TW202025188A - Waterproof button module - Google Patents

Abstract

A waterproof button module includes a casing, a button, a resilient member, and a first waterproof portion. The casing has a first recess and a first through hole. The first through hole is located at the bottom of the first recess. The button is accommodated in the first recess and partially passes through the first through hole. The resilient member is accommodated in the first recess. The button and the bottom of the first recess are respectively positioned on opposite sides of the resilient member. The first waterproof portion surrounds the first through hole and abuts against the resilient member and the first recess in an airtight manner.

Description

Waterproof button module

This case is about a button module, especially a waterproof button module for electronic devices.

The conventional waterproof button includes a waterproof rubber ring, a spring, and a buckle. Through the cooperation of the above-mentioned components and the housing of the device where the button is located, the conventional waterproof button can achieve a waterproof effect. Specifically, the waterproof rubber ring is movably sandwiched between the housing and the button. The spring is located between the housing and the button and is arranged along the moving direction of the button, so that the button can rebound to the initial position after being pressed. The buckle is located on the button and movably abuts against the shell, so that the button can be fixed at the initial position after rebounding.

However, the conventional waterproof button is not easy to assemble because it contains many parts. In addition, since the springs contained in the keys require travel space, the volume of the keys will be difficult to reduce. Furthermore, since the waterproof rubber ring is movably sandwiched between the button and the housing, when the waterproof rubber ring ages or hardens due to long-term use, the waterproof rubber ring will be damaged and leaks between the button and the housing will occur, making the waterproof button The efficiency is greatly reduced.

In other words, the conventional waterproof button is not only difficult to assemble, but also has water leakage after a period of use. Therefore, the industry is eager to invest resources to develop a waterproof button module to solve the above-mentioned problems.

According to one or more embodiments of the present application, the present application provides a waterproof button module, which includes a housing, a button, an elastic element, and a first waterproof glue part. The shell has a first groove and a first through hole. The first perforation is located at the bottom of the first groove. The key is accommodated in the first groove and partially penetrates the first perforation. The elastic element is accommodated in the first groove. Wherein, the button and the bottom of the first groove are separated on opposite sides of the elastic element. The first waterproof rubber portion surrounds the first perforation and abuts airtightly between the elastic element and the first groove.

In some embodiments of the present case, the aforementioned button includes a body and a pressing handle protruding from the bottom surface of the body, and the elastic element includes a first part and a second part. The first part is located under the bottom surface of the body. The second part is connected to the first part, extends through the first through hole, and has a recess. Among them, the depression accommodates the pressing handle.

In some embodiments of this case, the above-mentioned button further includes a reinforcing rib. The reinforcing rib is connected to the bottom surface of the body and the pressing handle.

In some embodiments of this case, the above-mentioned elastic element further includes a supporting portion. The supporting part is connected to the top surface of the first part, abuts against the bottom surface of the main body, and surrounds the second part.

In some embodiments of the present case, the above-mentioned supporting part and the first waterproof glue part are located on opposite sides of the first part and aligned with each other.

In some embodiments of this case, the aforementioned housing further has a second groove. The first groove is formed at the bottom of the second groove.

In some embodiments of this case, the above-mentioned waterproof key module further includes key fixing elements. The key fixing element is accommodated in the second groove and has a second through hole. Wherein, the button penetrates through the second perforation.

In some embodiments of this case, the above-mentioned waterproof button module further includes a second waterproof glue part. The second waterproof glue part surrounds the key and airtightly abuts between the key fixing element and the second groove.

In some embodiments of the present case, the aforementioned button includes a main body and a protrusion connecting the side surface of the main body. The protrusion movably abuts the bottom surface of the key fixing element.

In some embodiments of this case, the above-mentioned waterproof button module further includes a circuit board. The circuit board is fixed to the housing and includes a key switch. Wherein, the elastic element abuts between the key switch and the key.

In summary, the waterproof button module of this case can achieve a good button waterproof effect by arranging a specific shape of elastic element and a waterproof glue part between the button and the shell. In detail, the elastic element covers the bottom of the button and the pressing handle, and adheres to the bottom of the first groove of the shell through the annular first waterproof glue part. The pressing handle of the button passes through the bottom of the first groove of the shell, and presses the button switch in the shell through the elastic element. The keys, the elastic element, the first waterproof rubber part and the shell which are sequentially stacked from top to bottom can effectively prevent liquid from entering the shell through the perforation at the bottom of the first groove. On the other hand, the elastic element includes a supporting part on the top surface of the elastic element and abutting against the bottom of the button. When the key is pressed, the elastic restoring force provided by the elastic element can be transmitted to the bottom of the key via the supporting portion, so that the key returns to the initial position. Therefore, the waterproof button module of this case can further reduce its volume by replacing the traditional spring with elastic elements. In addition, the elastic element and the waterproof rubber part of this case are both fixedly arranged, thus avoiding the friction loss between the elastic element and the housing and prolonging the service life of the keys.

The above description is only used to explain the problem to be solved in this case, the technical means to solve the problem, and the effects produced by it, etc. The specific details of this case will be described in detail in the following embodiments and related drawings.

Hereinafter, multiple implementation modes of this case will be disclosed in schematic form. For the sake of clarity, many practical details will be described in the following description. However, it should be understood that these practical details should not be used to limit the case. That is, in some implementations of this case, these practical details are unnecessary. In addition, in order to simplify the drawings, some conventionally used structures and components will be shown in the drawings in a simple schematic manner.

Please refer to Figure 1. FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram showing the waterproof button module 10 according to some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the waterproof key module 10 includes a housing 100 and a key 110. The button 110 is fixed to the housing 100 by the button fixing element 150. Through the embedded arrangement of the waterproof button module 10, the top surface of the button 110 and the button fixing element 150 can be substantially flush with the top surface of the housing 100. Therefore, the waterproof key module 10 of the present application can reduce the contact area with the external space, thereby reducing the occurrence of liquid from the external space entering the housing 100. On the other hand, through the above-mentioned flush structure arrangement, the surface of the device can be kept streamlined, thus providing the user with a comfortable operating experience. More detailed structural features of the waterproof key module 10 will be clearly described below in conjunction with other drawings of the present case.

Please refer to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the waterproof key module 10 in Figure 1 along the line A-A. In some embodiments, the housing 100 has a first groove 102 and a first through hole 104. The first through hole 104 is located at the bottom of the first groove 102. The button 110 is partially accommodated in the first groove 102 and partially penetrates the first through hole 104. The waterproof button module 10 further includes an elastic element 120 and a first waterproof glue part 130. The elastic element 120 is received in the first groove 102. The bottom of the button 110 and the first groove 102 are separated on opposite sides of the elastic element 120. The first waterproof glue part 130 surrounds the first through hole 104 and abuts airtightly between the elastic element 120 and the first groove 102.

In some embodiments, the waterproof key module 10 includes a circuit board 160 disposed and fixed in the housing 100. In addition, the circuit board 160 includes a key switch 162. The button 110 presses the button switch 162 via the elastic element 120 to turn it on or off. Due to the arrangement of the waterproof key module 10, the external liquid will be well isolated from the housing 100, thereby ensuring the safety of the circuit board 160 and the key switch 162.

In some embodiments, the first groove 102 is located under the surface of the housing 100 and accommodates a portion of the button 110 and the elastic element 120. The cross section of the first groove 102 is rectangular, that is, it has vertical side walls. The contour of the first groove 102 and the contour of the button 110 may be arranged conformally. In other words, the two can have contours of the same shape but different sizes. Therefore, the distance between the two in the horizontal direction can be kept small and consistent, thereby reducing the possibility of external liquid intrusion.

On the other hand, the first through hole 104 is disposed at the bottom of the first groove 102 and penetrates the housing 100 so that the key 110 can pass through it to press the key switch 162 in the housing 100. In some embodiments, the first through hole 104 is located at the center point of the bottom surface of the first groove 102, so that both the button 110 and the elastic element 120 can be arranged symmetrically to the first through hole 104, thereby enhancing the stability of the waterproof button module 10 .

In some embodiments, the button 110 includes a body 112 and a pressing handle 114. The pressing handle 114 is formed by protruding from the bottom surface of the main body 112, is perpendicular to the main body 112, and penetrates the first through hole 104 to operably press the key switch 162. In other words, when the user presses the top surface of the main body 112, the pressing handle 114 moves downward at the same time to press the key switch 162 via the elastic element 120 to achieve the purpose of turning the key switch 162 on or off. In some embodiments, the button 110 further includes a reinforcing rib 116 configured to strengthen the structural strength of the button 110. The reinforcing rib 116 connects the bottom surface of the main body 112 and the pressing handle 114, and has a triangular cross section. When the user's pressing deviates from the central area of the top surface of the main body 112, the reinforcing rib 116 can prevent the connection between the main body 112 and the pressing handle 114 from being damaged, and can help the pressing force to be transmitted to the key switch 162.

Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4 together. FIG. 4 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram showing the elastic element 120 according to some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the elastic element 120 includes a first portion 122 and a second portion 124. The elastic element 120 is accommodated in the first groove 102 and is located between the button 110 and the bottom of the first groove 102 and covers the bottom surface of the body 112 and the pressing handle 114. Specifically, the first portion 122 is a portion of the elastic element 120 that does not overlap with the first through hole 104 in a top view. The second portion 124 is a portion where the elastic element 120 overlaps the first through hole 104 in a top view. The first part 122 is disposed on the bottom surface of the first groove 102 and is horizontally disposed therewith. The second part 124 is connected to the first part 122 without a gap, is perpendicular to the first part 122, and extends through the first through hole 104. The second part 124 further has a depression to accommodate the pressing handle 114. In some embodiments, the second part 124 abuts between the pressing handle 114 and the key switch 162. That is, the pressing handle 114, the second part 124 and the key switch 162 are arranged in order to contact. Therefore, the user's pressing action on the button 110 can be accurately and sensitively transmitted to the button switch 162. It should be noted that the structural configuration of the pressing handle 114, the second part 124 and the key switch 162 of this case is not limited to this. For example, according to different designs, there may be a gap between the second part 124 and the key switch 162 to Adjust the sensitivity of button 110.

In some embodiments, the elastic element 120 includes a supporting portion 126 configured to support and rebound the button 110. Specifically, the supporting portion 126 is a hollow cylinder and is formed by the top surface of the first portion 122 protruding upward. The ring structure of the supporting portion 126 surrounds the recessed entrance of the second portion 124 in a top view. In addition, the top surface of the supporting portion 126 and the bottom surface of the main body 112 are correspondingly arranged in parallel. When the button 110 is laminated on the elastic element 120, the top surface of the support portion 126 can be completely attached to and abut the bottom surface of the body 112. Therefore, it is difficult for external liquid to pass through the abutment between the supporting portion 126 and the main body 112. On the other hand, due to the arrangement of the support portion 126, there is a space between the body 112 and the first portion 122 of the elastic element 120, which can be used to accommodate the reinforcing rib 116, thereby preventing hard interference between the reinforcing rib 116 and the elastic element 120. occur. In some embodiments, the contour of the support portion 126 is set corresponding to the contour of the button 110, so that the button 110 can be stacked on the elastic element 120 more stably. When the user's pressing deviates from the central area of the top surface of the main body 112, the support portion 126 can reduce the inclination of the button 110, so that the position of the components in the waterproof button module 10 is kept stable. Therefore, the service life of the waterproof button module 10 can be increased accordingly.

In some embodiments, the first portion 122, the second portion 124, and the supporting portion 126 of the elastic element 120 comprise the same material, and the material is selected from at least one of the group consisting of rubber, silicone and other suitable materials. By arranging an elastic element 120 with good elastic restoring force between the button 110 and the bottom of the first groove 102, when the user presses the button 110, the elastic element 120 can provide a reverse force to the button 110, so that the button 110 Rebound to its initial position.

Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 together. FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of the first waterproof glue part 130 according to some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the first waterproof glue part 130 abuts airtightly between the elastic element 120 and the first groove 102. Specifically, the first waterproof glue part 130 can adhere the bottom surface of the first portion 122 of the elastic element 120 and the bottom surface of the first groove 102 to each other, and surround the first through hole 104 without any gap in a top view. Through the arrangement of the first waterproof glue part 130, the elastic element 120 can seal the first through hole 104 well, so that external liquid cannot penetrate into the housing 100 through the first through hole 104. In some embodiments, the first waterproof glue portion 130 and the supporting portion 126 are respectively located on opposite sides of the first portion 122 and aligned with each other. That is, the supporting portion 126 passes through the first portion 122 to overlap the first waterproof rubber portion 130. When the user presses the button 110, the pressing force will be transmitted to the first part 122 and the first waterproof glue part 130 thereunder through the supporting part 126, so that the elastic element 120 and the first groove 102 are adhered more tightly. It should be noted that the position of the first waterproof rubber portion 130 in this case is not limited to this. For example, according to different designs, the first waterproof rubber portion 130 may also be located between the elastic element 120 and the side surface of the first groove 102.

Please refer to Figure 2 again. In some embodiments, the housing 100 further has a second groove 106. Specifically, the second groove 106 is located under the surface of the housing 100, and the first groove 102 is formed at the bottom of the second groove 106. Therefore, the first groove 102 and the second groove 106 have a stepped cross section.

On the other hand, the waterproof button module 10 further includes a button fixing element 150 configured to stabilize the button 110 and restrict the movement of the button 110 only in the vertical direction. The key fixing element 150 is received in the second groove 106 and has a second through hole 152. The contour of the second perforation 152 and the contour of the body 112 of the button 110 are conformally arranged, that is, the two can match each other. Therefore, the main body 112 can pass through the second through hole 152 and be exposed to the external space through the second through hole 152 to facilitate the user to press. In addition, due to the conformal arrangement of the main body 112 and the second through hole 152, the distance between the two in the horizontal direction can be kept small and consistent, thereby reducing the possibility of external liquid intrusion.

In some embodiments, the button 110 further includes a protrusion 118. Specifically, the protrusion 118 is formed by protruding outward from the side surface of the main body 112 and is arranged along the contour of the main body 112. When the key fixing element 150 is sleeved on the key 110, the protrusion 118 will abut the bottom surface of the key fixing element 150, thereby preventing the intrusion of external liquid. Therefore, the waterproof button module 10 can further enhance its waterproof performance in the non-use state.

Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 5 together. FIG. 5 is a schematic top view showing the second waterproof glue part 140 according to some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the second waterproof glue part 140 abuts airtightly between the key fixing element 150 and the second groove 106. Specifically, the second waterproof glue portion 140 can adhere the bottom surface of the key fixing element 150 and the bottom surface of the second groove 106 to each other, and surround the second through hole 152 without any gap in a top view. Through the arrangement of the second waterproof glue part 140, external liquid cannot penetrate the waterproof key module 10 through the gap between the key fixing element 150 and the housing 100.

In some embodiments, the first waterproof glue part 130 and the second waterproof glue part 140 comprise the same material, and the material is selected from the group consisting of silicone, polyurethane, epoxy and other materials with good waterproof and adhesive properties. At least one of the group. By arranging the waterproof glue between the components, the structure of the waterproof key module 10 can be kept stable, and external liquid will not be able to penetrate into the housing 100 through the gap between the components.

In summary, the waterproof button module of this case can achieve a good button waterproof effect by arranging a specific shape of elastic element and a waterproof glue part between the button and the shell. In detail, the elastic element covers the bottom of the button and the pressing handle, and adheres to the bottom of the first groove of the shell through the annular first waterproof glue part. The pressing handle of the button passes through the bottom of the first groove of the shell, and presses the button switch in the shell through the elastic element. The buttons, elastic elements, first waterproof glue part and first groove stacked sequentially from top to bottom can effectively prevent external liquid from entering the housing. In addition, through the arrangement of the laminated button fixing element, the second waterproof glue part and the second groove, the waterproof button module can further enhance its waterproof performance in the non-use state. On the other hand, the elastic element includes a supporting part on the top surface of the elastic element and abutting against the bottom surface of the key body. When the key is pressed, the elastic restoring force provided by the elastic element can be transmitted to the key via the supporting portion, so that the key returns to the initial position. Therefore, the waterproof button module of this case can be reduced in size by replacing the traditional spring with elastic elements. Furthermore, the elastic element and the waterproof rubber part of this case are both fixedly arranged, thus avoiding the friction loss between the elastic element and the housing, and prolonging the service life of the key.

Although this case has been disclosed as above in the implementation mode, it is not used to limit the case, but anyone who is familiar with this skill can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the case. Therefore, the scope of protection of this case should be combined The attached scope of patent application shall prevail.

10: Waterproof button module 100: housing 102: first groove 104: first perforation 106: second groove 110: button 112: body 114: pressing handle 116: reinforcing rib 118: protrusion 120: elastic element 122: First part 124: Second part 126: Support 130: First waterproof glue part 140: Second waterproof glue part 150: Button fixing element 152: Second perforation 160: Circuit board 162: Key switch

In order to make the above and other objectives, features, advantages, and embodiments of the present case more obvious and understandable, the description of the accompanying drawings is as follows: Figure 1 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram showing the waterproof button module according to some embodiments of the present case. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the waterproof button module in Figure 1 along the line A-A. FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of the first waterproof glue part according to some embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram showing an elastic element according to some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic top view showing the second waterproof glue part according to some embodiments of the present case.

10: Waterproof button module

100: shell

102: first groove

104: first piercing

106: second groove

110: Button

112: body

114: pressure handle

116: stiff rib

118: Bulge

120: elastic element

122: Part One

124: Part Two

126: Support

130: The first waterproof glue department

140: The second waterproof glue department

150: Button fixing element

152: Second Piercing

160: circuit board

162: key switch

Claims (10)

A waterproof button module includes: a housing with a first groove and a first perforation, the first perforation is located at the bottom of the first groove; a button is accommodated in the first groove, and Partially penetrates the first perforation; an elastic element received in the first groove, wherein the button and the bottom of the first groove are separated on opposite sides of the elastic element; and a first waterproof glue The part surrounds the first perforation and abuts airtightly between the elastic element and the first groove. The waterproof button module according to claim 1, wherein the button includes a body and a pressing handle protruding from the bottom surface of the body, and the elastic element includes: a first part located under the bottom surface of the body; And a second part connected to the first part, extending through the first through hole, and having a recess, wherein the recess accommodates the pressing handle. The waterproof button module according to claim 2, wherein the button further includes a reinforcing rib connected to the bottom surface of the body and the pressing handle. The waterproof button module according to claim 2, wherein the elastic element further includes a supporting portion connected to the top surface of the first portion, abutting against the bottom surface of the main body, and surrounding the second portion. The waterproof button module according to claim 4, wherein the supporting part and the first waterproof glue part are located on opposite sides of the first part and aligned with each other. The waterproof key module according to claim 1, wherein the casing further has a second groove, and the first groove is formed at the bottom of the second groove. The waterproof key module according to claim 6, further comprising a key fixing element received in the second groove and having a second perforation, wherein the key penetrates the second perforation. The waterproof button module according to claim 7 further includes a second waterproof glue part surrounding the button and airtightly abutting between the button fixing element and the second groove. The waterproof button module according to claim 7, wherein the button includes a body and a protrusion connected to a side surface of the body, and the protrusion movably abuts the bottom surface of the button fixing element. The waterproof button module according to claim 1 further includes a circuit board, the circuit board is fixed to the housing and includes a button switch, wherein the elastic element abuts between the button switch and the button.

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