CN108428582B - Light-transmitting keycap, manufacturing method thereof and light-emitting key comprising light-transmitting keycap - Google Patents
Light-transmitting keycap, manufacturing method thereof and light-emitting key comprising light-transmitting keycap Download PDFInfo
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- CN108428582B CN108428582B CN201810151941.3A CN201810151941A CN108428582B CN 108428582 B CN108428582 B CN 108428582B CN 201810151941 A CN201810151941 A CN 201810151941A CN 108428582 B CN108428582 B CN 108428582B
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- light
- transmitting
- transparent
- transmissive
- keycap
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
- H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
- H01H13/702—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
- H01H13/705—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches characterised by construction, mounting or arrangement of operating parts, e.g. push-buttons or keys
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
- H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
- H01H13/83—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by legends, e.g. Braille, liquid crystal displays, light emitting or optical elements
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
- H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
- H01H13/88—Processes specially adapted for manufacture of rectilinearly movable switches having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboards
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2219/00—Legends
- H01H2219/054—Optical elements
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- Push-Button Switches (AREA)
Abstract
The invention discloses a light-transmitting keycap, a manufacturing method thereof and a light-emitting key comprising the light-transmitting keycap. The light-transmitting keycap comprises a light-transmitting main body, a light-shielding layer and a light-shielding component. The shading layer is coated on the outer surface of the light-transmitting main body and is provided with a light-transmitting area. The light shielding member has a through hole and is joined to the bottom surface of the light transmitting body. The through hole is aligned with the light-transmitting area of the light-shielding layer. When light travels upwards from the lower part of the light-transmitting keycap, part of the light passes through the through hole, the light-transmitting main body and the light-transmitting area, so that the light-transmitting area presents a color light. The other part of the light is shielded by the light shielding member and does not reach other areas of the light shielding layer. The light-transmitting keycap and the light-shielding component matched with the indicator lamp can effectively block light rays emitted by the two light-emitting components.
Description
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a transparent key cap, a method for manufacturing the same, and a light-emitting key comprising the same, and more particularly, to a transparent key cap comprising a light-shielding member that is associated with an indicator light and has a high manufacturing yield and a strong bonding force, a method for manufacturing the same, and a light-emitting key comprising the same.
Background
An illuminated keyboard is a common input peripheral device on the market. In the existing light-emitting keys used for light-emitting keyboards, most of the key caps have light-transmitting areas for defining characters/symbols, and some of the key caps also have light-transmitting areas for defining indicator lights (for example, upper and lower case locking and turning on indicator lights).
If the key cap of the light-emitting key has two different light-transmitting areas for defining characters/symbols and indicating signals, the light-emitting key needs to be provided with two light sources. The two light sources respectively correspond to one light-transmitting area, and the light emitted by the two light sources respectively passes through the corresponding light-transmitting area and is not emitted to the other light-transmitting area. Such a light-emitting key is required to be shielded from light so as to prevent the light emitted from the two light sources from passing through the non-corresponding light-transmitting regions.
Regarding the prior art of the light-emitting key with two different light-transmitting regions for defining characters/symbols and indicating light signals on the key cap, please refer to taiwan patent publication No. M381117. The M381117 patent discloses a low-scattering light keyboard, in which a circuit board is provided with a light emitting element corresponding to a specific key cap (for example, a Caps lock key), and a supporting mechanism and an elastic member are respectively disposed between the specific key cap and a substrate base plate, so that the specific key cap can move up and down relative to the substrate base plate. The specific keycap is provided with a light transmission part corresponding to the light-emitting component, the light transmission part is made of light transmission materials, and the periphery of the light-emitting component is covered with a light cover. The light shield is made of elastic and opaque material (such as rubber), and the light shield is approximately conical and extends upwards from the circuit board to a position close to the light transmission part. The mask has an opening corresponding to the light-transmitting portion. The size of the opening is about the same as the minimum part of the light-transmitting part, so that the light emitted by the light-emitting component can only be transmitted out from the opening and can be emitted out of the specific keycap through the light-transmitting part.
The mask disclosed in the M381117 patent requires additional mold opening and complicates the assembly of the key. There is still room for improvement in the bonding strength of the mask to the specific key cap and the base plate.
The M381117 patent also discloses the use of a light blocking member in place of the mask. The shading piece is made of opaque material and is arranged on the bottom surface of the light transmission part. The light shielding member has an opening corresponding to the light transmitting portion, and the opening has a size approximately the same as the smallest portion of the light transmitting portion. The outer edge of the shading part is at least equal to the outer edge of the light-transmitting part, so that the light emitted by the light-emitting component is only transmitted out from the opening and is emitted out of the specific keycap through the light-transmitting part. The M381117 patent further discloses that the light-shielding member can be made of a light-impermeable film material (e.g., polyester film) into a sheet-like structure, and then attached to the bottom surface of the light-permeable portion. Alternatively, the light-shielding member is formed by printing opaque ink on the bottom surface of the light-transmitting portion. Alternatively, the light shielding member is formed by spraying opaque paint on the bottom surface of the light transmitting portion in a paint spraying manner. However, if the specific key cap has a light-transmitting region for defining the element/symbol, the light emitted from the other light-emitting element is correspondingly directed to the light-transmitting region for defining the element/symbol, and at this time, if the key structure disclosed in the M381117 patent is adopted, the disclosed light shield and light-shielding member cannot effectively block the light emitted from the two light-emitting elements. Moreover, the manufacturing yield of the light-shielding member disclosed in the M381117 patent still has room for improvement.
Disclosure of Invention
In view of the problems in the prior art, the present invention provides a keyboard, which can effectively block the light emitted by two light emitting components. The light-shielding component of the invention can achieve the purposes of high manufacturing yield and strong bonding force by utilizing injection molding. The transparent keycap is assembled into the luminous key subsequently, and the assembling procedure is simpler and easier than that of the prior art.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a light transmissive keycap, comprising:
a light transmissive body having an outer surface and a bottom surface;
a light shielding layer, which is coated on the outer surface and is provided with a light shielding area, a first light transmission area and a second light transmission area; and
a light shielding member having a through hole and bonded to the bottom surface, the through hole aligned with the first light transmitting region;
when the first light travels from the lower part of the transparent keycap, the first part of light passes through the through hole, the transparent main body and the first transparent area, so that the first transparent area presents first color light, the second part of light travels towards the second transparent area, and the shading component shades and attenuates the intensity of the second part of light reaching the second transparent area;
when the second light travels from the lower part of the light-transmitting keycap, the third part of light travels towards the second light-transmitting area, the third part of light passes through the light-transmitting main body and the second light-transmitting area, so that the second light-transmitting area presents second color light, the fourth part of light travels towards the first light-transmitting area, and the shading component shades the intensity of the fourth part of light which attenuates the second light and reaches the first light-transmitting area;
the light shielding layer blocks the first light and the second light from passing through, so that the light shielding region does not emit light.
As optional technical scheme, this printing opacity key cap still contains:
and the colored transparent layer is wrapped between the outer surface of the transparent main body and the light shielding layer, and when the second light rays travel upwards from the lower part of the transparent keycap, the third part of light passes through the transparent main body, the colored transparent layer and the second transparent area, so that the second transparent area presents the second color light.
As an optional technical solution, the colored transparent layer has a third transparent region, and the third transparent region is aligned with the first transparent region and the through hole.
As an optional technical solution, the light shielding member includes a central portion and at least one peripheral sidewall, the at least one peripheral sidewall extends downward from a periphery of the central portion, and the at least one peripheral sidewall can shield the second portion of light from reaching the second light-transmitting region and shield the fourth portion of light from reaching the first light-transmitting region.
As an alternative solution, the at least one peripheral sidewall extends downward around the periphery of the central portion, so that the cross section of the light shielding member is substantially in an inverted U shape.
As an optional technical solution, the light-transmitting body further has a recess formed on the bottom surface, the central portion has a top, and the top of the central portion is engaged in the recess.
As an optional technical solution, the light-transmitting body further has at least one hole formed in the recess, the central portion further has at least one protrusion formed on the top portion, and each protrusion corresponds to one hole and is engaged in the corresponding hole.
The invention also provides a method for manufacturing the light-transmitting keycap, which comprises the following steps:
(a) forming a first shaping space by combining a first upper die and a lower die, and performing injection molding on a shading member in the first shaping space, wherein the shading member is provided with a through hole;
(b) demolding the light shielding member from the first upper mold, and still placing the light shielding member on the lower mold;
(c) forming a second shaping space by combining a second upper die and the lower die, and performing injection molding on the second shaping space to form a light-transmitting main body combined with the light-shielding member, wherein the light-transmitting main body is provided with a predetermined light-emitting area, an outer surface and a bottom surface, the light-shielding member is combined on the bottom surface, and the predetermined light-emitting area is positioned above the through hole;
(d) demolding the light-transmitting main body combined with the shading component, the second upper die and the lower die;
(e) forming a light shielding layer on the outer surface of the light-transmitting body; and
(g) removing part of the light-shielding layer to form a first light-transmitting area on the light-shielding layer, wherein the first light-transmitting area, the predetermined light-transmitting area and the through hole are aligned to form a straight light-transmitting path.
As an optional technical solution, in the step (g), a second light-transmitting region is further formed on the light-shielding layer, and the second light-transmitting region is not located on the light-shielding member.
As an optional technical solution, between the step (d) and the step (e), the following steps are further included:
and forming a colored transparent layer between the outer surface of the transparent main body and the light shielding layer.
As an optional technical solution, the method further comprises the following steps:
removing part of the colored transparent layer to form a third transparent region on the colored transparent layer, wherein the first transparent region, the third transparent region, the predetermined light region and the through hole are aligned to form the straight-line light transmission path.
As an optional technical solution, in the step (a), a cross section of the first shaping space is substantially in an inverted U shape, so that the light shielding member includes a central portion and at least one peripheral sidewall, and the at least one peripheral sidewall extends downward from a periphery of the central portion to shield the light incident to the light shielding member from being incident to the second light-transmitting area.
Alternatively, in step (a), the first shaping space further has a shaping recess at its top end, the shaping recess enabling the light shielding member to be ejected from the central portion thereof, the shaping recess having a top portion, such that in step (c), the top portion defines a bottom surface profile of the second shaping space.
As an optional technical solution, in the step (a), the first shaping space further has at least one shaping hole therein, and the shaping hole enables the light shielding member to be ejected from the central portion further has at least one protrusion, so that in the step (c), the protrusion defines a bottom surface profile of the second shaping space portion.
The present invention also provides a light-emitting key, comprising:
a base plate;
the transparent keycap can be movably connected above the bottom plate up and down, so that the transparent keycap moves between an unpressed position and a pressed position relative to the bottom plate;
a switch membrane disposed on the base plate, the switch membrane comprising a switch, wherein the switch is actuated to trigger when the light transmissive keycap is moved to the depressed position;
the first light-emitting assembly is used for emitting the first light; and
and the second light-emitting component is used for emitting the second light.
Compared with the prior art, the light-transmitting keycap and the light-shielding component matched with the indicator light can effectively block the light rays emitted by the two light-emitting components. The light-shielding component of the invention can achieve the purposes of high manufacturing yield and strong bonding force by utilizing injection molding. The transparent keycap is assembled into the luminous key subsequently, and the assembling procedure is simpler and easier than that of the prior art.
The invention is described in detail below with reference to the drawings and specific examples, but the invention is not limited thereto.
Drawings
FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a transparent key cap according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the transparent keycap according to the preferred embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bottom surface of a light-transmissive key cap according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the light transmissive keycap of fig. 1 along line a-a.
Fig. 5 to 12 are cross-sectional views schematically illustrating a preferred embodiment of the method for manufacturing a light-transmissive keycap according to the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an illuminated key according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description
In order to further understand the objects, structures, features and functions of the present invention, the following embodiments are described in detail.
Referring to fig. 1 to 4, the drawings illustrate a light-transmitting keycap 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Fig. 1 is an expanded view of the light-transmitting keycap 1 and the light-shielding member 16 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the light-transmissive key cap 1 and the light-shielding member 16 according to the present invention. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the bottom surface of the light-transmissive key cap 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the light-transmissive key cap 1 of fig. 1 along the line a-a.
As shown in fig. 1 to 4, the light-transmissive key cap 1 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a light-transmissive main body 10, a light-shielding layer 14 and a light-shielding member 16.
The light transmissive body 10 has an outer surface 102 and a bottom surface 104. The light-shielding layer 14 covers the outer surface 102 of the light-transmitting body 10. The light-shielding layer 14 has a light-shielding region 142, a first light-transmitting region 144 and a second light-transmitting region 146. The transparent key cap 1 according to the present invention shown in fig. 1 and 2 is represented by a transparent key cap 1 assembled into a Caps Lock key, wherein the first transparent region 144 defines a Caps Lock status indicator light, and the second region 146 defines a Caps Lock font symbol.
In an embodiment, the light-transmitting body 10 may be made of a colorless polymer material by an injection molding process.
The light shielding member 16 has a through hole 1622 and is bonded on the bottom surface 104 of the light transmissive body 10. In particular, the through hole 1622 is aligned with the first light transmitting region 144.
In one embodiment, the light-shielding member 16 may be made of a dark polymer material by an injection molding process.
The first light L1 is divided into a first light portion L1a and a second light portion L1 b. When the first light L1 travels upward from the bottom of the transparent keycap 1, the first light L1a passes through the through hole 1622, the transparent body 10 and the first transparent region 144, so that the first transparent region 144 shows the first color light L3. Also, the second part of light L1b travels toward the second light-transmitting region 146, but the light-shielding member 16 shields and attenuates the intensity at which the second part of light L1b reaches the second light-transmitting region 146. The second light beam L2 is divided into a third light beam portion L2a and a fourth light beam portion L2 b. When the second light L2 travels upward from the bottom of the transparent keycap 1, the third light L2a travels toward the second transparent region 146, and the third light L2a passes through the transparent main body 10 and the second transparent region 146, so that the second transparent region 146 displays the second color light L4. Also, the fourth portion of light L2b travels toward the first light-transmitting region 144, but the light-shielding member 16 shields the intensity at which the fourth portion of light L2b attenuating the second light L2 reaches the first light-transmitting region 144. The light-shielding layer 14 blocks the first light L1 and the second light L2 from passing through, so that the light-shielding region 142 does not emit light.
In practical applications, the first color light L3 and the second color light L4 are different colors. Therefore, the discrimination rate between the first light-transmitting region 144 and the second light-transmitting region 146 can be greatly improved, and the first color light L3 and the second color light L4 do not interfere with each other.
Further, as also shown in fig. 4, the light-transmissive key cap 1 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes a colored light-transmissive layer 12. The colored transparent layer 12 is covered between the outer surface 102 of the transparent body 10 and the light-shielding layer 14. When the second light L2 travels upward from the transparent keycap 1, the third light L2a passes through the transparent body 10, the colored transparent layer 12 and the second transparent region 146, so that the second transparent region 146 shows the second color light L4. Thus, the second color light L4 is different from the second light L2.
In an embodiment, as also shown in fig. 4, the first transparent region 144 and the second transparent region 146 are hollowed through the light-shielding layer 14 to expose a portion of the colored transparent layer 12.
In one embodiment, as also shown in fig. 4, the colored transparent layer 12 has a third transparent region 122. The third transparent region 122 is hollowed through the colored transparent layer 12 to expose a portion of the outer surface 102 of the transparent body 10. The third light-transmitting area 122 is aligned with the first light-transmitting area 144 and the through hole 1622.
Further, as shown in fig. 1 and 4, the light-transmissive key cap 1 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes a transparent protection layer 18. The transparent passivation layer 18 is formed on the light-shielding layer 14 to cover the light-shielding region, the first light-transmitting region 144 and the second light-transmitting region 146. The hardness of the transparent protective layer 18 is higher than that of the light shielding layer 14 to avoid abrasion of the light shielding layer 14. By selecting the material, the transparent protection layer 18 can also have an anti-uv function to prevent the transparent main body 10 from being damaged by uv.
In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 2, 3 and 4, the light blocking member 16 includes a central portion 162 and at least one peripheral sidewall 164. At least one peripheral sidewall 164 extends downwardly from the periphery of the central portion 162. The at least one peripheral sidewall 164 can block the second light portion L1b from reaching the second light-transmitting region 146, and block the fourth light portion L2b from reaching the first light-transmitting region 144. At least one peripheral sidewall 164 extends downwardly around the periphery of the central portion 162 so that the cross-section of the shade member 16 is substantially inverted U-shaped.
In an embodiment, as shown in fig. 3 and 4, the light transmissive body 10 further has a recess 106. The recess 106 is formed on the bottom surface 104 of the light transmissive body 10. The central portion 162 has a top 1620. The top 1620 of the central portion 162 is engaged within the recess 106 of the light transmissive body 10. Thereby, the coupling force between the light shielding member 16 and the light transmitting body 10 can be greatly increased. The path of the light shielding member 16 shielding the fourth partial light L2b traveling toward the first light transmission region 144 also increases.
In one embodiment, the pattern of which is shown in fig. 3 and 4, the light transmissive body 10 further has at least one hole 108. At least one hole 108 is formed in the recess 106 of the light transmissive body 10. The central portion 162 also has at least one projection 1624. At least one tab 1624 is formed on the top 1620 of the central portion 162. Each tab 1624 corresponds to one of the holes 108 and engages within its corresponding hole 108. Thereby, the coupling force between the light shielding member 16 and the light transmitting body 10 can be greatly increased. The path of the light shielding member 16 shielding the fourth partial light L2b traveling toward the first light transmission region 144 also increases.
Referring to fig. 5 to 12, a method for manufacturing the light-transmitting keycap 1 shown in fig. 1 to 4 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention is schematically illustrated in cross-sectional views. The cross-sectional lines of the cross-sections shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 are defined as the line A-A in FIG. 1.
First, as shown in fig. 5 and 6, the method of the present invention first forms a first shaping space 222 by combining the first upper mold 20 and the lower mold 22, and as shown in fig. 5, the light shielding member 16 is injection-molded into the first shaping space 222, as shown in fig. 6. In one embodiment, the light-shielding member 16 may be made of a dark polymer material.
Next, as shown in fig. 7, the method of the present invention is to release the light shielding member 16 from the first upper mold 20 and to place the light shielding member 16 still on the lower mold 22.
Next, as shown in fig. 8 and 9, the method of the present invention forms a second shaping space 224 by combining the second upper mold 24 and the lower mold 22, as shown in fig. 8, and injection-molding the light-transmitting body 10 combined with the light-shielding member 16 into the second shaping space 224, as shown in fig. 9, wherein the light-transmitting body 10 has a predetermined light-emitting region 109, an outer surface 102 and a bottom surface 104, the light-shielding member 16 is combined on the bottom surface 104, and the predetermined light-emitting region 109 is located above the through hole 1622. In one embodiment, the light-transmitting body 10 may be made of a colorless polymer material.
Next, as shown in fig. 10, the method of the present invention is to release the light transmitting body 10 combined with the light shielding member 16 from the second upper mold 24 and the lower mold 22.
Next, as shown in fig. 11, the method of the present invention is to form a light-shielding layer 14 on the outer surface 102 of the light-transmitting body 10.
Further, as also shown in fig. 11, a colored transparent layer 12 is formed between the outer surface 102 of the transparent body 10 and the light-shielding layer 14.
Finally, as shown in fig. 12, the method of the present invention removes a portion of the light-shielding layer 14 to form a first light-transmitting region 144 on the light-shielding layer 14, wherein the first light-transmitting region 144, the predetermined light-emitting region 109 and the through hole 1622 are aligned to form a straight light-transmitting path.
In one embodiment, the partial removal of the light-shielding layer 14 may be performed by a laser engraving process, but is not limited thereto.
Further, as also shown in fig. 12, a portion of the light-shielding layer 14 is removed, and a second light-transmitting region 146 is formed on the light-shielding layer 14. The second light transmission region 146 is not located above the light shielding member 16.
Further, as also shown in fig. 12, in the process of removing part of the light shielding layer 14, part of the colored transparent layer 12 is also removed, so as to form a third transparent region 122 on the colored transparent layer 12. The first light transmission region 144, the third light transmission region 122, the predetermined light exit region 109, and the through hole 1622 are aligned with each other to form a straight light transmission path.
Further, a transparent protection layer 18 is formed on the light-shielding layer 14 to cover the light-shielding layer 14, the first light-transmitting region 144 and the second light-transmitting region 146, thereby completing the light-transmitting keycap 1 shown in fig. 1 and 4. The hardness of the transparent protective layer 18 is higher than that of the light shielding layer 14 to avoid abrasion of the light shielding layer 14. By selecting the material, the transparent protection layer 18 can also have an anti-uv function to prevent the transparent main body 10 from being damaged by uv.
In an embodiment, as also shown in fig. 5-12, the cross-section of the first shaping space 222 is substantially inverted U-shaped, such that the light shielding member 16 includes a central portion 162 and at least one peripheral sidewall 164. At least one peripheral sidewall 164 extends downward from the periphery of the central portion 162 to block light incident to the light shielding member 16 from being incident to the second light-transmitting area 146.
In an embodiment, as also shown in fig. 5-12, the first shaping space 222 further has a shaping recess 2222 at the top end. The shaped recess 2222 causes the central portion 162 of the exit shade member 16 to have a top 1620. Thus, when the second shaping space 224 is formed, the top 1620 of the central portion 162 defines a bottom surface profile of a portion of the second shaping space 224.
In an embodiment, as also shown in fig. 5-12, the first shaping space 222 further has at least one shaping hole 2224 therein. The at least one shaped aperture 2224 also provides the central portion 162 of the exit light shield 16 with at least one protrusion 1624. Thus, when the second shaping space 224 is formed, the at least one protrusion 1624 defines a bottom surface profile of the second shaping space 224.
Referring to fig. 13, fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a light-emitting key 3 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The cross-section of FIG. 13 has the cross-sectional line defined as line A-A in FIG. 1.
As shown in fig. 13, the light-emitting key 3 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a light-transmitting key cap 1 according to the present invention, a bottom plate 30, a switch film 32, a first light-emitting element 34 and a second light-emitting element 36.
The light-emitting key 3 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes a supporting device 38 and a resilient actuator (not shown in fig. 13). To illustrate the traveling paths of the first light L1 and the second light L2, in FIG. 13, the supporting device 38 is illustrated by a dotted line, and the elastic actuator is not illustrated. In a specific embodiment, the supporting device 38 may be a scissors-type supporting device, a butterfly-type supporting device, or other supporting devices in the prior art, which will not be described herein. The elastic actuator is an elastic actuator in the prior art, and will not be described in detail herein.
The supporting device 38 is movably disposed between the bottom plate 30 and the transparent key cap 1. By the supporting device 38, the transparent key cap 1 is movably connected above the bottom plate 30 up and down, so that the transparent key cap 1 moves between the non-pressed position and the pressed position relative to the bottom plate 30. A switch membrane layer 32 is disposed on the base plate 30. The switch film layer 32 includes a switch 322. When the light-transmissive keycap 1 is moved to the depressed position, the switch 322 is actuated to trigger. The first light emitting element 34 is used for emitting a first light L1. The second light emitting assembly 36 is configured to emit a second light L2. The components in fig. 13 having the same reference numerals as those in fig. 4 have the same or similar structures and functions, and are not repeated herein. As also shown in fig. 13, the switch membrane layer 32 may be formed of an upper membrane circuit 324 and a lower membrane circuit 326, and the upper membrane circuit 324 is separated from the lower membrane circuit 326 by an isolation member 328. The switch 322 includes an upper electrode section 3222 and at least one lower electrode section 3224, and in fig. 13, only one lower electrode section 3224 is shown as a representative. The upper electrode section 3222 is formed on the lower surface 3244 of the upper thin film circuit 324, and the lower electrode section 3224 is formed on the upper surface 3262 of the lower thin film circuit 326. The two isolation members 328 are disposed at two sides other than the lower electrode section 3224, respectively. The isolation member 328 is disposed between the upper thin film circuit 324 and the lower thin film circuit 326 to form a spacing space 329, so that the upper electrode block 3222 and the lower electrode block 3224 are not accidentally contacted and conducted before the user presses the light-transmissive key cap 1. The upper electrode section 3222 and the lower electrode section 3224 of the switch 322 are disposed in the spacing space 329. When the user presses the transparent keycap 1 to move to the pressing position, the upper electrode block 3222 is contacted with the lower electrode block 3224, and the switch 322 is triggered by being actuated.
In an embodiment, the first light emitting device 34 may be a light emitting diode device, but is not limited thereto. By means of the packaging and optical design, the coverage area of the first light L1 emitted by the first light emitting element 34 is limited to only irradiate the light shielding member 16.
In an embodiment, the second light-emitting device 36 may be a backlight device 36, but is not limited thereto. As shown in fig. 13, the backlight device 36 includes a light guide plate 360, a light source 362 and a reflective structure 364. The light guide plate 360 has a light incident side 3602, a front surface 3604 and a back surface 3606. The light incident side 3602 serves as a light incident surface for light emitted from the light source 362.
The light source 362 is disposed adjacent to the light guide plate 360, i.e., adjacent to the side edge 3602 of the light guide plate 360. The light source 362 emits a second light L2, which enters the light guide plate 360 and is guided in the light guide plate 360. The reflective structure 364 is disposed on the back surface 3606 of the light guide plate 360. The reflective structure 364 is configured to guide the second light L2 emitted to the reflective structure 364 to the front surface 3604 of the light guide plate 360, and further emit the second light L2 from the front surface 3604 of the light guide plate 360. The backlight device 36 further includes a reflective sheet 366. The reflective sheet 366 is attached to the back surface 3606 of the light guide plate 360 to assist in reflecting the light transmitted in the light guide plate 360. The arrangement positions of the light source 362 and the light guide plate 360 and the structure of the light guide plate 360 are not limited to the case shown in fig. 13.
The bottom plate 30 has at least one first through hole 302, and the switch film 32 has at least one second through hole (not shown in fig. 13). When the second light L2 is guided out of the light guide plate 360, the second light L2 sequentially passes through the at least one first through hole 302 and the at least one second through hole to be divided into a third light portion L2a and a fourth light portion L2 b.
In another embodiment, the second light emitting element 36 may include a plurality of light emitting diodes. The plurality of light emitting diodes are respectively arranged at proper positions and jointly emit second light L2.
With the above detailed description of the present invention, it can be clearly understood that the light-transmitting keycap and the light-shielding member of the indicator light of the present invention can effectively block the light emitted by the two light-emitting components. The light-shielding component of the invention can achieve the purposes of high manufacturing yield and strong bonding force by utilizing injection molding. The transparent keycap is assembled into the luminous key subsequently, and the assembling procedure is simpler and easier than that of the prior art.
The present invention is capable of other embodiments, and various changes and modifications may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (15)
1. A light transmissive keycap, comprising:
a light transmissive body having an outer surface and a bottom surface;
a light shielding layer, which is coated on the outer surface and is provided with a light shielding area, a first light transmission area and a second light transmission area; and
a light shielding member having a through hole and bonded to the bottom surface, the through hole aligned with the first light transmitting region, the second light transmitting region not located on the light shielding member, the light shielding member including a central portion and at least one peripheral sidewall, the lower end of the peripheral sidewall not exceeding the lower end of the light transmitting body;
when the first light travels from the lower part of the transparent keycap, the first part of light passes through the through hole, the transparent main body and the first transparent area, so that the first transparent area presents first color light, the second part of light travels towards the second transparent area, and the shading component shades and attenuates the intensity of the second part of light reaching the second transparent area;
when the second light travels from the lower part of the light-transmitting keycap, the third part of light travels towards the second light-transmitting area, the third part of light passes through the light-transmitting main body and the second light-transmitting area, so that the second light-transmitting area presents second color light different from the first color light, and the fourth part of light travels towards the first light-transmitting area, and the shading component shades the intensity of the fourth part of light for attenuating the second light reaching the first light-transmitting area;
wherein the light-shielding layer blocks the first light and the second light from passing through, so that the light-shielding region does not emit light;
the shading component is used for shielding light rays irradiated on the shading component.
2. The light-transmissive keycap of claim 1, further comprising:
and the colored transparent layer is wrapped between the outer surface of the transparent main body and the light shielding layer, and when the second light rays travel upwards from the lower part of the transparent keycap, the third part of light passes through the transparent main body, the colored transparent layer and the second transparent area, so that the second transparent area presents the second color light.
3. The light transmissive key cap of claim 2, wherein the colored light transmissive layer has a third light transmissive region aligned with the first light transmissive region and the through hole.
4. The light-transmissive keycap of claim 1, wherein the at least one peripheral sidewall extends downwardly from a periphery of the central portion, the at least one peripheral sidewall being capable of blocking the second portion of light from reaching the second light-transmissive region and blocking the fourth portion of light from reaching the first light-transmissive region.
5. The light-transmissive keycap of claim 4, wherein the at least one peripheral sidewall extends downwardly around the periphery of the central portion such that the light-blocking member has a substantially inverted U-shaped cross-section.
6. The light-transmissive keycap of claim 4, wherein the light-transmissive body further comprises a recess formed in the bottom surface, the center portion having a top, the top of the center portion engaging in the recess.
7. The light-transmissive keycap of claim 6, wherein the light-transmissive body further comprises at least one hole formed in the depression, the central portion further comprises at least one protrusion formed on the top portion, each protrusion corresponding to one hole and engaging in its corresponding hole.
8. A method of fabricating a light transmissive keycap, comprising the steps of:
(a) forming a first shaping space by combining a first upper die and a lower die, and performing injection molding on a shading member in the first shaping space, wherein the shading member is provided with a through hole;
(b) demolding the light shielding member from the first upper mold, and still placing the light shielding member on the lower mold;
(c) forming a second shaping space by combining a second upper die and the lower die, and performing injection molding on the second shaping space to form a light-transmitting body combined with the light-shielding member, wherein the light-transmitting body is provided with a predetermined light-emitting area, an outer surface and a bottom surface, the light-shielding member is connected to the bottom surface, the predetermined light-emitting area is positioned above the through hole, the light-shielding member comprises a central part and at least one peripheral side wall, and the lower end of the peripheral side wall does not exceed the lower end of the light-transmitting body;
(d) demolding the light-transmitting main body combined with the shading component, the second upper die and the lower die;
(e) forming a light shielding layer on the outer surface of the light-transmitting body; and
(g) removing part of the light-shielding layer to form a first light-transmitting area on the light-shielding layer, wherein the first light-transmitting area, the predetermined light-transmitting area and the through hole are aligned to form a straight light-transmitting path.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein in step (g), a second light-transmissive region is further formed on the light-shielding layer, the second light-transmissive region not being located above the light-shielding member.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising, between step (d) and step (e), the steps of:
and forming a colored transparent layer between the outer surface of the transparent main body and the light shielding layer.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising the steps of:
removing part of the colored transparent layer to form a third transparent region on the colored transparent layer, wherein the first transparent region, the third transparent region, the predetermined light region and the through hole are aligned to form the straight-line light transmission path.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein in step (a), the cross-section of the first shaping space is substantially inverted U-shaped, such that the light shielding member comprises a central portion and at least one peripheral sidewall extending downward from the periphery of the central portion to block light incident on the light shielding member from being incident on the second light-transmitting area.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein in step (a), the first shaping space further has a shaping recess at an apex thereof, the shaping recess causing the central portion of the light shield member to be ejected therefrom with a top portion, such that in step (c), the top portion defines a bottom profile of a portion of the second shaping space.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein in step (a), the first shaping space further comprises at least one shaping aperture therein, the shaping aperture providing for ejection of the central portion of the shade member further comprising at least one protrusion, such that in step (c), the protrusion defines a bottom profile of a portion of the second shaping space.
15. A light-emitting key, comprising:
a base plate;
the light transmissive keycap of any one of claims 1-7, movably coupled above the base up and down such that the light transmissive keycap moves relative to the base between an unpressed position and a pressed position;
a switch membrane disposed on the base plate, the switch membrane comprising a switch, wherein the switch is actuated to trigger when the light transmissive keycap is moved to the depressed position;
the first light-emitting assembly is used for emitting the first light; and
and the second light-emitting component is used for emitting the second light.
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| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN201810151941.3A CN108428582B (en) | 2018-02-14 | 2018-02-14 | Light-transmitting keycap, manufacturing method thereof and light-emitting key comprising light-transmitting keycap |
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| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN201810151941.3A CN108428582B (en) | 2018-02-14 | 2018-02-14 | Light-transmitting keycap, manufacturing method thereof and light-emitting key comprising light-transmitting keycap |
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| Publication Number | Publication Date |
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| CN108428582A CN108428582A (en) | 2018-08-21 |
| CN108428582B true CN108428582B (en) | 2020-10-20 |
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| CN201810151941.3A Active CN108428582B (en) | 2018-02-14 | 2018-02-14 | Light-transmitting keycap, manufacturing method thereof and light-emitting key comprising light-transmitting keycap |
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| FR3099713B1 (en) * | 2019-08-05 | 2023-04-14 | Cie Plastic Omnium Se | Process for manufacturing a transparent vehicle part |
| FR3105092B1 (en) * | 2019-12-20 | 2022-04-01 | Cie Plastic Omnium Se | Process for manufacturing a transparent vehicle or body part |
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| CN203054737U (en) * | 2012-12-19 | 2013-07-10 | 致伸科技股份有限公司 | Keyboard device with luminous keys |
| CN103956290A (en) * | 2014-04-28 | 2014-07-30 | 苏州达方电子有限公司 | Key structure |
| CN104637713A (en) * | 2013-11-06 | 2015-05-20 | 致伸科技股份有限公司 | Keyboard device and method of forming key of keyboard device |
| CN106356228A (en) * | 2016-09-21 | 2017-01-25 | 苏州达方电子有限公司 | Light-permeable keycap and manufacturing method thereof |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN201616365U (en) * | 2010-03-03 | 2010-10-27 | 苏州达方电子有限公司 | Low-astigmatism key and keyboard |
| TWI523060B (en) * | 2013-06-17 | 2016-02-21 | 致伸科技股份有限公司 | Luminous keyboard device |
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Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN203054737U (en) * | 2012-12-19 | 2013-07-10 | 致伸科技股份有限公司 | Keyboard device with luminous keys |
| CN104637713A (en) * | 2013-11-06 | 2015-05-20 | 致伸科技股份有限公司 | Keyboard device and method of forming key of keyboard device |
| CN103956290A (en) * | 2014-04-28 | 2014-07-30 | 苏州达方电子有限公司 | Key structure |
| CN106356228A (en) * | 2016-09-21 | 2017-01-25 | 苏州达方电子有限公司 | Light-permeable keycap and manufacturing method thereof |
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