A flexible membrane switch

Abstract

The utility model discloses a bendable membrane switch, including face mask, first double -faced adhesive layer, fixed layer, second double -faced adhesive layer, circuit layer and back adhesive layer are sequentially laminated and arranged below the face mask. The utility model discloses through the sheet structure of interval arrangement is used to first double -faced adhesive layer and second double -faced adhesive layer, and the cavity is formed on the window and the lamp window top, and the overall structure of membrane switch is given very high flexibility, in particular, the bending area specially configured on the face mask makes the switch can easily realize the deformation of minimum 3 millimeter bending radius and 90 degrees bending angle, this characteristic completely solves the problem that traditional membrane switch cannot closely adhere to small bending radius, arc or complex curved surface equipment because of hard texture, it not only eliminates the appearance and function defects such as not practical, warping and so on caused by forcible installation, more importantly, it is not necessary to use the splicing scheme again to destroy the integrity and the appearance of product.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of membrane switch technology, and in particular to a flexible membrane switch. Background Technology

[0002] A membrane switch is an integrated operating system combining button functionality, indicating elements, and an instrument panel. It consists of four parts: a panel, an upper circuit, an insulating layer, and a lower circuit. When the membrane switch is pressed, the contacts in the upper circuit deform downwards, making contact with the plates in the lower circuit to conduct electricity. When the finger is released, the contacts in the upper circuit rebound, breaking the circuit and triggering a signal. Membrane switches have a robust structure, an attractive appearance, and excellent sealing. They are moisture-proof and have a long service life. They are widely used in electronic communications, electronic measurement instruments, industrial control, medical equipment, the automotive industry, smart toys, and home appliances.

[0003] However, existing membrane switches are relatively rigid and lack flexibility, making them suitable for installation on the exterior of flat equipment. For flat surfaces with small bending radii and angles, they are prone to poor fit and warping. If splicing membrane switches is used, it will affect the overall integrity and aesthetics of the product. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by proposing a flexible membrane switch.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a flexible membrane switch, comprising a face film, wherein a first double-sided adhesive layer, a fixing layer, a second double-sided adhesive layer, a circuit layer and a backing adhesive layer are sequentially stacked on the underside of the face film.

[0006] As a further description of the above technical solution: the mask is provided with a viewing window, a light window, a bending area that allows the membrane switch to bend, and a button area. The bending area of ​​the mask is configured to allow the membrane switch to bend along it, with a minimum bending radius of 3 mm and a minimum bending angle of 90 degrees.

[0007] As a further description of the above technical solution: the first double-sided adhesive layer includes a plurality of first double-sided adhesive sheets spaced apart, and these first double-sided adhesive sheets form first cavities corresponding to the viewing window, light window and button area of ​​the mask, respectively. The bending area of ​​the first double-sided adhesive layer is provided with a second adhesive sheet, and the second adhesive sheet is provided with a second cavity.

[0008] As a further description of the above technical solution: the fixing layer is provided with a third cavity and a fourth cavity at the positions corresponding to the viewing window, light window and button position of the mask, and is provided with a cavity structure corresponding to the first double-sided adhesive layer.

[0009] As a further description of the above technical solution: the second double-sided adhesive layer includes a plurality of second double-sided adhesive sheets spaced apart. These second double-sided adhesive sheets are provided with a fifth cavity and a sixth cavity corresponding to the viewing window, the light window and the button. A cavity with an air groove is provided at the spring position corresponding to the circuit layer. The bending area of ​​the second double-sided adhesive layer is provided with a first adhesive sheet, and a seventh cavity is provided in the first adhesive sheet.

[0010] As a further description of the above technical solution: the circuit layer is provided with a first cavity corresponding to the viewing window and the light window, an LED light, a touch plate and a connecting line, and the bending area of ​​the circuit layer is provided with an eighth cavity.

[0011] As a further description of the above technical solution: the adhesive layer is provided with a ninth cavity at the connection line position of the circuit layer, and is provided with a cavity structure corresponding to the circuit layer.

[0012] This utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0013] 1. Compared with existing technologies, this flexible membrane switch, through the use of a sheet-like structure with spaced intervals between the first and second double-sided adhesive layers, and the formation of cavities above the viewing window and the light window, endows the overall structure of the membrane switch with extremely high flexibility. Specifically, the specially configured bending area on the membrane allows the switch to easily achieve a minimum bending radius of 3 mm and a bending angle of 90 degrees. This feature completely solves the problem that traditional membrane switches, due to their rigid texture, cannot be tightly fitted to devices with small bending radii, curved surfaces, or complex curved surfaces. It not only eliminates the appearance and functional defects such as poor fit and warping caused by forced installation, but more importantly, it eliminates the need for splicing solutions that compromise the integrity and aesthetics of the product.

[0014] 2. Compared with existing technologies, this flexible membrane switch, through a precise layered structure design, ensures the product's structural stability, durability, and functional integrity. The fixing layer provides the main load-bearing framework, working in conjunction with the first and second double-sided adhesive layers bonded at intervals. This ensures a strong bond between the layers, preventing interlayer peeling under repeated bending, and also disperses deformation stress to the pre-designed flexible area, thereby protecting the core functional components. The air-grooved cavity in the circuit layer's spring position on the second double-sided adhesive sheet ensures smooth airflow when the button is pressed, providing clear and sensitive tactile feedback and effectively extending the lifespan of the spring. Simultaneously, the rational layout of LEDs, touchpads, and connecting lines on the circuit layer, along with the precise cavity design of each layer's corresponding functional areas, ensures that all basic functions, such as light transmission through the viewing window, clear indication, and reliable circuit conduction, are unaffected by bending performance. The final encapsulation with the backing adhesive layer further enhances the overall sealing and moisture-proof capabilities. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a top sectional view of the overall structure of a flexible membrane switch proposed in this utility model;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a front view of the overall structure of a flexible membrane switch according to the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a front view of the overall structure of the first double-sided adhesive layer of a flexible membrane switch proposed in this utility model.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a front view of the overall structure of the fixing layer of a flexible membrane switch proposed in this utility model.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a front view of the overall structure of the second double-sided adhesive layer of a flexible membrane switch proposed in this utility model.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a front view of the overall structure of the feed channel of a flexible membrane switch proposed in this utility model;

[0021] Figure 7 This is a front view of the overall structure of the adhesive backing layer of a flexible membrane switch proposed in this utility model.

[0022] Legend:

[0023] 1. Face mask; 2. First double-sided adhesive layer; 3. Fixing layer; 4. Second double-sided adhesive layer; 5. Circuit layer; 6. Backing adhesive layer; 7. Viewing window; 8. Connecting wire; 9. Lamp window; 10. LED light; 11. Spring contact; 12. Bending area; 13. First film; 14. Second film; 15. Button; 16. First cavity; 17. Second cavity; 18. Third cavity; 19. Fourth cavity; 20. Fifth cavity; 21. Sixth cavity; 22. Seventh cavity; 23. Eighth cavity; 24. Touch plate; 25. Ninth cavity. Detailed Implementation

[0024] 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.

[0025] Reference Figures 1 to 7This utility model provides a flexible membrane switch, comprising a face film 1, which is screen-printed using PU ink. A first double-sided adhesive layer 2, a fixing layer 3, a second double-sided adhesive layer 4, a circuit layer 5, and a backing adhesive layer 6 are sequentially stacked below the face film 1. The face film 1 has a viewing window 7, a light window 9, a bending area 12 allowing the membrane switch to bend, and a button area 15. The bending area 12 of the face film 1 is configured to allow the membrane switch to bend along it, with a minimum bending radius of 3 mm and a minimum bending angle of 90 degrees. The first double-sided adhesive layer 2 includes multiple spaced first double-sided adhesive sheets, which respectively form first cavities 16 corresponding to the viewing window 7, light window 9, and button area 15 of the face film 1. The bending area 12 of the first double-sided adhesive layer 2 has a second adhesive sheet 14, which has a second cavity 17. The fixing layer 3 has a corresponding second adhesive sheet 14. The membrane 1 has a third cavity 18 and a fourth cavity 19 at the viewing window 7, the light window 9, and the button 15, and has a cavity structure corresponding to the first double-sided adhesive layer 2. The second double-sided adhesive layer 4 includes multiple spaced second double-sided films. These second double-sided films have a fifth cavity 20 and a sixth cavity 21 corresponding to the viewing window 7, the light window 9, and the button 15. A cavity with an air groove is provided at the position of the spring 11 of the circuit layer 5. The bending area 12 of the second double-sided adhesive layer 4 has a first film 13, and a seventh cavity 22 is provided in the first film 13. The circuit layer 5 has a first cavity 16 corresponding to the viewing window 7 and the light window 9, an LED light 10, a touch pad 24, and a connecting line 8. The bending area 12 of the circuit layer 5 has an eighth cavity 23. The backing adhesive layer 6 has a ninth cavity 25 at the position of the connecting line 8 of the circuit layer 5, and has a cavity structure corresponding to the circuit layer 5.

[0026] Working principle: The face mask 1 serves as the user interface and outermost protection; it defines the button area 15, the information display window 7, and the light-transmitting window 9; most importantly, it is designed to include one or more bending areas 12; the material and structure of this area are specially optimized, possessing extremely high flexibility and fatigue resistance, which is the basis for the entire switch to be repeatedly bent without breaking or malfunctioning; the first double-sided adhesive layer 2 consists of multiple spaced-apart first double-sided adhesive sheets; it is responsible for bonding the face mask 1 to the underlying fixing layer 3; its "spaced-apart" arrangement is crucial, the gaps between the adhesive sheets provide deformation space for the bending of the face mask 1, avoiding excessive stress on the entire adhesive layer during bending, thus making bending smoother and easier; the fixing layer 3 is usually made of a material with a certain rigidity and strength (such as PET), providing the main load-bearing structure and shape retention for the entire switch; the space on it... The cavity corresponds to the upper and lower adhesive layer cavities, avoiding unnecessary hard spots in non-adhesive areas, and also providing a transparent path for the viewing window 7 and the light window 9; the second double-sided adhesive layer 4 is also composed of spaced second double-sided adhesive sheets, responsible for bonding the fixing layer 3 and the circuit layer 5; in addition to the cavity corresponding to the viewing window 7 and the light window 9, it has a cavity with an air groove at the position of the spring 11 of the circuit layer 5; this design is crucial for the feel of the button 15. The circuit layer 5 is the core of the switch. It forms the connecting lines 8 and the contact pad 24 of silver paste or carbon paste on a flexible film (such as polyimide PI) through printing process, and installs the LED light 10; its cavity design is also to avoid the viewing window 7 and the light window 9; the back adhesive layer 6 is the bottom layer of the entire switch, used to stick the entire membrane switch to the panel of the target device; its cavity structure avoids the circuit of the circuit layer 5, ensuring flat adhesion and playing a final sealing role;

[0027] When a membrane switch needs to be installed on a device with an arc surface or a small radius of curvature, external force causes the membrane switch to bend along the pre-set bending area 12 on the membrane 1. Since the first and second double-sided adhesive layers 4 are bonded separately rather than as a whole, the stress generated by bending is effectively distributed between these spaced and relatively independent films. The gaps between the films allow each layer of material (especially the membrane 1 and the circuit layer 5) to undergo small, independent displacements and deformations without causing peeling or wrinkling between layers. The fixing layer 3 acts as a skeleton and also has a certain degree of flexibility in the bending area 12, which is consistent with the flexibility of the upper and lower layers. The adhesive bonding methods work together to achieve a smooth bend; ultimately, through the backing adhesive layer 6, the entire switch can perfectly conform to a complex curved surface with a 3mm radius and a 90-degree angle, eliminating the warping phenomenon of traditional rigid switches; when the user presses the button 15 area of ​​the membrane switch, the finger pressure is applied to the button 15 area of ​​the membrane 1, and the pressure is transmitted to the circuit layer 5 through the gaps in the first double-sided adhesive layer 2 and the cavity in the fixing layer 3; the spring 11 (usually a metal spring 11 or a polyester spring 11) above the circuit layer 5 deforms downward under pressure, so that the contact point at its center contacts the corresponding contact pad 24 of the lower circuit. This allows the circuit to be activated. During the pressing of the spring 11, the air beneath it needs to be quickly expelled through the air groove on the second double-sided adhesive film. Similarly, when the finger is released and the spring 11 needs to rebound, air flows in quickly through this air groove to fill the vacuum, preventing the air from being compressed and forming an air cushion, which would cause the button 15 to feel soft or require greater pressing force. This allows the spring 11 to complete the pressing and rebounding quickly and cleanly, providing the user with clear tactile feedback. At the same time, it prevents the spring 11 from being hindered in the vacuum and from being fatigued and damaged due to excessive stress. After the circuit is activated, the connected controller (such as an MCU) will detect... The change in this circuit triggers a corresponding instruction signal. When the finger is released, the spring 11 returns to its original shape due to its elasticity, the circuit is broken, and a complete button 15 operation is completed. When the circuit is triggered or the system needs to issue an instruction, the LED 10 on the circuit layer 5 is lit. The light emitted by the LED passes through the cavity between the second double-sided adhesive layer 4 and the fixing layer 3, and then through the cavity of the first double-sided adhesive layer 2. Finally, it is transmitted through the transparent light window 9 or the corresponding marked area on the mask 1 to provide visual feedback to the user. The working principle of the window 7 is similar, allowing the user to observe the device screen or internal status.

[0028] 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 flexible membrane switch, comprising a face mask (1), characterized in that: The mask (1) is provided with a first double-sided adhesive layer (2), a fixing layer (3), a second double-sided adhesive layer (4), a circuit layer (5) and a backing adhesive layer (6) stacked in sequence below it.

2. The flexible membrane switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mask (1) is provided with a viewing window (7), a light window (9), a bending area (12) that allows the membrane switch to bend, and a button (15) area. The bending area (12) of the mask (1) is configured to allow the membrane switch to bend along it, with a minimum bending radius of 3 mm and a minimum bending angle of 90 degrees.

3. The flexible membrane switch according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first double-sided adhesive layer (2) includes a plurality of first double-sided adhesive sheets spaced apart. These first double-sided adhesive sheets form first cavities (16) corresponding to the viewing window (7), light window (9) and button (15) areas of the face film (1). The bending area (12) of the first double-sided adhesive layer (2) is provided with a second adhesive sheet (14), and a second cavity (17) is provided in the second adhesive sheet (14).

4. The flexible membrane switch according to claim 2, characterized in that: The fixing layer (3) is provided with a third cavity (18) and a fourth cavity (19) corresponding to the viewing window (7) and light window (9) of the mask (1) and the button (15) position, and is provided with a cavity structure corresponding to the first double-sided adhesive layer (2).

5. The flexible membrane switch according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second double-sided adhesive layer (4) includes a plurality of second double-sided films spaced apart. These second double-sided films are provided with a fifth cavity (20) and a sixth cavity (21) corresponding to the viewing window (7), the light window (9), and the button (15). A cavity with an air groove is provided at the position of the spring piece (11) of the circuit layer (5). The bending area (12) of the second double-sided adhesive layer (4) is provided with a first film (13), and a seventh cavity (22) is provided in the first film (13).

6. The flexible membrane switch according to claim 3, characterized in that: The circuit layer (5) is provided with the first cavity (16) corresponding to the viewing window (7) and the lamp window (9), the LED lamp (10), the touch plate (24) and the connecting line (8), and the bending area (12) of the circuit layer (5) is provided with an eighth cavity (23).

7. The flexible membrane switch according to claim 6, characterized in that: The adhesive backing layer (6) is provided with a ninth cavity (25) at the position of the connection line (8) of the circuit layer (5), and is provided with a cavity structure corresponding to the circuit layer (5).

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