Key module and electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses a key module and electronic equipment. The disclosed key module comprises a key, a mounting sleeve and a damping part, the key movably penetrates through the mounting sleeve, the damping piece is arranged between the key and the mounting sleeve, and the damping piece is connected with one of the key and the mounting sleeve; the key slides along a first direction relative to the mounting sleeve, so that the key is switched between a first position and a second position; in the direction perpendicular to the first direction, the deformation quantity of the damping piece when the key is located at the first position is larger than the deformation quantity of the damping piece when the key is located at the second position. And the first direction is parallel to the central axis direction of the mounting sleeve. According to the scheme, the problem that the layout of the electronic equipment is affected due to the fact that a key module involved in the related technology easily occupies a large internal space of the electronic equipment can be relieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of electronic device design technology, specifically relating to a button module and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, button modules are widely used in electronic devices (such as mobile phones and VR glasses). In specific application scenarios, pressing buttons can control electronic devices to perform corresponding functions (such as adjusting volume, locking the screen, etc.). With the development of technology, users are paying more and more attention to the tactile feel of pressing buttons.

[0003] The button module involved in this technology incorporates an elastic element at the end of the button. When the button is pressed, the elastic element deforms to provide resistance to the button's movement, thus providing better feedback and improving the user's tactile experience. However, when the button module is installed in an electronic device, the elastic element can easily occupy a significant amount of internal space, potentially affecting the device's layout. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention discloses a button module and an electronic device to alleviate the problem that button modules in related technologies tend to occupy a large amount of internal space in electronic devices, thus affecting the layout of the electronic devices.

[0005] To alleviate the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution: In the first aspect, this application discloses a button module, which includes a button, a mounting sleeve, and a damping component; The button is movably inserted through the mounting sleeve, and the damping element is disposed between the button and the mounting sleeve, and the damping element is connected to one of the button and the mounting sleeve; the button slides relative to the mounting sleeve in a first direction to switch the button between a first position and a second position; In a direction perpendicular to the first direction, the deformation of the damping element when the button is in the first position is greater than the deformation of the damping element when the button is in the second position; The first direction is parallel to the central axis direction of the mounting sleeve.

[0006] Secondly, this application discloses an electronic device, which includes a housing and the button module described above. The button is mounted inside the housing, and the first end of the button is an operation terminal, which is exposed outside the housing through the mounting sleeve.

[0007] The technical solution adopted in this invention can achieve the following technical effects: The button module disclosed in this application improves the structure of button modules in related technologies by setting a damping element between the button and the mounting sleeve, and by setting the damping element to be connected to one of the button and the mounting sleeve. The button can slide relative to the mounting sleeve along a first direction, allowing it to switch between a first position and a second position. Furthermore, by setting the damping element in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, the deformation of the damping element when the button is in the first position is greater than the deformation of the damping element when the button is in the second position. This changes the resistance experienced by the button when it is pressed to switch between the first and second positions, resulting in a better tactile feel and improved user experience. Simultaneously, the damping element's placement between the button and the mounting sleeve fully utilizes the space between them, eliminating the need to occupy additional space at the end of the button. This minimizes the increase in the size of the button module and the internal space occupied by the button module in the electronic device, reducing its impact on the layout of the electronic device and alleviating the problem of button modules occupying a large amount of internal space and affecting the electronic device's layout. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a button module disclosed in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is an assembly diagram of a button module disclosed in an embodiment of this application, with the button in the first position; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Cross-sectional view; Figure 4 This is an assembly diagram of a button module disclosed in an embodiment of this application when the button is in the second position; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Cross-sectional view; Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of another button module disclosed in this application embodiment when the button is in the first position; Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of another button module disclosed in the embodiments of this application when the button is in the first position; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an installation sleeve disclosed in an embodiment of this application; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of another mounting sleeve structure disclosed in the embodiments of this application; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another type of mounting sleeve disclosed in the embodiments of this application.

[0009] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 100 - Button, 110 - Receiving groove, 120 - Limiting groove, 121 - First sidewall, 122 - Second sidewall, 130 - Annular mounting groove 200 - Mounting sleeve, 210 - Clearance groove, 220 - Damping mating groove, 230 - Damping mating surface 300-damping components 410 - Trigger element, 411 - Clearance space, 420 - Circuit board, 430 - Trigger mating part, 440 - Magnet, 450 - Magnetic induction element, 500-elastic component, 600 - Limiting fit part, 610 - Notch, A - First direction. Detailed Implementation

[0010] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0011] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and are not limited in number; for example, a first object can be one or more.

[0012] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0013] Please refer to Figures 1 to 10 This application discloses a button module, which includes a button 100, a mounting sleeve 200, and a damping component 300.

[0014] Mounting sleeve 200 is the basic component of the button module, used to provide mounting positions for other components of the button module, including the button 100 and the damping element 300. In addition, mounting sleeve 200 is also used to form some functional spaces or structures, such as the clearance groove 210, the damping mating groove 220, and the damping mating surface 230, which are described later.

[0015] Button 100 is the core component in the button module that realizes the button function, and damping component 300 is the core component in the button module that realizes the damping effect. Button 100 is movably mounted on mounting sleeve 200, and damping component 300 is disposed between button 100 and mounting sleeve 200, connected to one of button 100 and mounting sleeve 200. Button 100 slides relative to mounting sleeve 200 along a first direction A. Pressing button 100 allows it to slide relative to mounting sleeve 200 along the first direction A, thereby allowing button 100 to switch between a first position and a second position. The first direction A is parallel to the central axis of mounting sleeve 200. Specifically, damping component 300 can be connected to one of button 100 and mounting sleeve 200 by snap-fit, adhesive, or other means. The material of damping component 300 can be silicone rubber or styrene-butadiene rubber; this embodiment does not limit the material used.

[0016] In the specific working process, in the direction perpendicular to the first direction A, the deformation of the damping element 300 when the button 100 is in the first position is greater than the deformation of the damping element 300 when the button 100 is in the second position. That is, when the button 100 is in the first position, the deformation of the damping element 300 in the direction perpendicular to the first direction A is relatively large, so that the button 100 can receive greater resistance when sliding relative to the mounting sleeve 200 along the first direction A. When the button 100 is in the second position, the deformation of the damping element 300 in the direction perpendicular to the first direction A is relatively small, so that the button 100 can receive less resistance when sliding relative to the mounting sleeve 200 along the first direction A.

[0017] The button module disclosed in this application improves the structure of button modules in related technologies by providing a damping element 300 between the button 100 and the mounting sleeve 200. The damping element 300 is connected to either the button 100 or the mounting sleeve 200. The button 100 is slidable relative to the mounting sleeve 200 along a first direction A, allowing it to switch between a first position and a second position. Furthermore, the damping element 300 is configured such that its deformation in the first position is greater than its deformation in the second position when the button 100 is in the first position, perpendicular to the first direction A. This ensures that pressing the button 100 activates the button in the first position. When switching between the first and second positions, the resistance experienced by button 100 changes, resulting in a better tactile feel when pressing button 100, which improves the user experience. At the same time, the damping element 300 is located between button 100 and mounting sleeve 200, which makes full use of the space between button 100 and mounting sleeve 200 without occupying additional space at the end of button 100. This minimizes the increase in the size of the button module and the internal space occupied by the button module in the electronic device. It also helps to reduce the impact of the button module on the layout of the electronic device and alleviate the problem that the button module can easily occupy a large amount of internal space in the electronic device and affect the layout of the electronic device.

[0018] Furthermore, this structure allows the resistance to the button 100 to decrease from large to small during the process of pressing the button 100 to switch the button 100 from the first position to the second position, thereby enabling the resistance to the button 100 to change in segments, so as to achieve a segmented tactile feel.

[0019] In one embodiment, when the button 100 is in the first position, the damping member 300 is tightly fitted with the other of the button 100 and the mounting sleeve 200 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction A. This allows the button 100 to slide relative to the mounting sleeve 200 and switch from the first position to the second position, so that the tight fit between the damping member 300 and the other of the button 100 and the mounting sleeve 200 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction A can provide resistance to the sliding of the button 100.

[0020] When button 100 is in the second position, damping element 300 is clearance-fitted with the other of button 100 and mounting sleeve 200 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction A. This causes damping element 300 to stop providing resistance to the sliding of button 100 when button 100 slides relative to mounting sleeve 200 to switch from the first position to the second position.

[0021] This structure allows the resistance experienced by button 100 to change from the first position to the second position during the pressing of button 100, thus creating a clearer, segmented change in resistance and achieving a clearer, segmented tactile feel.

[0022] Optionally, there can be multiple damping elements 300. The multiple damping elements 300 can be distributed at intervals between the button 100 and the mounting sleeve 200 along the central axis of the mounting sleeve 200, so that when the button 100 is in the first position, the damping element 300 can better fit with the other of the button 100 and the mounting sleeve 200 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction A, so as to better provide resistance when the button 100 slides relative to the mounting sleeve 200.

[0023] In an optional technical solution, the other of the button 100 and the mounting sleeve 200 may be provided with a relief groove 210. The relief groove 210 may extend around the central axis of the mounting sleeve 200, that is, the relief groove 210 may be an annular groove. The opening of the relief groove 210 may be perpendicular to the central axis of the mounting sleeve 200, that is, the opening of the relief groove 210 may be perpendicular to the first direction A. When the button 100 is in the second position, the damping member 300 may be at least partially provided in the relief groove 210, so as to reduce the deformation of the damping member 300 in the direction perpendicular to the first direction A.

[0024] This structure provides a relief groove 210 on the other of the button 100 and the mounting sleeve 200, thereby accommodating at least a portion of the structure of the damping member 300 to alleviate the compression of the damping member 300 in the direction perpendicular to the first direction A. This allows for a more convenient reduction of the deformation of the damping member 300 in the direction perpendicular to the first direction A, so that the deformation of the damping member 300 when the button 100 is in the second position is less than the deformation of the damping member 300 when the button 100 is in the first position.

[0025] Specifically, when the damping element 300 is connected to the button 100, the mounting sleeve 200 may be provided with a relief groove 210, which may be located on the inner wall of the mounting sleeve 200. When the damping element 300 is connected to the mounting sleeve 200, the button 100 may be provided with a relief groove 210, which may be located on the outer surface of the button 100.

[0026] For example, when the button 100 is in the second position, the damping member 300 may be at least partially disposed in the clearance groove 210, and there may be a gap between the damping member 300 and the groove wall of the clearance groove 210 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction A, so as to reduce the deformation of the damping member 300 in the direction perpendicular to the first direction A. This structure allows the damping member 300 to have a clearance fit with the other of the button 100 and the mounting sleeve 200 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction A, so as to more effectively reduce the deformation of the damping member 300 in the direction perpendicular to the first direction A.

[0027] In a further technical solution, the other of the button 100 and the mounting sleeve 200 may be provided with a damping mating groove 220. The damping mating groove 220 may extend around the central axis of the mounting sleeve 200, that is, the damping mating groove 220 may be an annular groove. The damping mating groove 220 and the clearance groove 210 may be distributed along the first direction A.

[0028] In the specific working process, when button 100 is in the first position, damping element 300 can be at least partially disposed in damping mating groove 220. Damping element 300 can elastically abut against at least part of the groove wall of damping mating groove 220 to increase the deformation of damping element 300 in the direction perpendicular to the first direction A. At this time, damping element 300 can be tightly fitted with the other of button 100 and mounting sleeve 200 in the direction perpendicular to the first direction A. This structure means that when button 100 is in the first position, the user needs to apply a larger force to press button 100, so that damping element 300 slides out of damping mating groove 220, thereby providing the user with clearer resistance feedback, which helps to improve the feel. At the same time, it can reduce the risk of button 100 easily moving due to accidental external impacts in scenarios such as misoperation or drops, so that button 100 can be relatively stably located in the first position.

[0029] In one embodiment, the depth of at least part of the damping groove 220 may decrease as it approaches the clearance groove 210, and the depth direction of the damping groove 220 may be perpendicular to the first direction A, that is, the depth direction of the damping groove 220 may be perpendicular to the central axis direction of the mounting sleeve 200.

[0030] In the specific working process, when the button 100 is pressed to switch from the first position to the second position, the damping element 300 slides out of the damping mating groove 220 and then into the relief groove 210. Since the depth of at least part of the damping mating groove 220 can decrease as it approaches the relief groove 210, the elastic deformation of the damping element 300 in the first direction A increases as it approaches the relief groove 210, thus increasing the resistance encountered by the button 100 during sliding. After the damping element 300 slides into the relief groove 210, the relief groove 210 can accommodate at least part of the structure of the damping element 300, thereby reducing the deformation of the damping element 300 in the direction perpendicular to the first direction A. This reduces the resistance encountered by the button 100 during sliding, allowing for a segmented change in resistance to achieve a segmented tactile feel.

[0031] Combination Figure 8 In a cross-section parallel to the first direction A, the bottom wall shape of the damping groove 220 may include an arc or a broken line, thereby facilitating a reduction in the depth of at least a portion of the damping groove 220 as it approaches the damping groove 220. The depth of the portion of the damping groove 220 away from the clearance groove 210 may increase as it approaches the clearance groove 210, so as to guide the damping element 300 to slide into the damping groove 220 during the switching of the button 100 from the first position to the second position. At the same time, the depth of the portion of the damping groove 220 near the clearance groove 210 may decrease as it approaches the clearance groove 210, so as to increase the resistance encountered by the sliding of the button 100. This structure allows the resistance to the button 100 to change from the first position to the second position during the pressing process, which causes the button 100 to change from small to large and then back to small. This allows the resistance to the button 100 to change in segments, resulting in a segmented tactile feel. Moreover, the changes in resistance to the button 100 are relatively complex, which is conducive to achieving a better tactile feel and further improving the user experience.

[0032] Furthermore, the damping element 300 can be an annular damping element, and the central axis of the annular damping element can coincide with the central axis of the mounting sleeve 200. In a cross-section parallel to the first direction A, the annular damping element has an arc-shaped segment on the side facing the clearance groove 210. In this embodiment, the cross-section of the annular damping element is as follows... Figures 5 to 7The circular shape is shown. In this structure, the annular damping element and the groove wall of the damping mating groove 220 have a large contact area, resulting in greater friction between them. This provides greater resistance when the button 100 switches from the first position to the second position, further improving the tactile feel. Simultaneously, the side of the annular damping element facing the avoidance groove 210 can have an arc-shaped segment, which helps to prevent the annular damping element from getting stuck in the damping mating groove 220, ensuring its normal operation. Furthermore, this structure allows the annular damping element to elastically abut against at least a portion of the groove wall of the damping mating groove 220, thereby maximizing the sealing fit between the button 100 and the mounting sleeve 200. This prevents moisture and dust from entering the electronic device through the space between the button 100 and the mounting sleeve 200, thus avoiding interference with the normal operation of the electronic device.

[0033] Specifically, when the annular damping element is connected to the button 100, the outer surface of the button 100 can be provided with an annular mounting groove 130. The annular damping element can be positioned in the annular mounting groove 130, thereby fitting onto the button 100 through the annular mounting groove 130 to achieve the connection between the annular damping element and the button 100. In this case, the arc-shaped segment can be distributed on the outer side of the annular damping element. It should be noted that the central axis of the damping mating groove 220 and the central axis of the annular mounting groove 130 can both coincide with the central axis of the mounting sleeve 200. When the annular damping element is connected to the mounting sleeve 200, the annular damping element can be fixed to the inner wall of the mounting sleeve 200 and can surround the button 100. In this case, the arc-shaped segment can be distributed on the inner side of the annular damping element.

[0034] To better achieve a sealed fit between the button 100 and the mounting sleeve 200, the button module may further include multiple annular seals. These annular seals can be evenly distributed between the button 100 and the mounting sleeve 200, with each annular seal sealingly connected to both the button 100 and the mounting sleeve 200. The multiple annular seals can be distributed along the central axis of the mounting sleeve 200 on both sides of the damping member 300, thereby effectively achieving a sealed fit between the button 100 and the mounting sleeve 200. Specifically, the annular seal can be fitted onto the button 100 and elastically abut against the inner wall of the mounting sleeve 200, thereby achieving a sealed connection with both the button 100 and the mounting sleeve 200. The annular seal can be a sealing ring, such as an O-ring. This application embodiment does not limit the specific type of annular seal.

[0035] Furthermore, this structure ensures that when the button 100 is in the second position and the damping element 300 is in clearance fit with the other of the button 100 and the mounting sleeve 200 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction A, each annular seal is still sealed to the button 100 and the mounting sleeve 200 respectively. This helps to minimize the possibility of the button 100 shifting due to the clearance fit between the damping element 300 and the other of the button 100 and the mounting sleeve 200 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction A, thereby improving the stability of the button 100.

[0036] In an optional embodiment, the other of the button 100 and the mounting sleeve 200 may have a damping mating surface 230. The damping mating surface 230 may extend around the central axis of the mounting sleeve 200, that is, the damping mating surface 230 may be a damping mating annular surface, and the damping mating surface 230 may be connected to the side wall of the clearance groove 210. When the button 100 is in the first position, the damping member 300 may elastically abut against the damping mating surface 230, so that the damping member 300 may deform in a direction perpendicular to the first direction A. At this time, the damping member 300 may be tightly fitted with the other of the button 100 and the mounting sleeve 200 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction A.

[0037] In the specific working process, the user presses the button 100 to make the button 100 slide relative to the mounting sleeve 200 along the first direction A. When the button 100 switches from the first position to the second position, the damping element 300 elastically abuts against the damping mating surface 230, so that the damping element 300 can have a large deformation in the direction perpendicular to the first direction A, so that the damping element 300 and the damping mating surface 230 rub against each other, thereby providing greater resistance to the sliding of the button 100. After the button 100 switches to the second position, the damping element 300 slides into the relief groove 210, thereby reducing the deformation of the damping element 300 in the direction perpendicular to the first direction A, so as to reduce the resistance brought by the damping element 300 when the button 100 slides.

[0038] In other words, this structure allows the resistance to the button 100 to decrease from large to small during the process of pressing the button 100 to switch the button 100 from the first position to the second position. This allows the resistance to the button 100 to change in segments, thus achieving a segmented tactile feel. This structure directly connects the damping mating surface 230 with the damping component 300, thereby avoiding the need for additional slots on the button 100 or the mounting sleeve 200, which helps to reduce manufacturing difficulty.

[0039] Furthermore, when the damping element 300 is connected to the button 100, the damping mating surface 230 can be distributed on the inner wall of the mounting sleeve 200. When the damping element 300 is connected to the mounting sleeve 200, the damping mating surface 230 can be distributed on the outer side of the button 100.

[0040] In the embodiments disclosed in this application, the first end of the button 100 can extend beyond the mounting sleeve 200. The first end of the button 100 can be an operating end, allowing the operating end to extend beyond the mounting sleeve 200 for easy operation. The button module may further include a trigger 410, a circuit board 420, and a trigger mating member 430. The trigger 410 can be connected to the second end of the button 100, and the trigger mating member 430 can be disposed on the circuit board 420 and can be opposite to the trigger 410. Pressing the operating end can drive the button 100 to slide relative to the mounting sleeve 200 along a first direction A, thereby switching the button 100 between a first position and a second position.

[0041] In this structure, the button 100 can be switched between a first position and a second position, thereby enabling the trigger 410 to cooperate with the trigger mating member 430 to conveniently realize the button function. Specifically, the trigger 410 and the second end of the button 100 can be connected by means of bonding, soldering, etc. The circuit board 420 can be a printed circuit board, a rigid-flex circuit board, etc., and the trigger mating member 430 can be a push-button switch. The embodiments of this application do not limit these aspects.

[0042] Furthermore, the trigger 410 may have a conductive portion that extends beyond the mounting sleeve 200. The second end of the button 100 may also extend beyond the mounting sleeve 200, allowing the conductive portion to extend beyond the mounting sleeve 200, thereby facilitating electrical connection between the conductive portion and the trigger mating member 430. Specifically, the conductive portion may be a conductive metal, conductive soft rubber, etc., and this embodiment does not impose any limitations on this.

[0043] In the specific operation process, when button 100 is in the first position, the conductive part can be separated from the trigger engagement member 430, thus preventing the conductive part from triggering the trigger engagement member 430. When button 100 is in the second position, the conductive part can be close to the trigger engagement member 430 and electrically connected to it, allowing the conductive part to trigger the trigger engagement member 430 to activate the button function. This facilitates the implementation of button functions, enabling the electronic device to perform corresponding functions, such as adjusting volume or locking the screen, by electrically connecting the conductive part to the trigger engagement member 430 when the button module is installed in an electronic device. This structure makes it relatively easy to perform the corresponding functions by pressing button 100.

[0044] Of course, in other embodiments, the trigger 410 may have a magnetic part, which can move away from or towards the trigger mating member 430 as the button 100 switches between the first position and the second position, thereby changing the distance between the magnetic part and the trigger mating member 430. The trigger mating member 430 is used to detect the change in magnetic force generated by the change in distance between the magnetic part and the trigger mating member 430, so as to trigger the button function. In this case, the magnetic part can be neodymium iron boron, ferrite, etc., and the trigger mating member 430 can be a Hall element. The embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0045] In one embodiment, the trigger 410 may have a clearance space 411. The button module may also include a magnet 440 and a magnetic induction element 450. The magnet 440 may be disposed at the second end of the button 100, and the magnetic induction element 450 may be disposed on the circuit board 420. The magnetic induction element 450 may be opposite to the magnet 440. The clearance space 411 may avoid the magnetic induction element 450, so as to avoid the situation where the trigger 410 and the magnetic induction element 450 may interfere with each other and affect the sliding of the button 100 when the button 100 switches from the first position to the second position and moves the trigger 410 closer to the circuit board 420.

[0046] Button 100 can drive magnet 440 to rotate relative to mounting sleeve 200 around its central axis, allowing magnet 440 to rotate relative to magnetic induction element 450 around its central axis. Magnetic induction element 450 detects changes in magnetic force generated by the rotation of magnet 440 around its central axis relative to magnetic induction element 450, triggering a knob function, thus enabling the button to function as a knob. This structure allows the electronic device, when the button module is installed, to control corresponding functions based on the changes in magnetic force generated by the rotation of magnet 440 around its central axis relative to magnetic induction element 450 detected by magnetic induction element 450, such as adjusting volume or switching images. Specifically, magnet 440 can be neodymium iron boron, ferrite, etc., and magnetic induction element 450 can be a Hall element; this embodiment does not limit these possibilities.

[0047] Optionally, the button 100 may have a receiving groove 110, and the trigger 410 may have a clearance space 411. The receiving groove 110 may communicate with the clearance space 411, and the magnet 440 may be disposed in the receiving groove 110. This structure can make full use of the space of the button module to set up electronic components, thereby enriching the functions of the button module and improving the compactness of the button module.

[0048] In another embodiment, the button 100 may have a through hole, and the trigger 410 may have a clearance space 411 communicating with the through hole. The button module may also include a light source, which may be disposed on the circuit board 420. The through hole and the clearance space 411 may both be opposite to the light source, so that the light emitted by the light source can pass through the clearance space 411 and the through hole in sequence and be projected outside the button 100 to achieve a lighting effect, thereby enriching the functions of the button module. Specifically, the light source may be an LED light, and the specific type of light source is not limited in this embodiment.

[0049] To reduce the risk of moisture, dust, and other contaminants entering the button module through the through-hole and affecting its normal operation, the button module may also include a light-transmitting component. The light-transmitting component can be connected to the end of the through-hole away from the light source by means of bonding, welding, or other methods. Specifically, the light-transmitting component can be transparent plastic, transparent glass, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific type of light-transmitting component.

[0050] Optionally, the button 100 can be a rod-shaped button. The rod-shaped button can slide relative to the mounting sleeve 200 along the central axis direction, or rotate relative to the mounting sleeve 200 around the central axis direction. The central axis direction of the rod-shaped button can be parallel to the central axis direction of the mounting sleeve 200, and the central axis of the rod-shaped button can coincide with the central axis of the mounting sleeve 200, so as to realize the sliding and rotational engagement between the rod-shaped button and the mounting sleeve 200.

[0051] In a further technical solution, the button module may also include an elastic element 500, which can be sleeved on the button 100. This allows the button 100 to guide the direction of elastic deformation of the elastic element 500 when it undergoes elastic deformation, minimizing the risk of displacement during deformation and improving its stability. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the opposite ends of the elastic element 500 can be connected to the button 100 and the mounting sleeve 200 respectively via a snap-fit ​​connection. During operation, when the button 100 is in the second position, the elastic element 500 can undergo elastic deformation. This deformation recovery drives the button 100 back to the first position, facilitating automatic button reset for user operation.

[0052] Specifically, the elastic deformation can be tensile deformation or compressive deformation, and the elastic element 500 can be a spring or elastic rubber; the embodiments of this application do not limit either of these. Furthermore, it should be noted that when the button 100 is in the first position, the elastic element 500 can be in a natural state (i.e., a state in which no deformation has occurred due to external force).

[0053] In an optional technical solution, the button 100 may have a limiting groove 120. The limiting groove 120 may have a first sidewall 121 and a second sidewall 122 that are relatively distributed along a first direction A. The opening of the limiting groove 120 may be perpendicular to the first direction A, that is, the opening of the limiting groove 120 may be perpendicular to the central axis direction of the mounting sleeve 200. The button module may also include a limiting mating part 600, which may be fixedly connected to the mounting sleeve 200 by welding, bonding, snap-fitting, or other methods.

[0054] In the specific working process, when the button 100 is in the first position, the limiting mating part 600 can move away from the first side wall 121 and abut against the second side wall 122 to restrict the button 100 from continuing to slide along the direction from the second side wall 122 to the first side wall 121, so that the button 100 can be stably located in the first position, and the situation of the button 100 sliding outside the mounting sleeve 200 as much as possible is avoided, which would make the button 100 easy to lose.

[0055] When button 100 is in the second position, the limiting engagement member 600 can move away from the second sidewall 122 and abut against the first sidewall 121 to limit button 100 from continuing to slide along the direction from the first sidewall 121 to the second sidewall 122. This allows button 100 to be stably positioned in the second position, so that when the button module includes circuit board 420, the situation where button 100 continues to slide away from the first sidewall 121 and gets closer to circuit board 420 is avoided as much as possible, which could easily cause it to collide with circuit board 420 and the electronic components on circuit board 420, thereby causing circuit board 420 and the electronic components on circuit board 420 to malfunction.

[0056] Optionally, the limiting groove 120 can be an annular limiting groove extending around the central axis of the mounting sleeve 200, and the limiting fitting 600 can be an arc-shaped limiting fitting. The central axis of the arc-shaped limiting fitting can coincide with the central axis of the mounting sleeve 200. The arc-shaped limiting fitting can be fitted outside part of the structure of the mounting sleeve 200 and part of the structure of the button 100. This structure can still ensure the fit between the limiting groove 120 and the arc-shaped limiting fitting when the button 100 rotates relative to the mounting sleeve 200 around the central axis of the mounting sleeve 200.

[0057] Meanwhile, the arc-shaped limiting fitting can have a notch 610 so that the arc-shaped limiting fitting can be fitted onto part of the structure of the button 100 through the notch 610, thereby facilitating the installation of the arc-shaped limiting fitting.

[0058] Based on the button module disclosed in the embodiments of this application, this application further discloses an electronic device. The disclosed electronic device includes a housing and the button module described in any of the above embodiments. A mounting sleeve 200 is disposed inside the housing. The first end of the button 100 is an operation end, which is exposed outside the housing through the mounting sleeve 200. In addition, the second end of the button 100 can pass through the mounting sleeve 200 to be disposed inside the housing.

[0059] Specifically, the operating end can extend beyond the mounting sleeve 200, thus extending beyond the housing through the mounting sleeve 200. Alternatively, the operating end can be located inside the mounting sleeve 200, thus being exposed to the housing through the port of the mounting sleeve 200, and thus appearing outside the housing through the mounting sleeve 200.

[0060] The electronic devices disclosed in this application can be smartphones, tablets, e-book readers, wearable devices (such as smartwatches and VR glasses), video game consoles, walkie-talkies, etc. This application does not limit the specific types of electronic devices.

[0061] The above embodiments of the present invention focus on describing the differences between the various embodiments. As long as the different optimization features of the various embodiments are not contradictory, they can be combined to form a better embodiment. For the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail here.

[0062] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other modifications under the guidance of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and all of these modifications are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A key module, characterized by, The key (100), the mounting sleeve (200) and the damping member (300) are provided. The key (100) is movably arranged in the mounting sleeve (200), the damping member (300) is arranged between the key (100) and the mounting sleeve (200), and the damping member (300) is connected with one of the key (100) and the mounting sleeve (200); the key (100) slides relative to the mounting sleeve (200) along a first direction (A) to switch the key (100) between a first position and a second position. In a direction perpendicular to the first direction (A), a deformation amount of the damping member (300) when the key (100) is in the first position is greater than a deformation amount of the damping member (300) when the key (100) is in the second position. The first direction (A) is parallel to a central axis direction of the mounting sleeve (200).

2. The key module of claim 1, wherein, When the key (100) is in the first position, the damping member (300) and the other one of the key (100) and the mounting sleeve (200) are in close fit in the direction perpendicular to the first direction (A). When the key (100) is in the second position, the damping member (300) and the other one of the key (100) and the mounting sleeve (200) are in clearance fit in the direction perpendicular to the first direction (A).

3. The key module of claim 1, wherein, The other one of the key (100) and the mounting sleeve (200) is provided with an avoiding groove (210) extending around the central axis direction of the mounting sleeve (200). When the key (100) is in the second position, the damping member (300) is at least partially arranged in the avoiding groove (210) to reduce the deformation amount of the damping member (300) in the direction perpendicular to the first direction (A).

4. The key module of claim 3, wherein, The other one of the key (100) and the mounting sleeve (200) is provided with a damping fit groove (220) extending around the central axis direction of the mounting sleeve (200), and the damping fit groove (220) and the avoiding groove (210) are distributed along the first direction (A). When the key (100) is in the first position, the damping member (300) is at least partially arranged in the damping fit groove (220), and the damping member (300) elastically abuts against at least part of a groove wall of the damping fit groove (220).

5. The key module of claim 4, wherein, At least part of the damping fit groove (220) has a decreasing depth approaching the avoiding groove (210), and a depth direction of the damping fit groove (220) is perpendicular to the first direction (A).

6. The key module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The other one of the key (100) and the mounting sleeve (200) has a damping fit surface (230) extending around the central axis direction of the mounting sleeve (200). In the case that the key (100) is located at the first position, the damping member (300) elastically abuts against the damping matching surface (230) to make the damping member (300) deformed in a direction perpendicular to the first direction (A).

7. The key module of claim 1, wherein, The first end of the key (100) extends out of the mounting sleeve (200), and the key module further comprises a trigger member (410), a circuit board (420) and a trigger matching member (430). The trigger member (410) is connected to the second end of the key (100), the trigger matching member (430) is arranged on the circuit board (420) and opposite to the trigger member (410). The first end of the key (100) is an operation end, and pressing the operation end can drive the key (100) to slide relative to the mounting sleeve (200) along the first direction (A) to switch the key (100) between the first position and the second position.

8. The key module of claim 7, wherein, The trigger member (410) has a conductive part which extends out of the mounting sleeve (200): In the case that the key (100) is located at the first position, the conductive part is away from the trigger matching member (430) and separated from the trigger matching member (430); In the case that the key (100) is located at the second position, the conductive part is close to the trigger matching member (430) and electrically connected to the trigger matching member (430) to trigger the key function.

9. The key module of claim 7, wherein, The trigger member (410) is provided with a avoiding space (411), and the key module further comprises a magnet (440) and a magnetic induction member (450). The magnet (440) is arranged at the second end of the key (100), the avoiding space (411) avoids the magnetic induction member (450), and the magnetic induction member (450) is arranged on the circuit board (420). The magnetic induction member (450) is opposite to the magnet (440). The key (100) can drive the magnet (440) to rotate relative to the mounting sleeve (200) along the direction of the center axis of the mounting sleeve (200) to make the magnet (440) rotate relative to the magnetic induction member (450) along the direction of the center axis of the mounting sleeve (200). The magnetic induction member (450) is used for detecting the magnetic force change generated by the rotation of the magnet (440) relative to the magnetic induction member (450) along the direction of the center axis of the mounting sleeve (200) to trigger the rotary knob function.

10. The key module of claim 1, wherein, The key (100) is provided with a limiting groove (120), and the limiting groove (120) has a first side wall (121) and a second side wall (122) which are oppositely distributed along the first direction (A). The key module further comprises a limiting matching member (600) which is fixedly connected to the mounting sleeve (200). In the case that the key (100) is located at the first position, the limiting matching member (600) is away from the first side wall (121) and abuts against the second side wall (122). When the key (100) is located at the second position, the limiting fitting member (600) is away from the second side wall (122) and abuts against the first side wall (121).

11. An electronic device, comprising: The key module is composed of a shell and the key module as claimed in any one of claims 1-10, the mounting sleeve (200) is arranged in the shell, and a first end of the key (100) is an operation end which is exposed to the shell.

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