Key structure and electronic device

Abstract

The present application discloses a key structure and an electronic device, wherein the key structure includes: a key body and a switch. The key body includes a pressing member, a first contact and a second contact; the first contact and the second contact are arranged at an interval; the second contact is configured to be grounded; the pressing member is configured to electrically connect the first contact and the second contact when pressed; one end of the switch is electrically connected to the first contact, and the other end is coupled to the target circuit; the switch is configured to be turned on when the pressing member is pressed, and turned off when the pressing member is not pressed. In this way, when the pressing member is not pressed, the first contact of the key body is disconnected from the target circuit, so that the key body is not charged. There is no voltage difference between the first contact and the second contact. Even if the conductive liquid enters the key body, no electrochemical migration phenomenon will occur between the first contact and the second contact, no dendrites will grow, and thus no short circuit corrosion of the key will occur, and the function of the key body will not fail.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of terminal equipment, and in particular to a key structure and an electronic device. Background Art

[0002] The key structure is an important active functional structural part of an electronic device, usually set on the side of the electronic device, and is a moving appearance structural part. Electronic devices usually include multiple key structures to achieve different key functions, such as a power button and a volume adjustment button.

[0003] The middle frame of the electronic device is provided with a key slot, and the key structure is located in the key slot to facilitate the pressing movement of the key structure and realize the key function of the key structure.

[0004] However, there is a gap between the key structure and the key slot, and external solution can easily enter the key slot through the gap. The solution contacts the key structure and generates electrochemical migration, causing key corrosion, dendrite short circuit, etc., thus causing key function failure. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present application provides a key structure and an electronic device to solve the problem that the existing key structure comes into contact with a solution, which easily leads to key function failure.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a key structure, including: a key body and a switch. The key body includes a pressing member, a first contact and a second contact; the first contact and the second contact are arranged at an interval; the second contact is configured to be grounded; the pressing member is configured to electrically connect the first contact and the second contact when pressed; one end of the switch is electrically connected to the first contact, and the other end is coupled to a target circuit; the switch is configured to: turn on when the pressing member is pressed, and turn off when the pressing member is not pressed.

[0007] The key structure provided in the embodiment of the present application adds a switch between the key body and the target circuit. Because the switch is in a normally open state, when the pressing member is not pressed, the first contact of the key body is disconnected from the target circuit, so that the key body is not charged. In this way, there is no voltage difference between the first contact and the second contact, and even if the conductive liquid enters the key body, no electrochemical migration will occur between the first contact and the second contact. No dendrites will grow between the first contact and the second contact, and thus no short circuit corrosion of the key will occur, and the function of the key body will not fail.

[0008] In some implementations, the switch includes: a switch spring and a third contact; the switch spring is electrically connected to the first contact; the third contact is coupled to the target circuit; the switch spring is configured to deform when the pressing member is pressed, abut against the third contact, and separate from the third contact when no deformation occurs. In this way, the switch spring can be used to control the conduction and disconnection with the target circuit by using the deformation recovery ability of the switch spring, and further adjust the conduction and disconnection between the key body and the target circuit.

[0009] In some implementations, the switch further includes: an elastic member; the elastic member is connected to the switch spring piece, and the elastic member is configured to apply an elastic force to the switch spring piece, the elastic force is opposite to the direction in which the pressing member is pressed, and when the pressing member is not pressed, the switch spring piece is separated from the third contact. In this way, the elastic member can be used to realize the deformation and recovery ability of the switch spring piece when it is subjected to an applied force and when the applied force disappears, and then the deformation recovery ability of the switch spring piece can be used to adjust its conduction and disconnection with the target circuit.

[0010] In some implementations, the key body further includes: a key spring; the key spring abuts against the second contact; the key spring is configured to separate from the first contact when the pressing member is not pressed, and to deform and abut against the first contact when the pressing member is pressed. In this way, the key body can be controlled to be turned on and off by using the separation and abutment of the key spring and the first contact.

[0011] In some implementations, the key spring sheet and the switch spring sheet are spaced apart along the length direction of the pressing member, so that when the pressing member is pressed, a force can be applied to the key spring sheet and the switch spring sheet at the same time, so that the key spring sheet and the switch spring sheet are deformed.

[0012] In some implementations, the inner surface of the pressing member includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion; the first protrusion is opposite to the key spring sheet, and the second protrusion is opposite to the switch spring sheet; the first protrusion is configured to abut against the key spring sheet when the pressing member is pressed, so that the key spring sheet is deformed; the second protrusion is configured to abut against the switch spring sheet when the pressing member is pressed, so that the switch spring sheet is deformed. In this way, both the key spring sheet and the switch spring sheet can be deformed to the maximum extent, so as to realize circuit conduction and avoid the situation that the circuit is disconnected when the pressing member is pressed.

[0013] In some implementations, the key structure further includes: a flexible circuit board located on one side of the switch spring; the target circuit is routed in the flexible circuit board, and the third contact is exposed from the surface of the flexible circuit board. In this way, the use of the flexible circuit board facilitates the electrical connection between the switch and the key body and the circuit board in the electronic device.

[0014] In some implementations, the key structure further includes: a management unit; the management unit includes a target circuit, and the switch is electrically connected to the management unit through the target circuit. When the management unit is a power management unit PMU, the target circuit is a power key circuit in the PMU; when the management unit is a volume management unit, the target circuit is a volume key circuit in the volume management unit. In this way, different management units can be used to manage different key bodies in the key structure to realize the functions corresponding to each key body.

[0015] In a second aspect, the present application provides an electronic device, comprising: a display screen, a front shell assembly, a middle frame, a rear shell, and a key structure provided in the first aspect; the display screen is fixed on the front shell assembly, the middle frame is covered on the outer edge of the front shell assembly, the rear shell is located on the side of the front shell assembly away from the display screen, and is connected to the middle frame, the front shell assembly, the middle frame and the rear shell form a accommodating cavity; the middle frame is provided with an assembly hole, which is connected to the accommodating cavity; the key structure is located in the accommodating cavity, the pressing piece is exposed from the assembly hole, and can move in the assembly hole.

[0016] It can be understood that the electronic devices provided in the above-mentioned aspects are applied to the key structure provided above. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects in the key structure provided above, which will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present application, the drawings required for use in the embodiments are briefly introduced below. Obviously, for ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of dendrite formation;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a first structural schematic diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] Figure 3 is a second structural schematic diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a mechanical button;

[0022] Figure 5 It is a circuit diagram of a mechanical key;

[0023] Figure 6 is a circuit diagram of a key structure provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a first structural schematic diagram of a key structure provided in an embodiment of the present application in an initial state;

[0025] Figure 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a flexible circuit board 300 and a key body 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Fig. 9 This is a first structural schematic diagram of a key structure provided in an embodiment of the present application in a pressed state;

[0027] Fig.10 is a second structural schematic diagram of the key structure provided in the embodiment of the present application in an initial state;

[0028] Fig.11 is a second structural schematic diagram of a key structure provided in an embodiment of the present application in a pressed state;

[0029] Fig.12 is a schematic structural diagram of a support member 105 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Fig.13 is a circuit connection diagram of the first contact 102 and the second contact 103 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Fig.14 is a structural schematic diagram of a key body 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Fig.15 is a circuit diagram of a first contact 102 and a second contact 103 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Fig.16 is a schematic structural diagram of a pressing member 101 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Fig.17 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Fig.18 It is a structural schematic diagram of the middle frame and the button body 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0036] Illustration: 10a-solution, 20a-dendrite, 10-display screen, 20-middle frame, 21-assembly hole, 22-fixing column, 31-power button, 311-button cap, 312-dome, 32-volume button, 40-circuit board, 41-PCB board, 50-battery, 60-camera assembly, 70-front shell assembly, 100-button body, 101-pressing member, 1011-first protrusion, 1012-second protrusion, 1013-key cap, 1014-support elastic member, 1015-fixing hole, 1016-third protrusion, 102-first contact point, 103-second contact point point, 104-button shrapnel, 105-support member, 1051-accommodating groove, 100-1-power button, 100-2-volume-button, 100-3-volume+button, 200-switch, 201-switch shrapnel, 2011-active end, 2012-active part, 2013-support part, 2014-fixed part, 202-third contact point, 203-elastic member, 300-flexible circuit board, 301-target circuit, 3011-wiring terminal, 302-connecting end, 401-first circuit, 402-second circuit, 403-third circuit, 404-fourth circuit, 405-fifth circuit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present application, other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work all belong to the protection scope of the present application.

[0038] In the description of this application, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first", "second", etc. may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0039] In addition, in the present application, directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" are defined relative to the orientation of the components in the drawings. It should be understood that these directional terms are relative concepts. They are used for relative description and clarification, and they can change accordingly according to the changes in the orientation of the components in the drawings.

[0040] The professional terms mentioned in the embodiments of the present application are explained below to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0041] Electrochemical migration (ECM): When metal ions are exposed to an electric field, a conductive channel is formed between the anode and cathode of the circuit, resulting in electrolytic corrosion. The mechanism of electrochemical migration is that when two adjacent electrodes with a certain voltage difference (such as circuits, solder joints, pins, etc.) are connected by a conductive liquid, electrochemical migration occurs. Electrochemical migration includes anodic dissolution (this process is related to the applied voltage intensity, pH, and halogen ion concentration in the solution), ion migration, metal ion reduction deposition, or directional aggregation of conductive metal salts under the action of an electric field.

[0042] Dendrite growth: After metal ions migrate to the cathode, they are reduced to form dendrites, which grow toward the anode. When the dendrites touch the anode, a short circuit occurs, and the device will malfunction or even be directly damaged.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of dendrite formation.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the anode and the cathode contact solution 10a to produce electrochemical migration, wherein the solution 10a is condensation or water.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown in (1), the anode contact solution 10a is dissolved to produce metal ions M + ;like Figure 1 As shown in (2), the metal ion M + Migrate to the cathode; Figure 1 As shown in (3), the metal ion M + At the cathode, it is reduced to metal precipitation and generates dendrites 20a, which grow toward the anode. When the dendrites 20a contact the anode, a short circuit occurs, causing the device to fail.

[0046] Metal dome switch, also known as dome sheet, is a PET sheet containing metal shrapnel (dome sheet). The dome sheet has good conductivity and can play a good role in switch activation and control between the operator and the product. For example, the dome sheet can be used as a switch on circuit boards such as printed circuit boards (PCB) or flexible printed circuit boards (FPC). After force is applied to the dome sheet, the dome sheet deforms and short-circuits the PCB below it, resulting in signal connectivity. In this way, it can play an important role as a tactile switch between the user and the instrument. The dome sheet also has a stable rebound force (automatically returns to its original position after being pressed), which can bring a comfortable touch feeling to the operator.

[0047] The electronic device described in the embodiments of the present application includes but is not limited to a mobile phone, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant or a wearable device, etc. The following description is made by taking the electronic device as a mobile phone.

[0048] Figure 2 This is a first structural schematic diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 3 is a second structural diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 The structure of the rear shell of the electronic device is shown, and Figure 3 The structure of the rear case is not shown.

[0049] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the electronic device includes a display screen 10, a middle frame 20 and a rear shell, which are buckled together in sequence to form a whole machine cavity. Among them, the whole machine cavity includes components such as a circuit board 40, a battery 50, a speaker assembly and a camera assembly 60, which are not listed here one by one.

[0050] To facilitate the explanation of the positions of various components in an electronic device, the embodiment of the present application exemplarily establishes a three-dimensional coordinate system based on the electronic device, wherein the x-axis direction is the width direction of the electronic device, the y-axis direction is the length direction of the electronic device, and the z-axis direction is the thickness direction of the electronic device.

[0051] Generally, electronic devices are provided with mechanical keys that can realize various functional modes to facilitate user control of the electronic device. Mechanical keys are important movable functional structural parts of electronic devices. Mechanical keys are usually located on the side frames of the middle frame 20. The side frames are provided with key slots (not shown in the figure). The mechanical keys are located in the key slots to facilitate the pressing movement of the key structure.

[0052] Exemplarily, the mechanical button may be a power button 31 and / or a volume button 32, etc. Among them, the power button 31 can realize functions such as screen wake-up, screen off, power on, power off, etc., and the volume button 32 includes a volume + button and a volume - button to realize the function of adjusting the volume.

[0053] Figure 4 It is a structural diagram of a mechanical button.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown in (a), taking the mechanical key as a power key 31 as an example, the power key 31 includes a key cap 311 and a dome sheet 312, and the key cap 311 is located above the dome sheet 312. The mechanical key also includes a PCB board 41, the dome sheet 312 is attached to the PCB board 41, and the PCB board 41 is electrically connected to the circuit board 40.

[0055] When the key cap 311 is not pressed, the middle portion of the dome piece 312 is in a bent state, both ends of the dome piece 312 are in contact with the PCB board 41 , and the middle portion of the dome piece 312 is at a certain distance from the PCB board 41 .

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown in (b), when the key cap 311 is pressed, the key cap 311 applies pressure to the dome sheet 312. The dome sheet 312 is deformed by the pressure of the key cap 311, and the middle part of the dome sheet 312 is sunken to contact the PCB board 41 below it, and the circuit is connected to form a loop, which can determine that the power button 31 is pressed.

[0057] When the force of pressing the button cap 311 disappears, refer to Figure 4 As shown in (a), the Dome piece 312 rebounds, and the conductive loop between the middle part of the Dome piece 312 and the PCB board 41 is disconnected, which can confirm that the power button 31 bounces up after being pressed.

[0058] In this way, the switch function is realized by utilizing the state of the Dome sheet 312 and the PCB board 41 , and the power button 31 realizes the pressing rebound effect by utilizing the Dome sheet 312 to provide tactile feedback to the user.

[0059] Figure 5 It is a circuit diagram of a mechanical button.

[0060] Combination Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the state of the Dome sheet 312 and the PCB board 41 is used as a control switch S1', and the control switch S1' includes two contacts S 11 ' and S 12 ', contact S 12 'For grounding, contact S 11 'Used to couple to the power management unit (PMU).

[0061] Combination Figure 3 The PMU may be located on the circuit board 40 and electrically connected to the circuit board 40. The PMU is used to implement power management of the entire electronic device. For example, it monitors power connection and battery charging, controls the power of other integrated circuits, shuts down unnecessary system components when idle, controls sleep and power functions (on and off), etc.

[0062] The PMU includes a power key circuit (Powerkey), Powerkey and contact S 11 'Electrical connection, the Powerkey can be routed inside the PCB board 41. PMU detection and contact S 11'The level value of the connected power key line (Powerkey), and judge whether the power key 31 is currently pressed or popped up according to the level value.

[0063] Exemplarily, when the Dome piece 312 is not pressed and the middle part thereof is spaced apart from the PCB board 41, the control switch S1' is in an open state. When the control switch S1' is in an open state, the Powerkey is suspended and is at a high level. At this time, the PMU detects that the power button 31 is pressed. When the Dome piece 312 is pressed and contacts the PCB board 41, the control switch S1' is in a closed state. When the control switch S1' is in a closed state, the Powerkey of the PMU is short-circuited to the ground and becomes a low level. At this time, the PMU detects that the power button 31 is pressed and then pops up.

[0064] When the control switch S1' is in the off state, the Powerkey of the PMU is always at a high level when the power button 31 is not pressed. 11 'Always charged, and contact S 12 'Grounding, so that the contact S 11 ' and contact S 12 'A voltage difference is formed between them.

[0065] Since there is a gap between the mechanical key and the key slot, external solution can easily enter the key slot through the gap. Figure 1 As shown in the figure, when conductive liquid enters the power button 31, electrochemical migration occurs under the attraction of the voltage difference, causing the contact S 11 ' and contact S 12 'Dendrites grow between the buttons, and the dendrites short-circuit and cause button corrosion, resulting in button function failure.

[0066] In order to avoid the problem that the existing mechanical keys come into contact with solutions and cause the key functions to fail, an embodiment of the present application provides a key structure.

[0067] Figure 6 is a circuit diagram of a key structure provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 7 This is the first structural diagram of the key structure provided by the embodiment of the present application in the initial state. Figure 6 The dotted box in FIG. 1 shows the edge of the key body.

[0068] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the key structure provided by the embodiments of the present application may include a key body 100 and a switch 200 .

[0069] Exemplarily, the button body 100 may be a power button or a volume button.

[0070] The key body 100 may include a pressing member 101, a first contact 102, and a second contact 103. The first contact 102 is spaced apart from the second contact 103, and the second contact 103 is configured to be grounded. The pressing member 101 is located on one side of the first contact 102 and the second contact 103, and the pressing member 101 is configured to electrically connect the first contact 102 and the second contact 103 when pressed, and disconnect the first contact 102 and the second contact 103 when not pressed.

[0071] The switch 200 is located at one side of the key body 100, one end of the switch 200 is electrically connected to the first contact 102, and the other end is coupled to the target circuit. The switch 200 is configured to be turned on when the pressing member 101 is pressed, and turned off when the pressing member 101 is not pressed.

[0072] The switch 200 is in a normally open state, and the first contact 102 and the second contact 103 in the key body 100 are in a normally open state. The pressing member 101 covers the key body 100 and the switch 200. When the pressing member 101 is pressed, the pressing member 101 applies a force to the key body 100 and the switch 200 at the same time, electrically connecting the first contact 102 and the second contact 103, and turning on the switch 200. In this way, the key body 100 can be turned on with the target circuit, that is, it can be determined that the key body 100 is pressed, so that the electronic device can realize the corresponding function of the key body 100.

[0073] When the force of pressing the pressing member 101 disappears, the first contact 102 and the second contact 103 are disconnected, and the switch 200 is turned off. In this way, the key body 100 can be disconnected from the target circuit, that is, it can be determined that the key body 100 bounces after being pressed.

[0074] The key structure provided in the embodiment of the present application adds a switch 200 between the key body 100 and the target circuit. Because the switch 200 is in a normally open state, when the pressing member 101 is not pressed, the first contact 102 of the key body 100 is disconnected from the target circuit, thereby making the key body 100 uncharged. In this way, there is no voltage difference between the first contact 102 and the second contact 103, and even if the conductive liquid enters the key body 100, no electrochemical migration will occur between the first contact 102 and the second contact 103. No dendrites will grow between the first contact 102 and the second contact 103, thereby not causing short circuit corrosion of the key, and the function of the key body 100 will not fail.

[0075] In some embodiments, the key structure may further include a management unit, and the management unit is used to manage the functions of the key structure. The management unit includes a target line, and the switch 200 is electrically connected to the management unit through the target line.

[0076] Exemplarily, the management unit may include a power management unit PMU and a volume management unit, etc. The PMU is used to manage the function of the power key, and the volume management unit is used to manage the function of the volume key.

[0077] Different management units include circuits that can realize different functions. Among them, PMU includes sleep circuit and power key circuit (Powerkey), etc. The sleep circuit is used to handle the sleep and wake-up of the power supply, and the Powerkey is used to control the power state, such as the switch. The volume management unit includes the volume key circuit, etc. The volume key circuit is used to control the state of the volume, such as the volume level.

[0078] When the button body 100 is a power button, the management unit is a PMU, and the target line is a power button line in the PMU. When the button body 100 is a volume button, the management unit is a volume management unit, and the target line is a volume button line in the volume management unit.

[0079] In some embodiments, the key structure may further include: a flexible circuit board 300 , wherein the flexible circuit board 300 is located between the PMU and the switch 200 , and the flexible circuit board 300 is used to realize electrical connection between the switch 200 and the PMU.

[0080] The target line of the management unit is routed in the flexible circuit board 300. Exemplarily, the power key of the PMU and the volume key line of the volume management unit are routed in the flexible circuit board 300, and the number of volume key lines is two, corresponding to the volume + key and the volume - key respectively. A ground line is also routed in the flexible circuit board 300 to achieve grounding.

[0081] like Figure 6 As shown, the embodiment of the present application is described by taking the key body 100 as a power key, the management unit as a PMU, and the target line as a power key line Powerkey in the PMU as an example.

[0082] The switch 200 includes two contacts S 21 , S 22 , contact S 21 Coupled to Powerkey, contact S 22 The first contact 102 of the key body 100 is electrically connected.

[0083] When the power button is not pressed, the contact S of the switch 200 21 and contact S 22 The first contact 102 and the second contact 103 of the key body 100 are disconnected. The Powerkey of the PMU is suspended, and the Powerkey is charged and at a high level. 21 and contact S22 When the power key is pressed, the contact S of the switch 200 is disconnected, so that the first contact 102 side of the key body 100 is not charged. 21 and contact S 22 The first contact 102 and the second contact 103 of the key body 100 are turned on. The Powerkey of the PMU is shorted to the ground and becomes a low level. The PMU can determine whether the key is currently pressed or popped up by detecting the level.

[0084] Figure 8 It is a schematic structural diagram of the flexible circuit board 300 and the key body 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0085] Combination Figure 7 and Figure 8 In some embodiments, the key body 100 and the switch 200 may be located on the flexible circuit board 300, and the key body 100 and the switch 200 may be electrically connected via a first line 401. The first line 401 may be routed within the flexible circuit board 300, and the first line 401 and the target line 301 are two independent lines and do not have a direct connection relationship.

[0086] Exemplarily, the key body 100 may include a power key 100-1, a volume-key 100-2, and a volume+key 100-3, and the power key 100-1, the volume-key 100-2, and the volume+key 100-3 are spaced apart on the flexible circuit board 300. The number of switches 200 may be multiple, and they are respectively located on one side of the power key 100-1, the volume-key 100-2, and the volume+key 100-3. Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an exemplary structure in which the switch 200 is located on one side of the power key 100 - 1 .

[0087] The target line 301 may include a terminal 3011, which is exposed from the surface of the flexible circuit board 300 to facilitate coupling and connection with one end of the switch 200. The flexible circuit board 300 includes a connection end 302, which is configured to be connected to a circuit board in an electronic device, and the other end of the target line 301 is coupled to the connection end 302 to be electrically connected to the PMU on the circuit board.

[0088] In other embodiments, the key body 100 and the switch 200 may not be located on the flexible circuit board 300, but on one side of the flexible circuit board 300, and the switch 200 is located between the flexible circuit board 300 and the key body 100. This structure is not shown in the figure. The first circuit 401 is not routed in the flexible circuit board 300, but is routed independently.

[0089] See again Figure 7In some embodiments, the switch 200 may include: a switch spring 201 and a third contact 202. The third contact 202 is Figure 6 Contact S in 21 .

[0090] The switch spring 201 is located at one side of the target circuit 301. The switch spring 201 may include a movable end 2011. The movable end 2011 may be deformed by force. The other end of the switch spring 201 is electrically connected to the first contact 102 via the first circuit 401. For example, the switch spring 201 may be made of metal.

[0091] The third contact 202 is coupled to the target circuit 301 , and specifically can be coupled to the connection terminal 3011 of the target circuit 301 . The third contact 202 is exposed from the surface of the flexible circuit board 300 .

[0092] The switch spring 201 is configured to deform as the pressing member 101 is pressed, so that the active end 2011 abuts against the third contact 202, thereby achieving circuit conduction between the switch 200 and the target circuit 301, and further achieving conduction between the key body 100 and the PMU. Furthermore, the switch spring 201 is also configured to separate the active end 2011 from the third contact 202 when no deformation is generated, thereby achieving circuit disconnection between the switch 200 and the target circuit 301, and further achieving disconnection between the key body 100 and the PMU.

[0093] In some embodiments, along the z-axis direction, the connection terminal 3011 of the target circuit 301 partially overlaps with the projection of the active end 2011 of the switch spring 201. In this way, the third contact 202 can be located within the projection area of ​​the switch spring 201, which facilitates the abutment of the active end 2011 and the third contact 202 when the switch spring 201 is deformed.

[0094] In some embodiments, copper layers (not shown) are respectively provided at the connection terminal 3011 of the target circuit 301 and the active end 2011 of the switch spring 201 , so that the circuit is turned on when the active end 2011 of the switch spring 201 abuts against the third contact 202 .

[0095] In some embodiments, the switch spring 201 may include: a movable portion 2012 , a supporting portion 2013 , and a fixed portion 2014 that are connected in sequence.

[0096] The fixing portion 2014 is located between the third contact 202 and the key body 100. The fixing portion 2014 is electrically connected to the key body 100 through the first circuit 401. For example, two ends of the first circuit 401 are respectively welded to the fixing portion 2014 and the key body 100. The supporting portion 2013 extends along the z-axis direction relative to the fixing portion 2014. For example, the supporting portion 2013 is perpendicular to the fixing portion 2014.

[0097] The movable portion 2012 extends relative to the support portion 2013 along the y-axis direction toward the third contact 202. The movable portion 2012 is located in the projection area of ​​the pressing member 101. The support portion 2013 is used to support the deformation of the movable portion 2012 and to keep the movable portion 2012 separated from the third contact 202 when not deformed. The movable end 2011 of the switch spring 201 is located at one end of the movable portion 2012 away from the support portion 2013, and the movable portion 2012 and the support portion 2013 form a first angle.

[0098] In some embodiments, the switch 200 may further include an elastic member 203 , which is connected to the switch spring 201 . Furthermore, the elastic member 203 may be connected between the fixed portion 2014 and the movable portion 2012 .

[0099] The elastic member 203 has elastic deformation and recovery capabilities, that is, the elastic member 203 can be deformed when subjected to force, and return to the original state after the force disappears. Exemplarily, the elastic member 203 can be a spring.

[0100] In one implementation, the movable portion 2012 and the support portion 2013 of the switch spring 201 are perpendicular, the first angle is a right angle, the movable portion 2012 is parallel to the length direction of the pressing member 101, and the length direction of the pressing member 101 is parallel to the y-axis. The height of the support portion 2013 relative to the fixed portion 2014 is less than the distance between the support portion 2013 and the fixed portion 2014 after the pressing member 101 is pressed, so as to avoid interference between the inner surface of the pressing member 101 and the end of the support portion 2013 after the pressing member 101 is pressed, thereby hindering the pressing process of the pressing member 101.

[0101] When the pressing member 101 is not pressed, the key structure is in an initial state. In the initial state, the elastic member 203 is in an initial state, the elastic member 203 can separate the movable end 2011 of the switch spring 201 from the third contact 202, and the first angle between the movable portion 2012 and the supporting portion 2013 is a right angle.

[0102] In this scenario, the switch 200 is disconnected from the circuit of the target line 301, thereby disconnecting the key body 100 from the PMU.

[0103] Fig. 9 This is the first structural schematic diagram of the key structure provided in the embodiment of the present application in a pressed state.

[0104] like Fig. 9As shown, in some embodiments, when the pressing member 101 is pressed, the pressing direction is from the pressing member 101 to the flexible circuit board 300. The movable end 2011 of the switch spring 201 is deformed toward the third contact 202 and abuts against the third contact 202, and the elastic member 203 is compressed. The first angle between the movable portion 2012 and the supporting portion 2013 is reduced to an acute angle, and the end of the supporting portion 2013 is spaced from the inner surface of the pressing member 101.

[0105] In this scenario, the switch 200 is connected to the target circuit 301 , thereby connecting the key body 100 to the PMU.

[0106] When the pressing force of the pressing member 101 disappears after being pressed, the elastic member 203 applies an elastic force to the switch spring 201, and the elastic force is opposite to the direction in which the pressing member 101 is pressed, that is, the direction of the elastic force is from the flexible circuit board 300 to the pressing member 101. Figure 7 As shown, the elastic member 203 returns to its initial shape, and uses elastic force to push the switch spring 201 to return to its initial shape, so that the switch spring 201 is separated from the third contact 202. The circuit between the switch 200 and the target circuit 301 is disconnected, thereby disconnecting the key body 100 from the PMU.

[0107] In the embodiment of the present application, during the process from when the pressing member 101 is pressed to when the pressing is cancelled, the elastic member 203 can be used to realize the deformation and recovery ability of the switch spring 201 when the force is applied and when the force disappears, and then the deformation recovery ability of the switch spring 201 can be used to adjust the connection and disconnection between the switch spring 201 and the target circuit 301. In this way, the connection and disconnection between the key body 100 and the PMU can be controlled in a timely manner.

[0108] Fig.10 This is a second structural schematic diagram of the key structure provided in the embodiment of the present application in an initial state.

[0109] like Fig.10 As shown, in another implementation, the movable portion 2012 and the support portion 2013 of the switch spring 201 are not perpendicular, and the movable portion 2012 is inclined toward the pressing member 101 relative to the support portion 2013. The first angle between the movable portion 2012 and the support portion 2013 is an obtuse angle, and the movable end 2011 of the movable portion 2012 is close to the pressing member 101.

[0110] The movable portion 2012 is tilted to reduce the height of the support portion 2013 relative to the fixed portion 2014. In this way, it is further avoided that the inner surface of the pressing member 101 interferes with the end of the support portion 2013 after the pressing member 101 is pressed, thereby hindering the pressing process of the pressing member 101.

[0111] When the pressing member 101 is not pressed, the key structure is in an initial state. In the initial state, the elastic member 203 is in an initial state, and the elastic member 203 can separate the movable end 2011 of the switch spring 201 from the third contact 202, and the first angle between the movable portion 2012 and the supporting portion 2013 is an obtuse angle. In this scenario, the circuit between the switch 200 and the target circuit 301 is disconnected, thereby disconnecting the key body 100 from the PMU.

[0112] Fig.11 This is a second structural schematic diagram of the key structure provided in the embodiment of the present application in a pressed state.

[0113] like Fig.11 As shown, in some embodiments, when the pressing member 101 is pressed, the elastic member 203 is compressed and deformed. The movable end 2011 of the switch spring 201 is deformed toward the third contact 202 and abuts against the third contact 202. The first angle between the movable portion 2012 and the supporting portion 2013 is reduced from an obtuse angle to a right angle or an acute angle, and the end of the supporting portion 2013 is relatively spaced from the inner surface of the pressing member 101. In this scenario, the switch 200 is connected to the circuit of the target circuit 301, thereby connecting the key body 100 to the PMU.

[0114] See again Fig.10 As shown in the figure, when the pressing force disappears after the pressing member 101 is pressed, the elastic member 203 returns to its initial shape, and the elastic member 203 applies elastic force to the switch spring 201, and uses the elastic force to push the switch spring 201 to return to its initial shape, so that the switch spring 201 is separated from the third contact 202. The circuit between the switch 200 and the target circuit 301 is disconnected, thereby disconnecting the key body 100 from the PMU.

[0115] In the embodiment of the present application, in the process from when the pressing member 101 is pressed to when the pressing is cancelled, the elastic member 203 can be used to realize the deformation and recovery ability of the switch spring 201 when it is subjected to the force and when the force disappears, and then the deformation recovery ability of the switch spring 201 can be used to adjust the connection and disconnection between it and the target circuit 301. In this way, the connection and disconnection between the key body 100 and the PMU can be controlled in time. At the same time, the height of the support part 2013 of the switch spring 201 can also be reduced to further avoid interference between the inner surface of the pressing member 101 and the end of the support part 2013 after the pressing member 101 is pressed, thereby hindering the pressing process of the pressing member 101.

[0116] In some embodiments, the fixing portion 2014 of the switch spring 201 may be embedded in the surface of the flexible circuit board 300 to further reduce the height of the support portion 2013 relative to the flexible circuit board 300 and avoid interference between the support portion 2013 and the pressed pressing member 101 .

[0117] Fig.12 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the support member 105 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0118] like Fig.12 As shown, in some embodiments, the key body 100 may further include a support member 105 , which is made of plastic material and is used to support various components in the key body 100 and also to play an insulating role.

[0119] The support member 105 includes a receiving groove 1051. The first contact 102 and the second contact 103 are located on the support member 105 and in the receiving groove 1051. The first contact 102 and the second contact 103 are both made of metal sheets, and there are two second contacts 103. The first contact 102 is located between the two second contacts 103 and is arranged at an interval.

[0120] Fig.13 102 and 103 are circuit connection diagrams provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0121] Combination Figure 7 and Fig.13 As shown, in some embodiments, the support member 105 includes a first contact terminal A1, a second contact terminal A2, a third contact terminal A3 and a fourth contact terminal A4. Taking the key body 100 being set on the flexible circuit board 300 as an example, the four contact terminals are four welding points to weld the support member 105 to the flexible circuit board 300.

[0122] The first contact terminal A1 and the second contact terminal A2 are connected through the second circuit 402, and the first contact terminal A1 and the second contact terminal A2 are respectively connected to the first contact point 102 through the corresponding third circuit 403. That is, one end of the second circuit 402 is electrically connected to one of the third circuits 403 at the first contact terminal A1, and the other end of the second circuit 402 is electrically connected to another third circuit 403 at the second contact terminal A2. One end of the first circuit 401 is welded to the first contact terminal A1, so that the first contact terminal A1 is electrically connected to the fixed portion 2014 of the switch spring 201 through the first circuit 401, so as to achieve the coupling of the first contact point 102 to the PMU, and then the key body 100 is coupled to the PMU when the pressing member 101 is pressed.

[0123] The third contact terminal A3 and the fourth contact terminal A4 are connected through the fourth line 404 and are configured to be grounded. The third contact terminal A3 is connected to a second contact 103 through a fifth line 405, and the fourth contact terminal A4 is connected to another second contact 103 through another fifth line 405. That is, one end of the fourth line 404 is electrically connected to one of the fifth lines 405 at the third contact terminal A3, and the other end of the fourth line 404 is electrically connected to another fifth line 405 at the fourth contact terminal A4.

[0124] It can be understood that the second line 402, the third line 403, the fourth line 404 and the fifth line 405 can all be routed in the flexible circuit board 300, and the second line 402, the third line 403, the fourth line 404 and the fifth line 405 are not directly connected to the target line 301. In addition, the second line 402 and the third line 403 can be the same line or independent lines; the fourth line 404 and the fifth line 405 can be the same line or independent lines.

[0125] Fig.14 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the key body 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0126] Combination Figure 7 and Fig.14 As shown, in some embodiments, the key body 100 may further include: a key spring sheet 104. Exemplarily, the key spring sheet 104 is a Dome sheet.

[0127] The key spring 104 and the switch spring 201 are spaced apart along the length direction of the pressing member 101 , so that when the pressing member 101 is pressed, force can be applied to the key spring 104 and the switch spring 201 at the same time to deform the key spring 104 and the switch spring 201 .

[0128] The key spring 104 covers the first contact 102 and the second contact 103, and the two ends of the key spring 104 abut against the two second contacts 103. The key spring 104 is configured to be separated from the first contact 102 when the pressing member 101 is not pressed, and to be deformed and abut against the first contact 102 when the pressing member 101 is pressed.

[0129] Fig.15 1 is a circuit diagram of the first contact 102 and the second contact 103 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.15 The dashed box shows the edge of the support member 105 .

[0130] Combination Figure 7 and Fig.15 As shown, in some embodiments, the first contact 102 is connected to the first contact terminal A1 and the second contact terminal A2, and the second contact 103 is connected to the third contact terminal A3 and the fourth contact terminal A4.

[0131] When the pressing member 101 is not pressed, the key spring 104 is separated from the first contact point 102 , and the first contact point 102 and the second contact point 103 are not connected.

[0132] Combination Fig. 9 and Fig.15As shown, when the pressing member 101 is pressed, the pressing member 101 applies a force to the key spring 104, so that the key spring 104 is deformed toward the first contact 102, and the key spring 104 abuts against the first contact 102. In this way, the key spring 104 can be used to connect the first contact 102 and the second contact 103 to achieve circuit conduction.

[0133] Fig.16 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pressing member 101 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0134] like Fig.16 As shown, in some embodiments, the pressing member 101 may include a keycap 1013 and a supporting elastic member 1014. The keycap 1013 is fixed to a side surface of the supporting elastic member 1014, and the supporting elastic member 1014 is used to fix the keycap 1013 to the middle frame of the electronic device. The keycap 1013 is exposed from the assembly hole on the middle frame and can move in the assembly hole to achieve pressing and popping of the key.

[0135] Recombination Figure 7 and Fig. 9 As shown, in some embodiments, the inner surface of the pressing member 101 includes a first protrusion 1011 and a second protrusion 1012. Further, the first protrusion 1011 and the second protrusion 1012 may be located on the surface of the supporting elastic member 1014 away from the keycap 1013.

[0136] The first protrusion 1011 is opposite to the key spring 104, and further, the first protrusion 1011 is opposite to the middle part of the key spring 104, so that the key spring 104 can produce the maximum deformation. The second protrusion 1012 is opposite to the switch spring 201, and further, the second protrusion 1012 is opposite to the active end 2011 of the switch spring 201, so that the switch spring 201 can produce the maximum deformation. In this way, it is easy to achieve circuit conduction and avoid the situation of circuit disconnection when the pressing member 101 is pressed.

[0137] The first protrusion 1011 is configured to abut against the key spring sheet 104 when the pressing member 101 is pressed, so that the key spring sheet 104 is deformed. The second protrusion 1012 is configured to abut against the switch spring sheet 201 when the pressing member 101 is pressed, so that the switch spring sheet 201 is deformed. The deformed key spring sheet 104 abuts against the first contact 102, and the deformed switch spring sheet 201 abuts against the third contact 202 on the target circuit. In this way, circuit conduction can be achieved to connect the key body 100 and the PMU.

[0138] It should be noted that the sizes of the first protrusion 1011 and the second protrusion 1012 are related to the amplitude when the pressing member 101 is pressed, and the deformation amplitude of the key spring 104 and the deformation amplitude of the switch spring 201. The embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit the sizes of the first protrusion 1011 and the second protrusion 1012. It is only necessary to ensure that when the pressing member 101 is pressed, the first protrusion 1011 and the second protrusion 1012 can cause the key spring 104 to deform and abut against the first contact 102, and cause the switch spring 201 to deform and abut against the third contact 202.

[0139] The key structure provided in the embodiment of the present application is provided with a switch 200 between the key body 100 and the PMU connected to the Powerkey, the switch 200 is in a normally open state, and the Powerkey is charged to a high level. The key body 100 and the switch 200 are arranged along the length direction of the pressing member 101, and the pressing member 101 is located directly above the key body 100 and the switch 200. When the pressing member 101 is pressed, the switch 200 is triggered to close and the key spring 104 is pressed at the same time, and the key spring 104 abuts against the first contact 102, so that the first contact 102 and the second contact 103 are electrically connected to short-circuit to the ground; the switch spring 201 abuts against the third contact 202, and the circuit is turned on to couple the key body 100 to the PMU through the Powerkey. In this process, the Powerkey of the PMU is pulled to the ground, the level becomes low, and the PMU recognizes that the key is pressed. When the pressing member 101 is released, the switch 200 bounces up simultaneously under the action of the elastic member 203 and the key shrapnel 104 under its own resilience, and the Powerkey of the PMU returns to a high level, recognizing that the key is released; the switch 200 disconnects the electrical connection between the key body 100 and the Powerkey. When the pressing member 101 is not pressed, the key body 100 is not charged and there are no conditions for dendrite growth. Therefore, even if a conductive liquid enters the key structure, there is no voltage difference between the first contact 102 and the second contact 103, and electrochemical migration will not occur, so as to avoid or delay key corrosion and prevent key function failure.

[0140] Fig.17 It is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0141] Combination Figure 2 and Fig.17 As shown, an embodiment of the present application further provides an electronic device, comprising: a display screen 10, a front shell assembly 70, a middle frame 20, a rear shell, and a key structure provided by any of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0142] The display screen 10 is fixed on the front housing assembly 70 , and the circuit board 40 and the battery 50 are bonded to the side of the front housing assembly 70 facing away from the display screen 10 .

[0143] The middle frame 20 covers the outer edge of the front housing assembly 70 to form the outer frame of the electronic device. The rear housing is located on the side of the front housing assembly 70 away from the display screen 10 and is connected to the middle frame 20 to cover the circuit board 40 and the battery 50.

[0144] The front shell assembly 70 , the middle frame 20 and the rear shell form a receiving cavity (not shown in the figure), and the key structure is located in the receiving cavity and between the side surface of the front shell assembly 70 and the middle frame 20 .

[0145] The flexible circuit board 300 is fixed to the side surface of the front housing assembly 70, and the key body 100 faces the middle frame 20. The connection end of the flexible circuit board 300 extends to the side of the circuit board 40 facing the display screen 10, and is electrically connected to the circuit board 40. A PMU is provided on the circuit board 40, and the PMU is electrically connected to the circuit board 40, thereby realizing the electrical connection between the flexible circuit board 300 and the PMU.

[0146] When the pressing member 101 is pressed, the key spring 104 abuts against the first contact 102 , and the switch spring 201 abuts against the third contact 202 , so as to realize circuit conduction and couple the key body 100 to the PMU through the flexible circuit board 300 .

[0147] Fig.18 It is a structural schematic diagram of the middle frame and the button body 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0148] like Fig.18 As shown in (a), the middle frame 20 is provided with an assembly hole 21, and the assembly hole 21 is connected to the accommodating cavity. There are multiple assembly holes 21, which are used to accommodate the power button and the volume button respectively. Exemplarily, the upper assembly hole 21 is used to accommodate the volume-key 100-2 and the volume+key 100-3, and the lower assembly hole 21 is used to accommodate the power button 100-1.

[0149] The inner surface of the middle frame 20 includes a plurality of fixing posts 22 , and the plurality of fixing posts 22 are located on opposite sides of the assembly hole 21 .

[0150] like Fig.18 As shown in (b), both ends of the supporting elastic member 1014 of the pressing member 101 include fixing holes 1015, and the keycap 1013 is exposed from the assembly hole 21. The fixing columns 22 are embedded in the respective fixing holes 1015 on the supporting elastic member 1014 one by one to install the pressing member 101 on the inner surface of the middle frame 20.

[0151] The inner surface of the supporting elastic member 1014 corresponding to the volume key includes two third protrusions 1016 , and the two third protrusions 1016 are respectively opposite to the volume-key 100 - 2 and the volume+key 100 - 3 .

[0152] like Fig.18As shown in (c), the key cap 1013 is exposed on the outer surface of the middle frame 20 and can move in the assembly hole 21. The key cap 1013 is pressed down and popped up by the supporting elastic member 1014.

[0153] The electronic device provided in the embodiment of the present application includes a key structure. In the key structure, when the pressing member 101 is not pressed, the switch 200 can disconnect the electrical connection between the key body 100 and the PMU, so that the key body 100 is not charged and there is no condition for dendrite growth. In this way, even if a conductive liquid enters the key structure, there is no voltage difference between the first contact 102 and the second contact 103, and electrochemical migration will not occur, so as to avoid or delay key corrosion and prevent the key function from failing.

[0154] It should be noted that those skilled in the art will readily come up with other embodiments of the present application after considering the specification and practicing the application disclosed herein. The present application is intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptations of the present application, which follow the general principles of the present application and include common knowledge or customary technical means in the art that are not disclosed in the present application. The specification and examples are intended to be exemplary only, and the true scope of the present application is indicated by the following claims.

[0155] It should be understood that the present application is not limited to the precise structures that have been described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A key structure, characterized in that: include: A key body (100), the key body (100) comprising a pressing member (101), a first contact point (102), a second contact point (103) and a key spring sheet (104); the first contact point (102) and the second contact point (103) are arranged at an interval, the key spring sheet (104) and the second contact point (103) are in contact with each other, and the second contact point (103) is configured to be grounded; when the pressing member (101) is pressed, the key spring sheet (104) is in contact with the first contact point (102) so as to electrically connect the first contact point (102) and the second contact point (103); when the pressing member (101) is not pressed, the key spring sheet (104) is separated from the first contact point (102); A switch (200) comprising a switch spring (201), one end of the switch spring (201) being electrically connected to the first contact (102), and the other end being coupled to a target circuit; the key spring (104) and the switch spring (201) being arranged at intervals along the length direction of the pressing member (101); The switch spring (201) is configured to be connected to the target circuit when the pressing member (101) is pressed, and to be disconnected from the target circuit when the pressing member (101) is not pressed.

2. The key structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The switch (200) further includes: a third contact (202); The third contact (202) is coupled to the target line; The switch spring (201) is configured to deform when the pressing member (101) is pressed, to abut against the third contact (202), and to separate from the third contact (202) when no deformation occurs.

3. The key structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The switch (200) further comprises: an elastic member (203); The elastic member (203) is connected to the switch spring sheet (201), and the elastic member (203) is configured to apply an elastic force to the switch spring sheet (201), wherein the elastic force is opposite to the direction in which the pressing member (101) is pressed, and when the pressing member (101) is not pressed, the switch spring sheet (201) is separated from the third contact (202).

4. The key structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inner surface of the pressing piece (101) comprises a first protrusion (1011) and a second protrusion (1012); The first protrusion (1011) is opposite to the key spring sheet (104), and the second protrusion (1012) is opposite to the switch spring sheet (201); The first protrusion (1011) is configured to: when the pressing member (101) is pressed, abut against the key spring sheet (104), causing the key spring sheet (104) to deform; The second protrusion (1012) is configured to abut against the switch spring sheet (201) when the pressing member (101) is pressed, thereby causing the switch spring sheet (201) to deform.

5. The key structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes: a flexible circuit board, located on one side of the switch spring (201); The target circuit is routed inside the flexible circuit board, and the third contact (202) is exposed from the surface of the flexible circuit board.

6. The key structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: Also included: management unit; The management unit comprises the target line, and the switch (200) is electrically connected to the management unit via the target line.

7. The key structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the management unit is a power management unit PMU, the target line is a power key line in the PMU; When the management unit is a volume management unit, the target line is a volume key line in the volume management unit.

8. An electronic device, characterized in that: include: A display screen, a front shell assembly, a middle frame, a rear shell, and a key structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 7; The display screen is fixed on the front shell assembly, the middle frame covers the outer edge of the front shell assembly, the rear shell is located on the side of the front shell assembly away from the display screen and is connected to the middle frame, and the front shell assembly, the middle frame and the rear shell form a receiving cavity; The middle frame is provided with an assembly hole, and the assembly hole is communicated with the accommodating cavity; The button structure is located in the accommodating cavity, and the pressing member is exposed from the assembling hole and can move in the assembling hole.

Images