second surface  1216  is a bottom surface of the outer frame  121  or an inner surface of the frame member  12 . 
     When the frame member  12  and the plural keys  11  are assembled with each other, the keys  11  are disposed within the outer frame  121  and enclosed by the outer frame  121 . 
     In the keyboard device  1 , a layer of elastic protective film  13  that is made of silicone is fixed on the frame member  12 . Consequently, the keyboard device  1  has the waterproof and dustproof function. The elastic protective film  13  has toughness and elasticity. After the elastic protective film  13  undergoes deformation, the elastic protective film  13  can be restored to its original shape. Moreover, the surface of the elastic protective film  13  does not adsorb dust or stick to dust. Consequently, the elastic protective film  13  has an anti-sticking function. 
     In accordance with a feature of the present invention, the keyboard device  1  has a special design of facilitating attaching and fixing the elastic protective film  13  on the frame member  12 . Consequently, during the attaching process, the possibility of generating bubbles in the elastic protective film  13  will be largely reduced. For achieving the above function, the outer frame  121  of the frame member  12  comprises perforations  1217 . The perforations  1217  are in communication with the first surface  1215  and the second surface  1216  of the outer frame  121 . While the elastic protective film  13  is attached on the outer frame  121 , the air can be sequentially exited out through the perforations  1217  along the attaching direction, or the air can be moved from the first surface  1215  to the second surface  1216  through the perforations  1217  and then exited out of other openings of the frame member  12 . Consequently, bubbles will not be retained in the elastic protective film  13 , or bubbles will not disorderly flow in the elastic protective film  13 . In this way, the attaching process of the elastic protective film  13  can be performed more smoothly. Moreover, when the elastic protective film  13  is attached and fixed on the first surface  1215 , the perforations  1217  are covered by the elastic protective film  13  and the flatness of the elastic protective film  13  is maintained. 
     In the keyboard device  1  of this embodiment, the perforations  1217  are formed in at least one of the farther frame part  1211 , the nearer frame part  1212 , the left frame part  1213  and the right frame part  1214 . 
     Please refer to  FIGS. 3 and 4  again. In an embodiment, the thickness T 1  of the elastic protective film  13  is in the range between 0.3 mm and 1 mm, the perforations  1217  are circular holes, and the diameter D 1  of each perforation  1217  is in the range between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm. Moreover, in order to maintain the flatness of the elastic protective film  13  on the frame member  12  and reduce the possibility of generating bubbles in the attaching process, the perforations  1217  are discretely arranged. In addition, there is a spacing interval S 1  between every two adjacent perforations  1217 . The spacing interval S 1  is in the range between 0.3 mm and 1 mm. It is preferred that a ratio of the spacing interval S 1  between every two adjacent perforations  1217  to the diameter S 1  of the perforation  1217  is 1:1. 
     In an embodiment, the frame member  12  further comprises inner ribs  122 . The inner ribs  122  are disposed within the outer frame  121  and enclosed by the outer frame  121 . The plural keys  11  are separated from each other by the inner ribs  122 . When the frame member  12  and the plural keys  11  are assembled with each other, the inner ribs  122  are disposed in the seams between the adjacent keys  11 . 
     In an embodiment, the outer frame  121  and the inner ribs  122  are integrally formed as a one-piece structure. Alternatively, the outer frame  121  and the inner ribs  122  are separate components. 
     In an embodiment, the elastic protective film  13  is fixed on the outer frame  121  of the frame member  12 . Optionally, the elastic protective film  13  is further fixed on the inner ribs  122  or the surfaces of the keys  11 . That is, the installation position of the elastic protective film  13  may be determined according to the practical requirements. In case that the elastic protective film  13  is required to be fixed on the inner ribs  122  or the keys  11 , the elastic protective film  13  may also have the three-dimensional structures as shown in  FIG. 1  to match the profiles of the corresponding inner ribs  122  and the corresponding keys  11 . 
     In an embodiment, the elastic protective film  13  has adhesivity, and thus the elastic protective film  13  is directly fixed on the first surface  1215  of the outer frame  121 , the inner ribs  122  or the keys  11 . It is noted that numerous modifications and alterations may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention.  FIG. 5  is a schematic enlarged view illustrating a variant example of the structure as shown in  FIG. 4 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the elastic protective film  13  is fixed on the first surface  1215  of the outer frame  121 , the inner ribs  122  or the keys  11  through an adhesive layer  14 . 
     In a second embodiment, the present invention provides a keyboard device. The keyboard device is a wired keyboard device or a wireless keyboard device. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the keyboard device is used as the keyboard device of a notebook computer. It is noted that the applications of the keyboard device of the present invention are not restricted. A keyboard device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9 .  FIG. 6  is a schematic exploded view illustrating a keyboard device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 7  is a schematic perspective view illustrating the keyboard device as shown in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 8  is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the keyboard device as shown in  FIG. 6  and taken along the line  8 - 8 .  FIG. 9  is a schematic enlarged view illustrating a portion of the keyboard device as shown in  FIG. 8 . The keyboard device  2  comprises plural keys  21 , a frame member  22  and an elastic protective film  23 . 
     The frame member  22  comprises an outer frame  221 . The outer frame  221  comprises a farther frame part  2211 , a nearer frame part  2212 , a left frame part  2213  and a right frame part  2214 . The farther frame part  2211  and the nearer frame part  2212  are connected with each other through the left frame part  2213  and the right frame part  2214 . The farther frame part  2211  and the nearer frame part  2212  are determined according to the distances from the user or the positions relative to the user when the keyboard device  2  is operated. The farther frame part  2211  is away from the user. The nearer frame part  2212  is closer to the user. When the keyboard device  2  is operated by the user, the palm of the user can be placed on the nearer frame part  2212 . Moreover, the outer frame  221  has a first surface  2215  and a second surface  2216 . The first surface  2215  and the second surface  2216  are opposed to each other. For example, in case that the first surface  2215  is a top surface of the outer frame  221 , the second surface  2216  is a bottom surface of the outer frame  221  or an inner surface of the frame member  22 . 
     When the frame member  22  and the plural keys  21  are assembled with each other, the keys  21  are disposed within the outer frame  221  and enclosed by the outer frame  221 . 
     In the keyboard device  2 , a layer of elastic protective film  23  that is made of silicone is fixed on the frame member  22 . Consequently, the keyboard device  2  has the waterproof and dustproof function. The elastic protective film  23  has toughness and elasticity. After the elastic protective film  23  undergoes deformation, the elastic protective film  23  can be restored to its original shape. Moreover, the surface of the elastic protective film  23  does not adsorb dust or stick to dust. Consequently, the elastic protective film  23  has an anti-sticking function. 
     In accordance with a feature of the present invention, the keyboard device  2  has a special design of facilitating attaching and fixing the elastic protective film  23  on the frame member  22 . Consequently, during the attaching process, the possibility of generating bubbles in the elastic protective film  23  will be largely reduced. For achieving the above function, the outer frame  221  of the frame member  22  comprises plural grooves  2217 . The grooves  2217  are formed in the first surface  2215  of the outer frame  221  and extended in the direction toward the second surface  2216  of the outer frame  221 . The grooves  2217  are not contacted with the second surface  2216 . While the elastic protective film  23  is attached on the outer frame  221 , the air can be sequentially exited out through the grooves  2217  along the installation direction of the grooves  2217 . Consequently, bubbles will not be retained in the elastic protective film  23 , or bubbles will not disorderly flow in the elastic protective film  23 . In this way, the attaching process of the elastic protective film  23  can be performed more smoothly. Moreover, when the elastic protective film  23  is attached and fixed on the first surface  2215 , the grooves  2217  are covered by the elastic protective film  23  and the flatness of the elastic protective film  23  is maintained. 
     In the keyboard device  2  of this embodiment, the grooves  2217  are formed in at least one of the farther frame part  2211 , the nearer frame part  2212 , the left frame part  2213  and the right frame part  2214 . Preferably, the grooves  2217  are formed in the farther frame part  2211 , the left frame part  2213  or the right frame part  2214 . 
     Please refer to  FIGS. 8 and 9 . In an embodiment, the thickness T 2  of the elastic protective film  23  is in the range between 0.3 mm and 1 mm. The width W 2  of the groove  2217  is in the range between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm. The depth D 2  of the groove  2217  is larger than or equal to 0.3 mm, and smaller than or equal to a half of the thickness of the frame member  22 . Preferably, the depth D 2  of the groove  2217  is 0.6 mm. It is preferred that a ratio of the depth D 2  of the groove  2217  to the width W 2  of the groove  2217  is 2:1. 
     Moreover, in order to maintain the flatness of the elastic protective film  23  on the frame member  22  and reduce the possibility of generating bubbles in the attaching process, the plural grooves  2217  are discretely arranged. For example, the plural grooves  2217  are in parallel with each other. In addition, there is a spacing interval S 2  between every two adjacent grooves  2217 . The spacing interval S 2  is in the range between 0.3 mm and 1 mm. In another embodiment, the adjacent grooves  2217  are not in parallel with each other as long as the adjacent grooves  2217  are not in contact with or in communication with each other. 
     In an embodiment, the frame member  22  further comprises inner ribs  222 . The inner ribs  222  are disposed within the outer frame  221  and enclosed by the outer frame  221 . The plural keys  21  are separated from each other by the inner ribs  222 . When the frame member  22  and the plural keys  21  are assembled with each other, the inner ribs  222  are disposed in the seams between the adjacent keys  21 . 
     In an embodiment, the outer frame  221  and the inner ribs  222  are integrally formed as a one-piece structure. Alternatively, the outer frame  221  and the inner ribs  222  are separate components. 
     In an embodiment, the elastic protective film  23  is fixed on the outer frame  221  of the frame member  22 . Optionally, the elastic protective film  23  is further fixed on the inner ribs  222  or the surfaces of the keys  21 . That is, the installation position of the elastic protective film  23  may be determined according to the practical requirements. In case that the elastic protective film  23  is required to be fixed on the inner ribs  222  or the keys  21 , the elastic protective film  23  may also have the three-dimensional structures as shown in  FIG. 6  to match the profiles of the corresponding inner ribs  222  and the corresponding keys  21 . 
     In an embodiment, the elastic protective film  23  has adhesivity, and thus the elastic protective film  23  is directly fixed on the first surface  2215  of the outer frame  221 , the inner ribs  222  or the keys  21 . It is noted that numerous modifications and alterations may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention.  FIG. 10  is a schematic enlarged view illustrating a variant example of the structure as shown in  FIG. 9 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , the elastic protective film  23  is fixed on the first surface  2215  of the outer frame  221 , the inner ribs  222  or the keys  21  through an adhesive layer  24 . 
     While the invention has been described in terms of what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention needs not be limited to the disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims which are to be accorded with the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all modifications and similar structures.