Key structure and terminal device

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application relates to the technical field of electronic equipment, and provides a key structure and a terminal device, the key structure comprising a key cap, a key body and a support, the support being flexible; the key cap and the key body are arranged on an external device structure, and after being pressed, the key cap and the key body can move towards or away from the external device structure, and one end of the support away from the key body is in interference fit with the external device structure. The key structure provided by the embodiment of the present application sets the flexible support between the external device structure and the key body, and the support is movably connected to the external device structure, and there is no connection relationship between the two, but only interference fit of mutual abutting force, so that the support can support the key body and the key cap to keep a balanced state of being upright relative to the external device structure, and since the support can move relative to the external device structure, the support can provide the self-adapting ability required by the key body when moving relative to the external device structure.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0002] In a folding mobile terminal, a key is used to open the folding terminal device. For example, in an initial folding state, the folding screen of the folding mobile terminal is in a symmetrical closed state, and in order to prevent the folding screen from being unfolded under the action of no external force, the symmetrical folding screen is locked by a locking structure to maintain the initial state. When opening is needed, the locking structure is unlocked by pressing the key to release the folding screen in the symmetrical state, so that the folding screen is unfolded.

[0003] However, the pressing direction of the key and the unlocking direction of the locking structure are arranged at an angle, so that the key is pulled and inclined, which affects the user experience in appearance and use. SUMMARY

[0004] The key structure and the terminal device provided by the embodiments of the present application can improve the technical problem that the key structure is easily inclined in the initial state.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the embodiments of the present application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a key structure, which comprises a key cap, a key body connected to the key cap, and a support member having one end fixedly connected to the key body and the other end movably arranged in an external device structure. The external device structure is a structure for mounting the key structure, for example, the external device structure can be a shell of an electronic product or a circuit board of a keyboard, etc. The support member is flexible, i.e., the support member can be compressed during the pressing of the key body. The key cap and the key body are arranged on the external device structure, and the key cap and the key body can move towards or away from the external device structure after being pressed. The end of the support member away from the key body is in interference fit with the external device structure. Here, the end of the support member away from the key body is separable from the external device structure, and there is only a mutual abutting force between the end of the support member away from the key body and the external device structure.

[0007] The technical solutions described above in the embodiments of the present application have at least the following technical effects or advantages:

[0008] The key structure provided by the embodiment of the application has the flexible supporting member arranged between the peripheral device structure and the key body, and the supporting member is movably connected to the peripheral device structure, and the two have no connection relationship, but only have interference fit of mutual abutting force. In this way, the supporting member can support the key body and the key cap to keep a balance state of being upright relative to the peripheral device structure. In addition, the supporting member can provide self-adapting capability of the key body when the key body moves relative to the peripheral device structure, especially when the key body is inclined relative to the peripheral device structure.

[0009] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the key body comprises a pressing part and an extension part extending outward from the pressing part, the extension part is pressed to move towards or away from the peripheral device structure, and the supporting member is fixedly connected to the pressing part.

[0010] The pressing part is used for being pressed by a user, the extension part is used for being adaptively connected to the peripheral device structure, and the extension part is towards the peripheral device structure. Therefore, in order to keep the key structure as a whole in a balance state of being upright, the supporting member supports the pressing part, so that there is a movement allowance between the pressing part and the surface of the peripheral device structure.

[0011] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the pressing part is provided with a positioning structure, and the supporting member is provided with a positioning matching structure matched with the positioning structure.

[0012] The positioning structure can be a positioning column, a positioning protrusion, a positioning protruding rib, etc., and the positioning matching structure is a structure matched with the positioning structure. The positioning matching structure can be a positioning hole, a positioning groove, etc. In this way, the positioning structure and the positioning matching structure are matched to improve the connection stability of the supporting member and the pressing part.

[0013] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the positioning structure comprises a positioning hole, and the positioning matching structure comprises a positioning column, and the positioning column is arranged in the positioning hole.

[0014] The positioning column is arranged in the positioning hole to improve the connection stability between the supporting member and the pressing part.

[0015] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the positioning column is integrally formed with the supporting member, the positioning hole comprises a first hole section and a second hole section in communication, the inner diameter of the first hole section is greater than the inner diameter of the second hole section, and the first hole section is away from the supporting member.

[0016] The inner diameter of the first hole section and the inner diameter of the second hole section are adjusted in size to form a differential arrangement, the positioning hole is a stepped hole, and the positioning column and the support member are made of the same material. The positioning column can be formed in the stepped hole through a process such as injection molding. In this way, the support member is not easy to separate from the pressing portion, and the connection stability of the support member on the pressing portion can be further improved.

[0017] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the inner diameter of the first hole section gradually decreases along the pressing direction.

[0018] Understandably, the hole wall of the first hole section is conical, which is more convenient for processing, and the limiting force of the positioning column in the positioning hole is also minimized, which is also convenient for the positioning column to be pulled out of the positioning hole.

[0019] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the support member includes a connecting portion connected to the key body and a support portion extending outward from the connecting portion, and an end of the support portion away from the connecting portion is in interference fit with the external device structure.

[0020] The connecting portion is used to connect with the key body, and the support portion is used to contact and interfere with the external device structure. In this way, the connecting portion can be a plate-shaped or block-shaped structure, which is attached to the key body, and the support portion can also be a plate-shaped or block-shaped structure, and the support portion is in an expanded structure, which can further improve the support of the key body. At the same time, the support portion directly abuts against the external device structure to realize interference fit.

[0021] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the support member further includes an abutting portion, and the abutting portion is arranged at an end of the support portion away from the connecting portion.

[0022] Understandably, in this embodiment, the support portion is indirectly connected with the external device structure, that is, the support portion abuts against the external device structure through the abutting portion. In this way, the abutting portion can increase the contact area between the support portion and the external device structure.

[0023] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the key body is sealed and connected to the external device structure through the support member.

[0024] Sealed connection means that the gap between the key body and the external device structure is filled by the support member, which can play a certain waterproof and dustproof function. For example, in the pressing direction, the support member can waterproof and dustproof the area within the projection range of the key body on the external device structure.

[0025] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the key structure further includes an adhesive layer, and the keycap is connected to the key body through the adhesive layer.

[0026] It can be understood that the connection mode of the bonding process is simpler and more convenient, and is especially suitable for the case that the projection of the key body is located in the keycap in the pressing direction.

[0027] In a second aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a terminal device, comprising:

[0028] A shell;

[0029] A folding screen connected to the shell, and the folding screen can be folded or unfolded;

[0030] A locking mechanism provided in the shell, the locking mechanism comprising a locking piece for locking the folding screen in a folded state;

[0031] The key structure described above, the key body of the key structure is provided in the shell and is matched with the locking piece, the pressing direction of the key body of the key structure is arranged at an angle with the locking direction of the locking piece, the key structure is moved along the pressing direction to drive the locking piece to move away from the locking direction, and the locking piece completes the unlocking action; when the locking piece is in the locked state, the supporting piece of the key structure is used to support the key body, so that the key body is balanced and maintained on the shell;

[0032] Wherein, when the key body is configured to move along the pressing direction, the locking piece moves away from the locking direction to unlock the folding screen to an unfolded state.

[0033] The technical solutions described above in the embodiments of the present application have at least the following technical effects or advantages:

[0034] The terminal device provided by the embodiments of the present application can lock the folding screen in a folded state through the locking piece of the locking mechanism and maintain the folding screen in the folded state, when the folding screen needs to be unfolded, the key structure is pressed, the key body drives the locking piece to move away from the locking direction, so as to unlock the folding screen, and thus the folding screen is in an unfolded state. Since the locking direction of the locking piece and the pressing direction of the key body are at an angle, the key body is inclined due to the pulling effect, and at this time, the supporting piece can maintain the key body in a balanced state, thereby reducing the probability of inclination of the key body in a non-pressing state.

[0035] In some embodiments of the second aspect, a through hole structure is provided on the locking piece for the key body to pass through, an inner wall of the through hole structure is provided with a push rod, a guide groove is provided on the key body, and when the key body moves along the pressing direction, the push rod slides in the guide groove to drive the locking piece to move away from the locking direction.

[0036] The key body forms an interference with the locking piece in position through the through hole structure. When the key body is pressed and moves in the pressing direction, the lever slides in the guide slot, so as to drive the lever and the locking piece to move away from the locking direction, thereby completing the unlocking of the folding screen.

[0037] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the locking mechanism further comprises a reset piece, one end of the reset piece abutting against the inner wall of the shell and the other end abutting against the locking piece, so as to protrude the locking piece in the locking direction.

[0038] The reset piece is always in a compressed state, that is, a pushing force is continuously applied to the locking piece in the locking direction, so that the locking piece is always in a locked state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1 A perspective view of a terminal device in an unfolded state is provided for some embodiments of the present application;

[0040] Figure 2 A front view of a terminal device in a folded state is provided for some embodiments of the present application;

[0041] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a shell, a locking mechanism and a key structure (in an unpressed state) of a terminal device is provided for some embodiments of the present application;

[0042] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a shell, a locking mechanism and a key structure (in a pressed state) of a terminal device is provided for some embodiments of the present application;

[0043] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a shell, a locking mechanism and a key structure (in a state of lacking a support piece) of a terminal device is provided for some embodiments of the present application;

[0044] Figure 6 An exploded view of a key structure and an external device structure is provided for some embodiments of the present application;

[0045] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a key body of a key structure is provided for some embodiments of the present application.

[0046] In the drawings, various reference numerals refer to:

[0047] 1000, a terminal device;

[0048] 100, a shell; 101, an external device structure;

[0049] 200, a folding screen;

[0050] 300, locking mechanism; 301, locking piece; 302, through-hole structure; 303, lever; 304, reset piece;

[0051] 400, key structure; 41, key cap; 42, key body; 43, support piece; 421, pressing part; 422, extension part; 44, positioning structure; 45, positioning matching structure; 441, first hole segment; 442, second hole segment; 431, connecting part; 432, support part; 433, abutting part; 46, adhesive layer; 422a, guide groove;

[0052] X, pressing direction; Y, locking direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below are examples for explaining the present application and are not intended to limit the present application.

[0054] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The description and drawings of the application set forth below are illustrative of the application and are not intended to limit the application.

[0055] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "thickness", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "upper", "lower", and like terms indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the purpose of facilitating the description of the present application and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present application.

[0056] The terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", "fifth", "sixth" and the like are used only to distinguish descriptions and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the technical features indicated. For example, the first deformation space and the second deformation space are only for the purpose of distinguishing different deformation spaces, and do not limit the order of the first deformation space and the second deformation space, and the first deformation space can be named as the second deformation space, and the second deformation space can be named as the first deformation space, without departing from the scope of various described embodiments. And the terms "first", "second", etc. do not limit the features indicated to be different.

[0057] In the present application, unless specifically defined and limited otherwise, the terms "connected", "connected", and the like should be broadly interpreted, for example, it can be fixedly connected, or it can be detachably connected, or it can be integrated; it can be mechanically connected, or it can be electrically connected; it can be directly connected, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium; it can be the internal communication of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0058] In the present application, "and / or" is only a description of the association relationship between the associated objects, which means that there can be three relationships; for example, A and / or B can mean that there are three cases of A alone, A and B together, and B alone. In addition, the character " / " in this paper generally represents that the front and rear associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0059] It should be noted that in the present application, the words "in some embodiments", "exemplarily", "for example" and the like are used to represent as an example, illustration or explanation. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "in some embodiments", "exemplarily", "for example" in the present application should not be interpreted as more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Rather, the use of "in some embodiments", "exemplarily", "for example" and the like is intended to present the relevant concept in a specific way.

[0060] In order to make the purpose, technical scheme and advantages of the present application more clear, the present application is further described in detail below in combination with the drawings and embodiments.

[0061] The traditional key is supported by a silica gel support structure in the X direction, i.e. the pressing direction, to support the keycap, and in order to further improve the support stability of the keycap, a scissors foot structure is further arranged between the keycap and the fixed plate, one end of the scissors foot structure is hinged to the fixed plate, and the other end is hinged to the keycap. The scissors foot structure can be opened and closed in the Z direction to provide greater support for the keycap to maintain the balance of the keycap.

[0062] However, in some locking or unlocking scenarios, the key will also be subjected to a pulling force. Since the two ends of the scissors foot structure are respectively hingedly connected between the keycap and the fixed plate, the scissors foot structure is prone to deflection under force, thereby causing the keycap to also tilt in the initial state.

[0063] Therefore, the application provides a key structure. A support member is arranged between a key body and an external device structure. The support member is flexible, one end of the support member is fixedly connected to the key body, the other end of the support member is movably arranged in the external device structure, and the end of the support member away from the key body is in interference fit with the external device structure. In this way, when the key cap and the key body are pressed towards or away from the external device structure, the support member can provide the support balance force required by the key body, especially when the key body is inclined relative to the external device structure.

[0064] The terminal device provided by the application belongs to a foldable electronic device, that is, a kind of electronic device capable of folding and unfolding. For example, the terminal device can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop (Laptop), a notebook computer (Notebook PC), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wearable device (such as a watch), a vehicle-mounted device, an augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) device, a point of sales (POS) terminal, a driving recorder, a walkie-talkie, a camera, a display, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0065] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 Fig. 1 shows a perspective structural schematic diagram of a terminal device 1000 in an unfolded state according to some embodiments of the application; Figure 2 Fig. 2 shows a front view of the terminal device 1000 in a folded state according to some embodiments of the application. In the embodiments of the application, the terminal device 1000 is taken as a mobile phone as an example for description.

[0066] Also refer to Figures 3 to 5 , the application provides a terminal device 1000, which comprises a shell 100, a folding screen 200, a locking mechanism 300, and a key structure 400.

[0067] The shell 100 is a structure part without display function in the terminal device 1000. The shell 100 serves to carry the folding screen 200.

[0068] The folding screen 200 is connected to the shell 100, and the folding screen 200 can be folded or unfolded.

[0069] The folding screen 200 is a flexible display screen with foldable function, and thus the terminal device 1000 has two use states, one is that the folding screen 200 is in a folded state, and the user uses part of the display area of the folding screen 200; the other is an unfolded state, and the user can use the entire display area of the folding screen 200. During folding and unfolding of the folding screen 200, the shell 100 plays a corresponding bearing role, and thus the connection relationship between the folding screen 200 and the shell 100 includes but is not limited to plug-in, clamping, threaded connection, and indirect connection through mounting structure, etc.

[0070] The locking mechanism 300 is used to lock the folding screen 200 and keep the folding screen 200 in a folded state to prevent the folding screen 200 from being unfolded.

[0071] Specifically, the locking mechanism 300 is arranged in the shell 100, and the locking mechanism 300 includes a locking piece 301, which is used to lock the folding screen 200 in a folded state.

[0072] The locking piece 301 is part of the locking mechanism 300, which mainly interacts with the folding part of the folding screen 200 directly or indirectly to prevent the folding screen 200 from being unfolded under the action of external force.

[0073] It can be understood that the locking piece 301 can move relative to the shell 100, and in the moving process, the folding screen 200 is unlocked or locked, so that the direction in which the locking piece 301 moves towards the folding screen 200 and interacts with the folding screen 200 to meet the locking direction becomes the locking direction Y, for example, the locking direction Y can coincide with the unfolding direction of the folding screen 200, or the locking direction Y is perpendicular to the unfolding direction of the folding screen 200. In addition, the folding screen 200 should also be provided with a structure matched with the locking piece 301 to interact with the locking piece 301. Therefore, the structure matched with the locking piece 301 on the folding screen 200 can be a hole structure or a buckle structure.

[0074] The key structure 400 is used to unlock the locking piece 301 of the locking mechanism 300.

[0075] Specifically, the key structure 400 includes a key cap 41, a key body 42, and a support 43. The key cap 41 is arranged on the side of the key body 42 away from the shell 100. One end of the support 43 is fixedly connected to the key body 42, and the other end is movably arranged on the shell 100. The end of the support 43 abuts against the shell 100, that is, there is an interaction force between the two. Understandably, the initial state of the support 43 is under compression. Here, the support 43 and the shell 100 move relatively. The support 43 is used to support the key body 42 on the shell 100. Meanwhile, the support 43 is flexible. When a user presses the key structure 400, the support 43 can be compressed. When the external force is removed, the support 43 resets the key body 42. Therefore, the pressing direction of the key structure 400 is the direction in which the support 43 is compressed.

[0076] The key body 42 of the key structure 400 is arranged in the shell 100 and matches the locking piece 301. The pressing direction X of the key body 42 of the key structure 400 and the locking direction Y of the locking piece 301 form an angle. Therefore, the locking piece 301 has a pulling effect on the key body 42, causing the key body 42 to tilt.

[0077] The key structure 400 moves along the pressing direction X to drive the locking piece 301 to move away from the locking direction Y, so that the locking piece 301 completes the unlocking action. When the locking piece 301 is in the locked state, the support 43 is used to support the key body 42, so that the key body 42 is balanced on the shell 100.

[0078] The key body 42 is configured to move along the pressing direction X, so that the locking piece 301 moves away from the locking direction Y, so that the folding screen 200 is unlocked and is in the unfolded state. Here, the reason why the key body 42 tilts is also explained.

[0079] The technical solutions described above in the embodiments of the application have at least the following technical effects or advantages:

[0080] The terminal device 1000 provided in the embodiments of the application can lock the folding screen 200 in the folded state by the locking piece 301 of the locking mechanism 300 and maintain the folding state. When the folding screen 200 needs to be unfolded, the key structure 400 is pressed, the key body 42 drives the locking piece 301 to move away from the locking direction Y, so that the folding screen 200 is unlocked, and the folding screen 200 is in the unfolded state. Because the locking direction Y of the locking piece 301 and the pressing direction X of the key body 42 form an angle, the key body 42 tilts due to the pulling effect. At this time, the support 43 can maintain the key body 42 in a balanced state, reducing the probability of tilting of the key body 42 in a non-pressed state.

[0081] Please refer to 3 to Figure 5 、 Figure 7 The locking member 301 is provided with a through hole structure 302 for the key body 42 to pass through, and the inner wall of the through hole structure 302 is provided with a toggle lever 303. The key body 42 is provided with a guide groove 422a, and when the key body 42 moves in the pressing direction X, the toggle lever 303 slides in the guide groove 422a to drive the locking member 301 to move away from the locking direction Y.

[0082] It can be understood that the key body 42 interferes with the locking member 301 in position through the through hole structure 302. When the key body 42 is pressed and moves in the pressing direction X, the toggle lever 303 slides in the guide groove 422a to drive the toggle lever 303 and the locking member 301 to move away from the locking direction Y to complete the unlocking of the folding screen 200.

[0083] Specifically, the pressing direction X of the key body 42 is perpendicular to the locking direction Y of the locking member 301, and the guide groove 422a has a slope. When the key body 42 is pressed relative to the shell 100, the key body 42 pushes the toggle lever 303 to slide on the slope of the guide groove 422a, so that the locking member 301 moves away from the locking direction Y. At this time, the locking member 301 is in a retracted state, that is, the locking member 301 releases the locking of the folding screen 200, and the folding screen 200 can be unfolded.

[0084] Alternatively, in order to further improve the smoothness of the linkage between the key body 42 and the locking member 301, the toggle lever 303 is in a cylindrical shape, and the cylindrical toggle lever 303 has a line contact with the groove wall of the guide groove 422a, that is, the contact area between them is smaller, and the toggle lever slides more smoothly in the guide groove 422a.

[0085] Please refer to Figures 3 to 5 The locking mechanism 300 further includes a reset member 304, one end of the reset member 304 abuts against the inner wall of the shell 100 and the other end abuts against the locking member 301, so that the locking member 301 protrudes along the locking direction Y.

[0086] The reset member 304 can be a reset spring, or it can also be an elastic body that deforms, such as an elastic block or an elastic column, etc. The function of the reset member 304 is to reset the locking member 301, that is, the reset member 304 is always in a compressed state, and it continuously applies a pushing force to the locking member 301 along the locking direction Y, so that the locking member 301 is always in a locked state.

[0087] Due to the continuous force of the reset member 304, the key body 42 interfering with the locking member 301 is subjected to a force at an angle to the pressing direction X, so that the key body 42 is inclined relative to the shell 100, and the inclination direction of the key body 42 is opposite to the locking direction Y of the locking member 301. Therefore, the support member 43 is needed to support the key body 42 to maintain the key body 42 in an upright state or an approximate upright state, so as to improve the smoothness of the key body 42 moving relative to the shell 100 during re-pressing.

[0088] Please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , Figure 6 shows an exploded view of the key structure 400 provided by some embodiments of the present application; Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the key body 42 of the key structure 400 provided by some embodiments of the present application.

[0089] Specifically, the key structure 400 includes a keycap 41, a key body 42 connected to the keycap 41, and a support member 43 fixedly connected to one end of the key body 42 and movably disposed on the other end of the peripheral device structure 101.

[0090] The peripheral device structure 101 is a structure for mounting the key structure 400, for example, the peripheral device structure 101 can be a shell of an electronic product or a circuit board of a keyboard, etc.

[0091] The support member 43 is flexible, that is, the support member 43 can be compressed during pressing of the key body 42, the keycap 41 and the key body 42 are disposed on the peripheral device structure 101, and the keycap 41 and the key body 42 can be pressed to move towards or away from the peripheral device structure 101, the end of the support member 43 away from the key body 42 is in interference fit with the peripheral device structure 101, here, the end of the support member 43 away from the key body 42 is not connected with the peripheral device structure 101, and only the mutual abutting force exists between them, therefore, the end of the support member 43 away from the key body 42 can be separated from the peripheral device structure 101.

[0092] The material of the support member 43 includes but is not limited to silica gel, rubber, plastic, etc.

[0093] The key structure 400 provided by the embodiments of the present application is characterized in that a flexible supporting member 43 is arranged between the peripheral structure 101 and the key body 42, and the supporting member 43 is movably connected to the peripheral structure 101, and the two are not connected to each other, but only have an interference fit of mutual abutting force. In this way, the supporting member 43 can support the key body 42 and the key cap 41 to keep a balance state of being upright relative to the peripheral structure 101. At the same time, since the supporting member 43 can move relative to the peripheral structure 101, the supporting member 43 can provide the self-adapting ability of the key body 42 when the key body 42 moves relative to the peripheral structure 101, especially when the key body 42 is inclined relative to the peripheral structure 101.

[0094] For reference Figure 6 In some embodiments, the key body 42 includes a pressing part 421 and an extension part 422 extending outward from the pressing part 421, the extension part 422 is pressed to move towards or away from the peripheral structure 101, and the supporting member 43 is fixedly connected to the pressing part 421.

[0095] The pressing part 421 is used for being pressed by a user, the extension part 422 is used for being adaptively connected to the peripheral structure, and the extension part 422 is towards the peripheral structure 101. Therefore, in order to keep the key structure 400 as a whole in a balance state of being upright, the supporting member 43 supports the pressing part 421, so that there is a movement allowance between the pressing part 421 and the surface of the peripheral structure 101.

[0096] Here, the contour shape of the pressing part 421 is not limited. In the pressing direction X, the projection of the pressing part 421 on the peripheral structure 101 can be circular, square or track-shaped, and the extension part 422 is similar to a columnar structure or a rod-shaped structure. The extension part 422 is arranged on the side of the pressing part 421 towards the peripheral structure 101, and is used for being adapted to the peripheral structure 101. For example, during the pressing process of the key body 42, the pressing part 421 drives the extension part 422 to move towards the peripheral structure 101, at this time, the extension part 422 interferes with the peripheral structure 101 to complete the corresponding linkage action, for example, triggering locking or unlocking by using the extension part 422, or triggering instruction input by using the extension part 422.

[0097] One end of the supporting member 43 is fixed on the pressing part 421, and the other end abuts against the peripheral structure 101 to support the key body 42 in a non-pressing state.

[0098] The connection mode of the supporting member 43 and the pressing part 421 includes but is not limited to adhesive connection, insertion, clamping, threaded connection and integral molding. That is, the end side of the supporting member 43 connected to the pressing part 421 does not move relative to the pressing part 421.

[0099] Meanwhile, the number of the support members 43 is not limited, and can be one, two or more, for providing corresponding balanced support force to the pressing part 421.

[0100] Please refer to Figure 6 In some embodiments, the pressing part 421 is provided with a positioning structure 44, and the support member 43 is provided with a positioning matching structure 45 matched with the positioning structure 44.

[0101] The positioning structure 44 can be a positioning column, a positioning protrusion, a positioning rib, etc., and the positioning matching structure is a structure matched with the positioning structure 44, which can be a positioning hole, a positioning slot, etc. In this way, the positioning structure 44 and the positioning matching structure are matched to improve the connection stability of the support member 43 and the pressing part 421.

[0102] It can be understood that the positioning structure 44 and the positioning matching structure 45 can improve the position accuracy of the support member 43 on the pressing part 421.

[0103] For example, the positioning structure 44 is a through hole formed on the pressing part 421, and the positioning matching structure is a protruding column provided on the support member 43, which is matched with the through hole to determine the setting position of the support member 43 on the pressing part 421.

[0104] For example, the positioning structure 44 can also be a positioning column provided on the pressing part 421, and the positioning matching structure is a positioning hole formed on the support member 43, which is matched with the positioning column to improve the position accuracy of the support member 43 on the pressing part 421.

[0105] Please refer to Figure 6 In a specific embodiment, the positioning structure 44 includes a positioning hole, and the positioning matching structure 45 includes a positioning column, which is inserted into the positioning hole.

[0106] The positioning column is inserted into the positioning hole to improve the connection stability between the support member 43 and the pressing part 421.

[0107] Alternatively, as Figure 6 shown, in the pressing direction X, the outer contour of the pressing part 421 is in the shape of a racetrack, at this time, the number of the support members 43 is two, and they are symmetrically arranged about the center line of the pressing part 421, at this time, two positioning holes are formed on the pressing part 421, which are symmetrically arranged, and the support member 43 is provided with a positioning column matched with the through hole, when the positioning column is inserted into the corresponding positioning hole, the installation and setting of the support member 43 on the pressing part 421 are realized.

[0108] Please refer to Figure 7In some embodiments, the positioning column is integrally formed with the support 43, the positioning hole includes a first hole section 441 and a second hole section 442 in communication, the inner diameter of the first hole section 441 is greater than that of the second hole section 442, and the first hole section 441 is away from the support 43.

[0109] Here, the positioning column and the support 43 are made of the same material, for example, both are formed by injection molding of plastic, silica gel or rubber, etc. At the same time, the support 43 can also be formed by injection molding when it is connected with the key body 42, for example, the already formed key body 42 is placed in the mold, that is, the in-mold injection molding is used to directly form the positioning column in the positioning hole.

[0110] At the same time, by adjusting the size of the inner diameter of the first hole section 441 and the second hole section 442, a difference is formed, the positioning hole is a stepped hole, then after in-mold injection molding, the diameter of the positioning column in the first hole section 441 is greater than that in the second hole section 442, so that the support 43 is not easy to separate from the pressing part 421 in the pressing direction X, and the connection stability of the support 43 on the pressing part 421 can be further improved.

[0111] Please refer to Figure 7 In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the first hole section 441 gradually decreases along the pressing direction X.

[0112] It can be understood that the hole wall of the first hole section 441 is conical, which is more convenient for processing, at the same time, the limiting force of the positioning column in the first hole section 441 is the smallest, and it is also convenient for the positioning column to be pulled out of the first hole section 441.

[0113] Please refer to Figure 6 In some embodiments, the support 43 includes a connecting part 431 connected to the key body 42 and a supporting part 432 extending outward from the connecting part 431, and the end of the supporting part 432 away from the connecting part 431 is in interference fit with the external device structure 101.

[0114] It can be understood that the connecting part 431 is used to connect with the key body 42, and the supporting part 432 is used to contact and interfere with the external device structure 101, so that the connecting part 431 can be a plate or block structure, which is attached to the key body 42, and the supporting part 432 can also be a plate or block structure, and the supporting part 432 is an expanded structure, which can further improve the support for the key body 42, and at the same time, the supporting part 432 directly abuts the external device structure 101 to realize the interference fit.

[0115] Optionally, the connecting portion 431 is a plate structure, which is attached to the surface of the pressing portion 421 of the key body 42, and the supporting portion 432 is a flared structure, which supports the connecting portion 431 and the pressing portion 421. Under the action of no external force, the connecting portion 431 and the supporting portion 432 support the key body 42 on the external device structure 101.

[0116] Please refer to Figure 6 In some embodiments, the support 43 further comprises an abutting portion 433, which is arranged at the end of the supporting portion 432 away from the connecting portion 431.

[0117] It can be understood that, in the present embodiment, the supporting portion 432 is indirectly connected to the external device structure 101, that is, the supporting portion 432 is abutted to the external device structure 101 through the abutting portion 433. In this way, the abutting portion 433 can increase the contact area between the supporting portion 432 and the external device structure 101.

[0118] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the key body 42 is sealingly connected to the external device structure 101 through the support 43.

[0119] It can be understood that the sealing connection means that the gap between the key body 42 and the external device structure 101 is filled by the support 43, which reduces the entry of external water vapor and dust into the space enclosed by the support 43 through the gap between the key body 42 and the external device structure 101, thereby being able to play a certain waterproof and dustproof function. For example, in the pressing direction X, the support 43 can waterproof and dustproof the area within the projection range of the key body 42 on the external device structure 101. In particular, the external device structure 101 is provided with a hole structure, which can further reduce the entry of external water vapor or dust into the hole structure.

[0120] Optionally, when the key body 42 is placed on the external device structure 101, a certain activity gap is formed between the pressing portion 421 and the external device structure 101, and the support 43 can sealingly block the gap between the pressing portion 421 and the external device structure 101. Specifically, the connecting portion 431 of the support 43 is attached to the side of the pressing portion 421 facing the external device structure 101, and at the same time, the supporting portion 432 extends towards the external device structure 101 to sealingly block the entire surrounding activity gap. Here, the sealing blocking compression force comes from the force of the supporting portion 432 abutting on the external device structure 101.

[0121] Please refer to Figure 6 In some embodiments, the key structure 400 further comprises an adhesive layer 46, and the keycap 41 is connected to the key body 42 through the adhesive layer 46.

[0122] It can be understood that the connection mode of the bonding process is simpler and more convenient, and is especially suitable for the case that the projection of the key body 42 is located in the key cap 41 in the pressing direction X.

[0123] Optionally, the bonding layer 46 can be realized by dispensing. For example, the pressing part 421 of the key body 42 is dispensed on the side facing the key cap 41 to form the bonding layer 46.

[0124] Optionally, the bonding layer 46 can be realized by bonding the adhesive. For example, the adhesive is bonded on the corresponding position of the side of the pressing part 421 of the key body 42 facing the key cap 41.

[0125] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto, and any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or replacements within the technical range disclosed by the present application, which should be covered within the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A button structure for unlocking a folding screen of a terminal device, the terminal device comprising a housing, a folding screen, and a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism being disposed within the housing, the locking mechanism comprising a locking member for locking the folding screen in a folded state, the locking member having a locking direction Y, characterized in that, The key structure includes a keycap, a key body connected to the keycap, and a support member with one end fixedly connected to the key body and the other end movably placed on the housing. The key body passes through the housing and is adapted to the locking member. The support member is flexible. The keycap and the key body are disposed on the housing. After being pressed, the keycap and the key body can move toward or away from the housing. The pressing direction X of the keycap and the key body forms an angle with the locking direction Y. The end of the support member away from the key body is interference-fitted with the housing. The button body includes a pressing part and an extension part extending outward from the pressing part. There are two support members, and the two support members are symmetrically arranged about the center line of the pressing part along the locking direction Y and are located on opposite sides of the extension part. The support member includes a connecting part connected to the pressing part, a support part extending outward from the connecting part, and an abutting part. The end of the support part away from the connecting part is interference-fitted with the housing, and the abutting part is located at the end of the support part away from the connecting part.

2. The button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The extension moves toward or away from the housing by pressing, and the support is fixedly connected to the pressing part.

3. The button structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The pressing part is provided with a positioning structure, and the support member is provided with a positioning and fitting structure that is adapted to the positioning structure.

4. The button structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The positioning structure includes a positioning hole, and the positioning mating structure includes a positioning post, which passes through the positioning hole.

5. The button structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The positioning post is integrally formed with the support member. The positioning hole includes a first hole segment and a second hole segment that are connected to each other. The inner diameter of the first hole segment is larger than the inner diameter of the second hole segment, and the first hole segment is far away from the support member.

6. The button structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The inner diameter of the first hole gradually decreases along the pressing direction.

7. The button structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The button body is sealed to the housing via the support member.

8. The button structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The button structure also includes an adhesive layer, through which the keycap is connected to the button body.

9. A terminal device, characterized in that, include: case; A foldable screen, which is connected to the housing and is capable of being folded or unfolded; A locking mechanism is provided inside the housing, and the locking mechanism includes a locking member for locking the folding screen in the folded state; According to any one of claims 1 to 8, the button body of the button structure passes through the housing and is adapted to the locking member. The pressing direction of the button body of the button structure is set at an angle to the locking direction of the locking member. The button structure moves along the pressing direction to drive the locking member to move away from the locking direction, and the locking member completes the unlocking action. When the locking member is in the locked state, the support member of the button structure is used to support the button body so that the button body is balanced on the housing. The button body is configured such that when it moves along the pressing direction, the locking member moves away from the locking direction, so that the foldable screen is unlocked and unfolded.

10. The terminal device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The locking member has a through hole structure for the button body to pass through. The inner wall of the through hole structure is provided with a toggle rod. The button body has a guide groove. When the button body moves along the pressing direction, the toggle rod slides in the guide groove to drive the locking member to move away from the locking direction.

11. The terminal device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The locking mechanism further includes a reset member, one end of which abuts against the inner wall of the housing and the other end of which abuts against the locking member, so that the locking member protrudes along the locking direction.

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