Metal cover for portable electronic device

Abstract

A casing for a portable electronic device, comprising at least a first and a second cover member and a frame unit. The first and second cover member may be attached to the frame unit and the second cover member may enclose a part of the frame unit, wherein the casing enclose the portable electronic device and is self supporting when the first and second cover member and the frame unit are assembled.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention relates generally to the field of casings or covers for portable electronic devices and, more particularly, to metal casings or covers for mobile terminals.BACKGROUND ART[0002]The first commercially attractive mobile phones or terminals were introduced in the market at the end of the 1980's. Since then, a lot of effort has been made in making smaller terminals, with much help from miniaturization of electronic components. Today, numerous manufacturers offer pocket-sized terminals with a wide variety of capabilities and services.[0003]In order to attract customers the terminal manufactures have therefore taken further measures to strengthen their position in the competition, one such being to offer terminals with attractive covers.[0004]Most mobile phone covers are made of plastic material, since they are easy and cheap to manufacture. In addition, a plastic cover is insufficiently hard and is vulnerable to cracking in collisions. Plastic co...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]With the above and following description in mind, then, an aspect of the present invention is to provide a casing for a mobile phone or terminal consisting of a sheet metal casing which seeks to mitigate, alleviate, or eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies in the art and disadvantages singly or in any combination.

[0020]In one embodiment, the keys may be integrated in one of the first and second cover members. Further on, the keys may be integrated in one of the first and second cover member by reducing sheet thickness in a key area of one of the first and second cover members.

[0025]Some embodiments of the invention provide improved structure rigidness of the mobile terminal. It is an advantage with some embodiments of the invention that they may allow for an improved transfer of heat generated in the mobile terminal. It is another advantage with some embodiments of the invention that they may allow for improved fixation of the different parts.

Problems solved by technology

In addition, a plastic cover is insufficiently hard and is vulnerable to cracking in collisions.

Plastic covers are usually made by injection molding, which often creates defects during manufacture.

Mechanically many of these covers have not added much to the structure of mobile terminals.

There are also difficulties with the fittings and the fixation of the different parts.

There are also limitations in manufacture covers of metal.

Usually, shapes with sharp edges are nor possible.

Therefore, the edges will be vulnerable and may fracture easily.

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