A waterproof key structure and electronic equipment

Abstract

The present invention provides a waterproof key structure and an electronic device, wherein the waterproof key structure comprises a key, including a pressing plate, a limiting portion arranged at the left and right ends of the pressing plate, and a pressing portion arranged between the limiting portions and close to the middle side of the pressing plate; a shell, comprising a via hole matched with the pressing portion, a first assembly groove connected to the via hole, and a second assembly groove arranged at both ends of the first assembly groove, wherein the first assembly groove and the second assembly groove are arranged at intervals and are not connected to each other; a sealing ring, which is sleeved outside the pressing portion and abuts against the inner wall of the via hole to close the via hole. The present invention only needs to seal the via hole connected to the first assembly groove, and the waterproof key structure can play a role of sealing and waterproofing. The waterproof key structure of the present invention reduces the number of via holes, reduces the threat of liquid leakage through the via holes, and thereby improves the sealing and waterproof properties of the waterproof key structure. At the same time, the structure is simple, easy to assemble, and easy to produce.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of waterproof key structures, and in particular to a waterproof key structure and electronic equipment. Background Art

[0002] With the development of science and technology, the use of various electronic devices has become more and more popular, such as mobile phones, tablets, electronic watches, and game consoles, etc., which have brought users a variety of different experiences and great convenience. As a result, the requirements for the performance of electronic devices under various environmental conditions are also constantly increasing, among which the waterproof performance of electronic devices is particularly important. The housing of the electronic device is generally provided with a button, and the electronic device is turned on or off or other adjustment operations are performed by pressing the button. Therefore, it is very necessary to provide a waterproof button.

[0003] For the structure of the existing waterproof button 200, please refer to Figure 1-Figure 3 , Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a waterproof button 200 in the prior art. Figure 2 for Figure 1 Partial exploded view of the waterproof button 200. Figure 3 for Figure 1 Exploded view of waterproof key 200. Waterproof key 200 includes a shell 210, a key 220, and a plastic cover 230. The key 220 is provided with two touch parts 221 and two limit parts 222 arranged parallel to the touch parts 221 and arranged between the two touch keys 221. The two keys 220 of the waterproof key 200 can be used to conduct two switch paths, such as the volume button of an electronic device, for adjusting the volume. The shell 210 is provided with four through holes M and an assembly slot N connected to one end of the four through holes M. After the two limit parts 222 and the two touch parts 221 pass through the corresponding through holes M respectively, the four ends all extend to the assembly slot N. The assembly slot N has a built-in switch electronic component, that is, a flexible circuit board P (FPC) in the figure. When the key 220 is pressed, the end of the touch part 221 on the key 220 extends toward the flexible circuit board P in the assembly slot N and touches the flexible circuit board P, conducting the internal circuit to achieve the switch function. In addition, the assembly slot N is sealed by a plastic cover 230 to isolate the key and the internal circuit.

[0004] In the above conventional waterproof key 200 structure, a flexible circuit board P is arranged in the assembly slot N, so the assembly slot N needs to be sealed to prevent liquid from entering. However, since the conventional waterproof key 200 is provided with four through holes M connected to the assembly slot N, any of the four through holes M has a sealing problem, and liquid will enter the assembly slot N. In summary, the existing waterproof key 200 is insufficient in its ability to resist water and sweat, which seriously affects the performance and life of the key, thereby shortening the service life of the electronic device.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a waterproof key structure and electronic equipment to solve the above defects. Summary of the invention

[0006] Based on this, the present invention provides a waterproof key structure and an electronic device. The waterproof key structure has good sealing performance, a simple structure, and is easy to assemble, and can solve the current defects.

[0007] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows: a waterproof key structure, the waterproof key structure comprising:

[0008] The button comprises a pressing plate, limiting parts arranged at the left and right ends of the pressing plate, and a pressing part arranged between the limiting parts and close to the middle side of the pressing plate, wherein the pressing part and the limiting part are arranged at a distance;

[0009] The housing comprises a through hole matched with the pressing portion and a first assembly groove connected to the through hole, the left and right ends of the first assembly groove are provided with second assembly grooves for accommodating the limiting portion, and the first assembly groove and the second assembly groove are arranged at intervals to ensure that the first assembly groove and the second assembly groove are not connected to each other;

[0010] A sealing ring, which is sleeved outside the pressing portion and abuts against the inner wall of the via hole to seal the via hole;

[0011] When the button is assembled to the shell, the pressing portion passes through the through hole and the end of the pressing portion extends to the first assembly groove, the sealing ring abuts against and seals the inner wall of the through hole, and the limiting portion is accommodated in the corresponding second assembly groove. When the button is pressed, the pressing portion extends toward the switch electronic component in the first assembly groove and touches the switch electronic component to turn on the switch.

[0012] Preferably, the waterproof button further includes a sealing cover sealingly matched with the first assembly groove and a sealing plug sealingly matched with the second assembly groove.

[0013] Preferably, the sealing plug is interference-fitted with the second assembly groove and abuts against and fixes the limiting portion;

[0014] The sealing cover is interference-fitted with the first assembly groove and abuts against and fixes the switch electronic component.

[0015] Preferably, the sealing cover and the sealing plug both include a protrusion, and the sealing cover and the sealing plug abut against the inner wall of the first assembly groove or the second assembly groove through the protrusion to achieve interference fit;

[0016] And / or, the sealing plug comprises a first relief portion for facilitating assembly;

[0017] And / or, the sealing plug includes a step surface, and the step surface abuts against the limiting portion so that the sealing plug and the limiting portion are connected in a step-matched manner.

[0018] Preferably, the outer wall of the pressing portion is provided with a first groove which is arranged around the periphery, and the first groove matches the sealing ring.

[0019] Preferably, the pressing portion is provided with a second groove at one end of the first assembly groove, the second groove is recessed toward the pressing plate, and the waterproof key structure further includes a buffer member matching the second groove.

[0020] Preferably, the sealing cover is provided with a second arranging portion for accommodating the switch electronic component, and the switch electronic component is partially accommodated in the first assembly groove through the second arranging portion.

[0021] Preferably, the limiting portion includes a first bracket extending from the pressing plate and a second bracket extending from one end of the first bracket and bending away from the pressing plate, and the first bracket and the second bracket are combined into an L shape.

[0022] Preferably, a lubrication slope is provided at the connection between the first bracket and the second bracket, and the lubrication slope matches the slope at the corner of the second assembly groove.

[0023] Preferably, the housing further comprises a key slot spaced apart from the first assembly slot and connected to the second assembly slot, the via hole connects the key slot and the first assembly slot, and the push plate is partially accommodated in the key slot.

[0024] The present invention also provides an electronic device, which includes the waterproof key structure described above.

[0025] The beneficial effects of the present invention are: providing a waterproof key structure and an electronic device, the waterproof key structure comprising a key, a shell that is pressed and matched with the key, and a sealing ring for sealing the shell to prevent liquid and dust from entering. The key comprises a pressing plate, a limiting part arranged at the left and right ends of the pressing plate, and a pressing part arranged between the limiting parts and close to the middle side of the pressing plate; the shell comprises a via hole matched with the pressing part and a first assembly groove connected to the via hole, and the left and right ends of the first assembly groove are provided with a second assembly groove for accommodating the limiting part, and the first assembly groove and the second assembly groove are arranged at intervals and are not connected to each other; the sealing ring is sleeved outside the pressing part and abuts against the inner wall of the via hole to achieve the closure of the via hole. After the first assembly groove and the second assembly groove on the shell are arranged at intervals and are not connected to each other, the waterproof key structure only needs to seal the via hole connected to the first assembly groove, and the waterproof key structure can play a role of sealing and waterproofing. The waterproof key structure of the present invention reduces the number of via holes, reduces the threat of liquid leakage through the via holes, and thus improves the sealing and waterproof properties of the waterproof key structure. At the same time, the structure is simple, easy to assemble, and easy to produce. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of a waterproof button 200 of the prior art;

[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial exploded view of the waterproof button 200;

[0028] Figure 3 for Figure 1 An exploded view of the waterproof button 200;

[0029] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of a waterproof key structure 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A partial exploded view of the waterproof key structure 100 shown;

[0031] Figure 6 for Figure 4 The waterproof button structure 100 is shown as an exploded view from a first perspective;

[0032] Figure 7 for Figure 4 The waterproof button structure 100 is shown as an exploded view from a second perspective;

[0033] Figure 8 for Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of the waterproof key structure 100 along the AA direction is shown;

[0034] Fig. 9 for Figure 4The matching structure diagram of the button and the sealing plug in the waterproof button structure 100 shown;

[0035] Fig.10 for Figure 4 An exploded view of the sealing cover and the FPC in the waterproof key structure 100 is shown;

[0036] The meanings of the symbols in the accompanying drawings are:

[0037] 100-waterproof key structure; 1-key; 11-pressing plate; 12-pressing part; 121-first groove; 122-second groove; 13-limiting part; a-first bracket; b-second bracket; c-lubricating slope; 2-housing; 21-key slot; 22-through hole; 23-first assembly slot; 24-second assembly slot; 3-sealing member; 31-sealing ring; 32-sealing cover; 321-recessed part; 322-protrusion; 323-allowing opening; 33-sealing plug; 331-convex strip; 332-step surface; 333-avoiding groove; 4-buffer; 200-waterproof key; 210-housing member; M-through hole; N-assembly slot; 220-key; 221-touch part; 222-limiting part; 230-plastic cover; P-flexible circuit board; p1-metal spring. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] In order to facilitate the understanding of the present invention, the present invention will be described more fully below with reference to the relevant drawings. The preferred embodiments of the present invention are given in the drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. On the contrary, the purpose of providing these embodiments is to make the understanding of the disclosure of the present invention more thorough and comprehensive.

[0039] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be an intermediate element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element at the same time.

[0040] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention. The terms used in the specification of the present invention herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0041] See also Figure 4-Figure 10 An embodiment of the present invention provides a waterproof button structure 100, which is used to conduct circuits in electronic devices, including: a button 1, a shell 2 that is pressed and matched with the button 1, and a seal 3 for sealing the shell 2 to prevent liquid and dust from entering.

[0042] The button 1 is pressably arranged on the housing 2, and includes a pressing plate 11, two limiting parts 13 arranged at the left and right ends of the pressing plate 11, and a pressing part 12 arranged between the two limiting parts 13 and close to the middle side of the pressing plate 11. By pressing the pressing plate 11, the pressing part 12 on the pressing plate 11 can be pushed close to the internal switch electronic components and contact with them, thereby turning on the internal circuit. The present invention takes the pot-type switch used in common electronic devices as an example. By pressing the pressing plate 11, the pressing part 12 can press the metal spring p1 in the pot-type switch and then turn on the flexible circuit board P to realize the key function. In the embodiment of the present invention, the limiting part 13 and the pressing part 12 are both symmetrically provided with two metal springs p1 positions corresponding to the flexible circuit board P, respectively, so as to form two switch buttons. By pressing the two ends of the pressing plate 11 respectively, the switches at the corresponding ends can be turned on, such as the volume button on the side of the mobile phone. The limiting portion 13 limits the distance that the pressing portion 12 is pushed forward during the pressing process, so as to prevent the pressing portion 12 from pushing forward too far and damaging the switch.

[0043] The housing 2 is made of aluminum alloy, and includes a key slot 21 matching the pressing plate 11, two through holes 22 corresponding to the two pressing parts 12, a first assembly slot 23 spaced apart from the key slot 21, and a second assembly slot 24 connected to the key slot 21 and spaced apart from the first assembly slot 23. The through hole 22 connects the key slot 21 and the first assembly slot 23. The key 1 is partially accommodated in the key slot 21, and can be pressed and connected to the housing 2 through the key slot 21. The pressing plate 11 is partially arranged in the key slot 21, and the other part is arranged outside the key slot 21 and exposed outside the housing 2. The second assembly slot 24 is arranged on both sides of the housing 2, and is arranged corresponding to the limiting part 13 for accommodating the limiting part 13. The two pressing parts 12 respectively penetrate the corresponding through holes 22 and extend to the first assembly slot 23, the flexible circuit board P is partially accommodated in the first assembly slot 23, and the two metal springs p1 are arranged opposite to the two pressing parts 12 respectively. The limiting part 13 is accommodated in the second assembly slot 24.

[0044] The sealing member 3 includes an elastic sealing ring 31 which is sleeved outside the pressing portion 12, a sealing cover 32 which is sealed with a first assembly groove 23, and a sealing plug 33 which is sealed with a second assembly groove 24. When the key 1 is matched with the key groove 21, the limiting portion 13 is accommodated in the second assembly groove 24, the pressing portion 12 passes through the through hole 22 and extends to the first assembly groove 23, and the sealing ring 31 abuts against the inner wall of the sealed through hole 22 to close the through hole 22. Two sealing rings 31 are provided corresponding to the pressing portion 12, and are sleeved outside the corresponding pressing portion 12 respectively. Since the sealing ring 31 is made of elastic sealing material, in the process of pressing the key 1, it can not only seal the through hole 22 to prevent external liquid and dust from entering the first assembly groove 23 through the through hole 22, but also play a role of rebound. In addition, due to the deformation of the metal spring p1, after the key 1 is released, it will also have a certain reaction force on the pressing portion 12, and the two will rebound the key 1 to its original position under the joint action of the two. The sealing cover 32 and the sealing plug 33 are both made of flexible plastic material, and can seal the first assembly groove 23 and the second assembly groove 24 to prevent dust and liquid from further entering the first assembly groove 23 and the second assembly groove 24 .

[0045] Specifically, after the button 1, the shell 2 and the seal 3 are installed, press any end of the pressing plate 11 to drive the pressing portion 12 and the limiting portion 13 corresponding to the end of the pressing plate 11 to move together in the shell 2, and the corresponding pressing portion 12 is pushed to press the corresponding metal spring p1 in the first assembly groove 23 in the extension direction of the through hole 22. The metal spring p1 touches the flexible circuit board P and turns on the switch. During the pressing process, the limiting portion 13 is limited by the downward space of the second assembly groove 24. When the limiting portion 13 is pushed to abut against the groove wall of the second assembly groove 24, the button 1 cannot be pushed forward, and the pressing portion 12 will not be pushed toward the switch. Release the pressing plate 11, and the button 1 returns to its original position under the reaction force of the sealing ring 31 and the corresponding spring p1 rebounding.

[0046] In the waterproof key structure 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, the first assembly groove 23 on the housing 2 that accommodates the two pressing parts 12 and the flexible circuit board P is arranged at intervals with the second assembly groove 24 that accommodates the limiting part 13. Only two through holes 22 matching the pressing parts 12 need to be provided, and two sealing rings 31 sleeved outside the two pressing parts 12 abut and seal the two through holes 22 to achieve the closure of the through holes 22. This can prevent liquid from entering the first assembly groove 23 from the two through holes 22. Compared with the four through holes M of the traditional waterproof key 200 that may cause leakage, the waterproof key structure 100 of the present invention only needs to seal the two through holes 22 to prevent liquid from entering and thus achieve a waterproof effect, greatly reducing the risk of key leakage. In addition, the first assembly groove 23 and the second assembly groove 24 are sealed respectively by using the sealing cover 32 and the sealing plug 33, which can further prevent liquid and dust from entering the interior from the first assembly groove 23 and the second assembly groove 24.

[0047] In an alternative embodiment, see Figure 4-Figure 10 In order to seal the second assembly groove 24 tightly and prevent liquid and dust from entering through the second assembly groove 24 and affecting the connection path, the sealing plug 33 is interference-fitted with the second assembly groove 24. In addition, the sealing plug 33 can also abut against the fixed limiting portion 13 to prevent the limiting portion 13 from shaking in the second assembly groove 24. Optionally, the sealing plug 33 includes a convex strip 331 abutting against the inner wall of the second assembly groove 24, and the sealing plug 33 is interference-fitted with the second assembly groove 24 by setting the convex strip 331. Optionally, each limiting portion 13 includes a first bracket a extending from the pressing plate 11 and a second bracket b bent from one end of the first bracket a away from the pressing plate 11, the second bracket b is arranged parallel to the pressing plate 11, and the first bracket a and the second bracket b are combined into an L-shaped limiting bracket 131. Optionally, the sealing plug 33 includes a step surface 332 disposed on the side facing the second assembly groove 24, and the step surface 332 is abutted with the second bracket b, so that the sealing plug 33 and the second assembly groove 24 are connected by step matching, and the limiting portion 13 is fixed. Optionally, each limiting portion 13 also includes a lubricating slope c, which is disposed at the connection between the first bracket a and the second bracket b. The corner of the second assembly groove 24 is also provided with a slope matching the lubricating slope c (not shown). Through the cooperation of the lubricating slope c and the slope, during the process of pressing the key 1, it is beneficial to press down the limiting bracket 131 to avoid the key 1 from being blocked. Optionally, the second assembly groove 24 has a certain downward space, which can ensure that when the key 1 is pressed, the pressing portion 12 can abut against the electronic switch element. At the same time, the limiting bracket 131 is limited by the downward space, so that the pressing portion 12 does not exert too much pressure on the electronic component, thereby avoiding damage to the switch electronic component. Optionally, the sealing plug 33 includes a first avoidance portion, which is a avoidance groove 333 facing the outside of the second assembly groove 24 as shown in the figure. By providing the avoidance groove 333, the installation and disassembly of the sealing plug 33 are facilitated, and the assembly of the sealing plug 33 is facilitated.

[0048] In an alternative embodiment, see Figure 6-Figure 8 In order to fasten the sealing ring 31 to the outer side of the pressing part 12 to prevent it from slipping during the pressing process, the outer wall of the pressing part 12 is provided with a first groove 121 which is arranged around the first groove 121. The first groove 121 matches the sealing ring 31 and accommodates part of the sealing ring 31, which can play a certain limiting role on the sealing ring 31.

[0049] In an alternative embodiment, see Figure 5 , Fig. 9 and Fig.10, the sealing cover 32 is interference fit with the first assembly groove 23 and abuts to fix the flexible circuit board P. Optionally, the sealing cover 32 includes a plurality of evenly distributed protrusions 322, and the protrusions 322 abut against the inner wall of the first assembly groove 23 to achieve interference fit between the sealing cover 32 and the first assembly groove 23. The sealing cover 32 is provided with a second yielding portion, which is a recessed portion 321 shown in the figure, and the flexible circuit board P is partially arranged in the first assembly groove 23 through the recessed portion 321, and partially arranged outside the first assembly groove 23 to connect with the internal components. Optionally, the sealing cover 32 also includes a third yielding portion, which is two yielding openings 323 corresponding to the pressing portion 12, each yielding opening 323 is arranged opposite to each pressing portion 12, and two metal springs p1 on the flexible circuit board P are arranged in the yielding opening 323, and the metal springs p1 are pressed by the pressing portion 12 to realize the switch conduction.

[0050] In an alternative embodiment, see Figure 6-Figure 8 The pressing portion 12 is provided with a second groove 122 at one end away from the pressing plate 11, and the second groove 122 is recessed toward the pressing plate 11. The waterproof key structure 100 further includes a buffer 4 matching the second groove 122. The buffer 4 is made of a flexible material and is provided on the pressing side of the pressing portion 12 and the switch, so as to prevent the pressing portion 12 from crushing the switch during the process of pressing the switch.

[0051] The present invention also provides an electronic device, the electronic device includes the waterproof key structure 100 described above, the electronic device includes but is not limited to a mobile phone, a tablet, and a game console, etc., and can be used as a volume button of the electronic device to adjust the volume. By providing the waterproof key 100, the risk of liquid entering the electronic device from the waterproof key structure 100 is reduced, so that the electronic device has good waterproof performance and the service life of the electronic device is extended.

[0052] The technical features of the above embodiments may be combined arbitrarily. To make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0053] The above embodiments only express the preferred implementation modes of the present invention, and the descriptions thereof are relatively specific and detailed, but they cannot be understood as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be pointed out that, for those of ordinary skill in the art, several variations and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the patent of the present invention shall be subject to the attached claims.

Claims

1. A waterproof button structure, characterized in that: The waterproof key structure comprises: The button comprises a pressing plate, limiting parts arranged at the left and right ends of the pressing plate, and a pressing part arranged between the limiting parts and close to the middle side of the pressing plate, wherein the pressing part and the limiting part are arranged at a distance; The housing comprises a through hole matched with the pressing portion and a first assembly groove connected to the through hole, the left and right ends of the first assembly groove are provided with second assembly grooves for accommodating the limiting portion, and the first assembly groove and the second assembly groove are arranged at intervals to ensure that the first assembly groove and the second assembly groove are not connected to each other; A sealing ring, which is sleeved outside the pressing portion and abuts against the inner wall of the via hole to seal the via hole; When the button is assembled to the housing, the pressing portion passes through the through hole and the end of the pressing portion extends to the first assembly groove, the sealing ring abuts against and seals the inner wall of the through hole, the limiting portion is accommodated in the corresponding second assembly groove, and when the pressing plate is pressed, the pressing portion extends toward the switch electronic component in the first assembly groove and touches the switch electronic component to turn on the switch; The waterproof key further comprises a sealing cover which is sealed with the first assembly groove and a sealing plug which is sealed with the second assembly groove; The pressing portion is provided with a second groove at one end of the first assembly groove, the second groove is recessed toward the pressing plate, and the waterproof key structure further includes a buffer member matching the second groove; The sealing cover is provided with a second arranging portion for accommodating the switch electronic component, and the switch electronic component is partially accommodated in the first assembly groove through the second arranging portion.

2. The waterproof key structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing plug is interference-fitted with the second assembly groove and abuts against and fixes the limiting portion; The sealing cover is interference-fitted with the first assembly groove and abuts against and fixes the switch electronic component.

3. The waterproof key structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sealing cover and the sealing plug both include a protrusion, and the sealing cover and the sealing plug abut against the inner wall of the first assembly groove or the second assembly groove through the protrusion to achieve interference fit; And / or, the sealing plug comprises a first relief portion for facilitating assembly; And / or, the sealing plug includes a step surface, and the step surface abuts against the limiting portion so that the sealing plug and the limiting portion are connected in a step-matched manner.

4. The waterproof key structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the pressing portion is provided with a first groove which is arranged around the periphery, and the first groove matches the sealing ring.

5. The waterproof key structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The limiting portion includes a first bracket extending from the pressing plate and a second bracket extending from one end of the first bracket away from the pressing plate, and the first bracket and the second bracket are combined into an L shape.

6. The waterproof key structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: A lubricating slope is provided at the connection between the first bracket and the second bracket, and the lubricating slope matches the slope at the corner of the second assembly groove.

7. The waterproof key structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing further comprises a key slot spaced apart from the first assembly slot and connected to the second assembly slot, the via hole connects the key slot and the first assembly slot, and the push plate is partially accommodated in the key slot.

8. An electronic device, characterized in that: The electronic device comprises the waterproof key structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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