Key structure and electronic device

Abstract

The application discloses a key structure and electronic equipment, and relates to the technical field of keys. The key structure comprises an integrated key part, a sealing element and a key cap; the integrated key part is assembled in a shell of the electronic equipment, and the sealing element is arranged between the integrated key part and the key cap; one end of the sealing element is in abutment with a trigger point of the integrated key part, and the other end is in abutment with the key cap; and the end, away from the sealing element, of the key cap is flush with the surface of the shell. Through the arrangement of the key structure, the possibility of water entering is reduced, and the use reliability and service life are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of button technology, and more specifically, to a button structure and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous upgrading of electronic products, their functions are becoming more and more numerous and their performance is getting better and better. Since we need to be in contact with water more often in our daily lives, the requirements for waterproof performance of electronic products are also getting higher and higher. Nowadays, electronic products generally have buttons on their surface for operating the product. However, the design of the buttons requires openings in the casing of the electronic product, which creates the possibility of water entering the product. Therefore, a waterproof button structure is needed.

[0003] The existing button structure integrates the button onto the outside of the product by attaching it to a flexible circuit board. The end of the flexible circuit board needs to pass through the through-hole of the housing to conduct electricity to the internal circuit. A waterproof membrane is attached to the button integrated on the flexible circuit board, and waterproof glue is applied to the through-hole. This structure has a complicated assembly process and low production efficiency. Moreover, pressing the button will cause friction to the waterproof membrane. Long-term pressing will cause damage to the waterproof membrane and reduce the reliability of waterproofing. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a button structure and electronic device that is easy to assemble and improves production efficiency and waterproof reliability.

[0005] The embodiments of this utility model are implemented as follows: In one aspect, this utility model provides a button structure, including an integrated button part, a sealing element, and a keycap; the integrated button part is assembled inside the housing of an electronic device, and the sealing element is disposed between the integrated button part and the keycap; one end of the sealing element abuts against the trigger point of the integrated button part, and the other end abuts against the keycap, and the end of the keycap facing away from the sealing element is flush with the surface of the housing.

[0006] Optionally, the sealing element includes a sealing sleeve and a sealing plane, the sealing plane being connected to the side of the sealing sleeve facing the keycap; the sealing sleeve has a cavity, the sealing plane having a through hole extending along the pressing direction of the keycap, the through hole being coaxially arranged with the cavity and communicating with it; a limiting member is provided on the side of the keycap facing the sealing element, the limiting member being inserted into the sealing sleeve through the through hole.

[0007] Optionally, the outer wall of the sealing sleeve is provided with a sealing ring, which is used to abut against the inner wall of the housing.

[0008] Optionally, the surface of the sealing plane is covered with a reinforcing sheet.

[0009] Optionally, the number of sealing rings is at least one; when the number of sealing rings is multiple, the multiple sealing rings are arranged at intervals on the outer wall of the sealing sleeve along the pressing direction of the keycap, or the multiple sealing rings are arranged at intervals and closely on the outer wall of the sealing sleeve along the pressing direction of the keycap.

[0010] Optionally, the button structure also includes a button pressure strip, which has a through groove extending along the pressing direction of the keycap; the button pressure strip is located on the side of the sealing element away from the integrated button part, and the keycap is engaged in the through groove.

[0011] Optionally, the keycap includes a pressing part connected to the end of the limiting member away from the sealing element; the periphery of the pressing part facing the sealing element is provided with a flange.

[0012] Optionally, a limiting groove is provided around the periphery of the side of the key pressure strip facing the sealing element. The limiting groove is adapted to the flange of the pressing part, and the keycap is locked in the through groove so that the flange is locked in the limiting groove.

[0013] Optionally, the sealing element is a silicone component.

[0014] In another aspect, this utility model provides an electronic device, including a housing and a button structure. The housing has a mounting groove, and the button structure is disposed in the mounting groove. The button structure includes an integrated button part, a sealing element, and a keycap arranged sequentially. The integrated button part is disposed inside the housing, and the top surface of the keycap is flush with the surface of the housing.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model include at least one of the following: This application provides a button structure, including an integrated button portion, a sealing element, and a keycap. The integrated button portion is assembled inside the housing of an electronic device, and the sealing element is disposed between the integrated button portion and the keycap. Compared to existing button structures that directly place the integrated button portion on the outside of the housing, this application directly assembles the integrated button portion inside the housing of the electronic device, thereby eliminating the assembly step of passing the end of the flexible circuit board through the housing to conduct electricity to the internal circuit, making assembly simpler and improving waterproof performance. One end of the sealing element abuts against the trigger point of the integrated button portion, and the other end abuts against the keycap. The end of the keycap facing away from the sealing element is flush with the surface of the housing. Compared to existing button structures that rely on applying waterproof adhesive and setting a waterproof membrane, this application achieves waterproofing through a sealing element, which is easier to assemble. Furthermore, the sealing element is more reliable and less prone to damage than a waterproof membrane, further improving the reliability of the button structure. The above-mentioned button structure facilitates assembly, improves production efficiency, and enhances waterproof reliability.

[0016] This application also provides an electronic device, including a housing and a button structure. The housing has a mounting groove, and the button structure is disposed within the mounting groove. The button structure includes an integrated button portion, a sealing element, and a keycap arranged sequentially. The integrated button portion is disposed within the housing, and the top surface of the keycap is flush with the surface of the housing. The aforementioned electronic device, through its button structure, reduces the possibility of water ingress and improves reliability and service life. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the button structure provided in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 2 This is one of the exploded views of the button structure provided in the embodiments of this utility model; Figure 3 The second exploded view of the button structure provided in the embodiment of this utility model.

[0019] Icons: 110 - Integrated button section; 111 - Trigger point; 120 - Sealing element; 121 - Sealing sleeve; 1211 - Sealing ring; 122 - Sealing plane; 1221 - Through hole; 130 - Keycap; 131 - Limiting element; 132 - Pressing part; 1321 - Flange; 140 - Key pressure strip; 141 - Through groove; 1411 - Limiting groove; 200 - Electronic device; 210 - Housing; a - Pressing direction. Detailed Implementation

[0020] 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, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0021] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the utility model product is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device 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 utility model.

[0023] In the description of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0024] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 This embodiment provides a button structure, including an integrated button part 110, a sealing element 120, and a keycap 130; the integrated button part 110 is assembled inside the housing 210 of the electronic device 200, and the sealing element 120 is disposed between the integrated button part 110 and the keycap 130; one end of the sealing element 120 abuts against the trigger point 111 of the integrated button part 110, and the other end abuts against the keycap 130, and the end of the keycap 130 facing away from the sealing element 120 is flush with the surface of the housing 210.

[0025] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the waterproof button structure includes an integrated button section 110, a sealing element 120, and a keycap 130. The integrated button section 110 is flexible and deformable, and integrates functions such as the trigger circuit into one unit. It is assembled inside the housing 210 of the electronic device 200, which protects it from the housing 210 and facilitates connection with the internal circuitry of the electronic device 200 to achieve signal transmission.

[0026] Compared to existing button structures that directly place the integrated button part 110 on the outside of the housing 210, this application directly assembles the integrated button part 110 into the housing 210 of the electronic device 200, thereby eliminating the assembly step of passing the end of the flexible circuit board through the housing 210 to conduct electricity with the internal circuit, making the assembly simpler and also improving the waterproof effect.

[0027] like Figure 2As shown, the sealing element 120 is disposed between the integrated key portion 110 and the keycap 130. When the keycap 130 is pressed, the sealing element 120 undergoes elastic deformation, tightly filling the gap between the keycap 130 and the integrated key portion 110, preventing moisture from entering the interior of the electronic device 200. Compared to the prior art key structure that relies on applying waterproof adhesive and setting a waterproof membrane, this application uses the sealing element 120 for waterproofing, which is easier to assemble. Furthermore, the sealing element 120 is more reliable than a waterproof membrane and less prone to damage, further improving the reliability of the key structure.

[0028] Preferably, the sealing element 120 is a silicone component. Of course, the sealing element 120 can also be made of other elastic and waterproof materials, such as rubber.

[0029] The aforementioned button structure facilitates assembly, improves production efficiency, and enhances waterproof reliability.

[0030] For example, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the sealing element 120 includes a sealing sleeve 121 and a sealing plane 122. The sealing plane 122 is connected to the side of the sealing sleeve 121 facing the keycap 130. The sealing sleeve 121 has a cavity, and the sealing plane 122 has a through hole 1221 extending along the pressing direction a of the keycap 130. The through hole 1221 is coaxially arranged with the cavity and communicates with it. A limiting member 131 is provided on the side of the keycap 130 facing the sealing element 120. The limiting member 131 is inserted into the sealing sleeve 121 through the through hole 1221.

[0031] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the sealing sleeve 121 is a cylindrical structure with a certain thickness and elasticity. The limiting member 131 on the keycap 130 can be inserted into the cavity of the sealing sleeve 121. Through this matching method, the movement range of the keycap 130 is limited to prevent the keycap 130 from shaking or shifting. At the same time, during the pressing process, the limiting member 131 contacts the inner wall of the sealing sleeve 121 to further enhance the sealing effect.

[0032] like Figure 3 As shown, the sealing plane 122 has a flat surface structure and is connected to the side of the sealing sleeve 121 facing the keycap 130, forming a whole. The through hole 1221 on the sealing plane 122 is consistent with the pressing direction a of the keycap 130, ensuring that the force can be smoothly transmitted to the internal trigger structure when the keycap 130 is pressed. The through hole 1221 is coaxial with and connected to the cavity, ensuring the smoothness and sealing of the keycap 130's movement path. By setting the sealing plane 122, the contact area between the sealing element 120 and the back of the keycap 130 is increased, further improving the connection stability of the waterproof button structure; at the same time, the sealing plane 122 can also increase the coverage area of ​​the sealing element 120, thereby further improving the waterproof capability of the button structure.

[0033] Optionally, such as Figure 3 As shown, the outer wall of the sealing sleeve 121 is provided with a sealing ring 1211. When the button structure is assembled in the housing 210, the side wall of the sealing ring 1211 can abut against the inner wall of the housing 210. This arrangement not only improves the assembly stability of the sealing element 120, but also further improves the waterproof capability of the button structure.

[0034] It should be noted that this application does not impose any limitation on the specific number of sealing rings 1211. In actual production, the number of sealing rings 1211 can be adjusted according to requirements. In one possible embodiment of this application, the number of sealing rings 1211 is at least one; when the number of sealing rings 1211 is multiple, the multiple sealing rings 1211 are arranged at intervals along the pressing direction a of the keycap 130 on the outer wall of the sealing sleeve 121, or the multiple sealing rings 1211 are arranged at intervals and closely arranged on the outer wall of the sealing sleeve 121 along the pressing direction a of the keycap 130.

[0035] Optionally, the surface of the sealing plane 122 is covered with a reinforcing sheet to further improve the strength of the contact surface between the sealing element 120 and the keycap 130, thereby improving the strength and reliability of the key structure. Preferably, the reinforcing sheet is a steel sheet.

[0036] For example, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the button structure also includes a button pressure strip 140, which has a through groove 141 extending along the pressing direction a of the keycap 130; the button pressure strip 140 is disposed on the side of the sealing element 120 away from the integrated button part 110, and the keycap 130 is engaged in the through groove 141.

[0037] Specifically, the key pressure strip 140 is made of a rigid material, such as plastic or metal, and is used to fix the keycap 130 and guide its movement. A through groove 141 is located in the middle of the key pressure strip 140 along the keycap 130's pressing direction a. The inner diameter of the through groove 141 matches the shape of the keycap 130, forming a movement track for the keycap 130. The through groove 141 restricts the keycap 130 to move only axially, preventing lateral displacement or wobbling and ensuring key actuation accuracy. Furthermore, the tight fit between the through groove 141 and the keycap 130 further prevents liquid from flowing along the surface of the keycap 130, further improving the waterproof effect of the key structure.

[0038] In one possible implementation of this application, such as Figure 3 As shown, the keycap 130 includes a pressing part 132, which is connected to the end of the limiting member 131 away from the sealing element 120; a flange 1321 is provided on the periphery of the side of the pressing part 132 facing the sealing element 120.

[0039] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the keycap 130 is composed of a pressing part 132 and a limiting member 131 connected together. The pressing part 132 is the part directly operated by the user. When the user presses the pressing part 132, the pressing part 132 can drive the limiting member 131 to move within the through hole 1221 and cavity of the sealing element 120, thereby accurately transmitting the pressing force to the trigger point 111 of the integrated key part 110 and triggering the key function.

[0040] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a flange 1321 is provided on the edge of the side of the keycap 132 facing the sealing element 120. The flange 1321 forms a waterproof surface on the end face of the keycap 130, further filling the gap between the keycap 132 and the sealing surface 122, preventing moisture from seeping in from the edge, thereby further improving the waterproof effect of the key structure.

[0041] Optionally, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a limiting groove 1411 is provided around the side of the through groove 141 of the button pressure strip 140 facing the sealing element 120. The limiting groove 1411 is adapted to the flange 1321 of the pressing part 132. The keycap 130 is locked in the through groove 141 so that the flange 1321 is locked in the limiting groove 1411.

[0042] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the limiting groove 1411 is located at the bottom of the through groove 141 of the key pressure strip 140, and it surrounds the periphery of the groove to form an annular groove. When the keycap 130 is engaged in the through groove 141, the flange 1321 on the end face of the pressing part 132 can be engaged in the limiting groove 1411.

[0043] On the one hand, such a locking structure can limit the lateral displacement of the keycap 130, ensuring that the pressing force is transmitted vertically to the trigger point 111, thus improving the triggering accuracy of the key structure; on the other hand, liquid needs to bypass the double barrier of the flange 1321 and the limiting groove 1411 before it can penetrate, thereby extending the water seepage path and further improving the waterproof reliability.

[0044] Another aspect of the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, an electronic device 200 is provided, including a housing 210 and a button structure. The housing 210 has a mounting groove, and the button structure is disposed in the mounting groove. The button structure includes an integrated button part 110, a sealing element 120 and a keycap 130 arranged in sequence. The integrated button part 110 is disposed in the housing 210, and the top surface of the keycap 130 is flush with the surface of the housing 210.

[0045] Specifically, the electronic device 200 includes a housing 210, within which a mounting groove is provided to accommodate a button structure. The mounting groove's dimensions are adapted to the shape of the button structure, forming a mechanical positioning and sealing interface. The mounting groove provides physical support for the button structure, preventing displacement or damage due to external impacts. Simultaneously, the sidewalls of the mounting groove and the outer edge of the button structure form a multi-step waterproof path, extending the liquid penetration path and further improving the waterproof effect. The specific structure and beneficial effects of the button structure have been described in detail above and will not be repeated here.

[0046] The aforementioned electronic device 200, through its button structure, reduces the possibility of water ingress and improves its reliability and service life.

[0047] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0048] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable way without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, this utility model will not describe the various possible combinations separately.

Claims

1. A button structure, characterized in that, The device includes an integrated button section (110), a sealing element (120), and a keycap (130). The integrated button section (110) is assembled inside the housing (210) of the electronic device (200). The sealing element (120) is disposed between the integrated button section (110) and the keycap (130). One end of the sealing element (120) abuts against the trigger point (111) of the integrated button section (110), and the other end abuts against the keycap (130). The end of the keycap (130) facing away from the sealing element (120) is flush with the surface of the housing (210).

2. The button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing element (120) includes a sealing sleeve (121) and a sealing plane (122). The sealing plane (122) is connected to the side of the sealing sleeve (121) facing the keycap (130). The sealing sleeve (121) has a cavity, and the sealing plane (122) has a through hole (1221) extending along the pressing direction (a) of the keycap (130). The through hole (1221) is coaxially arranged with the cavity and communicates with it. A limiting member (131) is provided on the side of the keycap (130) facing the sealing element (120). The limiting member (131) is inserted into the sealing sleeve (121) through the through hole (1221).

3. The button structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer wall of the sealing sleeve (121) is provided with a sealing ring (1211), which is used to abut against the inner wall of the housing (210).

4. The button structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The surface of the sealing plane (122) is covered with a reinforcing sheet.

5. The button structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The number of sealing rings (1211) is at least one; when the number of sealing rings (1211) is multiple, the multiple sealing rings (1211) are arranged at intervals along the pressing direction (a) of the keycap (130) on the outer wall of the sealing sleeve (121), or the multiple sealing rings (1211) are arranged in close succession along the pressing direction (a) of the keycap (130) on the outer wall of the sealing sleeve (121).

6. The button structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The button structure further includes a button pressure strip (140), which has a through groove (141) extending along the pressing direction (a) of the keycap (130); the button pressure strip (140) is disposed on the side of the sealing element (120) away from the integrated button part (110), and the keycap (130) is engaged in the through groove (141).

7. The button structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The keycap (130) includes a pressing part (132), which is connected to the end of the limiting member (131) away from the sealing element (120); the pressing part (132) has a flange (1321) on the periphery of the side facing the sealing element (120).

8. The button structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The through groove (141) of the key bar (140) facing the sealing element (120) is provided with a limiting groove (1411) around its periphery. The limiting groove (1411) is adapted to the flange (1321) of the pressing part (132). The keycap (130) is engaged in the through groove (141) so that the flange (1321) is engaged in the limiting groove (1411).

9. The button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing element (120) is a silicone component.

10. An electronic device (200), characterized in that, The device includes a housing (210) and a button structure as described in any one of claims 1-9. The housing (210) has a mounting groove, and the button structure is disposed in the mounting groove. The button structure includes an integrated button part (110), a sealing element (120), and a keycap (130) arranged in sequence. The integrated button part (110) is disposed in the housing (210), and the top surface of the keycap (130) is flush with the surface of the housing (210).

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