Silica gel key

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of keys, in particular to a silica gel key, which comprises a conductive block and a metal sheet, a pressing cavity is arranged at the bottom of the silica gel key, an elastic cavity is arranged in the pressing cavity, the conductive block is mounted in the elastic cavity, and the metal sheet is detachably mounted on the lower end face of the silica gel key. One end face of the metal piece abuts against the lower end face of the elastic supporting ring, a second connecting hole is formed in the metal piece and communicated with the elastic cavity, the metal piece is provided with an elastic piece, one end of the elastic piece abuts against the upper end face of the elastic cavity, and the other end of the elastic piece is installed on the upper end face of the metal piece. The pressing hand feeling of the silica gel key can be kept by arranging the elastic block in the elastic cavity, after the silica gel key is used for a long time, the elastic piece can support the elastic cavity, meanwhile, the metal sheet is arranged in the pressing cavity, the pressing hand feeling can be further improved, the silica gel key is clearer and more sensitive, and more comfortable pressing feeling is brought to a user.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Silicone buttons are widely used in many electronic devices due to their excellent properties such as softness, wear resistance, and good sealing. They provide a convenient and reliable solution for the operation and interaction of electronic devices. They are usually made of insulating silicone body, and conductive blocks are set at the bottom of the silicone button to achieve effective contact with the PCB board, thereby completing the signal transmission.

[0003] Chinese utility model patent (authorization announcement number: CN214956552U) discloses a replaceable silicone button, including a button base and a button disposed on the button base. The button base has several mounting openings, and a retaining edge extending towards the center of each mounting opening is located on the lower surface of the button base. Several L-shaped elastic snap-fit ​​members are disposed on the upper surface of the button base at the mounting openings, evenly arranged around the center of the mounting openings. A flange extending away from the centerline is provided at the lower end of the button's sidewall, and the flange snaps between the elastic snap-fit ​​members and the retaining edge. However, during long-term use, the performance of the silicone button gradually deteriorates, mainly due to a weakening of the silicone's elasticity. This results in a poorer tactile feel when pressing the button, thus affecting the user's operating experience. Utility Model Content

[0004] To overcome the shortcomings mentioned above, this utility model aims to provide a technical solution for silicone buttons that can solve the aforementioned problems.

[0005] A silicone button, comprising a conductive block and a metal sheet, wherein the bottom of the silicone button has a pressing cavity, and an elastic support ring is provided inside the pressing cavity, the elastic support ring and the bottom of the button forming an elastic chamber, the conductive block is installed at the bottom of the silicone button and is located inside the elastic chamber, the metal sheet is detachably installed on the lower end face of the silicone button, one end face of the metal sheet abuts against the lower end face of the elastic support ring, the metal sheet has a second connecting hole communicating with the elastic chamber, the metal sheet has an elastic element, one end of the elastic element abuts against the bottom of the silicone button, and the other end of the elastic element is installed on the upper end face of the metal sheet.

[0006] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the elastic element is a first spring, one end of the first spring abuts against the upper end face of the elastic chamber, and the other end of the first spring is mounted on the upper end face of the metal sheet.

[0007] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the elastic chamber is provided with a first mounting hole, the silicone button is provided with a plurality of slots, the slots are installed on the inner wall of the first mounting hole, the metal sheet is provided with a plurality of first blocks, the first blocks are installed on two symmetrical sides of the metal sheet, and the first blocks are respectively locked in the slots.

[0008] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the card slot and the silicone button are integrally connected, and the first card block and the metal sheet are integrally connected.

[0009] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the silicone button is provided with a second mounting hole, the silicone button is provided with a plurality of sliding grooves, the sliding grooves are installed on the inner wall of the second mounting hole, the metal sheet is provided with a plurality of second locking blocks, the second locking blocks are installed on the two symmetrical sides of the metal sheet, the second locking blocks are respectively slidably installed in the sliding grooves, the upper end face of the metal sheet is bonded to the lower end face of the elastic support ring, and the end of the sliding groove is provided with a baffle.

[0010] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the slide groove is integrally connected to the silicone button, and the second card block is integrally connected to the metal sheet.

[0011] As a further embodiment of this utility model: at least one second spring is provided between the metal sheet and the baffle, one end of the second spring abuts against the lower end face of the metal sheet, and the other end of the second spring is installed on the upper end face of the baffle.

[0012] As a further embodiment of this invention, the thickness of the metal sheet can be 2-5 mm.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0014] 1. The silicone button has an elastic chamber inside. By setting an elastic block inside the elastic chamber, the pressing feel of the silicone button can be maintained. After long-term use, the elastic element can support the elastic chamber. At the same time, the metal plate set in the pressing chamber can further improve the pressing feel, making it clearer and more sensitive, and bringing users a more comfortable pressing feel.

[0015] 2. An elastic chamber is set in the silicone button. When the operator presses it, it can drive the metal plate to slide in the direction of the slide groove. After the metal plate hits the baffle, it can produce a crisp pressing feel. The setting of the first spring and the second spring can ensure the elasticity of the silicone button, making the silicone button more durable and improving the pressing feel.

[0016] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the silicone button of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of a silicone button according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a top view of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the CC section.

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of section BB.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a first exploded view of a silicone button according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A cross-sectional diagram of the EE.

[0026] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 A cross-sectional diagram of DD.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a first exploded view of a silicone button according to another embodiment of the present invention (with the first and second springs hidden).

[0028] In the diagram: 1. Silicone button; 11. Conductive block; 12. Metal sheet; 121. Second connecting hole; 122. First spring; 123a. First locking block; 123b. Second locking block; 13. Pressing chamber; 14. Elastic chamber; 15a. First mounting hole; 15b. Second mounting hole; 16a. Slot; 16b. Slide groove; 17. Baffle; 171. Third locking block; 18. Second spring; 19. Elastic support ring. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0030] Please see Figures 1-2 and Figure 10 In this embodiment of the present invention, a silicone button 1 is provided. The silicone button 1 further includes a conductive block 11 and a metal sheet 12. A pressing cavity 13 is provided at the bottom of the silicone button 1, and an elastic support ring 19 is provided inside the pressing cavity 13. The elastic support ring 19 and the bottom of the button form an elastic chamber. The conductive block 11 is installed at the bottom of the silicone button and is located inside the elastic chamber. The metal sheet 12 is detachably installed on the lower end face of the silicone button 1. One end face of the metal sheet 12 abuts against the lower end face of the elastic support ring 19. The metal sheet 12 has a second connecting hole 121, which communicates with the elastic chamber 14 to allow the conductive block to pass through. The metal sheet 12 has an elastic element, one end of which abuts against the bottom of the silicone button, and the other end of which is installed on the upper end face of the metal sheet 12. Specifically, the diameter of the second connecting hole 121 is not less than the cross-sectional size of the conductive block 11. Specifically, the pressing cavity 13 has an open lower end, and an elastic chamber 14 is installed inside the pressing cavity 13. Pressing the silicone button 1 causes the pressing cavity 13 to deform, and the elastic chamber 14 inside the pressing cavity 13 moves downward. After the elastic chamber 14 contacts the PCB board, the elastic chamber 14 is compressed, causing the conductive block 11 located inside the elastic chamber 14 to extend out of the elastic chamber 14 until the conductive block 11 makes contact with the PCB contacts to transmit electrical signals. The metal sheet 12 can be made of materials such as copper, iron, and aluminum.

[0031] The working principle of this embodiment is as follows: When the operator presses the top center of the silicone button 1, the conductive block 11 can extend out from the second connection hole 121 and make contact with the contact point of the PCB board to complete the transmission of electrical signals. An elastic chamber 14 is provided inside the silicone button 1. By setting an elastic block inside the elastic chamber 14, the pressing feel of the silicone button 1 can be maintained. When the silicone button 1 is used for a long time, the elastic element can support the elastic chamber 14. At the same time, a metal sheet 12 is set in the pressing chamber 13 to further improve the pressing feel.

[0032] Further as Figures 1-2As shown, in this embodiment of the present invention, the elastic element is a first spring 122. One end of the first spring 122 abuts against the upper surface of the elastic chamber 14, and the other end of the first spring 122 is mounted on the upper surface of the metal sheet 12. The first spring 122 is used to support the elastic chamber 14, ensuring the tactile feel of the button and preventing the silicone button 1 from deteriorating due to decreased elasticity after long-term use.

[0033] Further as Figures 1-5 As shown, in the first embodiment of this utility model, the silicone button 1 has a first mounting hole 15a for mounting the metal sheet 12. The first mounting hole 15a communicates with the pressing cavity 13. The silicone button 1 has a plurality of slots 16a, which are mounted on the inner wall of the first mounting hole 15a. The metal sheet 12 has a plurality of first locking blocks 123a, which are mounted on the two symmetrical sides of the metal sheet 12 and are respectively locked in the slots 16a. Specifically, at least one slot 16a can be provided on the inner wall of the first mounting hole 15a that is symmetrical in front and behind or left and right. At the same time, first locking blocks 123a are provided at positions corresponding to the slots 16a on the metal sheet 12. Specifically, the first locking blocks 123a can be installed on the two symmetrical ends of the metal sheet 12. The working principle of this embodiment is as follows: Since the silicone button 1 is an elastic element, when installing the metal piece 12, the operator can pry open the inner wall of the mounting hole by hand so that the metal piece 12 can be inserted into the mounting hole. The first locking block 123a can be aligned with the locking slot 16a to lock it in place, thereby completing the installation of the metal piece 12.

[0034] like Figures 2-5 As shown, in another embodiment of this utility model: two slots 16a are respectively provided on the front and rear inner walls of the first mounting hole 15a, and first blocks 123a are respectively provided on the front and rear sides of the metal sheet 12. During installation, by bending the front and rear inner walls of the first mounting hole 15a outward, the metal sheet 12 is inserted into the first mounting hole 15a, so that the first blocks 123a on the front and rear sides of the metal sheet 12 are respectively locked in the slots 16a, and the installation of the metal sheet 12 is completed.

[0035] Further as Figures 1-2 As shown, in this embodiment of the present invention, the card slot 16a and the silicone button 1 are integrally connected, and the first card block 123a and the metal sheet 12 are integrally connected. The connection between the card slot 16a and the silicone button 1 can be achieved by injection molding, and the connection between the first card block 123a and the metal sheet 12 can be achieved by punching or casting.

[0036] Further as Figures 6-10As shown, in the second embodiment of this utility model, the elastic chamber 14 is provided with a second mounting hole 15b for mounting the metal sheet 12. The second mounting hole 15b communicates with the pressing chamber 13. The silicone button 1 is provided with a plurality of sliding grooves 16b, which are installed on the inner wall of the second mounting hole 15b. The metal sheet 12 is provided with a plurality of second locking blocks 123b, which are installed on the two symmetrical sides of the metal sheet 12. The second locking blocks 123b are slidably installed in the sliding grooves 16b respectively. The upper end face of the metal sheet 12 is bonded to the lower end face of the elastic support ring 19. The end of the sliding groove 16b is provided with a baffle 17. Specifically, at least one sliding groove 16b can be provided on the inner wall of the second mounting hole 15b that is symmetrical in front and behind or left and right. At the same time, the second locking blocks 123b are provided at the corresponding positions of the metal sheet 12 and the sliding groove 16b. The second locking blocks 123b can be installed on the two symmetrical ends of the metal sheet 12. The upper end face of the metal sheet 12 is bonded to the lower end face of the elastic support ring 19, so that the second connecting hole 121 and the elastic support ring 19 abut against each other. The sliding direction of the slide groove 16b is longitudinally arranged. When the operator presses the silicone button, the pressing cavity 13 deforms, causing the elastic chamber 14 to move downward, which can drive the metal sheet 12 to reciprocate in the longitudinal direction until the metal sheet 12 collides with the baffle 17. A third locking block 171 is provided near the edge of the slide groove 16b on the baffle 17. When installing the baffle 17, the third locking block 171 is locked at the end of the slide groove 16b. The third locking block 171 and the slide groove 16b can be interference fit or clearance fit to complete the installation of the baffle 17. Working principle of this embodiment: An elastic chamber 14 is provided in the silicone button 1. When the operator presses the silicone button 1, it can drive the metal sheet 12 to slide towards the slide groove 16b. After the metal sheet 12 collides with the baffle 17, it can produce a crisp pressing feel.

[0037] like Figure 10 As shown, in another embodiment of this utility model, two grooves 16b are respectively provided on the inner walls before and after the second mounting hole 15b. Two second locking blocks 123b are respectively provided on the front and rear sides of the metal sheet 12. The second locking blocks 123b are slidably installed in the grooves 16b. When the silicone button is pressed, the metal sheet 12 can slide in the grooves 16b along with the elastic chamber 14. Two third locking blocks 171 are respectively provided on the front and rear sides of the baffle 17. The installation of the baffle 17 is completed by locking the third locking blocks 171 at the ends of the grooves 16b. The connection between the third locking blocks 171 and the baffle 17 can be achieved by punching or casting.

[0038] Further as Figure 10As shown, in this embodiment of the present invention, the slide groove 16b is integrally connected to the silicone button 1, and the second locking block 123b is integrally connected to the metal sheet 12. The working principle of this embodiment is as follows: the connection between the slide groove 16b and the silicone button 1 can be achieved by injection molding, and the connection between the second locking block 123b and the metal sheet 12 can be achieved by punching or casting.

[0039] Further as Figures 6-9 As shown, in this embodiment of the present invention, at least one second spring 18 is provided between the metal sheet 12 and the baffle 17. One end of the second spring 18 abuts against the lower end face of the metal sheet 12, and the other end of the second spring 18 is installed on the upper end face of the baffle 17. The working principle of this embodiment is as follows: the first spring 122 and the second spring 18 ensure the elasticity of the silicone button 1, making the silicone button 1 more durable and improving the pressing feel.

[0040] In embodiments of this invention, the thickness of the metal sheet 12 can be 2-5mm. A 2mm thick metal sheet 12 results in a crisper button feel. A 5mm thick metal sheet 12 provides a heavier button feel, giving it a more substantial tactile feedback when pressed.

[0041] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered exemplary and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims be included within this invention.

Claims

1. A silicone button (1), characterized in that, The silicone button (1) further includes a conductive block (11) and a metal sheet (12). The bottom of the silicone button (1) is provided with a pressing cavity (13). An elastic support ring (19) is provided in the pressing cavity (13). The elastic support ring (19) and the bottom of the button form an elastic chamber. The conductive block (11) is installed at the bottom of the silicone button and is located in the elastic chamber. The metal sheet (12) is detachably installed on the lower end face of the silicone button (1). One end face of the metal sheet (12) abuts against the lower end face of the elastic support ring (19). The metal sheet (12) is provided with a second connecting hole (121). The second connecting hole (121) communicates with the elastic chamber (14). The metal sheet (12) is provided with an elastic element. One end of the elastic element abuts against the bottom of the silicone button, and the other end of the elastic element is installed on the upper end face of the metal sheet (12).

2. The silicone button according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic element is a first spring (122), one end of which abuts against the upper end face of the elastic chamber (14), and the other end of which is mounted on the upper end face of the metal sheet (12).

3. The silicone button according to claim 2, characterized in that, The silicone button (1) is provided with a first mounting hole (15a) and a plurality of slots (16a). The slots (16a) are installed on the inner wall of the first mounting hole (15a). The metal sheet (12) is provided with a plurality of first blocks (123a). The first blocks (123a) are installed on two symmetrical sides of the metal sheet (12) and are respectively locked in the slots (16a).

4. The silicone button according to claim 3, characterized in that, The card slot (16a) is integrally connected to the silicone button (1), and the first card block (123a) is integrally connected to the metal sheet (12).

5. The silicone button according to claim 2, characterized in that... The elastic chamber (14) is provided with a second mounting hole (15b), the silicone button (1) is provided with a plurality of sliding grooves (16b), the sliding grooves (16b) are installed on the inner wall of the second mounting hole (15b), the metal sheet (12) is provided with a plurality of second locking blocks (123b), the second locking blocks (123b) are installed on the two sides of the metal sheet (12) symmetrically, and the second locking blocks (123b) are respectively slidably installed in the sliding grooves (16b). The upper end face of the metal sheet (12) is bonded to the lower end face of the elastic support ring (19), and the end of the sliding groove (16b) is provided with a baffle (17).

6. The silicone button according to claim 5, characterized in that, The slide (16b) is integrally connected to the silicone button (1), and the second card block (123b) is integrally connected to the metal sheet (12).

7. The silicone button according to claim 6, characterized in that, At least one second spring (18) is provided between the metal sheet (12) and the baffle (17). One end of the second spring (18) abuts against the lower end face of the metal sheet (12), and the other end of the second spring (18) is installed on the upper end face of the baffle (17).

8. The silicone button according to claim 4 or 6, characterized in that, The thickness of the metal sheet (12) can be 2-5 mm.

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