TW201935509A - Translucent keycap, method of fabricating the same and illuminated keyswitch including such translucent keycap - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses a translucent keycap, a method of fabricating the same and an illuminated keyswitch including such translucent keycap. The translucent keycap according to the invention includes a translucent base, a light-shielding layer and a light-shielding member. The light-shielding layer is formed to overlay an outer surface of the translucent base, and has a translucent region. The light-shielding member has a through-hole and is bonded on a bottom surface of the translucent base. The through-hole of the light-shielding member is aligned with the translucent region of the light-shielding layer. When a light travels upward from beneath the translucent keycap, one portion of the light passes through the through-hole, the translucent base and the translucent region such that the translucent region exhibits a color light. The other portion of the light is shielded by the light-shielding member, and cannot transmits to other regions of the light-shielding layer.

Description

Light-transmitting keycap, manufacturing method thereof, and light-emitting key including the light-transmitting keycap

The present invention relates to a light-transmitting keycap, a method for manufacturing the same, and a light-emitting key including the light-transmitting keycap, and more particularly, to a light-transmitting keycap that includes a light-shielding member that matches the indicator light, has a high manufacturing yield, and has a strong bonding force. , A manufacturing method thereof, and a light-emitting key including the transparent keycap.

Illuminated keyboards are common input peripheral devices on the market. Among the currently illuminated keys for illuminated keyboards, most of the keycaps have a light-transmitting area that defines characters / symbols, and some keycaps also have defined indicator numbers (for example, the case lock on indicator number). , Etc.).

If the keycap of the light-emitting key has two different light-transmitting areas that define characters / symbols and indicator numbers, the light-emitting key requires two light sources. The two light sources respectively correspond to a light-transmitting area, and the light emitted by them respectively passes through its corresponding light-transmitting area, and should not hit the other light-transmitting area. The light-emitting keys of this type all need a light-shielding design to shield the light emitted by the two light sources and prevent the light emitted by the two light sources from passing through the corresponding light-transmitting areas.

For the prior art of the above-mentioned keycaps having illuminated keys with two different light-transmitting areas that define characters / symbols and indicator lights, please refer to the Republic of China Patent Bulletin No. M381117. Patent M381117 discloses a keyboard with low scattered light. The circuit board is provided with a light-emitting element corresponding to a specific keycap (taking the Caps lock key as an example), and a support mechanism and a support mechanism are respectively provided between the specific keycap and the bottom plate. An elastic piece enables the specific keycap to be moved up and down relative to the bottom plate move. The specific keycap is provided with a light-transmitting portion corresponding to the light-emitting element. The light-transmitting portion is made of a light-transmitting material, and a light-shielding cover is provided on the periphery of the light-emitting element. The photomask is made of an elastic weave opaque material (for example, rubber), and the photomask is substantially conical and extends upward from the circuit board to a position close to the light-transmitting portion. The photomask has an opening corresponding to the light transmitting portion. The size of the opening is about the same as that of the smallest part of the light transmitting part, so that the light emitted by the light emitting element is only transmitted through the opening and the specific keycap is emitted through the light transmitting part.

The photomask disclosed in the M381117 patent requires additional mold manufacturing and complicates the assembly of the keys. There is still room for improvement in the robustness of the reticle to specific keycaps and the bottom plate.

The M381117 patent also discloses the use of a light shielding member instead of a photomask. The light-shielding member is made of an opaque material and is disposed on the bottom surface of the light-transmitting portion. The light-shielding member has an opening corresponding to the light-transmitting portion, and the size of the opening is approximately the same as the smallest portion of the light-transmitting portion. The outer edge of the light-shielding member is at least equal to the outer edge of the light-transmitting portion, so that the light emitted by the light-emitting element is transmitted only through the opening and the specific keycap is emitted through the light-transmitting portion. Patent M381117 further teaches that the light-shielding member can be made into a sheet-like structure from an opaque film material (for example, a polyester film), and then attached to the bottom surface of the light-transmitting portion. Alternatively, the light-shielding member is formed by imprinting the opaque ink on the bottom surface of the light-transmitting portion in a printing manner. Alternatively, the light-shielding member is formed by spraying opaque spray-paint on the bottom surface of the light-transmitting portion in a spray-painting manner. However, if a specific keycap has a light-transmitting area defining the element / symbol, correspondingly, the light emitted by another light-emitting element will be set to the light-transmitting area of the meaning-element / symbol. For the key structure of the keypad, neither the photomask nor the light-shielding member disclosed can effectively block the light emitted by the two light-emitting elements. In addition, the manufacturing yield of the light-shielding member disclosed in the M381117 patent still has room for improvement.

Therefore, one technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a light-transmitting keycap that includes a light-shielding member that matches the indicator light, has a high yield and strong bonding force, a manufacturing method thereof, and a light-emitting key including the light-transmitting keycap .

A light transmitting keycap according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a light transmitting body, a light shielding layer and a light shielding member. The light transmitting body has an outer surface and a bottom surface. The light-shielding layer is coated on the outer surface of the light-transmitting body. The light-shielding layer has a light-shielding region, a first light-transmitting region, and a second light-transmitting region. The light shielding member has a through hole and is bonded to the bottom surface of the light transmitting body. The through hole is aligned with the first light-transmitting area. The first light is divided into a first part of light and a second part of light. When the first light travels from the downward direction of the light-transmitting keycap, the first portion of light passes through the through hole, the light-transmitting body, and the first light-transmitting area, so that the first light-transmitting area presents the first color light. In addition, the second part of the light travels toward the second light-transmitting area, but the light shielding member shields and attenuates the intensity of the second part of the light reaching the second light-transmitting area. The second light is divided into a third part of light and a fourth part of light. When the second light travels from below the translucent keycap, the third part of the light travels toward the second translucent area, and the third part of the light passes through the translucent body and the second translucent area, resulting in the second translucent area Present a second color of light. In addition, the fourth part of the light travels toward the first light-transmitting area, but the light shielding member shields the intensity of the fourth part of the light that attenuates the second light reaching 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 area does not emit light. The first light-transmitting area defines the indicator light, and the light shielding member is set in cooperation with the indicator light.

Further, the translucent keycap of the preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes a colored translucent layer. The colored light-transmitting layer is covered between the outer surface of the light-transmitting body and the light-shielding layer. When the second light travels from below the translucent keycap, the third portion of light passes through the translucent body, the colored translucent layer, and the second translucent area, so that the second translucent area presents the second color light.

In a specific embodiment, the first light-transmitting region and the second light-transmitting region are hollowed through the light-shielding layer to expose a part of the colored light-transmitting layer.

In a specific embodiment, the colored light transmitting layer has a third light transmitting region. The third light-transmitting region is hollowed through the colored light-transmitting layer to expose a part of the outer surface. The third light transmitting region is aligned with the first light transmitting region and the through hole.

Further, the transparent keycap of the preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes a transparent protective layer. The transparent protective layer is formed on the light-shielding layer to cover the light region, the first light-transmitting region, and the second light-transmitting region. The hardness of the transparent protective layer is higher than that of the light-shielding layer.

In a specific embodiment, the light shielding member includes a central portion and at least one peripheral side wall. At least one peripheral side wall extends downward from the periphery of the central portion. At least one peripheral side wall can block the second portion of light from reaching the second light-transmitting area, and block the fourth portion of light from entering the first light-transmitting area.

In a specific embodiment, the light-transmitting body further has a depression. The depression is formed on the bottom surface of the light-transmitting body. The center has a top. The top of the central part is engaged in the recess of the transparent body.

In a specific embodiment, the transparent body further has at least one hole. At least one hole is formed in the recess of the transparent body. The central portion also has at least one protruding portion. At least one protruding portion is formed on the top of the central portion. Each protrusion corresponds to a hole, and is engaged in its corresponding hole.

A method for manufacturing a light-transmitting keycap according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is to first form a first shaping space by combining a first upper mold and a lower mold, and project a light-shielding member into the first shaping space. Next, in the method of the present invention, the light shielding member is demolded from the first upper mold, and the light shielding member is still placed on the lower mold. Next, the method of the present invention forms a second shaping space by combining a second upper mold and a lower mold, and projects a light-transmitting body combined with a light-shielding member to the second shaping space, wherein the light-transmitting body has a predetermined light emitting area, On the outer surface and the bottom surface, the light shielding member is bonded to the bottom surface, and the predetermined light emitting area is located above the through hole. Next, the method of the present invention releases the light-transmitting main body of the light-shielding member from the second upper mold and the lower mold. Next, the method of the present invention forms a light-shielding layer on the outer surface of the light-transmitting body. Finally, the method of the present invention removes a part of the light-shielding layer to form a first light-transmitting region on the light-shielding layer, wherein the first light-transmitting region, the predetermined light-emitting region and the through hole are aligned with each other to form a straight light-transmitting path.

A light-emitting key of a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a light-transmitting keycap, a base plate, a switch film layer, a first light-emitting element, and a second light-emitting element according to the present invention. The light-transmitting keycap is connected to the upper part of the bottom plate so as to move up and down, so that the light-transmitting keycap moves relative to the bottom plate between an unpressed position and a pressed position. The switching film layer is arranged on the bottom plate. The switch film layer contains a switch. When the translucent keycap is moved to the pressed position, the switch is triggered. The first light emitting element is configured to emit a first light. The second light emitting element is used for emitting a second light.

Different from the prior art, the light-transmitting keycap of the present invention can effectively block the light emitted by the two light-emitting elements in combination with the light-shielding member of the indicator light. The light-shielding member of the present invention can achieve the goals of high manufacturing yield and strong bonding force by injection molding. The light-transmitting keycap of the present invention is subsequently assembled into light-emitting keys, and the assembling procedure is simpler than that of the prior art.

The advantages and spirit of the present invention can be further understood through the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings.

1‧‧‧Translucent keycap

10‧‧‧ Transparent body

102‧‧‧outer surface

104‧‧‧ bottom surface

106‧‧‧ Sag

108‧‧‧ Hole

109‧‧‧ scheduled light output area

12‧‧‧ colored light transmitting layer

122‧‧‧ third light transmitting area

14‧‧‧ shading layer

142‧‧‧ shaded area

144‧‧‧first light transmitting area

146‧‧‧second light transmitting area

16‧‧‧Shading member

162‧‧‧Center

1620‧‧‧Top

1622‧‧‧through hole

1624‧‧‧ protrusion

164‧‧‧peripheral sidewall

18‧‧‧ transparent protective layer

20‧‧‧The first upper mold

22‧‧‧ lower mold

222‧‧‧First Shaped Space

2222‧‧‧Shaping depression

2224‧‧‧Shaping Hole

224‧‧‧Second shaping space

24‧‧‧Second upper mold

3‧‧‧ illuminated buttons

30‧‧‧ floor

302‧‧‧first through hole

32‧‧‧ switch film

322‧‧‧Switch

3222‧‧‧Upper electrode block

3224‧‧‧ Lower electrode block

324‧‧‧ on thin film circuit

3244‧‧‧ lower surface

326‧‧‧ under thin film circuit

3262‧‧‧ Top surface

328‧‧‧Isolation member

329‧‧‧ Space

34‧‧‧first light emitting element

36‧‧‧Second light emitting element

360‧‧‧light guide

3602‧‧‧Side into the light

3604‧‧‧Front

3606‧‧‧Back

362‧‧‧light source

364‧‧‧Reflective Structure

366‧‧‧Reflector

38‧‧‧ support device

L1‧‧‧First Light

L1a‧‧‧Part One Light

L1b‧‧‧Second Part Light

L2‧‧‧Second Light

L2a‧‧‧Part III Light

L2b‧‧‧Part Four Light

L3‧‧‧First color

L4‧‧‧Second color light

FIG. 1 is a development view of a transparent keycap of a preferred embodiment of the present invention from a top perspective.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the transparent keycap of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, viewed from a lower perspective.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a transparent keycap according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the translucent keycap taken along line A-A in FIG. 1. FIG.

5 to 12 are cross-sectional views schematically illustrating a preferred embodiment of a method for manufacturing a light-transmitting keycap according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a light emitting button according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention Illustration.

Please refer to FIGS. 1 to 4, which schematically depict a light transmitting keycap 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic development view of the transparent keycap 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the elements of the light-shielding member 16 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic development view of the transparent keycap 1 and the light-shielding member 16 according to the present invention from the following viewing angles. Fig. 3 is a bottom view of a light transmitting keycap 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the translucent keycap 1 taken along line A-A in FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, a light transmitting keycap 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a light transmitting body 10, a light shielding layer 14 and a light shielding member 16.

The transparent body 10 has an outer surface 102 and a bottom surface 104. The light-shielding layer 14 is coated on the outer surface 102 of the transparent body 10. The light-shielding layer 14 includes a light-shielding region 142, a first light-transmitting region 144, and a second light-transmitting region 146. The translucent keycap 1 according to the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is represented by the translucent keycap 1 assembled as a Caps Lock key. The first translucent region 144 defines a caps lock status indicator. No., the second area 146 defines the Caps lock glyph.

In a specific embodiment, the transparent body 10 can be made of a colorless polymer material and an injection molding process.

The light shielding member 16 has a through hole 1622 and is bonded to the bottom surface 104 of the light transmitting body 10. Specifically, the through hole 1622 is aligned with the first light-transmitting region 144.

In a specific embodiment, the light shielding member 16 may be made of a dark polymer material and an injection molding process.

The first light L1 is divided into a first partial light L1a and a second partial light L1b. When the first light L1 travels from the downward direction of the transparent keycap 1, the first A part of the 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 presents the first color light L3. In addition, the second partial light L1b travels toward the second light-transmitting region 146, but the light shielding member 16 shields and attenuates the intensity of the second partial light L1b reaching the second light-transmitting region 146. The second light ray L2 is divided into a third partial light L2a and a fourth partial light L2b. When the second light L2 travels from the downward direction of the transparent keycap 1, the third partial light L2a travels toward the second transparent area 146, and the third partial light L2a passes through the transparent body 10 and the second transparent area 146 , Causing the second light-transmitting region 146 to exhibit the second color light L4. In addition, the fourth partial light L2b travels toward the first light transmitting region 144, but the light shielding member 16 shields the intensity of the fourth partial light L2b that attenuates the second light L2 from reaching 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 is different from the second color light L4. Thereby, the discrimination rate between the first transparent region 144 and the second transparent 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, the pattern is shown in FIG. 4. The translucent keycap 1 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes a colored translucent layer 12. The colored light-transmitting layer 12 is covered between the outer surface 102 of the light-transmitting body 10 and the light-shielding layer 14. When the second light L2 travels from the downward direction of the light-transmitting keycap 1, the third light L2a passes through the light-transmitting body 10, the colored light-transmitting layer 12, and the second light-transmitting area 146, so that the second light-transmitting area 146 appears第二 色光 L4。 The second color light L4. Thereby, the second color light L4 is different from the second light L2.

In a specific embodiment, the pattern is shown in FIG. 4. The first light-transmitting region 144 and the second light-transmitting region 146 are hollowed through the light-shielding layer 14 to expose a part of the colored light-transmitting layer 12.

In a specific embodiment, the pattern is shown in FIG. 4. The colored transparent layer 12 has a third transparent region 122. The third light-transmitting region 122 is hollowed out and colored The light-transmitting layer 12 exposes a part of the outer surface 102 of the light-transmitting body 10. The third light transmitting region 122 is aligned with the first light transmitting region 144 and the through hole 1622.

Further, the patterns are shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4. The transparent keycap 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes a transparent protective layer 18. The transparent protective layer 18 is formed on the light shielding layer 14 to cover the light 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 the hardness of the light-shielding layer 14 to avoid abrasion of the light-shielding layer 14. With the selection of the material, the transparent protective layer 27 may also have an anti-ultraviolet function to prevent the transparent body 10 from being damaged by ultraviolet rays.

In a specific embodiment, the pattern is shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. The light shielding member 16 includes a central portion 162 and at least one peripheral side wall 164. At least one peripheral side wall 164 extends downward from the periphery of the central portion 162. The at least one peripheral side wall 164 can block the second part of the light L1b from reaching the second light-transmitting area 146, and block the fourth part of the light L2b from reaching the first light-transmitting area 144. At least one peripheral edge side wall 164 extends downward around the periphery of the central portion 162, so that the cross-section of the light shielding member 16 is substantially inverted U-shaped.

In a specific embodiment, the pattern is shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, and the transparent body 10 further has a recess 106. The depression 106 is formed on the bottom surface 104 of the transparent body 10. The center portion 162 has a top portion 1620. The top 1620 of the central portion 162 is engaged in the recess 106 of the transparent body 10. Thereby, the bonding force between the light shielding member 16 and the light transmitting body 10 can be greatly increased. The light shielding member 16 also blocks the path of the fourth partial light L2b traveling toward the first light-transmitting region 144.

In a specific embodiment, the pattern is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The transparent body 10 further has at least one hole 108. At least one hole 108 is formed in the recess 106 of the transparent body 10. The central portion 162 also has at least one protruding portion 1624. At least one protruding portion 1624 is formed on the top portion 1620 of the central portion 162. Each protrusion 1624 corresponds to a hole 108 and is engaged with it. Corresponding hole 108. Thereby, the bonding force between the light shielding member 16 and the light transmitting body 10 can be greatly increased. The light shielding member 16 also blocks the path of the fourth partial light L2b traveling toward the first light-transmitting region 144.

Please refer to FIG. 5 to FIG. 12, which are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating a method for manufacturing the transparent keycap 1 shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The definitions of the section lines in the sections shown in Figs. 10, 11 and 12 are the same as those of the line A-A in Fig. 1.

First, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the method of the present invention firstly forms a first shaping space 222 by combining a first upper die 20 and a lower die 22. As shown in FIG. 5, The space 222 emits the molded light shielding member 16 as shown in FIG. 6. In a specific 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 demold the light shielding member 16 from the first upper mold 20 and place the light shielding member 16 on the lower mold 22.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 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, the second shaping space 224 is injected. The light-transmitting body 10 combined with the light-shielding member 16 is formed, as shown in FIG. 9, in which the light-transmitting body 10 has a predetermined light-emitting area 109, an outer surface 102, and a bottom surface 104. The light emitting area 109 is located above the through hole 1622. In a specific embodiment, the transparent body 10 may be made of a colorless polymer material.

Next, as shown in FIG. 10, the method of the present invention is to demold 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 forms a light-shielding layer 14 on the outer surface 102 of the transparent body 10.

Also shown in FIG. 11, a colored light-transmitting layer 12 is formed between the outer surface 102 of the light-transmitting body 10 and the light-shielding layer 14.

Finally, as shown in FIG. 12, the method of the present invention removes a part 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 are formed. 1622 are aligned with each other to form a straight light transmission path.

In a specific 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 shown in FIG. 12, a part 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-transmitting region 146 is not located on the light shielding member 16.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, during the process of removing part of the light-shielding layer 14, and partially removing the colored light-transmitting layer 12, a third light-transmitting region 122 is formed on the colored light-transmitting layer 12. The first light-transmitting region 144, the third light-transmitting region 122, the predetermined light-exiting region 109, and the through hole 1622 are aligned with each other to form a linear light-transmitting path.

Further, a transparent protective 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, and the light-transmitting keycap 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 is completed. . The hardness of the transparent protective layer 18 is higher than the hardness of the light-shielding layer 14 to avoid abrasion of the light-shielding layer 14. With the selection of the material, the transparent protective layer 18 may also have an anti-ultraviolet function, so as to prevent the transparent body 10 from being damaged by the ultraviolet rays.

In a specific embodiment, as also shown in FIGS. 5 to 12, the cross-section of the first shaping space 222 is substantially an inverted U-shape, so that the light shielding member 16 includes a central portion 162 and at least one peripheral side wall 164. The at least one peripheral edge side wall 164 extends downward from the periphery of the central portion 162 to block the light incident on the light shielding member 16 from reaching the second light transmitting region 146.

In a specific embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 to FIG. 12, the top of the first shaping space 222 further has a shaping recess 2222. The shaping recess 2222 allows the central portion 162 of the light-shielding member 16 to have a top portion 1620. Such as When forming the second shaping space 224, the top 1620 of the central portion 162 defines the bottom shape of the second shaping space 224.

In a specific embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 12 as well, the first shaping space 222 also has at least one shaping hole 2224. The at least one plastic hole 2224 allows the central portion 162 of the light-shielding member 16 to have at least one protruding portion 1624. When forming the second shaping space 224 in this way, at least one protruding portion 1624 defines a part of the bottom surface shape of the second shaping space 224.

Please refer to FIG. 13, which is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a light emitting button 3 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The definition of the section line shown in FIG. 13 is the same as the line A-A in FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 13, a light-emitting key 3 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a light-transmitting keycap 1, a base plate 30, a switch film layer 32, a first light-emitting element 34, and a second light-emitting element 36 according to the present invention.

The light-emitting key 3 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes a support device 38 and an elastic actuator (not shown in FIG. 13). In order to illustrate the travel paths of the first light ray L1 and the second light ray L2, in FIG. 13, the supporting device 38 is depicted by a dotted line, and the elastic actuator is not shown. In a specific embodiment, the support device 38 may be a conventional support device such as a scissor-type support device or a butterfly-type support device, which is not described in detail here. The elastic actuator is a conventional elastic actuator, which is not described in detail here.

The supporting device 38 is movably installed between the bottom plate 30 and the transparent keycap 1. With the support device 38, the translucent keycap 1 can be connected above and below the bottom plate 30 so that the translucent keycap 1 moves between the unpressed position and the pressed position relative to the bottom plate 30. The switching film layer 32 is disposed on the bottom plate 30. The switching film layer 32 includes a switch 322. When the light-transmitting keycap 1 is moved to the pressing position, the switch 322 is triggered by actuation. The first light emitting element 34 is configured to emit a first light L1. The second light emitting element 36 is configured to emit a second light L2. Elements in FIG. 9 having the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 have the same or similar structures and functions. Yes, I won't go into details here.

As also shown in FIG. 13, the switching film layer 32 may be composed of an upper thin film circuit 324 and a lower thin film circuit 326, and the upper thin film circuit 324 and the lower thin film circuit 326 are separated by an isolation member 328. The switch 322 includes an upper electrode block 3222 and at least one lower electrode block 3224. In FIG. 13, only one lower electrode block 3224 is shown as a representative. An upper electrode block 3222 is formed on the lower surface 3244 of the upper thin film circuit 324, and a lower electrode block 3224 is formed on the upper surface 3262 of the lower thin film circuit 326. Two isolation members 328 are respectively disposed on two sides other than the lower electrode block 3224. The isolation member 328 is disposed between the upper thin film circuit 324 and the lower thin film circuit 326 to form a space 329, so that the upper electrode block 3222 and the lower electrode block 3224 are not accidental before the user presses the transparent keycap 1 Contact is on. The upper electrode block 3222 and the lower electrode block 3224 of the switch 322 are disposed in the space 329. When a user's finger presses the light-transmitting keycap 1 to move to the pressing position, the upper electrode block 3222 is brought into contact with the lower electrode block 3224, and the switch 322 is activated and triggered.

In a specific embodiment, the first light emitting element 34 may be a light emitting diode element, but is not limited thereto. With its own packaging and optical design, the coverage area of the first light L1 emitted by the first light-emitting element 34 is restricted to the light-shielding member 16 as much as possible.

In a specific embodiment, the second light emitting element 36 may be the light receiving 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 rear surface 3606. The light incident side 3602 serves as a light incident surface for the light source 362 to emit light.

The light source 362 is disposed adjacent to the light guide plate 360, that is, adjacent to the side 3602 of the light guide plate 360. The light source 362 is configured to emit the second light L2, enter the light guide plate 360, and conduct the light guide plate 360. The reflective structure 364 is disposed on the rear surface 3606 of the light guide plate 360. The reflection structure 364 is used for directing the reflection structure The second light L2 of 364 is guided to the front side 3604 of the light guide plate 360, and is then emitted from the front side 3604 of the light guide plate 360. The backlight device 36 further includes a reflective sheet 366. The reflective sheet 366 is affixed to the back surface 3606 of the light guide plate 360 to help reflect light transmitted in the light guide plate 360. The 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 layer 12 has at least one second through hole (not shown in FIG. 13). When the second light ray L2 is derived from the light guide plate 360, the second light ray L2 passes through the at least one first through hole 302 and the at least one second through hole in order to be divided into the third partial light L2a and the fourth partial light L2b.

In another specific embodiment, the second light emitting element 36 may include a plurality of light emitting diodes. The plurality of light emitting diodes are respectively disposed at appropriate positions and collectively emit a second light ray L2.

From the above detailed description of the present invention, it can be clearly understood that the light-transmitting keycap of the present invention can effectively block the light emitted by the two light-emitting elements with the light shielding member of the indicator light. The light-shielding member of the present invention can achieve the goals of high manufacturing yield and strong bonding force by injection molding. The light-transmitting keycap of the present invention is subsequently assembled into light-emitting keys, and the assembling procedure is simpler than that of the prior art.

With the above detailed description of the preferred embodiments, it is hoped that the features and spirit of the present invention may be more clearly described, rather than limiting the aspects of the present invention with the preferred embodiments disclosed above. On the contrary, the intention is to cover various changes and equivalent arrangements within the scope of the patent scope of the present invention. Therefore, the aspect of the patent scope of the present invention should be explained in the broadest sense according to the above description, so that it covers all possible changes and equal arrangements.

Claims (15)

A light-transmitting keycap includes: a light-transmitting body having an outer surface and a bottom surface; and a light-shielding layer covering the outer surface. The light-shielding layer has a light-shielding region, a first light-transmitting region, and a first Two light-transmitting regions; and a light-shielding member having a through-hole connected to the bottom surface, the through-hole aligned with the first light-transmitting region; wherein a first light is distinguished into a first partial light and a second light Part of the light, when the first light travels from the downward direction of the translucent keycap, the first part of light passes through the through hole, the translucent body, and the first translucent area, so that the first translucency The area presents a first color light, and the second part of the light travels toward the second light-transmitting area, and the light shielding member shields and attenuates the intensity of the second part of the light reaching the second light-transmitting area; It is a third part of light and a fourth part of light. When the second light travels from the downward direction of the translucent keycap, the third part of light travels toward the second translucent area, and the third part Partial light passes through the transparent body and the second transparent area, so that the The two light-transmitting areas present a second color light, and the fourth part of the light travels toward the first light-transmitting area. The light shielding member shields the fourth part of the light that attenuates the second light from reaching the first light-transmitting area. Intensity; wherein the light-shielding layer blocks the first light and the second light from passing through, so that the light-shielding area does not emit light. The translucent keycap according to claim 1, further comprising: A colored light-transmitting layer is covered between the outer surface of the light-transmitting body and the light-shielding layer, wherein when the second light travels from a direction below the light-transmitting keycap, the third part of light passes through the light-transmitting The light body, the colored light-transmitting layer, and the second light-transmitting region cause the second light-transmitting region to exhibit the second-color light. The translucent keycap according to claim 2, wherein the colored translucent layer has a third translucent area, and the third translucent area is aligned with the first translucent area and the through hole. The translucent keycap according to claim 1, wherein the light shielding member includes a central portion and at least one peripheral side wall, and the at least peripheral side wall extends downward from a periphery of the central portion, and the at least one peripheral side wall is capable of Blocking the second portion of light from hitting the second light-transmitting area, and blocking the fourth portion of light from hitting the first light-transmitting area. The translucent keycap according to claim 4, wherein the side wall of the at least one peripheral edge extends downward around the periphery of the central portion, so that a cross section of the light shielding member is substantially an inverted U shape. The translucent keycap according to claim 4, wherein the translucent body further has a depression, the depression is formed on the bottom surface, the central portion has a top portion, and the top portion of the central portion is joined to the depression. Inside. The translucent keycap according to claim 6, wherein the translucent body further has at least one hole, the at least one hole is formed in the depression, the central portion further has at least one protruding portion, and the at least one protruding portion is Formed on the top, each protrusion corresponds to a hole and is engaged in its corresponding hole. A method for manufacturing a light-transmitting keycap includes the following steps: (a) a first shaping space is formed by combining a first upper mold and a lower mold, and a light shielding member is injection-molded into the first shaping space, wherein the light shielding member has a through hole; (b) the light shielding member Demolding from the first upper mold, and the light shielding member is still placed on the lower mold; (c) forming a second shaping space by combining a second upper mold with the lower mold, A light-transmitting body that is combined with the light-shielding member by the shape space injection molding, wherein the light-transmitting body has a predetermined light-exiting area, an outer surface, and a bottom surface, the light-shielding member is bonded to the bottom surface, and the predetermined light-exiting area Located above the through hole; (d) demolding the light-transmitting body that combines the light-shielding member with the second upper mold and the lower mold; (e) forming a light-shielding layer on the outer surface of the light-transmitting body; And (g) removing a part of the light-shielding layer to form a first light-transmitting region on the light-shielding layer, wherein the first light-transmitting region, the predetermined light-emitting region and the through hole are aligned with each other to form a linear light-transmitting path . The method according to claim 8, wherein in step (g), a second light-transmitting region is formed on the light-shielding layer, and the second light-transmitting region is not located on the light-shielding member. The method according to claim 9, further comprising the steps between steps (d) and (e): forming a colored light-transmitting layer between the outer surface of the light-transmitting body and the light-shielding layer. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the following steps: A part of the colored light-transmitting layer is removed to form a third light-transmitting area on the colored light-transmitting layer, wherein the first light-transmitting area, the third light-transmitting area, the predetermined light-emitting area and the through hole are mutually Align to form the linear light-transmitting path. The method according to claim 9, wherein in step (a), a section of the first shaping space is substantially an inverted U-shape, so that the light shielding member includes a central portion and at least one peripheral side wall, and the at least one The edge side wall extends downward from a periphery of the central portion to block a light beam incident on the light shielding member from reaching the second light-transmitting region. The method according to claim 12, wherein in step (a), a top of one of the first shaping spaces further has a shaping depression, and the shaping depression allows the center portion of the light-shielding member to have a top As such, in step (c), the top defines the shape of the bottom surface of the second shaping space portion. The method according to claim 13, wherein in step (a), the first shaping space further has at least one shaping hole, and the shaping hole enables the central part of the light-shielding member to have at least one protruding portion. As such, in step (c), the protruding portion defines the outer shape of the bottom surface of the second shaping space portion. A light-emitting key comprises: a base plate; the light-transmitting keycap according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which can be connected above and below the base plate so as to move the light-transmitting keycap relative to the The bottom plate moves between an unpressed position and a pressed position; a switch film layer is disposed on the bottom plate, the switch film layer includes a switch, wherein when the transparent keycap moves to the pressed position, the switch Triggered by actuation A first light emitting element is used to emit the first light; and a second light emitting element is used to emit the second light.