Medical device and its key assembly
By designing a button assembly that integrates sealing elements and limiting components, the problem of balancing waterproofing and operability in traditional button assemblies is solved. This achieves efficient sealing, good tactile feel, and long lifespan, making it suitable for the harsh environments of medical devices.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202521786233.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-24
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-08-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing medical device button components struggle to balance waterproofing and operability. Cantilever buttons have gaps that prevent them from being waterproof, soft rubber buttons are difficult to assemble and have a short lifespan, membrane buttons have poor tactile feedback, and Hall switches are expensive and prone to accidental triggering.
A button assembly comprising a base, an elastic pressing element, a first sealing element, and a trigger element is designed. The first sealing element isolates the internal and external environments, providing a dual sealing structure to ensure sealing performance and operational feel. The pressing force is transmitted through the deformation zone, and the operation reliability is improved by combining the limiting component and the elastic element.
It achieves effective waterproofing and dustproofing in high humidity environments, extends button life, improves operation feel and assembly efficiency, reduces production and maintenance costs, and ensures the cleanliness and reliability of the equipment's internal components.
Smart Images

Figure CN224554222U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to a medical device, specifically to a medical device and its button assembly. Background Technology
[0002] In the medical industry, the reliability, ease of use, and safety of equipment are directly related to patients' lives and health. Especially in environments such as hospitals, operating rooms, and treatment rooms, push-button switches, as one of the core control components of medical equipment, not only need to possess basic functionality but also must meet stringent hygiene and contamination prevention requirements. These devices are frequently exposed to high bacterial loads, high humidity, and frequent cleaning and disinfection operations. Any improper design can lead to equipment malfunction or bacterial growth, thereby affecting patient health and safety. The hygiene and contamination prevention design of push-button switches, input / output interfaces, and ventilation vents in medical equipment requires designers to consider multiple aspects, including material selection, structural design, waterproofing and dustproofing, and antibacterial disinfection, to ensure that push-button switches can operate stably and persistently in harsh medical environments. Current push-button structures used in medical equipment have many shortcomings, making it difficult to simultaneously meet core requirements such as sealing, tactile feedback, lifespan, and assembly efficiency.
[0003] The gaps in cantilever buttons are connected to the internal space, making them waterproof. Soft rubber buttons present assembly difficulties and low efficiency for workers; if the buttons have printed symbols, alignment is challenging; secondary coating results in low yield rates, low efficiency, and high costs; furthermore, soft rubber buttons have short lifespans, and the feel is poor when the diameter is less than 14mm. Membrane buttons have poor tactile feedback, short lifespans, and printed symbols are easily worn away. Hall effect switches have complex product structures and molds. Touch spring switches are prone to malfunctions or false triggering in surgical environments. Utility Model Content
[0004] To address the above technical problems, this utility model provides a button assembly for medical devices that solves the problem of balancing waterproofing and operability in traditional medical buttons. The button assembly includes:
[0005] The base defines an axially extending accommodating cavity and is adapted for connection to a medical device;
[0006] An elastic pressing element is axially slidable within the receiving cavity;
[0007] The first sealing element is disposed between the pressing element and the interior of the medical device to form a sealed barrier that isolates the interior of the medical device from the external environment.
[0008] A trigger element is located on the side of the first sealing element facing the inside of the medical device. The pressing element transmits pressing force to the trigger element through the first sealing element, causing the trigger element to contact the sensor output signal.
[0009] In some embodiments of this utility model, the button assembly further includes a second sealing element, which is disposed between the pressing member and the base to seal the pressing member and the base circumferentially.
[0010] In some embodiments of this utility model, the first sealing element is disposed within the base.
[0011] In some embodiments of this utility model, the first sealing element is located in the accommodating cavity, dividing the accommodating cavity into an upper chamber that communicates with the outside and a lower chamber that communicates with the inside of the medical device. The pressing element is at least partially disposed in the upper chamber, and the trigger element is at least partially disposed in the lower chamber.
[0012] In some embodiments of this utility model, the first sealing element includes a deformable deformation region, and the trigger is fixed to the deformation region.
[0013] In some embodiments of this utility model, the pressing element includes:
[0014] The pressing part has one end exposed to form the pressing surface;
[0015] The pressure shaft extends axially from the other end of the pressing part toward the trigger element;
[0016] The guide section is axially slidingly fitted with the base;
[0017] A limiting component that engages with the base to limit the axial travel of the pressing element;
[0018] The elastic element provides the reset force for the pressing element.
[0019] In some embodiments of this utility model, the pressing part is provided with an annular groove; the second sealing element is an O-ring nested in the annular groove and is interference-fitted with the inner wall of the base.
[0020] In some embodiments of this utility model, the limiting component includes an upper limiting step located at the upper end of the guide portion and a lower limiting step located at the lower end of the guide portion, and the base is provided with a limiting step for the upper limiting step and the lower limiting step to stop and cooperate.
[0021] In some embodiments of this utility model, the first sealing element includes a circumferential fixing part and an axially deformable dome integrally formed in the central region of the fixing part; the trigger is fixedly connected to the side of the dome facing the inside of the medical device, and the dome is configured to generate elastic deformation and drive the trigger to displace when axially compressed.
[0022] In some embodiments of this utility model, the button assembly further includes a pressure plate and a fixing member. The pressure plate is fixed to the base by the fixing member and forms an axial constraint on the circumferential fixing part.
[0023] This utility model also provides a medical device, which includes a sensor located inside and a button assembly provided in any of the foregoing embodiments.
[0024] 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
[0025] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the button assembly provided in this embodiment (closed state);
[0026] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the button assembly provided in this embodiment (open state);
[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first sealing element, trigger element, and sensor provided in this embodiment;
[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the button assembly provided in this embodiment;
[0029] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of another button assembly provided in this embodiment;
[0030] Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating the assembly process of the button assembly provided in this embodiment;
[0031] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a medical device having the button assembly provided in this embodiment;
[0032] in,
[0033] 1-Pressing element, 2-Elastic element, 3-Second seal, 4-Fixing element (screw), 5-Pressure plate, 6-Trigger element, 7-Sensor, 8-First seal, 9-Base, 81-Circumferential fixing part, 82-Deformation zone, 11-Pressing part, 12-Upper limit step, 13-Lower limit step (elastic buckle), 131-Fixing ring, 14-Pressure shaft, 15-Guide part, 91-Limiting step, 811-Limiting wall, 812-Annular pad, 92-Limiting groove, 10-Medical device, 20-Button assembly. Detailed Implementation
[0034] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.
[0035] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "length", "upper", "lower", "near", "far", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.
[0036] Existing technologies for button components in medical devices have long faced the dilemma of balancing waterproofing, ergonomics, and assembly efficiency. Traditional cantilever buttons allow liquid to seep in due to gaps that connect to the internal structure; while soft rubber buttons offer some sealing, they suffer from difficulties in assembly alignment, low yield rates, and poor ergonomics in small sizes; membrane buttons are prone to wear and have a stiff feel; and complex solutions such as Hall effect switches are expensive and prone to false triggering.
[0037] Based on this, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 This embodiment provides a button assembly for a medical device, suitable for assembly within a medical device. The button assembly includes a base 9, an elastic pressing element 1, a first sealing element 8, and a trigger element 6. The base 9 defines an axially extending receiving cavity and is suitable for connection with the medical device. The elastic pressing element 1 is axially slidably disposed within the receiving cavity. The first sealing element 8 is disposed between the pressing element 1 and the interior of the medical device to form a sealed barrier isolating the interior of the medical device from the external environment. The trigger element 6 is located on the side of the first sealing element 8 facing the interior of the medical device. The pressing element 1 transmits pressing force to the trigger element 6 through the first sealing element 8, causing the trigger element 6 to contact the sensor 7 and output a signal. Thus, the first sealing element 8 provided by this invention can effectively isolate the interior of the medical device from the external environment, preventing external liquids, bacteria, etc., from invading the interior of the device, solving the problem of non-waterproofing caused by gaps and internal connections in traditional cantilever buttons. At the same time, the pressing element 1 can slide axially and pass through the first sealing element 8. The pressing force is transmitted to the trigger 6, ensuring the reliability of the button operation and balancing sealing performance with triggering function.
[0038] In this embodiment, the first sealing element 8 is disposed within the base 9, resulting in a higher degree of integration between the sealing structure and the base 9, improving the overall compactness of the structure, and achieving a thin and light button design. In some embodiments of this utility model, the first sealing element 8 is located within the receiving cavity, dividing the receiving cavity into an upper chamber communicating with the outside and a lower chamber communicating with the inside of the medical device. The pressing element 1 is at least partially disposed in the upper chamber, and the trigger element 6 is at least partially disposed in the lower chamber. This design clearly distinguishes the external contact area from the internal clean area. Even if the upper chamber is contaminated with pollutants, it can be directly cleaned without intruding into the lower chamber and the inside of the device, ensuring the cleanliness of the trigger element 6 and the internal components of the device. For some examples, please refer to... Figure 3 The first sealing element 8 includes a deformable deformation zone 82, and the trigger 6 is fixed to the deformation zone 82. When pressed, the deformation zone 82 transmits the pressing force through elastic deformation and drives the trigger 6 to move. After pressing, the deformation zone 82 automatically resets, causing the trigger 6 to reset as well. This design ensures effective force transmission and provides good tactile feedback through the elastic characteristics of the deformation zone 82. It also avoids wear caused by rigid contact, extends the button's lifespan, and solves the problems of poor tactile feedback of membrane buttons and short lifespan of soft rubber buttons.
[0039] In this embodiment, the first sealing element 8 includes a circumferential fixing part 81 and an axially deformable dome integrally formed in the central region of the fixing part. The circumferential fixing part 81 is disposed within the base 9. The trigger 6 is fixedly connected to the side of the dome facing the interior of the medical device. The dome is configured to generate elastic deformation under axial pressure and drive the trigger 6 to displace. The circumferential fixing part 81 prevents the sealing element from shifting, ensuring stable sealing performance; the uniform elastic deformation of the dome transmits pressure more smoothly, providing clear operational feedback (such as pressing feel); the dome structure is adapted to small-sized button designs, solving the problem of poor feel of small-diameter soft rubber buttons. For details, please refer to... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The circumferential fixing part 81 includes an annular pad 812 and a limiting wall 811 forming the periphery of the annular pad 812. The base 9 is provided with a limiting groove 92 that cooperates with the limiting wall 811. The connection area between the dome and the trigger 6 is a planar structure. The diameter of the planar area is not less than the diameter of the contact surface of the trigger 6 to ensure the stability of force transmission.
[0040] For example, the deformation zone 82 includes, but is not limited to, structures capable of axial deformation such as umbrella-shaped domes, corrugated pipes, thin-film bubbles, and multi-level stepped deformation structures. The material is medical-grade silicone or medical-grade rubber, and the axial deformation matches the pressing stroke of the pressing part 11, allowing for complete elastic recovery after deformation. This design is particularly suitable for small-sized buttons, solving the problem of poor tactile feedback in traditional small-sized soft rubber buttons, and balancing multiple inventive objectives such as sealing performance, tactile feedback, service life, and small size design.
[0041] Furthermore, the button assembly also includes a second sealing element 3, which is disposed between the pressing member 1 and the base 9 to seal the pressing member 1 and the base 9 circumferentially. Thus, the second sealing element 3 and the first sealing element 8 form a double-sealing structure. This double sealing further improves waterproof and dustproof performance, reduces the risk of single-seal failure, and is particularly suitable for the harsh environments where medical equipment requires frequent cleaning and disinfection, solving the problem of insufficient reliability of traditional single seals.
[0042] For example, the working process of a button component is provided: Please refer to Figure 1 When the button assembly is in the off state, the trigger 6 separates from the sensor 7, and the first sealing element 8 and the second sealing element 3 ensure a sealed and waterproof state. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 The pressing element 1 presses through the first sealing element 8, causing the trigger element 6 to move downward, thereby pressing the sensor 7 and triggering an electrical signal. At this time, the button assembly is in the open state.
[0043] Optionally, please refer to [the relevant document / reference]. Figure 4The pressing component 1 includes a pressing part 11, a guide part 15, a limiting component, and an elastic component 2. One end of the pressing part 11 is exposed to form a pressing surface; the pressure shaft 14 extends axially from the other end of the pressing part 11 toward the trigger component 6; the guide part 15 is axially slidably engaged with the base 9; the limiting component and the base 9 limit the axial travel of the pressing component 1; the elastic component 2 provides reset power for the pressing component 1. The axial sliding engagement between the guide part 15 and the base 9 ensures stable movement of the pressing component 1 and avoids jamming caused by skewness; the limiting component limits the axial travel to prevent excessive pressing from damaging internal components and also prevents it from detaching from the base 9 during reset; the elastic component 2 provides reset power to ensure automatic reset after pressing, improving operational convenience and tactile consistency. The overall structure solves the problems of jamming and uncontrollable travel in traditional button operation, improving operational reliability. Specifically, the limiting assembly includes an upper limiting step 12 located at the upper end of the guide portion 15 and a lower limiting step 13 located at the lower end of the guide portion 15. The base 9 is provided with a limiting step 91 for the upper limiting step 12 and the lower limiting step 13 to stop. The upper / lower limiting step 13 of the limiting assembly stops with the limiting step 91 of the base 9, which can accurately limit the maximum upward and downward stroke of the pressing member 1. When moving upward, the upper limiting step 12 stops with the limiting step 91 to prevent the pressing member 1 from falling off the base 9; when moving downward, the lower limiting step 13 stops with the limiting step 91 to prevent excessive pressing from damaging the first sealing element 8 or the trigger element 6.
[0044] Optionally, the upper and lower limiting steps 13 can be fixed rings 131 (see [link]). Figure 5 ), elastic buckle (see below) Figure 4 It features structural forms such as stop plates. The elastic buckle automatically engages when inserted into the base 9, ensuring reliable installation without detachment, convenience, and higher efficiency.
[0045] In addition, the elastic element 2 is a spring sleeved on the pressure shaft 14, and the spring is a circular compression spring made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel.
[0046] In this embodiment, the pressing part 11 is provided with an annular groove; the second sealing element 3 is an O-ring nested in the annular groove and is interference-fitted with the inner wall of the base 9. The O-ring is securely installed and not easily detached; the interference fit ensures the reliability of the circumferential seal between the pressing part 1 and the base 9; the structure is simple and the cost is low. During assembly, only the O-ring needs to be embedded in the groove, which solves the problems of difficult alignment and low efficiency in the assembly of soft rubber buttons.
[0047] Finally, the button assembly also includes a pressure plate 5 and a fixing member 4 (screw). The pressure plate 5 is fixed to the base 9 by the fixing member 4 (screw) and forms an axial constraint on the circumferential fixing part 81. By axially constraining the circumferential fixing part 81 of the first sealing element 8 through the pressure plate 5 and the fixing member 4 (screw), the first sealing element 8 is pressed into the base 9, preventing axial displacement due to deformation during frequent pressing and ensuring the continuous effectiveness of the sealing barrier. At the same time, the assembly method of the pressure plate 5 and the fixing member 4 (screw) is simple, requiring only fastening through the fixing member 4 (screw). When the screw is tightened, the first sealing element 8 elastically deforms under pressure to form a sealing surface, thus maximizing the waterproof effect.
[0048] For example, please refer to Figure 6 This invention provides an assembly method for a button assembly: 1) Embed an O-ring into the annular groove of the pressing part 11, and put a spring on the pressure shaft 14. The pressing part 11 is directly above the spring and coaxial with the spring. Then, align the elastic buckles on both sides of the switch button with the two limit stops 91 on the base 9, and slowly move the lower reference while maintaining the alignment. As the cantilever engages with the base 9, the pressing part 11 is fixed to the base 9. 2) Install the first sealing element 8 and the trigger element 6, position the first sealing element 8 with the pressure plate 5, and fix the pressure plate 5 to the base 9 with two screws. This improves assembly efficiency and solves the problems of complex and inefficient fixing of traditional sealing elements.
[0049] Based on the button components provided above, please refer to Figure 7 A medical device 20 is provided, comprising a sensor 7 located inside and a button assembly 10 provided in any of the foregoing embodiments. This assembly inherits all the beneficial effects of the button assembly: the double sealing of the first sealing element 8 and the second sealing element 3 ensures the device's waterproof and dustproof performance in high humidity and frequent disinfection environments; the good operating feel and reset reliability improve the operating experience for medical personnel; the compact structural design and efficient assembly method reduce the device's production and maintenance costs; and the internal and external space isolation design ensures the cleanliness of the internal components, meeting the hygiene and safety standards for medical devices, and improving the overall reliability and service life of the device.
[0050] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "embodiment," "specific embodiment," and "example" 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 the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer 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.
[0051] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A button assembly for a medical device, characterized in that, The button assembly includes: The base defines an axially extending receiving cavity and is adapted for connection to a medical device; An elastic pressing element is axially slidable within the receiving cavity; The first sealing element is disposed between the pressing element and the interior of the medical device to form a sealed barrier that isolates the interior of the medical device from the external environment; A trigger element is located on the side of the first sealing element facing the inside of the medical device. The pressing element transmits pressing force to the trigger element through the first sealing element, causing the trigger element to contact the sensor output signal.
2. The button assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The button assembly further includes a second sealing element disposed between the pressing member and the base, so as to seal the pressing member and the base circumferentially.
3. The button assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first sealing element is disposed within the base.
4. The button assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first sealing element is located in the accommodating cavity, dividing the accommodating cavity into an upper chamber that communicates with the outside and a lower chamber that communicates with the inside of the medical device. The pressing element is at least partially disposed in the upper chamber, and the trigger element is at least partially disposed in the lower chamber.
5. The button assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first sealing element includes a deformable deformation region, to which the trigger is fixed.
6. The button assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The pressing element includes: The pressing part has one end exposed to form the pressing surface; The pressure shaft extends axially from the other end of the pressing part toward the trigger element; The guide section is axially slidingly fitted with the base; A limiting component that engages with the base to limit the axial travel of the pressing element; The elastic element provides the reset force for the pressing element.
7. The button assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The pressing part is provided with an annular groove; the O-ring is nested in the annular groove and is interference-fitted with the inner wall of the base.
8. The button assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The limiting component includes an upper limiting step located at the upper end of the guide portion and a lower limiting step located at the lower end of the guide portion. The base is provided with a limiting step for the upper limiting step and the lower limiting step to stop and cooperate.
9. The button assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first sealing element includes a circumferential fixing part and an axially deformable dome integrally formed in the central region of the fixing part; the trigger is fixedly connected to the side of the dome facing the inside of the medical device, and the dome is configured to generate elastic deformation and drive the trigger to displace when axially compressed.
10. The button assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The button assembly further includes a pressure plate and a fixing member. The pressure plate is fixed to the base by the fixing member and forms an axial constraint on the circumferential fixing part.
11. A medical device, characterized in that, The medical device includes a sensor located inside it and a button assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.