Connector, preparation method thereof and electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses a connector, a preparation method thereof and electronic equipment, and belongs to the technical field of electronic equipment. The connector comprises a supporting seat and at least two conductive connecting pieces. The edge part and the at least two conductive connecting pieces connected with the edge part are arranged in the integrated piece, namely, the at least two conductive connecting pieces are indirectly connected together through the edge part. Therefore, in the later-stage preparation process of the connector, multiple conductive connecting pieces can be placed in other equipment at the same time by clamping the edge part in the integrated piece so as to form a supporting seat, and at least part of each conductive connecting piece can be embedded into the corresponding bearing cavity in the supporting seat; and meanwhile, the placement position of each conductive connecting piece does not need to be adjusted in the process. And finally, the edge part is removed in a cutting mode. Therefore, the arrangement efficiency of the plurality of conductive connecting pieces in the later-stage preparation process of the connector can be effectively improved by arranging the integrated piece, and the manufacturing cost is saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of electronic equipment, and in particular to a connector and a preparation method thereof, and electronic equipment. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous development of science and technology, many portable electronic devices have been introduced, such as tablet computers, smart phones, and wearable electronic devices. Users can send and receive data through the interaction between these electronic devices, meeting the various usage needs of users.

[0003] At present, the connector is an important connecting component between two electronic devices, and after the connection is successful through the connector, functions such as data transmission or charging can be realized. For example, a tablet computer can be electrically connected to a keyboard through a connector.

[0004] However, the processing process of existing connectors is relatively complicated. Summary of the invention

[0005] The embodiment of the present application provides a connector and a manufacturing method thereof, and an electronic device. The problem that the connector processing process is relatively complicated in the prior art can be solved. The technical solution is as follows:

[0006] In one aspect, a connector is provided, the connector being used for installation in an electronic device, the connector comprising:

[0007] A support base and at least two conductive connecting members;

[0008] The support base has: at least two bearing cavities corresponding to the at least two conductive connecting members one by one, and an opening communicating with the bearing cavities, wherein the opening is located on the support base;

[0009] The conductive connector is bent, and at least part of it is embedded in the corresponding bearing cavity. The conductive connector includes: a first connector, and a second connector fixedly connected to one end of the first connector, and at least part of the first connector is exposed at the opening.

[0010] Optionally, the second connecting member includes: a first elastic arm and a second elastic arm, wherein the first end of the first elastic arm is fixedly connected to the end of the first connecting member, and the second end of the first elastic arm is fixedly connected to the first end of the second elastic arm;

[0011] Wherein, an extending direction of the second elastic arm is parallel to an extending direction of the first connecting member, and an extending direction of the first elastic arm intersects with an extending direction of the second elastic arm.

[0012] Optionally, the second connecting member further includes: a third elastic arm, a first end of the third elastic arm is fixedly connected to the end of the first connecting member, and a second end of the third elastic arm is fixedly connected to the first end of the first elastic arm.

[0013] Optionally, the extending direction of the third elastic arm is an arc direction.

[0014] Optionally, the thickness of the third elastic arm is smaller than the thickness of the first connecting member, and smaller than the thickness of the first elastic arm.

[0015] Optionally, a first metal layer is provided on a surface of the first connecting member exposed from the opening; and / or a second metal layer is provided on at least a portion of a surface of the second elastic arm.

[0016] Optionally, a side surface of the support seat has a first opening connected to the bearing cavity, and at least a portion of the second elastic arm extends from the first opening.

[0017] Optionally, a side of the support seat facing away from the opening has a mounting groove communicating with the bearing cavity;

[0018] At least part of the second elastic arm is exposed from the mounting slot, the part of the second elastic arm exposed from the mounting slot is used to be electrically connected to the auxiliary adapter, and the side of the auxiliary adapter facing away from the second elastic arm extends from the mounting slot.

[0019] Optionally, the support seat has an auxiliary through hole connected to the bearing cavity, and a portion of the second elastic arm is exposed from the auxiliary through hole.

[0020] Optionally, each of the conductive connectors further includes: a third connector fixedly connected to an end of the first connector facing away from the second connector, and at least a portion of the third connector is embedded in the corresponding bearing cavity.

[0021] Optionally, a side of the support seat facing away from the opening has at least one first limiting groove, and the at least one first limiting groove is connected to each of the openings.

[0022] Optionally, when the support seat has a plurality of the first limiting grooves, the plurality of the first limiting grooves are arranged in a plurality of columns along the first direction and in a plurality of rows along the second direction, and a column of the first limiting grooves is connected to at least one of the openings.

[0023] Optionally, a row of the first limiting grooves includes: at least one first sub-limiting groove, and a second sub-limiting groove located at at least one side of the at least one first sub-limiting groove;

[0024] Wherein, the first sub-limiting groove is communicated with two adjacent openings at the same time; and the second sub-limiting groove is communicated with an opening located at the edge of at least two of the openings.

[0025] Optionally, the side of the support seat facing away from the opening also has: a plurality of second limiting grooves connected to the plurality of first limiting grooves in a one-to-one correspondence, the second limiting grooves being closer to the opening than the corresponding first limiting grooves, and in the first direction, one of the openings is distributed between two adjacent second limiting grooves, and two adjacent second limiting grooves are both connected to the opening.

[0026] Optionally, in the first direction, at least one of the two inner walls of the second limiting groove that are arranged opposite to each other has an inclined surface, and a width of the second limiting groove gradually increases in a direction toward the first limiting groove.

[0027] Optionally, a side of the support seat facing away from the opening further comprises: a weight-reducing groove connected to the first limiting groove, and the first limiting groove is closer to the opening than the weight-reducing groove.

[0028] Optionally, the support seat includes: a connecting portion, and a main body portion fixedly connected to one side of the connecting portion, the opening is located on a side of the main body portion away from the connecting portion, a portion of the bearing cavity is located in the main body portion, and another portion of the bearing cavity is located in the connecting portion.

[0029] On the other hand, a functional module is provided, which includes: a functional device, and a connector electrically connected to the functional device, and the connector is any one of the connectors given above.

[0030] On the other hand, an electronic device is provided, comprising: the functional module or the connector as described above.

[0031] Optionally, the electronic device includes a shell and a functional module, the shell has a connecting opening, the functional device in the functional module is fixed in the shell, and at least a part of the connector in the functional module is located in the connecting opening.

[0032] In another aspect, a method for preparing a connector is provided, wherein the method is used to prepare any of the above connectors, and the method comprises:

[0033] Prepare an integrated part, the integrated part comprising: at least two conductive connecting parts, and an edge portion fixedly connected to each of the conductive connecting parts;

[0034] Performing injection molding on the integral part to form a support seat with the integral part;

[0035] The edge portion of the integral piece is cut to obtain the connector.

[0036] Optionally, the preparing the integrated part comprises:

[0037] The metal substrate is subjected to a stamping process to obtain the integrated part.

[0038] Optionally, before the integral part is injection molded, the method further comprises:

[0039] Electroplating is performed on the local distribution of each of the conductive connecting members to form a metal plating layer on the conductive connecting member.

[0040] The beneficial effects brought by the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present application include at least:

[0041] A connector may include: a support seat and at least two conductive connectors. By setting an edge portion in an integral part and at least two conductive connectors connected to the edge portion, that is, at least two conductive connectors are indirectly connected together through the edge portion. In this way, in the later preparation process of the connector, by clamping the edge portion in the integral part, multiple conductive connectors can be placed in other equipment at the same time to form a support seat, and at least part of each conductive connector can be embedded in the corresponding bearing cavity in the support seat, and there is no need to adjust the placement position of each conductive connector separately in this process. Finally, the edge portion in the integral part can be removed by cutting. In this way, by setting the integral part, the placement efficiency of multiple conductive connectors in the later preparation process of the connector can be effectively improved, saving manufacturing costs. In addition, by the above-mentioned setting method of the conductive connector, multiple integral parts can be connected, and by clamping the edge portion in the integral part, the support seats corresponding to the multiple conductive connectors in each integral part can be continuously and sequentially formed in other equipment, saving the time required for each separate placement, and further improving the process preparation efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0043] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of a connector provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a connector provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of an integrated component provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Figure 4 is an exploded schematic diagram of a connector provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A top view of the connector is shown;

[0048] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the connector at AA' is shown;

[0049] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 A bottom view of the connector is shown;

[0050] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a connection between a connector and a circuit board provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram of a connection between a connector and a welding wire provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another connector provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 A cross-sectional view of the connector is shown;

[0054] Fig.12 is a schematic diagram of the effect of using the second pressure column to press the first connecting member;

[0055] Fig.13 It is a structural schematic diagram of a functional module shown in an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Fig.14 It is an exploded schematic diagram of an electronic device and other electronic devices provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Fig.15 It is a flow chart of a method for preparing a connector provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0058] The above drawings have shown clear embodiments of the present application, which will be described in more detail later. These drawings and text descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the present application in any way, but to illustrate the concept of the present application to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the implementation methods of the present application will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0060] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a connector provided in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 2 1 is a cross-sectional view of a connector provided in an embodiment of the present application. The connector can be installed in an electronic device, and the connector 000 can include: a support base 100 and at least two conductive connectors 200 .

[0061] The support base 100 in the connector 000 may have: at least two bearing cavities 101 corresponding to at least two conductive connectors 200, and an opening 102 communicating with the bearing cavities. The opening 102 of the support base 100 may be located on the front side a1 of the support base 100, and the front side a1 of the support base 100 may be a side of the support base 100 in the connector 000 that is close to other external electronic devices when the connector is integrated into the electronic device and electrically connected to other external electronic devices. It should be noted that each bearing cavity 101 in the support base 100 may correspond to an opening 102, and each opening 102 may be communicated with the corresponding bearing cavity 101.

[0062] The conductive connector 200 in the connector 000 may be in a bent shape, and at least a portion of the conductive connector 200 may be embedded in the corresponding bearing cavity 101 in the support seat 100. The conductive connector 200 may include: a first connector 201, and a second connector 202 fixedly connected to one end of the first connector 201. At least a portion of the first connector 201 may be exposed at the opening 102 in the support seat 100. For example, the second connector 202 in the conductive connector 200 may be used to electrically connect to a functional device (not shown in the figure) in an electronic device, for example, the functional device may include a circuit board.

[0063] Among them, please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 The second connector 202 in the conductive connector 200, one end of which is away from the first connector 201, can be used to connect to the edge portion A1 in the integral part A. At least two conductive connectors 200 in the connector 000 are obtained by cutting the edge portion A1 in the integral part A.

[0064] In the embodiment of the present application, an edge portion A1 is provided in the integral part A, and at least two conductive connectors 200 connected to the edge portion A1, that is, at least two conductive connectors 200 are indirectly connected together through the edge portion A1 in the integral part A. In this way, in the later preparation process of the connector, by clamping the edge portion A1 in the integral part A, multiple conductive connectors 200 can be placed in other equipment at the same time to form a support seat 100, and at least part of each conductive connector 200 can be embedded in the corresponding bearing cavity 101 in the support seat 100, and in this process, there is no need to adjust the placement position of each conductive connector 200 separately. Finally, the edge portion A1 in the integral part A can be removed by cutting. In this way, by providing the integral part A, the placement efficiency of multiple conductive connectors 200 in the later preparation process of the connector can be effectively improved, saving manufacturing costs. In addition, through the above-mentioned setting method of the conductive connecting parts, multiple integrated parts A can be connected, and by clamping the edge portion A1 in the integrated part, the support seat 100 corresponding to the multiple conductive connecting parts 200 in each integrated part can be continuously and sequentially formed in other equipment, saving the time required for each individual placement and further improving the process preparation efficiency.

[0065] For example, after the connector 000 is installed in an electronic device, the portion of the first connector 201 in the connector 000 exposed from the opening 102 of the support base 100 can contact an elastic connector (for example, a spring or a PIN needle) in other electronic devices to achieve electrical connection between the electronic device and other electronic devices.

[0066] In summary, the embodiment of the present application provides a connector, which may include: a support seat and at least two conductive connectors. By setting an edge portion in an integral part, and at least two conductive connectors connected to the edge portion, that is, at least two conductive connectors are indirectly connected together through the edge portion. In this way, in the later preparation process of the connector, by clamping the edge portion in the integral part, multiple conductive connectors can be placed in other equipment at the same time to form a support seat, and at least part of each conductive connector can be embedded in the corresponding bearing cavity in the support seat, and there is no need to adjust the placement position of each conductive connector separately in this process. Finally, the edge portion in the integral part can be removed by cutting. In this way, by setting an integral part, the placement efficiency of multiple conductive connectors in the later preparation process of the connector can be effectively improved, saving manufacturing costs. In addition, through the above-mentioned setting method of the conductive connector, multiple integral parts can be connected, and by clamping the edge portion in the integral part, the support seats corresponding to the multiple conductive connectors in each integral part can be continuously and sequentially formed in other equipment, saving the time required for each separate placement, and further improving the process preparation efficiency.

[0067] Optional, please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 , Figure 4 is an exploded schematic diagram of a connector provided in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A top view of the connector is shown. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of the connector at A-A' is shown. The second connector 202 in the conductive connector 200 may include: a first elastic arm 2021 and a second elastic arm 2022, wherein the first end of the first elastic arm 2021 may be fixedly connected to the end of the first connector 201, the second end of the first elastic arm 2021 may be fixedly connected to the first end of the second elastic arm 2022, and the second elastic arm 2022 may be used to electrically connect to the functional device. The extension direction of the second elastic arm 2022 may be parallel to the extension direction of the first connector 201, and the extension direction of the first elastic arm 2021 may intersect with the extension direction of the second elastic arm 2022. In the present application, the first connector 201 and the second connector 202 can both be metal sheet structures, and the first elastic arm 2021 and the second elastic arm 2022 are arranged in the second connector 202, and the extension direction of the second elastic arm 2022 is parallel to the extension direction of the first connector 201, and the extension direction of the first elastic arm 2021 is parallel to the extension direction of the second elastic arm 2022. In this way, the second connector 202 and the first connector 201 are formed to have a certain degree of elastic deformation, and when the first connector 201 is abutted against the elastic connector in other electronic devices to achieve electrical connection, the reliability of the electrical connection between the two electronic devices can be guaranteed. For example, the extension direction of the first elastic arm 2021 can be perpendicular to the extension direction of the second elastic arm 2022.

[0068] In the embodiments of the present application, Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the second connector 202 may further include: a third elastic arm 2023, the first end of which may be fixedly connected to the end of the first connector 201, and the second end of the third elastic arm 2023 may be fixedly connected to the first end of the first elastic arm 2021. In the present application, the extension direction of the third elastic arm 2023 may be an arc direction. In this case, the first connector 201 is connected to the first elastic arm 2021 in the second connector 202 by setting the third elastic arm 2023, and the extension direction of the third elastic arm 2023 is an arc direction. In this way, the stress concentration phenomenon at the connection between the first connector 201 and the first elastic arm 2021 can be reduced.

[0069] Optionally, the thickness of the third elastic arm 2023 can be less than the thickness of the first connector 201, and can be less than the thickness of the first elastic arm 2021. That is, the first connector 201, the third elastic arm 2023 and the first elastic arm 2021 can enclose a avoidance groove b1. In this way, the avoidance groove b1 can prevent the undesirable phenomenon that the plastic easily flows to the surface of the part exposed from the opening in the first connector during the process of forming the support seat 100 through the injection molding process, thereby ensuring that the reliability of the electrical connection between the connector 000 and other electronic devices through the first connector 201 is good.

[0070] In the examples of this application, please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 7 , Figure 7 yes Figure 4 The bottom view of the connector is shown. The surface of the first connector 201 of the conductive connector 200 exposed from the opening 102 on the support seat 100 may be provided with a first metal layer 300; and / or, at least part of the surface of the second elastic arm 2022 may be provided with a second metal layer 400. It should be noted that the surface of the second elastic arm 2022 for electrical connection with the functional device in the electronic device may be provided with a second metal layer 400. In the present application, the surface of the first connector 201 of the conductive connector 200 exposed from the opening 102 on the support seat 100 may be provided with a first metal layer 300, and the surface of the second elastic arm 2022 electrically connected to the functional device in the electronic device may be provided with a second metal layer 400. In this way, the first metal layer 300 is provided on the surface of the first connector 201, and the second metal layer 400 is provided on the surface of the second elastic arm 2022 electrically connected to the functional device in the electronic device. In this way, the metal plating can effectively prevent oxidation and corrosion of the electrical connection surface, and ensure the reliability of the electrical connection between electronic devices and between the connector and the functional device. For example, the first metal layer 300 and the second metal layer 400 may each include at least one of palladium, gold, and platinum.

[0071] Optionally, after the connector 000 is integrated into the functional module, the conductive connector 200 in the connector 000 and the functional device in the functional module have different connection modes. The following is a schematic description using two different connection modes as examples:

[0072] For the first connection method, please refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8It is a connection diagram of a connector and a circuit board provided in an embodiment of the present application. The side of the support seat 100 in the connector 000 may have a first opening 103 connected to the bearing cavity 101, and at least a portion of the second elastic arm 2022 in the second connector 202 may extend from the first opening 103. For example, the portion of the second elastic arm 2022 in the second connector 202 extending from the first opening 103 can be used to directly electrically connect to a functional device 01 in an electronic device. For example, the functional device 01 may be a PCB circuit board, or a flexible circuit board (English: Flexible Printed Circuit; abbreviated as: FPC) or other electronic devices, etc., and the embodiment of the present application does not make specific limitations on this.

[0073] For the second connection method, please refer to Fig. 9 , Fig. 9 1 is a schematic diagram of a connection between a connector and a welding wire provided in an embodiment of the present application. The side of the support seat 100 facing away from the opening 102 may have a mounting groove 104 connected to the bearing cavity 101. Among them, at least a portion of the second elastic arm 2022 of the second connector 202 may be exposed from the mounting groove 104, and the portion of the second elastic arm 2022 exposed from the mounting groove 104 may be used to electrically connect to the auxiliary adapter 02. The side of the auxiliary adapter 02 facing away from the second elastic arm 2022 may extend from the mounting groove 104. For example, the portion of the auxiliary adapter 02 that extends from the mounting groove 104 on the side facing away from the second elastic arm 2022 may be used to electrically connect to a functional device. For example, the auxiliary adapter may be a welding wire, a conductive spring or a contact.

[0074] In other possible implementations, the side of the support base 100 in the connector 000 may also have a first opening 103 that is connected to the bearing cavity 101, and the auxiliary adapter 02 can extend from the first opening 103 on the side of the support base 100, and the end of the auxiliary adapter 02 that is away from the second elastic arm 2022 can be used to electrically connect with the functional device 01 in the electronic device. When the auxiliary adapter 02 can be a welding wire, the mounting groove 104 can play a certain limiting role on the end of the welding wire. For example, in the actual installation process, one end of the welding wire can extend from the first opening 103 into the mounting groove 104 and weld with the portion of the second elastic arm 2022 exposed from the mounting groove 104, and the other end of the welding wire can be welded to the functional device 01 in the electronic device.

[0075] It should be noted that in other possible implementations, part of the second elastic arm 2022 is exposed from the mounting slot 104 , and part of the second elastic arm 2022 can also extend from the first opening 103 , and the extended part can be electrically connected to the functional device 01 in the electronic device.

[0076] In the embodiments of the present application, Figure 8 As shown, the front side a1 of the support seat 100 in the connector 000 may have an auxiliary through hole 105 connected to the bearing cavity 101, and a portion of the second elastic arm 2022 in the second connector 202 may be exposed from the auxiliary through hole 105. That is, the orthographic projection of the auxiliary through hole 105 on the plane where the second elastic arm 2022 is located is located in the area where the second elastic arm 2022 is located. For example, the front side a1 of the support seat 100 may have at least two auxiliary through holes 105 corresponding to the second elastic arms 2022 in at least two conductive connectors 200. In the present application, the integral part A can continue to be formed with the support seat 100 through the injection molding process. Specifically, the integral part A can be placed in the mold. In order to prevent the conductive connector 200 from warping during the injection molding process, a first pressure column (not shown in the figure) can be set in the mold, and a pressing force can be applied to the second elastic arm 2022 through the first pressure column. In this way, after the support seat 100 is formed by injection molding, the first pressure column is just located in the auxiliary through hole 105 on the support seat 100 , and then when the connector 000 is taken out of the mold, the first pressure column in the mold can be separated from the auxiliary through hole 105 .

[0077] Optional, such as Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, each conductive connector 200 may also include: a third connector 203 fixedly connected to the end of the first connector 201 away from the second connector 202, and at least a portion of the third connector 203 may be embedded in the corresponding bearing cavity 101 (the bearing cavity is the bearing cavity corresponding to the conductive connector containing the third connector). For example, the end of the third connector 203 away from the first connector 201 may be used to connect to the edge portion A1 in the integral part A. In this case, by providing a third connector 203 connected to the first connector 201 in the conductive connector 200, and the third connector 203 and the second connector 202 are respectively located on both sides of the first connector 201, the structural strength of the conductive connector 200 can be further enhanced. In the present application, the shape of the third connector 203 may be the same as that of the second connector 202, so as to facilitate the preparation of the conductive connector 200.

[0078] In the embodiment of the present application, the side of the support base 100 in the connector 000 facing away from the opening 102 may have at least one first limiting groove 106, and the at least one first limiting groove 106 may be connected to each opening. For example, when the number of the first limiting groove 106 provided on the side of the support base 100 facing away from the opening 102 is one, the first limiting groove may be connected to each opening 102.

[0079] Please refer to Figure 7 , Fig.10 and Fig.11 , Fig.10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another connector provided in an embodiment of the present application, Fig.11 yes Fig.10 A cross-sectional view of the connector is shown. When a plurality of first limiting grooves 106 are provided on a side of the support seat 100 in the connector 000 that faces away from the opening 102, the plurality of first limiting grooves 106 may be arranged in a plurality of columns along the first direction f1, and in a plurality of rows along the second direction f2. A column of first limiting grooves 106 may be connected to at least one opening, the first direction f1 may be parallel to the length direction of the support seat 100, and the second direction f2 may be parallel to the width direction of the support seat 100. In this case, when the support seat 100 in the connector 000 is formed by an injection molding process, in order to suppress a plurality of conductive connectors 200 and ensure that the first connector 201 in each conductive connector 200 is flush, please refer to Fig.12 , Fig.12 Schematic diagram of the effect of using the second pressing column to press the first connector. By setting a plurality of second pressing columns B1 in the injection mold, the second pressing column B1 can abut against the first connector 201 in at least one opening 102 to press the first connector 201. In this way, during the process of injection molding the support seat 100, the second pressing column B1 can be located in the first limiting groove 106 on the support seat 100, and then during the process of removing the connector 000 from the mold, the second pressing column B1 can be separated from the first limiting groove 106 on the support seat 100.

[0080] In this application, if Fig.11 As shown, a row of first limiting grooves 106 may include: at least one first sub-limiting groove 1061, and a second sub-limiting groove 1062 located at at least one side of at least one first sub-limiting groove 1061. The first sub-limiting groove 1061 may be connected to two adjacent openings 102 at the same time, and the second sub-limiting groove 1062 may be connected to the opening located at the edge of at least two openings 102. In this way, by arranging a plurality of second pressing columns B1 in the injection mold, a part of the second pressing columns B1 may press the first connecting member 201 located in the two adjacent openings 102 at the same time in the first sub-limiting groove 1061; another part of the second pressing columns B1 may press the first connecting member 201 located in the opening 102 located at the edge in the second sub-limiting groove 1062. For example, the second sub-limiting grooves 1062 may be respectively arranged on both sides of at least one first sub-limiting groove 1061.

[0081] For example, the number of the conductive connectors 200 in the connector 000 provided in the present application can be five, and the number of the openings 102 provided on the front of the support seat 100 can be five. The first limiting grooves 106 can be arranged in six columns along the first direction f1 and in two rows along the second direction f2. Take a row of first limiting grooves 106 as an example, wherein the row of first limiting grooves 106 includes: a first sub-limiting groove c1, a first sub-limiting groove c2, a first sub-limiting groove c3 and a first sub-limiting groove c4, as well as a second sub-limiting groove c5 and a second sub-limiting groove c6 located on both sides. It should be noted that the number of the conductive connectors 200 in the connector 000 can be other numbers, which can be set according to specific needs.

[0082] Optional, such as Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown, the side of the support seat 100 in the connector 000 facing away from the opening 102 may also have: a plurality of second limiting grooves 107 connected to the plurality of first limiting grooves 106 in a one-to-one correspondence, and the second limiting grooves 107 are closer to the opening 102 than the corresponding first limiting grooves 106. In the first direction f1, an opening 102 may be distributed between two adjacent second limiting grooves 107, and both of the two adjacent second limiting grooves 107 may be connected to the opening 102 (that is, the two adjacent second limiting grooves may be connected to the opening located between the two second limiting grooves). In this way, when the support seat 100 in the connector 000 is formed by the injection molding process, in order to prevent the conductive connector 200 from moving in the first direction f1, the end of the second pressure column B1 set in the mold also has a limiting column B11, and the limiting columns B11 are set on both sides of the first connector 201 in each conductive connector 200 before injection molding. After the support seat 100 is formed by injection molding, the limiting column B11 at the end of the second pressing column B1 can be located in the second limiting groove 107 on the support seat 100, and when the connector 000 is taken out of the mold, the limiting column B11 on the second pressing column B1 is separated from the second limiting groove 107. It should be noted that the shape of the second limiting groove 107 matches the shape of the limiting column B11 on the second pressing column B1.

[0083] In the embodiments of the present application, Fig.11As shown, in the first direction f1, at least one of the two inner walls of the second limiting groove 107 that are opposite to each other is a slope d1, and the width of the second limiting groove 107 can be gradually increased in the direction toward the first limiting groove 106. For example, both of the two inner walls of the second limiting groove 107 that are opposite to each other can be slopes. In this case, by setting the two inner walls of the second limiting groove 107 that are opposite to each other along the first direction f1 to be slopes d1, when the shape of the limiting column B11 at the end of the second pressure column B1 matches the shape of the second limiting groove 107, the end of the limiting column B11 can also have a slope, which is convenient for assembling the limiting column B11 with the conductive connector 200 before injection molding, and separating the connector 000 from the mold after injection molding.

[0084] Optional, such as Fig.10 As shown, the side of the support seat 100 in the connector 000 facing away from the opening 102 may also have: a weight-reducing groove 108 connected to the first limiting groove 106, and the first limiting groove 106 may be closer to the opening 102 on the support seat 100 relative to the weight-reducing groove 108. In this way, by providing the weight-reducing groove 108 on the side of the support seat 100 facing away from the opening 102, the overall weight of the connector 000 is small, and after the connector 000 is integrated into the electronic device, the overall weight of the electronic device can be ensured to be small. It should be noted that the weight-reducing groove 108 can be formed in the process of injection molding the support seat 100, and a structural member matching the shape of the weight-reducing groove 108 can be provided in the mold.

[0085] In the embodiments of the present application, Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown, the support base 100 in the connector 000 may include: a connecting portion 109, and a main body portion 110 fixedly connected to one side of the connecting portion 109, the opening 102 on the support base 100 may be located on the side of the main body portion 110 away from the connecting portion 109, a portion of the bearing cavity 101 may be located in the main body portion 110, and another portion of the bearing cavity 101 may be located in the connecting portion 109. For example, the edge corners of the connecting portion 109 may also have a plurality of first connecting through holes 1091, and the fasteners (not shown in the figure) in the electronic device may pass through the first connecting through holes 1091 and be fixedly connected to the housing 03 of the electronic device. In addition, the auxiliary through hole 105 on the front of the support base 100 may also be located on the connecting portion 109.

[0086] In summary, the embodiment of the present application provides a connector, which may include: a support seat and at least two conductive connectors. By setting an edge portion in an integral part, and at least two conductive connectors connected to the edge portion, that is, at least two conductive connectors are indirectly connected together through the edge portion. In this way, in the later preparation process of the connector, by clamping the edge portion in the integral part, multiple conductive connectors can be placed in other equipment at the same time to form a support seat, and at least part of each conductive connector can be embedded in the corresponding bearing cavity in the support seat, and there is no need to adjust the placement position of each conductive connector separately in this process. Finally, the edge portion in the integral part can be removed by cutting. In this way, by setting an integral part, the placement efficiency of multiple conductive connectors in the later preparation process of the connector can be effectively improved, saving manufacturing costs. In addition, through the above-mentioned setting method of the conductive connector, multiple integral parts can be connected, and by clamping the edge portion in the integral part, the support seats corresponding to the multiple conductive connectors in each integral part can be continuously and sequentially formed in other equipment, saving the time required for each separate placement, and further improving the process preparation efficiency.

[0087] The embodiment of the present application also provides a functional module, which may include: a functional device and a connector electrically connected to the functional device, and the connector may be any of the connectors given above. For example, the functional module may be Figure 8 or Fig.13 ( Fig.13 Schematic diagram of the structure of a functional module shown in an embodiment of the present application) shows a functional module.

[0088] The embodiment of the present application further provides an electronic device, which may include: a tablet, a smart device or a wearable device, etc. The electronic device includes the functional module or connector as described above.

[0089] For example, the electronic device may include a housing 03 and a functional module, and the functional module may be located in the housing 03. For example, the functional module may be the functional module given above.

[0090] Optionally, the housing may have a connection opening (not shown in the figure), the functional device in the functional module may be fixed in the housing, and at least part of the connector in the functional module may be located in the connection opening. For example, the support seat 100 in the connector 000 may be fixedly connected to the housing 03, and the opening 102 on the support seat 100 may be exposed by the connection opening, so that the electronic device can be electrically connected to other electronic devices through the conductive connector 200 in the connector 000. In other possible implementations, the connector may be connected to the functional device, and then connected to the housing through the functional device to achieve the connection between the connector and the housing. The embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit this.

[0091] For example, the integrated connector in a tablet can communicate with a keyboard or a car holder to complete data transmission, and the integrated connector in a watch can be electrically connected to a charging station to complete charging. Fig.14 , Fig.14 The diagram is an exploded view of an electronic device and other electronic devices provided in an embodiment of the present application. After the connector in the electronic device abuts against the elastic connector E1 on the other electronic device through the first connector, the two are electrically connected.

[0092] The embodiment of the present application further provides a method for preparing a connector, which can be used to prepare the connector in the above embodiment, and the method may include:

[0093] Step S1, preparing an integrated part, which may include: at least two conductive connecting parts, and an edge portion fixedly connected to each conductive connecting part;

[0094] Step S2, performing injection molding on the integrated part to form a support seat with the integrated part;

[0095] Step S3: cutting the edge of the integrated piece to obtain a connector.

[0096] In summary, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for preparing a connector, which may include: preparing an integral part, performing injection molding on the integral part to obtain a support seat with the integral part, and cutting the edge portion of the integral part to obtain a connector. Since a plurality of conductive connectors are connected to the edge portion in the prepared integral part, the plurality of conductive connectors can be placed together in a mold for injection molding by clamping the edge portion of the integral part, thereby simplifying the process, improving the preparation efficiency, and reducing the preparation cost of the connector. In addition, a plurality of integral parts can be prepared together, and continuous drawing and injection molding can be achieved by clamping the edge portion of the integral part, saving the time required for each separate placement, and further improving the process preparation efficiency.

[0097] Optionally, before the integral part is injection molded, the preparation method may further include: electroplating a portion of each conductive connecting member to form a metal coating on the conductive connecting member. Fig.15 , Fig.15 : is a flow chart of a method for preparing a connector provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method for preparing a connector may include:

[0098] Step S101, preparing an integrated part, which may include: at least two conductive connecting parts, and an edge portion fixedly connected to each conductive connecting part;

[0099] For example, a metal substrate can be taken, the metal substrate can be fixed on a stamping device, and a one-piece can be obtained by a stamping process. For example, one one-piece or a plurality of one-pieces connected to each other and arranged in an array can be formed on the metal substrate. In this way, the one-piece can be prepared by a stamping process, which is low in cost and simple in process.

[0100] Step S102, electroplating a part of each conductive connecting member in the integrated member to form a metal plating layer on the conductive connecting member;

[0101] For example, a first metal layer can be formed on one side of the first connector and a second metal layer can be formed on one side of the second connector by a continuous plating process on the edge of the clamped integral part. The surface plated with the first metal layer can be electrically connected to other electronic devices after abutting, and the surface plated with the second metal layer can be used for electrical connection with a circuit board or welding wire in the electronic device. In this way, only a local surface needs to be plated with a metal coating, and there is no need to plate a metal coating on each surface of the conductive connector, which effectively saves costs. It should be noted that the materials of the first metal layer and the second metal layer can refer to the description above and will not be repeated here.

[0102] Step S103, performing injection molding on the integrated part to form a support seat with the integrated part;

[0103] For example, a mold with one mold and one core or one mold with multiple cores can be used to place the integral part in the mold for injection molding to form a support seat, and then the support seat with the integral part is taken out of the mold. It should be noted that during the injection molding process, the edge of the integral part will not be embedded in the support seat formed after injection molding.

[0104] Step S104: cutting the edge of the integrated part to obtain a connector.

[0105] For example, a cutting device may be used to trim the edge portion to separate it from the conductive connector.

[0106] In summary, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for preparing a connector, which may include: preparing an integral part, performing injection molding on the integral part to obtain a support seat with the integral part, and cutting the edge portion of the integral part to obtain a connector. Since a plurality of conductive connectors are connected to the edge portion in the prepared integral part, the plurality of conductive connectors can be placed together in a mold for injection molding by clamping the edge portion of the integral part, thereby simplifying the process, improving the efficiency of preparation, and reducing the preparation cost of the connector. In addition, a plurality of integral parts can be prepared together, and continuous drawing and injection molding can be achieved by clamping the edge portion of the integral part, saving the time required for each individual placement, and further improving the process preparation efficiency.

[0107] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the various structures in the connector described above can refer to the corresponding contents in the structural embodiments of the aforementioned connector, and will not be repeated here.

[0108] In the present application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. The term "plurality" refers to two or more than two, unless otherwise clearly defined.

[0109] The above description is only an optional embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A connector, characterized in that: The connector is used for installation in an electronic device, and the connector (000) comprises: a support base (100) and at least two conductive connecting members (200); The support seat (100) comprises: at least two bearing cavities (101) corresponding one-to-one to the at least two conductive connecting members (200), and an opening (102) communicating with the bearing cavities (101), wherein the opening (102) is located on the support seat (100); The conductive connector (200) is in a bent shape, and at least a portion of the conductive connector (200) is embedded in a corresponding bearing cavity (101). The conductive connector (200) comprises: a first connector (201), and a second connector (202) fixedly connected to one end of the first connector (201), and at least a portion of the first connector (201) is exposed at the opening (102).

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second connecting member (202) comprises: a first elastic arm (2021) and a second elastic arm (2022), wherein the first end of the first elastic arm (2021) is fixedly connected to the end of the first connecting member (201), and the second end of the first elastic arm (2021) is fixedly connected to the first end of the second elastic arm (2022); Wherein, the extension direction of the second elastic arm (2022) is parallel to the extension direction of the first connecting member (201), and the extension direction of the first elastic arm (2021) intersects with the extension direction of the second elastic arm (2022).

3. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second connecting member (202) further comprises: a third elastic arm (2023), wherein a first end of the third elastic arm (2023) is fixedly connected to an end portion of the first connecting member (201), and a second end of the third elastic arm (2023) is fixedly connected to a first end of the first elastic arm (2021).

4. The connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The extension direction of the third elastic arm (2023) is an arc direction.

5. The connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: The thickness of the third elastic arm (2023) is smaller than the thickness of the first connecting member (201), and smaller than the thickness of the first elastic arm (2021).

6. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The surface of the first connecting member (201) exposed from the opening (102) is provided with a first metal layer (300); and / or at least part of the surface of the second elastic arm (2022) is provided with a second metal layer (400).

7. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The side surface of the support seat (100) has a first opening (103) in communication with the bearing cavity (101), and at least a portion of the second elastic arm (2022) extends out from the first opening (103).

8. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: A surface of the support seat (100) facing away from the opening (102) has a mounting groove (104) communicating with the bearing cavity (101); At least a portion of the second elastic arm (2022) is exposed from the mounting groove (104), and the portion of the second elastic arm (2022) exposed from the mounting groove (104) is used to be electrically connected to the auxiliary adapter (02), and the side of the auxiliary adapter (02) facing away from the second elastic arm (2022) extends from the mounting groove (104).

9. The connector according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that: The support seat (100) has an auxiliary through hole (105) communicating with the bearing cavity (101), and a portion of the second elastic arm (2022) is exposed from the auxiliary through hole (105).

10. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: Each of the conductive connecting members (200) further comprises: a third connecting member (203) fixedly connected to the end of the first connecting member (201) facing away from the second connecting member (202), and at least a portion of the third connecting member (203) is embedded in the corresponding bearing cavity (101).

11. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The support seat (100) has at least one first limiting groove (106) on a side facing away from the opening (102), and the at least one first limiting groove (106) is in communication with each of the openings (102).

12. The connector according to claim 11, characterized in that: When the support seat (100) has a plurality of the first limiting grooves (106), the plurality of the first limiting grooves (106) are arranged in a plurality of columns along the first direction (f1) and in at least one row along the second direction (f2), and a column of the first limiting grooves (106) is connected to at least one of the openings (102).

13. The connector according to claim 12, characterized in that: A row of the first limiting grooves comprises: at least one first sub-limiting groove (1061), and a second sub-limiting groove (1062) located on at least one side of the at least one first sub-limiting groove (1061); Wherein, the first sub-limiting groove (1061) is connected to two adjacent openings (102) at the same time; and the second sub-limiting groove (1062) is connected to an opening located at the edge of at least two of the openings (102).

14. The connector according to claim 12, characterized in that: The support seat (100) further comprises, on one side facing away from the opening (102): a plurality of second limiting grooves (107) connected in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of first limiting grooves (106), wherein the second limiting grooves (107) are closer to the opening (102) than the corresponding first limiting grooves (106), and in the first direction (f1), one of the openings (102) is distributed between two adjacent second limiting grooves (107), and both of the two adjacent second limiting grooves (107) are connected to the opening (102).

15. The connector according to claim 14, characterized in that: In the first direction (f1), at least one of the two inner walls of the second limiting groove (107) arranged opposite to each other is a slope (d1), and the width of the second limiting groove (107) gradually increases in a direction toward the first limiting groove (106).

16. The connector according to claim 11, characterized in that The support seat (100) further comprises, on one side facing away from the opening (102): a weight-reducing groove (108) communicating with the first limiting groove (106); the first limiting groove (106) is closer to the opening (102) than the weight-reducing groove (108).

17. The connector according to any one of claims 1-8, 12-16, characterized in that: The support seat (100) comprises: a connecting portion (109), and a main body portion (110) fixedly connected to one side of the connecting portion (109), the opening (102) is located on a side of the main body portion (110) facing away from the connecting portion (109), a portion of the bearing cavity (101) is located in the main body portion (110), and another portion of the bearing cavity (101) is located in the connecting portion (109).

18. A functional module, characterized in that: It comprises: a functional device and a connector electrically connected to the functional device, wherein the connector is the connector described in any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. An electronic device, characterized in that: include: A connector as described in any one of claims 1 to 17, or a functional module as described in claim 18.

20. The electronic device according to claim 19, characterized in that: It also includes: a shell and a functional module, the shell has a connecting opening, the functional device in the functional module is fixed in the shell, and at least part of the connector in the functional module is located in the connecting opening.

21. A method for preparing a connector, characterized in that: The method is used to prepare the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 17, and the method comprises: Prepare an integrated part, the integrated part comprising: at least two conductive connecting parts, and an edge portion fixedly connected to each of the conductive connecting parts; Performing injection molding on the integral part to form a support seat with the integral part; The edge portion of the integral piece is cut to obtain the connector.

22. The preparation method according to claim 21, characterized in that: The step of preparing the integrated part comprises: The metal substrate is subjected to a stamping process to obtain the integrated part.

23. The preparation method according to claim 21, characterized in that: Before the integral part is injection molded, the method further comprises: Electroplating is performed on a portion of each of the conductive connecting members to form a metal plating layer on the conductive connecting member.

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