Middle frame assembly and electronic equipment

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a middle frame assembly and electronic equipment, the middle frame assembly comprises a middle frame body and a supporting piece, the middle frame body is provided with a mounting notch, the supporting piece is arranged in the mounting notch, the supporting piece is connected with the middle frame body, and the supporting piece is provided with a first insertion hole. According to the middle frame assembly, the strength of the supporting piece can be improved, and the risk that the supporting piece is broken is reduced.

Description

Midframe components and electronic devices

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on January 20, 2023, with application number 202310101329.6 and application name “Mid-frame assembly and electronic device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of electronic devices, and in particular to a middle frame assembly and an electronic device. Background Art

[0003] Flexible screen technology is becoming increasingly mature, and its applications are becoming more widespread. Electronic devices can use flexible screens to make them foldable, with larger screens and a more open viewing experience.

[0004] Foldable electronic devices are becoming increasingly thinner and lighter for portability. However, this thin design reduces the strength of the USB beam (also known as the support member) of the foldable electronic device, increasing the risk of the USB beam breaking when the foldable electronic device is plugged in or unplugged for charging.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The embodiments of the present application provide a middle frame assembly and an electronic device, which can improve the strength of the support member and reduce the risk of the support member breaking.

[0007] In the first aspect, an embodiment of the present application proposes a middle frame assembly for use in electronic equipment. The middle frame assembly includes a middle frame body and a support member. The middle frame body has a mounting notch. The support member is disposed within the mounting notch and is connected to the middle frame body. The support member has a first jack for the connector to enter and exit. The middle frame assembly provided in the present application includes a middle frame body and a support member, which are two separable parts. In this way, the middle frame body and the support member can be made of different materials, and the support member can be made of a material with a compressive strength greater than that of the middle frame body. In this way, by selecting a support member with higher strength, the strength of the support member can be increased to reduce the risk of the electronic device breaking at the support member.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the middle frame assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application includes at least one first mounting portion on the middle frame body and at least one second mounting portion on the support member, with the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion connected in a one-to-one correspondence. The first mounting portion and the second mounting portion provide connection locations for the middle frame body and the support member, thereby facilitating connection between the middle frame body and the support member by connecting the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the middle frame assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application has a support member having a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end being arranged opposite each other along an extension direction of the support member, the extension direction of the support member being perpendicular to the insertion direction of the plug-in component into the first receptacle, the second mounting portion being located at the first end, and the first mounting portion forming a first inner sidewall of the mounting notch facing the end surface of the support member. This prevents the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion from interfering with the insertion and exit of the plug-in component into the first receptacle of the support member.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the middle frame assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application has a mounting notch with a second inner sidewall, the first inner sidewall and the second inner sidewall facing each other, and a gap between the second end and the second inner sidewall. Thus, the gap provides a clear area for the antenna of the electronic device.

[0011] In a possible implementation, in the middle frame assembly provided in the embodiment of the present application, the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are welded or bonded.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the middle frame assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application further includes a first connector, wherein the first mounting portion has a first connector position, and the second mounting portion has a second connector position, and the first connector position and the second connector position are connected via the first connector. Thus, the second mounting portion and the first mounting portion are more securely connected.

[0013] In a possible implementation, in the middle frame assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application, the first connecting member is a rivet, and the first connecting position and the second connecting position are first connecting holes;

[0014] Alternatively, the first connecting member is a screw, one of the first connecting position and the second connecting position is a second connecting hole, and the other is a threaded hole matching the screw.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the middle frame assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application includes a positioning member on at least one of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion, the positioning member being used to limit the relative mounting position between the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion. By limiting the relative mounting position of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion using the positioning member, the support member can be quickly placed in a pre-set mounting position within the middle frame body. This reduces the time required to adjust the mounting position between the support member and the middle frame body when connecting them, thereby improving the installation efficiency of the support member and the middle frame body.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the middle frame assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application comprises a positioning step as the positioning member. The positioning step is located on one of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion, and the positioning step has a step bottom surface and a step side surface. The surface of the other of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion abuts the step bottom surface, and the end surface of the other of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion opposite the step side surface abuts the step side surface. By providing the positioning step on one of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion, the installation position between the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion is restricted. This makes operation more convenient. The positioning step can also serve to support the other of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion.

[0017] In a possible implementation, in the middle frame assembly provided in the embodiment of the present application, the bottom surface of the step is parallel to the plugging direction of the plug-in component in the first plug hole.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the middle frame assembly provided in the embodiment of the present application has a first pressing portion and a second pressing portion on the support member, and the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion are located on the side of the support member facing the installation notch; the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion are respectively located on both sides of the first insertion hole.

[0019] In one possible implementation, in the middle frame assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application, the first pressing portion is located on the second mounting portion, and the first pressing portion abuts against a side surface of one of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion. This allows the support member to be placed in a pre-set mounting position on the middle frame body. Accordingly, the first connection point and the second connection point are connected, thereby facilitating connection between the middle frame body and the support member via the first connection member.

[0020] In a possible implementation, in the middle frame assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application, the middle frame body includes a middle plate and a frame, the middle plate is connected to the frame, and the mounting notch is provided on the frame.

[0021] In a possible implementation, in the middle frame assembly provided in the embodiment of the present application, the support member is a metal injection molded part.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the middle frame assembly provided in the embodiment of the present application further includes a second connecting member, the supporting member and the middle frame body are connected by the second connecting member, and the second connecting member covers the supporting member and a portion of the middle frame body.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the second connector of the middle frame assembly provided in the embodiment of the present application is an injection-molded plastic part. The second connector formed by the injection molding process has a relatively uniform thickness, which can achieve a seamless connection between the support member and the middle frame body and also helps reduce the weight of the electronic device.

[0024] In one possible implementation, in the middle frame assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application, a portion of the second connector covers the inner wall of the first socket to form the second socket. The second connector protects the support member to prevent the connector of the connector from contacting the support member.

[0025] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides an electronic device, comprising a display screen and any one of the middle frame assemblies provided in the first aspect, wherein the display screen is located on one side of the middle frame assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device in a folded state provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device in an intermediate state provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device in an unfolded state provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] FIG4 is an exploded view of FIG3 ;

[0030] FIG5 is a cross-sectional view of the AA section in FIG4;

[0031] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of point B in FIG3 ;

[0032] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of the middle frame body in FIG6 ;

[0033] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of the support member in FIG6 ;

[0034] FIG9 is a second schematic diagram of the internal structure of position B in FIG3 ;

[0035] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of the support member in FIG9 ;

[0036] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of the middle frame body in FIG3 ;

[0037] FIG12 is a third schematic diagram of the internal structure of position B in FIG3 ;

[0038] FIG13 is a schematic structural diagram of the middle plate and frame in FIG12;

[0039] FIG14 is a side view of FIG12;

[0040] FIG15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG14 ;

[0041] FIG16 is a flow chart of a method for manufacturing a middle frame assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG17 is a schematic structural diagram of the middle frame body produced in FIG16;

[0043] FIG18 is a schematic structural diagram of the support member manufactured in FIG16;

[0044] FIG19 is a structural diagram 1 of the connection between FIG17 and FIG18;

[0045] FIG20 is a second structural diagram of the connection between FIG17 and FIG18.

[0046] Explanation of the accompanying symbols: 1-foldable mobile phone; 100-first shell; 200-second shell; 20-cross section; 210-middle frame body; 211-mounting notch; 2111-second inner side wall; 212-first mounting portion; 212a-first side surface; 212b-second surface; 2121-first connection position; 2122-positioning step; 2122a-step bottom surface; 2122b-step side surface; 2123-avoidance groove; 213-middle plate; 214-frame; 215-first connecting member; 220-support member; 221-second mounting portion; 221a-first surface; 221b-mounting end surface; 221c second side surface; 221d- Third surface; 2211-second connection position; 2212-stop portion; 222-first socket; 223-second connecting member; 224-first end; 225-second end; 226-first pressing portion; 227-second pressing portion; 300-rotating assembly; 400-display screen; 500-circuit board assembly; 510-USB connector; 600-plug interface; 700-first connecting member; 800-second connecting member; 810-second socket. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] 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.

[0048] Universal Serial Bus (USB) is an external bus standard used to regulate the connection and communication between electronic devices and external devices. USB connectors support plug-and-play and hot-swappable devices.

[0049] The electronic devices provided in the embodiments of the present application may include, but are not limited to, fixed or mobile terminals such as mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, ultra-mobile personal computers (UMPCs), handheld computers, touch-screen televisions, walkie-talkies, netbooks, POS machines, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wearable devices, and virtual reality devices. The electronic devices may be foldable electronic devices. For ease of description, the embodiments of the present application take a foldable mobile phone 1 as an example.

[0050] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 , in the embodiments of the present application, the foldable phone 1 can be a foldable phone 1 with an outward-folding screen. Alternatively, the foldable phone 1 can be a foldable phone 1 with an inward-folding screen (as shown in Figure 1 ). Alternatively, the foldable phone 1 can be a foldable phone 1 with an inward-folding screen and an additional external screen. The following description will take the foldable phone 1 with an inward-folding screen as an example.

[0051] In the present application, the foldable mobile phone 1 may include a first shell 100, a second shell 200, a rotating assembly 300 and a display screen 400. The rotating assembly 300 may be a rotating shaft assembly, or other components capable of achieving rotation. The first shell 100 and the second shell 200 are respectively connected to opposite sides of the rotating assembly 300, and the rotation of the rotating assembly 300 drives the first shell 100 and the second shell 200 to rotate relative to each other. The display screen 400 may be a flexible display screen, and the display screen 400 may be located on one side of the first shell 100 and the second shell 200. Exemplarily, the display screen 400 is covered on the first shell 100 and the second shell 200. When the first shell 100 and the second shell 200 rotate relative to each other, the display screen 400 also rotates relative to each other.

[0052] When the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 move toward each other in the directions indicated by the arrows (dashed and solid arrows) in FIG. 2 , or when the sides corresponding to the dashed arrows move toward the sides corresponding to the solid arrows, the foldable phone 1 can assume the folded state shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1 , when the foldable phone 1 is in the folded state, the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 are stacked on top of each other, and the rotating assembly 300 and the display screen 400 are both in the folded state.

[0053] When the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 move in opposite directions toward each other along the directions indicated by the arrows (dashed and solid arrows) in FIG. 2 , or when the sides corresponding to the dashed arrows move away from the sides corresponding to the solid arrows, the foldable phone 1 can be placed in the unfolded state shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3 , when the foldable phone 1 is in the unfolded state, the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 cannot continue to rotate. At this point, the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 can be in the same plane, and the rotating assembly 300 and the display screen 400 are both in the unfolded state.

[0054] It should be noted that the foldable mobile phone 1 may include two shells, that is, the number of the first shell 100 and the second shell 200 can both be one, so that the foldable mobile phone 1 can be folded into two layers as shown in Figure 1.

[0055] Alternatively, the foldable phone 1 may include more than two housings, that is, one of the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 may include at least one and the other may include at least two, the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 being spaced apart, and adjacent first housings 100 and second housings 200 being connected by a rotating assembly 300, so that the foldable phone 1 can be folded into three or more layers. In this way, the foldable phone 1 can be folded with an inner screen and an outer screen.

[0056] It should be noted that the structures illustrated in the embodiments of the present application do not constitute specific limitations on the electronic device. In other embodiments of the present application, the electronic device may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine or separate certain components, or arrange the components differently. For example, the electronic device may also include devices such as a battery, a camera (such as a front camera and a rear camera), and a flash.

[0057] As shown in Figures 4 and 5 , the foldable phone 1 may further include a circuit board assembly 500. The circuit board assembly 500 includes a USB connector 510. A plug interface 600 corresponding to the USB connector 510 is provided on one of the first housing 100 and the second housing 200. The connector of a USB data cable is electrically connected to the USB connector 510 via the plug interface 600, thereby providing power to the foldable phone 1 or enabling data transmission between the foldable phone 1 and other devices.

[0058] It is understandable that the plug-in port 600 may be provided on one of the first shell 100 and the second shell 200 . For ease of description, the following description assumes that the plug-in port 600 is located on the second shell 200 .

[0059] In the related art, the plug interface 600 and the second shell 200 can be integrally formed. Exemplarily, the plug interface 600 and the second shell 200 can be integrally formed using a die-casting process, and the plug interface 600 and the second shell 200 can be made of die-cast aluminum or die-cast magnesium. In order to achieve the lightness and thinness of the foldable mobile phone 1, the thickness of the first shell 100 and the second shell 200 needs to be reduced in design, which will correspondingly cause the area of ​​the cross section 20 of the second shell 200 at the plug interface 600 to become smaller. Specifically, the area design requirement of the cross section 20 is 0.80 to 0.90 mm 2 However, due to the thinning design, the cross-section area is 0.3~0.5mm 2 Since the area of ​​the cross section 20 is reduced, the strength of the second shell 200 at the plug interface 600 is reduced. When the foldable mobile phone 1 is plugged in or unplugged with a USB data cable, the connector of the USB data cable collides with the second shell 200 at the plug interface 600, resulting in a greater risk of fracture of the USB beam (for example, the second shell 200 at the plug interface 600).

[0060] To increase the strength of the second housing 200 at the insertion port 600, the overall strength of the second housing 200 can be increased, for example, by using a high-strength material to integrally form the second housing 200 with the insertion port 600. However, this approach will increase the cost of the foldable phone 1.

[0061] Based on this, the present application provides a middle frame assembly and an electronic device. The middle frame assembly includes a middle frame body and a support member. The middle frame body and the support member are two separable parts. In this way, the middle frame body and the support member can be made of different materials, and the support member can be made of a material with a greater compressive strength than the middle frame body. In this way, by selecting a higher-strength support member, the strength of the support member can be increased, thereby reducing the risk of the electronic device fracturing at the support member.

[0062] The embodiments of the present application and the accompanying drawings are described with the middle frame assembly serving as the second shell 200 .

[0063] The middle frame assembly of the present application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0064] Figure 6 illustrates a first internal structure at point B in Figure 3. Referring to Figures 3, 4, and 6, the middle frame assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application is applied to an electronic device. The middle frame assembly includes a middle frame body 210 and a support member 220. The middle frame body 210 has a mounting notch 211. The support member 220 is disposed within the mounting notch 211 and is connected to the middle frame body 210. The support member 220 has a first insertion hole 222 for inserting and exiting a connector.

[0065] It should be noted that the connector may be a USB data cable, which includes a connector. Accordingly, in this application, first jack 222 is used to connect and exit the connector of the USB data cable. The connector may also be a wired headphone cable. Accordingly, in this application, first jack 222 is used to connect and exit the connector of the headphone cable. The following description assumes that first jack 222 is used to connect and exit the connector of the USB data cable.

[0066] In the present application, mounting positions of different shapes may be provided on the middle frame body 210 , and components such as the battery and the circuit board assembly 500 may be correspondingly mounted on different mounting positions on the middle frame body 210 .

[0067] In a specific implementation, the middle frame body 210 can be made of aluminum, which is tough, lightweight, and has good ductility. Using aluminum to manufacture the middle frame body 210 can reduce the weight of the electronic device. The middle frame body 210 can be formed by die-casting, which is highly efficient and can be directly formed. Alternatively, the middle frame body 210 can be formed after a small amount of subsequent cutting, such as deburring. This improves the processing efficiency of the middle frame body 210.

[0068] It is understood that the material of the middle frame body 210 can be an aluminum alloy. For example, alloying elements are added to aluminum to modify its structure and properties to facilitate processing or casting. The alloying elements may include copper, magnesium, zinc, silicon, etc. The material of the middle frame body 210 can also be a steel-aluminum composite material, etc. This embodiment of the present application is not limited thereto.

[0069] In the present application, a mounting notch 211 is provided on the middle frame body 210, and the support member 220 is inserted into the mounting notch 211. Similarly, compared to arranging the support member 220 and the middle frame body 210 sequentially along the Y direction in Figure 6, the support member 220 is prevented from affecting the length of the middle frame body 210 in the Y direction in Figure 6. Compared to arranging the support member 220 and the middle frame body 210 sequentially along the Z direction in Figure 6, for example, stacking the support member 220 on the middle frame body 210 along the Z direction in Figure 6, the support member 220 is prevented from affecting the thickness of the middle frame body 210 in the Z direction in Figure 6. This avoids increasing the overall size (e.g., length and thickness) of the electronic device.

[0070] When charging an electronic device, the connector of a USB data cable (also called a charging cable) enters and exits the support member 220 through the first jack 222, thereby connecting or disconnecting with the USB connector 510 disposed on the circuit board assembly 500 on the middle frame body 210. The support member 220 is subject to the force exerted by the connector of the USB data cable. If the support member 220 is made of a weak material such as aluminum, or if the overall thickness of the foldable electronic device is reduced (for example, the size of the first jack 222 remains unchanged, but the thickness in the Z direction in Figure 6 is reduced), there is a greater risk of fracture at the support member 220.

[0071] Based on this, the present application divides the middle frame assembly into two parts, namely the middle frame body 210 and the support member 220. In this way, the middle frame body 210 and the support member 220 can be made of different materials. For example, the middle frame body 210 can be made of a material known in the related art (such as aluminum), and the support member 220 can be made of a material with a compressive strength greater than that of the middle frame body 210. In this way, by selecting a stronger support member 220, the strength of the support member 220 can be increased, thereby reducing the risk of the electronic device breaking at the support member 220.

[0072] Furthermore, the support member 220 in this application is a metal injection molded part, meaning that the support member 220 is formed by metal injection molding. Metal injection molding (MIM) is a molding method in which a plasticized mixture of metal powder and its binder is injected into a mold. The process involves first mixing the selected powder with a binder, granulating the mixture, and then injection molding it into the desired shape.

[0073] Die casting can include hot die casting and dry pressing. Die casting has many burrs and poor processing accuracy, and requires subsequent finishing. Compared with die casting, the support member 220 formed by metal injection molding reduces the finishing process, has smaller shrinkage changes, higher compressive strength, and good wear resistance. In this way, a support member 220 with high compressive strength can be formed by metal injection molding. That is, by changing the molding method of the support member 220, the strength of the support member 220 is increased to reduce the risk of the electronic device breaking at the support member 220.

[0074] In the middle frame assembly provided in the embodiment of the present application, support member 220 is a metal injection molded part. For example, support member 220 can be injection molded stainless steel. In other words, support member 220 is formed by injecting a plasticized mixture of stainless steel injection powder and its binder into a mold. Stainless steel has a relatively aesthetically pleasing appearance, is corrosion-resistant, and is not easily damaged.

[0075] The stainless steel injection powder may be martensitic precipitation hardening stainless steel (eg, stainless steel 17-4PH). Stainless steel 17-4PH has high strength and hardness, and also has good corrosion resistance.

[0076] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the structure of the middle frame body and the support member, respectively. Referring to Figures 6 to 8 , in some embodiments, the middle frame body 210 has at least one first mounting portion 212 , and the support member 220 has at least one second mounting portion 221 , with the first mounting portion 212 and the second mounting portion 221 connected in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0077] In the present application, the first mounting portion 212 and the second mounting portion 221 provide connection locations for the middle frame body 210 and the support member 220 , thereby enabling the middle frame body 210 and the support member 220 to be connected by connecting the first mounting portion 212 and the second mounting portion 221 .

[0078] Specifically, the support member 220 has a first end 224 and a second end 225. The first end 224 and the second end 225 are arranged relative to each other along the extension direction of the support member 220 (e.g., the X direction in FIG6 ). The extension direction of the support member 220 (e.g., the X direction in FIG6 ) is perpendicular to the insertion direction of the connector into the first receptacle 222 (e.g., the Y direction in FIG6 ). The second mounting portion 221 is located at the first end 224. The end surface of the first mounting portion 212 facing the support member 220 constitutes a first inner sidewall of the mounting notch 211 (e.g., the first side surface 212a in FIG7 ).

[0079] That is, the first mounting portion 212 and the second mounting portion 221 are spaced apart from the first jack 222 , thereby preventing the first mounting portion 212 and the second mounting portion 221 from interfering with the USB data cable connector entering and exiting the first jack 222 on the support 220 .

[0080] In a specific implementation, the second mounting portion 221 may be a support plate provided on the first end 224 of the support member 220 , and the first mounting portion 212 may be a support platform close to the mounting notch 211 .

[0081] The mounting notch 211 has a second inner sidewall 2111. The first inner sidewall (e.g., the first side surface 212a in FIG. 7 ) and the second inner sidewall 2111 are opposite to each other. In some embodiments, the second end 225 of the support member 220 contacts the second inner sidewall 2111 of the mounting notch 211. Thus, the support member 220 is supported by the second inner sidewall 2111.

[0082] In other embodiments, a gap is provided between the second end 225 of the support member 220 and the second inner sidewall 2111 of the mounting notch 211. This gap provides a clear area for the antenna of the electronic device. In specific implementations, the size of the gap can be designed based on the requirements of the electronic device and is not limited herein.

[0083] Next, possible connection methods between the first mounting portion 212 and the second mounting portion 221 are described.

[0084] In a first possible implementation manner, the first mounting portion 212 and the second mounting portion 221 may be directly welded, thereby achieving a stable connection between the middle frame body 210 and the support member 220 .

[0085] In a second possible implementation, the first mounting portion 212 is bonded to the second mounting portion 221. This makes operation more convenient.

[0086] In a third possible implementation, the first mounting portion 212 and the second mounting portion 221 are connected via a first connector 700. The first mounting portion 212 has a first connecting position 2121, and the second mounting portion 221 has a second connecting position 2211. The first connecting position 2121 and the second connecting position 2211 are connected via the first connector 700.

[0087] The first connecting member 700 may be a rivet, and the first connecting position 2121 and the second connecting position 2211 may be first connecting holes. The rivet is inserted into the first connecting position 2121 and the second connecting position 2211 to connect the first mounting portion 212 and the second mounting portion 221 .

[0088] The first connecting member 700 may also be a screw, with one of the first connecting position 2121 and the second connecting position 2211 being a second connecting hole, and the other being a threaded hole that matches the screw. The screw first passes through the second connecting hole and then screws into the threaded hole to connect the first mounting portion 212 and the second mounting portion 221.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the first mounting portion 212 and the second mounting portion 221 need to be welded together using a welding rod; alternatively, the first mounting portion 212 and the second mounting portion 221 need to be glued together; alternatively, the first mounting portion 212 and the second mounting portion 221 are connected by rivets or screws. In other words, the first mounting portion 212 and the second mounting portion 221 require components other than the first mounting portion 212 and the second mounting portion 221 to be connected.

[0090] In one embodiment, the first mounting portion 212 and the second mounting portion 221 can be directly connected. Specifically, the first mounting portion 212 has a first connection position 2121, and the second mounting portion 221 has a second connection position 2211. The first mounting portion 212 and the second mounting portion 221 can also be connected through the first connection position 2121 and the second connection position 2211.

[0091] In a specific implementation, one of the first connection position 2121 and the second connection position 2211 can be a card slot, and the other can be a buckle matching the card slot, thereby directly connecting the first mounting portion 212 and the second mounting portion 221 by snap connection.

[0092] Continuing with Figures 6 to 8 , the middle frame assembly provided in the embodiments of the present application includes a positioning member on at least one of the first mounting portion 212 and the second mounting portion 221. The positioning member is used to limit the relative mounting position of the first mounting portion 212 and the second mounting portion 221. In other words, the positioning member limits the relative mounting position of the first mounting portion 212 and the second mounting portion 221, thereby enabling the support member 220 to be quickly placed in the pre-set mounting position of the middle frame body 210. This reduces the time required to adjust the mounting position between the support member 220 and the middle frame body 210 when connecting them, thereby improving the installation efficiency of the support member 220 and the middle frame body 210.

[0093] In the present application, a positioning member may be provided only on the first mounting portion 212, or only on the second mounting portion 221, or both on the first mounting portion 212 and the second mounting portion 221. When positioning members are provided on both the first mounting portion 212 and the second mounting portion 221, the structures of the positioning members on the first mounting portion 212 and the second mounting portion 221 may be the same or different.

[0094] The following describes the structure and possible installation positions of the positioning member.

[0095] In some embodiments, the positioning member is a positioning step 2122. There is at least one positioning step 2122 located on one of the first mounting portion 212 and the second mounting portion 221. The positioning step 2122 has a step bottom surface 2122a and a step side surface 2122b. A surface of the other of the first mounting portion 212 and the second mounting portion 221 abuts the step bottom surface 2122a, and an end surface of the other of the first mounting portion 212 and the second mounting portion 221 opposite the step side surface 2122b abuts the step side surface 2122b. The step bottom surface 2122a and the step side surface 2122b can be perpendicular. The step bottom surface 2122a is parallel to the direction in which the connector is inserted into the first receptacle 222.

[0096] In FIG. 6 to FIG. 8 of the present application, the number of the positioning step 2122 is one, the positioning step 2122 is located on the first mounting portion 212 , and the second mounting portion 221 is a support plate for illustration.

[0097] When installing the support member 220 on the middle frame body 210, the second mounting portion 221 of the support member 220 is placed on the positioning step 2122. The surface of the second mounting portion 221 (e.g., the first surface 221a) abuts against the bottom surface 2122a of the step, pushing the support member 220 until the end surface of the second mounting portion 221 opposite the step side surface 2122b (e.g., the mounting end surface 221b) abuts against the step side surface 2122b. In other words, the support member 220 can no longer be pushed. At this point, the support member 220 is placed in the pre-set mounting position of the middle frame body 210.

[0098] In some embodiments, the second mounting portion 221 of the support member 220 is placed on the positioning step 2122 , and the third surface 221 d of the support member 220 is flush with the second surface 212 b of the middle frame body 210 .

[0099] It is understandable that a positioning step 2122 may also be provided on the second mounting portion 221 .

[0100] In this embodiment, a positioning step 2122 is provided on one of the first mounting portion 212 and the second mounting portion 221 to limit the installation position between the first mounting portion 212 and the second mounting portion 221. This facilitates operation. The positioning step 2122 also serves to support the other of the first mounting portion 212 and the second mounting portion 221.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the positioning step 2122 is provided on at least one of the first mounting portion 212 and the second mounting portion 221 , and the positioning steps 2122 have the same structure.

[0102] Figure 9 shows a second internal structure at point B in Figure 3, and Figure 10 shows another support member. Referring to Figures 3, 9, and 10, in a specific implementation, the support member 220 has a first pressing portion 226 and a second pressing portion 227, and the first pressing portion 226 and the second pressing portion 227 are located on the side of the support member 220 facing the installation notch 211 (e.g., the second side 221c).

[0103] The first pressing portion 226 and the second pressing portion 227 are respectively located on two sides of the first insertion hole 222 .

[0104] In the present application, the first pressing portion 226 is located on the second mounting portion 221 , and the first pressing portion 226 abuts against a side surface of one of the first mounting portion 212 and the second mounting portion 221 .

[0105] The first pressing portion 226 is located on a side surface of the second mounting portion 221 (e.g., the second side surface 221c), and the first pressing portion 226 can extend toward the upper and lower sides of the second mounting portion 221 (e.g., the +Z direction and the -Z direction in FIG. 10 ). The second mounting portion 221 is mated and abutted against the positioning step 2122, and the first pressing portion 226 abuts against the side surface of the first mounting portion 212 (e.g., the first side surface 212a in FIG. 7 ). The support member 220 is placed in a pre-set mounting position on the middle frame body 210. Accordingly, the first connection position 2121 and the second connection position 2211 overlap, thereby facilitating the insertion of the first connecting member 700 into the first connection position 2121 and the second connection position 2211 to connect the middle frame body 210 and the support member 220.

[0106] It should be noted that in this embodiment, an escape groove 2123 may be provided on the middle frame body 210. When the first pressing portion 226 abuts against the side surface of the first mounting portion 212 (e.g., the first side surface 212a in FIG. 7 ), the first pressing portion 226 partially inserts into the escape groove 2123. Thus, the escape groove 2123 provides installation space for a portion of the first pressing portion 226, and also facilitates the mating and abutting of the second mounting portion 221 with the positioning step 2122.

[0107] In some embodiments, there are two positioning members, each located on one of the first mounting portion 212 and the second mounting portion 221, while no positioning member is provided on the other. Figure 11 illustrates another structure of the midframe body. Referring to Figures 8 and 11, in some embodiments, there are two positioning members, each comprising a stopper 2212 and a positioning step 2122, respectively. Both the stopper 2212 and the positioning step 2122 are provided on the first mounting portion 212 of the midframe body 210.

[0108] It is understandable that the stop portion 2212 and the positioning step 2122 may also be provided on the second mounting portion 221 of the support member 220 .

[0109] Figure 12 shows a third internal structure at point B in Figure 3. Referring to Figures 3, 4, 12 and 13, the middle frame assembly provided in the embodiment of the present application, the middle frame body 210 includes a middle plate 213 and a frame 214, the middle plate 213 is connected to the frame 214, and the installation notch 211 is opened on the frame 214.

[0110] The frame 214 is arranged around the edge of the middle plate 213 , and components such as the circuit board assembly 500 and the battery are arranged on the middle plate 213 .

[0111] 12 to 15 , in order to facilitate a stable connection between the support member 220 and the middle frame body 210 , in some embodiments, the middle frame assembly further includes a second connecting member 800 , through which the support member 220 and the middle frame body 210 are connected, and the second connecting member 800 covers the support member and a portion of the middle frame body 210 .

[0112] Specifically, the second connecting member 800 covers the supporting member, the frame 214 and a portion of the middle plate 213 .

[0113] In a specific implementation, the second connector 800 is an injection-molded plastic part. That is, the support member 220, the frame 214, and a portion of the middle plate 213 are coated with plastic through an injection molding process, thereby achieving a stable connection between the support member 220 and the middle frame body 210. The second connector 800 formed by the injection molding process has a relatively uniform thickness, which can achieve a seamless connection between the support member 220 and the middle frame body 210 and also help reduce the weight of the electronic device.

[0114] When plastic is wrapped around the support member 220, the frame 214 and part of the middle plate 213 through the injection molding process, the support member 220, the frame 214 and the middle plate 213 are located in the injection mold, and the first pressing part 226 and the second pressing part 227 of the support member 220 in Figure 9 are fixed, for example, the first pressing part 226 and the second pressing part 227 are pressed to prevent the position of the support member 220 from moving.

[0115] To facilitate the data cable connector's entry and exit of the midframe assembly and connection with the USB connector 510 within the midframe assembly, in some embodiments, the support member 220 includes a first receptacle 222, and a second connector 800 covers the inner sidewall of the first receptacle 222 to form a second receptacle 810. In other words, the second connector 800 protects the support member 220, preventing the data cable connector from contacting the support member 220. The USB data cable connector enters the midframe assembly through the second receptacle 810 and connects with the USB connector 510. The second receptacle 810 forms the plug interface 600 shown in Figure 1.

[0116] FIG16 shows a flow chart of a method for manufacturing a middle frame assembly. Referring to FIG4 to FIG16 , the method for manufacturing a middle frame assembly according to an embodiment of the present application is used to manufacture the middle frame assembly provided in any of the above embodiments. The structure of the middle frame assembly is described in detail in the above embodiments and will not be described in detail here.

[0117] The method for manufacturing the middle frame assembly includes:

[0118] S101 , processing a middle frame body, wherein the middle frame body has a mounting notch.

[0119] In this application, the middle frame body 210 can be processed using a die-casting method with high imaging efficiency. The middle frame body 210 can be made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. When forming the middle frame body 210, a mounting notch 211 is reserved on the middle frame body 210 to accommodate the support member 220.

[0120] S102: Processing a support member, wherein the support member has a first insertion hole.

[0121] In the present application, the support member 220 may be formed by metal injection molding. The following describes how the support member 220 is formed.

[0122] Exemplarily, stainless steel 17-4PH powder can be mixed with a polymer binder (e.g., a polymer wax-based binder) to obtain a mixture; the mixture is heated to obtain a fluid shot material; the shot material is filled into an injection agent, and a green body is obtained by injection molding the injection agent; the green body is degreased to form a degreased body; the degreased body is sintered to densify the degreased body to form a support member 220; the formed support member 220 can be post-processed, such as deburring and polishing.

[0123] It is understandable that the metal powder mixed with the polymer binder may also include alloy powder and other types of stainless steel powder, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0124] S103: Place the processed support member in the installation notch, and connect the middle frame body and the support member.

[0125] In the present application, the middle frame body 210 and the support member 220 can be connected by one of the following connection methods: clamping, bonding, welding, riveting, or screw connection, thereby firmly connecting the middle frame body 210 and the support member 220. For details, reference can be made to the description of the connection method between the middle frame body 210 and the support member 220 in the above-mentioned embodiment of the middle frame assembly, and no further details are given here.

[0126] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, there is no particular order for step S101 and step S102; step S101 and step S102 may be performed simultaneously; step S101 may be performed first and then step S102; or step S102 may be performed first and then step S101.

[0127] The method for manufacturing a middle frame assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application involves processing a middle frame body 210 having a mounting notch 211, inserting a support member 220 into the mounting notch 211, and connecting the middle frame body 210 and the support member 220. Because the middle frame body 210 and the support member 220 that form the middle frame assembly are separately provided, the support member 220 can be made of a material with a greater compressive strength than the middle frame body 210. This reduces the risk of electronic equipment breaking at the support member 220 by selecting a stronger support member 220.

[0128] FIG17 and FIG18 respectively show a middle frame body and a support member manufactured by the above manufacturing method. Referring to FIG17 and FIG18 , in some embodiments, processing the middle frame body and processing the support member include:

[0129] S201: Processing a middle frame body having at least one first connecting member.

[0130] In the present application, the processed middle frame body 210 has at least one first connecting member 215 . The at least one first connecting member 215 is used to provide a connection position for the support member 220 .

[0131] The middle frame body 210 may include a middle plate 213 and a frame 214. For example, FIG. 17 of the present application shows three first connecting members 215, two of which are used to provide connection locations for the support member 220. Another first connecting member 215 is used to connect the middle plate 213 and the frame 214.

[0132] S202: Processing a support member having at least one second connecting member, wherein at least part of the first connecting member is used for corresponding connection with the second connecting member.

[0133] In the present application, the processing support member 220 has at least one second connecting member 223 , and the second connecting member 223 is used to cooperate with a portion of the first connecting member 215 to connect the support member 220 and the middle frame body 210 .

[0134] FIG19 shows a first connection state between the support member and the middle frame body. Referring to FIG9 and FIG19 , in order to firmly connect the support member 220 and the middle frame body 210, in some embodiments, before connecting the middle frame body and the support member, the following steps are included:

[0135] Connect the first connecting piece and the second connecting piece.

[0136] In the present application, while the support member 220 and the middle frame body 210 are connected and fixed via the first mounting portion 212 and the second mounting portion 221, the support member 220 and the middle frame body 210 are also connected via the first connecting member 215 and the second connecting member 223. In this way, different parts of the support member 220 can be connected to the middle frame body 210, avoiding a relatively concentrated connection between the support member 220 and the middle frame body 210, thereby improving the stability of the connection between the support member 220 and the middle frame body 210 and preventing deformation of the support member 220 and the middle frame body 210.

[0137] In a specific implementation, the first connecting member 215 and the second connecting member 223 may be connected by clamping, bonding, welding, riveting or screws.

[0138] Figure 20 shows a second connection state between the support member and the middle frame body. Based on the embodiment of Figure 19 above, referring to Figure 20, the manufacturing method of the middle frame assembly provided in the embodiment of the present application, connecting the middle frame body and the support member, includes:

[0139] The support member and at least a portion of the middle frame body are covered by injection molding.

[0140] In the present application, after the support member 220 and the middle frame body 210 are firmly connected by the first connecting member 215 and the second connecting member 223, as well as the first mounting portion 212 and the second mounting portion 221, plastic is wrapped around the support member 220 and a portion of the middle frame body 210 through an injection molding process to form a second connecting member 800. The second connecting member 800 fixes the support member 220 and a portion of the middle frame body 210 to achieve a seamless connection between the support member 220 and the middle frame body 210.

[0141] In some embodiments, after connecting the middle frame body and the support member, the steps include:

[0142] Cut off the first connecting piece and the second connecting piece.

[0143] Specifically, the first connecting member 215 and the second connecting member 223 can be removed by machining to form the middle frame assembly shown in Figure 12. When the support member 220 and part of the middle frame body 210 are covered with plastic by the injection molding process, the positions of the first connecting member 215 and the second connecting member 223 can be exposed. In other words, the positions of the first connecting member 215 and the second connecting member 223 are not covered with plastic, thereby facilitating the removal of the first connecting member 215 and the second connecting member 223.

[0144] It should be noted that after the support member 220 and part of the midframe body 210 are wrapped with plastic to form the second connector 800, the second connector 800 can achieve a stable connection between the support member 220 and the midframe body 210. After the second connector 800 is formed, the first and second connecting members 215 and 223 are removed, which helps reduce the weight of the electronic device.

[0145] The above specific implementation methods further illustrate the purpose, technical solutions and beneficial effects of this application in detail. It should be understood that the above are only specific implementation methods of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made on the basis of the technical solutions of this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A middle frame component, characterized in that, Applied to an electronic device, the middle frame assembly includes a middle frame body and a support member. The middle frame body has an installation notch, the support member is disposed in the installation notch, and the support member is connected to the middle frame body. The support member has a first jack for the insertion member to enter and exit.

2. The middle frame assembly according to claim 1, wherein The middle frame body has at least one first mounting portion, and the support member has at least one second mounting portion. The first mounting portions and the second mounting portions are connected to each other in one-to-one correspondence.

3. The middle frame assembly according to claim 2, wherein The support member has a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end are oppositely disposed along the extending direction of the support member, and the extending direction of the support member is perpendicular to the inserting direction of the inserting member in the first jack; The second mounting portion is located at the first end, and the end face of the first mounting portion facing the support member constitutes the first inner side wall of the installation notch.

4. The middle frame assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The installation notch has a second inner side wall, the first inner side wall and the second inner side wall are opposite to each other, and there is a gap between the second end and the second inner side wall.

5. The middle frame assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that The first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are welded or bonded.

6. The middle frame assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that It further includes a first connecting member. The first mounting portion has a first connecting position, the second mounting portion has a second connecting position, and the first connecting position and the second connecting position are connected by the first connecting member.

7. The middle frame assembly according to claim 6, wherein The first connecting member is a rivet, and the first connecting position and the second connecting position are first connecting holes; Alternatively, the first connecting member is a screw, and one of the first connecting position and the second connecting position is a second connecting hole, and the other is a threaded hole matching the screw.

8. The middle frame assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, At least one of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion has a positioning member for restricting the relative mounting positions of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion.

9. The middle frame assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The positioning member is a positioning step. The positioning step is located on one of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion. The positioning step has a step bottom surface and a step side surface; The surface of the other of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion abuts against the step bottom surface, and the end face of the other of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion opposite to the step side surface abuts against the step side surface.

10. The middle frame assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The step bottom surface is parallel to the inserting direction of the inserting member in the first jack.

11. The middle frame component according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that The support member has a first pressing portion and a second pressing portion, and the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion are located on the side of the support member facing the inside of the installation notch; The first pressing portion and the second pressing portion are respectively located on both sides of the first jack.

12. The middle frame assembly according to claim 11, wherein, The first pressing portion is located on the second mounting portion, and the first pressing portion abuts against the side surface of one of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion.

13. The middle frame assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 12, characterized in that, The middle frame body includes a middle plate and a frame. The middle plate is connected to the frame, and the installation notch is opened on the frame.

14. The middle frame component according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The support member is a metal injection molding part.

15. The middle frame component according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that It further includes a second connecting member. The support member and the middle frame body are connected by the second connecting member, and the second connecting member covers the support member and a part of the middle frame body.

16. The middle frame component according to claim 15, characterized in that, The second connecting member is an injection molded plastic part.

17. The middle frame component according to claim 15, characterized in that, The inner sidewall of the first jack is covered by the second connecting member described in the part to form a second jack.

18. An electronic device, characterized in that, It includes a display screen and the middle frame assembly described in any one of claims 1 to 17, and the display screen is located on one side of the middle frame assembly.

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