Patent Description:
Embodiments of this application relate to the field of terminal technologies, and in particular, to a keyboard and an electronic device.

With explosive growth of electronic devices such as a portable laptop computer, a smartphone, and a tablet computer (portable equipment, PAD), the electronic devices have become important tools of daily work and entertainment. A user usually operates an electronic device by using a keyboard, to quickly perform an input or an output. The user has a stronger requirement for portability of the keyboard, but an overall thickness of the keyboard affects the portability of the keyboard.

In a use process of the keyboard, the keyboard needs to withstand an impact stress exerted by the user in a tapping process. To reduce a possibility that the keyboard sinks due to insufficient rigidity of the keyboard when the keyboard suffers from the impact stress in the use process, a strength enhancement mechanical part is disposed at the bottom of the keyboard, to improve a deformation resistance capability of the keyboard by using the strength enhancement mechanical part. However, the strength enhancement mechanical part added at the bottom increases the overall thickness of the keyboard. Consequently, the portability of the keyboard becomes poorer.

<CIT> discloses a keyboard comprising an outer metal frame, an inner metal frame connected to the outer metal frame, a key hole penetrating through the outer metal frame and the inner metal frame and a keyboard assembly detachably connected to the inner metal frame and comprising a key extending through the keyhole. The keyboard assembly further comprises a circuit board film arranged on a bottom plate, wherein the bottom plate is connected to the inner metal frame by screw connection.

<CIT> discloses a keyboard comprising a keyboard assembly, a keyboard frame and a plurality of connecting pieces, wherein the keyboard assembly is provided with a bottom plate, a circuit board arranged on the bottom plate and a plurality of key groups arranged on the circuit board.

<CIT> discloses a keyboard comprising an upper part formed from a rubber mat having keys, a lower part connected to the upper part in a sealed manner, a circuit board placed between the upper part and the lower part, a retainer plate lying on the lower part and bushings connecting the circuit board to the retainer plate.

<CIT> discloses a keyboard frame comprising an outer frame and inner metal frame connected to the outer frame and having a mounting hole for mounting the metal frame to a laptop computer.

To solve the problem of reducing an overall thickness of the keyboard while maintaining a high rigidity of the keyboard, the present invention provides a keyboard and an electronic device according to the enclosed independent claims. Advantageous features of the present invention are defined in the corresponding subclaims. In the following, parts of the description and drawings referring to embodiments, which are not covered by the claims, are not presented as embodiments of the invention but as examples useful for understanding the invention.

A first aspect of the claimed invention provides a keyboard for an electronic device. The keyboard includes at least the following:.

According to the keyboard of the claimed invention, the inner metal frame with a strength enhancement function is disposed between the outer metal frame and the keyboard assembly. The inner metal frame and the outer metal frame are connected, and the keyboard assembly and the inner metal frame are connected. Strength enhancement is performed on the keyboard by using the disposed inner metal frame, to improve a deformation resistance capability of the keyboard, and reduce a possibility that the keyboard deforms and sinks when the keyboard suffers from an impact stress in a use process. Therefore, a metal baseplate and a plastic frame of a current keyboard can be canceled, to help reduce an overall thickness of the keyboard while it is ensured that rigidity of the keyboard meets a requirement, and improve portability of the keyboard.

The keyboard assembly is detachably connected to the inner metal frame.

According to the claimed invention, the keyboard assembly further includes a circuit board unit. In a possible implementation, the key is disposed on the circuit board unit, the circuit board unit is disposed on a side that is of the inner metal frame and that faces away from the outer metal frame, and the circuit board unit is detachably connected to the inner metal frame.

According to the claimed invention, the keyboard further includes an adaptation piece, and in a possible implementation, the circuit board unit is detachably connected to the inner metal frame by using the adaptation piece.

According to the claimed invention, the adaptation piece includes a first component and a second component, the first component is disposed on the inner metal frame, and the first component and the second component are fastened to connect the circuit board unit and the inner metal frame.

In a possible implementation, the first component is threaded with the second component.

In a possible implementation, the first component is a nut, the inner metal frame includes a mounting hole, the first component is inserted into the mounting hole, the second component includes a bolt and a cap portion connected to the bolt, the bolt is threaded with the first component, and the cap portion abuts against the circuit board unit to apply, to the circuit board unit, a pressure stress toward the inner metal frame.

According to the claimed invention, the circuit board unit includes a circuit board, a metal sheet, and a backlight module, the circuit board is disposed on a side that is of the metal sheet and that faces the inner metal frame, the backlight module is disposed on a side that is of the metal sheet and that faces away from the inner metal frame, the circuit board includes a first avoidance hole, the metal sheet includes a second avoidance hole, the backlight module includes a third avoidance hole, the first component is inserted into the first avoidance hole and the second avoidance hole, and the cap portion is accommodated in the third avoidance hole and abuts against a surface that is of the metal sheet and that faces away from the circuit board.

In a possible implementation, the inner metal frame includes a transverse spacer and a longitudinal spacer, the transverse spacer and the longitudinal spacer are alternately disposed around the key avoidance hole, and the first component is disposed in an intersection region of the transverse spacer and the longitudinal spacer.

In a possible implementation, the outer metal frame and the inner metal frame are detachably connected.

In a possible implementation, the outer metal frame includes an outer surface and an inner surface, and the inner metal frame is stuck to the inner surface.

In a possible implementation, there is an annular accommodation cavity between the inner metal frame and the inner surface, the keyboard frame assembly further includes a first adhesive member disposed within the annular accommodation cavity, the key avoidance hole is located within a region limited by the annular accommodation cavity, and the first adhesive member connects the outer metal frame and the inner metal frame.

In a possible implementation, the inner metal frame includes a transverse spacer and a longitudinal spacer, and the transverse spacer and the longitudinal spacer are alternately disposed around the key avoidance hole;.

A second aspect of the embodiments of this application provides an electronic device, including the keyboard according to the foregoing embodiment.

An embodiment of this application provides an electronic device <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may be a mobile terminal such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer (laptop), a tablet computer (Table), an ultra-mobile personal computer (ultra-mobile personal computer, UMPC), a handheld computer, a walkie-talkie, a netbook, a POS machine, or a personal digital assistant (personal digital assistant, PDA), a fixed terminal, or a foldable device.

<FIG> schematically shows a three-dimensional structure of an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment. Referring to <FIG>, in this embodiment of this application, an example in which the electronic device <NUM> is a laptop computer is used for description. The electronic device <NUM> may include a display <NUM> and a host body <NUM>. The display <NUM> may be rotatably connected to the host body <NUM>. For example, the display <NUM> and the host body <NUM> may be connected by using a rotating shaft; or the display <NUM> and the host body <NUM> may be rotatably connected by using a hinge structure. Alternatively, in some examples, the display <NUM> and the host body <NUM> may be mutually independent devices. For example, the display <NUM> and the host body <NUM> are detachable. When being used, the display <NUM> is placed on the host body <NUM>, and after the use, the display <NUM> and the host body <NUM> may be separated from each other.

It should be noted that, to implement a display effect of the display <NUM>, the display <NUM> is electrically connected to the host body <NUM>. For example, the display <NUM> may be electrically connected to the host body <NUM> by using a contact, or the display <NUM> is electrically connected to the host body <NUM> by using a flexible circuit board (Flexible Printed Circuit, FPC), or the display <NUM> is electrically connected to the host body <NUM> by using a wire. In addition, alternatively, the display <NUM> may be wirelessly connected to the host body <NUM> by using a wireless signal.

Referring to <FIG>, to implement an input to the electronic device <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may further include a keyboard <NUM>. The keyboard <NUM> may be disposed on the host body <NUM>. The keyboard <NUM> is electrically connected to a control unit in the host body <NUM>. The keyboard <NUM> serves as an input device of the electronic device <NUM>. The keyboard <NUM> may be used to enter a character or an operation instruction by using a key, and may further control a cursor to move.

Currently, the keyboard includes an outer metal frame, a plastic frame, a keyboard assembly, and a metal baseplate. The plastic frame is formed on the outer metal frame of the keyboard by using an injection molding process. The keyboard assembly is disposed between the outer metal frame and the metal baseplate. Both the keyboard assembly and the metal baseplate are attached to the plastic frame. The plastic frame carries the keyboard assembly and metal baseplate. A solder column protrudes from the plastic frame. The solder column penetrates through mounting holes of the keyboard assembly and the metal baseplate. An end portion that is of the solder column and that penetrates through the metal baseplate deforms through hot melting or pressing, and is clamped on a bottom surface that is of the metal baseplate and that faces away from the outer metal frame, to connect the keyboard assembly, the metal baseplate, and the plastic frame. The metal baseplate may serve as a strength enhancement structure, to improve overall rigidity of the keyboard, so as to resolve a problem that the outer metal frame sinks due to insufficient rigidity when the outer metal frame is pressed. However, the plastic frame and the metal baseplate lead to a large overall thickness of the keyboard. Consequently, portability of the keyboard is poor.

Based on the foregoing found problem, an embodiment of this application provides a keyboard <NUM>. An inner metal frame <NUM> is disposed between a keyboard assembly <NUM> and an outer metal frame <NUM>, and the inner metal frame <NUM> carries the keyboard assembly <NUM>. In addition, the inner metal frame <NUM> has a strength enhancement function, to improve overall rigidity of the keyboard <NUM>. Therefore, a plastic frame and a metal baseplate in the keyboard can be canceled, to effectively reduce an overall thickness of the keyboard <NUM>, reduce a weight of the keyboard <NUM>, and help improve portability of the keyboard <NUM>.

An implementation of the keyboard <NUM> provided in the embodiments of this application is described below.

<FIG> schematically shows a structure of a keyboard according to an embodiment of this application. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a keyboard <NUM> in this embodiment of this application includes a keyboard assembly <NUM> and a keyboard frame assembly <NUM>. The keyboard assembly <NUM> is connected to the keyboard frame assembly <NUM>. The keyboard frame assembly <NUM> is configured to carry the keyboard assembly <NUM>, or provide protection for the keyboard assembly <NUM> on an outer side of the keyboard assembly <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the keyboard assembly <NUM> in this embodiment of this application includes a circuit board unit <NUM> and a plurality of keys <NUM> disposed on the circuit board unit <NUM>. The circuit board unit <NUM> and the keys <NUM> are stacked in a thickness direction Z of the keyboard <NUM>. The circuit board unit <NUM> may provide support for each key <NUM>. For a type of the keys <NUM>, refer to an existing key. For example, the plurality of keys <NUM> include a numeric key, a function key (for example, a Delete key or an Insert key), and a letter key. The keys <NUM> may be classified into a single-unit key and a multi-unit key based on sizes of the keys. The single-unit key is a square key <NUM> on the keyboard <NUM>, for example, a key <NUM> corresponding to each letter or each number. The multi-unit key is a key <NUM> other than the single-unit key, for example, a Space key, an Enter key, or a Shift key.

The circuit board unit <NUM> includes a circuit board <NUM>, a metal sheet <NUM>, and a backlight module <NUM>. The circuit board <NUM>, the metal sheet <NUM>, and the backlight module <NUM> are stacked in the thickness direction Z of the keyboard <NUM>. The circuit board <NUM> is located on a side that is of the metal sheet <NUM> and on which the key <NUM> is disposed, and the backlight module <NUM> is located on a side that is of the metal sheet <NUM> and that faces away from the key <NUM>. The metal sheet <NUM> can effectively improve a deformation resistance capability of the circuit board unit <NUM>, to reduce a possibility that the circuit board <NUM> is broken when being bent or pulled. For example, the circuit board <NUM> may be a flexible circuit board. A material of the metal sheet <NUM> may be steel, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy. For example, the metal sheet <NUM> may be a steel sheet. A thickness of the metal sheet <NUM> is <NUM> millimeter to <NUM> millimeter.

The key <NUM> includes a scissor leg assembly <NUM> and a keycap <NUM>. The scissor leg assembly <NUM> is separately rotatably connected to the keycap <NUM> and the metal sheet <NUM>. The scissor leg assembly <NUM> is disposed below the keycap <NUM>. The scissor leg assembly <NUM> is configured to provide good support for the keycap <NUM>, so that a pressure stress exerted on the keycap <NUM> can be balanced, and a user can press the keycap <NUM> at any location on the keycap <NUM> by exerting fixed pressure, to reduce a possibility that the keycap <NUM> withstands uneven pressure or a key is stuck. For example, one or more scissor leg assemblies <NUM> may be disposed below one keycap <NUM>. For example, the scissor leg assembly <NUM> includes an outer scissor leg 321a and an inner scissor leg 321b. The outer scissor leg 321a and the inner scissor leg 321b intersect with each other and are rotatably connected. Respective lower ends of the outer scissor leg 321a and the inner scissor leg 321b are rotatably connected to the metal sheet <NUM>. Respective upper ends of the outer scissor leg 321a and the inner scissor leg 321b are rotatably connected to the keycap <NUM>. In some examples, the outer scissor leg 321a and the inner scissor leg 321b each.

The backlight module <NUM> may be configured to provide backlight for the key <NUM>, so that in an environment with dark light, the user can clearly observe a corresponding key <NUM>, to reduce a possibility that the key <NUM> is wrongly operated, and improve input accuracy and input efficiency.

In some implementable manners, the backlight module <NUM> includes a light guide board (not shown in the figure) and a light-emitting unit (not shown in the figure). The light guide board has light guiding and light uniformization functions. The backlight module <NUM> may display the backlight by using the light guide board, to illuminate the key <NUM> in a corresponding region. The light emitting unit is configured to emit light into the light guide board. The light emitting unit may be disposed at a location near an edge of the light guide board. After being lit, the light emitting unit emits light into the light guide board. After the light is uniformized by the light guide board, a region of the <NUM> keys is illuminated. For example, the light emitting unit may be an LED lamp.

The circuit board unit <NUM> and the key <NUM> of the keyboard assembly <NUM> may be assembled to form a whole, and then are assembled with the keyboard frame assembly <NUM> to form the keyboard <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically shows a partial exploded structure of a keyboard <NUM> according to the claimed invention. <FIG> schematically shows a rear-side structure of a keyboard <NUM> according to the claimed invention. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the keyboard frame assembly <NUM> includes an outer metal frame <NUM>, an inner metal frame <NUM>, and a key avoidance hole <NUM>. The inner metal frame <NUM> is connected to the outer metal frame <NUM>. The key avoidance hole <NUM> penetrates through the outer metal frame <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM>. The keyboard assembly <NUM> is connected to the inner metal frame <NUM>. The inner metal frame <NUM> is located between the outer metal frame <NUM> and the keyboard assembly <NUM>. The inner metal frame <NUM> is configured to carry the keyboard assembly <NUM>. The key <NUM> is disposed in correspondence with the key avoidance hole <NUM>, so that the key <NUM> is exposed from the key avoidance hole <NUM>, and the user taps the key <NUM> to execute an input instruction.

The outer metal frame <NUM> may be of an integral structure, to help improve rigidity and a deformation resistance capability of the outer metal frame <NUM> while it is ensured that the outer metal frame <NUM> is lightweighted. The outer metal frame <NUM> may be processed and manufactured in a processing manner such as stamping, die casting, or model casting. A material of the outer metal frame <NUM> may be aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or steel. The outer metal frame <NUM> is provided with a first opening 41a used to avoid the key <NUM>. The key avoidance hole <NUM> includes the first opening 41a. The outer metal frame <NUM> includes an outer surface 41b and an inner surface 41c that are opposite to each other. The first opening 41a penetrates through the outer surface 41b and the inner surface 41c. It should be noted that the outer surface 41b of the outer metal frame <NUM> is a surface that is of the outer metal frame <NUM> and that faces the user when the user uses the keyboard <NUM>. The inner surface 41c of the outer metal frame <NUM> is a surface that is of the outer metal frame <NUM> and that faces an inside of the keyboard <NUM> when the user uses the keyboard <NUM>. In this case, the user cannot easily observe the inner surface 41c of the outer metal frame <NUM> from an outside of the keyboard <NUM>.

The inner metal frame <NUM> is disposed on an inner side of the outer metal frame <NUM>. The inner metal frame <NUM> may be connected to the inner surface 41c of the outer metal frame <NUM>. The inner metal frame <NUM> may perform strength enhancement on the outer metal frame <NUM>, to help reduce a possibility that the outer metal frame <NUM> sinks under pressure. The inner metal frame <NUM> may be of an integral structure, to help improve rigidity and a deformation resistance capability of the inner metal frame <NUM> while it is ensured that the inner metal frame <NUM> is lightweighted. The inner metal frame <NUM> may be processed and manufactured in a processing manner such as stamping, die casting, or model casting. For example, the inner metal frame <NUM> may be formed by stamping a flat plate. A material of the inner metal frame <NUM> may be aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or steel. The inner metal frame <NUM> is provided with a second opening 42a used to avoid the key <NUM>. The key avoidance hole <NUM> includes the second opening 42a. For example, the first opening 41a and the second opening 42a are aligned and communicate to form the key avoidance hole <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically shows a partial exploded structure of a keyboard according to an embodiment of this application. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in some implementable manners, the outer metal frame <NUM> includes a first board <NUM> and a first side plate <NUM>. The first board <NUM> and the first side plate <NUM> intersect to form an accommodation concave part 41d. The first opening 41a is disposed on the first board <NUM>. A heat dissipation hole may be disposed on the first side plate <NUM>. The inner metal frame <NUM> is located in the accommodation concave part 41d. In the thickness direction Z of the keyboard <NUM>, the inner metal frame <NUM> and the first board <NUM> are stacked and connected to the first board <NUM>.

The keyboard assembly <NUM> is connected to the inner metal frame <NUM>, so that the inner metal frame <NUM> can carry the keyboard assembly <NUM>. The keyboard assembly <NUM> is suspended below the inner metal frame <NUM>. When the user taps the key <NUM>, after a force is exerted on the keyboard assembly <NUM>, the keyboard assembly <NUM> applies, to the inner metal frame <NUM>, a tensile stress that is away from the outer metal frame <NUM>, and the inner metal frame <NUM> applies, to the outer metal frame <NUM>, a tensile stress that faces away from the inner surface 41c of the outer metal frame <NUM>. The inner metal frame <NUM> and the outer metal frame <NUM> are combined with each other, and the inner metal frame <NUM> has high rigidity and has a strength enhancement function. Therefore, when an external force is exerted on the keyboard assembly <NUM>, the keyboard assembly <NUM> does not easily deform or sink, and the keyboard assembly <NUM> does not easily pull the inner metal frame <NUM> and the outer metal frame <NUM> to deform or sink.

In the keyboard <NUM> in this embodiment of this application, the inner metal frame <NUM> with the strength enhancement function is disposed between the outer metal frame <NUM> and the keyboard assembly <NUM>. The inner metal frame <NUM> is connected to the outer metal frame <NUM>, and the keyboard assembly <NUM> is connected to the inner metal frame <NUM>. Strength enhancement is performed on the keyboard <NUM> by using the disposed inner metal frame <NUM>, to improve a deformation resistance capability of the keyboard <NUM>, and reduce a possibility that the keyboard <NUM> deforms and sinks when the keyboard <NUM> suffers from an impact stress in a use process. Therefore, a metal baseplate and a plastic frame of a current keyboard can be canceled, to help reduce an overall thickness of the keyboard <NUM> while it is ensured that rigidity of the keyboard <NUM> meets a requirement, and improve portability of the keyboard <NUM>.

In the current keyboard, a solder column protrudes from the plastic frame. An end portion that is of the solder column and that penetrates through the metal baseplate deforms through hot melting or pressing, and is clamped on a bottom surface of the metal baseplate, to connect the keyboard assembly, the metal baseplate, and the plastic frame. In such a structure design, when the keyboard assembly needs to be repaired due to a fault, the keyboard assembly and the plastic frame can be separated only after the end portion of the solder column is cut off. Consequently, the plastic frame cannot be reused. The plastic frame and the outer metal frame are both scrapped. In this embodiment of this application, the keyboard assembly <NUM> is detachably connected to the inner metal frame <NUM>, so that the keyboard assembly <NUM> can be removed from the inner metal frame <NUM> when the keyboard assembly <NUM> needs to be repaired. After the keyboard assembly <NUM> is repaired, the keyboard assembly <NUM> is reinstalled on the inner metal frame <NUM>, so that the inner metal frame <NUM> and the outer metal frame <NUM> can be reused, thereby reducing maintenance difficulty and maintenance costs. For example, the keyboard assembly <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM> may be stuck by using an adhesive member. Alternatively, the keyboard assembly <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM> may be snap-fitted by using a snap-fit. Alternatively, the keyboard assembly <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM> may be fastened by using a fastener. For example, the fastener may be a screw.

The keyboard assembly <NUM> includes the circuit board unit <NUM>. The key <NUM> is disposed on the circuit board unit <NUM>. The circuit board unit <NUM> provides support for the key <NUM>. The circuit board unit <NUM> is disposed on a side that is of the inner metal frame <NUM> and that faces away from the outer metal frame <NUM>. The circuit board unit <NUM> is detachably connected to the inner metal frame <NUM>. The circuit board unit <NUM> is of a plate-like structure and has high rigidity. Therefore, the circuit board unit <NUM> is connected to the inner metal frame <NUM>, to effectively ensure stability and reliability of a connection between the circuit board unit <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM>, and reduce a possibility that the keyboard assembly <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM> are loosened or separated due to frequent tapping. For example, the circuit board unit <NUM> includes the circuit board <NUM>, the metal sheet <NUM>, and the backlight module <NUM>. The circuit board <NUM> is disposed on a side that is of the metal sheet <NUM> and that faces the inner metal frame <NUM>. The circuit board <NUM> may be a printed circuit board (Printed Circuit Board, PCB) or a flexible circuit board. The backlight module <NUM> is disposed on a side that is of the metal sheet <NUM> and that faces away from the inner metal frame <NUM>. The circuit board <NUM> has signal collection and signal processing functions. When the key <NUM> is tapped, a corresponding region of the circuit board <NUM> is triggered to execute a corresponding input instruction. The metal sheet <NUM> of the circuit board unit <NUM> is detachably connected to the inner metal frame <NUM>. Light of the backlight module <NUM> may penetrate through the metal sheet <NUM> and the circuit board <NUM> and illuminate the key <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the keyboard <NUM> according to the claimed invention further includes an adaptation piece <NUM>. The circuit board unit <NUM> is detachably connected to the inner metal frame <NUM> by using the adaptation piece <NUM>. For example, a part of the adaptation piece <NUM> is connected to the circuit board unit <NUM>, and the other part is connected to the inner metal frame <NUM>, so that the circuit board unit <NUM> is pressed against a surface that is of the inner metal frame <NUM> and that faces the circuit board unit <NUM>. In a manner in which the circuit board unit <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM> are connected by using the adaptation piece <NUM>, no connection structure needs to be additionally disposed on the circuit board unit <NUM> or the inner metal frame <NUM> in an integrated manner, to help reduce processing and manufacturing difficulty of the circuit board unit <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM>. When the keyboard assembly <NUM> needs to be repaired, the adaptation piece <NUM> may be removed to separate the keyboard assembly <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM>.

The adaptation piece <NUM> includes a first component <NUM> and a second component <NUM>. The first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM> are independently disposed. After the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM> are separately processed and manufactured, the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM> may be connected to each other to form the adaptation piece <NUM>. The first component <NUM> is disposed on the inner metal frame <NUM>. The first component <NUM> may be detachably connected to the inner metal frame <NUM>. After the inner metal frame <NUM> and the outer metal frame <NUM> are assembled, the first component <NUM> is connected to the inner metal frame <NUM>. Alternatively, the first component <NUM> is connected to the inner metal frame <NUM> in advance, and then the inner metal frame <NUM> with the first component <NUM> is connected to the outer metal frame <NUM>. Alternatively, the first component <NUM> may be directly built into or soldered onto the inner metal frame <NUM> to form an integral structure with the inner metal frame <NUM>. Before the inner metal frame <NUM> and the outer metal frame <NUM> are assembled, the first component <NUM> is built into or soldered onto the inner metal frame <NUM>, and then the inner metal frame <NUM> is connected to the outer metal frame <NUM>. Therefore, in a process of connecting the inner metal frame <NUM> and the outer metal frame <NUM>, the first component <NUM> is not easily separated from the inner metal frame <NUM> and lost. After being positioned, the keyboard assembly <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM> are connected by using the second component <NUM> and the first component <NUM>. The first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM> are fastened to connect the circuit board unit <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM>. The first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM> that are separately designed are used for the adaptation piece <NUM>, so that the first component <NUM> is positioned and mounted on the inner metal frame <NUM> in advance, and then the keyboard assembly <NUM> is fastened by using the second component <NUM>. Therefore, the second component <NUM> may be directly aligned with the first component <NUM> to perform a connection operation, and the second component <NUM> does not need to be repositioned with respect to the inner metal frame <NUM>.

The first component <NUM> is threaded with the second component <NUM>. One of the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM> has an external thread, and the other has an internal thread. When the second component <NUM> is connected to the first component <NUM>, the threads may guide the second component <NUM> to be aligned with the first component <NUM>, to reduce difficulty in positioning the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM> in alignment with each other, and help improve connection convenience and connection efficiency. After the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM> are connected, the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM> are easily self-locked, and have good anti-loosening performance and connection stability, to reduce a probability that a gap occurs between the keyboard assembly <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM> after the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM> are mutually loosened after long-term use, and the keyboard assembly <NUM> becomes loose, affecting stability and comfort of tapping the key <NUM> by the user.

In some implementable manners, the first component <NUM> is a nut. The inner metal frame <NUM> includes a mounting hole. The first component <NUM> is inserted into the mounting hole. The first component <NUM> may be partially located in the mounting hole, and partially located outside the mounting hole, or may be integrally located in the mounting hole. For example, the first component <NUM> is pressed into the mounting hole of the inner metal frame <NUM> in an extrusion manner. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a tooth portion <NUM> may be disposed on a peripheral surface of the first component <NUM>, so that after the first component <NUM> is pressed into the mounting hole, the tooth portion <NUM> of the first component <NUM> may be built into a hole wall of the mounting hole, to improve a bonding force and connection stability between the first component <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM>, reduce a possibility that the first component <NUM> easily drops from the inner metal frame <NUM>, and further reduce a possibility that the first component <NUM> rotates in the mounting hole when the first component <NUM> withstands torque. A plurality of tooth portions <NUM> are evenly distributed in an annular shape around the first component <NUM>. The second component <NUM> includes a bolt <NUM> and a cap portion <NUM> connected to the bolt <NUM>. The bolt <NUM> is threaded with the first component <NUM>. The bolt <NUM> has an external thread, and the first component <NUM> has an internal threaded hole that matches the external thread. The cap portion <NUM> of the second component <NUM> abuts against the circuit board unit <NUM>, to apply, to the circuit board unit <NUM>, a pressure stress toward the inner metal frame <NUM>. The cap portion <NUM> of the second component <NUM> may carry the keyboard assembly <NUM>, and also limit the keyboard assembly <NUM>, to reduce a possibility that the keyboard assembly <NUM> moves away from the inner metal frame <NUM>.

According to the claimed invention, the circuit board unit <NUM> includes the circuit board <NUM>, the metal sheet <NUM>, and the backlight module <NUM>. The circuit board <NUM> includes a first avoidance hole 311a. The metal sheet <NUM> includes a second avoidance hole 312a. The backlight module <NUM> includes a third avoidance hole 313a. The first avoidance hole 311a, the second avoidance hole 312a, and the third avoidance hole 313a are aligned, and communicate with each other. The first component <NUM> is inserted into the first avoidance hole 311a and the second avoidance hole 312a, so that the circuit board unit <NUM> may be positioned by using the first component <NUM>, to quickly and accurately adjust relative locations of the circuit board unit <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM>. The cap portion <NUM> of the second component <NUM> is accommodated in the third avoidance hole 313a and abuts against a surface that is of the metal sheet <NUM> and that faces away from the circuit board <NUM>. The metal sheet <NUM> has high rigidity. Therefore, when the second component <NUM> abuts against the metal sheet <NUM>, and a large pressure stress may be applied to the metal sheet <NUM>, to improve connection stability between the circuit board unit <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM>. The second component <NUM> and the metal sheet <NUM> each are of a metal material. Therefore, after the cap portion <NUM> of the second component <NUM> abuts against the metal sheet <NUM>, the cap portion <NUM> is not easily rotated and loosened relative to the metal sheet <NUM>. The cap portion <NUM> of the second component <NUM> is accommodated in the third avoidance hole 313a. Space of the third avoidance hole 313a may be used, to help reduce the overall thickness of the keyboard <NUM>. In addition, the backlight module <NUM> may be avoided, to reduce a possibility that a structure of the backlight module <NUM> is damaged because the cap portion <NUM> of the second component <NUM> abuts against the backlight module <NUM>. For example, the cap portion <NUM> of the second component <NUM> is integrally located in the third avoidance hole 313a. A top surface that is of the cap portion <NUM> of the second component <NUM> and that faces away from the inner metal frame <NUM> is flush with an edge of the third avoidance hole 313a formed in the backlight module <NUM>, or a top surface that is of the cap portion <NUM> of the second component <NUM> and that faces away from the inner metal frame <NUM> is lower than an edge of the third avoidance hole 313a formed in the backlight module <NUM>, to reduce a possibility that the cap portion <NUM> of the second component <NUM> collides with or scratches an adjacent mechanical part.

As shown in <FIG>, the inner metal frame <NUM> includes a transverse spacer <NUM> and a longitudinal spacer <NUM> that are connected to each other. For example, the entire keyboard <NUM> has a length and a width. The transverse spacer <NUM> extends in a length direction X of the keyboard <NUM>. The longitudinal spacer <NUM> extends in a width direction Y of the keyboard <NUM>. The transverse spacer <NUM> and the longitudinal spacer <NUM> are alternately disposed around the key avoidance hole <NUM>. For example, two longitudinal spacers <NUM> are disposed on a left side and a right side of each key avoidance hole <NUM>, and two transverse spacers <NUM> are disposed on an upper side and a lower side. A plurality of transverse spacers <NUM> and a plurality of longitudinal spacers <NUM> are classified to form a plurality of second openings 42a. The first component <NUM> is disposed in an intersection region of the transverse spacer <NUM> and the longitudinal spacer <NUM>. The intersection region of the transverse spacer <NUM> and the longitudinal spacer <NUM> has a large area, and therefore, has high rigidity. When a tapping force impacts on the keyboard assembly <NUM>, an acting force is transmitted to the inner metal frame <NUM> through the first component <NUM>. The intersection region of the transverse spacer <NUM> and the longitudinal spacer <NUM> has high rigidity, and has a strong deformation resistance capability. Therefore, under a pulling action of the first component <NUM>, the intersection region of the transverse spacer <NUM> and the longitudinal spacer <NUM> does not easily deform or sink, to ensure that the keyboard <NUM> can still remain structurally stable when withstanding impact.

In an embodiment in which the inner metal frame <NUM> includes a second board <NUM>, the transverse spacer <NUM> and the longitudinal spacer <NUM> are disposed on the second board <NUM>.

In this embodiment of this application, the outer metal frame <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM> are detachably connected. The outer metal frame <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM> each are independently processed and manufactured, and then are assembled. When the outer metal frame <NUM> or the inner metal frame <NUM> is repaired subsequently, the outer metal frame <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM> are separated. After being repaired, the outer metal frame <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM> are recombined, so that both the outer metal frame <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM> can be reused, to reduce maintenance difficulty and maintenance costs.

In some implementable manners, the outer metal frame <NUM> includes an outer surface 41b and an inner surface 41c that are opposite in a thickness direction of the outer metal frame <NUM>. The inner metal frame <NUM> is stuck to the inner surface 41c. Before the inner metal frame <NUM> and the outer metal frame <NUM> are connected, a predetermined location of the outer metal frame <NUM> or a predetermined location of the inner metal frame <NUM> is coated with glue or an adhesive tape in advance, and then the inner metal frame <NUM> and the outer metal frame <NUM> are stuck and fastened. In a sticking manner, a connection structure may not need to be additionally disposed on the outer metal frame <NUM> or the inner metal frame <NUM> to connect and fasten the outer metal frame <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM>, to reduce structural complexity of the outer metal frame <NUM> or the inner metal frame <NUM>, and reduce processing difficulty of the outer metal frame <NUM> or the inner metal frame <NUM>. In addition, a quantity of parts used for the keyboard <NUM> is reduced, to help reduce an assembly process and assembly difficulty of the keyboard <NUM>. Furthermore, a glue coating thickness or a thickness of the adhesive tape is precisely controlled, to help further reduce the overall thickness of the keyboard <NUM>.

There is an annular accommodation cavity (not shown in the figure) between the inner metal frame <NUM> and the inner surface 41c of the outer metal frame <NUM>. The keyboard frame assembly <NUM> further includes a first adhesive member <NUM> disposed in the annular accommodation cavity. For example, the first adhesive member <NUM> is an adhesive tape or cured glue. The key avoidance hole <NUM> is located in a region limited by the annular accommodation cavity. The first adhesive member <NUM> connects the outer metal frame <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM>. Before the outer metal frame <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM> are assembled, the predetermined location of the outer metal frame <NUM> or the predetermined location of the inner metal frame <NUM> is coated with the glue or the adhesive tape in advance, and then the outer metal frame <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM> are stuck together. The glue or the adhesive tape is located in the annular accommodation cavity. The annular accommodation cavity may limit the glue or the adhesive tape, to reduce a possibility that the glue spills from space between the outer metal frame <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM> or that the adhesive tape is misaligned. For example, the annular accommodation cavity is a continuously extending cavity. An annular groove 42b is disposed in an edge region of the inner metal frame <NUM>, so that after the outer metal frame <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM> are combined, the annular groove 42b and the inner surface 41c of the outer metal frame <NUM> form the annular accommodation cavity. The second opening 42a of the inner metal frame <NUM> is located in a region limited by the annular groove 42b.

In some implementable manners, the inner metal frame <NUM> includes the second board <NUM>, a second side plate <NUM>, and a flange <NUM>. The second side plate <NUM> and the second board <NUM> intersect. The flange <NUM> and the second side plate <NUM> are connected. The second board <NUM> includes the transverse spacer <NUM>, the longitudinal spacer <NUM>, and the second opening 42a formed through division of the transverse spacer <NUM> and the longitudinal spacer <NUM>. The annular groove 42b is disposed on a surface that is of the flange <NUM> and that faces the outer metal frame <NUM>.

In some examples, there is a first chamber (not shown in the figure) between the transverse spacer <NUM> and the inner surface 41c. The keyboard frame assembly <NUM> further includes a second adhesive member <NUM> disposed in the first chamber. For example, the second adhesive member <NUM> is an adhesive tape or cured glue. The second adhesive member <NUM> connects the outer metal frame <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM>. Before the outer metal frame <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM> are assembled, the predetermined location of the outer metal frame <NUM> or the predetermined location of the inner metal frame <NUM> is coated with the glue or the adhesive tape in advance, and then the outer metal frame <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM> are stuck together. The glue or the adhesive tape is located in the first chamber. The first chamber may limit the glue or the adhesive tape, to reduce the possibility that the glue spills from space between the outer metal frame <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM> or that the adhesive tape is misaligned. For example, <FIG> and <FIG> each schematically show a partial structure of a keyboard <NUM> according to an embodiment of this application. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a first concave part 421a is disposed on the transverse spacer <NUM> of the inner metal frame <NUM>, so that after the outer metal frame <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM> are combined, the first concave part 421a and the inner surface 41c of the outer metal frame <NUM> form the first chamber. Before the outer metal frame <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM> are assembled, an inside of the first concave part 421a is coated with glue or an adhesive tape in advance. The first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM> jointly connect the outer metal frame <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM>, to help further improve connection strength of the outer metal frame <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM>.

In some other examples, there is a second chamber (not shown in the figure) between the longitudinal spacer <NUM> and the inner surface 41c of the outer metal frame <NUM>. The keyboard frame assembly <NUM> further includes a second adhesive member <NUM> disposed in the second chamber. Before the outer metal frame <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM> are assembled, the predetermined location of the outer metal frame <NUM> or the predetermined location of the inner metal frame <NUM> is coated with the glue or the adhesive tape in advance, and then the outer metal frame <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM> are stuck together. The glue or the adhesive tape is located in the second chamber. The second chamber may limit the glue or the adhesive tape, to reduce the possibility that the glue spills from space between the outer metal frame <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM> or that the adhesive tape is misaligned. For example, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a second concave part 422a is disposed on the longitudinal spacer <NUM> of the inner metal frame <NUM>, so that after the outer metal frame <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM> are combined, the second concave part 422a and the inner surface 41c of the outer metal frame <NUM> form the second chamber. Before the outer metal frame <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM> are assembled, an inside of the second concave part 422a is coated with glue or an adhesive tape in advance.

It can be understood that there is a first chamber between the transverse spacer <NUM> and the inner surface 41c, and there is a second chamber between the longitudinal spacer <NUM> and the inner surface 41c. The keyboard frame assembly <NUM> further includes a second adhesive member <NUM> disposed in the first chamber and the second chamber. The first chamber and the second chamber may communicate. In the embodiment in which the first component <NUM> is a nut, the first component <NUM> may be disposed at an intersection of the first chamber and the second chamber, and an end surface that is of the first component <NUM> and that faces the outer metal frame <NUM> is exposed from the inner metal frame <NUM>, so that glue or an adhesive tape can connect the first component <NUM> and the outer metal frame <NUM>. When the first component <NUM> suffers from a tensile stress of pulling the first component <NUM> away from the outer metal frame <NUM>, a part that is of the outer metal frame <NUM> and that corresponds to the first component <NUM> may exert an opposite acting force on the first component <NUM>, to further reduce a possibility that the first component <NUM> and the inner metal frame <NUM> move away from the outer metal frame <NUM>.

An embodiment of this application provides a method for manufacturing a keyboard <NUM>, including:.

In the method for manufacturing a keyboard <NUM> in this embodiment, the keyboard <NUM> in the foregoing embodiment may be manufactured.

In the descriptions of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that unless otherwise specified or limited, terms "mount", "communicate", and "connect" shall be understood in a broad sense, for example, may be a fixed connection, may be an indirect connection by using an intermediate medium, or may be a connection between insides of two elements or an interaction relationship between two elements. A person of ordinary skill in the art may understand specific meanings of the foregoing terms in the embodiments of this application based on a specific situation.

The apparatus or element referred to in or implied in the embodiments of this application needs to have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be construed as a limitation on the embodiments of this specification. In the descriptions of the embodiments of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically specified.

The terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", and the like (if existent) in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish between similar objects, but are not necessarily used to describe a particular order or sequence. It should be understood that the data used in such a way is interchangeable in proper situations, so that the embodiments of the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented, for example, in a sequence other than those illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "include", "have", and any variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, a method, a system, a product, or a device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or are inherent to the process, method, product, or device.

Unless otherwise specified, "a plurality of" in this specification indicates two or more. The term "and/or" in this specification describes only an association relationship between associated objects and represents that three relationships can exist. For example, "A and/or B" can represent the following three cases: Only A exists, both A and B exist, and only B exists. In addition, the character "/" in this specification usually indicates an "or" relationship between the associated objects. In a formula, the character "/" indicates that the associated objects are in a "division" relationship.

It can be understood that various numeric numbers used in the embodiments of this application are merely described for easy differentiation, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application.

Claim 1:
A keyboard (<NUM>) for an electronic device (<NUM>), wherein the keyboard (<NUM>) comprises at least the following:
a keyboard assembly (<NUM>), comprising a circuit board unit (<NUM>) and a key (<NUM>); and
a keyboard frame assembly (<NUM>), comprising an outer metal frame (<NUM>), an inner metal frame (<NUM>), and a key avoidance hole (<NUM>), wherein the inner metal frame (<NUM>) is connected to the outer metal frame (<NUM>), the key avoidance hole (<NUM>) penetrates through the outer metal frame (<NUM>) and the inner metal frame (<NUM>), the keyboard assembly (<NUM>) is connected to the inner metal frame (<NUM>), the inner metal frame (<NUM>) is located between the outer metal frame (<NUM>) and the keyboard assembly (<NUM>), the inner metal frame (<NUM>) is configured to carry the keyboard assembly (<NUM>), and the key (<NUM>) is disposed in correspondence with the key avoidance hole (<NUM>), so that the key (<NUM>) is exposed from the key avoidance hole (<NUM>) and thereby accessible by a user; and
wherein the keyboard assembly (<NUM>) is detachably connected to the inner metal frame (<NUM>);
wherein the keyboard further comprises an adaptation piece (<NUM>), the adaptation piece (<NUM>) comprises a first component (<NUM>) and a second component (<NUM>), the first component is disposed on the inner metal frame (<NUM>), and the first component (<NUM>) and the second component (<NUM>) are fastened to connect the circuit board unit (<NUM>) and the inner metal frame (<NUM>);
wherein the circuit board unit (<NUM>) comprises a circuit board (<NUM>), a metal sheet (<NUM>), and a backlight module (<NUM>), the circuit board (<NUM>) is disposed on a side that is of the metal sheet (<NUM>) and that faces the inner metal frame (<NUM>), the backlight module (<NUM>) is disposed on a side that is of the metal sheet (<NUM>) and that faces away from the inner metal frame (<NUM>), the circuit board (<NUM>) comprises a first avoidance hole (311a), the metal sheet (<NUM>) comprises a second avoidance hole (312a), the backlight module (<NUM>) comprises a third avoidance hole (313a), the first component (<NUM>) is inserted into the first avoidance hole (311a) and the second avoidance hole (312a), and a cap portion (<NUM>) of the second component (<NUM>) is accommodated in the third avoidance hole (313a) and abuts against a surface that is of the metal sheet (<NUM>) and that faces away from the circuit board (<NUM>).