Waterproof metal key

Abstract

The utility model relates to metal key field, and disclose a waterproof metal key, including installation shell, circuit board, contact and metal key, installation shell is hollow structure, one side of installation shell is passed through and has opened square hole, install the circuit board in installation shell, install the contact on the circuit board, and the metal key is inserted between square holes, one side of metal key and contact is equipped with square groove, and the square groove of metal key is pasted with contact, one side of the outside connection metal key of installation shell is equipped with first waterproof structure, and first waterproof structure is at the outside of metal key, and the inside of installation shell is equipped with second waterproof structure between metal key, through inside and outside double waterproof structure design, the outside silica gel waterproof shell is closely connected with installation shell, effectively resists rain, fog and other external moisture invasion, the inside resin sealing strip and expansion rubber strip cooperate with each other, even if a small amount of moisture breaks through the external defense line, prevent moisture from contacting the circuit board.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of metal buttons, specifically a waterproof metal button. Background Technology

[0002] In the application scenarios of electronic devices, waterproof performance is a key indicator for measuring their reliability and durability. Metal buttons are widely used in many electronic products, such as outdoor equipment, industrial control terminals, and waterproof electronic products, due to their good tactile feel, durability, and aesthetics.

[0003] Many electronic devices suffer from weak external waterproofing structures. Common metal button seals are simple and fail to prevent moisture, such as rain and fog, from seeping in through gaps, potentially causing short circuits and corrosion, severely impacting device lifespan. Furthermore, internal waterproofing mechanisms are lacking, with ineffective waterproofing measures at the button-circuit board connection. If moisture penetrates the casing, it will directly damage the circuit board, reducing device stability and safety. To address these issues, we propose a waterproof metal button. Utility Model Content

[0004] Technical problems to be solved To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a waterproof metal button, which solves the aforementioned problems.

[0005] (II) Technical Solution To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a waterproof metal button, comprising a mounting shell, a circuit board, contacts, and a metal button. The mounting shell is a hollow structure, with a square hole extending through one side. A circuit board is mounted inside the mounting shell, and contacts are mounted on the circuit board. The contacts are opposite to the square hole, and the positions of the contacts correspond to the positions of the square holes. A metal button is inserted between the square holes. A square groove is formed on the side of the metal button opposite to the contacts, and the square groove of the metal button fits into the contacts. A first waterproof structure is provided on the outer side of the mounting shell connected to the metal button. The first waterproof structure is located on the outer side of the metal button. A second waterproof structure is provided between the interior of the mounting shell and the metal button.

[0006] Preferably, the first waterproof structure includes a waterproof shell, an L-shaped protrusion, and a button groove. One side of the waterproof shell has an arc groove, and the side of the waterproof shell opposite to the arc groove has a button groove. An L-shaped protrusion is fixedly connected to the outer side of the side of the waterproof shell with the button groove. The L-shaped protrusion is an annular protrusion with an L-shaped cross-section.

[0007] Preferably, the first waterproof structure further includes an L-shaped groove. The mounting housing has an L-shaped groove on the side with the square hole. The L-shaped groove is an annular groove with an L-shaped cross-section. The L-shaped groove is on the outside of the square hole. The L-shaped protrusion is snapped into the L-shaped groove. The L-shaped protrusion and the L-shaped groove are bonded together. The button groove is attached to the metal button on the outside of the mounting housing.

[0008] Preferably, the second waterproof structure includes a snap-fit ​​plate, a resin sealing strip, and an expansion rubber strip. The snap-fit ​​plate is fixedly connected to the open side of the metal button. The snap-fit ​​plate is inside the mounting housing. The side of the snap-fit ​​plate connected to the metal button is in contact with the inner wall of the mounting housing with the square hole. The side of the snap-fit ​​plate connected to the metal button is fixedly connected to the resin sealing strip, which is an annular protrusion. The side of the snap-fit ​​plate connected to the resin sealing strip is fixedly connected to the expansion rubber strip, which is also an annular protrusion. The expansion rubber strip is located between the resin sealing strip and the metal button.

[0009] Preferably, the second waterproof structure further includes a first waterproof groove and a second waterproof groove. The first waterproof groove is provided on the side of the mounting shell that is in contact with the snap-fit ​​plate. The first waterproof groove is an annular groove located inside the L-shaped groove and is inserted into the resin sealing strip. The second waterproof groove is provided on the side of the mounting shell that is in contact with the snap-fit ​​plate. The second waterproof groove is an annular groove located between the first waterproof groove and the square hole and is inserted into the expansion rubber strip.

[0010] Preferably, the side of the snap-fit ​​plate opposite to the metal button is fixedly connected to a plurality of Z-shaped springs, and the other side of the Z-shaped springs is in contact with the side of the circuit board where the contacts are mounted.

[0011] (III) Beneficial Effects Compared with the prior art, this utility model provides a waterproof metal button, which has the following advantages: 1. This waterproof metal button features a double waterproof structure design, with the outer silicone waterproof shell tightly connected to the mounting shell, forming a sealed space on the outside of the button to effectively resist the intrusion of external moisture such as rain and fog. The internal resin sealing strip and expansion rubber strip work together to absorb water and expand to fill the gaps even if a small amount of water breaks through the external defense, preventing water from contacting the circuit board. This significantly reduces the risk of short circuits and corrosion caused by water ingress, and significantly improves the waterproof reliability and service life of the equipment.

[0012] 2. The waterproof metal button features an arc-groove design with a transparent silicone waterproof shell, making it easy for users to touch and press, improving the tactile feel. The use of Z-shaped springs ensures that the button can rebound smoothly after being pressed, maintaining a stable circuit connection, avoiding poor contact, ensuring the accuracy of device response, and optimizing the user's operating experience. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the structure of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the button structure of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the waterproof structure installation of this utility model.

[0014] In the diagram: 1. Housing; 2. Waterproof housing; 3. Circuit board; 4. Contact; 5. Square hole; 6. L-shaped groove; 7. Metal button; 8. Snap-fit ​​plate; 9. Resin sealing strip; 10. Expansion rubber strip; 11. L-shaped protrusion; 12. Z-shaped spring; 13. Button groove; 14. Waterproof groove one; 15. Waterproof groove two. Detailed Implementation

[0015] 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.

[0016] Please see Figure 1-4 A waterproof metal button includes a mounting housing 1, a circuit board 3, contacts 4, and a metal button 7. The mounting housing 1 is a hollow structure with a square hole 5 through one side. The circuit board 3 is installed inside the mounting housing 1, and the contacts 4 are installed on the circuit board 3. The contacts 4 are opposite to the square hole 5, and the positions of the contacts 4 and the square holes 5 correspond. The metal button 7 is inserted between the square holes 5. The side of the metal button 7 opposite to the contacts 4 has a square groove that fits into the contacts 4. The outer side of the mounting housing 1 connected to the metal button 7 has a first waterproof structure. The first waterproof structure is located on the outside of the metal button 7. The inside of the mounting housing 1 and the metal button 7 have a second waterproof structure.

[0017] Furthermore, the first waterproof structure includes a waterproof outer shell 2, an L-shaped protrusion 11, and a button groove 13. One side of the waterproof outer shell 2 has an arc groove, and the side of the waterproof outer shell 2 opposite to the arc groove has a button groove 13. An L-shaped protrusion 11 is fixedly connected to the outer side of the side of the waterproof outer shell 2 with the button groove 13. The L-shaped protrusion 11 is an annular protrusion with an L-shaped cross-section. The waterproof outer shell 2 is made of transparent silicone material. The arc groove on one side of the waterproof outer shell 2 facilitates touch and pressing. The button groove 13 is used to fit and protect the metal button 7. The L-shaped protrusion 11 is used to connect with the mounting shell 1.

[0018] Furthermore, the first waterproof structure also includes an L-shaped groove 6. An L-shaped groove 6 is provided on the side of the mounting housing 1 with the square hole 5. The L-shaped groove 6 is an annular groove with an L-shaped cross-section. The L-shaped groove 6 is on the outside of the square hole 5. The L-shaped protrusion 11 is engaged with the L-shaped groove 6. The L-shaped protrusion 11 and the L-shaped groove 6 are bonded together. The button groove 13 is attached to the metal button 7 on the outside of the mounting housing 1. The L-shaped groove 6 and the L-shaped protrusion 11 are bonded together to prevent water from entering the metal button 7 and the mounting housing 1.

[0019] Furthermore, the second waterproof structure includes a snap-fit ​​plate 8, a resin sealing strip 9, and an expansion rubber strip 10. The snap-fit ​​plate 8 is fixedly connected to the open side of the metal button 7. The snap-fit ​​plate 8 is inside the mounting housing 1. The side of the snap-fit ​​plate 8 that connects to the metal button 7 is flush with the inner wall of the mounting housing 1 with the square hole 5. A resin sealing strip 9, which is an annular protrusion, is fixedly connected to the side of the snap-fit ​​plate 8 that connects to the resin sealing strip 9. An expansion rubber strip 10, also an annular protrusion, is fixedly connected to the side of the snap-fit ​​plate 8 that connects to the resin sealing strip 9. The expansion rubber strip 10 is within the resin sealing... Between the seal 9 and the metal button 7, a snap-fit ​​plate 8 is used to install the resin sealing strip 9 and the expanding rubber strip 10, while limiting the metal button 7 from moving out of the mounting housing 1. The resin sealing strip 9 is a highly absorbent resin sealing strip that can absorb hundreds or even thousands of times its own weight in water. It has a fast water absorption speed, strong water retention, and the gel formed after water absorption and expansion has good stability and weather resistance. The expanding rubber strip 10 is a water-absorbing and expanding rubber with strong water absorption capacity and expansion performance. It can absorb a large amount of water in a short time and still maintain a certain elasticity and strength after expansion, resulting in a good sealing effect.

[0020] Furthermore, the second waterproof structure also includes a first waterproof groove 14 and a second waterproof groove 15. The side of the mounting housing 1 that is in contact with the snap-fit ​​plate 8 has a first waterproof groove 14, which is an annular groove located inside the L-shaped groove 6. The first waterproof groove 14 is inserted into the resin sealing strip 9. The side of the mounting housing 1 that is in contact with the snap-fit ​​plate 8 has a second waterproof groove 15, which is an annular groove located between the first waterproof groove 14 and the square hole 5. The second waterproof groove 15 is inserted into the expansion rubber strip 10. The first waterproof groove 14 and the second waterproof groove 15 are used to insert the snap-fit ​​plate 8 and the resin sealing strip 9. The snap-fit ​​plate 8 and the resin sealing strip 9 provide a double waterproofing effect. When the metal button 7 is pressed against the contact point 4, the snap-fit ​​plate 8 and the resin sealing strip 9 slide and extend within the first waterproof groove 14 and the second waterproof groove 15.

[0021] Furthermore, a plurality of Z-shaped springs 12 are fixedly connected to the side of the snap-fit ​​plate 8 away from the metal button 7. The other side of the Z-shaped springs 12 is in contact with the side of the circuit board 3 where the contact point 4 is installed. The Z-shaped springs 12 are used to smoothly rebound the snap-fit ​​plate 8. When the metal button 7 is pressed, the snap-fit ​​plate 8 moves down. When the contact point 4 causes the metal button 7 to rebound, the Z-shaped springs 12 cause the snap-fit ​​plate 8 to move up smoothly.

[0022] Structural Description: Housing 1: Hollow structure, with a square hole 5 through one side to provide installation space for internal components, and in conjunction with the first waterproof structure to prevent external moisture from entering; Waterproof outer shell 2: made of transparent silicone material, with an arc groove on one side for easy pressing operation, and a button groove 13 and an L-shaped protrusion 11 on the other side, which are connected to the mounting shell 1 to form a sealed space on the outside of the metal button 7 to prevent moisture from entering; Circuit board 3: Installed inside the mounting housing 1, with contacts 4 on it, which connect the circuit through contact with the metal button 7 to realize the corresponding function; Contact 4: Mounted on circuit board 3, opposite to square hole 5. When metal button 7 is pressed, it fits into square groove on metal button 7 to conduct the circuit. Square hole 5: It is formed on the mounting housing 1 and is used to insert metal button 7 to realize the installation and operation of the button; L-shaped groove 6: An annular groove with an L-shaped cross-section is formed on the side of the mounting housing 1 with the square hole 5. It engages and adheres to the L-shaped protrusion 11 of the waterproof housing 2 to enhance the external waterproof performance. Metal button 7: It is inserted into the square hole 5 and has a square groove on the side opposite to the contact 4. When pressed, it fits with the contact 4 to conduct the circuit. Snap-on plate 8: Fixed to the opening side of the metal button 7, located inside the mounting housing 1, used to install the resin sealing strip 9 and the expansion rubber strip 10, and to limit the metal button 7 to prevent it from moving out of the mounting housing 1; Resin sealing strip 9: Annular protrusion, fixed on the snap-fit ​​plate 8, and inserted into the waterproof groove 14 of the housing 1. It absorbs moisture and expands to form a gel, preventing moisture penetration. Expanding rubber strip 10: An annular protrusion located between resin sealing strip 9 and metal button 7, which is inserted into the waterproof groove 15 of the housing 1 to further absorb moisture and expand, fill gaps, and achieve secondary waterproofing. L-shaped protrusion 11: An L-shaped annular protrusion fixed on the waterproof housing 2, engaging and bonding with the L-shaped groove 6 of the mounting housing 1 to achieve the connection between the waterproof housing 2 and the mounting housing 1. Z-shaped spring 12: It is fixed on the side of the snap-fit ​​plate 8 away from the metal button 7 and fits against the side of the circuit board 3 where the contact 4 is installed. When the button rebounds, it will smoothly bounce the snap-fit ​​plate 8 back. Button groove 13: It is formed on the waterproof housing 2 and fits against the metal button 7 on the side outside the housing 1 to protect the metal button 7; Waterproof groove 14: A ring-shaped groove is formed on the side where the housing 1 and the snap-fit ​​plate 8 are attached. It is inserted and matched with the resin sealing strip 9 to enhance the internal waterproof performance. Waterproof groove 2 15: It is a ring-shaped groove formed on the side of the housing 1 that is in contact with the snap-fit ​​plate 8. It is located between waterproof groove 14 and square hole 5 and is inserted into the expansion rubber strip 10 to further improve the internal waterproof effect.

[0023] Working principle: The first waterproof structure prevents water from entering from the outside. The waterproof shell 2, made of transparent silicone, has an arc groove on one side for easy touch and pressing, and a button groove 13 and an L-shaped protrusion 11 on the other side. When the waterproof shell 2 is installed on the mounting shell 1, the L-shaped protrusion 11 engages with the L-shaped groove 6 on the mounting shell 1, and the connection is further reinforced by adhesive. At the same time, the button groove 13 fits tightly against the side of the metal button 7 on the outside of the mounting shell 1. In this way, a sealed space is created on the outside of the metal button 7, effectively blocking rainwater. External moisture such as fog enters the device through the gap between the metal button 7 and the mounting housing 1. The second waterproof structure further enhances the device's waterproof performance. The snap-fit ​​plate 8 of the metal button 7 is located inside the mounting housing 1. The resin sealing strip 9 and the expansion rubber strip 10 fixed on the snap-fit ​​plate 8 are respectively inserted into the waterproof groove 14 and the waterproof groove 15 on the mounting housing 1. When a small amount of moisture breaks through the external waterproof structure and enters the mounting housing 1, the resin sealing strip 9, due to its high water absorption, quickly absorbs the moisture and expands to form a gel, preventing further penetration. If moisture continues to enter, the expansion rubber strip 10 will also absorb a large amount of moisture and expand, further filling the gap with its good elasticity and strength, achieving secondary waterproofing and preventing moisture from contacting the circuit board 3. When the user presses the metal button 7, the metal button 7 moves downward along the square hole 5. The square groove on the metal button 7 fits with the contact point 4 on the circuit board 3, thereby conducting the circuit and triggering the corresponding function. At the same time, the snap-fit ​​plate 8 moves downward along with the metal button 7. The resin sealing strip 9 and the expansion rubber strip 10 on the snap-fit ​​plate 8 fit into the waterproof groove 14 and the waterproof groove 15. The sliding extension and retraction within the 14 and waterproof groove 15 ensures that the waterproof performance is not affected during button operation. When the user releases the metal button 7, the contact 4 on the circuit board 3 loses pressure. At this time, the Z-shaped spring 12 on the side of the snap-fit ​​plate 8 away from the metal button 7 comes into play. The Z-shaped spring 12 was originally in contact with the side of the circuit board 3 where the contact 4 is installed. After the pressure on the contact 4 is removed, the Z-shaped spring 12 uses its own elasticity to smoothly rebound the snap-fit ​​plate 8, causing the metal button 7 to move upward and return the metal button 7 to its initial position, preparing it for the next operation.

[0024] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A waterproof metal button, comprising a mounting shell (1), a circuit board (3), contacts (4), and a metal button (7), wherein the mounting shell (1) is a hollow structure, a square hole (5) is provided through one side of the mounting shell (1), a circuit board (3) is installed inside the mounting shell (1), contacts (4) are installed on the circuit board (3), the contacts (4) are opposite to the square holes (5), and the positions of the contacts (4) correspond to the positions of the square holes (5), a metal button (7) is inserted between the square holes (5), a square groove is provided on the side of the metal button (7) opposite to the contacts (4), and the square groove of the metal button (7) fits against the contacts (4), characterized in that: The outer side of the mounting housing (1) connected to the metal button (7) is provided with a first waterproof structure. The first waterproof structure is on the outer side of the metal button (7). The inner side of the mounting housing (1) and the metal button (7) are provided with a second waterproof structure.

2. The waterproof metal button according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first waterproof structure includes a waterproof shell (2), an L-shaped protrusion (11) and a button groove (13). One side of the waterproof shell (2) is provided with an arc groove, and the side of the waterproof shell (2) away from the arc groove is provided with a button groove (13). An L-shaped protrusion (11) is fixedly connected to the outer side of the side of the waterproof shell (2) with the button groove (13). The L-shaped protrusion (11) is an annular protrusion with an L-shaped cross section.

3. A waterproof metal button according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first waterproof structure also includes an L-shaped groove (6). The mounting housing (1) has an L-shaped groove (6) on one side with a square hole (5). The L-shaped groove (6) is an annular groove with an L-shaped cross section. The L-shaped groove (6) is on the outside of the square hole (5). The L-shaped protrusion (11) is snapped into the L-shaped groove (6). The L-shaped protrusion (11) and the L-shaped groove (6) are bonded together. The button groove (13) is attached to the metal button (7) on the outside of the mounting housing (1).

4. A waterproof metal button according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second waterproof structure includes a snap-fit ​​plate (8), a resin sealing strip (9), and an expansion rubber strip (10). The snap-fit ​​plate (8) is fixedly connected to the open side of the metal button (7). The snap-fit ​​plate (8) is inside the mounting housing (1). The side of the snap-fit ​​plate (8) connected to the metal button (7) is in contact with the inner wall of the mounting housing (1) with the square hole (5). The side of the snap-fit ​​plate (8) connected to the metal button (7) is fixedly connected to the resin sealing strip (9). The resin sealing strip (9) is an annular protrusion. The side of the snap-fit ​​plate (8) connected to the resin sealing strip (9) is fixedly connected to the expansion rubber strip (10). The expansion rubber strip (10) is an annular protrusion. The expansion rubber strip (10) is between the resin sealing strip (9) and the metal button (7).

5. A waterproof metal button according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second waterproof structure also includes a first waterproof groove (14) and a second waterproof groove (15). The first waterproof groove (14) is provided on the side of the mounting shell (1) that is in contact with the snap-fit ​​plate (8). The first waterproof groove (14) is an annular groove. The first waterproof groove (14) is inserted into the resin sealing strip (9). The second waterproof groove (15) is provided on the side of the mounting shell (1) that is in contact with the snap-fit ​​plate (8). The second waterproof groove (15) is an annular groove. The second waterproof groove (15) is located between the first waterproof groove (14) and the square hole (5). The second waterproof groove (15) is inserted into the expansion rubber strip (10).

6. A waterproof metal button according to claim 4, characterized in that: The side of the snap-on plate (8) opposite to the metal button (7) is fixedly connected with a plurality of Z-shaped springs (12), and the other side of the Z-shaped springs (12) is attached to the side of the circuit board (3) where the contacts (4) are installed.

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