Casing structure of notebook computer

Abstract

A case structure of a notebook computer comprises a first support, a second support, a third support and at least one connector. The first support is provided with a first hook, the second support is provided with a second hook, and the third support is provided with a main pillar. The connector is provided with an accommodating space, and a first opening, a second opening and a third opening which are communicated with one another through the accommodating space. The first clamping hook penetrates through the first opening and is inserted into the containing space, the second clamping hook penetrates through the second opening and is inserted into the containing space, and the main supporting column penetrates through the third opening and is inserted into the containing space. The main supporting column is provided with a first surface and a second surface which are opposite to each other, the first clamping hook is buckled on the first surface, and the second clamping hook is buckled on the second surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a casing structure, and in particular to a casing structure of a notebook computer. Background Art

[0002] Sustainability is an integral part of the manufacturing process for portable electronic devices, also known as portable computers, such as laptops, mobile phones, and tablets. Environmental impact must be considered throughout the entire process, from product design to procurement, manufacturing, delivery, and end-of-life. In other words, these devices must maximize their lifespan, minimize waste, utilize more recycled resources, and enhance modularity, repairability, and recyclability (including their packaging).

[0003] Therefore, effective January 1, 2021, the French Repairability Index (l'indice de réparabilité) was established. This index evaluates electronic devices based on five criteria: documentation, disassembly, tools and fasteners, spare parts availability, spare parts pricing, and product specificity. This index must be clearly indicated on the product or its packaging for consumers to see. The Repairability Index provides consumers with transparent information about the expected lifespan and subsequent repairability of products they wish to purchase. Its goal is to help consumers make informed choices and represents a major step towards the development of a circular economy in Europe. Consequently, it is becoming a guiding principle for manufacturers.

[0004] Based on the above, for notebook computers, how to effectively modularize the casing structure to adapt to different needs has become one of the topics that relevant technicians need to consider and study. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides a casing structure of a notebook computer, which improves adaptability to size changes through a modular frame, while providing a simple and convenient disassembly and assembly structure and maintaining required structural strength.

[0006] The notebook computer housing structure of the present invention includes a first bracket, a second bracket, a third bracket, and at least one coupling member. The first bracket has a first hook, the second bracket has a second hook, and the third bracket has a main support. The coupling member has a storage space and a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening that are interconnected through the storage space. The first hook is inserted into the storage space through the first opening, the second hook is inserted into the storage space through the second opening, and the main support is inserted into the storage space through the third opening. The main support has a first surface and a second surface that are opposite to each other, the first hook is locked on the first surface, and the second hook is locked on the second surface.

[0007] Based on the above, the notebook computer casing structure is capable of simultaneously assembling the first bracket, the second bracket, and the third bracket together through the structural features of the coupling member, effectively simplifying the composition of the casing structure. The coupling member has a receiving space and a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening that are interconnected through the receiving space. The three brackets are respectively inserted into the receiving space through the corresponding openings. The three brackets can then produce a mutually restraining snap-fit ​​effect within the receiving space, thereby limiting and fixing the components in three-dimensional space. The coupling member and the three brackets form a modular framework of the casing structure.

[0008] In this way, the module of the three brackets is matched with the coupling, and in particular, the three brackets can be combined with each other within the coupling, which has formed a basic component unit of the casing structure. The designer can then expand on the basis of the basic component unit to achieve a modular effect, thereby expanding the design margin and convenience of the casing structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a notebook computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2A yes Figure 1 exploded view of a laptop computer.

[0011] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A Schematic diagram of some components.

[0012] Figure 3A It is a schematic diagram of the structure frame.

[0013] Figure 3B This is an exploded view of the structural frame.

[0014] Figure 3C yes Figure 3B A partial enlarged view of .

[0015] Figures 4A to 4D Relevant components are shown in order of assembly.

[0016] Figure 5 A simple schematic diagram showing how a structural frame is adapted to components of different sizes to form a casing structure.

[0017] in,

[0018] 10: Laptop;

[0019] 100: first body;

[0020] 110: structure frame;

[0021] 111: first hook;

[0022] 112: second hook;

[0023] 113: Main pillar;

[0024] 113a: first section;

[0025] 113a1: Section 1;

[0026] 113a2: Section 2;

[0027] 113b: second section;

[0028] 113c: third section;

[0029] 113d: groove;

[0030] 114: First support pillar;

[0031] 115: Second support pillar;

[0032] 116, 121: window;

[0033] 120: housing part 1;

[0034] 130: Shell part 2;

[0035] 140: screw;

[0036] 150, 160: circuit board;

[0037] 151: connection port;

[0038] 170: screw;

[0039] 200: Second body;

[0040] A1, B1: first bracket;

[0041] A2, B2: second bracket;

[0042] A3, B3: the third bracket;

[0043] A4: Joint;

[0044] A41: Accommodation space;

[0045] A42: ribs;

[0046] A43: medial surface;

[0047] A44: groove;

[0048] A45: lateral surface;

[0049] A46: upper inner wall;

[0050] A47: lower inner wall;

[0051] A5: screw;

[0052] E1: first opening;

[0053] E2: second opening;

[0054] E3: The third opening;

[0055] KB: keyboard;

[0056] P1, P3: convex columns;

[0057] P2: positioning port;

[0058] P4: lateral ribs;

[0059] P5: lateral groove;

[0060] S1: first surface;

[0061] S2: second surface;

[0062] S3: third surface;

[0063] TP: touch pad;

[0064] XYZ: Cartesian coordinates. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a notebook computer according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2A yes Figure 1 exploded view of a laptop computer. Figure 2B yes Figure 2A Please also refer to the schematic diagram of some components. Figure 1 、 Figure 2A and Figure 2B In this embodiment, the notebook computer 10 includes a first body 100 and a second body 200 that are pivotally connected to each other and can be opened and closed relative to each other. The first body 100 is, for example, a system host, on which a keyboard KB and a touchpad TP are configured, and the second body 200 is, for example, a screen, which is pivotally connected to one side of the first body 100. At the same time, this embodiment also provides rectangular coordinates XYZ to facilitate component description. Here, the first body 100 is located on the XY plane as a reference. It should also be noted that the following embodiments are described using the casing structure of the first body 100 as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. In another embodiment not shown, the modular features in the casing structure can also be applied to the second body 200.

[0066] Please refer to Figure 2A and Figure 2BIn this embodiment, the housing structure of the first body 100 is further divided into a first housing 120, a second housing 130, and a structural frame 110. The keyboard KB and touchpad TP are disposed in the first housing 120. The first and second housings 120, 130 cover the structural frame 110 from opposite sides. The circuit boards 150, 160 of the notebook computer 10 are fastened to the protrusions P1 of the structural frame 110 via screws 140 and are subsequently housed within the space formed by the first and second housings 120, 130. Here, the structural frame 110 is considered the supporting structure of the first body 100. In addition to assembling the circuit boards 150, 160 thereon, it also supports the first and second housings 120, 130.

[0067] The following briefly describes the assembly relationship of the relevant components within the first housing 100. To maintain the structural strength of the first and second housings 120, 130, and the structural frame 110 after assembly, this embodiment features protrusions P3 at the corners of the first housing 120, and positioning holes P2 at corresponding locations on the structural frame 110. The protrusions P3 and positioning holes P2 are uniquely aligned, meaning the shape of the protrusions P3 and the shape of the positioning holes P2 define each other. Each protrusion P3 corresponds to only one positioning hole P2, thus reducing user errors during assembly. Once the protrusions P3 pass through the positioning holes P2, screws 170 can be inserted from the outside of the second housing 130, through the second housing 130, and then locked into the inner holes of the protrusions P3, securing the first and second housings 120, 130, and the structural frame 110 together. The screws 170 provide a restraining force along the Z axis, while the protrusions P3 and positioning holes P2 generate restraining forces along the XY plane.

[0068] Furthermore, if Figure 2B As shown, the outer wall of the structural frame 110 has a plurality of lateral ribs P4, and the inner wall of the first outer shell 120 has a plurality of lateral grooves P5. By matching the lateral ribs P4 and the lateral grooves P5, the first outer shell 120 is overlapped on the outside of the structural frame 110 and provides a temporary fixing effect, so as to facilitate the locking action of the aforementioned screws 170.

[0069] Figure 3A It is a schematic diagram of the structure frame. Figure 3B This is an exploded view of the structural frame. Figure 3C yes Figure 3B A partial enlarged view of Figure 3C The hidden lines of the connecting parts are further drawn. Please also refer to Figures 3A to 3CHere, the structural frame 110 still uses the XYZ coordinate system adopted by the aforementioned first body 100 to facilitate component description. In this embodiment, the structural frame 110 includes a first bracket A1, a second bracket A2, a third bracket A3 and at least one coupling member (two coupling members A4 are used as an example here). The first bracket A1 has a first hook 111, the second bracket A2 has a second hook 112, and the third bracket A3 has a main support 113. The coupling member A4 has a receiving space A41 and a first opening E1, a second opening E2 and a third opening E3 that are connected to each other through the receiving space A41. The first hook 111 passes through the first opening E1 and is inserted into the receiving space A41, the second hook 112 passes through the second opening E2 and is inserted into the receiving space A41, and the main support 113 passes through the third opening E3 and is inserted into the receiving space A41. The main support 113 has a first surface S1 and a second surface S2 opposite to each other. The first hook 111 is locked on the first surface S1 , and the second hook 112 is locked on the second surface S2 .

[0070] Here, the coupling member A4 is T-shaped, with the first opening E1 and the second opening E2 coaxial (located on the Y-axis). The first opening E1 (toward the negative Y-axis) and the second opening E2 (toward the positive Y-axis) face away from each other, and the third opening E3 faces perpendicular to the Y-axis. Thus, the accommodating space A41 of the coupling member A4 serves as the structural convergence point for the three brackets.

[0071] The following describes the related structures one by one according to one of the assembly processes. Figures 4A to 4D The relevant components are drawn according to the assembly order. Please refer to Figure 3C 、 Figure 4A and Figure 4B ,in Figure 4A and Figure 4B The illustration shows only the main support 113 of the third bracket A3, with only the main support 113 inserted into the coupling A4. In this embodiment, the main support 113 comprises a first section 113a, a second section 113b, and a third section 113c. The second section 113b is adjacent to the first and third sections 113a, 113c. The first and second surfaces S1 and S2 are located within the second section 113b, and the third surface S3 is located within the third section 113c. The first and second surfaces S1 and S2 are adjacent to each other on opposite sides of the third surface S3. When the main support 113 is inserted into the accommodating space A41, the third surface S3 faces the inner side surface A43 of the coupling A4.

[0072] Furthermore, the coupling member A4 also has a rib A42 protruding from the inner side surface A43, and the main support 113 also has a groove 113d located on the third surface S3. Therefore, when the main support 113 is inserted into the accommodating space A41, the main support 113 and the coupling member A4 are locked in the groove 113d by the rib A42, thereby achieving a positioning effect (generating a restraining force along the Y axis). Conversely, the coupling member A4 can also be provided with a groove, and the main support 113 can be provided with a rib instead, and the above-mentioned effect can be achieved.

[0073] In addition, the coupling A4 also has a groove A44. The main support 113 passes through the groove A44 and the third opening E3 in sequence before being inserted into the accommodating space A41. The first section 113a is located in the groove A44, and its front edge abuts against the inner ring wall of the coupling A4 at the third opening E3. Figure 4A As shown, the first section 113a is further divided into a first section 113a1 and a second section 113a2, wherein the second section 113a2 is clamped in the groove A44 to generate a limiting force along the Y axis, and the first section 113a1 is adjacent to the second section 113b and abuts the inner ring wall at the third opening E3, thereby generating a limiting force along the Y axis and a limiting force along the Z axis. The limiting force along the Z axis is caused by the first section 113a1 abutting the upper inner wall A46 and the lower inner wall A47 of the coupling member A4. In addition, the third section 113c entering the accommodating space A41 is shown in FIG. Figure 4A As shown, it abuts against the upper inner wall A46 and the lower inner wall A47 at the same time, generating a limiting force along the Z axis.

[0074] Next, please refer to Figure 4C and compare Figure 3C In this embodiment, the first bracket A1 further includes a first secondary support 114. A first hook 111 extends from the first secondary support 114 (in the positive Y-axis direction). The first secondary support 114 is inserted into the accommodating space A41 and abuts the annular inner wall of the accommodating space A41 at the first opening E1. Accordingly, along the extension axis (X-axis) of the main support 113, the cross-section of the second section 113b relative to the extension axis (X-axis) (a cross-section normal to the X-axis) is smaller than the cross-section of the first section 113a relative to the extension axis (X-axis). Furthermore, the cross-section of the second section 113b relative to the extension axis (X-axis) is smaller than the cross-section of the third section 113c relative to the extension axis (X-axis). Consequently, the second section 113b forms a necked-down structure relative to the first and third sections 113a, 113c. In addition, the second bracket A2 further has a second sub-pillar 115, and the second hook 112 extends from the second sub-pillar 115 (toward the negative Y-axis direction). The second sub-pillar 115 is inserted into the accommodating space A41 and abuts against another annular inner wall of the accommodating space A41. Figure 4AAs shown, when the second section 113b is inserted into the accommodating space A41, a gap exists between the second surface S2 of the second section 113b and the upper inner wall A46 of the coupling member A4, and a gap exists between the first surface S1 of the second section 113b and the lower inner wall A47 of the coupling member A4.

[0075] So, Figure 4C When the first bracket A1 is inserted into the accommodating space A41, the first hook 111 can move into the aforementioned gap located at the lower half of the accommodating space A41, be locked in the second section 113b and attached to the first surface S1. Figure 4D and compare Figure 4C and Figure 3C After the coupling member A4 is joined to the third bracket A3 and the first bracket A1, the second bracket A2 can be inserted into the accommodating space A41. This allows the second hook 112 to move into the aforementioned gap in the upper half of the accommodating space A41, where it latches onto the second section 113b and adheres to the second surface S2. The first hook 111 applies a latching force to the second section 113b in the negative Y-axis direction, while the second hook 112 applies a latching force in the positive Y-axis direction (opposite to the latching force provided by the first hook 111). Consequently, the first, second, and third brackets A1, A2, and A3 generate a restraining force along the Y-axis due to the first and second hooks 111, 112, and main support 113.

[0076] Finally, please refer to Figure 3C After assembling the first, second, and third brackets A1, A2, and A3, the three brackets are secured to the coupling member A4 using screws A5. In this embodiment, screws A5 are inserted from the outer side surface A45 of the coupling member A4 into the accommodating space A41 and secured to the third surface S3 of the main support 113. The outer side surface A45 is different from the first, second, and third openings E1, E2, and E3, and is coaxial with the third opening E3 (on the same X-axis).

[0077] On the other hand, the first bracket A1 also has a first locking piece 117, which extends from the first sub-pillar 114. The first locking piece 117 is parallel to the first hook 111. The screw A5 passes through the outer side surface A45 of the coupling A4 and the first locking piece 117 in sequence to lock into the main pillar 113. The first locking piece 117 is clamped between (the third surface S3 of) the main pillar 113 and (the inner side surface A43 of) the coupling A4. The second bracket A2 also has a second locking piece 118, which extends from the second sub-pillar 115. The second locking piece 118 is parallel to the second hook 112. The screw A5 passes through the outer side surface A45 of the coupling A4 and the second locking piece 118 in sequence to lock into the main pillar 113. The second locking piece 118 is clamped between the main pillar 113 and the coupling A4. Figure 4BAs shown, the gap between the third section 113 c and the inner side surface A43 is used for clamping the first locking piece 117 and the second locking piece 118 .

[0078] Figure 5 A simple diagram showing how the structural frame is adapted to different sized components to form the housing structure. Figure 5 The left side shows a top view of the aforementioned embodiment, showing the connector A4 in conjunction with the first bracket A1, second bracket A2, and third bracket A3. The right side shows the connector A4 adapting to the larger first bracket B1, second bracket B2, and third bracket B3. Comparing the left and right sides shows that the connector A4 is capable of adapting to brackets of varying sizes, allowing it to form a basic module for the housing structure when paired with multiple brackets.

[0079] In summary, in the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the notebook computer casing structure is capable of simultaneously assembling the first bracket, the second bracket, and the third bracket together through the structural features of the coupling member, thereby effectively simplifying the composition of the casing structure. The coupling member has a receiving space and a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening that are interconnected through the receiving space. The three brackets are respectively inserted into the receiving space through the corresponding openings, and then the three brackets can produce a snap-fit ​​effect to restrain each other within the receiving space, thereby limiting and fixing the components in three-dimensional space. The coupling member and the three brackets form a modular framework of the casing structure.

[0080] In this way, a module consisting of three brackets is matched with a coupling, and in particular, the three brackets can be combined with each other within the coupling to complete the three-dimensional space restriction. This has formed a basic component unit of the casing structure. Designers can then expand on the basis of the basic component unit to achieve a modular effect, thereby expanding the design margin and convenience of the casing structure.

Claims

1. A notebook computer housing structure, comprising: A first bracket having a first hook; A second bracket having a second hook; a third support having a main strut; as well as At least one coupling member has an accommodating space and a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening connected to each other through the accommodating space. The first hook is inserted into the accommodating space through the first opening, the second hook is inserted into the accommodating space through the second opening, and the main support is inserted into the accommodating space through the third opening. The main support has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other. The first hook is buckled on the first surface, and the second hook is buckled on the second surface.

2. The notebook computer casing structure according to claim 1, wherein: The coupling member is T-shaped, the first opening is coaxial with the second opening, the opening direction of the first opening and the opening direction of the second opening are opposite to each other, and the opening direction of the third opening is perpendicular to the axis.

3. The notebook computer casing structure according to claim 1, wherein: The device further comprises at least one screw which is inserted into the accommodating space from the outer side surface of the coupling member and is locked to the main support.

4. The notebook computer casing structure according to claim 3, wherein: The screw is fastened to the third surface of the main support, and the first surface and the second surface are adjacent to opposite sides of the third surface.

5. The notebook computer casing structure according to claim 3, wherein: The outer side surface is different from the first opening, the second opening and the third opening, and the outer side surface is coaxial with the third opening.

6. The notebook computer casing structure according to claim 1, wherein: The coupling also has one of a rib and a groove located on the inner side of the accommodating space, and the main pillar has the other of the rib and the groove, so that when the main pillar is inserted into the accommodating space, the main pillar and the coupling are positioned by being clamped in the groove by the rib.

7. The notebook computer casing structure according to claim 1, wherein: The buckling direction of the first hook relative to the main pillar is opposite to the buckling direction of the second hook relative to the main pillar.

8. The notebook computer casing structure according to claim 1, wherein: The invention also includes a shell component, which covers the first bracket, the second bracket, the third bracket and the combining component.

9. The notebook computer casing structure according to claim 1, wherein: The first bracket also has a first secondary pillar, the first hook extends from the first secondary pillar, the first secondary pillar is inserted into the accommodating space and abuts the annular inner wall of the accommodating space, and the second bracket also has a second secondary pillar, the second hook extends from the second secondary pillar, the second secondary pillar is inserted into the accommodating space and abuts another annular inner wall of the accommodating space.

10. The notebook computer casing structure according to claim 9, wherein: The first bracket also has a first locking piece extending from the first secondary pillar. The first locking piece is parallel to the first hook. The casing structure also includes a screw, which sequentially passes through the outer side of the coupling and the first locking piece to be locked into the main pillar. The first locking piece is clamped between the main pillar and the coupling.

11. The notebook computer casing structure according to claim 9, wherein: The second bracket also has a second locking piece extending from the second secondary pillar. The second locking piece is parallel to the second hook. The casing structure also includes a screw, which sequentially passes through the outer side of the coupling and the second locking piece to be locked into the main pillar. The second locking piece is clamped between the main pillar and the coupling.

12. The notebook computer casing structure according to claim 1, wherein: The main pillar has a first section, a second section and a third section, the second section is adjacent to the first section and the third section, the first surface and the second surface are located in the second section, and the third surface is located in the third section. When the main pillar is inserted into the accommodating space, a part of the first bracket and a part of the second bracket abut between the third surface and the inner side surface of the coupling.

13. The notebook computer casing structure according to claim 12, wherein: Along the extension axis of the main pillar, the cross-section of the second section relative to the extension axis is smaller than the cross-section of the first section relative to the extension axis, and the cross-section of the second section relative to the extension axis is smaller than the cross-section of the third section relative to the extension axis.

14. The notebook computer casing structure according to claim 12, wherein: The first section and the third section abut against the upper inner wall and the lower inner wall of the combining component in the accommodating space.

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