Button structure, button mechanism, and protective casing

Abstract

A button structure, button device, and protective shell are disclosed, relating to the field of silicone buttons. The button structure includes a conductive component and an insulating component. The insulating component comprises a main body, a spring arm, and a buffer portion connected in sequence. The buffer portion is connected to the conductive component, and the extending direction of the buffer portion forms an angle with the extending direction of the spring arm, which in turn forms an angle with the extending direction of the main body. By placing the buffer portion between the conductive component and the spring arm, and by setting the extending direction of the buffer portion at an angle to the extending direction of the spring arm, the insulating silicone cannot directly penetrate the upper and lower surfaces of the conductive component, preventing the insulating silicone from overflowing to both ends of the conductive component, thereby preventing the conductive component from failing and ensuring its conductivity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of silicone button technology, specifically to a button structure, button device, and protective shell. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of silicone buttons used in touchscreens, when a user presses a button, the button is electrically connected to the touchscreen, thereby controlling the touchscreen. The silicone button includes a conductive component and an insulating component. The conductive component conducts electricity and is used by the user to press it to control the touchscreen. The insulating component includes a body and a spring arm connecting the body and the conductive component. The spring arm supports the conductive component and returns it to its original position before being pressed.

[0003] In the production of silicone buttons, conductive components are manufactured first, followed by injection molding of insulating components around them. The portion of the insulating silicone near the conductive silicone forms a spring arm at an angle to the main body. Because of this angle, during injection molding, the insulating silicone, due to inertia, pushes against the upper surface of the conductive silicone. This prevents electrical connection between the insulating silicone and the touchscreen when the user touches the upper surface of the conductive silicone, thus preventing the user from controlling the touchscreen via the silicone button and rendering the silicone button unusable. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to address the defects and deficiencies of the existing technology by providing a button structure, button device, and protective shell. By placing a buffer part between the conductive component and the elastic arm, and by setting the extension direction of the buffer part at an angle to the extension direction of the elastic arm, the insulating silicone cannot directly reach the upper and lower surfaces of the conductive component, thus preventing the insulating silicone from overflowing to both ends of the conductive component, thereby preventing the conductive component from failing and ensuring its conductivity.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is: a button structure, including a conductive component and an insulating component. The insulating component includes a main body, a spring arm, and a buffer portion connected in sequence. The buffer portion is connected to the conductive component. The extension direction of the buffer portion is set at an angle to the extension direction of the spring arm, and the extension direction of the spring arm is set at an angle to the extension direction of the main body.

[0006] Preferably, the extension direction of the buffer portion is the same as the extension direction of the main body.

[0007] This utility model also provides a button device, including a first substrate, a second substrate, and the above-mentioned button structure. The main body of the button structure is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate has a first clearance hole for clearance of the conductive component of the button structure in its natural state. The second substrate has a second clearance hole for clearance of the conductive component in the pressed state.

[0008] Preferably, the button device is used for a touch screen, the second substrate is disposed close to the touch screen, a clearance protrusion is formed on the side of the first substrate away from the second substrate, a clearance groove is formed on the side of the first substrate close to the second substrate, and the first clearance hole is disposed on the clearance protrusion and communicates with the clearance groove.

[0009] Preferably, the button device is used for a touch screen, the main body is provided with a positioning part, the positioning part is embedded in the second clearance hole and extends along the edge of the second clearance hole.

[0010] Preferably, the positioning part has an exhaust groove.

[0011] This utility model also provides a protective shell for being fitted onto the outside of an electronic device, including a first shell, a second shell, and the aforementioned button device. The first shell and the second shell are detachably connected. The button device is disposed on the first shell. In a first usage state, the first shell at least partially covers the side of the electronic device with a touch screen, so that the button device can control the touch screen.

[0012] Preferably, one of the first housing and the second housing is provided with a snap-fit ​​portion, and the other of the first housing and the second housing is provided with a slot. The snap-fit ​​portion cooperates with the slot to detachably connect the first housing and the second housing.

[0013] Preferably, the snap-fit ​​portion includes a first snap-fit ​​portion disposed on a side plate of one of the first housing and the second housing, and the slot includes a first slot disposed on a side plate of the other of the first housing and the second housing.

[0014] Preferably, the latching portion includes a second latching portion disposed on a substrate of one of the first housing and the second housing, and the slot includes a second slot disposed on a substrate of the other of the first housing and the second housing.

[0015] After adopting the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: by setting the buffer part between the conductive part and the elastic arm, and by setting the extension direction of the buffer part at an angle to the extension direction of the elastic arm, the insulating silicone cannot directly hit the upper and lower surfaces of the conductive part, thus avoiding the insulating silicone from overflowing to both ends of the conductive part, thereby preventing the conductive part from failing and ensuring the conductivity of the conductive part. Attached Figure Description

[0016] 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 these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first housing in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-section along the BB' direction.

[0019] Figure 3 This is an exploded schematic diagram of the first casing in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first substrate and the first side plate in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the protective shell in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the cross section along the AA' direction.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the method for producing the silicone button structure in this utility model embodiment.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the conductive component production method in this utility model embodiment.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the insulating silicone injected into the gap to be filled in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of the method for producing insulating components in this utility model embodiment.

[0027] Figure 11 This is an exploded schematic diagram of the protective shell in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0028] Figure 12 This is an exploded view of the protective shell from another perspective in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0029] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device equipped with the second usage state protective shell in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0030] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the protective shell for the electronic device in the first use state in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0031] Figure label:

[0032] 1000, Protective shell; 100, First shell; 110, Button device; 111, Button structure; 1111, Conductive component; 11111, First end; 11112, Second end; 1112, Insulating component; 11121, Main body; 11122, Elastic arm; 11123, Buffer part; 11124, Positioning part; 11125, Vent groove; 11126, Third clearance hole; 11127, Fourth clearance hole; 112, First substrate; 1121, First clearance hole; 1122, Clearance protrusion; 1123, Clearance groove; 1124, First connecting post; 11241, Embedding groove; 1125, Second slot; 113, Second Substrate; 1131, Second clearance hole; 1132, Second connecting post; 114, Keycap; 1141, Limiting part; 120, First side plate; 121, First snap-fit ​​part; 200, Second housing; 201, Third substrate; 2011, Second snap-fit ​​part; 202, Second side plate; 2021, First slot; 2000, Mold; 2100, First template; 2101, First groove; 2200, Second template; 2201, Second groove; 2202, Material trough; 2203, Glue injection channel; 2300, Gap to be filled; 2301, First part; 2302, Second part; 2303, Third part; 3000, Electronic device. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] This specific embodiment is merely an explanation of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art can make modifications to this embodiment without contributing any inventive element, but as long as they are within the scope of the claims of the present utility model, they are protected by patent law.

[0035] like Figure 1-6As shown, the button structure 111 includes a conductive element 1111 and an insulating element 1112. The insulating element 1112 includes a main body 11121, a spring arm 11122, and a buffer portion 11123 connected in sequence. The buffer portion 11123 is connected to the conductive element 1111. The extending direction of the buffer portion 11123 is set at an angle to the extending direction of the spring arm 11122, and the extending direction of the spring arm 11122 is set at an angle to the extending direction of the main body 11121.

[0036] By placing the buffer portion 11123 between the conductive member 1111 and the elastic arm 11122, and by setting the extension direction of the buffer portion 11123 at an angle to the extension direction of the elastic arm 11122, the insulating silicone cannot directly reach the upper and lower surfaces of the conductive member 1111, thus preventing the insulating silicone from overflowing to both ends of the conductive member 1111, thereby preventing the conductive member 1111 from failing and ensuring the conductivity of the conductive member 1111.

[0037] like Figure 7 As shown, this embodiment relates to a method for producing a silicone button structure 111. This production method involves silicone injection molding. Specifically, it includes the following steps:

[0038] S0. The conductive silicone is molded into a conductive component 1111.

[0039] S1. The first end 11111 of the conductive component 1111 is embedded into the first groove 2101 of the first template 2100.

[0040] S2. Cover the first template 2100 with the second template 2200, so that the second end 11112 of the conductive element 1111 is embedded in the second groove 2201 of the second template 2200. The first template 2100 and the second template 2200 surround and form a gap 2300 to be filled, wherein the second end 11112 and the first end 11111 are located at opposite ends of the conductive element 1111.

[0041] S3. Inject insulating silicone into the gap 2300 to be filled, so that the peripheral side of the conductive part 1111 forms an insulating part 1112.

[0042] Among them, such as Figure 8 As shown, step S0 specifically includes the following steps:

[0043] S01. Mix solid silicone rubber with conductive filler to form conductive silicone.

[0044] Specifically, it is a mixture of solid silicone rubber as the base colloid and a vulcanizing agent.

[0045] In some embodiments, the solid silicone rubber also incorporates reinforcing fillers and processing aids. The reinforcing filler is fumed silica (SiO2). Processing aids include structure control agents, internal release agents, plasticizers, and color masterbatches. The structure control agents include hydroxyl silicone oil or diphenylsilanediol, used to prevent the agglomeration of silica and conductive fillers, improving dispersibility and storage stability of the compound. The internal release agents include zinc stearate and low molecular weight silicone oil, facilitating the removal of the conductive silicone from the mold after vulcanization and preventing tearing. The plasticizer includes methyl silicone oil, used to reduce the hardness of the compound and optimize the button feel.

[0046] In this embodiment, the solid silicone rubber is a mixture of raw silicone rubber and platinum vulcanizing agent, wherein the main component of the raw silicone rubber is methyl vinyl silicone rubber (VMQ).

[0047] Common platinum sulfiding agents include Karstedt catalysts (platinum(0)-divinyltetramethyldisiloxane complexes), Ashby catalysts (platinum(0)-cyclic vinylsiloxane complexes (such as Pt2(divinyltetramethyldisiloxane)3)), Pt-Vi catalysts (platinum-vinyl-terminated siloxane complexes (such as Pt-(ViSiMe2O)4)), and platinum-alkynyl complexes (platinum-alkynyl complexes (such as 1,3-divinyl-1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane)).

[0048] The conductive filler uses one of the following: carbon-based fillers, metal-based fillers, or mixed fillers. Mixed fillers are a combination of carbon-based and metal-based fillers. Carbon-based fillers include carbon black and carbon nanotubes. Metal-based fillers include silver powder, silver-coated copper, and nickel powder.

[0049] S02. Place the conductive silicone into the mold and mold it to form the specified shape.

[0050] In this embodiment, the specified shape is two cylinders with different diameters.

[0051] S03, vulcanization, which cures the conductive silicone to form a conductive part 1111 of a specified shape.

[0052] In this embodiment, the conductive element 1111 is a columnar body formed by splicing two cylinders with different diameters.

[0053] S04. Open the mold and separate the conductive component 1111 from the mold.

[0054] In some embodiments, the conductive component 1111 undergoes secondary vulcanization after being separated from the mold, which further promotes complete cross-linking reaction and thoroughly removes vulcanization byproducts (small molecules from peroxide decomposition) and other low-molecular-weight volatiles.

[0055] In other embodiments, the conductive silicone includes a base rubber, conductive fillers, and a vulcanizing agent. The base rubber is solid silicone (HCR), and the vulcanizing agent is a peroxide vulcanizing agent, specifically, DCP (dicumyl peroxide) and DBPMH (bis-2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di-tert-butylperoxide). During the mixing of the conductive silicone, the base rubber is first compounded, then the conductive fillers are added, and finally the vulcanizing agent is added.

[0056] Among them, such as Figure 9 As shown, the gap 2300 to be filled in step S2 includes a first part 2301, a second part 2302, and a third part 2303 connected in sequence. The extension direction of the second part 2302 is set at an angle to the extension direction of the first part 2301, and the extension direction of the third part 2303 is set at an angle to the extension direction of the second part 2302. The third part 2303 is located close to the conductive component 1111. The first part 2301 is used to injection mold the main body 11121 of the insulating component 1112, the second part 2302 is used to injection mold the elastic arm 11122 of the insulating component 1112, and the third part 2303 is used to injection mold the buffer portion 11123 of the insulating component 1112.

[0057] Specifically, insulating silicone is placed in the material tank 2202 and pressurized to enter the injection channel 2203, and then into the gap to be filled 2300. When the insulating silicone is injected into the gap to be filled 2300, it passes sequentially through the first part 2301, the second part 2302, and the third part 2303. The extension direction of the first part 2301 is perpendicular to the outer periphery of the conductive element 1111. Since the second part 2302 is set at an angle to the first part 2301, the second part 2302 forms an angle with the outer periphery of the conductive element 1111, and this angle is less than 90°. Assuming that the gap to be filled 2300 does not have the third part 2303, the second part 2302 is set close to the conductive element 1111, that is, the elastic arm 11122 of the second part 2302 is directly connected to the conductive element 1111. When insulating silicone is injected into the gap 2300 to be filled and passes through the second part 2302, under the action of inertia, the insulating silicone is easily pushed to the upper surface of the conductive element 1111, specifically to the end face of the second end 11112 of the conductive element 1111. This affects the conductivity of the conductive element 1111, thereby affecting the use of the silicone button. As a result, the user cannot make an electrical connection with the touch screen through the conductive element 1111, and thus the user cannot touch the screen through the silicone button, causing the silicone button to lose its button control function.

[0058] In this embodiment, a third part 2303 is disposed at the end of the second part 2302 away from the first part 2301, i.e., a buffer part 11123 is provided between the elastic arm 11122 and the conductive member 1111. Furthermore, the third part 2303 is positioned at an angle to the second part 2302 to prevent the insulating silicone from directly impacting the end face of the second end 11112 of the conductive silicone due to inertia after passing through the second part 2302. The insulating silicone is guided by the third part 2303, thereby adjusting the direction of movement of the insulating silicone.

[0059] Furthermore, assuming that the gap to be filled 2300 does not have a third part 2303, and the second part 2302 is located close to the conductive component 1111, that is, the elastic arm 11122 of the injection-molded second part 2302 is directly connected to the conductive component 1111. Due to possible errors in the production process of the conductive component 1111, when a larger conductive component 1111 is embedded in the second groove 2201 of the second template 2200, that is, when the second end 11112 of the conductive component 1111 is embedded in the second groove 2201 of the second template 2200, due to the larger size of the conductive component 1111, the excess part of the conductive component 1111 will be cut off by the edge of the second groove 2201. The cut part will fall into the second part 2302. During step S3, the cut conductive silicone fuses with the insulating silicone. Since the conductive silicone has weak elasticity, it affects the elastic performance of the elastic arm 11122 formed by the second part 2302. This may cause the user to need more force to press the button, or the button may not spring back after the user presses it, thus affecting the user's button pressing experience.

[0060] In this embodiment, the third part 2303 is disposed at the end of the second part 2302 away from the first part 2301. That is, the buffer part 11123 formed by the third part 2303 is connected between the elastic arm 11122 formed by the second part 2302 and the conductive member 1111. This allows the cut part of the conductive member 1111 to fall into the third part 2303 and fuse with the insulating silicone. This only affects the elastic performance of the buffer part 11123 and does not affect the elastic performance of the elastic arm 11122, thereby ensuring the user's experience when pressing the button.

[0061] Among them, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, step S3 includes the following steps:

[0062] S31. Mix to form solid silicone to form insulating silicone.

[0063] In this embodiment, the solid silicone is the same as the solid silicone rubber in step S01.

[0064] In some embodiments, the solid silicone rubber also incorporates reinforcing fillers and processing aids. The reinforcing filler is fumed silica (SiO2). Processing aids include structure control agents, internal release agents, plasticizers, and color masterbatches. The structure control agents include hydroxyl silicone oil or diphenylsilanediol, used to prevent the agglomeration of silica and conductive fillers, improving dispersibility and storage stability of the compound. The internal release agents include zinc stearate and low molecular weight silicone oil, facilitating the removal of the conductive silicone from the mold after vulcanization and preventing tearing. The plasticizer includes methyl silicone oil, used to reduce the hardness of the compound and optimize the button feel.

[0065] S32. Inject insulating silicone into the gap 2300 to be filled, so that the insulating silicone forms the corresponding shape.

[0066] The corresponding shapes are the shapes of the first part 2301, the second part 2302, and the third part 2303. In this embodiment, the corresponding shapes include a horizontally arranged main body 11121, an elastic arm 11122 arranged at an angle to the main body 11121, and a horizontally arranged buffer part 11123.

[0067] S33, vulcanization, which cures the insulating silicone to form an insulating part 1112 of the corresponding shape.

[0068] Specifically, the liquid silicone in step S31 uses a platinum curing agent, and the liquid silicone in step S01 uses a platinum curing agent. Since the curing agent in the conductive silicone is the same as the curing agent in the insulating silicone, the compatibility between the conductive silicone and the insulating silicone is improved. This makes the connection between the insulating silicone and the conductive component 1111 more secure during step S33, preventing the connection between the conductive component 1111 and the insulating component 1112 from being too brittle or cracking, and improving the yield rate of button production.

[0069] S34. Open the mold and separate the button structure 111, which consists of conductive part 1111 and insulating part 1112, from the mold 2000.

[0070] like Figure 9 As shown, the extension direction of the first part 2301 is the same as the extension direction of the third part 2303, that is, the extension direction of the buffer part 11123 formed by the third part 2303 is the same as the extension direction of the main body 11121 formed by the first part 2301.

[0071] Specifically, the buffer portion 11123 formed by the third part 2303 is perpendicular to the outer axial side of the conductive member 1111, further preventing the insulating silicone from overflowing to the first end 11111 end face or the second end 11112 end face of the conductive member 1111.

[0072] More specifically, the first part 2301 extends in a horizontal direction, and the third part 2303 extends in a horizontal direction. The horizontal direction includes the left-right direction and the front-back direction.

[0073] In this embodiment, the conductive component 1111 is prepared using steps S01-S04, and the insulating component 1112 is prepared using steps S1-S2 and steps S31-S34.

[0074] In a first modified embodiment, the angle between the third portion 2303 and the second portion 2302 is greater than the angle between the second portion 2302 and the first portion 2301. In step S2, the portion of the conductive element 1111 cut by the second groove 2201 may fall into the second portion 2302 or the first portion 2301, thereby affecting the elastic properties of the insulating element 1112.

[0075] In the second modified embodiment, the angle between the third portion 2303 and the second portion 2302 is smaller than the angle between the second portion 2302 and the first portion 2301. When the insulating silicone is injected into the third portion 2303, it may overflow to the end face of the first end 11111 of the conductive element 1111 due to gravity and inertia, thereby causing the conductive element 1111 to fail and affecting the yield rate of the button structure 111.

[0076] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 9 As shown, the extension direction of the buffer portion 11123 is set at an angle to the extension direction of the elastic arm 11122, so that during the injection molding process of the insulating part 1112, the insulating silicone passes through the first part 2301, the second part 2302 and the third part 2303 in sequence, that is, it passes through the gap to be filled 2300 forming the main body 11121, the gap to be filled 2300 forming the elastic arm 11122 and the gap to be filled 2300 forming the buffer portion 11123 in sequence. After the insulating silicone passes through the second part 2302, that is, after the insulating silicone passes through the gap to be filled 2300 forming the elastic arm 11122, it will not be directly connected to the conductive part 1111, but will be received by the third part 2303, that is, the buffer portion 11123 is formed. Therefore, the insulating silicone will not overflow to the end face of the conductive part 1111 due to inertia. Specifically, it prevents the insulating silicone from overflowing to the end face of the second end 11112 of the conductive part 1111. This ensures the conductivity of the conductive component 1111, specifically the conductivity between the first end 11111 and the second end 11112 of the conductive component 1111, enabling the user to control the touch screen of the first end 11111 of the conductive component 1111 through the second end 11112 of the conductive component 1111.

[0077] In this embodiment, the buffer portion 11123 extends in the same direction as the main body 11121. Specifically, the buffer portion 11123 extends in a lateral direction, and the main body 11121 extends in a lateral direction. The lateral direction includes the left-right direction and the front-back direction.

[0078] In a first modified embodiment, the angle formed by the buffer portion 11123 and the elastic arm 11122 is greater than the angle formed by the elastic arm 11122 and the main body 11121. In step S2, the portion of the conductive element 1111 cut by the second groove 2201 may fall into the gap 2300 to be filled in forming the elastic arm 11122 or the main body 11121, specifically into the second portion 2302 or the first portion 2301, thereby affecting the elastic properties of the insulating element 1112.

[0079] In the second modified embodiment, the angle formed by the buffer portion 11123 and the elastic arm 11122 is smaller than the angle formed by the elastic arm 11122 and the main body 11121. During the injection molding of the insulating part 1112, specifically when the buffer portion 11123 is formed, that is, when the insulating silicone fills the third part 2303, the insulating silicone may overflow to the end face of the first end 11111 of the conductive part 1111 due to gravity and inertia, thereby causing the conductive part 1111 to fail and affecting the yield rate of the button structure 111.

[0080] like Figure 1-6 as well as Figure 9 As shown, this embodiment of the present invention also provides a button device 110. The button device 110 includes the button structure 111, a first substrate 112, and a second substrate 113 as described in the above embodiments, wherein the main body 11121 of the button structure 111 is sandwiched between the first substrate 112 and the second substrate 113. The first substrate 112 has a first clearance hole 1121, which is used to avoid the conductive element 1111 of the button structure 111 in its natural state, specifically avoiding the second end 11112 of the conductive element 1111, so that the second end 11112 of the conductive element 1111 is exposed for user pressing. The second substrate 113 has a second clearance hole 1131, which is used to avoid the conductive component 1111 in the pressed state. Specifically, it avoids the first end 11111 of the conductive component 1111, so that the first end 11111 of the conductive component 1111 can abut against the touch screen, thereby forming an electrical connection path between the user, the conductive component 1111 and the touch screen, so that the user can control the touch screen by pressing the conductive component 1111.

[0081] In the natural state, when the user does not press the conductive element 1111, the elastic arm 11122 maintains its original shape to support the conductive element 1111, allowing the second end 11112 of the conductive element 1111 to pass through the first clearance hole 1121. In the pressed state, the conductive element 1111 is pressed, and the elastic arm 11122 deforms under force, causing the conductive element 1111 to move from top to bottom. This causes the first end 11111 of the conductive element 1111 to pass through the second clearance hole 1131, so that the end face of the first end 11111 of the conductive element 1111 abuts against the touch screen, thereby forming an electrical connection path between the user, the conductive element 1111, and the touch screen, allowing the user to control the touch screen by pressing the conductive element 1111. When the user releases the pressed conductive element 1111, the system switches from the pressed state to the natural state, and the elastic arm 11122 returns to its original shape to support the conductive element 1111. This allows the second end 11112 of the conductive element 1111 to pass through the first clearance hole 1121 for the user to press again.

[0082] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the first substrate 112 and the second substrate 113 are connected by ultrasonic welding.

[0083] Specifically, the main body 11121 is provided with a third clearance hole 11126. The third clearance hole 11126 is used to avoid the ultrasonic welding rod of the first substrate 112 or the second substrate 113. When the first substrate 112 and the second substrate 113 clamp the main body 11121 of the button structure 111, the ultrasonic welding rod of one of the first substrate 112 and the second substrate 113 is connected to the other of the first substrate 112 and the second substrate 113. Under ultrasonic welding treatment, the first substrate 112 and the second substrate 113 are ultrasonically welded together, thereby clamping the main body 11121 of the button structure 111 between the first substrate 112 and the second substrate 113.

[0084] More specifically, the first substrate 112 is larger in the lateral direction than the body 11121, and the second substrate 113 is larger in the lateral direction than the body 11121. The portion of the first substrate 112 extending beyond the body 11121 and the portion of the second substrate 113 extending beyond the body 11121 are ultrasonically welded together to clamp the edge of the body 11121 between the first substrate 112 and the second substrate 113.

[0085] In other embodiments, the first substrate 112 and the second substrate 113 are connected by one or more of the following methods: snap-fit, screw-fit, adhesive-fit, and thermoforming.

[0086] like Figure 2-4As shown, in this embodiment, the first substrate 112 is provided with a first connecting post 1124, the second substrate 113 is provided with a second connecting post 1132, and the main body 11121 is provided with a fourth clearance hole 11127. The fourth clearance hole 11127 is used to avoid the first connecting post 1124 and the second connecting post 1132. The first connecting post 1124 is provided with an embedding groove 11241, and the second connecting post 1132 is embedded in the embedding groove 11241 of the first connecting post 1124, so that the first substrate 112 and the second substrate 113 are connected, and the first clearance hole 1121 is aligned with the second clearance hole 1131. At the same time, it is convenient for the conductive component 1111 to be aligned with the first clearance hole 1121 and the second clearance hole 1131.

[0087] In other embodiments, the second connecting post 1132 has an embedding groove 11241, and the first connecting post 1124 is embedded in the embedding groove 11241 of the second connecting post 1132, so that the first substrate 112 is connected to the second substrate 113, and the first clearance hole 1121 is aligned with the second clearance hole 1131, while facilitating the alignment of the conductive component 1111 with the first clearance hole 1121 and the second clearance hole 1131.

[0088] In other embodiments, one of the first substrate 112 and the second substrate 113 is provided with a connecting post, and the other of the first substrate 112 and the second substrate 113 is provided with a connecting groove. The main body 11121 is provided with a fourth clearance hole 11127, which is used to avoid the connecting post. When the first substrate 112 and the second substrate 113 jointly hold the main body 11121, the connecting post passes through the fourth clearance hole 11127 and is embedded in the connecting groove, so that the first substrate 112 and the second substrate 113 are connected, and the first clearance hole 1121 is aligned with the second clearance hole 1131. At the same time, it is convenient for the conductive element 1111 to be aligned with the first clearance hole 1121 and the second clearance hole 1131.

[0089] like Figure 1-6 as well as Figure 11-14 As shown, the button device 110 is used for the touch screen of the electronic device 3000. Specifically, the second substrate 113 is close to the touch screen, and more specifically, the side of the second substrate 113 away from the first substrate 112 abuts against the surface of the touch screen. Both the first substrate 112 and the second substrate 113 are made of non-conductive material. A clearance protrusion 1122 is formed on the side of the first substrate 112 away from the second substrate 113, and a clearance groove 1123 is formed on the side of the first substrate 112 close to the second substrate 113. A first clearance hole 1121 is disposed on the clearance protrusion 1122 and communicates with the clearance groove 1123. The clearance groove 1123 is used to accommodate at least a portion of the elastic arm 11122 and the conductive element 1111.

[0090] Compared to embodiments without the avoidance protrusion 1122, the vertical movement path of the conductive element 1111 mainly relies on the thickness of the first substrate 112, the main body 11121, and the second substrate 113. Since the first substrate 112 and the second substrate 113 together hold the main body 11121, the total thickness of the three is limited. Consequently, when the user presses the conductive element 1111, it moves a relatively short distance vertically before hitting the touchscreen, affecting the user's pressing experience. Increasing the thickness of the first substrate 112 or the second substrate 113 would increase the weight of the button device 110, making it less portable and increasing production costs. By avoiding the protrusion 1122, the distance from the outer surface of the first substrate 112 to the touch screen is increased, that is, the distance from the side of the first substrate 112 away from the second substrate 113 to the touch screen. This increases the movement space of the conductive component 1111 and the deformation space of the elastic arm 11122, thereby increasing the movement path of the conductive component 1111 in the vertical direction and improving the user experience of the button pressing device 110.

[0091] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 9 As shown, the main body 11121 is provided with a positioning part 11124, which is located near the elastic arm 11122, specifically on the side of the main body 11121 near the second substrate 113. The positioning part 11124 is embedded in the second clearance hole 1131 and extends along the edge of the second clearance hole 1131. When the user presses the conductive element 1111, the elastic arm 11122 will deform accordingly. If the user presses not vertically downwards, but at an angle downwards, the area where the first end 11111 of the conductive element 1111 abuts against the touch screen may not be the originally preset area, causing the user's control of the touch screen to fail or err. By setting the positioning part 11124, when the conductive member 1111 is laterally offset due to the downward pressure, the end of the elastic arm 11122 near the main body 11121 is limited by the positioning part 11124. Specifically, the positioning part 11124 abuts against the wall of the second clearance hole 1131, providing a support force in the opposite direction of the lateral offset, causing the elastic arm 11122 to compress and deform, thereby providing greater elasticity to reduce the lateral offset of the conductive member 1111.

[0092] The position of the conductive element 1111 is set according to the preset area of ​​the touch screen, so that when the user presses the conductive element 1111, the conductive element 1111 can abut against the corresponding preset area of ​​the touch screen, thereby controlling the touch screen accordingly.

[0093] In some embodiments, the positioning part 11124 includes an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end of the positioning part 11124 is connected to the main body 11121, and the lower end of the positioning part 11124 is connected to the end of the elastic arm 11122 away from the buffer part 11123. Compared with the embodiment where the elastic arm 11122 is directly connected to the main body 11121, the embodiment where the upper end of the positioning part 11124 is connected to the main body 11121 increases the length of the elastic arm 11122 in the vertical direction by connecting the upper and lower ends of the positioning part 11124 to the main body 11121 and the elastic arm 11122 respectively. This increases the elastic force provided by the elastic arm 11122 in the pressed state, thereby improving the user's experience of pressing the button device 110.

[0094] When the button structure 111 is pressed, the space formed by the touch screen, positioning part 11124, elastic arm 11122 and conductive component 1111 is expelled and a sealed space is formed. Due to the air pressure, the elastic arm 11122 cannot return to its original shape, that is, it remains in the pressed state and cannot switch to the natural state, causing the conductive component 1111 to be attached to the touch screen and unable to be pressed by the user again.

[0095] like Figure 2 As shown, the positioning part 11124 has an exhaust groove 11125. By setting the exhaust groove 11125, the touch screen, positioning part 11124, elastic arm 11122 and conductive component 1111 are prevented from forming a sealed space, thereby preventing the conductive component 1111 from being attached to the touch screen. This ensures that the elastic arm 11122 can return to its natural shape from the deformation of the pressed state, thus ensuring the user experience.

[0096] like Figure 1-3 , Figure 5-6 , Figure 11 as well as Figure 14 As shown, a keycap 114 is fitted onto the second end 11112 of the conductive element 1111. The keycap 114 has a limiting portion 1141 extending laterally. In the natural state, the limiting portion 1141 abuts against the side of the first substrate 112 near the second substrate 113. Specifically, the limiting portion 1141 abuts against the outer edge of the first clearance hole 1121, thereby restricting the keycap 114 from coming out of the first clearance hole 1121 and preventing the keycap 114 from detaching from the conductive element 1111 due to inertia during the process of switching from the pressed state to the natural state.

[0097] The keycap 114 is made of conductive material, so that when the user presses the keycap 114, an electrical connection is formed between the keycap 114 and the conductive component 1111 and the touch screen, thereby controlling the touch screen.

[0098] like Figure 1-6 as well as Figure 11-14As shown, this embodiment of the present invention also provides a protective case 1000 for an electronic device 3000, which is used to cover the outside of the electronic device 3000. The protective case 1000 includes the aforementioned button device 110. In a first usage state, the portion of the protective case 1000 with the button device 110 covers the side of the electronic device 3000 with the touch screen, that is, the button device 110 covers the front of the electronic device 3000, allowing the user to press the button device 110 to control the touch screen. In a second usage state, the portion of the protective case 1000 with the button device 110 covers the side of the electronic device 3000 without the touch screen, that is, the button device 110 covers the back of the electronic device 3000, to protect the electronic device 3000.

[0099] Specifically, the protective shell 1000 includes a first substrate 112 and a side plate, wherein the first substrate 112 is disposed on the front or back of the electronic device 3000, and the side plate is used to cover the side of the electronic device 3000.

[0100] like Figure 5-6 as well as Figure 11-14 As shown, in this embodiment, the protective shell 1000 further includes a first shell 100 and a second shell 200, which are detachably connected. A button device 110 is disposed on the first shell 100. In a first usage state, the first shell 100 at least partially covers the side of the electronic device 3000 where the touchscreen is located, i.e., the portion of the first shell 100 with the button device 110 covers the side of the electronic device 3000 where the touchscreen is located, i.e., the button device 110 covers the front of the electronic device 3000, allowing the user to press the button device 110 to control the touchscreen. In a second usage state, the portion of the first shell 100 with the button device 110 covers the non-touchscreen side of the electronic device 3000, i.e., the button device 110 covers the back of the electronic device 3000, to protect the electronic device 3000.

[0101] like Figure 5-6 as well as Figure 11-14 As shown, one of the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 is provided with a snap-fit ​​portion, and the other of the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 is provided with a slot. The snap-fit ​​portion and the slot cooperate to detachably connect the first housing 100 and the second housing 200.

[0102] Specifically, in the first usage state, the second housing 200 covers the back of the electronic device 3000, and the first housing 100 covers the front of the electronic device 3000, exposing a portion of the touchscreen for the user to observe. Specifically, the upper half of the touchscreen is exposed for the user to observe. The first side plate 120 of the first housing 100 is detachably connected to the second side plate 202 of the second housing 200. In the second usage state, the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 together cover the back of the electronic device 3000 to protect the electronic device 3000.

[0103] In other embodiments, the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 are connected by a combination of one or more of the following connection methods: adhesive bonding, Velcro fastening, and interlocking.

[0104] like Figure 5-6 as well as Figure 11-14 As shown, the snap-fit ​​portion includes a first snap-fit ​​portion 121, which is disposed on a side plate of one of the first housing 100 and the second housing 200. The slot includes a first slot 2021, which is disposed on the other side plate of the first housing 100 and the second housing 200.

[0105] In this embodiment, the first snap-fit ​​portion 121 is disposed on the side plate of the first housing 100, that is, the first snap-fit ​​portion 121 is disposed on the first side plate 120. The first slot 2021 is disposed on the side plate of the second housing 200, that is, the first slot 2021 is disposed on the second side plate 202. The first snap-fit ​​portion 121 and the first slot 2021 snap together, so that the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 are detachably connected.

[0106] In other embodiments, the first snap-fit ​​portion 121 is disposed on the side plate of the second housing 200, that is, the first snap-fit ​​portion 121 is disposed on the second side plate 202. The first slot 2021 is disposed on the side plate of the first housing 100, that is, the first slot 2021 is disposed on the first side plate 120. The first snap-fit ​​portion 121 and the first slot 2021 snap together, so that the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 are detachably connected.

[0107] In this embodiment, the first snap-fit ​​portion 121 has no latch. When the first snap-fit ​​portion 121 is inserted into the first snap-fit ​​slot 2021, it fits tightly with the first snap-fit ​​slot 2021, so that the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 are detachably connected.

[0108] In other embodiments, the first snap-fit ​​portion 121 is provided with a latch for snapping into the first snap-fit ​​groove 2021, so that the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 are detachably connected.

[0109] like Figure 5-6 as well as Figure 11-14As shown, the latching portion includes a second latching portion 2011, which is disposed on a substrate of one of the first housing 100 and the second housing 200. The latching slot includes a second latching slot 1125, which is disposed on the substrate of the other of the first housing 100 and the second housing 200.

[0110] In this embodiment, the second latching portion 2011 is disposed on the substrate of the first housing 100, that is, the second latching portion 2011 is disposed on the first substrate 112. The second latching slot 1125 is disposed on the substrate of the second housing 200, that is, the second latching slot 1125 is disposed on the third substrate 201. The second latching portion 2011 and the second latching slot 1125 are engaged, so that the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 are detachably connected.

[0111] In other embodiments, the second latching portion 2011 is disposed on the substrate of the second housing 200, that is, the second latching portion 2011 is disposed on the third substrate 201. The second slot 1125 is disposed on the substrate of the first housing 100, that is, the second slot 1125 is disposed on the first substrate 112. The second latching portion 2011 and the second slot 1125 engage, so that the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 are detachably connected.

[0112] In this embodiment, the first housing 100 includes a button device 110 and a first side plate 120, wherein the button device 110 includes a first substrate 112. The first substrate 112 covers the front or back of the electronic device 3000, and the first side plate 120 covers the side of the electronic device 3000. The second housing 200 includes a third substrate 201 and a second side plate 202, wherein the third substrate 201 covers the back of the electronic device 3000, and the second side plate 202 covers the side of the electronic device 3000. The first side plate 120 and the second side plate 202 are detachably connected, thereby allowing the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 to be detachably connected.

[0113] like Figure 5-6 as well as Figure 11-14 As shown, one of the first side plate 120 and the second side plate 202 is provided with a first snap-fit ​​part 121, and the other of the first side plate 120 and the second side plate 202 is provided with a first slot 2021. When the first snap-fit ​​part 121 is inserted into the first slot 2021, the first side plate 120 and the second side plate 202 are detachably connected.

[0114] In other embodiments, the first side panel 120 and the second side panel 202 are connected by a combination of one or more of the following methods: adhesive bonding, Velcro fastening, and interlocking.

[0115] like Figure 6-10As shown, in this embodiment, the first substrate 112 is provided with a second slot 1125, and the third substrate 201 is provided with a second latching portion 2011. In the second use state, the second latching portion 2011 cooperates with the second slot 1125, which improves the connection stability between the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 and prevents the first housing 100 or the second housing 200 from falling off.

[0116] In the third modified embodiment, compared to the present invention, the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 are integrally formed, and the second housing 200 only includes the second side plate 202, excluding the third substrate 201. In the first usage state, the first substrate 112 covers the front of the electronic device 3000, specifically covering the lower half of the front of the electronic device 3000. Since the third substrate 201 is not provided, the upper half of the front of the electronic device 3000 is directly exposed for direct observation by the user. In the second usage state, due to the absence of the third substrate 201, the upper half of the back of the electronic device 3000 is directly exposed, which easily leads to scratches and damage to the upper half of the back of the electronic device 3000.

[0117] In the fourth modified embodiment, compared with the third modified embodiment, a third substrate 201 is added, and the third substrate 201 is detachably connected to the second side plate 202. In the first usage state, the third substrate 201 and the second side plate 202 are separated to directly expose the upper half of the front of the electronic device 3000, that is, the upper half of the touch screen, for user observation and use. In the second usage state, the third substrate 201 is assembled to the second side plate 202, so that the third substrate 201 covers the upper half of the electronic device 3000 to fully protect the electronic device 3000.

[0118] In the fifth modified embodiment, compared with the present utility model embodiment, the second housing 200 is made of a transparent or semi-transparent material so that in the first use state, the user can directly observe the upper half of the front of the electronic device 3000 through the second housing 200, specifically the upper half of the touch screen through the third substrate 201.

[0119] The above is only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and not to limit it. Any other modifications or equivalent substitutions made by those skilled in the art to the technical solution of this utility model, as long as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solution of this utility model, should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A button structure (111), comprising a conductive element (1111) and an insulating element (1112), characterized in that, The insulating component (1112) includes a main body (11121), a spring arm (11122), and a buffer portion (11123) connected in sequence. The buffer portion (11123) is connected to the conductive component (1111). The extending direction of the buffer portion (11123) is set at an angle to the extending direction of the spring arm (11122), and the extending direction of the spring arm (11122) is set at an angle to the extending direction of the main body (11121).

2. The button structure (111) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The extension direction of the buffer section (11123) is the same as the extension direction of the main body (11121).

3. A button device (110), characterized in that, The device includes a first substrate (112), a second substrate (113), and a button structure (111) as described in claim 1 or 2. The main body (11121) of the button structure (111) is disposed between the first substrate (112) and the second substrate (113). The first substrate (112) has a first clearance hole (1121) for clearing the conductive element (1111) of the button structure (111) in its natural state. The second substrate (113) has a second clearance hole (1131) for clearing the conductive element (1111) in its pressed state.

4. The button device (110) as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The button device (110) is used for a touch screen. The second substrate (113) is disposed close to the touch screen. A clearance protrusion (1122) is formed on the side of the first substrate (112) away from the second substrate (113). A clearance groove (1123) is formed on the side of the first substrate (112) close to the second substrate (113). A first clearance hole (1121) is disposed on the clearance protrusion (1122) and communicates with the clearance groove (1123).

5. The button device (110) as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The button device (110) is used for the touch screen. The main body (11121) is provided with a positioning part (11124). The positioning part (11124) is embedded in the second clearance hole (1131) and extends along the edge of the second clearance hole (1131).

6. The button device (110) as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The positioning part (11124) is provided with an exhaust groove (11125).

7. A protective shell (1000) for mounting on the outside of an electronic device (3000), characterized in that, The device includes a first housing (100), a second housing (200), and a button device (110) as described in any one of claims 1-6. The first housing (100) and the second housing (200) are detachably connected. The button device (110) is disposed on the first housing (100). In a first use state, the first housing (100) at least partially covers the side of the electronic device (3000) where the touch screen is located, so that the button device (110) can control the touch screen.

8. The protective shell (1000) as described in claim 7, characterized in that, One of the first housing (100) and the second housing (200) is provided with a snap-fit ​​part, and the other of the first housing (100) and the second housing (200) is provided with a slot. The snap-fit ​​part cooperates with the slot to detachably connect the first housing (100) and the second housing (200).

9. The protective shell (1000) as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The latching portion includes a first latching portion (121), which is disposed on a side plate of one of the first housing (100) and the second housing (200). The slot includes a first slot (2021), which is disposed on a side plate of the other of the first housing (100) and the second housing (200).

10. The protective shell (1000) as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The latching portion includes a second latching portion (2011), which is disposed on a substrate of one of the first housing (100) and the second housing (200). The slot includes a second slot (1125), which is disposed on a substrate of the other of the first housing (100) and the second housing (200).

Images