Button components and electronic devices for wearable devices

Abstract

This disclosure provides a button assembly and electronic device for a wearable device. The button assembly of the wearable device includes a mounting tube, a telescopic module, and a pressing module. The telescopic module includes a connector, a first elastic member, and a stop member. At least a portion of the connector is axially movably assembled within the mounting tube, and the stop member is axially movably connected to the connector. The pressing module includes a pressing body and a second elastic member. A first portion of the pressing body is fixedly connected to the connector and elastically abuts against the stop member via the first elastic member. A second portion of the pressing body abuts against the mounting tube via the second elastic member. The button assembly of the wearable device is divided into a telescopic module and a pressing module. The first elastic member can absorb errors caused by the processing, assembly, and fatigue of various components, ensuring real-time contact between the stop member and the contact point. The second elastic member not only works with the first elastic member to achieve the expected exposed height of the pressing body, ensuring a good pressing feel, but also provides impact protection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of electronic technology, and more specifically to button components and electronic devices for wearable devices. Background Technology

[0002] Most electronic products today include exposed buttons so that users can control corresponding functions by pressing them. However, button design primarily focuses on waterproof sealing performance, with less attention paid to button sensitivity.

[0003] In related technologies, the cumulative errors in the processing and assembly of parts cause a problem of misalignment between the button and the switch contact, resulting in decreased pressing sensitivity and affecting the user's pressing experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a button assembly and electronic device for wearable devices to solve related technical problems.

[0005] A first aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure provides a button assembly for a wearable device, comprising:

[0006] Install pipe fittings;

[0007] A telescopic module, comprising a connector, a first elastic member, and an abutment member; at least a portion of the connector is axially movably assembled within the mounting tube; the abutment member is axially movably connected to the connector.

[0008] The pressing module includes a pressing body and a second elastic element; a first part of the pressing body is fixedly connected to the connecting member and elastically abuts against the abutting member through the first elastic element; a second part of the pressing body abuts against the mounting tube through the second elastic element.

[0009] Optionally, the connector includes a first section, one end of the outer surface of the first section is provided with a limiting protrusion; the first section is movably received within the mounting pipe from the first port of the mounting pipe, and when the connector is in the extreme position, the end of the mounting pipe abuts against the limiting protrusion.

[0010] Optionally, at least one sealing ring is assembled around the outer surface of the first section, and the sealing ring is tightly sealed to the inner surface of the mounting fitting.

[0011] Optionally, the outer surface of the first section is provided with at least one mounting groove, and the sealing ring is fixedly assembled into the mounting groove.

[0012] Optionally, the connector has a first assembly space inside; the first part is fixedly assembled in the first assembly space; the abutment is slidably inserted into the first assembly space, and at least a portion of the abutment is exposed outside the connector.

[0013] Optionally, the abutting member includes a second section, a third section, and a limiting section located between the second section and the third section; the limiting section abuts against the end limiting surface of the connector, the first elastic member is assembled to the third section, and at least a portion of the second section is exposed outside the connector.

[0014] Optionally, one end of the connector is provided with a support opening, and one end face of the support opening is the end limiting surface; the second section extends out from the support opening, and the inner wall of the support opening is circumferentially limited and fitted with the second section.

[0015] Optionally, the second part includes a second port, through which the pressing body is inserted into the mounting tube; the pressing body includes a button cap exposed in the mounting tube;

[0016] The mounting fitting has a stepped limiting structure inside, and the second elastic element abuts against the stepped limiting structure and the inner surface of the button cap.

[0017] Optionally, the button cap forms a covering space, and the end section of the mounting tube is housed within the covering space.

[0018] Optionally, the button assembly of the wearable device further includes a protective pad; the protective pad is disposed between the second elastic member and the stepped limiting structure.

[0019] Optionally, the material of the protective pad includes PET.

[0020] Optionally, the first elastic element and / or the second elastic element are springs.

[0021] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, an electronic device is provided, the electronic device including a device body and a button assembly of any wearable device as described in the first aspect; the device body includes a mid-frame and a button switch, the mounting tube is fixedly assembled to the mid-frame, and the abutting member contacts and engages with the switch button.

[0022] The technical solution provided in this disclosure can achieve at least the following beneficial effects:

[0023] The button assembly of the wearable device disclosed herein is divided into two parts: a telescopic module and a pressing module. Each part includes an elastic element with a cushioning effect. The first elastic element can absorb errors caused by the processing, assembly, and fatigue of various components, ensuring real-time contact between the abutting part and the contact point. The second elastic element not only works with the first elastic element to achieve the expected exposed height of the pressing body and ensure the pressing feel, but also provides impact protection.

[0024] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electronic device in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a partially exploded structural diagram of an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A magnified schematic diagram of a portion of the button assembly AA in the wearable device shown. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this disclosure.

[0030] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this disclosure should be understood in their ordinary sense by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms “first,” “second,” and similar terms used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms “a” or “one,” and similar terms do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one, which will be separately stated if referring only to “a.” “A plurality” or “several” means two or more. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “front,” “rear,” “lower,” and / or “upper,” “top,” “bottom,” and similar terms are for ease of description only and are not limited to a location or spatial orientation. The terms “comprising” or “including,” and similar terms, mean that the elements or objects preceding “comprising” or “including” encompass the elements or objects listed following “comprising” or “including” and their equivalents, but do not exclude other elements or objects. The word “connection” or “link” is not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can also include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect.

[0031] Most current electronic products include exposed buttons for users to control corresponding functions by pressing them. However, button design primarily focuses on waterproof sealing performance, with less attention paid to pressing sensitivity. In related technologies, limitations imposed by cumulative errors during component manufacturing and assembly result in issues such as misalignment or excessive contact between the button and switch contacts. This reduces pressing sensitivity and impact safety, negatively affecting the user's pressing experience.

[0032] This disclosure provides a button component for a wearable device. Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electronic device in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 2 This is a partially exploded structural diagram of an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a partially enlarged view of the button component AA in the wearable device, as shown below. Figures 1-3As shown, the button assembly 1 of the wearable device includes a mounting tube 13, a telescopic module 11, and a pressing module 12. The telescopic module 11 includes a connector 111, a first elastic member 113, and an abutment member 112. At least a portion of the connector 111 is axially movably assembled within the mounting tube 13, and the abutment member 112 is axially movably connected to the connector 111. The pressing module 12 includes a pressing body 121 and a second elastic member 122. A first portion 1211 of the pressing body 121 is fixedly connected to the connector 111 and elastically abuts against the abutment member 112 via the first elastic member 113. A second portion 1212 of the pressing body 121 abuts against the mounting tube 13 via the second elastic member 122.

[0033] The button assembly 1 of the wearable device is divided into two parts: a telescopic module 11 and a pressing module 12. Each part includes an elastic element with a cushioning effect. The first elastic element 113 can absorb errors caused by the processing, assembly, and fatigue of various components, ensuring real-time contact between the abutment 112 and the contact point. The second elastic element 122 not only works with the first elastic element 113 to achieve the expected exposed height of the pressing body 121, ensuring a good pressing feel, but also prevents external impact forces from acting directly on the abutment 112 through the pressing body 121. The elasticity of the first elastic element 113 and the second elastic element 122 forms an anti-collision protection. In addition, the button assembly 1 of the wearable device has a compact structure, which can effectively meet the assembly requirements in a small product space.

[0034] When the pressing body 121 of the button assembly 1 of the wearable device is subjected to external pressing force, the second elastic element 122 is compressed, and the pressing body 121 drives the connecting member 111 fixed thereto to move axially inward. The abutting member 112, which is associated with the pressing body 121 through the first elastic element 113, also moves axially inward with the pushing action of the first elastic element 113, thereby achieving contact between the abutting member 112 and the switch contact. When the external pressing force is released, both the pressing body 121 and the connecting member 111 reset, while the abutting member 112 remains in a state of zero-gap contact with the switch contact under the action of the second elastic element 122, which helps to improve pressing sensitivity.

[0035] The following is an exemplary description of the structure and assembly method of each part of the telescopic module 11 and the pressing module 12:

[0036] In some embodiments, the connector 111 may include a first segment 1114, one end of the outer surface of the first segment 1114 having a limiting protrusion 1111. The first segment 1114 is movably received within the mounting tube 13 from the first port of the mounting tube 13, and when the connector 111 is in its extreme position, the end of the mounting tube 13 abuts against the limiting protrusion 1111. The limiting protrusion 1111 can limit the connector 111 to its extreme position after being reset by the pressing body 121, avoiding problems such as the connector 111 and the mounting tube 13 separating during relative movement.

[0037] In the above embodiment, at least one sealing ring 1112 may be assembled around the outer surface of the first segment 1114, and the sealing ring 1112 is tightly sealed to the inner surface of the mounting tube 13. The sealing ring 1112 can form a seal between the connector 111 and the mounting tube 13, so that the sealing ring 1112 forms a waterproof isolation on both sides in the axial direction, thereby improving the waterproof performance of the electronic device 2. For example, two sealing rings 1112 may be provided axially on the outer surface of the first segment 1114. By adjusting the assembly scheme and the number of sealing rings 1112, the waterproof performance of the button assembly 15ATM of the wearable device can be obtained.

[0038] For example, the outer surface of the first section 1114 is provided with at least one mounting groove 1117, and the sealing ring 1112 is fixedly assembled in the mounting groove 1117. Assembling the sealing ring 1112 in the mounting groove 1117 can improve the assembly stability of the sealing ring 1112 and also help to improve the sealing performance of the sealing ring 1112. In order to further improve the sealing performance, the sealing ring 1112 can be interference-fitted with the mounting groove 1117 and the inner surface of the mounting fitting 13.

[0039] In some embodiments, the connector 111 may have a first assembly space 1113 inside, the first part 1211 is fixedly assembled in the first assembly space 1113, the abutment 112 is slidably inserted into the first assembly space 1113, and at least a portion of the abutment 112 protrudes outside the connector 111. The slidable insertion of the abutment 112 into the first assembly space 1113 helps to improve the stability and smoothness of the abutment 112 during movement, so that the abutment 112 located outside the connector 111 is accurately positioned and has stable pressure when it abuts against the switch contact.

[0040] The first part 1211 can be provided with an external thread, and the side wall forming the first assembly space 1113 can be provided with an internal thread. The internal thread and the external thread are tightly fitted together, and the green oil can be loosened to ensure a precise assembly effect.

[0041] In some embodiments, the abutment 112 may include a second segment 1121, a third segment 1122, and a limiting segment 1123 located between the second segment 1121 and the third segment 1122. The limiting segment 1123 abuts against the end limiting surface 1116 of the connector 111. A first elastic member 113 is assembled to the third segment 1122, and at least a portion of the second segment 1121 protrudes outside the connector 111. When the abutment 112 is pushed by the first elastic member 113, the limiting segment 1123 can abut against the end limiting surface 1116 of the connector 111, preventing the abutment 112 from dislodging and limiting the exposed length of the second segment 1121 and the abutment force acting on the switch contact. The assembly of the first elastic member 113 to the third segment 1122 can improve the stability of the first elastic member 113. When the first elastic element 113 is a spring, the spring can be fitted onto the third section 1122 to achieve a stable assembly of the spring.

[0042] In some embodiments, one end of the connector 111 may be provided with a support opening 1115, one end face of the support opening 1115 being an end limiting surface 1116. The second segment 1121 extends out from the support opening 1115, and the inner wall of the support opening 1115 is circumferentially limited to the second segment 1121. The inner wall of the support opening 1115 can support and limit the second segment 1121, thereby preventing the abutment 112 from shaking during movement and improving the overall structural strength and reliability of the button assembly 1 of the wearable device.

[0043] The axial length of the support opening 1115 can be greater than half of the second section 1121 to improve the support effect.

[0044] In some embodiments, the second part 1212 includes a second port, through which the pressing body 121 is inserted into the mounting tube 13. The pressing body 121 includes a button cap 1211a exposed in the mounting tube 13. The mounting tube 13 is provided with a stepped limiting structure, and the second elastic member 122 abuts against the stepped limiting structure and the inner surface of the button cap 1211a. The stepped limiting structure can serve as a limit for one end of the second elastic member 122. When the button cap 1211a is subjected to force, the second elastic member 122 deforms due to the abutment of the stepped limiting structure, enabling the pressing body 121 to generate a pushing motion and a resetting motion.

[0045] The pressing body 121 also includes a pressing rod 1211b disposed inside the button cap 1211a. The second elastic member 122 can be assembled onto the pressing rod 1211b to improve the assembly stability of the second elastic member 122. For example, when the second elastic member 122 is a spring, the spring can be sleeved on the pressing rod 1211b.

[0046] The first and second ports of the mounting fitting 13 are opposite each other, the first section 1114 of the connector 111 is inserted from the first port, and the pressing body 121 is inserted from the second port.

[0047] The aforementioned button cap 1211a can form a covering space, in which the end section of the mounting tube 13 is housed. The button cap 1211a can cover the end of the mounting tube 13 to prevent the mounting tube 13 and other structures of the wearable device's button assembly 1 from being exposed, thereby improving the aesthetics of the wearable device's button assembly 1 and the electronic device 2. In addition, when the button cap 1211a covers the end section of the mounting tube 13, it can also increase the pressing area of ​​the button cap 1211a and improve the pressing feel.

[0048] In the above embodiments, the button assembly 1 of the wearable device may further include a protective pad 14, which is disposed between the second elastic member 122 and the stepped limiting structure. The protective pad 14 prevents wear caused by contact between the second elastic member 122 and the mounting tube 13, thereby improving service life and structural accuracy. The protective pad 14 may be made of PET.

[0049] It should be noted that the first elastic element 113 and / or the second elastic element 122 can be a spring, or a structure with elastic properties such as rubber, silicone, or sheet metal. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0050] This disclosure further provides an electronic device 2, which includes a device body 21 and a button assembly 1 of the wearable device. The device body 21 includes a middle frame 211 and a button switch 212. A mounting tube 13 is fixedly assembled to the middle frame 211, and an abutting member 112 contacts and cooperates with the switch button.

[0051] For example, the middle frame 211 may have an assembly hole 2111, and the mounting tube 13 is fixedly assembled in the assembly hole 2111. A portion of the mounting tube 13 is located in the assembly hole 2111, a portion with a first port is located inside the assembly hole 2111, and a portion with a second port is located outside the assembly hole 2111. When the pressing module 12 and the telescopic module 11 are assembled in the mounting tube 13, a stable and balanced assembly effect can be achieved, while ensuring that the length of the pressing body 121 exposed in the middle frame 211 is maintained. The middle frame 211 may have a relief recess located around the assembly hole 2111 to avoid structural interference when the button cap covers the end area of ​​the mounting tube 13 and during the pressing process, while also creating a smooth appearance and improving the overall aesthetics of the electronic device 2.

[0052] Since the button assembly 1 of the wearable device is divided into two parts, a telescopic module 11 and a pressing module 12, each part includes an elastic element with a cushioning effect. The first elastic element 113 can absorb errors caused by the processing, assembly, and fatigue of various components, ensuring real-time contact between the abutting part 112 and the contact point. The second elastic element 122 not only works with the first elastic element 113 to achieve the expected exposed height of the pressing body 121 to ensure the pressing feel, but also provides impact protection.

[0053] It should be noted that the electronic device 2 involved in this disclosure can be a wearable device such as a watch or bracelet, or a mobile phone, tablet computer, vehicle terminal, or medical terminal. This disclosure does not limit the types of electronic devices 2.

[0054] Taking electronic device 2 as an example, the mounting tube 13 of the button assembly 1 of the wearable device can be a bar tube, the connector 111 can be a button rod, and the abutting member 112 can be a telescopic rod. When the pressing body 121 is subjected to external pressing force, the second elastic member 122 is compressed, and the pressing body 121 drives the button rod fixed thereto to move axially inward. The telescopic rod associated with the pressing body 121 through the first elastic member 113 also moves axially inward with the push of the first elastic member 113, thereby realizing the contact between the telescopic rod and the switch contact. When the external pressing force is removed, the pressing body 121 and the button rod are both reset, and the telescopic rod can still maintain a state of zero-gap contact with the switch contact under the action of the second elastic member 122, which helps to improve the pressing sensitivity.

[0055] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A button assembly for a wearable device, characterized in that, include: Install pipe fittings; A telescopic module, the telescopic module comprising a connector, a first elastic member, and an abutment member; At least a portion of the connector is axially movably assembled within the mounting pipe; the abutment is axially movably connected to the connector. The pressing module includes a pressing body and a second elastic element. A first part of the pressing body is fixedly connected to the connecting member and elastically abuts against the abutting member through the first elastic element. The first elastic element is used to absorb errors caused by processing, assembly, and fatigue of various components, ensuring real-time contact between the abutting member and the contact point. The second part of the pressing body abuts against the mounting tube through the second elastic element. The second elastic element is used to cooperate with the first elastic element to keep the pressing body at the expected exposed height, ensuring a good pressing feel. The second elastic element also prevents impact forces from directly acting on the abutting member through the pressing body.

2. The button assembly of the wearable device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector includes a first section, one end of the outer surface of the first section is provided with a limiting protrusion; the first section is movably received within the mounting pipe from the first port of the mounting pipe, and when the connector is in the extreme position, the end of the mounting pipe abuts against the limiting protrusion.

3. The button assembly of the wearable device according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least one sealing ring is assembled around the outer surface of the first section, and the sealing ring is tightly sealed to the inner surface of the mounting pipe.

4. The button assembly of the wearable device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outer surface of the first section is provided with at least one mounting groove, and the sealing ring is fixedly assembled into the mounting groove.

5. The button assembly of the wearable device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector has a first assembly space inside; the first part is fixedly assembled in the first assembly space; the abutment is slidably inserted into the first assembly space, and at least a portion of the abutment is exposed outside the connector.

6. The button assembly of the wearable device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The abutting member includes a second section, a third section, and a limiting section located between the second section and the third section; the limiting section abuts against the end limiting surface of the connector, the first elastic member is assembled to the third section, and at least a portion of the second section is exposed outside the connector.

7. The button assembly of the wearable device according to claim 6, characterized in that, One end of the connector is provided with a support opening, and one end face of the support opening is the end limiting surface; the second section extends out from the support opening, and the inner wall of the support opening is circumferentially limited to the second section.

8. The button assembly of the wearable device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second part includes a second port, through which the pressing body is inserted into the mounting tube; the pressing body includes a button cap exposed in the mounting tube; The mounting fitting has a stepped limiting structure inside, and the second elastic element abuts against the stepped limiting structure and the inner surface of the button cap.

9. The button assembly of the wearable device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The button cap forms a covering space, and the end section of the mounting tube is housed within the covering space.

10. The button assembly of the wearable device according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a protective gasket; the protective gasket is disposed between the second elastic member and the stepped limiting structure.

11. The button assembly of the wearable device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The protective pad is made of PET.

12. The button assembly of the wearable device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first elastic element and / or the second elastic element are springs.

13. An electronic device, characterized in that, The device includes a main body and a button assembly for the wearable device as described in any one of claims 1-11; the main body includes a mid-frame and a button switch, the mounting tube is fixedly assembled to the mid-frame, and the abutting member contacts and engages with the button switch.

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