An automatic inspection device for conductive silicone rubber key

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of conductive silicone rubber key detection, in particular to an automatic conductive silicone rubber key inspection device, which comprises a carrier table, a camera assembly, a light source module, a rotating mechanism, a control module, a probe assembly and a data acquisition module. The camera assembly is installed through a universal joint to realize multi-angle shooting, the light source module is composed of annular LED lamps with adjustable brightness, the rotating mechanism drives the carrier table to rotate gradually to realize comprehensive detection, the probe assembly is adapted to the height difference of the keys through an elastic structure and tests the conductive performance, and the data acquisition module transmits the digitized signals to the control module for analysis and processing. The application can efficiently and accurately complete appearance and performance detection of the conductive silicone rubber keys, significantly improves the detection efficiency and accuracy, has strong adaptability and flexibility, and is suitable for quality control links of various conductive silicone rubber keys.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of automated testing equipment technology, specifically an automated conductive silicone button inspection device. Background Technology

[0002] In modern electronics manufacturing, conductive silicone buttons are widely used in various devices, such as remote controls, medical instruments, and industrial control panels, due to their flexibility, durability, and excellent conductivity. However, during production, the inspection of the appearance quality, dimensional accuracy, and conductivity of conductive silicone buttons is crucial for ensuring product reliability and consistency. Traditional inspection methods typically rely on manual visual inspection or simple mechanical devices. While these methods can meet basic requirements to some extent, they suffer from low efficiency, inconsistent inspection accuracy, and errors due to human fatigue, making them unsuitable for large-scale industrial production.

[0003] Currently, some automated inspection equipment is available on the market for quality inspection of conductive silicone keypads, but these devices still have many shortcomings in their mechanical structure design. For example, the conveyor mechanisms in existing equipment mostly use a single linear conveyor belt, which cannot be flexibly adjusted to adapt to keypads of different sizes and shapes; the positioning mechanisms usually rely on simple clamps for fixation, which are prone to positional shifts due to the softness of the keypad material; and the inspection mechanisms mostly rely on static sensor arrays, lacking dynamic scanning capabilities and making it difficult to fully cover minute defects on the keypad surface. In addition, the light source systems in existing equipment are relatively simple in design, usually using fixed unidirectional illumination, which is prone to affecting image quality due to uneven light distribution, thereby reducing inspection accuracy. At the same time, existing sorting mechanisms mostly use pneumatic push rods or rotating arms, which have simple movements and insufficient flexibility, making it difficult to achieve efficient sorting and accurate rejection of unqualified products.

[0004] From an overall structural perspective, existing automated inspection devices have low mechanical design complexity and poor coordination between functional modules, resulting in low operating efficiency and high maintenance costs. Specifically, existing equipment typically includes basic components such as a frame, conveyor belt, light source assembly, detection probe, and sorting device. However, the layout of these components is not compact enough, leading to low space utilization and limiting the miniaturization and integration of the equipment. Furthermore, existing equipment lacks efficient multi-degree-of-freedom adjustment mechanisms, making it difficult to quickly adjust detection parameters and operating modes according to actual production needs. For example, for buttons at different heights, existing equipment often requires manual replacement of detection probes or recalibration of detection positions, which is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to introducing human error.

[0005] In summary, existing automated conductive silicone keypad inspection devices have significant shortcomings in their mechanical structure design, mainly manifested in poor flexibility of the conveying mechanism, low positioning accuracy, insufficient adaptability of the light source system, limited functionality of the detection mechanism, and low efficiency of the sorting mechanism. These problems severely restrict the overall performance and application range of the equipment. Therefore, developing an automated conductive silicone keypad inspection device with efficient conveying, precise positioning, intelligent detection, and flexible sorting functions has significant practical importance and broad market prospects. This invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems by optimizing the mechanical structure design, thereby improving detection efficiency and accuracy to meet the needs of modern production. Utility Model Content

[0006] This invention provides an automated conductive silicone button inspection device, aiming to solve the problem of the lack of efficient and accurate detection methods for conductive silicone buttons in the prior art. To solve the above problem, this invention is implemented as follows: an automated conductive silicone button inspection device includes: a stage fixedly mounted on a frame for carrying the conductive silicone button to be inspected; a camera assembly disposed above the stage for multi-angle imaging of the conductive silicone button; a light source module fixedly mounted on the frame, the light source module being arranged around the camera assembly to provide a uniform lighting environment; a rotating mechanism rotatably mounted below the stage for driving the stage to rotate; a control module disposed on the frame for controlling the synchronous operation of the camera assembly and the light source module; a probe assembly mounted on the frame for testing the conductivity of the conductive silicone button; and a data acquisition module disposed between the probe assembly and the control module for transmitting test data.

[0007] Furthermore, the camera assembly includes multiple adjustable-angle miniature cameras, each mounted on a bracket via a universal joint to achieve precise capture of different areas on the surface of the conductive silicone button. The light source module consists of multiple ring-shaped LEDs, and the brightness of each LED can be independently adjusted by the control module to adapt to different detection needs. The rotating mechanism includes a stepper motor and a reducer connected to it. The stepper motor drives the stage to rotate gradually at a set angle through the reducer, thereby ensuring that every surface of the conductive silicone button can be fully detected.

[0008] Furthermore, the probe assembly includes multiple elastic probes mounted on a probe holder via a spring structure to accommodate minute height differences on the conductive silicone button surface. The probe holder also features a position adjustment mechanism to adjust the probe distribution according to the size of the conductive silicone button. The data acquisition module includes a signal amplifier and an analog-to-digital converter to convert the analog signals acquired by the probes into digital signals and transmit them to the control module for analysis and processing.

[0009] Compared with existing technologies, this solution provides an automated conductive silicone button inspection device. Through a comprehensive design that integrates multi-angle shooting, uniform light source illumination, rotation detection, and conductivity performance testing, it can efficiently and accurately complete the appearance and performance inspection of conductive silicone buttons, significantly improving inspection efficiency and accuracy. At the same time, it has strong adaptability and flexibility and can be widely used in the quality control of various conductive silicone buttons. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an automated conductive silicone button inspection device according to the present invention, showing the layout of the main modules of the device, including the stage, camera assembly, light source module, rotation mechanism and probe assembly.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a partial enlarged view of the camera assembly in this utility model, showing in detail the structure of the miniature camera mounted on the bracket via a universal joint, as well as the camera's angle adjustment range.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a top view of the light source module, showing the arrangement of the ring-shaped LED lights and their relative position to the camera components, and indicating the function connection for independently adjusting the brightness of the LED lights.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating mechanism, which focuses on the connection between the stepper motor, reducer and stage, as well as the rotation driving principle of the stage.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the probe assembly and data acquisition module, showing the spring structure of the elastic probe, the position adjustment mechanism of the probe holder, and the connection relationship between the signal amplifier and the analog-to-digital converter.

[0015] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0016] 1. Frame; 2. Stage; 3. Camera assembly; 4. Light source module; 5. Rotation mechanism; 6. Control module; 7. Probe assembly; 8. Data acquisition module; 9. Miniature camera; 10. Universal joint; 11. Ring LED light; 12. Stepper motor; 13. Reducer; 14. Elastic probe; 15. Probe holder; 16. Position adjustment mechanism; 17. Signal amplifier; 18. Analog-to-digital converter. Detailed Implementation

[0017] This utility model provides an automated conductive silicone button inspection device, the specific implementation of which is as follows (in conjunction with the attached drawing). Figure 1 To be continued Figure 5A detailed description is provided below. The device mainly includes a frame 1, a stage 2, a camera assembly 3, a light source module 4, a rotation mechanism 5, a control module 6, a probe assembly 7, and a data acquisition module 8. Through their rational layout and coordinated operation, these modules achieve efficient appearance inspection and performance testing of conductive silicone buttons.

[0018] First, let's look at the overall structure, such as Figure 1 As shown, frame 1 serves as the basic framework of the entire device, used to fix and support other functional modules. Stage 2 is mounted at the upper center of frame 1 to support the conductive silicone button to be tested. Camera assembly 3 is positioned above stage 2 for multi-angle imaging of the conductive silicone button's surface. Light source module 4 surrounds camera assembly 3 to provide a uniform lighting environment and ensure image quality. Rotation mechanism 5 is located below stage 2 to drive its rotation, enabling comprehensive testing of multiple surfaces of the conductive silicone button. Probe assembly 7 is mounted on one side of frame 1 for testing the conductivity of the conductive silicone button. Data acquisition module 8 connects probe assembly 7 and control module 6 for transmitting test data. Control module 6 coordinates the operation of each module, including controlling the camera assembly 3's imaging, adjusting the brightness of light source module 4, rotating mechanism 5, and the testing process of probe assembly 7.

[0019] Furthermore, the specific structure of camera component 3 is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the assembly includes multiple miniature cameras 9, each mounted on a bracket via a gimbal 10. The gimbal 10 is designed to allow for flexible adjustment of the angle of each miniature camera 9 to accommodate conductive silicone buttons of different shapes and sizes. This adjustable design ensures that the camera assembly 3 accurately captures different areas of the conductive silicone button surface. Furthermore, the number of miniature cameras 9 can be adjusted according to actual needs; for example, four miniature cameras 9 can be used to cover the four main directions of the conductive silicone button, thereby achieving omnidirectional shooting coverage.

[0020] The structure of light source module 4 is as follows Figure 3 As shown, it consists of multiple ring-shaped LEDs 11. These ring-shaped LEDs 11 are arranged in concentric circles, and the brightness of each LED can be independently adjusted by the control module 6. This design not only provides a uniform lighting environment but also allows for adjustment of the intensity and distribution of the light source according to different inspection needs. For example, when inspecting minute defects in conductive silicone buttons, the contrast of the image can be improved by enhancing the brightness of the light source in specific areas, thereby making the defect clearer. At the same time, the ring arrangement avoids light obstruction problems, ensuring that all surfaces of the conductive silicone button receive sufficient illumination.

[0021] The structure of the rotating mechanism 5 is as follows Figure 4 As shown, the system includes a stepper motor 12 and a reducer 13. The stepper motor 12 is connected to the stage 2 via the reducer 13, thereby driving the stage 2 to rotate gradually at a set angle. The precise control capability of the stepper motor 12 allows the rotation angle of the stage 2 to be accurate to several decimal places, ensuring that every surface of the conductive silicone button can be fully detected. In actual operation, the control module 6 will rotate the stage 2 gradually at certain intervals according to the preset program instructions of the stepper motor 12, for example, rotating 90 degrees each time, until a full 360-degree angle detection is completed. This step-by-step rotation method not only improves detection efficiency but also reduces vibration or errors that may be caused by continuous rotation.

[0022] The structure of probe assembly 7 and data acquisition module 8 is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, the probe assembly 7 includes multiple elastic probes 14, which are mounted on the probe holder 15 via a spring structure. The spring structure design allows the elastic probes 14 to adapt to minute height differences on the conductive silicone button surface, ensuring good contact between the probes and the button surface. The probe holder 15 also includes a position adjustment mechanism 16, used to adjust the probe distribution according to the size of the conductive silicone button. For example, when testing larger conductive silicone buttons, the probe spacing can be appropriately increased using the position adjustment mechanism 16; while for smaller buttons, the probe spacing can be reduced to improve testing accuracy. The data acquisition module 8 includes a signal amplifier 17 and an analog-to-digital converter 18, used to convert the analog signals acquired by the probes into digital signals and transmit them to the control module 6 for analysis and processing. The signal amplifier 17 amplifies the weak signals acquired by the probes for subsequent processing; the analog-to-digital converter 18 converts the amplified analog signals into digital signals, facilitating data analysis and storage by the control module 6.

[0023] In practical applications, the workflow of an automated conductive silicone button inspection device is as follows: First, the conductive silicone button to be inspected is placed on the stage 2, ensuring the button is centered and stable. Then, the control module 6 activates the light source module 4, adjusting the brightness of the ring LED 11 to provide optimal illumination. Next, the camera assembly 3 begins capturing images of the conductive silicone button's surface from multiple angles. The angle of the miniature camera 9 is adjusted via the universal joint 10 to ensure each area is fully captured. Simultaneously, the rotating mechanism 5 drives the stage 2 to rotate gradually, allowing each surface of the conductive silicone button to be fully inspected. During rotation, the camera assembly 3 continuously captures images and transmits the data to the control module 6 for real-time analysis.

[0024] After visual inspection, probe assembly 7 begins testing the conductivity of the conductive silicone button. Elastic probe 14 contacts the button surface via a spring structure, collecting relevant conductivity data. The collected analog signal is amplified by signal amplifier 17, converted into a digital signal by analog-to-digital converter 18, and transmitted to control module 6. Control module 6 analyzes and processes the received data to determine if the conductivity of the conductive silicone button meets the standard. If the test result is unqualified, control module 6 generates a corresponding alarm message and records the defect location for subsequent processing.

[0025] In summary, the automated conductive silicone button inspection device provided by this utility model, through its integrated design of multi-angle imaging, uniform light source illumination, rotation detection, and conductivity performance testing, can efficiently and accurately complete the appearance and performance inspection of conductive silicone buttons. Its high flexibility and adaptability make it widely applicable in the quality control of various conductive silicone buttons, significantly improving inspection efficiency and accuracy.

[0026] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An automated conductive silicone button inspection device, characterized in that, include: A stage (2) is fixedly installed on the frame (1) to support the conductive silicone keypad to be tested; A camera assembly (3) is installed above the stage (2) for capturing images of the conductive silicone button from multiple angles; A light source module (4) is fixedly installed on the frame (1), and the light source module (4) is arranged around the camera assembly (3); A rotating mechanism (5) is mounted below the platform (2) to drive the platform (2) to rotate; a control module (6) is mounted on the frame (1) to control the synchronous operation of the camera assembly (3) and the light source module (4); A probe assembly (7) mounted on the frame (1) for testing the conductivity of conductive silicone buttons; And a data acquisition module (8) disposed between the probe assembly (7) and the control module (6) for transmitting test data.

2. The automated conductive silicone button inspection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The camera assembly (3) includes a plurality of miniature cameras (9), each of which is mounted on a bracket via a universal joint (10).

3. The automated conductive silicone button inspection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The light source module (4) consists of multiple ring LEDs (11), and the brightness of each ring LED (11) can be adjusted independently.

4. The automated conductive silicone button inspection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating mechanism (5) includes a stepper motor (12) and a reducer (13) connected thereto, wherein the stepper motor (12) drives the platform (2) to rotate through the reducer (13).

5. The automated conductive silicone button inspection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The probe assembly (7) includes a plurality of elastic probes (14), which are mounted on the probe holder (15) by means of a spring structure.

6. The automated conductive silicone button inspection device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The probe holder (15) is provided with a position adjustment mechanism (16) for adjusting the distribution position of the elastic probe (14).

7. The automated conductive silicone button inspection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The data acquisition module (8) includes a signal amplifier (17) and an analog-to-digital converter (18). The signal amplifier (17) is used to amplify the analog signal acquired by the probe assembly (7), and the analog-to-digital converter (18) is used to convert the amplified analog signal into a digital signal.

8. The automated conductive silicone button inspection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The control module (6) is electrically connected to the camera assembly (3), the light source module (4), the rotating mechanism (5), and the data acquisition module (8) respectively, and is used to coordinate the work of each module.

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