Patent Description:
With the development of science and technology, electronic devices (such as a mobile phone and a tablet computer) gradually develop towards lightening and thinning. A rear cover made of a plastic material facilitates lightening and thinning of the electronic devices. However, heat conductivity of plastic is poor, causing poor heat dissipation performance of the electronic devices and affecting overall performance of electronic devices.

<CIT> relates to an electronic device comprising a middle frame assembly, the middle frame assembly comprising a middle frame body and a heat equalizing plate, the middle frame body is provided with a groove, and the heat equalizing plate is arranged in the groove and connected to the middle frame body, the groove has a first area and a second area, the electronic device further includes a main board and a battery, the first area is arranged opposite to the main board, and the second area is arranged opposite to the battery, and the heat equalizing plate covers the first area and the second area.

<CIT> relates to a heat pipe comprising an evaporation part for vaporizing working fluid; a condensation part for liquefying the working fluid; and a flow passage part including a gas phase flow passage through which the working fluid in a gas phase vaporized in the evaporation part flows toward the condensation part, and a liquid phase flow passage through which the working fluid in a liquid phase liquefied in the condensation part flows toward the evaporation part. The evaporation part, the condensation part, and the flow passage part are formed of a laminated body in which a first plate-like member, a second plate-like member, a third plate-like member, and a fourth plate-like member are laminated in this order. The laminated body comprises a first hollow part including the gas phase flow passage between the first plate-like member and the second plate-like member, a second hollow part including the liquid phase flow passage between the third plate-like member and the fourth plate-like member, and a third hollow part sandwiched between the first hollow part and the second hollow part between the second plate-like member and the third plate-like member. The second plate-like member and the third plate-like member comprise first through holes allowing communication between the first hollow part and the second hollow part in the evaporation part, and comprise second through holes allowing communication between the first hollow part and the second hollow part in the condensation part.

<CIT> relates to a mobile terminal comprising a heat-generating component; a vapor chamber having a body portion in which a fluid for transporting heat is sealed, and a projecting part projecting from an edge of the bottom part of the main body part, the body portion contacting the heat-generating component; a plate-shaped metal structure having a through hole into which the body portion is inserted; and a heat-conductive bonding member whereby the projecting part positioned overlapping the metal structure when viewed in the direction of a normal to the metal structure is bonded to the metal structure. A gap is formed between the body portion and the metal structure. The heat-conductive bonding member is positioned according to the amount of heat conducted from the heat-generating component to the metal structure.

This application provides a housing, so as to resolve a technical problem of poor heat dissipation performance of a housing in the conventional technology.

According to a first aspect, this application provides a housing. The housing includes a first support plate, a second support plate, and a vapor chamber. The first support plate, the vapor chamber, and the second support plate are laminated, and the vapor chamber is located between the first support plate and the second support plate, and is connected to the first support plate and the second support plate. Heat dissipation channels are disposed within the vapor chamber, the heat dissipation channels include a main heat dissipation channel and an auxiliary heat dissipation channel, the main heat dissipation channel and the auxiliary heat dissipation channel are connected, and heat exchange may occur between the main heat dissipation channel and the auxiliary heat dissipation channel. A mounting groove is disposed on the surface that is of the first support plate and that faces the vapor chamber, a mounting groove is disposed on the surface that is of the second support plate and that faces the vapor chamber, and the mounting groove of the first support plate is buckled with the mounting groove of the second support plate to fasten the vapor chamber.

In this embodiment, the vapor chamber is disposed between the first support plate and the second support plate, so that a heat dissipation effect of the housing can be improved. In addition, the vapor chamber further has a heat equalization function. The heat exchange between the main heat dissipation channel and the auxiliary heat dissipation channel allows the heat transferred from the first support plate to the vapor chamber to be evenly distributed to an entire vapor chamber, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency of the housing, and improving performance and service life of an electronic device. In addition, the vapor chamber has high strength, and the vapor chamber is disposed between the first support plate and the second support plate, so that strength of the housing can be improved, and flatness of the housing can be reduced. In this embodiment, mounting grooves are directly disposed on the first support plate and the second support plate, the vapor chamber is mounted in the mounting groove, and no additional protection plate needs to be disposed, so that the structure of the housing can be simplified, and the weight of the housing can be further reduced.

In an implementation, the vapor chamber includes a low-temperature area and a high-temperature area connected to the low-temperature area. The vapor chamber is filled with coolant, which can be vaporized in the high-temperature area and condensed in the low-temperature area, so that heat in the high-temperature area can be conducted to the low-temperature area. In this embodiment, a temperature of the high-temperature area is higher than that of the low-temperature area, and the heat in the high-temperature area is conducted to the low-temperature area, so that heat of the vapor chamber can be evenly distributed, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the housing.

In an implementation, a capillary structure is disposed in the heat dissipation channel, the coolant is filled in the capillary structure, and the coolant may undergo a gas-liquid circulation in the main heat dissipation channel and the auxiliary heat dissipation channel, so that the heat in the high-temperature area is conducted to the low-temperature area.

In this embodiment, the coolant in the high-temperature area is heated to vaporize, absorbs heat, and rapidly expands. The vaporized coolant rapidly fills an entire heat dissipation channel. When the vaporized coolant is in contact with the low-temperature area, it condenses and releases heat accumulated during vaporization. The condensed coolant passes through the capillary structure and then returns to the high-temperature area in the vapor chamber. After continuous circulation, in a process of vaporization and condensation, the coolant continuously transfers heat in the high-temperature area of the vapor chamber to the low-temperature area, so as to achieve a heat equalization effect, so that heat of the vapor chamber is evenly distributed in the entire vapor chamber, thereby improving a heat dissipation effect.

In an implementation, the heat dissipation channel further includes a guide channel, one end of the guide channel is connected to the main heat dissipation channel, the other end is connected to the auxiliary heat dissipation channel, and the main heat dissipation channel and the auxiliary heat dissipation channel are connected to the guide channel. A width of the guide channel is less than widths of the main heat dissipation channel and the auxiliary heat dissipation channel.

In this embodiment, because the width of the guide channel is set to be less than the widths of the main heat dissipation channel and the auxiliary heat dissipation channel, the vaporized coolant flows more quickly when passing through the guide channel, so that heat transfer between the main heat dissipation channel and the auxiliary heat dissipation channel can be accelerated, a heat equalization effect of the vapor chamber is improved, and the heat dissipation efficiency of the housing is improved.

In an implementation, a material of the vapor chamber is copper, a carbon fiber, graphene, or graphite flake. The vapor chamber prepared from the copper or carbon fiber has excellent heat conductivity, high strength, and good ductility. When the vapor chamber is applied to the housing, heat dissipation performance, strength, and toughness of the housing can be improved. The vapor chamber prepared from the graphene or graphite flake has excellent heat conductivity, so that the heat dissipation performance of the housing can be improved.

In an implementation, a thickness of the housing is <NUM>-<NUM>.

In an implementation, the housing is an integrally formed component. In this embodiment, two-step injection molding or multi-step injection molding may be used to prepare an integrally formed housing, so that structural stability of the housing can be improved.

In an implementation, the housing includes a decorative layer, and the decorative layer is laminated on a surface that is of the first support plate and that faces away from the vapor chamber. In this embodiment, the decorative layer is disposed, so that the aesthetic appearance of the housing can be improved, and handfeel of a user can be further improved. In addition, the decorative layer may further protect the first support plate.

In an implementation, the decorative layer is formed on a surface of the first support plate by using a spraying or non-conductive coating process. In this embodiment, a decorative layer formed by using a NCVM (NCVM) technology has a metal coating mirror effect, has a rich color, and can improve the aesthetic appearance of the housing. In addition, the decorative layer formed by using the NCVM technology has a high resistivity, which can avoid affecting communication performance of the electronic device. The decorative layer is formed by using a spraying process, so that a process can be simplified.

In an implementation, the housing includes an ink layer, and the ink layer is laminated on a surface that is of the second support plate and that faces away from the vapor chamber. In this embodiment, the ink layer is formed on a surface of the second support plate by using the spraying process.

Disposing the ink layer can improve the aesthetic appearance of the housing, and at the same time, the ink layer protects the second support plate.

According to a second aspect, this application provides an electronic device, including a body and the foregoing housing, where the housing is mounted in the body. The electronic device provided in this embodiment has a small thickness and a light weight. In addition, strength and toughness of the housing are high, which improves anti-drop performance and durability of the electronic device. In addition, flatness of the housing is small, so that appearance smoothness of the electronic device is improved, and user experience is improved.

In an implementation, the vapor chamber includes a low-temperature area and a high-temperature area, a first heating element and a second heating element are mounted in the body, heat of the first heating element is greater than heat of the second heating element, and the high-temperature area is opposite to the first heating element.

In this embodiment, heat generated by the first heating element may be transferred to a high-temperature area of the vapor chamber, and heat generated by the second heating element may be transferred to a low-temperature area. In addition, a temperature of the high-temperature area is higher than that of the low-temperature area, and heat in the high-temperature area may be conducted to the low-temperature area, so that heat of the vapor chamber can be evenly distributed, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency of a housing. This application provides a housing, including: a first support plate, a second support plate, and a vapor chamber, where the first support plate, the vapor chamber, and the second support plate are laminated, and the vapor chamber is located between the first support plate and the second support plate, and is connected to the first support plate and the second support plate.

In conclusion, in this application, the vapor chamber is disposed between the first support plate and the second support plate, so that a heat dissipation effect of the housing can be improved. In addition, the vapor chamber further has a heat equalization function. The heat exchange between the main heat dissipation channel and the auxiliary heat dissipation channel allows the heat transferred from the first support plate to the vapor chamber to be evenly distributed to an entire vapor chamber, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency of the housing, and improving performance and service life of an electronic device. In addition, the vapor chamber has high strength, and the vapor chamber is disposed between the first support plate and the second support plate, so that strength of the housing can be improved, and flatness of the housing can be reduced.

To describe technical solutions in embodiments of this application or in the background more clearly, the following describes accompanying drawings required in embodiments of this application or in the background.

<FIG> and <FIG> are not according the invention and present for illustrative purposes only.

Embodiments and examples of this application are described below with reference to accompanying drawings in embodiments of this application.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of an electronic device <NUM> according to this application.

The electronic device <NUM> includes but is not limited to a cellphone (cellphone), a notebook computer (notebook computer), a tablet personal computer (tablet personal computer), a laptop computer (laptop computer), a personal digital assistant (personal digital assistant), a wearable device (wearable device), or the like. The following uses an example in which the electronic device <NUM> is a mobile phone for description.

The electronic device <NUM> includes a body <NUM> and a housing <NUM>, and the housing <NUM> is mounted in the body <NUM>. The housing <NUM> is a battery cover of the electronic device <NUM>. The following describes a structure of the housing <NUM> in detail.

For ease of description, in this application, a width direction of the housing <NUM> is defined as an X direction, a length direction is defined as a Y direction, and a thickness direction is defined as a Z direction. The X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are perpendicular to each other. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of the housing <NUM> in the electronic device shown in <FIG>, and <FIG> is an exploded view of the housing <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

In an example not according to the invention but useful for understanding the invention, the housing <NUM> includes a first support plate <NUM>, a second support plate <NUM>, a vapor chamber <NUM>, and a protection plate <NUM>. The vapor chamber <NUM> is embedded in the protection plate <NUM>; the first support plate <NUM>, the protection plate <NUM>, and the second support plate <NUM> are laminated; and the protection plate <NUM> and the vapor chamber <NUM> are located between the first support plate <NUM> and the second support plate <NUM>, and are connected to the first support plate <NUM> and the second support plate <NUM>.

The first support plate <NUM> is a rectangular thin plate. The first support plate <NUM> includes a first upper surface <NUM> and a first lower surface <NUM>, and the first upper surface <NUM> is disposed opposite to the first lower surface <NUM>. In this example, the first support plate <NUM> is prepared from a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material. In another example, the first support plate <NUM> may also be prepared from polymethyl methacrylate (acrylic, PMMA), polycarbonate (PC) or another type of plastic. The first support plate <NUM> prepared from plastic has a light weight, which facilitates lightening and thinning of the electronic device <NUM>. Alternatively, the first support plate <NUM> may be prepared from glass or ceramic material.

The housing <NUM> further includes a decorative layer (not shown in the figure), and the decorative layer is located on the first upper surface <NUM>. In this example, the decorative layer is a paint layer. The decorative layer is formed on the first upper surface <NUM> by using a non-conductive vacuum metalization (Non conductive vacuum metalization, NCVM) technology. The decorative layer formed by using the NCVM (NCVM) technology has a metal coating mirror effect, has a rich color, and can improve aesthetic appearance of the housing <NUM>. In addition, the decorative layer formed by using the NCVM technology has a high resistivity, which can avoid affecting communication performance of the electronic device <NUM>. In another example, the decorative layer is formed on the first upper surface <NUM> by using a spraying process, so as to simplify a process of forming the decorative layer. In this example, the decorative layer is disposed, so that the aesthetic appearance of the housing <NUM> can be improved, and handfeel of a user can be further improved. In addition, the decorative layer may further protect the first support plate <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, the second support plate <NUM> is a rectangular thin plate. A size and a shape of the second support plate <NUM> are the same as those of the first support plate <NUM>. The second support plate <NUM> includes a second upper surface <NUM> and a second lower surface <NUM>, and the second upper surface <NUM> is disposed opposite to the second lower surface <NUM>. In this example, the second support plate <NUM> is prepared from a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material. In another example, the second support plate <NUM> may also be prepared from polymethyl methacrylate (acrylic, PMMA), polycarbonate (PC) or another type of plastic. The second support plate <NUM> prepared from plastic has a light weight, which facilitates lightening and thinning of the electronic device <NUM>. In an implementation, the second support plate <NUM> may also be prepared from glass or ceramic material. The housing <NUM> further includes an ink layer (not shown in the figure), and the ink layer is located on the second lower surface <NUM>. In this example, the ink layer is formed on the second lower surface <NUM> by using a spraying process. Disposing the ink layer can improve the aesthetic appearance of the housing <NUM>, and at the same time, the ink layer protects the second support plate <NUM>.

In an implementation, two opposite sides of the vapor chamber <NUM> are connected to the first lower surface <NUM> and the second upper surface <NUM>. In another implementation, the vapor chamber <NUM> is embedded in the first lower surface <NUM> and/or the second upper surface <NUM>, and embedding means that the vapor chamber <NUM> is partially embedded. A specific implementation is described below. <FIG> is a schematic diagram of an enlarged structure of the vapor chamber <NUM> in the housing <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

In this example, a material of the vapor chamber <NUM> is copper. In another example, a material of the vapor chamber <NUM> may also be a carbon fiber. The vapor chamber <NUM> prepared from the copper or carbon fiber has excellent heat conductivity, high strength, and good ductility. When the vapor chamber <NUM> is applied to the housing <NUM>, heat dissipation performance, strength, and toughness of the housing <NUM> can be improved. In another example, a material of the vapor chamber <NUM> may also be graphene or graphite flake.

The vapor chamber <NUM> includes a main body section <NUM>, a guide section a, and an auxiliary heat dissipation section b. In this example, the main body section <NUM> is rectangular. In another example, the main body section <NUM> may also be in a circular shape, a diamond shape, or another shape. The guide section a includes a first guide section <NUM> and a second guide section <NUM>. In this example, both the first guide section <NUM> and the second guide section <NUM> are rectangular, and widths of both the first guide section <NUM> and the second guide section <NUM> are less than a width of the main body section <NUM>. The "width" herein refers to a size along the X direction. That is, both a size of the first guide section <NUM> and a size of the second guide section <NUM> along the X direction are less than a size of the main body section <NUM> along the X direction. The first guide section <NUM> and the second guide section <NUM> are respectively located at two opposite ends of the main body section <NUM> along the Y direction, and are connected to the main body section <NUM>.

The auxiliary heat dissipation section b includes a first auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM> and a second auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM>. Widths of both the first auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM> and the second auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM> are greater than a width of the guide section a. That is, both a size of the first auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM> and a size of the second auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM> along the X direction are greater than a size of the guide section a along the X direction. The first auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM> is connected to an end that is of the first guide section <NUM> and that is away from the main body section <NUM>, and the second auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM> is connected to an end that is of the second guide section <NUM> and that is away from the main body section <NUM>.

In this example, widths of the first auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM> and the second auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM> are the same as the width of the main body section <NUM>. The first auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM>, the first guide section <NUM>, the main body section <NUM>, the second guide section <NUM>, and the second auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM> are successively arranged and are in a flat structure, and a length of the vapor chamber <NUM> is a sum of lengths of the first auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM>, the first guide section <NUM>, the main body section <NUM>, the second guide section <NUM>, and the second auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM>. In another example, the widths of the first auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM> and the second auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM> may be different from the width of the main body section <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, the vapor chamber <NUM> is a hollow plate-like structure. The vapor chamber <NUM> includes a top wall <NUM>, a bottom wall <NUM>, and a side wall <NUM>. The top wall <NUM> and the bottom wall <NUM> are disposed opposite to each other, and are laminated and spaced apart from each other along the Z direction. The side wall <NUM> is connected to the top wall <NUM> and the bottom wall <NUM>. The top wall <NUM>, the bottom wall <NUM>, and the side wall <NUM> are jointly enclosed to form a sealed heat dissipation channel c.

The heat dissipation channel c includes a main heat dissipation channel <NUM>, a first guide channel <NUM>, a second guide channel <NUM>, a first auxiliary heat dissipation channel <NUM>, and a second auxiliary heat dissipation channel <NUM>. The main heat dissipation channel <NUM> corresponds to the main body section <NUM> of the vapor chamber <NUM>, that is, the main heat dissipation channel <NUM> is disposed inside the main body section <NUM>. The first guide channel <NUM><NUM> corresponds to the first guide section <NUM>, that is, the first guide channel <NUM> is disposed inside the first guide section <NUM>. The second guide channel <NUM> corresponds to the second guide section <NUM>, that is, the second guide channel <NUM> is disposed in the second guide section <NUM>. The first auxiliary heat dissipation channel <NUM> corresponds to the first auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM>, that is, the first auxiliary heat dissipation channel <NUM> is disposed in the first auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM>. The second auxiliary heat dissipation channel <NUM> corresponds to the second auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM>, that is, the second auxiliary heat dissipation channel <NUM> is disposed in the second auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM>. Widths of the first auxiliary heat dissipation channel <NUM> and the second auxiliary heat dissipation channel <NUM> are the same as a width of the main heat dissipation channel <NUM>, and a width of the first guide channel <NUM> is less than widths of the main heat dissipation channel <NUM>, the first auxiliary heat dissipation channel <NUM>, and the second auxiliary heat dissipation channel <NUM>.

<FIG> is a sectional view of the vapor chamber <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

In this example, capillary structures d are disposed on inner surfaces of the top wall <NUM> and the bottom wall <NUM>, and the capillary structures d are located in an entire heat dissipation channel c. That is, the capillary structures d are disposed in the main heat dissipation channel <NUM>, the first guide channel <NUM>, the second guide channel <NUM>, the first auxiliary heat dissipation channel <NUM>, and the second auxiliary heat dissipation channel <NUM>. The capillary structure d is filled with coolant. In this example, the capillary structure d is a porous medium that uses copper as a substrate, such as, copper mesh, copper powder sintering, and copper foam. In another example, the capillary structure d may alternatively be another porous microstructure.

When heat generated by a heat source of the electronic device <NUM> is conducted to the vapor chamber <NUM>, a temperature in a local area of the vapor chamber <NUM> increases, and a high-temperature area and a low-temperature area are formed on the vapor chamber <NUM>. The coolant in the capillary structure d located in the high-temperature area is heated and vaporized in a vacuum environment, absorbs heat and rapidly expands, and the vaporized coolant rapidly fills an entire heat dissipation channel c. After the coolant in the capillary structure d in the high-temperature area is vaporized, the coolant in the capillary structure d in the low-temperature area is transferred to the capillary structure d in the high-temperature area, and is vaporized. When the vaporized coolant is in contact with the low-temperature area, the coolant may condense, and heat accumulated during vaporization is released during a condensation process. Therefore, heat in the high-temperature area of the vapor chamber <NUM> is conducted to the low-temperature area.

In addition, the condensed coolant is absorbed by the capillary structure d located in the low-temperature area, passes through the capillary structure d, and then returns to the capillary structure d located in the high-temperature area. The coolant entering the high-temperature area from the low-temperature area continues to vaporize, returns to the low-temperature area, and condenses in the low-temperature area. After continuous circulation, in a process of vaporization and condensation, the coolant continuously transfers heat in the high-temperature area of the vapor chamber <NUM> to the low-temperature area, so as to achieve a heat equalization effect, so that heat of the vapor chamber <NUM> is evenly distributed in the entire vapor chamber <NUM>, thereby improving a heat dissipation effect. It should be noted that the capillary structure d may transfer the coolant from the low-temperature area to the high-temperature area by using capillarity of a microstructure of the capillary structure d.

Specifically, in a normal temperature state, the coolant is in a liquid state and is located in the capillary structure d. When a temperature of the main body section <NUM> is higher than a temperature of the auxiliary heat dissipation section b, that is, when the main heat dissipation channel <NUM> is a high-temperature area and the auxiliary heat dissipation channel is a low-temperature area, the coolant in the capillary structure d in the main body section <NUM> is heated and vaporized, and enters the first auxiliary heat dissipation channel <NUM> through the first guide channel <NUM>. After the coolant in the capillary structure d in the main body section <NUM> is vaporized, the coolant in the capillary structure d in the auxiliary heat dissipation section b is transferred to the capillary structure d in the main body section <NUM>, and is vaporized. The vaporized coolant enters the first auxiliary heat dissipation channel <NUM> through the first guide channel <NUM>. After entering the first auxiliary heat dissipation channel <NUM>, the vaporized coolant condenses and releases heat, so as to transfer heat of the main body section <NUM> to the first auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM>. In addition, the coolant in the capillary structure d in the main body section <NUM> is heated and vaporized, and may further enter the second auxiliary heat dissipation channel <NUM> through the second guide channel <NUM>, and condenses in the second auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM>, so as to transfer heat to the second auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM>.

The coolant condensed in the first auxiliary heat dissipation channel <NUM> is absorbed by a capillary structure d located in the first auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM>, and is transferred to the capillary structure d located in the main body section <NUM>. The coolant condensed in the second auxiliary heat dissipation channel <NUM> is absorbed by a capillary structure d located in the second auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM>, and is transferred to the capillary structure d located in the main body section <NUM>. The coolant entering the capillary structure d in the main body section <NUM> continues to vaporize, and is transferred to the first auxiliary heat dissipation channel <NUM> and the second auxiliary heat dissipation channel <NUM>. In a vaporization and condensation circulation process of the coolant, the heat in the main body section <NUM> is continuously transferred to the first auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM> and the second auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM> until a temperature of the entire vapor chamber <NUM> is consistent, so that the heat of the vapor chamber <NUM> is evenly distributed, thereby improving a heat dissipation effect.

When a temperature of the first guide section <NUM> is lower than the temperature of the main body section <NUM>, the vaporized coolant also condenses in the first guide channel <NUM>, and is transferred to the main heat dissipation channel <NUM> by using the capillary structure d. When a temperature of the second guide section <NUM> is lower than the temperature of the main body section <NUM>, the vaporized coolant also condenses in the second guide channel <NUM>, and is transferred to the main heat dissipation channel <NUM> by using the capillary structure d. That is, the heat in the main body section <NUM> may further be transferred to the first guide section <NUM> and the second guide section <NUM>, so that equalization of heat distribution can be further improved, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect.

In this example, because widths of both the first guide channel <NUM> and the second guide channel <NUM> are less than the width of the main heat dissipation channel <NUM>, the coolant vaporized in the main heat dissipation channel <NUM> flows more quickly when passing through the first guide channel <NUM> and the second guide channel <NUM>, so that a heat equalization speed can be improved, and heat dissipation efficiency can be further improved.

When both a temperature of the first auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM> and a temperature of the second auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM> are higher than the temperature of the main body section <NUM>, that is, when the auxiliary heat dissipation channel is a high-temperature area and the main heat dissipation channel <NUM> is a low-temperature area, the coolant in the capillary structure d located in the first auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM> is heated and vaporized, and enters the main heat dissipation channel <NUM> through the first guide channel <NUM>. After the coolant in the capillary structure d located in the first auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM> is vaporized, the coolant in the capillary structure d located in the main body section <NUM> is transferred to the capillary structure d located in the first auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM>, and is vaporized. The vaporized coolant continues to enter the main heat dissipation channel <NUM> through the first guide channel <NUM>. In addition, coolant in the capillary structure d located in the second auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM> is heated and vaporized, and enters the main heat dissipation channel <NUM> through the second guide channel <NUM>. After the coolant in the capillary structure d located in the second auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM> is vaporized, the coolant in the capillary structure d located in the main body section <NUM> is transferred to the capillary structure d located in the second auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM>, and is vaporized. The vaporized coolant continues to enter the main heat dissipation channel <NUM> through the second guide channel <NUM>. After entering the main heat dissipation channel <NUM>, the vaporized coolant condenses and releases heat, so as to transfer heat of the first auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM> and the second auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM> to the main body section <NUM>.

The coolant condensed in the main heat dissipation channel <NUM> is absorbed by the capillary structure d located in the main body section <NUM>, and is transferred to capillary structures d located in the first auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM> and the second auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM>; and the coolant entering the capillary structures d located in the first auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM> and the second auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM> continues to vaporize, and is transferred to the main heat dissipation channel <NUM>. In a vaporization and condensation circulation process of the coolant, the heat of the first auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM> and the second auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM> is continuously transferred to the main body section <NUM> until the temperature of the entire vapor chamber <NUM> is consistent, so that the heat of the vapor chamber <NUM> is evenly distributed, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect.

When the temperature of the first guide section <NUM> is lower than a temperature of the first auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM>, the vaporized coolant also condenses in the first guide channel <NUM>, and is transferred to the first auxiliary heat dissipation channel <NUM> by using the capillary structure d. When the temperature of the second guide section <NUM> is lower than a temperature of the second auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM>, the vaporized coolant also condenses in the second guide channel <NUM>, and is transferred to the second auxiliary heat dissipation channel <NUM> by using the capillary structure d. That is, the heat of the first auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM> and the second auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM> may be further transferred to the first guide section <NUM> and the second guide section <NUM>, so that equalization of heat distribution can be further improved, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect.

In this example, because the widths of both the first guide channel <NUM> and the second guide channel <NUM> are less than the width of the main heat dissipation channel <NUM>, the coolant vaporized in the first auxiliary heat dissipation channel <NUM> flows more quickly when passing through the first guide channel <NUM>, and the coolant vaporized in the second auxiliary heat dissipation channel <NUM> flows more quickly when passing through the second guide channel <NUM>, so that a heat equalization speed can be improved, and heat dissipation efficiency can be further improved.

In an implementation, the main heat dissipation channel <NUM> includes a low-temperature area and a high-temperature area, and the coolant may undergo a gas-liquid circulation between the low-temperature area and the high-temperature area in the main heat dissipation channel <NUM>, so that heat in the high-temperature area is transferred to the low-temperature area, and the heat in the main body section <NUM> is evenly distributed. Alternatively, the auxiliary heat dissipation channel includes a low-temperature area and a high-temperature area, and the coolant may undergo a gas-liquid circulation between the low-temperature area and the high-temperature area in the auxiliary heat dissipation channel, so that heat in the high-temperature area is transferred to the low-temperature area, and heat in the auxiliary heat dissipation section b is evenly distributed.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of a vapor chamber <NUM> in a housing according to another implementation of this application.

In this example, the first guide section <NUM> and the second guide section <NUM> may also be in a curved shape. The first guide section <NUM> includes a first side edge <NUM> and a second side edge <NUM>, and the first side edge <NUM> and the second side edge <NUM> are disposed opposite to each other. Both the first side edge <NUM> and the second side edge <NUM> are arc-shaped. Middle areas of the first side edge <NUM> and the second side edge <NUM> protrude toward inside of the first guide channel <NUM>. That is, a width of the first guide section <NUM> gradually decreases from two ends to a middle part. The second guide section <NUM> includes a third side edge <NUM> and a fourth side edge <NUM>, and the third side edge <NUM> and the fourth side edge <NUM> are disposed opposite to each other. Both the third side edge <NUM> and the fourth side edge <NUM> are arc-shaped. Middle areas of the third side edge <NUM> and the fourth side edge <NUM> protrude toward inside of the second guide channel <NUM>. That is, a width of the second guide section <NUM> gradually decreases from two ends to a middle part.

In this example, shapes and sizes of both the first auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM> and the second auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM> of the vapor chamber <NUM> are the same, and shapes and sizes of both the first guide section <NUM> and the second guide section <NUM> are the same. That is, the vapor chamber is symmetrical in both the X direction and the Y direction. In another example, lengths and widths of both the first guide section <NUM> and the second guide section <NUM> may be different, and shapes thereof may be different. Shapes and sizes of both the first auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM> and the second auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM> may alternatively be different.

In an implementation, the vapor chamber <NUM> may alternatively be a rectangular plate-like structure or a circular plate-like structure. The vapor chamber <NUM> may further be a cross-shaped structure.

Certainly, the vapor chamber <NUM> may alternatively be a single-layer structure. When the vapor chamber <NUM> is a single-layer structure, heat transferred to the vapor chamber <NUM> is directly exchanged with an external space to dissipate the heat to the outside.

Referring to <FIG>, the housing <NUM> further includes a protection plate <NUM>. The protection plate <NUM> is a thin plate. In this example, the protection plate <NUM> is prepared from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), In another example, the protection plate <NUM> is prepared from polymethyl methacrylate (acrylic, PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), or another type of plastic.

The protection plate <NUM> includes a first surface <NUM> and a second surface <NUM>, and the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> are disposed opposite to each other. The protection plate <NUM> includes a main body <NUM>. The main body <NUM> of the protection plate <NUM> is provided with an accommodation groove <NUM>, where the accommodation groove <NUM> runs through the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>, and the main body <NUM> surrounds a peripheral edge of the accommodation groove <NUM>. A shape of the accommodation groove <NUM> matches a shape of the vapor chamber <NUM>. That is, the vapor chamber <NUM> may be mounted in the accommodation groove <NUM> and fastened.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of a part of the housing <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

The vapor chamber <NUM> is mounted in the accommodation groove <NUM> of the protection plate <NUM>, and is fixedly connected to a side wall of the accommodation groove <NUM>. Specifically, when the vapor chamber <NUM> is mounted in the protection plate <NUM>, the vapor chamber <NUM> may be first placed in the accommodation groove <NUM> of the protection plate <NUM>, and the vapor chamber <NUM> is mounted in the accommodation groove <NUM> by using a press-fitting process. Then, an adhesive is applied between a side wall of the vapor chamber <NUM> and the side wall of the accommodation groove <NUM>, so that the vapor chamber <NUM> is fixedly connected to the protection plate <NUM>.

In the press-fitting process, a press-fitting mold may be heated, so that the protection plate <NUM> is softened or deformed, and a shape of the accommodation groove <NUM> of the protection plate <NUM> can be more suitable for the shape of the vapor chamber <NUM>, to increase stability of connecting the vapor chamber <NUM> to the protection plate <NUM>.

In this example, a protection plate <NUM> is disposed, and the vapor chamber <NUM> is mounted in the accommodation groove <NUM> of the protection plate <NUM>, so that the protection plate <NUM> can protect the vapor chamber <NUM>. In addition, when the vapor chamber <NUM> is mounted between the first support plate <NUM> and the second support plate <NUM>, the protection plate <NUM> may further avoid exposure of the vapor chamber <NUM> from an edge area, which does not affect an appearance design of the housing <NUM> and improves aesthetic appearance of the housing <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the housing <NUM> further includes a first bonding member and a second bonding member (not shown in the figure). The first bonding member is located between the first support plate <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM>, and adheres to the first lower surface <NUM> and the first surface <NUM>. The second bonding member is located between the second support plate <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM>, and adheres to the second upper surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>. In this example, both the first bonding member and the second bonding member are OCA optical clear adhesive. In another example, the first bonding member and the second bonding member may also be an adhesive, a double-sided adhesive tape, or any other adhesive, provided that a bonding function can be implemented.

In another implementation, the housing <NUM> may alternatively be an integrally formed component, so as to increase structural stability of the housing <NUM>. Specifically, the housing <NUM> may be prepared by using a multi-step injection molding process.

In this example, the vapor chamber <NUM> is disposed between the first support plate <NUM> and the second support plate <NUM>, so that a heat dissipation effect of the housing <NUM> can be improved. When the housing <NUM> is mounted in the body <NUM>, heat generated when an internal electronic component such as a battery or a circuit board of the electronic device <NUM> works is transferred to the vapor chamber <NUM> by using the second support plate <NUM>, then is transferred to the first support plate <NUM> by using the vapor chamber <NUM>, and then is transferred to the outside by using the first support plate <NUM>, thereby providing a heat dissipation function. In addition, the vapor chamber <NUM> further has a heat equalization function. The heat transferred from the first support plate <NUM> to the vapor chamber <NUM> is evenly distributed to an entire vapor chamber <NUM>, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency of the housing <NUM>, and improving performance and service life of the electronic device <NUM>.

A thickness of the housing <NUM> is <NUM>. <NUM>-<NUM>. That is, a size of the housing <NUM> in the Z direction is <NUM>~<NUM>. In this example, a thickness of the housing <NUM> is <NUM>. A puncture strength of the housing <NUM> with a thickness of <NUM> is 180N.

In this example, the vapor chamber <NUM> has high strength. The vapor chamber <NUM> is disposed between the first support plate <NUM> and the second support plate <NUM>, so that strength of the housing <NUM> can be improved. That is, the housing <NUM> is ultra-thin, and a strength requirement of the housing <NUM> can be ensured. In addition, the vapor chamber <NUM> has high rigidity, and may not easily deform, so that flatness of the housing <NUM> can be reduced. In addition, the vapor chamber <NUM> further has ductility, so that toughness of the housing <NUM> can be improved.

In this example, there is a safe distance e between the vapor chamber <NUM> and an edge of the second support plate <NUM>. That is, a size of the vapor chamber <NUM> in the X direction is less than a size of the second support plate <NUM> in the X direction, a size of the vapor chamber <NUM> in the Y direction is less than a size of the second support plate <NUM> in the Y direction, and an outer peripheral edge of the vapor chamber <NUM> and an outer peripheral edge of the second support plate <NUM> are spaced apart from each other. When an antenna of the electronic device <NUM> is a frame antenna, a safe distance e is set between the vapor chamber <NUM> and the edge of the second support plate <NUM>, so that communication performance of the frame antenna of the electronic device <NUM> can be prevented from being affected by the vapor chamber <NUM> of a metal material.

<FIG> is a schematic exploded diagram of a housing <NUM> according to a second example of this application.

A difference from the foregoing example is that the first support plate <NUM> is provided with a mounting groove <NUM>, and the mounting groove <NUM> is recessed on the first lower surface <NUM>. A shape of the mounting groove <NUM> matches a shape of the vapor chamber <NUM>. The vapor chamber <NUM> is mounted in the mounting groove <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> further includes a third bonding member (not shown in the figure). The third bonding member is located between the first support plate <NUM> and the second support plate <NUM>, and adheres to the first lower surface <NUM> and the second upper surface <NUM>, so as to implement a fixed connection between the first support plate <NUM> and the second support plate <NUM>.

In this example, the mounting groove <NUM> is directly disposed on the first support plate <NUM>, and the vapor chamber <NUM> is mounted in the mounting groove <NUM>. No additional protection plate <NUM> needs to be disposed, thereby simplifying a structure of the housing <NUM> and further reducing weight of the housing <NUM>.

In an implementation, the housing <NUM> is an integrally formed component. In this implementation, materials of both the first support plate <NUM> and the second support plate <NUM> are polycarbonate. The housing <NUM> is prepared by using a two-step injection molding process. Specifically, the first support plate <NUM> with the mounting groove <NUM> is first formed through injection molding, then the vapor chamber <NUM> is mounted in the mounting groove <NUM>, and then the second support plate <NUM> is formed on the first lower surface <NUM> of the first support plate <NUM> through injection molding. A structure of the housing <NUM> prepared by using the two-step injection molding process is stable.

It should be noted that when the materials of the first support plate <NUM> and the second support plate <NUM> are materials with a relatively high melting temperature, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polymethyl methacrylate (acrylic, PMMA), a bonding manner is generally used to implement a fixed connection, so as to simplify a process and reduce costs. When the materials of the first support plate <NUM> and the second support plate <NUM> are materials with a relatively low melting temperature, such as polycarbonate (PC), a polycarbonate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, and mixture (PC/ABS), an injection molding process is generally used to implement a connection, so as to improve structural stability of the housing <NUM>.

In a third example of this application, a difference from the second example is that a mounting groove is disposed on the second support plate <NUM>, and the mounting groove is recessed on the second upper surface <NUM>. A shape of the mounting groove <NUM> matches a shape of the vapor chamber <NUM>. The vapor chamber <NUM> is mounted in the mounting groove.

According to the invention, a difference from the second example is that a first mounting groove is disposed on the first support plate <NUM>, and the first mounting groove is recessed on the first lower surface <NUM>. A second mounting groove is disposed on the second support plate <NUM>, and the second mounting groove is recessed on the second upper surface <NUM>. A shape of the first mounting groove is the same as a shape of the second mounting groove. The first support plate <NUM> is connected to the second support plate <NUM>, and the first mounting groove and the second mounting groove are connected to form a mounting groove. A shape and a size of the mounting groove are the same as those of the vapor chamber <NUM>.

In an mounting process, the vapor chamber <NUM> is first mounted in the first mounting groove, then the second support plate <NUM> is buckled with the first lower surface <NUM> of the first support plate <NUM>, and a part that is of the vapor chamber <NUM> and that is exposed to the first mounting groove is located in the second mounting groove. In addition, the first lower surface <NUM> and the second upper surface <NUM> are bonded by using the third bonding member, so that the first support plate <NUM> is fixedly connected to the second support plate <NUM>, and the housing <NUM> is fixedly connected. Alternatively, the housing <NUM> in this implementation may be connected through two-step injection molding. Referring back to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> provided in this application includes a body <NUM> and the foregoing housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> is a battery cover of the electronic device <NUM>. The housing <NUM> provided in this application has a small thickness and a light weight, thereby facilitating lightness and thinning of the electronic device <NUM>. In addition, strength and toughness of the housing <NUM> are high, which improves anti-drop performance and durability of the electronic device <NUM>. In addition, flatness of the housing <NUM> is small, so that appearance smoothness of the electronic device <NUM> is improved, and user experience is improved.

Referring to <FIG> together, the body <NUM> is provided with a first heating element and a second heating element (not shown in the figure). In this embodiment, the first heating element is a battery, and the second heating element is an electronic component such as a main board, a CPU, or a small board. When the housing <NUM> is mounted in the body <NUM>, the housing <NUM> is directly opposite to the first heating element and the second heating element. In this embodiment, the main body section <NUM> of the vapor chamber <NUM> is directly opposite to the first heating element, and the auxiliary heat dissipation section b is directly opposite to the second heating element. Heat generated by the first heating element is transferred to the main body section <NUM> of the vapor chamber <NUM> by using the second support plate <NUM>. Heat generated by the second heating element is transferred to the auxiliary heat dissipation section b of the vapor chamber <NUM> by using the second support plate <NUM>.

When the heat generated by the first heating element is greater than the heat generated by the second heating element, a temperature of the main body section <NUM> is higher than a temperature of the auxiliary heat dissipation section b. A part of heat of the main body section <NUM> is directly transferred to the first support plate <NUM> and then dissipated to the outside. A part of heat is absorbed by the coolant in the capillary structure d located in the main body section <NUM>, and then the coolant is vaporized. The vaporized coolant is transferred to the first auxiliary heat dissipation channel <NUM> through the first guide channel <NUM>, and condenses in the first auxiliary heat dissipation channel <NUM>, and releases heat at the same time, so that the heat of the main body section <NUM> is transferred to the first auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM>, then is transferred to the first support plate <NUM> through the first auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM>, and then is dissipated to the outside through the first support plate <NUM>, so as to reduce the temperature of the vapor chamber <NUM>. In addition, the coolant vaporized in the main heat dissipation channel <NUM> may further be transferred to the second auxiliary heat dissipation channel <NUM> through the second guide channel <NUM>, and condenses in the second auxiliary heat dissipation channel <NUM>, and releases heat at the same time, so that the heat of the main body section <NUM> is transferred to the second auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM>, then is transferred to the first support plate <NUM> through the second auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM>, and then is dissipated to the outside through the first support plate <NUM>, so as to further reduce the temperature of the vapor chamber <NUM>.

When the heat generated by the second heating element is greater than the heat generated by the first heating element, a temperature of the auxiliary heat dissipation section b is higher than the temperature of the main body section <NUM>. A part of heat of the auxiliary heat dissipation section b is directly transferred to the first support plate <NUM> and then dissipated to the outside. A part of heat is absorbed by the coolant in the capillary structure d located in the first auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM>, and then the coolant is vaporized. The vaporized coolant is transferred to the main heat dissipation channel <NUM> through the first guide channel <NUM>, and condenses in the main heat dissipation channel <NUM>, and releases heat at the same time, so that heat of the first auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM> is transferred to the main body section <NUM>. A part of heat is absorbed by the coolant in the capillary structure d located in the second auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM>, and then the coolant is vaporized. The vaporized coolant is transferred to the main heat dissipation channel <NUM> through the second guide channel <NUM>, and condenses in the main heat dissipation channel <NUM>, and releases heat at the same time, so that heat of the second auxiliary heat dissipation section <NUM> is transferred to the main body section <NUM>. Heat transferred to the main body section <NUM> is then transferred to the first support plate <NUM>, and then is dissipated from the first support plate <NUM> to the outside, thereby reducing the temperature of the vapor chamber <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A housing (<NUM>), wherein the housing (<NUM>) serves as a battery cover of an electronic device (<NUM>), comprising a first support plate (<NUM>), a second support plate (<NUM>), and a vapor chamber (<NUM>), wherein the first support plate (<NUM>), the vapor chamber (<NUM>), and the second support plate (<NUM>) are laminated, and the vapor chamber (<NUM>) is located between the first support plate (<NUM>) and the second support plate (<NUM>), and is connected to the first support plate (<NUM>) and the second support plate (<NUM>); characterized in that
a heat dissipation channel (c) is disposed within the vapor chamber (<NUM>), the heat dissipation channel (c) comprises a main heat dissipation channel (<NUM>) and an auxiliary heat dissipation channel (<NUM>, <NUM>), the main heat dissipation channel (<NUM>) and the auxiliary heat dissipation channel (<NUM>, <NUM>) are connected, and heat exchange may occur between the main heat dissipation channel (<NUM>) and the auxiliary heat dissipation channel (<NUM>, <NUM>), wherein a mounting groove is disposed on a surface (<NUM>) that is of the first support plate (<NUM>) and that faces the vapor chamber (<NUM>), a mounting groove is disposed on a surface (<NUM>) that is of the second support plate (<NUM>) and that faces the vapor chamber (<NUM>), and the mounting groove of the first support plate (<NUM>) is buckled with the mounting groove of the second support plate (<NUM>) to fasten the vapor chamber (<NUM>).