Membrane switches, illuminated buttons and illuminated keyboards with luminous function

Abstract

The present invention discloses a membrane switch, a luminous key and a luminous keyboard with a luminous function, wherein the membrane switch comprises: a flexible substrate; a switch circuit layer, located on the front of the flexible substrate, comprising a plurality of conductive contacts that do not touch each other; a light-emitting component, integrated on the flexible substrate, for generating a light beam; a flexible key, covered on the switch circuit layer, with a pressing cavity left between its inner wall and the flexible substrate; a conductor, located in the pressing cavity, for connecting a plurality of conductive contacts under the pressing of the flexible key to realize the conduction of the switch circuit layer. The membrane switch, luminous key and luminous keyboard with a luminous function of the present invention have a compact structure, high integration and thin thickness, and can meet the market demand for thin and light electronic products.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of membrane switches, and in particular to a membrane switch with a lighting function, a lighting key and a lighting keyboard. Background Art

[0002] Membrane switch, also known as touch keyboard, is a new type of electronic component that uses an overall sealed structure composed of multiple layers of planes to seal the key switch, panel, mark, symbol display and lining together. It is widely used in various electronic products. The membrane switch mainly includes an upper circuit board, an isolation layer, and a lower circuit board. When the membrane switch is pressed, the contacts of the upper circuit board deform downward and contact and conduct with the contacts of the lower circuit board to generate a signal. In addition, in order to meet the consumer's demand for light emission when pressed, another light-emitting layer needs to be added under the membrane switch.

[0003] That is to say, the existing membrane switches with luminous function have a four-layer structure (upper circuit board, isolation layer, lower circuit board, and luminous layer). The membrane switch with this structure is thick and occupies a large space. Moreover, the existing luminous layer requires a separate IC control module to control it. The thickness of the IC control module itself also occupies part of the space, which to some extent affects the design requirements of the product to be lightweight. Summary of the invention

[0004] In order to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a membrane switch, a luminous key and a luminous keyboard with a luminous function, which have high integration and thin thickness and can meet the market demand for thinner and lighter electronic products.

[0005] In order to achieve the above purpose, one of the technical solutions adopted by the present invention is: a membrane switch with a light-emitting function, comprising a flexible substrate; a switch circuit layer, located on the front side of the flexible substrate, comprising a plurality of conductive contacts that do not touch each other; a flexible button, which is covered on the switch circuit layer, and a pressing cavity is left between the inner wall of the flexible button and the flexible substrate; a conductor, located in the pressing cavity, used to connect the plurality of conductive contacts under the pressing of the flexible button to achieve conduction of the switch circuit layer; a light-emitting component, integrated on the flexible substrate, used to generate a light beam; the light-emitting component comprises a light-emitting circuit integrated on the back side of the flexible substrate, and a plurality of points that are conductive to the light-emitting circuit are provided on the front side of the flexible substrate, and the plurality of points are surrounded on the outside of the flexible button, and LEDs with internal drive ICs are installed on the points.

[0006] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0007] 1. The upper circuit board, isolation layer and light-emitting layer in the prior art are eliminated, and the switch circuit layer and light-emitting circuit are directly integrated on a flexible substrate, that is, the original four-layer structure (upper circuit board, isolation layer, lower circuit board, light-emitting layer) is integrated into a single layer structure (flexible substrate), effectively reducing the overall thickness of the membrane switch;

[0008] 2. In the switch circuit layer, a plurality of non-contacting conductive contacts are used to make the switch circuit layer in a non-conductive state when no pressure is applied, so that the switch circuit layer can be used as a switch circuit; then, the conductor is pressed by the flexible key so that the conductor can contact the conductive contact, thereby triggering the conductive contact to realize the conduction of the switch circuit layer and generate a key pressing signal;

[0009] 3. The light-emitting component is directly integrated on the flexible substrate with the switch circuit layer, that is, the light-emitting component and the switch circuit layer are integrated on one flexible substrate at the same time. While ensuring the on-off and light-emitting functions of the membrane switch, the thickness of the membrane switch is reduced, making the overall structure of the membrane switch more compact, thinner and lighter, and more adaptable to market demand;

[0010] 4. By using LEDs with internal drive ICs, the internal drive IC is built into the LED, which not only realizes the independent control of a single LED, but also saves the installation space required for the additional IC control module, making the light-emitting component more compact and thinner.

[0011] Specifically, the LED with internal drive IC includes an insulating body, a conductive terminal, an internal drive IC, a light-emitting chip, and a light-transmitting cover. The insulating body is fixedly connected to the flexible substrate, and a conductive terminal that is connected to the point is provided on the insulating body. The internal drive IC and the light-emitting chip are both fixedly connected to the conductive terminal, and the internal drive IC and the light-emitting chip are electrically connected through wires. The light-transmitting cover is provided on the internal drive IC and the LED, and is fixed to the insulating body. The insulating body separates the internal drive IC and the light-emitting chip from the flexible substrate, and then realizes the electrical connection between the internal drive IC, the light-emitting chip and the light-emitting circuit through the conductive terminal.

[0012] Specifically, the conductor is a metal pot covering the switch circuit layer, and the edge of the metal pot is fixed to the flexible substrate. The metal pot not only realizes the function of the conductor conducting electricity, but also realizes the function of the spring sheet that rebounds when pressed; and it can produce a strong mechanical knocking sound when pressed, meeting the personalized needs of different users.

[0013] Furthermore, a silicone spring covering the switch circuit layer is arranged in the pressing cavity, and the conductor is a conductive silver paste coated on the inner wall of the silicone spring facing the switch circuit layer, and the conductive silver paste is located directly above the switch circuit layer. Compared with metal pot pieces, silicone springs have better pressing elasticity and good mute effect, which can meet the personalized needs of different users; directly setting the conductive silver paste on the silicone spring saves the installation space of the conductor.

[0014] Furthermore, a silicone spring covering the switch circuit layer is provided in the pressing cavity, an insulating layer surrounding the outside of the switch circuit layer is provided in the silicone spring, the upper end surface of the insulating layer is higher than the upper end surface of the switch circuit layer, and the conductor is mounted on the upper end surface of the insulating layer; a pressing gap is left between the silicone spring and the conductor. The setting of the insulating layer allows an isolation gap to be left between the conductor and the switch circuit layer to prevent the conductor from directly contacting the switch circuit layer in a non-pressing state; compared with directly coating the conductive silver paste on the silicone spring, the insulating layer and the conductor built into the silicone spring can effectively increase the service life of the silicone spring.

[0015] Furthermore, a silicone spring covering the switch circuit layer is provided in the pressing cavity, an insulating layer surrounding the outside of the switch circuit layer is provided in the silicone spring, and the upper end surface of the insulating layer is higher than the upper end surface of the switch circuit layer; a PET flat plate is mounted on the upper end surface of the insulating layer, and a pressing gap is left between the PET flat plate and the silicone spring; the conductor is a conductive silver paste coated on the lower end surface of the PET flat plate.

[0016] Furthermore, the insulating layer is made of UV glue material.

[0017] Specifically, the thickness of the insulating layer is 2-4μm or 8-12μm. When the thickness of the insulating layer is 2-4μm, the insulating layer is only slightly higher than the upper end surface of the switch circuit layer. When water vapor spreads, the water vapor can easily pass through the insulating layer and enter the switch circuit layer. Therefore, when the thickness of the insulating layer is 2-4μm, the insulating layer can only play the role of separating the conductor from the switch circuit layer; when the thickness of the insulating layer is 8-12μm, the insulating layer can not only play the role of separating the conductor from the switch circuit layer, but also block the water vapor on the outside of the insulating layer, thereby preventing the water vapor from passing through the insulating layer and entering the switch circuit layer.

[0018] Furthermore, it also includes a waterproof structure, which is a waterproof layer surrounding the outside of the flexible button, the lower end of the waterproof layer is fixed to the flexible substrate, and the upper end surface of the waterproof layer is higher than the upper end surface of the switch circuit layer. The waterproof layer can isolate water vapor and prevent the switch circuit layer from being oxidized due to water vapor erosion.

[0019] Furthermore, the switch circuit layer is a copper foil circuit pattern etched on the surface of the flexible substrate, and the copper foil circuit pattern includes a pair of non-contacting and mutually perpendicular zigzag copper foil circuits, each of which is provided with at least one conductive contact.

[0020] Specifically, the switch circuit layer is a copper foil circuit pattern etched on the surface of the flexible substrate. The copper foil circuit pattern includes a pair of non-contacting and interlaced comb-shaped copper foil circuits, and each comb-shaped copper foil circuit is provided with at least one conductive contact.

[0021] In order to achieve the above purpose, the second technical solution adopted by the present invention is: an luminous key, including any of the above-mentioned luminous membrane switches. Compared with the existing keys, the key made by the above-mentioned luminous membrane switch has a more compact structure and a thinner thickness, which can meet the market demand for lightweight and extremely thin keys.

[0022] In order to achieve the above purpose, the third technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a luminous keyboard, including a keyboard substrate, a plurality of keys are arranged on the keyboard substrate, and the keys are any of the above keys. The keyboard made with the above keys has a compact structure and a thin thickness, which can meet the market demand for lightweight and extremely thin. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 This is a circuit diagram of a membrane switch according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial enlarged view of the middle A area;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a membrane switch according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of a top view of a flexible substrate in a membrane switch according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of a top view of a switch circuit layer in a membrane switch according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a membrane switch according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a membrane switch according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic structural diagram of another solution of the membrane switch of the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a membrane switch according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Fig.10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a membrane switch according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Fig.11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a membrane switch according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Fig.12 Schematic diagram of a top view of a switch circuit layer in a membrane switch according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] In the figure:

[0036] 11-flexible substrate; 12-switch circuit layer; 121a, 121b-back-shaped copper foil circuit; 122a, 122b, 124a, 124b-conductive contacts; 123a, 123b-comb-shaped copper foil circuit; 131-light-emitting circuit; 132-point; 133-LED; 1331-insulating body; 1332-conductive terminal; 1333-translucent cover; 1334-light-emitting chip; 1335-internal drive IC; 2-flexible button; 21-pressing cavity; 22-button body; 23-button contact; 3-conductor; 4-silicone spring; 5-insulating layer; 6-PET flat plate; 7-waterproof layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings so that the advantages and features of the present invention can be more easily understood by those skilled in the art, thereby making a clearer and more definite definition of the protection scope of the present invention.

[0038] Example

[0039] Embodiment 1

[0040] See attached Figure 1-5 As shown, a membrane switch with a light-emitting function includes: a flexible substrate 11, a switch circuit layer 12, a light-emitting component, a flexible button 2, and a conductor 3. The switch circuit layer 12 and the light-emitting component 8 are integrated on the flexible substrate 11. The flexible button 2 is covered on the switch circuit layer 12, and a pressing cavity 21 is left between its inner wall and the flexible substrate 11; the conductor 3 is located in the pressing cavity 21, and is used to connect the switch circuit layer 12 when the flexible button 2 is pressed.

[0041] Specifically, the switch circuit layer 12 is a copper foil circuit pattern etched on the front side of the flexible substrate 11, see the attached Figure 5 As shown, the copper foil circuit pattern includes a pair of zigzag copper foil circuits 121a and 121b that are not in contact with each other and are perpendicular to each other and surround each other outwards. The zigzag copper foil circuit 121a is provided with at least one conductive contact 122a, and the zigzag copper foil circuit 121b is provided with at least one conductive contact 122b. The number of conductive contacts provided on the zigzag copper foil circuits 121a and 121b is consistent. Figure 3 In the embodiment, a conductive contact 122a is disposed on the zigzag copper foil circuit 121a, and a conductive contact 122b is disposed on the zigzag copper foil circuit 121b.

[0042] In actual settings, the two zigzag copper foil circuits 121a and 121b can be set as the positive circuit and the negative circuit respectively. When the flexible key 2 is not pressed, since the two zigzag copper foil circuits 121a and 121b are not in contact with each other, the positive circuit and the negative circuit are in a non-conductive state; when the flexible key 2 is pressed, the conductor is forced to move downward and simultaneously contacts the conductive contacts 122a and 122b, thereby realizing the connection between the conductive contacts 122a and 122b, and then realizing the conduction between the positive circuit and the negative circuit. When the conductor 3 connects the conductive contacts 122a and 122b on the two zigzag copper foil circuits 121a and 121b, the positive and negative circuits can be turned on at the same time, thereby generating a signal of key pressing.

[0043] The copper foil circuit pattern is directly made on the flexible substrate as a whole by etching process. Compared with the traditional printed silver paste circuit, it is more suitable for harsh environments. Moreover, due to the high precision of etching process, the line width and line spacing of the copper circuit produced can be greatly reduced compared with printing (that is, the lines are finer), so that the two zigzag copper foil circuits can be arranged more densely without contacting each other, that is, the gap between the two zigzag copper foil circuits is smaller. In this way, when the conductor is against the copper foil circuit pattern, the greater the possibility of contacting the two zigzag copper foil circuits at the same time, the greater the possibility of the conductive contacts on the two zigzag copper foil circuits being connected, and the easier it is to conduct the two zigzag copper foil circuits.

[0044] In actual processing, the flexible substrate 11 can be made of polyimide or polyester film as a base material. Since polyimide or polyester film has excellent high and low temperature resistance and tensile strength, the flexible substrate made therefrom can have better flexure, so it can be suitable for products with flexure requirements.

[0045] In this embodiment, see the attached Figure 3-4 As shown, the flexible key 2 includes a key body 22 fixedly connected to the flexible substrate 11, and a pressing cavity 21 is left between the key body 22 and the flexible substrate 11. The middle inner wall of the key body 22 extends downward to form a key contact 23 located directly above the conductive contact of the switch circuit layer 12. When the key body 22 and the key contact 23 are pressed at a position corresponding to the key body 22, the key body 22 is deformed and pressed downward and drives the key contact 23 to move toward the switch circuit layer 12. In actual operation, the edge of the flexible key 2 can be bonded to the flexible substrate 11 by glue (such as UV glue).

[0046] The conductor 3 is a metal pot piece disposed between the switch circuit layer 12 and the key contact 23, and the edge of the metal pot piece is fixed to the flexible substrate 11 by waterproof glue (such as UV glue). When the key contact 23 moves toward the switch circuit layer 12, the key contact 23 can press against the metal pot piece, and drive the metal pot piece to deform and move downward to contact the conductive contacts 122a and 122b of the switch circuit layer 12, thereby realizing the conduction of the switch circuit layer 12 and generating a key pressing signal.

[0047] In this embodiment, a metal pot piece is used as a conductor, which not only realizes the function of conducting electricity, but also has the function of a spring sheet that rebounds when pressed, which is equivalent to combining the conductor and the spring sheet into one, saving parts. Moreover, when pressed, the metal pot piece can produce a strong mechanical knocking sound, which meets the needs of some users for a strong knocking feeling. In addition, the edge of the metal pot piece is fixed to the flexible substrate by UV glue, which can not only fix the metal pot piece, but also form a closed space inside the metal pot piece, effectively isolating water vapor, preventing water vapor from eroding the circuit layer and causing oxidation of the switch circuit layer.

[0048] In this embodiment, the light-emitting component includes a light-emitting circuit 131 integrated on the back of the flexible substrate 11. The front of the flexible substrate 11 is provided with a plurality of points 132 that are connected to the light-emitting circuit 131. The points 132 are located on the same side as the switch circuit layer 12 and are arranged on the outside of the flexible key 2 for welding an LED 133 with an integrated circuit. By arranging an integrated circuit in the LED 133, independent control of the corresponding LED by a single integrated circuit is achieved, which facilitates the control of the light emission of a single key.

[0049] Among them, the LED structure with internal drive IC is as follows:

[0050] See attached Figure 3 As shown, the LED 133 with internal drive IC includes an insulating body 1331, a conductive terminal 1332, an internal drive IC 1335, a light emitting chip 1334, and a light-transmitting cover 1333. The insulating body 1331 is fixedly connected to the flexible substrate 11 located outside the flexible key 2, and is provided with a conductive terminal 1332 that is conductive with the point 132. The internal drive IC 1335 and the light emitting chip 1334 are both welded and fixed on the conductive terminal 1332, and the internal drive IC 1335 and the light emitting chip 1334 are electrically connected through wires. The light-transmitting cover 1333 is covered on the insulating body 1331, and its two ends are fixed to the insulating body 1332 by clamping or threading. The internal drive IC 1335 and the light emitting chip 1334 are both located in the light-transmitting cover 1333.

[0051] The conductive terminal 1332 includes a plurality of conductive solder pins embedded in the insulating body 1331, the lower ends of the conductive solder pins extend out of the insulating body 1331 and are in electrical contact with the point 132. The upper ends of the plurality of conductive solder pins extend out of the insulating body 1331 and are commonly connected to a conductive pad. The internal drive IC 1335 and the light emitting chip 1334 are both fixedly connected to the conductive pad.

[0052] The internal drive IC 1335 is built into the light-transmitting cover 1333, and the internal drive IC 1335 is directly electrically connected to the light-emitting chip 1334 through wires, so as to achieve the purpose of integrating the internal drive IC 1335 and the light-emitting chip 1334, which not only realizes the independent control of the light emission of a single LED by a single internal drive IC 1335, but also reduces the space occupied by the additional IC control module through the built-in internal drive IC, which is convenient for the production of thin products, and the internal drive IC 35 and the light-emitting chip 1334 are directly connected by wires in the light-transmitting cover 1333, so that the light emission of the light-emitting chip 1334 is more stable and reliable.

[0053] In this embodiment, the light-transmitting cover 1333 may be made of epoxy resin material. Epoxy resin has high light transmittance, high refractive index, good heat resistance, moisture resistance, insulation, high mechanical strength and chemical stability, and can achieve both good light transmission function and good insulation protection performance.

[0054] In this embodiment, the front and back sides of the flexible substrate 11 are also coated with insulating black glue coatings, and the insulating black glue coating on the front side is provided with perforations corresponding to the conductive contacts and points. The coating of the insulating black glue coating can slow down the oxidation speed of the copper foil circuit pattern.

[0055] Compared with the prior art, the present application eliminates the upper circuit board, isolation layer, and light-emitting layer in the prior art, and directly integrates the switch circuit layer with a switch circuit function and the light-emitting circuit with a light-emitting function on a flexible substrate, that is, the original four-layer structure (upper circuit board, isolation layer, lower circuit board, and light-emitting layer) is integrated into a one-layer structure (flexible substrate), effectively reducing the overall thickness of the membrane switch; and then, by pressing the metal pot piece through the flexible button, the metal pot piece can contact the conductive contacts on the switch circuit layer, thereby turning on the two zigzag copper foil circuits on the circuit layer, thereby realizing the generation of a button pressing signal.

[0056] Embodiment 2

[0057] The membrane switch using the metal pot as the conductor in the first embodiment will produce a strong metal knocking feeling when pressed, but in actual use, some users may have the need for silent pressing. In order to meet the personalized needs of users, the conductor of the membrane switch in the first embodiment is improved in this embodiment. The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that the metal pot is replaced with a silicone spring, and a conductive silver paste is coated on the silicone spring as a conductor.

[0058] For details, see the attached Figure 6 As shown, a silicone spring 4 covering the switch circuit layer 12 is provided in the pressing cavity 21, and the edge of the silicone spring 4 is fixed to the flexible substrate 11 by waterproof glue (such as UV glue). The conductor 3 is a conductive silver paste coated on the inner wall of the silicone spring 4, and the conductive silver paste is located just above the switch circuit layer 12. When the flexible button 2 is pressed down, the flexible button 2 can press against the silicone spring 4, and drive the silicone spring 4 to deform and move downward to contact the switch circuit layer 12, so as to realize the conduction of the switch circuit layer 12.

[0059] Compared with metal pot pieces, silicone springs have better pressing elasticity, better hand feel, and very little sound when pressed, which can meet the user's needs for silent pressing. By setting the conductor (conductive silver paste) directly on the silicone spring, it not only saves the installation space of the conductor, but also allows the force applied to the silicone spring to be directly transmitted to the conductive silver paste, reducing the loss of pressing force.

[0060] Embodiment 3

[0061] When testing the membrane switch, the applicant found that in Example 2, directly coating the conductive silver paste on the inner wall of the silicone spring 4 may cause the wear resistance of the silicone spring 4 to decrease, which directly leads to a shortened service life of the silicone spring 4; therefore, this embodiment improves the conductor installation position and method of Example 2, and the difference between this embodiment and Example 2 is that the conductor 3 is separated from the silicone spring 4.

[0062] For details, see the attached Figure 7As shown, a silicone shrapnel 4 covering the switch circuit layer 12 is provided in the pressing cavity 21, and the edge of the silicone shrapnel 4 is fixed to the flexible substrate 11 by waterproof glue (such as UV glue) to form a cavity. An insulating layer 5 surrounding the outside of the switch circuit layer 12 is provided in the above-mentioned cavity of the silicone shrapnel 4, and the lower end of the insulating layer 5 is fixed to the flexible substrate 11, and its upper end surface is higher than the upper end surface of the switch circuit layer 12. The insulating layer 5 can adopt a closed ring, square or other closed structure. Exemplarily, the height of the insulating layer 5 is set to 3μm. In actual design, the height of the insulating layer 5 can be set to 2-4μm according to actual needs. The conductor 3 is fixedly mounted on the upper end surface of the insulating layer 5, and a pressing gap is left between the conductor 3 and the silicone shrapnel 4. The insulating layer 5 is made of UV glue or other insulating materials. The conductor 3 is made of a flat conductive material.

[0063] The silicone spring 4 is separated from the conductor 3 by setting the pressing gap, avoiding the problem of reduced wear resistance of the silicone spring 4 caused by integrating the conductor 3 directly on the silicone spring 4; the insulating layer 5 is set to leave an isolation gap between the conductor 3 and the switch circuit layer 12, avoiding the conductor 3 from directly contacting the switch circuit layer 12 in a non-pressed state. Moreover, the use of UV glue as the insulating layer 5 not only achieves the adhesive fixation of the conductor, but also plays a certain waterproof role. When the flexible button 2 is pressed down, the flexible button 2 can press against the silicone spring 4, and drive the silicone spring 4 to deform and press down on the conductor 3, and the conductor 3 moves down and contacts the switch circuit layer 12 located inside the insulating layer 5 to achieve the conduction of the switch circuit layer 12.

[0064] Compared with the second embodiment, the membrane switch of this embodiment can effectively increase the service life of the silicone spring while ensuring silent pressing, thereby meeting the user's demand for the number of times the membrane switch can be tapped.

[0065] As another solution of this embodiment, see the attached Figure 8 As shown, the conductor 3 is not directly mounted on the upper end surface of the insulating layer 5, but a PET plate 6 is mounted on the upper end surface of the insulating layer 5, and a conductive silver paste is coated on the lower end surface of the PET plate 6 to serve as the conductor 3. The PET plate is a polyester plate.

[0066] Embodiment 4

[0067] Since the switch circuit layer of the present application integrates the positive and negative circuits on a flexible substrate, when the switch circuit layer is oxidized due to water vapor, the positive and negative circuits of the switch circuit layer on the same flexible substrate are very likely to be oxidized and damaged at the same time, resulting in multiple conductive joints being unable to be connected. Therefore, this embodiment further improves the waterproof performance of the membrane switch.

[0068] The difference between this embodiment and the third embodiment is that the height of the insulating layer 5 is 8-12 μm.

[0069] For details, see the attached Fig. 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the height of the insulating layer 5 is directly raised to 10μm, so that the insulating layer 5 forms a barrier surrounding the switch circuit layer 12, which directly plays a role in enhancing the waterproof performance. When water vapor spreads on the flexible substrate, since the height of the insulating layer 5 is set relatively high, it can play a better blocking role. When the water vapor moves toward the switch circuit layer 12, the insulating layer surrounding the outside of the switch circuit layer 12 forms an annular barrier similar to the principle of a dam, which isolates the water vapor on the outside of the insulating layer 5, thereby preventing the water vapor from eroding the switch circuit layer. It should be noted that in order to enhance the waterproof performance, the height of the insulating layer is not limited to 10μm, and the designer can set it to 8-12μm according to the actual design requirements.

[0070] Embodiment 5

[0071] When testing the membrane switch, the applicant found that the membrane switch of Example 4 had a relatively hard pressing feel due to the large difference between the height of the insulating layer and the height of the switch circuit layer. Therefore, based on Example 4, this embodiment cancels the insulating layer with waterproof function in Example 4, sets the height of the insulating layer to 2-4 μm, and sets a waterproof structure on the outside of the flexible button.

[0072] Since the height of the insulating layer is set to 2-4μm, which is only slightly higher than the switch circuit layer, its waterproof effect on the switch circuit layer is relatively limited. Water vapor can easily pass through the insulating layer and enter the inner part of the insulating layer, causing corrosion to the switch circuit layer in the insulating layer. Fig.10 As shown, in this embodiment, the waterproof structure is set as a waterproof layer 7 surrounding the outside of the flexible button 2. The lower end of the waterproof layer 7 is fixed to the flexible substrate 11, and its upper end surface is higher than the upper end surface of the switch circuit layer 12. The height of the waterproof layer 7 is 8-12μm. The waterproof layer 7 is a closed annular structure to achieve full encirclement of the flexible button 2. The waterproof layer 7 is a UV adhesive layer. By adding a waterproof layer to the outside of the flexible button, water vapor is isolated from the outside of the flexible button, thereby preventing water vapor from entering the inside of the flexible button, achieving waterproof protection for the entire flexible button, and the waterproof layer is set on the outside of the flexible button, so that the height of the waterproof layer will not affect the feel of pressing the flexible button.

[0073] When water vapor spreads on the flexible substrate 11 , the water vapor is directly isolated on the outside of the waterproof layer 7 due to the blocking of the waterproof layer 7 , thereby preventing the water vapor from entering the flexible button 2 , thereby achieving waterproof protection for the switch circuit layer 12 in the flexible button 2 .

[0074] Embodiment 6

[0075] The difference between this embodiment and any one of the embodiments 1 to 3 is that a waterproof structure is added. Fig.11 As shown, the waterproof structure is a waterproof layer 7 surrounding the outside of the flexible button 2. The lower end of the waterproof layer 7 is fixed to the flexible substrate 11, and its upper end surface is higher than the upper end surface of the switch circuit layer 12. The height of the waterproof layer 7 is not less than 8 μm. The waterproof layer 7 is a UV adhesive layer. The waterproof layer 7 is a closed annular structure to achieve full encirclement of the flexible button.

[0076] When water vapor spreads on the flexible substrate 11 , the water vapor is directly isolated on the outside of the waterproof layer 7 due to the blocking of the waterproof layer 7 , thereby preventing the water vapor from entering the flexible button 2 , thereby achieving waterproof protection for the switch circuit layer 12 in the flexible button 2 .

[0077] Embodiment 7

[0078] The difference between this embodiment and any one of the first to sixth embodiments is that the copper foil circuit pattern is different.

[0079] For details, see the attached Fig.12 As shown, the copper foil circuit pattern in this embodiment includes a pair of interlaced comb-shaped copper foil circuits 123a and 123b that do not touch each other, and at least one conductive contact 124a is provided on the comb-shaped copper foil circuit 123a, and at least one conductive contact 124b is provided on the comb-shaped copper foil circuit 123b. Exemplarily, Fig.10 Five conductive contacts 124a are disposed on the comb-teeth copper foil circuit 123a, and five conductive contacts 124b are disposed on the comb-teeth copper foil circuit 123b.

[0080] In actual settings, the two comb-tooth-shaped copper foil circuits 123a and 123b can be set as the positive circuit and the negative circuit respectively. When the flexible key 2 is not pressed, since the two comb-tooth-shaped copper foil circuits 123a and 123b do not contact each other, the positive circuit and the negative circuit are in a non-conductive state; when the flexible key 2 is pressed, the conductor is forced to move downward and simultaneously contacts the conductive contacts 124a and 124b, thereby realizing the connection between the conductive contacts 124a and 124b, and then realizing the conduction between the positive circuit and the negative circuit. When the conductor 3 connects the conductive contacts 124a and 124b on the two comb-tooth-shaped copper foil circuits 123a and 123b, the positive and negative circuits can be turned on at the same time, thereby generating a signal of key pressing.

[0081] In this embodiment, the denser the comb teeth of the two comb-tooth copper foil circuits are crossed, the greater the possibility that the conductor 3 contacts the conductive contacts on the two comb-tooth copper foil circuits at the same time, and the easier it is for the two circuits to be turned on.

[0082] Embodiment 8

[0083] A key with a membrane switch in this embodiment includes the membrane switch of any one of embodiments 1 to 7. Compared with existing keys, the key has a more compact structure and a thinner thickness, and can meet the market demand for lightweight and extremely thin keys.

[0084] Embodiment 9

[0085] A keyboard with a membrane switch in this embodiment includes a keyboard substrate, on which a plurality of keys are arranged, and the keys are keys in Embodiment 8. The keyboard has the characteristics of compact structure and light thickness, and can meet the market demand for lightweight and extremely thin.

[0086] The above implementation modes are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of the present invention, and their purpose is to enable people familiar with this technology to understand the content of the present invention and implement it, and they cannot be used to limit the protection scope of the present invention. Any equivalent changes or modifications made according to the spirit of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A membrane switch with luminous function, characterized in that ,include: Flexible substrates; A switch circuit layer, located on the front side of the flexible substrate, comprising a plurality of conductive contacts that are not in contact with each other; A flexible button, which is covered on the switch circuit layer, and a pressing cavity is left between its inner wall and the flexible substrate; A conductor, located in the pressing cavity, for connecting a plurality of conductive contacts to realize conduction of the switch circuit layer when the flexible key is pressed; A light-emitting component is integrated on the flexible substrate to generate a light beam; the light-emitting component includes a light-emitting circuit integrated on the back of the flexible substrate, and the front of the flexible substrate is provided with a plurality of points connected to the light-emitting circuit, and the plurality of points surround the outside of the flexible key; an LED with an internal drive IC is installed on the points; A silicone spring covering the switch circuit layer is arranged in the pressing cavity, and the conductor is a conductive silver paste coated on the inner wall of the silicone spring facing the switch circuit layer, and the conductive silver paste is located directly above the switch circuit layer; It also includes a waterproof structure, which is a waterproof layer surrounding the outside of the flexible button. The lower end of the waterproof layer is fixed to the flexible substrate, and the upper end surface of the waterproof layer is higher than the upper end surface of the switch circuit layer.

2. The membrane switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The LED with internal drive IC includes an insulating body, a conductive terminal, an internal drive IC, a light-emitting chip, and a translucent cover; the insulating body is fixedly connected to a flexible substrate, and is provided with a conductive terminal that is conductive with the point; the internal drive IC and the light-emitting chip are both fixedly connected to the conductive terminal, and the internal drive IC and the light-emitting chip are electrically connected through wires; the translucent cover is provided on the internal drive IC and the LED, and is fixed to the insulating body.

3. The membrane switch according to claim 2, characterized in that: The conductor is a metal pot sheet covered on the switch circuit layer, and the edge of the metal pot sheet is fixedly connected to the flexible substrate.

4. The membrane switch according to claim 2, characterized in that: An insulating layer surrounding the outer side of the switch circuit layer is arranged in the silicone spring, the upper end surface of the insulating layer is higher than the upper end surface of the switch circuit layer, and the conductor is mounted on the upper end surface of the insulating layer.

5. The membrane switch according to claim 4, characterized in that: A pressing gap is left between the silicone spring and the conductor.

6. The membrane switch according to claim 2, characterized in that: An insulating layer surrounding the outside of the switch circuit layer is provided in the silicone spring, and the upper end surface of the insulating layer is higher than the upper end surface of the switch circuit layer; a PET flat plate is mounted on the upper end surface of the insulating layer, and a pressing gap is left between the PET flat plate and the silicone spring; the conductor is a conductive silver paste coated on the lower end surface of the PET flat plate facing the switch circuit layer.

7. The membrane switch according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that: The insulating layer is made of UV glue material.

8. The membrane switch according to claim 7, characterized in that: The height of the insulating layer is 2-4 μm or 8-12 μm.

9. The membrane switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The switch circuit layer is a copper foil circuit pattern etched on the surface of the flexible substrate. The copper foil circuit pattern includes a pair of mutually non-contacting zigzag copper foil circuits, and each of the zigzag copper foil circuits is provided with at least one conductive contact.

10. The membrane switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The switch circuit layer is a copper foil circuit pattern etched on the surface of the flexible substrate. The copper foil circuit pattern includes a pair of interlaced comb-shaped copper foil circuits that are not in contact with each other, and each of the comb-shaped copper foil circuits is provided with at least one conductive contact.

11. A light-emitting button, characterized in that: A membrane switch comprising any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A luminous keyboard, characterized in that: It comprises a keyboard substrate, on which a plurality of keys are arranged, and the keys are the keys described in claim 11.

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