A device capable of non-destructive support and protection of a membrane switch

Abstract

The utility model discloses a device can realize the device that membrane switch is lossless support and protection, including key module and membrane switch, the top of membrane switch is pasted with and is provided with the upper support plate, the top of key module is installed in the upper support plate, the bottom of membrane switch is pasted with and is provided with the lower protection board, the lower protection board is used for realizing the support and protection of membrane switch.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of membrane switch technology, specifically a device that can achieve non-destructive support and protection for membrane switches. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of input devices, membrane switches, as a type of tactile electronic switch, are widely used in input devices such as keyboards and various control panels due to their advantages such as simple structure, good feel, and small footprint. They are usually composed of flexible thin film circuits and related bonding layers. Pressing the internal contacts triggers an electrical signal to complete the input function.

[0003] Please refer to Figure 5 As shown, in the prior art, the assembly structure of the key and membrane switch consists of keycaps, scissor-switch brackets, function switches / membrane switches (including trigger switches), and support plates from top to bottom. The above assembly structure cannot be directly separated after assembly (because the scissor-switch brackets are connected to the connecting ribs of the support plate). Therefore, when it is necessary to repair the membrane switch, all the components of the keyboard need to be disassembled. This will cause damage to other components during repair. In addition, the disassembly and subsequent reassembly steps are complicated and will greatly increase the repair time and labor costs. Utility Model Content

[0004] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a device that can achieve non-destructive support and protection for membrane switches.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: A device for achieving non-destructive support and protection of a membrane switch includes a button module and a membrane switch. An upper support plate is attached to the top of the membrane switch, the button module is correspondingly installed on the top of the upper support plate, and a lower protective plate is attached to the bottom of the membrane switch. The lower protective plate is used to support and protect the membrane switch.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the key module includes keycaps, scissor-switch feet, and silicone bumps. The scissor-switch feet are respectively installed between the keycaps and the upper support plate. The bottom of the keycaps and the top of the upper support plate are respectively provided with upper connecting ribs and lower connecting ribs connected to the scissor-switch feet.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the silicone bump is correspondingly disposed on the conductive contact of the membrane switch, and the keycap and the scissor pin together form an accommodating space for receiving the silicone bump.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the upper support plate has a through groove that allows the silicone bumps to pass through.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, both the lower protective plate and the upper support plate are made of rigid materials.

[0010] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0011] 1. In this utility model, the membrane switch is attached to the lower part of the support plate, and the upper support plate is directly combined with the button module. On the one hand, when repairing the membrane switch, the parts can be separated and disassembled without damage. The membrane switch can be directly removed from the bottom of the upper support plate for repair or replacement. On the other hand, compared with the traditional combination structure of button and membrane switch, it can also realize the assembly of segmented modular products, which is convenient for assembly line operation and automated operation, and can improve the overall assembly efficiency.

[0012] 2. In this utility model, an additional lower protective plate is added below the membrane switch and attached to its bottom. The lower protective plate can be used to provide auxiliary support and protection for the membrane switch. At the same time, since the membrane switch is sandwiched between two rigid plates, functional problems caused by external force damage can also be avoided. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall planar structure of this utility model;

[0014] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A simplified schematic diagram of the cross-sectional planar structure at point AA.

[0015] Figure 3 This is an exploded three-dimensional structural diagram of the entire utility model;

[0016] Figure 4 This is a simplified planar structural diagram of the upper support plate in this utility model;

[0017] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the prior art.

[0018] Marked in the image:

[0019] 100 - Keycaps, 110 - Upper connecting ribs;

[0020] 200-scissor feet;

[0021] 300-Silicone bumps;

[0022] 400 - Upper support plate, 410 - Lower connecting rib, 420 - Through groove;

[0023] 500-Membrane switch;

[0024] 600-Lower protection plate. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0026] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the directional or positional relationship based on the directional or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0027] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0028] A device for achieving non-destructive support and protection of membrane switches, as described above. Figure 1-5 The device includes a button module and a membrane switch (function switch) 500. The top of the membrane switch 500 is fitted with an upper support plate 400. The button module is installed on the top of the upper support plate 400. The membrane switch 500 is fitted to the bottom of the upper support plate 400. The upper support plate 400 is directly combined with the button module. This design allows for the non-destructive and free disassembly of the parts when repairing the membrane switch 500. The membrane switch 500 can be directly removed from the bottom of the upper support plate 400 for repair or replacement. In addition, compared with the traditional combination structure of button and membrane switch 500, it can also realize the assembly of segmented modular products, which is convenient for assembly line operation and automation.

[0029] In this embodiment, please refer to Figures 1-3 As shown, a lower protective plate 600 is attached to the bottom of the membrane switch 500. The lower protective plate 600 is used to support and protect the membrane switch 500. The additional lower protective plate 600 attached to the bottom of the membrane switch 500 can provide auxiliary support and protection for the membrane switch 500. At the same time, since the membrane switch 500 is sandwiched between the two upper support plates 400 and the lower protective plate 600, functional problems caused by external force damage can also be avoided.

[0030] It should be noted that the keyboard can be equipped with a mounting structure for fixing the upper support plate 400 and the lower protective plate 600. For example, screws can be used to fasten the upper support plate 400 and the lower protective plate 600 to the keyboard. When using screws, corresponding holes (not shown in the figure) need to be reserved in the upper support plate 400 and the lower protective plate 600. The specific assembly method is not limited here.

[0031] In this embodiment, both the lower protective plate 600 and the upper support plate 400 are made of rigid materials. The lower protective plate 600 and the upper support plate 400 are preferably made of iron materials, but this is not a limitation.

[0032] In this embodiment, please refer to Figures 2-4 As shown, the key module includes a keycap 100, scissor-switch feet 200, and silicone bumps 300. The scissor-switch feet 200 are installed between the keycap 100 and the upper support plate 400. The bottom of the keycap 100 and the top of the upper support plate 400 are respectively provided with an upper connecting rib 110 and a lower connecting rib 410 connected to the scissor-switch feet 200. By using the cooperation of the lower connecting rib 410 and the upper connecting rib 110, the scissor-switch feet 200 can be combined with the keycap 100 and the upper support plate 400 for operation. The scissor-switch feet 200 are designed to allow users to get a smooth feel no matter where they press the key module.

[0033] In this embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the silicone bump 300 is correspondingly disposed on the conductive contact of the membrane switch 500. The keycap 100 and the scissor pin 200 together form an accommodating space for receiving the silicone bump 300. A through groove 420 is provided on the upper support plate 400 to allow the silicone bump 300 to pass through. The silicone bump 300 can pass through the through groove 420 on the upper support plate 400 and directly contact the membrane switch 500. After the upper support plate 400 is placed above the membrane switch 500, it will not affect the normal use of the input device.

[0034] In summary, this embodiment innovatively changes the assembly method and structural design of existing input devices, directly attaching the membrane switch 500 to the underside of the upper support plate 400, and adding a lower protective plate 600 below the membrane switch 500. This allows for the free and non-destructive separation and disassembly of parts during membrane switch maintenance, and the double-layer rigid plate structure also provides protection and support for the membrane switch 500.

[0035] 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 and improvements 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. A device for achieving non-destructive support and protection of membrane switches, comprising a key module and a membrane switch, characterized in that, The membrane switch has an upper support plate attached to its top, and the button module is installed on the top of the upper support plate. The membrane switch has a lower protective plate attached to its bottom, which is used to support and protect the membrane switch.

2. The device for achieving non-destructive support and protection of membrane switches as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The key module includes keycaps, scissor-switch feet, and silicone bumps. The scissor-switch feet are installed between the keycaps and the upper support plate. The bottom of the keycaps and the top of the upper support plate are respectively provided with upper connecting ribs and lower connecting ribs that are connected to the scissor-switch feet.

3. The device for achieving non-destructive support and protection of membrane switches as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The silicone bumps are correspondingly disposed on the conductive contacts of the membrane switch, and the keycap and the scissor pins together form an accommodating space for receiving the silicone bumps.

4. The device for achieving non-destructive support and protection of membrane switches as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The upper support plate has a through groove that allows the silicone protrusions to pass through.

5. The device for achieving non-destructive support and protection of membrane switches as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Both the lower protective plate and the upper support plate are made of rigid materials.

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