A button fixing structure and driver

Abstract

This application relates to a button fixing structure and driver. The button fixing structure includes a housing with at least one slot; a button module placed in a predetermined position on the housing, including a button base and multiple buttons disposed on the surface of the button base, each button extending a key shaft from the back of the button base; and a fixing member that covers the housing, the fixing member having a locking protrusion that mates with the slot and a through hole for the buttons to pass through. This application aims to solve the technical problems of low button assembly efficiency, inconvenient maintenance, and insufficient reliability in the prior art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of button fixing technology, and in particular to a button fixing structure and driver. Background Technology

[0002] As a core control component of industrial automation equipment, the button structure of the driver's operation panel directly affects the user experience and product reliability.

[0003] Currently, the most common way to fix buttons is to use screws to fasten each button to the casing. Although this structure is simple, it has obvious shortcomings in practical applications: each screw needs to be tightened individually during assembly, resulting in low production efficiency; all screws need to be removed when repairing or replacing buttons, which is cumbersome and can easily damage the casing or buttons; after long-term use, the screws may loosen or strip, leading to poor button contact and affecting operational stability.

[0004] Therefore, a new button fixing structure is urgently needed to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides a button fixing structure and a driver, wherein the button fixing structure can solve the technical problems of low button assembly efficiency, inconvenient maintenance and insufficient reliability in the prior art.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a button fixing structure, including:

[0007] The outer casing has at least one slot.

[0008] A button module is placed in a preset position on the housing, including a button base and a plurality of buttons disposed on the surface of the button base, and each button extends a key shaft from the back of the button base;

[0009] A fastener, which covers the outer casing, is provided with a locking protrusion that mates with the slot, and a through hole for the button to pass through.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the housing is provided with a mounting groove enclosed by a wall, and the button module is located in a portion of the mounting groove.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the slot is located in the enclosure wall.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the mounting groove is provided with at least one positioning post, and the button base is provided with positioning holes corresponding to the positioning post.

[0013] In one possible implementation, a baffle extends vertically upward from at least one edge of the housing, and the baffle abuts against the fastener when the fastener is closed on the housing.

[0014] In one possible implementation, four engagement protrusions are provided, and the four engagement protrusions are respectively located around the perimeter of the fastener.

[0015] In one possible implementation, when the fastener is closed onto the housing, the side of the fastener facing the housing abuts against the button base.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the button module is made of silicone.

[0017] Secondly, this application provides a driver, comprising:

[0018] shell;

[0019] A circuit board is disposed inside the housing and is provided with at least one micro switch;

[0020] In the button fixing structure described above, the key shaft is in corresponding contact with the micro switch.

[0021] In one possible implementation, a display screen is also included, and the fixing member is provided with display positions corresponding to the display screen.

[0022] The technical solutions provided in this application have the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0023] The button fixing structure provided in this application embodiment includes at least one slot on the outer shell, a snap-fit ​​protrusion on the fixing member that mates with the slot, and a through hole for the button to pass through. During installation, the button module is placed on the outer shell, allowing the button to pass through the through hole. Then, the fixing member is placed on the outer shell, and the button holder is clamped between the outer shell and the fixing member through the snap-fit ​​engagement of the snap-fit ​​protrusion and the slot. At this point, the button protrudes through the through hole for user operation.

[0024] Compared to existing technologies, this application eliminates the need for screw fastening, avoiding the tedious process of tightening screws one by one during assembly and improving production efficiency. When repairing or replacing buttons, simply remove the fastener from the housing; there's no need to remove all the screws, simplifying the operation and reducing the risk of damaging the housing or buttons. It also avoids the problem of poor button contact caused by loose or stripped screws after long-term use, improving operational stability. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a button fixing structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the button fixing structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 3 A perspective view of the driver provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the driver provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0033] 1. Outer shell; 101. Enclosure; 1011. Slot; 102. Mounting slot; 103. Positioning post; 104. Baffle;

[0034] 2. Button module; 201. Button socket; 2011. Positioning hole; 202. Button; 2021. Key switch;

[0035] 3. Fixing component; 301. Engaging protrusion; 302. Through hole; 303. Display position;

[0036] 4. Driver; 401. Microswitch; 402. Display screen. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0038] The following disclosure provides numerous different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of this application. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples. Such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed.

[0039] For ease of description, spatial relative terms may be used in this text to describe the relative position or movement of one element or feature relative to another element or feature, as shown in the figure. These relative terms include, for example, "inside," "outside," "middle," "outer," "below," "below," "above," "front," "back," etc. Such spatial relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the button fixing structure during use or operation, other than those depicted in the figure. For example, if the button fixing structure in the figure undergoes a positional flip, orientation change, or movement change, these directional indications will change accordingly. For instance, an element described as "below other elements or features" or "below other elements or features" will subsequently be oriented "above other elements or features" or "above other elements or features." Therefore, the example term "below" can include both upper and lower orientations. The button fixing structure may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or in other directions), and the spatial relative descriptors used in this text will be interpreted accordingly.

[0040] To address the technical problems of low assembly efficiency, inconvenient maintenance, and insufficient reliability of buttons in the prior art, this application provides a button fixing structure.

[0041] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A button fixing structure provided in this application embodiment includes:

[0042] The outer casing 1 has at least one card slot 1011 thereon;

[0043] The button module 2 is placed in a preset position on the outer shell 1, including a button base 201 and a plurality of buttons 202 disposed on the surface of the button base 201, and each button 202 extends a key shaft 2021 from the back of the button base 201.

[0044] The fastener 3 covers the outer shell 1. The fastener 3 has a locking protrusion 301 that cooperates with the slot 1011, and a through hole 302 for the button 202 to pass through.

[0045] In the above technical solution, during assembly, firstly, the button module 2 is placed on the outer shell 1, ensuring that the button base 201 of the button module 2 is in contact with the surface of the outer shell 1, at which point the button 202 is located above the outer shell 1. The fixing member 3 is then placed on the outer shell 1, aligning the engaging protrusion 301 on the fixing member 3 with the slot 1011 on the outer shell 1. As the fixing member 3 is pressed down, the engaging protrusion 301 gradually enters the slot 1011 and forms a snap-fit ​​engagement. During the engagement process between the engaging protrusion 301 and the slot 1011, the fixing member 3 gradually moves closer to the button base 201, ultimately clamping the button base 201 between the outer shell 1 and the fixing member 3. Simultaneously, the button 202 protrudes from the through hole 302 on the fixing member 3, exposing itself on the surface of the fixing member 3, allowing the user to perform button operation. When the user presses the button 202, the key shaft 2021 on the back of the button 202 moves downward, allowing it to contact other components (such as microswitches) to achieve the button function.

[0046] Compared to the traditional method of fixing button modules with screws, the button fixing structure of this application does not require tightening each screw individually. The installation can be completed simply by engaging the fixing part 3 with the slot 1011 through the engagement protrusion 301, which greatly shortens the assembly time and improves production efficiency.

[0047] When it is necessary to repair or replace the button module 2, simply remove the fixing piece 3 from the outer shell 1 to easily remove the button module 2 for operation. There is no need to remove a large number of screws, making the operation simple and convenient, reducing the difficulty and cost of repair, and also reducing the risk of damage to the outer shell or buttons due to the removal of screws.

[0048] By engaging the snap-fit ​​protrusion 301 with the slot 1011 and securing the button base 201 to the housing 1 with the fastener 3, the button module 2 can be stably mounted on the housing 1, avoiding poor button contact caused by loose screws or stripped threads, ensuring the stability and reliability of button operation, and improving the user experience.

[0049] Please refer to Figure 2 In one possible implementation, the outer casing 1 has a mounting groove 102 enclosed by a wall 101, and the button module 2 is disposed in a portion of the mounting groove 102. In this application, a portion of the mounting groove 102 is used to place the button module 2, and another portion is used to place the display screen 402. When the device is running, the button module 2 and the display screen 402 function in their respective areas. The user inputs commands by operating the button module 2, and the internal circuitry of the device processes the commands accordingly and displays the processing results on the display screen 402. The mounting groove 102 enclosed by the wall 101, as a whole structure, combines the button module 2 and the display screen 402, allowing them to work collaboratively in relatively independent spaces without interfering with each other.

[0050] Specifically, the slot 1011 is located on the enclosure 101. During assembly, the engaging protrusion 301 on the fastener 3 corresponds to the slot 1011 on the enclosure 101. As the fastener 3 gradually covers the outer shell 1, the engaging protrusion 301 enters the slot 1011. Through the interaction force between the inner wall of the slot 1011 and the engaging protrusion 301, a snap-fit ​​engagement is achieved, thereby stably fixing the fastener 3 to the outer shell 1, while simultaneously clamping the button module 2 between the outer shell 1 and the fastener 3.

[0051] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4 In one possible implementation, at least one positioning post 103 is provided in the mounting groove 102, and the key base 201 is provided with a positioning hole 2011 corresponding to the positioning post 103. When installing the key fixing structure, first align the positioning hole 2011 on the key base 201 with the positioning post 103 in the mounting groove 102, so that the positioning post 103 is inserted into the positioning hole 2011. The cooperation between the positioning post 103 and the positioning hole 2011 plays a precise guiding and positioning role, ensuring that the key base 201 can be accurately placed in the predetermined position in the mounting groove 102. Subsequently, the fixing member 3 is covered on the outer shell 1, and the locking protrusion 301 on the fixing member 3 engages with the locking groove 1011 on the enclosure 101, clamping the key base 201 between the outer shell 1 and the fixing member 3, while the key 202 protrudes through the through hole 302 on the fixing member 3 for user operation.

[0052] Understandably, the cooperation between the positioning post 103 and the positioning hole 2011 ensures that the button base 201 is accurately positioned within the mounting slot 102 during installation, preventing misalignment between the button 202 and subsequent components such as microswitches on the circuit board due to installation position deviations. This ensures the accuracy and reliability of button operation and reduces malfunctions caused by button misalignment.

[0053] Meanwhile, when installing the button base 201, the operator only needs to align the positioning hole 2011 with the positioning post 103 to quickly complete the initial positioning, without having to spend a lot of time and effort to adjust the position of the button base, which greatly simplifies the installation process and improves installation efficiency.

[0054] It should be noted that at least one edge of the outer casing 1 extends vertically upward to form a baffle 104. When the fastener 3 is closed onto the outer casing 1, the baffle 104 abuts against the fastener 3. This vertically extending baffle 104 applies a constraint force to the fastener 3 from the side, restricting the movement of the fastener 3 in the horizontal direction (especially perpendicular to the direction of the baffle extension). Together with the engaging protrusion 301 of the fastener 3 and the engaging groove 1011 of the enclosure 101, a three-dimensional and stable fixing system is constructed to ensure that the button module 2 can be stably clamped between the outer casing 1 and the fastener 3.

[0055] Meanwhile, the presence of the baffle 104 also provides guidance and positioning for the installation of the fastener 3. During the installation process, the operator can quickly determine the installation direction and approximate position of the fastener 3 by observing the position of the baffle 104, and then gradually cover the fastener 3 onto the outer shell 1, so that the baffle 104 and the fastener 3 accurately abut against each other, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of the installation.

[0056] In one possible implementation, four engaging protrusions 301 are provided, each located around the perimeter of the fixing member 3. During the process of the fixing member 3 closing onto the outer shell 1, the four engaging protrusions 301 located around the fixing member 3 simultaneously engage with the corresponding slots 1011 on the enclosure wall 101. As the fixing member 3 gradually approaches the outer shell 1, the four engaging protrusions 301 move along the guiding direction of their respective slots 1011. With the application of downward pressure, the contact surfaces of the engaging protrusions 301 and the slots 1011 gradually mesh, ultimately achieving a tight engagement. This perimeter-distributed engagement method makes the connection between the fixing member 3 and the outer shell 1 more uniform and stable. After engagement, the four engaging protrusions 301 collectively bear the forces from all directions, stably clamping the button base 201 between the outer shell 1 and the fixing member 3.

[0057] Understandably, the four locking protrusions 301 are located around the fixing member 3, fixing the fixing member 3 from multiple directions. Compared with a single or a few locking points, they can more effectively prevent the fixing member 3 from shaking, shifting or loosening during use, ensuring that the button module 2 is always firmly clamped between the outer shell 1 and the fixing member 3, which greatly improves the overall stability of the button fixing structure.

[0058] It should be noted that when the fastener 3 is fitted onto the outer casing 1, the side of the fastener 3 facing the outer casing 1 abuts against the keypad 201. During the process of fitting the fastener 3 onto the outer casing 1, as the fastener 3 gradually approaches the outer casing 1, the side of the fastener 3 facing the outer casing 1 gradually comes into contact with the keypad 201. When the fastener 3 is fully fitted, the fastener 3 and the outer casing 1 are engaged and fixed through the engaging protrusion 301 and the engaging groove 1011, while the side of the fastener 3 facing the outer casing 1 tightly abuts against the keypad 201. This abutting state creates a relatively stable overall structure between the fastener 3, the keypad 201, and the outer casing 1. The keypad 201 is held between the fastener 3 and the outer casing 1, and the keypad 202 protrudes from the through hole 302 on the fastener 3 for user operation.

[0059] In one possible implementation, the button module 2 is made of silicone. Silicone itself has unique physical properties; when the button module 2 is made of silicone, the elasticity of the silicone plays a role during button operation. When the user presses button 202, the silicone button module 2 undergoes elastic deformation, causing the key shaft 2021 on the back of button 202 to move downwards, triggering corresponding microswitches and other components to achieve the button function. When the user releases button 202, the silicone button module 2 returns to its original shape due to its elasticity, causing button 202 to reset and prepare for the next button operation.

[0060] It should be noted that the silicone material is soft and has a certain degree of elasticity. When users press button 202, they can feel a noticeable cushioning sensation, unlike the harsh feel of hard materials. This soft feel can greatly improve the comfort of users when operating the buttons and reduce hand fatigue caused by prolonged operation.

[0061] Meanwhile, silicone material has good wear resistance and aging resistance. During long-term and frequent button operation, silicone button module 2 is not prone to wear and cracking, and can maintain stable performance and appearance. Compared with some easily damaged materials, it greatly improves the durability of the buttons and reduces maintenance and replacement costs.

[0062] Additionally, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 This application also provides a driver 4, comprising:

[0063] Outer shell 1;

[0064] A circuit board (not shown in the attached drawings) is disposed inside the housing 1 and is provided with at least one micro switch 401;

[0065] As described above, in the button fixing structure, the key shaft 2021 is in contact with the micro switch 401.

[0066] In the driver 4, a circuit board is housed within the housing 1, and at least one micro switch 401 is mounted on the circuit board. A button fixing structure is mounted on the housing 1, wherein the key shaft 2021 is in contact with the micro switch 401. When the user presses the button 202, the key shaft 2021 moves downward, triggering the micro switch 401 in contact with it. The micro switch 401 converts the force into a change in electrical signal through its internal structure (drive mechanism, spring, contact system, etc.), thereby realizing the on / off control of the circuit and transmitting the button operation as an electrical signal to the control system of the driver 4. The control system executes the corresponding operation command according to the received signal. When the user releases the button 202, the silicone button module 2 returns to its original shape due to its elasticity, causing the key shaft 2021 to reset, and the micro switch 401 also returns to its initial state.

[0067] The driver 4 adopts the above-mentioned button fixing structure, which can ensure accurate correspondence and stable contact between the key shaft 2021 and the micro switch 401, avoid the problem of false triggering or unstable signal transmission caused by loose or misaligned buttons, and improve the accuracy and reliability of button operation.

[0068] In one possible implementation, a display screen 402 is also included, and a display position 303 corresponding to the display screen 402 is provided on the fixing member 3. In the overall structure of the driver 4, the display screen 402 is installed in a suitable position inside the housing 1. The display position 303 on the fixing member 3 corresponding to the display screen 402 is a reserved transparent or open area. When the driver 4 is in working condition, the display screen 402 will display various information, such as parameter settings, operating status, fault prompts, etc. This information is clearly presented to the user through the display position 303 on the fixing member 3. The user can directly observe the content on the display screen 402 without opening the driver housing, thereby understanding the working status of the driver 4 in real time and making corresponding operations or adjustments based on the displayed information.

[0069] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts that are not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0070] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the button fixing structure or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0071] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0072] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0073] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0074] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. The illustrative expressions of the above terms in this specification should not be construed as necessarily referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0075] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Since these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims and their equivalents, this application also intends to include these modifications and variations.

[0076] The above description describes specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A key fixing structure characterized by comprising: include: The outer casing has at least one slot. A button module is placed in a preset position on the housing, including a button base and a plurality of buttons disposed on the surface of the button base, and each button extends a key shaft from the back of the button base; A fastener, which covers the outer casing, is provided with a locking protrusion that mates with the slot, and a through hole for the button to pass through.

2. The key fixing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer casing is provided with a mounting groove enclosed by a wall, and the button module is located in a portion of the mounting groove.

3. The button fixing structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The card slot is located in the enclosure wall.

4. The button fixing structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting slot is provided with at least one positioning post, and the button base is provided with positioning holes corresponding to the positioning post.

5. The button fixing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, A baffle extends vertically upward from at least one edge of the housing, and when the fastener is closed on the housing, the baffle abuts against the fastener.

6. The button fixing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The engagement protrusions are provided in four parts, and the four engagement protrusions are respectively located around the perimeter of the fixing member.

7. The button fixing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the fastener is closed onto the housing, the side of the fastener facing the housing abuts against the button base.

8. The button fixing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The button module is made of silicone.

9. A driver, characterized in that, include: shell; A circuit board is disposed inside the housing and is provided with at least one micro switch; The button fixing structure according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the key shaft is in corresponding contact with the micro switch.

10. The driver according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes a display screen, and the fixing member is provided with a display position corresponding to the display screen.

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