Capacitive microswitch
By designing a capacitive microswitch and monitoring the capacitance value by utilizing changes in dielectric constant, the problem of insufficient response speed and flexibility of existing microswitches is solved, achieving faster response and more flexible switching control.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 河南皓泽电子股份有限公司昆山分公司
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-07
AI Technical Summary
Existing microswitches lack a structure that uses a capacitor to trigger, resulting in insufficient response speed and flexibility.
Design a capacitive micro switch that monitors capacitance changes by altering the dielectric constant between the emitter and receiver plates, uses a capacitance detection chip to determine the switch's on/off state, and employs a blocking protrusion that moves between vertical sections to change the dielectric constant and thus achieve switch control.
It enables monitoring of switch status through capacitor structure, improving response speed and flexibility, and is suitable for various electronic products.
Smart Images
Figure CN224473301U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of electronic product technology, and specifically relates to a capacitive micro switch. Background Technology
[0002] Microswitches are widely used in various electronic products such as electrical appliances, machinery, communications, digital audio-visual equipment, and building automation due to their advantages such as compact structure, flexible operation, and fast response speed.
[0003] Existing microswitches typically employ a mechanical force-triggered circuit switching principle, lacking existing structures that utilize capacitors for triggering. Utility Model Content
[0004] The present invention addresses the aforementioned technical problems by providing a capacitive micro switch.
[0005] A capacitive micro switch includes a base and a housing, the base and the housing being connected to form a hollow cavity, and the following is disposed within the hollow cavity:
[0006] A spring sheet, the spring sheet being horizontally positioned, one end of the spring sheet being a fixed end and the other end being a free end, the fixed end being fixed within the hollow cavity;
[0007] The emitter plate has a bottom end that serves as a power-conducting pin connected to an external circuit for power supply, and the upper part of the emitter plate is the first vertical part of a vertical structure.
[0008] The receiving electrode plate has a bottom end that serves as a power-on pin connected to an external circuit for power supply. The upper part of the receiving electrode plate is a second vertical section with a vertical structure. The second vertical section and the first vertical section are arranged opposite to each other to form a capacitor structure.
[0009] A blocking protrusion that abuts against or connects to the spring piece, the blocking protrusion being located between or above the first vertical portion and the second vertical portion;
[0010] When a downward force is applied to the blocking protrusion, the blocking protrusion moves longitudinally between the first vertical part and the second vertical part, causing the dielectric constant of the capacitor structure to change and the capacitance value of the capacitor structure to change. The activation state of the capacitor micro switch is determined by monitoring the capacitance value of the capacitor structure.
[0011] Optionally, one of the base and the housing is provided with a snap-fit hole and the other is provided with a snap-fit protrusion, and the snap-fit connection between the base and the housing is achieved by snapping the snap-fit hole with the snap-fit protrusion.
[0012] Optionally, a reset part is provided on one or both sides of the blocking protrusion, and the reset part abuts or connects with the spring piece.
[0013] Optionally, the blocking protrusion is provided with the reset part on both sides, the bottom end of the reset part abuts against the spring piece, the top end of the blocking protrusion extends out of the outer shell, and the bottom end of the blocking protrusion is located between or above the first vertical part and the second vertical part.
[0014] Optionally, the housing is provided with a pressure hole that is connected vertically, and the top of the blocking protrusion extends out from the pressure hole.
[0015] Optionally, both the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode are embedded in the base, and the first vertical part and the second vertical part extend out of the top surface of the base and are arranged opposite to each other.
[0016] Optionally, the hollow cavity may further include:
[0017] A support plate is provided with a support groove, and the fixed end of the spring piece is embedded in the support groove.
[0018] Optionally, the support plate is embedded in the base, and the support groove extends out of the top surface of the base and is engaged with the fixed end.
[0019] Optionally, the hollow cavity may further include:
[0020] An abutment plate, wherein an abutment groove is provided on one side of the abutment plate;
[0021] The spring sheet has a first clearance groove in the middle, and an elastic plate in an arc-shaped bend is provided in the first clearance groove. One end of the elastic plate is integrally connected to the spring sheet, and the other end of the elastic plate abuts in the abutment groove.
[0022] Optionally, the abutment plate is embedded in the base, and the abutment groove extends out of the top surface of the base and abuts against the other end of the elastic plate.
[0023] Optionally, the spring is provided with a second clearance groove, and the first vertical part and the second vertical part are provided in or below the second clearance groove;
[0024] The reset portions on both sides of the blocking protrusion abut against the spring sheet. The bottom end of the blocking protrusion passes through the second clearance groove and is located between the first vertical portion and the second vertical portion. Alternatively, the bottom end of the blocking protrusion can pass through the second clearance groove and can move down to between the first vertical portion and the second vertical portion.
[0025] Optionally, when the spring is provided with a first clearance groove, the first clearance groove is connected to the second clearance groove, and the capacitor structure is located between the fixed end and the elastic plate.
[0026] Beneficial effects: This utility model monitors the change in capacitance between the emitter and receiver plates by changing the dielectric constant between them. The change in capacitance is used to determine the pressure applied by the blocking protrusion, thereby achieving the control of the opening and closing state of the capacitor micro switch through the capacitor structure. Attached Figure Description
[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;
[0028] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Top view;
[0029] Figure 3 for Figure 2 AA section view;
[0030] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Exploded view;
[0031] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Partial structural diagram;
[0032] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Internal structure diagram;
[0033] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Another angle of the exploded view;
[0034] Figure 8 for Figure 6 Partial exploded view. Detailed Implementation
[0035] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so as to better understand the purpose, features and advantages of the present invention. It should be understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, but are only for illustrating the essential spirit of the technical solution of the present invention.
[0036] In the following description, certain specific details are set forth for the purpose of illustrating various disclosed embodiments in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various disclosed embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details. In other instances, well-known apparatuses, structures, and techniques associated with this application may not have been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments.
[0037] Throughout this specification, references to "an embodiment" or "an embodiment" indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the appearance of "in an embodiment" or "an embodiment" in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic may be combined in any manner in one or more embodiments.
[0038] In the following description, in order to clearly demonstrate the structure and working method of this utility model, a number of directional terms will be used. However, terms such as "front", "back", "left", "right", "outside", "inside", "outward", "inward", "up", and "down" should be understood as convenient terms and not as limiting terms.
[0039] Reference Figures 1 to 8 This utility model provides a capacitive micro switch to control the opening and closing state of a blocking protrusion through a capacitor structure. The capacitive micro switch of this utility model includes a base 10, a housing 20, a spring 30, a blocking protrusion 40, and a capacitor structure assembly, which includes a transmitting electrode 50 and a receiving electrode 60.
[0040] The base 10 and the outer shell 20 are connected to form a hollow cavity, and the spring 30, the blocking protrusion 40, the transmitting electrode 50 and the receiving electrode 60 are all arranged in the hollow cavity.
[0041] The spring piece 30 is horizontally positioned within the hollow cavity, meaning its length is horizontal, and it possesses elastic deformation and repositioning capabilities in the vertical direction (up and down). One end of the spring piece 30 is a fixed end 30a, and the other end is a free end 30b. The fixed end 30a is fixed within the hollow cavity, meaning it remains stationary, while the free end 30b can undergo elastic deformation and repositioning.
[0042] The bottom end of the emitting electrode 50 serves as a power-on pin, connecting to an external circuit for power supply. In specific implementations, the bottom end of the power-on pin of the emitting electrode 50 extends outside the hollow cavity to facilitate connection with the external circuit. The upper part of the emitting electrode 50 is the first vertical section 50a of a vertical structure.
[0043] The bottom end of the receiving plate 60 serves as a power-on pin, connecting to an external circuit for power supply. Similarly, in a specific implementation, the bottom end of the power-on pin of the receiving plate 60 extends out of the hollow cavity to facilitate connection with an external circuit. The upper part of the receiving plate 60 is a second vertical section 60a with a vertical structure. The second vertical section 60a and the first vertical section 50a are arranged opposite each other to form a capacitor structure.
[0044] The blocking protrusion 40 can be located between the first vertical portion 50a and the second vertical portion 60a, or it can be located above the first vertical portion 50a and the second vertical portion 60a. The blocking protrusion 40 abuts against or connects with the spring piece 30 to reset the blocking protrusion 40 via the spring piece 30. When the blocking protrusion 40 is above the spring piece 30, the two can abut against each other, and downward pressure is applied to the blocking protrusion 40 to move both the blocking protrusion 40 and the spring piece 30 downwards. When the blocking protrusion 40 is below the spring piece 30, the two can connect, and downward pulling force is applied to the blocking protrusion 40 to move both the blocking protrusion 40 and the spring piece 30 downwards. When a downward force is applied to the blocking protrusion 40, the spring piece 30 moves downwards, with one fixed end 30a of the spring piece 30 remaining stationary and the free end 30b moving downwards accordingly. At this time, the blocking protrusion 40 moves longitudinally between the first vertical part 50a and the second vertical part 60a, causing a change in the dielectric constant of the capacitor structure and a change in the capacitance value of the capacitor structure. The activation state of the capacitor microswitch is determined by monitoring the capacitance value of the capacitor structure. When the downward force is removed, the free end 30b and the blocking protrusion 40 are reset to their initial positions under the reset action of the spring 30.
[0045] The working principle of this embodiment is as follows:
[0046] A capacitor structure is formed by setting up an energized transmitting plate and a corresponding energized receiving plate. The opening and closing state of the capacitor microswitch is determined by changing the capacitance value of the capacitor structure.
[0047] The specific operation is as follows: The capacitance value of the capacitor structure is monitored by a capacitance detection chip. This chip can be a directly adopted capacitor detection chip used in existing technology for detecting the capacitance value between two electrode plates. When the capacitance value of the capacitor structure increases / decreases to a set threshold, the capacitance detection chip determines that the capacitor microswitch is in the activated state. It sends a switch activation signal to the device using the microswitch. After receiving the switch activation signal, the device using the microswitch connects its own circuit, causing the device to become activated. The principle is similar when turning it off. When used on a computer host or mouse, it can also be automatically turned off by the computer system or by default after a period of inactivity.
[0048] The factors that alter the capacitor structure include the facing area between the emitter and receiver plates, the distance between the emitter and receiver plates, and the dielectric constant between the emitter and receiver plates (i.e., the conductivity of the material between the emitter and receiver plates). The specific calculation formulas are as follows:
[0049]
[0050] Where C represents the capacitance, ε represents the dielectric constant between the two plates, S represents the effective area of the two plates facing each other, D represents the distance between the two plates, and K represents the electrostatic constant (approximately 8.99 x 10⁹ N·m). 2 / C 2 )
[0051] As can be seen from the above formula, the larger the effective area facing the capacitor, the larger the capacitance value of the capacitor structure; the smaller the distance between the two plates, the larger the capacitance value of the capacitor structure; and the larger the dielectric constant, the larger the capacitance value of the capacitor structure.
[0052] If other parameters remain constant, a change in the dielectric constant will alter the capacitance value of the capacitor structure. In this embodiment, a capacitance detection chip is connected to both the emitter plate 50 and the receiver plate 60. The chip detects the capacitance between the emitter plate 50 and the receiver plate 60. When the dielectric constant between the emitter plate 50 and the receiver plate 60 changes, the capacitance value of the capacitor structure also changes. When the capacitance value increases / decreases to a set threshold, the capacitor microswitch is considered to be in the activated state. When the capacitance value returns to the initial threshold, the capacitor microswitch is considered to be in the deactivated state.
[0053] The aforementioned threshold and initial threshold can be a set value or a set threshold range.
[0054] Specifically, typically, the medium between the emitting plate 50 and the receiving plate 60 is air, with a dielectric constant of 1. The dielectric constant of the blocking protrusion 40 is 3-4. After the blocking protrusion 40 is inserted between the first vertical portion 50a of the emitting plate 50 and the second vertical portion 60a of the receiving plate 60, the dielectric constant between the first vertical portion 50a and the second vertical portion 60a increases, and the capacitance value of the capacitor structure increases accordingly. The start-up state control of the microswitch is achieved based on this change in capacitance value. In this invention, the material of the blocking protrusion 40 is not limited, and different materials have different dielectric constants. Thresholds can be set according to the dielectric constant of the blocking protrusion 40.
[0055] In one embodiment, one of the base 10 and the outer shell 20 is provided with a snap-fit hole and the other is provided with a snap-fit protrusion. The snap-fit connection between the base 10 and the outer shell 20 is achieved by snapping the snap-fit hole with the snap-fit protrusion.
[0056] Reference Figure 4 The buckle protrusions 11 at both ends of the base 10 engage with the buckle holes 21 at both ends of the outer shell 20 to connect the base 10 and the outer shell 20.
[0057] In one embodiment, the blocking protrusion 40 is made of barium titanate. This allows for the acquisition of a blocking protrusion with high dielectric constant and low dielectric loss while controlling production costs.
[0058] In one embodiment, a reset part 41 is provided on one or both sides of the blocking protrusion 40, and the reset part 41 abuts against or connects with the spring piece 30.
[0059] In this embodiment, the blocking protrusion 40 does not directly abut or connect with the spring piece 30, but indirectly abuts or connects with the spring piece 30 through the reset parts 41 provided on both sides of it.
[0060] Preferably, the blocking protrusion 40 and the reset part 41 are integrally formed.
[0061] In one embodiment, a reset portion 41 is provided on both sides of the blocking protrusion 40. The bottom end of the reset portion 41 abuts against the spring piece 30, and the top end of the blocking protrusion 40 extends out of the outer shell 20. The bottom end of the blocking protrusion 40 is located between or above the first vertical portion and the second vertical portion. The blocking protrusion 40 is confined within the hollow cavity, and the top end of the blocking protrusion 40 extends out of the outer shell 20 to allow external downward pressure to be applied to the top end of the blocking protrusion 40. The bottom end of the reset portion 41 abuts against the top end of the spring piece 30. When external downward pressure is applied to the top end of the blocking protrusion 40, the blocking protrusion 40 and the spring piece 30 move downward. One fixed end 30a of the spring piece 30 remains stationary, while the free end 30b moves downward. When the pressure is removed, under the reset action of the spring piece 30, both the free end 30b and the blocking protrusion 40 return to their initial positions.
[0062] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 4 The outer casing 20 is provided with a pressure hole 22 that is connected vertically, and the top of the blocking protrusion 40 extends out from the pressure hole 22.
[0063] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 3 The transmitting electrode 50 and the receiving electrode 60 are both embedded in the base 10, and the first vertical part 50a and the second vertical part 60a extend out of the top surface of the base 10 and are arranged opposite each other.
[0064] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figures 3 to 8 The capacitive micro switch also includes a support plate 70, which is located within the hollow cavity. The support plate 70 has a support groove 71, and the fixed end 30a of the spring 30 is embedded in the support groove 71. The design of the support plate 70 provides support for the installation of the spring 30.
[0065] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 3 The support plate 70 is embedded in the base 10, and the support groove 71 extends out of the top surface of the base 10 and is embedded in the fixed end 30a.
[0066] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figures 3 to 8 The capacitive micro switch also includes an abutment plate 80, which is located in the hollow cavity, and an abutment groove 81 is provided on one side of the abutment plate 80.
[0067] The spring piece 30 has a first clearance groove in the middle, and an arc-shaped elastic plate 31 is provided in the first clearance groove. One end of the elastic plate 31 is integrally connected to the spring piece 30, and the other end of the elastic plate 31 abuts against the abutment groove 81.
[0068] In practice, a U-shaped cut can be made in the middle of the spring piece 30 to cut out the first clearance groove and the elastic plate 31 integrally connected with the spring piece 30. Then, the elastic plate 31 is bent downward and the other end abuts against the abutment groove 54. The abutment groove 54 is preferably located inside or below the clearance groove.
[0069] The design of the abutment plate 53 can support the installation of the spring piece 30.
[0070] When a downward force is applied to the spring 30, the free end 30b of the spring 30 will move closer to the top of the base 10, and the elastic plate 31 will be squeezed. After the downward force is removed, the free end of the spring 30 returns to its original position under the elastic action of the elastic plate 31, waiting for the next pressing operation.
[0071] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 3 The abutment plate 80 is embedded in the base 10, and the abutment groove 81 extends out of the top surface of the base 10 and abuts against the other end of the elastic plate 31.
[0072] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figures 3 to 7 The spring piece 30 is provided with a second clearance groove, and the first vertical part 50a and the second vertical part 60a are disposed in or below the second clearance groove. The bottom ends of the reset parts 41 on both sides of the blocking protrusion 40 abut against the spring piece 30. The bottom end of the blocking protrusion 40 passes through the second clearance groove and is located between the first vertical part 50a and the second vertical part 60a, or the bottom end of the blocking protrusion 40 can pass through the second clearance groove and can move down to between the first vertical part 50a and the second vertical part 60a.
[0073] In other words, there are two possible positions for the blocking protrusion 40: one is that in the initial state, the bottom end of the blocking protrusion 40 passes through the second clearance groove and is located between the first vertical part 50a and the second vertical part 60a. During the downward pressing of the blocking protrusion 40, the lower part of the blocking protrusion 40 gradually separates the first vertical part 50a and the second vertical part 60a more, causing the dielectric constant between the first vertical part 50a and the second vertical part 60a to gradually change; the other is that in the initial state, the bottom end of the blocking protrusion 40 is located above the first vertical part 50a and the second vertical part 60a. In this case, the position of the blocking protrusion 40 can be within the second clearance groove. During the downward pressing of the blocking protrusion 40, the bottom end of the blocking protrusion 40 passes through the second clearance groove and gradually moves down between the first vertical part 50a and the second vertical part 60a, gradually separating the first vertical part 50a and the second vertical part 60a more, causing the dielectric constant between the first vertical part 50a and the second vertical part 60a to gradually change.
[0074] like Figure 3 The blocking protrusion 40 shown is positioned in the first case described above.
[0075] In one embodiment, when the spring sheet 30 is provided with a first clearance groove, the first clearance groove is connected to the second clearance groove, and the capacitor structure is located between the fixed end 30a and the elastic plate 31.
[0076] In the capacitor structures of the above embodiments of this utility model, the positional relationship between the emitting plate and the receiving plate can be interchanged without affecting the formation of the capacitor structure.
[0077] The preferred embodiments of this utility model have been described in detail above. However, it should be understood that after reading the above teachings, those skilled in the art can make various alterations or modifications to this utility model. These equivalent forms also fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A capacitive micro switch, characterized in that, The system includes a base and a housing, which are connected to form a hollow cavity. Within the hollow cavity, the following components are disposed: A spring sheet, the spring sheet being horizontally positioned, one end of the spring sheet being a fixed end and the other end being a free end, the fixed end being fixed within the hollow cavity; The emitter plate has a bottom end that serves as a power-conducting pin connected to an external circuit for power supply, and the upper part of the emitter plate is the first vertical part of a vertical structure. The receiving electrode plate has a bottom end that serves as a power-on pin connected to an external circuit for power supply. The upper part of the receiving electrode plate is a second vertical section with a vertical structure. The second vertical section and the first vertical section are arranged opposite to each other to form a capacitor structure. A blocking protrusion that abuts against or connects to the spring piece, the blocking protrusion being located between or above the first vertical portion and the second vertical portion.
2. The capacitive micro switch as described in claim 1, characterized in that, One of the base and the outer shell is provided with a snap-fit hole and the other is provided with a snap-fit protrusion. The snap-fit connection between the base and the outer shell is achieved by snapping the snap-fit hole with the snap-fit protrusion.
3. The capacitive micro switch as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A reset part is provided on one or both sides of the blocking protrusion, and the reset part abuts or connects with the spring piece.
4. The capacitive micro switch as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The blocking protrusion has a reset part on both sides, the bottom end of the reset part abuts against the spring piece, the top end of the blocking protrusion extends out of the outer shell, and the bottom end of the blocking protrusion is located between or above the first vertical part and the second vertical part.
5. The capacitive micro switch as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The outer casing is provided with a pressure hole that is connected vertically, and the top of the blocking protrusion extends out from the pressure hole.
6. The capacitive micro switch as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Both the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode are embedded in the base, and the first vertical part and the second vertical part extend out of the top surface of the base and are arranged opposite to each other.
7. The capacitive micro switch as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hollow cavity is also provided with: A support plate is provided with a support groove, and the fixed end of the spring piece is embedded in the support groove.
8. The capacitive micro switch as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The support plate is embedded in the base, and the support groove extends out of the top surface of the base and is engaged with the fixed end.
9. The capacitive micro switch as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hollow cavity is also provided with: An abutment plate, wherein an abutment groove is provided on one side of the abutment plate; The spring sheet has a first clearance groove in the middle, and an elastic plate in an arc-shaped bend is provided in the first clearance groove. One end of the elastic plate is integrally connected to the spring sheet, and the other end of the elastic plate abuts in the abutment groove.
10. The capacitive micro switch as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The abutment plate is embedded in the base, and the abutment groove extends out of the top surface of the base and abuts against the other end of the elastic plate.
11. The capacitive micro switch according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The spring is provided with a second clearance groove, and the first vertical part and the second vertical part are provided in the second clearance groove or below the second clearance groove; The reset portions on both sides of the blocking protrusion abut against the spring sheet. The bottom end of the blocking protrusion passes through the second clearance groove and is located between the first vertical portion and the second vertical portion. Alternatively, the bottom end of the blocking protrusion can pass through the second clearance groove and can move down to between the first vertical portion and the second vertical portion.
12. The capacitive micro switch as described in claim 11, characterized in that, When the spring is provided with a first clearance groove, the first clearance groove is connected to the second clearance groove, and the capacitor structure is located between the fixed end and the elastic plate.