Connectors, functional modules and electronic devices

Abstract

This application discloses a connector, a functional module, and an electronic device, belonging to the field of electronic technology. The connector includes a base and a terminal assembly. The base has a slot, which has a socket in the insertion direction. The terminal assembly includes a plurality of first terminals and a plurality of second terminals arranged side-by-side. The first terminals penetrate a first groove wall of the slot opposite to the socket and extend into the slot along the insertion direction. The second terminals extend into the slot through the socket along the insertion direction. The first and second terminals are located on opposite sides of the circuit board to be connected. By employing the technical solution of this application, the space occupied by the connector can be reduced to meet the stacking requirements within the electronic device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic technology, specifically to a connector, a functional module, and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] ZIF connectors (Zero Insertion Force Connectors) are specially designed electronic connectors whose main characteristic is that they do not require significant force during insertion and removal, thus reducing mechanical stress and the risk of damage to internal components. This design makes ZIF connectors highly advantageous in applications requiring frequent mating or high alignment. Functional modules composed of flexible circuit boards and ZIF connectors are used for signal transmission. Due to their lightweight, flexibility, high density, and high reliability, they are widely used in various fields, such as mobile phones, tablets, smart wearable devices, and automotive applications.

[0003] In related technologies, the terminals of ZIF connectors and flexible circuit boards make contact on only one side. To meet increasing functional requirements, connectors typically have a large number of terminals. To avoid short circuits or other malfunctions between adjacent terminals, sufficient spacing is required. However, having multiple terminals distributed on only one side results in an excessively large connector size in the terminal arrangement direction, occupying a significant amount of space and failing to meet the limited stacking space requirements within electronic devices. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, this application provides a connector, a functional module, and an electronic device. The connector occupies a small space and can meet the stacking requirements of electronic devices.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a connector, the connector including a base and a terminal assembly;

[0006] The base has a slot, and the slot has a socket in the insertion direction;

[0007] The terminal assembly includes a plurality of first terminals and a plurality of second terminals arranged side by side. The first terminals penetrate the first groove wall of the slot opposite to the socket and extend into the slot in the insertion direction. The second terminals extend into the slot through the socket in the insertion direction. The first terminals and the second terminals are located on opposite sides of the circuit board to be inserted.

[0008] Optionally, the first terminal includes a first weldment and a first contact.

[0009] The first welded component penetrates the first groove wall and is connected to the first contact component;

[0010] The first contact is suspended within the slot and extends along the insertion direction.

[0011] Optionally, the end of the first contact member away from the first welded member is folded inward to form a bent portion.

[0012] Optionally, the first welded part includes a first welded portion and a second welded portion connected together;

[0013] The two ends of the first welding part are respectively connected to the first contact member and the second welding part, and the first welding part is embedded in the first groove wall and extends perpendicular to the insertion direction;

[0014] The second welded part extends from the first groove wall and extends parallel to the insertion direction.

[0015] Optionally, the second terminal includes a second weldment and a second contact.

[0016] The second welded component is located outside the base body;

[0017] The second contact is connected to the second welded part and extends along the insertion direction. The second contact is engaged on the second groove wall of the slot opposite to the second terminal.

[0018] Optionally, the second contact member has a protrusion on the side opposite to the second groove wall, the protrusion being disposed away from the second welded part and offset from the bent portion in the insertion direction.

[0019] Optionally, the distance between the bent portion and the protrusion is less than the thickness of the circuit board to be inserted.

[0020] Optionally, the slot has an opening on the side opposite to the second slot wall.

[0021] Optionally, the slot further includes a third slot wall and a fourth slot wall disposed opposite to each other in the arrangement direction of the plurality of first terminals;

[0022] The two sides of the second groove wall are respectively connected to the third groove wall and the fourth groove wall;

[0023] The third groove wall, the fourth groove wall, and the first groove wall form the opening.

[0024] Optionally, the connector further includes a protective housing, which comprises a first housing, a second housing, and a third housing connected together;

[0025] The first housing covers at least a portion of the outer surface of the third groove wall and engages with the third groove wall.

[0026] The second housing covers the opening;

[0027] The third housing covers at least a portion of the outer surface of the fourth groove wall and engages with the fourth groove wall.

[0028] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a functional module, the functional module including a circuit board to be inserted and a connector as described in any one of the embodiments of this application in the first aspect above.

[0029] Thirdly, embodiments of this application also provide an electronic device, the electronic device having the connector as described in any one of the embodiments of the first aspect of this application, or the electronic device including the functional module as described in the embodiments of the second aspect of this application.

[0030] The connector provided in this application embodiment includes a base and a terminal assembly. The base has a slot with a socket in the insertion direction, allowing a circuit board to be inserted into the slot via the socket. The terminal assembly includes a plurality of first terminals and a plurality of second terminals arranged side by side. The first and second terminals extend into the slot from a first groove wall and a groove opening opposite to the slot opening, respectively. The first and second terminals are located on opposite sides of the circuit board to be inserted, respectively, to achieve electrical connection with the circuit board. Since a row of terminals can be provided on each side of the circuit board to be inserted, the size of the base in the terminal arrangement direction can be shortened, thereby reducing the size of the connector in the terminal arrangement direction, and further reducing the space occupied by the connector, which can meet the stacking requirements of electronic devices. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a connector provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a connector and a circuit board to be inserted when they are not connected, according to an embodiment of this application.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first terminal in a connector provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second terminal in a connector provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 5This is a perspective view of a connector provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0037] Figure label:

[0038] 100, base; 110, slot; 120, socket; 111, first groove wall; 112, second groove wall; 113, opening; 114, third groove wall; 115, fourth groove wall; 1141, first protrusion; 1151, second protrusion;

[0039] 200, Terminal assembly; 210, First terminal; 220, Second terminal; 211, First welded part; 212, First contact; 213, Bending portion; 214, First welded part; 215, Second welded part; 221, Second welded part; 222, Second contact; 223, Protrusion;

[0040] 300, Protective shell; 310, First shell; 320, Second shell; 330, Third shell; 311, First weld foot; 331, Second slot; 332, Second weld foot;

[0041] 400. Circuit board to be inserted.

[0042] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0044] Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used in the embodiments of this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art.

[0045] To make the technical solutions and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the figure, this application embodiment provides a connector, which includes a base 100 and a terminal assembly 200.

[0047] The base 100 has a slot 110, and the slot 110 has a socket 120 in the insertion direction. Thus, the circuit board 400 to be inserted can be inserted into the slot 110 through the socket 120. It should be noted that the base 100 can be made of plastic.

[0048] The terminal assembly 200 includes a plurality of first terminals 210 and a plurality of second terminals 220 arranged side by side. The first terminals 210 penetrate the first groove wall 111 of the slot 110 opposite to the insertion port 120 and extend into the slot 110 along the insertion direction. The second terminals 220 extend into the slot 110 through the insertion port 120 along the insertion direction. The first terminals 210 and second terminals 220 are located on opposite sides of the circuit board 400 to be inserted. It should be noted that the first terminals 210 and second terminals 220 are made of metal. The first terminals 210 and second terminals 220 can be injection molded integrally with the base 100. The first terminals 210 and second terminals 220 abut against corresponding contact terminals on both sides of the circuit board 400 to achieve an electrical connection between the connector and the circuit board 400. In this embodiment, the circuit board 400 to be inserted is a flexible circuit board 100, such as an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) or an FFC (Flexible Flat Cable).

[0049] Since a row of terminals can be provided on each side of the circuit board 400 to be inserted, the size of the base 100 in the terminal arrangement direction can be shortened, thereby reducing the size of the connector in the terminal arrangement direction, and thus reducing the space occupied by the connector, which can meet the stacking requirements of electronic devices. In the connector provided in this application embodiment, the spacing between two adjacent first terminals 210 or two adjacent second terminals 220 can be a small spacing of less than 0.175mm, thereby reducing the size of the terminal assembly 200 in the arrangement direction, and thus reducing the space occupied by the connector.

[0050] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1 to 5 The details and functions of the connectors provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in more specific and detailed manner.

[0051] Combination Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the first terminal 210 includes a first solder joint 211 and a first contact joint 212. The first solder joint 211 penetrates the first groove wall 111 and is connected to the first contact joint 212. The first contact joint 212 is suspended within the slot 110 and extends along the insertion direction. By suspending the first terminal 210 within the slot 110, the corresponding contact terminal on the surface of the circuit board 400 facing the first terminal 210 can abut against the first contact joint 212 to achieve electrical connection.

[0052] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the end of the first contact 212 away from the first weldment 211 is folded inward to form a bend 213. It should be noted that the bending point of the bend 213 facing the second terminal 220 is adapted to abut against the contact terminal on the side of the circuit board 400 facing the first terminal 210, to achieve point contact and thus realize the electrical connection between the first terminal 210 and the circuit board 400. By providing the bend 213, it can be ensured that the first contact 212 can provide sufficient positive pressure to the corresponding contact terminal on the circuit board 400, thereby avoiding poor contact between the first terminal 210 and the circuit board 400, and thus ensuring the stability of the electrical connection between the first terminal 210 and the circuit board 400. Furthermore, since the bend 213 in contact with the circuit board 400 is the end away from the first weldment 211, the current-carrying capacity of the first terminal 210 can be improved.

[0053] Combination Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the first weldment 211 includes a first weld portion 214 and a second weld portion 215 connected together. The two ends of the first weld portion 214 are connected to the first contact 212 and the second weld portion 215, respectively. The first weld portion 214 is embedded within the first groove wall 111 and extends perpendicular to the insertion direction. The second weld portion 215 extends out of the first groove wall 111 and extends parallel to the insertion direction. Since the first weld portion 214 and the second weld portion 215 are perpendicular to each other, the strength and stability of the first weldment 211 can be increased, thereby improving the strength and stability of the first terminal 210. It should be noted that the second weld portion 215 is suitable for welding onto a corresponding circuit board, for example, it can be welded onto a printed circuit board.

[0054] like Figure 4As shown, in some embodiments, the second terminal 220 includes a second solder joint 221 and a second contact 222. The second solder joint 221 is located outside the housing 100. The second contact 222 is connected to the second solder joint 221 and extends along the insertion direction, and the second contact 222 is engaged with the second groove wall 112 of the slot 110 opposite to the second terminal 220. It should be noted that the surface of the second contact 222 facing the first terminal 210 protrudes from the second groove wall 112 and is adapted to make an electrical connection with the corresponding contact terminal on the side of the circuit board 400 facing the second terminal 220. Since the second contact 222 is engaged with the second groove wall 112, the space occupied by the second contact 222 in the thickness direction can be reduced, thereby reducing the thickness of the connector, further reducing the space occupied by the connector, which is beneficial to achieving a thinner and lighter connector. The second solder joint 221 can be soldered to the corresponding circuit board, for example, it can be soldered to a printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the second weld 221 is bent, thereby increasing the strength of the second weld 221 and ensuring that the second terminal 220 is stably installed in the base 100.

[0055] Combination Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, a protrusion 223 is provided on the side of the second contact 222 facing away from the second groove wall 112. The protrusion 223 is disposed away from the second welded part 221 and is offset from the bent part 213 in the insertion direction. It should be understood that the protrusion 223 makes point contact with the corresponding contact terminal on the circuit board 400 to be inserted, thereby realizing the electrical connection between the second terminal 220 and the circuit board 400 to be inserted. It should be noted that since the protrusion 223 in contact with the circuit board 400 to be inserted is disposed away from the second welded part 221, the current carrying capacity of the second terminal 220 can be improved. At the same time, since the protrusion 223 and the bent part 213 are offset in the insertion direction, the circuit board 400 to be inserted is clamped by the protrusion 223 and the bent part 213, thus ensuring that the force on the part of the circuit board 400 inserted into the slot 110 is balanced.

[0056] Combination Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, in some embodiments, the distance between the bent portion 213 and the protrusion 223 is less than the thickness of the circuit board 400 to be inserted. It should be noted that the first contact 212 is elastic in the thickness direction of the circuit board 400. By setting the distance between the bent portion 213 and the protrusion 223 to be less than the thickness of the circuit board 400, it can be ensured that after the circuit board 400 is inserted into the slot 110, the protrusion 223 and the bent portion 213 can provide a large positive pressure to the circuit board 400, thereby stably clamping the circuit board inserted into the slot 110, preventing the circuit board 400 from loosening from the connector, and thus improving the stability after insertion. It should be noted that the connector provided in this embodiment can stably clamp the circuit board 400 by relying on the bent portion 213 and the protrusion 223. This design eliminates the need for additional adhesive components like Mylar to secure the circuit board 400, or for relying on a piano lid to press down and deform the terminals, as is common in traditional connectors. This reduces manufacturing costs, improves assembly efficiency, and avoids assembly difficulties caused by prematurely closing the piano lid. In other words, the connector provided in this embodiment is thinner and easier to assemble, thus reducing space requirements and contributing to a slimmer design for both the connector and electronic devices, while also improving assembly efficiency.

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the slot 110 has an opening 113 on the side opposite to the second slot wall 112. It should be noted that providing the opening 113 can reduce the material used in the base 100, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the base 100, which in turn reduces the manufacturing cost of the connector, and also helps to achieve a thinner and lighter connector.

[0058] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the slot 110 further includes a third slot wall 114 and a fourth slot wall 115 disposed opposite to each other in the arrangement direction of the plurality of first terminals 210. The two sides of the second slot wall 112 are connected to the third slot wall 114 and the fourth slot wall 115, respectively. The third slot wall 114, the fourth slot wall 115, and the first slot wall 111 form an opening 113. It should be noted that since the side of the slot 110 opposite to the second slot wall 112 is an opening 113, the manufacturing cost of the base 100 can be reduced, as can the thickness and weight of the base 100, thereby reducing the thickness and weight of the connector and facilitating the achievement of a thinner and lighter connector.

[0059] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, in some embodiments, the connector further includes a protective shell 300, which includes a first shell 310, a second shell 320, and a third shell 330 connected together. The first shell 310 covers at least a portion of the outer surface of the third groove wall 114 and engages with the third groove wall 114. The second shell 320 covers the opening 113. The third shell 330 covers at least a portion of the outer surface of the fourth groove wall 115 and engages with the fourth groove wall 115. It should be noted that the protective shell 300 in this embodiment can be made of metal, for example, which can protect the base 100 and the terminal assembly 200 within the base 100, and also serve as a shield. In some embodiments, the minimum distance between the second shell 320 and the first contact 212 of the first terminal 210 is greater than a preset distance to avoid contact between the first terminal 210 and the second shell 320. This avoids short circuits and other adverse phenomena caused by contact between the protective shell 300 and the first terminal 210, thereby ensuring the stability of the connector performance. In some embodiments, one of the first housing 310 and the third groove wall 114 is provided with at least one first protrusion 1141, and the other is provided with at least one first slot (not shown in the figure), with the first protrusion 1141 engaging into the corresponding first slot. Similarly, one of the third housing 330 and the fourth groove wall 115 is provided with at least one second protrusion 1151, and the other is provided with at least one second slot 331, with the second protrusion 1151 engaging into the corresponding second slot 331. This improves the stability of the connection between the protective shell 300 and the base 100. It should be noted that the accompanying drawings of this application illustrate an example where a protrusion is provided on the base 100, and a corresponding slot is provided on the protective shell 300.

[0060] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the first housing 310 has at least one first solder pad 311 on the side opposite to the second housing 320, and the third housing 330 has at least one second solder pad 332 on the side opposite to the second housing 320. The first solder pad 311 and the second solder pad 332 are symmetrically arranged and are respectively adapted to be soldered to a circuit board. For example, the first solder pad 311 and the second solder pad 332 can be soldered to a printed circuit board respectively. By providing the first solder pad 311 and the second solder pad, the stability of the protective housing 300 installation can be ensured.

[0061] Combination Figures 1 to 5As shown, in a second aspect, this application also provides a functional module, which includes a circuit board 400 to be inserted and a connector as described in any one of the embodiments of this application in the first aspect above. It should be noted that the connector in the functional module has the same composition and function as the connector described in any one of the embodiments of this application above, so it will not be described again here. Since the connector occupies a small space, the functional module with the connector installed also occupies a small space, which is beneficial for achieving a thinner and lighter functional module.

[0062] In some embodiments, the circuit board 400 to be inserted has a first contact terminal (not shown in the figure) and a second contact terminal (not shown in the figure) arranged side by side on both sides. The first contact terminal corresponds one-to-one with the first terminal 210 and makes point contact with the bent portion 213. The second contact terminal corresponds one-to-one with the second terminal 220 and makes point contact with the protrusion 223. Since contact terminals can be provided on both sides of the circuit board 400 to be inserted, the problem of misalignment and short circuit caused by the small gap between adjacent gold fingers can be avoided.

[0063] Thirdly, this application also provides an electronic device, which includes the connector described in any one of the embodiments of the first aspect of this application, or the electronic device includes the functional module described in the embodiments of the second aspect of this application. It should be noted that the connector or functional module in the electronic device provided in this application has the same composition and function as the connector or functional module described in any one of the embodiments of the first or second aspect of this application, so it will not be described again here. Since the connector and functional module occupy less space, the limited stacking space within the electronic device can be utilized more rationally, which is also beneficial for achieving a thinner and lighter electronic device. The electronic device provided in this application can be a mobile phone, tablet, smart wearable device, automotive device, or other 3C (Computer, Communication, Consumer Electronics) device.

[0064] Other embodiments of this application will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the application disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only.

[0065] It should be understood that this application is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A connector characterized by comprising: The connector includes a base (100) and a terminal assembly (200); The base (100) has a slot (110) and the slot (110) has a socket (120) in the insertion direction; The terminal assembly (200) includes a plurality of first terminals (210) arranged side by side and a plurality of second terminals (220) arranged side by side. The first terminal (210) passes through the first groove wall (111) of the slot (110) opposite to the socket (120) and extends into the slot (110) in the insertion direction. The second terminal (220) extends into the slot (110) through the socket (120) in the insertion direction. The first terminal (210) and the second terminal (220) are located on both sides of the circuit board (400) to be inserted.

2. The connector of claim 1, wherein The first terminal (210) includes a first weldment (211) and a first contact (212); The first welded component (211) penetrates the first groove wall (111) and is connected to the first contact component (212); The first contact (212) is suspended in the slot (110) and extends along the insertion direction.

3. The connector of claim 2, wherein The end of the first contact member (212) away from the first welded member (211) is folded inward to form a bent portion (213).

4. The connector of claim 2, wherein The first welded part (211) includes a first welded part (214) and a second welded part (215) connected together; The two ends of the first welding part (214) are respectively connected to the first contact member (212) and the second welding part (215). The first welding part (214) is embedded in the first groove wall (111) and extends perpendicular to the insertion direction. The second welded part (215) extends from the first groove wall (111) and extends parallel to the insertion direction.

5. The connector of claim 3, wherein The second terminal (220) includes a second weldment (221) and a second contact (222); The second welded component (221) is located outside the base (100); The second contact (222) is connected to the second weld (221) and extends along the insertion direction. The second contact (222) is engaged on the second groove wall (112) of the slot (110) opposite to the second terminal (220).

6. The connector of claim 5, wherein, The second contact (222) has a protrusion (223) on the side opposite to the second groove wall (112). The protrusion (223) is located away from the second welded part (221) and is offset from the bent part (213) in the insertion direction.

7. The connector of claim 6, wherein The distance between the bent portion (213) and the convex bulge (223) is less than the thickness of the circuit board to be inserted (400).

8. The connector of claim 5, wherein, The slot (110) has an opening (113) on the side opposite to the second slot wall (112).

9. The connector of claim 8, wherein, The slot (110) further includes a third slot wall (114) and a fourth slot wall (115) disposed opposite to each other in the arrangement direction of the plurality of first terminals (210); The two sides of the second groove wall (112) are connected to the third groove wall (114) and the fourth groove wall (115) respectively; The third groove wall (114), the fourth groove wall (115), and the first groove wall (111) form the opening (113).

10. The connector of claim 9, wherein, The connector also includes a protective shell (300), which includes a first shell (310), a second shell (320), and a third shell (330) connected together; The first housing (310) covers at least a portion of the outer surface of the third groove wall (114) and engages with the third groove wall (114); The second housing (320) covers the opening (113); The third housing (330) covers at least a portion of the outer surface of the fourth groove wall (115) and engages with the fourth groove wall (115).

11. A functional module, characterized in that The functional module includes a circuit board to be inserted (400) and a connector as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. An electronic device, comprising: The electronic device includes a connector as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, or the electronic device includes a functional module as described in claim 11.

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