Manufacturing method of split type membrane keyboard with waterproof function
Through the split manufacturing method, the key assembly and line carrier are independently manufactured, combined with the waterproof substrate layer and the rubber dome button design, the problems of low processing efficiency of traditional notebook keyboards and the circuits are susceptible to liquid erosion, and efficient and low-cost waterproof protection are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510289485.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-12
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-22
AI Technical Summary
The iterative efficiency of traditional notebook keyboard processing technology is low and the circuit is susceptible to liquid erosion, so it is impossible to achieve parallel production optimization.
Using the split manufacturing method, the key assembly and line carrier are independently manufactured, and are designed using waterproof substrate layer and rubber dome buttons, combining the airway structure and conductive contact contacts to ensure that the liquid does not penetrate into the line layer.
It improves manufacturing efficiency, reduces production difficulty and cost, achieves comprehensive waterproof protection, and simplifies the process flow.
Smart Images
Figure CN120356795A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of notebook structure design, and particularly to a manufacturing method of a split thin-film keyboard with waterproof function. Background Art
[0002] Currently, notebook keyboards generally adopt a multi-layer composite manufacturing process, and its core structure realizes function integration through continuous stacking and high-precision alignment of a substrate layer, a conductive layer, an isolation layer, and an elastic component. However, there are three major problems in mass production of this design: First, each functional layer must be synchronously detected and corrected after curing and assembly, resulting in strong process coupling and concentrated loss of good product rate; Second, the traditional open circuit layer is exposed to the external environment, and only limited protection is achieved through a splash-proof coating, making it difficult to cope with the problem of circuit deterioration caused by liquid infiltration, thus affecting the normal use of the keyboard; Third, the production of the base material and the embedding of components need to be carried out step by step in series, and parallel production optimization cannot be achieved. Therefore, there is a need for a new solution for a split thin-film keyboard with waterproof function to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The present application provides a manufacturing method of a split thin-film keyboard with waterproof function, which solves the problems of low iteration efficiency of the traditional notebook keyboard processing technology and easy erosion of the notebook keyboard circuit by liquid.
[0004] To solve the above problems, the present application provides a manufacturing method of a split thin-film keyboard with waterproof function, including: independently manufacturing a key assembly, a circuit carrier, and a substrate layer; The key assembly is provided with a waterproof base material layer and rubber dome keys, an air channel structure is arranged on the rubber dome key body, the rubber dome keys are arranged on the upper surface of the waterproof base material layer, and conductive contact contacts are arranged on the lower surface of the waterproof base material layer; The circuit carrier is provided with a support layer, a circuit layer, and a base material layer. A window area is arranged on the surface of the support layer, the support layer is closely attached to the circuit layer, the circuit layer is provided with circuits, and a trigger structure of a key matrix with a safety distance of 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm is arranged on the surface corresponding to the window position of the support layer. The base material layer serves as a carrier of the circuit layer, and the circuit layer is arranged between the support layer and the base material layer; Assembling the key assembly and the circuit carrier with the substrate layer into one body to complete the manufacturing of the split thin-film keyboard with waterproof function.
[0005] Further, the above method may further include: the step of assembling the key assembly and the circuit carrier with the substrate layer to form an integral unit to complete the manufacture of a split membrane keyboard with a waterproof function, and further includes: after joining the key assembly and the circuit carrier by an adhesive method, joining the substrate layer with the key assembly and the circuit carrier into an integral unit by a thermal pressing or vacuum laminating method to complete the manufacture of a split membrane keyboard with a waterproof function.
[0006] Further, the above method may further include: the step that the rubber dome key is disposed on the upper surface of the waterproof base material layer, and conductive contact points are disposed on the lower surface of the waterproof base material layer, and further includes: setting the thickness of the waterproof base material layer to be less than or equal to 0.1 mm, printing a silver paste or a carbon film conductive layer on the lower surface of the waterproof base material layer to form the conductive contact points, fixing the rubber dome key at a preset position on the upper surface of the waterproof base material layer by a hot melt adhesive or a pressure sensitive adhesive fitting method, and enabling the rubber dome key to complete the operations of quick pressing and rebound through an air passage structure.
[0007] Further, the above method may further include: the step that the support layer is closely attached to the circuit layer, and the circuit layer is disposed between the support layer and the base material layer, and further includes: fixing the circuit layer on the base material layer by printing, spraying, deposition, evaporation coating, sputtering, chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, hot melting, hot pressing, hot melt hot pressing or hot melt hot pressing and heat curing methods, and adhering the support layer to the circuit layer by a method of coating a thermosetting adhesive.
[0008] Further, the above method may further include: the step that the circuit layer is provided with circuits, and a trigger structure of a key matrix with a safety distance of 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm is disposed on the surface at the position where the support layer has a window opening, and further includes: the circuit layer is provided with X-axis circuits and Y-axis circuits, the X-axis circuits and Y-axis circuits are disposed on the circuit layer by an immersion gold or tin spraying method, and the distance between the X-axis circuits, the Y-axis circuits and the conductive contact points is maintained between 0.1 mm and 1.5 mm.
[0009] Further, the above method may further include: when the rubber dome key is pressed, the air inside the rubber dome key escapes from the air passage structure, the rubber dome key deforms the waterproof base material layer to make the conductive contact points contact the X-axis circuits and Y-axis circuits on the circuit layer, thereby conducting to form a key trigger signal; when the rubber dome key is released, the air comes in from the air passage structure, the rubber dome key quickly rebounds, the waterproof base material layer is not extruded, the conductive contact points are lifted, the X-axis circuits and Y-axis circuits are disconnected, and the key contact signal is disconnected.
[0010] Further, the above method may further include: setting the material of the Rubber Dome to silicone or nitrile rubber, setting the material of the waterproof substrate layer to polyester, polycarbonate or polyester film; setting the material of the support layer to polyimide or polyester.
[0011] Further, the above method may further include: setting the material of the substrate layer to FR-4, aluminum substrate, PI film or stainless steel sheet.
[0012] Through the above solution, for the split membrane keyboard with waterproof function of the present application, the key assembly and the circuit carrier can be produced separately, greatly reducing the manufacturing difficulty and improving the manufacturing efficiency; there is no need to rely on embedding the rubber dome keys after the circuit carrier is processed; the complete and seamless waterproof substrate layer serves as a sealing barrier, guiding the liquid along the border and blocking the penetration of liquid and foreign objects into the circuit layer, realizing splash waterproof protection; the airway design and precise spacing ensure the rapid response of the rubber dome keys; the process flow is simplified, the dependence on molds is reduced, the production cost is reduced, and it has a broad market prospect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present application and constitute a part of the present application. The schematic embodiments of the present application and their descriptions are used to explain the present application and do not constitute an improper limitation to the present application. In the drawings: Figure 1 Shows a flowchart of the manufacturing method of the split membrane keyboard with waterproof function of the present application; Figure 2 Is a schematic diagram of the structure of the split membrane keyboard with waterproof function; Figure 3 Is a schematic cross-sectional view of the components included in the key assembly; Figure 4 Is a schematic diagram of the circuit carrier structure; Figure 5 Is a schematic diagram of the front of the split membrane keyboard with waterproof function of the present application when encountering water. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0014] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the technical solutions of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the specific embodiments of the present application and the corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments in the present application without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present application.
[0015] The following will detail the technical solutions provided by each embodiment of the present application in conjunction with the drawings.
[0016] Main concept of this application: Button assembly: It includes a waterproof substrate layer and rubber dome buttons. The rubber dome button body is provided with an air channel, which can achieve rapid exhaust and intake rebound through the air channel; the rubber dome button is arranged on the upper surface of the waterproof substrate layer, and conductive contact contacts are arranged on the lower surface of the waterproof substrate layer as the conductive part for triggering signals. The setting of the waterproof substrate layer can prevent liquid from penetrating from the surface to the lower surface to achieve a waterproof effect.
[0017] Circuit carrier: It is composed of a support layer, a circuit layer and a substrate layer. The support layer is provided with a window area on its surface. The support layer is closely attached to the circuit layer by a bonding method. The circuit layer is provided with circuits, and a trigger structure of a button matrix with a safety distance of 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm is arranged on the surface corresponding to the window position of the support layer to ensure the sensitivity of the trigger structure. The substrate layer serves as the carrier of the circuit layer, and the circuit layer is arranged between the support layer and the substrate layer.
[0018] The button assembly and the circuit carrier can be produced separately, greatly reducing the manufacturing difficulty and improving the manufacturing efficiency; there is no need to rely on embedding rubber dome buttons after the circuit carrier is processed; the complete and seamless waterproof substrate layer serves as a sealing barrier, and the liquid is diverted along the border to prevent the liquid and foreign objects from penetrating into the circuit layer to achieve splash-proof and waterproof protection.
[0019] Such as Figure 1 shown, the manufacturing method of the split thin-film keyboard with waterproof function of this application includes the following steps: Step 110: Independently manufacture the button assembly, the circuit carrier and the substrate layer; The button assembly and the circuit carrier can be manufactured in parallel, shortening the production cycle and improving the production efficiency.
[0020] Set the substrate layer to be made of FR-4, aluminum substrate, PI film or stainless steel sheet. The substrate layer provides support and heat dissipation for the notebook keyboard. By making the substrate layer from a variety of materials, the adaptability of the product can be improved, the production cost can be reduced, and it is more convenient for large-scale production.
[0021] Step 120: Set the button assembly to include a waterproof substrate layer and rubber dome buttons, arrange an air channel structure on the rubber dome button body, arrange the rubber dome button on the upper surface of the waterproof substrate layer, and arrange conductive contact contacts on the lower surface of the waterproof substrate layer; The rubber dome button is disposed on the upper surface of the waterproof substrate layer. The step of providing conductive contact points on the lower surface of the waterproof substrate layer further includes: setting the thickness of the waterproof substrate layer to be less than or equal to 0.1 mm (through actual tests, when the thickness of the waterproof substrate layer is less than or equal to 0.1 mm, the cost and waterproof effect are balanced, the cost is low, and it is convenient for large-scale production). A conductive layer of silver paste or carbon film is printed on the lower surface of the waterproof substrate layer to form the conductive contact points. The rubber dome button is fixed in the groove on the upper surface of the waterproof substrate layer by means of hot melt adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive, and the rubber dome button can complete the operations of rapid pressing and rebound through the air passage structure. The process of forming the conductive contact points by printing silver paste or carbon film on the lower surface of the waterproof substrate layer is mature and convenient for large-scale production. The process of fixing the rubber dome button in the groove on the upper surface of the waterproof substrate layer by means of hot melt adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive is mature and convenient for large-scale production. The design of the air passage structure cooperates with precise spacing to ensure rapid button response and improve the usage experience.
[0022] Set the material of the Rubber Dome to be silicone or nitrile rubber, set the material of the waterproof substrate layer to be polyester, polycarbonate or polyester film; set the material of the support layer to be polyimide or polyester. The diversity of the above material selections improves the production compatibility, can reduce the production cost, and is more convenient for large-scale production.
[0023] Step 130: Set the circuit carrier to include a support layer, a circuit layer and a substrate layer. An opening area is provided on the surface of the support layer. The support layer and the circuit layer are closely attached. The circuit layer is provided with circuits, and a trigger structure of a button matrix with a safety distance of 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm is provided on the surface corresponding to the opening position of the support layer. The substrate layer serves as the carrier of the circuit layer, and the circuit layer is disposed between the support layer and the substrate layer; The step of closely attaching the support layer and the circuit layer and disposing the circuit layer between the support layer and the substrate layer further includes: The circuit layer is fixed on the substrate layer by means of printing, spraying, deposition, evaporation, sputtering, chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, hot melt, hot pressing, hot melt hot pressing or hot melt hot pressing and curing. The support layer is adhered to the circuit layer by means of coating a thermosetting adhesive. The above methods have mature processes, and multiple process methods can be selected, which improves the production compatibility and is more convenient for large-scale production.
[0024] The step of setting the circuit on the circuit layer and setting the trigger structure of the key matrix with a safety distance of 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm on the surface of the window opening position of the corresponding support layer further includes: The circuit layer is provided with X-axis circuits and Y-axis circuits. The X-axis circuits and Y-axis circuits are arranged on the circuit layer by immersion gold or spraying tin, and the distance between the X-axis circuits, Y-axis circuits and the conductive contact points is maintained between 0.1 mm and 1.5 mm. The setting that the distance between the X-axis circuits, Y-axis circuits and the conductive contact points is maintained between 0.1 mm and 1.5 mm can ensure the sensitivity of the key trigger structure. The process of arranging the X-axis circuits and Y-axis circuits on the circuit layer by immersion gold or spraying tin is mature, and multiple process methods can be selected, which improves the production compatibility and is more convenient for large-scale production.
[0025] Step 140: Assemble the key assembly and the circuit carrier with the substrate layer into one body to complete the manufacture of the waterproof split membrane keyboard.
[0026] The step of assembling the key assembly and the circuit carrier with the substrate layer into one body to complete the manufacture of the waterproof split membrane keyboard further includes: After the key assembly and the circuit carrier are joined by an adhesive method (adhesive bonding with a waterproof double-sided tape, which has a low cost and is convenient for large-scale production), the substrate layer is joined with the key assembly and the circuit carrier into one body by hot pressing or vacuum laminating to complete the manufacture of the waterproof split membrane keyboard. The operation of joining the substrate layer with the key assembly and the circuit carrier into one body by hot pressing or vacuum laminating is mature, has a low cost, and is convenient for large-scale production.
[0027] It further includes: When the rubber dome key is pressed, the air inside the rubber dome key escapes from the air duct structure. The rubber dome key deforms the waterproof substrate layer to make the conductive contact points contact the X-axis circuits and Y-axis circuits on the circuit layer, thereby conducting to form a key trigger signal; when the rubber dome key is released, the air comes in from the air duct structure, and the rubber dome key quickly rebounds, so that the waterproof substrate layer is not squeezed, the conductive contact points are lifted, and the X-axis circuits and Y-axis circuits are disconnected, and the key contact signal is disconnected.
[0028] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a waterproof split membrane keyboard, showing the key assembly 1, the circuit carrier 2 and the substrate layer 3.
[0029] Figure 3It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the components included in the key assembly, showing the Rubber Dome key 101, the waterproof base layer 102 (the material includes but is not limited to PET, polycarbonate or polyester film), and the conductive contact 103 made of materials including but not limited to silver paste (resistivity ≤ 0.1 Ω / cm²) or carbon film, etc.; among them, the rubber dome key 101 is fixed in the groove on the waterproof base layer 102 through process methods including but not limited to hot melt adhesive, pressure-sensitive adhesive bonding, etc., while reserving the air passage 104 of the rubber dome key 101 to enable the key to be quickly pressed down and rebound; among them, a conductive layer such as silver paste or carbon film is printed on the back of the waterproof base layer 102 to form the conductive contact 103.
[0030] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the circuit carrier structure. The circuit carrier 2 is composed of a support layer 201 (the material includes but is not limited to polyimide (PI), polyester (PET)), a support layer opening 206, a circuit layer 202, and a base layer 203 (the material includes but is not limited to polyimide (PI), polyester (PET)). Among them, the circuit layer 202 is fixed on the base layer 203 through processes including but not limited to printing, spraying, deposition, evaporation, sputtering, chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, hot melt, hot pressing, hot melt hot pressing, hot melt hot pressing and heat curing, etc. The support layer 201 is bonded to the circuit layer 202 by coating a thermosetting adhesive (such as epoxy resin or acrylic adhesive). The surface treatment of the X-axis circuit 204 and the Y-axis circuit 205 includes but is not limited to processes such as immersion gold plating and tin spraying. The distance between the X-axis circuit 204 and the Y-axis circuit 205 in the circuit layer 202 and the contact 103 is maintained between 0.1 mm and 1.5 mm. Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the front of the split membrane keyboard structure with waterproof function in this application when encountering water. Separating the key assembly 1 into a process that is not affected by the circuit carrier 2 will greatly improve the production efficiency. At the same time, because there is a complete layer of waterproof base layer 102 in the key assembly 1, when water is poured on the front of the keyboard, there will be no gap for the water to flow down into the circuit carrier 2, but it will flow along the border (the direction F is the water flow direction). This way enables the circuit carrier to have a closed environment on the front, thus achieving splash and spray waterproofing.
[0031] The working process of the split membrane keyboard with waterproof function in this application is as follows: When the rubber dome button 101 is pressed, the air inside the rubber dome button 101 is compressed and escapes from the airway structure 104, enabling it to be pressed sensitively. The rubber dome button 101 deforms the waterproof base layer 102 to make the contact contacts 103 contact the X-axis circuit 204 and the Y-axis circuit 205, thereby conducting to form a button trigger signal.
[0032] When the rubber dome button 101 is released, air enters from the airway structure 104, causing it to quickly rebound, so that the waterproof base layer 102 is not squeezed and the contact contacts 103 are lifted, disconnecting the contact with the X-axis circuit 204 and the Y-axis circuit 205, and disconnecting the button contact signal.
[0033] In this application, each preferred solution only focuses on the differences from other preferred solutions. As long as they do not conflict, each preferred solution can be arbitrarily combined, and the embodiments formed after combination are also within the scope disclosed in this specification. Considering the simplicity of the text, the embodiments formed by the combination will not be separately described herein.
[0034] The above are only the embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. For those skilled in the art, various changes and modifications can be made to this application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of this application shall be included within the scope of the claims of this application.
[0035] In this article, each preferred solution only focuses on the differences from other preferred solutions. As long as they do not conflict, each preferred solution can be arbitrarily combined, and the embodiments formed after combination are also within the scope disclosed in this specification. Considering the simplicity of the text, the embodiments formed by the combination will not be separately described herein.
[0036] The above are only the embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. For those skilled in the art, various changes and modifications can be made to this application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of this application shall be included within the scope of the claims of this application.
Claims
1. A manufacturing method of a split thin-film keyboard with waterproof function, It is characterized in that it includes: separately manufacturing a key assembly, a circuit carrier, and a substrate layer; the key assembly is provided with a waterproof base material layer and rubber dome keys, an air passage structure is arranged on the body of the rubber dome keys, the rubber dome keys are arranged on the upper surface of the waterproof base material layer, and conductive contact contacts are arranged on the lower surface of the waterproof base material layer; the circuit carrier is provided with a support layer, a circuit layer, and a base material layer. An opening area is arranged on the surface of the support layer. The support layer and the circuit layer are closely attached. The circuit layer is provided with circuits, and a trigger structure of a key matrix with a safety distance of 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm is arranged on the surface corresponding to the opening position of the support layer. The base material layer serves as the carrier of the circuit layer, and the circuit layer is arranged between the support layer and the base material layer; the key assembly and the circuit carrier are assembled with the substrate layer into an integrated body to complete the manufacture of a split membrane keyboard with a waterproof function.
2. The manufacturing method of the split membrane keyboard with a waterproof function according to claim 1, characterized in that the step of assembling the key assembly and the circuit carrier with the substrate layer into an integrated body to complete the manufacture of the split membrane keyboard with a waterproof function further includes: after joining the key assembly and the circuit carrier by an adhesive method, joining the substrate layer with the key assembly and the circuit carrier into an integrated body by a thermal pressing fit or a vacuum fit method to complete the manufacture of the split membrane keyboard with a waterproof function.
3. The manufacturing method of the split membrane keyboard with a waterproof function according to claim 2, characterized in that the step of arranging the rubber dome keys on the upper surface of the waterproof base material layer and arranging the conductive contact contacts on the lower surface of the waterproof base material layer further includes: setting the thickness of the waterproof base material layer to be less than or equal to 0.1 mm, printing a silver paste or a carbon film conductive layer on the lower surface of the waterproof base material layer to form the conductive contact contacts, and fixing the rubber dome keys on the preset position of the upper surface of the waterproof base material layer by a hot melt adhesive or a pressure sensitive adhesive bonding method, and enabling the rubber dome keys to complete the operations of quick pressing and rebounding through the air passage structure.
4. The manufacturing method of the split membrane keyboard with a waterproof function according to claim 3, characterized in that the step of closely attaching the support layer and the circuit layer and arranging the circuit layer between the support layer and the base material layer further includes: fixing the circuit layer on the base material layer by printing, spraying, deposition, evaporation, sputtering, chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, hot melting, hot pressing, hot melt hot pressing or hot melt hot pressing and heat curing methods, and bonding the support layer on the circuit layer by coating a thermosetting adhesive.
5. The manufacturing method of the split membrane keyboard with a waterproof function according to claim 4, characterized in that The step of setting a circuit on the circuit layer and setting a trigger structure of a key matrix with a safety distance of 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm on the surface of the window opening position corresponding to the support layer further includes: setting an X-axis circuit and a Y-axis circuit on the circuit layer, and setting the X-axis circuit and the Y-axis circuit on the circuit layer by immersion gold or tin spraying, and the distance between the X-axis circuit, the Y-axis circuit and the conductive contact is maintained between 0.1 mm and 1.5 mm.
6. The manufacturing method of the split membrane keyboard with waterproof function according to claim 5, characterized in that further includes: when the rubber dome key is pressed, the air inside the rubber dome key escapes from the airway structure, and the rubber dome key deforms the waterproof substrate layer to make the conductive contact contact the X-axis circuit and the Y-axis circuit on the circuit layer, thereby conducting to form a key trigger signal; when the rubber dome key is released, the air comes in from the airway structure, and the rubber dome key quickly rebounds, so that the waterproof substrate layer is not squeezed, the conductive contact is lifted, the X-axis circuit and the Y-axis circuit are disconnected, and the key contact signal is disconnected.
7. The manufacturing method of the split membrane keyboard with waterproof function according to claim 6, characterized in that further includes: setting the material of the Rubber Dome to be silicone or nitrile rubber, setting the material of the waterproof substrate layer to be polyester, polycarbonate or polyester film; setting the material of the support layer to be polyimide or polyester.
8. The manufacturing method of the split membrane keyboard with waterproof function according to claim 7, characterized in that further includes: setting the material of the substrate layer to be FR-4, aluminum substrate, PI film or stainless steel sheet.