Combination key and electronic equipment

By designing a combination key toggle module and a press key module, the problem of limited button functionality in electronic devices was solved, enabling multi-functional operation and improving user convenience and operational efficiency.

CN121662681APending Publication Date: 2026-03-13ZTE CORP
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-09-11
Publication Date
2026-03-13

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The buttons on existing electronic devices have limited functionality and cannot meet the needs of multi-functional use, resulting in inconvenience for users when switching between scene modes or adjusting modes.

Method used

Design a combination key, including a toggle key module and a press key module, to achieve multiple functions through pressing and toggling operations, such as power on/off, camera mode switching, and flash mode adjustment. Combine elastic and magnetic components to realize the floating and resetting of the keycaps.

Benefits of technology

It improves the ease of user operation, allowing users to switch between various states and working modes without waking up the screen, thus simplifying the operation process.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention discloses a combination key and electronic equipment, and belongs to the technical field of electronic equipment. The combination key is used for being arranged on a middle frame of the electronic equipment, the combination key comprises a toggle key module and a press key module, and the toggle key module is used for being arranged in the middle frame; the press key module and the toggle key module are arranged in the middle frame in a stacked mode in the press direction, the press key module is connected to the toggle key module in a sliding mode in the toggle direction, and the press key module is arranged in a floating mode in the press direction to conduct press operation. In the scheme, conversion of various states and working modes of the electronic equipment can be realized only through pressing of the pressing key module and shifting of the pressing key module and the shifting key module, so that various functions of the combined key can be realized, and when a user operates the electronic equipment through the combined key, the user experience is improved. The operation can be carried out without waking up the screen of the electronic equipment, so that the user operation convenience can be improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of electronic equipment technology, specifically relating to a combination key and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] Buttons are often an important component of electronic devices, primarily used for human-computer interaction. With the continuous upgrading of electronic devices, people have a greater desire for simplicity. Some electronic devices have reduced physical buttons to a single one. However, due to the limited functionality of buttons, they cannot meet the needs of multi-functional use. For example, a button cannot simultaneously adjust volume and power on / off. Therefore, when switching between or adjusting scene modes, users need to first wake up the screen to open the electronic device's operating system and then perform touch operations on the corresponding scene mode, reducing the convenience of adjusting scene modes. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a combination key and electronic device that can solve the problem that the button functions in related technologies are limited and cannot meet the needs of multi-functional use.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a combination key for mounting on the mid-frame of an electronic device, the combination key comprising:

[0005] A toggle switch module is provided on the middle frame; and

[0006] The press button module and the toggle button module are stacked on the middle frame along the pressing direction. The press button module is slidably connected to the toggle button module along the toggle direction, and the press button module is floating in the pressing direction to perform the pressing operation.

[0007] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide an electronic device, including a mid-frame and the aforementioned combination key, wherein the combination key is disposed on the mid-frame.

[0008] In this embodiment, the combination keys can be pressed via a key module to achieve the pressing function of the key combination. Furthermore, the combination keys can be toggled by moving the key module and the toggle key module. For example, pressing the key module can switch the electronic device's mode, specifically turning it on or off, or switching it to camera mode, flash mode, or game mode. Moving the key module and toggle key module allows for corresponding mode adjustments, such as turning the camera on or off, turning the flash on or off, or adjusting the volume. Thus, multiple states and operating modes of the electronic device can be switched using only the key module and the toggle key module, enabling the combination keys to perform multiple functions. Users can operate the electronic device using the combination keys without waking up the screen, thereby improving user convenience.

[0009] Furthermore, the press button module and the toggle button module are stacked along the pressing direction, which makes it easier for users to perform pressing operations. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is one of the cross-sectional views of a combination key disclosed in an embodiment of this application (the key module includes an elastic element);

[0011] Figure 2 This is a second cross-sectional view of a combination key disclosed in one embodiment of this application (the key module includes a first magnetic element and a second magnetic element);

[0012] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a button holder disclosed in one embodiment of this application;

[0013] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the keycap disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0014] Figure 5 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the toggle key module disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0015] Figure 6 This is the second schematic diagram of the toggle key module disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0016] Figure 7 This is a side view of the toggle element disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0017] Figure 8 This is a rear view of the toggle element disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0018] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of a combination key disclosed in one embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of a combination key disclosed in another embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 11 This is an exploded view of the combination key disclosed in another embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 12 This is a side view of a button holder disclosed in another embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of a button holder disclosed in another embodiment of this application.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0024] 100 - Middle frame; 110 - Mounting slot; 111 - First mounting slot; 112 - Second mounting slot; 200 - Switch;

[0025] 300 - Press button module; 310 - Button bracket; 311 - Fixing plate; 312 - Limiting plate; 313 - Connecting plate;

[0026] 314 - Connecting part; 315 - Slot; 316 - Card slot; 317 - Flexible protrusion; 318 - Magnet fixing slot;

[0027] 319 - Activity space; 320 - Keycap; 321 - Connecting plate; 322 - Pressing part; 330 - Spring element;

[0028] 331 - First magnetic component; 332 - Second magnetic component; 340 - Limiting guide rod; 400 - Toggle key module;

[0029] 410 - Connecting contact point; 411 - Positive connecting contact point; 412 - Negative connecting contact point; 420 - Feedback board;

[0030] 421-Sliding hole; 4211-Strip hole; 4212-Through hole; 430-Feedback frame; 440-Toggle element;

[0031] 4401-Actuating lever; 4402-Actuating plate; 441-Limiting lever; 450-Magnet; 500-Insert bracket. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0033] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of 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 the number of objects is not limited; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0034] The combination keys and electronic devices provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, through specific embodiments and application scenarios.

[0035] Please refer to Figure 1-13 This application discloses a combination key that is disposed on the mid-frame 100 of an electronic device for user operation to perform human-computer interaction with the electronic device. It should be noted that the mid-frame 100 is part of the casing of the electronic device.

[0036] The combination keys include a toggle key module 400 and a press key module 300. The toggle key module 400 can be set in the middle frame 100, and the press key module 300 and the toggle key module 400 can be stacked in the middle frame 100 along the pressing direction to facilitate the user's pressing operation.

[0037] Furthermore, the press key module 300 can be slidably connected to the toggle key module 400 along the toggle direction. That is, when the press key module 300 is toggleed, at least a portion of the toggle key module 400 can move together. The press key module 300 can be floating in the pressing direction for pressing operations. Thus, pressing the press key module 300 enables the pressing function of combination keys, and the toggle operation of both the press key module 300 and the toggle key module 400 enables the toggle function of combination keys. Optionally, pressing the button module 300 can switch the electronic device's modes. Specifically, it can power the electronic device on or off, or switch it to camera mode, flash mode, or game mode. By toggling the button module 300 and the toggle module 400, the electronic device can adjust its mode accordingly. Specifically, the position of the button module can be used to turn the camera on or off, the flash on or off, or adjust the volume.

[0038] With this setup, multiple states and working modes of the electronic device can be switched simply by pressing the key module 300 and moving the key module 400. This allows the combination keys to perform multiple functions. When operating the electronic device using the combination keys, users do not need to wake up the screen of the electronic device to perform the operation, thereby improving the convenience of user operation.

[0039] In an optional embodiment of this application, the key module 300 may include a key support 310 and a keycap 320. The key support 310 may be slidably connected to the key module 400 along the toggle direction, and the keycap 320 may be floatingly disposed on the key support 310 along the pressing direction. A switch 200 may be disposed on the key support 310, and the keycap 320 may be used to trigger the switch 200 when pressed, so that the electronic device can perform the corresponding operation.

[0040] Here, since the switch 200 is mounted on the key support 310, the switch 200 can slide along the toggle direction together with the key module 300. And since the keycap 320 is floating on the key support 310 along the pressing direction, the user can trigger the switch 200 by pressing the keycap 320 during the sliding of the key module 300. For example, during mode adjustment, the user can switch the scene mode at any time without having to move to a certain position, thus enabling the combination keys to achieve more functions.

[0041] It should be noted that switch 200 can be electrically connected to the circuit board of the electronic device via a flexible circuit board. Optionally, switch 200 can be a metal spring switch (dome switch). Here, when the user presses keycap 320 to trigger switch 200, the electronic device can switch modes, such as turning the electronic device on or off, or switching the electronic device to camera mode, flash mode, or game mode.

[0042] In other embodiments, the keycap 320 may not be floating on the key support 310, and the switch 200 may not be floating on the key support 310. Specifically, the keycap 320 may be fixedly connected to the key support 310, and the keycap 320 and the key support 310 may float together. That is, when the keycap 320 is pressed, the keycap 320 and the key support 310 move together in the pressing direction. In this case, the switch 200 may be placed on the middle frame 100.

[0043] The combination keys provided in this application embodiment can achieve multiple functions. Specifically, when a user wants to switch between different functions, they can directly press the keycap 320, which triggers the switch 200 to switch modes. For example, if the initial mode of the electronic device is camera mode, pressing the switch 200 once can switch from camera mode to flash mode, and pressing it twice can switch from flash mode to game mode. Other modes or functions can be switched by pressing the switch 200 multiple times. Furthermore, the duration of pressing the switch 200 can also be used to switch between modes or functions. Specifically, the user can customize the mode or function corresponding to the duration of the press. Additionally, when a user wants to adjust the mode, they can toggle the key module 300, causing the toggle key module 400 to sense the position of the key module 300 and control the electronic device to make corresponding adjustments, such as adjusting the camera's on / off state, the flash's on / off state, or the volume level based on the position of the key module 300. Here, pressing the switch 200 can switch the electronic device to the desired mode. At this time, the mode can be adjusted directly by toggling the button module 300. The combination key can be switched to the toggle function without the user having to wake up the screen of the electronic device to make selections.

[0044] In one embodiment, the key module 300 may further include an elastic element 330. The elastic element 330 can be disposed between the key support 310 and the keycap 320, allowing the keycap 320 to float in the pressing direction and be pressable. The elastic element 330 can also drive the keycap 320 to reset, preventing it from pressing the switch 200 and preventing accidental key presses. Here, because the elastic element 330 is relatively inexpensive, using its elasticity to float the keycap 320 helps reduce the cost of the combination keys.

[0045] Optionally, the elastic element 330 can be a spring, with its two ends abutting against the key bracket 310 and the keycap 320 respectively. This makes installation and disassembly convenient, facilitates maintenance and upkeep, and is inexpensive.

[0046] Of course, the elastic element 330 may not be a spring; specifically, the elastic element 330 may be a rubber block.

[0047] In another embodiment, the key module 300 may further include a first magnetic element 331 and a second magnetic element 332. The first magnetic element 331 may be disposed on the key support 310, and the second magnetic element 332 may be disposed on the keycap 320. The second magnetic element 332 is disposed opposite to the first magnetic element 331, wherein the first magnetic element 331 and the second magnetic element 332 repel each other, so that the keycap 320 floats in the pressing direction and can be pressed. Here, the repulsive force of the first magnetic element 331 and the second magnetic element 332 is used to achieve the reset of the keycap 320, which has good stability and can achieve rapid reset of the keycap 320.

[0048] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiment of the press button module 300 including the elastic element 330 and the embodiment of the press button module 300 including the first magnetic element 331 and the second magnetic element 332 can only use one of them, or both can be used at the same time. That is, the press button module 300 can simultaneously include the elastic element 330, the first magnetic element 331 and the second magnetic element 332.

[0049] In an optional embodiment of this application, the key support 310 may include a fixing plate 311, a connecting plate 313, and a limiting plate 312. The fixing plate 311 may be disposed opposite to the limiting plate 312. The fixing plate 311 and the limiting plate 312 may be connected by the connecting plate 313, and an active space 319 may be provided between the limiting plate 312 and the fixing plate 311. A snap-fit ​​plate 321 may be provided on the keycap 320. The snap-fit ​​plate 321 may be located within the active space 319, and the snap-fit ​​plate 321 and the limiting plate 312 shall engage in a limiting fit in the direction of the keycap 320 away from the fixing plate 311. In this way, the key support 310 and the keycap 320 can be snapped together, so that the keycap 320 and the key support 310 form a whole. The limiting fit between the snap-fit ​​plate 321 and the limiting plate 312 can prevent the keycap 320 from falling off the key support 310.

[0050] In addition, a pressing part 322 can be provided on the keycap 320, which can be used to press the switch 200 so as to trigger the switch 200.

[0051] Here, the switch 200 can be set on the side of the fixing plate 311 near the keycap 320, so that the pressing part 322 of the keycap 320 can trigger the switch 200.

[0052] The latching plate 321 can move within the movable space 319 along the pressing direction of the keycap 320. When the keycap 320 is pressed, the latching plate 321 gradually moves away from the limiting plate 312 and gradually moves closer to the fixing plate 311 until the pressing part 322 contacts the switch 200. When the keycap 320 is stopped being pressed, the latching plate 321 gradually moves closer to the limiting plate 312 and gradually moves away from the fixing plate 311 until it returns to its initial position. At this time, the latching plate 321 abuts against the limiting plate 312.

[0053] In other embodiments, the key support 310 may not include the limiting plate 312, and the keycap 320 may not have the snap-fit ​​plate 321. Specifically, the keycap 320 may be directly slidably connected to the key support 310.

[0054] In an optional embodiment, the key module 300 may further include a limiting guide rod 340. The first end of the limiting guide rod 340 may be connected to the fixing plate 311, and the second end of the limiting guide rod 340 may pass through the snap-fit ​​plate 321 and be connected to the limiting plate 312. The snap-fit ​​plate 321 may slide along the limiting guide rod 340. In this way, the limiting guide rod 340 can guide and limit the snap-fit ​​plate 321 to ensure that the keycap 320 slides in the pressing direction, thereby preventing the keycap 320 from shifting and jamming or failing to trigger the switch 200.

[0055] Here, the length direction of the limiting guide rod 340 can be parallel to the pressing direction.

[0056] In other embodiments, the button module 300 may also exclude the limiting guide rod 340.

[0057] Optionally, the limiting guide rod 340 can be a screw, the head of which can be connected to the fixing plate 311, and the shank of which can pass through the fixing plate 311 and the snap-fit ​​plate 321 in sequence and be threadedly connected to the limiting plate 312. This facilitates the disassembly and maintenance of the keycap 320 or the key bracket 310. Of course, the limiting guide rod 340 can also be a guide post. The first end of the guide post can be connected to the fixing plate 311 by welding, riveting, or other means, and the second end of the guide post can be connected to the limiting plate 312 by welding, riveting, or other means.

[0058] In some embodiments, the key support 310 may include two limiting plates 312, which are respectively connected to both ends of the fixing plate 311 via two connecting plates 313. A movable space 319 is provided between each of the limiting plates 312 and the fixing plate 311. The keycap 320 may be provided with two snap-fit ​​plates 321, which are respectively located within the two movable spaces 319. The two snap-fit ​​plates 321 can respectively engage with the two limiting plates 312 in the direction away from the fixing plate 311 of the keycap 320 to limit the travel of the keycap 320 after being pressed and to prevent the keycap 320 from falling off. This configuration helps improve the stability of the connection between the keycap 320 and the key support 310, and also improves the balance of the keycap 320.

[0059] Furthermore, the key module 300 may include two elastic elements 330 and two limiting guide rods 340. The two elastic elements 330 can respectively drive the two locking plates 321 to reset. The second ends of the two limiting guide rods 340 can respectively pass through the two locking plates 321 and connect to the two limiting plates 312, and the two locking plates 321 can respectively slide along the two limiting guide rods 340. In this way, the force on the keycap 320 can be balanced, and the keycap 320 can be quickly reset. Of course, two sets of repulsive first magnetic elements 331 and second magnetic elements 332 can also be used to replace the two elastic elements 330.

[0060] In an optional embodiment, the combination key may further include a insert bracket 500, which can be used to connect to the middle frame 100. A connecting portion 314 may be provided on the side of the key support 310 opposite to the keycap 320. A slot 316 may be provided on the connecting portion 314, and the insert bracket 500 engages with the slot 316. The slot 316 and the insert bracket 500 can slide relative to each other in the tossing direction. In this way, the insert bracket 500 will not affect the user's tossing of the press key module 300 and the toss key module 400, and can also limit the movement of the key support 310, preventing it from detaching from the middle frame 100.

[0061] In other embodiments, the combination key may not include the insert bracket 500, and the key bracket 310 may be directly slidably connected to the middle frame 100.

[0062] Optionally, the insert bracket 500 may be provided with two protrusions on the side near the keycap 320, the connecting part 314 may be located between the two protrusions, and the two protrusions may respectively contact the first end of the limiting guide rod 340. Specifically, the two protrusions may respectively contact the heads of the two screws. In this way, the two protrusions can limit the limiting guide rod 340 to prevent the limiting guide rod 340 from moving away from the keycap 320 and disconnecting from the limiting plate 312.

[0063] In one embodiment of this application, the toggle key module 400 may include at least two sensing contacts, a feedback plate 420, and a toggle member 440. The sensing contacts may be disposed on the middle frame 100, and are spaced apart along the toggle direction. The feedback plate 420 may be connected to the middle frame 100. The toggle member 440 may be connected to the press key module 300, and is slidably connected to the feedback plate 420. The toggle member 440 may have a connecting contact 410, which is movable to electrically connect or disconnect from the sensing contacts. Specifically, the toggle member 440 may move along the toggle direction with the press key module 300, so that the connecting contact 410 can move with the toggle member 440 and sequentially contact each sensing contact to form an electrical connection, enabling the electronic device to execute corresponding operations based on the triggering of each sensing contact. This configuration is simple in structure, easy to implement, and improves the accuracy of combination key operations.

[0064] In other embodiments, the toggle key module 400 may not include sensing contacts, and the toggle member 440 may not have connecting contacts 410. Specifically, the toggle key module 400 may include a position sensor, which can be used to sense the position of the key module 300 in the toggle direction so that the electronic device can perform corresponding operations according to the position of the key module 300.

[0065] In this embodiment, the sensing contact may include a positive sensing contact and a negative sensing contact, and the connecting contact 410 may include a positive connecting contact 411 and a negative connecting contact 412. The positive connecting contact 411 can be electrically connected to the positive sensing contact, and the negative connecting contact 412 can be electrically connected to the negative sensing contact. In this way, the connecting contact 410 and the sensing contact can form a conductive circuit.

[0066] Optionally, the feedback plate 420 can be elastic. When the toggle member 440 is in the first toggle position, the feedback plate 420 is in a deformed state and can apply a spring force to the toggle member 440. When the toggle member 440 is in the second toggle position, the feedback plate 420 can return to its original deformation, and no longer applies a spring force to the toggle member 440. In this way, when the user toggles the button module 300, the feedback plate 420 can apply a feedback force to the button module 300, allowing the user to feel the tactile sensation of toggling. Of course, the button module 400 may also not include the feedback plate 420.

[0067] It should be noted that the first toggle position refers to the position of the toggle member 440 when the connecting contact point 410 is not in contact with the sensing contact; the second toggle position refers to the position of the toggle member 440 when the connecting contact point 410 is in contact with the sensing contact.

[0068] In some embodiments, the feedback plate 420 may be provided with a sliding hole 421. The sliding hole 421 may include a strip hole 4211 and at least two second through holes 4212. Each through hole 4212 communicates with the strip hole 4211 and can be distributed along the length direction of the strip hole 4211. It should be noted that the length direction of the strip hole 4211 can be parallel to the toggle direction, that is, each through hole 4212 can be distributed along the toggle direction, and each through hole 4212 can correspond one-to-one with each sensing contact. The toggle member 440 may also be provided with a limit rod 441. The limit rod 441 can be slidably disposed in the sliding hole 421, that is, the limit rod 441 can slide along the sliding hole 421. Moreover, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the maximum width of the limiting rod 441 in the width direction of the strip hole 4211 can be greater than the width of the strip hole 4211, and the maximum width of the limiting rod 441 in the width direction of the strip hole 4211 can be less than or equal to the diameter of the through hole 4212.

[0069] Because the feedback plate 420 is elastic, when the limiting rod 441 moves within the strip hole 4211, the hole wall of the strip hole 4211 can clamp the limiting rod 441 to a certain extent, so that the user can feel a certain resistance when pressing the button module 300. Since the maximum width of the limiting rod 441 in the width direction of the strip hole 4211 is less than or equal to the diameter of the through hole 4212, when the limiting rod 441 slides into the through hole 4212, the clamping force of the feedback plate 420 on the limiting rod 441 disappears. At this time, the user can feel that the button module 300 is no longer subject to resistance. Therefore, the feedback plate 420 can provide the user with feedback on the feel when pressing the button module 300.

[0070] Optionally, the toggle key module 400 may also include a feedback frame 430, which can be used to connect with the middle frame 100. The feedback plate 420 can be located inside the feedback frame 430 and connected to the feedback frame 430. In this way, the feedback plate 420 can be fixed on the middle frame 100 through the feedback frame 430, and the feedback frame 430 can limit the feedback plate 420 to ensure that the hole wall of the strip hole 4211 can return to its initial state after deformation, thus providing a certain clamping effect on the limiting rod 441.

[0071] Optionally, the toggle member 440 may include a toggle lever 4401 and a toggle plate 4402 connected to the toggle lever 4401. The toggle lever 4401 may be connected to the button bracket 310, and the toggle plate 4402 may be parallel to the feedback plate 420. The limiting lever 441 and the connecting contact point 410 are respectively disposed on two opposite surfaces of the toggle plate 4402. In this way, the limiting lever 441 and the connecting contact point 410 can be prevented from interfering with each other, thereby facilitating the contact point 410 to contact the sensing contact.

[0072] In some embodiments, the toggle member 440 can be inserted into the button bracket 310. Specifically, the button bracket 310 and the toggle lever 4401 can be inserted into each other, with the insertion direction parallel to the pressing direction. This facilitates the installation and removal of the toggle member 440. Of course, the button bracket 310 and the toggle member 440 can also be fixedly connected in other ways, such as snap-fitting or connecting with fasteners. Optionally, the toggle lever 4401 can be inserted into the connecting portion 314 on the button bracket 310 described above. The connecting portion 314 can be provided with a slot 315, and the toggle lever 4401 can be inserted into the slot 315.

[0073] In an optional embodiment, the toggle switch module 400 may include two sensing contacts, namely a first sensing contact and a second sensing contact, such as... Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the sliding hole 421 of the feedback board 420 may include two through holes 4212, namely a first through hole and a second through hole. When the push button module 300 is moved to the first position, the connecting contact point 410 can contact the first sensing contact point, and the limiting rod 441 can slide into the first through hole. At this time, the first sensing contact point can generate a signal to increase the volume, causing the volume of the electronic device to increase. When the push button module 300 is slid to the second position, the connecting contact point 410 can contact the second sensing contact point, and the limiting rod 441 can slide into the second through hole. At this time, the second sensing contact point can generate a signal to decrease the volume, causing the volume of the electronic device to decrease.

[0074] In another embodiment of this application, such as Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the toggle key module 400 may include one of a Hall effect sensor and a magnet 450, the other of which may be disposed on the push-button module 300, and the Hall effect sensor is capable of detecting changes in the magnetic field of the magnet 450. Here, the Hall effect sensor can be used for electrical connection with the circuit board of the electronic device. In this way, by toggling the push-button module 300, the relative position of the Hall effect sensor and the magnet 450 can be adjusted so that the Hall effect sensor can detect changes in the magnetic field of the magnet 450, and then control the electronic device to perform corresponding operations based on the changes in the magnetic field.

[0075] Specifically, the position of the button module 300 can be determined by detecting changes in the magnetic field strength of the magnet 450 using a Hall effect sensor, thereby adjusting the mode. For example, when the Hall effect sensor detects a higher magnetic field strength from the magnet 450, the volume of the electronic device can be increased; when the Hall effect sensor detects a lower magnetic field strength from the magnet 450, the volume of the electronic device can be decreased. This method of using a Hall effect sensor in conjunction with the magnet 450 for mode adjustment is simpler in structure and easier to arrange than the method of connecting contact points 410 to each individual sensing contact point. It is less susceptible to interference from the position and space of other components, and since the Hall effect sensor and the magnet 450 do not need to be in contact, wear is reduced.

[0076] In this embodiment, the toggle key module 400 may include a Hall effect sensor, and the magnet 450 may be disposed on the push key module 300, which facilitates wiring. Optionally, the magnet 450 may be disposed on the connecting portion 314 of the button bracket 310 described above. Specifically, the connecting portion 314 may be provided with a magnet fixing groove 318, and the magnet 450 may be installed in the magnet fixing groove 318.

[0077] Based on the combination keys provided in the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application also provide an electronic device, which may include a middle frame 100 and the combination keys described in any of the above embodiments, and the combination keys may be disposed on the middle frame 100.

[0078] In this embodiment, the middle frame 100 may be provided with a mounting groove 110, the push button module 300 may be slidably disposed in the mounting groove 110, and the push button module 300 may slide in the mounting groove 110 along the tossing direction.

[0079] Optionally, the mounting slot 110 can be a stepped slot, specifically including a first mounting slot 111 and a second mounting slot 112 communicating with the first mounting slot 111. The key bracket 310 can be located in the first mounting slot 111 and can slide in the first mounting slot 111 along the tossing direction. The keycap 320 can be located in the second mounting slot 112 and can slide in the second mounting slot 112 along the tossing direction. The keycap 320 can also slide in the second mounting slot 112 along the pressing direction.

[0080] The beneficial effects achieved by the electronic device provided in this application embodiment are consistent with the beneficial effects achieved by the combination key provided in this application embodiment, so they will not be repeated here.

[0081] In order to allow users to feel the tactile feedback of the toggle being in place, such as Figure 12As shown, one of the key module 300 and the middle frame 100 may be provided with an elastic protrusion 317, and the other may be provided with at least two grooves. The grooves may be spaced apart along the tossing direction, and the elastic protrusion 317 can be embedded in the groove. Specifically, when the key module 300 slides along the tossing direction, the elastic protrusion 317 is deformed by the squeezing action of the key module 300 and the middle frame 100, and applies a certain elastic force to the key module 300. When the elastic protrusion 317 is embedded in the groove, the elastic protrusion 317 returns to its original deformation and no longer applies elastic force to the key module 300. At this time, the user can feel that the keycap 320 is no longer under pressure, and thus sense the adjustment is in place.

[0082] Of course, the elastic protrusion 317 and groove may not be provided on the press button module 300 and the middle frame 100.

[0083] In this embodiment, the elastic protrusion 317 can be disposed on the button bracket 310, and the elastic protrusion 317 can be formed by bending a steel sheet, which can be welded to the button bracket 310.

[0084] The electronic device in this application embodiment can be a terminal or other devices besides a terminal. The aforementioned electronic device can be a mobile electronic device or a non-mobile electronic device. For example, a mobile electronic device can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, PDA, in-vehicle electronic device, mobile Internet device (MID), augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) device, robot, wearable device, ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), netbook, or personal digital assistant (PDA), etc. A non-mobile electronic device can also be a server, network attached storage (NAS), personal computer (PC), television (TV), ATM, or self-service machine, etc. This application embodiment does not specifically limit the scope of the electronic device.

[0085] The embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application 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 forms under the guidance of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and all of these forms are within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A combination key for mounting on the mid-frame of an electronic device, characterized in that, The combination key includes: A toggle switch module is provided on the middle frame; and The press button module and the toggle button module are stacked on the middle frame along the pressing direction. The press button module is slidably connected to the toggle button module along the toggle direction, and the press button module is floating in the pressing direction to perform the pressing operation.

2. The combination key according to claim 1, characterized in that, The push button module includes: A button bracket is slidably connected to the toggle button module along the toggle direction, and a switch is provided on the button bracket; A keycap is floatingly mounted on the key support along the pressing direction, and the keycap is used to trigger the switch when it is pressed.

3. The combination key according to claim 2, characterized in that, The key module also includes an elastic element, which is disposed between the key support and the keycap, so that the keycap is floating in the pressing direction and can be pressed.

4. The combination key according to claim 3, characterized in that, The elastic element is a spring, and the two ends of the spring abut against the key bracket and the keycap, respectively.

5. The combination key according to claim 2, characterized in that, The push button module includes: A first magnetic element is disposed on the button bracket; A second magnetic element is disposed on the keycap and is positioned opposite to the first magnetic element. The first magnetic element and the second magnetic element repel each other, so that the keycap is floating in the pressing direction and can be pressed.

6. The combination key according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The button bracket includes a fixing plate, a connecting plate, and a limiting plate. The fixing plate and the limiting plate are arranged opposite to each other. The fixing plate and the limiting plate are connected through the connecting plate, and there is a space for movement between the limiting plate and the fixing plate. The keycap is provided with a snap-fit ​​plate and a pressing part. The pressing part is used to press the switch. The snap-fit ​​plate is located in the movable space, and the snap-fit ​​plate and the limiting plate are in upper limit cooperation in the direction of the keycap away from the fixed plate.

7. The combination key according to claim 6, characterized in that, The push button module also includes: A limiting guide rod is provided, with its first end connected to the fixed plate and its second end passing through the snap-fit ​​plate and connected to the limiting plate. The length direction of the limiting guide rod is parallel to the pressing direction, and the snap-fit ​​plate can slide along the limiting guide rod.

8. The combination key according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The combination key also includes a insert bracket for connecting with the middle frame. The side of the key bracket opposite to the keycap is provided with a connecting part. The connecting part is provided with a slot. The insert bracket engages with the slot, and the slot and the insert bracket can slide relative to each other in the toggle direction.

9. The combination key according to claim 1, characterized in that, The toggle key module includes: At least two sensing contacts are provided on the middle frame, and the sensing contacts are spaced apart along the toggle direction; A flexible feedback plate is provided for connection to the middle frame; A toggle element is connected to the push button module and is slidably connected to the feedback plate. The toggle element is provided with a connecting contact point, which can move to be electrically connected to or disconnected from the sensing contact.

10. The combination key according to claim 1, characterized in that, The toggle button module includes one of a Hall effect sensor and a magnet, the other of which is disposed on the push button module, and the Hall effect sensor is capable of detecting changes in the magnetic field of the magnet.

11. An electronic device, characterized in that, It includes a middle frame and a combination key as described in any one of claims 1-10, wherein the combination key is disposed on the middle frame.

12. The electronic device according to claim 11, characterized in that, One of the push button module and the middle frame is provided with an elastic protrusion, and the other is provided with at least two grooves. The grooves are spaced apart along the tossing direction, and the elastic protrusion can be embedded in the groove.