A membrane key with bidirectional circuit switching

Abstract

This utility model discloses a bidirectional circuit switching membrane button, comprising: a flexible base layer with a first conductive contact and a second conductive contact thereon; a seesaw-type movable layer, hinged to the base layer in the middle via an elastic fulcrum, and having a first pressing part and a second pressing part corresponding to the first and second conductive contacts at both ends; and a waterproof sealing layer covering the base layer and the movable layer, with an annular groove on its edge for fixed installation. The seesaw-type movable layer design enables bidirectional circuit switching, allowing flexible control of different circuit on / off states; the conductive contacts and pressing parts precisely correspond to each other, ensuring accurate contact during pressing and reducing circuit failures; the waterproof sealing layer covers the outside of the button, effectively preventing moisture, dust, and other impurities from entering and protecting the internal structure; the waterproof sealing layer reduces impact and damage to the internal structure of the button from external objects; and the annular groove on the edge of the waterproof sealing layer facilitates quick and stable installation of the button on the device, ensuring its firmness.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of membrane keypad technology, specifically a bidirectional circuit switching membrane keypad. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of electronic switches, membrane keypads, as an electronic control system that integrates panel decoration and switching functions, have been widely used in various fields such as home appliances, medical equipment, CNC machine tools, communication instruments, and military electronics. However, with the continuous development of electronic products and the increasing diversification of user needs, traditional membrane keypads have gradually revealed some shortcomings in circuit switching.

[0003] Traditional membrane buttons typically only provide unidirectional circuit switching control: the circuit is connected when the button is pressed and disconnected when it is released. This unidirectional switching method limits the functional expansion of electronic products and the improvement of user experience. Especially in applications requiring bidirectional circuit switching, such as specific control logic or complex circuit designs, traditional membrane buttons struggle to meet the demands.

[0004] Furthermore, traditional membrane buttons may suffer from slow switching speeds and unresponsiveness during circuit switching. These issues not only affect the overall performance of electronic products but may also negatively impact the user experience.

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, this technology proposes a seesaw-type bidirectional circuit switching membrane key. Through a unique seesaw structure design, this membrane key achieves bidirectional circuit switching functionality in different key positions, thus overcoming the shortcomings of traditional membrane keys in circuit switching. Simultaneously, this membrane key optimizes the circuit switching speed and response sensitivity, further enhancing the performance of electronic products and the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To overcome the shortcomings of existing technical solutions, this utility model provides a bidirectional circuit switching membrane key, which can effectively solve the problem of slow switching speed of traditional membrane keys mentioned in the background art.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is: a membrane key with bidirectional circuit switching, comprising:

[0008] A flexible substrate layer on which a first conductive contact and a second conductive contact are provided;

[0009] The seesaw-type movable layer is hinged to the base layer in the middle through an elastic fulcrum, and has a first pressing part and a second pressing part at both ends corresponding to the first and second conductive contacts, respectively.

[0010] A waterproof sealing layer is wrapped around the outside of the base layer and the active layer, and its edge is provided with an annular groove for fixed installation.

[0011] Furthermore, when the first pressing part is pressed down, the first conductive contact is turned on, and at the same time, the second pressing part is lifted up to disconnect the second conductive contact, thus forming a mechanical interlock.

[0012] Furthermore, the elastic fulcrum is a silicone cylinder with a height of 0.5-1.2mm and a diameter of 2-3mm, providing a restoring elastic force.

[0013] Furthermore, the surface of the waterproof sealing layer is provided with an array of flow-guiding protrusions, with a protrusion height of 0.1-0.3mm and a spacing of 0.5-1mm.

[0014] Furthermore, the travel difference between the two ends of the active layer is 0.3-0.8mm to ensure the clarity of the contact opening and closing.

[0015] Furthermore, the first conductive contact and the second conductive contact are provided with protrusions to enhance the connection.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0017] The seesaw-style movable layer design enables bidirectional circuit switching, allowing for flexible control of different circuit on / off states and meeting the needs of complex circuit control.

[0018] The conductive contacts precisely correspond to the pressing part, ensuring accurate contact when pressed, achieving reliable circuit conduction, and reducing circuit failures.

[0019] A waterproof sealing layer covers the outside of the buttons, effectively preventing moisture, dust and other impurities from entering, protecting the internal structure and extending service life.

[0020] The waterproof sealant reduces the impact and damage to the internal structure of the button from external objects.

[0021] The annular groove at the edge of the waterproof seal layer facilitates quick and stable installation of the buttons on the equipment, ensuring a secure fit and preventing loosening or detachment. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural view of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the waterproof sealing layer structure of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of the A-structure.

[0026] Numbering on the map:

[0027] 1-Flexible base layer, 2-Active layer, 3-Waterproof sealing layer, 11-First conductive contact, 12-Second conductive contact, 13-Protrusion, 21-Elastic fulcrum, 22-First pressing part, 23-Second pressing part, 31-Annular groove, 32-Guiding protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this disclosure from the content disclosed in this specification. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this disclosure, and not all of them. This disclosure can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and the details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features in the embodiments can be combined with each other. Based on the embodiments in this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Example

[0030] like Figure 1-4 As shown, this utility model provides a membrane key for bidirectional circuit switching, comprising:

[0031] A flexible substrate layer 1 is provided with a first conductive contact 11 and a second conductive contact 12 thereon;

[0032] The seesaw-type movable layer 2 is hinged to the base layer in the middle through an elastic fulcrum 21, and has a first pressing part 22 and a second pressing part 23 at both ends corresponding to the first and second conductive contacts, respectively.

[0033] A waterproof sealing layer 3 is wrapped around the outside of the base layer and the active layer 2, and its edge is provided with an annular groove 31 for fixed installation.

[0034] The seesaw-type movable layer 2 is the core of this button's bidirectional circuit switching design. When the first pressing part 22 at one end of the movable layer 2 is pressed, that end moves downward, causing the first pressing part 22 to contact the corresponding first conductive contact 11 on the base layer, thereby connecting the circuit connected to the first conductive contact 11. Simultaneously, the second pressing part 23 at the other end of the movable layer 2 tilts upward, separating from the second conductive contact 12, disconnecting the circuit connected to the second conductive contact 12. Conversely, when the second pressing part 23 at the other end is pressed, the circuit connected to the second conductive contact 12 is connected, and the circuit connected to the first conductive contact 11 is disconnected, allowing for flexible control of the on / off states of different circuits to meet various complex circuit control requirements.

[0035] The first conductive contact 11 and the second conductive contact 12 on the flexible substrate layer 1 precisely correspond to the first pressing part 22 and the second pressing part 23 on the active layer 2, ensuring accurate contact during pressing and achieving reliable circuit conduction. This guarantees the stability and reliability of the button and reduces circuit failures caused by poor contact.

[0036] The waterproof sealing layer 3 covers the outside of the base layer and the active layer 2, effectively preventing moisture, dust, and other impurities from entering the button. In humid and dusty environments, such as outdoor electronic devices and industrial control equipment, the waterproof sealing layer 3 can protect the conductive contacts and active layer 2 inside the button from the influence of the external environment, extending the button's service life.

[0037] In addition to being waterproof and dustproof, the waterproof sealing layer 3 also provides a certain degree of cushioning and protection, reducing the impact and damage of external objects on the internal structure of the button.

[0038] The annular groove 31 on the edge of the waterproof sealing layer 3 facilitates the fixed installation of the button. By engaging the annular groove 31 with the corresponding mounting structure on the device, the button can be quickly and stably installed. This design not only facilitates installation but also ensures the button's secure installation on the device, preventing it from loosening or falling off during use.

[0039] When the first pressing part 22 is pressed down, it connects the first conductive contact 11, while the second pressing part 23 is lifted up and disconnects the second conductive contact 12, forming a mechanical interlock.

[0040] The mechanical interlock design provides clear operational feedback to the user. When the user presses the first pressing part 22, they can visually see the second pressing part 23 rise, indicating that the first conductive contact 11 is closed and the second conductive contact 12 is open. This visual feedback mechanism helps users avoid accidental operation and ensures operational accuracy.

[0041] Among them, the elastic fulcrum 21 is a silicone cylinder with a height of 0.5-1.2mm and a diameter of 2-3mm, providing a restoring elastic force.

[0042] The elastic fulcrum 21 made of silicone material has a certain degree of flexibility and elasticity. When the user presses the button, they can feel appropriate resistance. This resistance feedback allows the user to clearly know whether the button has been pressed and to what extent. Appropriate pressure feedback can improve the user's operating experience, allowing the user to control the button operation more precisely.

[0043] See Figure 3 The surface of the waterproof sealing layer 3 is provided with an array of flow-guiding protrusions 32, with a protrusion height of 0.1-0.3mm and a spacing of 0.5-1mm.

[0044] When liquid splashes onto the surface of the waterproof seal layer 3, the array of guide protrusions 32 alters the liquid's flow path. The liquid flows through the grooves formed between the protrusions, guiding it to quickly flow away from the button surface and reducing its residence time.

[0045] The travel difference between the two ends of the active layer 2 is 0.3-0.8mm, ensuring the clarity of the contact opening and closing.

[0046] In circuit control, a semi-conducting state is unstable and can lead to malfunctions. If the travel difference between the two ends of the active layer 2 is too small, during the pressing and switching process, one conductive contact may not be completely disconnected while the other is partially contacted, resulting in the circuit being in a semi-conducting state. This will cause unstable current in the circuit, resulting in voltage fluctuations and affecting the normal operation of the equipment. A travel difference of 0.3-0.8mm can effectively avoid this situation, ensuring that one conductive contact is completely disconnected before the other conductive contact reliably conducts, achieving precise circuit switching.

[0047] See Figure 4 The first conductive contact 11 and the second conductive contact 12 are provided with protrusions 13 to enhance the connection.

[0048] The presence of protrusion 13 makes the contact area between the conductive contacts relatively concentrated and tighter. When current passes through the conductive contacts, if the contact is poor, the contact resistance will increase, leading to increased energy loss and possibly even local overheating, affecting the normal operation of the equipment.

[0049] During frequent button presses, the conductive contacts may be affected by vibration and impact, causing them to loosen. The raised point 13 increases the friction and engagement between the contacts, making them less prone to loosening under external force.

[0050] When the button is subjected to a large pressing force, the protrusion 13 can disperse the pressure and prevent the conductive contact from deforming or being damaged due to excessive local force.

[0051] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "middle", "length", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation 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.

[0052] In this invention, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the first feature "on" the second feature may be in direct contact with the first feature, or indirect contact with the first feature through an intermediate medium. "A plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise expressly and specifically limited.

[0053] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0054] The above description is merely illustrative of the embodiments of this utility model and is not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model without creative labor should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A bidirectional circuit-switched thin film button, characterized in that, include: A flexible substrate layer on which a first conductive contact and a second conductive contact are provided; The seesaw-type movable layer is hinged to the base layer in the middle through an elastic fulcrum, and has a first pressing part and a second pressing part at both ends corresponding to the first and second conductive contacts, respectively. A waterproof sealing layer is wrapped around the outside of the base layer and the active layer, and its edge is provided with an annular groove for fixed installation.

2. A bi-directional circuit switched thin film button according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the first pressing part is pressed down, the first conductive contact is turned on, and at the same time the second pressing part is lifted up to disconnect the second conductive contact, thus forming a mechanical interlock.

3. A bi-directional circuit switched thin film button according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic fulcrum is a silicone cylinder with a height of 0.5-1.2mm and a diameter of 2-3mm, providing a restoring elastic force.

4. A bi-stable membrane key according to claim 1, wherein: The surface of the waterproof sealing layer is provided with an array of flow-guiding protrusions, with a protrusion height of 0.1-0.3mm and a spacing of 0.5-1mm.

5. A membrane key for bidirectional circuit switching according to claim 1, characterized in that: The travel difference between the two ends of the active layer is 0.3-0.8mm, ensuring the clarity of the contact opening and closing.

6. A bi-stable membrane key according to claim 1, wherein: The first and second conductive contacts are provided with protrusions to enhance the connection.

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