Key module and electronic equipment

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides a key module and electronic equipment, and relates to the field of electronic equipment. The utility model discloses a key module. The key module comprises a middle frame, a first key main body, a key column, an elastic piece and a circuit board; a first blind hole is formed in the side wall of the middle frame, a containing groove and a first connecting hole are formed in the bottom of the first blind hole, the containing groove is communicated with the first blind hole through the first connecting hole, an opening of the containing groove faces the thickness direction of the middle frame, the first key body part is located in the first blind hole, the circuit board is located in the containing groove, and the key column is located in the first connecting hole; the key column is provided with a first end and a second end which are opposite, the elastic piece is fixedly connected with the first end of the key column, the elastic piece abuts against the first trigger end of the circuit board, and the second end of the key column abuts against the first key body. When the first key main body is pressed, the elastic piece can generate elastic deformation, so that the requirement on the assembly tolerance of the key module is reduced, and the triggering hand feeling of the key module is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of electrical equipment, and in particular to a button module and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous advancement of mobile phone technology, the waterproof performance of mobile phones is also constantly improving. Mobile phone button modules typically incorporate waterproof structures, which increase the number of parts in the button module, leading to an increasingly complex overall structure. Due to the large number of parts, the assembly tolerances of the button module are larger, making it difficult to ensure consistent tactile feedback when the buttons are activated, thus affecting the user experience. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, the present disclosure provides a button module and an electronic device that can improve the tactile feel of the button module.

[0004] Specifically, the following technical solutions are included:

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a button module, including a mid-frame, a first button body, a button post, an elastic element, and a circuit board;

[0006] The side wall of the middle frame is provided with a first blind hole. The bottom of the first blind hole is provided with a receiving groove and a first connecting hole. The receiving groove is connected to the first blind hole through the first connecting hole. The opening of the receiving groove faces the thickness direction of the middle frame. The main body of the first button is located in the first blind hole. The circuit board is located in the receiving groove. The button post is located in the first connecting hole.

[0007] The button post has a first end and a second end, the elastic element is fixedly connected to the first end of the button post, the elastic element abuts against the first trigger end of the circuit board, and the second end of the button post abuts against the first button body.

[0008] Optionally, the elastic element is a cylindrical shape with one end closed, and the elastic element wraps around the first end of the button post.

[0009] Optionally, the side wall of the button post is provided with a connecting groove, and part of the elastic element is engaged in the connecting groove.

[0010] Optionally, the button module includes two elastic elements, which are respectively fixedly connected to the first end and the second end of the button post.

[0011] Optionally, the button module further includes a sealing element, which is sleeved on the outside of the button post and abuts against the side wall of the button post and the inner wall of the first connecting hole, respectively.

[0012] Optionally, the button module further includes a bracket located within a receiving slot, the bracket being configured to hold the circuit board within the receiving slot.

[0013] Optionally, the thickness of the elastic element in the moving direction of the first button body is 0.1mm to 0.3mm.

[0014] Optionally, the sum of the lengths of the button post and the elastic element in the moving direction of the first button body is 2mm to 4mm.

[0015] Optionally, the button module further includes a second button body and at least two button posts;

[0016] The side wall of the middle frame is provided with a second blind hole, the main body of the second button is located in the second blind hole, the bottom of the second blind hole is provided with a second connecting hole, the second blind hole is connected to the mounting groove through the second connecting hole, the button post is located in the second connecting hole, and the first end and the second end of the button post abut against the second trigger end of the circuit board and the second button body, respectively.

[0017] Optionally, the button module includes at least two elastic elements, and the first end of each button post is fixedly connected to the elastic element.

[0018] Optionally, the button module further includes a pin, a first limiting groove is provided at one end of the first button body, a locking hole is provided in the middle frame, the locking hole communicates with the side wall of the first blind hole, the pin is located in the locking hole, and one end of the pin is located in the first limiting groove.

[0019] Secondly, an electronic device provided in this disclosure includes any of the above-mentioned button modules.

[0020] The beneficial effects of the technical solutions provided in this disclosure include at least the following:

[0021] In the button module provided in this embodiment, the first button body triggers the first trigger terminal of the circuit board via a button post, and an elastic element disposed on the button post abuts against the first trigger terminal of the circuit board. When the first button body is pressed, the elastic element can undergo elastic deformation, which can reduce the precision requirements of the button post and the assembly tolerance requirements of the button module, avoid affecting the trigger feel of the button module due to excessive assembly tolerance, and improve the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a button module provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0024] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The schematic cross-sectional view of the button module shown at point AA;

[0025] Figure 3 An exploded view of the button module provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0026] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the button module.

[0027] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the key post of the key module provided in this embodiment of the disclosure;

[0028] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the button posts of the button module provided in this embodiment of the disclosure;

[0029] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0030] The reference numerals in the figure are respectively:

[0031] 1-Middle frame; 2-First button body; 3-Button post; 4-Elastic element; 5-Circuit board; 6-Bracket; 7-Second button body; 8-Sealing element; 9-Pin;

[0032] 101-First blind hole; 102-Receiving groove; 103-First connecting hole; 104-Second blind hole; 105-Second connecting hole; 106-Locking hole; 201-First limiting groove; 501-First trigger end; 301-Connecting groove; 302-Annular groove; 502-Second trigger end; 503-Third trigger end; 701-Second limiting groove.

[0033] The accompanying drawings have illustrated specific embodiments of this disclosure, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concepts of this disclosure to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this disclosure. Based on the embodiments of this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0035] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a button module provided in an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the button module at point AA. Figure 1-2 As shown, the button module includes a middle frame 1, a first button body 2, a button post 3, an elastic element 4, and a circuit board 5. A first blind hole 101 is provided on the side wall of the middle frame 1. A receiving groove 102 and a first connecting hole 103 are provided at the bottom of the first blind hole 101. The receiving groove 102 communicates with the first blind hole 101 through the first connecting hole 103. The opening of the receiving groove 102 faces the thickness direction of the middle frame 1. The first button body 2 is partially located within the first blind hole 101, the circuit board 5 is located within the receiving groove 102, and the button post 3 is located within the first connecting hole 103. The button post 3 has a first end and a second end facing each other. The elastic element 4 is fixedly connected to the first end of the button post 3 and abuts against the first trigger end 501 of the circuit board 5. The second end of the button post 3 abuts against the first button body 2.

[0036] In the button module provided in this embodiment, the first button body 2 triggers the first trigger terminal 501 of the circuit board 5 via the button post 3. The elastic element 4 provided on the button post 3 abuts against the first trigger terminal 501 of the circuit board 5. When the first button body 2 is pressed, the elastic element 4 can undergo elastic deformation, thereby reducing the precision requirements of the button post 3 and the assembly tolerance requirements of the button module. This avoids affecting the trigger feel of the button module due to excessive assembly tolerance, which is beneficial to improving the user experience.

[0037] To make the technical solutions and advantages of this disclosure clearer, the embodiments of this disclosure will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] like Figure 1-2As shown, the button module provided in this embodiment includes a middle frame 1, a first button body 2, a button post 3, an elastic element 4, and a circuit board 5. The middle frame 1 is provided with a first blind hole 101, a receiving groove 102, and a first connecting hole 103. The receiving groove 102 and the first connecting hole 103 are located at the bottom of the first blind hole 101, and the first connecting hole 103 connects the first blind hole 101 and the receiving groove 102. The opening of the receiving groove 102 faces the thickness direction of the middle frame 1. The button post 3 is located inside the first connecting hole 103, the first button body 2 is located inside the first blind hole 101, and the pressing surface of the first button body 2 protrudes from the side wall of the middle frame 1. The circuit board 5 is located inside the receiving groove 102. The elastic element 4 is fixedly connected to the first end of the button post 3, and the elastic element 4 abuts against the first trigger end 501 of the circuit board 5. The second end of the button post 3 abuts against the side of the first button body 2 near the circuit board 5. When the first button body 2 is pressed, the first button body 2 pushes the button post 3 to move closer to the circuit board 5 within the first connecting hole 103, thereby triggering the first trigger end 501. Since an elastic element 4 is provided between the first trigger end 501 and the button post 3, the elastic element 4 can undergo elastic deformation during the pressing process, thereby reducing the impact of the assembly tolerance of the button module on the button tactile feel, making the buttons have a consistent tactile feel, which is beneficial to improving the user experience.

[0039] It should be noted that the elastic element 4 and the button post 3 involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be integrally molded. For example, after injection molding the button post 3, an elastic material can be injected into the mold to form an elastic element 4 at the first end of the button post 3, and the elastic element 4 is fixedly connected to the button post 3. The material of the elastic element 4 can be silicone, rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic polyester elastomer, etc.

[0040] In some embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figure 1-2 As shown, the button module also includes a bracket 6, which is located within the receiving groove 102. The bracket 6 is configured to hold the circuit board 5 within the receiving groove 102. Specifically, one side of the bracket 5 abuts against one side wall of the receiving groove 102, and the other side of the bracket 5 abuts against the circuit board 5, thereby pressing the circuit board 5 between the two opposite side walls of the receiving groove 102, thereby detachably fixing the circuit board 5 within the middle frame 1.

[0041] Figure 3 An exploded view of the button module provided in the embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 4 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the button module. In some embodiments of this disclosure, such as... Figure 3-4As shown, the button module also includes a second button body 7 and at least two button posts 3. A second blind hole 104 is provided on the side wall of the middle frame 1. Part of the second button body 7 is located within the second blind hole 104. A second connecting hole 105 is provided at the bottom of the second blind hole 104. The second blind hole 104 communicates with the receiving groove 102 through the second connecting hole 105. The button posts 3 are located within the second connecting hole 105. The first end and the second end of the button post 3 abut against the second trigger terminal 502 of the circuit board 5 and the second button body 7, respectively. The first button body 2 and the second button body 7 can have different functions, thereby facilitating the control of electronic devices. For example, in this embodiment, the first button body 2 is a volume button, and the second button body 7 is a power button.

[0042] In some embodiments of this disclosure, see Figure 4 The button module includes at least two elastic elements 4, and the first end of each button post 3 is fixedly connected to the elastic element 4. The first button body 2 and the second button body 7 have the same trigger structure, so that the first button body 2 and the second button body 7 have basically the same tactile feel, thereby improving the user experience.

[0043] Optionally, see Figure 4 The button module includes three elastic elements 4 and three button posts 3. The three elastic elements 4 are fixedly connected to the first ends of the three button posts 3 respectively. Two first connecting holes 103 are provided in the first blind hole 101. Two button posts 3 are located in the two first connecting holes 103, and the other button post 3 is located in the second connecting hole 105. The circuit board 5 has a first trigger end 501, a second trigger end 502, and a third trigger end 503. The elastic elements 4 at the first ends of the three button posts 3 abut against the first trigger end 501, the second trigger end 502, and the third trigger end 503 respectively.

[0044] In some embodiments of this disclosure, see Figure 4 The button module also includes a pin 9. One end of the first button body 2 is provided with a first limiting groove 201, and the middle frame 1 is provided with a locking hole 106. The locking hole 106 communicates with the side wall of the first blind hole 101. The pin 9 is located in the locking hole 106, and one end of the pin 9 is located in the first limiting groove 201. The pin 9 is used to lock the first button body 2 in the first blind hole 101 to prevent the first button body 2 from falling off the middle frame 1.

[0045] Optionally, such as Figure 4As shown, both the first button body 2 and the second button body 7 are elongated and arranged collinearly. A second limiting groove 701 is provided at the end of the second button body 7 closest to the first button body 2. A locking hole 106 connects to the sidewalls of the first blind hole 101 and the second blind hole 104. The opposite ends of the pin 9 are located in the first limiting groove 201 and the second limiting groove 701, respectively, thus simultaneously limiting the first button body 2 and the second button body 7. This helps reduce the number of required parts and simplifies the structure of the button module.

[0046] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the key posts of a key module provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. In some embodiments of this disclosure, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the elastic element 4 is a cylindrical shape with one end closed, and it wraps around the first end of the button post 3. The structure of the elastic element 4 wrapping around the button post 3 can improve the reliability of the connection between the elastic element 4 and the button post 3, and avoid misalignment or detachment between the elastic element 4 and the button post 3.

[0047] Optionally, such as Figure 5 As shown, a connecting groove 301 is provided on the side wall of the button post 3, and part of the elastic element 4 is engaged in the connecting groove 301. The elastic element 4 can be interference-fitted with the connecting groove 301, thereby firmly fixing the elastic element 4 to the button post 3.

[0048] In some embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figure 4-5 As shown, the button module also includes a sealing element 8, which is sleeved on the outside of the button post 3 and abuts against the side wall of the button post 3 and the inner wall of the first connecting hole 103. The sealing element 8 is used to press the button post 3 into the first connecting hole 103, thereby sealing the gap between the inner wall of the first connecting hole 103 and the button post 3, preventing external liquid from entering the middle frame 1 through the connecting hole 103, which helps improve the waterproof performance of the electronic device and prevents the button post 3 from shaking relative to the middle frame 1, thus preventing inaccurate triggering.

[0049] Specifically, an annular groove 302 is provided on the side wall of the key post 3, the seal 8 is a cylindrical structure and is located in the annular groove 302, and at least part of the seal 8 protrudes from the side wall of the key post 3, thereby achieving axial sealing of the key post 3.

[0050] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the button posts of a button module provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. See also the following embodiments of this disclosure: Figure 5The button module includes two elastic elements 4, which are fixedly connected to the first and second ends of the button post 3, respectively. The button post 3 has a symmetrical structure, and the two elastic elements 4 are symmetrically arranged at the first and second ends of the button post 3. The two elastic elements 4 can further increase the range of elastic deformation that the press-type elastic element 4 can undergo, and further reduce the assembly tolerance requirements of the button module.

[0051] For example, such as Figure 6 As shown, the length A of the button post 3 and the elastic member 4 in the moving direction of the first button body 2 is 2mm to 4mm. For example, the length A of the button post 3 and the elastic member 4 in the moving direction of the first button body 2 is 3mm.

[0052] For example, the thickness of the elastic element 4 in the moving direction of the first button body 2 is 0.1mm to 0.3mm. For example, the thickness of the elastic element 4 is 0.2mm.

[0053] Furthermore, embodiments of this disclosure also provide an electronic device, Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the electronic device provided in the embodiments of this disclosure is shown below. Figure 7 The electronic device includes a button module according to any of the above embodiments.

[0054] It should be noted that the electronic device provided in this disclosure embodiment may be, but is not limited to, a remote control, a tablet computer, an MP3 player (Moving Picture Experts Group Audio Layer III), an MP4 player (Moving Picture Experts Group Audio Layer IV), or a laptop computer. This electronic device may also be referred to as a user device, a portable terminal, a laptop terminal, or other names.

[0055] In the electronic device provided in this embodiment, the first button body 2 triggers the first trigger terminal 501 of the circuit board 5 via the button post 3, and the elastic element 4 provided on the button post 3 abuts against the first trigger terminal 501 of the circuit board 5. When the first button body 2 is pressed, the elastic element 4 can undergo elastic deformation, thereby reducing the precision requirements of the button post 3 and the assembly tolerance requirements of the button module. This avoids affecting the trigger feel of the button module due to excessive assembly tolerance, which is beneficial to improving the user experience.

[0056] It should be noted that in this article, "several" and "at least one" refer to one or more, while "multiple" and "at least two" refer to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0057] In the description of this disclosure, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" 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; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.

[0058] In this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0059] In the description of this disclosure, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this disclosure.

[0060] In the description of this specification, the references to the terms "certain embodiments", "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "illustrative embodiment", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiments or examples that are included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure.

[0061] The above description is merely an embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the protection scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A key module, characterized by, The key module comprises a middle frame (1), a first key body (2), a key column (3), an elastic member (4) and a circuit board (5); The side wall of the middle frame (1) is provided with a first blind hole (101), the bottom of the first blind hole (101) is provided with a containing groove (102) and a first connecting hole (103), the containing groove (102) is communicated with the first blind hole (101) through the first connecting hole (103), the opening of the containing groove (102) faces the thickness direction of the middle frame (1), the first key body (2) is partially located in the first blind hole (101), the circuit board (5) is located in the containing groove (102), and the key column (3) is located in the first connecting hole (103). The key column (3) has opposite first and second ends, the elastic member (4) is fixedly connected with the first end of the key column (3), the elastic member (4) abuts against a first trigger end (501) of the circuit board (5), and the second end of the key column (3) abuts against the first key body (2).

2. The key module of claim 1, wherein, The elastic member (4) is a closed cylindrical shape, and the elastic member (4) is wrapped around the first end of the key column (3).

3. The key module of claim 2, wherein, The side wall of the key column (3) is provided with a connecting groove (301), and part of the elastic member (4) is clamped in the connecting groove (301).

4. The key module of claim 1, wherein, The key module comprises two elastic members (4), and the two elastic members (4) are fixedly connected with the first and second ends of the key column (3) respectively.

5. The key module of claim 1, wherein, The key module further comprises a sealing member (8), the sealing member (8) is sleeved outside the key column (3), and the sealing member (8) abuts against the side wall of the key column (3) and the inner wall of the first connecting hole (103) respectively.

6. The key module of claim 1, wherein, The key module further comprises a support (6), the support (6) is located in the containing groove (102), and the support (6) is configured to clamp the circuit board (5) in the containing groove (102).

7. The key module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The thickness of the elastic member (4) in the moving direction of the first key body (2) is 0.1mm-0.3mm.

8. The key module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The length of the key column (3) and the elastic member (4) in the moving direction of the first key body (2) is 2mm-4mm.

9. The key module of claim 1, wherein, The key module further comprises a second key body (7) and at least two key columns (3); The side wall of the middle frame (1) is provided with a second blind hole (104), the second key body (7) is partially located in the second blind hole (104), the bottom of the second blind hole (104) is provided with a second connecting hole (105), the second blind hole (104) is communicated with the containing groove (102) through the second connecting hole (105), the key column (3) is located in the second connecting hole (105), and the first and second ends of the key column (3) abut against a second trigger end (502) of the circuit board (5) and the second key body (7) respectively.

10. The key module of claim 9, wherein, The key module comprises at least two elastic members (4), and a first end of each key column (3) is fixedly connected with the elastic member (4).

11. The key module of claim 1, wherein, The key module further comprises a plug pin (9), one end of the first key body (2) is provided with a first limiting groove (201), the middle frame (1) is provided with a locking hole (106) in communication with the side wall of the first blind hole (101), the plug pin (9) is located in the locking hole (106), and one end of the plug pin (9) is located in the first limiting groove (201).

12. An electronic device, comprising: The key module comprises the key module according to any one of claims 1-11.

Images