Key Device Having a Reinforced Structure and Method of Making the Same
AssigneeSunrex Technology Corp.
InventorShih-Pin Lin
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A key device includes a key cap and a base plate unit. The key cap includes a top wall and a peripheral wall cooperatively defining a receiving space. The top wall has a plurality of spaced-apart studs protruding into the receiving space. The base plate unit is disposed in the receiving space and is riveted to the top wall through the studs. The base plate unit includes a base plate, and a plurality of engaging members secured to the base plate. The base plate includes a plurality of stud holes for extension of the studs respectively therethrough, and a plurality of spaced-apart anchor members. The engaging members are injection molded to the anchor members, respectively.
Claims10
A key device comprising:
- a key cap made of plastic and including a top wall and a peripheral wall extending downwardly from a periphery of said top wall and cooperating with said top wall to define a receiving space, said top wall having a plurality of spaced-apart studs protruding into said receiving space;
- and
- a base plate unit disposed in said receiving space and riveted to said top wall through said studs, said base plate unit including a base plate made of metal, and a plurality of engaging members secured to said base plate, said base plate including a plurality of stud holes for extension of said studs respectively therethrough, and a plurality of spaced-apart anchor members, said engaging members being injection molded to said anchor members, respectively.
A method of making a key device, comprising:
- (A) preparing a key cap and a base plate unit, the key cap being made of plastic and including a top wall and a peripheral wall extending downwardly from a periphery of the top wall and cooperating with the top wall to define a receiving space, the top wall having a plurality of spaced-apart studs protruding into the receiving space and having straight tubular shapes, the base plate unit including a base plate made of metal, and a plurality of engaging members secured to the base plate, the base plate including a plurality of stud holes and a plurality of spaced-apart anchor members, the engaging members being injection molded to the anchor members, respectively, each of the engaging members having an engaging portion;
- (B) placing the base plate unit in the receiving space such that the studs extend respectively through the stud holes;
- and
- (C) heating and melting one end of each of the studs such that the shape of each of the studs is changed from the straight tubular shape to a rivet shape, thereby riveting the base plate unit to the key cap, each of the studs after heating having a shank portion protruding from the top wall, and a head portion connected to the shank portion opposite to the top wall and abutting against a lower side surface of the base plate which is opposite to the top wall.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.