A mold for preventing ink smudging and eliminating the need for coating keycaps.

Abstract

This utility model belongs to the field of keycap processing technology, and particularly relates to an injection molding mold for paint-free keycaps that prevents ink smudges. The mold includes an upper mold base, a lower mold base, an upper mold core, and a lower mold core. The lower mold core is detachably mounted on the upper end of the lower mold base, and the upper mold core is detachably mounted on the lower end of the upper mold base. The upper mold core has several forming bosses, and the lower mold core has several forming grooves corresponding to the forming bosses. The forming grooves are used to support the keycap sleeve. The upper and lower mold bases are close to each other so that the forming bosses and forming grooves cooperate to form a molding cavity. The upper mold base has a plastic flow channel that runs through the upper mold base and the upper mold core and communicates with the molding cavity. Molten plastic flows into the molding cavity through the plastic flow channel. Under pressure and cooling, the plastic gradually solidifies to form a keycap sleeve. The molten plastic flows into the molding cavity through a controllable path, avoiding direct contact with the keycap sleeve, thereby preventing the ink from being washed away and ensuring a high-quality molding effect for the keycap sleeve.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of keycap processing technology, and in particular relates to an injection molding mold for keycaps that prevents ink from spreading and eliminates the need for coating. Background Technology

[0002] In current keycap manufacturing processes, the common practice is to produce keycaps using injection molding. However, the surface of these keycaps often requires painting to enhance their aesthetics and durability. While traditional paint spraying can form a protective layer on the surface, direct contact with the human body poses health risks, and the paint is prone to fading or becoming blurry, affecting the keycap's appearance and user experience.

[0003] To address these issues, the industry has begun developing new manufacturing processes. Referring to Chinese Patent Publication No. CN216120025U, which discloses a paint-free keyboard keycap structure, this structure first forms a protective sleeve, then applies an oil film print to the protective sleeve, and finally injection molds the keycaps onto the protective sleeve. This not only improves the keycaps' aesthetics and wear resistance but also effectively avoids the potential health hazards of traditional paint, thereby enhancing product safety and user experience. However, during the injection molding process of the protective sleeve, it is susceptible to heat, which can cause deformation of the protective sleeve or fading of the oil film print layer.

[0004] Therefore, in summary, although existing keycap processing technology has achieved certain results, problems such as unsafe surface treatment materials and easy discoloration still exist. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to provide an injection molding mold for keycaps that prevents ink from smudging and is intended to solve the technical problems in the prior art, such as the protective sleeve being easily affected by heat during the injection molding process, which can lead to deformation of the protective sleeve or fading of the oil film printing layer on the protective sleeve.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides an injection molding mold for keycaps that prevents ink smudging and eliminates the need for coating. The mold includes an upper mold base, a lower mold base, an upper mold core, and a lower mold core. The lower mold core is detachably mounted on the upper end of the lower mold base, and the upper mold core is detachably mounted on the lower end of the upper mold base. The upper mold core has several forming bosses, and the lower mold core has several forming grooves corresponding to the forming bosses. The forming grooves are used to support the keycap sleeve. The upper and lower mold bases are close to each other so that the forming bosses and forming grooves cooperate to form a molding cavity. The upper mold base has a plastic flow channel that passes through the upper mold base and the upper mold core and communicates with the molding cavity.

[0007] Furthermore, the keycap sleeve is injection molded into a keycap body within the molding cavity. The keycap body includes the keycap sleeve and a sheet layer. The sheet layer includes a side frame portion and a character plate portion. The character plate portion is inclinedly disposed on the upper end of the side frame portion, and the keycap sleeve is fitted onto the side frame portion and the character plate portion.

[0008] Furthermore, the keycap sleeve includes a plastic molding layer and a character ink layer, with the character ink layer disposed between the plastic molding layer and the sheet layer.

[0009] Furthermore, the side frame and the character plate form a concave cavity, and the concave cavity is provided with a key core. The key core is provided with an adapter groove for mounting with a keyboard.

[0010] Furthermore, the outer peripheral wall of the key core is provided with multiple reinforcing ribs, which are arranged in a ring array along the central axis of the key core.

[0011] Furthermore, one end of the plastic flow channel abuts against the key core.

[0012] Furthermore, one end of the plastic flow channel abuts against a reinforcing rib.

[0013] The above-mentioned technical solutions in the ink-preventing, ink-wash-dissipating, coating-free keycap injection molding mold provided by this utility model embodiment have at least one of the following technical effects: The upper mold base and lower mold base respectively provide fixed mounting platforms. The upper mold core and lower mold core are detachably mounted on the upper mold base and lower mold base, respectively. The upper mold core has multiple forming bosses, and the lower mold core has multiple forming grooves that precisely match the forming bosses, used to support the keycap sleeve within the molding cavity. Direct injection molding of the keycap onto the protective sleeve is much more convenient and faster compared to traditional keycap molding which requires printing after molding. The upper mold base has a plastic flow channel that extends from the upper mold base to the molding cavity located in the lower mold base, ensuring that the molten plastic flows into the molding cavity through a controllable path, avoiding direct contact with the keycap sleeve, thereby preventing deformation of the keycap sleeve or preventing the oil film layer on the keycap sleeve from being washed away. The working principle is that when the upper mold base and the lower mold base approach each other, the forming boss and the forming groove fit tightly to form a forming cavity. At the same time, the molten glue flows into the forming cavity through the plastic flow channel. Under the action of pressure and cooling, the glue gradually solidifies to form a keycap sleeve. The whole process ensures the high-quality forming effect and dimensional stability of the keycap sleeve. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0015] Figure 1 The front view of the lower mold base of an injection molding die for preventing ink smudging and removing keycaps from coating, provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0016] Figure 2 The front view of the upper mold base of an injection molding die for preventing ink smudging and eliminating the need for coating keycaps, provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the keycap body of a keycap injection molding mold for preventing ink smudging, provided as an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 This is another structural schematic diagram of the keycap body of a keycap injection molding mold for preventing ink smudging, provided as an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0019] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the keycap body in an injection molding die for preventing ink smudging and eliminating the need for coating, provided as an embodiment of this utility model.

[0020] Reference numerals: 100, upper mold base; 110, upper mold core; 111, forming boss; 200, lower mold base; 210, lower mold core; 211, forming groove; 300, keycap body; 310, keycap sleeve; 311, plastic molding layer; 312, character ink layer; 320, sheet layer; 321, side frame; 322, character flat plate; 330, inner cavity; 331, key core; 332, adapter groove; 333, reinforcing rib; 400, plastic runner. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the embodiments of the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0022] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0023] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of embodiments of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0024] In this embodiment of the invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this embodiment of the invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0025] In one embodiment of this utility model, reference is made to Figures 1-5 As shown, a mold for preventing ink smudging and creating a coating-free keycap injection mold is provided, including an upper mold base 100, a lower mold base 200, an upper mold core 110, and a lower mold core 210. The lower mold core 210 is detachably mounted on the upper end of the lower mold base 200, and the upper mold core 110 is detachably mounted on the lower end of the upper mold base 100. The upper mold core 110 has a plurality of molding bosses 111, and the lower mold core 210 has a plurality of molding grooves 211 corresponding to the molding bosses 111. The molding grooves 211 are used to support the keycap sleeve 310. The upper mold base 100 and the lower mold base 200 are close to each other so that the molding bosses 111 and the molding grooves 211 cooperate to form a molding cavity. The upper mold base 100 has a plastic flow channel 400, which passes through the upper mold base 100 and the upper mold core 110 and communicates with the molding cavity. In this embodiment, the upper mold base 100 and the lower mold base 200 respectively provide fixed mounting platforms. The upper mold core 110 and the lower mold core 210 are detachably mounted on the upper mold base 100 and the lower mold base 200. The upper mold core 110 is provided with multiple molding bosses 111, and the lower mold core 210 is provided with multiple molding grooves 211 that precisely match the molding bosses 111, for supporting the keycap sleeve 310 within the molding cavity. Direct injection molding of the keycaps onto the protective sleeve is much more convenient and faster than traditional keycap molding, which requires printing after molding. Furthermore, while traditional keycap surface spraying can form a protective layer, direct contact of the paint with the human body poses health risks and is prone to fading or becoming blurry, affecting the keycap's aesthetics and user experience.

[0026] Specifically, refer to Figures 1-5As shown, the keycap sleeve 310 is injection molded into a keycap body 300 within a molding cavity. The keycap body 300 includes the keycap sleeve 310 and a sheet layer 320. The sheet layer 320 includes a side frame portion 321 and a character plate portion 322. The character plate portion 322 is inclinedly disposed on the upper end of the side frame portion 321, and the keycap sleeve 310 is fitted onto the side frame portion 321 and the character plate portion 322. In this embodiment, the PC sheet is first printed with ink, then the PC sheet is stretched and molded under high pressure, and then stamped into a membrane key shape. The membrane key is then placed into a mold and embedded, so that the membrane key is bonded to the plastic, resulting in a stable keycap structure. The surface of the character plate portion 322 can be made to resemble leather, providing a good user experience. Each key can be printed with multiple colors to form a pattern, and the entire sheet of keys can be completed simultaneously during molding, improving work efficiency. The mold structure is simple, reducing costs.

[0027] Specifically, refer to Figures 1-5 As shown, the keycap cover 310 includes a plastic molding layer 311 and a character ink layer 312, with the character ink layer 312 disposed between the plastic molding layer 311 and the sheet layer 320. In this embodiment, traditional spray-painted characters can only be made in one color, while this application can produce multiple colors and has a light-transmitting effect, allowing for multi-color spraying and customized patterns with good light transmission. The printed characters are on the back of the transparent sheet layer 320, preventing them from peeling off and extending the service life. The ink or paint in this application is embedded in the interlayer, preventing human contact with the ink or paint. The human body directly contacts the sheet, which is more beneficial to physical and mental health and eliminates safety hazards.

[0028] Specifically, refer to Figures 1-5 As shown, the side frame portion 321 and the character plate portion 322 form a concave cavity 330. The concave cavity 330 is provided with a key core portion 331, and the key core portion 331 is provided with an adapter groove 332 for mounting with a keyboard. In this embodiment, the adapter groove 332 is used for mounting with a keyboard. The adapter groove 332 can be designed in a cross shape, which can play a role in anti-slip and stability, and provide a good pressing feel.

[0029] Specifically, refer to Figures 1-5 As shown, the outer peripheral wall of the key core 331 is provided with a plurality of reinforcing ribs 333, which are arranged in a ring array along the central axis of the key core 331. In this embodiment, the reinforcing ribs 333 can strengthen and stabilize the key core 331, thereby extending its service life.

[0030] Specifically, refer to Figures 1-5 As shown, one end of the plastic flow channel 400 abuts against the key core portion 331. In this embodiment, it is ensured that the molten plastic flows into the key core portion 331 of the molding cavity through a controllable path, avoiding direct contact with the key cap sleeve 310, thereby preventing the key cap sleeve 310 from deforming or dispersing the oil film layer on the key cap sleeve 310.

[0031] Specifically, refer to Figures 1-5 As shown, one end of the plastic flow channel 400 abuts against the reinforcing rib 333. In this embodiment, it is ensured that the molten plastic flows into the reinforcing rib 333 of the molding cavity through a controllable path, avoiding direct contact with the keycap sleeve 310, thereby preventing the keycap sleeve 310 from deforming or dispersing the oil film layer on the keycap sleeve 310.

[0032] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A keycap injection molding mold for preventing ink from bleeding, characterized by: The device includes an upper mold base, a lower mold base, an upper mold core, and a lower mold core. The lower mold core is detachably mounted on the upper end of the lower mold base, and the upper mold core is detachably mounted on the lower end of the upper mold base. The upper mold core has several forming bosses, and the lower mold core has several forming grooves corresponding to the forming bosses. The forming grooves are used to support keycap sleeves. The upper mold base and the lower mold base are close to each other so that the forming bosses and the forming grooves cooperate to form a forming cavity. The upper mold base has a plastic flow channel that passes through the upper mold base and the upper mold core and communicates with the forming cavity.

2. The injection mold for preventing ink smudging and coating-free keycaps according to claim 1, characterized in that: The keycap sleeve is injection molded into a keycap body in the molding cavity. The keycap body includes the keycap sleeve and a sheet layer. The sheet layer includes a side frame portion and a character plate portion. The character plate portion is inclinedly disposed on the upper end of the side frame portion. The keycap sleeve is sleeved on the side frame portion and the character plate portion.

3. The injection mold for preventing ink smudging and eliminating the need for coating on keycaps according to claim 2, characterized in that: The keycap sleeve includes a plastic molding layer and a character ink layer, wherein the character ink layer is disposed between the plastic molding layer and the sheet layer.

4. The ink-preventing, paint-free keycap injection mold according to claim 3, characterized in that: The side frame and the character plate form a concave cavity. The concave cavity is provided with a key core. The key core is provided with an adapter groove for mounting with a keyboard.

5. The injection mold for preventing ink smudging and coating-free keycaps according to claim 4, characterized in that: The outer peripheral wall of the key core is provided with a plurality of reinforcing ribs, which are arranged in a ring array along the central axis of the key core.

6. The ink-preventing, paint-free keycap injection mold according to claim 4, characterized in that: One end of the plastic flow channel abuts against the key core.

7. The injection mold for preventing ink smudging and eliminating the need for coating on keycaps according to claim 5, characterized in that: One end of the plastic flow channel abuts against the reinforcing rib.

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