A laminating jig for a membrane switch

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of laminating jigs of membrane switch, including vacuum pump and the upper gasket plate and lower gasket plate rotatably connected by rotating mechanism, and the upper gasket plate is fixedly connected with upper die plate by screw.The utility model, by setting vacuum suction system and precision positioning mechanism, reliable fixing and accurate alignment in the laminating process of workpiece are realized, effectively solve the misplacement caused by inaccurate positioning in prior art, bubble wrinkle caused by air residue, and the problem such as low yield caused by workpiece displacement, significantly improve laminating quality and production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of membrane switch manufacturing technology, and in particular to a bonding fixture for membrane switches. Background Technology

[0002] Membrane switches, as a widely used human-machine interface, have seen increasingly mature manufacturing processes. One of the key steps in this production process is the precise, efficient, and bubble-free bonding of the membrane layer to the circuit switch layer. Early methods relied heavily on manual alignment and bonding by operators. However, with increasing demands for product quality and efficiency, the industry has gradually developed technologies using fixtures for assisted positioning and bonding. From simple positioning slots to tooling with preliminary pressing functions, these fixtures are constantly evolving to improve the level of automation and product yield.

[0003] However, many existing bonding fixtures still have significant drawbacks in practical use. First, their positioning accuracy is often insufficient, relying heavily on simple visual alignment or mechanical stops. This can easily lead to minor misalignments during mold closing, causing the membrane switch contacts and button centers to misalign, affecting the user experience and even causing functional failure. Second, during bonding, it is difficult to effectively remove air between the membrane and the switch layer, easily resulting in appearance defects such as bubbles and wrinkles, leading to product defects. Furthermore, existing fixtures lack effective means of securing the workpiece after placement, allowing the workpiece to shift during mold closing, further exacerbating misalignment and bonding quality problems, ultimately affecting production efficiency and first-pass yield.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to improve and optimize the structure of existing membrane switch bonding fixtures. Through innovative design, the shortcomings in positioning accuracy, vacuum adsorption and degassing, and workpiece fixation reliability can be fundamentally solved in order to meet the ever-increasing production quality requirements. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by proposing a bonding fixture for membrane switches.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a bonding fixture for a membrane switch, comprising a vacuum pump and an upper pad and a lower pad rotatably connected by a rotating mechanism, wherein the upper pad is fixedly connected to an upper template by screws, and the lower pad is fixedly connected to a lower template by screws;

[0007] A first cavity is formed between the upper pad and the upper template, and a first cavity is formed between the lower pad and the lower template. The side walls of the upper pad and the lower pad are fixedly connected to air pipe connectors that communicate with the interior of their respective first cavities. The air pipe connectors are connected to a vacuum pump through a negative pressure pipe.

[0008] The upper template has a second cavity for accommodating the switch assembly on the side facing the lower template, and the lower template has a third cavity for accommodating the mask assembly on the side facing the upper template; the top wall of the second cavity and the bottom wall of the third cavity are evenly provided with a plurality of air intake holes with a diameter of 1mm, which are respectively connected to the first cavity on the corresponding side.

[0009] It also includes a precision positioning mechanism, which includes a first pin disposed in the upper pad and the upper template, and a second pin hole disposed in the lower pad and the lower template and adapted to the first pin; when the upper template and the lower template are closed, the lower end of the first pin is inserted into the second pin hole to achieve positioning.

[0010] As a further description of the above technical solution:

[0011] The rotating mechanism is a bearing hinge, which is located on the rear wall of the upper and lower pads.

[0012] As a further description of the above technical solution:

[0013] A handle is fixedly installed on the upper wall of the upper pad, near the front wall.

[0014] As a further description of the above technical solution:

[0015] A sealing groove is provided between the upper pad and the upper template, and between the lower pad and the lower template, and a sealing strip is embedded in the sealing groove.

[0016] As a further description of the above technical solution:

[0017] The top wall of the second cavity is provided with a fourth cavity for avoiding the switch assembly structure, and the bottom wall of the third cavity is provided with a fifth cavity for avoiding the mask assembly button; the plurality of air intake holes are evenly distributed in the peripheral areas of the fourth cavity and the fifth cavity.

[0018] As a further description of the above technical solution:

[0019] The upper pad and the upper template are provided with a first pin hole, the first pin is provided on the inner side wall of the first pin hole, and the lower end of the first pin protrudes 1~2mm from the lower surface of the upper template.

[0020] As a further description of the above technical solution:

[0021] A second pin is provided on the inner wall of the second pin hole, and the upper end of the second pin is 2-3 mm lower than the upper wall of the lower template.

[0022] This utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0023] Compared with existing technologies, this membrane switch bonding fixture, by setting up a vacuum adsorption system and a precision positioning mechanism, achieves reliable fixation and precise alignment of the workpiece during the bonding process. It effectively solves the problems of misalignment caused by inaccurate positioning, air bubbles and wrinkles caused by air residue, and low yield caused by workpiece displacement in existing technologies, and significantly improves bonding quality and production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a bonding fixture for a membrane switch proposed in this utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a bonding fixture for a membrane switch proposed in this utility model;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the upper pad structure of a bonding fixture for a membrane switch proposed in this utility model;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the lower pad structure of a bonding fixture for a membrane switch proposed in this utility model.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the upper template structure of a bonding fixture for a membrane switch proposed in this utility model;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the lower template structure of a bonding fixture for a membrane switch proposed in this utility model.

[0030] Legend:

[0031] 1. Upper pad; 2. Lower pad; 3. Upper template; 4. Lower template; 5. Rotating mechanism; 6. Pull handle; 7. Air pipe connector; 8. Negative pressure pipe; 9. Sealing strip; 10. First cavity; 1101. First pin hole; 1102. Second pin hole; 1201. First pin; 1202. Second pin; 13. Second cavity; 14. Third cavity; 15. Fourth cavity; 16. Fifth cavity; 17. Suction hole. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0033] Reference Figures 1 to 6 This utility model provides a membrane switch bonding fixture.

[0034] To achieve stable opening and closing and convenient operation of the fixture, the fixture includes an upper pad 1 and a lower pad 2 rotatably connected by a rotating mechanism 5. The rotating mechanism 5 is a bearing hinge and is located on the rear wall of the upper pad 1 and the lower pad 2. The upper pad 1 is fixedly connected to an upper template 3 by screws, and the lower pad 2 is fixedly connected to a lower template 4 by screws. A handle 6 is fixedly installed on the upper wall of the upper pad 1 near the front wall. With the above structure, the operator can pull the handle 6 to allow the upper part of the fixture (composed of the upper pad 1 and the upper template 3) to open and close smoothly like a book around the bearing hinge, greatly simplifying the operation process and providing convenience for loading and unloading workpieces.

[0035] To address the issues of workpiece displacement due to insecure fixation during bonding, and air bubbles and wrinkles caused by residual air, this fixture incorporates a vacuum adsorption system. Specifically, a first cavity 10 is formed between the upper pad 1 and the upper template 3, and a first cavity 10 is also formed between the lower pad 2 and the lower template 4. Air pipe connectors 7, which communicate with the interior of their respective first cavities 10, are fixedly connected to the side walls of both the upper pad 1 and the lower pad 2. These air pipe connectors 7 are connected to a vacuum pump via a negative pressure pipe 8. A second cavity 13 for accommodating a switch assembly is formed on the side of the upper template 3 facing the lower template 4, and a third cavity 14 for accommodating a mask assembly is formed on the side of the lower template 4 facing the upper template 3. Multiple suction holes 17, each with a diameter of 1 mm, are evenly distributed on the top wall of the second cavity 13 and the bottom wall of the third cavity 14, each communicating with the corresponding first cavity 10. When the vacuum pump is started, the negative pressure is transmitted to the first cavity 10 through the negative pressure pipe 8 and the air pipe connector 7, and finally acts on the switch assembly in the second cavity 13 and the mask assembly in the third cavity 14 through the densely distributed tiny air suction holes 17, so that they are flat and firmly adsorbed in their respective positions, effectively preventing any displacement during the molding process, and laying the foundation for completely eliminating the air between the two layers and achieving bubble-free bonding.

[0036] To ensure a tight seal between the upper and lower mold plates during mold closing and prevent vacuum leakage to guarantee the adsorption effect, sealing grooves are provided between the upper pad 1 and the upper mold plate 3, and between the lower pad 2 and the lower mold plate 4. Sealing strips 9 are embedded within these sealing grooves. Through this structure, the sealing strips 9 are compressed under the tightening force of the screws, forming a reliable sealing barrier around the first cavity 10. This ensures the stability of the internal negative pressure of the vacuum adsorption system during operation, thereby guaranteeing effective fixation of the workpiece.

[0037] To avoid protruding structures (such as electronic components or buttons) on the workpiece and prevent damage during mold closing, a fourth cavity 15 is provided on the top wall of the second cavity 13 to avoid the switch assembly structure, and a fifth cavity 16 is provided on the bottom wall of the third cavity 14 to avoid the button of the faceplate assembly. Furthermore, the aforementioned plurality of suction holes 17 are evenly distributed in the peripheral areas of the fourth cavity 15 and the fifth cavity 16. Through this structure, the fourth cavity 15 and the fifth cavity 16 provide accommodating space for protruding components, while the suction holes 17 in the peripheral areas effectively adsorb the flat main body of the workpiece, achieving both protection of precision components and overall workpiece fixation.

[0038] To achieve high-precision alignment of the fixture during mold closing and solve the misalignment problem caused by inaccurate positioning in existing technologies, this fixture also includes a precision positioning mechanism. This mechanism includes a first pin hole 1101 located within the upper pad 1 and the upper template 3, and a first pin 1201 located on the inner wall of the first pin hole 1101. The lower end of the first pin 1201 protrudes 1-2 mm from the lower surface of the upper template 3. Simultaneously, a second pin hole 1102, matching the first pin 1201, is located within the lower pad 2 and the lower template 4. The second pin 1202 is located on the inner wall of the second pin hole 1102, and the upper end of the second pin 1202 is 2-3 mm lower than the upper wall of the lower template 4. When the operator closes the fixture and the upper template 3 and lower template 4 are about to contact, the lower end of the first pin 1201 protruding from the upper template 3 will be guided into the second pin hole 1102 first, and precisely cooperate with the second pin 1202 therein. Through this hard positioning method, the upper and lower templates are forcibly guided to complete the final mold closing, ensuring that the alignment accuracy between the switch assembly and the mask assembly reaches the micron level, fundamentally eliminating the risk of misalignment.

[0039] Working principle

[0040] The working principle of this utility model is as follows:

[0041] Initially, the fixture is in the open position. The operator first places the mask component in the third cavity 14 of the lower template 4 and the switch component in the second cavity 13 of the upper template 3. Then, the vacuum pump is activated, and negative pressure, through the cavities and dense suction holes 17 inside the fixture, firmly adheres the two workpieces to their respective positions. Next, the operator closes the fixture using the handle 6. In the final stage of the closing process, the precision positioning mechanism activates, and the first pin 1201 precisely inserts into the second pin hole 1102, completing the final guidance and positioning, ensuring precise alignment of the upper template 3 and the lower template 4. Under this positioning guarantee, the upper template 3 and the lower template 4 are smoothly pressed together, allowing the adhered switch component and mask component to achieve precise, bubble-free adhesion under a preset pressure. After adhesion is complete, the vacuum pump is turned off to release the negative pressure, and the fixture can be opened to remove the finished product.

[0042] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. 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. A bonding fixture for a membrane switch, characterized in that: It includes a vacuum pump and an upper pad (1) and a lower pad (2) rotatably connected by a rotating mechanism (5). The upper pad (1) is fixedly connected to an upper template (3) by screws, and the lower pad (2) is fixedly connected to a lower template (4) by screws. A first cavity (10) is formed between the upper pad (1) and the upper template (3), and a first cavity (10) is formed between the lower pad (2) and the lower template (4). The side walls of the upper pad (1) and the lower pad (2) are fixedly connected with air pipe connectors (7) that are connected to the interior of their respective first cavities (10). The air pipe connectors (7) are connected to a vacuum pump through a negative pressure pipe (8). The upper template (3) has a second cavity (13) for accommodating the switch assembly on the side facing the lower template (4), and the lower template (4) has a third cavity (14) for accommodating the mask assembly on the side facing the upper template (3); the top wall of the second cavity (13) and the bottom wall of the third cavity (14) are evenly provided with a plurality of air intake holes (17) with a diameter of 1mm that are respectively connected to the first cavity (10) on the corresponding side. It also includes a precision positioning mechanism, which includes a first pin (1201) disposed in the upper pad (1) and the upper template (3), and a second pin hole (1102) disposed in the lower pad (2) and the lower template (4) and adapted to the first pin (1201); when the upper template (3) and the lower template (4) are closed, the lower end of the first pin (1201) is inserted into the second pin hole (1102) to achieve positioning.

2. The bonding fixture for a membrane switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating mechanism (5) is a bearing hinge, which is located on the rear wall of the upper pad (1) and the lower pad (2).

3. The bonding fixture for a membrane switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: A handle (6) is fixedly installed on the upper wall of the upper pad (1) near the front wall.

4. The bonding fixture for a membrane switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: A sealing groove is provided between the upper pad (1) and the upper template (3), and between the lower pad (2) and the lower template (4), and a sealing strip (9) is embedded in the sealing groove.

5. The bonding fixture for a membrane switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top wall of the second cavity (13) is provided with a fourth cavity (15) for avoiding the switch assembly structure, and the bottom wall of the third cavity (14) is provided with a fifth cavity (16) for avoiding the mask assembly button; the plurality of air holes (17) are evenly distributed in the peripheral areas of the fourth cavity (15) and the fifth cavity (16).

6. The bonding fixture for a membrane switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper pad (1) and the upper template (3) are provided with a first pin hole (1101), and the first pin (1201) is provided on the inner side wall of the first pin hole (1101). The lower end of the first pin (1201) protrudes 1~2mm from the lower surface of the upper template (3).

7. The bonding fixture for a membrane switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the second pin hole (1102) is provided with a second pin (1202), and the upper end of the second pin (1202) is 2-3 mm lower than the upper wall of the lower template (4).

Images