Keycap and its processing method

Abstract

The invention relates to a keycap and a machining method of keycaps. The machining method comprises the following steps that a first jig including a plurality of locating structures is provided, the locating structures correspond to a plurality of keycaps respectively, the keycaps are provided with key tops and key edges, the key tops are provided with upper surfaces, and the key edges are provided with side surfaces; the keycaps are arranged on the locating structures respectively, first coating films are attached to the keycaps based on the mold outside transfer technology, the first coating films cover the upper surfaces of the key tops of the keycaps and the side surfaces of the key edges of the keycaps, and the first coating films are provided with ink layers and first release material layers; the first release material layers are removed; the ink layers are carved; protection layers are formed on the carved ink layers. The keycap and the machining method have the advantages that the manufacturing process is economical and environmentally friendly, coating can be formed freely, and cost is saved. The keycap can provide a continuous and smooth hand touch feeling for a user, and light leakage can be effectively avoided.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to a keycap and a processing method thereof, in particular to a keycap with a pattern and a selectively covered protective layer and a processing method thereof. Background technique [0002] A keyboard is an extremely important input device for an electronic device (such as a computer or a mobile phone), and keys are the main components of the keyboard. The keycap is located on the top of the key, and it is mainly processed by injection molding. Firstly, a plurality of keycaps corresponding to the plurality of keys on the finished keyboard needs to be produced, and then, for example, engrave or print patterns or characters on the surface of each keycap, and finally install the keycaps on the substrate of the keyboard. [0003] In terms of the process of forming patterns or characters on the surface of the keycap, the conventional technology is to sequentially print or spray one or more layers of ink on the top surface of the key...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, we cannot use IMR technology to form a protective layer, and a keyboard usually includes multiple keycaps of different sizes, and it is impossible for these keycaps of different sizes to be shot in the same mold; that is, this method cannot be completed in one shot all keycaps

Furthermore, limited by the limitation of the IMR technology itself, the distance between the holes for accommodating the keycaps in the mold must be large enough, resulting in a reduction in the number of keycaps of the same size that can be processed by one mold at a time, so it is necessary to use more The coating film, so will increase the cost

[0006] In addition, as far as IMR technology is concerned, due to the steps of upper and lower opening of the mold involved in the processing process, it is impossible to achieve the coating extending to the lower surface of the key skirt (i.e. barb coating); and the coating film (including Ink layer and release layer) generally produce a parting line (partingline) at the turning point of the lower edge of the key skirt. When removing the release layer contained in the cover film, part of the ink layer is easily removed together.

In this way, the edge of the ink layer at the lower edge of the key skirt is jagged or irregular, which causes serious light leakage on the luminous keyboard

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