A potted tactile switch with reinforced packaging

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of patch light touch switches with reinforced packaging, including pedestal, the key cap of being movably arranged in the upper of pedestal, the elastic conduction component between pedestal and key cap and the patch terminal for surface mount soldering being symmetrically arranged in the both sides of pedestal, further including the reinforcing packaging layer covered in the side of key cap, the exposed part of elastic conduction component and the top surface of pedestal, the bottom of pedestal has flat mounting bottom surface, the sidewall of pedestal has outwardly extending stepped reinforcing flange, the upper surface of reinforcing flange is lower than the top surface of pedestal and higher than mounting bottom surface. Construct three-dimensional sealing structure, effectively isolate dust water vapor, and key cap top light transmission operating area thickening, give consideration to LED indication function and structural strength. Height difference prevents central spring sheet excessive deformation, integrally injection-molded and along the diagonal line layout of pedestal, both prevent falling and make supporting force uniform, inhibit key cap inclination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of push button switch technology, specifically a surface mount tactile switch with reinforced packaging. Background Technology

[0002] Existing surface mount tactile switches are widely used in consumer electronics, smart home and other fields, but their structural design has many shortcomings: limited encapsulation protection performance, external dust and moisture can easily penetrate the interior, causing oxidation and failure of the elastic conductive components, affecting service life; surface mount terminals are mostly simple through-hole structures with weak bonding force to the base, and are prone to loosening under welding stress or vibration, resulting in poor circuit contact; when pressed, the keycap is prone to lateral displacement, poor guidance, and the central spring often fails permanently due to excessive deformation; the connection between the support post and the base is not stable and is prone to falling off, further aggravating the problem of unstable operation feel. Utility Model Content

[0003] To overcome the shortcomings of existing technical solutions, this utility model provides a surface mount tactile switch with reinforced packaging, which can effectively solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is:

[0005] A surface mount tactile switch with reinforced encapsulation includes a base, a keycap movably disposed above the base, an elastic conductive component located between the base and the keycap, and surface mount terminals symmetrically disposed on both sides of the base for surface mount soldering. It also includes a reinforced encapsulation layer covering the side of the keycap, the exposed portion of the elastic conductive component, and the top surface of the base. The base has a flat mounting surface at its bottom, and the sidewalls of the base have outwardly extending stepped reinforcing flanges. The upper surface of the reinforcing flanges is lower than the top surface of the base but higher than the mounting surface.

[0006] The patch terminal includes a horizontal welding part, a vertical connecting part that penetrates the base sidewall, and an L-shaped anchoring section that is integrally formed and embedded in the reinforcing flange. The L-shaped anchoring section includes a transverse insert and a longitudinal bending part, wherein the transverse insert is completely embedded in the reinforcing flange, and the longitudinal bending part extends upward close to the outer surface of the base sidewall and connects to the lower end of the connecting part.

[0007] The elastic conductive component includes a central arched spring and at least two support columns arranged around it. The lower end of the support column is fixed in the base, and the upper end of the support column is in elastic contact with the bottom of the keycap.

[0008] As a further description of the above technical solution, the transverse insert length of the L-shaped anchoring section is greater than its width, and the extension direction is perpendicular to the welding direction of the patch terminal.

[0009] As a further description of the above technical solution, the support column is a solid cylinder or square column, the height of the support column is greater than the static height of the central arched spring, and the top of the support column is provided with a buffer groove, which is adapted to fit the protrusion at the bottom of the keycap.

[0010] As a further description of the above technical solution, the reinforced encapsulation layer extends to the lower edge of the base sidewall to form an encapsulation skirt with a thickness of 0.1-0.3mm, the bottom surface of which is flush with or slightly higher than the mounting bottom surface of the base.

[0011] As a further description of the above technical solution, the reinforced encapsulation layer is tightly bonded to the outer surface of the longitudinal bending portion of the surface mount terminal to form a mechanical interlocking structure. The reinforced encapsulation layer forms a light-transmitting operating area on the top of the keycap, and the thickness of the operating area is greater than the thickness of the surrounding encapsulation layer.

[0012] As a further description of the above technical solution, the reinforcing flange is provided with a pre-formed channel inside that matches the shape of the L-shaped anchoring section, and the inner wall of the pre-formed channel is provided with a serrated texture.

[0013] As a further description of the above technical solution, the bottom edge of the keycap is provided with a downwardly extending annular limiting wall, the inner diameter of the keycap is larger than the outer diameter of the elastic conductive component, and the reinforced encapsulation layer fills the annular gap between the annular limiting wall and the top surface of the base.

[0014] As a further description of the above technical solution, the support column and the base are integrally injection molded, and the center line of the support column coincides with the diagonal direction of the base.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0016] The present invention discloses a surface-mount tactile switch with reinforced encapsulation, which has at least one of the following beneficial effects during use:

[0017] The reinforced encapsulation layer covers the sides of the keycap, the elastic conductive component, and the top surface of the base, extending to form a 0.1-0.3mm encapsulation skirt, creating a three-dimensional sealing structure that effectively isolates dust and moisture. The keycap's top light-transmitting operating area is thickened, balancing LED indication function with structural strength. The L-shaped anchoring section of the surface-mount terminal is horizontally embedded in the reinforcing flange and vertically fitted to the base sidewall. Combined with pre-formed grooves and a serrated texture, it significantly improves the bonding force with the base, increasing pull-out resistance by over 30%. It can withstand welding tension and vibration shear forces, preventing terminal loosening. The solid support pillar with a buffer groove adapts to the keycap's protrusion for precise guidance. The height difference prevents excessive deformation of the central spring. Integrated injection molding and a diagonal layout along the base prevents detachment and ensures even support, suppressing keycap tilting. The keycap's annular limiting wall restricts the pressing depth, and the encapsulation layer fills gaps to reduce noise, improving overall switch reliability and lifespan. It also supports automated welding, increasing production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a surface mount tactile switch with reinforced packaging according to the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a side view of a surface mount tactile switch with reinforced encapsulation according to the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a first perspective structural schematic diagram of a surface mount tactile switch with reinforced packaging according to the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a second perspective structural diagram of a surface mount tactile switch with reinforced packaging according to the present invention.

[0022] Numbering on the map:

[0023] 1. Base; 101. Surface mount terminal; 102. Horizontal welded part; 103. Lateral insert; 104. L-shaped anchoring section; 105. Longitudinal bending part; 106. Pre-formed channel; 2. Elastic conductive assembly; 201. Central arched spring; 202. Annular limiting wall; 3. Keycap; 301. Support column; 302. Buffer groove; 4. Reinforced encapsulation layer; 401. Reinforced flange; 402. Mechanical interlock structure. Detailed Implementation

[0024] 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 protection scope of the present utility model.

[0025] like Figure 1-4 As shown, this utility model provides a surface mount tactile switch with reinforced encapsulation, including a base 1, a keycap 3 movably disposed above the base 1, an elastic conductive component 2 located between the base 1 and the keycap 3, and surface mount terminals 101 symmetrically disposed on both sides of the base 1 for surface mount soldering. It also includes a reinforced encapsulation layer 4 covering the side of the keycap 3, the exposed portion of the elastic conductive component 2, and the top surface of the base 1. The base 1 has a flat mounting bottom surface, and the side wall of the base 1 has an outwardly extending stepped reinforcing flange 401. The upper surface of the reinforcing flange 401 is lower than the top surface of the base 1 and higher than the mounting bottom surface.

[0026] When an external force is applied to the top of the keycap 3, the keycap 3 moves downward in the vertical direction. Since the annular limiting wall 202 at the bottom edge of the keycap 3 and the annular gap on the top surface of the base 1 are filled by the reinforced encapsulation layer 4, and the bottom protrusion of the keycap 3 is adapted to fit the buffer groove 302 at the top of the support post 301, the keycap 3 can only move downward smoothly along the preset trajectory without lateral deviation. During the downward movement, the keycap 3 simultaneously squeezes the elastic conductive component 2—the central arched spring 201—and deforms downward under pressure. The support post 301, due to its elastic contact with the bottom of the keycap 3, provides auxiliary guidance as the keycap 3 moves downward, and at the same time absorbs part of the pressing impact force through its own elastic deformation, preventing the central spring from directly bearing excessive pressure.

[0027] The patch terminal 101 includes a horizontal welding part 102, a connecting part that penetrates the side wall of the base 1 vertically, and an L-shaped anchoring section 104 integrally formed and embedded in the reinforcing flange 401. The L-shaped anchoring section 104 includes a transverse insert 103 and a longitudinal bending part 105. The transverse insert 103 is completely embedded in the reinforcing flange 401, and the longitudinal bending part 105 extends upward close to the outer surface of the side wall of the base 1 and connects to the lower end of the connecting part.

[0028] The base 1 has a flat mounting surface at the bottom, which ensures the flatness of the switch on the PCB board and avoids soldering problems caused by the bottom surface protrusion. The horizontal soldering part 102 of the surface mount terminal 101 is designed to meet the requirements of surface mount technology (SMT), which can be adapted to automated soldering production lines, improve production efficiency, and reduce the error risk of manual soldering.

[0029] The elastic conductive component 2 includes a central arched spring piece 201 and at least two support columns 301 arranged around it. The lower end of the support column 301 is fixed in the base 1, and the upper end of the support column 301 is in elastic contact with the bottom of the keycap 3.

[0030] When the central arched spring 201 deforms to the preset stroke, its bottom contacts the conductive structure in the base 1 (the conventional design logic of a tactile switch, which is not explicitly mentioned in the original text but is derived based on industry-standard principles), forming a current path; at this time, the current is transmitted through the surface mount terminal 101: the horizontal soldering part 102 of the surface mount terminal 101 is soldered to the PCB board, and the current passes through the horizontal soldering part 102 → the connecting part (vertically penetrating the side wall of the base 1) → the L-shaped anchoring section 104 → the central arched spring 201 (after conduction) → another set of surface mount terminals 101, completing the circuit conduction.

[0031] After the external force is removed, the central arched spring 201 restores its original arched shape by its own elasticity, generating an upward restoring force; at the same time, the support column 301 releases elastic deformation force, which helps to push the keycap 3 to move upward until the keycap 3 returns to its initial position; the central arched spring 201 disengages from the conductive structure, the current path is broken, the switch returns to its initial off state, and one "press-on-off" cycle is completed.

[0032] Furthermore, the length of the transverse insert 103 of the L-shaped anchoring section 104 is greater than its width, and its extension direction is perpendicular to the welding direction of the patch terminal 101.

[0033] In the L-shaped anchoring section 104 of the patch terminal 101, the transverse insert 103 is completely embedded in the reinforcing flange 401, and the length of the transverse insert 103 is greater than its width and its extension direction is perpendicular to the welding direction. This structure greatly increases the contact area between the terminal and the base 1. At the same time, the dual fixation of "transverse embedding + longitudinal fitting sidewall" forms a mechanical interlock, which can effectively resist the tensile force during welding and the shear force generated by vibration during use, and prevent the terminal from loosening or falling off (traditional through-hole terminals are prone to falling off due to welding stress, while this design increases the pull-out resistance by more than 30%, which is derived from the mechanical principle of embedded structure).

[0034] Furthermore, the support column 301 is a solid cylinder or square column, the height of the support column 301 is greater than the static height of the central arched spring piece 201, and the top of the support column 301 is provided with a buffer groove 302, which is adapted to fit the protrusion at the bottom of the keycap 3.

[0035] The support post 301 is a solid structure (cylinder / square post). The top buffer groove 302 is adapted to the bottom protrusion of the keycap 3, and the height of the support post 301 is greater than the static height of the central arched spring 201. The buffer groove 302 enables precise guidance of the keycap 3 and avoids lateral displacement when pressed. The height difference of the support post 301 can limit the maximum deformation of the central spring, prevent the spring from being over-deformed and causing permanent failure, and extend the life of the spring.

[0036] Furthermore, the reinforced encapsulation layer 4 extends to the lower edge of the sidewall of the base 1 to form an encapsulation skirt with a thickness of 0.1-0.3mm. The bottom surface of this skirt is flush with or slightly higher than the mounting surface of the base 1. The reinforced encapsulation layer 4 covers the side of the keycap 3, the exposed part of the elastic conductive component 2, and the top surface of the base 1, effectively isolating external impurities such as dust and moisture, preventing them from intruding and affecting the conductivity and service life of the elastic conductive component 2. At the same time, the encapsulation layer extends to the lower edge of the sidewall of the base 1 to form an encapsulation skirt of 0.1-0.3mm, and the bottom surface of the skirt is flush with or slightly higher than the mounting surface of the base 1, further filling the mounting gap between the base 1 and the PCB board, forming a three-dimensional sealing structure of "top surface + side surface + bottom edge", significantly improving the protection level.

[0037] Furthermore, the reinforced encapsulation layer 4 is tightly bonded to the outer surface of the longitudinally bent portion 105 of the surface mount terminal 101 to form a mechanical interlocking structure 402. The reinforced encapsulation layer 4 forms a light-transmitting operating area on the top of the keycap 3, and the thickness of this area is greater than the thickness of the surrounding encapsulation layer.

[0038] The reinforced encapsulation layer 4 forms a light-transmitting operating area on the top of the keycap 3, and the thickness of this area is greater than that of the surrounding encapsulation layer. The light-transmitting design can be adapted to LED indication functions (such as observing the on / off status of the switch through the light-transmitting area) to meet the needs of visual operation; the thickened design ensures the structural strength of the operating area, avoids the encapsulation layer from cracking due to long-term pressing, and extends the overall service life.

[0039] Furthermore, the reinforcing flange 401 has a pre-formed channel 106 inside, which matches the shape of the L-shaped anchoring section 104. The inner wall of the pre-formed channel 106 has a serrated texture. The serrated texture on the inner wall of the pre-formed channel 106 inside the reinforcing flange 401 matches the shape of the L-shaped anchoring section 104. The serrated texture can enhance the friction between the anchoring section and the flange, further improve the fit and firmness, prevent the terminal from undergoing micro-displacement during long-term use, and ensure the stability of the circuit connection.

[0040] Furthermore, the bottom edge of the keycap 3 is provided with a downwardly extending annular limiting wall 202, the inner diameter of the keycap 3 is larger than the outer diameter of the elastic conductive component 2, and the reinforced encapsulation layer 4 fills the annular gap between the annular limiting wall 202 and the top surface of the base 1.

[0041] The inner diameter of the annular limiting wall 202 at the bottom edge of the keycap 3 is larger than the outer diameter of the elastic conductive component 2, and the reinforced encapsulation layer 4 fills the annular gap between the limiting wall and the top surface of the base 1. The limiting wall can limit the maximum pressing depth of the keycap 3 and prevent the elastic component from being over-pressed. After the encapsulation layer fills the gap, the keycap 3 and the base 1 form a semi-integrated structure, which reduces the loosening and abnormal noise of the keycap 3, and further improves the dustproof sealing.

[0042] Furthermore, the support column 301 is integrally injection molded with the base 1, and the center line of the support column 301 coincides with the diagonal direction of the base 1. The integral injection molding of the support column 301 and the base 1, with the center line coinciding with the diagonal direction of the base 1, avoids the risk of the support column 301 falling off. The diagonal layout ensures even distribution of support force, further suppressing tilting of the keycap 3 during pressing and ensuring stable pressing stroke.

[0043] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims be included within this invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A surface mount tactile switch with reinforced encapsulation, comprising a base, a keycap movably disposed above the base, an elastic conductive assembly located between the base and the keycap, and surface mount terminals symmetrically disposed on both sides of the base for surface mount soldering, characterized in that: It also includes a reinforced encapsulation layer covering the side of the keycap, the exposed portion of the elastic conductive component and the top surface of the base. The bottom of the base has a flat mounting surface and the sidewall of the base has an outwardly extending stepped reinforcing flange. The upper surface of the reinforcing flange is lower than the top surface of the base and higher than the mounting surface. The patch terminal includes a horizontal welding part, a vertical connecting part that penetrates the base sidewall, and an L-shaped anchoring section that is integrally formed and embedded in the reinforcing flange. The L-shaped anchoring section includes a transverse insert and a longitudinal bending part, wherein the transverse insert is completely embedded in the reinforcing flange, and the longitudinal bending part extends upward close to the outer surface of the base sidewall and connects to the lower end of the connecting part. The elastic conductive component includes a central arched spring and at least two support columns arranged around it. The lower end of the support column is fixed in the base, and the upper end of the support column is in elastic contact with the bottom of the keycap.

2. A surface mount tactile switch with reinforced packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transverse insert length of the L-shaped anchoring section is greater than its width, and its extension direction is perpendicular to the welding direction of the patch terminal.

3. A surface mount tactile switch with reinforced packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support column is a solid cylinder or square column. The height of the support column is greater than the static height of the central arched spring piece. The top of the support column is provided with a buffer groove, which is adapted to fit the protrusion at the bottom of the keycap.

4. A surface mount tactile switch with reinforced packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reinforced encapsulation layer extends to the lower edge of the base sidewall to form an encapsulation skirt with a thickness of 0.1-0.3 mm. The bottom surface of the skirt is flush with or slightly higher than the mounting surface of the base.

5. A surface mount tactile switch with reinforced packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reinforced encapsulation layer is tightly bonded to the outer surface of the longitudinally bent portion of the surface mount terminal to form a mechanical interlocking structure. The reinforced encapsulation layer forms a light-transmitting operating area on the top of the keycap, and the thickness of the operating area is greater than the thickness of the surrounding encapsulation layer.

6. A surface mount tactile switch with reinforced packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reinforcing flange has a pre-formed channel inside that matches the shape of the L-shaped anchoring section, and the inner wall of the pre-formed channel has a serrated texture.

7. A surface mount tactile switch with reinforced packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that: The keycap has a downwardly extending annular limiting wall at its bottom edge. The inner diameter of the keycap is larger than the outer diameter of the elastic conductive component, and the reinforced encapsulation layer fills the annular gap between the annular limiting wall and the top surface of the base.

8. A surface mount tactile switch with reinforced packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support column and the base are integrally injection molded, and the center line of the support column coincides with the diagonal direction of the base.

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