Mid-frame components and electronic devices

Abstract

This disclosure discloses a mid-frame assembly and an electronic device. The mid-frame assembly includes a mid-frame body, at least one button body, a damping element, a transmission element, and a circuit board. The mid-frame body has an opening. The button body is located within the opening and is used to withstand user pressure. The side of the button body facing the interior of the electronic device has a first receiving groove. The damping element is located in the first receiving groove and connected to the button body. The transmission element is opposite to the damping element and slidably connected to the mid-frame body. The circuit board is located within the mid-frame body and opposite to the transmission element. When subjected to an external force, the transmission element slides and contacts the corresponding position of the circuit board. When the external force is removed, the transmission element separates from the circuit board and returns to its initial position. The damping element is disposed in the first receiving groove of the button body, sharing part of the space of the electronic device with the button body, reducing the space occupied by the damping element alone in the electronic device, thereby reducing the thickness of the mid-frame assembly and increasing the internal space area of ​​the electronic device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of electronic device technology, and in particular to a mid-frame assembly and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of consumer electronics technology, the functions of mobile phones and other electronic devices are becoming increasingly rich. Users usually need to interact with the buttons on the middle frame to achieve quick operations such as volume control, power on / off, and screenshot.

[0003] In related technologies, for the sake of the feel of button operation, a soft rubber component is usually placed between the button pin and the circuit board to provide a damping feel during the button pressing process.

[0004] The placement of the soft rubber component means that it occupies a certain amount of space in the direction of button pressing, resulting in a larger thickness of the middle frame and thus limiting the internal space of the electronic device. Utility Model Content

[0005] This disclosure provides a mid-frame component and an electronic device, which can solve the aforementioned technical problems existing in related technologies. The technical solution is as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, a mid-frame assembly is provided, the mid-frame assembly including a mid-frame body, at least one button body, a shock absorber, a transmission component, and a circuit board;

[0007] The middle frame body has an opening;

[0008] The button body is located inside the opening and is used to withstand the user's pressing pressure. The side of the button body facing the inside of the electronic device has a first receiving groove.

[0009] The shock absorber is at least partially located in the first receiving groove and is connected to the button body;

[0010] The transmission component is opposite to the shock absorber and is slidably connected to the middle frame body;

[0011] The circuit board is located within the middle frame body and is opposite to the transmission component;

[0012] When subjected to an external force, the transmission component slides and contacts the corresponding position of the circuit board. When the external force is removed, the transmission component separates from the circuit board and returns to its initial position.

[0013] In some possible implementations, the middle frame body has a second receiving groove, the transmission component includes a transmission body and a seal, the seal is annularly fitted around the transmission body, and the seal is interference-fitted with the groove wall of the second receiving groove.

[0014] In some possible implementations, the middle frame body has a third receiving groove, and the button body has a first limiting portion;

[0015] The middle frame assembly further includes a first limiting member, which is looped around the first limiting portion. In a first direction, the surface of the first limiting member has a first protrusion, which is interference-fitted with the wall of the third receiving groove.

[0016] In some possible implementations, in the second direction, the surface of the first limiting member has a second protrusion that is interference-fitted with the wall of the third receiving groove, wherein the angle between the second direction and the first direction is not zero.

[0017] In some possible implementations, the second direction and the first direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0018] In some possible implementations, when the button body (2) is not subjected to external force, there is a gap between the damping member and the transmission member.

[0019] In some possible implementations, the first receiving groove has an adhesive layer that is bonded to the damping element.

[0020] In some possible implementations, the button body has a second limiting portion, and the middle frame assembly further includes a second limiting member connected to the middle frame body and used to abut against the second limiting portion to restrict the sliding of the button body within the opening.

[0021] In some possible implementations, the damping element is at least one of thermoplastic polyurethane element, thermoplastic elastomer element, rubber element, and silicone element.

[0022] In a second aspect, an electronic device is provided, the electronic device comprising the mid-frame component described in any one of the first aspects.

[0023] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided in this disclosure include at least the following:

[0024] In this disclosure, the damping component is disposed in the first receiving groove of the button body, sharing part of the electronic device space with the button body, thereby reducing the space occupied by the damping component alone in the electronic device, and thus reducing the thickness of the middle frame assembly and increasing the internal space area of ​​the electronic device.

[0025] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0026] 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.

[0027] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a mid-frame assembly provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a mid-frame component provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a partial schematic diagram of a mid-frame component provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0030] Figure label:

[0031] 1. Middle frame body; 11. Opening; 12. Second receiving slot; 13. Third receiving slot;

[0032] 2. Button body; 21. First receiving groove; 22. First limiting part; 23. Second limiting part;

[0033] 3. Shock-absorbing components;

[0034] 4. Transmission components; 41. Transmission body; 42. Sealing components;

[0035] 5. Circuit board;

[0036] 6. First limiting member; 6a. First protrusion; 6b. Second protrusion;

[0037] 7. Second limiting component;

[0038] X, the first direction; Y, the second direction.

[0039] 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

[0040] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this disclosure clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] With the development of consumer electronics technology, the functions of mobile phones and other electronic devices are becoming increasingly rich. Users typically need to interact with buttons on the mid-frame to perform quick operations such as volume control, power on / off, and screenshots. In related technologies, for the sake of button operation feel, a soft rubber component is usually placed between the button pins and the circuit board to provide damping resistance during button pressing.

[0042] Because the soft rubber parts have a certain thickness, they occupy a certain amount of space in the direction of button pressing, resulting in a larger thickness of the middle frame and thus limiting the internal space of the electronic device.

[0043] This disclosure provides a mid-frame component, referring to... Figure 1 As shown, the mid-frame assembly includes a mid-frame body 1, at least one button body 2, a shock absorber 3, a transmission component 4, and a circuit board 5.

[0044] The middle frame body 1 has an opening 11, the button body 2 is located in the opening 11 and is used to withstand the user's pressing pressure, the side of the button body 2 facing the inside of the electronic device has a first receiving groove 21, the shock absorber 3 is at least partially located in the first receiving groove 21 and connected to the button body 2.

[0045] The transmission component 4 is opposite to the shock absorber 3 and is slidably connected to the middle frame body 1. The circuit board 5 is located inside the middle frame body 1 and is opposite to the transmission component 4. When subjected to external force, the transmission component 4 slides and contacts the corresponding position of the circuit board 5. When the external force is removed, the transmission component 4 separates from the circuit board 5 and returns to the starting position.

[0046] In this disclosure, the damping element 3 is at least partially disposed in the first receiving groove 21 of the button body 2, sharing part of the space of the electronic device with the button body 2, thereby reducing the space occupied by the damping element 3 alone in the electronic device, and thus reducing the thickness of the middle frame assembly and increasing the internal space area of ​​the electronic device.

[0047] This disclosure does not limit the number of button bodies 2. The number can be matched and set according to the functional requirements of the electronic device, the size of the middle frame, and other parameters. For example, the number of button bodies 2 can be two, one of which can be a power button and the other can be a volume control button.

[0048] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1As shown, the opening 11 has a chamfered edge. The chamfered edge serves several purposes: first, it guides the button body 2 into the opening 11, reducing the assembly difficulty of the mid-frame components, increasing assembly speed and yield on the production line, and preventing burrs from scratching the button body 2; second, the chamfered edge of the opening 11 provides a smooth transition, so users will not feel any sharpness or cutting sensation when touching or pressing the button body 2, resulting in a more comfortable and smooth feel; third, the chamfered edge distributes impact force more evenly to the surrounding area, significantly improving the impact resistance and structural durability of the mid-frame body 1, and reducing the risk of damage after impacts.

[0049] This disclosure does not specifically limit the springback force of the transmission component 4; exemplarily, refer to... Figure 2 As shown, the circuit board 5 has a metal spring. When the user presses the button body 2, the pressing force is transmitted to the damping component 3 and the transmission component 4 in sequence. The transmission component 4 squeezes the metal spring so that the metal spring conducts the target circuit in the circuit board 5. When the user cancels the press, the rebound force of the metal spring drives the transmission component 4 back to the starting position of the transmission component 4 and disconnects the target circuit in the circuit board 5.

[0050] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 3 As shown, when the button body 2 is not subjected to external force, there is a gap between the shock absorber 3 and the transmission component 4. Thus, when the electronic device is bumped, shaken, or dropped, the button body 2 may cause the shock absorber 3 to move a certain distance. Because there is a gap between the shock absorber 3 and the transmission component 4, collisions between them can be avoided. This reduces the number of times the shock absorber 3 is squeezed, extending its service life. Furthermore, it reduces the probability of the transmission component 4 being impacted, preventing it from being frequently damaged by impact forces.

[0051] In some embodiments, a portion of the damping member 3 is located in the first receiving groove 21, and another portion of the damping member 3 protrudes from the first receiving groove 21. When the user presses the button body 2, the button body 2 drives the damping member 3 to gradually approach and abut against the transmission member 4, thereby driving the transmission member 4 to realize the conduction of the target circuit on the circuit board 5.

[0052] In some other embodiments, the damping element 3 is completely located in the first receiving groove 21. When the user presses the button body 2, the button body 2 drives the damping element 3 to gradually approach the transmission element 4. The transmission element 4 extends into the first receiving groove 21 and abuts against the damping element 3. The damping element 3 and the transmission element 4 are further squeezed, driving the transmission element 4 to realize the conduction of the target circuit on the circuit board 5.

[0053] In some embodiments, the first receiving groove 21 has an adhesive layer that is bonded to the damping element 3. First, the adhesive layer and the damping element 3 transfer load through surface contact, resulting in a more uniform stress distribution and reducing the risk of fatigue failure or material deformation. Second, the dispensing process eliminates the need for drilling, tapping, or high-temperature treatment, making the connection process simpler and the connection cost lower. Third, compared to hard connections such as bolts, rivets, or welding, the elasticity of the adhesive layer can absorb vibration energy and reduce noise. Fourth, the absence of additional metal fasteners (such as bolts and nuts) directly reduces the structural weight.

[0054] In some embodiments, the damping element 3 is at least one of a thermoplastic polyurethane element, a thermoplastic elastomer element, a rubber element, and a silicone element.

[0055] Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) components are made of block copolymers consisting of alternating hard and soft segments. The hard segments provide strength and high-temperature resistance, while the soft segments provide elasticity and flexibility. Thermoplastic elastomer components are made of styrene-based elastomers and exhibit rubber-like elasticity at room temperature. Rubber components refer to components made of thermosetting elastomers, which have excellent elasticity and resilience, and are resistant to high temperatures. Silicone components have good electrical insulation properties and excellent high-temperature resistance, preventing the heat generated by electronic equipment from adversely affecting the shock-absorbing component 3.

[0056] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the middle frame body 1 has a second receiving groove 12, the transmission component 4 encloses the transmission body 41 and the sealing component 42, the sealing component 42 is ring-fitted around the transmission body 41, and the sealing component 42 is interference-fitted with the groove wall of the second receiving groove 12.

[0057] In this way, the transmission body 41 is opposite to the damping member 3. Under the pressure of the damping member 3, the transmission body 41 drives the sealing member 42 to slide in the second receiving groove 12, gradually approaching and pressing the target position of the circuit board 5, so as to make the target circuit in the circuit board 5 conductive. At the same time, the sealing member 42 is interference-fitted with the groove wall of the second receiving groove 12, ensuring the sealing performance between the transmission member 4 and the second receiving groove 12, and preventing foreign objects from the outside of the electronic device from entering the interior of the electronic device through the opening 11 and the second receiving groove 12.

[0058] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 As shown, the middle frame body 1 has a third receiving groove 13, and the button body 2 has a first limiting part 22. The middle frame assembly also includes a first limiting member 6, which is ringed around the first limiting part 22. In the first direction X, the surface of the first limiting member 6 has a first protrusion 6a, and the first protrusion 6a is interference-fitted with the groove wall of the third receiving groove 13.

[0059] In the first direction X, the first protrusion 6a on the surface of the first limiting member 6 means that the first protrusion 6a can protrude along the first direction X or in the opposite direction of the first direction X.

[0060] The setting of the first protrusion 6a enables the first limiting member 6 and the third receiving groove 13 to fit tightly in the first direction X, reducing the degree of wobbling of the button body 2 in the first direction X and improving the feel of the button body 2.

[0061] This disclosure does not specifically limit the number of first protrusions 6a provided on the first limiting member 6, and can be matched and set according to parameters such as the size and shape of the first limiting member 6. For example, the first protrusions 6a are symmetrically distributed in the first direction X, so as to simultaneously prevent the button body 2 from shaking in the first direction X and the opposite direction of the first direction X.

[0062] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 As shown, in the second direction Y, the surface of the first limiting member 6 has a second protrusion 6b, and the second protrusion 6b is interference-fitted with the groove wall of the third receiving groove 13, wherein the included angle between the second direction Y and the first direction X is not zero.

[0063] In the second direction Y, the surface of the first limiting member 6 has a second protrusion 6b, which means that the second protrusion 6b can protrude along the second direction Y or in the opposite direction of the second direction Y.

[0064] The second protrusion 6b enables the first limiting member 6 and the third receiving groove 13 to fit tightly in the second direction Y, reducing the degree of wobbling of the button body 2 in the second direction Y and improving the feel of the button body 2.

[0065] This disclosure does not specifically limit the number of second protrusions 6b provided on the first limiting member 6, and can match and set according to parameters such as the size and shape of the first limiting member 6. For example, the first protrusions 6a are symmetrically distributed in the second direction Y, so as to simultaneously prevent the button body 2 from shaking in the second direction Y and the opposite direction of the second direction Y.

[0066] In some embodiments, the second direction Y and the first direction X are perpendicular to each other. In this way, the shaking of the button body 2 in any direction can be decomposed into shaking components in the first direction X and the second direction Y, and the shaking of the button body 2 can be limited by the first protrusion 6a and the second protrusion 6b respectively.

[0067] When the button body 2 has a first limiting part 22, the first limiting part 22 is located at the geometric center of the button body 2, thereby taking into account the degree of shaking at each position of the button body 2.

[0068] When the button body 2 has multiple first limiting parts 22, the multiple first limiting parts 22 are symmetrically distributed about the geometric center of the button body 2, thereby ensuring that the shaking of the button body 2 at each position can be effectively limited.

[0069] This disclosure does not specifically limit the number of first limiting members 6 in a first limiting part 2 ring, but can match and set according to parameters such as the size and shape of the first limiting part 2.

[0070] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 As shown, the button body 2 has a second limiting part 23, and the middle frame assembly also includes a second limiting member 7. The second limiting member 7 is connected to the middle frame body 1 and is used to abut against the second limiting part 23 to restrict the sliding of the button body 2 in the opening 11, thereby preventing the button body 2 from falling out of the opening 11.

[0071] For example, the button body 2 may have two second limiting portions 23, each of which is engaged with the middle frame body 1 via a second limiting member 7. In another example, one end of the button body 2 has a second limiting portion 23, which is engaged with the middle frame body 1 via a second limiting member 7, while the other end of the button body 2 is directly engaged with the middle frame body 1.

[0072] Based on the same concept, this disclosure also provides an electronic device, which may include a mid-frame component as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0073] The electronic devices involved in this disclosure may also be referred to as terminals, mobile terminals, terminal devices, user equipment (UE), etc. For example, a terminal device may be a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop computer, wearable device (e.g., smartwatch), or it may be a digital camera, SLR camera / mirrorless camera, gimbal camera, action camera, drone, or other professional shooting equipment. It should be understood that this disclosure does not specifically limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal device. In the description of the above embodiments, a mobile phone is used as an example, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0074] The damping element 3 is at least partially disposed in the first receiving groove 21 of the button body 2, sharing part of the space of the electronic device with the button body 2, thereby reducing the space occupied by the damping element 3 alone in the electronic device, and thus reducing the thickness of the middle frame assembly and increasing the internal space area of ​​the electronic device.

[0075] In the description of this specification, the references to "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 described embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0076] It is understood that in this disclosure, "multiple" refers to two or more, and other quantifiers are similar. "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, and B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. The singular forms "a," "the," and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0077] It is further understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various types of information, but this information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from one another, and do not indicate a specific order or degree of importance. In fact, the expressions "first," "second," etc., are completely interchangeable. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, first information can also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information can also be referred to as first information.

[0078] It is further understood that the terms “center,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” “front,” “rear,” “up,” “down,” “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 only for the convenience of describing this embodiment and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0079] It is further understood that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral molding; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between the two components; they can refer to a direct connection between two components without the presence of other components, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between 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.

[0080] It is further understood that although operations are described in a specific order in the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of this disclosure, this should not be construed as requiring these operations to be performed in the specific order or serial order shown, or requiring all of the shown operations to be performed to obtain the desired result. In certain environments, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

[0081] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the solutions disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the scope of the claims.

[0082] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A mid-frame component, characterized in that, The mid-frame assembly includes a mid-frame body (1), at least one button body (2), a shock absorber (3), a transmission component (4), and a circuit board (5). The middle frame body (1) has an opening (11); The button body (2) is located inside the opening (11) and is used to withstand the user's pressing pressure. The button body (2) has a first receiving groove (21) on the side facing the inside of the electronic device. The shock absorber (3) is at least partially located in the first receiving groove (21) and is connected to the button body (2); The transmission component (4) is opposite to the shock absorber (3) and is slidably connected to the middle frame body (1); The circuit board (5) is located inside the middle frame body (1) and is opposite to the transmission component (4); When subjected to external force, the transmission component (4) slides and contacts the corresponding position of the circuit board (5). When the external force is removed, the transmission component (4) separates from the circuit board (5) and returns to the starting position.

2. The mid-frame assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The middle frame body (1) has a second receiving groove (12), and the transmission component (4) includes a transmission body (41) and a sealing component (42). The sealing component (42) is wrapped around the transmission body (41), and the sealing component (42) is interference-fitted with the groove wall of the second receiving groove (12).

3. The mid-frame assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The middle frame body (1) has a third receiving groove (13), and the button body (2) has a first limiting part (22). The middle frame assembly also includes a first limiting member (6), which is a ring around the first limiting part (22). In the first direction (X), the surface of the first limiting member (6) has a first protrusion (6a), which is interference-fitted with the groove wall of the third receiving groove (13).

4. The mid-frame assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the second direction (Y), the surface of the first limiting member (6) has a second protrusion (6b), which is interference-fitted with the groove wall of the third receiving groove (13), wherein the included angle between the second direction (Y) and the first direction (X) is not zero.

5. The mid-frame assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second direction (Y) and the first direction (X) are perpendicular to each other.

6. The mid-frame assembly according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, When the button body (2) is not subjected to external force, there is a gap between the damping member (3) and the transmission member (4).

7. The mid-frame assembly according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The first receiving groove (21) has an adhesive layer (211) which is bonded to the shock absorber (3).

8. The mid-frame assembly according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The button body (2) has a second limiting part (23), and the middle frame assembly further includes a second limiting member (7). The second limiting member (7) is connected to the middle frame body (1) and is used to abut against the second limiting part (23) to restrict the sliding of the button body (2) in the opening (11).

9. The mid-frame assembly according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The damping element (3) is at least one of thermoplastic polyurethane element, thermoplastic elastomer element and rubber element.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device includes a mid-frame assembly as described in any one of claims 1-9.

Images