An electrical connector and electronic device

Abstract

This invention provides an electrical connector and an electronic device. The electrical connector is installed between a first housing and a second housing of the electronic device. The electrical connector includes: a connecting tongue plate and a first housing surrounding the connecting tongue plate, forming a receiving space between the first housing and the connecting tongue plate to accommodate a mating connector. When the mating connector is inserted into the receiving space, it is electrically connected to a conductive terminal on the connecting tongue plate. The second housing includes a housing body covering the first housing and connecting ear plates connected to both sides of the housing body and extending outside the first housing. A first limiting member is provided on the connecting ear plate. When the first limiting member is inserted into a corresponding first limiting groove on the first housing, the electrical connector is in a preset position within the first housing. The electrical connector provided by this invention can improve the assembly convenience and waterproof performance of the corresponding electronic device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of connector technology, and more specifically to an electrical connector and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] USB connectivity serves as an indispensable bridge for data transmission between different electronic devices. USB connectivity includes traditional USB connectors, such as those with USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 interfaces. These traditional connectors require a reversible orientation, and the external device must be aligned with the USB connector (located within devices like phones and computers) before insertion. It also includes newer USB connectors, such as those with a Type-C interface. These newer connectors do not require a reversible orientation; the external device can be directly inserted into the USB connector, achieving reversible insertion.

[0003] Given the current demand for waterproofing of electronic devices, higher requirements have been placed on the waterproof performance of USB connectors. However, current technologies and improvements to USB connectors largely focus on the design of the waterproof components within the connector itself, neglecting the fact that even minor differences in the connector's mounting position can cause variations in assembly gaps and changes in the tightness of connections with other components (not those within the USB connector, but other components within the electronic device). These variations can negatively impact the overall waterproof performance of the electronic device, resulting in waterproof ratings that fail to meet production requirements and low yield rates. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, in order to overcome the above problems, the present invention provides an electrical connector that facilitates the assembly and positioning of electronic device housings and can improve the accuracy and tightness of the overall assembly of electronic devices.

[0005] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides an electrical connector mounted between a first housing and a second housing of an electronic device; the electrical connector includes:

[0006] The connecting tongue plate and the first housing surrounding the connecting tongue plate form a receiving space for accommodating the mating connector. When the mating connector is inserted into the receiving space, it is electrically connected to the conductive terminals on the connecting tongue plate.

[0007] The second housing includes a housing body covering the first housing, and connecting ear plates connected to both sides of the housing body and extending outside the first housing; the connecting ear plates are provided with a first limiting member, and when the first limiting member is inserted into the corresponding first limiting groove on the first housing, the electrical connector is in a preset position inside the first housing.

[0008] Optionally, a second limiting member is also provided on the housing body; the extension direction of the second limiting member is opposite to the extension direction of the first limiting member, and when the second limiting member is inserted into the corresponding second limiting groove on the second housing, the electrical connector is in a preset position inside the second housing.

[0009] Optionally, the second limiting member is formed by bending and extending the edge of the middle part of the housing body, and the second limiting member extends along the radial section of the first housing.

[0010] Optionally, the connecting ear plate includes a first plate connected to the housing body and a second plate folded back from the first plate, with a first limiting member disposed on the second plate; a third limiting member is disposed on the first plate, the extension direction of the third limiting member being opposite to the extension direction of the first limiting member; when the third limiting member is inserted into a corresponding third limiting groove disposed on the circuit board inside the electronic device, the first end of the connecting tongue plate extending outside the first housing is electrically connected to the circuit board; the second end of the connecting tongue plate opposite to the first end is used to connect to the mating connector.

[0011] Optionally, the first limiting member is formed by bending and extending one side of the second plate, and the first limiting member extends along the radial section of the first housing.

[0012] Optionally, at least one boss is provided at the bend between the first limiting member and the second plate.

[0013] Optionally, the electrical connector also includes:

[0014] A waterproof ring is fitted over the first housing and located at the end where the opening of the receiving space is located;

[0015] The sealing ring is fitted over the first housing and is adjacent to the waterproof ring.

[0016] Optionally, the end of the sealing ring near the waterproof ring is turned outward to form a flange structure, and a locking groove is formed between the flange structure and the first housing; the waterproof ring is provided with a locking protrusion corresponding to the locking groove, and when the waterproof ring is set close to the sealing ring, the locking protrusion is locked in the locking groove.

[0017] According to a second aspect, the present invention also provides an electronic device, comprising:

[0018] A first housing and a second housing are interconnected, with a mounting cavity between the first housing and the second housing;

[0019] The electrical connector in any embodiment of the first aspect described above; a first housing is provided with a first limiting groove corresponding to a first limiting member in the electrical connector, and a second housing is provided with a second limiting groove corresponding to a second limiting member in the electrical connector; when the electrical connector is installed in the mounting cavity, the first limiting member is inserted into the first limiting groove, and the second limiting member is inserted into the second limiting groove.

[0020] The technical solution of this invention has the following advantages:

[0021] 1. The electrical connector provided by the present invention has a first limiting member on each of the two connecting ear plates on both sides of the second housing. When assembling the corresponding electronic device, the first limiting member can be inserted into the corresponding first limiting groove on the first housing to accurately position the electrical connector in the preset position (i.e., the ideal assembly position) within the first housing. This ensures that the assembly gap between the electrical connector and the housing of the electronic device is in an ideal state, and also prevents other components within the corresponding electronic device from being affected by radiation due to assembly errors between the housing and the electrical connector. This improves the assembly convenience of the electrical connector, ensures the accuracy and tightness of the assembly between the housing and the electrical connector of the electronic device and the internal components of the electronic device, and improves the waterproof performance of the electronic device equipped with the electrical connector.

[0022] 2. The electrical connector provided by the present invention has a second limiting member on the housing body of the second housing with an extension direction opposite to that of the first limiting member. When assembling the corresponding electronic device, the second limiting member can be inserted into the corresponding second limiting groove on the second housing to achieve accurate positioning of the electrical connector in the preset position (i.e., the ideal assembly position) within the second housing. This further improves the assembly convenience of the electrical connector and the waterproof performance of the electronic device equipped with the electrical connector.

[0023] 3. The electrical connector provided by the present invention has a third limiting member on the connecting ear plate (specifically the first plate) with an extension direction opposite to that of the first limiting member. This allows the electrical connector and the circuit board to be assembled accurately and conveniently, simply by inserting the third limiting member into the corresponding third limiting groove during the assembly of the corresponding electronic device.

[0024] 4. The electrical connector provided by the present invention forms a flanged structure by setting the end of the sealing ring near the waterproof ring to be turned outward, and forming a locking groove between the flanged structure and the first housing. At the same time, by setting a locking protrusion on the waterproof ring corresponding to the locking groove, the locking protrusion is locked in the locking groove when the waterproof ring is set close to the sealing ring. This can improve the compression tightness between the waterproof ring and the sealing ring during the assembly of the corresponding electronic device, thereby improving the waterproof performance of the electrical connector. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electrical connector provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure on the back of the electrical connector;

[0028] Figure 3 for Figure 2 An exploded view of the electrical connectors in the diagram;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the electrical connector and the first housing provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of an electrical connector and a circuit board provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a sealing ring in an electrical connector provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the waterproof ring and sealing ring in the electrical connector provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0034] 10 - Electrical connector;

[0035] 11-Connecting tongue plate; 11a-First end; 11b-Second end;

[0036] 111-Linguinal region;

[0037] 112 - Root of the tongue;

[0038] 12-First shell;

[0039] 13-Second shell;

[0040] 131-Shell body; 1311-Second limiting component;

[0041] 132-Connecting ear plate; 1321-First limiting member; 1322-Third limiting member; 1323-First plate; 1324-Second plate; 1325-Boss; 1326-Screw hole;

[0042] 14- Waterproof ring;

[0043] 141- Engaging protrusion;

[0044] 15-Sealing ring; 15a-Matching groove;

[0045] 151 - Flanged structure;

[0046] 20 - First housing; 21 - First limiting groove; 22 - Connecting hole;

[0047] 30 - Circuit board; 31 - Third limiting groove. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0049] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0050] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0051] It is important to note that the constructions and arrangements of this application shown in several different exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, those who consult this disclosure will readily understand that many modifications are possible (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape, and proportions of various elements, as well as parameter values ​​(e.g., temperature, pressure, etc.), mounting arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation, etc.) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described in this application). For example, an element shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be inverted or otherwise altered, and the nature or number or position of discrete elements may be changed or altered. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or rearranged according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any "device plus function" clause is intended to cover the structure described herein that performs the function, and not only structurally equivalent but also equivalent in structure. Other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may be made in the design, operation, and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments, but extends to various modifications that still fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0052] Furthermore, to provide a concise description of exemplary embodiments, not all features of actual embodiments (i.e., those features not related to the currently considered best mode for carrying out the invention, or those features not related to implementing the invention) may be described. Moreover, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the invention described below may be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0053] This invention provides an electronic device, which can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, or other terminal device. Specifically, the electronic device includes a first housing and a second housing connected to each other, with a mounting cavity between the first housing and the second housing. The circuit board, camera, and the electrical connectors described below are all mounted in the mounting cavity between the first housing and the second housing.

[0054] Please refer to Figures 1-5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electrical connector 10 provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The electrical connector 10 is applied in an electronic device and belongs to the category of female connectors. It is used to connect a mating connector (male connector, such as a data cable) to perform data transmission between the electronic device in the present invention and other devices, or to replenish the power of the electronic device in the present invention.

[0055] Please refer to Figures 1-4The electrical connector 10 may include a connecting tongue plate 11, a first housing 12, and a second housing 13. The first housing 12 surrounds the connecting tongue plate 11, and a receiving space for accommodating the mating connector is formed between the first housing 12 and the connecting tongue plate 11. When the mating connector is inserted into the receiving space, it is electrically connected to the conductive terminals on the connecting tongue plate 11. The second housing 13 includes a housing body 131 covering the first housing 12, and connecting ear plates 132 respectively connected to both sides of the housing body 131 and extending out of the first housing 12. A first limiting member 1321 is provided on the connecting ear plate 132. When the first limiting member 1321 is inserted into the corresponding first limiting groove 21 on the first housing 20, the electrical connector 10 is in a preset position within the first housing 20.

[0056] In this embodiment, there are multiple conductive terminals on the connecting tongue plate 11, and these multiple conductive terminals are spaced apart by an insulating base. That is, the multiple conductive terminals are disposed on the insulating base. The number, shape, and structure of the conductive terminals, as well as the shape and structure of the insulating base, can be any of the prior art, and this embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0057] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the connecting tongue 11 has a first end 11a for electrical connection with the circuit board 30, and a second end 11b opposite to the first end 11a for connection with a mating connector. Since the receiving space formed between the first housing 12 and the connecting tongue 11 is for accommodating the mating connector, the receiving space is formed at the second end 11b of the connecting tongue 11. Correspondingly, the second end 11b of the connecting tongue 11 is a tongue root portion 112 whose width and thickness (in the radial section of the cylindrical first housing 12) are both smaller than the tongue portion 111 of the first housing 12, while the first end 11a is a tongue root portion 112 whose width and thickness are relatively larger (compared to the tongue portion 111). The first housing 12 covers the tongue root portion 112 (the first housing 12 is in direct contact with the tongue root portion 112) to provide some support for the first housing 12, and also ensures that the receiving space has only one opening for the mating connector to be inserted, providing a sealed and waterproof function.

[0058] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, to facilitate connection with the mating connector, the second end 11b of the connecting tongue 11 extends outside the first housing 12. Of course, simultaneously... Figure 4 As shown, when the electrical connector 10 is assembled in the electronic device, the first housing 20 is provided with a connection hole 22 corresponding to the receiving space, and the second end 11b of the connecting tongue plate 11 extending outside the first housing 12 is located in the connection hole 22.

[0059] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5As shown, in order to facilitate connection with the circuit board 30, the first end 11a of the connecting tongue plate 11 also extends outside the first housing 12.

[0060] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the two connecting lugs 132 respectively disposed on both sides of the second housing 13 can be arc-shaped connected to the housing body 131. Specifically, the connecting lugs 132 can be integrally formed with the housing body 131, for example, the second housing 13 can be manufactured by stamping. Similarly, the first limiting member 1321 can also be formed by bending and extending one side of the connecting lug 132 (those skilled in the art should understand that this side is other than the side where the connecting lug 132 is connected to the housing body 131), and can then be integrally formed by stamping.

[0061] To further improve the ease of assembly, accuracy, and tightness of electronic devices equipped with the electrical connector 10, and thereby improve the waterproof performance of the electronic devices, such as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the housing body 131 of the second housing 13 can also be provided with a second limiting member 1311. The extension direction of the second limiting member 1311 is opposite to the extension direction of the first limiting member 1321, so that when the second limiting member 1311 is inserted into the corresponding second limiting groove on the second housing, the electrical connector 10 is in a preset position inside the second housing.

[0062] like Figures 1-3 As shown, if we assume that the second housing 13 covers the first side of the first housing 12, and the side of the first housing 12 opposite to the first side is the second side, then the first limiting member 1321 can be set to extend in a direction close to the plane where the second side is located, and the second limiting member 1311 and the third limiting member 1322 described below can both extend in a direction away from the plane where the second side is located.

[0063] Furthermore, if the second limiting member 1311 is formed by bending and extending the edge of the middle part of the housing body 131, so that the second limiting member 1311 can be integrally formed by stamping during the manufacturing process of the second housing 13, then, as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the second limiting member 1311 extends along the radial section of the first housing 12.

[0064] To improve the ease and accuracy of assembly between the electrical connector 10 and the corresponding circuit board 30, such as Figures 1-3 , Figure 5As shown, the connecting ear plate 132 of the second housing 13 may include a first plate 1323 connected to the housing body 131, and a second plate 1324 folded back from the first plate 1323. A first limiting member 1321 is disposed on the second plate 1324. At the same time, a third limiting member 1322 may be disposed on the first plate 1323. The extension direction of the third limiting member 1322 is opposite to the extension direction of the first limiting member 1321. When the third limiting member 1322 is inserted into the corresponding third limiting groove 31 disposed on the circuit board 30 in the electronic device, the first end 11a of the connecting tongue plate 11 extending outside the first housing 12 is electrically connected to the circuit board 30.

[0065] Those skilled in the art will understand that the insertion between the first limiting member 1321 and the first limiting groove 21, and the insertion between the third limiting member 1322 and the third limiting groove 31, mainly serve the purpose of assembly and positioning. The fixed connection between the electrical connector 10, the first housing 20, and the circuit board 30 is mainly achieved through threaded connections (e.g., Figures 1-5 As shown, screw holes 1326 are provided on the connecting ear plate 132, the first housing 20 and the circuit board 30 respectively. Therefore, the provision of the first plate 1323 and the second plate 1324 can also enhance the strength of the connecting ear plate 132, thereby enabling the electrical connector 10 and the first housing 20 to be fully squeezed together, thus improving the waterproofness of the electronic device.

[0066] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the second plate 1324 can be formed by folding back the side of the first plate 1323 away from the housing body 131 and extending it towards the housing body 131. In this case, if the third limiting member 1322 and the first limiting member 1321 are respectively formed by bending and extending one side of the first plate 1323 and the second plate 1324, so that the two can be integrally manufactured by stamping during the manufacturing process of the second housing 13, then... Figures 1-3 As shown, the third limiting member 1322 and the first limiting member 1321 also extend along the radial section of the first housing 12.

[0067] To improve the support strength of the first limiting member 1321, and thus improve its limiting accuracy, such as Figure 1 As shown, at least one boss 1325 can be provided at the bend between the first limiting member 1321 and the second plate 1324. The boss 1325 can be formed by stamping the bend between the first limiting member 1321 and the second plate 1324 using a rib, or it can be a reinforcing rib additionally provided at the bend between the first limiting member 1321 and the second plate 1324.

[0068] In summary, the electrical connector 10 in this embodiment, by providing two connecting ear plates 132 on both sides of the second housing 13 with the first limiting member 1321 facing each other, allows the electrical connector 10 to be accurately positioned in the preset position (i.e., the ideal assembly position) within the first housing 20 during the assembly of the corresponding electronic device, simply by inserting the first limiting member 1321 into the corresponding first limiting groove 21 on the first housing 20. Furthermore, by providing a second limiting member 1311 on the housing body 131 of the second housing 13 with the extension direction opposite to that of the first limiting member 1321, the electrical connector 10 can be accurately positioned in the preset position (i.e., the ideal assembly position) within the first housing 20 during the assembly of the corresponding electronic device, simply by inserting the second limiting member 1311 into the first housing 20. By attaching the connector 10 to the corresponding second limiting groove on the second housing, the connector 10 can be accurately positioned in the preset position (i.e., the ideal assembly position) within the second housing. This ensures that the assembly gap between the connector 10 and the housing of the electronic device is in an ideal state, and also prevents other components within the electronic device from being affected by radiation due to assembly errors between the housing and the connector 10. This improves the ease of assembly of the connector 10, while ensuring the accuracy and tightness of the assembly between the housing and the connector 10 of the electronic device and the internal components of the electronic device, thereby improving the waterproof performance of the electronic device equipped with the connector 10.

[0069] In one optional implementation of this embodiment, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in addition to the waterproof ring 14 sleeved on the first housing 12 and located at the end where the accommodating space opening is located, the electrical connector 10 can also be provided with a sealing ring 15 sleeved on the first housing 12 and adjacent to the waterproof ring 14, so as to improve the waterproof effect that the waterproof ring 14 can achieve after the first housing 20 and the second housing of the electronic device are assembled by squeezing the waterproof ring 14.

[0070] To further improve the waterproof performance of waterproof ring 14, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the end of the sealing ring 15 near the waterproof ring 14 can be turned outward to form a flange structure 151, and a locking groove 15a is formed between the flange structure 151 and the first housing 12; and a locking protrusion 141 corresponding to the locking groove 15a is provided on the waterproof ring 14. When the waterproof ring 14 is set close to the sealing ring 15, the locking protrusion 141 is locked in the locking groove 15a.

[0071] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. An electrical connector mounted between first and second housings of an electronic device, characterized by, The electrical connector includes: The connector includes a connecting tongue plate and a first housing surrounding the connecting tongue plate. A receiving space for accommodating a mating connector is formed between the first housing and the connecting tongue plate. When the mating connector is inserted into the receiving space, it is electrically connected to the conductive terminals on the connecting tongue plate. The second housing includes a housing body covering the first housing, and connecting ear plates connected to both sides of the housing body and extending outside the first housing; the connecting ear plates are provided with a first limiting member, and when the first limiting member is inserted into a corresponding first limiting groove on the first housing, the electrical connector is in a preset position inside the first housing.

2. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein, The housing body is also provided with a second limiting member; the extension direction of the second limiting member is opposite to the extension direction of the first limiting member, and when the second limiting member is inserted into the corresponding second limiting groove on the second housing, the electrical connector is in a preset position inside the second housing.

3. The electrical connector of claim 2, wherein, The second limiting member is formed by bending and extending the edge of the middle part of the housing body, and the second limiting member extends along the radial section of the first housing.

4. The electrical connector of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The connecting lug includes a first plate connected to the housing body and a second plate folded back from the first plate. The first limiting member is disposed on the second plate. A third limiting member is disposed on the first plate. The extension direction of the third limiting member is opposite to that of the first limiting member. When the third limiting member is inserted into a corresponding third limiting groove on the circuit board inside the electronic device, the first end of the connecting tongue plate extending outside the first housing is electrically connected to the circuit board. The second end of the connecting tongue plate opposite to the first end is used to connect to the mating connector.

5. The electrical connector of claim 4, wherein, The first limiting member is formed by bending and extending one side of the second plate, and the first limiting member extends along the radial section of the first housing.

6. The electrical connector of claim 5, wherein, At least one boss is provided at the bend between the first limiting member and the second plate.

7. The electrical connector of claim 4, wherein, Also includes: A waterproof ring is fitted over the first housing and located at the end where the opening of the receiving space is located; A sealing ring is fitted over the first housing and is adjacent to the waterproof ring.

8. The electrical connector according to claim 7, characterized in that, The end of the sealing ring near the waterproof ring is turned outward to form a flange structure, and the flange structure forms a locking groove with the first housing; the waterproof ring is provided with a locking protrusion corresponding to the locking groove, and when the waterproof ring is set close to the sealing ring, the locking protrusion is locked in the locking groove.

9. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: A first housing and a second housing are interconnected, with a mounting cavity between the first housing and the second housing; The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1-8; The first housing is provided with a first limiting groove corresponding to the first limiting member in the electrical connector, and the second housing is provided with a second limiting groove corresponding to the second limiting member in the electrical connector. When the electrical connector is installed in the mounting cavity, the first limiting member is inserted into the first limiting groove, and the second limiting member is inserted into the second limiting groove.

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