Mobile terminal and electrical connection method

Abstract

The present application provides a mobile terminal and an electrical connection method. The mobile terminal comprises an elastic piece, a conductive lubricating layer, and a first metal structural member. The conductive lubricating layer is located on a first surface of the first metal structural member. A first end of the elastic piece abuts against the first surface of the first metal structural member, and the elastic piece is electrically connected to the first metal structural member. The conductive lubricating layer comprises conductive particles and a lubricant; the conductive lubricating layer is provided to reduce the PIM of the electrical connection between the elastic piece and the first metal structural member; the abutting force between the elastic piece and the first metal structural member can be designed to be small, and the strength requirement of the first metal structural member is low. The number of elastic pieces can also be increased to achieve multi-point electrical connection so as to improve the stability of the electrical connection between the elastic pieces and the first metal structural member. The elastic piece is less likely to scratch the first metal structural member and is less likely to generate debris. There is no requirement for the thickness of the first metal structural member when providing the conductive lubricating layer, and thus, the thickness of the first metal structural member can be reduced, thereby facilitating the thinning of the mobile terminal.

Description

Mobile terminal and electrical connection method

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on January 16, 2024, with application number 202410061524.5 and invention name "A mobile terminal and electrical connection method", the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the technical field of electronic equipment, and in particular to a mobile terminal and an electrical connection method. Background Art

[0004] With the development of human society, mobile terminals are widely used in various fields. Mobile terminals include many structures, and often there are scenarios where different structures are electrically connected, and the effect of the electrical connection may have a significant impact on the operation of the mobile terminal.

[0005] A common method for electrically connecting different structures is a spring connection. One structure includes a spring that abuts against another structure to achieve electrical connection. To improve signal transmission between the two structures, reducing passive intermodulation (PIM) is crucial. This is especially true for springs used for antenna feeding or grounding in mobile terminals, which have even stricter requirements for low PIM.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present application provides a mobile terminal and an electrical connection method, which reduces the PIM of the electrical connection between the spring and the first metal structure, reduces the thickness of the first metal structure, and improves the electrical connection effect between the spring and the first metal structure.

[0008] In a first aspect, the present application provides a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal includes a spring clip, a conductive lubricating layer, and a first metal structural member. The conductive lubricating layer is located on a first surface of the first metal structural member, the first surface being the side of the first metal structural member facing the spring clip. The spring clip includes a first end and a second end, which are opposed to each other. The first end of the spring clip abuts the first surface of the first metal structural member, electrically connecting the spring clip and the first metal structural member. The conductive lubricating layer comprises conductive particles and a lubricant. Providing the conductive lubricating layer can reduce the PIM (Peripheral Inertial Moisture) of the electrical connection between the spring clip and the first metal structural member. Consequently, the abutment force between the spring clip and the first metal structural member can be designed to be relatively low, and the pressure exerted by the spring clip on the first metal structural member is relatively low. This reduces the strength requirement for the first metal structural member of the mobile terminal and allows for greater flexibility in the selection of the first metal structural member. The number of spring clips can also be increased as needed to achieve multiple points of electrical connection, thereby improving the stability of the electrical connection between the spring clip and the first metal structural member. Furthermore, due to the low abutment force between the spring clip and the first metal structural member, the spring clip is less likely to scratch the first metal structural member and generate debris, further reducing PIM. A conductive lubricating layer is provided on the surface of the first metal structure. There is no requirement for the thickness of the first metal structure, so the thickness of the first metal structure can be reduced, thereby facilitating thinning of the mobile terminal.

[0009] In an optional technical solution, the conductive particles in the conductive lubricating layer include at least one of silver powder, silver flakes, and aluminum-coated silver. Metallic silver has good conductivity and is relatively low in cost.

[0010] In an optional technical solution, the lubricant in the conductive lubricating layer includes at least one of resin, silicone oil and paraffin, so that the conductive lubricating layer has better lubricity.

[0011] The first metal structural member may comprise an aluminum alloy structural member or a magnesium alloy structural member. These two materials are relatively soft and more prone to oxide formation, making them susceptible to scratching. Providing a conductive lubricating layer on the first surface of the first metal structural member reduces interfacial friction between the spring and the first metal structural member, thereby enhancing the protection of the first metal structural member.

[0012] In one technical solution, the mobile terminal further includes a second metal structural member, the second end of the spring clip is connected to the second metal structural member, and the second metal structural member is electrically connected to the first metal structural member via the spring clip. The PIM between the spring clip and the first metal structural member is small and stable, and the electrical connection between the spring clip and the first metal structural member is strong and reliable, thereby achieving a stable electrical connection between the first and second metal structural members and improving the efficiency and stability of electrical signal transmission between the two.

[0013] Specifically, the spring clip is used to withstand the pressure of compression between the first and second metal structures, and the pressure borne by the spring clip is less than or equal to 0.5 N. The pressure between the spring clip and the first metal structure is low and stable, which reduces the strength requirements for the first metal structure and allows for a thinner design of the first metal structure. In addition, a larger number of spring clips can be provided to achieve electrical connection between the first and second metal structures, thereby improving the connection between the first and second metal structures.

[0014] In a specific technical solution, the mobile terminal further includes a circuit board, and the second metal structure is at least a portion of the circuit board. The second metal structure can be a metal pin or metal layer on the circuit board.

[0015] The volume resistivity of the conductive lubricating layer is less than or equal to 0.2 ohm.cm, thereby reducing the impedance of the electrical connection between the spring and the first metal structure, reducing PIM, and improving the effect of the electrical connection.

[0016] Specifically, when providing the conductive lubricating layer, the thickness of the conductive lubricating layer is greater than or equal to 10 μm. If the thickness of the conductive lubricating layer is less than 10 μm, the lubrication effect is difficult to ensure, and the effect of reducing PIM and maintaining PIM stability is poor. Therefore, this solution can improve the PIM reduction effect of the present application.

[0017] In a specific technical solution, the first metal structure is used as an antenna radiator. The reliable connection between the spring clip and the first metal structure enables electrical connection between the antenna radiator and other structures. The reliable connection between the spring clip and the first metal structure enables signal transmission, resulting in a better signal transmission effect.

[0018] The spring clip can be used to feed or ground the antenna radiator. In one technical solution, the spring clip is used for feeding, and specifically, the second end of the spring clip is connected to the feeding structure, so that the feeding signal transmission quality is better.

[0019] In another technical solution, the spring is used for grounding. Specifically, the second end of the spring is connected to the grounding structure. This improves the grounding effect of the antenna.

[0020] The first metal structure may also include a middle frame of a mobile terminal or a camera decorative piece. When the first metal structure is the middle frame of a mobile terminal, the middle frame may be configured to be relatively light and thin, thereby facilitating a reduction in thickness of the mobile terminal.

[0021] In a second aspect, the present application also provides an electrical connection method for a mobile terminal comprising a first metal structural member and a spring clip. The electrical connection method comprises: disposing a conductive lubricating layer on a first surface of the first metal structural member, the conductive lubricating layer comprising conductive particles and a lubricant; and placing a first end of the spring clip in contact with the first surface of the first metal structural member, wherein the spring clip and the first metal structural member are electrically connected. The connection method results in a lower PIM between the spring clip and the first metal structural member. The contact force between the spring clip and the first metal structural member can be designed to be low, thereby reducing pressure on the first metal structural member. This reduces the strength requirements for the first metal structural member of the mobile terminal and allows for greater flexibility in the selection of the first metal structural member. Furthermore, because the contact force between a single spring clip and the first metal structural member is low, the number of spring clips can be increased as needed to achieve multiple points of electrical connection, thereby improving the stability of the electrical connection between the two structural members. Furthermore, because the contact force between the spring clip and the first metal structural member is low, the spring clip is less likely to scratch the first metal structural member and generate debris, further reducing PIM. A conductive lubricating layer is provided on the surface of the first metal structure. There is no requirement for the thickness of the first metal structure, so the thickness of the first metal structure can be reduced, thereby facilitating thinning of the mobile terminal.

[0022] Specifically, when the conductive lubricating layer is provided, the volume resistivity of the conductive lubricating layer is less than or equal to 0.2 ohm.cm, thereby reducing the impedance of the electrical connection between the spring and the first metal structure, reducing PIM, and improving the electrical connection effect.

[0023] The electrical connection method also includes providing a conductive lubricating layer with a thickness greater than or equal to 10 μm. If the conductive lubricating layer is less than 10 μm, lubrication performance may be poor, resulting in poor PIM reduction and stability. A thicker conductive lubricating layer improves lubrication performance, but also increases costs.

[0024] Furthermore, the mobile terminal further includes a second metal structure, and the electrical connection method further includes: providing a second end of the spring clip to connect to the second metal structure, wherein the second metal structure is electrically connected to the first metal structure via the spring clip. This achieves a stable electrical connection between the first and second metal structures, improving the efficiency and stability of electrical signal transmission between the two.

[0025] The electrical connection method further includes compressing the spring sheet between the first and second metal structures, wherein the pressure exerted by the first and second metal structures on the spring sheet is less than or equal to 0.5 N. The pressure between the spring sheet and the first metal structure is low and stable, allowing for a thinner design of the first metal structure. Furthermore, a larger number of spring sheets can be provided to achieve electrical connection between the first and second metal structures, thereby enhancing the connection between the first and second metal structures.

[0026] In one technical solution, the mobile terminal further includes a circuit board, and the second metal structure is at least a portion of the circuit board. The conductive structure can be in any form, such as a metal pin or a metal layer. The circuit board can also be connected to other electronic components or devices, so that the electronic components or devices can be electrically connected to the first metal structure via the spring clip, and the electrical connection effect is relatively reliable and stable, and the signal transmission effect between the electronic components or devices and the first metal structure is good. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a structure in which a spring piece is connected to a metal structural member in the prior art;

[0028] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a connection between a spring piece and a metal structural member in the prior art;

[0029] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a structure in which a spring piece is connected to a metal structural member in an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] FIG6 is a flow chart of an electrical connection method in an embodiment of the present application.

[0033] Reference numerals:

[0034] 010-mobile terminal;

[0035] 011-border;

[0036] 013-cover;

[0037] 015-Display screen / module;

[0038] 017-Printed Circuit Board;

[0039] 019-middle frame;

[0040] 021-back cover;

[0041] 1-Metal structural parts;

[0042] 1a-first metal structure;

[0043] 11-Gold-plated sheet;

[0044] 12- Laser carving area;

[0045] 2-shrapnel;

[0046] 3-conductive lubricating layer;

[0047] 4- second metal structural member;

[0048] 5-Camera housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this application clearer, this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] The terms used in the following embodiments are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present application. As used in the specification and appended claims of this application, the singular expressions "a", "an", "said", "above", "the", and "this" are intended to also include expressions such as "one or more", unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0051] References in this specification to "one embodiment" or "a specific embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with that embodiment is included in one or more embodiments of the present application. The terms "including," "comprising," "having," and their variations all mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0052] To facilitate understanding of the mobile terminal and electrical connection method provided in the embodiments of the present application, the following first introduces their application scenarios. During operation, mobile terminals often require electrical connections between different structures. A commonly used connection method is a spring clip connection. One end of the spring clip connects to a structure, and the other end abuts a metal structure, thereby achieving electrical connection between the structure and the metal structure. In specific embodiments, the type of the structure is not limited; for example, it can be any structure requiring electrical connection, such as a circuit board, an electronic device, or an antenna radiator. Achieving electrical connection through the abutment of the spring clip with the metal structure is relatively simple and facilitates installation and assembly. Specifically, the abutment between the spring clip and the metal structure is point-to-surface contact. The point of contact between the spring clip and the metal structure can slide across the surface of the metal structure while maintaining electrical connection between the spring clip and the metal structure, accommodating a certain amount of movement. Electrical signals are transmitted between the spring clip and the metal structure, and reducing PIM (Physical Immunity) is beneficial for improving signal transmission. To this end, those skilled in the art have provided several solutions and ideas for reducing PIM in the connection between the spring clip and the metal structure.

[0053] PIM is the result of nonlinear behavior in typically linear passive transmission lines and components caused by discontinuities, metal-to-metal contacts, and material properties. PIM can occur in a variety of RF components, such as connectors, adapters, cables, combiners, splitters, couplers, taps, attenuators, terminators, antennas, and end-to-end interconnects. PIM is generated when two or more signal elements of different frequencies interact at a nonlinear connection, creating distortion products through mixing. PIM becomes a problem when transmitted distortion products are reflected back to a sensitive receiver within the receive band, or when the distortion products are transmitted and received by nearby communication systems that are susceptible to specific distortion products.

[0054] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional structure connecting a spring clip to a metal structural member. As shown in Figure 1 , in one conventional technique, a gold-plated sheet 11 is welded to the surface of a metal structural member 1, and a spring 2 abuts against the gold-plated sheet 11 to reduce PIM and improve electrical connection. However, the thickness of the gold-plated sheet 11 is typically around 0.1 mm, which is relatively thin. To weld the gold-plated sheet 11 to the surface of the metal structural member 1, the metal structural member 1 typically needs to be thicker, for example, at least 0.5 mm. This results in a relatively large overall thickness, making it difficult to achieve overall thinning. Furthermore, this solution is also costly, hindering the cost reduction of mobile terminals.

[0055] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a structure in which a spring clip is connected to a metal structural part in the prior art. As shown in FIG2 , in one prior art, laser engraving is performed on the surface of a metal structural part 1, and the spring clip 2 abuts against the laser-engraved area 12 of the metal structural part 1. In order to meet the requirements of the PIM characteristics of the entire device, the abutment force between the spring clip 2 and the metal structural part 1 is relatively large, which is not conducive to the overall design. In addition, as the spring clip 2 and the metal structural part 1 shake relative to each other, the spring clip 2 will slide on the surface of the metal structural part 1, easily wearing the metal structural part 1 to form debris, resulting in deterioration of resistance and PIM characteristics. This is especially true for metal structural parts 1 made of soft and easily oxidized materials such as aluminum alloy structural parts.

[0056] To this end, the present application provides a mobile terminal and an electrical connection method, in which the connection method between the spring clip and the metal structural part in the mobile terminal improves the PIM of the connection between the spring clip and the metal structural part of the mobile terminal, reduces the thickness of the metal structural part, reduces the elastic relay force between the spring clip and the metal structure, and improves the structural characteristics of the entire machine.

[0057] The mobile terminal in the embodiment of the present application may also have a variety of options, for example, it may include any mobile terminal such as a straight-screen phone, a folding phone, a multi-fold phone form factor, a tablet computer or a smart screen.

[0058] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG3 , taking a mobile phone as an example, mobile terminal 010 may include: a cover 013, a display / module 015, a printed circuit board (PCB) 017, a middle frame 019, and a rear cover 021. It should be understood that in some embodiments, cover 013 may be a glass cover, or may be replaced with a cover made of other materials, such as an ultra-thin glass cover, a PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) cover, etc.

[0059] The cover plate 013 can be placed close to the display screen 015 , mainly to protect and prevent dust from the display screen 015 .

[0060] In one embodiment, the display screen 015 may include a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display panel, or an organic light-emitting semiconductor (OLED) display panel, etc., which is not limited in this application.

[0061] The middle frame 019 mainly plays a supporting role for the whole machine. FIG3 shows that PCB017 is arranged between the middle frame 019 and the back cover 021. It should be understood that in one embodiment, PCB017 can also be arranged between the middle frame 019 and the display screen 015. This application does not limit this. Among them, the printed circuit board PCB017 can adopt a flame-resistant material (FR-4) dielectric board, a Rogers dielectric board, a mixed dielectric board of Rogers and FR-4, and so on. Here, FR-4 is a code for a grade of flame-resistant material, and the Rogers dielectric board is a high-frequency board. PCB017 carries electronic components, such as radio frequency chips.

[0062] The mobile terminal 010 may also include a battery (not shown). The battery may be disposed between the middle frame 019 and the back cover 021, or between the middle frame 019 and the display screen 015, although this application does not limit this. In some embodiments, the PCB 017 is divided into a main board and a sub-board, and the battery may be disposed between the main board and the sub-board. The main board may be disposed between the middle frame 019 and the upper edge of the battery, and the sub-board may be disposed between the middle frame 019 and the lower edge of the battery.

[0063] The mobile terminal 010 may further include a frame 011, which may be formed of a conductive material such as metal. The frame 011 may be disposed between the display screen 015 and the back cover 021 and extend circumferentially around the periphery of the mobile terminal 010. The frame 011 may have four sides surrounding the display screen 015 to help secure the display screen 015. In one implementation, the frame 011 made of a metal material may be directly used as the metal frame of the mobile terminal 010, forming the appearance of a metal frame, which is suitable for a metal industrial design (ID). In another implementation, the outer surface of the frame 011 may also be a non-metallic material, such as a plastic frame, forming the appearance of a non-metallic frame, which is suitable for a non-metallic ID.

[0064] The middle frame 019 may include a frame 011, and the middle frame 019 including the frame 011 is an integral part that can support the electronic devices in the whole machine. The cover plate 013 and the back cover 021 are respectively covered along the upper and lower edges of the frame to form the shell or shell (housing) of the mobile terminal. Alternatively, the frame 011 may not be regarded as part of the middle frame 019. In one embodiment, the frame 011 can be connected to the middle frame 019 and formed as one piece. In another embodiment, the frame 011 may include a protrusion extending inward to be connected to the middle frame 019, for example, by means of shrapnel, screws, welding, etc. In one embodiment, the cover plate 013, the back cover 021, the frame 011 and the middle frame 019 can be collectively referred to as the shell or shell of the mobile terminal 010. It should be understood that "shell or casing" can be used to refer to part or all of any one of the cover plate 013, the back cover 021, the frame 011 or the middle frame 019, or to refer to part or all of any combination of the cover plate 013, the back cover 021, the frame 011 or the middle frame 019.

[0065] The back cover 021 can be a back cover made of metal material; it can also be a back cover made of non-conductive material, such as a glass back cover, a plastic back cover or other non-metallic back cover; it can also be a back cover made of both conductive and non-conductive materials.

[0066] In one embodiment, the back cover 021 including conductive material can replace the middle frame 019 and be integrated with the frame 011 to support the electronic devices in the entire device.

[0067] In one embodiment, the conductive parts in the middle frame 019 and / or the back cover 021 can serve as a reference ground for the mobile terminal 010 , wherein the frame 011 and PCB 017 of the mobile terminal can be grounded by being electrically connected to the middle frame 019 .

[0068] In one embodiment, the bezel 011 can at least partially serve as an antenna radiator to transmit and receive radio frequency signals. A gap can exist between this portion of the bezel serving as the radiator and other portions of the middle frame 019, or between the bezel and the middle frame 019, to ensure a good radiation environment for the antenna radiator. In one embodiment, an aperture can be provided near this portion of the bezel serving as the antenna radiator. In one embodiment, the aperture can include an aperture provided within the interior of the mobile terminal 010, for example, an aperture that is not visible from the exterior of the mobile terminal 010. In one embodiment, the internal aperture can be formed by any one of the middle frame, battery, circuit board, back cover, display, or other internal conductive components, or by a combination of multiple components. For example, the internal aperture can be formed by a structural member of the middle frame. In one embodiment, the aperture can also include a slit / opening / opening provided in the bezel 011. In one embodiment, the slit / opening / opening in the bezel 011 can be a gap formed in the bezel, dividing the bezel 011 into two unconnected portions at this gap. In one embodiment, the aperture can also include a slit / opening / opening provided in the back cover 021 or display 015. In one embodiment, the back cover 021 includes a conductive material, and the apertures provided in the conductive material may be connected to the slits or gaps of the frame to form a continuous aperture on the exterior surface of the mobile terminal 010 .

[0069] In one embodiment, the frame 011 includes an inwardly extending protrusion for connecting to other portions of the middle frame 019 or to the middle frame 019 (in one embodiment, the protrusion may be integrally formed). In one embodiment, the protrusion includes a conductive material and may also be used to receive a feed signal or connect to a floor, allowing the corresponding frame portion to receive / transmit radio frequency signals.

[0070] In one embodiment, the antenna of the mobile terminal 010 may also be provided in the frame 011. The frame 011 includes a non-conductive material, and the antenna radiator may be located in the mobile terminal 010 and provided along the frame 011, or the antenna radiator may be at least partially embedded in the non-conductive material of the frame. In one embodiment, the antenna radiator is provided close to the non-conductive material of the frame 011 to minimize the volume occupied by the antenna radiator and to be closer to the outside of the mobile terminal 010 to achieve better signal transmission effect. It should be noted that the antenna radiator is provided close to the frame 011, which means that the antenna radiator can be provided close to the frame 011, or it can be provided close to the frame 011, for example, there can be a certain small gap between the antenna radiator and the frame 011.

[0071] In one embodiment, the antenna of mobile terminal 010 may also be disposed within the housing, such as a bracket antenna (not shown in FIG. 3 ). A gap may exist between the antenna disposed within the housing and other conductive components within the housing to ensure a good radiation environment for the antenna radiator. In one embodiment, an aperture may be disposed near the antenna radiator. In one embodiment, the aperture may include an aperture disposed within the interior of mobile terminal 010, for example, an aperture that is not visible from the exterior surface of mobile terminal 010. In one embodiment, the internal aperture may be formed by any one of the bezel, middle frame, battery, circuit board, back cover, display, or other internal conductive components, or by a combination of multiple components. For example, the internal aperture may be formed by a structural member of the middle frame. In one embodiment, the aperture may also include a slit / opening / opening disposed on bezel 011. In one embodiment, the slit / opening / opening on bezel 011 may be a break formed in the bezel, dividing bezel 011 into two parts that are not directly connected at the break. In one embodiment, the aperture may also include a slit / opening / opening disposed on back cover 021 or display 15. In one embodiment, the back cover 021 includes a conductive material, and the aperture provided in the conductive material can communicate with the slit or gap in the frame to form a continuous aperture on the exterior surface of the mobile terminal 010. In one embodiment, the aperture in the back cover 021 or the display screen can also be used to accommodate other devices, such as a camera, and / or a sensor, and / or a microphone, and / or a speaker, etc.

[0072] FIG. 3 only schematically illustrates some components included in the mobile terminal 010 , and the actual shapes, sizes, and structures of these components are not limited by FIG. 3 .

[0073] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a structure in which a spring clip is connected to a metal structural part in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 4, the mobile terminal in an embodiment of the present application includes a first metal structural part 1a, a spring clip 2 and a conductive lubricating layer 3. The conductive lubricating layer 3 is located on the first surface of the first metal structural part 1a. The first surface is the surface of the first metal structural part 1a facing the spring clip. The spring clip 2 abuts against the first surface of the first metal structural part 1a, thereby achieving an electrical connection between the spring clip 2 and the first metal structural part 1a. Specifically, the abutment between the spring clip 2 and the first metal structural part 1a is a point-to-face abutment, and the spring clip 2 passes through the conductive lubricating layer 3 and abuts against the first metal structural part 1a. The conductive lubricating layer 3 includes conductive particles and a lubricant, and the conductive particles and the lubricant are mixed to form the conductive lubricating layer 3. The conductive particles in the conductive lubricating layer 3 have good conductivity, increase coupling capacitance, reduce arcing, and are conducive to improving the electrical connection effect between the spring clip 2 and the first metal structural part 1a. The lubricant in the above-mentioned conductive lubricating layer 3 has a good lubricating effect, which reduces the interface friction between the spring clip 2 and the first metal structure 1a, making it easier for the spring clip 2 to slide on the first surface of the first metal structure 1a without scratching the first metal structure 1a, and is less likely to produce impurities such as debris, so that the resistance of the connection between the spring clip 2 and the first metal structure 1a is relatively stable, thereby reducing the PIM of the electrical connection between the spring clip 2 and the first metal structure 1a.

[0074] In the technical solution of the present application, the PIM of the electrical connection between the spring clip 2 and the first metal structural member 1a is low. Therefore, the abutment force between the spring clip 2 and the first metal structural member 1a can be designed to be small, so that the pressure exerted by the spring clip 2 on the first metal structural member 1a is small, which makes the strength requirement of the first metal structural member 1a of the mobile terminal low, and the selection of the first metal structural member 1a is more flexible. In addition, because the abutment force between a single spring clip 2 and the first metal structural member 1a is small, the number of spring clips 2 can be increased as needed to achieve multi-point electrical connection and improve the stability of the electrical connection between the spring clip 2 and the first metal structural member 1a. In addition, because the abutment force between the spring clip 2 and the first metal structural member 1a is small, the spring clip 2 is not likely to scratch the first metal structural member 1a and is not likely to generate debris, which is conducive to further reducing PIM.

[0075] In this solution, the conductive lubricating layer 3 only needs to cover the first surface of the first metal structural part 1a, and no connection process such as welding is required. The thickness requirement for the first metal structural part 1a is also low, so the thickness of the first metal structural part 1a can be reduced, which is conducive to the thinning of the mobile terminal.

[0076] When the conductive lubricating layer 3 is provided on the first surface of the first metal structure 1 a , the conductive lubricating layer 3 may be provided only on a local area of ​​the first surface of the first metal structure 1 a , and the spring 2 abuts against the local area.

[0077] In a specific embodiment, the conductive particles in the conductive lubricating layer 3 include at least one of silver powder, silver flakes, and aluminum-coated silver. Metallic silver has good conductivity and low cost.

[0078] The lubricant in the embodiment of the present application refers to a substance that can reduce the friction between the spring 2 and the first metal structure 1a, and there is no limitation on the selection of specific types. For example, the lubricant can include at least one of resin, silicone oil or paraffin.

[0079] In a specific embodiment, the lubricant is a thermosetting resin, and the conductive lubricating layer 3 is a conductive silver paste. In addition, the lubricant in the embodiment of the present application can also be a non-thermosetting type to improve the lubricating effect of the conductive lubricating layer 3.

[0080] The first metal structural member 1a may comprise an aluminum alloy structural member or a magnesium alloy structural member. These two materials are relatively soft and more prone to oxide formation, making them susceptible to scratching. In the embodiment provided herein, by providing a conductive lubricating layer 3 on the first surface of the first metal structural member 1a, interfacial friction between the spring 2 and the first metal structural member 1a can be reduced, thereby enhancing the protective effect of the first metal structural member 1a.

[0081] The volume resistivity of the conductive lubricating layer 3 is less than or equal to 0.2 ohm.cm, thereby reducing the impedance of the electrical connection between the spring 2 and the first metal structure 1a, reducing PIM, and improving the effect of the electrical connection.

[0082] Specifically, when providing the conductive lubricating layer 3, the thickness of the conductive lubricating layer 3 is greater than or equal to 10 μm. For example, the thickness of the conductive lubricating layer 3 can be 15 μm to 20 μm, 21 μm to 25 μm, 26 μm to 30 μm, 31 μm to 37 μm, 38 μm to 40 μm, 41 μm to 42 μm, 43 μm to 45 μm, 46 μm to 50 μm, 51 μm to 60 μm, or 61 μm to 70 μm. If the thickness of the conductive lubricating layer 3 is less than 10 μm, the lubrication effect is difficult to ensure, and the effect of reducing PIM and maintaining PIM stability is poor. The thicker the conductive lubricating layer 3, the better the lubrication effect, but the cost will also increase accordingly.

[0083] Please continue to refer to Figure 4. In one embodiment, the above-mentioned mobile terminal also includes a second metal structural part 4, and the second end of the spring 2 is connected to the second metal structural part 4. That is, the spring 2 is connected between the second metal structural part 4 and the first metal structural part 1a, and the second metal structural part 4 is electrically connected to the first metal structural part 1a through the spring 2. In the embodiment of the present application, the connection between the second end of the spring 2 and the second metal structural part 4 may include direct fixed connection (such as welding, screw connection or bonding, etc.), or abutment, or electrical connection through a third party, etc. The second metal structural part 4 and the first metal structural part 1a squeeze the above-mentioned spring 2, so that there is a certain pressure between the first end of the spring 2 and the first metal structural part 1a, so as to achieve abutment between the first end of the spring 2 and the first surface of the first metal structural part 1a. Since a conductive lubricating layer 3 is also provided on the first surface of the first metal structure 1a, the PIM between the spring piece 2 and the first metal structure 1a is small and stable, the pressure between the spring piece 2 and the first metal structure 1a is also small and stable, and the electrical connection effect is good and reliable, thereby achieving a stable electrical connection between the first metal structure 1a and the second metal structure 4, thereby improving the effect and stability of electrical signal transmission between the two.

[0084] The pressure exerted by the first metal structure 1a and the second metal structure 4 on the spring sheet 2 is less than or equal to 0.5 N. For example, when the current transmitted between the spring sheet 2 and the first metal structure 1a is 500 mA, the pressure exerted by the first metal structure 1a and the second metal structure 4 on the spring sheet 2 is 0.3 N. The pressure between the spring sheet 2 and the first metal structure 1a in the embodiment of the present application is relatively small and stable, and the strength requirements for the first metal structure 1a are relatively low, so that the first metal structure 1a can be designed to be thinner. In addition, more spring sheets 2 can be provided to achieve electrical connection between the first metal structure 1a and the second metal structure 4, so as to enhance the connection effect between the first metal structure 1a and the second metal structure 4.

[0085] It is worth noting that, unless otherwise specified, the “connection” in the embodiments of the present application may refer to a direct physical connection or an indirect connection. For example, an indirect connection is an indirect connection when the two are connected through a third party, or an electrical connection is established as long as the two achieve electrical conduction (signal transmission).

[0086] The specific structure of the second metal structure 4 is possible in various ways. Specifically, the second metal structure 4 is at least a portion of a circuit board. For example, the second metal structure 4 can be a metal pin or metal layer on the circuit board. Furthermore, the second metal structure 4 can also be a power feeding structure or a grounding structure. In short, it can be any structure that meets the requirements of electrical transmission.

[0087] In a specific embodiment, the second metal structure 4 can be a metal pin or metal layer on a circuit board, that is, the mobile terminal also includes a circuit board, and the second end of the spring 2 is connected to the conductive structure on the circuit board. For example, the conductive structure can be in any form such as a metal pin or a metal layer. At least a portion of the circuit board is electrically connected to the first metal structure 1a through the spring 2. In actual application, the circuit board can also be connected to other electronic devices or electronic devices, so that the electronic devices or electronic devices can be electrically connected to the first metal structure 1a through the spring 2, and the electrical connection effect is relatively reliable and stable, and the signal transmission effect between the electronic device or electronic device and the first metal structure is good.

[0088] In one embodiment, the first metal structure 1a of the mobile terminal is used as an antenna radiator, and the second end of the spring 2 is connected to the radio frequency device or the grounding structure, that is, the second metal structure 4 can be a grounding structure or a feeding structure. In addition, the connection between the second end of the spring 2 and the radio frequency device can be achieved through a circuit board. Specifically, the spring 2 is directly connected to the circuit board, and the circuit board is connected to the radio frequency device, thereby achieving the connection between the spring 2 and the radio frequency device. In this embodiment, the electrical connection between the antenna radiator and other structures can be achieved by utilizing the reliable connection between the spring 2 and the first metal structure 1a, and the reliable connection between the spring 2 and the first metal structure 1a is utilized to achieve signal transmission. For example, the transmitted signal can include a communication signal or a ground signal. In the electrical connection structure including the antenna radiator, the PIM is low, the signal transmission effect is good, and it is conducive to improving the thinning of the mobile terminal.

[0089] In a specific embodiment, the spring clip 2 serves as a feed spring, used to feed the antenna radiator. In a specific implementation, the second end of the spring clip 2 is connected to a radio frequency device. The radio frequency device can specifically be a signal source, such as a communication chip in a mobile terminal. The antenna radiator, the feed spring, and the radio frequency device are sequentially connected to feed the antenna radiator, providing good transmission quality of the fed signal.

[0090] In another specific embodiment, the spring clip 2 serves as a grounding spring clip for grounding the antenna radiator. The second end of the spring clip 2 is connected to a grounding structure. The antenna radiator, the grounding spring clip, and the grounding structure are then sequentially connected to achieve grounding of the antenna radiator. The specific structure and form of the grounding structure are not limited and may be a frame, fixture, bracket, or circuit board already included in the mobile terminal, or a grounding metal plate provided in the mobile terminal. The design may be tailored to actual needs.

[0091] In a specific embodiment, the first metal structural member 1a can be the middle frame of a mobile terminal. To reduce the weight of the mobile terminal, the middle frame is typically made of aluminum alloy and is more convenient for using as an antenna radiator. This solution helps reduce the PIM between the spring clip 2 and the first metal structural member 1a, reducing the pressure between the spring clip 2 and the first metal structural member 1a, and reducing the thickness of the middle frame. Furthermore, the provision of the conductive lubricating layer 3 does not require the thickness of the first metal structural member 1a, which also helps reduce the thickness of the middle frame, thereby further reducing the thickness of the mobile terminal.

[0092] In a specific embodiment, when the first metal structure 1 a is not an antenna radiator, the spring clip 2 can also be used as a grounding spring clip to achieve grounding of the first metal structure 1 a.

[0093] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of a mobile terminal in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 5, in another specific embodiment, the above-mentioned first metal structural member 1a can also be a camera housing 5 (camera deco) of the mobile terminal. The camera housing 5 can specifically include a glass cover plate and a metal ring located on the periphery of the glass cover plate, and the metal ring needs to be grounded. In the embodiment of the present application, since the pressure between the spring 2 and the first metal structural member 1a is reduced, the strength requirement for the first metal structural member 1a is relatively low. The metal ring of the camera housing 5 is usually thinner and has lower strength, but it is also suitable as the first metal structural member 1a in the embodiment of the present application, for connecting with the spring 2. Therefore, the application scenarios of the embodiment of the present application are enriched. In addition, since the pressure between the spring 2 and the first metal structural member 1a is relatively small, multiple springs 2 can be set to abut against the metal ring to improve the grounding reliability of the metal ring.

[0094] Based on the same inventive concept, the present application also provides an electrical connection method. The electrical connection method is applied to the mobile terminal in the above embodiment, and the mobile terminal includes a first metal structure and a spring. FIG6 is a flow chart of the electrical connection method in the embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG6, the electrical connection method specifically includes:

[0095] S101, providing a conductive lubricating layer on a first surface of a first metal structure, wherein the conductive lubricating layer includes conductive particles and a lubricant;

[0096] S102 , setting the first end of the spring to abut against the first surface of the first metal structure.

[0097] The above-mentioned spring clip is electrically connected to the first metal structural part. The PIM of the spring clip and the first metal structural part connected using this method is low. The abutment force between the spring clip and the first metal structural part can be designed to be small, so the pressure on the first metal structural part is small, which makes the strength requirement of the above-mentioned first metal structural part of the mobile terminal low, and the selection of the first metal structural part is more flexible. In addition, since the abutment force between a single spring clip and the first metal structural part is small, the number of spring clips can be increased as needed to achieve multi-point electrical connection and improve the stability of the electrical connection between the two structural parts. In addition, since the abutment force between the spring clip and the first metal structural part is small, the spring clip is not easy to scratch the first metal structural part and is not easy to generate debris, which is conducive to further reducing PIM. A conductive lubricating layer is provided on the surface of the first metal structural part. There is no requirement for the thickness of the first metal structural part. Therefore, the thickness of the first metal structural part can be thinned, which is conducive to achieving a thinner mobile terminal.

[0098] In this solution, the conductive lubricating layer 3 only needs to cover the first surface of the first metal structural part, and no connection process such as welding is required. The thickness requirement for the first metal structural part is also low, so the thickness of the first metal structural part can be reduced, which is conducive to the thinning of the mobile terminal.

[0099] Specifically, when the conductive lubricating layer is provided, the volume resistivity of the conductive lubricating layer is less than or equal to 0.2 ohm.cm, thereby reducing the impedance of the electrical connection between the spring and the first metal structure, reducing PIM, and improving the electrical connection effect.

[0100] In one embodiment, the electrical connection method further includes: setting the thickness of the conductive lubricating layer to be greater than or equal to 10 μm. For example, the thickness of the conductive lubricating layer 3 can be 15 μm to 20 μm, 21 μm to 25 μm, 26 μm to 30 μm, 31 μm to 37 μm, 38 μm to 40 μm, 41 μm to 42 μm, 43 μm to 45 μm, 46 μm to 50 μm, 51 μm to 60 μm, or 61 μm to 70 μm, etc. If the thickness of the conductive lubricating layer is less than 10 μm, the lubrication effect is difficult to ensure, and the effect of reducing PIM and maintaining PIM stability is poor. The thicker the conductive lubricating layer, the better the lubrication effect, but the cost will also increase accordingly.

[0101] The mobile terminal may also include a second metal structure, the second end of the spring is connected to the second metal structure, and the second metal structure is electrically connected to the first metal structure via the spring. The electrical connection method also includes: squeezing the spring through the first metal structure and the second metal structure; the second metal structure is electrically connected to the first metal structure via the spring. The second metal structure and the first metal structure squeeze the spring so that there is a certain pressure between the first end of the spring and the first metal structure, so as to achieve abutment between the first end of the spring and the first surface of the first metal structure. Since a conductive lubricating layer is also provided on the first surface of the first metal structure, the PIM between the spring and the first metal structure is small and stable, the pressure between the spring and the first metal structure is also small and stable, and the electrical connection effect is good and reliable, thereby achieving a stable electrical connection between the first metal structure and the second metal structure, and improving the effect and stability of electrical signal transmission between the two.

[0102] In a further embodiment, the electrical connection method further includes: squeezing the spring sheet through the first metal structure and the second metal structure, wherein the pressure exerted by the first metal structure and the second metal structure on the spring sheet is less than or equal to 0.5 N. The pressure between the spring sheet and the first metal structure in the embodiment of the present application is relatively low and stable, and the strength requirements for the first metal structure are relatively low, which allows the first metal structure to be designed to be thinner. In addition, a larger number of spring sheets can be provided to achieve electrical connection between the first metal structure and the second metal structure, thereby improving the connection effect between the first metal structure and the second metal structure.

[0103] In one embodiment, the mobile terminal further includes a circuit board, and the second metal structure is at least a part of the circuit board. The second end of the spring is connected to the circuit board, and at least a part of the circuit board is electrically connected to the first metal structure through the spring, and the second end is the end of the spring away from the first end. Specifically, the second end of the spring is connected to the conductive structure on the circuit board. For example, the conductive structure can be in any form such as a metal pin or a metal layer. At least a part of the circuit board is electrically connected to the first metal structure through the spring. In actual application, the circuit board can also be connected to other electronic devices or electronic devices, so that the electronic devices or electronic devices can be electrically connected to the first metal structure through the spring, and the electrical connection effect is relatively reliable and stable, and the signal transmission effect between the electronic devices or electronic devices and the first metal structure is better.

[0104] The above are only specific embodiments of the present application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A mobile terminal, characterized in that, It includes a shrapnel, a conductive lubricating layer, and a first metal structural member; wherein, the conductive lubricating layer is located on the first surface of the first metal structural member, the shrapnel includes a first end and a second end facing away from each other, the first end of the shrapnel abuts against the first surface of the first metal structural member, and the shrapnel is electrically connected to the first metal structural member; The conductive lubricating layer includes conductive particles and a lubricant.

2. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein The conductive particles include at least one of silver powder, silver flakes, and silver-coated aluminum.

3. The mobile terminal according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The lubricant includes at least one of resin, silicone oil, and paraffin.

4. The mobile terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first metal structural member includes an aluminum alloy structural member or a magnesium alloy structural member.

5. The mobile terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The mobile terminal further includes a second metal structural member, the second end of the shrapnel is connected to the second metal structural member, and the second metal structural member is electrically connected to the first metal structural member through the shrapnel.

6. The mobile terminal according to claim 5, characterized in that Wherein, The shrapnel is used to bear the pressure of extrusion between the first metal structural member and the second metal structural member, and the pressure borne by the shrapnel is less than or equal to 0.5 N.

7. The mobile terminal according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that The mobile terminal further includes a circuit board, and the second metal structural member is at least a part of the circuit board.

8. The mobile terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The volume resistivity of the conductive lubricating layer is less than or equal to 0.2 ohm·cm.

9. The mobile terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The thickness of the conductive lubricating layer is greater than or equal to 10 μm.

10. The mobile terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The first metal structural member is used as an antenna radiator.

11. The mobile terminal according to claim 10, characterized in that, The shrapnel is used for feeding, and the second end of the shrapnel is connected to a feeding structural member.

12. The mobile terminal according to claim 10, characterized in that, The shrapnel is used for grounding, and the second end of the shrapnel is connected to a grounding structural member.

13. The mobile terminal according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first metal structural member includes the middle frame or the camera decorative part of the mobile terminal.

14. An electrical connection method, applied to a mobile terminal, the mobile terminal comprising a first metal structural member and a shrapnel, characterized in that, The method includes: Providing a conductive lubricating layer on the first surface of the first metal structural member, the conductive lubricating layer including conductive particles and a lubricant; Providing the first end of the shrapnel to abut against the first surface of the first metal structural member, wherein the shrapnel is electrically connected to the first metal structural member.

15. The electrical connection method according to claim 14, wherein The volume resistivity of the conductive lubricating layer is less than or equal to 0.2 ohm·cm.

16. The electrical connection method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, It further includes: Providing the thickness of the conductive lubricating layer to be greater than or equal to 10 μm.

17. The electrical connection method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that The mobile terminal further includes a second metal structural member, and the method further includes: Providing the second end of the shrapnel to be connected to the second metal structural member, wherein the second metal structural member is electrically connected to the first metal structural member through the shrapnel.

18. The electrical connection method according to claim 17, wherein, The method further includes: Extruding the shrapnel through the first metal structural member and the second metal structural member, wherein the pressure of extrusion of the shrapnel by the first metal structural member and the second metal structural member is less than or equal to 0.5 N.

19. The electrical connection method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The mobile terminal further includes a circuit board, and the second metal structural member is at least a part of the circuit board.

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