WO2023179726A1

WO2023179726A1 - Key module and electronic device

Info

Publication number: WO2023179726A1
Application number: PCT/CN2023/083454
Authority: WO
Inventors: 单鑫; 付建辉; 唐文栋; 徐扬文; 何梁
Original assignee: 维沃移动通信有限公司
Priority date: 2022-03-24
Filing date: 2023-03-23
Publication date: 2023-09-28
Also published as: CN114464483A

Abstract

Provided are a key module and an electronic device. The key module comprises a frame (100), a key cap (300), a limiting support (500) and an elastic member (700). The frame (100) is provided with a recess (110), at least part of the key cap (300) being disposed in the recess (110), and the key cap (300) being able to slide in the recess (110). The limiting support (500) is elastically connected to the frame (100) by means of the elastic member (700), and a side of the limiting support (500) away from the elastic member (700) is provided with a first limiting protrusion (510). A side of the key cap (300) facing the first limiting protrusion (510) is provided with a first limiting notch (321). When the key cap (300) slides, the elastic member (700) drives the limiting support (500) to remain in contact with the key cap (300).

Description

Button modules and electronic equipment

cross reference

This invention claims the priority of the Chinese patent application submitted to the China Patent Office on March 24, 2022, with the application number 202210296835.0 and the invention name "Keyboard Module and Electronic Equipment". The entire content of this application is incorporated by reference into the present invention. middle.

Technical field

This application relates to the technical field of communication equipment, and in particular to a button module and electronic equipment.

Background technique

The button module is an essential functional component in electronic equipment. Users can realize related functions of the electronic equipment by operating the button module by pressing, sliding, etc. As electronic devices become more and more integrated, it is often required to use a single button module to control multiple functions of the electronic device, that is, the button module is required to switch between multiple gears. This raises questions about the button module. higher requirement.

In related technologies, key modules that can switch between multiple gears are prone to wear and tear due to friction between parts during frequent sliding of the key modules, which in turn will reduce the service life of the key modules. .

Contents of the invention

The present invention proposes a button module and electronic equipment to solve the problem in related technologies that parts wear each other due to relative motion, thereby reducing the service life of the button module.

In one aspect, the present application discloses a key module, including a frame, a key cap, a limiting bracket and The elastic member, the frame is provided with a groove, at least part of the key caps are located in the groove, and the key caps can slide in the groove, the limit bracket is elastically connected to the frame through the elastic member, and the side of the limit bracket away from the elastic member is provided with a third There is a limit protrusion, and a first limit notch is provided on the side of the key cap facing the first limit protrusion; when the key cap slides, the elastic member drives the limit bracket to keep in contact with the key cap.

In another aspect, the present application discloses an electronic device including a key module.

The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

This application optimizes the key module structure. Specifically, the key module includes a frame, a key cap, a limiting bracket and an elastic member. The frame is provided with a groove, and at least part of the key caps are located in the groove, and the key caps can be placed in the groove. Sliding in the groove, the limit bracket is elastically connected to the frame through the elastic member. The side of the limit bracket away from the elastic member is provided with a first limit protrusion. The side of the key cap facing the first limit protrusion is provided with a first limit protrusion. position gap; when the key cap slides, the elastic member drives the limit bracket to keep in contact with the key cap.

Based on this solution, the elastic member makes the contact between the limit bracket and the key cap flexible. The limit bracket can be adjusted to approach or move away from the key cap through its own elastic deformation, thereby ensuring that the change in the extrusion force between the two is reduced. Small, thereby reducing the wear of the limit bracket and key cap during frequent sliding, and improving the service life of the key module.

Description of the drawings

The drawings described here are used to provide a further understanding of the present application and constitute a part of the present application. The illustrative embodiments of the present application and their descriptions are used to explain the present application and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present application. In the attached picture:

Figure 1 is an overall structural diagram of a key module disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is an exploded view of the key module disclosed in the embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a structural diagram of the first sliding part disclosed in the embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a structural diagram of the connecting pin disclosed in the embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a structural diagram of the limiting bracket disclosed in the embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a structural diagram of the second sliding part disclosed in the embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of reference symbols:
100-frame,
110-groove,
111-the first chute, 112-the second chute, 113-the first sub-trough, 114-the second sub-trough,
120-accommodating groove, 130-first end face, 140-second end face,
200-the first detection terminal,
300-key cap,
310-first sliding part, 311-first mounting hole, 312-first connecting hole, 313-first sliding base body,
314-first stopper,
320-second sliding part, 321-first limiting notch, 322-second connecting hole, 323-limiting part, 324-
Base part, 325-connection part, 326-sliding cover part,
330-connecting pin, 331-pin body, 332-stop lever,
400-Second detection terminal,
500-limiting bracket, 510-first limiting protrusion, 520-first limiting base,
700 - elastic parts.

Detailed ways

In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the technical solutions of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments of the present application and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present application, but not all of the embodiments. Based on this application Embodiments, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of this application.

Please refer to Figures 1 to 6. This application discloses a key module, which includes a frame 100, a key cap 300, a limiting bracket 500 and an elastic member 700. The frame 100 is the main part and installation basis of the device of the present application, such as the middle frame of a mobile phone, etc. Specifically, the frame 100 can be provided with a groove 110, and at least part of the key cap 300 is located in the groove 110, and the key cap 300 can be placed in the groove 110. The key module slides in the groove 110 and controls the sliding of the key cap 300 to achieve corresponding functions.

The limit bracket 500 is elastically connected to the frame 100 through the elastic member 700. The limit bracket 500 is provided with a first limit protrusion 510 on a side away from the elastic member 700. The key cap 300 is provided with a first limit protrusion 510 on a side facing the first limit protrusion 510. The first limiting gap 321. The first limiting protrusion 510 cooperates with the first limiting notch 321 in order to better constrain the sliding stroke of the key cap 300. For example, the first limiting notch 321 is set as a slide groove, then the slide groove The length is the sliding stroke of the key cap 300 to avoid excessive sliding of the key cap 300. It is understandable that the length direction of the chute is consistent with the sliding direction of the key cap 300.

When the key cap 300 slides, the elastic member 700 drives the limiting bracket 500 to keep in contact with the key cap 300, so that the contact between the limiting bracket 500 and the key cap 300 is flexible. Specifically, as the actual contact position between the limiting bracket 500 and the key cap 300 changes continuously during the sliding process, the elastic member 700 can adjust the limiting bracket 500 toward or away from the key cap 300 through its own elastic deformation, thereby making the The variation range of the extrusion force between the limiting bracket 500 and the key cap 300 is reduced, that is, the extrusion force is determined by the elastic deformation degree of the elastic member 700. It can be seen that compared with the rigid contact method, flexible contact is achieved by setting the elastic member 700. This method can reduce the wear of the limit bracket 500 and the key cap 300 during the sliding process, and improve the service life of the key module.

Further, regarding the specific structures of the first limiting notch 321 and the first limiting protrusion 510 , the first limiting notch 321 may be provided with a first arcuate protrusion, and the first arcuate protrusion faces the limit. Bracket 500. The first limiting protrusion 510 may be provided with a second arcuate protrusion facing the second sliding part 320 , and the key cap 300 may slide to the limiting position.

When the first arc-surface protrusion and the second arc-surface protrusion are arranged sequentially toward the first direction, the first limiting notch 321 is limitedly matched with the first limiting protrusion 510 , where the first direction is in contact with the key cap 300 The sliding direction is the same. At this time, the first direction may be two opposite directions. For example, if the button can slide to the left, then the first direction may be to the left, or it may be a right direction that is opposite to the left direction. It can be seen that in this case, the second arcuate protrusion forms a stop to the first arcuate protrusion, thereby limiting the continued sliding of the keycap 300, so that the keycap 300 remains fixed at the limiting position to achieve the corresponding Function output, taking the key module of a mobile phone as an example, when the key cap 300 slides to the limit position, the mobile phone can be in a silent or vibrating state. At this time, the key cap can be said to be in the limit position.

When the first arcuate protrusion and the second arcuate protrusion are sequentially arranged in the second direction and keep in contact, the first limiting notch 321 and the first limiting protrusion 510 release the limiting cooperation. Here, the first The direction intersects with the second direction. For example, the second direction is the elastic deformation direction of the elastic member 700 and is perpendicular to the first direction. In other embodiments, the second direction may form an included angle with the first direction, and the included angle range is greater than 0° and less than or equal to 90°. It can be seen that in this case, the elastic member 700 will elastically deform along with the movement of the limiting bracket 500, thereby causing the key module to release the current function output. At this time, it can be said that the key cap is in the position away from the limit position.

It can be seen that whether the key cap 300 is in the limiting position or away from the limiting position, the elastic member 700 can provide the necessary power for the limiting bracket 500 to contact the key cap 300. In this way, the elastic member 700 can not only make the limiting bracket Flexible contact is achieved between 500 and the key cap 300, and the The limit bracket 500 and the key cap 300 achieve effective limit cooperation to perform corresponding function output.

At the same time, the arrangement of the first arcuate protrusion and the second arcuate protrusion allows the first arcuate protrusion and the second arcuate protrusion to move relatively smoothly when the key cap 300 needs to leave the limiting position. , thereby reducing the driving force exerted by the user when sliding the key cap 300, so as to improve the toggle feel and the operational performance of the key module.

Furthermore, for the specific structure of the elastic member 700, any structure that can achieve elastic deformation and provide driving force for the limiting bracket 500, such as springs, elastic pads, etc., can be selected, which will not be described in detail here.

Furthermore, the first limiting notch 321 may also be provided with a plurality of first arcuate recesses, and the first arcuate recesses and first arcuate protrusions are alternately arranged toward the first direction.

When the second arc surface protrusion is in contact with the first arc surface recess, the first limiting notch and the first limiting protrusion are limitedly matched. At this time, the key cap can be said to be in the limiting position. When the second arcuate protrusion is in contact with the first arcuate protrusion, the first limiting notch and the first limiting protrusion are released from limiting cooperation. At this time, it can be said that the key cap leaves the limiting position.

In this way, in the first aspect, through the arrangement of the first arc surface recess, the key cap 300 can be relatively easily maintained in the limiting position to avoid abnormal sliding.

In the second aspect, it can be seen that as the key cap 300 slides, the second arcuate protrusion will always maintain contact with the first arcuate recess or the first arcuate protrusion, and will be in contact with the first arcuate recess or the first arcuate protrusion. Sliding friction occurs between arc-shaped protrusions. This way of alternately disposing the first arcuate recesses and the first arcuate protrusions makes the surface of the first limiting notch 321 have a wavy surface, where the first arcuate recesses are equivalent to the troughs of the wavy surface, and the first arcuate recesses are equivalent to the troughs of the wavy surface. The curved protrusion is equivalent to the crest of the wavy surface, so that the contact between the key cap 300 and the limit bracket 500 is smoother, which can avoid jamming and further reduce the risk of stagnation. Low wear.

In the third aspect, if the radius of curvature of the first arcuate recess is equal to the curvature radius of the second arcuate protrusion, then the second arcuate protrusion and the first arcuate recess will be in surface contact during the limiting fit; and if The curvature radius of the first arcuate depression is greater than the curvature radius of the second arcuate protrusion. Then the second arcuate protrusion and the first arcuate recess will make line contact during the limit fit. These two contact modes are compared with point contact. The contact area can be increased through other methods, and the increase in the contact area can reduce the pressure generated when the first limiting protrusion 510 and the first limiting notch 321 are squeezed, further reducing wear and improving the key mold. The service life of the group.

As for the material of the key cap 300 and the limit bracket 500, polyoxymethylene (POM) can be used for production. POM has high strength, stiffness, good elasticity, good wear reduction and wear resistance, and can better reduce wear. Polyacetal has a smooth surface, which can reduce the friction generated during the sliding process and improve the toggle feel and control performance of the button module.

It should be noted here that the first limiting protrusions 510 can also be set as "V"-shaped protrusions, and the first limiting notch 321 can be set as a sawtooth arrangement of "V"-shaped protrusions and "V"-shaped depressions alternately. shape structure. That is, the first limiting protrusion 510 may be provided with a first plane and a second plane that are adjacent and at an angle to each other, and the first limiting notch 321 may be provided with a third and fourth plane that are adjacent and at an angle to each other. planes, the angles between them are equal, or the angle between the first plane and the second plane is smaller than the angle between the third plane and the fourth plane, so that during the sliding process of the key cap 300, the first plane and The first edge formed by the intersection of the second plane will generate sliding friction with the third plane, the fourth plane or other surfaces of the key cap 300. During this sliding process, the first edge will also make linear contact. Maintaining contact with the key cap 300 can also increase the contact area, thereby reducing wear. Compared with the above-mentioned arrangement of the first arcuate protrusion, the second arcuate protrusion and the second arcuate recess, this arrangement will increase the force exerted during the sliding process. force, the control performance is reduced, but the limiting matching effect between the first limiting protrusion 510 and the first limiting notch 321 can be made more stable and less susceptible to interference from external collisions, thereby allowing the key cap 300 to be fixed in a more stable state In the limit position to achieve functional output.

Furthermore, the frame 100 may also be provided with a receiving groove 120 that communicates with the groove 110 and is disposed at the bottom of the groove 110 . The elastic member 700 may be disposed in the receiving groove 120 . The limiting bracket 500 may include a first limiting base 520 and a first limiting protrusion 510 . The first limiting base 520 is provided on a side of the first limiting protrusion 510 away from the key cap 300 . At least part of the first limiting base 520 is located in the receiving groove 120 and connected to the elastic member 700 . At least part of the first limiting protrusion 510 is located in the groove 110 .

This arrangement allows the frame 100 to provide accommodating space for the elastic member 700 and the limiting bracket 500, which enhances the concealment and compactness of the device of the present application; and the first limiting base 520 and the receiving groove 120 can be guided and matched, etc. As a result, during the sliding process of the key cap 300, the movement path of the limiting bracket 500 is restricted and does not deviate from the preset path, thereby effectively preventing the key cap 300 and the limiting bracket 500 from getting stuck and other abnormalities. Here, the movement path of the limiting bracket 500 refers to that during the sliding process of the key cap 300, the limiting bracket 500 performs telescopic movement along the elastic deformation direction of the elastic member 700, thereby extending or retracting into the accommodating groove 120.

Furthermore, as for the depth direction of the accommodation groove 120, the depth direction of the accommodation groove 120 can be consistent with the depth direction of the groove 110. In this case, the accommodation groove 120 is disposed at the bottom of the groove 110; the depth direction of the accommodation groove 120 is also It may intersect with the depth direction of the groove 110 , and in this case, the receiving groove 120 may be disposed on the groove side or the groove top of the groove 110 . Here, the depth direction of the accommodation groove 120 refers to the elastic deformation direction of the elastic member 700 . The depth direction of the groove 110 can be understood as being perpendicular to the sliding direction of the key cap 300 , and the depth direction of the groove 110 is consistent with that described below. The second directions are consistent to ensure that the elastic member 700 can drive the limiting bracket 500 to contact the key cap 300 .

It should be noted here that the elastic member 700 can also be provided outside the frame 100. For example, the accommodating groove 120 is a through groove, and the elastic member 700 drives the limiting bracket 500 to extend from the outside of the frame 100 into the accommodating groove 120 to realize the connection with the key cap. 300 contacts, which will not be detailed here.

Further, the elastic member 700, the limiting bracket 500 and the key cap 300 can be arranged sequentially along the elastic deformation direction of the elastic member 700, so that the elastic member 700 can better drive the limiting bracket 500 to contact the key cap 300, thereby ensuring the limit. The position bracket 500 and the key cap 300 are fixed at the limiting position.

The following is an example of the specific operation method of installing the button module on a mobile phone:

For example, the current limit position of the keycap 300 is the first position, and has corresponding function output at this time, such as the mute state of the mobile phone. When it is necessary to switch the function output, the key cap 300 can be slid first, and in the sliding state of the key cap 300, the second arc-surface protrusion can be separated from the first arc-surface depression corresponding to the first position, and the elastic member 700 can elastically deformation, the first limiting notch 321 can release the limiting cooperation with the first limiting protrusion 510, and the key cap 300 leaves the first position.

Next, the keycap 300 needs to be slid to the required limit position, which is recorded as the second position here. After sliding to the second position, the keycap 300 will remain stationary, and in the stationary state of the keycap 300, the second arc The surface protrusion can be accommodated in the first arc surface depression corresponding to the second position, the elastic member 700 can restore the elastic deformation, and the first limiting protrusion 510 can be limitedly matched with the first limiting notch 321. At this time, due to the key cap 300 has been switched to the second position, then the mobile phone also switches to the function output corresponding to the second position, for example, the mobile phone switches from silent state to vibrating state.

Further, the groove 110 may include a first slide groove 111 and a second slide groove 112 . The receiving groove 120 communicates with the second slide groove 112 through the first slide groove 111 . The key cap 300 may include a first sliding part 310 and a second sliding part 320 that are connected to each other. The first sliding part 310 is slidably provided in the first slide groove 111. The second sliding part 320 is slidably provided on the second slide groove 112 .

The first chute 111 and the second chute 112 can be arranged sequentially along the second direction. The cross-sectional area of the first chute 111 perpendicular to the second direction is larger than the cross-sectional area of the second chute 112 perpendicular to the second direction. ; The second direction intersects with the sliding direction of the key cap 300, such as being perpendicular to each other. The cross-sectional area of the first sliding part 310 perpendicular to the second direction is larger than the cross-sectional area of the second sliding part 320 perpendicular to the second direction.

In this way, the groove 110 forms a step groove structure, and the surface of the first slide groove 111 used to communicate with the second slide groove 112 forms a first step surface; similarly, the key cap 300 also forms a step structure, and the first sliding part The surface of 310 facing the first step surface forms a second step surface. The arrangement of this step structure makes the groove 110 and the key cap 300 fit with each other, and the first step surface and the second step surface fit together to form a stop effect to prevent the key cap 300 from being separated from the groove 110 during use.

Further, the receiving groove 120, the first slide groove 111, and the second slide groove 112 can be arranged sequentially along the second direction. On this basis, the second direction can be understood as the elastic deformation direction of the elastic member 700 . This facilitates the transmission of the driving force exerted by the elastic member 700 to ensure a more effective contact effect between the limiting bracket 500 and the key cap 300 .

Furthermore, the first sliding part 310 and the second sliding part 320 can be connected in an integral manner, while the present application adopts a combined structure. Specifically, the first sliding part 310 can be provided with a through first mounting hole 311 , the second sliding part 320 may include a limiting part 323 and a base part 324, the limiting part 323 is connected to the base part 324, and the first limiting notch 321 is provided on the side of the limiting part 323 away from the base part 324. The limiting part 323 is provided in the first mounting hole 311, and the first sliding part 310 is detachably connected to the second sliding part 320.

This structure facilitates the assembly of the keycap 300 into the frame 100. For example, the keycap 300 can be installed on the frame 100. A second end surface 140 is provided on the second end surface 140 , where the second end surface 140 is located on the side of the second chute 112 away from the first chute 111 . The second chute 112 has a second notch, and the second notch is located on the second end surface 140 . And a first end surface 130 is provided on the frame 100, the second end surface 140 and the first end surface 130 form an angle with each other, the first slide groove 111 has a first notch, and the first notch is located on the first end surface 130.

In this specific assembly, the first sliding part 310 can be installed into the first chute 111 from the first slot, and then the second sliding part 320 can be installed into the second chute 112 from the second slot, and then the The limiting part 323 is inserted into the first mounting hole 311 , so that the first sliding part 310 and the second sliding part 320 are connected in the groove 110 . Similarly, by removing the limiting portion 323 from the first mounting hole 311, the first sliding portion 310 and the second sliding portion 320 can be separated from the groove 110, which will not be described in detail here.

Further, the side of the base 324 away from the limiting portion 323 can extend out of the second slide groove 112 through the second slot. This facilitates the user to control the part of the base 324 that protrudes outside the second notch, and moves this part to realize the sliding of the key cap 300 in the groove 110, thereby enhancing the control performance of the device of the present application.

In some other optional embodiments, the first limiting notch 321 can also be provided on the first sliding part 310. For example, the first mounting hole 311 is a blind hole, and the first limiting notch 321 is provided on the first sliding part 310 toward the first sliding part 310. On one side of the limiting bracket 500 , the first mounting hole 311 is provided on the side of the first sliding part 310 away from the first limiting notch 321 . However, compared with the above-mentioned method of configuring the first mounting hole 311 as a through hole and arranging the first limiting notch 321 in the second sliding part 320 , this arrangement will have higher processing and assembly difficulties. Increase manufacturing costs.

Further, the key cap 300 may further include a connecting pin 330 . The first sliding part 310 may be provided with a first connection hole 312, and the second sliding part 320 may be provided with a second connection hole 322. The first connection hole 312 and the second connection hole 322 correspond one to one, and the first connection hole 312 and the second connection hole 322 correspond to each other. The second connecting hole 322 faces the third The directions are connected in sequence, and the third direction intersects the second direction, such as being perpendicular to each other. At least part of the connecting pins 330 are provided in the first connecting hole 312 and the second connecting hole 322 , and the first sliding part 310 is connected to the second sliding part 320 through the connecting pins 330 .

It can be seen that through the arrangement of the connecting pin 330, the connection between the second sliding part 320 and the first sliding part 310 is made more stable. Of course, a stronger connection between the second sliding part 320 and the first sliding part 310 can also be achieved by providing a connecting structure that matches each other in the first mounting hole 311 and the limiting part 323, or by using interference fit or other methods. No further details will be given here.

Further, the connecting pin 330 may include a pin body 331 and a blocking rod 332. The blocking rod 332 is connected to the pin body 331, and multiple pin bodies 331 are provided along the second direction. The first sliding part 310 includes a first sliding base 313 and a first stopper 314. A limiting groove is formed between the first sliding base 313 and the first stopper 314. The first connection hole 312 and the second connection hole 322 correspond to the pin body 331 one-to-one. The pin body 331 is provided in the first connection hole 312 and the second connection hole 322. The stop rod 332 is provided in the limiting groove. The first stopper 314 faces the third direction and cooperates with the blocking rod 332.

This design, on the one hand, enhances the restraining effect on the first sliding part 310 and the second sliding part 320 by providing a plurality of pins 331 to improve the firmness of the connection between the first sliding part 310 and the second sliding part 320 On the other hand, the connection pin 330 is restrained through the limiting fit between the stop rod 332 and the first stopper 314, thereby enhancing the connection firmness between the first sliding part 310 and the second sliding part 320. . It can be seen that through the above design, the key cap 300 forms an integral structure that is not easily separated after assembly.

Further, the second chute 112 may include a first sub-trough 113 and a second sub-trough 114. The second sub-trough 114 communicates with the first chute 111 through the first sub-trough 113. The base part 324 may include a connecting part 325 and a sliding cover part 326. The sliding cover part 326 is connected to the limiting part 323 through the connecting part 325. The connecting part 325 The sliding cover portion 326 is slidably provided in the first sub-slot 113 and the sliding cover portion 326 is slidably provided in the second sub-slot 114 .

The first sub-groove 113 and the second sub-groove 114 are arranged sequentially along the second direction. The cross-sectional area of the first sub-groove 113 perpendicular to the second direction is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second sub-groove 114 perpendicular to the second direction. The connecting portion 325 and the sliding cover portion 326 are arranged sequentially along the second direction. The cross-sectional area of the connecting portion 325 perpendicular to the second direction is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the sliding cover portion 326 perpendicular to the second direction.

In this way, the second slide groove 112 forms a step structure, and a third step surface is formed on the end surface of the second sub-groove 114 for communicating with the first sub-groove 113 . The base portion 324 also forms a step structure, and the side of the sliding cover portion 326 facing the third step surface forms a fourth step surface. When the user moves the key cap 300 to slide, the third step surface and the fourth step surface adhere to each other and form a stop effect, thereby forming a support effect for the sliding cover portion 326 to withstand the pressing force generated by moving the key cap 300 , thereby improving the user's toggle feel of the key cap 300 and improving the control performance of the key module.

Further, the key module may further include a first detection terminal 200 and a second detection terminal 400 . The second detection terminal 400 is provided on the key cap 300, the first detection terminal 200 is provided on the frame 100, and the second detection terminal 400 and the first detection terminal 200 are electrically connected.

In this way, when the key cap 300 is in a sliding state, that is, when the key cap 300 needs to shift gears, the second detection terminal 400 can move with the key cap 300. This arrangement can further enhance the control performance of the key module.

Taking the key module installed on a mobile phone as an example, the second detection terminal 400 can be a magnetic component, and the first detection terminal 200 can be a Hall device. In this way, when the key cap 300 is in the sliding state, the distance between the second detection terminal 400 and the first detection terminal 200 will change, thereby causing the magnetic induction intensity detected by the first detection terminal 200 to change. 200 monitors this magnetic change information and feeds it back to the control unit on the mobile phone, and the control unit responds immediately, specifically according to the The current distance value between the second detection terminal 400 and the first detection terminal 200 controls the mobile phone to perform relevant operations to realize the corresponding function output of the button module.

The electronic devices disclosed in the embodiments of this application may be mobile phones, tablet computers, e-book readers, wearable devices (such as smart watches, smart glasses), etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific types of electronic devices.

The above descriptions are only examples of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. To those skilled in the art, various modifications and variations may be made to this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of this application shall be included in the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

A key module includes a frame, a key cap, a limit bracket and an elastic member,

The frame is provided with a groove, at least part of the key cap is located in the groove, and the key cap can slide in the groove,

The limiting bracket is elastically connected to the frame through the elastic member. A first limiting protrusion is provided on the side of the limiting bracket away from the elastic member. The key cap faces the first limiting protrusion. The raised side is provided with a first limiting notch; the first limiting protrusion is limitedly matched with the first limiting notch,

When the key cap slides, the elastic member drives the limiting bracket to keep in contact with the key cap.
The key module according to claim 1, wherein: the first limiting notch is provided with a first arcuate protrusion, and the first arcuate protrusion faces the limiting bracket,

The first limiting protrusion is provided with a second arcuate protrusion, and the second arcuate protrusion faces the second sliding part,

When the first arcuate protrusion and the second arcuate protrusion are arranged sequentially in the first direction, the first limiting notch and the first limiting protrusion are limitedly matched;

When the first arcuate protrusion and the second arcuate protrusion are sequentially arranged in the second direction and remain in contact, the first limiting notch and the first limiting protrusion are released from limiting. Cooperate;

The first direction is consistent with the sliding direction of the key cap, and the second direction intersects with the first direction.
The key module according to claim 2, wherein the first limiting notch is further provided with a plurality of first arcuate recesses, the first arcuate recesses and the first arcuate protrusions facing the The first direction is alternately set,

When the second arcuate protrusion is in contact with the first arcuate recess, the first limiting notch is limitedly matched with the first limiting protrusion.
The key module according to claim 1, wherein the frame is further provided with a receiving groove, the receiving groove is connected to the groove and is disposed at the bottom of the groove, and the elastic member is disposed on the groove. Said holding tank,

The limiting bracket includes a first limiting base and a first limiting protrusion, and the first limiting base is provided on a side of the first limiting protrusion away from the key cap,

At least part of the first limiting base is located in the receiving groove and connected to the elastic member, and at least part of the first limiting protrusion is located in the groove.
The key module according to claim 4, wherein: the groove includes a first slide groove and a second slide groove, and the receiving groove communicates with the second slide groove through the first slide groove,

The key cap includes a first sliding part and a second sliding part that are connected to each other. The first sliding part is slidably provided on the first slide groove, and the second sliding part is slidably provided on the first sliding groove. Two chutes,

The first chute and the second chute are arranged sequentially along the second direction, and the cross-sectional area of the first chute perpendicular to the second direction is larger than that of the second chute perpendicular to the second direction. The cross-sectional area in the second direction; the second direction intersects with the sliding direction of the key cap;

The cross-sectional area of the first sliding part perpendicular to the second direction is larger than the cross-sectional area of the second sliding part perpendicular to the second direction.
The key module according to claim 5, wherein the first sliding part is provided with a first through-mounting hole,

The second sliding part includes a limiting part and a base part, the limiting part is connected to the base part, and the first limiting notch is provided on a side of the limiting part away from the base part,

The limiting part is provided in the first mounting hole, and the first sliding part is detachably connected to the second sliding part.
The key module according to claim 6, wherein the key cap further includes a connecting pin, the first sliding part is provided with a first connection hole, the second sliding part is provided with a second connection hole, and the The first connection hole corresponds to the second connection hole one-to-one, the first connection hole and the second connection hole are sequentially connected toward a third direction, and the third direction intersects the second direction,

At least part of the connecting pins are provided in the first connecting hole and the second connecting hole, and the first sliding part is connected to the second sliding part through the connecting pins.
The key module according to claim 7, wherein: the connecting pin includes a pin body and a blocking rod, the blocking rod is connected to the pin body, and multiple pin bodies are provided along the second direction,

The first sliding part includes a first sliding base and a first stopper, and a limiting groove is formed between the first sliding base and the first stopper,

The first connection hole, the second connection hole and the pin body correspond one to one, the pin body is provided in the first connection hole and the second connection hole, and the blocking rod is provided in the Limiting slot, the first stopper cooperates with the stopper rod in the third direction.
The key module according to claim 6, wherein the second slide groove includes a first sub-groove and a second sub-groove, and the second sub-groove communicates with the first slide groove through the first sub-groove. ,

The base part includes a connecting part and a sliding cover part. The sliding cover part is connected to the limiting part through the connecting part. The connecting part is slidably provided in the first sub-slot. The sliding cover part is slidably provided in the second sub-slot,

The first sub-trough and the second sub-trough are arranged sequentially along the second direction, and the cross-sectional area of the first sub-trough perpendicular to the second direction is smaller than that of the second sub-trough perpendicular to the second direction. said second party cross-sectional area;

The connecting part and the sliding cover part are arranged sequentially along the second direction, and the cross-sectional area of the connecting part perpendicular to the second direction is smaller than that of the sliding cover part perpendicular to the second direction. cross-sectional area.
The key module according to claim 1, wherein the key module further includes a first detection terminal and a second detection terminal,

The second detection terminal is provided on the key cap, the first detection terminal is provided on the frame, and the second detection terminal and the first detection terminal are electrically connected,

In the sliding state of the key cap, the second detection terminal can move with the key cap.
An electronic device including the key module according to any one of claims 1 to 10.