Patent Description:
A female connector is widely used in various electronic devices, a socket is arranged on the electronic device, and a male connector connected to an external device is inserted into the female connector through the socket, so as to implement connection between the external device and the electronic device. Therefore, the external device may be configured to charge the electronic device, or the external device may perform data transmission with the electronic device.

Waterproof performance of an existing electronic device is relatively poor. After the electronic device is immersed in water, water may enter an interior of the electronic device through a socket arranged on the electronic device, causing damage to the electronic device.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide a female connector to improve waterproof performance of an electronic device.

<CIT> discloses that an electrical connector includes a metallic shell, an insulative housing combined to the metallic shell, a plurality of terminals retained in the insulative housing, an insulative cover covering the metallic shell, a waterproof ring and a waterproof plate respectively attached to a front end and a rear face of the insulative cover, and a fixing member attached to the insulative cover.

<CIT> discloses that an electrical connector includes: an insulative housing having a base and a tongue; plural contacts affixed to the insulative housing and exposed to the tongue; a shielding shell enclosing the insulative housing and having a front end; an outer cover enclosing the shielding shell and having a front protrusion, an annular slot being defined between the front end of the shielding shell and the front protrusion of the outer cover; a rear sealer sealing an interfacing gap between the shielding shell and the outer cover; and a front sealer disposed in the annular slot; wherein at least one of the shielding shell, the outer cover, and the front sealer has a groove in fluid communication with the interfacing gap.

Embodiments of this application provide a female connector, an electronic device, and a method for manufacturing a female connector. A waterproof ring is arranged between an end face of a head of a housing of the female connector and a casing, so that an outer end face of the waterproof ring that is not in contact with the housing fits a casing of a device on which the female connector is mounted in a sealed manner, so as to seal a gap between the end face of the head of the housing and the casing. This can prevent external water from seeping into an interior of the device, thereby improving waterproof performance of the device.

According to a first aspect, a female connector is provided, which is applied to an electronic device, where the female connector includes a housing, a waterproof ring, and a tongue.

The housing is formed as a cavity with two ends open, and includes a first end face, the first end face is close to a first area of the tongue, and the first area of the tongue is used to connect a male connector.

The waterproof ring is of an annular structure, is assembled on the first end face, and includes an outer end face that is not in contact with the housing. The outer end face is used to fit a casing of the electronic device in a sealed manner.

The tongue is arranged inside the cavity of the housing, and in a direction extending from one end of the housing to the other end, the tongue penetrates the housing and the waterproof ring.

Therefore, according to the female connector provided in this embodiment of this application, the waterproof ring is arranged between the housing of the female connector and the casing of the electronic device, and the waterproof ring is assembled on the first end face of the housing of the female connector that is close to the area of the tongue for electrically connecting the male connector, so that the outer end face of the waterproof ring that is not in contact with the housing is used to fit the casing of the electronic device in a sealed manner, so as to implement end face sealing. On one hand, through the end face sealing between the outer end face of the waterproof ring and the casing of the electronic device, a gap between the first end face of the housing of the female connector and the casing of the electronic device may be sealed, so as to prevent water from seeping into an interior of the electronic device, thereby improving waterproof performance of the electronic device. On the other hand, because the waterproof ring can be directly assembled on the first end face of the housing of the female connector, it is unnecessary to form a waterproof ring that is sleeved on a side surface of the housing through injection molding by using a mold. First, costs caused by complexity of a process of forming the waterproof ring through injection molding may be reduced. Second, a problem that the waterproof performance of the electronic device is relatively low due to abnormality of the mold may be avoided as much as possible. Third, in comparison with a structure in which radial sealing is implemented between a side surface of the waterproof ring and the casing of the electronic device, the end face sealing implemented between the outer end face of the waterproof ring and the casing of the electronic device can reduce a size of the female connector in a thickness direction, thereby reducing a size of the electronic device in a thickness direction, and helping reduce a size of a socket arranged on the electronic device in a thickness direction.

Optionally, the first end face is provided with a groove, the waterproof ring includes a first part and a second part, the first part is inserted into the groove, the second part is exposed outside the groove, and the second part includes the outer end face.

Therefore, according to the female connector provided in this embodiment of this application, the first end face of the housing is provided with the groove, and the waterproof ring is inserted into the groove. On one hand, the waterproof ring can be well positioned, and the waterproof ring can be easily fixed, thereby preventing the waterproof ring from being dislocated or detached from the first end face of the housing. On the other hand, water may seep into the electronic device through an area in which the waterproof ring is in contact with the housing, and through arrangement of the groove, the waterproof ring is inserted into the groove, and the groove is in contact with the waterproof ring. This may increase a contact area between the waterproof ring and the housing, and increase a distance that water passes through, making it difficult for water to seep into the electronic device, thereby improving waterproof stability of the electronic device and improving a waterproof effect of the electronic device.

Optionally, an adhesive layer is arranged between the first part and the groove, and the adhesive layer is separately attached to a surface of the first part and a surface of the groove.

Therefore, according to the female connector provided in this embodiment of this application, the adhesive layer attached to the groove and the first part is arranged between the first part of the waterproof ring and the groove, so that a gap between the groove and the first part can be effectively sealed, thereby further improving a waterproof effect of the device. In addition, the adhesive layer can further improve adhesion between the waterproof ring and the groove, so that the waterproof ring can be better stuck in the groove.

Optionally, the waterproof ring includes an inner end face, the inner end face is a stepped surface, and the inner end face includes an inner stepped surface and an outer stepped surface; the inner stepped surface is an end face of the first part that is in contact with a bottom surface of the groove, the outer stepped surface is an end face of the second part that is in contact with the first end face, and an area of the outer end face is greater than an area of the inner stepped surface.

Therefore, according to the female connector in this embodiment of this application, the stepped waterproof ring is arranged, so that an area of the outer end face of the waterproof ring is greater than an area of the inner stepped surface that is in contact with the bottom surface of the groove, thereby increasing a sealing area between the outer end face and the casing, improving a sealing effect, and further improving the waterproof performance of the electronic device.

Optionally, the female connector further includes a metal member, and the metal member is fixedly connected to the housing.

Therefore, according to the female connector in this embodiment of this application, arrangement of the metal member that is fixedly connected to the housing can effectively increase strength of the housing. This structure may be well applied to a case in which the housing is designed as a plastic housing.

Optionally, the metal member includes an embedded part and an exposed part, the embedded part is embedded into the housing and extends in a direction away from the first end face of the housing, and the exposed part is located at two ends of the embedded part and bent toward the inside of the cavity of the housing to form a snap-in structure.

The tongue includes a stopper member, and the stopper member is stuck in the exposed part.

Optionally, the metal member is made of steel.

Optionally, the housing is made of plastic.

Therefore, according to the female connector in this embodiment of this application, the housing is arranged as a plastic housing. In a process of implementing data transmission or charging by using the female connector, electromagnetic waves generated by the metal housing and the male connector may be avoided, so as to reduce impact on antenna performance and improve antenna performance of the device.

Optionally, the waterproof ring is made of silica gel.

According to a second aspect, an electronic device is provided, where the electronic device includes a casing and a female connector, and the female connector includes a housing, a waterproof ring, and a tongue.

The waterproof ring is of an annular structure, is assembled on the first end face, and includes an outer end face that is not in contact with the housing. The outer end face fits the casing in a sealed manner.

Therefore, according to the electronic device provided in this embodiment of this application, the waterproof ring is arranged between the housing of the female connector and the casing of the electronic device, and the waterproof ring is assembled on the first end face of the housing of the female connector that is close to the area of the tongue for electrically connecting the male connector, so that the outer end face of the waterproof ring that is not in contact with the housing fits the casing of the electronic device in a sealed manner, so as to implement end face sealing. On one hand, through the end face sealing between the outer end face of the waterproof ring and the casing of the electronic device, a gap between the first end face of the housing of the female connector and the casing of the electronic device may be sealed, so as to prevent water from seeping into an interior of the electronic device, thereby improving waterproof performance of the electronic device. On the other hand, because the waterproof ring can be directly assembled on the first end face of the housing of the female connector, it is unnecessary to form a waterproof ring that is sleeved on a side surface of the housing through injection molding by using a mold. First, costs caused by complexity of a process of forming the waterproof ring through injection molding may be reduced. Second, a problem that the waterproof performance of the electronic device is relatively low due to abnormality of the mold may be avoided as much as possible. Third, in comparison with a structure in which radial sealing is implemented between a side surface of the waterproof ring and the casing of the electronic device, the end face sealing implemented between the outer end face of the waterproof ring and the casing of the electronic device can reduce a size of the female connector in a thickness direction, thereby reducing a size of the electronic device in a thickness direction, and helping reduce a size of a socket arranged on the electronic device in a thickness direction.

According to a third aspect, a method for manufacturing a female connector is provided, where the method includes:.

Optionally, the first end face is provided with a groove; and
the assembling a waterproof ring on a first end face of the housing includes:
assembling the waterproof ring on the groove, so that a first part of the waterproof ring is inserted into the groove, a second part is exposed outside the groove, and the second part includes the outer end face.

A female connector in embodiments of this application is applicable to any type of connector, which is not limited in the embodiments of this application. For example, the female connector may be of Type-C, Type-A, Type-B, or the like.

The female connector is arranged in an electronic device, and the electronic device may be a variety of possible devices on which the female connector is mounted. For example, the electronic device may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a watch, a wearable device, or the like. <FIG> is a three-dimensional schematic structural diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of this application. Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> includes a casing <NUM>, a socket <NUM>-<NUM> arranged on the casing <NUM>, and a female connector <NUM> mounted on the casing <NUM>. Optionally, the electronic device <NUM> further includes a screen <NUM>. For example, if the electronic device is a mobile phone, the casing <NUM> may be understood as a middle frame or a rear casing of the mobile phone.

A male connector connected to an external device is inserted into the female connector <NUM> through the socket <NUM>-<NUM>, so as to implement connection between the external device and the electronic device. In this way, the external device is configured to charge the electronic device, or the external device performs data transmission with the electronic device.

The female connector is mounted on the electronic device. After the electronic device is immersed in water, water may enter an interior of the electronic device through the socket arranged on the electronic device, causing damage to the electronic device.

Based on this, an embodiment of this application provides a female connector. The female connector includes a housing, a tongue, and a waterproof ring. The waterproof ring is assembled on an end face of the housing of the female connector, and an end face of the waterproof ring fits a casing of an electronic device in a sealed manner, so as to seal a gap between the housing of the female connector and the casing of the electronic device. This can prevent water from seeping into an interior of the electronic device, thereby improving waterproof performance of the electronic device.

For ease of description, a manner of sealing between the end face of the housing of the female connector and the casing may be referred to as end face sealing.

The following describes in detail the female connector in this embodiment of this application with reference to <FIG>.

First, coordinate systems of the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of this application are described. A y direction may be understood as a length direction of the tongue of the female connector, or the y direction may alternatively be understood as a direction extending from one end of the housing of the female connector to another end. A z direction may be understood as a thickness direction or a height direction of the female connector, or the z direction may alternatively be understood as a thickness direction of an electronic device on which the female connector is mounted. An x direction is perpendicular to both the y direction and the z direction.

The embodiments of this application relate to end faces of some members (for example, a waterproof ring or a housing). The end faces may be understood as surfaces of both ends of a cylindrical structure. The cylindrical structure may be a structure having a regular shape, for example, the cylindrical structure is a cylinder or a circular cylinder. The cylindrical structure may alternatively be a structure having an irregular shape. This is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

Referring to <FIG>, the female connector <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>, a waterproof ring <NUM>, and a tongue <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the housing <NUM> is formed as a cavity structure with two ends open, the housing <NUM> includes a first end face <NUM> (as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>), and the first end face <NUM> is perpendicular to the y direction. Still referring to <FIG>, the first end face <NUM> of the housing <NUM> is close to a first area <NUM>-A of the tongue <NUM>, and the first area <NUM>-A is used to connect a male connector. Alternatively, the first area <NUM>-A may be understood as an area for inserting or removing a male connector. It should be noted that the first end face <NUM> may not be perpendicular to the y direction, but may form a specific included angle with the y direction.

Referring to <FIG>, the waterproof ring <NUM> is of an annular structure. Still referring to <FIG>, the waterproof ring <NUM> is assembled on the first end face <NUM> of the housing <NUM> of the female connector <NUM>, and the waterproof ring <NUM> includes an outer end face <NUM>-<NUM> that is not in contact with the housing <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the outer end face <NUM>-<NUM> is used to fit the casing <NUM> of the electronic device in a sealed manner, so as to achieve waterproof performance of the electronic device. Correspondingly, an end face of the waterproof ring <NUM> that is in contact with the housing <NUM> of the female connector <NUM> may be referred to as an inner end face of the waterproof ring <NUM> (for details, refer to related descriptions below).

It should be understood that the waterproof ring <NUM> may be of an annular structure of any shape, which is not limited herein. For example, the annular structure may be a circular annular structure, an elliptical structure, a rectangular structure, or the like.

For example, the fit between the outer end face <NUM>-<NUM> of the waterproof ring <NUM> and the casing <NUM> of the electronic device in a sealed manner may be an interference fit.

For example, still referring to <FIG>, a sealing area between the outer end face <NUM>-<NUM> of the waterproof ring <NUM> and the casing <NUM> of the electronic device is described. The casing <NUM> of the electronic device is provided with the socket <NUM>-<NUM> for accommodating the tongue <NUM>, and an annular area <NUM>-<NUM> of the casing <NUM> fits the outer end face <NUM>-<NUM> of the waterproof ring <NUM> in a sealed manner (as shown in <FIG>), so as to implement end face sealing. A distance Li between an inner edge <NUM>-2A and an outer edge <NUM>-2B of the annular area <NUM>-<NUM> of the casing <NUM> may be understood as a distance between an inner edge and an outer edge of projection of the outer end face <NUM>-<NUM> of the waterproof ring <NUM> on the xz plane. The projection of the outer end face <NUM>-<NUM> of the waterproof ring <NUM> on the xz plane is a ring, and the projection of the ring includes the inner edge and the outer edge. For example, if the projection of the ring is a circular ring, a radius of an inner edge of the circular ring may be referred to as an inner diameter of the circular ring, a radius of an outer edge of the circular ring may be referred to as an outer diameter of the circular ring, and a difference between the outer diameter and the inner diameter is a distance between the inner edge and the outer edge of the circular ring.

For example, to facilitate sealing between the outer end face <NUM>-<NUM> of the waterproof ring <NUM> and the casing <NUM>, a distance L<NUM> may be spaced between the socket <NUM>-<NUM> and the inner edge <NUM>-2A of the annular area <NUM>-<NUM>.

Optionally, the waterproof ring <NUM> may be a silicone ring. In other words, the waterproof ring <NUM> is made of silica gel.

Referring to <FIG>, the tongue <NUM> is arranged inside the housing <NUM>, and in a direction extending from one end of the housing <NUM> to the other end (that is, the y direction), the tongue <NUM> penetrates the housing <NUM> and the waterproof ring <NUM>.

For example, referring to <FIG>, the tongue <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) includes a terminal assembly <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) and an insulating body <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>). The terminal assembly <NUM> and the insulating body <NUM> may be integrally injection molded to form the tongue <NUM>. The insulating body <NUM> is provided with a stopper member <NUM>-<NUM>, and the stopper member <NUM>-<NUM> can cooperate with the housing <NUM> to fix the tongue <NUM> on the housing <NUM>.

It may be understood that the stopper member <NUM>-<NUM> is a part for defining an area in the terminal assembly <NUM> that is electrically connected to the male connector. Referring to <FIG>, the stopper member <NUM>-<NUM> may divide the tongue <NUM> into two areas. An area on a first side of the stopper member <NUM>-<NUM> may be understood as a head area of the tongue <NUM>. The part of the terminal assembly <NUM> in the head area of the tongue <NUM> is used for electrical connection to the male connector, and this part is located in a first area <NUM>-A of the tongue <NUM>. An area on a second side of the stopper member <NUM>-<NUM> may be understood as a tail area of the tongue <NUM>, and the tail area includes an area in the terminal assembly <NUM> for soldering on a printed circuit board (printed circuit board, PCB).

In a currently known female connector, in a process of forming the female connector, a housing of the female connector is placed into a mold, and a liquid waterproof material (for example, liquid waterproof silica gel) is sleeved on a side surface of the housing through injection molding to form a waterproof ring. A side surface of the waterproof ring fits a casing of an electronic device in a sealed manner, so as to implement radial sealing between the side surface of the housing of the female connector and the casing of the electronic device. In the female connector, because the waterproof ring is injection molded by placing the housing of the female connector into the mold, on one hand, costs for implementing a process are increased, and on the other hand, if the mold is abnormal, for example, the mold is damaged or a size error occurs, a precision error of the housing of the female connector plus a precision error of the mold greatly affect precision of the size of the waterproof ring, thereby affecting the fit between the waterproof ring and the casing of the electronic device in a sealed manner, and degrading waterproof performance of the electronic device.

Therefore, according to the female connector provided in this embodiment of this application, the waterproof ring is arranged between the housing of the female connector and the casing of the electronic device, and the waterproof ring is assembled on the first end face of the housing of the female connector that is close to the area of the tongue for electrically connecting the male connector, so that the outer end face of the waterproof ring that is not in contact with the housing fits the casing of the electronic device in a sealed manner, so as to implement end face sealing. On one hand, through the end face sealing between the outer end face of the waterproof ring and the casing of the electronic device, a gap between the first end face of the housing of the female connector and the casing of the electronic device may be sealed, so as to prevent water from seeping into an interior of the electronic device, thereby improving waterproof performance of the electronic device. On the other hand, because the waterproof ring can be directly assembled on the first end face of the housing of the female connector, it is unnecessary to form a waterproof ring that is sleeved on a side surface of the housing through injection molding by using a mold. First, costs caused by complexity of a process of forming the waterproof ring through injection molding may be reduced. Second, a problem that the waterproof performance of the electronic device is relatively low due to abnormality of the mold may be avoided as much as possible. Third, in comparison with a structure in which radial sealing is implemented between a side surface of the waterproof ring and the casing of the electronic device, the end face sealing implemented between the outer end face of the waterproof ring and the casing of the electronic device can reduce a size of the female connector in a thickness direction, thereby reducing a size of the electronic device in a thickness direction, and helping reduce a size of a socket arranged on the electronic device in a thickness direction.

In this embodiment of this application, there are a plurality of structures in which the waterproof ring is assembled on the first end face of the housing. Based on the structure in which the waterproof ring is assembled on the first end face of the housing, for example, the following describes in detail the waterproof ring, the housing, and a specific structure in which the waterproof ring is assembled on the first end face of the housing.

To facilitate positioning of the waterproof ring, still referring to <FIG>, and <FIG>, in a possible implementation, the first end face <NUM> of the housing <NUM> is provided with a groove <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>). The waterproof ring <NUM> includes a first part <NUM> and a second part <NUM> (as shown in <FIG> and <FIG> and <FIG>). The first part <NUM> of the waterproof ring <NUM> is inserted into the groove <NUM>, the second part <NUM> of the waterproof ring <NUM> is exposed outside the groove <NUM>, and the second part <NUM> includes an outer end face <NUM>-<NUM> (as shown in <FIG>).

Still referring to <FIG>, the groove <NUM> may be an annular groove <NUM> arranged on the first end face <NUM> of the housing <NUM> of the female connector <NUM>. Still referring to <FIG>, the groove <NUM> includes a side surface <NUM>-<NUM>, a side surface <NUM>-<NUM>, and a bottom surface <NUM>-<NUM>. Space formed by these three surfaces forms the groove <NUM>, and is used for accommodating the first part <NUM> of the waterproof ring <NUM>.

Therefore, the first end face of the housing of the female connector is provided with the groove, and the waterproof ring is inserted into the groove. On one hand, the waterproof ring can be well positioned, and the waterproof ring can be easily fixed, thereby preventing the waterproof ring from being dislocated or detached from the first end face of the housing. On the other hand, water may seep into the electronic device through an area in which the waterproof ring is in contact with the housing, and through arrangement of the groove, the waterproof ring is inserted into the groove, and the groove is in contact with the waterproof ring. This may increase a contact area between the waterproof ring and the housing, and increase a distance that water passes through. For example, water needs to pass through the side surface (for example, the side surface <NUM>-<NUM>) of the groove close to the cavity of the housing, the bottom surface (<NUM>-<NUM>) of the groove, and the side surface (for example, the side surface <NUM>-<NUM>) of the groove away from the cavity of the housing, so as to finally enter an interior of the electronic device. This makes it difficult for water to seep into the electronic device, thereby improving waterproof stability of the electronic device and improving a waterproof effect of the electronic device.

The waterproof ring <NUM> may be a structure of various shapes.

Still referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in a possible implementation, the waterproof ring <NUM> may be arranged as a stepped waterproof ring. <FIG> is used as an example. The waterproof ring <NUM> includes an inner end face, the inner end face is a stepped surface, and the inner end face includes an inner stepped surface <NUM>-<NUM> and an outer stepped surface <NUM>-<NUM>. The inner stepped surface <NUM>-<NUM> is an end face that is in contact with the bottom surface <NUM>-<NUM> of the groove <NUM>, the outer stepped surface <NUM>-<NUM> is an end face that is in contact with the first end face <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, and an area of the outer end face <NUM>-<NUM> is greater than an area of the inner stepped surface <NUM>-<NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in the z direction, the outer stepped surface <NUM>-<NUM> is farther from the tongue <NUM> than the inner stepped surface <NUM>-<NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the outer stepped surface <NUM>-<NUM> is closer to the tongue <NUM> than the inner stepped surface <NUM>-<NUM>.

In some cases, an overall thickness of the electronic device needs to be small. As a result, a thickness of the female connector is also small, leading to a small size of the groove in the z direction, and a small area of the end face of the waterproof ring that is in contact with the bottom surface of the groove is small. Using the waterproof ring of a stepped shape may ensure that the area of the outer end face of the waterproof ring is greater than the area of the end face of the waterproof ring that is in contact with the bottom surface of the groove, thereby increasing the sealing area between the outer end face of the waterproof ring and the casing of the electronic device, and improving a sealing effect.

Referring to <FIG>, in another possible implementation, a cross section of the waterproof ring <NUM> on a first plane (that is, the yz plane) may be square. The waterproof ring <NUM> includes a first part <NUM> and a second part <NUM>, and the waterproof ring <NUM> includes an inner end face <NUM>-<NUM> and an outer end face <NUM>-<NUM>. The inner end face <NUM>-<NUM> may be an end face of the first part <NUM> and is in contact with the bottom surface <NUM>-<NUM> of the groove <NUM>. The outer end face <NUM>-<NUM> may be an end face of the second part <NUM>, and is not in contact with the housing <NUM>. The outer end face <NUM>-<NUM> is used to implement end face sealing with the casing <NUM> of the electronic device.

The structure may be well applied to a case in which there is no special requirement for the thickness of the electronic device, and various waterproof rings that meet the thickness requirement may be designed. The process is simple and easy to operate.

In addition, the shape of the outer end face <NUM>-<NUM> of the waterproof ring <NUM> is not limited in this embodiment of this application. For example, still referring to <FIG>, the outer end face <NUM>-<NUM> of the waterproof ring <NUM> may be curved. Optionally, the cross section of the outer end face <NUM>-<NUM> on the yz plane may be, for example, a constricted shape shown in <FIG>. For another example, still referring to <FIG>, the outer end face <NUM>-<NUM> of the waterproof ring <NUM> may alternatively be planar.

It should be understood that structures of the stepped waterproof rings shown in <FIG> and <FIG> are merely examples for description, and should not constitute a limitation on this embodiment of this application. Any structure of the stepped waterproof ring falls within the protection scope of this embodiment of this application.

Therefore, according to the female connector in this embodiment of this application, the stepped waterproof ring is arranged, so that an area of the outer end face of the waterproof ring is greater than an area of the inner stepped surface that is in contact with the bottom surface of the groove, thereby increasing a sealing area between the outer end face of the waterproof ring and the casing of the electronic device, improving a sealing effect, and further improving the waterproof performance of the electronic device.

In the foregoing structure in which the first end face of the housing is provided with the groove, there may be a gap between the first part of the waterproof ring inserted into the groove and the groove. This possible gap is also a way for water to seep into the electronic device. Therefore, to seal this possible gap, an embodiment of this application further provides the following structure to further improve the sealing effect.

<FIG> is a schematic structural diagram of a local area A of a female connector on a yz plane. For the local area A, refer to the markings in <FIG>. The local area A may be understood as an area in which the groove and the waterproof ring cooperate with each other.

Referring to <FIG>, in a possible implementation, an adhesive layer <NUM> is arranged between the first part <NUM> of the waterproof ring <NUM> and the groove <NUM>, and the adhesive layer <NUM> is separately attached to a surface of the first part <NUM> and a surface of the groove <NUM>.

The surface of the groove <NUM> includes side surfaces <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> and a bottom surface <NUM>-<NUM> of the groove <NUM>, and the surface of the first part <NUM> of the waterproof ring <NUM> includes an inner end face <NUM>-<NUM> and side surfaces <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>.

In the process of manufacturing the female connector, glue may be dispensed on the bottom surface <NUM>-<NUM> of the groove <NUM>, and the inner end face <NUM>-<NUM> of the first part <NUM> of the waterproof ring <NUM> is squeezed on the bottom surface <NUM>-<NUM> of the groove <NUM>, so that the glue is squeezed between that groove <NUM> and the first part <NUM> of the waterproof ring <NUM> to form the adhesive layer <NUM> between the first part <NUM> of the waterproof ring <NUM> and the groove <NUM>.

Therefore, the adhesive layer attached to the groove and the first part is arranged between the first part of the waterproof ring and the groove, so that a gap between the groove and the first part of the waterproof ring can be effectively sealed, thereby further improving a waterproof effect of the electronic device. In addition, the adhesive layer can further improve adhesion between the waterproof ring and the groove, so that the waterproof ring can be better stuck in the groove.

In another possible implementation, to seal the gap between the groove <NUM> and the first part <NUM> of the waterproof ring <NUM>, the first part <NUM> of the waterproof ring <NUM> may be inserted into the groove <NUM> in an interference fit manner. For example, a size of the groove <NUM> in the z direction is <NUM>, a size of the first part <NUM> of the waterproof ring <NUM> in the z direction may be <NUM>. Because <NUM> is greater than <NUM>, the first part <NUM> of the waterproof ring <NUM> is inserted into the groove <NUM> in an interference fit manner to effectively seal the gap.

The structure in which the first part of the waterproof ring is inserted into the groove in an interference fit manner can be well applied to a case in which the sizes of the groove and the waterproof ring are relatively large in the z direction, and the gap between the groove and the waterproof ring can be sealed without affecting the performance of the waterproof ring.

In this structure, there is no need to arrange a groove on the first end face <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, an adhesive layer <NUM> may be provided between the inner end face <NUM>-<NUM> of the waterproof ring <NUM> and the first end face <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The adhesive layer <NUM> is separately attached to the inner end face <NUM>-<NUM> of the waterproof ring <NUM> and the first end face <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

The waterproof ring <NUM> may alternatively be assembled on the first end face <NUM> of the housing <NUM> by bonding the adhesive layer to the inner end face of the waterproof ring and the first end face of the housing, so as to implement the end face sealing between the outer end face <NUM>-<NUM> of the waterproof ring and the casing <NUM>.

For example, an adhesive material of the adhesive layer <NUM> may be ultraviolet curing (ultraviolet curing, UV) paint. In the process of assembling the waterproof ring <NUM> on the first end face <NUM> of the housing <NUM> of the female connector, UV glue may be coated on the first end face <NUM> to form the adhesive layer <NUM> through ultraviolet curing, so that the inner end face <NUM>-<NUM> of the waterproof ring <NUM> and the first end face <NUM> of the housing <NUM> are bonded together.

It should be understood that the structure <NUM> and the structure <NUM> are merely examples for description, and should not constitute a limitation on this embodiment of this application. Any structure in which a waterproof ring can be assembled on the first end face of the housing falls within the protection scope of this embodiment of this application.

In a process of implementing data transmission or charging by using the female connector, because the male connector is metallic, if the housing of the female connector is also a metal housing, the metal of the male connector and the metal of the housing may generate electromagnetic waves. When an antenna is arranged at a position close to the female connector, electromagnetic waves generated by the female connector may affect antenna performance.

Therefore, optionally, the housing <NUM> may be a plastic housing. In other words, the housing <NUM> is made of plastic.

Therefore, the housing of the female connector is arranged as a plastic housing. In a process of implementing data transmission or charging by using the female connector, electromagnetic waves generated by the metal housing and the male connector may be avoided, so as to reduce impact on antenna performance and improve antenna performance of the electronic device.

The housing of the female connector is configured to support the tongue. To increase the strength of the housing, a metal member fixed to the housing may be arranged in the housing. This structure may be well applied to a case in which the housing is designed as a plastic housing.

For example, referring to <FIG>, the female connector further includes a metal member <NUM>; referring to <FIG>, the metal member <NUM> is fixedly connected to the housing <NUM>. According to the invention, the metal member <NUM> and the housing <NUM> are integrally molded through injection molding.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the metal member <NUM> includes an embedded part <NUM> and an exposed part <NUM>. The embedded part <NUM> of the metal member <NUM> is embedded in the housing <NUM> and extends in a direction away from the first end face <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The exposed parts <NUM> of the metal member <NUM> are located at both ends of the embedded part <NUM>, are bent toward the inside of the cavity of the housing <NUM>, and are exposed in the cavity of the housing <NUM>, so as to form a snap-in structure, so that the tongue <NUM> can be stuck on the metal member <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the tongue <NUM> may be stuck in the exposed part <NUM> of the metal member <NUM> by using the stopper member <NUM>-<NUM> of the tongue <NUM>. According to the invention, still referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the exposed part <NUM> of the metal member <NUM> includes a front end portion <NUM>-<NUM> and a rear end portion <NUM>-<NUM> that are opposite to each other, and rear end portion <NUM>-<NUM> is of a plurality of (for example, four) claw structures bent toward the inside of the cavity of the housing <NUM>. The front end portion <NUM>-<NUM> includes a front mating end face <NUM>-1A and the rear end portion <NUM>-<NUM> includes a rear mating end face <NUM>-2A. Still referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the stopper member <NUM>-<NUM> of the tongue <NUM> includes a front end face <NUM>-<NUM> and a rear end face <NUM>-<NUM> that are opposite to each other. The front end face <NUM>-<NUM> of the stopper member <NUM>-<NUM> corresponds to the front mating end face <NUM>-1A of the front end portion <NUM>-<NUM> of the exposed part <NUM>. The rear end face <NUM>-<NUM> of the stopper member <NUM>-<NUM> corresponds to the rear mating end face <NUM>-2A of the rear end portion <NUM>-<NUM> of the exposed part <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the front mating end face <NUM>-1A of the exposed part <NUM> of the metal member <NUM> is in tight contact with the front end face <NUM>-<NUM> of the stopper member <NUM>-<NUM>. The rear mating end face <NUM>-2A of the exposed part <NUM> of the metal member <NUM> is in tight contact with the rear end face <NUM>-<NUM> of the stopper member <NUM>-<NUM>, so that the stopper member <NUM>-<NUM> of the tongue <NUM> is stuck in the exposed part <NUM> of the metal member <NUM>. Therefore, the tongue <NUM> may be fixed to the housing <NUM> by using the metal member <NUM>.

For the metal member <NUM> shown in <FIG>, a pre-folding groove may be arranged on the housing <NUM>, and the rear end portion <NUM>-<NUM> of the exposed part <NUM> of the metal member <NUM> may not be bent before the tongue <NUM> is assembled. For example, the rear end portion <NUM>-<NUM> may be inserted into the pre-folding groove arranged in the housing <NUM> in the y direction, and passes the tongue <NUM> through the housing <NUM> in the y direction starting from the head area of the tongue <NUM>, so that the tongue <NUM> penetrates the housing <NUM>. After the front end face <NUM>-<NUM> of the stopper member <NUM>-<NUM> of the tongue <NUM> is in contact with the front mating end face <NUM>-1A of the front end portion <NUM>-<NUM> of the exposed part <NUM> of the metal member <NUM>, the rear end portion <NUM>-<NUM> of the exposed part <NUM> of the metal member <NUM> is bent toward the inside of the cavity of the housing <NUM> along the pre-folding groove, so that the rear mating end face <NUM>-2A of the rear end portion <NUM>-<NUM> is in tight contact with the rear end face <NUM>-<NUM> of the stopper member <NUM>-<NUM> of the tongue <NUM>, and the front mating end face <NUM>-1A of the front end portion <NUM>-<NUM> of the exposed part <NUM> is in tight contact with the front end face <NUM>-<NUM> of the stopper member <NUM>-<NUM> of the tongue <NUM>, so that the stopper member <NUM>-<NUM> of the tongue <NUM> is stuck in the exposed part <NUM>.

Optionally, the metal member <NUM> may be made of steel.

The foregoing describes in detail the female connector in the embodiments of this application with reference to <FIG>. The following describes in detail an electronic device on which a female connector is mounted in the embodiments of this application with further reference to <FIG>. For example, the electronic device may be the electronic device shown in <FIG>, and the female connector may be a female connector corresponding to the structure shown in any one of <FIG>.

Still referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device includes a casing <NUM> and a female connector <NUM>. The female connector <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>, a waterproof ring <NUM>, and a tongue <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the housing <NUM> is formed as a cavity with two ends open. The housing <NUM> includes a first end face <NUM>, the first end face <NUM> is close to a first area <NUM>-A of the tongue <NUM>, and the first area <NUM>-A is used to connect a male connector. The waterproof ring <NUM> is of an annular structure, and is assembled on the first end face <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In addition, an outer end face <NUM>-<NUM> of the waterproof ring <NUM> that is not in contact with the housing <NUM> fits the casing <NUM> in a sealed manner. The tongue <NUM> is arranged inside the housing <NUM> and is fixedly connected to the housing <NUM>. In a direction extending from one end of the housing <NUM> to the other end (that is, the y direction), the tongue <NUM> penetrates the housing <NUM> and the waterproof ring <NUM>.

For specific descriptions of the members, refer to the foregoing related descriptions. For brevity, details are not described herein again.

An embodiment of this application further provides a method for manufacturing a female connector. <FIG> is a schematic flowchart of a method for manufacturing a female connector according to an embodiment of this application. <FIG> is a schematic diagram of assembling a waterproof ring on a housing.

Still referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the method includes the following steps.

S310: Form a housing <NUM> that has a cavity structure with two ends open.

S320: Fixedly connect a tongue <NUM> to the housing <NUM>, where in a direction extending from one end of the housing <NUM> to the other end, the tongue <NUM> penetrates the housing <NUM>.

S330: Assemble a waterproof ring <NUM> on a first end face <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, where the waterproof ring <NUM> includes an outer end face <NUM>-<NUM> that is not in contact with the housing <NUM>, the outer end face <NUM>-<NUM> is used to fit a casing of an electronic device on which the female connector is mounted in a sealed manner, the first end face <NUM> of the housing <NUM> is close to a first area <NUM>-A of the tongue <NUM>, and the first area <NUM>-A is used to connect a male connector.

Optionally, the first end face <NUM> of the housing <NUM> is provided with a groove <NUM>, and the assembling a waterproof ring <NUM> on a first end face <NUM> includes:
assembling the waterproof ring <NUM> on the groove <NUM>, so that a first part <NUM> of the waterproof ring <NUM> is inserted into the groove <NUM>, and a second part <NUM> of the waterproof ring <NUM> is exposed outside the groove <NUM>, where the second part <NUM> includes the outer end face <NUM>-<NUM>.

It should be understood that, as described in the embodiments of this application, that an element is "fixed" to another element means that an element can be directly or indirectly fixed to another element. As described in the embodiments of this application, "connection" between an element and another element may be direct connection or indirect connection. As described in the embodiments of this application, "contact" between an element and another element may be direct contact or indirect contact. In addition, as described in the embodiments of this application, contact between two elements may be understood as contact within an allowable range of a mounting error, and there may be a small gap caused by the mounting error.

It should be further understood that, as described in the embodiments of this application, that a direction is "parallel to" or "perpendicular to" another direction may be understood as "approximately parallel" or "approximately perpendicular".

Claim 1:
A female connector (<NUM>), which is suitable to be used in an electronic device (<NUM>), wherein the female connector comprises a housing (<NUM>), a waterproof ring (<NUM>), and a tongue (<NUM>), wherein
the housing (<NUM>) is formed as a cavity with two ends open, and comprises a first end face (<NUM>), and a first area (<NUM>-A) of the tongue (<NUM>) is configured to connect a male connector;
the waterproof ring (<NUM>) is of an annular structure, is assembled on the first end face (<NUM>), and comprises an outer end face (<NUM>-<NUM>) that is not in contact with the housing (<NUM>), wherein the outer end face (<NUM>-<NUM>) is configured to fit a casing (<NUM>) of the electronic device in a sealed manner; and
the tongue (<NUM>) is arranged inside the housing (<NUM>), and the tongue (<NUM>) penetrates the housing (<NUM>) and the waterproof ring (<NUM>), and the tongue (<NUM>) comprises a stopper member (<NUM>-<NUM>);
wherein the female connector further comprises a metal member (<NUM>), and the metal member is fixedly connected to the housing; characterised in that the metal member (<NUM>) and the housing (<NUM>) are integrally molded through injection molding;
wherein the metal member (<NUM>) comprises an embedded part (<NUM>) and an exposed part (<NUM>), the embedded part (<NUM>) is embedded into the housing (<NUM>) and extends in a direction away from the first end face (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>), and the exposed part (<NUM>) is located at two ends of the embedded part (<NUM>) and bent toward the inside of the cavity of the housing (<NUM>) to form a snap-in structure;
wherein the exposed part (<NUM>) includes a front end portion (<NUM>-<NUM>) and a rear end portion (<NUM>-<NUM>) that are opposite to each other, the rear end portion (<NUM>-<NUM>) is of a plurality of claw structures bent toward the inside of the cavity of the housing (<NUM>);
and the stopper member is stuck in the exposed part (<NUM>).