Key structure and electronic device

Abstract

This utility model discloses a button structure and an electronic device, relating to the field of button structure technology. The button structure includes a button switch, a cover, an elastic support, and a button. The cover is located above the button switch and has a mounting groove. The elastic support is disposed on the inner peripheral wall of the mounting groove, forming a gap with the inner peripheral wall of the mounting groove. The button passes through the mounting groove and is connected to the elastic support. Under external force, the button moves towards the button switch and abuts against it. The elastic support is configured to allow the button to return to its original position.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In the field of electronic devices, button structures are crucial components for user interaction, and their design directly impacts the user experience and device performance stability. With the continuous development and diversification of electronic devices, the requirements for button structures are becoming increasingly stringent. They not only need to offer excellent tactile feedback and reliability but also require a more compact and streamlined structure to adapt to the trend towards miniaturized and thinner devices.

[0003] However, in existing technical solutions, button structures mostly rely on independent elastic components to achieve their functions. This design has significant drawbacks in the assembly process: the elastic component, button body, and cover need to be installed and secured separately, a process that is not only cumbersome but also inefficient. Because the independent elastic component is a separate structure from the button body and other components during long-term use, it is prone to loosening, which can affect the normal use of the button, reduce the overall performance of the device, and decrease user satisfaction. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main purpose of this invention is to propose a button structure and electronic device, which aims to solve the technical problem of button structures being prone to loosening in related technologies.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes a button structure, including a button switch, and the button structure further includes:

[0006] A cover, located above the push-button switch, has a mounting groove.

[0007] An elastic support member is disposed on the inner peripheral wall of the mounting groove, and a gap is formed between the elastic support member and the inner peripheral wall of the mounting groove.

[0008] A button, which passes through the mounting groove and is connected to the elastic support;

[0009] The button moves toward the push-button switch under the action of an external force and abuts against the push-button switch. The elastic support is configured to allow the button to return to its original position.

[0010] This utility model also proposes an electronic device, the electronic device comprising:

[0011] case;

[0012] As described above, the button structure is detachably disposed within the housing. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0014] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the button structure provided by this utility model;

[0015] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Exploded view of the button structure;

[0016] Figure 3 A first-view sectional view of the button structure provided by this utility model;

[0017] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the button structure provided by this utility model from a second perspective;

[0018] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of the cover and elastic support provided by this utility model.

[0019] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0020] 100. Button structure; 1. Cover; 11. Mounting groove; 11a. Mounting through hole; 11b. Limiting through hole; 12. First gap; 13. Second gap; 2. Elastic support; 21. Elastic part; 22. Support part; 3. Button; 31. Keycap; 31a. Snap-fit ​​part; 32. Key shaft; 33. Limiting shaft; 4. Button switch; 5. Circuit board.

[0021] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0023] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0024] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0025] This utility model proposes a button structure 100.

[0026] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment of this utility model, the button structure 100 includes a button switch 4, a cover 1, an elastic support 2, and a button 3. The cover 1 is located above the button switch 4 and has a mounting groove 11. The elastic support 2 is disposed on the inner peripheral wall of the mounting groove 11 and forms a gap with the inner peripheral wall of the mounting groove 11. The button 3 passes through the mounting groove 11 and is connected to the elastic support 2. Under the action of external force, the button 3 moves toward the button switch 4 and abuts against the button switch 4. The elastic support 2 is configured to allow the button 3 to return to its original position.

[0027] In this embodiment, the button structure 100 can be applied to electronic devices including but not limited to speakers. It should be noted that when the button 3 is not subjected to external force, the presence of the elastic support 2 prevents the button 3 from moving towards the button switch 4; when the button 3 is subjected to external force, the elastic support 2 is stressed and deforms towards the button switch 4, thus triggering the button 3 switch. The button switch 4 is a tactile switch, including but not limited to a press-type switch. It is understood that a circuit board 5 is also provided below the button switch 4 to provide power and signal transmission. The cover 1 is the outer shell of the button structure 100, and its material includes but is not limited to plastic and metal; here, a plastic part made of polycarbonate is used. The button 3 is used to trigger the button action, and its material includes but is not limited to plastic and metal; here, a plastic part made of polycarbonate is used. The elastic support 2 provides elastic restoring force and buffers external force for the button 3. It is understood that the type of the elastic support 2 includes but is not limited to silicone and rubber, and is not limited here. The elastic support 2 can be connected to the inner peripheral wall of the mounting groove 11 through methods such as integral molding or welding. Figure 5 In one embodiment, a through hole is formed in the bottom wall of the mounting groove 11, and an elastic support 2 is connected to the inner peripheral wall of the mounting groove 11. A gap is formed between the elastic support 2 and the inner peripheral wall of the mounting groove 11, providing deformation space for the elastic support 2. When the button 3 is pressed by an external force, the elastic support 2 undergoes elastic deformation. This gap allows the elastic support 2 to expand or contract freely during deformation without being excessively compressed or restricted by the inner peripheral wall of the mounting groove 11. This design ensures that the elastic support 2 can elastically deform within an appropriate range, thereby effectively storing and releasing elastic potential energy to achieve a smooth reset of the button 3. Simultaneously, this gap also reduces friction between the elastic support 2 and the inner peripheral wall of the mounting groove 11, reducing wear that may be caused by friction and further improving the durability and reliability of the button structure 100. Specifically, the surface of the elastic support 2 is flush with the inner peripheral wall of the mounting groove 11. A gap should be reserved between its surface and the opening of the mounting groove 11. Preferably, the gap is 0.5mm, but this is not limited and can be set according to the feel and the button switch 4. It should be noted that the cover 1 adopts an advanced two-color molding process, combining thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with a sturdy and durable plastic material. The button 3 is then inserted into the cover 1, and finally the button switch 4 and circuit board 5 are installed, thus completing the assembly of the button structure 100.

[0028] The technical solution of this utility model, by employing a cover 1, an elastic support 2, and a button 3 connected thereto, can solve the problems of poor feel, short service life, and poor stability that are common in traditional button structures during use. Specifically, the cover 1 is located above the button switch 4 and has a mounting groove 11, providing a stable mounting space for the entire button structure 100. This allows for precise positioning of each component, preventing button 3 from malfunctioning or making poor contact due to component misalignment, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the button structure 100. The elastic support 2 is located on the inner circumferential wall of the mounting groove 11 and forms a gap with the inner circumference. This design ensures that the elastic support 2 has sufficient space for elastic deformation while preventing excessive friction with the inner circumferential wall of the mounting groove 11 during deformation, thus extending the service life of the elastic support 2 and preventing component loosening due to long-term use. Meanwhile, button 3 is inserted into mounting groove 11 and connected to elastic support 2. When button 3 moves toward key switch 4 under external force and comes into contact with key switch 4, elastic support 2 can provide timely restoring force, allowing button 3 to quickly and smoothly return to its original position. This not only optimizes the feel of button 3, allowing users to feel clear feedback during use, but also effectively improves the response speed and operating efficiency of button structure 100, making the entire button structure 100 more sensitive, durable and stable during use; it also ensures that button 3 will not shift or loosen during repeated pressing.

[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, the elastic support member 2 includes an elastic part 21 and a support part 22 connected to each other. The elastic part 21 is disposed on the inner peripheral wall of the mounting groove 11, and the button 3 passes through the support part 22. A first gap 12 is formed between the elastic part 21 and the inner peripheral wall of the mounting groove 11.

[0030] In this embodiment, combined with Figure 5 It should be noted that the elastic part 21 provides elastic restoring force for the button 3. The support part 22 provides stable support for the button 3, ensuring that the button 3 moves along a predetermined trajectory during pressing and resetting, preventing deviation or shaking. The first gap 12 ensures that the elastic part 21 can freely expand or contract during deformation, reducing friction with the inner peripheral wall of the mounting groove 11 and reducing wear. It is understood that the width of the first gap 12 is not limited and can be set according to specific needs.

[0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, the elastic support member 2 includes two elastic parts 21 and a support part 22. The two elastic parts 21 are spaced apart and are respectively connected to the inner peripheral wall of the mounting groove 11 and the support part 22.

[0032] In this embodiment, combined with Figure 5To further enhance stability and reliability, two elastic portions 21 are provided, connecting the inner peripheral wall of the mounting groove 11 and the support portion 22 respectively. This design provides more stable support, ensuring that the button 3 does not shift or wobble during pressing and resetting. Simultaneously, the synergistic effect of the two elastic portions 21 can distribute external forces, reducing the burden on a single elastic portion 21, thereby improving the durability and reliability of the button structure 100. It should be noted that the elastic portion 21 here acts as a connecting bone, connected to the inner peripheral wall of the mounting groove 11 through integral molding, injection molding, or other methods. The width of the elastic portion 21 here needs to be designed to be relatively thin, approximately 0.8 mm, serving as a spring arm support and providing rebound for the button 3.

[0033] In one embodiment of the present invention, the surface of the support portion 22 facing the button 3 and the surface of the elastic portion 21 facing the button 3 are arranged in a stepped manner.

[0034] In this embodiment, combined with Figure 3 and Figure 5 Understandably, the stepped design reduces stress caused by overly tight fits during assembly, ensuring the stability and reliability of the button structure 100. Layered contact disperses stress, reducing localized stress concentration. The stepped design ensures greater stability of button 3 during pressing and resetting, reducing wobbling and loosening. The layered contact between the support portion 22 and the elastic portion 21 provides more uniform support force, ensuring a more stable movement trajectory for button 3. These design elements optimize button feel to provide clearer tactile feedback.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, the surface of the support portion 22 facing the button 3 and the surface of the elastic portion 21 facing the button 3 form a height difference of 0.5 mm.

[0036] In this embodiment, combined with Figure 3 The height difference is used to optimize the feel of button 3, ensuring that button 3 is more stable during pressing and resetting, reducing wobbling and loosening. The layered contact of the support part 22 and the elastic part 21 can provide more uniform support force, ensuring that the movement trajectory of button 3 is more stable.

[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, a second gap 13 is formed between the part of the button 3 exposed on the cover 1 and the groove of the mounting groove 11, and the second gap 13 is 0.1mm.

[0038] In this embodiment, combined with Figure 4The second gap 13 provides space for the button 3 to move, ensuring that the button 3 can move freely during pressing and resetting without getting stuck due to excessive tightness. In this embodiment, the second gap is 0.1mm. Due to its small size, it can effectively prevent dust and moisture from entering the device. The smaller gap can reduce the loosening and shaking of the button 3 during use, and improve the structural stability of the button 3.

[0039] In one embodiment of this utility model, the button 3 includes a keycap 31 and a key shaft 32 connected together. The mounting groove 11 has a mounting through hole 11a and a snap-fit ​​through hole. The key shaft 32 passes through the mounting through hole 11a. The keycap 31 has a snap-fit ​​part 31a, which snaps into the snap-fit ​​through hole. The keycap 31 abuts against the elastic support member 2.

[0040] In this embodiment, combined with Figure 3To further ensure stable fixation between the button 3 and the cover 1, a snap-fit ​​portion 31a is provided on the keycap 31 of the button 3 to mate with the cover 1, thereby achieving a stable connection between the button 3 and the cover 1. It is understood that the keycap 31 is the part directly contacted by the user, and pressing the keycap 31 triggers the button function. The key shaft 32 is used to transmit the movement of the keycap 31 to the elastic support 2 and the button switch 4, ensuring the realization of the button function. The mounting through hole 11a is used to ensure that the key shaft 32 can be installed in place along a predetermined trajectory, improving the accuracy and consistency of assembly. In one embodiment, the key shaft 32 passes directly through the mounting through hole 11a, and the dimensions of the key shaft 32 and the mounting through hole 11a are designed for a tight fit, ensuring that the key shaft 32 can slide stably within the through hole without loosening. In another embodiment, the outer diameter of the key shaft 32 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the mounting through hole 11a, and the key shaft 32 is inserted into the mounting through hole 11a through a clearance fit. This can be set according to specific needs and is not limited. The snap-fit ​​hole and the snap-fit ​​part 31a cooperate to stably fix the button 3 in the mounting groove 11, preventing the button 3 from loosening or shifting during use. In one embodiment, the snap-fit ​​part 31a is in the form of an elastic hook, with one end fixed to the keycap 31 and the end away from the connection with the keycap 31 elastically deformable and engaging with the snap-fit ​​hole. In another embodiment, the snap-fit ​​part 31a is in the form of a dovetail, with the end away from the connection with the keycap 31 being dovetail-shaped, and the shape of the snap-fit ​​hole matching the shape of the snap-fit ​​part 31a so that the snap-fit ​​part 31a and the snap-fit ​​hole can engage. It should be noted that the keycap 31 abuts against the elastic support 2, that is, when the surface of the keycap 31 facing the elastic support 2 contacts the surface of the elastic support 2 facing the keycap 31, there is zero gap. This ensures that when the button 3 is pressed, the force can be directly transmitted to the elastic support 2, thereby providing accurate key feedback. At the same time, the zero gap design can effectively reduce the shaking and loosening of the keycap 31 during the pressing and resetting process.

[0041] In one embodiment of the present invention, the button 3 further includes two limiting shafts 33, which are located on opposite sides of the key shaft 32 and are respectively connected to the keycap 31.

[0042] The mounting groove 11 is also provided with two limiting through holes 11b for the two limiting shafts 33 to pass through.

[0043] In this embodiment, combined with Figure 4 The limiting shaft 33 is used to ensure that the button 3 can only move up and down in the vertical direction toward or away from the push-button switch 4, i.e., refer to Figure 4The arrow indicates bidirectional movement. The limiting through-hole 11b provides a movement channel for the limiting shaft 33, ensuring smooth up-and-down movement. It is understood that the limiting shafts 33 are spaced apart and located on opposite sides of the key shaft 32, and can be connected to the keycap 31 through integral molding, welding, or other methods. The size of the limiting through-hole 11b matches the circumferential dimension of the limiting shaft 33 to prevent loosening. This arrangement, through the cooperation of the limiting shaft 33 and the limiting through-hole 11b, ensures that the button 3 moves along a predetermined straight trajectory during pressing and resetting, preventing the button 3 from shifting or wobbling, and improving the stability and consistency of the button structure 100.

[0044] In one embodiment of the present invention, the keycap 31 is provided with two opposing snap-fit ​​portions 31a, the ends of each snap-fit ​​portion 31a away from the keycap 31 are hook-shaped, and each snap-fit ​​portion 31a engages with a snap-fit ​​through hole.

[0045] In this embodiment, combined with Figure 3 To further prevent button 3 from detaching from cover 1 during pressing, a snap-fit ​​portion 31a is provided on keycap 31 so that button 3 can be firmly fixed to cover 1, thereby preventing keycap 31 from loosening or falling off. It can be understood that the end of snap-fit ​​portion 31a away from keycap 31 is hook-shaped, and the hook-shaped segment fits tightly with the edge of snap-fit ​​through hole to prevent button 3 from moving in the vertical direction.

[0046] This utility model also proposes an electronic device, which includes a housing and a button structure 100 as described above. The specific structure of the button structure 100 is as described in the above embodiments. Since this electronic device adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, and will not be described in detail here. The button structure 100 is detachably disposed within the housing.

[0047] In this embodiment, it should be noted that the electronic device includes, but is not limited to, speakers, aerosol generating devices, etc., and is not limited here. It is understood that the button structure 100 can be fixed to the housing by bolts, snap-fit, etc., and is not limited here. In one embodiment, the button structure 100 is fixed to the housing by screws, with screw holes pre-drilled in the housing. The base or bracket of the button structure 100 also has corresponding screw holes, and screws are used to pass through these holes to fix the button structure 100 inside the housing. In another embodiment, mutually cooperating buckles and slots are designed on the housing and the button structure 100, respectively. When the button structure 100 is installed on the housing, the buckle automatically snaps into the slot to achieve fixation; during disassembly, the buckle is disengaged from the slot by pressing or prying.

[0048] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of the present utility model and the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A button structure, comprising a button switch, characterized in that, The button structure also includes: A cover, located above the push-button switch, has a mounting groove. An elastic support member is disposed on the inner peripheral wall of the mounting groove, and a gap is formed between the elastic support member and the inner peripheral wall of the mounting groove. A button, which passes through the mounting groove and is connected to the elastic support; The button moves toward the push-button switch under the action of an external force and abuts against the push-button switch. The elastic support is configured to allow the button to return to its original position.

2. The button structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic support includes an elastic part and a support part connected to each other. The elastic part is disposed on the inner peripheral wall of the mounting groove, and the button passes through the support part. A first gap is formed between the elastic part and the inner peripheral wall of the mounting groove.

3. The button structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The elastic support includes two elastic parts and a support part. The two elastic parts are spaced apart and are respectively connected to the inner peripheral wall of the mounting groove and the support part.

4. The button structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The surface of the support portion facing the button and the surface of the elastic portion facing the button are arranged in a stepped manner.

5. The button structure as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The surface of the support portion facing the button and the surface of the elastic portion facing the button form a height difference of 0.5 mm.

6. The button structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The button is exposed in the part of the cover and forms a second gap of 0.1 mm between the groove of the mounting slot and the structure.

7. The button structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The button includes a keycap and a key shaft connected together. The mounting groove has a mounting through hole and a snap-fit ​​through hole. The key shaft passes through the mounting through hole. The keycap has a snap-fit ​​part that snaps into the snap-fit ​​through hole. The keycap abuts against the inner wall of the mounting groove.

8. The button structure as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The button also includes two limiting shafts, which are located on opposite sides of the key shaft and are respectively connected to the key shaft; The mounting groove is also provided with two limiting through holes for the two limiting shafts to pass through.

9. The button structure as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The keycap has two opposing snap-fit ​​parts, and the end of each snap-fit ​​part away from the keycap is hook-shaped, and each snap-fit ​​part engages with the snap-fit ​​through hole.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device includes: case; The button structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the button structure is detachably disposed within the housing.

Images