Patent Description:
In recent years, as a notebook computer is miniaturized and thinned, a keyboard has a smaller size and becomes thinner, and a thickness of the keyboard directly affects a key travel distance. This poses a higher challenge to maintain and improve a keystroke feeling. Therefore, in a trend of miniaturization of a terminal product, it is of great significance to ensure a key travel distance long enough to provide a keyboard with a comfortable operation for a consumer.

In a conventional technology, a keyboard with a flat appearance and a continuous keyboard surface structure is usually used. In the keyboard, a corner of a keycap is pressed by using a hook fastened onto a steel wire, and the keycap ascends or descends by rotating the hook. When a key is not used, the hook is driven by rotating the steel wire, to press the key to sink to a location flush with a keyboard surface, and the keyboard surface is entirely presented as a plane, to improve an aesthetic of an appearance and a feeling of the consumer. When the key is used, the hook is reversely flipped to release pressure, and the keycap ascends to a required height. Such a structure can be used to ensure that even a thin computer can have a key travel distance long enough. However, to manufacture the keyboard, a material and mechanism with a high friction coefficient need to be used, and a steel wire and a hook need
to be welded for all keys, to increase a quantity of parts, and increase an overall weight and costs. Document <CIT> discloses a device according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

In view of this, this application provides a keyboard assembly that has a thin shape, a long key travel distance, a simplified overall structure, and reduced manufacturing costs.

A device framework to which the keyboard assembly is applied also needs to be provided.

An electronic device including the device framework also needs to be provided.

According to a first aspect of embodiments of this application, a keyboard assembly according to claim <NUM> is provided.

In this case, in the keyboard assembly, the top plate rotates, to push or pull the keyboard substrate to perform translation, and one end of the lifting support and the concave slope of the key accommodation groove press each other to generate a relative displacement, so that the lifting support is longitudinally stretched or retracted, to drive the keycap to ascend or descend, thereby obtaining a keyboard assembly having a stable movement, a thin shape, and a long key travel distance. In addition, in the keyboard assembly provided in this application, a small quantity of simple components are used to enable the keycap to ascend or descend, to simplify an overall structure of the keyboard assembly or a device framework, and further reduce an overall weight and manufacturing costs of the keyboard assembly or the device framework.

In an implementation of this application, when the top plate rotates relative to the bottom plate, the bottom plate remains stationary, and the top plate drives the keyboard substrate to move relative to the bottom plate. In this case, the keyboard assembly having a stable movement, a thin shape, and a long key travel distance can be obtained, an overall structure of the keyboard assembly or a device framework is simplified, and an overall weight and manufacturing costs of the keyboard assembly or the device framework are further reduced.

In an implementation of this application, a rotating shaft structure is disposed on one side of the top plate, and the top plate is connected to each of the bottom plate and the keyboard substrate by using the rotating shaft structure. In this case, when the top plate rotates relative to the bottom plate, the rotating shaft structure can be used to enable a smoother movement between the keyboard substrate and the bottom plate.

In an implementation of this application, the keyboard substrate further includes a plurality of clamping assemblies, each clamping assembly includes two first clamping members and two second clamping members, the lifting support includes a first mount and a second mount connected to the first mount, one end of the first mount is connected to the first clamping member, one end of the second mount abuts against the keyboard substrate and is capable of sliding on the keyboard substrate, one end of the second mount can be connected to the second clamping member when one end of the second mount slides to the second clamping member, the other end of the first mount abuts against the keycap and is capable of sliding on the keycap, and the other end of the second mount is connected to the keycap. The first clamping member, the second clamping member, the first mount, and the second mount are disposed, so that a connection between the lifting support and the keyboard substrate is more proper, the lifting support ascends or descends as the keyboard substrate moves, and the keycap ascends or descends as the lifting support ascends or descends.

In an implementation of this application, two side plates are disposed on the first mount; each side plate is wedge-shaped and includes a protruding corner; the protruding corner abuts against and matches the concave slope; in the process in which the top plate rotates to the first specified location relative to the bottom plate, the top plate drives the keyboard substrate to move relative to the bottom plate, so that each protruding corner slides in the first direction on the concave slope; and in the process in which the top plate rotates to the second specified location relative to the bottom plate, the top plate drives the keyboard substrate to move relative to the bottom plate, so that each protruding corner slides in the second direction on the concave slope. The protruding corner matches the top plate and the concave slope, so that the keycap ascends when the lifting support ascends.

In an implementation of this application, the bottom plate further includes a keyboard surface, and when the top plate is at the first specified location, the keycap is accommodated in the key accommodation groove and is at least lower than or flush with the keyboard surface of the bottom plate. In this case, it is possible to avoid a case in which the keycap and a screen interfere with each other and the screen is damage, to obtain a keyboard assembly having a flat keyboard appearance surface.

In an implementation of this application, a plurality of first limiting holes are further formed on the keyboard substrate, an extension direction of a long side of the first limiting hole is the same as a movement direction of the keyboard substrate, a limiting member sequentially passes through the first limiting hole and the bottom plate, to slidably connect the keyboard substrate and the bottom plate, and the limiting member slides in the first limiting hole relative to the keyboard substrate when the top plate rotates between the first specified location and the second specified location. In this case, the keyboard substrate and the bottom plate may be slidably connected together, and the pad and the keyboard substrate are limited.

In an implementation of this application, one folding side is disposed on each of two short sides of the first limiting hole, a pad is disposed on the two folding sides, the pad is provided with a second limiting hole, an extension direction of a long side of the second limiting hole is the same as the extension direction of the long side of the first limiting hole, the limiting member sequentially passes through the first limiting hole, the second limiting hole, and the bottom plate, to slidably connect the keyboard substrate and the bottom plate, and the limiting member slides in the second limiting hole relative to the keyboard substrate when the top plate rotates between the first specified location and the second specified location. In this case, not only movement precision of the keyboard substrate can be ensured, but also smoothness of a relative movement between the keyboard substrate and the bottom plate can be ensured.

In an implementation of this application, the limiting member includes a limiting portion and a fastening portion vertically fastened onto the limiting portion, a cross-sectional dimension of the limiting portion is greater than a cross-sectional dimension of the fastening portion, the cross-sectional dimension of the limiting portion is greater than a cross-sectional dimension of a short side of the second limiting hole, and the cross-sectional dimension of the fastening portion is less than the cross-sectional dimension of the short side of the second limiting hole. In this case, not only movement precision of the keyboard substrate can be ensured, but also smoothness of a relative movement between the keyboard substrate and the bottom plate can be ensured.

In an implementation of this application, the keycap includes at least one fastening block and two third clamping members, a first connecting shaft is further disposed on the first mount, two ends of the first connecting shaft are separately slidably connected to the third clamping member, two third clamping shafts are further disposed on the second mount, and the third clamping shaft is connected to the fastening block. In this case, a connection between the lifting support and the keycap can be more proper.

In an implementation of this application, a first clamping shaft is disposed on the first mount, two second clamping shafts are further disposed on the second mount, two ends of the first clamping shaft are connected to the two first clamping members, and the second clamping shaft is slidably connected to the second clamping member. In this case, a connection between the lifting support and the keyboard substrate can be more proper.

According to a second aspect of embodiments of this application, a device framework is provided. The device framework includes a top plate, a bottom plate, and the keyboard assembly as described above. In this case, a keyboard assembly having a stable movement, a thin shape, and a long key travel distance can be obtained, an overall structure of the keyboard assembly or a device framework is simplified, and an overall weight and manufacturing costs of the keyboard assembly or the device framework are further reduced.

According to a third aspect of embodiments of this application, an electronic device is provided, including a screen. The electronic device further includes the device framework as described above, the screen is disposed on a top plate and faces a keyboard assembly, and the screen is connected to the device framework in a wired manner or a wireless manner. In this case, a keyboard assembly having a stable movement, a thin shape, and a long key travel distance can be obtained, an overall structure of the keyboard assembly or the device framework is simplified, and an overall weight and manufacturing costs of the keyboard assembly or the device framework are further reduced.

In the following specific implementations, the present invention is further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

To further describe the technical means and efficacy of this application to achieve the predetermined application objective, the following describes in detail specific implementations, structures, features, and efficacy of a keyboard assembly, a keyboard, and an electronic device provided in this application with reference to <FIG> and preferred implementations. It is clear that the described embodiments are merely some but not all of embodiments of this application.

It should be noted that when an element is considered to be "connected" to another element, the element may be directly connected to the another element, or there may be an element disposed in the middle. When an element is considered to be "disposed" on another element, the element may be directly disposed on the another element, or there may be an element disposed in the middle.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have a same meaning as that commonly understood by a person skilled in the art of this application. The terms used in this specification are merely for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit this application. The term "and/or" used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more associated listed items.

An embodiment of this application provides a device framework, including a keyboard assembly, a top plate, and a bottom plate. The keyboard assembly includes a keyboard substrate, a keycap array including a plurality of keycaps, and a lifting support array including a plurality of lifting supports one-to-one corresponding to the keycaps. Each keycap is connected to the keyboard substrate by using a lifting support corresponding to the keycap. The keyboard substrate is connected to the bottom plate, and the keyboard substrate is capable of sliding relative to the bottom plate. The bottom plate includes a plurality of key accommodation grooves one-to-one corresponding to the plurality of keycaps, each key accommodation groove includes a concave slope, the lifting support is located in the key accommodation groove, and one end of the lifting support abuts against the concave slope and is capable of sliding on the concave slope. The keyboard substrate is connected to the top plate, and the top plate is rotatably connected to the bottom plate. In a process in which the top plate rotates to a first specified location relative to the bottom plate, the top plate drives the keyboard substrate to move relative to the bottom plate, so that each lifting support slides in a first direction on the concave slope, and each lifting support descends, to drive each keycap to descend. In a process in which the top plate rotates to a second specified location relative to the bottom plate, the top plate drives the keyboard substrate to move relative to the bottom plate, so that each lifting support slides in a second direction on the concave slope, and each lifting support ascends, to drive each keycap to ascend. A direction in which the top plate rotates to the first specified location is opposite to a direction in which the top plate rotates to the second specified location.

Herein, the "first specified location" is a location at which the top plate is located when an unfolding angle of the top plate relative to the keyboard substrate is <NUM> degrees, in other words, when the top plate is closed; and the "second specified location" is a location at which the top plate is located when the unfolding angle of the top plate relative to the keyboard substrate is <NUM> degrees.

It can be learned from the description that the lifting support provided in this implementation can realize a function of providing power for the keycap to ascend or descend. To realize the foregoing function, the lifting support needs to be implemented through matching between the top plate, the keyboard substrate, and the bottom plate. The top plate, the keyboard substrate, and the bottom plate may be implemented by using different structures, and are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific implementations for each of understanding.

Refer to <FIG>. An embodiment of this application provides a device framework <NUM>. The device framework <NUM> is applied to an electronic device. The electronic device may be a common terminal such as a desktop computer or a notebook computer in the conventional technology, or may be a device that is externally connected to a wired or wireless keyboard or a mobile phone connected to a keyboard. In this implementation, the device framework <NUM> is a device framework applied to a notebook computer. In this implementation, the electronic device includes a device framework <NUM> and a screen disposed on the device framework <NUM>. In another implementation, the screen may not be disposed on the device framework <NUM>, and the screen and the device framework <NUM> may be connected in a wired or wireless manner.

Refer to <FIG>. The device framework <NUM> includes a top plate <NUM>, a keyboard assembly <NUM>, and a bottom plate <NUM>.

The keyboard assembly <NUM> includes a keyboard substrate <NUM>, a keycap array <NUM> including a plurality of keycaps <NUM>, and a lifting support array <NUM> including a plurality of lifting supports <NUM> one-to-one corresponding to the keycaps <NUM>. Each keycap <NUM> is connected to the keyboard substrate <NUM> by using a lifting support <NUM> corresponding to the keycap <NUM>. The keyboard substrate <NUM> is connected to the bottom plate <NUM> and is capable of sliding relative to the bottom plate <NUM>. The keyboard substrate <NUM> is connected to the top plate <NUM>, and the top plate <NUM> is rotatably connected to the bottom plate <NUM>.

The top plate <NUM> is configured to provide power for the keycap array <NUM> to ascend or descend.

In this implementation, the screen of the electronic device is fastened onto the top plate <NUM> and faces the keycap array <NUM>.

Refer to <FIG>. At least a rotating shaft structure <NUM> is disposed on one side of the top plate <NUM>, and the top plate <NUM> is rotatably connected to the keyboard substrate <NUM> by using the rotating shaft structure <NUM>. Specifically, the rotating shaft structure <NUM> includes one shaft sleeve <NUM> fastened onto the top plate, a rotating shaft <NUM> that passes through the shaft sleeve <NUM> and that is fastened onto the shaft sleeve <NUM>, and a eccentric protrusion <NUM> formed at one end of the rotating shaft <NUM>. The top plate <NUM> is slidably connected to the keyboard substrate <NUM> by using the eccentric protrusion <NUM>, and the top plate <NUM> is rotatably connected to the bottom plate <NUM> by using the rotating shaft <NUM>. Because a center of the eccentric protrusion <NUM> and a center of the rotating shaft <NUM> are not on a same straight line, when the top plate <NUM> rotates relative to the bottom plate <NUM>, the top plate <NUM> is capable of sliding in an arc slot <NUM> (referring to the following descriptions) of the keyboard substrate <NUM>, so as to drive the keyboard substrate <NUM> to slide.

In this implementation, there are two rotating shaft structures <NUM>, and the two rotating shaft structures <NUM> are formed on a same side of the top plate <NUM> and on a same straight line. Certainly, in another implementation, a quantity of rotating shaft structures <NUM> is not limited to two, and may be determined based on an actual situation.

Refer to <FIG>. The lifting support <NUM> includes a first mount <NUM> and a second mount <NUM> connected to the first mount <NUM>. In this implementation, the lifting support <NUM> has an X shape. One end of the first mount <NUM> is connected to the keyboard substrate <NUM>, and the other end abuts against the keycap <NUM> and is capable of sliding on the keycap <NUM>. One end of the second mount <NUM> is connected to the keycap <NUM>, and the other end abuts against the keyboard substrate <NUM> and is capable of sliding on the keyboard substrate <NUM>. Preferably, the first mount <NUM> and the second mount <NUM> are connected in a hinged manner. Certainly, the first mount <NUM> and the second mount <NUM> may be connected in another manner, which is not limited to the hinged manner.

Refer to <FIG>. Each keycap <NUM> includes a first surface <NUM> and a second surface <NUM> opposite to the first surface <NUM>. Two fastening blocks <NUM>, two limiting grooves <NUM>, two third clamping members <NUM>, and at least one first accommodation groove <NUM> are further formed on the second surface <NUM> of the keycap <NUM>. The first accommodation groove <NUM> and the limiting groove <NUM> are respectively located at two opposite ends of the second surface <NUM> of the keycap <NUM>. The fastening block <NUM> is located between the first accommodation groove <NUM> and the limiting groove <NUM> and is disposed close to the first accommodation groove <NUM>. A second clamping slit <NUM> is formed on each fastening block <NUM>. The two third clamping members <NUM> each are located and fastened in the limiting groove <NUM>.

Refer to <FIG>. The first mount <NUM> includes a first side wall <NUM>, a second side wall <NUM>, a third side wall <NUM>, and a fourth side wall <NUM> that are connected head-to-tail. The first side wall <NUM>, the second side wall <NUM>, the third side wall <NUM>, and the fourth side wall <NUM> enclose a first accommodation chamber <NUM>. The second mount <NUM> is accommodated in the first accommodation chamber <NUM>. In this implementation, the first side wall <NUM> is disposed opposite to the second side wall <NUM>, and the third side wall <NUM> is disposed opposite to the fourth side wall <NUM>. In this implementation, the first side wall <NUM>, the second side wall <NUM>, the third side wall <NUM>, and the fourth side wall <NUM> are integrally formed.

A first clamping shaft <NUM> is fastened onto one side face of the third side wall <NUM>, and the first clamping shaft <NUM> protrudes from the third side wall <NUM>. Two ends of the first clamping shaft <NUM> are respectively connected to the first clamping member <NUM> (referring to the following descriptions) of the keyboard substrate <NUM>. Preferably, the first clamping shaft <NUM> and the first clamping member <NUM> are connected in a hinged manner. Certainly, the first mount <NUM> and the first clamping member <NUM> may be connected in another manner, which is not limited to the hinged manner.

Two side plates <NUM> and a first connecting shaft <NUM> extending from surfaces of the two side plates <NUM> are disposed on two ends of the fourth side wall <NUM>. The two side plates <NUM> are approximately disposed perpendicular to the fourth side wall <NUM>, and each side plate <NUM> is approximately wedge-shaped and has a protruding corner <NUM>. Two ends of the first connecting shaft <NUM> protrude from the fourth side wall <NUM> and are fastened onto two protruding corners <NUM>. The two ends of the first connecting shaft <NUM> pass through the limiting groove <NUM> and are connected to the third clamping member <NUM> of the keycap <NUM>. When the keycap <NUM> ascends, the first connecting shaft <NUM> slides in a first direction in the limiting groove <NUM> and is detached from the third clamping member <NUM>.

A pin shaft hole <NUM> is formed in each of the first side wall <NUM> and the second side wall <NUM>, and two pin holes <NUM> have opposite locations.

Refer to <FIG>. A protruding block <NUM> is further formed on the third side wall <NUM>, and the protruding block <NUM> is accommodated in the first accommodation groove <NUM>. When the keycap <NUM> ascends, the protruding block <NUM> is detached from the first accommodation groove <NUM>.

Refer to <FIG> and <FIG>. Two second accommodation grooves <NUM> and two third accommodation grooves <NUM> are disposed on the second mount <NUM>. The two second accommodation grooves <NUM> and the two third accommodation grooves <NUM> are respectively located at two ends of the second mount <NUM>.

Two second clamping shafts <NUM> and two third clamping shafts <NUM> are further disposed on the second mount <NUM>. The two second clamping shafts <NUM> are respectively accommodated and fastened in the two second accommodation grooves <NUM>, and each are slidably connected to the second clamping member <NUM> (referring to the following descriptions) of the keyboard substrate <NUM>. When one end of the second mount <NUM> slides to the second clamping member <NUM>, the two second clamping shafts <NUM> are connected to the second clamping member. The two third clamping shafts <NUM> are respectively accommodated and fastened in the two third accommodation grooves <NUM>, and the third clamping shaft <NUM> is accommodated in the second clamping slit <NUM> and is connected to the fastening block <NUM>. When the keycap <NUM> ascends, the second clamping shaft <NUM> is detached from the second clamping member <NUM>.

Two pin shafts <NUM> are further disposed on the second mount <NUM>, and two pin shafts <NUM> are respectively located on two opposite sides of the second mount <NUM> and have opposite locations. The two pin shafts <NUM> respectively match the two pin shaft holes <NUM>, to connect the second mount <NUM> and the first mount <NUM>.

Refer to <FIG> and <FIG>. The keyboard substrate <NUM> includes a main body portion <NUM> and two connecting arms <NUM> fastened onto the main body portion <NUM>, and one end of the lifting support <NUM> is connected to the main body portion <NUM>. Specifically, one end that is of each connecting arm <NUM> and that is away from the main body portion <NUM> is provided with one arc slot <NUM>, and the arc slot <NUM> passes through the connecting arm <NUM>. In this implementation, a center of the arc slot <NUM> is located between the arc slot <NUM> and the main body portion <NUM>. The arc slot <NUM> is sleeved on the eccentric protrusion <NUM>. When the top plate <NUM> is folded or unfolded, the eccentric protrusion <NUM> is capable of sliding in the arc slot <NUM>, to drive the keyboard substrate <NUM> to slide.

The keyboard substrate <NUM> further includes a plurality of clamping assemblies <NUM>. The plurality of clamping assemblies <NUM> are fastened onto the main body portion <NUM>.

A distance of the connecting arm <NUM> to the main body portion <NUM> may be adjusted based on an actual situation.

Specifically, the main body portion <NUM> includes a keyboard substrate body <NUM> and a protruding edge <NUM> extending from an edge of the keyboard substrate body <NUM>. The connecting arm <NUM> is fastened onto the protruding edge <NUM>. The plurality of the clamping assemblies <NUM> are formed on the keyboard substrate body <NUM>.

Specifically, each clamping assembly <NUM> includes two first clamping members <NUM> and two second clamping members <NUM>. The two first clamping members <NUM> have opposite locations, the two second clamping members <NUM> have opposite locations, and a first clamping member <NUM> and a second clamping member <NUM> have opposite locations.

In this implementation, the first clamping member <NUM> and the second clamping member <NUM> each are a clamping hook. A hook of the first clamping member <NUM> and a hook of the second clamping member <NUM> are disposed in opposite directions.

A first ani-interference cut <NUM> is formed between each first clamping member <NUM> and the keyboard substrate body <NUM>, and a second ani-interference cut <NUM> is formed between each second clamping member <NUM> and the keyboard substrate body <NUM>. The first ani-interference cut <NUM> is configured to accommodate two ends of the first clamping shaft <NUM>. The second ani-interference cut <NUM> is configured to accommodate the second clamping shaft <NUM>.

Refer to <FIG>. The two ends of the first clamping shaft <NUM> are accommodated in two first ani-interference cuts <NUM>, and are connected to the two first clamping members <NUM>. Preferably, the first clamping shaft <NUM> and the first clamping member <NUM> are connected in a hinged manner. Certainly, the first mount <NUM> and the first clamping member <NUM> may be connected in another manner, which is not limited to the hinged manner.

Refer to <FIG>. The second clamping member <NUM> passes through the second accommodation groove <NUM>. The second clamping shaft <NUM> is accommodated in the second ani-interference cut <NUM>, and is slidably connected to the second clamping member <NUM>. When the keycap <NUM> ascends, the second clamping member <NUM> is detached from the second clamping shaft <NUM>, and is capable of sliding in the second accommodation groove <NUM>.

Refer to <FIG>. A plurality of first limiting holes <NUM> are further formed in the keyboard substrate body <NUM>. In this implementation, the first limiting hole <NUM> is a rectangular hole. An extension direction of a long side of the first limiting hole <NUM> is the same as a movement direction of the keyboard substrate <NUM>. One folding side <NUM> is disposed on each of two short sides of the first limiting hole <NUM>. A pad <NUM> is disposed on two folding sides <NUM>. The pad <NUM> is provided with a second limiting hole <NUM>, and an extension direction of a long side of the second limiting hole <NUM> is the same as an extension direction of a long side of the first limiting hole <NUM>. Locations of the second limiting hole <NUM> and the first limiting hole <NUM> are opposite to a solid portion of the bottom plate <NUM> between two adjacent key accommodation grooves <NUM> (referring to the following descriptions) of the bottom plate <NUM>. In this implementation, the second limiting hole <NUM> is an oblong hole. A step-like limiting member <NUM> sequentially passes through the first limiting hole <NUM> and the second limiting hole <NUM>, and is fastened onto the bottom plate <NUM>.

Refer to <FIG>. Because the pad <NUM> is disposed between the keyboard substrate <NUM> and the bottom plate <NUM>, there is a gap <NUM> between the keyboard substrate <NUM> and the bottom plate <NUM>. The keyboard substrate <NUM> further includes a metal plate <NUM>, a thin film circuit layer <NUM> formed on the metal plate <NUM>, and a backlight film layer <NUM>. The thin film circuit layer <NUM> and the backlight film layer <NUM> are formed on two opposite surfaces of the metal plate <NUM>. The first limiting hole <NUM> is formed on the metal plate <NUM>, and the folding side <NUM> is a part of the metal plate <NUM>. A third ani-interference cut <NUM> is also formed at a location that is on the keyboard substrate <NUM> and that corresponds to the lifting support <NUM>. When the protruding corner <NUM> of the first mount <NUM> of the lifting support <NUM> slides to a bottom end of a concave slope <NUM> (referring to the following descriptions) of the bottom plate <NUM>, the gap <NUM> matches the third ani-interference cut <NUM>, to accommodate the side plate <NUM> of the first mount <NUM> in the third ani-interference cut <NUM>.

In this implementation, specifically, the limiting member <NUM> is a step screw. The limiting member <NUM> includes a limiting portion <NUM> and a fastening portion <NUM>, and the fastening portion <NUM> is vertically fastened onto the limiting portion <NUM>. The limiting portion <NUM> is presented in a boss shape. A cross-sectional dimension of the limiting portion <NUM> is greater than a cross-sectional dimension of the fastening portion <NUM>. The cross-sectional dimension of the limiting portion <NUM> is greater than a cross-sectional dimension of a short side of the second limiting hole <NUM> of the pad <NUM>, to prevent the pad <NUM> from falling off and impose a limitation in a short side direction of the second limiting hole <NUM>. The cross-sectional dimension of the fastening portion <NUM> is less than the cross-sectional dimension of the short side of the second limiting hole <NUM>, so that when the keyboard substrate <NUM> is pulled, the limiting member <NUM> is capable of sliding in the second limiting hole <NUM> in a long side direction of the second limiting hole <NUM>. The limiting portion <NUM> of the limiting member <NUM> matches the bottom plate <NUM>, to fasten the keyboard substrate <NUM> and the pad <NUM> together, so as to limit the pad <NUM> and the keyboard substrate <NUM>, and ensure movement precision of the keyboard substrate <NUM>.

In this implementation, a material of the pad <NUM> is a material with a low friction coefficient, to ensure smoothness of relative movement between the keyboard substrate <NUM> and the bottom plate <NUM>. In this implementation, the material of the pad <NUM> is polyformaldehyde (polyformaldehyde, POM), polyethylene (polyethylene, PE), polyethylene terephthalate (polyethylene terephthalate, PET), or the like.

Refer to <FIG> and <FIG>. The bottom plate <NUM> includes a plurality of key accommodation grooves <NUM> one-to-one corresponding to the plurality of keycaps <NUM>, and an inner wall of each key accommodation groove <NUM> has at least one concave slope <NUM> (referring to <FIG>). The concave slope <NUM> is inclined toward the protruding corner <NUM>. The lifting support <NUM> is accommodated in the plurality of the key accommodation grooves <NUM>, and the protruding corner <NUM> abuts against the concave slope <NUM>. The protruding corner <NUM> abuts against the concave slope <NUM> and is capable of sliding on the concave slope <NUM>.

In a process in which the top plate <NUM> rotates to a first specified location relative to the bottom plate <NUM>, the top plate <NUM> drives the keyboard substrate <NUM> to move relative to the bottom plate <NUM>, so that a protruding corner <NUM> of each lifting support <NUM> slides in a first direction on the concave slope <NUM>, and each lifting support <NUM> descends, to drive each keycap <NUM> to descend. In a process in which the top plate <NUM> rotates to a second specified location relative to the bottom plate <NUM>, the top plate <NUM> drives the keyboard substrate <NUM> to move relative to the bottom plate <NUM>, so that the protruding corner <NUM> of each lifting support <NUM> slides in a second direction on the concave slope <NUM>, and each lifting support <NUM> ascends, to drive each keycap <NUM> to ascend. A direction in which the top plate <NUM> rotates to the first specified location is opposite to a direction in which the top plate <NUM> rotates to the second specified location.

An unfolding angle of the top plate <NUM> is <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees.

Refer to <FIG>. When the top plate <NUM> is at the first specified location (the top plate <NUM> is closed), the keyboard substrate <NUM> and the lifting support <NUM> are in a locking location, and the top plate <NUM> and the concave slope <NUM> provide downward pressure for the keycap <NUM>, to lock the keycap <NUM> at a location at which the keycap <NUM> is pressed. In this case, the key <NUM> descends to a lowest location, and the keycap <NUM> is at least lower than or flush with the keyboard surface <NUM> (referring to the following descriptions) of the bottom plate.

Specifically, when the top plate <NUM> is closed (the top plate <NUM> is at the first specified location), the top plate <NUM> drives the lifting support <NUM> to get close to the concave slope <NUM>. When the top plate <NUM> and the concave slope <NUM> match each other, the protruding corner <NUM> slides from a top end (a point at which the concave slope <NUM> and the keyboard surface <NUM> intersect) of the concave slope <NUM> to a bottom of the concave slope <NUM>, the lifting support <NUM> descends, and the keycap <NUM> descends with the lifting support <NUM>. In this process, a force exerted on the protruding corner <NUM> from the concave slope <NUM> gradually increases. When the protruding corner <NUM> slides to a bottom of the concave slope <NUM> along the concave slope <NUM>, the key <NUM> descends to a lowest location.

Specifically, the eccentric protrusion <NUM> of the rotating shaft <NUM> of the top plate <NUM> slides, to an end close to the top plate <NUM>, from an end that is of the arc slot <NUM> and that is away from the top plate <NUM>, to drive the keyboard substrate <NUM> to move (the bottom plate <NUM> remains stationary), and the limiting member <NUM> reversely moves in the second limiting hole <NUM> and the first limiting hole <NUM> relative to the keyboard substrate <NUM>. Specifically, the first clamping member <NUM> of the keyboard substrate <NUM> drives the first clamping shaft <NUM> of the first mount <NUM> to move in the first direction, the first connecting shaft <NUM> of the first mount <NUM> moves toward the third clamping member <NUM> in the limiting groove <NUM>, and the first connecting shaft <NUM> of the first mount <NUM> is connected to the third clamping member <NUM> when the top plate <NUM> is completely closed. In addition, the protruding corner <NUM> of the first mount <NUM> slides to the bottom of the concave slope <NUM> along the concave slope <NUM> of the key accommodation groove <NUM> of the bottom plate <NUM>. In addition, the second clamping shaft <NUM> of the second mount <NUM> moves away from the second clamping member <NUM> of the keyboard substrate <NUM> and is detached from the second clamping member <NUM>. When the top plate <NUM> is completely closed, the keycap <NUM> is lower than or flush with the keyboard surface <NUM> of the bottom plate <NUM>, and the protruding corner <NUM> abuts against the bottom of the concave slope <NUM>.

The keycap <NUM> is lower than or flush with the keyboard surface <NUM> of the bottom plate <NUM>, to avoid a case in which the keycap <NUM> interferes with the screen and the screen is damaged.

Refer to <FIG>. When the top plate <NUM> is at the second specified location (the top plate <NUM> is unfolded by <NUM> degrees relative to the keyboard substrate <NUM>), the keyboard substrate <NUM> and the lifting support <NUM> are at a first driving location, and the top plate <NUM>, the keyboard substrate <NUM>, and the lifting support <NUM> provide an upward supporting force for the keycap <NUM>. In this case, the key <NUM> ascends to a highest location, and correspondingly, the keycap <NUM> obtains a maximum key travel distance.

Specifically, when the top plate <NUM> is at the second specified location, the top plate <NUM> drives the protruding corner <NUM> of the lifting support <NUM> to get away from the concave slope <NUM>, and the top plate <NUM> and the concave slope <NUM> match each other, the protruding corner <NUM> slides from the bottom of the concave slope <NUM> to a top end of the concave slope <NUM>, the lifting support <NUM> ascends, and the keycap <NUM> ascends with the lifting support <NUM>. The force exerted on the protruding corner <NUM> from the concave slope <NUM> gradually decreases. When the protruding corner <NUM> ascends to the top end of the concave slope <NUM> along the concave slope <NUM>, the key <NUM> ascends to the highest location.

Specifically, the eccentric protrusion <NUM> of the rotating shaft <NUM> of the top plate <NUM> slides, to an end away from the top plate <NUM>, from an end that is of the arc slot <NUM> and that is close to the top plate <NUM>, to drive the keyboard substrate <NUM> to move, and the limiting member <NUM> reversely moves in the second limiting hole <NUM> and the first limiting hole <NUM> relative to the keyboard substrate <NUM>. Specifically, the first clamping member <NUM> of the keyboard substrate <NUM> drives the first clamping shaft <NUM> of the first mount <NUM> to move. In addition, the first connecting shaft <NUM> of the first mount <NUM> moves in the limiting groove <NUM> in a direction away from the third clamping member <NUM> and is detached from the third clamping member <NUM>. In addition, the protruding corner <NUM> of the first mount <NUM> slides upwards along the concave slope <NUM>. In addition, the keyboard substrate <NUM> drives the second clamping member <NUM> to move toward the second clamping shaft <NUM> of the second mount <NUM> and is connected to the second clamping member <NUM>. When the top plate <NUM> is completely unfolded, the keycap <NUM> is higher than the keyboard surface <NUM> of the bottom plate <NUM> and ascends to a highest location, and the protruding corner <NUM> slides upwards to the top end of the concave slope <NUM>.

Refer to <FIG>. When the top plate <NUM> is at a third specified location (the top plate <NUM> is unfolded by <NUM> degrees relative to the keyboard substrate <NUM>), the keyboard substrate <NUM> and the lifting support <NUM> are at a second driving location, and provide an upward supporting force for the keycap <NUM>. In this case, the key <NUM> ascends to a location that is half of the highest location.

The bottom plate <NUM> further includes a keyboard surface <NUM> facing the top plate <NUM> (when the top plate <NUM> is at the first specified location). When the key <NUM> descends to a lowest location, the keycap <NUM> is lower than or flush with the keyboard surface <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A keyboard assembly (<NUM>), comprising a keyboard substrate (<NUM>), a keycap array (<NUM>) comprising a plurality of keycaps (<NUM>), and a lifting support array (<NUM>) comprising a plurality of lifting supports (<NUM>) one-to-one corresponding to the keycaps, wherein each keycap is connected to the keyboard substrate by using a lifting support corresponding to the keycap, wherein the keyboard substrate is configured to be connected to a bottom plate (<NUM>) and a top plate (<NUM>), characterised in that the top plate is rotatably connected to the bottom plate, the bottom plate comprises a plurality of key accommodation grooves (<NUM>) one-to-one corresponding to the plurality of keycaps; each key accommodation groove comprises a concave slope (<NUM>); the lifting support is located in the key accommodation groove; one end of the lifting support abuts against the concave slope and is capable of sliding on the concave slope; and the keyboard assembly is further configured such that:
when the top plate rotates to a first specified location relative to the bottom plate, the top plate drives the keyboard substrate to move relative to the bottom plate, so that each lifting support slides in a first direction on the concave slope, and each lifting support descends, to drive each keycap to descend; and
when the top plate rotates to a second specified location relative to the bottom plate, the top plate drives the keyboard substrate to move relative to the bottom plate, so that each lifting support slides in a second direction on the concave slope, and each lifting support ascends, to drive each keycap to ascend, thereby increasing a key travel distance of the keycap; wherein
a direction in which the top plate rotates to the first specified location is opposite to a direction in which the top plate rotates to the second specified location.