A flexible switchboard

Abstract

This utility model belongs to the field of switch technology and discloses an innovative flexible switch board, including a flexible surface layer, a gradient elastic layer, a first flexible conductive layer, a flexible insulating layer, a second flexible conductive layer, and a flexible bottom layer. The first flexible conductive layer has a first elastic contact on the side facing the second flexible conductive layer, and the corresponding side of the second flexible conductive layer has a matching second contact position. The flexible insulating layer has a through hole corresponding to the first elastic contact. The flexible surface layer has a switch pressing area corresponding to the first elastic contact, and the gradient elastic layer corresponding to this area has a honeycomb-shaped TPU micropillar array. Under normal conditions, the two contact points are separated. Pressing the switch pressing area causes the first elastic contact to abut against the second contact position through the through hole, achieving electrical connection. This unique structure simulates the mechanical button triggering process, solving the problem of non-linear triggering force in traditional flexible switches and improving the user's tactile experience and accuracy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of switch technology, specifically a flexible switch board. Background Technology

[0002] Flexible switchboards, with their rollable, lightweight, and portable characteristics, are widely used in numerous fields. For example, in wearable devices, flexible switchboards can be easily integrated into products such as smart bracelets and smart clothing. Due to their thinness and lightness, they do not cause additional burden or discomfort to the wearer, perfectly adapting to various human movements and postures. For instance, flexible switchboards in smart clothing can be used to control built-in heating, massage, and other functions, enabling convenient human-computer interaction and allowing users to adjust functions anytime, anywhere, during exercise, daily travel, and other scenarios.

[0003] However, existing flexible switchboards still have some problems that urgently need to be solved. Among them, the poor linearity of the triggering force in traditional flexible switches is a particularly prominent issue. During the pressing process, the triggering force-displacement relationship of traditional flexible switchboards exhibits non-linear characteristics. In the initial pressing stage, due to the rapid local collapse of the flexible insulation layer, the triggering force increases slowly or even without feedback; in the middle stage, the material stiffness changes abruptly, causing the triggering force to rise sharply, requiring the user to apply additional force; in the final stage, after the circuit contacts make contact, the triggering force drops sharply, resulting in a "feeling of emptiness." This non-linear tactile sensation makes it difficult for users to accurately control the pressing depth. In scenarios such as medical equipment and precision instrument control, where operational precision is extremely important, this seriously affects the accuracy and efficiency of operation, and easily leads to misoperation.

[0004] To overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings and meet the market's demand for higher performance and better user experience of flexible switchboards, those skilled in the art need to continuously explore new improvement solutions. Utility Model Content

[0005] To overcome the problems existing in related technologies, this utility model provides a flexible switch board that improves tactile feedback by adding a gradient elastic layer, solves the problem of nonlinear triggering force in traditional flexible switches, and improves operational accuracy.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: a flexible switch board, wherein the flexible switch board is configured from the outside to the inside along the thickness direction as a flexible surface layer, a gradient elastic layer, a first flexible conductive layer, a flexible insulating layer, a second flexible conductive layer, and a flexible bottom layer; wherein...

[0007] The first flexible conductive layer has a first elastic contact on the side facing the second flexible conductive layer. The second flexible conductive layer has a second contact position on the corresponding surface that is adapted to the first elastic contact. The flexible insulating layer has a through hole corresponding to the first elastic contact. The flexible surface layer has a switch pressing area corresponding to the first elastic contact. The gradient elastic layer has a honeycomb TPU micropillar array corresponding to the switch pressing area.

[0008] The first flexible conductive layer is provided with a first contact potential, and the second flexible conductive layer is provided with a second contact potential. The first contact potential and the second contact potential are used to connect with external components.

[0009] Under normal conditions, the first elastic contact and the second contact position are separated from each other. When the switch pressing area is subjected to pressure, the first elastic contact abuts against the second contact position through the through hole to achieve electrical connection.

[0010] Furthermore, the gradient elastic layer is a silicone soft layer, and the honeycomb TPU micropillar array is formed at the position corresponding to the switch pressing area. The area and shape of the honeycomb TPU micropillar array are the same as those of the switch pressing area.

[0011] Furthermore, the height of the micropillars in the honeycomb TPU micropillar array decreases gradually towards its edge, with the center of the honeycomb TPU micropillar array as the reference.

[0012] Furthermore, in the honeycomb TPU micropillar array, the cross-sectional area of ​​a single micropillar decreases gradually from near the flexible surface layer to near the first flexible conductive layer, and each micropillar as a whole has a truncated cone structure.

[0013] Furthermore, the spacing between the micropillars in the honeycomb TPU micropillar array decreases gradually towards its edge, with the center of the honeycomb TPU micropillar array as the reference.

[0014] Furthermore, the first elastic contact is a hemispherical protrusion, the second contact position is a circular groove, and the substrate of the first elastic contact and the second contact position is conductive silicone with a gold or graphene coating on the surface.

[0015] Furthermore, the flexible insulating layer is an insulating mesh fabric, and the through holes on the insulating mesh fabric are regularly distributed.

[0016] Furthermore, the flexible surface layer is made of a soft material with a certain degree of wear resistance, including but not limited to silicone and polyurethane elastomer.

[0017] Furthermore, both the first flexible conductive layer and the second flexible conductive layer are flexible printed circuit boards, and the first contact potential and the second contact potential are pads or pins provided on the printed circuit board.

[0018] This utility model of a flexible switch board has the following technical effects: A gradient elastic layer is set between the flexible surface layer and the first flexible conductive layer, and a honeycomb-shaped TPU micropillar array is formed at the corresponding switch pressing area. Due to the presence of the honeycomb-shaped TPU micropillar array, the micropillars are easily deformed in the initial pressing stage, providing a soft tactile feel for the user and facilitating easy application of pressure. As the pressing depth increases, the degree of deformation of the micropillars gradually increases, providing a gradually hardening feedback, simulating a clear process similar to the pressing and triggering of a mechanical button. This design allows users to more accurately perceive the pressing force and effect through touch during pressing operations, thereby precisely controlling the operation, successfully solving the problem of non-linear triggering force in traditional flexible switches, and significantly improving the tactile experience during operation.

[0019] Other features and advantages disclosed in this utility model will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the present disclosure and form part of the specification. They are used together with the following detailed description to explain the present disclosure, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a flexible switchboard according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flexible switchboard according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a gradient elastic layer of a flexible switchboard according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a top view schematic diagram of a gradient elastic layer of a flexible switchboard according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0025] Reference numerals: 10, Flexible switch board; 20, Flexible surface layer; 21, Switch pressing area; 30, Gradient elastic layer; 31, Honeycomb TPU micropillar array; 40, First flexible conductive layer; 41, First elastic contact; 42, First contact potential; 50, Flexible insulating layer; 51, Through hole; 60, Second flexible conductive layer; 61, Second contact position; 62, Second contact potential; 70, Flexible bottom layer. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The specific embodiments disclosed herein will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0027] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a disclosed exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The flexible switch plate 10 of the present invention is configured along its thickness direction from the outside to the inside as follows: a flexible surface layer 20, a gradient elastic layer 30, a first flexible conductive layer 40, a flexible insulating layer 50, a second flexible conductive layer 60, and a flexible bottom layer 70; wherein,

[0028] The first flexible conductive layer 40 has a first elastic contact 41 on the side facing the second flexible conductive layer 60, and the second flexible conductive layer 60 has a second contact position 61 adapted to the first elastic contact 41 on the corresponding surface. The flexible insulating layer 50 has a through hole 51 corresponding to the first elastic contact 41. The flexible surface layer 20 has a switch pressing area 21 corresponding to the first elastic contact 41. The gradient elastic layer 30 has a honeycomb TPU micropillar array 31 corresponding to the switch pressing area 21.

[0029] The first flexible conductive layer 40 is provided with a first contact potential 42, and the second flexible conductive layer 60 is provided with a second contact potential 62. The first contact potential 42 and the second contact potential 62 are used to connect with external components. Under normal conditions, the first elastic contact 41 and the second contact position 61 are separated from each other. When the switch pressing area 21 is subjected to pressure, the first elastic contact 41 abuts against the second contact position 61 through the through hole 51 to achieve electrical connection.

[0030] This utility model's flexible switch board 10 constructs a multi-layer composite structure. The outermost flexible surface layer 20 serves as the operating interface, receiving user pressure. In the adjacent gradient elastic layer 30, a honeycomb TPU micropillar array is set in the switch pressing area 21, utilizing the elastic deformation characteristics of the micropillars to adjust the tactile feedback. The first flexible conductive layer 40 and the second flexible conductive layer 60 are carriers of electrical signals, separated by a flexible insulating layer 50 to ensure the normal operation of the circuit. Under normal conditions, the first elastic contact 41 of the first flexible conductive layer 40 is separated from the second contact position 61 of the second flexible conductive layer 60, and the circuit is in an open-circuit state. When the user presses the switch pressing area 21 on the flexible surface layer 20, the pressure is transmitted to the gradient elastic layer 30, and the micropillars of the honeycomb TPU micropillar array begin to deform. As the pressure deepens, the degree of micropillar deformation increases. Simultaneously, the pressure continues to be transmitted from the gradient elastic layer 30 to the first flexible conductive layer 40, causing the first elastic contact 41 to pass through the through hole 51 of the flexible insulating layer 50 and abut against the second contact 61, thereby achieving electrical connection, completing switch triggering, and circuit conduction. The first ground potential 42 of the first flexible conductive layer 40 and the second ground potential 62 of the second flexible conductive layer 60 are used for connection with external components, enabling the flexible switch board 10 to be integrated into various electronic equipment systems, realizing the connection and control of the overall circuit.

[0031] The honeycomb TPU micropillar array 31 of the flexible switch board 10 of this invention deforms easily during the initial pressing phase, providing a soft touch and allowing users to apply force easily. As the pressure deepens, the micropillars deform more, and the feedback gradually hardens, simulating the clear process from pressing to triggering a mechanical button. This precise tactile feedback allows users to accurately perceive the pressure and effect through touch, solving the problem of non-linear triggering force in traditional flexible switches, thus enabling more precise control of operational actions. In scenarios requiring high operational precision, such as medical equipment and precision instrument control, it effectively reduces misoperation and improves operational accuracy and efficiency.

[0032] For example, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in the exemplary embodiment disclosed in this utility model, the gradient elastic layer 30 is a silicone soft layer, and a honeycomb TPU micropillar array 31 is formed at the corresponding position of the switch pressing area 21. The area and shape of the honeycomb TPU micropillar array 31 covered by the honeycomb TPU micropillar array 31 are the same as those of the switch pressing area 21.

[0033] The gradient elastic layer 30 uses silicone as its base material, leveraging the inherent flexibility and elasticity of silicone to provide basic buffering and deformation capabilities for the entire flexible switch panel 10. Based on this, a honeycomb-shaped TPU micropillar array 31 is formed at the corresponding position of the switch pressing area 21. TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer) material possesses high strength, high toughness, and good elastic recovery properties, forming a composite structure with the silicone soft layer, giving the gradient elastic layer 30 unique mechanical properties. The area and shape of the honeycomb TPU micropillar array coverage region are the same as the switch pressing area 21, ensuring that when the user presses the switch pressing area 21, the pressure is applied evenly and precisely to the TPU micropillar array.

[0034] In the exemplary embodiment disclosed in this utility model, the height of the micropillars in the honeycomb TPU micropillar array 31 decreases gradually towards its edge, with the center of the honeycomb TPU micropillar array 31 as the reference. The micropillars at the center of the honeycomb TPU micropillar array 31 are the tallest. When a user presses the switch pressing area 21 of the flexible switch plate 10, the force is first applied to the tall micropillars at the center. As the pressing depth increases, the pressing contact area gradually expands, and at this time, the low micropillars located at the edge also begin to contact the user's pressing area and provide support. Due to the increased number of micropillars participating in the support, and the difference in the deformation degree between the low micropillars at the edge and the tall micropillars at the center, the combined effect makes the tactile sensation gradually harden, simulating a realistic feel similar to that of a mechanical button, where the resistance gradually increases with the pressing depth.

[0035] In the exemplary embodiment disclosed in this utility model, the cross-sectional area of ​​a single micropillar in the honeycomb TPU micropillar array 31 decreases gradually from near the flexible surface layer 20 to near the first flexible conductive layer 40, and each micropillar has an overall truncated cone structure. The cross-sectional area of ​​a single micropillar in the honeycomb TPU micropillar array 31 decreases gradually from near the flexible surface layer 20 to near the first flexible conductive layer 40. When the user presses the micropillar, the pressure is transmitted downwards. Because the cross-sectional area at the bottom of the micropillar is small, it is easier to deform in the initial stage of pressing, providing a relatively soft touch. As the pressure continues to deepen, the cross-sectional area of ​​a single micropillar gradually increases. According to Hooke's Law, its resistance to deformation increases, providing greater elasticity, which in turn causes the touch to gradually harden, providing the user with a consistent and varied tactile experience from easy pressing to gradually firming.

[0036] In the exemplary embodiment disclosed in this utility model, the spacing between the micropillars in the honeycomb TPU micropillar array 31 decreases gradually from the center of the honeycomb TPU micropillar array 31 towards its edge. When the user begins to press the switch pressing area 21 of the flexible switch plate 10, the pressing action first acts on the center position of the honeycomb TPU micropillar array 31. Here, the micropillar spacing is relatively large, and the micropillars have more space to deform laterally when subjected to pressure. This larger deformation space allows the micropillars to produce significant elastic deformation under a small external force, providing the user with a soft, sensitive, and relatively "loose" initial tactile feel. As the pressing continues and deepens, the pressing range gradually expands from the center to the edge. At this time, the micropillar spacing at the edge becomes smaller, the mutual constraint between the micropillars is enhanced, and the space for lateral deformation is significantly reduced. When the user continues to apply pressure, the micropillars' ability to resist deformation increases, and the user will clearly feel the tactile feel gradually become firmer from the initial softness. This change in tactile sensation from the center to the edge due to the variation in the spacing between the micropillars during the same pressing operation greatly enriches the user's tactile experience, allowing the user to perceive the progress and force of the operation more intuitively and accurately.

[0037] For example, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown in the exemplary embodiment disclosed in this utility model, the first elastic contact 41 is a hemispherical protrusion, and the second contact position 61 is a circular groove. The substrates of the first elastic contact 41 and the second contact position 61 are conductive silicone, with gold or graphene coatings plated on the surface. This matching structure of the protrusion and the groove enables precise and efficient electrical connection. When the switch pressing area 21 is subjected to force, the hemispherical protrusion is embedded into the circular groove, significantly increasing the contact area between the two. Compared with planar contact, this effectively reduces contact resistance and greatly improves the efficiency and stability of electrical signal transmission. The substrates of the first elastic contact 41 and the second contact position 61 are made of conductive silicone, which has good conductivity and provides a basic guarantee for electrical signal transmission. On this basis, the gold or graphene coating further optimizes the conductivity. In electronic devices with extremely high requirements for signal response speed, such as high-speed data processing devices, this design enables the device to respond quickly to switch operations and improve operating efficiency.

[0038] For example, in an exemplary embodiment disclosed in this utility model, the flexible insulating layer 50 is an insulating mesh fabric, and the through holes 51 on the insulating mesh fabric are regularly distributed. The flexible surface layer 20 is made of a soft material with a certain degree of wear resistance, including but not limited to silicone and polyurethane elastomer. The first flexible conductive layer 40 and the second flexible conductive layer 60 are both flexible printed circuit boards, and the first contact potential 42 and the second contact potential 62 are pads or pins provided on the printed circuit board.

[0039] The flexible insulating layer 50 is made of insulating mesh fabric with regularly distributed through holes 51. This ensures that during pressing, the first elastic contact 41 can accurately pass through the corresponding through holes 51 and abut against the second contact 61, achieving a stable electrical connection. At the same time, the excellent insulation properties of the insulating mesh fabric itself effectively prevent accidental current conduction between the first and second flexible conductive layers 60, providing reliable protection for the electrical safety of the entire flexible switchboard 10.

[0040] The flexible surface layer 20 is made of a soft material with a certain degree of wear resistance, such as silicone or polyurethane elastomer. Its softness provides a comfortable tactile experience when pressing the switch, reducing discomfort caused by overly hard materials. Simultaneously, its wear resistance ensures that the flexible surface layer 20 is not easily worn or cracked under frequent, prolonged pressing, extending the product's lifespan.

[0041] The first flexible conductive layer 40 and the second flexible conductive layer 60 are made of flexible printed circuit boards, which have good conductivity and processability, making it convenient to design and lay out circuit lines on the circuit board, realize efficient electrical connection with external components, and ensure that electrical signals are transmitted quickly and accurately throughout the flexible switch board 10 system.

[0042] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the specific details of the above embodiments. Within the scope of the technical concept of this disclosure, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solutions of this disclosure, and these simple modifications all fall within the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0043] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, this disclosure will not describe the various possible combinations separately.

[0044] Furthermore, various different embodiments of this disclosure can be combined in any way, as long as they do not violate the spirit of this disclosure, they should also be regarded as the content disclosed in this disclosure.

Claims

1. A flexible switchboard, characterized in that, The flexible switchboard is configured from the outside to the inside along its thickness direction as a flexible surface layer, a gradient elastic layer, a first flexible conductive layer, a flexible insulating layer, a second flexible conductive layer, and a flexible bottom layer; wherein... The first flexible conductive layer has a first elastic contact on the side facing the second flexible conductive layer, and the second flexible conductive layer has a second contact position on the corresponding surface that is adapted to the first elastic contact. The flexible insulating layer has a through hole corresponding to the first elastic contact. The flexible surface layer has a switch pressing area corresponding to the first elastic contact. The gradient elastic layer has a honeycomb TPU micropillar array corresponding to the switch pressing area. The first flexible conductive layer is provided with a first contact potential, and the second flexible conductive layer is provided with a second contact potential. The first contact potential and the second contact potential are used to connect with external components. Under normal conditions, the first elastic contact and the second contact position are separated from each other. When the switch pressing area is subjected to pressure, the first elastic contact abuts against the second contact position through the through hole to achieve electrical connection.

2. The flexible switchboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gradient elastic layer is a silicone soft layer, and the honeycomb TPU micropillar array is formed at the corresponding position of the switch pressing area. The area and shape of the honeycomb TPU micropillar array are the same as those of the switch pressing area.

3. The flexible switchboard according to claim 2, characterized in that, The height of the micropillars in the honeycomb TPU micropillar array decreases gradually towards its edge, with the center of the honeycomb TPU micropillar array as the reference.

4. The flexible switchboard according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cross-sectional area of ​​a single micropillar in the honeycomb TPU micropillar array decreases gradually from the direction near the flexible surface layer to the direction near the first flexible conductive layer, and each micropillar as a whole has a truncated cone structure.

5. The flexible switchboard according to claim 2, characterized in that, The spacing between the micropillars in the honeycomb TPU micropillar array decreases gradually towards its edge, with the center of the honeycomb TPU micropillar array as the reference.

6. The flexible switchboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first elastic contact is a hemispherical protrusion, and the second contact position is a circular groove. The substrate of the first elastic contact and the second contact position is conductive silicone with a gold or graphene coating on the surface.

7. The flexible switchboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible insulating layer is an insulating mesh fabric, and the through holes on the insulating mesh fabric are regularly distributed.

8. The flexible switchboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible surface layer is made of a soft material with a certain degree of wear resistance, including but not limited to silicone and polyurethane elastomer.

9. The flexible switchboard according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first flexible conductive layer and the second flexible conductive layer are flexible printed circuit boards, and the first contact potential and the second contact potential are pads or pins provided on the printed circuit board.

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