Keycap and keyboard

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of keyboards, in particular to a keycap and a keyboard. The key cap comprises a key cap main body made of bulk molding compound, the connecting layer is arranged on the key cap main body; the ground color layer is arranged on the connecting layer; the transfer printing layer is arranged on the bottom color layer; the packaging layer is arranged on the transfer printing layer; the wear-resistant layer is arranged on the packaging layer, and the packaging layer and the wear-resistant layer are transparent or semitransparent; a connecting column is arranged on the key cap main body; a connecting hole is formed in the connecting column; and a trigger switch of the key is inserted into the connecting hole. The bulk molding compound has excellent electrical performance, mechanical performance, heat resistance, chemical corrosion resistance and the like. The connecting layer can play a connecting role, so that the ground color layer is firmly attached to the connecting layer. The transfer printing layer is used for forming letters, symbols and other marks on the ground color layer. The packaging layer and the wear-resistant layer are sequentially arranged on the pad printing layer, so that the pad printing layer is well protected, the pad printing layer cannot be worn, the service life is longer, and the keyboard is more attractive.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of keyboard technology, and in particular to a keycap and a keyboard. Background Technology

[0002] A keyboard is an input device used to input user commands or data into a computer system. It triggers electronic signals by pressing keys, which the computer then interprets and executes accordingly. The keyboard is the most commonly used and primary input device, allowing users to input English letters, Chinese characters, numbers, punctuation marks, and other symbols into the computer, thereby issuing commands and inputting data.

[0003] There are many types of keyboards on the market, but generally, each keyboard has keycaps, each printed with corresponding patterns, letters, symbols, etc. Keyboards experience wear and tear during use, especially the frequently used keys. Keycaps wear out faster, and the printed letters, symbols, and other markings become illegible, making the keyboard look unsightly.

[0004] For example, Chinese patent application number CN202321589447.8 discloses a keycap and keyboard with soft rubber covering hard rubber. When some keys are used frequently, the keycaps will wear out quickly, and the printed letters, symbols and other markings on them will wear out quickly and become unclear, thus making the keyboard unsightly.

[0005] For example, Chinese patent application number CN202220535426.7 describes a keycap and keyboard. The letters and symbols printed on these keycaps wear down quickly with frequent use, becoming unclear and making the keyboard unsightly. Utility Model Content

[0006] In view of this, the present invention addresses the deficiencies of the existing technology and its main purpose is to provide a keycap with a pad printing layer having an encapsulation layer and a wear-resistant layer, so that the markings on the keycap will not be worn off and will remain aesthetically pleasing even after long-term use, thereby overcoming the shortcomings of the existing technology.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] This application provides a keycap, comprising a keycap body made of a bulk molding compound; a connecting layer disposed on the keycap body; a base color layer disposed on the connecting layer; a pad printing layer disposed on the base color layer; an encapsulation layer disposed on the pad printing layer; and a wear-resistant layer disposed on the encapsulation layer, wherein the encapsulation layer and the wear-resistant layer are transparent or semi-transparent; a connecting post is disposed on the keycap body; a connecting hole is disposed on the connecting post; and a key trigger switch is inserted into the connecting hole.

[0009] Preferably, the connecting layer and the encapsulating layer are one of epoxy resin adhesive layer, polyurethane adhesive layer, and acrylic adhesive layer.

[0010] Preferably, the base color layer is one of an epoxy resin adhesive layer, a polyurethane adhesive layer, or an acrylic adhesive layer containing color powder or temperature-sensitive color powder.

[0011] Preferably, the pad printing layer is one of epoxy resin ink, polyurethane ink, and acrylic resin ink.

[0012] Preferably, the wear-resistant layer is one of epoxy resin adhesive layer, polyurethane adhesive layer, acrylic adhesive layer, silicone resin, or transparent nano-coating.

[0013] Preferably, an elastic rubber ring is fitted at the base of the connecting post, and the elastic rubber ring is embedded in the first groove on the inner wall of the keycap body.

[0014] Preferably, the keycap body is provided with an anti-disengagement hook, which can be movably inserted into the mounting hole on the keyboard shell. The inner wall of the mounting hole is provided with a flange, which can lock the anti-disengagement hook.

[0015] Preferably, the keycap body has a secondary injection-molded elastic layer.

[0016] This application provides a keyboard, including keycaps; an upper shell, a lower shell, and a circuit board, wherein the upper shell and the lower shell are fastened together, and the circuit board is disposed inside the upper shell and the lower shell to form a mounting cavity; the upper shell is provided with a plurality of mounting holes, and the keycaps are spring-loaded and disposed at the mounting holes.

[0017] Compared with existing technologies, this invention has significant advantages and beneficial effects. Specifically, as shown in the above technical solution, the keycap body is made of a bulk molding compound, possessing excellent electrical properties, mechanical properties, heat resistance, and chemical corrosion resistance. The connecting layer serves as a connector, allowing the base color layer to adhere firmly to it. The pad printing layer is used to form letters, symbols, and other markings on the base color layer. The encapsulation layer and wear-resistant layer are sequentially arranged on the pad printing layer, thus providing excellent protection for the pad printing layer, preventing wear, extending its service life, and making the keyboard more aesthetically pleasing. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the layered structure of the keycap according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the keycap structure according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the keycap assembly according to Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0022] 10. Keycap body; 11. Connecting post; 12. Connecting hole; 13. Elastic rubber ring; 14. Anti-slip hook; 20. Connecting layer; 22. Base color layer; 23. Pad printing layer; 24. Encapsulation layer; 25. Wear-resistant layer; 30. Top shell; 31. Bottom shell; 32. Mounting hole; 33. Flange; 34. Mounting hole; 36. Trigger switch; 37. Circuit board. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To further illustrate the technical means and effects adopted by this utility model in order to achieve the intended utility model purpose, the following detailed description of the specific implementation methods, structure, features and effects of this utility model is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.

[0024] Example 1

[0025] Please refer to Figure 1-2 As shown, it illustrates the specific structure of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which is a keycap.

[0026] The letters, symbols, and other markings on the keycaps are printed on the base color layer 22 using pad printing technology. Then, the encapsulation layer 24 and the wear-resistant layer 25 provide protection for the pad printing layer 23. The letters, symbols, and other markings on the keycaps will not wear out even after high-frequency and long-term use, resulting in a longer keyboard lifespan and a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0027] This application provides a keycap, comprising a keycap body 10 made of a bulk molding compound; a connecting layer 20 disposed on the keycap body 10; a base color layer 22 disposed on the connecting layer 20; a pad printing layer 23 disposed on the base color layer 22; an encapsulation layer 24 disposed on the pad printing layer 23; and a wear-resistant layer 25 disposed on the encapsulation layer 24, wherein the encapsulation layer 24 and the wear-resistant layer 25 are transparent or semi-transparent; a connecting post 11 is provided on the keycap body 10; a connecting hole 12 is provided on the connecting post 11; and a key trigger switch 36 is inserted into the connecting hole 12. The keycap body 10 acts as a skeleton, providing support. The connecting layer 20 serves as a connector, allowing the base color layer 22 to adhere firmly to the connecting layer 20. The pad printing layer 23 is used to form letters, symbols, and other markings on the base color layer 22. The encapsulation layer 24 and the wear-resistant layer 25 are sequentially disposed on the pad printing layer 23, thus providing excellent protection for the pad printing layer 23, preventing wear and tear, extending its service life, and making the keyboard more aesthetically pleasing. In this embodiment, the encapsulation layer 24 and wear-resistant layer 25 are transparent, providing excellent light transmission. The base color layer 22 and pad printing layer 23 can be set to different colors as needed, resulting in a very aesthetically pleasing appearance. The circuit board 37 is equipped with several trigger switches, and keycaps can be pressed to activate these switches. Bulk molding compound (also known as BMC material) is a thermosetting plastic containing various inert fillers, fiber reinforcements, catalysts, stabilizers, and pigments, forming a putty-like composite material used for compression molding or injection molding. Bulk molding compound possesses excellent electrical properties, mechanical properties, heat resistance, and chemical corrosion resistance, and is adaptable to various molding processes.

[0028] Preferably, the connecting layer 20 and the encapsulating layer 24 are one of epoxy resin adhesive layer, polyurethane adhesive layer, and acrylic adhesive layer, and both the connecting layer 20 and the encapsulating layer 24 can be rapidly cured using ultraviolet light. Irradiating the connecting layer 20 and the encapsulating layer 24 with ultraviolet light after spraying helps improve production efficiency. The thickness of the connecting layer 20 is between 10μm and 30μm; the thickness of the encapsulating layer 24 is between 20μm and 30μm.

[0029] Preferably, the base color layer 22 is one of an epoxy resin adhesive layer, a polyurethane adhesive layer, or an acrylic adhesive layer doped with color powder or temperature-sensitive color powder. The base color layer 22 has a color, which can be set as needed. The base color layer 22 can serve as a color accent, making the keycaps look more aesthetically pleasing. Temperature-sensitive color powder can change color according to temperature, offering diverse and vibrant variations. The base color layer 22 can be rapidly cured using ultraviolet light. In this embodiment, the base color layer 22 is preferably an acrylic adhesive layer. The thickness of the base color layer 22 is between 10-20 μm.

[0030] Preferably, the pad printing layer 23 is one of epoxy resin ink, polyurethane ink, and acrylic resin ink. The pad printing layer 23 can also be cured rapidly using ultraviolet light. The thickness of the pad printing layer 23 is between 10-15 μm. In this embodiment, the pad printing layer 23 is preferably acrylic resin ink.

[0031] Preferably, the wear-resistant layer 25 is one of epoxy resin adhesive layer, polyurethane adhesive layer, acrylic adhesive layer, silicone resin, and transparent nano-coating. After curing, the wear-resistant layer 25 has a certain degree of hardness and wear resistance. In this embodiment, the wear-resistant layer 25 is an acrylic adhesive layer. The thickness of the wear-resistant layer 25 is between 30-50 μm.

[0032] Keycap manufacturing process: Keycap body 10 injection molding → connecting layer 20 spraying → connecting layer 20 curing → base color layer 22 spraying → base color layer 22 curing → pad printing layer 23 printing → pad printing layer 23 curing → encapsulation layer 24 spraying → encapsulation layer 24 curing → wear-resistant layer 25 spraying → wear-resistant layer 25 curing → product quality inspection → shipment.

[0033] Example 2

[0034] Please refer to Figure 3 As shown, this application provides a keyboard, including keycaps; an upper shell 30, a lower shell 31, and a circuit board. The upper shell 30 and lower shell 31 are fastened together, and the circuit board is disposed inside the upper shell 30 and lower shell 31 to form a mounting cavity. The upper shell 30 is provided with a plurality of mounting holes 34, and the keycaps are spring-loaded and disposed in the mounting holes 34. The keycaps are inserted into the trigger switches of the keys, and the keycaps can spring back but will not fall off. This structure makes the keycap installation very convenient.

[0035] Preferably, an elastic rubber ring 13 is fitted at the base of the connecting post 11, and the elastic rubber ring 13 is embedded in the first groove on the inner wall of the keycap body 10. The elastic rubber ring 13 has a certain cushioning performance, which can improve the noise reduction effect and improve the comfort of use.

[0036] Preferably, the keycap body 10 is provided with an anti-detachment hook 14, which can be movably inserted into the mounting hole 32 on the keyboard shell. The inner wall of the mounting hole 32 is provided with a flange 33, which can hold the anti-detachment hook 14 in place. The flange 33 and the anti-detachment hook 14 prevent the keycap from falling off. This structure is very simple.

[0037] Preferably, the keycap body 10 has a secondary injection-molded elastic layer. The elastic layer is preferably made of elastic plastic; this design further improves the keycap's noise reduction performance and enhances comfort.

[0038] In summary, the key design feature of this utility model is that its pad printing layer 23 is used to form letters, symbols and other markings on the base color layer 22. Then, the encapsulation layer 24 and the wear-resistant layer 25 are sequentially set on the pad printing layer 23. In this way, the pad printing layer 23 is well protected, the pad printing layer 23 will not wear out, the service life is longer, and the keyboard is more aesthetically pleasing.

[0039] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model in any way. Although the present utility model has been disclosed above with reference to a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present utility model. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present utility model without departing from the scope of the present utility model shall still fall within the scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A keycap, characterized in that: Includes the keycap body made of bulk molding compound; and a connecting layer disposed on the keycap body; A base color layer set on the connecting layer; a pad printing layer set on the base color layer; An encapsulation layer disposed on the pad printing layer; a wear-resistant layer disposed on the encapsulation layer, wherein the encapsulation layer and the wear-resistant layer are transparent or translucent; The keycap body is provided with a connecting post; the connecting post is provided with a connecting hole; the trigger switch of the key is inserted into the connecting hole.

2. A keycap according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting layer and the encapsulating layer are one of epoxy resin adhesive layer, polyurethane adhesive layer, and acrylic adhesive layer.

3. A keycap according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base color layer is one of epoxy resin adhesive layer, polyurethane adhesive layer, or acrylic adhesive layer containing color powder or temperature-sensitive color powder.

4. A keycap according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pad printing layer is one of epoxy resin ink, polyurethane ink, or acrylic resin ink.

5. A keycap according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wear-resistant layer is one of the following: epoxy resin adhesive layer, polyurethane adhesive layer, acrylic adhesive layer, silicone resin, or transparent nano-coating.

6. A keycap according to claim 1, characterized in that: An elastic rubber ring is fitted at the base of the connecting post, and the elastic rubber ring is embedded in the first groove on the inner wall of the keycap body.

7. A keycap according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that: The keycap body is provided with an anti-disengagement hook, which can be movably inserted into the mounting hole on the keyboard shell. The inner wall of the mounting hole is provided with a flange, which can lock the anti-disengagement hook.

8. A keycap according to claim 1, characterized in that: The keycap body has a secondary injection-molded elastic layer.

9. A keyboard, characterized in that: The invention includes a keycap as described in any one of claims 1-8; an upper shell, a lower shell, and a circuit board, wherein the upper shell and the lower shell are fastened together, and the circuit board is disposed inside the upper shell and the lower shell to form a mounting cavity; the upper shell is provided with a plurality of mounting holes, and the keycap is spring-loaded and disposed at the mounting holes.

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