Housing assembly and electronic device

Abstract

This application provides a housing assembly and an electronic device. The housing assembly includes a first housing, a second housing, and a locking member. The locking member is disposed within the side edge of the first housing and includes a locking surface and an unlocking surface, and is rotatable along an axis relative to the length of the locking member. The second housing has a latching structure that can be inserted into a receiving groove on the side edge. During the rotation of the locking member along the axis, locking is achieved when the locking surface aligns with the latching structure, and unlocking is achieved when the unlocking surface aligns with the latching structure. This housing assembly, by designing a locking member structure on the side edge of the housing, allows the locking member to rotate along an axis relative to its own length to lock and unlock the latching structure of the other housing. It features a simple structure, enables the electronic device to meet EU requirements, facilitates individual battery replacement and disposal, and enables rapid recharging, thereby improving the battery life of the electronic device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of electronic device housing structures, specifically to a housing assembly and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] The European Union is pushing forward a new regulation aimed at making smartphone batteries easier for users to replace. This regulation is part of the EU's Battery Regulation, which aims to ensure batteries are more sustainable and environmentally friendly throughout their entire lifecycle, from material sourcing to recycling and reuse. Under this regulation, starting in 2027, consumers will be able to remove and replace portable batteries in their electronic devices at any time, extending product lifespan, encouraging reuse, and helping to reduce post-consumer waste.

[0003] Current smartphones all use a one-piece glued battery cover, which does not allow users to remove the battery cover themselves to replace the battery. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct research on a phone structure with a removable battery cover to meet EU regulations.

[0004] The integrated battery cover of existing mobile phones has many drawbacks: First, it does not comply with EU regulations, and as a result, current smartphones will not be able to be sold in the EU by 2027; second, the battery cover cannot be repeatedly disassembled and reassembled, making it impossible to replace the battery, which is inconvenient for users in terms of battery life; and third, once the battery life deteriorates, the entire phone will be discarded along with the battery, resulting in waste. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A first aspect of this application provides a housing assembly for an electronic device, the housing assembly comprising: a first housing, a second housing, and a locking member; the locking member is disposed within a side edge of the first housing, the locking member includes a locking surface and an unlocking surface, and is rotatable along an axis relative to the length direction of the locking member; the second housing is provided with a snap-fit ​​structure, the snap-fit ​​structure being insertable into a receiving groove on the side edge, wherein during the rotation of the locking member along the axis, locking is achieved when the locking surface aligns with the snap-fit ​​structure, and unlocking is achieved when the unlocking surface aligns with the snap-fit ​​structure.

[0006] Secondly, this application provides an electronic device, which includes a display module, a control circuit board, and a housing assembly as described in the above embodiments. The second housing of the display module and the housing assembly are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the first housing. The second housing cooperates with the first housing to form an accommodating space. The control circuit board is disposed in the accommodating space and electrically connected to the display module.

[0007] The housing assembly provided in this application embodiment has a locking member structure designed on the side frame of the housing. The locking member can rotate along the axis relative to its own length to lock and unlock the snap-fit ​​structure of another housing. It has the characteristics of simple structure and convenient operation, which can enable electronic devices to meet EU requirements. In addition, the removable battery can also benefit the environment, facilitate the individual replacement and disposal of batteries, and enable rapid charging, thereby improving the battery life of electronic devices. Attached Figure Description

[0008] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of the electronic device of this application;

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of the electronic device in the embodiment;

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged schematic diagram of the local structure at point A;

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A partial structural schematic diagram of another state of the locking member in the embodiment;

[0013] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the second housing of this application;

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Enlarged schematic diagram of the local structure at point B;

[0015] Figure 7 This is a structurally exploded schematic diagram of another embodiment of the electronic device of this application;

[0016] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A magnified view of the local structure at point C in the embodiment;

[0017] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the electronic device of this application;

[0018] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the electronic device at DD in the embodiment;

[0019] Figure 11 This is a schematic block diagram of the structural composition of an embodiment of the electronic device of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be particularly noted that the following embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the application. Similarly, the following embodiments are only some, not all, embodiments of the present application, and all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0021] The terms "first," "second," and "third" used in the embodiments of this application are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first," "second," or "third" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. All directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of this application are only used to explain the relative positional relationships and movement of components in a specific posture (as shown in the figures). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly. The terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the embodiments of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or components inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0022] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0023] As used herein, “electronic device” (or simply “terminal”) includes, but is not limited to, means configured to receive / transmit communication signals via a wired connection (such as via a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), Digital Cable, Direct Cable Connection, and / or another data connection / network) and / or via a wireless interface (e.g., for cellular networks, Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), Digital Television Networks such as DVB-H networks, Satellite Networks, AM-FM Broadcast Transmitters, and / or another communication terminal). A communication terminal configured to communicate via a wireless interface may be referred to as a “wireless communication terminal,” a “wireless terminal,” or a “mobile terminal.” Examples of mobile terminals include, but are not limited to, satellite or cellular phones; personal communication system (PCS) terminals that may combine cellular radiotelephone with data processing, fax, and data communication capabilities; PDAs that may include radiotelephones, pagers, Internet / intranet access, web browsers, notepads, calendars, and / or Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers; and conventional laptop and / or handheld receivers or other electronic devices that include radiotelephone transceivers. A mobile phone is an electronic device equipped with a cellular communication module.

[0024] Please refer to the following: Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of the electronic device of this application. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the disassembled structure of the electronic device in this embodiment. It should be noted that the electronic device in this application may include mobile phones, tablets, laptops, wearable devices, and other electronic devices. This electronic device includes, but is not limited to, the following structures: a housing assembly 100 and a display module 200. The electronic device may also include other structures such as a control circuit board, camera, and battery, which will be detailed later. The illustrations in this embodiment only show a portion of the electronic device's structure.

[0025] Specifically, the housing assembly 100 includes a first housing 110, a second housing 120, and a locking member 130. In this embodiment, the first housing 110 can be the mid-frame of an electronic device, specifically including a mid-plate 111 and a side frame 112. The side frame 112 is positioned along the edge of the mid-plate 111. The locking member 130 is located within the side frame 112 of the first housing 110 and can rotate along an axis relative to the length direction of the locking member 130 (X direction in the figure), i.e., the locking member 130 can rotate around the X-axis in the YZ plane.

[0026] The second housing 120 can be the back cover of the electronic device, i.e., the battery cover. The display module 200 and the second housing 120 are respectively located on opposite sides of the first housing 110. The second housing 120 is provided with a snap-fit ​​structure 121, which can be inserted into the receiving groove 101 on the side frame 112 and can be locked with the locking member 130. The second housing 120 and the first housing 110 cooperate to form a receiving space, which is used to accommodate devices such as control circuit boards, batteries, vibration motors, cameras, sensors, and speakers. Detailed features of this part are within the understanding of those skilled in the art and will not be described here.

[0027] Please refer to the following: Figures 2 to 4 , Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of the local structure at point A. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A partial structural diagram of another state of the locking member in the embodiment is shown. The locking member 130 includes a locking portion 131 and a connecting portion 132 located at the end of the locking portion 131. The connecting portion 132 is fixedly connected to the locking portion 131. The locking portion 131 includes a locking surface 1311 and an unlocking surface 1312. During the rotation of the locking member 130 along its axis, locking is achieved when the locking surface 1311 aligns with the snap-fit ​​structure 121. Figure 3 In the middle state, unlocking is achieved when the unlocking surface 1312 aligns with the snap-fit ​​structure 121. Figure 4 (In the middle state). The locking surface 1311 may include a guide surface 13111 and a connecting surface 13112. The two sides of the connecting surface 13112 are respectively connected to the guide surface 13111 and the unlocking surface 1312. The guide surface 13111 is used to guide the latching structure 121 during the latching process.

[0028] Please continue reading. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The inner side of the side frame 112 of the first housing 110 is provided with a mounting groove 102, and the locking member 130 is disposed in the mounting groove 102. Please continue reading. Figure 3 In this embodiment, the receiving groove 101 extends inward from the top wall of the side frame 112 of the first housing 110 in the thickness direction (Z direction in the figure) and communicates with the mounting groove 102; the side wall of the mounting groove 102 is provided with a relief groove 103, which is correspondingly provided with the receiving groove 101, and the relief groove 103 is used to avoid the snap-fit ​​structure 121 inserted into the receiving groove 101.

[0029] Optionally, please refer to the following as well. Figure 5 and Figure 6 , Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the second housing of this application. Figure 6 yes Figure 5The enlarged schematic diagram of a partial structure at point B shows that in this embodiment, there are multiple snap-fit ​​structures 121 on the second housing 120, arranged sequentially along the edge of the second housing 120. Each snap-fit ​​structure 121 may include an integral connecting portion 1211 and a fastening portion 1212. The fastening portion 1212 is used to engage with the locking member 130. The fastening portion 1212 has a sliding surface 12120. Please continue reading... Figure 3 and Figure 4 During the snap-fitting process of the snap-fit ​​structure 121, the sliding surface 12120 is used to slide and abut against the guide surface 13111 of the locking member 130.

[0030] Please continue reading. Figure 2 In this embodiment, the number of receiving slots 101 corresponds to the number of snap-fit ​​structures 121, and they are arranged sequentially along the length of the side frame 112 of the first housing 110; the multiple receiving slots 101 are respectively connected to the mounting slots 102.

[0031] Alternatively, please continue reading Figure 3 In this embodiment, the housing assembly 100 further includes an elastic element 140 and a driving element 150. The elastic element 140 is embedded in the side frame 112 of the first housing 110. The elastic element 140 is connected to the connecting portion 132 of the locking element 130 and provides locking torque to the locking element 130 in the direction of locking rotation. That is, the elastic element 140 keeps the locking element 130 in a locked state (that is, the locking surface 1311 of the locking element 130 is aligned with the snap-fit ​​structure 121).

[0032] The driving member 150 is embedded in the side frame 112 of the first housing 110 and connected to the connecting part 132. The driving member 150 drives the locking member 130 to overcome the locking torque and rotate in the opposite direction to the locking torque, so that the driving member 150 rotates to the unlocked state (that is, the unlocking surface 1312 of the locking member 130 is aligned with the buckle structure 121). The elastic member 140 and the driving member 150 can be respectively provided at both ends of the locking member 130 to provide rotational torque from both ends.

[0033] Optionally, in this embodiment, the end of the connecting portion 132 away from the locking portion 131 is bent relative to the extending direction (X direction) of the locking portion 131. Both the elastic element 140 and the driving element 150 are connected to the end of the connecting portion 132 away from the locking portion 131. The elastic element 140 can be a spring, and the driving element 150 can be an electrically strain gauge rod, such as a shape memory alloy or a dielectric superelastic material. Under current stimulation, it can undergo (shortening) deformation, thereby pulling the locking element 130 to rotate, thus achieving the unlocking function. Optionally, in this embodiment, the electrically strain gauge rod can be disposed inside the spring, with both ends of the rod fixedly connected to the side frame 112 of the first housing 110 and the connecting portion 132 of the locking element 130, respectively. Of course, in some other embodiments, the driving element 150 can also be other structures, such as a motor linkage structure or a linear motor, etc., which are not specifically limited here.

[0034] Please also refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , Figure 7 This is a structurally exploded schematic diagram of another embodiment of the electronic device of this application. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A partial enlarged structural diagram at point C in the embodiment; the housing assembly 100 in this embodiment may also include: a first housing 110, a second housing 120, a locking member 130, an elastic member 140, and a driving member 150.

[0035] The first housing 110 can be the mid-frame of the electronic device, specifically including a mid-plate 111 and a side frame 112. The side frame 112 is positioned along the edge of the mid-plate 111, and the locking member 130 is disposed within the side frame 112 of the first housing 110 and can rotate along an axis relative to the length direction of the locking member 130. The second housing 120 can be the back cover of the electronic device, i.e., the battery cover. The display module 200 and the second housing 120 are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the first housing 110. The second housing 120 is provided with a snap-fit ​​structure 121, which can be inserted into the receiving groove 101 on the side frame 112 and can cooperate with the locking member 130 to lock.

[0036] The locking member 130 includes a locking part 131 and a connecting part 132 located at the end of the locking part 131. The connecting part 132 is fixedly connected to the locking part 131. The locking part 131 includes a locking surface 1311 and an unlocking surface 1312. During the rotation of the locking member 130 along the axis, locking is achieved when the locking surface 1311 aligns with the snap-fit ​​structure 121 (for details, please refer to the aforementioned embodiment). Figure 3 and Figure 4Unlocking is achieved when the unlocking surface 1312 aligns with the latching structure 121. For detailed structural features of the locking surface 1311, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the foregoing embodiments; they will not be repeated here.

[0037] Unlike the previous embodiments, in this embodiment, the connecting part 132 is a straight rod structure and extends in the same direction as the locking part 131. The elastic element 140 can be a torsion spring, sleeved on the connecting part 132. The driving element 150 can be wound around the connecting part 132. The elastic element 140 and the driving element 150 generate torques in opposite directions to achieve the switching between locking and unlocking states. The driving element 150 can also be made of an electrically strainable material, such as a shape memory alloy or a dielectric superelastic material, which can undergo (shortening) deformation under current stimulation, thereby pulling the locking element 130 to rotate and achieve the unlocking function.

[0038] It should be noted that this embodiment is only a schematic illustration of the structure of locking member 130, elastic member 140 and driving member 150 provided in the side frame 112 on one side of the first housing 110. In some other embodiments, the structure may be that locking member 130 is provided in multiple side frames 112 within the four sides of the first housing 110. The detailed features of this part are within the understanding of those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0039] The housing assembly in this embodiment incorporates a locking mechanism on its side frame. This locking mechanism can rotate along an axis relative to its own length to lock and unlock the snap-fit ​​structure of another housing. This design features a simple structure and convenient operation, enabling the electronic device to meet EU requirements. Furthermore, the removable battery is environmentally friendly, facilitates individual battery replacement and disposal, and allows for rapid recharging, thereby improving the battery life of the electronic device.

[0040] Furthermore, this application also provides an electronic device, which may include a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, wearable device, etc. This embodiment uses a mobile phone as an example for illustration. Please refer to the following: Figure 9 and Figure 10 , Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the electronic device of this application. Figure 10 yes Figure 9 The schematic diagram of the electronic device at the DD position in this embodiment shows that the electronic device may include a display module 200, a housing assembly 100, a control circuit board 300, and a battery 400. The housing assembly 100 may be the structure described in the previous embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0041] Optionally, the second housing 120 of the display module 200 and the housing assembly 100 respectively cooperate with the first housing 110 to form an accommodating space 1000. The control circuit board 300 and the battery 400 are disposed within the accommodating space 1000. The control circuit board 300 is electrically connected to both the battery 400 and the display module 200, and is used to control the display module 200. Detailed technical features of other parts of the electronic device are within the understanding of those skilled in the art and will not be elaborated here.

[0042] Please see Figure 11 , Figure 11 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating the structural composition of an embodiment of the electronic device described in this application. The electronic device can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, or wearable device, etc. This embodiment uses a mobile phone as an example. The structure of the electronic device may include an RF circuit 910, a memory 920, an input unit 930, a display unit 940 (which may be the display module 200 in the above embodiment), a sensor 950, an audio circuit 960, a Wi-Fi module 970, a processor 980 (which may be the control circuit board 300 in the above embodiment), and a power supply 990 (which may be the battery 400 in the above embodiment). The RF circuit 910, memory 920, input unit 930, display unit 940, sensor 950, audio circuit 960, and Wi-Fi module 970 are all connected to the processor 980; the power supply 990 provides power to the entire electronic device.

[0043] Specifically, the RF circuit 910 is used to transmit and receive signals; the memory 920 is used to store data instruction information; the input unit 930 is used to input information, and may specifically include a touch panel 931 and other input devices 932 such as operation buttons; the display unit 940 may include a display panel 941, etc.; the sensor 950 includes infrared sensors, laser sensors, etc., used to detect user proximity signals, distance signals, etc.; the speaker 961 and the microphone 962 are connected to the processor 980 through the audio circuit 960 for transmitting and receiving sound signals; the Wi-Fi module 970 is used to receive and transmit Wi-Fi signals; and the processor 980 is used to process the data information of the electronic device. For specific structural features of the electronic device, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the above embodiments; detailed descriptions will not be provided here.

[0044] The electronic device in this embodiment has a housing assembly with a locking mechanism designed on the side frame of the housing. This locking mechanism can rotate along an axis relative to its own length to lock and unlock the snap-fit ​​structure of another housing. It has the characteristics of simple structure and convenient operation, which can enable the electronic device to meet EU requirements. In addition, the removable battery is also beneficial to environmental protection, facilitates individual replacement and disposal of batteries, and enables rapid charging, thereby improving the battery life of the electronic device.

[0045] The above description is only a part of the embodiments of this application and does not limit the scope of protection of this application. Any equivalent device or equivalent process transformation made based on the content of this application specification and drawings, or direct or indirect application in other related technical fields, are similarly included in the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A housing assembly for an electronic device, characterized in that, The housing assembly includes: a first housing, a second housing, and a locking member; the locking member is disposed within the side edge of the first housing, the locking member includes a locking surface and an unlocking surface, and is rotatable along an axis relative to the length direction of the locking member; the second housing is provided with a snap-fit ​​structure, the snap-fit ​​structure can be inserted into a receiving groove on the side edge, and during the rotation of the locking member along the axis, locking is achieved when the locking surface aligns with the snap-fit ​​structure, and unlocking is achieved when the unlocking surface aligns with the snap-fit ​​structure.

2. The housing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first housing has a mounting groove on the inner side of its side edge, and the locking member is located in the mounting groove.

3. The housing assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The receiving groove extends inward from the top wall of the first housing along its thickness direction and communicates with the mounting groove.

4. The housing assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The side wall of the mounting groove is provided with a clearance groove, which is correspondingly provided with the receiving groove.

5. The housing assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second housing has multiple snap-fit ​​structures, which are arranged sequentially along the edge of the second housing. The number of receiving slots corresponds to the number of snap-fit ​​structures, and they are arranged sequentially along the length of the side edge of the first housing.

6. The housing assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The housing assembly further includes an elastic element embedded in the side edge of the first housing; the locking member includes a locking portion and a connecting portion located at the end of the locking portion, the locking surface and the unlocking surface are located on the locking portion, the connecting portion is fixedly connected to the locking portion, the elastic element is connected to the connecting portion and provides locking torque to the locking member in the direction of locking rotation.

7. The housing assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The housing assembly further includes a drive member, which is embedded in the side edge of the first housing and connected to the connecting portion. The drive member is used to drive the locking member to overcome the locking torque and rotate in a direction opposite to the direction of the locking torque.

8. The housing assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The end of the connecting portion away from the locking portion is bent relative to the extending direction of the locking portion, and both the elastic member and the driving member are connected to the end of the connecting portion away from the locking portion.

9. The housing assembly according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The elastic element is a spring, and the driving element is an electrically strain-resistant material rod.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device includes a display module, a control circuit board, and a housing assembly as described in any one of claims 1-9. The display module and the second housing of the housing assembly are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the first housing. The second housing cooperates with the first housing to form an accommodating space. The control circuit board is disposed in the accommodating space and electrically connected to the display module.

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