Scratch-proof key for wearable intelligent equipment
By filling the buttons of wearable smart devices with molybdenum disulfide grease and graphite lubricant, combined with ball rolling contact and a dynamic lubrication compensation system, the problems of increased button friction and decreased sealing performance are solved, achieving good operating feel and device stability.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511113375.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-11
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-31
AI Technical Summary
Physical buttons on wearable smart devices often experience increased friction over time, leading to a scratchy feel that affects the user's tactile experience and may accelerate wear. Furthermore, traditional lubricants can compromise sealing performance and reduce the device's waterproof and dustproof capabilities.
The key body is filled with a lubricant composed of molybdenum disulfide grease and graphite, and the sliding contact is replaced by ball rolling contact. Combined with a dynamic lubrication compensation system, including a push plate, piston head and check valve, the lubricant is continuously supplied to the inner wall of the key groove.
It significantly reduces the coefficient of friction, minimizes scratching, improves the feel of operation, while maintaining the device's waterproof and dustproof performance, extending button life and ensuring stable device operation.
Smart Images

Figure CN120878487A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of wearable smart devices, and more particularly to anti-scratch buttons for wearable smart devices. Background Technology
[0002] Physical buttons on wearable smart devices (such as smartwatches and health monitoring bracelets) are one of the core components for user interaction, and their feel and durability directly affect the user experience. Buttons are mostly made of metal and designed to directly contact the device casing, triggering functions through pressing. Because the button and casing contact surfaces need to maintain a tight fit to ensure waterproofing (e.g., through adhesive sealing), repeated pressing over long-term use can generate lateral friction, causing the coefficient of friction on the metal surface to gradually increase.
[0003] In existing technologies, to solve the problem of button friction, some solutions attempt to reduce the coefficient of friction through structural optimization or material improvement. For example, CN113963971B discloses a button structure and wearable device, including a shell, a trigger component, and a button component. The shell has a mounting cavity and a button hole communicating with the mounting cavity. The trigger component is disposed in the mounting cavity and is configured corresponding to the button hole. The button component includes a pressing member and a button rod. At least part of the button rod is movably disposed in the button hole and corresponds to the trigger component. One end of the pressing member is movably inserted into the button hole and is detachably connected to the end of the button rod away from the trigger component.
[0004] Most existing button designs use a direct contact method between the metal button and the device casing. Since the metal surface has no lubrication, the coefficient of friction gradually increases with the number of presses, resulting in a more and more severe scratching sensation. This not only affects the user's operating feel, but also accelerates the wear and tear on the button and the device casing. When the button is adjacent to the adhesive surface of the screen, traditional grease-based lubricants will affect the sealing performance of the screen adhesive, resulting in a decrease in the device's waterproof and dustproof performance, and increasing the risk of damage to the internal components of the device. Summary of the Invention
[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solution.
[0006] A scratch-resistant button for wearable smart devices includes: a wearable device shell with a button groove on its surface; a button body installed in the button groove, the button body having a cavity filled with lubricant; and several connectors installed on the button body. Each connector includes: a lubrication groove at one end of the connector, the inner wall of the lubrication groove having a delivery hole communicating with the cavity; and a ball bearing embedded in the lubrication groove, the ball bearing having a diameter greater than the depth of the lubrication groove, and its outer surface making rolling contact with the inner wall of the button groove.
[0007] Preferably, the button body includes: two push plates, which are installed in the cavity and divide the cavity into two storage areas and an inflation area. Lubricant is filled in the two storage areas, and the inflation area is located between the two push plates. The push plates are in sealed contact with the inner wall of the cavity.
[0008] Preferably, the button body further includes: a groove formed on one side of the button body, the inner wall of the groove having a vent hole that communicates with the inflation area of the cavity; a piston head installed in the groove, the piston head being used to fill the inflation area of the cavity with gas from the groove; and a second elastic element, one end of which is connected to the piston head and the other end of which is installed on the inner wall of the groove.
[0009] Preferably, the button body further includes: a first one-way valve installed in the vent hole to allow gas to flow into the inflation zone in one direction; and a second one-way valve installed in the piston head to allow external gas to enter the groove in one direction.
[0010] Preferably, a storage tank is provided on the inner wall of the lubrication tank, the storage tank is used to store lubricant, and a delivery hole is provided on the inner wall of the storage tank.
[0011] Preferably, it also includes: a sealing connecting sleeve, one end of which is installed on the inner wall of the key slot, and the other end of which is installed on one side of the key body.
[0012] Preferably, the sealing connection sleeve includes: a first elastic element, which is mounted on the sealing connection sleeve.
[0013] Preferably, the lubricant is composed of molybdenum disulfide grease and graphite.
[0014] This invention provides an anti-scratch button for wearable smart devices. Compared with existing technologies, it has the following advantages: by setting a connector and a ball bearing between the button body and the button slot, a rolling contact method is used to replace the direct sliding contact between the metal button and the device shell, reducing the coefficient of friction. The lubricant in the cavity flows to the lubrication groove through the delivery hole, and the rolling ball bearing evenly coats the lubricant on the inner wall of the button slot, continuously providing lubrication, effectively reducing the scratching sensation, and significantly improving the user's operating experience.
[0015] The lubricant, composed of molybdenum disulfide grease and graphite, does not affect the sealing performance of the screen adhesive. The sealing connection sleeve is installed between the button slot and the button body, which not only acts as a buffer but also effectively prevents external dust, moisture and other impurities from entering, maintaining the device's waterproof and dustproof performance, reducing the risk of damage to internal components due to contact with external impurities, and ensuring the normal operation and stability of the device. Attached Figure Description
[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure proposed in this invention.
[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the wearable device housing structure proposed in this invention.
[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the wearable device casing proposed in this invention.
[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the sealing connection sleeve proposed in this invention.
[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing connecting sleeve and the first elastic element proposed in this invention.
[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the button body proposed in this invention.
[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the button body, piston head, and second elastic element structure proposed in this invention.
[0023] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the button body and connector structure proposed in this invention.
[0024] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the connector proposed in this invention.
[0025] The attached figures are labeled as follows: 100. Wearable device casing; 101. Button slot; 200. Button body; 201. Cavity; 202. Groove; 203. First one-way valve; 204. Push plate; 300. Sealing connecting sleeve; 301. First elastic element; 400. Piston head; 401. Second check valve; 402. Second elastic element; 500, Connector; 501, Lubrication groove; 502, Ball bearing; 503, Storage groove; 504, Delivery hole. Detailed Implementation
[0026] The present invention will be further illustrated below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0027] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. The present invention can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
[0028] Example 1 Reference Figures 1-9 A scratch-resistant button for wearable smart devices includes: a wearable device housing 100 with a button groove 101 on its surface; a button body 200 installed in the button groove 101, the button body 200 having a cavity 201 filled with a lubricant composed of molybdenum disulfide grease and graphite; and several connectors 500 installed on the button body 200. Each connector 500 includes: a lubrication groove 501 at one end of the connector 500, the inner wall of the lubrication groove 501 having a conveying hole 504 communicating with the cavity 201; and a ball bearing 502 embedded in the lubrication groove 501, the diameter of the ball bearing 502 being larger than the depth of the lubrication groove 501, and its outer surface making rolling contact with the inner wall of the button groove 101.
[0029] In this embodiment, a button groove 101 is formed on the surface of the wearable device housing 100. This button groove 101 provides installation space for the button body 200 and is the basis for the connection between the entire button structure and the device body. The dimensional accuracy and surface flatness of the button groove 101 have an important impact on the installation and performance of the button. A high-precision button groove 101 can ensure a tight fit between the button and the housing after installation, reduce button wobble and offset, and improve the stability of button operation. The button body 200 is installed in the button groove 101 and is the part directly operated by the user. The button can be square or round, and a cavity 201 is formed inside it. This cavity 201 has an important function. The cavity 201 is filled with a lubricant composed of molybdenum disulfide grease and graphite. Molybdenum disulfide grease has excellent lubrication and anti-wear properties, and can form a tough lubricating film on the metal surface, effectively reducing the coefficient of friction. Graphite has good high-temperature resistance and self-lubricating properties. When used in conjunction with molybdenum disulfide grease, it can further improve the lubrication effect and extend the service life of the buttons. The lubricant flows into the lubrication groove 501 through the delivery hole 504. Compared with the traditional sliding contact, the rolling contact of the ball bearing 502 greatly reduces the coefficient of friction, reduces the scraping sensation and wear. The ball bearing 502 rolls in the lubrication groove 501, evenly applying the lubricant to the inner wall of the button groove 101, further improving the lubrication effect.
[0030] The button body 200 includes: two push plates 204, which are installed inside a cavity 201, dividing the cavity 201 into two storage areas and an inflation area. Lubricant is filled in the two storage areas, and the inflation area is located between the two push plates 204. The push plates 204 are in sealed contact with the inner wall of the cavity 201; and a groove 202, which is formed on one side of the button body 200. The inner wall of the groove 202 has a vent hole, which is connected to the inflation area of the cavity 201. The cavity 201 is connected to the cavity 202; a piston head 400 is installed in the groove 202 and is used to fill the cavity 201 with gas from the groove 202; a second elastic element 402 is connected at one end to the piston head 400 and at the other end to the inner wall of the groove 202; a first one-way valve 203 is installed in the vent hole to allow gas to flow into the cavity 202 in one direction; a second one-way valve 401 is installed in the piston head 400 to allow external gas to enter the groove 202 in one direction.
[0031] The two push plates 204 divide the cavity 201 into two storage areas and one inflation area. The push plates 204 are in sealed contact with the inner wall of the cavity 201, ensuring that the lubricant will not leak into the inflation area, while also ensuring that the gas pressure in the inflation area can effectively act on the push plates 204. When lubricant needs to be replenished, the gas pressure in the inflation area is changed, which pushes the push plates 204 to move, thereby squeezing out the lubricant in the storage area and delivering it through the delivery hole 504 to the contact area between the ball bearing 502 and the inner wall of the key groove 101, realizing the function of dynamic lubrication replenishment. When pressure is applied to the key, the sealing sleeve 300 is squeezed, the internal gas pressure increases, pushing the piston head 400 to move into the groove 202, compressing the gas in the groove 202, and allowing the gas to enter the inflation area through the vent hole, increasing the gas pressure in the inflation area, and pushing the push plates 204 to squeeze the lubricant in the storage area. When the pressure is released, the second elastic element 402 returns to its original state, driving the piston head 400 to reset. A negative pressure is formed in the groove 202, and external gas is drawn in through the second one-way valve 401 to prepare for the next operation.
[0032] The first one-way valve 203 is installed in the vent hole, and its function is to allow gas to flow from the groove 202 to the inflation zone only, preventing gas in the inflation zone from flowing back into the groove 202; the second one-way valve 401 is installed in the piston head 400, so that external gas can only enter the groove 202 in one direction, ensuring the one-way flow of gas and ensuring the normal operation of the entire system.
[0033] A storage groove 503 is provided on the inner wall of the lubrication groove 501. The storage groove 503 is used to store lubricant, and the delivery hole 504 is provided on the inner wall of the storage groove 503. The storage groove 503 on the inner wall of the lubrication groove 501 is used to store lubricant, and can continuously provide lubrication during the friction between the ball 502 and the inner wall of the button groove 101, so as to ensure the continuity and stability of lubrication.
[0034] It also includes: a sealing connecting sleeve 300, one end of which is installed on the inner wall of the key slot 101, and the other end of which is installed on one side of the key body 200. The sealing connecting sleeve 300 includes: a first elastic element 301, which is installed on the sealing connecting sleeve 300.
[0035] The aforementioned sealing sleeve 300 is installed at one end on the inner wall of the key groove 101 and at the other end on one side of the key body 200, serving a dual function of sealing and buffering. A first elastic element 301 is installed on the sealing sleeve 300. The first elastic element 301 can be a spring sheet or a spring ring. When the key is pressed, the sealing sleeve 300 is compressed, and the first elastic element 301 undergoes elastic deformation. On the one hand, this compensates for the slight displacement of the key body 200, preventing rigid collisions between the key and the key groove 101 and reducing wear; on the other hand, the sealing sleeve 300 effectively prevents external dust, moisture, and other impurities from entering the cavity 201 of the key groove 101 and the key body 200, protecting the internal structure, while maintaining stable pressure within the cavity 201 to ensure the normal delivery and use of lubricant.
[0036] Example 2 The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the lubricant used is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). PTFE is a non-oil-based solid lubricant with an extremely low coefficient of friction and excellent chemical corrosion resistance. It has good compatibility with adhesives, does not affect sealing performance, and can be used in combination with other materials in nanoparticle form.
[0037] During use, the wearable device is in a static, inactive state. At this time, the button body 200 is installed within the button slot 101 of the wearable device housing 100. Two push plates 204 within the button body 200 divide the cavity 201 into two storage areas and one inflation area. The storage areas are filled with a lubricant composed of molybdenum disulfide grease and graphite. The push plates 204 are in sealed contact with the inner wall of the cavity 201. A sealing connecting sleeve 300 is installed between the inner wall of the button slot 101 and one side of the button body 200, with its internal first elastic element 301 in a natural state. The piston head 400 within the groove 202 is positioned in its initial position under the action of the second elastic element 402. The groove 202 is connected to the inflation area through a vent hole. A first one-way valve 203 is installed within the vent hole, and a second one-way valve 401 is installed within the piston head 400. The entire system is in a stable standby state.
[0038] When the user presses the button body 200, the sealing sleeve 300 is compressed, and the first elastic element 301 inside it undergoes elastic deformation. This compression increases the gas pressure inside the sealing sleeve 300, and the increased pressure pushes the piston head 400 into the groove 202. The piston head 400 moves and compresses the gas in the groove 202. Under pressure, the gas can only enter the inflation zone through the vent and the first one-way valve 203, thereby increasing the gas pressure in the inflation zone.
[0039] The increased air pressure in the inflation zone pushes the two push plates 204 towards the storage area. Because the push plates 204 are in sealed contact with the inner wall of the cavity 201, their movement compresses the lubricant in the storage area. After being compressed, the lubricant flows into the lubricating groove 501 through the delivery hole 504 in the storage groove 503 on the inner wall of the lubricating groove 501 on the connector 500. At this time, the outer surface of the ball bearings 502 embedded in the lubricating groove 501 rolls in contact with the inner wall of the button groove 101. During this rolling process, the ball bearings 502 evenly coat the lubricant in the lubricating groove 501 onto the inner wall of the button groove 101, further reducing the coefficient of friction, minimizing scraping and wear, achieving dynamic lubrication replenishment, and ensuring smooth button pressing operation.
[0040] When the user releases the button, the pressure on the sealing sleeve 300 is relieved, the first elastic element 301 returns to its original state, and the sealing sleeve 300 resets. Simultaneously, the second elastic element 402 also returns to its original state, causing the piston head 400 to reset. The reset of the piston head 400 creates a negative pressure within the groove 202. Under this negative pressure, external gas can only enter the groove 202 through the second one-way valve 401 within the piston head 400, preparing for the next press operation to allow gas to enter the inflation zone. During this process, the air pressure in the inflation zone gradually returns to its initial state, and the push plate 204 also returns to its original position under the pressure change. The entire system returns to its initial state, awaiting the next button press.
[0041] In summary, compared with existing technologies, it has the following beneficial effects: By setting a connector 500 and a ball bearing 502 between the button body 200 and the button groove 101, a rolling contact method is adopted to replace the direct sliding contact between the metal button and the device shell, which reduces the coefficient of friction. The lubricant in the cavity 201 flows to the lubrication groove 501 through the delivery hole 504. The rolling ball bearing 502 evenly coats the lubricant on the inner wall of the button groove 101, providing continuous lubrication, effectively reducing the scraping sensation and significantly improving the user's operating experience.
[0042] The lubricant, composed of molybdenum disulfide grease and graphite, does not affect the sealing performance of the screen adhesive. The sealing connection sleeve 300 is installed between the button slot 101 and the button body 200, which not only plays a buffering role, but also effectively prevents external dust, moisture and other impurities from entering, maintains the waterproof and dustproof performance of the device, reduces the risk of damage to internal components due to contact with external impurities, and ensures the normal operation and stability of the device.
[0043] The button body 200 is equipped with a push plate 204, an air-filling area, a piston head 400, a one-way valve, and other structures to form a dynamic lubrication compensation system. During the button pressing process, the air pressure in the air-filling area is changed to push the push plate 204, which squeezes out the lubricant in the storage area to replenish the contact area between the ball bearing 502 and the inner wall of the button groove 101. This ensures the continuity and stability of the lubrication effect, and even under long-term and frequent use, it can always maintain a good lubrication state, further improving the performance and service life of the button.
[0044] Therefore, although the invention has been described herein with reference to specific embodiments thereof, freedom of modification, various changes and substitutions are also within the scope of the foregoing disclosure, and it should be understood that in some cases, certain features of the invention may be adopted without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention and without corresponding use of other features. Thus, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular environment or material to the essential scope and spirit of the invention. The invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology used in the following claims and / or the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode for carrying out the invention, but the invention will include any and all embodiments and equivalents falling within the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the invention will be defined only by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A scratch-resistant button for wearable smart devices, characterized in that, include: The wearable device housing (100) has a button slot (101) on its surface. A button body (200) is installed in the button slot (101), and a cavity (201) is opened in the button body (200), and the cavity (201) is filled with lubricant; A number of connectors (500) are provided, and the connectors (500) are mounted on the button body (200); The connector (500) includes: A lubrication groove (501) is provided at one end of the connector (500), and a conveying hole (504) is provided on the inner wall of the lubrication groove (501), which is connected to the cavity (201). A ball bearing (502) is embedded in the lubrication groove (501). The diameter of the ball bearing (502) is greater than the depth of the lubrication groove (501), and its outer surface makes rolling contact with the inner wall of the button groove (101).
2. The anti-scratch button for wearable smart devices according to claim 1, characterized in that, The button body (200) includes: There are two push plates (204). The two push plates (204) are installed in the cavity (201). The two push plates (204) divide the cavity (201) into two storage areas and an inflation area. Lubricant is filled in the two storage areas. The inflation area is located between the two push plates (204). The push plates (204) are in sealed contact with the inner wall of the cavity (201).
3. The anti-scratch button for wearable smart devices according to claim 2, characterized in that, The button body (200) also includes: A groove (202) is formed on one side of the button body (200), and a vent hole is formed on the inner wall of the groove (202), which is connected to the inflation area of the cavity (201). A piston head (400) is installed in the groove (202) and is used to fill the gas in the groove (202) into the filling area of the cavity (201); The second elastic element (402) is connected at one end to the piston head (400) and at the other end to the inner wall of the groove (202).
4. The anti-scratch button for wearable smart devices according to claim 3, characterized in that, The button body (200) also includes: A first one-way valve (203) is installed in the vent hole to allow gas to flow into the inflation zone in one direction; A second one-way valve (401) is installed inside the piston head (400) to allow external gas to enter the groove (202) in one direction.
5. The anti-scratch button for wearable smart devices according to claim 1, characterized in that, A storage tank (503) is provided on the inner wall of the lubrication tank (501). The storage tank (503) is used to store lubricant, and a delivery hole (504) is provided on the inner wall of the storage tank (503).
6. The anti-scratch button for wearable smart devices according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The sealing connecting sleeve (300) is installed on the inner wall of the key slot (101) at one end and on one side of the key body (200) at the other end.
7. The anti-scratch button for wearable smart devices according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sealing connection sleeve (300) includes: The first elastic element (301) is installed on the sealing connecting sleeve (300).
8. The anti-scratch button for wearable smart devices according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lubricant consists of molybdenum disulfide grease and graphite.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Button structure and wearable devices
CN113963971B