Waterproof keyboard flow guide structure
By using an interlaced design of drainage channels and holes, combined with a hydrophobic coating and sealing ring, the problem of liquid retention in waterproof keyboards at multiple angles is solved, enabling rapid diversion and drainage of liquid and ensuring normal keyboard use.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHONGQING ZIMAI TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing waterproof keyboards are prone to liquid buildup when the keyboard is not horizontal or tilted at an improper angle, which affects drainage and normal keyboard use.
A three-dimensional drainage network is formed by staggered horizontal guide channels and vertical guide holes. Combined with a hydrophobic nano-coating and guide pipes, a vertical drainage system is formed, and a dynamic seal is achieved with a sealing ring under compression.
It enables rapid diversion and efficient drainage of liquids, preventing water from seeping into the internal circuitry and ensuring the keyboard functions normally at multiple angles.
Smart Images
Figure CN224501776U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of keyboard components technology, and in particular to a waterproof keyboard airflow guiding structure. Background Technology
[0002] Waterproof keyboards are peripheral products with special protective features. Their structural design and material selection effectively prevent liquids and particles from entering the internal circuitry. These keyboards are widely used in dusty environments (such as industrial workshops), high-humidity locations (such as ship control consoles), and medical equipment. Their IP67 protection rating ensures stable operation of the device under harsh conditions such as sandstorms and water mist.
[0003] Currently, most waterproof keyboards use a design with evenly distributed drainage holes to achieve rapid liquid drainage. However, this drainage method has certain limitations: since it relies entirely on the liquid's own weight to drain, when the keyboard is placed horizontally or at an improper tilt angle, liquid may remain inside, thus affecting the drainage effect and the normal use of the keyboard. Utility Model Content
[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a waterproof keyboard airflow design to address the problem that waterproof keyboard airflow designs are difficult to use at specific angles.
[0005] Waterproof keyboard airflow design includes:
[0006] A waterproof housing, wherein the top of the waterproof housing has multiple button holes, the top of the waterproof housing has evenly distributed horizontal guide grooves that are staggered with the button holes, and the top of the waterproof housing has evenly distributed vertical guide holes that are connected to adjacent horizontal guide grooves.
[0007] An arc-shaped pad is fixedly connected to the bottom of the waterproof housing;
[0008] A waterproof panel is detachably connected to the bottom of the waterproof housing. The waterproof panel and the arc-shaped pad are staggered. The bottom of the waterproof panel is provided with evenly distributed mounting holes.
[0009] The guide tubes are evenly distributed and fixedly connected to the inner top wall of the waterproof shell. The upper opening of the guide tube is connected to the adjacent vertical guide hole, and the bottom of the guide tube has a through mounting hole.
[0010] In one embodiment, the horizontal guide channel is parallel to the vertical cross-section of the arc-shaped pad and has a right trapezoidal shape, with the inclined surface of the vertical cross-section of the horizontal guide channel facing the arc-shaped pad.
[0011] In one embodiment, the horizontal guide channel is perpendicular to the vertical cross-sectional shape of the arc-shaped pad, and the inner corners of the arc-shaped pad are rounded.
[0012] In one embodiment, the axis of the horizontal guide groove is parallel to the axis of the vertical guide hole, and the horizontal guide groove is connected to at least ten of the vertical guide holes.
[0013] In one embodiment, the inner sides of the horizontal guide groove, the vertical guide hole, and the guide pipe are all coated with a hydrophobic nano-coating.
[0014] In one embodiment, a sealing ring is embedded inside the mounting hole, and one end of the guide tube extends through the sealing ring.
[0015] In one embodiment, the sealing ring is a fluororubber material component, and the sealing ring is in a compressed state.
[0016] Beneficial effects
[0017] The aforementioned waterproof keyboard drainage structure forms a three-dimensional drainage network through the staggered distribution of key holes, horizontal drainage channels, and vertical drainage holes on the top of the waterproof housing, enabling rapid liquid diversion. The vertical cross-section of the horizontal drainage channel, parallel to the arc-shaped base, is a right-angled trapezoid, with the inclined surface facing the arc-shaped base to guide the water flow in a directional manner. The horizontal drainage channel is connected to at least ten vertical drainage holes to ensure efficient liquid diversion and accelerated discharge, effectively preventing water from seeping into the internal circuitry.
[0018] The horizontal guide channel has a vertical cross-sectional shape that is arc-shaped, which reduces the resistance to liquid flow. The horizontal guide channel, vertical guide hole and guide tube are all coated with a hydrophobic nano-coating, which significantly improves the surface contact angle and accelerates the liquid discharge. The guide tube is fixedly connected to the top wall of the waterproof shell, with the upper opening connected to the vertical guide hole and the bottom through the mounting hole to form a vertical drainage system. It works with the compressed fluororubber sealing ring to achieve dynamic sealing and prevent backflow and seepage. Attached Figure Description
[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in 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 some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;
[0021] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the overall structure of this utility model;
[0022] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of A in the middle;
[0023] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of a partial structure of this utility model.
[0024] Figure label:
[0025] 100. Waterproof housing; 110. Button hole; 120. Horizontal guide groove; 130. Vertical guide hole; 200. Arc-shaped pad; 300. Waterproof panel; 310. Mounting hole; 400. Guide tube; 500. Sealing ring. Detailed Implementation
[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, 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.
[0027] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intermediate component. When a component is considered to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intermediate component present. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this specification are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.
[0028] 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 indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0029] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature and the second feature are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is 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 can mean that the first feature is 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.
[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this specification belongs. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0031] The following is combined Figures 1-4 This invention describes the waterproof keyboard airflow guiding structure.
[0032] In one embodiment, a waterproof keyboard airflow guiding structure includes: a waterproof housing 100, an arc-shaped pad 200, a waterproof panel 300, and evenly distributed airflow guiding tubes 400. The top of the waterproof housing 100 has multiple key holes 110, and the top of the waterproof housing 100 has evenly distributed horizontal airflow guiding channels 120 that are staggered with the key holes 110. The top of the waterproof housing 100 also has evenly distributed vertical airflow guiding holes 130 that communicate with adjacent horizontal airflow guiding channels 120. The horizontal airflow guiding channels 120 are parallel to the arc-shaped pads 100. The vertical cross-section of the pad 200 is a right trapezoid, and the inclined surface of the vertical cross-section of the horizontal guide channel 120 faces the arc-shaped pad 200. The horizontal guide channel 120 is perpendicular to the vertical cross-section of the arc-shaped pad 200 and is arc-shaped. The inner corners of the arc-shaped pad 200 are rounded. The axis of the horizontal guide channel 120 is parallel to the axis of the vertical guide hole 130. The horizontal guide channel 120 is connected to at least ten vertical guide holes 130. The arc-shaped pad 200 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the waterproof shell 100.
[0033] The inner sides of the horizontal guide channel 120, the vertical guide hole 130, and the guide pipe 400 are all coated with a hydrophobic nano-coating. A three-dimensional drainage network is formed by the staggered key holes 110 at the top, the horizontal guide channel 120, and the vertical guide hole 130, enabling rapid liquid diversion and preventing water from seeping into the internal circuitry. The right-angled trapezoidal cross-section of the horizontal guide channel 120, with its sloping design, guides the water flow in a directional direction, while the arc-shaped cross-section reduces flow resistance.
[0034] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the waterproof panel 300 is detachably connected to the bottom of the waterproof housing 100. The waterproof panel 300 and the arc-shaped pad 200 are staggered. The bottom of the waterproof panel 300 has evenly distributed mounting holes 310. The detachable connection facilitates maintenance, and the staggered distribution avoids interference with the pad. The bottom mounting holes 310, together with the drainage pipe 400, form a through-type drainage channel. The hydrophobic nano-coating significantly improves the surface contact angle and accelerates liquid drainage.
[0035] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the guide pipe 400 is fixedly connected to the inner top wall of the waterproof housing 100. The upper opening of the guide pipe 400 communicates with the adjacent vertical guide hole 130, and the bottom of the guide pipe 400 extends through the mounting hole 310. Multiple channels connect the vertical guide hole 130 and the mounting hole 310, forming a vertical drainage system. This, combined with a compressed fluororubber sealing ring 500, achieves dynamic sealing to prevent backflow and seepage. A hydrophobic coating further reduces adhesion to the pipe wall.
[0036] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a sealing ring 500 is embedded in the inner side of the mounting hole 310, and one end of the guide tube 400 passes through the sealing ring 500. The sealing ring 500 is a fluororubber material component. The sealing ring 500 is in a compressed state. The fluororubber material has both elasticity and corrosion resistance. The compressed state ensures the long-term sealing of the passage of the guide tube 400 and adapts to the deformation caused by temperature changes.
[0037] like Figure 1-4 As shown, in addition to the airflow guiding structure, this waterproof keyboard also includes, but is not limited to, the following structures:
[0038] Double-layer PCB board: The upper layer is a signal processing board, which is connected to the key shaft via a hot-swappable socket. The lower layer is a waterproof isolation board with through holes corresponding to the flow guide tube 400. It is sealed with epoxy resin potting process. The top of the double-layer PCB board has evenly distributed round holes for the flow guide tube 400 to pass through.
[0039] Key switch module: It adopts Kailh BOX mechanical switches. The spindle and the key hole 110 of the waterproof housing 100 are fitted with a clearance. The bottom of the switch is soldered to the PCB board, and the trigger signal is transmitted through gold-plated contacts.
[0040] Pressure balancing membrane: 0.1mm thick PTFE material, attached to the inside of the waterproof panel 300, with an elastic pleated structure at the penetration point of the guide tube 400 to maintain internal and external air pressure balance.
[0041] Silicone ring: The silicone ring is heat-fused between the keycap and the waterproof housing 100, and needs to cover and seal the corresponding key hole 110.
[0042] PS / 2 waterproof interface: The PS / 2 waterproof interface is embedded in the side of the waterproof housing 100 and is connected to the signal processing board for communication.
[0043] Assembly method of the above structure and the flow guiding structure: Functional component waterproof component assembly method key shaft module waterproof housing 100 shaft body snap-fit embedded in key hole 110 PCB board flow guiding tube 400 tube body passes through PCB through hole and is fixed by heat fusion pressure balance membrane sealing ring 500 membrane body edge is pressed by compression silicone ring.
[0044] Workflow:
[0045] Input triggering stage: When the key shaft is pressed down, the shaft column passes through the 120mm gap of the horizontal guide groove to trigger the PCB contact. The guide system keeps the groove dry to avoid short circuit caused by liquid.
[0046] Signal transmission stage: The PCB board signal is transmitted to the motherboard through the potting layer of the waterproof isolation plate, and the epoxy resin layer between the flow guide 400 and the PCB through hole blocks liquid penetration.
[0047] Reset phase: When the key shaft spring returns, the pressure balance diaphragm adjusts the air pressure inside the housing, and the residual liquid is discharged through the guide tube 400 to avoid accumulation affecting the key rebound.
[0048] Working Principle: The waterproof keyboard operates as follows: When liquid enters through the keyhole 110 of the waterproof housing 100, it is first guided by the right-angled trapezoidal section of the horizontal guide channel 120 towards the arc-shaped pad 200, where the hydrophobic nano-coating accelerates the liquid flow. The liquid is then diverted through the horizontal guide channel 120 to multiple vertical guide holes 130, where the arc-shaped section design reduces flow resistance. Subsequently, the liquid enters the guide tube 400, passes through the through-holes of the double-layer PCB board, and finally exits through the mounting hole 310. During this process, the fluororubber material of the sealing ring 500 ensures the waterproofness of the guide tube 400. The Kailh BOX mechanical switches of the key switch module transmit signals to the PCB board through gold-plated contacts, while a pressure balancing membrane maintains the air pressure balance at the point where the guide tube 400 passes through. The PS / 2 waterproof interface connects to the signal processing board to complete data transmission. The entire guide structure and waterproof components work together to achieve rapid liquid discharge and protection of internal components.
[0049] It should be noted that the double-layer PCB board, key shaft module and PS / 2 waterproof interface mentioned above are all components with relatively mature existing technology. The specific models can be selected according to actual needs. At the same time, the double-layer PCB board is powered by AC power. The specific power supply method will be selected according to the situation and will not be elaborated here.
[0050] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, 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.
[0051] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of several implementations of this utility model, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this utility model. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A waterproof keyboard airflow guiding structure, characterized in that, include: A waterproof housing (100) has a plurality of button holes (110) on its top. The top of the waterproof housing (100) has horizontal guide grooves (120) that are evenly distributed and staggered with the button holes (110). The top of the waterproof housing (100) has vertical guide holes (130) that are evenly distributed and connected to the adjacent horizontal guide grooves (120). An arc-shaped pad (200) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the waterproof housing (100); A waterproof panel (300) is detachably connected to the bottom of a waterproof housing (100). The waterproof panel (300) and the arc-shaped pad (200) are staggered. The bottom of the waterproof panel (300) is provided with evenly distributed mounting holes (310). The evenly distributed guide tubes (400) are fixedly connected to the inner top wall of the waterproof shell (100). The upper opening of the guide tubes (400) is connected to the adjacent vertical guide hole (130), and the bottom of the guide tubes (400) extends through the mounting hole (310).
2. The waterproof keyboard airflow guiding structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The horizontal guide channel (120) is parallel to the arc-shaped pad (200) and its vertical cross-section is a right trapezoid. The inclined surface of the vertical cross-section of the horizontal guide channel (120) faces the arc-shaped pad (200).
3. The waterproof keyboard airflow guiding structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The horizontal guide groove (120) is perpendicular to the vertical cross-section of the arc-shaped pad (200) and has an arc shape. The inner corners of the arc-shaped pad (200) are rounded.
4. The waterproof keyboard airflow guiding structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The axis of the horizontal guide groove (120) is parallel to the axis of the vertical guide hole (130), and the horizontal guide groove (120) is connected to at least ten vertical guide holes (130).
5. The waterproof keyboard airflow guiding structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inner sides of the horizontal guide groove (120), the vertical guide hole (130), and the guide pipe (400) are all coated with a hydrophobic nano-coating.
6. The waterproof keyboard airflow guiding structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, A sealing ring (500) is embedded in the inner side of the mounting hole (310), and one end of the guide tube (400) extends through the sealing ring (500).
7. The waterproof keyboard airflow guiding structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sealing ring (500) is a fluororubber material component, and the sealing ring (500) is in a compressed state.