Key assembly and electronic equipment

Abstract

A key assembly is assembled in a key groove formed in the surface of a shell and comprises a support, rubber bodies formed at the two transverse ends of the support, a metal key extending inwards to form a key rod, a spring arranged on the key rod in a sleeving mode and a clamping spring for limiting and fixing the key rod in the shell. The support and the metal key are fixed together, a key hole is formed in the key groove, the key rod penetrates through the key hole to enter the shell, the snap spring is buckled at the free end of the key rod to limit the key rod in the shell, and a colloid of the support is limited in the key groove. The invention further discloses the electronic equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of physical buttons, and in particular to a button assembly and an electronic device. Background Art

[0002] Various electronic devices include physical buttons, such as watches, mobile phones, etc. Patent application No. 202122708877.4 of the People's Republic of China discloses a button assembly assembled on a watch case, including a watch case, a reinforcement plate is provided inside the watch case, an FPC is provided on the top surface of the reinforcement plate, a pot piece is provided on the top surface of the FPC, a key switch is provided on the FPC and is located on the bottom surface of the pot piece, a key through hole is provided on the watch case opposite to the top surface of the pot piece, a metal button is matched in the key through hole, and the metal button is connected to the center of the pot piece. The metal button includes a columnar metal button handle and a metal button cap, the metal button handle is inserted into the button hole provided in the watch case, the metal button cap is arranged outside the watch case, and the outer surface of the watch case is matched with the metal button cap to open a watch case groove, and the reset of the metal button is realized by a spring provided at both ends of the button and clamped between the button and the watch case, and a ring groove for setting a sealing ring is provided on the metal button handle, and the sealing ring is squeezed and sealed with the inner wall of the button hole. The outer surface of the metal key cap is bonded with conductive rubber.

[0003] In the above scheme, the spring is small, the assembly of the spring is more troublesome, the requirements for the assembly staff are very high, it is easy to make mistakes, and the efficiency is low. If any spring is removed, it will cause the key cap to get stuck and unable to rebound; and if the conductive rubber on the surface of the key cap is not fully glued in place, there is also a risk of falling off. At the same time, the friction between the sealing ring and the metal case is easy to wear and cause poor waterproofing. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of this, it is necessary to provide a key assembly and electronic equipment that is easy to assemble, stable and reliable.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present application provides a key assembly, which is assembled in a key groove opened on the surface of a shell, and the key assembly includes a bracket, a colloid formed at the lateral ends of the bracket, a metal key extending inward to form a key rod, a spring sleeved on the key rod, and a retaining spring for fixing the key rod in the shell, the bracket is fixed together with the metal key, a key hole is opened in the key groove, the key rod passes through the key hole to enter the interior of the shell, the retaining spring is buckled at the free end of the key rod to limit the key rod in the shell, and the colloid of the bracket is limited in the key groove.

[0006] Preferably, the bracket includes a bracket body, a shoulder extending inward from both sides of the bracket body, the colloid integrally formed on the inner side of the shoulder, a fixing hole formed through the shoulder, and a through hole formed through the bracket body, the inner side of the shoulder is recessed on the outer side of the fixing hole to form a notch and an open portion, and the colloid is molded on the notch and the open portion.

[0007] Preferably, the edge of the colloid protrudes outward and exceeds the outer edge of the shoulder to form a limited flange, a plurality of embedding holes are formed on the open portion, and the colloid extends to form embedded columns embedded in the embedding holes.

[0008] Preferably, the shell surface protrudes into the key slot to form a limiting convex edge, and the limiting flange of the colloid is limited inside the limiting convex edge after being pressed into the key slot.

[0009] Preferably, the notch is located on one side of the fixing hole, the notch is closed on both sides longitudinally and open on the outside transversely and connected to the open part, the periphery of the open part is open, and the colloid does not cover the periphery of the fixing hole to form a snap-fit ​​part outside the fixing hole.

[0010] Preferably, the metal key includes a keycap, a fixing column extending inward from both ends of the keycap, and a key rod extending inward from the middle of the keycap, the fixing column is inserted into the fixing hole, and a slot is provided on the lateral outer side of the fixing column, and the slot is snapped into the buckle part of the fixing hole.

[0011] Preferably, the key rod includes a key rod body, a sealing groove opened on the periphery of the key rod body, a head extending to the inside of the shell, and a retaining ring groove opened on the head, a sealing ring is sleeved in the sealing groove, and the retaining ring is buckled in the retaining ring groove.

[0012] Preferably, the key slot also includes a shell wall, the key hole passes through the shell wall, a key hole wall protrudes outward at the position of the key hole, a bar tube is sleeved in the key hole, the bar tube includes a tube body sleeved in the key hole, a limiting protrusion limited at the end face of the key hole wall and protruding outward from the outside of the tube body, and a through hole formed through the tube body, a sealing ring sleeved on the outer periphery of the key rod moves in the through hole of the tube body and squeezes the tube body, and the spring is clamped between the key cap and the colloid.

[0013] Preferably, the key rod includes a key rod body, a sealing groove opened on the periphery of the key rod body, a head extending to the inside of the shell, and a retaining ring groove opened on the head, a sealing ring is sleeved in the sealing groove, the retaining ring is buckled in the retaining ring groove, the key slot also includes a shell wall, the key hole passes through the shell wall, a key hole wall is protruded outward at the position of the key hole, a bar tube is sleeved in the key hole, the bar tube includes a tube body sleeved in the key hole and a through hole formed through the tube body, and the sealing ring sleeved on the periphery of the key rod moves in the through hole of the tube body and squeezes the tube body.

[0014] The present application also includes an electronic device, comprising the aforementioned key assembly.

[0015] The key assembly and electronic device of the present application add a bracket and use the colloid on the outer edge of the bracket to limit it in the key slot, avoiding the technical problem of assembly difficulty caused by using multiple springs. At the same time, a bar tube assembled in the key hole is added, and the sealing ring and the bar tube are squeezed to achieve waterproofing. The bar tube is made of elastic plastic material, which can reduce the friction coefficient between the sealing ring and the bar tube and increase the service life of the sealing ring. At the same time, the bar tube is squeezed on the inner wall surface of the key hole wall to achieve waterproofing, that is, while ensuring waterproofing, it can also increase the service life. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present application and constitute a part of the present application. The illustrative embodiments of the present application and their descriptions are used to explain the present application and do not constitute an improper limitation on the present application. In the drawings:

[0017] Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the electronic device for this application;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the key assembly of this application;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the key assembly of the present application from another angle;

[0020] Figure 4 For along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along the dashed line AA is shown.

[0021] Description of Reference Numerals

[0022] Shell-10; key slot-11; shell wall-12; key hole wall-13; key hole-14; limiting convex edge-15; key assembly-A; metal key-20; key cap-21; limiting slot-211, 236; foolproof slot-212; fixing column-22; card slot-221; key rod-23; key rod body-231; sealing slot-232; head-233; retaining spring slot-234; spring-24; sealing ring-25; bracket- 30; bracket body-31; through hole-311; limit block-312; foolproof groove-313; fixing hole-32; buckle part-321; shoulder-33; notch part-331; open part-332; embedded hole-333; colloid-34; limit edge-341; embedded column-342; matching hole-343; bar tube-40; tube body-41; limit protrusion-42; perforation-43; insulating tape-51; retaining spring-52. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solution of this application will be clearly and completely described below in combination with the specific embodiments of this application and the corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of them.

[0024] This application is Figure 1 The L1 direction is shown as the inward direction, and the L2 direction is shown as the outward direction.

[0025] See also Figure 1 , Figure 4 As shown, the electronic device of the present application comprises a housing 10 and a key assembly A assembled on the housing 10. The electronic device is preferably an electronic watch, a tablet computer, a notebook or the like.

[0026] The outer surface of the shell 10 is recessed inward to form a key groove 11, and a shell wall 12 is formed between the key groove 11 and the interior of the electronic device. A key hole 14 connecting the inner and outer parts of the shell 10 passes through the shell wall 12, and the key hole 14 protrudes outward to form a key hole wall 13 protruding from the outer surface of the shell wall 12. The surface of the shell 10 protrudes toward the key groove 11 to form a limiting convex edge 15.

[0027] Please continue reading Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the button assembly A includes a bar tube 40 sleeved on the button hole wall 13, a bracket 30 inserted into the button slot 11, a metal button 20 installed outside the bracket 30, a spring 24 supported between the bar tube 40 and the metal button 20, and a retaining spring 52 for clamping one end of the metal button 20 on the inner side of the shell wall 12.

[0028] The bar tube 40 includes a tube body 41 embedded in the button hole 14, a limiting protrusion 42 extending outward from the upper end of the tube body 41, and a through hole 43 penetrating the tube body 41. The bar tube 40 is made of plastic with a certain elasticity, and can achieve the effect of sealing and waterproofing when squeezed. The limiting protrusion 42 is at least partially engaged with the top surface of the button hole wall 13 for limiting.

[0029] The metal key 20 includes a key cap 21 exposed on the outer surface of the housing 10, a key rod 23 extending inward from the middle of the inner side of the key cap 21, and a fixing column 22 extending inward from both ends of the inner side of the key cap 21. The metal key 20 can be selected according to the material of the housing 10, and is preferably formed of a material consistent with the housing 10 so as to have a consistent appearance, such as stainless steel, aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, etc.

[0030] The surface of the keycap 21 can be set as an arc surface or a plane according to the outer surface structure of the shell 10. The key rod 23 includes a key rod body 231 extending inward, a sealing groove 232 formed on the outer surface of the key rod body 231, a head 233 formed on the inner end side of the key rod body 231, and a retaining ring groove 234 opened on the outer periphery of the head 233. A sealing ring 25 is sleeved in the sealing groove 232, and the sealing groove 232 is close to the head 233 of the key rod body 231. The extension length of the fixing column 22 is less than the length of the key rod 23, and a retaining groove 221 is provided on the lateral outer side of the fixing column 22. The inner surface of the keycap 21 is recessed outward at the edges of the key rod 23 and the fixing column 22 to form limiting grooves 211, 236.

[0031] The bracket 30 includes a bracket body 31 attached to the inner side of the keycap 21, a shoulder 33 extending inward from both ends of the bracket body 31, a through hole 311 formed through the middle part of the bracket body 31, a fixing hole 32 formed through the shoulder 33, and a colloid 34 formed on the shoulder 33. The through hole 311 allows the key rod 23 to pass through the bracket 30, and the fixing hole 32 allows the fixing column 22 to pass through and snap. The lateral end of the inner side of the shoulder 33 is open to form a notch 331 and an open part 332. The notch 331 is located at one side of the fixing hole 32 and exposes at least one side of the fixing hole to the notch 331. The open part 332 is located at the lateral outer side of the notch 331. The notch 331 is closed in the longitudinal direction and open in the lateral outer side. The open part 332 is open in both the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction. The open part 332 is also provided with a plurality of embedded holes 333 formed by being recessed toward the bracket body 31. The fixing hole 32 is formed with a buckle portion 321 on one side surface of the notch portion 331 .

[0032] The bracket 30 is formed by injection molding of hard plastic, and the colloid 34 is formed by injection molding integrally with the bracket 30. The colloid 34 is made of a plastic material with a certain elasticity. Specifically, the bracket is placed in a mold, and then the colloid 34 is formed by integrally injecting glue on the open portion 332 and the notch portion 331. The edge of the colloid 34 exceeds the outer side of the edge of the shoulder 33 to form a limited edge 341. The surface of the colloid 34 extends a number of embedded columns 342 embedded in the embedded holes 333. The colloid 34 is provided with a matching hole 343 on the side close to the fixing hole 32 to avoid the fixing hole 32. The matching hole 343 avoids the buckle portion 321 outward so that the buckle portion 321 is not covered by the colloid 34. The bracket 30 is formed by injection molding of PC material, and the colloid 34 is formed on the bracket 30 by injection molding of polyurethane material.

[0033] The outer surface of the bracket body 31 is formed with a stopper 312 protruding from the outer periphery of the fixing hole 32 and received in the stopper groove 211; the inner surface of the keycap 21 is also provided with an anti-foolproof groove 212, and one side of the bracket body is formed with an anti-foolproof block 313 protruding outwards and inserted into the anti-foolproof groove 212. One end of the spring 24 is limited in the stopper groove 236.

[0034] The assembly method of the key assembly A and the electronic device of the present application is as follows:

[0035] First, the bar tube 40 is installed into the key hole 14 from the outside to the inside, so that the tube body 41 of the bar tube 40 fits on the key hole wall 13, and the limiting protrusion 42 of the bar tube 40 abuts against the upper edge of the key hole wall 13; then, an insulating adhesive sticker 51 is attached to the inner surface of the bar tube 40; the metal key 20 and the bracket 30 are assembled together, and the gap between the bracket 30 and the metal key 20 is filled with adhesive to fix; the spring 24 is sleeved on the key rod body 231; the sealing ring 25 is sleeved on the sealing groove 23 of the key rod body 231 2; install the assembled metal key 20 and the bracket 30 into the key slot 11 from the outside to the inside, specifically, the colloid 34 on the inner side of the bracket 30 is inserted into the key slot 11 and the limiting edge 341 of the colloid 34 is limited in the limiting convex edge 15 of the key slot 11 to prevent the bracket 30 from exiting the key slot 11, and the key rod 23 passes through the through hole 311 and the through hole 43 to enter the interior of the housing 10; and then the metal key 20 is limited in the retaining ring groove 234 of the head 233 by the retaining ring 52 inside the housing 10 to achieve fixation. The fixing column 22 is inserted into the fixing hole 32 of the bracket 30, and the retaining grooves 221 on both sides of the fixing column 22 pass through the fixing hole 32 and are snapped together with the retaining portion 321. There is a gap between the outer periphery of the bracket 30 and the limiting convex edge 15 of the key slot 11 to prevent poor pressing.

[0036] The key assembly A and the electronic device of the present application add a bracket 30 and use the colloid 34 on the outer edge of the bracket 30 to limit the position in the key slot 11, thereby avoiding the technical problem of assembly difficulty caused by using multiple springs. At the same time, a bar tube 40 assembled in the key hole 14 is added, and the sealing ring 25 and the bar tube 40 are squeezed to achieve waterproofing. The bar tube 40 is made of elastic plastic material, which can reduce the friction coefficient between the sealing ring 25 and the bar tube 40 and increase the service life of the sealing ring 25. At the same time, the bar tube 40 is squeezed on the inner wall surface of the key hole wall 13 to achieve waterproofing, that is, while ensuring waterproofing, it can also increase the service life.

[0037] Compared with the solution in which the sealing ring 25 is directly squeezed with the button hole wall 13 for waterproofing, the button hole wall 13 is made by CNC processing, and there are inconspicuous processing knife marks on the inner wall surface of the button hole wall 13. The processing knife marks and the sealing ring 25 are repeatedly moved and squeezed, which will damage the sealing ring 25.

[0038] In one embodiment, the sealing ring 25 may not be provided, and the sealing effect can be achieved by directly providing a convex ring structure on the outer periphery of the key rod body 231 to squeeze the bar tube 40.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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 key assembly, assembled in a key slot provided on a housing surface, characterized in that: The key assembly includes a bracket, a colloid formed at the lateral ends of the bracket, a metal key extending inward to form a key rod, a spring sleeved on the key rod, and a retaining spring that limits and fixes the key rod in the shell. The bracket is fixed together with the metal key, a key hole is opened in the key slot, the key rod passes through the key hole and enters the interior of the shell, the retaining spring is buckled at the free end of the key rod to limit the key rod in the shell, and the colloid of the bracket is limited in the key slot.

2. The key assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bracket includes a bracket body, a shoulder extending inward from both sides of the bracket body, the colloid integrally formed on the inner side of the shoulder, a fixing hole formed through the shoulder, and a through hole formed through the bracket body, the inner side of the shoulder is recessed on the outer side of the fixing hole to form a notch and an open portion, and the colloid is molded on the notch and the open portion.

3. The key assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The edge of the colloid protrudes outward and exceeds the outer edge of the shoulder to form a limited flange. The open portion is provided with a plurality of embedding holes, and the colloid extends to form an embedding column embedded in the embedding holes.

4. The key assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The surface of the shell protrudes into the key slot to form a limiting convex edge, and the limiting flange of the colloid is limited inside the limiting convex edge after being pressed into the key slot.

5. The key assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The notch is located at one side of the fixing hole, the notch is closed on both sides longitudinally and open on the outside transversely and connected to the open part, the periphery of the open part is open, and the colloid does not cover the periphery of the fixing hole to form a snap-fit ​​part outside the fixing hole.

6. The key assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The metal key includes a keycap, a fixing column extending inward from both ends of the keycap, and a key rod extending inward from the middle of the keycap. The fixing column is inserted into the fixing hole. A slot is provided on the lateral outer side of the fixing column, and the slot is snapped into the buckle part of the fixing hole.

7. The key assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: The key rod includes a key rod body, a sealing groove arranged on the periphery of the key rod body, a head extending to the inside of the shell, and a retaining ring groove arranged on the head. A sealing ring is sleeved in the sealing groove, and the retaining ring is buckled in the retaining ring groove.

8. The key assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The key slot also includes a shell wall, the key hole passes through the shell wall, a key hole wall is protruded outward at the position of the key hole, a bar tube is sleeved in the key hole, the bar tube includes a tube body sleeved in the key hole, a limiting protrusion limited at the end face of the key hole wall and protruding outward from the outside of the tube body, and a through hole formed through the tube body, a sealing ring sleeved on the outer periphery of the key rod moves in the through hole of the tube body and squeezes the tube body, and the spring is clamped between the key cap and the colloid.

9. The key assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The key rod includes a key rod body, a sealing groove opened on the periphery of the key rod body, a head extending to the inside of the shell, and a retaining ring groove opened on the head, a sealing ring is sleeved in the sealing groove, the retaining ring is buckled in the retaining ring groove, the key slot also includes a shell wall, the key hole passes through the shell wall, a key hole wall is protruded outward at the position of the key hole, a bar tube is sleeved in the key hole, the bar tube includes a tube body sleeved in the key hole and a through hole formed through the tube body, and the sealing ring sleeved on the periphery of the key rod moves in the through hole of the tube body and squeezes the tube body.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that: Comprising a key assembly as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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