Key module and electronic device

Abstract

The utility model relates to electronic equipment technical field discloses a kind of key module and electronic equipment. Key module includes shell, key and fixed plate, and the side of shell is provided with key hole;Key is set in key hole, and key includes sequentially connected key body, elastic arm and elastic connecting portion along pressing direction;Fixed plate is fixed in shell, and first limiting portion and second limiting portion are equipped on fixed plate, and along pressing direction, first limiting portion and second limiting portion are respectively arranged in the two sides of elastic connecting portion. Electronic equipment includes the key module described above. The utility model can reliably limit key, ensure the normal rebound of key, avoid the falling of key and shell, and when assembling key, independent hot-pressing jig is not needed to be equipped and corresponding hot-pressing process is carried out, and key is loaded by manual operation, effectively reduce the manufacturing cost of product, improve assembly efficiency;And key dismounting is convenient, is favorable to maintenance and replacement.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Currently, electronic devices typically have buttons (such as power buttons, volume buttons, or wireless transmission buttons) for users to press to perform corresponding functions. In existing technology, buttons are usually connected and fixed to the electronic device's casing using a heat-fusion method. However, this connection method has the following problems: 1) If the heat fusion is inadequate, the button may be dented into the casing due to excessive pressure during pressing, resulting in the button not rebounding properly; 2) If the heat fusion pressure holding is inadequate, the button may fall off during subsequent use; 3) Processing products using the heat-fusion method requires a separate hot-pressing fixture and a suitable hot-pressing process (e.g., hot-pressing time of 30 seconds), which increases the product's manufacturing cost and processing time; 4) After being fixed using the heat-fusion method, the button and casing cannot be freely disassembled, hindering button repair and replacement; 5) With the current design trend of electronic devices being "light, thin, short, and small," the installation space for side buttons is becoming increasingly smaller, while the side button structure using the heat-fusion process still requires a relatively large installation space, leading to an increase in the overall thickness of the electronic device.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a button module and electronic device to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Utility Model Content

[0004] Based on the above, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a button module and electronic device that can reliably limit the button movement, ensure the normal rebound of the button, reduce the thickness of the button module and electronic device, and facilitate button disassembly and maintenance.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] The button module includes:

[0007] The housing has a button hole on its side;

[0008] A button is disposed in the button hole, and the button includes a button body, an elastic arm and an elastic connecting part connected sequentially along the pressing direction;

[0009] A fixing plate is fixed inside the housing. The fixing plate is provided with a first limiting part and a second limiting part. Along the pressing direction, the first limiting part and the second limiting part are respectively arranged on both sides of the elastic connecting part.

[0010] In some possible implementations, the first limiting portion includes a first snap-fit ​​wall and a first stop wall, and the elastic connecting portion has a first recess on the side away from the button body. The first recess snaps onto the first snap-fit ​​wall along its own thickness direction. When the button is pressed, the free end of the first recess elastically abuts against the first stop wall.

[0011] In some possible implementations, the fixing plate is further provided with a first clearance groove, which is positioned opposite to the first recess, and the outer dimensions of the first clearance groove are larger than the outer dimensions of the first recess.

[0012] In some possible implementations, the second limiting portion includes a second snap-fit ​​wall and a second stop wall; the elastic connecting portion is provided with a second recess on the side near the button body, and the second recess snaps onto the second snap-fit ​​wall along its own thickness direction; when the button is reset, the free end of the second recess elastically abuts against the second stop wall.

[0013] In some possible implementations, the fixing plate is further provided with a second clearance groove, which is positioned opposite to the second recess, and the outer dimensions of the second clearance groove are larger than the outer dimensions of the second recess.

[0014] In some possible implementations, there is one first limiting portion and two second limiting portions, with the two second limiting portions located on both sides of the first limiting portion; there is one first recess and two second recesses, with the two second recesses located on both sides of the first recess.

[0015] In some possible implementations, the fixing plate is provided with a positioning post, and the elastic connecting part is provided with a positioning hole, the positioning post being inserted into the positioning hole; and / or,

[0016] The elastic connecting part is provided with a positioning post, and the fixing plate is provided with a positioning hole, and the positioning post is inserted into the positioning hole.

[0017] In some possible implementations, two elastic arms are provided, with the first ends of the two elastic arms respectively connected to the two ends of the button body; the second ends of the two elastic arms are respectively connected to the elastic connecting part, and the connection position of the second ends of the two elastic arms to the elastic connecting part is opposite to the position of the first recess.

[0018] In some possible implementations, the elastic arm and the elastic connection are manufactured using an integral molding process.

[0019] In some possible implementations, the button module further includes a circuit board fixed inside the housing, a contact switch disposed on the circuit board and electrically connected to the circuit board; a trigger portion is disposed on the side of the button body facing the elastic connection portion, and when the button is pressed, the trigger portion abuts against and triggers the contact switch.

[0020] Electronic devices, including the button module described in any of the above solutions.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0022] The button module provided by this utility model has a first limiting part and a second limiting part on the fixing plate. The first limiting part limits the side of the elastic connecting part away from the button body, thus preventing the button from being recessed into the shell due to excessive pressure when the button is pressed, which would prevent it from rebounding properly. The second limiting part limits the side of the elastic connecting part closer to the button body, thus limiting excessive displacement of the elastic connecting part along the reset direction during the button's reset process after being pressed, preventing the button from detaching from the shell. This utility model achieves reliable button limiting, ensuring normal button rebound during use and preventing the button from falling off the shell. Moreover, the button can be assembled manually without the need for a separate hot-pressing fixture or corresponding hot-pressing process, effectively reducing product manufacturing costs and improving assembly efficiency. Furthermore, the button is easy to assemble and disassemble, facilitating maintenance and replacement. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the key module provided in this embodiment of the present invention when applied to a keyboard;

[0024] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the key module provided in this embodiment of the present invention when applied to a keyboard;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a partial assembly diagram of the button, fixing plate, and housing provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a partial assembly diagram of the fixing plate and the shell provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the button, fixing plate, and circuit board provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the button structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fixing plate provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0030] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the fixing plate provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0031] In the picture:

[0032] 1. Housing; 11. Button hole;

[0033] 2. Button; 21. Button body; 211. Trigger part; 212. Pressing part; 213. Flange part; 22. Elastic arm; 23. Elastic connection part; 231. First recess; 232. Second recess; 233. Positioning hole;

[0034] 3. Fixing plate; 31. First limiting part; 311. First locking wall; 312. First stop wall; 32. First clearance groove; 33. Second limiting part; 331. Second locking wall; 332. Second stop wall; 34. Second clearance groove; 35. Positioning post;

[0035] 4. Circuit board; 41. Contact switch. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar parts or parts having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0037] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection or a detachable connection; a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or 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 utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0038] In the description of this utility model, 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.

[0039] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0040] This embodiment provides a button module that is suitable for use in tablet computers, laptops, display screens, mobile phones, keyboards, e-readers or other electronic devices. It can reliably limit the movement of buttons, ensure normal button rebound, reduce the thickness of the button module and electronic device, and facilitate the disassembly and repair of buttons.

[0041] like Figures 1 to 8As shown, the button module of this embodiment includes a housing 1, a button 2, a fixing plate 3, and a circuit board 4. Exemplarily, the housing 1 in this embodiment is the outer shell of a keyboard in a laptop computer. A button hole 11 is provided on the side of the housing 1. The button 2 is pressably disposed at the button hole 11, and the button 2 includes a button body 21, an elastic arm 22, and an elastic connecting part 23 connected sequentially along the pressing direction. Optionally, the button body 21 includes a trigger part 211, a pressing part 212, and a flange part 213. The pressing part 212 protrudes from the outside of the button hole 11 to facilitate pressing by the user; the flange part 213 is disposed on the outer periphery of the pressing part 212 and engages with the inside of the button hole 11 to prevent the button body 21 from dislodging from the button hole 11; the trigger part 211 is disposed on the side of the pressing part 212 facing the elastic connecting part 23. Optionally, the elastic arm 22 is bent, for example, in a Z-shape. One end is fixedly connected to the button body 21, and the other end is connected to the elastic connecting part 23. Both the elastic arm 22 and the elastic connecting part 23 have a certain elasticity. After the button 2 is pressed, the elastic arm 22 can elastically deform to allow the button 2 to smoothly spring back to its original position. The fixing plate 3 is fixed to the housing 1 by fasteners. The fixing plate 3 is provided with a first limiting part 31 and a second limiting part 33. Along the pressing direction, the first limiting part 31 and the second limiting part 33 are respectively provided on both sides of the elastic connecting part 23. In some embodiments, the opening direction of the first limiting part 31 faces the button body 21, and the opening direction of the second limiting part 33 faces away from the button body 21. Optionally, the first limiting part 31 is L-shaped, which can form a slot structure with the bottom surface of the fixing plate 3 for engaging one end of the elastic connecting part 23. Optionally, the second limiting part 33 is L-shaped, which can form a slot structure with the bottom surface of the fixing plate 3 for engaging the other end of the elastic connecting part 23. The circuit board 4 is fixed inside the housing 1. A contact switch 41 is provided on the circuit board 4. The contact switch 41 is electrically connected to the circuit board 4. When the button 2 is pressed, the trigger part 211 on the button 2 can abut against and trigger the contact switch 41 so that the electronic device can perform the corresponding function. When assembling this button module, the fixing plate 3 is first fixed inside the housing 1; then the button 2 is installed inside the housing 1, and the button 2 is limited by the first limiting part 31 and the second limiting part 33 respectively; then the circuit board 4 is installed inside the housing 1, so that the contact switch 41 and the trigger part 211 are opposite each other.

[0042] The button module provided in this embodiment has a first limiting part 31 and a second limiting part 33 on the fixing plate 3. The first limiting part 31 limits the side of the elastic connecting part 23 away from the button body 21, so that when the button 2 is pressed, it can avoid the button 2 from being recessed into the housing 1 due to excessive pressure, which would prevent it from rebounding properly. The second limiting part 33 limits the side of the elastic connecting part 23 close to the button body 21, so that when the button 2 is pressed and reset, it can limit the excessive displacement of the elastic connecting part 23 along the reset direction, preventing the button 2 from detaching from the housing 1. This utility model achieves reliable limiting of the button 2, ensuring the normal rebound of the button 2 during use and preventing the button 2 from falling off the housing 1. Moreover, when assembling the button 2, there is no need to use a separate hot press fixture or perform a corresponding hot press process. The button 2 can be installed manually, which effectively reduces the production cost of the product and improves the assembly efficiency. In addition, the button 2 is easy to disassemble and assemble, which is conducive to maintenance and replacement.

[0043] In some embodiments, the elastic connecting portion 23 has a long strip-shaped structure, and a first recess 231 is provided on the side away from the button body 21. The thickness of the first recess 231 is less than the overall thickness of the elastic connecting portion 23, and the first recess 231 is recessed on the upper surface of the elastic connecting portion 23. Furthermore, the first limiting part 31 includes a first engaging wall 311 and a first stop wall 312. When the first recess 231 is inserted into the slot of the first limiting part 31, the first engaging wall 311 can block the movement of the first recess 231 from above, thereby limiting the displacement of the first recess 231 along its thickness direction and preventing the button 2 from falling off during use. When the button 2 is pressed inward, the free end of the first recess 231 (i.e., the end face of the first recess 231 away from the button body 21) can elastically abut against the first stop wall 312, thereby limiting the displacement of the first recess 231 along the pressing direction and preventing the button 2 from being recessed into the housing 1 due to excessive pressure, thus preventing it from rebounding normally. In this embodiment, because the first recess 231 is recessed downward, it is beneficial to reduce the height of the first limiting part 31 that it cooperates with, and the first limiting part 31 can be made lower within a limited space, thereby making the overall thickness of the assembled electronic device thinner.

[0044] Optionally, the fixing plate 3 is also provided with a first clearance groove 32, which is located on the opening side of the first limiting part 31 and below the first snap-fit ​​wall 311. The first clearance groove 32 is positioned opposite to the first recess 231, and the outer dimensions of the first clearance groove 32 are larger than the outer dimensions of the first recess 231. The first clearance groove 32 provides a certain amount of movement space for the installation operation of the button 2. When installing the button 2, the first recess 231 can smoothly pass through the first clearance groove 32 and be inserted into the slot of the first limiting part 31, making assembly simple and convenient.

[0045] In some embodiments, the elastic connecting portion 23 is further provided with a second recess 232 on the side near the button body 21. The thickness of the second recess 232 is less than the overall thickness of the elastic connecting portion 23, and the second recess 232 is recessed into the upper surface of the elastic connecting portion 23. Further, the second limiting portion 33 includes a second engaging wall 331 and a second stop wall 332. When the second recess 232 is inserted into the slot of the second limiting portion 33, the second engaging wall 331 can block the movement of the second recess 232 from the top, thereby limiting the displacement of the second recess 232 along its own thickness direction and preventing the button 2 from falling off during use. During the reset process after the button 2 is pressed, the free end of the second recess 232 (i.e., the end face of the second recess 232 near the button body 21) can elastically abut against the second stop wall 332, thereby limiting the displacement of the second recess 232 along the reset direction and preventing the button 2 from detaching from the housing 1.

[0046] Optionally, the fixing plate 3 is also provided with a second clearance groove 34, which is located on the opening side of the second limiting part 33 and below the second snap-fit ​​wall 331. The second clearance groove 34 is positioned opposite to the second recess 232, and the outer dimensions of the second clearance groove 34 are larger than the outer dimensions of the second recess 232. The setting of the second clearance groove 34 also provides a certain amount of movement space for the installation operation of the button 2. When installing the button 2, the second recess 232 can smoothly pass through the second clearance groove 34 and be inserted into the slot of the second limiting part 33, making assembly simple and convenient.

[0047] Optionally, in this embodiment, there is one first limiting part 31 and two second limiting parts 33, with the two second limiting parts 33 located on either side of the first limiting part 31. Correspondingly, there is one first recess 231 and two second recesses 232, with the first recess 231 located in the middle of the elastic connecting part 23 and the two second recesses 232 located on either side of the elastic connecting part 23. This configuration results in a simple structure and reliable limiting. Preferably, the two second limiting parts 33 are symmetrically arranged about the center line of the first limiting part 31, and the two second recesses 232 are symmetrically arranged about the center line of the first recess 231. This configuration ensures that the movement of the button 2 is more balanced and smoother.

[0048] Optionally, this embodiment provides two elastic arms 22. The first ends of the two elastic arms 22 are respectively connected to the two ends of the button body 21, for example, by snap-fitting, bonding, screwing, etc.; the second ends of the two elastic arms 22 are respectively fixedly connected to the elastic connecting part 23, and the connection position of the second ends of the two elastic arms 22 and the elastic connecting part 23 is opposite to the position of the first recess 231. This arrangement makes the distance between the first ends of the two elastic arms 22 greater than the distance between the second ends of the two elastic arms 22, so that when a pressing force is applied to the button body 21, it is easier for the elastic arms 22 to undergo elastic deformation, while ensuring the reliable rebound of the button 2. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the elastic arms 22 and the elastic connecting part 23 are manufactured by an integral molding process, which can improve their structural strength, simplify the manufacturing process, and help ensure the good elasticity and connection reliability of the elastic arms 22 and the elastic connecting part 23.

[0049] In some embodiments, the fixing plate 3 is further provided with positioning posts 35, and the elastic connecting part 23 is provided with positioning holes 233. The positioning posts 35 and the positioning holes 233 are inserted into each other, thereby achieving precise positioning of the button 2 in the housing 1. This ensures that the trigger part 211 can accurately trigger the contact switch 41 after the button 2 is pressed, and at the same time, it can prevent the button 2 from loosening or falling off in the housing 1 during use. Preferably, in this embodiment, the elastic connecting part 23 is provided with two positioning holes 233 at intervals, and the two positioning holes 233 are respectively located in the gap between the first recess 231 and the two second recesses 232; at the same time, the fixing plate 3 is provided with two positioning posts 35 at intervals, and the two positioning posts 35 are respectively located in the gap between the first clearance groove 32 and the two second clearance grooves 34. The two positioning holes 233 and the two positioning posts 35 are matched one-to-one, so that the button 2 and the fixing plate 3 are more accurately connected, the structure is more stable, and the button 2 is effectively prevented from shifting left and right or rotating. Of course, in other embodiments, a positioning post can be provided on the elastic connection part 23 and a positioning hole can be provided on the fixing plate 3, which can also achieve the positioning and fixing of the button 2.

[0050] This embodiment also provides an electronic device including the aforementioned button module. By employing the button module, this electronic device achieves detachable installation of the button 2 with reliable connection and fixation, ensuring that the button 2 can rebound normally and avoiding problems such as insufficient spring force or inability to rebound due to overpressure. Simultaneously, this button module can reduce the overall thickness of the electronic device, which is beneficial for its lightweight and thin design. Furthermore, the electronic device does not require a separate hot-pressing fixture or corresponding hot-pressing process during manufacturing, effectively reducing production costs and improving processing efficiency.

[0051] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A button module, characterized in that, include: The housing has a button hole on its side; A button is disposed in the button hole, and the button includes a button body, an elastic arm and an elastic connecting part connected in sequence along the pressing direction; A fixing plate is fixed inside the housing. The fixing plate is provided with a first limiting part and a second limiting part. Along the pressing direction, the first limiting part and the second limiting part are respectively arranged on both sides of the elastic connecting part.

2. The button module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first limiting part includes a first snap-fit ​​wall and a first stop wall. The elastic connecting part has a first recess on the side away from the button body. The first recess snaps onto the first snap-fit ​​wall along its own thickness direction. When the button is pressed, the free end of the first recess elastically abuts against the first stop wall.

3. The button module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fixing plate is also provided with a first clearance groove, which is positioned opposite to the first recess, and the outer dimensions of the first clearance groove are larger than the outer dimensions of the first recess.

4. The button module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second limiting part includes a second snap-fit ​​wall and a second stop wall; the elastic connecting part is provided with a second recess on the side near the button body, and the second recess snaps into the second snap-fit ​​wall along its own thickness direction; when the button is reset, the free end of the second recess elastically abuts against the second stop wall.

5. The button module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The fixing plate is also provided with a second clearance groove, which is positioned opposite to the second recess, and the outer dimensions of the second clearance groove are larger than the outer dimensions of the second recess.

6. The button module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The number of the first limiting part is one, the number of the second limiting part is two, and the two second limiting parts are respectively located on both sides of the first limiting part; the number of the first recess is one, the number of the second recess is two, and the two second recesses are respectively located on both sides of the first recess.

7. The button module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing plate is provided with positioning posts, and the elastic connecting part is provided with positioning holes, wherein the positioning posts are inserted into the positioning holes; and / or. The elastic connecting part is provided with a positioning post, and the fixing plate is provided with a positioning hole, and the positioning post is inserted into the positioning hole.

8. The button module according to claim 2, characterized in that, Two elastic arms are provided. The first ends of the two elastic arms are respectively connected to the two ends of the button body. The second ends of the two elastic arms are respectively connected to the elastic connecting part, and the connection position of the second ends of the two elastic arms to the elastic connecting part is opposite to the position of the first recess.

9. The button module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The button module also includes a circuit board, which is fixed inside the housing. A contact switch is provided on the circuit board and is electrically connected to the circuit board. A trigger part is provided on the side of the button body facing the elastic connection part. When the button is pressed, the trigger part abuts against and triggers the contact switch.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, Includes the button module as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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