Microswitch assembly

Abstract

The utility model discloses a microswitch assembly, a PCB is provided with a diaphragm switch, the movable end of a pressing plate is provided with a first magnetic block, and the diaphragm switch is fixedly provided with a magnetizer which can be attracted by the first magnetic block; when the pressing plate is pressed downwards, the first magnetic block is close to the magnetizer to generate magnetic force, so that the diaphragm switch is triggered to generate a switching signal. According to the scheme, magnetic force is ingeniously utilized to realize signal triggering of the diaphragm switch, so that the microswitch not only can fully utilize the advantages of the diaphragm switch, but also can realize non-contact triggering of the diaphragm switch, abrasion to the diaphragm switch is reduced, and the service life of the key is remarkably prolonged. And a non-contact triggering mechanism enables the switch to be faster in response, higher in precision and more accurate in triggering position, and is suitable for application scenes with higher requirements on reliability and sensitivity. According to the scheme, a complex mechanical contact pressing structure is not needed, manufacturing and mass production are facilitated, and the market prospect is wide.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of micro switches, and specifically to a micro switch assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Diaphragm switches are common electronic components widely used in electronic equipment, home appliances, automobiles, medical devices, and industrial automation. Made of thin-film materials, diaphragm switches are small and space-saving, facilitating integration into various devices. They are highly sensitive, responding quickly to external pressure or force, even with small forces. Furthermore, diaphragm switches are highly reliable, with mature design and manufacturing processes. They provide excellent conductivity when closed and effectively cut off the circuit when open, preventing malfunctions. A typical diaphragm switch consists of an upper conductive diaphragm and a lower circuit board. When pressed, the conductive diaphragm moves towards the circuit board, making contact and establishing circuit continuity, triggering a signal. When released, the conductive diaphragm elastically returns to its original position, separating from the circuit board and disconnecting the circuit.

[0003] While diaphragm switches are excellent switching components, their application in the field of microswitches is rarely seen in current technology. Using diaphragm switches as trigger elements for pushbuttons requires solving the triggering problem. If physical contact is used to trigger the diaphragm switch by pressing it, a complex internal mechanical structure must be designed. Furthermore, frequent physical contact friction or collisions will inevitably lead to wear of the conductive diaphragm, affecting the switch's reliability and lifespan. Patent No. 202120848778.3, entitled "A Silent Micro Pushbutton Switch," requires the movable end of the pressure plate to descend until the bottom of the limiting silent post touches the base when pressed, triggering the electrical components on the base plate to output an electrical signal. This method may require high precision in pressing force and stroke, resulting in a slow switch response and insufficient sensitivity. The motivation for this innovative research is based on the above, providing a structural and technical solution that introduces diaphragm switches into microswitches. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this utility model aims to provide a micro switch assembly that uses a non-contact triggering diaphragm switch to generate a switching signal.

[0005] To achieve this technical objective, the present invention provides a micro switch assembly, comprising a PCB board and a base mounted on the PCB board. A pressure plate is disposed on the base, one end of which is pivotally connected to the base, and the other end of which is a movable end capable of tilting up and down relative to the base. An elastic element is provided between the middle of the pressure plate and the base. A diaphragm switch is horizontally mounted on the PCB board, and a first magnetic block is mounted on the movable end of the pressure plate. The diaphragm switch is also equipped with a magnetic conductor that can be attracted by the first magnetic block. When the pressure plate is pressed down, the first magnetic block approaches the magnetic conductor, generating a magnetic attraction force that triggers the diaphragm switch to generate a switching signal.

[0006] Preferably, the diaphragm switch includes a conductive diaphragm and a conductive plate, wherein the conductive diaphragm is disposed adjacent to the PCB board, the magnetic conductor is disposed at the bottom of the conductive diaphragm, and the conductive plate is disposed at the top of the conductive diaphragm, and the conductive plate is electrically connected to the PCB board; when the first magnetic block magnetically attracts the magnetic conductor, the magnetic conductor applies pressure to the conductive diaphragm, causing the conductive diaphragm to deform toward the conductive plate, thereby triggering the diaphragm switch to generate a switching signal.

[0007] Preferably, the diaphragm switch further includes a mounting base fixed on the PCB board; the top of the mounting base is provided with a cavity, and the magnetic conductor is disposed in the cavity of the mounting base.

[0008] Preferably, the base is provided with a limiting post. When the pressure plate is pressed to the bottom, the limiting post stops the pressure plate and restricts it from pressing down further.

[0009] Preferably, the elastic element is a return spring, the bottom of the pressure plate is provided with a limiting groove, the top end of the return spring abuts in the limiting groove, and the bottom end is sleeved outside the limiting post.

[0010] Preferably, the diaphragm switch further includes a cover that covers the conductive plate, the conductive diaphragm, and the mounting base.

[0011] Preferably, a second magnetic block is installed on the base. When the first magnetic block and the second magnetic block are adjacent, they attract each other. When the pressure plate is pressed, the first magnetic block shears the magnetic attraction force, causing the pressure plate to move relative to the base.

[0012] Preferably, the movable end of the pressure plate is provided with a receiving groove perpendicular to the base, and the first magnetic block is glued to the receiving groove; the base is provided with a cavity structure for accommodating the second magnetic block.

[0013] Preferably, the pressure plate is provided with a pressure post, the pressure post includes a limiting end and a positioning end extending from the bottom, the pressure plate is provided with a through hole, the positioning end of the pressure post passes through the bottom of the through hole and the limiting end is located on the pressure plate.

[0014] Preferably, it also includes a keycap that snaps onto the base, and the pressure post extends upward with a pressing end that extends out of the keycap.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This solution cleverly utilizes magnetic force to trigger the diaphragm switch signal, allowing the micro switch to fully leverage the advantages of diaphragm switches while achieving contactless triggering, reducing wear on the diaphragm switch and significantly extending the button's lifespan. Furthermore, the contactless triggering mechanism results in faster switch response, higher precision, and more accurate triggering position, making it suitable for applications requiring high reliability and sensitivity. This solution eliminates the need for complex mechanical contact pressing structures, facilitating manufacturing and mass production, and possesses broad market prospects. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 Partial cross-sectional view of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the diaphragm switch in this utility model;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure column in this utility model;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the base structure in this utility model;

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pressure plate in this utility model;

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the base plate and diaphragm switch in this utility model.

[0023] In the diagram: 1. PCB board; 2. Base; 21. Limiting post; 22. Cavity structure; 3. Pressure plate; 31. Limiting groove; 32. Through hole; 33. Movable end; 34. Receiving groove; 4. Elastic element; 5. Diaphragm switch; 51. Conductive diaphragm; 52. Magnetic conductor; 53. Fixing base; 54. Conductive plate; 55. Cover; 6. First magnetic block; 7. Second magnetic block; 8. Keycap; 9. Pressure post; 91. Limiting end; 92. Positioning end; 93. Pressing end. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. To provide a clear and complete description of the technical solution, the following embodiments are selected for illustration; these embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention; other embodiments obtained based on this application without creative effort are all within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] In the following embodiments, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," "top / bottom," etc., are all based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the purpose of clearly describing this embodiment. They do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. At the same time, the terms "first" and "second" in the embodiments are only used for descriptive purposes and do not represent an indication or implication of relative importance.

[0026] like Figure 1-7 As shown, a specific embodiment of this utility model is a micro switch assembly, mainly including a PCB board 1, a base 2, a pressure plate 3, an elastic element 4, and a diaphragm switch 5. The base 2 is fixedly mounted on the PCB board 1. One end of the pressure plate 3 is pivotally connected to the base 2, and the other end is a freely movable end 33, which can tilt up and down relative to the base 2. An elastic element 4 is provided between the middle of the pressure plate 3 and the base 2, which is used to automatically return the pressure plate 3 to its original position after the external force is removed.

[0027] A diaphragm switch 5 is horizontally mounted on a PCB board 1. The diaphragm switch 5 includes a conductive diaphragm 51, a mounting base 53, a conductive plate 54, and a magnetic conductor 52 that cooperates with the conductive diaphragm 51. The conductive diaphragm 51 is positioned adjacent to the PCB board 1. The magnetic conductor 52 is located at the bottom of one side of the conductive diaphragm 51, and the conductive plate 54 is located at the upper part of the other side of the conductive diaphragm 51. Leads extending from the conductive plate 54 connect to the circuitry on the PCB board 1. The mounting base 53 is attached to or otherwise fixed to a base 2. A cavity is provided at the top of the mounting base 53, and the magnetic conductor 52 is disposed within this cavity. The conductive diaphragm 51 is positioned above the mounting base 53. Preferably, the conductive diaphragm and the mounting base 53 are the same size. The conductive diaphragm 51 and the conductive plate 54 maintain a certain gap when not subjected to external force, preventing the formation of a conductive path.

[0028] A first magnetic block 6 is installed on the movable end 33 of the pressure plate 3. When the pressure plate 3 is pressed by an external force, the first magnetic block 6 moves downward and attracts the magnetic conductor 52. The magnetic conductor 52 moves under the influence of the magnetic force and deforms the conductive diaphragm 51, so that the conductive diaphragm 51 contacts the conductive plate 54, thereby changing the conductivity state of the conductive diaphragm 51 and outputting a switch signal to the PCB board 1. When the external force is released, the elastic element 4 pushes the pressure plate 3 to reset, the first magnetic block 6 separates from the magnetic conductor 52, and the conductive diaphragm 51 returns to its initial state under its own elasticity, breaking the contact with the conductive plate 54 and stopping the signal output.

[0029] It should be emphasized that the first magnetic block 6 and the magnetic conductor 52 can be any known and conventional magnetic or magnetically attractive material that can attract each other, such as both being magnetic materials, or one being a magnetic component and the other being a metal block.

[0030] To prevent the movable end 33 of the pressure plate 3 from hitting the diaphragm switch 5, a limit post 21 is also provided on the base 2. A limit groove 31 is opened at the bottom of the pressure plate 3 for installing the elastic element 4. The elastic element 4 is preferably a return spring. The top end of the return spring abuts against the limit groove 31, and the bottom end is sleeved on the limit post 21. When the pressure plate 3 is pressed to the bottom, the limit post 21 prevents the pressure plate 3 from being pressed down further.

[0031] In addition, the diaphragm switch 5 is equipped with a cover 55 to encapsulate the entire diaphragm switch 5, including the conductive diaphragm 51, conductive plate 54, fixing base 53 and magnetic conductor 52, in order to protect the internal components.

[0032] This application also features a unique magnetic segment feel. A second magnetic block 7 is added to the base 2, adjacent to the first magnetic block 6 on the pressure plate 3. The two attract each other when not triggered. The movable end 33 of the pressure plate 3 is designed as a receiving groove 34 perpendicular to the base 2. The first magnetic block 6 is fixed in the cavity by dispensing adhesive, ensuring its stability and reliability during the movement of the pressure plate 3. At the same time, the base 2 has a cavity structure 22 that matches the second magnetic block 7, facilitating the installation and positioning of the second magnetic block 7. When the first magnetic block 6 and the second magnetic block 7 are adjacent, they attract each other (that is, the first magnetic block 6 and the second magnetic block 7 are set in a way that opposite poles attract each other, rather than like poles repel each other). Most importantly, when the maximum attraction is generated between the two magnetic blocks (that is, when the distance between the two magnetic blocks is shortest), the central axis of the magnetic poles of the two magnetic blocks is perpendicular to the axis of movement of the pressure plate 3 relative to the base 2. The purpose of this setting is that when the pressure plate 3 is not pressed by external force, the first magnetic block 6 and the second magnetic block 7 are in a state of attraction and maximum attraction (that is, the distance between the two magnetic blocks is shortest), which is the normal state of the button switch. When the user presses the button switch, the external force on the pressure plate 3 shears the first magnetic block 6 and the second magnetic block 7. The magnetic attraction between the two magnetic blocks causes the pressure plate 3 to move relative to the base 2. At this time, the sheared magnetic attraction can provide feedback to the tactile sensation of the sudden change in pressure of the pressing finger (a normal person can feel this rhythmic sensation by sliding two magnetic blocks that attract each other). This is because the shearing magnetic attraction has the effect of a critical change, while the conventional pulling magnetic attraction is a linear change in force and cannot provide this kind of tactile sensation. When the user releases the pressure on the button switch, the external force on the pressure plate 3 is eliminated. At this time, the first magnetic block 6 on the pressure plate 3 is attracted back to the position of maximum magnetic attraction between the two magnetic blocks (that is, the position where the distance between the two magnetic blocks is shortest). The pressure plate 3 then returns to its normal state and is reset.

[0033] To enhance the user experience, this application also adds a pressure post 9 to the pressure plate 3. The pressure post 9 includes a limiting end 91, a positioning end 92, and a pressing end 93. It is installed on the pressure plate 3 through a through hole 32. The positioning end 92 of the pressure post 9 passes below the through hole 32, while the limiting end 91 is located on the pressure plate 3 and protrudes from the surface of the pressure plate 3, serving as the direct contact point for the user to press. In addition, a keycap 8 is also provided, which is fastened to the base 2. The pressing end 93 of the pressure post 9 passes through the keycap 8, allowing the user to feel clear pressing feedback during operation.

[0034] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any minor modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the technical solution of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A micro switch assembly, comprising a PCB board (1) and a base (2) mounted on the PCB board (1), wherein a pressure plate (3) is disposed on the base (2), one end of the pressure plate (3) is pivotally connected to the base (2), the other end of the pressure plate (3) is a movable end (33) and is capable of tilting up and down relative to the base (2), and an elastic element (4) is provided between the middle of the pressure plate (3) and the base (2); characterized in that: A diaphragm switch (5) is horizontally mounted on the PCB board (1). A first magnetic block (6) is mounted on the movable end (33) of the pressure plate (3). The diaphragm switch (5) is also equipped with a magnetic conductor (52) that can be attracted by the first magnetic block (6). When the pressure plate (3) is pressed down, the first magnetic block (6) approaches the magnetic conductor (52) and generates a magnetic attraction force, which triggers the diaphragm switch (5) to generate a switching signal.

2. The micro switch assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The diaphragm switch (5) includes a conductive diaphragm (51) and a conductive plate (54). The conductive diaphragm (51) is disposed adjacent to the PCB board (1). The magnetic conductor (52) is disposed at the bottom of the conductive diaphragm (51), and the conductive plate (54) is disposed at the top of the conductive diaphragm (51). The conductive plate (54) is electrically connected to the PCB board (1). When the first magnetic block (6) magnetically attracts the magnetic conductor (52), the magnetic conductor (52) applies pressure to the conductive diaphragm (51), causing the conductive diaphragm (51) to deform toward the conductive plate (54), thereby triggering the diaphragm switch (5) to generate a switching signal.

3. The micro switch assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The diaphragm switch (5) also includes a mounting base (53) fixed on the PCB board (1); the top of the mounting base (53) is provided with a cavity, and the magnetic conductor (52) is disposed in the cavity of the mounting base (53).

4. The micro switch assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The base (2) is provided with a limiting post (21). When the pressure plate (3) is pressed to the bottom, the limiting post (21) stops the pressure plate (3) and restricts it from continuing to press down.

5. The micro switch assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The elastic element (4) is a reset spring. The bottom of the pressure plate (3) is provided with a limiting groove (31). The top end of the reset spring abuts in the limiting groove (31), and the bottom end is sleeved outside the limiting post (21).

6. The micro switch assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The diaphragm switch (5) also includes a cover (55) that covers the conductive plate (54), the conductive diaphragm (51), and the mounting base (53).

7. The micro switch assembly according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: A second magnetic block (7) is installed on the base (2). When the first magnetic block (6) and the second magnetic block (7) are adjacent, they attract each other. When the pressure plate (3) is pressed, the first magnetic block (6) shears the magnetic attraction force, causing the pressure plate (3) to move relative to the base (2).

8. The micro switch assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The movable end (33) of the pressure plate (3) is provided with a receiving groove (34) perpendicular to the base (2), and the first magnetic block (6) is glued to the receiving groove (34); the base (2) is provided with a cavity structure (22) for accommodating the second magnetic block (7).

9. The micro switch assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The pressure plate (3) is provided with a pressure post (9), the pressure post (9) includes a limiting end (91) and a positioning end (92) extending from the bottom, the pressure plate (3) is provided with a through hole (32), the positioning end (92) of the pressure post (9) passes through the bottom of the through hole (32) while the limiting end (91) is located on the pressure plate (3).

10. The micro switch assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that: It also includes a keycap (8) that is fastened to the base (2), and the pressure post (9) extends upward with a pressing end (93) and extends out of the keycap (8).

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