Middle frame and electronic device

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present application are a middle frame and an electronic device. The middle frame comprises a middle frame body and a barrier member, wherein the middle frame body is made of a metal material, and the middle frame body is provided with a mounting opening, which is in communication with the outside thereof. The mounting opening is configured to mount a metal functional member of the electronic device, and an inner wall of the mounting opening faces the metal functional member. The barrier member is arranged on at least part of the inner wall of the mounting opening and is configured to separate the middle frame body from the metal functional member. The middle frame provided in the embodiments of the present application has a relatively low risk of galvanic corrosion.

Description

Middle frame and electronic equipment

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on August 14, 2023, with application number 202311020905.0 and application name “Middle frame and electronic device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of electronic devices, and in particular to a middle frame and electronic devices. Background Art

[0003] With the development of technology, people have increasingly higher requirements for lightweight electronic devices such as mobile phones and tablets.

[0004] The middle frame is the primary supporting structure in electronic devices. Some electronic devices use lightweight metals such as magnesium alloys to reduce the weight of the middle frame and, by doing so, the overall weight of the device. Some buttons in electronic devices are made of metal and mounted on the magnesium alloy middle frame. However, when electronic devices are exposed to humid environments such as salt spray or at the seaside, galvanic corrosion can easily occur where the middle frame meets the buttons, affecting the proper functioning of both the buttons and the device.

[0005] Therefore, how to avoid the above-mentioned galvanic corrosion has become a technical problem to be solved.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present application provides a middle frame and an electronic device, which can reduce the risk of galvanic corrosion of the middle frame.

[0008] In a first aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a middle frame is provided, which is applied to an electronic device. The middle frame includes: a middle frame body and a barrier member. The middle frame body is made of metal material. The middle frame body has an installation opening connected to the outside. The installation opening is used to install metal functional parts of the electronic device, and the inner wall of the installation opening faces the metal functional parts; the barrier member is arranged on at least a portion of the inner wall of the installation opening to isolate the middle frame body from the metal functional parts.

[0009] In the embodiments of the present application, the middle frame body is provided within the middle frame. Since the middle frame body has an installation opening, metal functional components of the electronic device can be installed on the middle frame body through the installation opening, thereby realizing the functions of the metal functional components. Furthermore, since the middle frame body is made of a metal material, the provision of a barrier within the middle frame can isolate the middle frame body from the metal functional components, preventing direct contact between the middle frame body and the metal functional components, thereby reducing the risk of galvanic corrosion at the interface between the middle frame body and the metal functional components. This reduces the risk of galvanic corrosion at the interface between the middle frame body and the metal functional components, ensuring the normal use of the metal functional components in the electronic device. Since metal buttons are a type of metal functional component in electronic devices, when metal buttons are installed at the installation opening of the middle frame body, galvanic corrosion at the interface between the middle frame body and the metal buttons can be reduced, ensuring the normal use of the metal buttons while also preventing display and functional failure of the electronic device's display screen due to galvanic corrosion of the middle frame body.

[0010] In some optional embodiments, the molding material of the middle frame body includes light metal, so that the relatively low density of light metal can be utilized to manufacture a lighter middle frame body, thereby reducing the weight of the middle frame.

[0011] In some optional embodiments, the light metal includes a magnesium alloy. This reduces the weight of the middle frame while also reducing the risk of galvanic corrosion between the magnesium alloy middle frame body and metal functional components such as metal buttons through the provision of the barrier, thereby reducing the risk of galvanic corrosion in existing magnesium alloy middle frames.

[0012] In some optional embodiments, the blocking member covers the inner wall of the mounting opening at the first end along the circumference of the mounting opening and extends axially toward the second end of the mounting opening, where the first end is an end of the circumferential side wall of the mounting opening adjacent to the middle frame body.

[0013] This not only enables the barrier to better block the middle frame body and the metal functional parts in the circumferential direction of the installation opening, but also helps to increase the blocking length of the barrier to the metal button by limiting the extension direction of the barrier, so as to further reduce the risk of galvanic corrosion at the installation opening of the middle frame body.

[0014] In some optional embodiments, the extended end of the barrier is flush with the edge of the second end of the mounting opening so that the barrier can block all fitting locations between the metal functional component and the middle frame body, thereby preventing galvanic corrosion from occurring at the fitting locations between the middle frame body and the metal button.

[0015] In some optional embodiments, the barrier is a plastic part, which is integrally molded with the middle frame body to enhance the connection strength between the barrier and the middle frame body, while allowing the barrier to be better arranged on the inner wall of the installation opening, thereby further reducing the weight of the middle frame.

[0016] In some optional embodiments, the barrier is also wrapped around the peripheral edge of the middle frame body and extends along the surface of the middle frame body toward the inside of the mounting opening, so that the barrier can be set on at least a portion of the inner wall of the mounting opening, and an integrated middle frame wrapped by the barrier can be formed on the peripheral side of the middle frame body.

[0017] In some optional embodiments, the thickness of the barrier member inside the mounting opening is less than the thickness of the barrier member at the peripheral edge of the mounting opening, so that the barrier member can be injection-molded on at least a portion of the inner wall of the mounting opening while also ensuring the structural strength of the middle frame body at the mounting opening.

[0018] In some optional embodiments, the barrier member forms an assembly opening at the installation opening that is adapted to the outer edge shape of the metal functional part. The assembly opening is constructed to assemble at least a portion of the structure of the metal functional part so that while the metal functional part is assembled on the middle frame through the assembly opening, the barrier member can block between the metal functional part and the middle frame body.

[0019] In some optional embodiments, the metal functional parts are one or more of metal buttons and card trays, so that either the metal button or the card tray can be assembled on the middle frame while ensuring the normal use of the metal button and the card tray when the electronic device is in a humid environment such as salt spray or seaside.

[0020] In some optional embodiments, the mounting opening includes a first mounting opening on a circumferential side wall of the middle frame body, and the blocking member is provided on at least a portion of an inner wall of the first mounting opening;

[0021] The assembly opening comprises a first assembly opening, which is located inside the first installation opening and is used for assembling a portion of a metal keycap in the metal key.

[0022] In this way, when the metal key is assembled in the assembly port, it is not only convenient for the user to press it, but also, through the provision of the barrier, it can prevent galvanic corrosion from occurring at the fitting point between the middle frame body and the metal keycap.

[0023] In some optional embodiments, the axial direction of the first mounting opening is the same as the movement direction of the metal keycap in the first mounting opening, so that the metal keycap moves in the first mounting opening;

[0024] In the axial direction of the first mounting port, the size of the first assembly port is greater than or equal to the sum of the size of the metal keycap in the first assembly port and the moving stroke, so as to ensure that when the metal keycap moves in the first assembly port, the blocking member can be blocked between the metal keycap and the middle frame body.

[0025] In some optional embodiments, an annular groove is formed on the inner wall of the first installation opening, and a portion of the structure of the barrier member is embedded in the annular groove to form the first assembly opening.

[0026] By providing the annular groove, the metal button can be smoothly assembled and pressed in the first assembly opening without affecting the thickness and strength of the middle frame body at the first installation opening.

[0027] In some optional embodiments, the barrier is flush with the inner wall of the first mounting opening, and the annular groove extends on the inner wall of the first mounting opening toward one side of the geometric center of the middle frame body, so as to ensure the smooth assembly and pressing of the metal button in the first assembly opening, while also facilitating increasing the blocking length of the barrier on the metal button.

[0028] In some optional embodiments, the barrier member is coated on the inner wall of the first installation opening to form a first assembly opening, and the inner wall of the first assembly opening is provided with a dirt storage groove;

[0029] The first assembly opening is used to limit the movement stroke of the metal keycap.

[0030] By wrapping the barrier around the inner wall of the first installation opening, the barrier completely blocks the metal keycap from the middle frame. Furthermore, the dirt collection trough collects dust introduced into the first assembly opening. The first assembly opening not only allows the metal keycap to be assembled within the middle frame, but also prevents users from overpressing the metal keycap.

[0031] In some optional embodiments, the mounting opening further includes a second mounting opening, and the second mounting opening is located on the bottom wall of the first mounting opening;

[0032] The first mounting port is connected to the cavity in the middle frame body where the key circuit board is installed through the second mounting port. The second mounting port is configured to assemble a portion of the trigger component in the metal key so that when the metal keycap is pressed, the trigger component can be driven to move toward one side of the cavity in the second mounting port and compress the conductive component to connect the conductive component to the key circuit board, thereby realizing the function of the metal key.

[0033] In some optional embodiments, the diameter of the second mounting opening is smaller than that of the first mounting opening, and the axial direction of the second mounting opening is parallel to the axial direction of the first mounting opening. This can achieve the function of the metal button while also reducing the area of ​​the mounting opening on the middle frame body.

[0034] In some optional embodiments, the assembly port is configured to assemble a fingerprint key in a metal key, so as to achieve assembly of the fingerprint key on the middle frame body while reducing the risk of galvanic corrosion at the joint between the middle frame body and the fingerprint key.

[0035] In some optional embodiments, the middle frame further includes a protective layer, which is located on the side of the barrier member facing the second installation opening and covers a portion of the inner wall of the installation opening. The protective layer is constructed to enclose an assembly hole for assembling the trigger member.

[0036] By providing the protective layer, the mating portion between the middle frame body and the trigger component can be protected, thereby further reducing the risk of galvanic corrosion between the middle frame body and the trigger component at the installation opening.

[0037] In some optional embodiments, the protective layer includes a passivation layer or an insulating varnish layer to form the protective layer.

[0038] In some optional embodiments, the assembly port is configured to assemble a volume key among metal buttons, so as to achieve assembly of the volume key on the middle frame body while reducing the risk of galvanic corrosion at the joint between the middle frame body and the volume key.

[0039] In some optional embodiments, the blocking member extends along the inner wall of the first installation opening to the edge of the second installation opening;

[0040] The assembly port also includes a second assembly port, which is located inside the second installation port and is used to assemble the trigger member.

[0041] In this way, when the volume button is assembled in the assembly port, the barrier can also completely block the volume button from the middle frame body, so as to reduce the risk of galvanic corrosion between the middle frame body and the metal keycap.

[0042] In some optional embodiments, the axial direction of the second assembly opening is the same as the movement direction of the trigger member in the second assembly opening, so that the trigger member moves in the first assembly opening;

[0043] In the axial direction of the second assembly opening, the size of the second assembly opening is greater than or equal to the sum of the size of the trigger member in the second assembly opening and the moving stroke, so as to ensure that when the trigger member moves in the second assembly opening, the blocking member can be blocked between the trigger member and the middle frame body.

[0044] In some optional embodiments, the thickness of the barrier within the mounting opening is greater than or equal to 0.25 mm to ensure that the plastic particles can be fully injected onto the inner wall of the mounting opening during the injection molding process. This not only ensures that the barrier has sufficient thickness, but also avoids omitted injection molding areas on the inner wall of the mounting opening due to the barrier being too thin. The thickness of the middle frame body at the mounting opening is greater than or equal to 0.4 mm to ensure that the middle frame body has sufficient structural strength at the mounting opening.

[0045] In some optional embodiments, the middle frame body includes a middle plate and a frame, the frame is arranged around the peripheral edge of the middle plate, and the installation opening is located on the circumferential surface of the frame away from the middle plate, so that the metal functional parts can be installed on the middle frame body through the installation opening to realize the function of the metal functional parts.

[0046] A second aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides an electronic device, which includes a metal functional part and a middle frame as described above. At least part of the structure of the metal functional part is located in the installation opening of the middle frame, so as to realize the assembly of the metal functional part in the middle frame while ensuring the normal use of the metal functional part and the display screen of the electronic device in a humid environment such as salt spray and seaside. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present application in an intermediate state between a folded state and a flattened state;

[0048] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of the electronic device in FIG1 in a folded state;

[0049] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of the electronic device in FIG1 in an unfolded state;

[0050] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of the electronic device in FIG1 ;

[0051] FIG5 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a fingerprint key provided in the related art assembled in an electronic device;

[0052] FIG6 is a partial cross-sectional diagram of a volume key provided in the related art assembled in an electronic device;

[0053] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a metal button and a middle frame provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a metal button assembled on a middle frame according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] FIG9 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the metal button in FIG8 ;

[0056] FIG10 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of FIG9 with the metal button omitted;

[0057] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of a middle frame provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] FIG12 is a schematic structural diagram of a metal button and the middle frame in FIG11 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] FIG13 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the middle frame in FIG11 along the AA direction;

[0060] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of the metal button in FIG12 assembled on the middle frame;

[0061] FIG15 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the middle frame in FIG11 along the BB direction;

[0062] FIG16 is a second partial structural diagram of the metal button in FIG12 assembled in the middle frame;

[0063] FIG17 is a partial schematic diagram of the metal button in FIG12 assembled in the middle frame in FIG11 .

[0064] Reference Signs: 100 - electronic device; 1 - middle frame; 101 - middle plate; 102 - frame; 11 - first middle frame; 12 - second middle frame; 13 - key slot; 14 - through hole; 15 - middle frame body; 151 - mounting port; 1511 - first mounting port; 1512 - annular groove; 1513 - second mounting port; 1514 - third mounting port; 152 - cavity; 153 - avoidance groove; 16 - metal middle frame; 17 - plastic; 18 - barrier; 181 - assembly port; 1811 - first assembly port; 1812 - dirt storage tank; 1813 - second assembly port; 2 - back cover; 3 - display screen; 31 - first display screen; 32 - second display screen; 4 - hinge mechanism; 5-Metal functional parts; 5a-Card tray; 5b-Metal button; 51-Keycap; 511-Metal keycap; 512-Clipping part; 52-Trigger; 53-Fingerprint button; 54-Volume button; 6-Key circuit board; 7-Conducting part; X-Width direction; Y-Length direction; Z-Thickness direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] The terms used in the implementation section of this application are only used to explain the specific embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0066] To facilitate understanding, the relevant technical terms involved in the embodiments of this application are first explained and illustrated.

[0067] Light metals are metals with a relative density of less than 5. They are categorized into non-ferrous light metals and rare light metals. Non-ferrous light metals include aluminum, magnesium, calcium, titanium, potassium, strontium, and barium. Aluminum, magnesium, titanium, and their alloys have low relative density and high strength, making them widely used in the manufacture of electronic equipment.

[0068] Heavy metals refer to metals with a relative density of more than 5. For example, heavy metals may include but are not limited to copper, lead, zinc, tin, nickel, cobalt, antimony, mercury, cadmium, and bismuth.

[0069] Galvanic corrosion, also known as contact corrosion, refers to the electrochemical corrosion caused by two different metals in contact with each other while in an electrolyte. Because they form a spontaneous battery, the more active metal and the anode metal that is corroded is the one that is most active.

[0070] An embodiment of the present application provides an electronic device, which may include but is not limited to a mobile phone, a tablet computer (i.e., a pad), a laptop computer, an ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), a handheld computer, a phone watch, a walkie-talkie, a handheld terminal, and other electronic devices with a middle frame.

[0071] The structure of the electronic device of the present application is further described below using a mobile phone as an example.

[0072] Figures 1 to 3 illustrate different configurations of electronic devices to which this application is applicable. Specifically, the electronic device is a foldable electronic device. Figure 1 illustrates the configuration of the electronic device in an intermediate state between a folded state and a flattened state, Figure 2 illustrates the configuration of the electronic device in a folded state, and Figure 3 illustrates the configuration of the electronic device in a flattened state.

[0073] The structure of the electronic device is described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 3. The electronic device 100 includes a hinge mechanism 4 and two middle frames 1, which are rotatably connected via the hinge mechanism 4. The two middle frames 1 are a first middle frame 11 and a second middle frame 12. The first and second middle frames 11, 12 are connected to opposite sides of the hinge mechanism 4, allowing them to rotate relative to each other around the hinge mechanism 4, thereby enabling the electronic device 100 to be flattened and folded.

[0074] The first middle frame 11 and the second middle frame 12 can move toward each other along the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 1 to reach the folded state shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 2, when the electronic device 100 is in the folded state, the first middle frame 11 and the second middle frame 12 are stacked on each other.

[0075] The first middle frame 11 and the second middle frame 12 can move in opposite directions as indicated by arrows in Figure 1 to reach the flattened state shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 3, when the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, the first middle frame 11 and the second middle frame 12 are in the same plane.

[0076] FIG4 schematically shows the disassembled structure of the electronic device 100 in FIG3 .

[0077] As shown in Figure 4 , the middle frame 1 comprises a connected middle plate 101 and a frame 102. Frame 102 surrounds the perimeter of middle plate 101 and, together with middle plate 101, forms the middle frame 1. Frame 102 is a square ring-shaped structure formed by multiple side frames. The portion of frame 102 exposed on the outer surface of electronic device 100 forms the exterior surface of middle frame 1.

[0078] Continuing with Figure 4 , the electronic device 100 further includes a back cover 2 , which can be mounted on the first middle frame 11 to form a receiving cavity with the mounted middle frame 1. Alternatively, the electronic device 100 can include two back covers 2 , one mounted on the first middle frame 11 and the other on the second middle frame 12 . These two scenarios are not specifically limited in this application.

[0079] The structure of the electronic device 100 will be further described below by taking the example of the rear cover 2 being covered on the first middle frame 11 .

[0080] Continuing to refer to Figure 4, the electronic device 100 may further include a display screen 3, and the display screen 3 may include a first display screen 31, and the first display screen 31 may be a flexible display screen. The first display screen 31 may be simultaneously covered on the same side of the first middle frame 11 and the second middle frame 12, and distributed on opposite sides of the first middle frame 11 with the back cover 2. When the electronic device 100 is in a folded state, the first display screen 31 is also in a folded state. When the electronic device 100 is in a flattened state, the first display screen 31 is also in a flattened state. In this way, the electronic device 100 can change its configuration by relative rotation of the first middle frame 11 and the second middle frame 12, realizing the conversion between the folded state and the flattened state, which can simultaneously meet the large display area of ​​the electronic device 100 and the convenient carrying of the user.

[0081] Continuing with FIG4 , in some embodiments, in addition to the first display screen 31, the display screen 3 may further include a second display screen 32. The second display screen 32 may be a rigid display screen. The second display screen 32 may be provided on the side of the second middle frame 12 opposite the first display screen 31. Both the first display screen 31 and the second display screen 32 are electrically connected to the circuit board within the electronic device 100 and may be used to display various information and receive user input.

[0082] It should be noted that the electronic device 100 may further include a middle frame 1, and the back cover 2 and the display screen 3 may be arranged on opposite sides of the middle frame 1 to form a non-foldable electronic device. In this case, the display screen 3 may only include a rigid display screen.

[0083] The structure of the electronic device 100 is further described below by taking a foldable electronic device as an example.

[0084] Continuing to refer to Figure 4, the electronic device 100 may also have a metal functional part 5. The metal functional part 5 includes a card tray 5a. A card slot (not shown) communicating with the interior of the electronic device 100 may be provided on the exterior surface of the first middle frame 11, and the card tray 5a can be detachably assembled in the card slot. Similarly, the card tray 5a can also be assembled on the exterior surface of the second middle frame 12. The card tray 5a is used to place a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card tray 5a held by the user to realize the communication function of the electronic device 100.

[0085] Continuing with Figure 3 , the metal functional component 5 also includes buttons. To enhance the texture of the electronic device 100, the buttons are typically made of metals such as stainless steel. These buttons are hereinafter referred to as metal buttons 5b. These metal buttons 5b include a volume button 54, a fingerprint button 53, or a power button (not shown).

[0086] The volume key 54 is used to adjust the volume of the electronic device 100. For example, the volume key 54 may be an integrated key that has both volume increase and volume decrease functions. Alternatively, the electronic device 100 may include two separate volume keys 54, one for increasing the volume and the other for decreasing the volume. This application does not specifically limit the number of volume keys.

[0087] The fingerprint key 53 is used to identify the user's fingerprint to facilitate functions such as unlocking the display screen 3 of the electronic device 100, quick payment, and encryption. In addition, the power key is used to control the power on and off of the electronic device 100. In some embodiments, the fingerprint key 53 and the power key can be two independent keys or integrated into a single key (as shown in Figures 4 and 6), thereby simplifying the structure of the electronic device 100 while achieving multiple functions.

[0088] The structure of the electronic device 100 is further described below by taking the fingerprint key 53 and the integrated volume key 54 as examples.

[0089] Continuing with FIG4 and in conjunction with FIG2 , the fingerprint key 53 can be embedded in the exterior surface of the middle right frame of the first middle frame 11. The volume key 54 can be embedded in the exterior surface of the middle left frame of the second middle frame 12 and staggered with the fingerprint key 53 in the Y direction. This allows the volume key 54 and the fingerprint key 53 to be staggered on the same side of the electronic device 100 when the electronic device 100 is in the folded state, ensuring the normal use of these two metal keys 5b. Alternatively, in other embodiments, both the fingerprint key 53 and the volume key 54 can be embedded in the middle right frame of the first middle frame 11.

[0090] Figure 5 schematically shows a partial cross-sectional view of a fingerprint key 53 in the related art assembled in an electronic device 100a. The cross-sectional position of the figure on the electronic device 100a can be seen in the direction aa shown in Figure 3.

[0091] As shown in Figure 5, the middle frame 1a has a key slot 13 corresponding to the fingerprint key 53. The bottom of the key slot 13 has a through-hole 14 that connects to the interior of the electronic device 100a. The fingerprint key 53 includes a keycap 51 and a trigger 52 that are connected to each other. The keycap 51 can be embedded in the key slot 13. The trigger 52 is located on the side of the keycap 51 facing the through-hole 14 and is installed in the through-hole 14 to facilitate the assembly of the fingerprint key 53 on the electronic device 100a.

[0092] The electronic device 100a has a key circuit board 6 and a conductive member 7 at the corresponding fingerprint key 53. The key circuit board 6 is a flexible circuit board electrically connected to the circuit board of the electronic device 100a. The conductive member 7 may include but is not limited to a key shrapnel, which may also be called a pot piece. The conductive member 7 is arranged on the side of the key circuit board 6 facing the fingerprint key 53. When the user presses the keycap 51, the keycap 51 can move toward the inside of the electronic device 100a and drive the trigger member 52 to move simultaneously in the same direction. Moreover, during the movement of the trigger member 52, the conductive member 7 will be triggered and forced to undergo elastic deformation toward one side of the key circuit board 6, so that the conductive member 7 is in contact with the key circuit board 6 and is conductive, thereby realizing the function of the fingerprint key 53.

[0093] Figure 6 schematically shows a partial cross-sectional view of a volume key 54 in the related art assembled in an electronic device 100a. The cross-sectional position of the electronic device 100a in this figure can be seen from the bb direction shown in Figure 2.

[0094] As shown in Figure 6, the volume button 54 also includes a keycap 51 and a trigger 52. The assembly of the volume button 54 within the middle frame 1a and the key operation principle can be found in the above description of the fingerprint button 53. Unlike the fingerprint button 53, the distance between the trigger 52 of the volume button 54 and the hole wall of the through hole 14 is generally smaller than that between the trigger 52 of the fingerprint button 53 and the hole wall of the through hole 14, resulting in a thinner thickness of the middle frame 1a at the through hole 14 corresponding to the fingerprint button 53.

[0095] Because magnesium alloys have a specific gravity of 68% that of aluminum alloys, 27% that of zinc alloys, and 23% that of steel, magnesium and aluminum alloys are relatively lightweight, particularly magnesium alloys. Currently, the metal middle frame 16 is made of light metals such as magnesium alloys and aluminum alloys. Furthermore, plastic 17 is wrapped around the edges of the metal middle frame 16, forming a middle frame 1a in which the plastic 17 and the metal middle frame 16 are integrally connected. This reduces the weight of the middle frame 1a and thereby reduces the overall weight of the electronic device 100a.

[0096] Compared to aluminum profiles or die-cast aluminum, the potential difference between magnesium alloy and the metal keys 5b is greater. When these metal keys 5b are assembled on the magnesium alloy middle frame 1a and the electronic device 100a is exposed to humid environments such as salt spray or at the seaside, galvanic corrosion is likely to occur in the middle frame 1a where the key slots 13 and through-holes 14 meet the metal keys 5b. Galvanic corrosion of magnesium alloy produces corrosion products of magnesium hydroxide. These corrosion products accumulate in the key slots 13 and through-holes 14, causing the metal keys 5b to become stuck, malfunction, and experience poor tactile feel, which can affect their proper function.

[0097] As the corrosion becomes more severe, corrosion products will enter the interior of the middle frame 1a through the through holes 14. Since the display screen 3 is disposed on the middle frame 1a, the increasing amount of corrosion products can easily lift the display screen 3, causing functional and display failures of the display screen 3, seriously affecting the normal use of the electronic device 100a.

[0098] Therefore, how to prevent galvanic corrosion of the middle frame 1a becomes a technical problem to be solved.

[0099] FIG7 shows a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a metal button 5 b and the middle frame 1 .

[0100] As shown in FIG7 , an embodiment of the present application provides a middle frame 1, which is applied to an electronic device 100. By configuring the middle frame body 15 and the barrier 18 of the middle frame 1, when the metal functional part 5 is assembled in the mounting opening 151 of the middle frame body 15, it can be blocked between the metal functional part 5 and the middle frame body 15 by the barrier 18, so as to reduce the risk of galvanic corrosion of the middle frame body 15 at the fitting point with the metal functional part 5, and even avoid the risk of galvanic corrosion of the middle frame 1. Among them, the middle frame body 15 can be understood as the structure of the middle frame 1 excluding the barrier 18. The metal functional part 5 shown in FIG7 is a metal button 5b (not marked) mentioned above.

[0101] The type and structure of the electronic device 100 can be found in the relevant description above and will not be further elaborated here. The mating area between the middle frame body 15 and the metal functional component 5 can be understood as the area of ​​the middle frame body 15 where the mounting opening 151 faces the metal functional component 5. For example, the mating area between the middle frame body 15 and the metal button 5b can be understood as the area of ​​the middle frame body 15 where the mounting opening 151 faces the metal button 5b.

[0102] The structure of the middle frame 1 in the embodiment of the present application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0103] 7 , the middle frame 1 includes a middle frame body 15 , which can be made of metal. The middle frame body 15 has the same structure as the middle frame 1 , including a middle plate 101 and a frame 102 , which will not be described in detail here.

[0104] 7 , the middle frame body 15 has an installation opening 151 that communicates with the outside. The installation opening 151 is used to install the metal functional component 5 of the electronic device 100, so that the metal functional component 5 can be installed in the installation opening 151 and assembled on the middle frame body 15. The inner wall of the installation opening 151 faces the metal functional component 5.

[0105] Among them, the installation opening 151 can be located on the circumferential surface of the frame 102 away from the middle plate 101, so that when the metal functional part 5 is installed on the installation opening 151 through the installation opening 151, it can be exposed on the outer surface of the electronic device 100, which is conducive to realizing the function of the metal functional part 5.

[0106] Continuing with FIG. 7 , the middle frame 1 further includes a barrier 18 , which is disposed on at least a portion of the inner wall of the mounting opening 151 and serves to separate the middle frame body 15 from the metal functional component 5 . Thus, when the metal functional component 5 is assembled within the mounting opening 151 , the barrier 18 acts as a barrier between the middle frame body 15 and at least a portion of the metal functional component 5 , thereby preventing direct contact between the middle frame body 15 and the metal functional component 5 and reducing the relative contact area between the middle frame body 15 and the metal functional component 5 . This reduces the risk of galvanic corrosion at the interface between the middle frame body 15 and the metal functional component 5 , and can even prevent galvanic corrosion at the interface between the middle frame body 15 and the metal functional component 5 , ensuring proper operation of the metal functional component 5 in the electronic device 100 .

[0107] In addition, since the risk of galvanic corrosion of the middle frame body 15 is reduced or avoided, there are fewer or even no galvanic corrosion products on the middle frame body 15. Therefore, through the provision of the barrier 18, the function and display failure of the display screen 3 due to galvanic corrosion of the middle frame body 15 can be effectively avoided, and the normal use of the metal functional parts 5, the display screen 3 and the electronic device 100 with the middle frame 1 can be ensured in humid environments such as salt spray and seaside.

[0108] Since the metal key 5 b is a type of metal functional component 5 , when the metal key 5 b is assembled at the mounting opening 151 of the middle frame body 15 , the relative contact area between the middle frame body 15 and the metal key 5 b can be reduced, thereby reducing the risk of galvanic corrosion at the interface between the middle frame body 15 and the metal key 5 b. This prevents the metal key 5 b from becoming stuck, malfunctioning, or having a poor feel due to the accumulation of corrosion products in the mounting opening 151 , thereby ensuring normal use of the metal key 5 b.

[0109] Furthermore, since the risk of galvanic corrosion occurring at the joint between the middle frame body 15 and the metal button 5 b is reduced, the corrosion products generated by the galvanic corrosion of the middle frame body 15 are smaller. Therefore, the middle frame 1 of the embodiment of the present application can also avoid functional and display failure problems of the display screen 3 due to galvanic corrosion of the middle frame body 15.

[0110] The metal button 5b may include but is not limited to the fingerprint button 53, the volume button 54 or the power button.

[0111] In addition to the metal button 5b, the middle frame 1 of the present application can also reduce the risk of galvanic corrosion at the joints between the middle frame body 15 and the card tray 5a or other metal functional parts 5, and even avoid the occurrence of galvanic corrosion.

[0112] The molding material of the middle frame body 15 includes light metal. Compared to heavy metal, this application limits the molding material of the middle frame body 15 and can take advantage of the relatively low density of light metal to produce a lighter middle frame body 15, thereby reducing the weight of the middle frame 1 and meeting the weight reduction requirements of the electronic device 100.

[0113] For example, the light metal may include magnesium alloy or other light metals with strength at least equivalent to magnesium alloy and chemically active properties. This reduces the weight of the middle frame 1 while also reducing the risk of galvanic corrosion between the middle frame body 15 made of magnesium alloy or other light metals and the metal functional components 5, such as the metal buttons 5b. Galvanic corrosion between the middle frame body 15 and the metal functional components 5 can even be avoided.

[0114] In the present application, there is no further limitation on the material of the middle frame body 15. The structure of the middle frame 1 of the present application is further described below using magnesium alloy as an example.

[0115] Continuing with Figure 7 , the barrier 18 forms an assembly opening 181 at the mounting opening 151 that matches the outer edge shape of the metal functional component 5. In other words, the assembly opening 181 has the same or similar shape as the outer edge of the metal functional component 5. The assembly opening 181 is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the metal functional component 5. This allows the metal functional component 5 to be assembled to the middle frame 1 through the assembly opening 181 while the barrier 18 remains between the metal functional component 5 and the middle frame body 15.

[0116] It should be noted that the size of the assembly opening 181 is the same as or similar to the size of the key slot 13 in the above-mentioned related art, so as to ensure smooth assembly of the metal functional part 5 .

[0117] Among them, the metal functional part 5 is one or more of the metal button 5b and the card tray 5a, so that when any one of the metal button 5b and the card tray 5a is assembled on the middle frame 1, it can also ensure the normal use of the metal button 5b and the card tray 5a when the electronic device 100 is in a humid environment such as salt spray and seaside.

[0118] The middle frame body 15 is provided with an installation opening 151 at each of the above-mentioned metal functional parts 5, and a barrier part 18 is provided on the inner wall of each installation opening 151, so that the metal functional parts 5 can be assembled in the corresponding installation opening 151 while ensuring the normal use of the above-mentioned metal functional parts 5 when the electronic device 100 is in a humid environment such as salt spray or at the seaside.

[0119] It should be noted that, when the metal functional component 5 is a card tray 5 a , the card tray 5 a can be completely located in the assembly opening 181 and can be detachably assembled in the assembly opening 181 .

[0120] Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of a partial structure of the metal button 5b assembled on the middle frame. Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of an internal partial cross-section of the metal button 5b in Figure 8 in the cc direction.

[0121] 8 and 9 , a portion of the structure of the metal button 5 b can be assembled in the assembly opening 181 , so that the metal button 5 b can protrude from the middle frame 1 for easy pressing by the user.

[0122] The structure of the middle frame 1 of the present application is further explained below by taking the metal button 5b as an example.

[0123] 9 , in some embodiments, the barrier 18 may be a plastic part that is integrally formed with the middle frame body 15 to enhance the connection strength between the barrier 18 and the middle frame body 15 while enabling the barrier 18 to be better disposed on the inner wall of the mounting opening 151 , thereby preventing the middle frame body 15 from directly contacting the metal functional part 5 through the barrier layer, thereby reducing the risk of galvanic corrosion at the mounting opening 151 of the middle frame body 15 .

[0124] Exemplary molding materials for the plastic component include, but are not limited to, polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), or other plastic particles. Taking PC as an example, PC can be mixed with 20% glass fiber, then formed at the mounting opening 151 by injection molding and integrally connected to the middle frame body 15 to form the middle frame 1. The 20% glass fiber refers to the glass fiber accounting for 20% of the total mass of the PC and glass fiber.

[0125] Since the density of the plastic particles is lower than that of light metal, the density of the plastic component is also lower than that of light metal. Therefore, the provision of the barrier 18 can further reduce the weight of the middle frame 1 and the electronic device 100.

[0126] Alternatively, in other embodiments, the barrier 18 may be formed on the inner wall of the mounting opening 151 of the middle frame body 15 by spraying insulating paint, passivation solution, or using physical vapor deposition (PVD) or other surface treatment methods. The barrier 18 formed on the inner wall of the mounting opening 151 through such surface treatment methods can also improve the corrosion resistance of the middle frame body 15 at the mounting opening 151 and reduce the risk of galvanic corrosion at the mounting opening 151 of the middle frame body 15.

[0127] In the present application, the formation method of the barrier 18 is not further limited.

[0128] The structure of the middle frame 1 of the present application is further described below by taking the barrier 18 being a plastic part as an example.

[0129] FIG10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the metal button 5 b omitted in FIG9 .

[0130] As shown in Figure 10, the barrier member 18 covers the inner wall of the mounting opening 151 at the first end (not labeled) along the circumference of the mounting opening 151 and extends along the axial direction of the mounting opening 151 toward the second end (not labeled) of the mounting opening 151. The first end is the end of the mounting opening 151 adjacent to the circumferential sidewall of the middle frame body 15. Correspondingly, the second end is the end of the mounting opening 151 facing the geometric center of the middle frame body 15. The circumferential direction of the mounting opening 151 can include any direction within the plane formed by the Y direction and the Z direction in Figure 11. The axial direction of the mounting opening 151 can be referred to as the X direction in Figure 10.

[0131] The blocking member 18 covers the inner wall of the mounting opening 151 at the first end along the circumference of the mounting opening 151, so that the blocking member 18 can better cover the inner wall of the mounting opening 151 at the first end, thereby better blocking the middle frame body 15 and the metal functional part 5 in the circumference of the mounting opening 151.

[0132] The blocking member 18 extends axially along the mounting opening 151, so that the blocking member 18 has a larger dimension in the axial direction of the mounting opening 151, which is beneficial to increasing the blocking length of the blocking member 18 on the metal button 5b. The blocking member 18 blocks at least part of the mating area between the metal functional component 5 and the middle frame body 15, thereby further reducing the risk of galvanic corrosion at the mounting opening 151 of the middle frame body 15, and even preventing galvanic corrosion at the mounting opening 151 of the middle frame body 15.

[0133] Referring again to FIG. 9 , in some embodiments, the extended end of the barrier 18 may be located at the junction of the second end and the first end of the mounting opening, so that the barrier 18 can at least block the mating location between the metal keycap 511 of the metal key 5b and the middle frame body 15, thereby preventing galvanic corrosion from occurring at the mating location between the middle frame body 15 and the metal keycap 511.

[0134] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the extended end of the barrier 18 can also be flush with the edge of the second end of the installation opening 151, so that the barrier 18 can block all the fitting locations between the metal functional part 5 and the middle frame body 15, thereby preventing galvanic corrosion from occurring at the fitting location between the middle frame body 15 and the metal button 5b.

[0135] Continuing with FIG. 10 , in some embodiments, the barrier 18 may further wrap around the peripheral edge of the middle frame body 15 and extend along the surface of the middle frame body 15 toward the interior of the mounting opening 151. This allows the barrier 18 to be disposed on at least a portion of the inner wall of the mounting opening 151 while also forming an integrated middle frame surrounded by the barrier 18 around the periphery of the middle frame body 15. This further reduces the weight of the middle frame 1 by utilizing the lower density of plastic particles compared to light metals such as magnesium alloys.

[0136] Continuing with FIG. 10 , a thickness d1 of the barrier 18 within the mounting opening 151 is smaller than a thickness d2 of the barrier 18 at the peripheral edge of the mounting opening 151 . This allows the barrier 18 to be injection-molded onto at least a portion of the inner wall of the mounting opening 151 while ensuring that the middle frame body 15 has sufficient thickness at the mounting opening 151 to ensure structural strength of the middle frame body 15 at the mounting opening 151 .

[0137] Alternatively, in other embodiments, the blocking member 18 may also be disposed only on the inner wall of the installation opening 151 .

[0138] The structure of the middle frame 1 of the present application will be further described below by taking the integrated middle frame wrapped by the barrier member 18 as an example.

[0139] To ensure that the size of the assembly opening 181 is the same as the size of the key slot 13 in the above-mentioned related art, during the manufacturing process of the middle frame body 15, at least part of the size of the installation opening 151 of the middle frame body 15 needs to be at least larger than the size of the above-mentioned key slot 13, so as to sacrifice the thickness of the middle frame body 15 at the installation opening 151 and realize the setting of the blocking member 18 on the inner wall of the installation opening 151.

[0140] Continuing with FIG10 , the thickness d1 of the barrier member 18 within the mounting opening 151 can be greater than or equal to 0.25 mm to ensure that the plastic particles are fully injected onto the inner wall of the mounting opening 151 during the injection molding process. This not only ensures that the barrier member 18 is of sufficient thickness, thereby enhancing the barrier effect of the barrier member 18 , but also prevents the formation of missed injection molding areas on the inner wall of the mounting opening 151 due to an excessively thin barrier member 18 . For example, the thickness d1 of the barrier member 18 at the mounting opening 151 can be 0.25 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.4 mm, etc.

[0141] Continuing with FIG10 , the thickness d3 of the middle frame body 15 at the mounting opening 151 can be greater than or equal to 0.4 mm to ensure that the middle frame body 15 has sufficient thickness and structural strength at the mounting opening 151. For example, the thickness d3 of the middle frame body 15 at the mounting opening 151 can be 0.4 mm, 0.45 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.55 mm, etc.

[0142] Continuing to refer to Figure 10 and in combination with Figure 9, the mounting opening 151 includes a first mounting opening 1511 on the circumferential side wall of the middle frame body 15. The first mounting opening 1511 can be a groove body on the middle frame body 15, and the groove body is an oblong structure. The end where the first mounting opening 1511 is located can form the first end of the mounting opening 151. The barrier 18 is arranged on at least part of the inner wall of the first mounting opening 1511. The assembly opening 181 includes a first assembly opening 1811 (not marked). The first assembly opening 1811 is located in the first mounting opening 1511 and is used to assemble part of the metal keycap 511 in the metal key 5b. The first assembly opening 1811 can be an oblong assembly opening with the same shape as the first mounting opening 1511. The size of the first assembly opening 1811 is the same as or similar to the size of the above-mentioned key slot 13.

[0143] In this way, when the metal key 5b is assembled in the assembly opening 181, part of the structure of the metal key 5b is located in the first assembly opening 1811, and another part of the structure can protrude from the middle frame 1, so that part of the structure of the metal keycap 511 is embedded in the first assembly opening 1811 to facilitate user pressing.

[0144] Furthermore, due to the provision of the barrier 18 , the contact between the metal keycap 511 and the middle frame body 15 can be completely blocked, thereby preventing galvanic corrosion from occurring at the mating location (the first assembly opening 1811 ) between the middle frame body 15 and the metal keycap 511 .

[0145] Continuing to refer to FIG10 and in conjunction with FIG9 , the axial direction of the first mounting opening 1511 is the same as the direction in which the metal keycap 511 moves within the first mounting opening 1511. The axial direction of the first mounting opening 1511 can be referred to as the X-direction. Thus, when the user presses the metal keycap 511, the metal keycap 511 can move within the first mounting opening 1511 along the X-direction toward the interior of the middle frame body 15, thereby driving the trigger member 52 of the metal key 5b to simultaneously move along the X-direction toward the interior of the middle frame body 15. Thus, through the movement of the trigger member 52, the conductive member 7 can be compressed, causing the conductive member 7 to undergo elastic deformation toward one side of the key circuit board 6 and conduct electricity with the key circuit board 6, thereby realizing the function of the metal key 5b.

[0146] The trigger member 52 may be a block structure or a columnar structure connected to the metal keycap 511. In this application, the structure of the trigger member 52 is not further limited.

[0147] Continuing with Figure 10 , the middle frame body 15 further comprises a cavity 152 for mounting the key circuit board 6. This cavity 152 is located on the side of the first mounting opening 1511 facing the interior of the middle frame body 15 and is in communication with the first mounting opening 1511. The key circuit board 6 is mounted within this cavity 152, and the conductive member 7 is located on the side of the key circuit board 6 facing the trigger member 52. The structures of the key circuit board 6 and conductive member 7 are described above and are not further elaborated here.

[0148] In the axial direction (X direction) of the first mounting opening 1511, the size of the first assembly opening 1811 (not marked) is greater than or equal to the sum of the size of the metal keycap 511 in the first assembly opening 1811 and the moving stroke, so as to ensure that when the metal keycap 511 moves in the first assembly opening 1811, the barrier 18 can be blocked between the metal keycap 511 and the middle frame body 15, so as to avoid galvanic corrosion at the mating point of the middle frame body 15 and the metal keycap 511.

[0149] Continuing with FIG. 10 , in some embodiments, an annular groove 1512 may be formed on the inner wall of the first mounting opening 1511. Part of the structure of the barrier 18 may be embedded in the annular groove 1512, enclosing a first assembly opening 1811 (not shown). Thus, when the middle frame 1 has redundant strength at the first mounting opening 1511, the provision of the annular groove 1512 allows the barrier 18 and the middle frame body 15 to share a portion of thickness without affecting the thickness and strength of the middle frame body 15 at the first mounting opening 1511. This allows sufficient assembly space within the first assembly opening 1811, ensuring smooth assembly and pressing of the metal button 5b within the first assembly opening 1811.

[0150] Continuing with Figure 10 , the barrier 18 can be flush with the inner wall of the first mounting opening 1511, with the annular groove 1512 extending on the inner wall of the first mounting opening 1511 toward the geometric center of the middle frame body 15. The side of the inner wall of the first mounting opening 1511 facing the geometric center of the middle frame body 15 can be understood as the second end of the mounting opening 151. This ensures smooth assembly and pressing of the metal key 5b within the first assembly opening 1811 while also increasing the axial dimension of the first assembly opening 1811, thereby increasing the length of the barrier 18 blocking the metal key 5b and enhancing the barrier effect of the barrier 18 on the metal key 5b.

[0151] It should be noted that the mounting opening 151 on the middle frame 1 shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 10 can be used to assemble the fingerprint key 53 in the metal key 5b.

[0152] Figure 11 schematically illustrates a schematic diagram of the structure of a middle frame 1, which illustrates an alternative mounting opening 151, different from that in the middle frame 1, for mounting another metal button 5b in the electronic device 100. For example, the mounting opening 151 illustrated in Figure 11 can be used to mount a volume button 54 in the metal button 5b. Figure 12 illustrates a schematic diagram of the structure of the volume button 54 and the middle frame in Figure 11. Furthermore, the volume button 54 illustrated in Figure 12 is an integrated button.

[0153] The structure of the middle frame 1 is further described below by taking the volume button 54 as an example.

[0154] Figure 13 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the middle frame 1 in Figure 11 along the AA direction, and Figure 14 illustrates a partial structural schematic view of the metal key 5b in Figure 12 assembled on the middle frame 1. Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the metal key 5b where the keycap 511 is not provided with the trigger member 52. The position of this cross-sectional view on the middle frame 1 can be seen along the AA direction described above.

[0155] As shown in Figures 11 to 13 , in other embodiments, the barrier 18 may also be wrapped around the inner wall of the first installation opening 1511, forming a first assembly opening 1811, so that the barrier 18 completely blocks the inner wall of the first installation opening 1511. As shown in Figure 14 , when the metal key 5b is assembled in the first assembly opening 1811, the barrier 18 can completely isolate the metal keycap 511 from the middle frame body 15, thereby preventing galvanic corrosion at the junction of the middle frame body 15 and the metal keycap 511.

[0156] Figure 15 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the middle frame 1 in Figure 11 along the BB direction. Figure 16 illustrates another partial structural schematic view of the metal button 5b in Figure 12 assembled within the middle frame 1. Figure 16 shows a cross-sectional view of the metal button 5b at the trigger member 52. The position of this cross-sectional view on the middle frame 1 can be seen along the BB direction described above.

[0157] As shown in Figures 15 and 16 , a dirt collection groove 1812 is provided on the sidewall of the first assembly opening 1811. There can be one or at least two dirt collection grooves 1812. At least two dirt collection grooves 1812 can be located on two opposing sidewalls of the first assembly opening 1811. Pressing the metal button 5b may introduce dust into the first assembly opening 1811. The provision of the dirt collection groove 1812 collects dust introduced into the first assembly opening 1811, preventing it from entering the interior of the electronic device 100 and affecting its operation.

[0158] Continuing with FIG16 , the first assembly opening 1811 is configured to limit the travel of the metal keycap 511. The provision of the first assembly opening 1811 allows the metal keycap 511 to be assembled within the middle frame body 15. When the metal keycap 511 is pressed and moves within the first assembly opening 1811 toward the interior of the middle frame body 15, the bottom wall of the first assembly opening 1811 can abut against the metal keycap 511, thereby limiting the travel of the metal keycap 511 within the first assembly opening 1811 and preventing the user from over-pressing the metal keycap 511.

[0159] Continuing with FIG16 , when the metal keycap 511 is assembled in the first assembly opening 1811, the distance between the metal keycap 511 and the bottom wall of the first assembly opening 1811 is equal to the travel distance of the metal keycap 511 in the first assembly opening 1811. This allows the metal keycap 511 to exactly abut against the bottom wall of the first assembly opening 1811 when it is moved into position in the first assembly opening 1811. In this application, the travel distance of the metal keycap 511 in the first assembly opening 1811 will not be further described; reference may be made to the relevant configuration in existing mobile phones.

[0160] It should be noted that the annular groove 1512 can exist alone in one installation opening 151 . Alternatively, the annular groove 1512 and the dirt storage groove 1812 can also exist simultaneously in the same installation opening 151 .

[0161] Continuing with Figure 16 , the mounting opening 151 also includes a second mounting opening 1513. The second mounting opening 1513 is located on the bottom wall of the first mounting opening 1511, and the first mounting opening 1511 communicates with the cavity 152 through the second mounting opening 1513. The second mounting opening 1513 is configured to receive a portion of the trigger member 52 in the metal key 5b. This allows the trigger member 52 to move within the second mounting opening 1513 toward one side of the cavity 152 when the metal keycap 511 is pressed, thereby compressing the conductive member 7, thereby establishing electrical connection between the conductive member 7 and the key circuit board 6, thereby realizing the function of the metal key 5b.

[0162] Continuing with FIG16 , the diameter of the second mounting opening 1513 is smaller than that of the first mounting opening 1511 . This allows the conductive member 7 to be installed in the second mounting opening 1513 and to be electrically connected to the key circuit board 6 . Furthermore, the opening area on the middle frame body 15 can be reduced, which is beneficial for enhancing the structural strength of the middle frame 1 at the mounting opening 151 .

[0163] The axial direction of the second mounting opening 1513 is parallel to the axial direction of the first mounting opening 1511, and both can be referred to as the X direction. Thus, when the metal keycap 511 is pressed and moves within the first mounting opening 1511, it can drive the trigger member 52 to move along the axial direction of the second mounting opening 1513 toward one side within the cavity 152. This not only realizes the function of the metal key 5b, but also simplifies the structure of the mounting opening 151 and the metal key 5b.

[0164] There may be one or two second mounting openings 1513 , so as to enable different types of metal buttons 5 b to be assembled on the middle frame 1 .

[0165] The structure of the mounting openings 151 of the middle frame body 15 at different metal buttons 5 b will be further described below in conjunction with the assembly of different types of metal buttons 5 b in the mounting openings 181 .

[0166] In some embodiments, the assembly port 181 can be constructed to assemble the fingerprint key 53 in the metal key 5b, so as to realize the assembly of the fingerprint key 53 on the middle frame body 15 while reducing the risk of galvanic corrosion at the joint between the middle frame body 15 and the fingerprint key 53.

[0167] Referring again to Figure 7 , the fingerprint key 53 (not shown) also includes two engaging portions 512 , which can be located on either side of the trigger member 52 . When the metal keycap 511 is assembled within the first assembly opening 1811 , the two engaging portions 512 and the trigger member 52 can be installed within the second assembly opening 1513 and extend into the cavity 152 of the middle frame body 15 . The trigger member 52 contacts the conductive member 7 , and the two engaging portions 512 engage the walls of the cavity 152 , completing the assembly of the fingerprint key 53 on the middle frame body 15 .

[0168] When the metal key 5b is a fingerprint key 53, since the fingerprint key 53 has a single trigger member 52, there is also a single second mounting opening 1513. The trigger member 52 may be a metal trigger member or a non-metal trigger member. The material of the trigger member 52 of the fingerprint key 53 is not further limited in this application.

[0169] Taking the metal trigger as an example, the structure of the mounting opening 151 of the fingerprint key 53 of the middle frame body 15 is further explained.

[0170] Referring again to FIG. 10 , the middle frame body 15 has a clearance groove 153 at the mounting opening 151 corresponding to the fingerprint key 53 to avoid the display screen 3 (not shown). This clearance groove 153 is adjacent to the second mounting opening 1513 and the side where the first mounting opening 1511 and the second mounting opening 1513 meet in the Z direction. This results in a smaller thickness of the middle frame body 15 at the clearance groove 153, making it difficult to injection mold and wrap the barrier 18 around the inner wall of the mounting opening 151 at the location corresponding to the clearance groove 153.

[0171] To facilitate the placement of the fingerprint key 53 within the mounting opening 151, a significant assembly clearance is required between the trigger 52 of the fingerprint key 53 and the inner wall of the mounting opening 151. Although the mounting opening 151 does not have a barrier 18 disposed on the inner wall corresponding to the avoidance groove 153, the presence of the assembly clearance reduces the risk of galvanic corrosion between the middle frame body 15 and the trigger 52 at the mounting opening 151. Therefore, when the fingerprint key 53 is assembled on the middle frame body 15 of the present application, the barrier 18 disposed solely on the first mounting opening 1511 can also reduce the risk of galvanic corrosion between the middle frame body 15 and the fingerprint key 53.

[0172] The annular groove 1512 may be formed on the inner wall of the first installation opening 1511 of the middle frame body 15 corresponding to the fingerprint key 53 .

[0173] In some embodiments, the middle frame 1 may further include a protective layer (not shown). The protective layer is located on the side of the barrier 18 facing the second mounting opening 1513 and covers a portion of the inner wall of the mounting opening 151. The protective layer is configured to enclose an assembly hole (not shown) for assembling the trigger member 52. The protective layer protects the mating portion between the middle frame body 15 and the trigger member 52, further reducing the risk of galvanic corrosion at the mating portion between the middle frame body 15 and the trigger member 52.

[0174] The protective layer may include a passivation layer or an insulating varnish layer, so that the protective layer can be formed by spraying a passivation liquid or insulating varnish on a portion of the inner wall of the mounting opening 151. During the formation of the protective layer, a passivation liquid or insulating varnish that is effective in protecting light metals such as magnesium alloys can be selected from the prior art to form the corresponding protective layer. In this application, the type of passivation liquid or insulating varnish and the thickness of the protective layer are not further limited.

[0175] Alternatively, the protective layer may also be formed by electroplating or vapor deposition. In this application, the method for forming the protective layer is not further limited.

[0176] Referring again to Figure 12, in other embodiments, the assembly port 181 can also be constructed to assemble the volume key 54 (not marked) in the metal button 5b, so as to achieve the assembly of the volume key 54 on the middle frame body 15 while reducing the risk of galvanic corrosion at the fitting point between the middle frame body 15 and the volume key 54.

[0177] Referring again to Figures 11 and 12, the volume key 54 has two trigger members 52, which are connected to both ends of the metal keycap 511. Therefore, there are also two second mounting openings 1513. The two second mounting openings 1513 are distributed on both sides of the first mounting opening 1511 along the length direction of the first mounting opening 1511. The length direction of the first mounting opening 1511 can be referred to as the Y direction. By providing two mounting openings 151, the two trigger members 52 can be respectively assembled in one second mounting opening 1513.

[0178] FIG. 17 schematically shows a partial schematic diagram of the metal button 5 b in FIG. 12 assembled in the middle frame in FIG. 11 .

[0179] As shown in Figure 17 , a key circuit board 6 and a conductive member 7 are disposed within the cavity 152 of the middle frame body 15 at positions corresponding to the trigger members 52. Thus, when a user presses either side of the keycap 51, the trigger member 52 connects the conductive member 7 to the key circuit board 6, thereby adjusting the volume up or down.

[0180] Referring again to Figures 11 and 12, the volume key 54 also includes two snap-on portions 512. The difference from the fingerprint key 53 is that the mounting opening 151 also includes a second third mounting opening 151. The two third mounting openings 1514 are located on the bottom wall of the first mounting opening 1511 and are distributed on opposite sides of the two second mounting openings 1513. When the metal keycap 511 is assembled in the first assembly opening 1811, the two snap-on portions 512 can be installed in the corresponding third mounting opening 1514 and snap-on with the middle frame body 15. The trigger member 52 can be installed in the corresponding second mounting opening 1513 and extend into the cavity 152 of the middle frame body 15, contacting the conductive member 7 to achieve the assembly of the fingerprint key 53 on the middle frame body 15.

[0181] A mounting groove (not marked) may also be provided on the bottom wall of the first mounting opening 1511 , and the mounting groove is located between the two second mounting openings 1513 , so that the metal keycap 511 can be fixed in the mounting groove by elastic structures such as foam while being snap-fitted to the middle frame body 15 .

[0182] The trigger member 52 of the volume key 54 may include a metal trigger member or a non-metal trigger member. In this application, no further limitation is imposed on the manufacturing material of the trigger member 52 of the volume key 54.

[0183] Taking the metal trigger as an example, the structure of the mounting opening 151 at the fingerprint key 53 of the middle frame body 15 is further described.

[0184] Referring again to Figures 15 and 16 , the barrier 18 can extend along the inner wall of the first mounting opening 1511 to the edge of the second mounting opening 1513. That is, the inner wall of the first mounting opening 1511 may include the sidewalls and bottom wall of the first mounting opening 1511. The end where the second mounting opening 1513 is located forms the second end of the mounting opening 151. When the barrier 18 extends to the edge of the second mounting opening 1513, the extended end of the barrier 18 is flush with the edge of the mounting opening 151 at the second end, allowing the barrier 18 to completely block the inner walls of the first and second mounting openings 1511, 1513.

[0185] The dirt storage grooves 1812 are also mounted on the side walls of the first assembly opening 1811. The number and location of the dirt storage grooves 1812 can be found in the relevant description above and will not be further elaborated here. The annular groove 1512 can also be formed on the inner wall of the first mounting opening 1511 of the middle frame body 15 corresponding to the volume button 54. When the volume button 54 is pressed, the metal keycap 511 of the volume button 54 can abut against the bottom wall of the first assembly opening 1811 to limit the movement of the metal keycap 511 within the first assembly opening 1811.

[0186] Referring again to Figure 16 , the assembly opening 181 also includes a second assembly opening 1813. The second assembly opening 1813 is located within the second mounting opening 1513 and is used to mount the trigger member 52. Thus, when the volume button 54 is mounted within the assembly opening 181, the barrier 18 can completely isolate the volume button 54 from the midframe body 15, thereby reducing the risk of galvanic corrosion between the midframe body 15 and the metal keycap 511.

[0187] The axial direction of the second assembly opening 1813 is the same as the moving direction of the trigger member 52 in the second assembly opening 1513 , which can be referred to as the aforementioned X direction, so that the trigger member 52 can be easily moved in the first assembly opening 1811 .

[0188] Referring again to FIG. 16 , in the axial direction of the second assembly opening 1813 , the size of the second assembly opening 1813 is greater than or equal to the sum of the size of the trigger member 52 within the second assembly opening 1813 and the moving stroke, so as to ensure that when the trigger member 52 moves within the second assembly opening 1813 , the blocking member 18 can be blocked between the trigger member 52 and the middle frame body 15 , so as to avoid galvanic corrosion at the mating point of the middle frame body 15 and the trigger member 52 .

[0189] It should be noted that, since the trigger member 52 and the metal keycap 511 move simultaneously, the movement stroke of the trigger member 52 in the second assembly opening 1813 is equal to the movement stroke of the metal keycap 511 in the first assembly opening 1811 .

[0190] Based on the above, the electronic device 100 provided in the embodiment of the present application includes a metal functional component 5 and the aforementioned middle frame 1. At least a portion of the structure of the metal functional component 5 is located within the mounting opening 151 of the middle frame 1. This not only enables the assembly of the metal functional component 5 within the middle frame 1, but also reduces the risk of galvanic corrosion between the middle frame 1 and the metal functional component 5. This ensures that the metal functional component 5, the display screen 3, and the electronic device 100 can function normally in humid environments such as salt spray and at the seaside.

[0191] As described above, there is a gap between the metal functional component 5 and the blocking component 18 of the installation opening 151 , so as to facilitate the assembly of the metal functional component 5 in the first assembly opening 1811 formed by the blocking component 18 .

[0192] The electronic device 100 can be a foldable electronic device or a non-foldable electronic device. When the electronic device 100 is a foldable electronic device, the electronic device 100 can include two rotatably connected middle frames 1. When the electronic device 100 is a non-foldable electronic device, the electronic device 100 can have only one middle frame 1. In this application, the type of electronic device 100 is not further limited.

[0193] It should be noted that other structures of the electronic device 100 can be found in the relevant description above and will not be further elaborated here.

[0194] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to a fixed connection, an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, internal communication between two components, or an interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of this application based on specific circumstances.

[0195] The terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. (if any) in the description and claims of the embodiments of this application and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

Claims

1. A middle frame, applied to electronic equipment, characterized in that: include: A middle frame body and a barrier, wherein the middle frame body is made of metal material and has an installation opening connected to the outside, wherein the installation opening is used to install metal functional parts of the electronic device, and the inner wall of the installation opening faces the metal functional parts; the barrier is arranged on at least a portion of the inner wall of the installation opening to separate the middle frame body from the metal functional parts.

2. The middle frame according to claim 1, characterized in that: The molding material of the middle frame body includes light metal.

3. The middle frame according to claim 2, characterized in that: The light metal includes a magnesium alloy.

4. The middle frame according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The blocking member covers the inner wall of the mounting opening at the first end along the circumference of the mounting opening and extends toward the second end of the mounting opening along the axial direction of the mounting opening. The first end is an end of the mounting opening adjacent to the circumferential side wall of the middle frame body.

5. The middle frame according to claim 4, characterized in that: The extended end of the blocking member is flush with the edge of the second end of the installation opening.

6. The middle frame according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The barrier member is a plastic member, and the plastic member is integrally formed with the middle frame body.

7. The middle frame according to claim 6, characterized in that: The blocking member is also wrapped around the peripheral edge of the middle frame body and extends along the surface of the middle frame body toward the inside of the installation opening.

8. The middle frame according to claim 7, characterized in that: The thickness of the barrier member in the installation opening is smaller than the thickness of the barrier member at the peripheral edge of the installation opening.

9. The middle frame according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The barrier member forms an assembly opening at the installation opening which is matched with the outer edge shape of the metal functional part, and the assembly opening is configured to assemble at least a part of the structure of the metal functional part.

10. The middle frame according to claim 9, characterized in that: The metal functional part is one or more of a metal button and a card tray.

11. The middle frame according to claim 10, characterized in that: The mounting opening includes a first mounting opening on a circumferential side wall of the middle frame body, and the blocking member is arranged on at least a portion of an inner wall of the first mounting opening; The assembly opening includes a first assembly opening, which is located in the first installation opening and is used to assemble a portion of the metal keycap in the metal key.

12. The middle frame according to claim 11, characterized in that: The axial direction of the first installation opening is the same as the moving direction of the metal keycap in the first installation opening; In the axial direction of the first installation opening, the size of the first assembly opening is greater than or equal to the sum of the size of the metal keycap in the first assembly opening and the moving stroke.

13. The middle frame according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that: An annular groove is formed on the inner wall of the first installation opening, and a partial structure of the blocking member is embedded in the annular groove to surround the first assembly opening.

14. The middle frame according to claim 13, characterized in that: The blocking member is flush with the inner wall of the first installation opening, and the annular groove extends on the inner wall of the first installation opening toward one side of the geometric center of the middle frame body.

15. The middle frame according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that: The blocking member is coated on the inner wall of the first installation opening to form the first assembly opening, and the inner wall of the first assembly opening is provided with a dirt storage groove; The first assembly opening is configured to limit a movement stroke of the metal key cap.

16. The middle frame according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that: The installation opening further includes a second installation opening, and the second installation opening is located on the bottom wall of the first installation opening; The first mounting opening is communicated with a cavity in the middle frame body for mounting a key circuit board through the second mounting opening, and the second mounting opening is configured to assemble a part of the triggering member in the metal key.

17. The middle frame according to claim 16, characterized in that: The diameter of the second mounting opening is smaller than that of the first mounting opening, and the axial direction of the second mounting opening is parallel to the axial direction of the first mounting opening.

18. The middle frame according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that: The assembly opening is configured to assemble a fingerprint key in the metal key.

19. The middle frame according to claim 18, characterized in that: It also includes a protective layer, which is located on the side of the blocking member facing the second installation opening and covers a portion of the inner wall of the installation opening. The protective layer is constructed to surround an assembly hole for assembling the trigger member.

20. The middle frame according to claim 19, characterized in that: The protective layer includes a passivation layer or an insulating varnish layer.

21. The middle frame according to any one of claims 16 or 17, characterized in that: The assembly opening is configured to assemble a volume button in the metal button.

22. The middle frame according to claim 21, characterized in that: The blocking member extends along the inner wall of the first installation opening to the edge of the second installation opening; The assembly opening further includes a second assembly opening, which is located inside the second installation opening and is used for assembling the trigger member.

23. The middle frame according to claim 22, characterized in that: The axial direction of the second assembly opening is the same as the moving direction of the trigger member in the second installation opening; In the axial direction of the second assembly opening, the size of the second assembly opening is greater than or equal to the sum of the size of the trigger member in the second assembly opening and the moving stroke.

24. The middle frame according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that: The thickness of the blocking member in the installation opening is greater than or equal to 0.25 mm, and the thickness of the middle frame body at the installation opening is greater than or equal to 0.4 mm.

25. The middle frame according to any one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that: The middle frame body comprises a middle plate and a frame, the frame is arranged around the peripheral edge of the middle plate, and the mounting opening is located on the peripheral surface of the frame away from the middle plate.

26. An electronic device, characterized in that: It comprises a metal functional part and a middle frame as described in any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein at least a part of the structure of the metal functional part is located in a mounting opening of the middle frame.

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