Middle frame and electronic equipment

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a middle frame and electronic equipment, the middle frame comprises a middle frame body and a barrier, the middle frame body is made of a metal material, and the middle frame body is provided with a mounting port communicated with the outside. The mounting port is configured to mount a metal functional member of the electronic device, and the inner wall of the mounting port faces the metal functional member. The blocking piece is arranged on at least part of the inner wall of the installation opening and used for separating the middle frame body from the metal function piece. The risk of galvanic corrosion of the middle frame provided by the embodiment of the invention is relatively low.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of electronic devices, and in particular to a middle frame and electronic devices. Background Art

[0002] With the development of technology, people have higher and higher requirements for lightweight electronic devices such as mobile phones and tablets.

[0003] The middle frame is the main supporting structure in electronic devices. The middle frames of some electronic devices are made of light metals such as magnesium alloys to reduce the weight of the electronic device as a whole. Some buttons in electronic devices are made of metal, and these buttons are assembled on the middle frame made of magnesium alloy. However, when the electronic device is in a humid environment such as salt spray or at the seaside, galvanic corrosion is prone to occur at the position where the middle frame matches the buttons, which will affect the normal use of the buttons and the electronic device.

[0004] Therefore, how to avoid the above-mentioned galvanic corrosion has become a technical problem to be solved. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present application provides a middle frame and an electronic device, which can reduce the risk of galvanic corrosion of the middle frame.

[0006] A first aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a middle frame, which is applied to an electronic device. The middle frame includes: a middle frame body and a barrier. The middle frame body is made of metal material. The middle frame body has an installation opening connected to the outside. The installation opening is used to install metal functional parts of the electronic device, and the inner wall of the installation opening faces the metal functional parts. The barrier is arranged on at least a portion of the inner wall of the installation opening to isolate the middle frame body from the metal functional parts.

[0007] The embodiment of the present application is provided with a middle frame body in the middle frame. Since the middle frame body has an installation opening, the metal functional parts of the electronic device can be installed on the middle frame body through the installation opening to realize the function of the metal functional parts. On this basis, since the middle frame body in the middle frame is made of metal material, the middle frame body and the metal functional parts can be isolated by the provision of a barrier in the middle frame to avoid direct contact between the middle frame body and the metal functional parts, thereby reducing the risk of galvanic corrosion at the matching point between the middle frame body and the metal functional parts, so that the risk of galvanic corrosion at the middle frame of the embodiment of the present application is low, so as to ensure the normal use of the metal functional parts on the electronic device. Since the metal button is a metal functional part in the electronic device, when the metal button is assembled at the installation opening of the middle frame body, the galvanic corrosion at the matching point between the middle frame body and the metal button can be reduced, so as to ensure the normal use of the metal button, and at the same time, the display screen of the electronic device can be prevented from displaying and function failure caused by galvanic corrosion of the middle frame body.

[0008] In some optional embodiments, the molding material of the middle frame body includes light metal, so that the relatively low density of light metal can be used to manufacture a lighter middle frame body to achieve weight reduction of the middle frame.

[0009] In some optional embodiments, the light metal includes a magnesium alloy. In this way, while reducing the weight of the middle frame, the barrier can reduce the risk of galvanic corrosion at the joint between the middle frame body made of magnesium alloy and metal functional parts such as metal buttons, thereby reducing the risk of galvanic corrosion in the existing middle frame made of magnesium alloy.

[0010] In some optional embodiments, the barrier covers the inner wall of the mounting opening at the first end along the circumference of the mounting opening and extends axially toward the second end of the mounting opening, wherein the first end is an end of the circumferential side wall of the mounting opening adjacent to the middle frame body.

[0011] This not only enables the barrier to better block the middle frame body and the metal functional parts in the circumferential direction of the installation opening, but also helps to increase the blocking length of the barrier to the metal buttons by limiting the extension direction of the barrier, so as to further reduce the risk of galvanic corrosion at the installation opening of the middle frame body.

[0012] In some optional embodiments, the extended end of the barrier is flush with the edge of the second end of the installation opening so that the barrier can block all the fitting locations of the metal functional parts and the middle frame body, thereby preventing galvanic corrosion from occurring at the fitting locations of the middle frame body and the metal buttons.

[0013] In some optional embodiments, the barrier is a plastic part, which is integrally formed with the middle frame body to enhance the connection strength between the barrier and the middle frame body, while allowing the barrier to be better disposed on the inner wall of the mounting opening, thereby further reducing the weight of the middle frame.

[0014] In some optional embodiments, the barrier is also wrapped around the peripheral edge of the middle frame body and extends along the surface of the middle frame body toward the inside of the installation opening, so that the barrier can be set on at least a portion of the inner wall of the installation opening, and an integrated middle frame wrapped by the barrier can be formed on the peripheral side of the middle frame body.

[0015] In some optional embodiments, the thickness of the barrier inside the installation opening is smaller than the thickness of the barrier at the peripheral edge of the installation opening, so that the barrier can be injection molded on at least a portion of the inner wall of the installation opening while ensuring the structural strength of the middle frame body at the installation opening.

[0016] In some optional embodiments, the barrier member forms an assembly opening at the installation opening that is compatible with the outer edge shape of the metal functional part, and the assembly opening is constructed to assemble at least a partial structure of the metal functional part so that while the metal functional part is assembled on the middle frame through the assembly opening, the barrier member can block between the metal functional part and the middle frame body.

[0017] In some optional embodiments, the metal functional parts are one or more of metal buttons and card trays, so that when either the metal button or the card tray is assembled on the middle frame, the metal button and the card tray can be used normally when the electronic device is in humid environments such as salt spray and seaside.

[0018] In some optional embodiments, the mounting opening includes a first mounting opening on a circumferential side wall of the middle frame body, and the blocking member is disposed on at least a portion of an inner wall of the first mounting opening;

[0019] The assembly opening comprises a first assembly opening, which is located in the first installation opening and is used for assembling a part of the metal keycap in the metal key.

[0020] In this way, when the metal key is assembled in the assembly opening, it is not only convenient for the user to press it, but also, through the provision of the barrier, it is possible to prevent galvanic corrosion from occurring at the mating point between the middle frame body and the metal keycap.

[0021] In some optional embodiments, the axial direction of the first mounting opening is the same as the moving direction of the metal keycap in the first mounting opening, so as to facilitate the movement of the metal keycap in the first mounting opening;

[0022] In the axial direction of the first mounting port, the size of the first assembly port is greater than or equal to the sum of the size of the metal keycap in the first assembly port and the moving stroke, so as to ensure that when the metal keycap moves in the first assembly port, the blocking member can be blocked between the metal keycap and the middle frame body.

[0023] In some optional embodiments, an annular groove is formed on the inner wall of the first installation opening, and a partial structure of the blocking member is embedded in the annular groove to surround the first assembly opening.

[0024] By setting the annular groove, the metal button can be smoothly assembled and pressed in the first assembly opening without affecting the thickness and strength of the middle frame body at the first installation opening.

[0025] In some optional embodiments, the barrier is flush with the inner wall of the first mounting opening, and the annular groove extends on the inner wall of the first mounting opening toward one side of the geometric center of the middle frame body, so as to ensure the smooth assembly and pressing of the metal button in the first assembly opening, while also facilitating increasing the blocking length of the barrier to the metal button.

[0026] In some optional embodiments, the barrier is coated on the inner wall of the first installation opening to form a first assembly opening, and the inner wall of the first assembly opening is provided with a dirt storage groove;

[0027] The first assembly opening is used to limit the movement stroke of the metal key cap.

[0028] In this way, by covering the inner wall of the first installation opening with the blocking member, the blocking member can completely block the inner wall of the first installation opening to completely block the metal keycap from the middle frame body. In addition, by setting the dirt storage groove, dust brought into the first assembly opening can be collected. By setting the first assembly opening, while realizing the assembly of the metal keycap in the middle frame body, it can also prevent the user from over-pressing the metal keycap.

[0029] In some optional embodiments, the mounting opening further includes a second mounting opening, and the second mounting opening is located on the bottom wall of the first mounting opening;

[0030] The first mounting port is connected to the cavity in the middle frame body where the key circuit board is installed through the second mounting port. The second mounting port is constructed to assemble a partial trigger component in the metal key, so that when the metal keycap is pressed, it can drive the trigger component to move toward one side in the cavity in the second mounting port and compress the conductive component to make the conductive component conductive with the key circuit board, thereby realizing the function of the metal key.

[0031] In some optional embodiments, the diameter of the second mounting opening is smaller than that of the first mounting opening, and the axial direction of the second mounting opening is parallel to the axial direction of the first mounting opening. In this way, while realizing the function of the metal button, the opening area of ​​the mounting opening on the middle frame body can also be reduced.

[0032] In some optional embodiments, the assembly port is configured to assemble a fingerprint key in a metal key, so that the fingerprint key can be assembled on the middle frame body while reducing the risk of galvanic corrosion at the joint between the middle frame body and the fingerprint key.

[0033] In some optional embodiments, the middle frame further includes a protective layer, which is located on the side of the barrier member facing the second installation opening and covers a portion of the inner wall of the installation opening, and the protective layer is constructed to enclose an assembly hole for assembling the trigger member.

[0034] By providing the protective layer, the matching portion between the middle frame body and the trigger component can be protected, so as to further reduce the risk of galvanic corrosion between the middle frame body and the trigger component at the installation opening.

[0035] In some optional embodiments, the protective layer includes a passivation layer or an insulating varnish layer to form the protective layer.

[0036] In some optional embodiments, the assembly port is constructed to assemble a volume key among metal buttons, so as to achieve the assembly of the volume key on the middle frame body while reducing the risk of galvanic corrosion at the mating point between the middle frame body and the volume key.

[0037] In some optional embodiments, the blocking member extends along the inner wall of the first installation opening to the edge of the second installation opening;

[0038] The assembly opening also includes a second assembly opening, which is located in the second installation opening and is used to assemble the trigger member.

[0039] In this way, when the volume button is assembled in the assembly opening, the volume button can be completely blocked from the middle frame body by the barrier, so as to reduce the risk of galvanic corrosion between the middle frame body and the metal keycap and the metal keycap.

[0040] In some optional embodiments, the axial direction of the second assembly opening is the same as the moving direction of the trigger member in the second assembly opening, so that the trigger member moves in the first assembly opening;

[0041] In the axial direction of the second assembly opening, the size of the second assembly opening is greater than or equal to the sum of the size of the trigger member in the second assembly opening and the moving stroke, so as to ensure that when the trigger member moves in the second assembly opening, the blocking member can block between the trigger member and the middle frame body.

[0042] In some optional embodiments, the thickness of the barrier member in the mounting port is greater than or equal to 0.25 mm, so as to ensure that the plastic particles can be fully injected onto the inner wall of the mounting port during the injection molding process, which not only ensures that the barrier member has sufficient thickness, but also avoids the omitted injection molding area on the inner wall of the mounting port due to the thickness of the barrier member being too thin; the thickness of the middle frame body at the mounting port is greater than or equal to 0.4 mm, so as to ensure that the middle frame body has sufficient structural strength at the mounting port.

[0043] In some optional embodiments, the middle frame body includes a middle plate and a frame, the frame is arranged around the peripheral edge of the middle plate, and the installation opening is located on the circumferential surface of the frame away from the middle plate, so that the metal functional parts can be installed on the middle frame body through the installation opening to realize the function of the metal functional parts.

[0044] A second aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides an electronic device, which includes a metal functional part and a middle frame as described above, wherein at least part of the structure of the metal functional part is located in the mounting opening of the middle frame, so as to realize the assembly of the metal functional part in the middle frame while ensuring the normal use of the metal functional part and the display screen of the electronic device when the electronic device is in a humid environment such as salt spray or seaside. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Figure 1A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application in an intermediate state between a folded state and a flattened state;

[0046] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device in a folded state;

[0047] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device in the unfolded state;

[0048] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a disassembled structure of an electronic device in FIG.

[0049] Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a fingerprint key provided in the related art being assembled in an electronic device;

[0050] Figure 6 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a volume key provided in the related art being assembled in an electronic device;

[0051] Figure 7 A partial structural schematic diagram of a metal button and a middle frame is provided for an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 8 A partial structural schematic diagram of a metal button assembled on a middle frame is provided for an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Fig. 9 for Figure 8 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a metal button in FIG.

[0054] Fig.10 for Fig. 9 A partial cross-sectional diagram of the metal button is omitted;

[0055] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of the structure of a middle frame provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Fig.12 A metal button and a Fig.11 A schematic diagram of the structure of the middle frame in FIG.

[0057] Fig.13 for Fig.11 A schematic diagram of a partial cross section of the middle frame in the AA direction;

[0058] Fig.14 for Fig.12 Schematic diagram of the local structure of the middle metal button assembled on the middle frame Figure 1 ;

[0059] Fig.15 for Fig.11 A schematic diagram of a partial cross section of the middle frame in the BB direction;

[0060] Fig.16 for Fig.12 Schematic diagram of the local structure of the metal button assembled in the middle frame Figure 2 ;

[0061] Fig.17 for Fig.12 The metal buttons are mounted on Fig.11 The partial schematic diagram in the middle frame in .

[0062] Reference numerals:

[0063] 100- electronic equipment;

[0064] 1-middle frame; 101-middle plate; 102-frame; 11-first middle frame; 12-second middle frame; 13-key slot; 14-through hole;

[0065] 15-middle frame body; 151-installation port; 1511-first installation port; 1512-annular groove; 1513-second installation port; 1514-third installation port; 152-cavity; 153-avoidance groove; 16-metal middle frame; 17-plastic;

[0066] 18-blocking member; 181-assembly opening; 1811-first assembly opening; 1812-dirt storage tank; 1813-second assembly opening;

[0067] 2-rear cover; 3-display screen; 31-first display screen; 32-second display screen; 4-rotating shaft mechanism;

[0068] 5-metal functional part; 5a-card holder; 5b-metal button; 51-key cap; 511-metal key cap; 512-clamping part; 52-trigger; 53-fingerprint key; 54-volume key;

[0069] 6-button circuit board; 7-conducting part;

[0070] X-width direction; Y-length direction; Z-thickness direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] The terms used in the implementation section of this application are only used to explain the specific embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0072] To facilitate understanding, the relevant technical terms involved in the embodiments of the present application are first explained and illustrated.

[0073] Light metals refer to metals with a relative density of less than 5. Light metals are divided into two categories: non-ferrous light metals and rare light metals. Non-ferrous light metals include aluminum, magnesium, calcium, titanium, potassium, strontium, barium, etc. Aluminum, magnesium, titanium and their alloys have a relatively low relative density and high strength, and can be widely used in the manufacture of electronic equipment and other fields.

[0074] Heavy metals refer to metals with a relative density of more than 5. For example, heavy metals may include, but are not limited to, copper, lead, zinc, tin, nickel, cobalt, antimony, mercury, cadmium, and bismuth.

[0075] Galvanic corrosion, also known as contact corrosion, refers to the electrochemical corrosion caused by two different metals in contact with each other and in an electrolyte at the same time. Since they form a spontaneous battery, the more active metal and the anode metal are corroded.

[0076] An embodiment of the present application provides an electronic device, which may include but is not limited to a mobile phone, a tablet computer (i.e., a pad), a laptop computer, an ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), a handheld computer, a telephone watch, a walkie-talkie, a handheld terminal, and other electronic devices with a middle frame.

[0077] The structure of the electronic device of the present application is further described below by taking a mobile phone as an example.

[0078] Figures 1 to 3 Different configurations of electronic devices to which the present application is applicable are illustrated respectively. Specifically, the electronic device is a foldable electronic device. Figure 1 The figure shows the configuration of an electronic device in an intermediate state between a folded state and an unfolded state. Figure 2 The configuration of the electronic device in a folded state is shown. Figure 3 The electronic device is shown in a flattened configuration.

[0079] Combine the following Figures 1 to 3 The structure of the electronic device is described in detail. The electronic device 100 includes a hinge mechanism 4 and two middle frames 1, which are rotatably connected through the hinge mechanism 4. The two middle frames 1 are respectively a first middle frame 11 and a second middle frame 12. The first middle frame 11 and the second middle frame 12 are respectively connected to opposite sides of the hinge mechanism 4, so that the first middle frame 11 and the second middle frame 12 can rotate relative to each other around the hinge mechanism 4 to achieve flattening and folding of the electronic device 100.

[0080] The first middle frame 11 and the second middle frame 12 can be arranged along Figure 1 Move in the direction indicated by the arrow to achieve Figure 2 The folded state shown in . Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the electronic device 100 is in a folded state, the first middle frame 11 and the second middle frame 12 are stacked on top of each other.

[0081] The first middle frame 11 and the second middle frame 12 can be arranged along Figure 1 Move in the opposite direction of the arrow to achieve Figure 3 See the flattened state shown in . Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the electronic device 100 is in a flattened state, the first middle frame 11 and the second middle frame 12 are in the same plane.

[0082] Figure 4 Schematically shows Figure 3 The split structure of the electronic device 100 in FIG.

[0083] See also Figure 4 As shown, the middle frame 1 includes a middle plate 101 and a frame 102 connected to each other. The frame 102 is arranged around the peripheral edge of the middle plate 101 and together with the middle plate 101, constitutes the middle frame 1. The frame 102 is a square ring-shaped frame structure surrounded by a plurality of side frames. The portion of the frame 102 exposed on the outer surface of the electronic device 100 can form the appearance surface of the middle frame 1.

[0084] Continue to see Figure 4 , the electronic device 100 further includes a back cover 2, which can be covered on the first middle frame 11 to form a receiving cavity with the covered middle frame 1. Alternatively, the electronic device 100 may include two back covers 2, which are respectively covered on the first middle frame 11 and the second middle frame 12. The above two situations are not particularly limited in this application.

[0085] The structure of the electronic device 100 is further described below by taking the example that the rear cover 2 is covered on the first middle frame 11 .

[0086] Continue to see Figure 4 The electronic device 100 may further include a display screen 3, and the display screen 3 may include a first display screen 31, and the first display screen 31 may be a flexible display screen. The first display screen 31 may be simultaneously covered on the same side of the first middle frame 11 and the second middle frame 12, and distributed on two opposite sides of the first middle frame 11 with the back cover 2. When the electronic device 100 is in a folded state, the first display screen 31 is also in a folded state. When the electronic device 100 is in a flattened state, the first display screen 31 is also in a flattened state. In this way, the electronic device 100 can change the configuration by the relative rotation of the first middle frame 11 and the second middle frame 12, realize the conversion between the folded state and the flattened state, and can simultaneously meet the large display area of ​​the electronic device 100 and the convenient carrying of the user.

[0087] Continue to see Figure 4In some embodiments, in addition to the first display screen 31, the display screen 3 may further include a second display screen 32, and the second display screen 32 may be a rigid display screen. The second display screen 32 may be covered on a side of the second middle frame 12 opposite to the first display screen 31. The first display screen 31 and the second display screen 32 are both electrically connected to the circuit board inside the electronic device 100, and may be used to display various information and may also receive information input by the user.

[0088] It should be noted that the electronic device 100 may further include a middle frame 1, and the back cover 2 and the display screen 3 may be arranged on opposite sides of the middle frame 1 to form a non-foldable electronic device. In this case, the display screen 3 may only include a rigid display screen.

[0089] The structure of the electronic device 100 is further described below by taking a foldable electronic device as an example.

[0090] Continue to see Figure 4 , the electronic device 100 can also have a metal functional part 5. The metal functional part 5 includes a card tray 5a. A card slot (not shown) connected to the inside of the electronic device 100 can be provided on the appearance surface of the first middle frame 11, and the card tray 5a can be detachably assembled in the card slot. Similarly, the card tray 5a can also be assembled on the appearance surface of the second middle frame 12. The card tray 5a is used to place a subscriber identity module (Subscriber Identity Module, SIM) card tray 5a held by the user to realize the communication function of the electronic device 100.

[0091] Continue to see Figure 3 The metal functional part 5 also includes a key. To provide the electronic device 100 with a texture, the key is usually made of metal such as stainless steel. Such keys are collectively referred to as metal keys 5b below. The metal keys 5b include a volume key 54, a fingerprint key 53 or a power key (not shown).

[0092] The volume key 54 is used to adjust the volume of the electronic device 100. For example, the volume key 54 may be an integrated key having both volume increase and volume decrease functions. Alternatively, the electronic device 100 may include two separate volume keys 54, one of which is used to increase the volume, and the other is used to decrease the volume. The present application does not specifically limit the number of volume keys.

[0093] The fingerprint key 53 is used to identify the user's fingerprint to help realize functions such as unlocking the display screen 3 of the electronic device 100, quick payment, and encryption. In addition, the power key is used to control the power on and off of the electronic device 100. In some embodiments, the fingerprint key 53 and the power key can be two independent keys, or they can be integrated into a single key (such as Figure 4 and Figure 6As shown), the structure of the electronic device 100 can be simplified while realizing multiple functions.

[0094] The structure of the electronic device 100 is further described below by taking the fingerprint key 53 and the integrated volume key 54 as examples.

[0095] Continue to see Figure 4 Combined with Figure 2 , the fingerprint key 53 can be embedded in the appearance surface of the middle right frame of the first middle frame 11. The volume key 54 can be embedded in the appearance surface of the middle left frame of the second middle frame 12, and staggered with the fingerprint key 53 in the Y direction, so that when the electronic device 100 is in the folded state, the volume key 54 and the fingerprint key 53 can be staggered on the same side of the electronic device 100 to ensure the normal use of the two metal keys 5b. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the fingerprint key 53 and the volume key 54 can both be embedded in the middle right frame of the first middle frame 11.

[0096] Figure 5 The schematic diagram shows a partial cross-sectional view of a fingerprint key 53 in the related art assembled in an electronic device 100a. The cross-sectional position of the figure on the electronic device 100a can be seen in Figure 3 The aa direction is indicated in FIG.

[0097] See also Figure 5 As shown, the middle frame 1a is provided with a key slot 13 at the position corresponding to the fingerprint key 53, and the bottom of the key slot 13 has a through hole 14 connected to the inside of the electronic device 100a. The fingerprint key 53 includes a key cap 51 and a trigger member 52 connected to each other. The key cap 51 can be embedded in the key slot 13. The trigger member 52 is located on the side of the key cap 51 facing the through hole 14 and is installed in the through hole 14 to realize the assembly of the fingerprint key 53 on the electronic device 100a.

[0098] The electronic device 100a has a key circuit board 6 and a conductive member 7 at the corresponding fingerprint key 53. The key circuit board 6 is a flexible circuit board electrically connected to the circuit board of the electronic device 100a. The conductive member 7 may include but is not limited to a key shrapnel, which may also be called a pot piece. The conductive member 7 is arranged on the side of the key circuit board 6 facing the fingerprint key 53. When the user presses the keycap 51, the keycap 51 can move toward the inside of the electronic device 100a and drive the trigger member 52 to move in the same direction at the same time. In addition, during the movement of the trigger member 52, the conductive member 7 will be triggered, and the conductive member 7 will be forced to undergo elastic deformation toward one side of the key circuit board 6, so that the conductive member 7 is in contact with the key circuit board 6 and is conductive, thereby realizing the function of the fingerprint key 53.

[0099] Figure 6Schematically shows a partial cross-sectional view of a volume key 54 in the related art assembled in an electronic device 100a. The cross-sectional position of the figure on the electronic device 100a can be seen in Figure 2 The bb direction is indicated in the figure.

[0100] See also Figure 6 As shown, the volume key 54 also includes a key cap 51 and a trigger 52. The assembly of the volume key 54 in the middle frame 1a and the key principle can refer to the above description of the fingerprint key 53. The difference from the fingerprint key 53 is that the distance between the trigger 52 of the volume key 54 and the hole wall of the through hole 14 is usually smaller than the distance between the trigger 52 of the fingerprint key 53 and the hole wall of the through hole 14, so that the thickness of the middle frame 1a at the through hole 14 corresponding to the fingerprint key 53 is thinner.

[0101] Since the specific gravity of magnesium alloy is 68% of aluminum alloy, 27% of zinc alloy, and 23% of steel, the mass of magnesium alloy and aluminum alloy is relatively small, especially magnesium alloy. At present, light metals such as magnesium alloy and aluminum alloy are used in the relevant technology to make the metal middle frame 16. In addition, the plastic 17 is wrapped around the peripheral edge of the metal middle frame 16 to form a middle frame 1a in which the plastic 17 and the metal middle frame 16 are integrally connected, so as to reduce the weight of the middle frame 1a and achieve the purpose of reducing the overall weight of the electronic device 100a.

[0102] Compared with aluminum profiles or die-cast aluminum, the potential difference between magnesium alloy and the metal keys 5b is larger. When these metal keys 5b are assembled on the middle frame 1a made of magnesium alloy, and the electronic device 100a is in a humid environment such as salt spray or seaside, the middle frame 1a is prone to galvanic corrosion at the position where the key slot 13 and the through hole 14 match the metal keys 5b. Magnesium alloy will produce corrosion products of magnesium hydroxide during galvanic corrosion. The corrosion products accumulate in the key slot 13 and the through hole 14, which will cause the metal keys 5b to become stuck, malfunction, and have a bad feel, which will affect the normal use of the metal keys 5b.

[0103] When the corrosion degree becomes more and more serious, the corrosion products will enter the interior of the middle frame 1a along the through hole 14. Since the display screen 3 is arranged on the middle frame 1a, more and more corrosion products can easily lift up the display screen 3, causing the function and display failure of the display screen 3, seriously affecting the normal use of the electronic device 100a.

[0104] Therefore, how to prevent galvanic corrosion of the middle frame 1a becomes a technical problem to be solved.

[0105] Figure 7 A partial structural diagram of a metal button 5b and a middle frame 1 is shown.

[0106] See also Figure 7As shown, the embodiment of the present application provides a middle frame 1, which is applied to an electronic device 100. Through the arrangement of the middle frame body 15 and the barrier 18 of the middle frame 1, when the metal functional part 5 is assembled in the installation opening 151 of the middle frame body 15, it can be blocked between the metal functional part 5 and the middle frame body 15 by the barrier 18, so as to reduce the risk of galvanic corrosion of the middle frame body 15 at the joint with the metal functional part 5, and even avoid the risk of galvanic corrosion of the middle frame 1. Among them, the middle frame body 15 can be understood as the structure of the middle frame 1 except the barrier 18. Figure 7 The metal functional part 5 shown in the figure is a metal button 5b (not shown) mentioned above.

[0107] The type and structure of the electronic device 100 can be found in the above description, and will not be further described here. The matching part between the middle frame body 15 and the metal functional part 5 can be understood as the area of ​​the middle frame body 15 facing the metal functional part 5 at the installation opening 151. For example, the matching part between the middle frame body 15 and the metal button 5b can be understood as the area of ​​the middle frame body 15 facing the metal button 5b at the installation opening 151.

[0108] The structure of the middle frame 1 in the embodiment of the present application is further described below in conjunction with the drawings and embodiments.

[0109] Continue to see Figure 7 The middle frame 1 includes a middle frame body 15, which can be made of metal material. The middle frame body 15 has the same structure as the middle frame 1, and both include a middle plate 101 and a frame 102, which will not be described in detail.

[0110] Continue to see Figure 7 The middle frame body 15 has an installation opening 151 communicating with the outside, and the installation opening 151 is used to install the metal functional part 5 of the electronic device 100, so that the metal functional part 5 can be installed in the installation opening 151 and assembled on the middle frame body 15. The inner wall of the installation opening 151 faces the metal functional part 5.

[0111] Among them, the installation opening 151 can be located on the circumferential surface of the frame 102 away from the middle plate 101, so that when the metal functional part 5 is installed on the installation opening 151 through the installation opening 151, it can be exposed on the outer surface of the electronic device 100, which is conducive to realizing the function of the metal functional part 5.

[0112] Continue to see Figure 7The middle frame 1 further includes a barrier 18, which is disposed on at least part of the inner wall of the installation opening 151 and is used to separate the middle frame body 15 from the metal functional part 5. In this way, when the metal functional part 5 is assembled in the installation opening 151, due to the existence of the barrier 18, it can be blocked between the middle frame body 15 and at least part of the metal functional part 5, so as to avoid direct contact between the middle frame body 15 and the metal functional part 5, reduce the relative contact area between the middle frame body 15 and the metal functional part 5, thereby reducing the risk of galvanic corrosion at the matching point between the middle frame body 15 and the metal functional part 5, and even avoid galvanic corrosion at the matching point between the middle frame body 15 and the metal functional part 5, so as to ensure the normal use of the metal functional part 5 on the electronic device 100.

[0113] In addition, since the risk of galvanic corrosion of the middle frame body 15 is reduced or avoided, there are fewer or even no corrosion products of galvanic corrosion on the middle frame body 15. Therefore, through the provision of the barrier 18, the function and display failure of the display screen 3 due to galvanic corrosion of the middle frame body 15 can be effectively avoided, and the electronic device 100 with the middle frame 1 can be ensured to be in a humid environment such as salt spray and seaside, and the metal functional parts 5, the display screen 3 and the electronic device 100 can be used normally.

[0114] Since the metal button 5 b is a type of metal functional part 5, when the metal button 5 b is assembled at the installation opening 151 of the middle frame body 15, the relative contact area between the middle frame body 15 and the metal button 5 b can be reduced, thereby reducing the risk of galvanic corrosion at the fitting point between the middle frame body 15 and the metal button 5 b, and avoiding undesirable phenomena such as key jamming, functional failure, and poor hand feel of the metal button 5 b due to the accumulation of corrosion products in the installation opening 151, thereby ensuring the normal use of the metal button 5 b.

[0115] Furthermore, since the risk of galvanic corrosion occurring at the joint between the middle frame body 15 and the metal button 5b is reduced, the corrosion products produced by the galvanic corrosion of the middle frame body 15 are smaller. Therefore, the middle frame 1 of the embodiment of the present application can also avoid functional and display failure problems of the display screen 3 due to galvanic corrosion of the middle frame body 15.

[0116] The metal button 5b may include but is not limited to the fingerprint button 53, the volume button 54 or the power button mentioned above.

[0117] In addition to the metal button 5b, the middle frame 1 of the present application can also reduce the risk of galvanic corrosion at the fitting point between the middle frame body 15 and the card tray 5a or other metal functional parts 5, and even avoid the occurrence of galvanic corrosion.

[0118] The molding material of the middle frame body 15 includes light metal. Compared with heavy metal, the present application limits the molding material of the middle frame body 15 and can make a lighter middle frame body 15 by utilizing the relatively low density of light metal to achieve weight reduction of the middle frame 1, so as to meet the weight reduction requirements of the electronic device 100.

[0119] For example, the light metal may include magnesium alloy or other light metals with strength at least equal to that of magnesium alloy and active chemical properties. In this way, while reducing the weight of the middle frame 1, the risk of galvanic corrosion of the middle frame body 15 made of magnesium alloy or other light metals at the joint with the metal functional parts 5 such as the metal button 5b can be reduced, and galvanic corrosion of the middle frame body 15 at the joint with the metal functional parts 5 can be avoided.

[0120] In the present application, no further limitation is imposed on the material of the middle frame body 15. The structure of the middle frame 1 of the present application is further described below by taking magnesium alloy as an example.

[0121] Continue to see Figure 7 , the barrier 18 forms an assembly opening 181 at the installation opening 151 that matches the outer edge shape of the metal functional part 5. In other words, the assembly opening 181 is the same or similar to the outer edge shape of the metal functional part 5. The assembly opening 181 is configured to assemble at least part of the structure of the metal functional part 5, so that the barrier 18 can block between the metal functional part 5 and the middle frame body 15 while the metal functional part 5 is assembled on the middle frame 1 through the assembly opening 181.

[0122] It should be noted that the size of the assembly opening 181 is the same as or similar to the size of the key slot 13 in the above-mentioned related art, so as to ensure the smooth assembly of the metal functional part 5 .

[0123] Among them, the metal functional part 5 is one or more of the metal button 5b and the card tray 5a, so that when any one of the metal button 5b and the card tray 5a is assembled on the middle frame 1, it can also ensure the normal use of the metal button 5b and the card tray 5a when the electronic device 100 is in a humid environment such as salt spray and seaside.

[0124] The middle frame body 15 is provided with an installation opening 151 at each of the above-mentioned metal functional parts 5, and a barrier member 18 is provided on the inner wall of each installation opening 151, so that the metal functional parts 5 can be assembled in the corresponding installation opening 151 while ensuring the normal use of the above-mentioned metal functional parts 5 when the electronic device 100 is in a humid environment such as salt spray or seaside.

[0125] It should be noted that, when the metal functional part 5 is a card tray 5 a , the card tray 5 a can be completely located in the assembly opening 181 , and can be detachably assembled in the assembly opening 181 .

[0126] Figure 8 A partial structural diagram of the metal button 5b assembled on the middle frame is shown. Fig. 9 Indicated Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the internal partial cross-section of the metal key 5b in the cc direction.

[0127] See also Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, part of the structure of the metal key 5b can be assembled in the assembly opening 181, so that the metal key 5b can protrude from the middle frame 1 to facilitate pressing by the user.

[0128] The structure of the middle frame 1 of the present application is further described below by taking the metal button 5b as an example.

[0129] Continue to see Fig. 9 As shown, in some embodiments, the barrier 18 can be a plastic part, which is integrally formed with the middle frame body 15 to enhance the connection strength between the barrier 18 and the middle frame body 15 while enabling the barrier 18 to be better disposed at the inner wall of the mounting opening 151, so as to prevent the middle frame body 15 from directly contacting the metal functional part 5 through the barrier layer, thereby reducing the risk of galvanic corrosion at the mounting opening 151 of the middle frame body 15.

[0130] Exemplarily, the molding material of the plastic part may include but is not limited to polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC) or other plastic particles. Taking PC as an example, PC can be mixed with 20% glass fiber, formed at the installation port 151 by injection molding, and integrally connected with the middle frame body 15 to form the middle frame 1. Among them, 20% glass fiber means that the glass fiber accounts for 20% of the total mass of PC and glass fiber.

[0131] Since the density of the plastic particles is lower than that of light metal, the density of the plastic part is also lower than that of light metal. Therefore, by providing the barrier 18 , the weight of the middle frame 1 and the electronic device 100 can be further reduced.

[0132] Alternatively, in other embodiments, the barrier 18 may be formed on the inner wall of the installation opening 151 of the middle frame body 15 by spraying insulating paint, passivation liquid, or using physical vapor deposition (PVD) or other surface treatment methods. The barrier 18 formed on the inner wall of the installation opening 151 by such surface treatment methods can also improve the corrosion resistance of the middle frame body 15 at the installation opening 151 and reduce the risk of galvanic corrosion at the installation opening 151 of the middle frame body 15.

[0133] In the present application, the formation method of the barrier member 18 is not further limited.

[0134] The structure of the middle frame 1 of the present application is further described below by taking the barrier member 18 as a plastic member as an example.

[0135] Fig.10 Indicated Fig. 9 The partial cross-sectional diagram of the metal button 5b is omitted.

[0136] See also Fig.10 As shown, the blocking member 18 covers the inner wall of the first end (not shown) of the mounting opening 151 along the circumference of the mounting opening 151, and extends toward the second end (not shown) of the mounting opening 151 along the axial direction of the mounting opening 151. The first end is the end of the mounting opening 151 adjacent to the circumferential side wall of the middle frame body 15. Correspondingly, the second end is the end of the mounting opening 151 facing the geometric center of the middle frame body 15. The circumference of the mounting opening 151 may include Fig.11 Any direction in the plane formed by the Y direction and the Z direction in FIG. The axial direction of the mounting opening 151 can be seen from FIG. Fig.10 The X direction in .

[0137] By covering the inner wall of the mounting opening 151 at the first end along the circumference of the mounting opening 151 with the blocking member 18, the blocking member 18 can better cover the inner wall of the mounting opening 151 at the first end, so as to better block the middle frame body 15 and the metal functional part 5 in the circumference of the mounting opening 151.

[0138] By extending the blocking member 18 in the axial direction of the mounting opening 151, the blocking member 18 has a larger size in the axial direction of the mounting opening 151, which is beneficial to increase the blocking length of the blocking member 18 on the metal button 5b. The blocking member 18 blocks at least part of the matching portion between the metal functional part 5 and the middle frame body 15, so as to further reduce the risk of galvanic corrosion at the mounting opening 151 of the middle frame body 15, and even avoid galvanic corrosion at the mounting opening 151 of the middle frame body 15.

[0139] See again Fig. 9 As shown, in some embodiments, the extended end of the barrier 18 can be located at the junction of the second end and the first end of the installation opening, so that the barrier 18 can at least block the mating position between the metal keycap 511 of the metal key 5b and the middle frame body 15, thereby avoiding galvanic corrosion of the middle frame body 15 at the mating position with the metal keycap 511.

[0140] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the extended end of the barrier 18 can also be flush with the edge of the second end of the installation opening 151, so that the barrier 18 can block all the fitting locations between the metal functional part 5 and the middle frame body 15, thereby preventing galvanic corrosion from occurring at the fitting locations between the middle frame body 15 and the metal button 5b.

[0141] Continue to see Fig.10 In some embodiments, the barrier 18 can also be wrapped around the peripheral edge of the middle frame body 15 and extend along the surface of the middle frame body 15 toward the inside of the installation opening 151, so that the barrier 18 can be set on at least part of the inner wall of the installation opening 151, and an integrated middle frame wrapped by the barrier 18 can be formed on the peripheral side of the middle frame body 15. In this way, the plastic particles have a lower density than light metals such as magnesium alloys, and the weight of the middle frame 1 can be further reduced.

[0142] Continue to see Fig.10 The thickness d1 of the barrier 18 in the mounting opening 151 is smaller than the thickness d2 of the barrier 18 at the peripheral edge of the mounting opening 151, so that when the barrier 18 is injection-molded on at least a portion of the inner wall of the mounting opening 151, the middle frame body 15 has sufficient thickness at the mounting opening 151 to ensure the structural strength of the middle frame body 15 at the mounting opening 151.

[0143] Alternatively, in other embodiments, the blocking member 18 may also be disposed only on the inner wall of the installation opening 151 .

[0144] The structure of the middle frame 1 of the present application is further described below by taking the integrated middle frame wrapped by the barrier member 18 as an example.

[0145] To ensure that the size of the assembly opening 181 is the same as the size of the key slot 13 in the above-mentioned related technology, during the manufacturing process of the middle frame body 15, at least part of the size of the installation opening 151 of the middle frame body 15 needs to be at least larger than the size of the above-mentioned key slot 13, so as to sacrifice the thickness of the middle frame body 15 at the installation opening 151 and realize the setting of the barrier 18 on the inner wall of the installation opening 151.

[0146] Continue to see Fig.10 , the thickness d1 of the barrier 18 in the installation opening 151 can be greater than or equal to 0.25 mm, so as to ensure that the plastic particles can be fully injected on the inner wall of the installation opening 151 during the injection molding process, which can not only ensure that the barrier 18 has a sufficient thickness, which is conducive to enhancing the barrier effect of the barrier 18, but also avoid the omitted injection molding area on the inner wall of the installation opening 151 due to the thickness of the barrier 18 being too thin. For example, the thickness d1 of the barrier 18 at the installation opening 151 can be 0.25 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.4 mm, etc.

[0147] Continue to see Fig.10 , the thickness d3 of the middle frame body 15 at the installation opening 151 may be greater than or equal to 0.4 mm to ensure that the middle frame body 15 has sufficient thickness and structural strength at the installation opening 151. For example, the thickness d3 of the middle frame body 15 at the installation opening 151 may be 0.4 mm, 0.45 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.55 mm, etc.

[0148] Continue to see Fig.10 Combined with Fig. 9 As shown, the mounting opening 151 includes a first mounting opening 1511 on the circumferential side wall of the middle frame body 15. The first mounting opening 1511 can be a slot body on the middle frame body 15, and the slot body is an oblong structure. One end where the first mounting opening 1511 is located can form the first end of the mounting opening 151. The barrier 18 is arranged on at least part of the inner wall of the first mounting opening 1511. The assembly opening 181 includes a first assembly opening 1811 (not marked). The first assembly opening 1811 is located in the first mounting opening 1511 and is used to assemble a part of the metal keycap 511 in the metal key 5b. The first assembly opening 1811 can be an oblong assembly opening with the same shape as the first mounting opening 1511. The size of the first assembly opening 1811 is the same as or similar to the size of the above-mentioned key slot 13.

[0149] In this way, when the metal key 5b is assembled in the assembly opening 181, part of the structure of the metal key 5b is located in the first assembly opening 1811, and another part of the structure can protrude from the middle frame 1, so that part of the structure of the metal key cap 511 is embedded in the first assembly opening 1811 to facilitate user pressing.

[0150] Furthermore, due to the provision of the barrier 18 , the contact between the metal keycap 511 and the middle frame body 15 can be completely blocked, so as to avoid galvanic corrosion at the mating point (the first assembly opening 1811 ) between the middle frame body 15 and the metal keycap 511 .

[0151] Continue to see Fig.10 Combined with Fig. 9 , the axial direction of the first mounting opening 1511 is the same as the moving direction of the metal keycap 511 in the first mounting opening 1511. The axial direction of the first mounting opening 1511 can refer to the X direction. In this way, when the user presses the metal keycap 511, the metal keycap 511 can move in the first mounting opening 1511 along the X direction toward the inside of the middle frame body 15, so as to drive the trigger member 52 of the metal key 5b to move in the X direction toward the inside of the middle frame body 15 at the same time. In this way, through the movement of the trigger member 52, the conductive member 7 can be compressed, so that the conductive member 7 is elastically deformed toward one side of the key circuit board 6 and is connected to the key circuit board 6, thereby realizing the function of the metal key 5b.

[0152] The trigger member 52 may be a block structure or a columnar structure connected to the metal key cap 511. In the present application, the structure of the trigger member 52 is not further limited.

[0153] Continue to see Fig.10, a cavity 152 for mounting the key circuit board 6 is further provided in the middle frame body 15. The cavity 152 is located on the side of the first mounting opening 1511 facing the inside of the middle frame body 15, and is communicated with the first mounting opening 1511. The key circuit board 6 is assembled in the cavity 152, and the conductive member 7 is located on the side of the key circuit board 6 facing the trigger member 52. The structures of the key circuit board 6 and the conductive member 7 can be referred to the relevant description above, and will not be repeated here.

[0154] In the axial direction (X direction) of the first mounting port 1511, the size of the first assembly port 1811 (not marked) is greater than or equal to the sum of the size of the metal keycap 511 in the first assembly port 1811 and the moving stroke, so as to ensure that when the metal keycap 511 moves in the first assembly port 1811, the barrier 18 can be blocked between the metal keycap 511 and the middle frame body 15, so as to avoid galvanic corrosion at the mating point of the middle frame body 15 with the metal keycap 511.

[0155] Continue to see Fig.10 In some embodiments, an annular groove 1512 may be formed on the inner wall of the first installation opening 1511. Part of the structure of the barrier 18 may be embedded in the annular groove 1512 and surround the first assembly opening 1811 (not shown). In this way, when the strength of the middle frame 1 at the first installation opening 1511 is redundant, the barrier 18 and the middle frame body 15 can share a part of the thickness through the provision of the annular groove 1512 without affecting the thickness and strength of the middle frame body 15 at the first installation opening 1511, so that there is enough assembly space in the first assembly opening 1811 to ensure the smooth assembly and pressing of the metal button 5b in the first assembly opening 1811.

[0156] Continue to see Fig.10 , the blocking member 18 can be flush with the inner wall of the first installation opening 1511, and the annular groove 1512 extends on the inner wall of the first installation opening 1511 toward the side of the geometric center of the middle frame body 15. The side of the inner wall of the first installation opening 1511 toward the geometric center of the middle frame body 15 can be understood as the second end of the installation opening 151. In this way, the metal button 5b can be smoothly assembled and pressed in the first assembly opening 1811, and the axial size of the first assembly opening 1811 in the first installation opening 1511 can be increased, which is conducive to increasing the blocking length of the blocking member 18 on the metal button 5b and enhancing the blocking effect of the blocking member 18 on the metal button 5b.

[0157] It should be noted that Figure 8 and Fig.10 The installation opening 151 on the middle frame 1 shown in the figure can be used to assemble the fingerprint key 53 in the metal key 5b.

[0158] Fig.11The schematic diagram of the structure of a middle frame 1 is shown schematically, and the middle frame 1 shows another installation opening 151 different from the middle frame 1, so as to assemble another metal key 5b in the electronic device 100. For example, Fig.11 The mounting opening 151 shown in the figure can be used to assemble the volume key 54 in the metal key 5b. Fig.12 A volume key 54 and Fig.11 The schematic diagram of the structure of the middle frame in FIG. And, Fig.12 The illustrated volume key 54 is an integrated key.

[0159] The structure of the middle frame 1 is further described below by taking the volume key 54 as an example.

[0160] Fig.13 Indicated Fig.11 A partial cross-sectional diagram of the middle frame 1 in the AA direction, Fig.14 Indicated Fig.12 A schematic diagram of a local structure in which the metal button 5b is assembled on the middle frame 1. Fig.14 A cross-sectional view of the metal key 5 b where the key cap 511 is not provided with the trigger member 52 is shown. The position of the cross-section on the middle frame 1 can be seen in the above-mentioned AA direction.

[0161] See also Figures 11 to 13 As shown, in other embodiments, the barrier 18 may also be coated on the inner wall of the first installation opening 1511 to form a first assembly opening 1811, so that the barrier 18 completely blocks the inner wall of the first installation opening 1511. Fig.14 As shown, when the metal key 5b is assembled in the first assembly opening 1811, the barrier 18 can completely block the metal keycap 511 from the middle frame body 15 to avoid galvanic corrosion at the mating position of the middle frame body 15 and the metal keycap 511.

[0162] Fig.15 Indicated Fig.11 A schematic diagram of a partial cross section of the middle frame 1 in the BB direction. Fig.16 Indicated Fig.12 Another partial structural schematic diagram of the metal button 5b in the middle frame 1 is shown. Fig.16 A cross-sectional view of the metal button 5b at the trigger member 52 is shown. The position of the cross-section on the middle frame 1 can be seen in the BB direction mentioned above.

[0163] See also Fig.15 and Fig.16As shown, a dirt storage groove 1812 is provided on the side wall of the first assembly opening 1811. The number of the dirt storage grooves 1812 may be one or at least two. At least two dirt storage grooves 1812 may be distributed on two opposite side walls of the first assembly opening 1811. The metal button 5b may bring dust into the first assembly opening 1811 after being pressed. In this way, by setting the dirt storage groove 1812, the dust brought into the first assembly opening 1811 can be collected to prevent the dust from entering the interior of the electronic device 100 and affecting the use of the electronic device 100.

[0164] Continue to see Fig.16 , the first assembly opening 1811 is configured to limit the movement of the metal keycap 511. Through the provision of the first assembly opening 1811, on the basis of realizing the assembly of the metal keycap 511 in the middle frame body 15, when the metal keycap 511 is pressed and moves toward the inside of the middle frame body 15 in the first assembly opening 1811, the bottom wall of the first assembly opening 1811 can abut against the metal keycap 511 to limit the movement of the metal keycap 511 in the first assembly opening 1811, thereby preventing the user from over-pressing the metal keycap 511.

[0165] Continue to see Fig.16 When the metal keycap 511 is assembled in the first assembly opening 1811, the distance between the metal keycap 511 and the bottom wall of the first assembly opening 1811 is equal to the movement stroke of the metal keycap 511 in the first assembly opening 1811, so that when the metal keycap 511 moves into position in the first assembly opening 1811, it can just abut against the bottom wall of the first assembly opening 1811. In this application, the movement stroke of the metal keycap 511 in the first assembly opening 1811 is not further described, and reference may be made to the relevant settings in existing mobile phones.

[0166] It should be noted that the annular groove 1512 can exist alone in one installation opening 151. Alternatively, the annular groove 1512 and the dirt storage groove 1812 can also exist in the same installation opening 151 at the same time.

[0167] Continue to see Fig.16 The mounting opening 151 further includes a second mounting opening 1513. The second mounting opening 1513 is located on the bottom wall of the first mounting opening 1511, and the first mounting opening 1511 is connected to the cavity 152 through the second mounting opening 1513. The second mounting opening 1513 is configured to assemble a part of the triggering member 52 in the metal key 5b, so that when the metal keycap 511 is pressed, the triggering member 52 can be driven to move toward one side of the cavity 152 in the second mounting opening 1513, and compress the conductive member 7, so that the conductive member 7 is connected to the key circuit board 6, thereby realizing the function of the metal key 5b.

[0168] Continue to see Fig.16The diameter of the second installation opening 1513 is smaller than that of the first installation opening 1511, so that the conductive member 7 can be installed in the second installation opening 1513 to be conductive with the key circuit board 6, and the opening area on the middle frame body 15 can be reduced, which is beneficial to enhancing the structural strength of the middle frame 1 at the installation opening 151.

[0169] The axial direction of the second installation opening 1513 is parallel to the axial direction of the first installation opening 1511, and both can refer to the above-mentioned X direction. In this way, when the metal keycap 511 is pressed and moves in the first installation opening 1511, it can drive the trigger member 52 to move along the axial direction of the second installation opening 1513 toward one side of the cavity 152, thereby realizing the function of the metal key 5b and simplifying the structure of the installation opening 151 and the metal key 5b.

[0170] There may be one or two second installation openings 1513 , so as to realize the assembly of different types of metal buttons 5 b on the middle frame 1 .

[0171] The structure of the installation openings 151 of the middle frame body 15 at different metal buttons 5 b will be further described below in combination with the assembly of different types of metal buttons 5 b in the assembly openings 181 .

[0172] In some embodiments, the assembly opening 181 can be constructed to assemble the fingerprint key 53 in the metal key 5b, so as to realize the assembly of the fingerprint key 53 on the middle frame body 15 while reducing the risk of galvanic corrosion at the joint between the middle frame body 15 and the fingerprint key 53.

[0173] See again Figure 7 As shown, the fingerprint key 53 (not shown) further includes two clamping parts 512, and the two clamping parts 512 can be distributed on both sides of the trigger member 52. When the metal keycap 511 is assembled in the first assembly port 1811, the two clamping parts 512 and the trigger member 52 can be installed in the second installation port 1513 and extend into the cavity 152 of the middle frame body 15. The trigger member 52 contacts the conductive member 7, and the two clamping parts 512 are clamped with the cavity 152 wall of the cavity 152 to realize the assembly of the fingerprint key 53 on the middle frame body 15.

[0174] When the metal key 5b is a fingerprint key 53, since the fingerprint key 53 has one trigger member 52, the second installation opening 1513 is also one. The trigger member 52 may include a metal trigger member or a non-metal trigger member, and the material of the trigger member 52 of the fingerprint key 53 is not further limited in the present application.

[0175] Taking the metal trigger as an example, the structure of the mounting opening 151 of the middle frame body 15 at the fingerprint key 53 is further described.

[0176] See again Fig.10, because the middle frame body 15 has a avoidance groove 153 for avoiding the display screen 3 (not shown) at the installation opening 151 corresponding to the fingerprint key 53, and the avoidance groove 153 is adjacent to the second installation opening 1513 and the side where the first installation opening 1511 and the second installation opening 1513 are connected in the Z direction. This will result in a smaller thickness of the middle frame body 15 at the avoidance groove 153, making it difficult to inject and wrap the barrier 18 on the inner wall of the installation opening 151 corresponding to the avoidance groove 153.

[0177] In order to facilitate the arrangement of the fingerprint key 53 in the installation opening 151, a large assembly gap needs to be reserved between the trigger member 52 of the fingerprint key 53 and the inner wall of the installation opening 151. Although there is no barrier member 18 on the inner wall of the installation opening 151 corresponding to the avoidance groove 153, due to the existence of the assembly gap, the risk of galvanic corrosion between the middle frame body 15 and the trigger member 52 at the installation opening 151 is low. Therefore, when the fingerprint key 53 is assembled on the middle frame body 15 of the present application, the risk of galvanic corrosion between the middle frame body 15 and the fingerprint key 53 can also be reduced by only setting the barrier member 18 on the first installation opening 1511.

[0178] The annular groove 1512 may be formed on the inner wall of the first mounting opening 1511 of the middle frame body 15 corresponding to the fingerprint key 53 .

[0179] In some embodiments, the middle frame 1 may further include a protective layer (not shown), which is located on the side of the barrier 18 facing the second installation opening 1513 and covers a portion of the inner wall of the installation opening 151. The protective layer is configured to enclose an assembly hole (not shown) for assembling the trigger member 52, so that the protective layer can protect the matching portion between the middle frame body 15 and the trigger member 52, so as to further reduce the risk of galvanic corrosion at the matching portion between the middle frame body 15 and the trigger member 52.

[0180] The protective layer may include a passivation layer or an insulating paint layer, so that the protective layer is formed by spraying a passivation liquid or an insulating paint on a portion of the inner wall of the installation opening 151. In the process of forming the protective layer, a passivation liquid or an insulating paint that can protect light metals such as magnesium alloys in the prior art can be selected to form a corresponding protective layer. In the present application, the type of the passivation liquid or the insulating paint and the thickness of the protective layer are not further limited.

[0181] Alternatively, the protective layer may also be formed by electroplating or vapor deposition. In the present application, the method for forming the protective layer is not further limited.

[0182] See again Fig.12In other embodiments, the assembly port 181 can also be constructed to assemble the volume key 54 (not marked) in the metal button 5b, so as to realize the assembly of the volume key 54 on the middle frame body 15 while reducing the risk of galvanic corrosion at the fitting point between the middle frame body 15 and the volume key 54.

[0183] See again Fig.11 and Fig.12 , the volume key 54 has two trigger members 52, and the two trigger members 52 are connected to the two ends of the metal keycap 511. Therefore, there are also two second mounting openings 1513. The two second mounting openings 1513 are distributed on both sides of the first mounting opening 1511 along the length direction of the first mounting opening 1511. The length direction of the first mounting opening 1511 can refer to the Y direction. Through the setting of the two mounting openings 151, the two trigger members 52 can be respectively assembled in one second mounting opening 1513.

[0184] Fig.17 Schematically shows Fig.12 The metal button 5b is mounted on Fig.11 A partial schematic diagram in the middle frame in FIG.

[0185] See also Fig.17 As shown, a key circuit board 6 and a conducting member 7 are disposed in the cavity 152 of the middle frame body 15 at the position corresponding to the trigger member 52. In this way, when the user presses any side of the key cap 51, the contacted conducting member 7 can be connected to the key circuit board 6 through a trigger member 52, thereby achieving up or down volume adjustment.

[0186] See again Fig.11 and Fig.12 , the volume key 54 also includes two clamping parts 512. The difference from the fingerprint key 53 is that the mounting port 151 also includes a second third mounting port 151, and the two third mounting ports 1514 are located on the bottom wall of the first mounting port 1511 and are distributed on opposite sides of the two second mounting ports 1513. When the metal keycap 511 is assembled in the first assembly port 1811, the two clamping parts 512 can be installed in the corresponding third mounting port 1514 and clamped with the middle frame body 15. The trigger member 52 can be installed in the corresponding second mounting port 1513, and extend into the cavity 152 of the middle frame body 15, and contact the conductive member 7 to realize the assembly of the fingerprint key 53 on the middle frame body 15.

[0187] A mounting groove (not shown) may also be provided on the bottom wall of the first mounting opening 1511 , and the mounting groove is located between the two second mounting openings 1513 , so that the metal keycap 511 can be fixed in the mounting groove by an elastic structure such as foam while being snap-fitted to the middle frame body 15 .

[0188] The trigger member 52 of the volume key 54 may include a metal trigger member or a non-metal trigger member. In the present application, no further limitation is made on the manufacturing material of the trigger member 52 of the volume key 54.

[0189] Also taking the metal trigger as an example, the structure of the mounting opening 151 of the middle frame body 15 at the fingerprint key 53 is further described.

[0190] See again Fig.15 and Fig.16 , the blocking member 18 can extend along the inner wall of the first installation opening 1511 to the edge of the second installation opening 1513. That is, the inner wall of the first installation opening 1511 can include the side wall and the bottom wall of the first installation opening 1511. The end where the second installation opening 1513 is located forms the second end of the installation opening 151. When the blocking member 18 extends to the edge of the second installation opening 1513, the extended end of the blocking member 18 is flush with the edge of the installation opening 151 at the second end, so that the blocking member 18 can completely block the inner walls of the first installation opening 1511 and the second installation opening 1513.

[0191] The dirt storage groove 1812 is also assembled on the side wall of the first assembly port 1811. The number and location of the dirt storage grooves 1812 can refer to the relevant description above and will not be further described here. The annular groove 1512 can also be formed on the inner wall of the first mounting port 1511 of the middle frame body 15 corresponding to the volume key 54. When the volume key 54 is pressed, the metal keycap 511 of the volume key 54 can abut against the bottom wall of the first assembly port 1811 to limit the movement of the metal keycap 511 in the first assembly port 1811.

[0192] See again Fig.16 , the assembly opening 181 also includes a second assembly opening 1813. The second assembly opening 1813 is located in the second installation opening 1513 and is used to assemble the trigger member 52. In this way, when the volume key 54 is assembled in the assembly opening 181, the volume key 54 can be completely blocked from the middle frame body 15 by the barrier 18, so as to reduce the risk of galvanic corrosion between the middle frame body 15 and the metal keycap 511 and the metal keycap 511.

[0193] The axial direction of the second assembly opening 1813 is the same as the moving direction of the trigger member 52 in the second assembly opening 1513 , which can be referred to as the X direction mentioned above. This makes it easier for the trigger member 52 to move in the first assembly opening 1811 .

[0194] See again Fig.16In the axial direction of the second assembly opening 1813, the size of the second assembly opening 1813 is greater than or equal to the sum of the size of the trigger member 52 in the second assembly opening 1813 and the moving stroke, so as to ensure that when the trigger member 52 moves in the second assembly opening 1813, the blocking member 18 can be blocked between the trigger member 52 and the middle frame body 15, so as to avoid galvanic corrosion at the mating point of the middle frame body 15 with the trigger member 52.

[0195] It should be noted that, since the trigger member 52 and the metal key cap 511 move simultaneously, the movement stroke of the trigger member 52 in the second assembly opening 1813 is equal to the movement stroke of the metal key cap 511 in the first assembly opening 1811 .

[0196] On the basis of the above, the electronic device 100 provided in the embodiment of the present application includes a metal functional part 5 and the above-mentioned middle frame 1. At least part of the structure of the metal functional part 5 is located in the installation opening 151 of the middle frame 1, so that while the metal functional part 5 is assembled in the middle frame 1, the risk of galvanic corrosion occurring at the joint between the middle frame 1 and the metal functional part 5 can be reduced, so as to ensure the normal use of the metal functional part 5, the display screen 3 and the electronic device 100 when the electronic device 100 is in a humid environment such as salt spray or seaside.

[0197] As described above, there is a gap between the metal functional component 5 and the barrier 18 of the installation opening 151 , so as to facilitate the assembly of the metal functional component 5 in the first assembly opening 1811 formed by the barrier 18 .

[0198] The electronic device 100 may be a foldable electronic device or a non-foldable electronic device. When the electronic device 100 is a foldable electronic device, the electronic device 100 may include two rotatably connected middle frames 1. When the electronic device 100 is a non-foldable electronic device, the electronic device 100 may have only one middle frame 1. In the present application, the type of the electronic device 100 is not further limited.

[0199] It should be noted that other structures of the electronic device 100 can refer to the relevant description above and will not be further elaborated here.

[0200] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, or it can be an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0201] The terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. (if any) in the description and claims of the embodiments of the present application and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

Claims

1. A middle frame, applied to electronic equipment, characterized in that: include: A middle frame body and a barrier, wherein the middle frame body is made of metal material and has an installation opening connected to the outside, wherein the installation opening is used to install metal functional parts of the electronic device, and the inner wall of the installation opening faces the metal functional parts; the barrier is arranged on at least a portion of the inner wall of the installation opening to separate the middle frame body from the metal functional parts.

2. The middle frame according to claim 1, characterized in that: The molding material of the middle frame body includes light metal.

3. The middle frame according to claim 2, characterized in that: The light metal includes a magnesium alloy.

4. The middle frame according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The blocking member covers the inner wall of the mounting opening at the first end along the circumference of the mounting opening and extends toward the second end of the mounting opening along the axial direction of the mounting opening. The first end is an end of the mounting opening adjacent to the circumferential side wall of the middle frame body.

5. The middle frame according to claim 4, characterized in that: The extended end of the blocking member is flush with the edge of the second end of the installation opening.

6. The middle frame according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The barrier member is a plastic member, and the plastic member is integrally formed with the middle frame body.

7. The middle frame according to claim 6, characterized in that: The blocking member is also wrapped around the peripheral edge of the middle frame body and extends along the surface of the middle frame body toward the inside of the installation opening.

8. The middle frame according to claim 7, characterized in that: The thickness of the barrier member in the installation opening is smaller than the thickness of the barrier member at the peripheral edge of the installation opening.

9. The middle frame according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The barrier member forms an assembly opening at the installation opening which is matched with the outer edge shape of the metal functional part, and the assembly opening is configured to assemble at least a part of the structure of the metal functional part.

10. The middle frame according to claim 9, characterized in that: The metal functional part is one or more of a metal button and a card tray.

11. The middle frame according to claim 10, characterized in that: The mounting opening includes a first mounting opening on a circumferential side wall of the middle frame body, and the blocking member is arranged on at least a portion of an inner wall of the first mounting opening; The assembly opening includes a first assembly opening, which is located in the first installation opening and is used to assemble a portion of the metal keycap in the metal key.

12. The middle frame according to claim 11, characterized in that: The axial direction of the first installation opening is the same as the moving direction of the metal keycap in the first installation opening; In the axial direction of the first installation opening, the size of the first assembly opening is greater than or equal to the sum of the size of the metal keycap in the first assembly opening and the moving stroke.

13. The middle frame according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that: An annular groove is formed on the inner wall of the first installation opening, and a partial structure of the blocking member is embedded in the annular groove to surround the first assembly opening.

14. The middle frame according to claim 13, characterized in that: The blocking member is flush with the inner wall of the first installation opening, and the annular groove extends on the inner wall of the first installation opening toward one side of the geometric center of the middle frame body.

15. The middle frame according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that: The blocking member is coated on the inner wall of the first installation opening to form the first assembly opening, and the inner wall of the first assembly opening is provided with a dirt storage groove; The first assembly opening is configured to limit a movement stroke of the metal key cap.

16. The middle frame according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that: The installation opening further includes a second installation opening, and the second installation opening is located on the bottom wall of the first installation opening; The first mounting opening is communicated with a cavity in the middle frame body for mounting a key circuit board through the second mounting opening, and the second mounting opening is configured to assemble a part of the triggering member in the metal key.

17. The middle frame according to claim 16, characterized in that: The diameter of the second mounting opening is smaller than that of the first mounting opening, and the axial direction of the second mounting opening is parallel to the axial direction of the first mounting opening.

18. The middle frame according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that: The assembly opening is configured to assemble a fingerprint key in the metal key.

19. The middle frame according to claim 18, characterized in that: It also includes a protective layer, which is located on the side of the blocking member facing the second installation opening and covers a portion of the inner wall of the installation opening. The protective layer is constructed to surround an assembly hole for assembling the trigger member.

20. The middle frame according to claim 19, characterized in that: The protective layer includes a passivation layer or an insulating varnish layer.

21. The middle frame according to any one of claims 16 or 17, characterized in that: The assembly opening is configured to assemble a volume button in the metal button.

22. The middle frame according to claim 21, characterized in that: The blocking member extends along the inner wall of the first installation opening to the edge of the second installation opening; The assembly opening further includes a second assembly opening, which is located inside the second installation opening and is used for assembling the trigger member.

23. The middle frame according to claim 22, characterized in that: The axial direction of the second assembly opening is the same as the moving direction of the trigger member in the second installation opening; In the axial direction of the second assembly opening, the size of the second assembly opening is greater than or equal to the sum of the size of the trigger member in the second assembly opening and the moving stroke.

24. The middle frame according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that: The thickness of the blocking member in the installation opening is greater than or equal to 0.25 mm, and the thickness of the middle frame body at the installation opening is greater than or equal to 0.4 mm.

25. The middle frame according to any one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that: The middle frame body comprises a middle plate and a frame, the frame is arranged around the peripheral edge of the middle plate, and the mounting opening is located on the peripheral surface of the frame away from the middle plate.

26. An electronic device, characterized in that: It comprises a metal functional part and a middle frame as described in any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein at least a part of the structure of the metal functional part is located in a mounting opening of the middle frame.

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